The Turning of a New Leaf

**Date Completed:**
**Next Role-Play**:
**Users Involved:** User:GoldenPiece, User:Sekiro of the mist, User:TheGoldenBuddha, User:Lilpj200, User:Majin Khi, User:MorellaVoltaire, User:Mr.Zeno999,User:Felosr231, User:PuddingCups, User:Zerotheheronoir, User:TheCrowMaster, User:Starving Skeleton
**Setting:** Konohagakure
**Characters Involved**:
* **Academy Students**: Uchiha Saeko, Shōsei Uchiha, Spike Lee, Chouko Dokuso, Hyūga Hanako, Shion Chikafuji, Ryuma Shinzui, Nichirin Tokugawa, Suiren Kagami, Anji Makimachi
* **Chunin Instructor**: Sarutobi Enma
* **Jonin**: Inuzuka Ashi, Leo Izuno, Ranma Kaisen, , Hiyori Bushida, Enryu
* **Kage**: Genjo Sanzō

## New Generation

**Shinobi Academy, Konohagakure**
"Okay, everyone, take a deep breath and settle down. I know you're all looking forward to your last day at the academy and being officially recognized as a Konohagakure shinobi." As he entered the noisy room, Sarutobi Enma, the Chunin-ranked academy instructor of the Konoha Shinobi Academy's graduating class, called out. He was a burly man with short cropped brown hair, black eyes, and a small beard, dressed in the standard shinobi uniform of the Hidden Leaf. "I'm sure many of you are aware of the tragic events that occurred over 70 years ago during the Fourth Great Shinobi War." He continued as his mind briefly returned to the history lesson of the world's greatest and most devastating war, which resulted in the death of 75% of the world's Shinobi population and the extinction of many powerful clans. "Well, the Hokage informed me that we will be conducting a final test to prepare you all for the harsh reality of being a shinobi in the future." Enma informed the class about the recently added test that was about to take place. "At this point, you may all talk among yourselves while I gather the necessary paperwork for attendance before we move on to the test."

After sitting silently in the back row as their Sensei explained the new test that would be used to determine who was eligible to graduate and who wasn't, Uchiha Saeko couldn't help but frown at the idea of a new procedure that would be used to determine their worth. It was difficult enough to be one of the five living Uchiha in Konoha at the time, a position that came with a lot of pressure from the outside world, as people either saw them as the ultimate savior or the next great traitor as a result of their ancestors' actions.

"How do you feel about this new test, Shōsei?" She turned around and requested of her Twin Brother about his thoughts on the new situation they had found themselves in. "I'm not concerned that we'll fail as we are probably the most eligible of our batch giving our upbringing and training, but it's still unusual for them to change things at the last minute."

The young Uchiha had a stormy look in his eyes. While Shosei was a happy person of sorts. He couldn't help but think the demeanor he gave off gave people thoughts about the Uchiha standard. Like his sister the sudden change in graduation style was discomforting.

"It doesn't make since why they would fore a knew test on a bunch of students. Not to mention they gave no indicator of what it entails beforehand." Putting his head down on his hand. Shosei smiled at his sister, "Lets hope its nothing that has to do with skills Uchiha excel at, you would probably make people mad. Unlike me who has absolutely no affinity to our family skills." Making the joke about their chemistry, The Uchiha siblings where like two halves. Shosei's affinity and fighting style complimented his sisters long range skills.

In the midst of them talking. Multiple students whispered among themselves some even being bold enough to get loud about their discussion. Shosei simply gave some of them a look and silenced the lot without trying. Seeing this he made a gesture to his sister who knows he didn't even try and intimidate them.

Spike Lee, a student that was famous for his almost borderline stupidity but charisma, wasn’t one who was good with any Ninja Skills besides Taijutsu, what his clan is known for. “Sensei!” He yelled out, catching the eyes of the other children with his annoyingly loud voice. “What are we going to be tested for?!” Spike continued with a look of general curiosity written on his face. “And is it going to be equal and balanced? or is it just going to be another one of those Jutsu tests that the Uchiha and other gifted students with a well background get a edge in?” Running his mouth, he angered a majority of his classmates.

Chouko Dokuso, a young student known for having her head in the clouds, turnt her her head in the direction of Spike and said, "Not all gifted students will have a edge, Spike. Some of else still have to work hard for our benefits." Looking away from Spike and at the window, she continued speaking saying, "Plus your making our classmate angry. Choice your words wisely next time."

"I wonder if we're all overestimating the test. It could appear to be very complicated, but turned out to be actually be very simple." Hanako chimed in awfully loud. The short dark-skinned girl with curly hair's voice radiated throughout the room. Her voice acted like a beacon, as the classrooms attention was brought onto her. Hanako's lavender eyes abruptly shut in a reaction to all of her classmates eyes suddenly turning to stare at her. *"Oh god..why did I say that so loud! Now everyone's looking at me and I feel so embarrassed."* She thought, as her left eye began to twitch frantically and beads of sweat fell down her face.

Shosei wasn’t amused by the comment that spike guy made. Rather than give the idiot some time of day shosei complemented Hanako.

“intresting outlook. I suppose keeping some optimism about the situation would be nice.” Quickly getting up shosei walked down to greet the female and applaud her whispering so he wouldn’t cause much attention. “ although they probably will make the test harder, at least someone can look at the positive, also try to not get embarrassed when others stare, I’ve got plenty of experience.” finishing his statement shosei went back to sit with his sister. It wasn’t like he was trying to be friendly, shosei wasn’t a people person. The boy just wanted to acknowledge the girl for trying.

"I doubt the test would be a serious one seeing as we have all basically graduated anyways, and from what is common knowledge now the Genin tests are conducted by the Jonin-Sensei’s." Saeko spoke up again following the commotion caused by her classmates.

"If I had to take a guess I would say it’s probably some sort of test used to test our combat capabilities and possible survival instincts." Glancing around at the gathered and bluntly ignore people she found uninteresting, Saeko took time to study everyone to determine who would be on her team alongside her brother.

"Hopefully the rest of you have been training and not slacking off."

”Oh I been training alright” Stated Ryuma Shinzui, a student known for his swordsmanship and his usage of lightning chakra to outstanding effects. “I always train and I’m always ready” he said to Saeko.

The mention of another swordsman was the wrong thing they needed. “Saeko can I get my sword now?” Shosei said wanting to see how skilled the boy was compared to him. Despite how mature the uchiha twins where Shosei had his moments where the thought of training get the best of him.

"Training?" Spike said with a look of glee spread across his face. "If there's one thing, I love in this entire world as much as I love being a ninja IS training." He smiled and looked at the Chunin instructor, Enma to check if he's done with the paperwork. "Anyhow, I believe much chatter won't do us any well if this a combat-orientated test that has us going against each other, can't tell your foes your blows, amirite?" He laughed off at his own joke as if he were a comedian.

"I've been training for a good while," Shion admitted but turned her attention to the ground as she started to play with her hair a bit nervously, "though the training I went through was...intense to say the least..."

"I know that feeling Shion." The crimson red haired Nichirin Tokugawa said as he slapped his hand on her back. "Try to amp yourself up some more!"

Unlike the others who talked amongst themselves, Suiren Kagami preferred talking to herself. She didn't come to these exams to make friends, she came to be a shinobi. Really, the talk of this so-called last test annoyed her. Everyone was hounding the busy sensei with questions or attempting to solve a puzzle with no answer. The truth was, the chance that any of them had guessed the test correctly was slim to none. So what was the use in trying some complicated mathematical equation in hopes of figuring out what sick hoops they'd have children jump through next?

"The only *real* test is genetics." The young ninja hmphed, crossing her arms in anticipation as she mumbled the words to herself.

"All right, everyone, I know you're all excited or nervous about the upcoming event, but that doesn't mean we need to make a scene." Enma stated as he finished up his exam paper work. "Before we begin, I must take attendance to ensure that everyone is present." He went on, looking down at the attendence sheet in his hands.

"Saeko Uchiha?" As he looked up at the students, he yelled out as Saeko raised her hand slightly, hummed, and looked out the window, thinking about the exam. Nodding Enma called the following name while nodding and ticking her name off his sheet.

"Uchiha Shosei?"

Currently preforming complex pen spinning moves, Shosei flicked the pen into the air raising his hand in the process. Before returning to his task. Wondering what kind of sensei they would fall under even who he would be teamed with.

"Spike Lee?"

Staring intensely at the air, drifting away, his gaze into nothingness was interrupted by their chunin instructor calling roll. “Here!” he said ecstatically, raising his hand so quick that the air surrounding him gets pressurized. Laying his hand back down on the desk with immense force without trying. Some of the other kids were giggling at how hard he was trying to show off his strength they so thought, and how silly he acted like. But he disregarded all of it.

"Dokuso Chouko?"

Hearing her name being called, Chouko turnt slightly to face Enma before raising her hand and said, "Here." After saying her response, Chouko went back to looking out the window and stared at the clouds thinking about who her teammates will be.

"Hyūga Hanako?"

The now calmed Hanako turned to face Enma with a nervous look in her lavender eyes. Her named was called, but she couldn’t muster the words the energy to speak. *”I can’t remain anxious if I’m to become a full-fledged Kunoichi!”* Hanako thought to herself, biting her lip before jolsting her right arm into the air. “Here!” She finally chanted in response. Hanako was extremely proud of herself for being capable of speaking in front of so many people, not once but twice. *”I totally killed that shit!”* She yelled in her head. It she was a completely different person internally.

"Chikafuji Shion?"

"Shinzui Ryuma?"

