The day of the genin exam arrived, and Johan walked to the academy with Shikamaru, the two of them discussing their plans for the day. As they entered the classroom and took their seats, a new quest notification appeared in Johan's vision.
[ NEW QUEST: PASS THE GENIN EXAM ] [ OBJECTIVE: SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE THE EXAM AND BECOME A GENIN ] [ REWARD: UNCOMMON CHEST, 1 NORMAL SPIN ] [ ACCEPT? Y/N ]
Johan mentally accepted the quest, feeling a surge of determination. He had spent the week mastering the two required jutsu—the Clone Jutsu and the Transformation Jutsu—and was confident in his abilities. Still, he had no intention of drawing too much attention to himself.
The classroom filled with students, and Iruka soon entered, calling everyone to attention. "Alright, everyone, follow me to the training grounds. It's time to begin the exam."
The First Test: Shuriken and Kunai Throwing
The first test was straightforward: hitting targets with shuriken and kunai. Johan stepped up to the line, his Six Eyes analyzing the distance and angle of the targets. He took a deep breath, focusing on his aim. With precise movements, he threw five shuriken. Four of them landed perfectly on the target, while one missed by a narrow margin, embedding itself just outside the bullseye.
He repeated the process with the kunai, again landing four out of five. It was enough to pass but not enough to stand out—a deliberate choice to avoid drawing too much attention.
Shikamaru, watching from the sidelines, noticed Johan's deliberate miss but said nothing. Sasuke, however, narrowed his eyes, his sharp instincts telling him that Johan was holding back. He filed the observation away for later.
The Second Test: Sparring Matches
The second part of the exam was one-on-one sparring matches. Johan's turn came after Ino and Sakura's tie. He was paired with Naruto, who was bouncing with energy and determination.
"Ready, Johan?" Naruto asked, grinning widely. "Don't hold back!"
Johan nodded, adopting a relaxed stance. The match began, and Naruto charged at him with a series of wild punches. Johan dodged effortlessly, his movements fluid and precise. Naruto grew increasingly frustrated.
"Stop dodging and fight back!" Naruto shouted, throwing another punch.
Johan smirked, stepping to the side and sweeping Naruto's legs out from under him. Before Naruto could react, Johan was on him, a kunai pressed gently to his neck.
"Peace," Johan said, holding up his free hand.
Iruka called the match, and Johan helped Naruto to his feet. "Good match," he said, offering a handshake.
Naruto grumbled but accepted it. "Next time, I'll beat you for sure!"
The Third and Final Test: Jutsu Demonstration
After the sparring matches, the students were called into the classroom one by one to demonstrate the two required jutsu. When Johan's turn came, he performed the Clone Jutsu and the Transformation Jutsu flawlessly, earning a nod of approval from Iruka.
"Congratulations, Johan," Iruka said, smiling. "You've passed."
Johan returned to the waiting room with the other successful candidates, feeling a sense of accomplishment. After a while, Iruka entered and handed out the Leaf headbands, officially declaring them genin.
As the exam concluded, Johan walked back to the Nara compound with Shikamaru. Along the way, Johan turned to him and said, "I need to talk to your father. It's important."
Shikaku raised an eyebrow. "My dad? What for?"
"I've got an unusual request," Johan replied. "I'll explain when we get there."
Shikamaru sighed but didn't press further. When they arrived at the Nara household, Shikaku was in his study, reviewing scrolls. Johan knocked on the door, and Shikaku looked up.
"Johan," Shikaku said, setting down the scroll. "What brings you here?"
Johan stepped inside, bowing slightly. "Shikaku-sama, I have an unusual request, and I'm serious about it."
Shikaku leaned back in his chair, his expression curious. "Go on."
"I want to be on a solo team," Johan said, his voice steady. "I know it's unconventional, but I believe it's the best path for me. I'd like your help to convince the Hokage to agree to it."
Shikaku studied Johan for a long moment, his sharp mind analyzing the request. "A solo team? That's highly unusual, Johan. The standard three-person team structure exists for a reason. It ensures balance, teamwork, and mutual support. Why do you believe a solo team is the best path for you?"
