"And your exam starts…now!"
As soon as those words echoed inside the classroom, the students flipped the papers, read the questions, and began answering them.
Just as Seimei anticipated, the content wasn't particularly difficult. In fact, it was laughably easy. At least, that was what it looked like to Seimei, who always made sure to stay up to date on the latest chakra beasts, materials, and historical intel.
Combining such diligence with his sky-high 31 points in the "Spirit" stat, which gave him an almost photographic memory, lightning-fast information processing speed, and high-level calculation power, even the toughest and trickiest maths, physics, and ninja tactics problems didn't pose any challenge to him.
But not everyone was having an easy time.
For example, Sarutobi Yuto.
Damn it. These math equations are really inhumane.
Why the fuck do I have to calculate the point of release, the force behind the throw, the release angle, and multi-angle obstacles to achieve my goal? Who the fuck has the time to calculate these shits in a real-life combat situation?
Also, what do you mean by "describe the most relevant Genjutsu construction and release method?" How would I know, bastards? I don't even use Genjutsu in my battles.
Isn't it enough to learn how to avoid Genjutsu and break them?
Fortunately, the ninja arts, history, and specialized knowledge sections are easy. Otherwise, my scores would really have dropped below the passing threshold.
Yuto cursed inwardly and worked on his test paper.
On the other hand, Reina's expression became a little strange as she answered the questions.
Taking the graduation exam for the second time in my life is truly a novel experience.
Hmm? Some of the questions are indeed different from what I remember. But it's understandable. My regression was an anomaly in itself. It is bound to create some subtle changes over time.
Is that what they called the "Butterfly Effect" in one of those worlds I visited in my past life before the regression?
Well, this isn't important now.
What is important is the lunch that my mother is going to prepare. I am already drooling thinking about it.
Good News: The written exam is easy, and the practicals won't start until tomorrow.
(●'◡'●)
Bad News: I missed my breakfast and am feeling very hungry.
(┬┬﹏┬┬)
Although Reina's inner thoughts were very colorful, she maintained a calm expression and answered the questions in the test paper diligently.
Minute after minute passed as the students focused on their test papers.
And in the blink of an eye, an hour had passed.
At that moment, Kamishiro Kirito's voice rang in the classroom once more.
"Attention, my dear bean sprouts. You only have one more hour left."
"So, you'd better move your hands and fingers fast."
"You know what I mean, right?"
Hearing this, the students sped up their writing speed. It looked like someone had injected them with an extra dose of adrenaline.
Meanwhile, Seimei looked at Kirito with a blank expression.
I understand what you mean by moving our hands and fingers fast. But as a man of culture who hid several TBs of adult content inside a password-protected "Homework" file in my previous life, my brain can't help but conjure several not-so-child-friendly images.
Tch! Whatever. I only have one more essay question left to answer. Let's finish it first.
Seimei shifted his focus to the last essay question and twirled his pen with a thoughtful look.
What was the last essay question?
Well, it was something he was very familiar with.
Essay Question #X: How do you interpret the "Will of Fire"? Write ten lines describing your thoughts on this, and analyze the ideology of the motto.
Seimei narrowed his eyes and stared at the question.
He had to admit that the Konoha higher-ups were quite relentless. They never missed the chance to spread the ultimate Genjutsu, Will of Fire, and brainwash the students thoroughly.
Even in the S-class, which had a tight schedule and numerous training regimes, there was at least one class every week preaching the importance of the ideology.
With this level of dedication for five straight years, how could the majority of the students not be utterly hypnotized and brainwashed by the Will of Fire?
I wonder what will happen if I write about the Will of Arson in this test paper.
Hehe…
When the tree leaves dance,
One shall catch all-consuming fire.
The fire will burn everything down to ashes,
Until no tree remains.
Kekekekeke…
This is the Will of Arson.
If I really dare to write it down, the evaluator may just jump out of his seat in surprise (and fright).
The Hokage's son writing something so blasphemous openly will indeed stir a huge chaos.
Heh! Although I am really looking forward to it, let's not tempt fate.
Thinking this far, Seimei honestly wrote his own interpretation of the village's official motto.
As a previous office worker and university student regularly dealing with office emails and thesis papers, respectively, writing a ten-line-long, elaborated essay was child's play for him.
He finished the essay in under five minutes.
With that, he had already finished his written exam. But he couldn't move from his spot before the two hours were up.
So, after double-checking his answers and arranging his test paper properly on the desk, he leaned back against the backrest of his chair and watched his classmates.
He had nothing to do for the next 55 minutes. All he could do was kill time.
He glanced at Reina and saw her finishing her paper, too.
Both of their eyes met. They gave each other a knowing smile that only the top scorers in a class could understand.
Then, Seimei looked at his back to watch Nara Shikamo, who gave him a blank look with his deadfish eyes.
Seimei and Shikamo conveyed their thoughts using only their eyes with practiced ease.
Seimei: You're done?
Shikamo: I'm done.
Seimei: You didn't finish all the questions again, didn't you?
Shikamo: I have answered enough to pass the test.
Seimei (rolling his eyes): You still have fifty-five minutes left, you know?
Shikamo (giving a nonchalant shrug): It doesn't matter. I don't give a shit. I just want to sleep right now.
A few moments later, Shikamo used his arms on the desk as pillows to rest his head and drifted to the land of dreams in a matter of seconds.
Seimei: (￣_￣|||)
Shikamo's behavior wasn't really surprising. But the way he dared to nap during the exam hours still left him utterly speechless.
He just gave his friend a silent thumbs-up!
And their teacher, Kirito, watched all of those antics from the top of the podium.
His lips kept twitching with a hint of irritation.
Anyway, these troublesome kids are graduating this year.
He looked at Seimei, Shikamo, and Reina before falling into deep thought.
Let me offer a moment of silence for their enemies. If they team up and bring along their other friends, it would be chaos.
Well, not my problem anymore.
And just like that, two hours soon passed, marking the end of the written exam.
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