"Tokugawa Nichirin?"

"Kagami Suiren?"

Almost reluctantly, Suiren raised her hand. This honestly felt like something she had to do. Whether she wanted too or not. The war had taken a toll on her family and truth be told despite the passing years it was still a sensitive subject. Given her families' current state, the singular word that left Suiren's mouth held a lot of weight. The weight of her entire clan practically. "Here." She stated, very seriously. Unlike others, the starry eyed dreamers who just believe that being a ninja would be fun; Suiren took the task very seriously. This wasn't a game like rock, paper, scissors. It was life or death.

## Final Exams

"Alright, since the majority of you are here, I suppose we should stop wasting time and get started on the test." Enma stated with a smile on his face before abruptly becoming deadly serious. "The exams will begin immediately; please do your best to overcome what lies ahead." Enma stated not giving them a chance to truly prepare as he would make a few quick hand gestures before his entire body became hazy and distorted, and he and the class room vanished, leaving all the students in a twisted and distorted area.

Saeko, being a Uchiha and heavily trained in the Art of Genjutsu, immediately recognized the feeling of her chakra being manipulated and went about quickly dispelling it.

"Kai!!"

She intoned as the world around her quickly cleared, revealing that she was no longer in a classroom but rather in a stadium-like setting. "H-how?" She questioned herself as she looked around for anyone.

"Five minutes and forty-eight seconds, not too shabby, kid." A rough male voice said from above her in the stands, prompting her to look up and be on guard. "Relax kid, my name is Inuzuka Ashi, and I'm a Jonin of Konoha." As Saeko's gaze fell on him and his Ninken companion, he announced his new name, Ashi. "For the time being, just remain silent and wait for the rest of the brats to break free from the genjutsu." As Saeko's gaze finally settled on her classmates scattered throughout the stadium, he advised.

"Congratulations, by the way, on being the first to recognize and counter Enma's Genjutsu. While he may not appear to be a master of his craft, he is widely regarded as such." While looking to the left, where he knew the other Jonin were hidden, Ashi stated. "Let's just see how talented you lot are."

“How talented what lot are?” Shosei interjected, walking towards Saeko he pulled out a kunai twirling it as he looked to see a man within the stands. “And what did you do to my sister?” He asked in a protective fashion.

Shosei noticed the difference from a change in the chakra surrounding his pen. Although he wasn’t as gifted as his sister in that front. For someone like him to pop up in a stadium along with his sister was frightened. Years of seeing the hatred for his clan did nothing to help.

Looking over for confirmation Shosei kept his guard up ready to aid his sister at a moments notice.

Hanako was caught off guard by the sudden change of setting, turning her head around frantically. “I can’t see a thing!” She mumbled under her breath. Frustration began to bubble inside the young girl, as she swung her hands in an attempt to cast away the darkness. *”I suppose I have no choice..* Byakugan!” Hanako weaved a single hand sign to activate her clans infamous dojutsu. The veins in her face began to swell from the blood flow, and her pupils became more distinct. The scenery quickly changed to that of a large stadium, and the distortion was no more.

“So I was put under genjutsu.” Hanako said to herself, as she began to survey her surroundings. “A stadium?” She questioned quietly.

Admittedly, Suiren had never cared for mind tricks. Genjutsu was something she didn't care to learn but that didn't mean she couldn't recognize it. She didn't like it. The world around her began to spin, it felt almost as if her eyes had fallen victim to the heat of a desert.. like she was gazing at a mirage of sorts; but not the typical mirage. This was no oasis ridden with palm trees. It was a classroom turned on its side, then upside down. Everything seemed to blur together before Suiren shook her head, pinching her arm as if to wake herself up from a very bad dream.

Then there she stood, shockingly dazed in the middle of a coliseum. She spotted a few other students, but she wasn't happy about it. What some called class, Suiren called competition. It was true that breaking free from the little spell had proven to be a little more difficult that Suiren wanted to admit, but she wouldn't let anyone know that. As far as they were concerned, she had done so effortlessly. Having made her way towards the small gathering of other students who passed over successfully, Suiren saw something shocking.

It caused her to groan. "No one's hurting your sister, Uchiha." The girl scoffed, seeing the frail boy with a kunai. It was the equivalent of using a toothpick against a dragon. "Are you still under the genjutsu? He's a jōnin. That kunai of yours wouldn't even leave a scratch." The red haired girl commented, it may have seemed harsh but hey, reality often was.

Chouko watched as the clouds vanish before her eyes and looked around realising she wasn't in the classroom anymore. *Wait where am i?*  Chouko thought as she fluxed her chakra a bit. *My chakra feels muffled.* Widening her eyes, Chouko realized she was in a genjutsu. Raising her hand quickly, she said "Kai." The image around her disappeared as she looked around to see she was in some sort of staduim.

Looking around, Chouko noticed the other students in the stadium with here. Walking toward them, she heard the tail end of what Suiren and open her mouth and said, "Even if someone was harming Saeko, she capable enough of defending herself."

Ryuma was not impressed, before he came to the Konoha, his grandfather already told him how Shinobi not only alter the physical plane but the mental plane as which they called Genjutsu. He told Ryuma that to unwrap the veil of this false reality, he would have to jolt his brain to realize that the reality infront of him is fake.

“Here goes nothing” Ryuma says before creating a cut on his arm, breaking him from the Genjutsu. “That was smoother than I thought” he said before looking around at his fellow Genin.

Spike was bamboozled by the genjutsu, not knowing much about ninjutsu and other techniques, he couldn’t figure out any possible way to break his way out of it. “Hey anyone there?” He yelled out, but no one responded back to him, “This is so tripppyy-“ he rubs his eyes as the world around him turns rainbow and looks all weird. “This must be heaven!” He says with a comical expression on his look smiling. He then knocks himself out, therefore breaking out of the genjutsu unconsciously.

"H-huh? Genjutsu...ok Shion, remember what you were taught a while back about this," Shion thought to herself then an idea popped into her mind as she used her shuriken then slit her arm grunting a bit but from that she was able to break out of the Genjutsu. "I did it," Shion sighed with relief.

"This is weird...really...trippy..." Nichirin thought outloud as he looked around. This sensation, the distorted feeling overcoming his body, it wasn't the first time he's felt something like it. "This is...a genjutsu...which means..." he then paused, focusing on his breathing, his senses began to level out, then with a sharp look he disturbed his flow of chakra, breaking the genjutsu.

"Phew! Didn't even have a chance to prepare for that. Few more seconds in that genjutsu there's no doubt I'd be puking up a damn storm." He then placed his hands behind his head, "phew! Still spinning."

"OK, it appears that everyone was able to break free from the Genjutsu." With a smirk, Ashi stated as he looked down at the Genin in front of him. "Some of you went about it in rather......unconventional ways." With a raised brow, he paused to look at the unconscious Spike Lee. "But I suppose you all did well enough in the end." He finished as his Ninken partner handed him the scroll in her mouth.

"I'll keep it simple: you're going to do a tournament-style battle simulation to assess your strengths and weaknesses. Winners advance to become official Genin, while losers are returned to the academy." Ashi stated with a bored expression as he observed the students' emotions and reactions. "Each person will face off against each other in single combat, with the winner moving on to the next round and the losers facing off for a chance to graduate from the losing bunch." After a few moments of silence, he said before pausing in remembrance.

"Before I forget, another student from the Land of Iron will be joining you for these exams, so please treat him nicely." He stated before sluggishly waving behind him. "This is Makimachi Anji." He introduced the dark-skinned samurai training to become a ninja.

Saeko was relieved to learn that she had correctly predicted a combat test, but she was also slightly concerned because, while she was more confident in her ability and prowess, she was concerned for some of the others she had grown to call friends. "Whelp, there's not much we can do but win." She sighed and mentally began to prepare herself for the upcoming test. Saeko raised her arm in question after a brief pause to look at Anji.

"Wouldn't his joining cause a snag in the teams because he'll be the odd man out as the tenth student?" She inquires after Ashi nods towards her.

"That's a great question." Ashi replied with a sly grin on his face. "The short answer is that one of you will return to the academy on standby until another team needs another Genin." He finished because he knew that little bit of information would be enough to ensure that everyone gave it their all.

"However, depending on the outcome, one of you will almost certainly return to the academy to keep the teams balanced."

Nodding as she assumed such, Saeko glanced over to her brother briefly before amusingly glancing at his sword. It would be exciting to fight her twin, but she knew they would most likely drag things out. "So, to summarize, regardless of the outcome, someone will be sent back to the Academy, but it will most likely be the person who performs the worst on these trials?" She inquired once more.

"Correct." Before looking over the rest of the genin, Ashi stated with a smile. "Do you have any questions before we start rearranging names?"

Suiren's hand shot up, despite having a very low tolerance for other students; she did respect teachers. Once called upon, she cleared her throat. "To those of us that pass, how will teams be decided?" It was an important question and to Suiren, the one that mattered the most. She had seen a lot of runts in this litter and being stuck with them on a difficult mission? That was the end of the line.

Waking up from his fall into oblivion, Spike had no idea of what happened and how he even got back to the classroom. “Heya!” he said waving at the rest of the soon to be genin. “Did we pass the test? the genjutsu was the test right? That was super easy not gonna lie, I broke out of it without a sweat.” Spike spoke out as he stood up and stretched.

"Your not be able to see them but the Jonin who are interested in taking on pupils are watching you as we speak." Ashi stated as he pointed towards Suiren. "Along side the Hokage they will evaluate your skills and see which fit would complement each other." She continued as he gently stroked the top of his ninken’s head. "Teams are usually create with different focus points and mission usages, some of you will be on a team that focus on frontal assault or demolition, others will focus on ignoring scouting and tracking, and other will focus on things such as assassination, sabotage, interrogation etc." he further explained before turning towards Spike.

