NARUTO: Ninja World Scientific Revolution

Chapter 12: CHAPTER 12 - Graduation from the Ninja Academy



The news about "Konoha's White Fang" spread quickly throughout the village. In just a few days, it seemed everyone was discussing the incident. Yet, the rumors being shared were fragmented, twisted, and almost gossip-like in nature. 

In taverns, restaurants, and casual street conversations, the story of Konoha's White Fang had turned into the village's hottest topic of gossip.

When Hyuga Mirai returned to the clan compound, he was summoned by Kiyo Hyuga to train in Gentle Fist. Despite Mirai's remarkable talent in medical ninjutsu, which had the potential to set him on the path of a medical ninja, Kiyo insisted on the importance of maintaining combat prowess. She argued that as a protector, his skills couldn't afford to lag behind.

**Clang! Bang! Thud!**

Once again, Hyuga Mirai managed to "barely" hold his ground against Kiyo Hyuga for a short while before being defeated. This time, he was more focused; even after Kiyo unleashed her *Eight Trigrams: Thirty-Two Palms*, he blocked over twenty strikes before finally succumbing. 

After all, Mirai was considered a prodigy in Class B and frequently took "training leave." It would be surprising if he hadn't shown some improvement.

"Still can't match you, Lady Kiyo," Mirai admitted, sitting on the ground after being knocked down. Feigning exhaustion and defeat was an art—and one made even more demanding when under the scrutiny of a Hyuga jonin. Were it not for his deeper understanding of Gentle Fist, and his deliberate allowance for Kiyo to land a few hits, he might have been exposed already.

Kiyo exhaled slowly, her expression stoic but firm. "You've improved, but you need to train even harder."

"Yes, I understand, Lady Kiyo," Mirai replied promptly. Then, feigning frustration, he added, "But medical ninjutsu takes up most of my time. I'm afraid the gap between us will only grow wider."

Hearing this, Kiyo fell silent. She was well aware of her grandfather's support for Mirai pursuing the medical ninja path. With Mirai's talent and the backing of the Hyuga clan, it wasn't unthinkable that he could someday become the deputy or even head of Konoha Hospital. Such a position would significantly elevate the Hyuga clan's influence in Konoha. This was a reality Kiyo couldn't ignore.

"Speaking of which, Lady Kiyo, have you heard about Konoha's White Fang?" Mirai asked, sipping tea with meticulous care, adhering to the Hyuga clan's rigid etiquette. Even a faint slurping sound could draw reprimands.

Kiyo gently set down her teacup and straightened her posture. "Why are you interested in that?"

"Lately, I've been hearing villagers talk about it everywhere I go," Mirai replied.

Kiyo shook her head slightly. "It has nothing to do with the Hyuga clan."

"I'm just curious how much damage White Fang's failed mission caused to the Land of Fire."

Kiyo's tone turned stern. "Don't waste your thoughts on it. The details of S-rank missions are known only to the Third Hokage. Even jonin squad leaders wouldn't know the specifics. And if the mission truly failed, no information would be leaked."

"Hmph," she scoffed. "White Fang was unfortunate. To think someone he saved would turn around and betray him… The higher-ups were left with no choice, I suppose."

Mirai was momentarily surprised by her insight. He had always thought of Kiyo as someone focused solely on training. To hear her speak so perceptively was unexpected.

Indeed, White Fang's situation was lamentable.

For days, the village buzzed with discussions about the alleged failure of White Fang's mission and the supposed massive losses suffered by the Land of Fire. Yet, since S-rank missions were bound by strict secrecy, even the Hyuga clan had no access to such sensitive information.

Still, the sudden widespread rumor—one that even the common villagers were involved in—was suspicious.

With the war looming, even though the Third Kazekage hadn't yet gone missing, tensions along the borders were undeniable. Mirai found it hard to believe Konoha's leadership would let such damaging information spread so recklessly.

If the rumors were true, openly publicizing the Land of Fire's losses was foolish. If the villagers knew, so would enemy spies. 

If false, then White Fang was being unfairly vilified. Yet, the fact that such widespread rumors could circulate within Konoha indicated only a select few could have orchestrated it.

"Forget about it. It's irrelevant to the Hyuga clan," Kiyo said dismissively. Though she knew more than she let on, her grandfather had already explained the political nuances of White Fang's situation. The more she understood, the more disgusted she felt. She couldn't help but pity him.

"Next month, I plan to take the graduation exam. Afterward, I'll likely join a ninja squad," Kiyo announced.

"Already?" Mirai asked, surprised.

"It's not too soon. Kakashi has already become a chunin," Kiyo said with determination. "And your progress in medical ninjutsu has inspired many. To surpass you and Kakashi, I need to become a ninja as soon as possible."

"I'm nothing special. Besides, staying in the academy longer sounds more appealing," Mirai said, shaking his head. He found the idea of a seven- or eight-year-old heading out to kill absurd. The ninja world was, without a doubt, a gathering of lunatics.

Kiyo gave Mirai a disapproving look. "You'll graduate with me and join my squad."

"I have to graduate too? But Lord Zosuke plans for me to work at Konoha Hospital—"

"I've already asked Grandfather to handle it. He'll arrange with the Third Hokage for you to join my squad," Kiyo interrupted firmly. "Even as a medical ninja, you can't neglect your strength. After joining a genin squad, you can still work at the hospital."

"Well, thank you so much, Lady Kiyo," Mirai thought sarcastically, sighing inwardly. Yet outwardly, he remained composed, nodding in agreement.

Hyuga Mirai's class was filled with talent. Several students had reached genin-level strength after just two years, prompting many to consider early graduation. The likes of Kakashi and Mirai, in particular, motivated others to prove themselves.

Kakashi graduated as a genin in one year and became a chunin the next. Meanwhile, Mirai, with less than two years of hospital training, had already mastered B-rank medical ninjutsu, earning him the equivalent of a medical chunin's proficiency. For the rest of their peers, staying in the academy felt like a waste of time under the shadows of these prodigies.

Within months, several students applied for early graduation. Five succeeded ,Uchiha Tetsuka, Sarutobi Asuma, Kurenai Yuhi, Kiyo Hyuga, and Genma Shiranui.

However, one student failed: Uchiha Obito. 

Among the graduates, only Uchiha Tetsuka was in his fourth year. The others, like Kiyo, had spent just two years at the academy. 

(End of Chapter)


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