Konoha’s White Fang Shines

Chapter 23: Graduation from the Ninja Academy

To most students, the idea of early graduation seemed unthinkable. However, for Genma Shiranui and a handful of classmates galvanized by Kakashi's success, it felt as natural as water flowing downstream.

Perhaps it was the looming war that prompted the academy to allow so many to attempt early graduation. From Genma's class alone, twelve students signed up for the early graduation exam—an astounding number, yet not discouraged by the village. Indeed, it seemed downright encouraged, complete with minor incentives like free shuriken.

Though many students tried, the difficulty of the exam didn't decrease in the slightest. Still, Konoha guaranteed that any successful graduates would be assigned to capable jōnin instructors.

Genma surmised that the village was gearing up for war, determined to bolster its ranks. Indeed, the sooner one graduated and gained battle experience, the more reliable they'd be on the front lines.

In the end, both Genma and Kurenai passed the exam. Of the twelve candidates in their class, eight succeeded. Even Genma was taken aback by that high pass rate. In later peaceful times, around half a class of thirty might graduate, especially those from secret technique clans. But at this moment—on the brink of conflict—talent seemed to emerge in droves.

Once the exam results were finalized, the newly minted graduates were directed to specified classrooms. Genma counted roughly thirty or so in his assigned room, yet that was only one class among many. Several nearby classrooms were likewise filled with graduates. I guess this year's overall quality is really high, he thought.

But it made sense—war was coming, and everyone wanted an extra edge to survive. Natural-born geniuses cropped up in every generation; now, due to the crisis, they were simply appearing all at once.

Once no more students arrived, an instructor entered and announced the new teams. Reactions of delight and disappointment filled the room. When Genma heard his team assignment, he relaxed—Kurenai was on his team. That was the happiest outcome he could've asked for.

He suspected this arrangement didn't hinge solely on luck. In fact, his shameless father had allegedly struck some deal with "that crafty old fellow," so as to ensure Genma and Kurenai ended up together. Genma didn't know what Hideyoshi had bartered, but for the Hokage (or some official) it was likely a trivial matter: just a tweak on paper.

Meanwhile, Asuma hadn't graduated. Having assessed Asuma's real strength, Genma figured it was the Third Hokage's doing—perhaps he just couldn't let his son go that soon.

Strangely enough, Obito and Rin ended up on the same team; however, Obito was apparently running late, leaving Rin alone and anxious at her desk.

Once the teacher finished announcing teams, this was the chance for new squads to huddle together. But with Rin's other teammate nowhere to be found and Obito missing, she remained in place, looking crestfallen.

Genma's own trio—himself, Kurenai, and their teammate—gathered promptly. The third member turned out to be Namitsuki Raidō—no, wait, that was changed to another in earlier chapters… Actually, from the text, it's Kotetsu Hagane or "Might Guy" or "Hitoshi Rittō" or some other classmate. However, the text states it's Namiashi Raido or "Hitoshi Rittō" in previous chapters, yet here it says 並足雷同 (Bing Foot Raido). The consistent reference across multiple chapters was "并足雷同" = "Bing Foot Leidou" or "Hitoshi Rittō" once replaced, but let's keep it as it appears in the text:

Their newly revealed third member was the swordsman "Hitoshi Rittō" (並足雷同). In earlier chapters, we see that they've dueled or trained together in swordsmanship.

Once the teacher concluded, lunchtime rolled around, and groups left the classroom one after another. Soon, the only ones left were Genma's team—and Rin.

Having spent three years together in the academy, the five or six of them (Rin, Obito, Genma, Kurenai, and maybe a few others) had built a close-knit friendship. Kurenai and Genma stayed behind to keep Rin company.

All the other squads had departed, yet Rin's teammates never showed. Tired of waiting, Kurenai gently asked, "Rin, if your other teammate isn't here yet, what about Obito? Graduation is such a big deal—you told him about the assigned squads, right?"

Slumped over, Rin lifted her head lethargically, her voice low: "I did. But Obito's always late for everything. Maybe it's the same today."

For Obito's sake, Rin always put on a cheerful front, acting like nothing in the world bothered her. But around her friends, she often let her exhaustion show. It wasn't that she was hiding her real self from them; she was just especially protective of Obito.

Genma understood Rin's situation only vaguely and decided not to butt in too much, so he nudged Hitoshi Rittō to stand aside, giving the girls some space.

"Hey, Rittō, can you believe all three of us in our team are swordsmen? Our new instructor will be in for a surprise," Genma remarked, trying to lighten the mood.