"Sorry brat but that Genjutsu was merely the start, you can say the real test starts now." He finished as he awaited anymore questions.

“Are the fights gonna happen tournament style or all at once?” Ryuma asked Ashi. “And if it is all at once, are we gonna be separated” he asked.

"All fights will happen simultaneously, this way you don’t get the opportunity to glimpse your potential opponents abilities as in the real world you won’t be so lucky as to always know what your opponent is capable of." Ashi answered Ryuma’s question with a shrug. "You all will be separated into your own little sections and out to battle."

“Can you please list all illegal jutsu’s, weapons and such.” Hanako asked, raising her hand awkwardly. She looked towards the floor, trying not to make eye contact with Ashi.

"I will get to that once thing begin so make sure your paying attention because failure to follow any of them will result in automatic failure." Ashi explained towards Hanako in regards to her question about the rules.

"Ok you lots rules are simple, anything is allowed even the of actually killing your opponent, however it is actively frowned upon to do so seeing as we are all shinobi’s of Konoha." Ashi explained as she stood up and stared down at the Genin. "For those who are ready to complain allow me to state that this isn’t just a simple exams to see who passes this is the preparatory exams for the real and harsh reality of the world. A place where you can die on your first mission like trash." He harshly continued unbothered not caring if any feelings being hurt.

"Now let’s get to it the matches are already set so allow me to separate you into pairs." He stated as he quickly went through a few hand signs before slamming his hands on the ground.

**"Earth Release: Stone Prison."**

Soon the ground around the Genin would erupt upwards, encircling the Genin while splitting into five miniature half domes that possessed high walls to prevent any of the students from seeing the other matches.

"Now everyone separate along with your opponents." Ashi ordered as he began reading off the names. The matches are as followed." He stated as he glanced randomly pulled names from his pocket without a care in the world.

**\*Anji Makimachi vs Ryuma Shinzui**

**Sakeo Uchiha vs Chouko Dokuso**

**Nichirin Tokugawa vs Shion Chikafuji**

**Suiren Kagami vs Hanako Hyuga**

**Spike Lee vs Shosei Uchiha.**"
Finishing up the roll call Ashi pointed to the created rooms. "Now everyone head to your arena and try to impress us with your skills."

## Peaking Branches

There he was; Leo was a rather tall man standing at 6'1, with spikey brown hair shaped near the top in a cat-like ear fashion. Having red eyes with cat-like pupils and pronounced canine teeth, with one of his top canines poking out as he smiled, looking at the Academy Students, who would become genin reasonably soon. The soon-to-be teachers of these students were all Jōnin. Each was eyeing the young, taking mental notes of who was the best of the group or who showed the most promise. While they all would prefer to choose who they got, the Hokages decision on what genin would be paired with each other and who their sensei would be. Jōnin hid, unable to be seen by the students, they weren't ready to start detecting other people around them, and if they could, that would be a rather dubious prospect, putting them in the realm of prodigies.

"Wa hahaha. That Spike Lee kid decided to knock himself out to break the Genjutsu. I wouldn't mind having someone like him on my team. He doesn't follow the norms, and that's good. This village needs more people like him and me. The rest of them are rather good in their rights as well. But I know for damn sure, everyone wants to get one of those Uchiha. I'm sure Lord Hokage is going to separate them, but what two lucky Jōnin are going to have bragging rights about it is anyone's game."

Leo had snickered a tad bit, as he almost looked like a cat to those who saw him, naughty, cheeky, and did whatever he wanted when he wanted. Grabbing a seat, he sat on it incorrectly, leaning over the back of the chair as he watched intuitively at the young some more. He was resting his chin on top of his arms. Some gave off a fire more potent than others. He wanted the ones ready to become the best they could be.

"Those youngins' flames are a bit low, but I know they'll become blazing inferno's soon enough."

How long has he sat here? His thick powerful leg laying atop the other. Arms sitting in its center with fingers tips slightly touching. His behemoth trunk resting against the only tree which dwarfed his monstrous build. Ebony skin kissing even darker wood. Closed eyes and white hair flowing down his side. So much that it looked like the man had a mane. Two giant red horns pointing upwards from each side of his head.

How long has he sat here? A slight inhale. A stronger exhale. The only signs of life. Relaxed muscles. Vines wrapped around his arms. The tree’s leaves covering him lovingly. Protecting him from the intense gaze of the son.

Days? Hours? Months? Weeks? Minutes? The flow of the world slowly whispered around and through his skin. He felt it crawl into his back or run around the tree behind him. It nourish the fifteen hundred ladybugs on the five eastern trees, ten northern bush leaves and six western logs. A deep breath.

“So this is where you’ve been, Ranma?” A familiar voice. “We’ve been looking for you. I’ve been looking for you.”

Ranma returned. “Why Ganjo?” He asked without opening his eyes while struggling to return to that realm. Slight irritation seasoned his question.

“You know, being referred to as Lord Hokage all day gets tiring. It just feels nice to hear someone say my name.” Ganjo responded nonchalantly with a cheeky grin.

“Then order your servants to call you by your name. You don’t need me for that.”

“Well it sounds better when it’s genuine. However…I guess you saw right through me. But what’d you expect when one of my best ANBU operatives just ups and quits. Especially someone like you.” He approached Ranma and sat down before the peaceful giant. His back slightly slouched and arms hanging lazily from his knee. “Y’know how much I’ve had to hear from the elders about this decision?”

“It’s been 70 years since the Great War-since the great reset.” Ranma opened his eyes. Revealing their unique design, crimson rings in a sea of black.

“They’re complaining *because* it’s been 70 years.” His eyes sharpened. “70 years and we’re still reeling from Madara Uchiha’s attack. The other Hidden Villages are recovering too but they can make their move at any minute. Take this opportunity to get ahead of the curve.”

“So you need as many weapons as possible?”

“Yes. But also we’re preparing the next generation of Shinobi so more importantly we need as many teachers as we can get. To guide them and make them stronger so they can help bring peace”

“Why don’t you bother one of the other Six Demon Kings?”

“They have their place in the world.” Ganjo smiles. “Just as you do.”

“And where’s that?”

“With Tessenhime and a team of Genin to pass on my Will of Fire. Something I’d trust my eldest and strongest pupil with. Either that or you’re spending the rest of your life under a mountain like your monkey brother.” Ganjo chuckled.

But Ranma looked away with a slight blush. Others would’ve saw this as an off colored joke. An exaggerated example of something he could do. However Ranma knew his sensei wasn’t laughing at some far off quip but snickering at a fond memory of when his sworn brother didn’t listen to him.

“I guess I have no choice then, huh?” Ranma sighed. “Fine, Ganjo-sensei.”

Five days had past and now he sat here atop the giant three legged, bearded toad known to the world as Jin Chan. His massive body on an even larger ancient amphibian that looked more beast than animal.

Officiates and medic nin stared at the shinobi for various reasons. He heard their whispers. How they spoke his title. Many talked of it without placing a face as the identities of the Seven Konohagakure Demon Kings were a mystery besides the
fact that three were trained by the current Hokage. And yet the Lion King and Ox King were both under the same roof.

So to see them in flesh and blood? One sitting atop an ancient toad to take these brats as students? He could feel the fear radiating. The rumors starting.

“A sacrifice?”

“Someone to continue the legacy of murder?”

Ranma looked at Leo and then the Hokage whose face was obscured by the crimson hat’s veil. "*So you did get another one.*"

“Ooooo Ranran I remember your days as a genin! You’d come back to the mountain all covered in sweat and smelling of poop!”

Ranma jumped. “Grandpa no!”

“Ooooo Ranran that Hyuga girl reminds me so much of you! Except she didn’t poop his pants!”

“Dammit gramps!!!!!” Ranma exclaimed. His grandfather disappeared in an abrupt puff of smoke. The massive shinobi now standing before the glass pane. Eyes on Hanako.

## Anji vs Ryuma

“May the best Warrior win” Ryuma said as he bowed to Anji before pulling out his katana and getting into a traditional samurai sword stance.

“3…2…1” He said before charging towards Anji, his speed making him look like a blur.

"Well said" Anji replied after giving reverence proceeding to draw his staff and stand in a defensive position.

Using his speed, Ryuma appears infront of Anji with his blade in hand, and within on quick motion, he slices his opponent’s staff into two pieces and even slices a little of Anji’s shirt.

Anji blocked the first attack, barely being able to stop it.

"Ah I see" he said as he saw the hole in his shirt. He then took up his now cut staff, drawing his secondary weapons, two aikuchi hidden within the staff. He to run at Ryuma quickly and suddenly threw one of his

“You shinobi and your tricks” Ryuma said with his sword unsheathed. “Let me teach you how a real warrior battles” he said before quickly clashing with Anji, there blades sparking as they clash.

"Tricks? How can someone be a warrior without honor?" Anji replied while as their blades locked, clashing and sending sparks flying. He felt a thrill in his body, and cracked a smile saying,

"And why would I trick you? When a geniune one on one is always better!?" He knew it he could feel something, growth maybe but he wasnt sure yet.

Not responding to Anji, Ryuma quickly backs away before thrusting his sword to the chest of his opponent, using chakra to enhance his strength and speed for deadlier effects. Anji retaliated by redirecting it to the side and going for a thrust with his other hand, landing a small cut in Ryuma's cheek.

