NOVEL NEXT Chapter 29: Assessment
The word "reward" piqued Aizen's interest. As far as he knew, early graduation assessments hadn't included such a perk in the past. Uchiha Fugaku and Uzumaki Kushina mirrored his curiosity, their gazes flitting towards Minato.
"Apparently, Our homeroom teacher told me this morning under wraps," Minato revealed excitedly. "He said that the Third Hokage and his three students will be personally observing our assessment this year. Exceptional performance could make us become their direct disciple! Now that's a real reward, wouldn't you agree?"
For an aspiring young ninja like Minato, who has been poisoned with the Will of Fire since childhood, the prospect of becoming a Hokage's student disciple – essentially a grandson figure – was a dream come true. Uchiha Fugaku and Uzumaki Kushina's surprised exclamations echoed his enthusiasm. However, their motivations likely differed from Minato's unwavering idealism.
For a distinguished Uchiha clan heir like Fugaku, becoming a Hokage student wasn't just a prestigious honor, it was a guaranteed path to advancement and exceptional training and opportunities. Even Uzumaki Kushina, a newcomer to Konohagakure, understood the immense benefits of being Hokage and the future Sannin disciple better than Minato. This wasn't a reflection on Minato's intelligence – in fact, his raw intellect likely surpassed theirs.
The key difference lies in their backgrounds. Born a commoner, Namikaze Minato, his vision is generally narrow, far less than the children of the ninja family who benefited from generations of accumulated knowledge. In fact, as long as it doesn't involve Hokage, Will of Fire, villages, companions, etc., Namikaze Minato's IQ is far better compared to Jonin.
It can only be said that the will of fire is really harmful. However, I believe that in the future, Namikaze Minato will take Jiraiya as his teacher, and after a few years of growth and experience, he will be able to evolve into the golden glitter of handsomeness and wisdom as in the original book.
Aizen exclaimed in agreement with Namikaze Minato's words. However, he glanced at Uzumaki Kushina next to him without a trace and thought in his heart that he was sure. After a while, Uchiha Fugaku remarked after a moment of contemplation and frowned at Namikaze Minato. Aizen, on the other hand, held a deeper understanding than even Fugaku. This supposed "disciple selection" was likely predetermined.
Take Minato and Kushina, for example. Considering the presence of both Hiruzen Sarutobi and the future Sannin, Aizen suspected Senju Nawaki would also be strategically positioned to shine during the assessment. Therefore, Aizen had no interest in this charade. Additionally, he wasn't eager for Konohagakure's elite to scrutinize him so early.
"True," Minato conceded, a hint of disappointment in his voice. "But there's also the reward of selecting any jutsu below A-rank from the Konohagakure library. That's quite an interesting reward, especially for someone like me from a civilian background."
Uchiha Fugaku's response was unenthusiastic. A jutsu below A-rank held little appeal for someone of his privileged background. Aizen, however, felt a flicker of interest. One particular jutsu consumed his thoughts – the Shadow Clone Technique. It was the key to perfecting his immortality technique, the cornerstone of his ambition to transcend the limitations of a ninja. Furthermore, the Shadow Clone Technique could potentially address any shortcomings in his Shikai form, Kyoka Suigetsu, allowing him to wield its power to its fullest potential.
The dilemma gnawed at him. Should he participate in the early graduation assessment? The Second Shinobi World War was still raging with three years remaining before its conclusion. His original plan involved completing his final two years at the Academy before leveraging his rapport with the medical ninjutsu instructor to secure a spot in the medical department. Over the past two years, he had cultivated a strong relationship with the instructor, who had promised a recommendation.
Entry into the medical department seemed guaranteed upon graduation. Given the current scarcity of medical ninjas and Konoha leadership's strategic emphasis on them, Aizen conservatively estimated he could spend another two to three years honing his skills. Even without factoring in the war's end, reaching Kage-level combat power was a realistic possibility within that time frame. But was early graduation the key to acquiring the Shadow Clone Technique?
While it wouldn't necessarily prevent him from entering the medical department for a few years after graduating early, his official ninja status could thrust him onto the battlefield during a critical juncture of the war. No, he had to wait. With the war at its peak, even Academy students weren't immune to being called to the frontlines, especially as he entered his fifth and sixth years. Early graduation meant immediate entry into the medical department, offering a delay for a few years.
Remaining in the Genin program practically guaranteed a battlefield deployment. Despite the complex mental gymnastics, Aizen reached his decision within seconds. Unbeknownst to everyone, his entire outlook had shifted dramatically in that brief timeframe. "Well, this is fantastic!" Aizen declared with a theatrical flourish. "Not only is there a chance to become a Hokage's disciple, but the reward is a jutsu as well! Count me in for the early graduation assessment!"
"I knew you'd be interested, Aizen," Minato chuckled. "Tsunade, Nawaki's older sister, is a phenomenal medical ninja. Learning from her would expedite your dream path." He misinterpreted Aizen's change of heart. Aizen offered a smile, neither confirming nor denying the assumption – a perfectly acceptable response in everyone's eyes. "Excellent, Aizen! Joining the assessment means we can be teammates in the future!" Uchiha Fugaku beamed, finally seeing a potential comrade-in-arms, Aizen.
"Actually, Fugaku, there's something I need to mention," Aizen began hesitantly. "Ah? What is it, Aizen?" Fugaku's jovial expression faltered, a sense of foreboding creeping into his heart. "Once I graduate early, I plan to have Mr. Sakai recommend me to the medical team," Aizen explained with a smile. "So, forming a team with you wouldn't be possible." Fugaku's face fell. As everyone else celebrated his misfortune, he felt like he could burst into tears. The time at the ninja school is happy and short. After the last period of study, Aizen and the others also came to the day of the early graduation assessment.
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