The training ground was quiet now, the dust of combat finally settled. The final match still hung fresh in everyone's minds, but anticipation now rippled through the crowd like a rising tide. It was time.
The instructors stood at the center of the field, a small scroll in hand. The students lined up in loose formation, nervous energy swirling between them like static.
One of the instructors, a tall man with a thick scar over one eye, stepped forward and unrolled the scroll. His voice rang out across the open field.
"First, I want to thank you all for your efforts. Every one of you showed skill, courage, and growth over the course of this exam. Now, I will begin announcing the final rankings."
He paused briefly, letting the silence hang before continuing.
"30th place… Daiki Funabashi."
A small boy with spiky black hair grimaced slightly but nodded. His friend patted him on the shoulder.
"29th place, Haruka Sen."
...
"Sixth… Shinji Inuzuka."
Shinji blinked, then grinned, rubbing the back of his neck. "Guess I've got some work to do," he muttered, his ninken nudging him supportively.
"Fifth place, Hideki Hyuga."
"Fourth, Izumin Uchiha."
Murmurs stirred through the crowd. That left only three.
Before the next name could be read, a sudden rumble echoed across the field. Water churned at the far end of the arena—and then surged upward in a twisting, coiling torrent.
A massive Water Dragon Jutsu spiraled toward the sky, glistening in the sun like a living serpent. Atop its head stood a robed figure with grey hair, his Hokage cloak fluttering in the breeze.
Gasps echoed from the students.
"It's the Third Hokage!"
"Lord Hiruzen!"
The dragon lowered its head gracefully to the ground, allowing Hiruzen Sarutobi to step down. His presence was commanding, yet his expression was kind—proud, even.
He took a moment, gazing at each student before speaking.
"You've all done well," he said, voice calm but powerful, cutting through the silence. "Today, I saw courage. Ingenuity. Compassion. Determination. These are the traits that will shape the future of our village."
The children stood frozen, many of them still processing the fact that the Hokage himself was now standing before them.
Hiruzen continued, his voice softening.
"Whether you placed high or low, whether you won or lost… you should all feel proud. Simply being chosen for the elite class is a tremendous achievement. And what you've experienced here—what you've learned—will stay with you forever."
He looked out at the children, and for a moment, his eyes softened.
"You carry the Will of Fire within you. A flame that burns brightest in the next generation. Protect that fire. Nurture it. Let it grow."
A hush fell over the group. Some of the children smiled through tears. Others stood straighter, eyes filled with determination. A few younger ones sobbed openly, overwhelmed with emotion.
Hiruzen allowed them their moment. Then, with a gentle nod, he stepped back and gestured toward the instructor.
"Now," the instructor resumed, "the top three rankings."
"Third place… Sayaka Senju!"
Sayaka blinked in surprise, then grinned fiercely as she stepped forward, hands on her hips, lightning still crackling faintly around her.
"Second place… Tokasu Nara."
Tokasu didn't move. For a moment, he stared blankly ahead, jaw tight. Then his arms trembled slightly, and his hands clenched into fists so tight that small drops of blood began to form in his palms.
He stared at the ground, seeing not the grass but the image of his parents smiling—proud, hopeful.
A tear slipped down his cheek.
He wiped it away before anyone could see.
"First place… Yuki Kazanari!"
For the first time since the beginning of the exam, Yuki's expression cracked wide open. His usual calm dissolved into raw emotion as a bright, joyous smile lit up his face. His eyes widened, and his body surged with pride. He raised his fist into the air, unable to contain it.
The small crowd of students, teachers, and onlookers erupted into cheers and applause.
He had done it.
He had won.
He turned slightly, catching Sayaka's proud grin and Tokasu's quiet nod. That nod—though brief—meant everything.
A moment later, Hiruzen stepped forward once more. His gaze lingered on the three young shinobi before him.
"Sayaka. Tokasu. Yuki." He addressed them by name, his voice filled with quiet intensity. "You three have shown extraordinary promise."
Then his eyes met Yuki's directly.
"Yuki Kazanari. Come with me."
The crowd parted as the Hokage turned and began walking slowly back toward the village.
Yuki looked at his classmates, then back to Hiruzen.
He took a deep breath—and followed.