Johan met Shikaku's gaze, his expression serious. "I understand the importance of teamwork, Shikaku-sama, but my abilities are... unique. The techniques I've developed require a level of focus and adaptability that might not align with a traditional team dynamic. I believe I'll be more effective—and less of a liability—if I'm allowed to operate independently."
Shikaku leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled in front of him. "Unique abilities, you say? Care to elaborate?"
Johan hesitated for a moment, then nodded and started saying the excuse he had made. "I've developed a shadow-based summoning technique. It's different from the Nara clan's traditional shadow manipulation, and it's still a work in progress. I'm not sure how well it would mesh with a team, especially in high-stakes situations."
Shikaku's eyes narrowed slightly, intrigued. "A shadow-based summoning technique? That's certainly unusual. Do you have control over it?"
"Yes," Johan said confidently. "I've been training extensively to master it. But it's not something I can easily explain or demonstrate without drawing unwanted attention."
Shikaku considered this, his expression thoughtful. "I see. And you believe that operating solo would allow you to better develop and utilize this technique?"
Johan nodded. "Exactly. I'm not rejecting the idea of teamwork, but I think this is the best way for me to contribute to the village while continuing to grow as a shinobi."
Shikaku sighed, rubbing his chin. "It's a bold request, Johan. The Hokage will need convincing, and even then, there's no guarantee he'll agree. But I'll speak to him on your behalf. Whether or not he approves, you'll need to prove yourself worthy of such an arrangement."
"Thank you, Shikaku-sama," Johan said, bowing respectfully. "I won't let you or the village down."
Shikaku gave him a small, approving nod. "I'll arrange a meeting with the Hokage as soon as possible. In the meantime, focus on your training and be ready to explain your reasoning in detail."
As Johan left the study, Shikamaru was waiting outside, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. "So? What did he say?"
Johan smirked. "He's going to help me. Now I just need to convince the Hokage."
Shikamaru shook his head, a wry smile on his face. "You're always full of surprises, Johan. Just don't make things too troublesome for the rest of us."
"Don't worry," Johan said, clapping Shikamaru on the shoulder. "I'll handle it."
The Meeting with the Hokage
A few days later, Johan found himself standing in front of the Hokage's office, his heart pounding with a mix of nervousness and determination. Shikaku had arranged the meeting, and now it was up to Johan to make his case.
"Enter," came the Hokage's voice from inside.
Johan stepped into the room, bowing respectfully. "Hokage-sama, thank you for seeing me."
Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, looked up from his desk, his expression calm but inquisitive. "Shikaku has informed me of your request, Johan. A solo team is highly irregular. Why do you believe this is the best path for you?"
Johan took a deep breath, steadying himself. "Hokage-sama, my abilities are... unconventional. I've developed a shadow-based summoning technique that requires a level of focus and adaptability that might not align with a traditional team dynamic. I believe operating independently would allow me to better develop and utilize this technique for the benefit of the village."
The Hokage studied him closely. "A shadow-based summoning technique? That's certainly unique. Can you demonstrate it?"
Johan hesitated. "I can, but it's still a work in progress. I'd prefer to do so in a controlled environment, with minimal risk of drawing unnecessary attention."
The Hokage nodded, understanding the need for discretion. "Very well. I'll arrange for a private demonstration. If your abilities are as promising as you claim, I'll consider your request. However, know this: being a shinobi is not just about individual strength. It's about trust, teamwork, and protecting the village as a whole. If I grant you this request, you'll be expected to uphold these values, even if you're operating independently."
Johan bowed deeply, his expression resolute. "I understand, Hokage-sama. I'll do everything in my power to prove myself worthy of this opportunity."
The Hokage gave him a small, approving smile. "Good. I'll have Shikaku arrange the demonstration. Until then, continue your training and prepare yourself. The path you're choosing is not an easy one."
"Thank you, Hokage-sama," Johan said, bowing again before leaving the office.
