"This graduation exam ends here."
Kitazawa walked to the center of the field and spoke calmly. "After a ten-minute break, the final rankings and class assignments will be announced."
The reason for the ten-minute break was simple—the Konoha Arena needed time to undergo repairs.
As soon as he finished speaking, Anbu ninja appeared one after another within the arena, which had already been reduced to ruins.
"It truly was a graduation exam beyond imagination." Sarutobi Hiruzen spoke with emotion.
"It was absolutely worth the trip," Jiraiya said with lingering excitement.
Even he felt that this graduation exam had been an eye-opener. If he hadn't come to watch it in person, it would have been an enormous loss.
Kage-level combat strength at eleven or twelve years old—if he hadn't seen it with his own eyes, he would never have believed it.
"Without question, this is the strongest generation of students since the Ninja Academy was founded." Nara Shikaku sighed emotionally.
No previous class could even come close.
What was most exaggerated was that this class already possessed peak-level strength comparable to what other generations only reached after fully maturing.
Under normal circumstances, a ninja wouldn't reach their prime until after the age of twenty.
"The students of the Genius Class have already surpassed us at the moment of graduation." Akimichi Chōza said with anticipation in his eyes. "Their future will definitely be extraordinary."
Uchiha Fugaku nodded subconsciously.
The most dazzling figures in this graduation exam were undoubtedly Sasuke and Naruto.
The two of them already had one foot firmly planted on the Hokage's seat. The only regret he felt was that the final winner was not Sasuke, but Naruto.
That meant Naruto was already half a step ahead in the race for the Hokage position.
Fortunately, the road ahead was still long. There was still hope for Sasuke.
Hyuga Hiashi let out a silent sigh.
Although two of the final four had come from the Hyuga Clan, the gap between them and Sasuke or Naruto was simply too vast.
If nothing unexpected happened, the probability of them becoming the Seventh Hokage was extremely low.
In the end, the Hyuga Clan had still fallen behind the Uchiha.
"Choosing Kitazawa as the instructor of the Genius Class was indeed the correct decision." Sarutobi Hiruzen stroked his beard, his tone filled with pride.
"Old man, that's because Kitazawa himself is outstanding. It has nothing to do with you." Tsunade said bluntly.
"No matter what, I still deserve at least some credit." Sarutobi Hiruzen laughed, clearly unbothered by her words.
"Tsunade." Jiraiya suddenly thought of something and asked, "Is it still too late for me to become a team leader for the Genius Class?"
"Is Lord Jiraiya interested in a particular student?" Aburame Shibi's heart stirred as he asked.
If the clans were choosing team leaders for their own children, Kitazawa would undoubtedly be the first choice.
But Kitazawa was far too sought after. No matter how one looked at it, Shino Aburame would never make it into those three slots.
If Jiraiya were willing to take students, he would naturally become the second-best option, second only to Kitazawa.
After all, he was one of Konoha's Sannin, Sarutobi Hiruzen's disciple, and Minato Namikaze's teacher.
Becoming his student meant stepping into the Hokage lineage and gaining the qualifications to compete for the Hokage position.
Even if they couldn't become Hokage, they would still have a strong chance of rising to high-ranking positions within Konoha.
Hyuga Hiashi subconsciously glanced at Jiraiya. His thoughts aligned closely with Aburame Shibi's.
Kitazawa was only taking three students, and Hyuga Neji and Hyuga Hinata might not necessarily be among them.
Naruto and Sasuke had the highest probability, yet none of them were Medical Ninja.
According to the traditional configuration of a ninja squad, a Medical Ninja was indispensable.
"Naruto and Sasuke." Jiraiya smiled openly, not bothering to hide it as he spoke directly.
He believed that Naruto and Sasuke both possessed the potential to become the child of prophecy.
Their strength was simply too overwhelming, several tiers above their peers.
If one were to speak of the legendary child of prophecy, this level of power would make perfect sense.
After all, someone destined to change the Ninja World would require both unparalleled talent and absolute strength.
"You're too late. All the team leaders have already been decided." Tsunade paused, then added, "Besides, you're away all year round. You're not suitable to be a team leader."
Jiraiya hesitated, but found himself unable to refute her words.
