"That concludes the team assignments. For the top sixty students, Principal Mirai himself has already given many suggestions. If you still have objections, you'll have to take it up with the principal."
After announcing the results, the Federation Academy instructor turned to the remaining students who had not been placed.
"The rest of you, come with me. Introductions to the Federation departments and your volunteer applications will be handled elsewhere."
Graduates of the academy split into two paths: ninja and civil service. Both eventually joined the Federation, though their routes differed. Those entering the departments would first serve three years as interns, after which promotions depended on performance.
Those joining mission squads, however, received focused training from the beginning. Their strong academy results made them worth the Federation's investment of time and resources.
Handling the ninja placements was relatively simple compared to the civil-service graduates. Hundreds had to be assigned across dozens of counties, and coordination with the Administrative Division was a massive undertaking.
By the second half of the year, things would improve once the Uzumaki Trade Association's administration computers were fully installed. Many tasks and data processing could then be delegated to Unit 18.
When the volunteers left, only sixty remained. Soon, their assigned Jōnin leaders would arrive to collect them, passing down all their skills and experience.
If they produced outstanding students, the Federation rewarded them generously.
"Sasuke, lucky you chose the mission squads. Now we can compete again!"
Naruto Uzumaki, grinning and scratching his head, rushed over to Sasuke. He had already heard from Aunt Ayaka about an upcoming Chunin Exam spanning the entire shinobi world. He, Sasuke, and Gaara would all get the chance to face off once more.
"That was my mother's suggestion. Besides, Naruto, if you don't raise your academic scores, you'll never make it beyond Chunin. Jōnin are tested on administration and calculations as well."
Sasuke Uchiha snorted. He always lost to Naruto due to stamina and chakra reserves. But his mother had promised to help him resolve that. Once she did, Naruto would never beat him again.
Yoko Nakamura, Sasuke's teammate, shook her head. "Naruto-kun, improving your academics is just too hard. I lent you my notes, with all the key points marked, but you still lost points in the exam!"
Yoko specialized in summoning and shuriken weaponry. She already cared for three summons, two of which were venomous desert creatures. Though quiet in appearance, her fighting style was dreaded.
Naruto scratched his head sheepishly. "Yoko-chan's notes are so crammed full that I get a headache just looking at them…"
Though a transfer student, Naruto was far better at making friends than Sasuke, chatting with everyone in class. Sasuke, meanwhile, relied solely on his looks, drawing flocks of admirers.
As for Gaara, he was the Federation's true crown prince—the son of the Fourth, disciple of the Fifth.
One by one, Jōnin squad leaders arrived to pick up their students, each at different times, but all before noon.
In the academy's principal office, someone unexpected came to see Hyuga Mirai.
"Lady Mikoto, I never thought you'd give up your position as Guard Captain."
Mirai had been surprised when he saw Uchiha Mikoto listed as a squad leader. This must have been arranged by Pakura herself.
"I petitioned Lord Kazekage, and she allowed my deputy to handle Guard affairs for now." Mikoto's gentle voice carried warmth. "When Sasuke came to me, I could tell he wanted to join a mission squad. But he worried no one would guide his training. So I pleaded with the Kazekage."
"Sasuke is fortunate to have a mother like you."
Hearing Mirai's words of praise, Mikoto's fair cheeks flushed and her heartbeat quickened. She hurriedly replied, "For Sasuke, it's nothing less than I should do. And, Mirai-kun, I've long wished to thank you for your help. If you have time, could I invite you for a meal at my home? I'll cook myself…"
She also intended to ask Mirai's help with Sasuke's chakra reserves. But with others always present, she had felt too embarrassed. A dinner invitation would give her the chance.
After all, among everyone she knew, only Mirai had the ability. And Sasuke's pride meant he would reject the idea if he were present. It would have to be arranged carefully.
"A meal? You should ask my real self about that."
The Mirai in the principal's office sighed. His duty was handling academy matters. After this batch, there was another, and another after that. For a Shikotsumyaku clone, there was no rest.
"I'm only a clone. If it's you, though, the real me would likely agree."
