Time passed once again.
Kurotsuchi stretched out her long, slender legs and yawned. "Why isn't Iruka-sensei here yet?"
Beside her, Ajisai casually shook her head, showing little concern. She continued wiping a few kunai, each engraved with a unique seal.
As for Karin, Fū, Hotaru, and Tayuya, they all remained indifferent.
Unlike Naruto and the others, they weren't particularly concerned about this assessment.
After all…
Having lived in Uchiha Mirai's estate for so long, they had long stopped caring about something as trivial as securing a disciple position.
To them, a mere title paled in comparison to the privilege of residing in Mirai-sama's estate.
They were destined to become his women. Why bother grasping at lesser opportunities when they had already won the ultimate prize?
...
After a while, Umino Iruka finally walked into the classroom.
"The following students, come with me."
"Uchiha Sasuke!"
Being the first name called, Sasuke shoved his hands into his pockets and, under the gazes of his peers, coolly strode toward the exit.
Before long, Iruka called out again, "Hyūga Neji!"
...
Everyone passed the academy's graduation exam with ease.
After all, it was just a basic test of the Three Basic Jutsu. For Naruto's generation, it was far too simple.
Only Rock Lee failed, but thanks to his consistent performance, he was given a special exemption.
Once the exam was over, everyone was instructed to remain in the classroom.
At first, some were dissatisfied with this sudden directive, but the moment Uchiha Mirai appeared, all complaints vanished in an instant.
Because the exam had been so easy, even those with average grades couldn't help but fantasize.
Maybe—just maybe—they had a shot at becoming the Emperor's disciple?
With anticipation thick in the air, Uchiha Mirai smiled and spoke.
"I know what you're all expecting, so let's skip the unnecessary talk."
"First, I'll announce the ninja who has earned the title of 'Rookie of The Year'..."
"Kurama Yakumo!"
The moment that name was spoken, no one objected.
Even the ever-proud Uchiha Sasuke remained silent.
For six years, he had been repeatedly crushed by Kurama Yakumo.
Everyone had witnessed her overwhelming strength firsthand.
Among this year's graduates, no one surpassed her.
Seeing that there were no complaints, Mirai handed Yakumo a pre-prepared trophy.
"Yakumo, congratulations."
When she accepted the trophy, Yakumo lightly traced a finger across Mirai's palm.
"Mirai-sama, I'll work even harder in the future."
Being four years older than Sasuke and the others, Yakumo had already grown into a stunning young woman.
Faced with her flirtatious gaze, Mirai coughed lightly and replied, "I look forward to your progress."
Once Yakumo returned to her seat, Mirai continued.
"Since so many of you have shown exceptional performance, I've decided to hold a lottery."
"In this box, I have all of your names. I'll randomly draw three of you to become my disciples."
At his words, the entire class erupted in shock.
A random draw?
That meant everyone had a chance!
This was amazing!
Akimichi Chōji put down his snacks, and even Nara Shikamaru sat up straight.
Haruno Sakura, Rock Lee, Tenten, and the others felt their hearts pounding wildly.
If selection were purely based on strength, they knew they stood no chance.
But with a random draw, anything was possible.
If they were lucky enough to be chosen, wouldn't their future skyrocket overnight?!
Under the expectant and anxious gazes of the class, Mirai slowly pulled three slips from the box.
"Hyūga Hinata!"
"Yamanaka Ino!"
"Kurotsuchi!"
The moment their names were called, Hinata, Ino, and Kurotsuchi shot to their feet, barely able to contain their excitement.
They had been chosen as the Emperor's disciples!
Feeling the envious and jealous gazes around them, the three unconsciously straightened their backs.
From now on, they were Mirai-sama's personal disciples. They couldn't afford to bring him shame.
Hinata turned to Neji with a bright smile. "Neji, I'm heading out first."
Neji, equally thrilled, nodded. "Lady Hinata, you must inform the clan head as soon as possible."
"Mm, I will."
Ino, on the other hand, shot a triumphant look at Sakura and grinned.
"Looks like I got luckier than you, Sakura~"
Sakura forced a bitter smile. "Ino… congratulations."
The three soon made their way to Mirai's side. Turning to the rest of the class, Mirai smiled.
"There will be other highly capable jonin assigned as your instructors. As for me, I'll be taking my leave."
With that, he departed, taking Ino, Hinata, and Kurotsuchi with him.
Once he was gone, a new group entered the classroom—Hatake Kakashi, Yūhi Kurenai, Nohara Rin, Mitarashi Anko, Uzuki Yugao, and Might Guy.
Kakashi was the first to speak.
"Uzumaki Naruto, Uchiha Sasuke, Haruno Sakura."
"You three, come with me."
With that, he turned and left without another word.
Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura hurried after him.
Might Guy stepped forward. "Tenten, Rock Lee, Hyūga Neji."
"From now on, I'll be guiding your youthful flames!"
Lee, Tenten, and Neji promptly stood and followed.
Kurenai called out next. "Ajisai, Tayuya, Hokuto."
Hearing her voice, the three girls beamed and surrounded her. "Kurenai-sensei!"
Having lived in Mirai's estate, they were already quite close with her. Laughing and chatting, they left together.
Anko, chewing on a skewer of dango, waved lazily. "Temari, Gaara, Kankurō, you three, let's go."
Uzuki Yugao smiled. "Karin, Fū, Hotaru, you're with me."
Nohara Rin nodded. "Nara Shikamaru, Akimichi Chōji, Inuzuka Kiba."
One by one, students were assigned to their teams and left the room.
In the end, only two remained.
Kurama Yakumo and Aburame Shino.
Shino glanced at Yakumo before speaking. "Looks like it's just the two of us. I guess we'll be teammates from now on."
Yakumo didn't even look up as she packed her bag. Her tone was indifferent.
"I may be the Rookie of The Year, but I have no intention of becoming a ninja."
"Someday, you might see my art exhibition instead."
"Ja ne~"
With that, Yakumo grabbed her trophy and walked out.
Shino stood frozen in the empty classroom.
Wait, what?
Did that mean…
He had no team?!
----------------
Pls Drop some Power Stones
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