NARUTO: GOD LEVEL FORGING SYSTEM

"It's okay!" Might Guy clenched his fists and struck a dynamic pose, exuding confidence. "Our mission isn't even fully underway yet! Dazna mentioned that there's a tyrant in the Land of Waves—Gatō, the corrupt shipping magnate who exploits the people, right? Heh! Just wait until I, Might Guy, set foot in the Land of Waves and deliver youthful justice with my fists!"

"How much is the reward for taking him down?"

Kazuki couldn't help but chuckle.

He feared that his enthusiastic teacher was about to be greatly disappointed.

After a brief break, Kazuki, Might Guy, and Tazuna resumed their journey toward Tazuna's home.

In under two hours, they arrived at their destination.

Welcomed warmly by Tazuna's family, they settled in. However, just as Might Guy was gearing up to showcase his prowess by dealing with the infamous Gatō—

News arrived, sending shockwaves through the household, and even throughout the entire Land of Waves.

Gatō was dead.

The tyrant who ruled through fear and oppression, the man responsible for the suffering of countless people—

Silently assassinated in his own office by an unknown figure from a mysterious organization.

Tazuna stood in disbelief upon hearing this.

Only when his daughter and fellow bridge workers confirmed the news did he finally accept it as truth.

Without hesitation, he left the house, either to handle political affairs or to oversee the final stages of the bridge's construction.

Might Guy, meanwhile, looked as if all the energy had been drained from him, deflating like a popped balloon.

Then, a sudden realization struck him. His wild instincts screamed that something wasn't right.

Turning sharply, he fixed his gaze on Kazuki and gasped,

"No way—Apprentice! You're not behind this, are you?!"

Kazuki maintained an innocent expression, blinking. "Sensei, without any proof, you can't just accuse me like that!"

"Besides, with Gatō gone, the Land of Waves is no longer in danger. That means our mission is practically complete, right?"

"Uh… Well, once Tazuna returns, we can confirm and wrap things up. Then we'll be free to leave tomorrow," Might Guy said, scratching his head.

No—he's dodging the question!

Realization dawned on him, and his suspicion deepened.

Even without proof, he knew his apprentice had something to do with Gatō's sudden demise!

"Kazuki, you and Gatō—"

Before Might Guy could press further, Kazuki abruptly interrupted,

"Sensei, don't tell me you forgot—my graduation exam is the day after tomorrow?"

"Huh? Graduation exam? The day after tomorrow?" Might Guy blinked, momentarily lost.

"Knew it…" Kazuki sighed, palm to forehead. "We have to return to Konoha before then. If we delay this mission any longer, I'll miss my exam and have to repeat the year!"

"Uh…" Might Guy suddenly looked guilty.

Then, with newfound determination, he thumped his chest and declared,

"Once we finalize things with Tazuna, we'll set off immediately! Don't worry, Kazuki! We will get back in time!"

---

Rock Lee was ready for the graduation exam.

At this moment, he noticed that Tenten was still seated, her expression clouded with frustration.

"Tenten, are you worried about your brother Kazuki because he hasn't returned yet?"

Tenten nodded, a hint of sadness between her brows.

Her small face puffed up like an annoyed bun as she huffed, "Hmph! That stupid brother of mine!

When we last talked, I reminded him that today was the graduation exam, and he promised to come back early! But now, he's nowhere to be seen!"

"Even though you're mad, it's obvious you're really just worried about Kazuki." Rock Lee grinned. "With Kazuki's strength, there's no way he'd run into a problem he couldn't handle!"

"But what if he's late and misses the graduation exam? If he doesn't take it, he won't be able to graduate! That means he'll have to stay in the Academy for another year!" Tenten said anxiously.

At that moment, a calm voice interrupted them.

"He'll make it back."

Hyuga Neji spoke with absolute confidence.

Tenten and Rock Lee turned to him, momentarily stunned.

They hadn't expected Neji to have so much faith in Kazuki.

Ever since their last team meal at Yakiniku Q, where Kazuki had been the one to bring them together, Tenten and Rock Lee had grown more familiar with Neji.

Even though he always wore a stern expression and had a habit of making blunt remarks, at his core, he was still someone they could count on.

After spending more time with him, they could genuinely call him a friend.

"Neji… how do you know?" Rock Lee asked curiously.

Neji's eyes gleamed with certainty as he responded,

"That guy is the one I acknowledge as my rival. I refuse to believe he would let me down.

He will be here for the graduation exam."

Hearing Neji's conviction, Tenten's tense expression softened.

She recalled her last conversation with her brother before he left.

He had promised her he would return before the exam.

She just had to trust him.

"Let's go. We should take the test too." Tenten said to Rock Lee and Neji.

At the Ninja Academy, the graduation exams were proceeding in an orderly manner.

This year's test focused on the Clone Jutsu, one of the three basic Academy techniques.

Most of the students in the class were able to pass, but a handful failed, lacking the talent required to become shinobi.

For students like Tenten, Rock Lee, and Neji—who consistently ranked among the top—the Clone Jutsu was a simple requirement.

One by one, they completed their exams successfully.

Yet, Kazuki was still nowhere to be seen.

Time continued ticking away.

The number of students waiting in line dwindled until the very last one entered the exam room.

By now, the sun was setting.

Its golden glow cast long shadows across the Academy corridor.

Tenten, Rock Lee, and Neji, who had finished the exam early, stood silently in the hallway.

There was no joy on their faces, despite passing.

Because Kazuki had yet to arrive.

Tenten, Rock Lee, and Neji exchanged glances, their expressions solemn as they remained rooted in place.

"…Is my brother really not coming?" Tenten muttered, unwilling to accept the possibility.

"Who said I wasn't coming?"

A sudden voice rang out in the corridor.

The next second, a powerful gust of wind surged through the narrow hallway, forcing Tenten, Lee, and Neji to shield their faces.

When the wind died down, a man clad in a green jumpsuit and an orange leg warmer—his thick eyebrows and unmistakable bowl-cut hairstyle standing out—appeared before them.

Beside him stood a young man in white robes, his features refined and composed.

"Brother…?"

For a moment, Tenten stood frozen.

Then, realization struck.

Her brother, Kazuki, was back!

Without hesitation, she launched herself into his arms, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

Though she didn't say anything, the emotions in her gaze conveyed everything—the longing she had endured and the overwhelming joy of reuniting.

Four years had passed since she last saw him.

He was taller now, and undeniably more handsome.

"Brother! Why are you only showing up now?!" Tenten asked with a mix of relief and frustration.

Kazuki spread his hands helplessly.

"Ahem… You should probably ask Guy-sensei about that. If I hadn't reminded him about the graduation exam, he'd still be busy on missions outside."

"Uh… well…" Might Guy scratched the back of his head awkwardly before swiftly changing the subject.

"Anyway! The important thing is, we made it back in time! Now, let's get Kazuki to his exam before it's too late!"

Reluctantly, Tenten let go of her brother.

Even though she wished she could talk to him more, she knew his exam was the priority.

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