After all the students were gathered, the graduation exam of the Ninja School began.
While the school was conducting exams, many jonin had also already gathered in the Hokage building.
"Kurenai, long time no see," Sarutobi Asuma greeted Yuhi Kurenai with a wave.
Yuhi Kurenai, who was thinking about something, snapped back to reality with a surprised expression.
"Asuma? When did you come back?"
Not having seen him for years, she felt that Sarutobi Asuma had become much more weathered.
Although he already looked quite mature before, at that time it seemed more like precociousness, giving the impression of a rebellious child.
But this time, upon returning, even the aura around him had become steady and mature.
Perhaps it was the influence of the Third Hokage's death.
"I just got back not long ago. I was dealing with some family matters before, so I didn't have time to inform you all," Sarutobi Asuma explained with a smile.
"I see," Yuhi Kurenai only nodded and didn't say anything more.
"...", Sarutobi Asuma wanted to say something else, but didn't know how to start.
"Oh right!", Yuhi Kurenai suddenly spoke again, "Once the class list is confirmed, how about we have a dinner gathering tonight? Kakashi, Yugao, Yamato, and also invite Guy."
"This is my first time being a jonin instructor, I don't have much experience."
"Indeed, we can share and exchange information on being jonin instructors. Guy has already been one for a year, he should have more experience," Kakashi nodded.
"I'm fine with it," Yugao and Yamato also expressed their agreement.
"I see, so this is just a gathering of jonin instructors? I thought…"
"Thought what?", Yuhi Kurenai looked curiously at Sarutobi Asuma.
"No… nothing, I'm saying I'm fine with it too," Hearing the first half of Yuhi Kurenai's words, Sarutobi Asuma felt a little happy in his heart, but after hearing the second half, his mood turned bitter again.
He originally wanted to find a chance to ask Kurenai out to dinner alone, but from the looks of it, there was no chance.
After five years without seeing each other, a pitiful thick wall had grown between him and his childhood friend.
But he wasn't such a pessimistic person, so he moved on to another topic, "I didn't expect that all of you who were Hokage guards would become jonin instructors?"
"After all, we usually don't have much to do. Most tasks are handled by the ANBU, and for Hokage work, there's the Hokage's secretary to assist," Kakashi answered honestly.
"Was the Hokage guard's job always this relaxed?", Sarutobi Asuma sighed.
"But it seems like this batch of students is pretty good. Have you all found out who your students are?", He didn't have to worry. Since Tsunade asked him to be a jonin instructor, he was probably going to lead Ino-Shika-Cho.
The others silently shook their heads, each with their own thoughts.
At that moment, the office door was pushed open, and Tsunade and Shizune arrived late.
""""Lady Hokage!""""
Everyone greeted in unison.
"Mm, you're all here," Tsunade scanned the group, took out a list and handed it to the nearest person, Yuhi Kurenai, then spoke.
"I've already arranged the specific class groupings. Today, you all can first get to know your respective students, and starting tomorrow you can take them with you."
""""Yes!""""
Everyone answered in unison.
After reading the list, Yuhi Kurenai showed a surprised expression.
———
[Inside the Ninja School]
After completing the academic and taijutsu exams, only the final Three Basic Techniques test remained. After that, they would receive their Konoha ninja forehead protectors and officially become genin.
Each year, the Three Basic Techniques test randomly selected one of the three.
This year, it was the Clone Technique.
At the front of an empty classroom, Iruka and Mizuki were seated side by side.
Then, they called names in order based on the list to examine the students waiting in the next classroom.
"Shirakumo Aoba, passed."
"Hyuga Hinata, passed."
"Uchiha Sasuke, passed."
"Haruno Sakura, passed."
"Nara Shikamaru, passed."
"...., passed."
In the end, everyone passed the exam.
Although Naruto's Clone Technique wasn't great, he could already open several gates of the Eight Gates technique. His taijutsu strength had already surpassed most chunin and was close to jonin.
Being the son of the Fourth Hokage, it was impossible for him to fail.
"Today's graduation exam has concluded successfully," On the podium, Iruka looked at the students below, all wearing forehead protectors, full of reluctance and anticipation.
But more than anything, joy.
On one hand, he was proud that this batch of students had all passed the exam. On the other hand, it was because he himself was about to get promoted and receive a raise.
"Congratulations to all of you for passing this year's graduation exam. Go home and rest for now. Tomorrow morning, after class assignments at the school, you will officially graduate."
———
Yakiniku Q, the most popular barbecue restaurant in Konoha.
"Hmm~ After tomorrow's class assignment, it might be hard for us to have barbecue together again," Sakura became a little sentimental. She was the type who easily got emotional.
Ino nodded and followed up, "In the future, everyone will be assigned to different genin teams and sent on missions. It'll probably be hard to find time that overlaps."
She was the saddest, because among everyone, she had the least chance of being in the same team as Aoba.
"No need to be so pessimistic. I heard that two genin teams can also take on missions together," Tenten comforted the two from the side.
Over the past year, Tenten had matured a lot and become more understanding.
As she spoke, she picked up a freshly grilled piece of meat and placed it on Aoba's plate.
Aoba ate that piece of meat, then continued feeding Hinata with other grilled meat.
"Really?", Ino's eyes lit up upon hearing this.
The corners of Tenten's mouth curled slightly, "Of course it's true. Don't underestimate my intel."
"That's great!"
Ino was worried that she might not see Aoba often in the future because of missions.
"Oh right," At this time, Kurama Yakumo, who had been quietly eating barbecue, suddenly said, "Isn't Aoba the Hokage's disciple? Then do you know what our class assignments are?"
Her question attracted the attention of the others, and Naruto, Sasuke, and the others at the next table also looked over curiously at Aoba.
Aoba crossed his arms in front of his chest and flatly denied, "Sensei didn't tell me."
Although he did know some things, it wasn't much. Tsunade, being a severe procrastinator, hadn't finalized the class assignments even when he left.
So aside from his and Ino's assignments, he couldn't confirm anything else.
Everyone could only look away in disappointment.
But the atmosphere soon became lively again.
After all, this was the final gathering before graduation. After spending six years in the same class, there were always all kinds of topics to talk about.
.
.
.
.
The meal ended.
After sending the girls home, Aoba went with Sasuke to the Uchiha compound.
But when they entered the house, they happened to see Mikoto chatting and laughing with a pretty girl in a purple coat.
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