Before determining the true identity of the child of prophecy, he indeed could not remain in Konoha for extended periods of time.
After some thought, he finally chose to give up. Besides, even if he didn't become Naruto and Sasuke's team leader, he could still act as their teacher.
For example, teaching them Sage Mode would count as being half a master.
---
Ten minutes passed quickly.
With the Anbu's efforts, the Konoha Arena was barely restored to its original state. It had to be said—using ninjutsu for construction and repairs was incredibly convenient.
"After the final rankings and class assignments are announced, please remain seated."
Kitazawa stepped back onto the field and reminded everyone. "Hokage-sama will deliver a speech."
No one was surprised by this announcement.
Tsunade had already watched the entire exam as an audience member; it was only natural that she would give a concluding address.
Moreover, this graduation exam was so special that it could truly be described as unprecedented.
"First place, Uzumaki Naruto," Kitazawa announced clearly.
Naruto raised his hand high and waved enthusiastically, wearing a wide grin.
Aside from Sasuke, none of the other students felt jealousy or envy.
The gap was simply too large—so large it inspired despair. Catching up was nothing more than a fantasy.
"Second place, Uchiha Sasuke." Kitazawa continued.
Sasuke subconsciously clenched his fists. This crushing defeat left him feeling deeply unsettled.
Even after awakening the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan, he had still failed to defeat Naruto. Could the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan be further upgraded?
Despite the massive gap, Sasuke did not give up. He was still young—perhaps one day, he would have the chance to defeat Naruto.
"Third place, Hyuga Neji. Fourth place, Hyuga Hinata."
Kitazawa read on. "Fifth place, Kurama Yakumo. Sixth place, Rock Lee. Seventh place, Akimichi Choji. Eighth place, Ino Yamanaka."
The top eight were the students who had advanced to the third round.
"Ninth place, Kimimaro. Tenth place, Shino Aburame. Eleventh place, Tenten. Twelfth place, Inuzuka Kiba."
Kitazawa continued, "Thirteenth place, Sakura Haruno. Fourteenth place, Nara Shikamaru. Fifteenth place, Tayuya."
These fifteen were the students who had reached the second round.
"Sixteenth place, Jugo. Seventeenth place, Karin. Eighteenth place, Haku."
Kitazawa paused briefly, then read on. "Nineteenth place, Shion. Twentieth place, Chino. Twenty-first place, Hotaru."
The strength of these six students was actually quite similar. Their exact ranking largely depended on luck.
Even so, despite being at the bottom of the top twenty-one of the Genius Class, their strength was far from weak. Achieving the rank of Jonin in the future would be effortless for them.
"Twenty-second place… the above is the full ranking of the thirty students in this graduation exam."
After finishing the list, Kitazawa announced, "From today onward, they officially graduate and become Genin."
Naruto and the others immediately revealed excited expressions.
Although they had already been carrying out missions, becoming officially recognized as ninja carried a completely different weight.
However, they quickly calmed themselves. Because what followed next was the true main event—The graduation class assignments.
The rankings had already become a thing of the past.
They were merely a summary of everyone's performance over nearly five and a half years at the Ninja Academy and did not represent their future.
Class assignments, however, were different. They could directly influence what lay ahead.
Because team leaders and teammates would bring enormous benefits.
Not only the students of the Genius Class, but parents such as Hyuga Hiashi and Uchiha Fugaku were also tense and full of anticipation.
After all, their children's team leaders and teammates would indirectly affect them as well, along with the ninja clans they represented.
It was no exaggeration to say that this was another reshuffling of power and status within Konoha Village.
"Team One: Kurama Yakumo, Karin, and Inuzuka Kiba," Kitazawa announced calmly. "The team leader is Yuhi Kurenai."
Kiba nodded with great satisfaction.
Yakumo went without saying—ranked fifth in this graduation exam, her strength already surpassed that of most Jonin.
Karin was an extremely rare Medical Ninja and Sealing Ninja within the Genius Class, with her support capabilities at the absolute top.
As for Kurenai, she had already been a teacher for the Genius Class. To Kiba, she was very familiar, meaning there was no need to waste time adjusting to a new instructor.
Yakumo and Karin were equally satisfied.
Yakumo had been Kurenai's student even before entering the Ninja Academy. Karin lived in the same house as Kurenai, and the two were already well acquainted.