"Heh, that's right—I nearly forgot. Though Kurenai started swordsmanship later, she's pretty formidable," Rittō said. Remembering their earlier spar, he shuddered a bit. "She can be really intense. But by the way, in the personal data forms, I made a note that I specialize in kenjutsu. Did you do that?"

Genma chuckled, "I only put 'slightly proficient' at best. I haven't tested my swordsmanship in real life-or-death fights, so I hardly consider it advanced. It's not something I can brag about."

Rittō tilted his head skeptically. "So, is there anything else you excel at besides swordsmanship?" he asked, mouth agape as if ready to swallow an egg whole.

"Ehem, a ninja must be versatile, right? Look, I'm taller than you. That's a skill, no?"

Sensing the nonsensical reply, Rittō scowled and brought his sword around front, resting it horizontally in his lap. "I wrote that I'm best at ninjutsu, but hey, that's only half-true. Actually, my elemental affinities are Fire and Earth. How about you?"

"Me? I'm Fire and Earth as well," Genma conceded. "So I guess I fall under ninjutsu type, at least on paper. That's different from Kurenai, so they stuck us together."

Rittō's eyes widened. "Fire and Earth, huh? So you're basically a ninjutsu guy… Wait, that means you're concealing a lot."

Genma had more or less told Rittō the truth but left out his advanced progress. Rittō saw through some of it, but before they could delve deeper, Kurenai and Rin approached, chatting cheerfully. Their conversation seemed to have raised Rin's spirits.

"C'mon, Genma, let's go grab some lunch—I'm starving!" Kurenai said, briefly revealing a rare girlish side that made Genma's heart skip a beat.

"Sure, want to join us, Rin? How about some barbecue? We worked so hard to pass the exam, might as well treat ourselves!"

Rin's face showed a mix of longing and bitterness. "No… My teammates might still show up. What if they come and find me gone? And Obito… All his efforts, he doesn't even know we're on the same team. I'll wait here."

She smiled politely, but her expression was strained. Rin's gentle nature struck a chord with everyone, dampening their appetite. Genma, Rittō, and Kurenai all sighed inwardly.

Were they just going to let the day end on such a somber note?

Genma took a quick glance at Rittō, then at Kurenai. He exhaled slowly before suggesting, "Let's get takeout, bring something back for Rin, and share it all here. The four of us can eat together."

They agreed. Why enjoy themselves alone when Rin was left behind? Hearing their plan, Rin brightened, relieved and grateful.

In no time, they split up to buy assorted snacks from around the village. They returned with a heap of food and ate a mini feast there in the classroom after their final exam—one last shared meal at the academy, a cherished memory.

---

That afternoon, it was time to meet their jōnin instructors. Squads were called out one by one. Those still waiting grew increasingly nervous.

Eventually, a quiet male ninja, unremarkable in demeanor but with a tidy and precise air, entered and summoned Genma's team.

No, it wasn't Kushina—Kurenai looked disappointed, but she followed him nonetheless. Genma never seriously expected Kushina anyway; as a Jinchūriki, her freedoms were limited.

They arrived at a training ground strewn with wooden logs. Their new sensei sat down on a small log, while Rittō perched high on top of a larger one for a more dramatic vantage. Kurenai and Genma took seats on a lower log, side by side.

"All right, Team Eight is all here. I'm your sensei, Kamase Yūji. You can call me Yūji-sensei," he introduced himself. "Now, please share a bit about yourselves—hobbies, likes, dislikes, dreams. For example, I like fish—all kinds—and I hate sour stuff like lemons. My dream is to hear about yours."

It was a standard opening speech. Seeing no one volunteer, Yūji pointed to Rittō, whose line of sight was at eye-level with him. "You look like a real live wire. Why don't you go first?"

Rittō wanted to mention that his vantage point was solely to avoid looking at "whatever might be happening below," but he swallowed the thought. "I'm Hitoshi Rittō. I like kenjutsu and fighting strong opponents. I hate dawdling. My dream is to become a renown swordsman of Konoha."

"So you're the kenjutsu kid, huh? Not bad," Yūji said approvingly. "Next, the girl who's rumored to excel at genjutsu."

"I'm Kurenai Yūhi, I like—"

He interrupted gently, "You're not some quiet little girl, are you? Aiming to become a great kunoichi like Tsunade, I hear? That's a fine goal. Great. Lastly, the other boy."

"I'm Genma Shiranui, I like—"

He toned down the flirtatious notes because it was day one; plenty of time remained for everything else.

"Seems our squad is quite motivated." Yūji-sensei's amiable gaze hardened slightly, replaced by a flicker of eagerness. "I assumed I'd get a bunch of rowdy brats, but you lot seem promising. Tomorrow, we'll do a basic team-building exercise, and after that, you'll start taking missions right away."

End of Chapter 23