”Nice one Shinobi” Ryuma said before appearing behind Anji, his eyes seeming to emit this glow of chakra.

“Nittryu: 100 Slices” Ryuma says effortlessly using his strength and speed to do over 100 sword slashes at Anji.

"No hand signs huh, interesting" Anji said under his breath.

"Well then, I guess it's time to go." he said he made some fast hand signs, his hair suddenly starting to stand.

"**Lightning Release: Countershock**"

Lighting appeared in Anji's hands and coursed through his blades, Making his swords become extremely hot and electrical.

"The trips to the hospital payed off i guess..." Anji thought to himself as his gloves began to turn black and burn. He charged dodging some and breaking some slashes midair, however blood began to seep from his arm as he got cut. Suddenly he appeared before Ryuma with a thrust going straight for his arm, the one he was holding his word in.

Reacting to this, Ryuma quickly parries Anji’s attack before sending a close range chakra slash towards the Shinobi’s chest.

"Heh...", Ani thought to himself watching as the blade aproached him.

Reaching in by taking the momentum of the parry, Anji managed to block most of its power with aikuchi but he got a surface cut, breaking his short blade in the process.

He clenched his fist, a slight smile appearing across his face.

***PHOSSSSS, the sound of lightning charging got louder.***

***BANG!!!***

The sound of lightning clapped sending everything into silence. Lightning began to course through Ryuma's body with great power, electrifying him like a tree in a storm.

"You were so occupied on parrying that you failed to notice my other arm comming straight for ya." Aji said as he rested his hand on Ryuma's thouroughly electrified body. The blade stopped mere centimeters from his chest.

"*Phew,* If i had hit even a second later i would be the one in danger now wouldn't I?" However even if it looked that way, Anji knew better and stepped away from ryuma just in case.

"That should have been enough to immobilize or at least keep him at bay. Its fine as long as he doesn't suffer permanent damage" Anii thought now pulling a kunai out of his pocket.

Checking Ryuma's vitals he realised...

"Oh crud I overdid it." Anji thought as Ryuma's heartbeat began to slow down.

"**Lightning Release: Countershock** "

He sent a small shock instantly sending his heart back up.

"I need to work on this" He thought now looking to his hands. and then back at Ryuma.

"It was an Honnor to fight you." He siad as he bowed.

”It was as well” Ryuma said as he went on knee.

“But I’m not gonna be on my knees” Ryuma said before moving at blinding speeds, his face now monotone and his eyes glowing. In one motion, he puts his sword to Anji’s neck before passing out, but his body did not fall, it stood high and mighty as a samurai should.

"Thank you," Anji wispered solemly as he began to walk away.

"Winner Makimachi Anji" Ashi called out as he stared down a the duo.

## Chouko vs Saeko

"Uchiha Twins." Genjo said to himself. The Hokage held his hands tied to his back as he watched the more proficient of the siblings approach the battlefield. He looked at Saeko with hungered eyes. He smiled.

The generation after a war is always considered the most hardened. Men and women who undergo endless hardship to ensure a brighter future for the next. **Genjo Sanzō**. A man who the world only knew as the **Anomaly**. He rose to prominence in guiding the renmanets of Konohagakure while saving those displaced from the war. But unlike others who held the highly coveted Kage position. Sanzo possessed something frightening. An attribute which lead to others traversing into the afterlife and back. A carrot dangled on a stick that guided past shinobi into cursed territories.

A thirst for knowledge. With his mastery over the five elements, many thought Genjo would start a warpath where he'd incinerate everything between Konohagakure and Sunagakure. But instead, he spent countless nights studying ancient scrolls. Deciphering forgotten characters. Reconstructing formula while uncovering missing links....even links that were missing on purpose. The man who founded the Seven Ninja Demon Kings of the Leaf and trained three.

It was that gaze known to inspire fear within his inner circle. A gaze the wise elders and old Daimyō respected. For they called it a gaze that bypassed space and time to peer into a future he created. One where he saw Saeko as a key tool.

"To think we'd find the five Uchiha hidden by Fugaku Uchiha." Genjo smirked. "Second chances rarely come to those who sin."

"Lord Hokage?" One of his ANBU bodyguards asked.

"Fate smiles upon us. As we've found another stone in our path. My predecessor's wrote that the Uchiha are cursed. But so is anyone born feeling emotion. Why, I consider them blessed. Blessed with the power to protect their hearts and the hearts of those they hold dear." He continued. "Its *how* they gain this power that's curse. A curse we'll have to take advantage of."

"What're your orders?"

"One of them will have to die." The Hokage said nonchalantly. "But not yet. They've yet to touch the surface of their power. Just make sure *she* survives until the time is right."

Making her way into the dome closest dome towards her Saeko immediately went about preparing herself. Immediately after stepping into the arena she quickly dug into her weapons pouch and toss a few kunai and tags around the area before glinting thought a few hand-signs. "Sorry Chouko-San but I cannot afford to lose today, I apologize in advance for what’s about to happen." She stated towards her chosen opponent as soon as the young Kunoichi stepped into the dome with would seal itself the moment both parties were present in the arena.

"Prepare yourself and face me with all you have, I Uchiha Saeko will show you the true path of a Kunoichi." She intoned as her mentor had instructed her to do upon battling, it was a bit of a brag but she was more than confident that she would win.

Stepping into the dome, Chouko was quick to analyzing her opponent. *Saeko Uchiha, one of the few Uchihas' in the world. She will be a strong opponent*. Chouko thought as she continued to analyze Saeko. Query to her thoughts, Chouko put a smile on her face and said," I understand Saeko-chan but you don't need to apologize we both know what at stake here."

Behind her the dome closed as Chouko reached in her kunai pouch and pulled out two syringes. Holding them in both hands she crossed her arms in a X position and said, "May the best Kunoichi win. Good Luck, Saeko-chan."

As soon as the words left Chouko’s mouth, Saeko immediately sprung into action by channeling chakra throughout her bodily coils and into her legs before bending her knees and launching herself upwards in a flurry of movements. Once she reached a good distance above her opponent, Saeko quickly rotated her body so she was facing directly towards Chouko before flipping through a quick session of hand sighs before placing her hand up to her mouth and inhaling deeply. Focusing and kneading chakra inside her body more specifically her lung, Saeko narrowed her eyes before exhaling the chakra which was converted into fire that was expelled from her mouth.

**"Fire Release: Flame River"**

Shooting a powerful stream of fire down towards the ground which using contact covers a wide range, seemingly rushing across the landscape like a river, quickly and devastatingly engulfing and destroying the very earth it touched melting the once solid structure into a liquid paste which was pushed along with the flames turning them into flaming pieces of molten rock all which rushed towards Chouko in a large wave like manner. Seemingly unfinished Sakeo utilizing the momentum that was produced from the flames to keep her airborne once again roared her body before going through another quick session of hand-signs before clasping her hands together where wind was compressed and transformed into a powerful gale that she "threw" down to the ground to further increase the intensity of her flames.

**"Wind Release: Gale Palm"**

Not wanting to give her opponent the chance to retaliate Saeko quickly followed up her attack by unleashes a volley of shuriken with both hand, shuriken that quickly cut into the wind infused molten flames and seemingly impregnated themselves with the flames in order to increase the weapons' destructive potential by making them capable of inflicting severe burns upon direct contact with either the intended victim, the shuriken would rain down from above Chouko while the flames would burn towards her in a circular manner, thus trapping her within its range.

It was a brutal sequence of attacks but Saeko couldn’t risk the chance of failure by going easy.

Seeing the flames rushing toward her, Chouko was quick the break the syringes in her hands and let the poison flow out of them. Weaving a few hands and channeling chakra throughout the poison, Chouko let the poison wrap around her and form a barrier protects her from the onslaught of attacks. Feeling her barrier break underneath the pressure of the flames, Chouko quickly made the ram sign and flow chakra throughout her body, letting her body phase through the ground beneath her, Chouko uttered her technique.

"**Hiding in Surface Technique**"

Feeling the rush of heat pass overhead, Chouko was glad she had this technique in her repository. *She's really going all out,* Chouko thought as a smile appeared on her face. *Oh, I'm gonna enjoy this fight. The ground above me is probably wrecked so I'll have to move behind her.*

It was at times like this that Saeko's brilliant mind shone through. As soon as Chouko escaped by diving into the ground to avoid Saeko's onslaught, she would be painfully ejected outwards back onto the scorching surface as the ground around her exploded upwards due to the Explosive Tags Saeko had placed during the match's main event.

"I expected you to do something like that." As her prankster mind came to play, she called out with a devoid smirk. "Now it's time to put an end to this," she said as she used the Gale Palm to propel herself down towards the ground, where Chouko would be lying in agony due to the explosion and the still-below-ground floor.

**"False Cherry Blossom Impact"**

She drew her fist back. Saeko was ready to deliver a devastating ouch to her classmate's stomach.

Feeling the ground tremor and shatter under the pressure of an explosion, Chouko was forcefully ejected upward out of the ground, only to be pushed backwards down as a solid force slammed into her stomach. Saliva flew out of her mouth as she landed on the molten ground. Feeling the heat of the ground on her back, Chouko flowed water chakra over her body with the hopes of cooling the ground. As the water chakra filter over the ground, steam rose up around her. Gripping her stomach, Chouko set up and tried to catch sight of Saeko only for her vision to be blocked by the steam. *The steam is blocking my view. What should I do. Think Think.* Chouko thought as she looked around, *Chakra.* Her eyes widen as she felt a considerable amount of chakra being condensed above her. Barely have time to move, Chouko rolled out of the way as something slammed into the ground.