Kiba's mother, Inuzuka Tsume, was also very pleased. Although Kiba hadn't become Kitazawa's student, being taught by Kurenai wasn't bad at all.
After all, everyone knew how close Kitazawa and Kurenai were.
"Team Two: Shino Aburame, Chino, and Sakura Haruno." Kitazawa continued. "The team leader is Hatake Kakashi."
"I'm not Sasuke-kun's teammate?" Sakura felt as if she had been struck by lightning, standing frozen in place.
Sasuke glanced at her and couldn't help thinking that she truly was a jinx.
"Kakashi isn't bad either." Aburame Shibi thought to himself.
Although Kakashi couldn't compare to Kitazawa, he was still firmly within the Hokage lineage.
Shino Aburame, due to his personality, showed no change in expression. But inwardly, he was quite satisfied with Kakashi as his team leader.
Chino, on the other hand, felt as though she had hit the jackpot.
Although she possessed the Blood Dragon Eye, she was not originally a ninja of Konoha Village.
She had expected her instructor to be an ordinary Jonin, never imagining it would be the famous Copy Ninja, Kakashi.
To her, this was a completely unexpected gain.
"Team Three: Nara Shikamaru, Yamanaka Ino, and Akimichi Choji." Kitazawa read out the assignment with the least suspense. "The team leader is Sarutobi Asuma."
In the original story, Team Three belonged to Might Guy, while Asuma Sarutobi led Team Ten.
But now, due to various butterfly effects, those original arrangements could no longer be maintained.
"As expected," Shikamaru spoke calmly, showing no surprise at all.
Ino let out a soft sigh.
Although she had already guessed it would be Asuma Sarutobi, not becoming Kitazawa's student still left her feeling regretful.
Nara Shikaku, Akimichi Choza, and Yamanaka Inoichi shared similar sentiments.
Although their three clans had long-standing agreements with the Sarutobi Clan, if their children could have become Kitazawa's students, such agreements could have been casually cast aside.
Between a retired Third Hokage and a future Sixth Hokage, they knew very well how to make the correct choice.
"Team Four: Kimimaro, Jugo, and Tayuya," Kitazawa announced. "The instructor is Mitarashi Anko."
Kimimaro, Jugo, and Tayuya were all momentarily stunned. They hadn't expected the three of them to be placed on the same team.
But once they processed it, they all felt it wasn't bad at all. After all, they had known each other since their days in Otogakure.
As for Anko Mitarashi, they had no objections. She was, after all, Orochimaru's student.
"Team Five: Rock Lee, Hotaru, and Haku." Kitazawa paused briefly before continuing. "The instructor is Might Guy."
"Lee!" Might Guy gave Rock Lee a big thumbs-up.
As the announcements continued, the instructors gathered one by one on the left side of the Genius Class.
"Guy-sensei!" Rock Lee was extremely excited. "We can once again unleash our blood-boiling youth together!"
Hotaru and Haku couldn't help but feel a headache coming on.
From now on, they would have to endure Might Guy and Rock Lee's brand of youth every single day.
"Is it still not Sasuke's turn?" Uchiha Fugaku grew visibly anxious.
Hyuga Hiashi felt the same way.
They didn't know whether Kitazawa would personally take students, nor whether he would choose Sasuke and Hyuga Hinata.
But the answer would soon be revealed.
Five teams had already been announced. Only two teams remained for the top twenty-one students.
Once Team Six was revealed, Team Seven would naturally become clear.
"Team Six: Hyuga Neji, Tenten, and Shion." Kitazawa continued. "The instructor is Yamato."
"Alright!" Tenten clenched her fist subconsciously.
Her greatest wish had always been to become teammates with Hyuga Neji, and now that wish had finally come true.
Hyuga Neji had no objections to his teammates. It was only a pity that the instructor wasn't Kitazawa.
Still, Yamato was far from weak. When he had taught the Genius Class before, he had even demonstrated Wood Release.
"Does that mean Team Seven is Naruto, Sasuke, and Hinata?" Uchiha Fugaku's eyes lit up instantly.
Hyuga Hiashi also felt a pleasant surprise welling up.
