The night passed quietly, and before long, the next morning arrived.
Today marked their graduation day, and Kagura had gotten up early to prepare breakfast for himself.
What?
You're probably wondering which Ninjutsu he ended up with last night?
No need to rush—the answer will naturally be revealed in the upcoming chapters.
Needless to say, as a resident of Konoha, Kagura was lucky.
Since his parents were both ninja who died on the battlefield, as an orphan, he received a monthly allowance.
It wasn't much, but it was enough to cover his living expenses.
He still kept the eating habits of his homeland. After enjoying a bowl of hot noodles he'd made himself, he leisurely set off toward the Academy.
To celebrate the students' graduation, the Ninja Academy had decorated its entrance with streamers and other festive ornaments.
The graduation exam for the Ninja Academy students had been over for a week already.
Unlike ordinary schools, graduating from the Ninja Academy wasn't simply a matter of completing a set number of years.
Rather, those who had mastered basic Ninjutsu techniques and learned the Three Body Techniques—[Shunshin no Jutsu], [Kawarimi no Jutsu], and [Bunshin no Jutsu]—to a satisfactory level would graduate and officially become Genin.
Those who failed the exam would either live as civilians or repeat their studies at the Ninja Academy.
Therefore, even among the same graduating class as Kagura, the students varied greatly in age.
Kagura, who graduated at only eight years old, having topped his class, set a brand new record for the Ninja Academy.
Naturally, there were no classes today, and once they arrived at school, everyone gathered together in the auditorium.
After listening to a speech by Sarutobi Hiruzen, who was about to assume the position of Third Hokage, and receiving their forehead protectors, their final day at the Ninja Academy came to a close.
Of course, this also marked the birth of a new generation of Genin.
Once dismissed, the atmosphere around the school became lively once again.
On this special day alone, parents were allowed into the campus.
Some students excitedly showed off their newly issued Konoha forehead protectors to their parents, buzzing with excitement.
Other parents proudly lifted their children into their arms, solemnly reminding them of all the important things to keep in mind now that they'd become ninja.
Of course, as previously mentioned, there were quite a few orphans among the village's children—those who had lost both parents during the wars.
At the moment, Kagura was idly fiddling with his forehead protector in hand while exchanging casual remarks with Orochimaru, who also stood alone nearby.
In fact, over the past three years spent together, Orochimaru turned out to be quite different from the odd and unsettling image Kagura originally had of him.
At this point, Orochimaru hadn't yet fallen into the abyss of darkness. Though usually quiet and reserved, overall, he was a polite and well-mannered child.
Looking at Orochimaru's pale complexion, Kagura remarked:
"So, you three really ended up in the same squad, huh?"
Though he didn't actually need to ask—Kagura already knew full well what was going to happen since he was familiar with the storyline.
Orochimaru nodded, then asked:
"Yeah, that's right.
What about you, Kagura? Which squad were you assigned to?"
"Do you know who you'll be teamed up with later?"
When he asked that, Kagura shook her head, signaling she had no idea.
Seeing Kagura's reaction, Orochimaru asked curiously,
"Hmm?
Didn't you ask other students?
Even if the teacher didn't announce it, knowing where to gather tomorrow should let you know for sure who you're paired up with."
Hearing this, Kagura scratched her head awkwardly and replied,
"Well, you know how I get along with those classmates...
So I didn't really go around asking..."
At this point, Orochimaru promptly shut up.
How did Kagura get along with her classmates?
Himself included, most of the guys in class had gotten punched by her more than once.
How could they possibly maintain good relations?
Luckily, someone approached them, breaking the awkwardness.
Two people were walking toward them. One had striking silver-white hair standing upright, wearing a combat uniform similar to what Jonin wore.
The other had a bowl haircut, thick eyebrows and big eyes, dressed in an indescribable green tracksuit.
These two were none other than Sakumo Hatake and Might Duy.
