Chapter 17
Becoming a Genin
Chapter 17 Becoming a Genin
Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at Shizuka Aburame and Kakashi, who had passed the test, with great satisfaction, and couldn't hide the smile in his eyes.
As the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi gathered a lot of information and had a general understanding of the situation in the entire ninja world.
Not long after the Second Shinobi World War, the four great ninja villages, having quietly licked their wounds, began to stir again.
Conflicts on the Konoha border are increasing. Although the ninja world is generally stable, Hiruzen Sarutobi can feel that as the strength of the five great villages continues to recover and grow stronger, the tension between the ninjas is getting higher and higher.
Time truly is the best healer.
"The Second Shinobi World War was so devastating that it was still fresh in our minds. We had just enjoyed a period of peace and recuperation when we couldn't wait to launch the Third Shinobi World War."
Hiruzen Sarutobi remarked that while he was somewhat worried, he was not afraid. Known as a ninja hero among ninjas, he was not afraid of war in Konoha's current strength.
However, I felt it was unnecessary, because Konoha is the biggest beneficiary of the current order.
Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at the spirited Shizuka Aburame and Kakashi, who were the pillars of Konoha's future.
This is also proof that Konoha, under the leadership of Hiruzen Sarutobi, has a well-ordered succession.
The legendary Sannin, Hatake Shigeshige, Namikaze Minato, Aburame Shiatsu, and Kakashi—don't these strong and talented individuals of all ages prove Hiruzen Sarutobi's contribution?
Hiruzen Sarutobi personally handed over the Konoha genin headbands to Shiitsu Aburame and Kakashi.
Then he patted their heads and said kindly:
"I am very pleased to see your performance. It is my responsibility as Hokage to ensure your healthy growth."
"Where the leaves dance in the air, the fire will never die out. The flames will continue to illuminate the village and allow new leaves to sprout..."
"From today onwards, you are Konoha's genin."
The surrounding students burst into enthusiastic applause.
On one hand, we applauded the Third Hokage's words, and on the other hand, we applauded Shiatsu Aburame and Kakashi's victory.
Aburame Shiichi took the genin headband and immediately put it on, then bowed slightly to express his gratitude.
"I will definitely live up to the Hokage's expectations."
In formal settings, Shiatsu Aburame would certainly not make a mistake, fully demonstrating his respect for the Third Hokage and his inheritance of the Will of Fire.
"Good boy, you are such a polite boy. I hope you can make greater contributions to Konoha in the future and become a hero of Konoha."
Furthermore, Aburame Shiatsu did not use Phosphorous Beasts during his time at the Ninja Academy, indicating that this child possesses the Will of Fire and did not take any risks to harm his classmates.
This is the aspect of Aburame Shiitsu that Sarutobi Hiruzen is most satisfied with.
The power and threat of the Phosphorous Damage Insects are immense. The fact that Shiki Aburame was able to refrain from using them during his time at the Ninja Academy demonstrates that he was able to effectively utilize this dangerous power.
The combination of phosphorus-destroying insects and parasitic insects will surely allow Shiki Aburame to play a significant role on the battlefield in the future.
We should give them special attention and training.
Hiruzen Sarutobi thought to himself, then turned his gaze to Kakashi.
Kakashi was dressed in a black bodysuit with a scabbard on his back, making him look like a sharp blade drawn from its sheath, his sharpness fully revealed.
Especially when using the slashing wave, he is as unstoppable as Sakumo Hatake.
When Hiruzen Sarutobi saw Kakashi, he thought of Sakumo Hatake and felt very conflicted.
Sakumo Hatake is a good sword, but he's too good. Even if Sakumo Hatake himself doesn't have any ideas right now, he has already posed a threat to the Hokage master-disciple system.
To the point that even Hiruzen Sarutobi doesn't know what to do now.
Support Sakumo Hatake, but Sakumo Hatake already has a very high level of prestige. Supporting him further would not be as simple as his achievements overshadowing the ruler; it would mean that his merits should not be rewarded unless he becomes the Hokage.
Suppress Hatake Sakumo! Hiruzen Sarutobi knows exactly what kind of person Hatake Sakumo is. Hatake Sakumo is the living embodiment of the Will of Fire. Unjustified suppression is something Hiruzen Sarutobi simply cannot accept.
At this moment, Hiruzen Sarutobi thought of Danzo Shimura. "Almighty Danzo Shimura, please help me think of a solution!"
"Kakashi, you did a great job, living up to Sakumo Hatake's reputation. I hope you continue to do so, but also remember to interact with others more often, as bonds are the most precious thing."
Hiruzen Sarutobi's mind raced, but he showed no sign of anything amiss on the surface, speaking kindly to Kakashi.
Kakashi glanced at Shizuka Aburame. The occasional sparring sessions between Kakashi and Shizuka Aburame had earned Kakashi's respect, and he silently nodded.
Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded in satisfaction upon seeing this; this was true bonds.
Hiruzen Sarutobi addressed the excited students of the Ninja Academy below:
"Children, you will graduate in the future and become qualified ninjas just like Shizuka Aburame and Kakashi today. You are all the pillars of Konoha's future."
Hiruzen Sarutobi showed no impatience in instilling the Will of Fire into the students of the Ninja Academy.
As soon as Shiki Aburame came down from the early graduation exam, Kai and Genma Shiranui immediately came to greet him.
Kai happily congratulated him, "Zhiyi, congratulations!"
Aburame Shizuru has now become a genin, which is certainly something to celebrate.
Genma Shiranui glanced at Kakashi, who was being congratulated by Obito Uchiha and Rin Nohara, and said, "Kakashi is indeed very strong. Apart from you, I'm afraid none of us can beat him."
Kai agreed wholeheartedly, saying seriously, "That's true. Even in a taijutsu contest, I might not be able to beat Kakashi. Moreover, Kakashi's swordsmanship and ninjutsu are both superb; I'm no match for him."
Aburame Shiki comforted him, "Kakashi is indeed very powerful; he inherited Lord Hatake Sakumo's swordsmanship."
Kai laughed heartily: "Another genius to catch up with!"
Genma Shiranui said helplessly, "It's going to be very difficult to catch up with them."
Kai flashed his white teeth and said, "It's okay. Having geniuses like Shizuka Aburame and Kakashi is what really motivates us. That's what youth is all about."
Aburame Shiki often sparred with Kai in physical combat, but Kai had not yet shown any talent in this area. Or rather, it wasn't a talent for physical combat, but rather that his youth had not yet blossomed.
From then on, Kai trained relentlessly day after day, never slacking off. Through his youth, sweat, and tears, he became the Blue Beast of Konoha.
Finally, Kai unleashed his youthful energy, opening the Death Gate of the Eight Inner Gates, almost kicking the game to an abrupt end.
Yu Nu Zhiyi stretched and said, "We passed the graduation exam, so we should celebrate. Let's go out for barbecue."
"Yay!"
Kai and Genma Shiranui shouted with joy.
(End of this chapter)