Although the instructor for Team Seven hadn't been announced yet, aside from Kitazawa, who else was qualified to teach those three?
Hinata subconsciously clasped her hands together.
She didn't care who her teammates were. She only cared whether the instructor would be Kitazawa.
"Team Seven: Uzumaki Naruto, Uchiha Sasuke, and Hyuga Hinata." Kitazawa smiled as he spoke. "I am the instructor."
The Konoha Arena fell completely silent.
Kitazawa was on the verge of becoming the Sixth Hokage. The treatment his students would receive needed no explanation.
Uchiha Fugaku and Hyuga Hiashi both broke into smiles at the same time.
Hinata's eyes widened involuntarily. The sudden realization of her dream left her momentarily unable to react.
But soon, the corners of her mouth lifted, and she excitedly clenched the hem of her clothes.
"Sasuke, I didn't expect us to become teammates!" Naruto said with a bright grin. "This is youth!"
"…" Sasuke's mouth twitched.
He felt a sense of happiness—though not an entirely complete one.
"…That concludes all team assignments for this graduation exam." Kitazawa turned his gaze toward Tsunade. "Next, please welcome Hokage-sama to the stage."
The entire audience immediately burst into applause.
Tsunade nodded and used the Body Flicker Technique to appear at the center of the field.
Kitazawa stepped aside, watching quietly as she began her speech.
"In this graduation exam, all students performed exceptionally well—especially Team Seven."
A smile appeared on Tsunade's face as she continued. "I believe they will become the new generation of Konoha's Sannin."
The moment those words were spoken, everyone felt their hearts tremble. The status of Konoha's Sannin required no explanation.
The New Konoha Three Sannin would naturally be no less formidable.
Barring any unforeseen events, the Seventh Hokage would almost certainly emerge from Team Seven.
Moreover, Tsunade had deliberately emphasized Team Seven in her speech. Her intention was obvious to everyone present.
"One last announcement."
Tsunade paused, swept her gaze across the crowd, and said, "Next Monday, the Hokage succession ceremony will be held."
Unlike Sarutobi Hiruzen, who favored long-winded speeches, she had no interest in dragging things out.
After completing Kitazawa's request, she decisively brought her remarks to an end.
At this moment, however, no one cared about how short her speech was.
They were completely stunned by its content, especially the words Hokage succession ceremony next Monday.
"Alright, thank you all for your hard work today. You are dismissed." Tsunade didn't give anyone time to react, waving her hand as she spoke.
"Yes, Hokage-sama." The crowd froze for a brief moment before snapping back to their senses and responding in unison.
Kitazawa walked toward the students of the Genius Class. They and their instructors were still standing where they were.
"Congratulations on your smooth graduation." Kitazawa smiled faintly. "You may now go to your respective instructors."
"Goodbye, Kitazawa-sensei!" The Genius Class students spoke in unison.
As soon as they finished, they ran toward their respective instructors.
Kakashi, Kurenai, and the others exchanged brief farewells with Kitazawa before leaving with their teams.
Following tradition, they would find suitable locations to conduct introductions—some might even arrange additional assessment rounds.
For example, the classic bell-snatching test between Kakashi and Team Seven in the original story.
Kitazawa, however, had no intention of doing a bell-snatching test. There was simply no need.
Moreover, if they truly started fighting, the commotion would be far too terrifying.
"Kitazawa-sensei!" Naruto asked excitedly, "What are we going to do next?"
"Nothing." Kitazawa shook his head and replied calmly. "Go back and rest. Wait for my notice."
He was about to become the Sixth Hokage, and there were many matters requiring his attention.
Coupled with the Akatsuki Organization's possible movements, they wouldn't be going on missions for the time being.
"Huh?" Naruto had expected new missions, but instead received an unexpected answer.
"What do you mean, 'huh'?" Tsunade said with a smile. "As Genin, the most important thing for you is to obey your instructor's orders."
"Don't worry. It won't be long before you have plenty of new missions." Kitazawa thought for a moment before speaking.
He was referring to the Fourth Great Ninja War.
"Okay, Kitazawa-sensei!" Naruto immediately looked forward to it.
"Goodbye, Kitazawa-sensei." Sasuke and Hinata didn't say much beyond that.
