Chapter 17 Team! (Please read)
AI Model: gemini-2.0-flash
Xuan Yi was still working hard, and he indeed brought immense pressure to Uchiha Obito, Shiranui Genma, and many others at the academy.
However, at this age, there were few who could keep up with Xuan Yi's dedication.
Shizune was one, because Xuan Yi sat right beside her, and he was also someone she greatly admired.
Asuma Sarutobi was another, because he refused to lose.
He was even more unwilling to accept his father Hiruzen Sarutobi's attitude towards him.
Of course, Might Guy was also working hard.
But his hard work wasn't because of Xuan Yi; he was already diligent and now even more so.
None of this concerned Xuan Yi.
He wasn't working hard because of others.
Autumn turned to winter.
Before anyone realized it, Konoha 42 was coming to an end.
On this day, Hiruzen Sarutobi received an early graduation application, and after seeing the name, he slightly raised his eyebrows: "Xuan Yi is graduating early?"
Ryuusei Nimoki nodded: "Yes."
"He has basically mastered Genjutsu and Konoha-Style Swordsmanship, and he already knows other theoretical knowledge by heart, so the academy truly cannot help him progress any further."
Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded: "Then arrange it as soon as possible!"
"Yes!"
Ryuusei Nimoki accepted the order and left.
Hiruzen Sarutobi, meanwhile, began to ponder where to assign Xuan Yi.
With an early graduation, Xuan Yi could only be placed into an existing Ninja squad.
Furthermore, given Xuan Yi's talent, he had to be assigned a good Squad Leader, otherwise it would be a waste.
Water Release...
Are there any Jonin in Konoha particularly skilled in Water Release?
It seems there aren't.
But there are Jonin generally skilled in Water Release.
However, for Xuan Yi, Water Release doesn't seem to require much teaching.
The next day.
After arranging the graduation assessment, Ryuusei Nimoki reported back to the Hokage's office.
When Hiruzen Sarutobi brought up the squad assignment, Ryuusei Nimoki was surprised: "Third Hokage, although Xuan Yi is excellent, won't this arrangement be too soon?"
He felt that Xuan Yi should be placed with this year's graduating Genin, as such Genin squads handle very simple missions, which would be good for Xuan Yi to adapt.
But assigning him to a mature Ninja squad—they couldn't possibly stoop to taking those childish missions just to accommodate Xuan Yi, a newcomer, could they?
So Ryuusei Nimoki quickly objected.
Hiruzen Sarutobi said: "Ryuusei, don't worry, Xuan Yi is not as fragile as you think; his thinking is very mature, something Minato has praised more than once."
"Moreover, you must also trust the Jonin leading the squad, and Xuan Yi's future companions."
Ryuusei Nimoki thought of Xuan Yi's excellence, and then of that person's great renown, and no longer argued.
October 8, Konoha 42.
Written exam: perfect score.
Three Body Technique: perfect score.
Xuan Yi, without any surprises, completed the graduation assessment and received the forehead protector, a symbol of a Ninja.
Shizune and others were still in class, so no one was present to watch Xuan Yi pass the assessment.
At the academy gate, Ryuusei Nimoki said to Xuan Yi: "Xuan Yi, from now on you are an official Ninja, and I hope you can maintain the same spirit you had in the academy."
"Your Squad Leader is a very excellent Ninja, and you must learn well from him."
"Also, get along well with your companions; during missions, you will have to entrust your backs and lives to each other."
"Furthermore, during missions, never underestimate any of your enemies."
Such earnest advice deeply moved Xuan Yi; this was a very responsible teacher.
He nodded seriously: "Teacher Ryuusei, don't worry, I've remembered it."
Ryuusei Nimoki waved his hand: "Alright, go and meet up with your companions!"
Xuan Yi bowed respectfully, then used Body Flicker Technique to leave.
Leaping across rooftops, Xuan Yi was very curious: who would his Squad Leader be?
A Jonin, certainly a Jonin.
