Time passed once again.
Kurotsuchi stretched out her slender, straight legs and yawned, "Why hasn't Iruka-sensei come yet?"
Beside her, Hydrangea shook her head indifferently, silently wiping several kunai with special markings.
As for Yugao, Fu, Hotaru, Tayuya, and the rest, they remained indifferent as well.
Unlike someone like Naruto Uzumaki, they didn't seem to care much about this exam.
After all...
They had been living in Mirai Uchiha's estate for quite some time now, so naturally, they no longer cared much about a mere Disciple title.
To them, a mere Disciple position was nothing compared to the privilege of residing in Mirai Uchiha's estate.
Since they were destined to become Mirai Uchiha's women someday, why strive for something far away when they already possessed something far greater?
After a while longer, Iruka Umino hurriedly entered the classroom.
"I'll now call the names of those who need to come with me."
"Sasuke Uchiha!"
Being called first, Sasuke Uchiha casually put his hands in his pockets and arrogantly strode outside under everyone's gaze.
Soon after, Iruka spoke again, "Neji Hyuga!"
...
Everyone had easily passed the Ninja Academy's graduation exam.
After all, it was merely a simple test of the Three Body Techniques—too easy for this year's batch of students.
Only Rock Lee had failed the exam, but even so, he was given an exception due to his consistent performance over the year.
Once the exam ended, everyone was asked to remain inside the classroom.
Initially slightly displeased by the request, their moods immediately shifted upon seeing Mirai Uchiha walk in—they became excited.
Because the exam had been so simple, even those with poor academic performance couldn't help but entertain certain hopes.
Could they also get a chance to attain the Emperor's Disciple status?!
Seeing the eager gazes from everyone, Mirai Uchiha smiled and began, "I know exactly what you're hoping for, so I'll skip the pleasantries."
"First, I'll announce the ninja who earned the title of Newcomer King..."
"Yakumo Kurama!"
Upon hearing that name, not a single person raised any objection.
Even Sasuke Uchiha, usually filled with pride, remained silent at that moment.
During the six years at the Ninja Academy, Yakumo had practically beaten him into the ground every time.
Yakumo's strength was something everyone had witnessed firsthand.
Among this year's new graduates, no one could surpass her.
Seeing that no one opposed the decision, Mirai Uchiha handed Yakumo Kurama the trophy he had prepared earlier.
"Yakumo, congratulations."
As Yakumo accepted the trophy, she secretly traced a few strokes onto Mirai Uchiha's palm.
"Mirai-sama, I will work even harder from now on."
Yakumo Kurama was about four years older than Sasuke Uchiha and the others, and had already grown into a graceful young lady.
Looking at her flirtatious gaze, Mirai Uchiha lightly coughed. "I look forward to seeing your performance."
After Yakumo returned to her seat, Mirai continued speaking.
"Considering everyone's excellent performances, I've prepared a lottery ceremony."
"This box contains each of your names, and I'll randomly pick three people to become my disciples."
When they heard Mirai's words, everyone in the classroom showed shocked expressions.
Random selection?
This meant everyone had a chance!
Great!
Choji Akimichi put down his snack, and Shikamaru Nara couldn't help but sit up straight.
Sakura Haruno, Rock Lee, Tenten, and others felt their hearts would jump out of their chests.
If Mirai had chosen based on ability, they definitely wouldn't have been selected.
But now with random selection, anything could happen.
If they happened to be chosen as Mirai's apprentice, wouldn't that mean immediate success?
Amid everyone's anxious and expectant gazes, Mirai slowly drew out three slips of paper.
"Hinata Hyuga!"
"Ino Yamanaka!"
"Kurotsuchi!"
As Mirai announced the names, Hinata Hyuga, Ino Yamanaka, and Kurotsuchi stood up excitedly.
They had actually become apprentices of the Emperor!
Feeling the envious and jealous glances from everyone, the three unconsciously held their heads high.
From now on, they were Emperor's disciples and must never disgrace him.
Smiling, Hinata greeted Neji Hyuga. "Neji-niisan, I'm going first."
Equally excited, Neji said, "Young Lady, please inform the clan leader as soon as possible."
"Yes, I understand."
Ino proudly glanced at Sakura Haruno and happily said, "Sakura, it seems I'm a bit luckier than you, dear~"
Sakura managed a bitter smile. "Congratulations, Ino..."
The three quickly walked to Mirai's side. Smiling at everyone in the classroom, Mirai said, "Later, other equally outstanding ninja will come to serve as your supervising jonin. I'll take my leave now."
With that, she left the classroom accompanied by Ino Yamanaka, Hinata Hyuga, and Kurotsuchi.
After Mirai left, Kakashi Hatake, Kurenai Yuhi, Rin Nohara, Anko Mitarashi, Yugao Uzuki, and Might Guy stepped inside.
Kakashi spoke first, "Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, Sakura Haruno!"
Follow me.
With those simple words, he turned and left the classroom.
Naruto Uzumaki, Rock Lee, and Tenten quickly followed.
Might Guy continued, "Tenten, Rock Lee, Neji Hyuga!"
I'll be guiding your youthful spirits from now on!
Rock Lee, Tenten, and Neji Hyuga quickly walked out from their seats.
Kurenai Yuhi called: "Hydrangea, Tayuya, Hokuto."
Hearing Kurenai's voice, the three girls smiled and surrounded her. "Sister Kurenai."
They had been living together at Mirai Uchiha's estate, so they were quite familiar with Kurenai. Chattering happily, they left the classroom together.
Anko Mitarashi lazily chewed on a skewer of Three Colored Candy Skewers and said casually, "Temari, Gaara, Kankuro. You three come with me."
Yugao Uzuki spoke up: "Uzumaki Yugao, Fu, and Hotaru — follow me."
Rin Nohara announced: "Shikamaru Nara, Choji Akimichi, Inuzuka Kiba — follow me."
Eventually, only two people remained inside the classroom.
One was Yakumo Kurama, the other was Shino Aburame.
Shino glanced at Yakumo and took the initiative to speak, "Yakumo, since we're the last ones here, maybe we'll become teammates from now on."
Yakumo didn't even look up as she packed her schoolbag, saying indifferently, "Even though I'm the Newcomer King, I no longer intend to walk the path of a ninja."
Perhaps one day, you'll stand before my art.
[Kana]
After saying that, Yakumo took the trophy for being the 'Newcomer King' and walked out of the classroom.
Looking at the empty classroom, Shino felt confused.
Wait...
Is this right?
Where is my team?!
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