Chapter 11: The Path to Genin
Aizen's stunning display left the entire class in awe, and even Iruka was deeply impressed by the sheer, terrifying talent on display.
What they didn't realize was that Aizen had not used the Lightning Strike ninjutsu at all, but the fourth Hadō, Byakurai, fueled by his spiritual power. As a being who had once stood at the pinnacle of all Shinigami, Aizen's mastery over Kidō was absolute. Utilizing a low-level spell like Byakurai was effortless. Though his raw power was diminished, his flawless technique and control remained. This was why his "Lightning Strike" had possessed such devastating force.
However, due to his currently limited spiritual reserves, Aizen could only manage the first fifteen levels of Kidō. Releasing a level 90 spell without an incantation, as he once could, was still a distant goal.
"Alright, that concludes today's assessment," Iruka's voice cut through the stunned silence, pulling the students back to reality. "Everyone, you must continue to train hard and strive to reach your full potential."
A collective sigh of resignation passed through many of the students. They were deeply disheartened. First, the genius Sasuke was a mountain they had to climb, and now there was Aizen, a seemingly heaven-defying monster who had appeared out of nowhere.
"Don't be discouraged," Iruka continued, trying to bolster their spirits. "In three days, we will hold the team assignment ceremony. You will be placed into three-person squads based on your overall performance, and assigned a Jōnin sensei."
The news sent a ripple of excitement through the class. The team assignments meant they had reached the preliminary stage of graduation. However, becoming an official Genin required one more, crucial step.
"After the teams are formed," Iruka explained, "a specialized Jōnin will become your new instructor. Whether you officially become Genin depends entirely on your ability to pass that Jōnin's personal evaluation."
His gaze swept over their young faces, a flicker of nostalgia in his eyes. As their first teacher, he had given them his all. Now, it was time for them to move on.
"However," Iruka's tone turned serious, "being assigned to a team does not guarantee you will become a Genin. The evaluations conducted by these elite Jōnin are notoriously strict. Gaining their recognition is not easy. The failure rate is as high as sixty percent."
His words landed like a shockwave. A sixty percent failure rate meant that fewer than twenty of them would actually become Genin. Those who failed would have no choice but to return to the Academy and try again next year.
"What? What's the point of graduating from the Academy then?" one student blurted out in frustration. They had worked so hard, only to find out that graduation was merely a preliminary step, with the true test still ahead.
"This system is designed to select only those students truly qualified to become Genin," Iruka said with a sigh, hating to deliver such harsh news.
"Damn it! Is it really this hard to become a ninja?" another student muttered, clenching their fists in anger and anxiety. Many lacked the confidence to pass a Jōnin's test.
"The law of the jungle is a fair, if brutal, rule," Iruka stated firmly. "The reason Konoha's ninja are feared across the nations is precisely because of this rigorous selection process. Becoming a qualified shinobi isn't about words; it's about genuine strength."
He did his best to soothe their anxieties and motivate them, and eventually, the students reluctantly accepted the reality of their situation. Under Iruka's final words of encouragement, they began to file out of the training ground. These three days were precious; not a moment could be wasted.
Iruka, however, motioned for Aizen to stay behind.
"Student Aizen," Iruka began, "ordinarily, you would not be eligible to participate in the Genin exams. Your classmates have already passed the Clone Technique test, which granted them their preliminary graduation资格. However, your talent is… exceptional. I am making an exception and granting you permission to take the qualification test."
He pulled a small scroll from his vest and handed it to Aizen. "This contains the hand seals and chakra control methods for the Clone Technique. Practice it well. With your talent, I have no doubt you will master it in time for the test."
Aizen accepted the scroll with a respectful smile. "Thank you, Iruka-sensei. I will give it my all. I will not disappoint your expectations."
"I admire your attitude," Iruka said, giving a thumbs-up. "Although you started later than the others, I am confident you will catch up and even surpass them."
After expressing his gratitude once more, Aizen finally took his leave, the scroll clutched in his hand. He was eager to unravel the mysteries of this new technique. The breadth and depth of ninjutsu had ignited a long-dormant thirst for knowledge and power within him.
Iruka watched Aizen's retreating back, a profound feeling stirring in his heart. He felt he was witnessing the emergence of a genius who would one day shake the very foundations of the shinobi world.