c16: The Assessment Begins
The day of Chiba's graduation assessment had finally arrived.
That morning, many shinobi gathered at the Ninja Academy earlier than usual. Even the majority of the students had shown up, eager to witness the graduation assessment of Chiba Hatake.
"Today's the day Chiba takes his graduation test. I wonder what kind of evaluation the Hokage has planned for him," one chunin whispered, clearly intrigued.
"If he passes, he'll be the youngest genin in Konoha history even younger than Kakashi. That's insane," another murmured with admiration.
"Hold your praise," a skeptical jonin replied. "He hasn't passed yet. Let's not act like he's already made it."
While many acknowledged Chiba's remarkable talent, some remained doubtful. His age only five invited skepticism. To them, it seemed impossible that another prodigy like Kakashi could emerge from the Hatake clan in such a short time.
Some even hoped Chiba would fail, unwilling to see the Hatake family already exalted by Sakumo's legacy and Kakashi's early success rise any higher in Konoha's complex social hierarchy.
After all, the Hidden Leaf wasn't as pure as it appeared. Underneath the village's peaceful exterior lay the subtle workings of politics, envy, and ambition.
Accompanied by Kakashi, Chiba arrived at the Academy but entered the No. 1 training ground on his own.
At that moment, the spectator stands surrounding Training Ground One were packed. Academy students, teachers, and numerous shinobi jall had come to watch this unprecedented evaluation.
Chiba stood alone in the middle of the field, unfazed by the attention. Calm and composed, he held himself with an air of confidence far beyond his years, as though the stage had been set just for him.
Minutes later, the crowd stirred as the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, entered alongside two elite jonin. He stepped onto the raised platform above the training ground, his gaze settling on Chiba with thoughtful intensity.
"I wonder what kind of test Hokage-sama will assign," someone in the crowd whispered, curiosity building.
Until now, the details of the assessment had remained secret. Hiruzen had kept it that way intentionally, heightening anticipation.
"Hatake Chiba," the Third Hokage said with a calm yet commanding voice, "are you prepared to undergo the graduation assessment?"
"I'm ready," Chiba replied with quiet assurance, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
"Very well," Hiruzen declared. "I hereby commence Hatake Chiba's graduation assessment."
As his words echoed across the training ground, three ninja emerged from different directions, each taking a position around Chiba. They formed a triangle, clearly intending to flank him.
"What?! Three opponents? This isn't just a graduation exam—it's harder than Kakashi's!" someone gasped.
"Chiba may be talented, but he's still a five-year-old child. It's impressive if he can hold off even one jonin, let alone three."
"Is Hokage-sama being too harsh?"
The crowd broke into murmurs and arguments, shocked by the severity of the test. Yet Hiruzen remained stoic, his eyes never leaving the boy below.
"Chiba," the Hokage said, his voice resonating with authority, "you must engage these three shinobi and last three minutes. If you succeed, you will graduate from the Academy immediately. If you fail, you will continue your studies."
Despite the murmurs from the crowd, Hiruzen stood firm. He had tested Kakashi with a simple one-on-one duel—but with Chiba, he intended to push even further.
Chiba nodded without hesitation. His calm expression didn't waver, not even for a moment.
"I accept," he said, his small frame standing firm. Though his stature was that of a child, his presence felt like that of a seasoned shinobi.
"This kid's really full of himself," muttered one of the onlookers. "He thinks he can take on three full-fledged ninja?"
"Hmph. This'll be interesting. He better hope that cocky smile doesn't get wiped off."
In the training ground, one of the three assigned jonin stepped forward. He unsheathed a short blade strapped across his back, twirling it in his hand before pointing it directly at Chiba.
"You're looking down on us, kid?" he sneered. "You think we're some practice dummies?"
"You're still wet behind the ears," another added with a smirk. "You'll learn real quick what it means to fight for real."
The third ninja remained silent, his face masked and unreadable. He advanced slowly, eyes locked on Chiba, his chakra flaring just slightly—a sign of caution.
Chiba swept his eyes over them calmly.
"If you're so eager to lecture me," he said, a hint of disdain in his voice, "then you better not hold back. Otherwise, you won't get the chance to finish your sentence."
The crowd buzzed again. His voice was sharp, fearless—borderline arrogant.
"You've got guts, brat. Let's see how far that gets you," snarled the ninja with the blade. Without waiting, he dashed forward, sword aimed straight for Chiba's chest.
Chiba didn't flinch. Instead, he smirked and vanished.
In a blur of motion, he activated Soru, one of the Rokushiki techniques he had adapted to his shinobi training—a move that greatly amplified his speed, reminiscent of the Body Flicker Technique, but even more refined.
The crowd gasped in disbelief. One second he was there the next, gone.
"What the where'd he go?" a chunin blurted out, scanning the field.
Chiba reappeared behind the sword-wielding jonin like a ghost, his figure emerging soundlessly.
"You're too slow," he said coolly.
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