Right, the future fathers of Kakashi and Guy respectively.
Indeed, these two were also students from the same graduating class as Kagura.
You could say they were the only male classmates who hadn't gotten into a fight with Kagura.
Therefore, comparatively speaking, Kagura got along okay with them.
Sakumo Hatake, already wearing his Konoha forehead protector on his head, walked up to Kagura with a cheerful smile:
"I still couldn't beat your exam score this time.
But I promise I'll become a Chunin before you do."
Looking at this energetic silver-haired teen, who would've guessed he'd grow up to be Kakashi's dad — the guy known for that dead-fish-eye stare?
Beside him, Might Duy enthusiastically joined in:
"Haha, indeed! A man needs rivals during his lifetime.
Don't sweat it — I'll 100% make Chunin before either of you!"
Kagura narrowed her eyes slightly and turned to glance at this shiny bowl-haircut guy, saying helplessly:
"But…
Weren't you held back this time?"
Yes, even though they were from the same batch of students, Might Duy hadn't passed this round of exams — he'd been held back.
Upon hearing Kagura's remark, Might Duy wasn't bothered one bit.
Instead, he gave Kagura a thumbs-up and grinned widely, showing off his dazzling white teeth:
"Haha, no problem!
My rival, just wait on the road ahead while I chase after you!"
Sometimes Kagura really envied these strange self-confidence.
After a brief chat, the two took off.
At that moment, Tsunade approached them.
Following closely behind her was another woman, moving at a steady pace.
This woman had red hair tied into twin buns, wearing a crown-like accessory on her head.
She bore a purple diamond-shaped mark on her forehead — something mystical, like a seal from an ancient tale. Hanging from each bun were talisman-like ornaments — reminiscent of old-world charms used in rituals. She wore a white kimono-style outfit.
It was none other than Lady Tsunade's grandmother—Mito Uzumaki, wife of Hashirama Senju and the first Jinchuriki of Konoha Village.
When they saw her approaching directly, Kagura and Orochimaru quickly bowed in greeting.
Kagura genuinely respected her, as she had dedicated her entire life to protecting the village and cherishing those close to her.
Though already in her forties, Mito Uzumaki still maintained a youthful beauty. Smiling at the two boys, she said:
"Thank you both for taking care of Tsunade at the Academy."
Before either could respond, she slightly tilted her head and spoke directly to Kagura:
"You're the strongest young man from this generation of the Uchiha clan, right?"
Looking at the gentle woman before him, Kagura felt a wave of nervousness wash over him.
Come on, don't let her harmless appearance fool you—she's currently hosting the Nine-Tails.
And due to the Nine-Tails' chakra, it's said that she can sense malice with extreme sensitivity.
Under Mito's piercing gaze, Kagura couldn't help but feel uneasy all over.
Luckily, the intense scrutiny didn't last long. Mito smiled softly, instantly softening the atmosphere.
She gave a slow, thoughtful nod before speaking:
"There's no need to be nervous.
Hmm… I can tell you're a good kid.
I believe the future of the Uchiha will shine brighter with you leading it."
Seeing Kagura's flustered expression, she didn't press further. Instead, she turned her head toward Tsunade beside her and gently instructed:
"Today, spend some quality time with your friends, but don't come back too late."
Tsunade, usually acting like a rough-and-tumble girl, now looked as obedient as a well-behaved rabbit. She lowered her head respectfully and replied:
"I know, Grandma."
Once Mito left, the atmosphere around them lightened again.
Returning to her usual self, Tsunade lifted her head proudly and asked Kagura:
"Idiot, have you thought about my invitation yet?"
Confused by the question, Kagura replied puzzled:
"Huh? Didn't I clearly refuse yesterday?"
Hearing Kagura's continued refusal, Tsunade frowned.
Then, as if recalling something, her brows smoothed out and she gave him a sly grin:
"If you don't come,
I'll tell Grandma you bullied me."
What?!
That's just low!
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