"Your good Chouko-San, I’ll acknowledge that however this is where we end things." Saeko stated as she pulled her hand from the ground where she had landed. "You see from the very beginning you were playing into my hand." She continued as she raised her hand and pulled it back as if yanking something. From her enclosed fists a slight shimmer could be seen as near invisible thin wires became visible surrounding the downed Kunoichi and herself.

"From the start and I had planned for you to fall into this trap." She explained and his pulled the wires tighter making them shudder and tighten around Chouko in a dome like manner before a stream of Chakra ran though them strengthen and making them extremely sharper. "Give up now Chouko-San or I’ll be forced to sever your limbs and truly end your Shinobi careers." She threatened as she pulled the wires once more ready to follow through with her threat if her opponent attempted anything, truthfully it would be stupid if Chouko to try anything especially with how close the wires surrounds them, a single bad movement would be life ending. Sake knew it was a gamble as she herself could also hurt herself if she wasn’t careful.

"It’s best to give up and try again later than to lose any chance you would have again."

Chouko winced as the wires tighten around her. *I could possibly use the replacement technique to get out but Saeko has worked hard for this.* Giving Saeko a smile, Chouko closed her eyes and said, "I yeild. Now get me out so I can shake your hand."

She smirked triumphantly at her opponents before making a hand sign.

"Release," she intoned as the wires, destroyed and scorched area vanished completely, revealing that the entire battle that they had participated in was, in fact, nothing more than a Genjutsu from the start.

"Hehehe, I'm sorry Chouko-Chan, but I'm a Uchiha, and Genjutsu is in our blood." She stated cheerfully as she moved forward to assist a fellow classmate. "But I have to say, you were really awesome; if we really battled it out, I don't think I'd come out unscaved." She remarked friendly, knowing that Chouko would grow into a powerful Kunoichi.

"Oh? What a fascinating little Kunoichi." With an impressed smile on his face, Ashi remarked. "To be able to replicate an entire battle with Genjutsu without her opponent noticing demonstrates true potential." Before standing up and announcing the results, he expressed his admiration for Saeko's performance.

"Uchiha Saeko is the winner and the first to complete the test again."

## Nichirin vs Shion

"Well this is kinda...ummm unfortunate wouldn't you say," Shion asked chuckling nervously as she rubbed the back of her head, "then again, was bound to happen anyway..."

"That is true, so I guess it's a good thing to come earlier than later. Who knows, maybe you'll take the win." Nichirin replied, drawing his kunai knives and taking a defensive stance. "But I need you to not be so nervous and go full out."

"Same goes to you," Shion nodded as her whole demeanor changed from nervous to serious as she drew out one of her kunai knives taking her stance.

Then without any further talking and without any provocation Nichirin took off running, charging towards the young blue haired kunoichi. As he closed the distance he tossed one of his kunai, he continued his pursuit only a few feet behind the knife.

"Focus...watch his movement, wait for the right moment to strike," Shion thought to herself as she carefully watched his movement waiting with intense eyes.

As the Kunai got closer to her, Nichirin tugged on the wire tied to it, forcing the paper bomb wrapped around it to activate, causing a small explosion to erupt right in front of her!

Quickly, Shion dodged the explosion then she did a quick session of hand signs before thrusting her head back. "**Wind Release: Raging Hurricane!**" Shion roared out a huge wave of air resembling twisting winds hurling towards Nichirin!

Using the explosion he caused earlier as a distraction, Nichirin three his second kunai to the floor then used the bottom part of it as a platform to jump off of as he leapt up, dodging most of the jutsu as his right leg wasn't fast enough and was struck!

"Son of a-" before he could finish his hand signs were just completed in succession, using Shion's focus on her own jutsu he then aimed his own directly at her.

"**Fire Release: Fox Fire!** manifests ten fire balls in a circle in front of him and launches them! One by one in rapid succession, a few directly at her while others landed directly inside her jutsu, using it's air to fuel itself and increase it's size!

"*Fire and Wind aren't that great match up. Just like they taught us in the academy.*" Nichirin thought to himself.

"Nice one*,"* Shion commented, *"though I'll have to step it up*." Shion then did a couple more hand signs as she got into her stance. "**Wind Release: Wind Sickle Slash!**" Spiraling winds began to form on her arms, then within an instant, she dashed towards Nichirin ready to land a slash on him! "*This is it!*" Shion thought to herself.

"Heh, so that's how it's gonna be huh?" Nichirin said out loud as he rapidly began to weave grand signs. "Bring it on Shishi! Don't hold back!" He cheered and demanded from his childhood friend, calling for her absaloute best.

As Shion closed the distance he had completed his hand signs as nine balls made of fire appeared around him yet again. Then with focus and precision faints a reverse kick with one leg and uses that leg, the inner knee joint to wrap around Shion's wrist!

"**Fire Release: Fox Fire!**" Nichirin yelled out as he launched his balls of fire at point blank range against Shion!

"Crap!" Shion grunted as she was blasted away by the fire balls then got back onto her feet with determination in her eyes. She wasn't ready to give up just yet. "Still going to use that against me, fine then give it everything you got!" Shion leapt into the air charging towards Nichirin as she did a hand sign before thrusting her right fist back. "**Wind Release: Razor Wind Fist!**" Shion divebombed towards him at tremendous speed aiming directly at him!

"Sorry Shishi, but I can't lose this one." He said as he charged directly at her, he began to weave his hand signs at a tremendous speed. Just as he reached her he finished weaving his signs. A group of balls made of fire manifested around him yet again.

"**Fire Release: Fox Fire!**" he then shot the nine balls of fire at Shion, it began to circle around her then each shot at her arm and fist! "Let's go!"

"*Dammit, I can't let him out show me like this,*" Shion thought to herself. The intense of the burns was excruciating as she managed to stand her ground panting heavily.

"**Wind Release: Raging Hurricane!**" Shion roared a massive wave of air towards Nichirin hurling at high speed!

"*I can't use all my chakra, we don't know how this whole fighting syst will go.*" Nichirin thought to himself as he prepared himself for the coming blast, pulling out four shurikens in each hand before slinging them away from the bast of air.

"Let's do this then!" The young Shinobi yelled, charging head first to the attack, his hands already back on his pouch, reaching for something else. "*This is gonna hurt...*" he thoughtnas he pulled out a kunai in each hand.

As he tanked the full brunt of the attack his hands shot the two kunais out! With the power behind Nichirin's kunai, they slammed against cthe flying shurikens and forces them all to change their angles and directions. Because she was occupied firing off the massive gale of wind against Nichirin, he used the flying shurikens to swarm her at once, each aimed at her, then as they got closer the paper bombs on each of them blew up!

Noticing the explosion before her, Shion swiftly dodged then charged at him head on with an intense glare in her eyes. "Not yet! I won't lose to you!" Shion shouted as she leapt into the air the aimed a kick towards his torso!

"Damn." Nichirin muttered under his breath as he felt the pain in him beginning to swell, there was no denying that the damage from the last jutsu did on him. He could feel the large bruise on his chest and his shoulders. "*I can't weave signs as fast... So...*" he thought to himself as he forced his hands together and began to weave signs.

As Shion who closed the distance by leaping, Nichirin responded by slamming his own foot against hers! Just as their feet made contact, with an open palm he smiled.

"**Fire Release!:Fox Fire Jutsu!**" upon his order, using their lack of distance against his childhood friend he fired off mine balls of flames against her!

Blasted by the fire balls, Shion was thrown back until she landed on the ground nearly out of breath and was feeling weak. She struggled to get back up as she stumbled collapsing back on the ground. The blue haired ninja wasn't ready to give up. Once more, Shion pushed herself up off the ground as as she stumbled again but panted heavily clutching onto herself.

"I'm...I'm not done yet," Shion panted as she once more charged at Nichirin at fast speed until her fist landed a punch against his torso!

"I'm sorry Shishi..." Nichirin mumbled before holding her hand in place and laughing a dynamic high kick! It landed directly against her left temple! "But I need this...my clan needs this."

Shion almost lost her train of thought due to the impact from Nichirin's attack but quickly snapped herself back into the fight as she grabbed his ankle gripping it tightly. "Well here's something Nichirin," Shion grunted a bit from the pain, "you're not the only one who wants to win for their clan!" With that, with little strength Shion had left in her, she lifted Nichirin then slammed him onto the ground!

"Kah!" Nichirin had the air of his lungs knocked out of him along with the spit in his mouth. The pain he's endured can't be hidden from his face. But the thought of failing his clan, the thought of being too weak to pass this exam was like a burning furnace inside of him.

"*i was always the runt... brother, dad, Sensei... you all always said I could never be a real Shinobi because of my weakness. That being a civilian was safer.*" Nichirin thought to himself as his eyes widened. Almost subconsciously his legs wrapped themselves around her arm when his back hit the floor. He then began to start grinding as hard as he could on his teeth, forcing himself to weave his signs and completing his jutsu.

"**FIRE RELEASE!: FOX FIRE!!!**" he yelled at full volume, pouring a greater amount of his chakra into his jutsu to increase the size of the balls of fire. With no distance between them, his attack met it's mark.

"AHHHHHHHH!" Shion screamed being blasted onto the ground once more from Nichirin's attack but for some reason, she wasn't ready to give up as she stumbled back onto her feet again. Shion slowly dragged herself over to Nichirin, covered in bruises and some burns with a burning determination in her eyes. "I don't...I vowed to be the example my clan wants me to become..." Shion breathed in short breaths until she finally reached him placing her hands on his head with an intense glare in her eyes.