The Demonstration
A few days later, Johan found himself in a secluded training ground, accompanied by Shikaku, the Hokage, and a few trusted ANBU operatives. The air was tense, and Johan could feel the weight of their expectations. Hiruzen had sent an ANBU to find an available chunin to test Johan's abilities in a sparring match. The chosen chunin, a woman named Seichi, stood across from Johan, her expression calm but focused.
"Whenever you're ready," the Hokage said, his tone calm but authoritative.
Johan nodded, taking a deep breath. Seichi wasted no time, pulling out a kunai and rushing toward him while simultaneously summoning a shadow clone to flank him. Johan's Six Eyes immediately identified the real Seichi, his sharp perception cutting through the distraction.
With a quick hand sign, Johan summoned his Divine Wolf, the shadow creature materializing with a low growl. The wolf split into two, each one attacking Seichi from a different angle. Seichi dodged gracefully, her movements precise, but as she landed, a thick, sticky tongue shot out from a pool of shadow beneath Johan's feet. The toad's tongue wrapped around Seichi's leg, momentarily immobilizing her.
The wolves pressed their attack, forcing Seichi onto the defensive. Johan seized the opportunity, rushing in with a kunai in hand. However, Seichi broke free from the toad's grip with a burst of chakra and leaped back, her hands forming a familiar series of hand signs.
"Fire Release: Fireball Jutsu!" she called, unleashing a blazing fireball directly at Johan.
Caught off guard by the sudden attack, Johan didn't have time to defend himself. But his Divine Wolf leapt in front of him, taking the full brunt of the fireball. The shadow creature melted into darkness, dissipating under the intense heat.
Without missing a beat, Johan formed the hand sign again, summoning the wolf back into existence. The creature growled, its glowing eyes locked on Seichi, ready to continue the fight.
At that moment, Hiruzen raised his hand, his voice calm but firm. "That's enough."
Johan and Seichi immediately stopped, both of them bowing respectfully to the Hokage. Hiruzen stepped forward, his expression thoughtful.
"Your technique is impressive, Johan," he said, his tone measured. "The ability to summon shadow creatures and control them with such precision is rare. However, it's clear that your abilities are still developing. There's much potential here, but also much to learn."
Johan nodded, his expression serious. "I understand, Hokage-sama. I'll continue to train and refine my techniques."
Hiruzen studied him for a moment before speaking again. "Come to my office tomorrow. I'll discuss this matter with the others, including Shikaku, and we'll make a decision."
"Thank you, Hokage-sama," Johan said, bowing deeply.
As the group dispersed, Johan went back home thinking his plan was going perfectly.
The next morning, Johan was at home when there was a knock on the door. He opened it to find an ANBU operative standing there, their mask expressionless but their posture professional.
"The Hokage has summoned you," the ANBU said, their voice neutral.
Johan nodded, grabbing his gear and following the operative to the Hokage's office. When he arrived, Hiruzen Sarutobi was seated behind his desk, Shikaku standing nearby. The atmosphere was formal, and Johan could feel the weight of the moment.
"Johan," Hiruzen began, his tone calm but authoritative. "We've discussed your request and reviewed your demonstration. Your abilities are indeed unique, and there's no denying your potential. However, the decision to allow a genin to operate independently is not one we take lightly."
Johan stood straight, his expression resolute. "I understand, Hokage-sama. I'm willing to do whatever it takes to prove myself worthy of this opportunity."
Hiruzen nodded, his gaze steady. "Very well. We've decided to grant your request—on a trial basis. For now, you'll be given village missions like the other genin. Your first out-of-village mission will be assigned to one of the teams, and you'll accompany them. If the jonin leader of that team gives a positive report—showing that you performed well and are capable of handling solo missions—then, and only then, will you be allowed to undertake solo missions outside the village."
Johan bowed deeply, his heart swelling with gratitude. "Thank you, Hokage-sama. I won't let you down."
Shikaku stepped forward, his expression serious but supportive. "This is a significant opportunity, Johan. Don't take it lightly. Prove yourself, and you'll earn the trust of the village."
"I will," Johan said, his voice firm.