Ever since Gekko Chizan became Orochimaru's disciple, he had been devouring the knowledge Orochimaru passed on like a ravenous beast.
Although Orochimaru hadn't involved him in experiments yet, Gekko Chizan was well aware that day wouldn't be far off.
After all, Orochimaru didn't officially abandon humanity until after the Third Shinobi World War, so there was no rush.
During this period, he taught classes in the morning and went to Orochimaru's home in the afternoon to study.
He had gone through all the books in Orochimaru's collection.
Soon, the annual graduation season of the Ninja Academy arrived.
As a teaching assistant, Gekko Chizan was also invited to participate in the graduation event.
...
On the morning of the graduation exam day.
Aside from a group of older-looking students, there were also two clearly younger boys standing to the side.
They were also here to take the graduation exam, but the difference was—they had applied for early graduation.
"Kakashi, this time I'm definitely graduating early!"
Uchiha Obito looked smugly at Kakashi beside him.
Kakashi couldn't even be bothered to reply—his eyes remained fixed on Gekko Chizan.
Ever since he enrolled, he had excelled in every subject, except for stealth training, where he repeatedly failed. This filled the white-haired boy with frustration, and he was determined to redeem himself.
Gekko Chizan noticed Kakashi's gaze and responded with a subtle, teasing smile.
The moment Kakashi saw that mocking smile, he instantly got riled up.
Obito kept babbling on beside him, but Kakashi casually threw a line back at him.
"Graduation assessors for early applications are at least Special Jonin level. If you can last three minutes, I'd be surprised. So don't bother thinking about it."
"Better go back and start over properly."
Obito's face instantly darkened. He gritted his teeth at Kakashi, itching to fight him right then and there.
...
The exam began. All candidates took turns stepping onto the platform to demonstrate their Ninjutsu.
This time, the exam required students to perform the Clone Technique, Substitution Technique, and Transformation Technique.
They also had to complete a shuriken accuracy test—only after passing all of them could they graduate.
It was much tougher than the exam Naruto would face in the future.
But for upper-year students, passing was still possible with some effort.
The exam progressed quickly, with three test areas running simultaneously.
One student after another went through the assessments.
Gekko Chizan stood off to the side, clearly bored.
Though he recognized some of the examinees this year—
Like Shiranui Genma, and Guy.
Unfortunately, Guy didn't pass the exam. His talent in Ninjutsu was practically nonexistent.
Looks like he'll need some extra help next time.
...
Suddenly, a figure appeared beside him.
"Chizan."
"Huh? Sakumo-san, what are you doing here?"
It was none other than Hatake Sakumo.
"The Hokage wishes for you to serve as the examiner for the two early graduation applicants."
Gekko Chizan was slightly stunned—this was like swapping a commander mid-battle.
Originally, the assigned examiner was a Special Jonin.
He was only supposed to be observing, but now he was being swapped in last-minute.
"Alright, what are the exam parameters?"
"Up to you. Just don't go overboard."
Sakumo smiled slightly as he spoke. After all, one of the applicants was his own son.
It had been his idea to let Gekko Chizan replace the original examiner.
Seeing that smile, Gekko Chizan instantly understood his intention.
Wow... what a dad. Gotta make sure his kid faces pressure, huh?
"Got it."
Gekko Chizan had no reason to refuse, and he actually quite enjoyed putting Kakashi and Uchiha Obito through their paces.
After all, both of them were destined to become major players in the Shinobi World.
...
Time passed quickly.
All regular examinees had completed their tests.
The students and instructors cleared the platform, making space for the next event.
Kakashi and Uchiha Obito stepped onto the stage without needing to be called.
Their sudden appearance surprised many.
But soon, one of the instructors stepped forward to explain.
"For this graduation exam, two students submitted applications for early graduation."
"The Hokage has approved their participation in the graduation test, but their assessment will be conducted by a Jonin of the village."
"If they pass, they will graduate immediately."
As soon as the words fell, Gekko Chizan flickered onto the stage in front of them.
He looked at their serious expressions and smiled slightly.
"Your exam will be conducted by me."
"Any objections?"
Both Kakashi and Uchiha Obito nodded in response.
"Since you're both applying for early graduation, I'll be testing you individually."
"The rules are very simple—either attack with full force or defend with full strength. Last three minutes against me, and you pass."
Gekko Chizan smiled as he laid out the rules.
But what seemed like a simple rule made everyone present tense up.
After all, Gekko Chizan may have been only a teenager, but he was a Jonin personally appointed by the Third Hokage.
And he was a member of the Gekko clan—possessing a unique Kekkei Genkai.
For two students who weren't even official shinobi yet, forget three minutes—they'd be lucky to last even one.
"Um, Chizan-sensei, can I challenge someone else instead?"
Uchiha Obito knew full well how terrifying Gekko Chizan was, so he asked the question with a hint of hope.
But the answer was clear. Gekko Chizan simply shook his head with a smile.
"No."
Obito instantly deflated but didn't back down.
...
In the crowd, seeing Gekko Chizan take the stage himself made both Hiruzen Sarutobi and Hatake Sakumo laugh heartily.
"Sakumo, what did I say? That kid was definitely going to take the field himself."
"Too bad only Kakashi and Uchiha Obito applied for early graduation this year. Otherwise, this would've been even more fun."
Hiruzen's gaze swept across the group of students.
Konoha was one big family—not just the Gekko and Uchiha clans.
There were the Hyuga, Nara, Akimichi, Yamanaka, Aburame, Sarutobi...
All these clans came together to form this village, and as Hokage, Hiruzen deeply hoped that more talented young people would rise from among them.
...
Back to the exam site.
"So, which one of you is going first?"
As Gekko Chizan finished speaking, Kakashi took the first step forward.
His youthful face was filled with determination.
"Chizan-sensei, please guide me."
Seeing Kakashi step forward full of fighting spirit—
Everyone looked at him with admiration.
Hatake Kakashi, son of the White Fang of Konoha—he really did stand out.
"Very good, Kakashi. Remember, the first element in a shinobi battle is momentum."
"If your heart doesn't believe in certain victory, how can you win?"
As Gekko Chizan gave this on-the-spot lecture, everyone around nodded in agreement.
Except for a select few who twitched at the corners of their mouths—
Namely the Hokage, Sakumo, and the being sealed within Gekko Chizan—Chomei.
They all had the same thought in their heads:
You, Gekko Chizan, are the kind of person who always dodges when he can, runs when he must—
And you're lecturing others about charging forward bravely?
Seriously?
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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