Mikoto's heart gave another flutter at his words. She nodded quickly. "I understand, Mirai-kun. Then I'll go collect Sasuke now."
She rose, bowed slightly, and left the office.
On the way to the classroom, Mikoto pondered how best to ask Mirai about Sasuke. She had nothing to offer in return. Even the debt of Sasuke's bloodline weapon remained unpaid. From another's perspective, she must seem shameless.
Yet she had no alternative.
When she reached the classroom door, Naruto and Sasuke both cried out in surprise.
"Mom?"
"Aunt Mikoto?"
Only twelve students remained, time having slipped by while she was in the office.
Seeing Sasuke's mother, the others were astonished. They hadn't expected her to be so beautiful—and also a Guard Captain.
Mikoto smiled warmly and cleared her throat. "Students of Class Ten, please come with me."
Sasuke froze. Class Ten was his group.
"Mom… you're our squad leader?" He finally realized why she had told him days ago he could safely join a mission squad.
"That's right. Or do you think I'm not strong enough?"
Mikoto's gentle smile won every student's heart. They all envied Sasuke—blessed with such a strong, kind, and beautiful mother.
Sasuke quickly shook his head. "Of course not." He was only surprised, but deep down, he was glad.
"Then Class Ten, follow me. Naruto, we'll see each other again."
With that, Mikoto led Sasuke, Yoko Nakamura, and Miwa Imai out of the classroom.
The Sato Federation did not emphasize the Will of Fire, but teamwork remained part of the assessment. It was not urgent, however—there would be many opportunities over the next three years.
Mikoto's duty was to lead her squad through the Federation's departments while training them in ninjutsu and taijutsu. Task squads received special consideration; missions were assigned to give them practical experience.
She had already mapped out their first mission—patrolling the border between the Federation and the Land of Rain. During the mission, she would teach them about relations between the two nations, trade, and the Federation's policies. Other students would not see such matters until their second year.
She also intended to train them individually. Sasuke would receive personal guidance, Yoko would refine her throwing techniques, and Miwa would learn Fire Release.
The Uchiha shuriken throwing style was famed throughout the shinobi world. Even without Sharingan, with enough effort and Mikoto's instruction, mastery was within reach.
By noon, the last squad departed. With these recruits, the Federation's shortage of manpower finally eased somewhat.
In three years, new graduates would be sent to places like Kumosa and Sacha. But if they truly aimed to dominate the entire shinobi world, their numbers would need to increase twentyfold.
Later, another clone of Hyuga Mirai appeared at the principal's office.
"Replacing me? I still have plenty of chakra."
The other shook his head. "I'm a Yin–Yang clone. Unless something happens, I'll stay here for decades."
That was an exaggeration, but Mirai had already entrusted one clone with handling the bloodline weapons entirely.
The Gedo Statue produced this time likely had an Otsutsuki sacrificed to it, so Mirai didn't need to use his own clones as offerings for the God Tree. Still, he wasn't sure if clones even met the requirements.
Not now, but for future seeds of the God Tree, clones would surely be used. He would still need to obtain the seeds from the Otsutsuki.
When the Shikotsumyaku clone dispersed, its memories returned to the original.
"A dinner invitation, huh…"
Mirai smiled faintly at Mikoto's flustered expression. Then he rose and spoke to Ayaka Uzumaki.
"Ayaka, let's head back. Oh, and bring Rin Nohara. From now on, she'll work at the Federation Hospital and can stay with Kushina."
Ayaka nodded. "I understand, Lord Mirai. I'll notify her immediately."
Mirai no longer visited Roran often. The Dragon Vein's energy was nearly depleted. Once immeasurable, it had lasted him more than ten years, fueling tailed beast chakra, the Ten-Tails, and even three devouring serpents. Now, it barely equaled the chakra of the Three-Tails within Rin.
At this rate, it would be exhausted within a year.
But Mirai carried a full set of research equipment himself. Roran could serve as the Federation's research hub. As infrastructure improved, more scholars would emerge, and the base would be their home.
He could no longer handle everything personally. This way, he could free his time for greater matters. Whatever results they produced would ultimately belong to him.
(End of Chapter)