"Tsunade-sensei, do you need me to escort you back to the Hokage Office?" Kitazawa turned to Tsunade and asked.
At this point, only the two of them remained in the Konoha Arena.
"No need. I don't have to go back to the Hokage Office anymore. Here—this is for you."
The corners of Tsunade's mouth curved upward as she handed him a set of keys, smiling brightly.
"What does this mean?" Kitazawa froze for a moment, unable to react.
"It means that from now on, you are the Sixth Hokage." Tsunade shoved the keys into his hand and said, "These are the keys to the Hokage's desk. I'm heading to the casino. Good luck."
With that, she turned around and left decisively.
Kitazawa stared at the keys in his hand, his mouth twitching involuntarily. But this was very much Tsunade's style.
Letting out a sigh, Kitazawa used the Flying Thunder God Technique and arrived directly at the Hokage Office.
Sitting down in the Hokage's chair, he couldn't help but sink into thought.
Although he wouldn't officially assume the position until next Monday, Tsunade had already become completely hands-off.
That meant he needed to start thinking about what to do next. As the saying went, a new official always made three changes.
Now that he was the new Hokage, he should take action. The first thing Kitazawa thought about was the position of Hokage advisor.
At present, Konoha Village has three Hokage advisors.
The former elders, Homura Mitokado and Utatane Koharu, as well as the head of the Hokage Secretariat, Nara Shikaku.
Kitazawa planned to abolish the position of Hokage advisor altogether, retaining only the Hokage Secretary.
Homura Mitokado and Utatane Koharu could simply retire.
As for Nara Shikaku, his position would remain unchanged—he would continue overseeing the Hokage Secretariat.
After all, the intelligence and judgment of the Nara Clan were trustworthy.
Kitazawa rubbed his chin.
He had once considered appointing Kurenai as Hokage Secretary, but since she was now in charge of the Film and Television Department, there was no longer any need.
Having Nara Shikaku and Shizune manage the Hokage Secretariat would be sufficient.
Of course, more personnel could be added later.
Aside from the Hokage advisor and Hokage Secretary, the department most critically understaffed was the Anbu.
With Kitazawa becoming the Sixth Hokage and Asuma Sarutobi transitioning to an instructor role, the Anbu suddenly lacked two leaders.
Fortunately, he had already chosen suitable candidates: Konan and Kakuzu.
Kitazawa then thought of Nagato. After joining Konoha Village, what position should Nagato be given?
Kitazawa shook his head.
It was still too early to consider that. He would wait until the Akatsuki Organization had fully integrated into Konoha Village.
He continued reviewing the existing departments within Konoha. Overall, most of them could remain unchanged for now.
However, after the Fourth Great Ninja War, many new departments would inevitably be established.
Just thinking about it gave Kitazawa a headache. Fortunately, there was no need to do everything at once. Adjustments could be made gradually over time.
The sun slowly sank toward the western horizon.
Kitazawa stood up, preparing to end the day's work.
At that moment, three lines of text suddenly appeared before his eyes.
[Current Mission: Form Konoha's New Three Sannin.]
[Mission Reward: Sage Art: Wood Release: True Several Thousand Hands.]
[The host has completed the mission; reward issued.]
Kitazawa couldn't help letting out a soft sound of surprise. Had he completed this system mission already?
After thinking it over, Kitazawa quickly understood.
It was already dusk.
After an entire afternoon of discussion and rumors spreading, the whole of Konoha Village had most likely already learned about the so-called New Konoha's Three Sannin.
Regardless, this was ultimately a good thing.
Mastering Sage Art: Wood Release: True Several Thousand Hands meant that he had fully mastered Wood Release.
The only thing separating him from Senju Hashirama now was Chakra.
Thinking about it, the situation was rather bizarre.
He had completed countless system missions, and his Chakra reserves far exceeded those of ordinary ninja, yet they still couldn't compare to Senju Hashirama's.
Fortunately, it was already more than enough. As long as Ōtsutsuki Kaguya didn't emerge, there would be no problem.
Of course, once Kitazawa's strength reached a sufficient level, he would still release her.
Because doing so would undoubtedly trigger new system missions, perhaps they would involve the Rinne Sharingan—or even the Divine Tree.
--
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Read the complete novel on P@treon: P@treon / Arvinstorm
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