"Look me dead in the eyes Nichi, I'm sorry to do this but, you leave me with no choice," Shion grunted a bit as she thrusted her head back and slammed her head against his forehead!

Before the hit could connect a Shadow Clone of Ashi appeared grabbing the duo and seperating them. "All right that's enough, I know I said killing was allowed but you two are ready to commit double suicide at this rate." He intoned as he stared at them. "I'm calling this match a Tie but giving the lead point to Chikafuji Shion" He stated as the walls fell.

## Suiren vs Hanako

The earth cracked and shattered beneath her feet. Suiren heard her name called alongside Hanako. The Hyuga. It brought a smile to Suiren's face. Her kekkai genkai and dojutsu didn't get along and it wasn't her who was going to suffer for it. "It sucks that you drew the short straw, huh?" Suiren commented, staring at her opponent much like a lion would a mouse.

"You four noble clans are all the same." Suiren commented. "Your infamy is what makes you weak. Just like the Uchiha, everyone knows the capabilities of a Hyuga." She crossed her arms as she spoke, appearing very arrogant in both speech and body language. Though what others called arrogance, Suiren called knowledge. It was true that in lore and legends, the four noble clans were renown for their power but which is more surprising a sheathed blade of unknown length or a legendary katana that everyone knows.

"So I'll make it easy for you. Hit me with your best shot." As she said the words, Suiren flipped her hair behind her shoulder and awaited the Hyuga's attack; ready to show her opponent the true power of the Kagami Clan.

Hanako was startled by the strength of her adversary, stumbling back a few inches. Her body began to tremble out of genuine fear for her safety. Thoughts of how she could be beaten began to fluctuate through her mind. *“Will she break my arms…no no maybe a leg!?!?! Oh god no, she’s gonna kill me!”* Hanako began to sweat profusely, with her heart now racing. *”Wait, what the hell am I doing?*” She thought as her trembling and overthinking paused. *”The fight hasn’t even started yet and here am I having a nervous breakdown! I can do this…maybe.”* Hanako thought as she tried her best to psyche herself into the battle.

*”I need to think of a way to give myself the advantage…OH THAT’S IT”* Hanako rambled on in her mind before retrieving a single kunai from her tool pouch. “Fine, I’ll take the first move!” Hanako shouted before bursting into a sprint. She dug the kunai into the ground, successfully forming a small trench of dirt. She began to pant as she reached where she first started her indent into the ground, forming a large circle around Suiren.

“Now, **Eight Trigrams: Palms Revolving Heaven!**” The young Hyūga chanted, as she activated her byakugan once more. Hanako began to spill rapidly, whilst releasing chakra from all of her body’s tenketsu. This produced a high-speed protective shield of chakra and Hanako acted as it’s center. This would normally be a complete waste of chakra as Hanako had nothing to block, but her motives weren’t to block but much more create a current of air. She was successful in this as a spiraling current of air was produced in their area of battle. The dirt exposed by the usage of her kunai prior would be pulled into this current, forming a large cloud of dust and debris.

“It worked!” Hanako cheered, as she brought her rotation to a halt. *”This is perfect! My vision will be perfect fine, while hers is impaired!”* She thought, finally speaking the intent of her actions.

Suiren watched her opponent, how she squirmed and stepped back in fear. It was embarrassing. How anyone like that could have gotten this far was beyond her, she found it funny. She watched as the Hyuga dug her kunai into the ground; proceeding to use the proper hand signs which then conjured forth a swirling barrier. A defensive technique.

Dirt had swarmed the young red-haired ninja; creating a mysterious brown haze and hiding the battlefield from her vision. Still, she listened with her ears and heard it. The continuous swirling of that barrier. Was that what Hanako was relying on? Her being unable to see. Suiren clapped slowly, three times as if to applaud the attempt. "So I allow you to attack first and all you do is kick up dirt and waste chakra?" Suiren shook her head, almost annoyed at the girls choice of attack.

"Have fun then." Suiren teasingly winked, suspecting that Hanako's vision would be clear; given the defensive ability. Whether she was facing the Hyuga was a mystery to her, but she could sense the girls chakra. Or at least she thought it was her. The walls blocking the battlefields were thick and given her rank... it was unlikely Suiren would be able to trace anyone else's.

Naturally, Suiren didn't attack back. While someone else might have tossed a kunai or a throwing star, slung some meaningless elemental projectile. Suiren preferred to think smarter, not harder. If Hanako wanted to be a turtle, hiding in a shell, Suiren would let her but even turtles run out of chakra. Especially when using such a strong defensive technique, arguably one of the better ones in the Hyuga family arsenal.

Hanako reached in he took pouch once more to retrieve a second kunai. She didn’t know the full capabilities of her opponent, so her close combat oriented fighting style put her in a a mental stale mate. She decided to throwing a bait kunai would be her best option. Now holding two kunais in her hand, Hanako thrusted her arm in the direction of Suiren, one after the other. Her eyes became latched onto the chakra lines of her opponent, awaiting any anomalies.

Suiren heard it, despite the dirt blocking her vision. It appeared that her enemy had stopped the spinning technique, allowing her to hear the sound of iron piercing air. The swift throw of a kunai. Her ears are what saved her, but she had to act quick. Using the proper hand signs took time, but Suiren knew them well.

A kunai scratched Suiren's shoulder, cutting the cloth of her outfit and drawing blood before landing somewhere behind her. "Congratulations, it's the only hit you'll land." She commented, grabbing her shoulder and opening her palm to see that her porcelain hand was painted red.

**"Mirror Release: Mirror Arts Armory"**

Suddenly a small mirror had appeared behind Suiren reflecting what appeared to be a bow and a quiver full of arrows onto her person. Not long after that, a second kunai came her way but it was quickly shot down with an arrow. "I don't know if you remember but in class... I excelled at archery. Let's speed this up, I'd like to get to the next round."

**"Mirror Release: Doppelganger"**

Now a clone of Suiren appeared on the battlefield, merely a reflection of herself. It wasn't intended to trick anyone, in fact it couldn't act on its own at all. It only copied Suiren's every movement. The best part about it was that since the bow had been reflected previously, it was merely a ninja tool for both of them. It had already used up chakra, and a simple weapon like that didn't take much to reflect. However, the clone was a different story.

As Suiren drew her bow once again, she loaded three arrows onto the string and shot them all forward. Her clone did the same thing, so in total, there were now six arrows flying right at Hanako, all of them slightly spread out in attempts to ensure a hit.

As the six arrows grew closer to Hanako, she grew stiff. How childish of her to freeze up at a time in which she needed to protect herself. *”Just breathe.”* She said to herself, quickly inhaling and exhaling. With her nerves calmed, Hanako again resorted to using her clans greatest defensive technique.

**”Eight Trigrams: Palms Revolving Heaven!”**

Now rotating once more, she released chakra from all of her tenketsu points to form a protective shield. This shield served as the perfect counter to the projectiles fired by Suiren. While she managed to deflect each arrow with relative ease, Hanako continued her rotation. Hanako decided it finally time to completely go on the offensive, leaping into the air as she spun. She then came to sudden halt, completely pausing her rotation in mid air. With the successful collection of the dust, Hanako would now enact her true attack.

**”Eight Trigrams: Vacuum Palm!”** She chanted, forming her hands together. Hanako locked her eyes onto Suiren, carefully pinpointing her vital chakra points. “Locked on.” She mumbled before enacting a high-speed palm thrust. This series of events produced a much more precise and offensive chakra projection that the prior utilized Revolving Heaven. The projection carried tremendous force, as it blew towards Suiren. The dust and debris created by Hanako would too be pushed towards her, acting as the first phase of her attack.

Hanako’s secret plan was to not just blow her opponent away, but use the pebbles in the dust cloud as a means to block the chakra points in Suiren’s body. The pebbles size gave them a near invisible stature now that they were encased in the cloud, making them the ideal object to indirectly block chakra flow.

Hanako was quite literally counting on Suiren to overlook something as small as a pebble, and focus on the incoming dust and chakra projection.

"A one trick pony." Suiren smirked, seeing that same turtle method and the same dust. It wasn't surprising honestly. Naturally the technique had blocked all six arrows, making them cling to the ground. Then of course came the same dust and the same pebbles the girl had manipulated once before. Suiren didn't find it bothersome this time, in fact, she could use it to work in her favor. Normal gravel and normal dust could barely hurt a fly, no matter how much was kicked up. "Do you really think the same tactic... would work twice?" It was two voices speaking, in different directions.

For a brief second, nothing happened. It was as if the vacuum palm technique had stopped time itself. Like everything froze. Hanako and Suiren would appear face to face as the technique came rushing towards her. She looked scared at first... but that quickly turned into a malicious smile. "Wrong one, Hanako." It appeared the real Suiren and her doppelganger had switched places at the last second, the vacuum palm reached the doppelganger, shattering the Suiren clone into a million shards of broken glass.

That glass made quite the sound and that is how the real Suiren knew where to aim. Despite the dust, despite the pebbles, a sound was still a sound, and the odds of Hanako reacting quickly were unlikely. So there they went, four arrows shot in the direction of the shattering glass, right towards Hanako. As the arrows flew through the air; Suiren was confident that this would end the battle and therefore shared a few words of wisdom with her classmate. "Don't rely too much on your eyes. They deceive you."

Upon hearing the cocky statement from Suiren, Hanako started to grind her teeth. She couldn’t believe that her opponent that she was defeated by mere arrows! “I’m tired of you underestimating me!” She yelled out in protest of her opponents words. She had managed to block six arrows, so even less should be even easier to handle.

