The examiners looked at each other after Shunsui performed the basic 3 jutsus. The sensei wrote something on his clipboard. "Acceptable. You pass."
There was no extra requirement for this early graduation. No complicated taijutsu spar, no written test, no survival exercise.
The war needed shinobi fast, so the basics were enough. There were no rankings either. Everyone who passed got the same treatment.
Of course Shunsui decided to use one hand seals despite their being no ranking because he believed that more talented students who would score higher would get a better jonin sensei.
And he needed a good jonin sensei not only to teach him something good but also to protect him from threats that he couldn't handle himself.
Shunsui received his shiny new Konoha headband from a chunin assistant.
He took it without much interest and tied it around his right shoulder like how the original Shunsui would tie his Gotei 13 captain's band.
"Report to the academy tomorrow morning," the sensei told him. "You will meet your jonin sensei and the rest of your genin team there. Do not be late."
Shunsui gave a lazy salute with two fingers. "Got it. See you then." He turned and walked away slowly, hands back in his sleeves.
The other students cheered or groaned depending on whether they passed or failed. Shunsui did not care. He just wanted to get back to the orphanage before lunch ended.
As soon as he stepped through the orphanage gate, a group of smaller children spotted him and came running like a pack of excited puppies. "Big brother Shunsui!" they shouted together.
One little girl with pigtails pointed at the headband hanging around his neck. "Woah, is that the real shinobi headband? You actually passed!"
A boy with messy brown hair jumped up and down. "Cool! You need to buy us lots of sweets as a treat! You promised if you became a ninja you would get us candy!"
Shunsui ruffled the boy's hair gently. "I do not remember promising that. But maybe I will get you one piece each. If I feel like it."
Suddenly, he felt movement behind him. A small figure lunged with a wooden practice sword raised high.
Shunsui's hand shot out without looking and grabbed the attacker by the collar mid-swing. He lifted the boy off the ground easily. It was Ika, the most troublesome kid in the orphanage, grinning like he had won a prize.
"How many times have I told you, Ika?" Shunsui said in a calm but firm voice. "You cannot stab people from behind with a sword, even if it is wooden. It is rude. And dangerous. Mostly rude."
Ika dangled in the air, still smiling wide. "But you told us that the shinobi job is to stab people behind their backs! You said it last week when we were playing ninja!"
Shunsui blinked slowly. "Ah, did I say that? Well, okay then. I guess I did. But only to real enemies. Not to your big brother who just wants to take a nap."
Ika laughed and swung his legs happily. "Besides, I have seen you practice with your swords! You are quite cool when you slash slash! Like whoosh, whoosh, and then the dummy falls apart!"
The other kids gathered closer, eyes shining. One girl tugged on Shunsui's kimono. "Show us! Do the cool sword thing!"
Shunsui set Ika down gently. "Not right now. Swords are for serious business. And I am very tired from being serious all morning."
Ika puffed out his chest. "When I grow up, I will be a shinobi too! And I will stab everyone from behind! Just like big brother taught me!"
Shunsui sighed and patted the boy's head. "Let us hope you find a nicer hobby. Like farming. Or napping. Both are good careers."
The matron appeared at the doorway, arms crossed. Shunsui walked over and pulled the headband from around his shoulder.
He tossed it lightly onto her desk. It landed with a soft clink. "I am a shinobi now, just like you wanted," he said in a flat voice. "Now I will probably just die in some mission. Or lose a limb or two. And then you will regret sending me to this life."
The matron picked up the headband carefully. She looked at it for a long moment, then fixed her sharp eyes on him.
"Shunsui, you are a shinobi of Konoha now. Where is your will of fire? Show some respect to that headband. It represents everything this village stands for. It represents the sacrifices of those who came before you, the protection of those who cannot fight, and the hope for a peaceful future for the children playing in that yard right now."
Shunsui thought,'Will of fire again? I fear that Hiruzen is cheating with Biwako.'
She stepped closer, voice growing stronger. "I know you think this life is a drag. I know you want to sleep under trees and avoid trouble. But the world does not always let us choose the easy path. You have power, more than most. That means responsibility. The will of fire is not about being loud or angry. It is about protecting what matters, even when it is hard. Even when you would rather nap. Wear that headband properly. Carry it with pride. Because if you do not, you dishonor everyone who fought so you could have this chance."
She softened her tone just a little. "I did not raise you to run away from duty. I raised you to face it, even if you complain the whole time. That is what makes you strong. Not the amount of your chakra. Not your sword. Your heart. So stop talking about dying or losing limbs. Start thinking about coming home. To this orphanage. To these children. To me."
Shunsui listened quietly through the whole lecture. A tiny smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. He did not interrupt. He just stood there, letting her words wash over him like a familiar scolding.
When she finished, he gave a small nod. "Understood, matron."
She huffed but looked pleased. "Now wash your hands. I have prepared a wonderful meal for you. Now that you are an adult and a shinobi, you might not visit this old lady as often. But remember my lessons. Or I am going to spank your ass again, headband or no headband."
Shunsui chuckled softly. "I will remember." He turned to head toward the wash basin outside.
The matron called after him one last time. "And Shunsui... I am proud of you."
He paused at the doorway. Slowly, he reached up and bowed his straw hat a little in her direction, a quiet gesture of thanks. Then he continued walking.
--------Author Notes---------
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