Uchiha Aozora sheepishly raised his hand. "Sensei, what about me? I haven't shared my reflections yet, and you haven't given me any feedback either."
Aburame Shige placed a few slices of meat on the grill and replied, "You're already an exceptional ninja. Whether it's seizing an opening or executing in real combat, you're outstanding. Just based on your kunai throwing alone, you're more than qualified to be a Chūnin."
Hearing this, Aozora chuckled modestly. "I wouldn't say that. Honestly, my performance just now wasn't that great. You were clearly going easy on me, Sensei."
The room fell into an awkward silence the moment Aozora said those words.
Inuzuka Aya and Hayate Gekkō looked at the sizzling meat, but somehow, it didn't seem quite so appetizing anymore.
Aya thought, You call that a poor performance? I nearly got taken out before I even got a glimpse of Sensei! And you? You destroyed his Shadow Clone with a single kunai!
Hayate muttered inwardly, You think that was bad? I exchanged blows with him for ages and still lost, while you blew up his Shadow Clone in one strike!
Even Aburame Shige choked on his own thoughts for a moment. You blew up my clone twice—and you're still not satisfied?
Fortunately, as a seasoned jōnin, Shige's composure quickly returned. Acting as though nothing had happened, he said calmly, "Alright, let's eat. The meat's going to overcook."
At his words, Hayate and Aya hurriedly picked up their chopsticks and focused on eating.
Thanks to Aozora's innocent comment, the mood during Team Three's first group meal wasn't exactly lively.
Fortunately, while Shige's fashion sense left much to be desired, his taste in food was solid.
The quality of the meat at this barbecue restaurant was top-notch, and the portions generous. All three students ended up with glistening, greasy mouths, fully satisfied.
After the meal, Shige said, "Next, we'll head to the Hokage's Office to register your information and pick up your official ninja certificates."
The registration process was straightforward.
Especially for recent academy graduates like Aozora and the others, all they had to do was submit a recent photo. Their six years at the Ninja Academy had already ensured their data was logged in the Konoha registry.
None of them had bothered to take fancy portraits, so they found a decent photo studio, got their pictures taken, and then made their way to the Hokage's Office together.
At the building's entrance, Shige instructed, "Once you finish registration, you're dismissed for the day. Be here tomorrow morning at 8, first floor."
With that, he ascended the stairs alone while Aozora, Aya, and Hayate headed to the registration counter on the first floor designated for new ninja.
The clerk, a kind and gentle woman, processed their paperwork efficiently.
Aozora opened his ninja certificate and read:
Ninja Certificate
Name: Uchiha Aozora
Gender: Male
Date of Birth: Year 37 of the Konoha Calendar, June 12
Registration Number: 011672
Assigned Jōnin: Aburame Shige
Profile: Skilled in tool-based combat and Fire Release techniques. Enjoys developing flashy jutsu. Dislikes close-quarters combat.
There was even a photograph attached. In the image, Aozora wore a dark combat outfit. His eyes were piercing, as if a blade of light might shoot from them at any moment.
The personal bio section had been filled in by Aozora himself.
He understood that ninja information would inevitably leak—possibly to many people.
Still, he had written everything honestly.
He was indeed adept at projectile tools and Fire Release, and he genuinely disliked close-range fighting.
He had once heard a saying in his previous life: The highest form of lying is telling the absolute truth.
So yes, he had written nothing but the truth.
And he wasn't at all worried about leaks. Anyone who read his file would likely assume taijutsu was his weak point.
But who says disliking something means you can't be good at it?
After years of practicing Dao yin (Guiding Breath) and inner cultivation, his physique now rivaled that of the Uzumaki or Senju clans.
His spiritual strength was formidable, and his five senses sharply honed—enhancing his prowess in close combat even further.
That said, he treasured his handsome appearance, and unless absolutely necessary, preferred not to get too roughed up.
Besides, compared to brute-force brawling, he simply enjoyed the elegance of mastering elemental forces. Anyone could throw punches, but commanding earth, fire, water, and wind—that took true skill.
While Aozora grinned at his certificate, lost in his thoughts, Aya grew irritated.
How is this narcissist better than me? The more she thought about it, the more annoyed she became. She slapped Aozora lightly and declared, "Just you wait. I'll surpass you one day!"
Aozora turned to Hayate and asked innocently, "What's her deal? Did I offend her or something?"
Hayate quickly shook his head. "Beats me."
"Alright then. I'm heading home. See you tomorrow, Hayate."
"Yeah, see you!"
With a wave, the two parted ways outside the Hokage's Office.
Meanwhile, on the third floor of the building, Sarutobi Hiruzen sat in the Hokage's chair, listening as Aburame Shige gave his report.
The Third Hokage nodded thoughtfully. "Inuzuka Aya has good combat instincts, but her chakra reserves are lacking. I recommend she be guided toward recon or support roles."
Shige nodded. "Agreed."
"What about Hayate Gekkō?"
Shige paused. "Exceptional talent in swordsmanship, but his physical condition limits him. If not for his illness, he'd be on track to become a jōnin."
Hiruzen tapped the desk lightly, considering for a moment. Ultimately, he decided not to summon his disciple Tsunade back.
"Tell me about Uchiha Aozora."
Shige immediately sensed the Third Hokage's tone grow more serious.
"A genius," he said firmly. "His throwing technique with ninja tools might be the best in all of Konoha. And his talent in ninjutsu is considerable as well."
"The best?" Hiruzen echoed, slightly surprised.
"Yes," Shige affirmed. "During the evaluation, Aozora threw two kunai, and I couldn't dodge either one."
Hiruzen coughed quietly in surprise.
He knew Shige's strength. Even his Shadow Clones weren't something an average genin could deal with.
Taking a sip of water to steady himself, Hiruzen tried not to overthink it.
After all, ninja tools were considered a lesser skill—mostly useful in genin or chūnin-level fights.
He moved on. "What about his personality? His views on the village?"
"Hard to say," Shige said with a small shake of his head. After a moment, he added, "He's a little proud, but I haven't seen any hostility toward the village or contempt for his teammates in his behavior."
Hiruzen leaned back in his chair and lit a pipe.
Smoke curled upward, forming a misty screen between them.
After a while, Hiruzen said, "Very well. Team Three is in your hands. Take good care of them. All three are promising—don't slack off."
"Especially Uchiha Aozora. Tensions between the village and the Uchiha are high right now. Shisui is a key figure, and Aozora is his only brother…"
He trailed off, locking eyes with Shige.
"I understand."
With that, Shige turned and left the Hokage's office.
Watching his retreating figure, Hiruzen couldn't help but feel uneasy.
Shige wasn't exactly the ideal teacher, but Konoha was short on manpower.
More important than a warm mentor was ensuring Aozora's safety.
Right now, the stability of Konoha came above all else.
*********
Hey everyone! I'll be dropping an extra 1 chapter once we hit 200, 400 power stones! If you're enjoying the story, don't forget to spend some power stones. I'd really appreciate the support. Thanks a bunch!