As Ren had expected, the choices offered by Hiruzen Sarutobi were almost perfectly aligned with what he wanted. None of them was a rare forbidden technique, but each was practical, reliable, and suitable for a newly graduated Genin. More importantly, all of them had room for further development.
Ren drew a breath, ready to give his answer. Before a single word could leave his mouth, however, the familiar voice of the System suddenly echoed inside his mind.
[You achieved outstanding results in the Ninja Academy graduation examination, attracting the attention of a highly respected old man. He praised your abilities and, out of concern for your future emotional well-being, introduced several exceptional young ladies to you.]
[High-quality potential romance targets detected: Phoenix Sage Fire Technique, Dragon Fire Technique, Water Formation Wall, Konoha-Style Taijutsu, and Konoha-Style Swordsmanship.]
[Please choose the young lady with whom you wish to experience a fated encounter.]
Ren's expression froze.
For a moment, he genuinely wondered whether the pressure of the graduation exam had damaged his hearing. He stared at Hiruzen's smiling face, then silently reread the System notification.
There was no mistake.
The dignified Third Hokage, known throughout the shinobi world as the Professor, had somehow become a public matchmaker. Instead of introducing Ren to actual girls, however, he was offering him a selection of ninjutsu brides.
Ren nearly raised a hand to cover his face.
Children made choices. Mature adults understood that the correct answer was obviously to accept all of them.
Unfortunately, he was currently a child in everyone else's eyes. If he greedily demanded every technique Hiruzen had mentioned, the old man might begin questioning his character. At best, Ren would appear immature. At worst, Hiruzen might decide that he lacked discipline and withdraw the offer entirely.
He could not afford to ruin a valuable opportunity for the sake of momentary greed.
Therefore, the wisest choice was to select one highly practical technique with strong future potential, master it thoroughly, and leave a favorable impression on Hiruzen. There would always be other opportunities to obtain the remaining techniques later.
As Ren examined the System's list more carefully, he noticed something unusual.
Hiruzen had offered six techniques, yet the System had identified only five potential romance targets.
One was missing.
Ren's gaze shifted thoughtfully as he recalled the full list. The technique absent from the System notification was the Great Fire Wall Technique.
There was only one reasonable explanation.
Could Great Fire Wall be considered a new skin for the Great Fireball Technique?
The System had never properly explained what qualified as a "gift." Until now, Ren had only stumbled across that function by accident. As a result, he still did not know what kinds of offerings individual ninjutsu would accept or how closely two techniques needed to be connected before the System recognized one as a skin for the other.
His current theory was that ninjutsu with similar principles, names, or developmental relationships had a higher chance of being recognized as alternate forms.
The Great Fireball Technique and Great Fire Wall Technique both transformed expelled chakra into a large mass of fire. The difference lay mainly in their shape and purpose. The Great Fireball concentrated its flames into an offensive projectile, while the Great Fire Wall spread them outward to create a defensive barrier.
If the System truly considered them part of the same developmental line, then learning the Great Fire Wall Technique might allow him to give it to the Great Fireball Technique as a gift.
That would increase the Great Fireball Technique's favorability while effectively granting Ren two interchangeable applications—one for offense and one for defense.
The benefits were obvious.
However, Phoenix Sage Fire and Dragon Fire had both appeared as independent romance targets. That meant each would possess its own personality, favorability rewards, special traits, and potential Physique bonuses.
The same applied to Water Formation Wall, Konoha-Style Taijutsu, and Konoha-Style Swordsmanship.
Ren's thoughts raced as he compared the possibilities.
Selecting Great Fire Wall would strengthen an existing relationship and immediately improve his versatility. Choosing a new technique, however, would open an entirely new progression path. If he eventually raised that technique's favorability to its limit, he could gain up to four additional Physique points and perhaps awaken another unique trait.
The only concern was his limited time.
He was already maintaining several increasingly complicated "relationships." The Great Fireball Technique wanted attention. The Clone Technique had its own demands. Wild Water Wave was obsessed with appearances and artistic presentation, while the Eight Gates behaved like an intense older woman who seemed determined to train him until every bone in his body shattered.
Adding another personality to that group might turn his mindscape into a battlefield.
After considering it for several seconds, Ren dismissed the concern.
He did not have to increase every technique's favorability immediately. The Eight Gates had already proven that a romance target could remain on his list without losing favorability merely because he left it alone for a while. He could establish the connection now and develop it gradually when he had sufficient time.
Besides, defensive ninjutsu was not his most urgent need.
He already possessed the Substitution Technique, and his enhanced physique gave him enough speed to evade most attacks from shinobi at his current level. What he lacked was a flexible mid-to-long-range attack capable of striking multiple enemies from unpredictable directions.
Phoenix Sage Fire fit that requirement perfectly.
Unlike the Great Fireball Technique, which produced one large and obvious projectile, Phoenix Sage Fire released several smaller fireballs that could be controlled individually. A skilled user could vary their trajectories, conceal shuriken within the flames, restrict an opponent's movement, or pressure several enemies at once.