**”Protecting Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms!”** She chanted, activating another Gentle Fist technique. She began to thrust her fist in all directions to form a barricade of arc-shaped chakra blades that spread out across her entire attack range. The arrows once proved more proved no match for Hanako’s attack, as they were sliced into pieces contact with Hanako’s chakra blade barricade.

Hanako then quickly gathered the cut shards into her palm, preparing to perform her counterattack. “I don’t blame you for underestimating me, but it is truly foolish to underestimate the power of the Byakugan!”

**”Eight Trigrams: Shard Vaccum Palm!”** Hanako chanted, releasing another vacuum shell of chakra in the direction of Suiren. The only long range attack in Hanako’s arsenal had came to aid her once more, as it charged towards Suiren. Not only did Suiren have to worry herself with the tremendous pressure the attack held, but the shards of glass she originally created.

Suiren wasn't impressed by her opponent so much as she was annoyed. All the little girl had going for her was the clan she belonged too. That was it. There was no conviction, no reason. Why did she want to be a shinobi? That is what Suiren found the girl was lacking. So far her opponent had used several high level heiress techniques, whether or not she was the heiress was a mystery to the red haired Kagami, nor did she care.

"You've used an abnormal amount of chakra." Suiren noted. "It must be a fluke." Unlike her enemy, Suiren didn't have a million barriers in her arsenal, nor was she stupid enough to use all of her chakra when their battle could simply lead to another one. After looking at the wound on her arm, that seemed to worsen with every arrow she shot. The cut becoming deeper, dripping more blood, Suiren decided it was time to end this battle. "Not so fast..." Suiren shouted, **"Mirror Release: Kaleidoscope!"** As these words escaped her mouth a smoke bomb was thrown at Suiren's feet, combined with several mirrors which appeared to have no combat capabilities whatsoever. Kaleidoscope was only an E-Rank Jutsu, one that the Academy Students of the Kagami Clan learned with ease due to it's simplicity. It couldn't reflect attacks, it could only cause confusion but when used in the right circumstance...

It was powerful. Given the mirrors reflective surface, the eyes of the Byakugan wouldn't be able to see through the smoke as they normally would. Meaning for a short time, right before the attack, Suiren would have room to move freely. It didn't take long for Hanako's attack to shatter those mirrors and blow away the smoke, it was a strong technique. Especially for genin standards. Even if Suiren had thought that, she'd never show Hanako that she acknowledged it. "I've failed this exam once before, due to people like you." Suiren hmphed, loading up her bow as she emerged from the fading cloud of smoke. "You think your eyes are all you need, that your heritage makes you better. Makes you stronger. I won't embarrass myself again with another loss at the hands of someone's whose only weapon is their genetic code." And with that, Suiren fired three arrows at Hanako, oddly enough none of them aimed to actually hit the girl, just somewhere around her. Enough for anyone to believe she had accidentally missed.

And right when they had? Bam! The explosive tags attached to their tips went off, sparkling n a beautiful daze of red and orange around the genin.

Hanako once more prepared to defend herself from incoming areas, entering a stance to start her rotation technique. To her surprise the arrows missed her, and with that she let her guard down. This was a grave mistake as the arrows exploded, engulfing Hanako in a mixture of fire and smoke. The young Hyūga fell from midair, and crashed into the ground below. Bloodied and bruised, she laid there for a moment. Her body began to twitch and like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Hanako slowly rose to her feet. “It’s funny that you say you failed this exam once before because of someone like me, but we’re more alike then you think.” She finally spoke, interlocking eyes with her opponent.

“For someone with access to so many mirrors, I truly find it odd how you’ve yet to take a look at yourself!” She screamed out, before rotating her body so that her back faced Suiren. Unknowingly using the last bit of her chakra, she would aim to close the space between the two.

**Eight Trigrams: Vaccum Palm!”** She yelled out, before aiming her palms diagonally downwards. With one last chakra projection, Hanako propelled herself towards Suiren with incredible speed. Hanako’s attempt was successful, as she able to get in the perfect range in order for Gentle Fist. Her plan wouldn’t come to fruition. Hanako had succumb to her injuries and lack of chakra, collapsing right before Suiren.

The fight was over.

"Winner Kagami Suiren" Ashi Called out with a intrested smile etched upon his lips as he watched the fight end.

## Spike vs Shosei

Perhaps one of the more anticipated fights going on, Spike and Shosei were good candidates to become Shinobi, but were complete opposites in almost every single way. One born with plenty of skills and talents, the other being born with nothing, but is talented in his own individuality. The oncoming battle wasn't just a bout of throwing fists, it was a clash between ideology, between genetics, and between working out. Spike walked towards their room. with him and Shosei having to take the last since everyone rushed to their respective domes. "Man, I'm really pumped up!" Spike said as he looked towards Shosei when they enter their space. "Remember no pull-backsies!" He says as he hops into a Kokutsu Dachi stance and waves at Shosei to come get him.

The young uchiha focused only on spike, despite his simple minded acts. Shosei admired the drive to push forward and train despite his failings. Nodding toward the young man shosei unsheathed his sword. Swiftly bringing it towards eye level while he made a single hand sign. Waving the hand along the blade he coated it with lighting chakra then took up his own stance.

“Lucky us, I don’t even know what those are” almost instantly after he spoke Shosei jolted forward nearing spike, he rose into the air spinning on an axis. The target was to land a downward slash to the collarbone. Upon hitting it would send the lighting chakra through spikes body and behave akin to a slam rather than a sword slash.
Despite being in a real setting Shosei knew the difference between an enemy and an ally it would be shameful to kill someone in this setting

As soon as Spike saw Shosei unleashing his power onto him, he was surprised by how quick the young Uchiha was able to move. “I see you’re as worthy as an opponent I’ve expected you to be, but can you outpace me?” Spike says as he jumps backward avoiding the attack and leading Shosei’s sword to demolish the ground. Spike then starts to spin around in circles surrounding Shosei appearing as after images.

“I’m not gonna hold back on you uchiha!” He said as he then appears in front of Shosei. “Leaf Whirlwind!!” He says, proceeding to launch kicks back and forth at astonishing speeds, if it hits Shosei, he’d have no other choice but to be pushed back.

Exuding his chakra in a light layer Shosei felt the shift in currents like waves. Turning his head as he sensed the first kick. Ducking under it Shosei continued this for two more turns until he was caught by Spikes fourth kick

The impact forced Shosei off of his feet and flying backward. Having limited options he swiftly rotated his body midair and stabbed his blade into the ground. Using it to catch himself before swinging back to land upon the hilt. Preforming several quick motions with one of his hands Shosei conjures a simple spell any academy level student can learn “ Seiteki Suji” bringing forth strings of lighting Shosei used them to whip himself forward along with his sword like a spinning top.

Stopping his barrage of kicks, as Shosei seemed mostly unaffected by them. Spike saw Shosei trying to prepare to launch an attack, so as any other combatant would do Spike also tries to counterattack with his own abilities but this time it won’t be so easy. “Uchiha, why aren’t you going full-out?” Spike said as he smacked his lips in disappointment that Shohei didn’t give him all he got.

”I want this battle to be as fun as it can get!” He said erratically as he runs towards Shohei speeds up with each second. He then appears to bounce off the air and appears behind Shohei upside down as he grabs him by the waist and they descend below the ground similar to a suplex, “Primary Lotus!” Spike said announcing the name of the attack as he bounces between the air once more, and observers to see how much damage he’s down to Shohei.

Both bodies hit the ground with a resounding crack. Both Spike and Shosei hit the ground creating a fissure within the sands. However Spike would soon find himself riddled with a current of electricity. In reality he landed the attack on a clone made of lighting chakra.

“For one I have a name, and besides. You seem to think just because I’m an Uchiha I have some advantage. It doesn’t matter if one is born with more potential for talent they still have to work for it. Besides after hearing people either complain or berate me for years I am hesitant to inflict harm upon others. Makes my family look bad more than anything” Shosei said to Spike.

Finishing the rant. Shosei infused his sword with lighting chakra once more and threw it like a spear. Using the physical move in tandem with his lighting strings Shosei went in to engage spike in and to hand. Distracting him from the oncoming sword that would slash behind his knees forcing Spike to the ground.

Spike was shook by the quick thinking and wits of Shohei, as his sword landed the attack on the back of his knees. “Wow. You’re pretty amazing, and don’t worry,” Spike said as he stood up though limping. “I’m not the type of opponent who bases their enemy by their clan!” Spike says as he walks further away from Shohei attempting to put some distance between them, “Don’t disappoint me, show me how strong you are, your mantle as a member of the Uchiha doesn’t matter!” Spike respected Shohei’s demands in this fight, viewing him as a equal.

“Leaf Spiked Bomb!” Spike said as he moved up below Shohei and tried to punch him in his reproductive organ with an attack that has the same feeling as a spike.

Honed and direct. That was the technique released by Spike. Had it not been for the various preparations Shosei likely would have been caught

A smile emerged on his face as spikes words reached hopeful hears. “That’s all I ask” he said before exicuting the next move. Flipping his body Shosei grabbed onto spikes arm and used it to launch himself up into the air. All moves where in place and spike was within the epicenter. Pulling the strings inward Shosei brought the move in like a birdcage forcing him to be held still while Shosei moved his sword using his feet. In a flash the sword was sent forward propelled by the strings for some it would seem the blade went right through His head. In reality the blade was right next to spike cutting the side of his face and arm. Allowing the full majesty of lighting to course through his body. Not many of their skill level would come out unscathed.

