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Time flew by.
In the blink of an eye, it was the day of the graduation exam.
"The graduation exam will now begin. Students whose names are called will please go to the next room for the assessment."
The homeroom teacher, Sarutobi Hidehito, announced the instructions from the podium.
The entire class fell silent, a heavy atmosphere permeating the room.
According to the usual annual ratio, at least two-thirds of the students in the class would be eliminated, such a small number of successful candidates.
Naturally, this made them nervous.
But Takeshi and the others were different from the rest; they were still chatting and laughing, appearing incredibly relaxed.
"Hey, let's go on a picnic later!"
Minato suggested excitedly.
These past few years, he had been constantly trained by Takeshi's good older brother, Fugaku, and while being honed, he had also made significant improvements.
He even created a new Ninjutsu of his own—the Rasengan.
His strength had long since reached the level of an elite Chunin or above.
So, for a simple graduation exam testing the Three Body Jutsu, he didn't care at all.
"Hmph, since you all begged me so much, I'll reluctantly agree."
During this time, Kushina had also not slacked off, constantly seeking guidance from Tsunade, and coupled with her own diligence, her progress had been immense.
Moreover, Takeshi had previously helped her develop her body's potential by opening her acupoints, which elevated her strength even further.
Now, the graduation exam was just a formality for her.
"Hehe..."
Takeshi did not participate in their discussion.
As the most talented genius in Uchiha's history, his strength was undoubtedly the strongest among the three.
His Three-Tomoe Sharingan alone made him surpass ordinary Jonin.
Coupled with his research on the bloodline purification method over the years, he had undergone a further transformation.
His spiritual power and ocular power had received an epic enhancement.
Activating Susanoo with the three tomoe, it could be said that besides their ancestor Indra, only he could achieve it.
The Three Body Jutsu was truly too childish for him.
As students in the class were called one by one to the next room for the exam.
Soon, it was their turn.
"Uzumaki Kushina!"
Kushina, whose name was called, immediately stood up.
"Good luck!"
Takeshi encouraged, "If you pass the assessment, I'll treat you to a lollipop."
"Hmph, who wants your lollipop."
Kushina turned her head away tsundere-like, hiding her inner joy.
"Tsk tsk tsk, a little couple flirting!"
After Kushina left, Minato immediately started teasing from the side.
"We are just normal friends."
Takeshi explained seriously.
You can hold hands, you can go on dates and shop together, and you've done all this, and you say you're not dating?
Minato rolled his eyes; he didn't believe it.
"Minato Namikaze!"
Then his name was called.
After Minato left, the surroundings immediately quieted down, and Takeshi turned to look out the window.
He was not unaware of the relationship between him and Kushina.
But they were destined to be without fate.
His lifespan was limited; he could only live up to twenty years at most.
If the mission progress went smoothly, this time might be even shorter.
If he ignored everything and got together with Kushina, what would happen to Kushina after he died?
What if Kushina also developed a phobia of blood or some other illness because of his death, like Tsunade? Wouldn't that be disastrous?
Once weaknesses were seized by enemies, the consequences would be unimaginable.
All of Takeshi's previous efforts would also be in vain.
So... instead of becoming lovers and staying together, it's better to have met and then forget each other in the world.
"Uchiha Takeshi!"
Finally, it was his turn.
Takeshi came to the next room, where Sarutobi Hidehito and a group of teachers sat behind a table, on which rows of Ninja headbands were placed, their symbols representing the identity of a Konoha Ninja.
The content of the exam was to draw one of the Three Body Jutsu for assessment.
"Clone Jutsu!"
Sarutobi Hidehito's voice suddenly rang out.
"Yes."
Takeshi did not hesitate at all, quickly forming hand seals.
Bang!
Several flawless clones immediately appeared before the teachers' eyes.
Normally, just producing two clones was enough to perfectly pass the exam.
However, Takeshi's number of clones far exceeded this standard; he completely over-fulfilled the task.
Giving him the highest score would not be an exaggeration.
In fact, this was not even Takeshi's limit; when sparring with Minato, he produced even more clones, which could almost be called Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu.
But this was just a graduation exam; there was no need to be so serious.
Sarutobi Hidehito looked at his proud student, filled with emotion.
He had to admit, this child was definitely the most outstanding student he had ever taught since he began teaching.
He believed that in a few years, he would become an elite Jonin and a solid force for Konoha Village.
It was just a pity he was born into the Uchiha.
It was well known that the Konoha higher-ups did not trust the Uchiha.
Previously, Hokage-sama had even instructed him to pay close attention to the relationship between Takeshi and Kushina.
He reported to Hokage-sama almost every week.
Although he didn't know what secrets were hidden within, he had a feeling it wouldn't be good news.
Alas, he could only let this child fend for himself.
"Uchiha Takeshi, perfect score!"
Sarutobi Hidehito loudly announced the result.
"So... so amazing!"
The students gathered outside showed envious expressions.
"Hmph hmph, for such a simple exam, isn't a perfect score quite normal?"
Minato, who had already passed the exam, said while wearing sunglasses and acting cool.
"Not... not bad."
Kushina held her small head high, her beautiful eyes secretly glancing in Takeshi's direction.
"Thank you, teacher."
Takeshi took the headband and bowed in thanks.
After graduating from the Konoha Ninja Academy, it was considered the first step towards officially becoming a Genin.
Under normal circumstances, they would be assigned a Jonin team leader and form a three-person squad to complete missions.
However, a while ago, Amegakure had officially declared war on Konoha.
Currently, most of the Chunin and Jonin in the Village had all gone to the front lines.
Even Tsunade and her group were no exception.
At this time, Konoha's interior was empty, and there probably weren't that many free Jonin to lead them.
But it didn't matter; he didn't plan to follow the Academy's arrangements anyway.
"Takeshi, hurry up and take a picture!"
"Hey, I'm coming!"
Takeshi was pulled over by Minato and Kushina.
Click~
The image was frozen.
In the photo, Minato was wearing sunglasses, grinning and giving a middle finger, while Kushina on the other side had her arms crossed, her head slightly tilted, her expression seemingly showing disdain.
Takeshi, standing between the two, was the most normal, holding a Ninja headband in his hand and displaying a harmless smile on his face.
The three officially graduated!
...