More importantly, it possessed a stronger advanced form.
Fire Release: Phoenix Sage Flower Nail Crimson.
That technique combined Phoenix Sage Fire with concealed shuriken, using the flames to hide the weapons and increase their destructive power. Its underlying principle was not especially complicated. Once Ren mastered Phoenix Sage Fire, he might be able to develop the advanced version without waiting for someone else to teach it to him.
A strange question immediately appeared in his mind.
If he independently developed a new ninjutsu based on an existing romance target, how would the System define their relationship?
Would Phoenix Sage Flower Nail Crimson be treated as a new skin?
A younger sister?
Or perhaps… a daughter created through his cooperation with Phoenix Sage Fire?
Ren's thoughts came to an abrupt halt.
No. Absolutely not. I'm not continuing down that path.
Hiruzen watched him patiently, seemingly mistaking his prolonged silence for careful consideration. There was a trace of approval in the old man's eyes. To him, Ren was not impulsively grabbing the flashiest technique available but seriously evaluating which one suited his fighting style.
After reaching his decision, Ren lifted his head.
"I choose the Phoenix Sage Fire Technique," he said. "It should complement the Great Fireball Technique while giving me more options against fast-moving opponents."
A flicker of surprise passed through Hiruzen's eyes. He had likely expected Ren to choose Konoha-Style Swordsmanship after witnessing his performance during the practical examination.
Then the surprise turned into satisfaction.
"A sensible choice," Hiruzen said, nodding slowly. "Phoenix Sage Fire may not possess the raw destructive power of the Great Fireball Technique, but its versatility depends entirely on the user. In the hands of a skilled shinobi, it can be far more troublesome than its rank suggests."
He paused, studying Ren with a warm yet penetrating gaze.
"You didn't simply choose the technique that appeared strongest. You chose the one that filled a weakness in your current combat style. That kind of judgment will keep you alive on missions."
Ren bowed his head respectfully. "Thank you, Lord Third."
Just like that, Ren's next fated encounter was decided: the Fire Release—Phoenix Sage Fire Technique.
Hiruzen rested both hands behind his back. "You have all completed a demanding examination today, so go home and rest. The graduation ceremony will take place in two days. After the ceremony, I will personally teach you the Phoenix Sage Fire Technique."
Ren's eyes sharpened slightly.
A technique taught personally by the Third Hokage would undoubtedly be different from simply copying the hand seals out of a scroll. Hiruzen possessed mastery over all five basic chakra transformations and had decades of combat experience. Even a common C-rank technique might reveal entirely new possibilities under his guidance.
"I understand," Ren answered. "I won't disappoint you."
Hiruzen gave him one last approving look before addressing the surrounding students with a few encouraging words. He reminded them that graduating from the Academy was not the end of their training but merely the beginning of their lives as shinobi.
Then he turned and walked away with his hands clasped behind his back.
The moment Hiruzen disappeared beyond the edge of the training ground, his body erupted into a cloud of white smoke.
Several students blinked in surprise.
It had been a Shadow Clone.
With war looming over the village, the Hokage had countless reports to review, negotiations to supervise, and military deployments to approve. There was no possibility of Hiruzen spending an entire afternoon at the Academy. Sending a Shadow Clone to observe the graduation examination was already a significant gesture.
Once the clone disappeared, everything it had witnessed would return to the original body as memories.
That meant the real Third Hokage now knew exactly how every student had performed.
Teacher Oki stepped forward after the smoke cleared. His face remained stern, but the pride in his eyes was impossible to conceal.
"The graduation ceremony will be held in the Academy auditorium two days from now," he announced. "During the ceremony, we will officially reveal the list of students who have qualified as Genin, as well as your team assignments. Those who graduate will receive their Konoha forehead protectors from the Academy's headmaster."
A wave of excitement swept across the training ground.
Some students cheered openly, while others immediately began speculating about their future teammates and Jonin instructors. Even those who usually acted composed could not completely hide their anticipation.
The graduation examination had finally come to an end—and Ren had taken first place.
Yet the students showed no sign of leaving. They gathered in small groups across the training ground, replaying the examination's most exciting moments and arguing over which teams would be strongest.
Asuma Sarutobi and Hyūga Homon approached Ren together.
Both wore complicated expressions. They were clearly frustrated by their defeat, but neither intended to make excuses for it.
Asuma shoved his hands into his pockets and glanced away. "Congratulations, Ren. Your performance today… was worthy of first place."
Homon gave a reluctant but respectful nod. "You won this time. However, we'll continue training, and eventually, we'll challenge you again."
Ren looked between them and smiled. Their disappointment was genuine, but so was their determination. Losing had not broken their confidence; it had merely given them a new target.
"That's fine," Ren replied. "I'll give you some time to catch up."
Asuma's eyebrow twitched. "You really don't know how to be modest, do you?"
