Chapter 25: The Path Ahead
Inside the ninja academy, graduation exams commenced. The assessment focused on the Three Basic Techniques—child's play for Kagenori.
Early graduation exams remained straightforward. Even prodigies like Minato Namikaze hadn't faced chūnin combat trials. Beyond the Three Techniques, early graduates demonstrated taijutsu fundamentals, shurikenjutsu, and all academy curriculum mastery to prove readiness.
Entering the examination classroom, Kagenori found Masada Hayabusa overseeing the test. Knowing the instructor's disdain, he offered no pleasantries.
Once Hayabusa announced commencement, Kagenori flawlessly executed Clone, Substitution, and Transformation Techniques. Finding no faults, Hayabusa stamped "PASS" on his certificate and handed over a forehead protector.
Silently accepting it, Kagenori departed without acknowledgment.
Hayabusa fumed, muttering, "Traitor's spawn—cold-hearted by nature. Shouldn't allow such types to become shinobi."
Awaiting at the academy gates, Kagenori soon spotted Uzumaki Kushina emerging triumphantly, immediately donning her forehead protector. "Kagenori! How does it look?"
She twirled before him.
"Looks great," he replied, though complex emotions stirred beneath his calm. Official shinobi status meant the true beginning—the ninja world would soon become a meat grinder where only the strong survived.
"Time to go."
Orochimaru's voice sounded behind him unexpectedly.
Turning, Kagenori bowed. "Orochimaru-sensei."
Noticing the Sannin, Kushina shivered—his pale skin and serpentine pupils reminded her of a predator selecting prey. Why did Tsunade and Jiraiya seem normal while Orochimaru appeared so terrifying?
Hiding behind Kagenori, she timidly greeted, "Lord Orochimaru..."
Orochimaru merely glanced at her without response.
Addressing Kushina, Kagenori said, "Orochimaru-sensei is here for me. You should head back first. Remember—ring the bell if anything happens!"
Nodding, she promised, "I understand."
Ruffling her hair, he added, "Go share the good news with Grandma Mito."
Reluctantly, she departed, glancing back repeatedly.
Though equally unwilling to separate, Kagenori didn't want Kushina under Orochimaru's gaze too long—no one could predict the Sannin's thoughts, and being targeted was dangerous.
Apologizing to Orochimaru, he said, "Sorry for the wait, sensei."
"Let's proceed."
Following Orochimaru, they eventually reached an underground base at Konoha's outskirts. Kagenori observed the dim surroundings curiously—had Orochimaru already developed this habit?
The Sannin brought him to a study-like space with unfurled ninjutsu scrolls covering the desk.
Sitting, Orochimaru asked, "Do you know your chakra nature?"
"Only lightning nature," Kagenori answered truthfully.
Producing a slip of paper, Orochimaru explained, "Chakra test paper detects shinobi chakra natures. Channel your chakra into it."
Accepting it, Kagenori complied. The paper changed—one section wrinkled, another ignited, a third dampened, while the last fragmented.
Studying the results, Orochimaru remarked, "Four natures—lightning, fire, water, earth. Only wind missing for full elemental affinity."
Closing his eyes, he contemplated Kagenori's training plan. Kagenori waited silently.
After thirty minutes, Orochimaru reopened his eyes. "I'm not exceptionally proficient with lightning, fire, or water, but sufficient for guidance. Regarding taijutsu—your Thunder Breathing suffices; I've nothing superior. Having mastered lightning-nature transformation, focus there first before gradually learning fire, water, and earth techniques."
He continued analytically, "Your Sharingan usage remains unrefined. Even single-tomoe offers significant advantages—its Insight combined with Thunder Breathing should yield notable improvements. My secret techniques require summoning contracts, so you'll master those too."
"This constitutes your initial training plan. Any objections?"
"None, Orochimaru-sensei!"
Rising, Orochimaru declared, "We begin tomorrow. I'll show you your quarters."
The room contained only a bed and nightstand. "You may access most areas here," Orochimaru instructed, "but avoid sealed rooms."
After his departure, Kagenori lay on what would likely be his long-term bed. Orochimaru lived up to his reputation—just hearing the plan promised exhausting days ahead.