"Spike body!" Spike tensed up his body and muscles to that of a spike or porcupine to deflect attacks. "Whoopsie. that, was, a, close, one!" He said pausing at each word as if he were exaggerating, he then moves closer in to Shosei "How about we start running and do a one-on-one fists versus swords face on." He said as he tries to land some quick jabs and kicks in.

“Sounds like fun!” Shosei responded to spike retrieving his sword and running with Spike. While dodging some of the punches he sends forth the young Uchiha let’s his blade cut through the air. Only to repeat the cycle to counter spikes.

The two young ninja continued their battle while on the move. Keeping pace with one another as they traded blows. Spike launched a kick as causing Shosei to duck under it and retreat a bit. Coming right back into the fold. He twisted the sword to allow him the reverse grip. Finally Shosei dipped his body rising with powerful force preforming a shuriken b twist. “Shuriken Cutter!” He bellowed nearing spike like a living ninja star

"Heh." Spike said smiling, he was enjoying this fight deeming it to be his most challenging thus far. "You caught me off guard with that shuriken." Spike said as it planted itself deep into his arm. "I haven't whipped out my ace yet though." Spike said as he took out the shuriken within him without feeling an ounce of pain in the action. "I've been restricting my power this whole time, a technique you should already know by now." He says with his eyes gleaming as he's about to pull out the most obvious method of training amongst ninjas. "My weights!" he took of his shirt to reveal his weights and took them off, he also did the same with his leg weights. "I've got you now!" Spike yelled to Shosei as he ran to him at unconceivable speeds and did a backflip kick on him.

Shosei was at the ready until seeing the weighted gear. His eyes wielding as they attempted to focus on spike only to slowly close trying to gauge the distance. Yet he couldn’t move fast enough to keep up with the skill.

In a blink Spikes foot drove into Shosei’s chin driving him off the ground and into the rock wall. Crackling at the sound of impact whilst forcing the young Uchiha to the ground. His body trembled trying to rise from the ground. “Sh..should’ve known. Well I think the fights dragged on long enough. *Pant pant* L-lighting Style: Static strings, SAIKA!.” Planting his hands together after preforming the required hand signs Shosei released a version of the jutsu tailored to him. Flinging both hands outward he releases multiple strings of lighting onto the playing field. In doing this he relied on their reactive properties to send shockwaves following movement.

Noticing he was without his sword Shosei felt a tug on his wires near the dome ceiling. Looking up he found the blade wedged into the rock and suspended above ground. Notting this he rose to his feet and shot forward to engage Spike. On his own he wouldn’t be able to go blow for blow but through the jutsu he could level the playing field. For every move Spike made Shosei would feel them and attempt to react in time.

”Time to wrap this up, huh?” Spike said as he stood with his chest puffed up, almost begging for him to be attacked. “First Gate….. OPEN!” Spike said as his hair spiked up and his skin color took a notable change with veins popping all over his body. “Let’s finish this with one finalllll attack!!!” Spike dashed towards Shosei at great speeds catching him by the neck and attempts to lay him down on the ground.

The two rocketed towards earth with violent force. Still Shosei held on, with his eyes flaring, every single finger moved to make a tight fist instantly closing the lighting strings around them two. By doing this he managed to stop both of them inches away from the ground. Bracing for what happens next Shosei paid close attention the the strings now closed around his sword. With only one chance left he set all of the strings off. Charging them all with lighting chakra Shosei shocked both him and Spike just enough to be let go.

Backing up Shosei jumped into the ceiling and took ahold of the blade. Letting himself fall down he used the blades conduction to amplify his strings. Falling from the heavens to deliver natures swiftest punishment. “Spike, this fight was wonderful. I’ll show you my strongest version of this justu.” Still gripping the sword Shosei made the snake hand sign. Causing the strings in his hands to move around the blade. Changing the jutsu to a c rank.

**”Static Strings: Grand Seika!”** Shosei screamed as he discharged all of his power. Flashing violently the blade dug into the ground and lit up the entire dome around them two. Lighting shot all around focusing on spikes body as it rammed though his being. Rendering the fellow student unconscious quickly. All of the power exploding from Spike vanished and so did Shosei’s as he took the win.

“Yes, I won. Used every trick I could but won, thanks for accepting me spike.” With that he sat down to catch his breath.

"Winner Uchiha Shosei" Ashi stated as the final fight ended. "It seems both Uchiha's won but it looks like one had an easier time than the oters."

## Will of Fire

Ashi could be seen sitting with the other Jonins who were interested in taking on students about an hour after the matches ended and the other would-be Genin were resting up after being healed. "How do you feel about the match's conclusion?" As he pointed down to the list of Genin and their match results, Ashi asked his fellow Jonin.

**\*Anji Makimachi vs ~~Ryuma Shinzui~~**

**Sakeo Uchiha vs ~~Chouko Dokuso~~**

**~~Nichirin Tokugawa~~ vs Shion Chikafuji**

**Suiren Kagami vs ~~Hanako Hyuga~~**

**~~Spike Lee~~ vs Shosei Uchiha.**"
"Each showed promise, but there is a clear leader among them." Ashi indicated with a smirk, gently tapping the table in thought before looking over at the notes left for him by the Hokage.

Ranma stood quiet. His stoic eyes locked on two particular names-both in tampered as they were declared victories. The others were impressive, especially the Hyuga girl but he didn’t disagree with the results.

“A clear leader but that doesn’t mean anything when in an actual battle.” Ranma said without looking away. “It’s easy to win a battle without the idea of dying distracting you.”

"I would agree, seeing each one give it there all today, would be interesting to see how capable they'll be when they face the real challenges ahead," Hiyori Bushida spoke, a jonin with long black hair tied into a high ponytail with calm purple eyes having her head resting on her hand.

"I'm inclined to agree with the others, to see how they react to stress from an actual mission will show who's really capable of anything." The rough voice of Enryu speaking out as he seemingly materializes from the nearby shadow's of the assembled Jonin.

"Shishishi, and here I thought you all would just let these little test show who would truly bring forth a blaze on the battle field." Leo had spoken next, still sitting unconditionally in his seat. His tooth slightly showing as he grinned. He eyed the other Jonin, his ally in the Seven Demon Kings Ranma, and Enryu mostly as he got along with them more. "Even those who lost today, can rise up and upstage those who won."

”indeed, the brightest leaf often falls first. It is the smaller ones who hold more potential to grow.” The voice of Zuko cut in while he stood with hands behind his back. The test certainly did their job in revealing the students preferred methods in battle. While some where bad matchups all figured ways to push forward even in the event of failure.

"Still, as we are aware this was just a trial by fire situation." Ashi stated as he glanced around at everyone. "Their true trial start now, all we can do is prepare them." He finished as he turned to glance towards the far corner of the room with a blank look. "Perhaps it's time we reveal the truth to them.....Nanadaime-Sama".

The saplings were brought before the Hokage. A man who, by appearance, could've stood among them as several years their senior but was actually sensei to several of their own future teachers. A white veil obscured his youthful face. Still, the heavy pressure of his gaze broke through and rested upon the next generation of Shinobi.

"Very good." He said. Genjo's voice a soft melody filled with undisturbed power. "Very very good! You all did your best and some of you managed to overcome the difficulty of battle."

"But, do not rest on you laurels." He continued. "A simulated fight monitored by several Jonin, Chuunin and a Kage is nothing more than a light sparring session. These exams were to analyze your specialties. Find your strength and weaknesses so that we can better prepare our shinobi teams. We only used fear of failure as it's the closest thing to a death match."

"All I ask is that you remember that the world you're entering is different from the reality of our ancestors. We cannot afford to send the defeated back to the academy and waste our resources." Genjo removed his Hokage headpiece. Revealing the white-haired man with sharp eyes. He needed to be honest. His eyes locked onto each Genin.

"You are all Genin. But whether you're starting a journey to great renown or to become a sacrificial pawn is determined upon how you handle the upcoming years. How you nourish and nurture your talents. I've personally gathered my most trusted and strongest shinobi to help you along this journey. The rest is on you."

He smiled.

"Don't let me down!"

"As he stated you all passed your trial and are officially Genin as of today." Ashi stated as he stood beside the Hokage gesturing towards the table filled with headbands. "Those that didn’t win their matches I’d advise you to seek help to improve form your assigned Sensei. Now finalize the exams each of you will receive your headband and will then be assigned teams."

Gesturing towards the table he allowed each person to come up and grab a headband before he grabbed the list of names. "Alright I will now assign each of you to a team.

Squad Alpha which is lead by Kaisen Ranma will consist of Uchiha Saeko, Kagami Suiren and Tokugawa Nichirin.

Squad Bravo which is lead by me will consist of Uchiha Shosei, Chikafuji Shion, and Hyuga Hanako.

Squad Charlie lead by Izuno Leo will consist of Spike Lee, Dokuso Chouko and Shinzui Ryuma

Makimachi Anji will be joining Squad Delta which is lead by Bushida Hiyori and consists of Hatake Ayala and Kiyomi." Here he paused to look at the reaction of each newly minted Genin before continuing. "Iburi Enryu will be assigned to provide additional training and help to each squad when needed." Ashi stated as he glanced over towards his fellow Jonin with a smirk. "Now usually we would announce the Rookie of the Year." Here he paused to bluntly stare Saeko before continuing. "However considering that the title means nothing in the real world we have decided to forgo such stupidity."

Putting away his files, Ashi focused full on the Genin giving them all a smirk. "Congratulations on becoming Genin, go home and celebrate with your friends and family because starting tomorrow your little luxury life is over."