"I was being encouraging."
"That somehow makes it worse."
The tension between them finally broke, and several nearby students laughed. Even Homon's usually serious expression softened slightly.
Nara Shinen soon wandered over, looking as though the examination had consumed his entire supply of energy. Shiranui Genma followed with his usual relaxed expression, while Ebisu carefully adjusted his glasses before offering Ren a formal congratulations.
Might Guy arrived last, charging across the training ground with tears burning in his eyes.
"Ren!" Guy declared, gripping his fist against his chest. "Your victory today was a magnificent display of youthful passion! But I swear that one day, my flames of youth will burn even brighter than yours!"
Ren stepped aside before Guy could pull him into an enthusiastic embrace. "I believe you. Please express that belief from at least two meters away."
Kakashi, standing nearby with his hands in his pockets, quietly turned his head. His visible eye curved slightly, betraying his amusement.
After the crowd gradually settled, Rin approached the group. Her smile was bright enough to sweep away the lingering exhaustion from the examination.
"Since today is such a happy occasion for Ren, why don't we all go to Yakiniku Q tonight?" she suggested. "Kakashi is here too, so almost everyone from our year can celebrate together."
Ren's mouth twitched.
A happy occasion for me?
The way Rin phrased it made the gathering sound suspiciously like a wedding celebration. Considering the System had just arranged his "fated encounter" with Phoenix Sage Fire, the timing was almost too perfect.
Still, free time with friends would become increasingly rare after the team assignments were announced. Ren had no reason to refuse.
"I'm fine with it," he said. "But we're splitting the bill."
Kakashi gave a lazy shrug. "As long as nobody expects me to make a speech."
With that decided, a group of roughly ten students headed toward Yakiniku Q. They pushed two tables together in a corner, ordered dozens of plates of meat, and quickly turned the quiet restaurant into a battlefield of chopsticks, smoke, and shouting.
The good news was that their class contained no members of the Akimichi clan.
The bad news was that everyone had exhausted a tremendous amount of energy during the examination.
Even Rin and Kurenai, who normally ate modestly, finished an entire plate each. Asuma and Guy were far more terrifying. The two attacked the grilled meat as if the fate of Konoha depended on which of them could empty the most plates.
"Guy, that piece was mine!" Asuma snapped, reaching across the grill.
Guy seized it with his chopsticks and swallowed it almost instantly. "Food claimed through speed belongs to the fastest! Such is the law of youth!"
"That isn't a law!"
Across the table, Obito tried to grill meat for Rin. Unfortunately, he became distracted while arguing with Kakashi and burned every piece into black charcoal.
Rin stared at the ruined meat before offering him a gentle smile. "Thank you, Obito. Maybe you should let me handle the next batch."
Obito's face turned red. "I-I did that on purpose! Burnt meat builds character!"
Kakashi glanced at the smoking remains. "If you eat those, they might build a grave."
The entire table erupted in laughter while Obito furiously demanded a duel.
By the time everyone finished eating, the table was buried beneath empty plates. They agreed to divide the cost, but several students had neglected to bring enough money. In the end, Asuma and Shinen covered the difference while loudly promising to collect every last ryō later.
Night had already fallen when the group stepped out of the restaurant. The cool air carried away the smell of grilled meat clinging to their clothes, and warm lights shone from the surrounding shops.
Obito walked beside Rin, gathering his courage for several seconds before speaking in an exaggeratedly casual tone.
"By the way, Rin, do you want to come to my place and play cards?" he asked. Then, realizing how obvious that sounded, he hurriedly added, "Ren and Kakashi can come too! My house is big, so you can all stay over if it gets late."
Ren immediately understood what he was attempting.
The only person Obito truly wanted to invite was Rin. However, even he realized that inviting a girl to his house alone at night would sound strange, so he had reluctantly included Ren and Kakashi as camouflage.
"Next time, Obito," Rin replied gently. "It's already late, and our families will worry. We can have a proper gathering after the graduation ceremony."
Obito's shoulders sank. "Right. Next time, then."
Kakashi passed him and murmured, "A flawless strategy."
"Shut up, Kakashi!"
Their voices echoed through the street as the group separated and headed home.
Ren slowed near an intersection and looked toward the Hokage Monument towering over the village. In two days, he would receive his forehead protector. In two days, he would cease being an Academy student and officially become one of Konoha's shinobi.
It sounded exciting when his classmates spoke about it.
But beyond the village walls, the scent of war was already spreading.
The protection offered by the Academy would soon disappear, and their missions would no longer be examinations where teachers intervened before anyone suffered a fatal injury. Once they became Genin, every decision could carry the weight of blood and death.
Just then, the System's voice returned.
[Fated encounter successfully established: Phoenix Sage Fire Technique.]
[Your first date will begin in two days.]
Ren stared at the message as the night wind stirred his silver hair.
The graduation ceremony had not even begun, yet trouble was already waiting for him on the other side.