A genin-level exam wasn't just about the Three Basic Techniques and general knowledge. It also tested one's ability to analyze missions—understanding roles, situations, and judgment calls.
The written portion was far more in-depth than a regular Academy test.
But what truly stood out was the taijutsu and combat component.
Chiba had assumed that the Third Hokage would assign a chūnin to administer the test. Instead—
"I'll be the one to evaluate your combat ability," the Third Hokage said with a calm smile.
"If you can force me to use any ability beyond taijutsu, you pass."
The Hokage's true body took out his long pipe, but remembering this was a school environment, he didn't light it. He merely tapped it lightly st the table.
"Shouldn't we go outside for this?"
"No need," said the Hokage. "Here will do."
Chiba bowed slightly, indicating he understood. Both of them formed the Seal of Confrontation simultaneously.
And then—
Bang!
Chakra surged into Chiba's fist as he lunged forward. The Hokage's shadow clone didn't use ninjutsu, meeting the strike barehanded with chakra reinforcement.
But the moment their fists connected—
Boom!
The chakra in Chiba's fist detonated outward in a localized burst.
Before the clone could recover, Chiba slipped in close, launching another strike. At the same instant, the chakra in his right palm began to spiral silently—he'd already been preparing a Rasengan.
When his left hand's feint reached its peak, his right hand swept up and slammed the Rasengan toward the clone.
It was just a clone, after all—no need to hold back.
The Hokage's brows lifted slightly.
What precise chakra control…!
Not only could this kid cause a controlled explosion of chakra without harming himself, he could also form a single-handed Rasengan with near-perfect stability.
Even many jōnin couldn't pull that off.
What a terrifying talent.
The clone crossed its arms, parrying both attacks at once, then flickered behind Chiba with a burst of speed and swept his legs out in a low kick.
But Chiba reacted instantly, shifting his body just in time. His movement speed was almost on par with the Hokage's clone.
The Third Hokage's eyes narrowed.
Though age had sapped his strength and speed far below his prime, his raw taijutsu was still at least elite chūnin level. For this kid to keep up with him—kid hadn't exaggerated a word.
After several exchanges, the clone realized something astonishing: relying purely on taijutsu, it couldn't subdue him at all.
As the clone leapt back to kidn distance, Chiba flicked out four or five kunai in quick succession.
The Hokage's clone instantly noticed—
Fine, barely visible chakra threads were attached to each kunai!
His eyes glinted. He drew two kunai of his own and slashed through the air, cutting three of the threads. The remaining lines twisted and darted aside, maneuvering around his strikes in perfect coordination.
Thud! Thud!
The Hokage's clone turned into a wooden log—two kunai embedded in it.
A Substitution Technique.
"You've mastered chakra threads—and even applied them in combat. Excellent. Truly excellent."
The Third Hokage's eyes shone with appreciation.
As the "Professor of Ninjutsu," he immediately understood the depth behind Chiba's mastery.
His threads weren't just stable—they were thinner and tougher than what most ninja could detect at first glance. Moreover, his control over their movement was extremely refined.
And this was only with kunai.
If those kunai had been linked to explosive tags…
Just based on what Chiba had shown so far—his chakra control, taijutsu prowess, and ingenuity—the Hokage was convinced.
Chiba's skills not only met genin standards; he'd already surpassed many of them.
A genius, indeed.
Even if he couldn't use chakra nature transformations, his focus on shape manipulation clearly had massive potential.
"Third Hokage," Chiba asked tentatively, "does that mean I've passed?"
"You have," the Hokage said with a kind smile. "From now on, you'll only need to submit a weekly study report to both the Medical Department and the Academy. There's no need for you to attend regular classes anymore."
He still wouldn't officially reinstate early graduation—but bending the rules a little was fine.
"Thank you very much."
Chiba exhaled in relief.
Joining the Medical Department was a crucial step.
For one, it was necessary for improving his training regimen and maintaining his physical health. More importantly, understanding anatomy and musculature was fundamental to creating new nintaijutsu.
Take superhuman strength, for example—
Try replicating it without understanding muscle structure, and you wouldn't be developing a technique—you'd be committing suicide.
"You earned this yourself," the Hokage said, smiling faintly. "There's no need to thank me—thank your own effort."
Then, with curious eyes, he asked, "How did you come up with the chakra threads, anyway?"
"I didn't start out trying to learn chakra threads," Chiba explained.
He described how he'd been experimenting with condensing chakra to a level strong enough to pierce solid matter—then integrating that into close-quarters combat.
The Hokage chuckled softly.
No wonder he wants to learn the Chakra Scalpel…
He's trying to study similar techniques to improve his own.
It was a clear, methodical line of thought.
The Hokage's expression grew faintly complicated.
In Chiba, he saw traces of another gifted student he had once been proud of.
A student who was now… Konoha's most dangerous missing-nin.
He fell silent for a long moment, then waved a hand weakly.
"You may go."
Chiba bowed and quietly left the room, unaware of the old man's thoughts.
Outside, he finally exhaled deeply.
Facing the Hokage's clone had been no small pressure. He could've made things easier on himself—
for example, by using his newly optimized Rapid Rasengan, which he'd nearly perfected yesterday. Thanks to his superior chakra control, he could now form it in just two breaths.
But that would've been too simple.
He needed to showcase himself comprehensively—not just strength, but potential.
He wanted the Hokage's attention—not just approval. Access to knowledge, scrolls, and books.
Even in the world of shinobi, for a civilian like him, information was far more valuable than money.
When he returned to class, he acted as though nothing had happened, listening attentively. The teacher, apparently unaware of the special exam, didn't mention anything.
After class, as usual, he ran laps around the village to train.
A while later—
"I heard Lord Hokage visited your school today?"
"Yes. He came to see me," Chiba said honestly. "He's allowing me to study under the Medical Department."
"I see!" kid beamed. "You've done well, Chiba. I'm proud of you! Hahaha!"
"Thank you, kid. I won't forget what you've done for me."
"Hahaha! No need for thanks—it's your own strength that earned it!" kid laughed heartily, then blinked in confusion. "Wait, the Medical Department? You're going to study medical ninjutsu?"
"I can't even perform regular chakra nature transformations," Chiba replied with a straight face. "I probably won't be able to learn medical ninjutsu either. I just want to understand more about the human body."
"Ha???"
kid looked utterly baffled.
Can't use ninjutsu, but going to study medicine?
He didn't get it at all.
Then he scratched his head and burst out laughing .
"Forget it! I don't really understand what you're thinking, but you're a smart kid—you'll figure it out! Come on, let's find Lee! Youth burns brightest when we run together!"
"…"
And so, the two of them—one loud, one quiet—ran side by side under the setting sun.
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