But there were quite a few Jonin in Konoha, yet he didn't know many famous ones, especially in this era.
Actually, Xuan Yi could have continued to lay low.
Overdrawing the next ten years once a year, constantly stacking, he could always improve, and his mind wasn't bad.
But what good would mastering more Ninjutsu do?
Insufficient Chakra meant he had to be frugal, and he couldn't unleash their full power.
So, after mastering two Genjutsu and Konoha-Style Swordsmanship, and finding it difficult to acquire more resources, Xuan Yi chose to graduate.
Of course, there was another reason.
That was, if nothing unexpected happened, Konoha White Fang would commit suicide next year.
Although the possibility of interfering with this matter was very small.
But do a little more, and next year, overdraw the next ten years, and see if it can be changed.
What if?
If he could cling to Konoha White Fang's leg, his network and resources could increase.
This could boost his strength.
"I hope my Squad Leader and companions are reliable."
Xuan Yi felt anticipation, but also a hint of apprehension.
After all, being a Ninja involved risking one's life.
Unreliable teammates would lead to an early death.
Soon, Xuan Yi arrived at a rooftop and saw his Squad Leader and companions.
Oh wow!
He hit the jackpot!
"Teacher Sakumo!"
Xuan Yi quickly took two steps forward, then bowed in greeting.
Yes, the middle-aged man in front of him was none other than Sakumo Hatake.
There were two others beside him, both male, appearing to be fifteen or sixteen years old, currently sizing up Xuan Yi, the genius.
Sakumo Hatake certainly knew Xuan Yi, and could even say they were somewhat acquainted, and he smiled: "Xuan Yi, introduce yourself, let everyone get to know you."
"Hmm. For example, your favorite foods, disliked foods, and areas of expertise."
Xuan Yi straightened up: "Yes!"
"I am Xuan Yi. My favorite food is dango, and my disliked food is also dango."
"I specialize in Water Release; a water environment is best, as my Chakra isn't abundant."
"Additionally, I also have Genjutsu."
"I have mastered one Medical Ninjutsu, which can perform temporary treatment."
"Furthermore, I have also mastered Sealing Jutsu."
The two people beside Sakumo Hatake looked at Xuan Yi with strange expressions.
Was this really a freshly graduated kid?
Knowing so much, was he joking?
Had he been training since birth?
Not just them, Sakumo Hatake was also surprised.
He had Xuan Yi's information, but it was only limited to Water Release, Sealing Jutsu, Genjutsu, and Swordsmanship; he hadn't expected Xuan Yi to also know Medical Ninjutsu.
This was simply omnipotence.
"As expected of a genius!"
Sakumo Hatake sighed inwardly, then looked at the two people beside him.
The man in a black high-collared outfit with a sword bag and black hair spoke: "My name is Uchiha Namiichi. I specialize in Uchiha-Style Swordsmanship, Taijutsu, Shuriken throwing, Genjutsu, and Fire Release."
"My favorite food is dango, and my disliked food is natto."
As expected, an Uchiha.
Xuan Yi thought to himself, then greeted: "Senior Namiichi."
Uchiha Namiichi's face was very cold, but he said: "No need to be so polite, just call me Namiichi."
Xuan Yi nodded, then looked at the other person.
This person had long gray hair tied in a ponytail and smiled: "My name is Yamanaka En. My favorite food is ramen, and my disliked food is sweets."
"I specialize in Perception and Genjutsu."
Oh wow, someone from the Yamanaka Clan.
Xuan Yi, as usual, greeted him politely.
Yamanaka En looked like a gentle person: "Xuan Yi, you can just call me En."
Xuan Yi readily agreed.
Once the self-introductions were finished, Sakumo Hatake finally spoke: "Alright, now that you've met, next is the mission."
"Xuan Yi, no problem?"
Xuan Yi immediately nodded: "Teacher Sakumo, no problem."
He had been reminded by Ryuusei Nimoki yesterday that he would be going on a mission outside the village today, so he had already prepared, now carrying a backpack and with a short sword hanging at his waist.