Most people had already heard to some extent about Shiki's injury.
Even in the neighboring class, rumors had spread that Shiki had lost his talent—or at least could no longer become a Genin.
This inevitably caused a bit of surprise among all of Shiki's classmates, followed by endless pity.
After all, he was a genius whose talent could rival Sasuke's. And compared to Sasuke's coldness, Shiki had an especially likable personality.
"Shiki, don't worry—I believe you can definitely overcome this difficulty."
"Shiki-kun, even if you can't become a powerful ninja, there are still many other ways to realize your worth."
"A real man never gives up—eventually you'll make it!"
"Shiki, I heard there's a doctor with exceptional medical techniques in a distant village. Maybe he can cure you."
The concerned voices just wouldn't stop.
Shiki had to thank each of his classmates one by one.
For a ninja, being unable to use Ninjutsu above D-rank or Genjutsu basically meant remaining a Genin for life.
Even Might Duy, Might Guy, and Rock Lee could at least use [the Eight Gates technique].
But the current problem was that Shiki couldn't even use [the Eight Gates].
Suddenly, Shiki noticed Sasuke, who was sitting in front, turning around to glance at him with a conflicted expression.
Shiki smiled as usual, appearing completely unconcerned.
"Ahem, it's been a while since we've all been together since winter break. Looks like everyone's full of energy as usual," Naruto stood up and shouted loudly, "Of course! After all, I'm going to be the Hokage someday!"
"Naruto! I didn't ask you! Sit down!" Iruka scolded.
In fact, Shiki knew that among all the students, Iruka's favorite student was still Naruto.
After this little incident, Iruka continued, "Originally, we should've started intense studying when school resumed. But since everyone will graduate next year, the academy has decided to hold an exam today afternoon."
"What?"
"We didn't know anything about this at all!"
"Feels like we've been tricked by Iruka-sensei again!"
"I didn't do anything this whole winter break!"
A chorus of anguished groans erupted, like the dread every elementary student feels before a pop quiz.
However, Shiki, Shikamaru, Ino, and others, having known beforehand, remained silent and quite calm.
Only Naruto still looked deeply worried, and Choji also appeared uneasy.
"This exam was decided on short notice by the academy. Normally, this test would have taken place half a year from now by tradition. No one expected it to be moved forward this time. So it was perfectly normal not to tell you before winter break."
As soon as he finished speaking, Iruka saw a group of children staring at him with resentful eyes.
He felt quite flustered, grabbing the glass of water on the desk and forcing himself to take a sip to hide his embarrassment.
"Because of this exam this afternoon, morning classes are canceled."
"You're all free to review whatever you want. You can practice throwing shuriken or kunai, or work on other skills. But make sure you stay inside the school grounds."
After hearing that they had half the day, everyone's expressions gradually relaxed a bit.
"Alright, everyone else start studying on your own. Shiki, come with me for a moment."
Shiki followed him with a puzzled yet curious expression, quickly arriving at Iruka-sensei's office.
While most kids would nervously stand stiffly when entering a teacher's office, Shiki simply grabbed a chair and sat down calmly.
Iruka had barely settled into his seat when Shiki moved even faster. Sighing slightly, he couldn't help but comment, "Shiki, you really are a mature kid."
Except for Shiki, Sasuke, and Shikamaru, Iruka had never seen any student so completely at ease once stepping into his office.
Shouldn't kids this age be scared of teachers anyway?
Shiki's behavior made Iruka feel somewhat uneasy. However, regardless of how strange he felt, there was still something important to say.
"Shiki, why don't you skip this exam this time?"
"No way."
Shiki firmly declined.
Iruka suddenly slammed the table hard. "Don't act tough! What can you even do in your current condition?"
The desk shook violently, producing a loud buzzing sound.
But Shiki remained perfectly calm. "Iruka-sensei, please have faith in me."
"Faith in you? What did you tell me when you asked for leave?" Iruka glared at Shiki, shouting furiously. "You've pushed yourself into this state already. Do you really think I'd let you recklessly go through with this? Absolutely not!"
Shiki knew very well that right now, there was no way Iruka would easily allow him to take the exam.
Creak!
Glancing sideways, Shiki noticed Mizuki walking in just at that moment.
An idea sparked in Shiki's mind.
"Mizuki-sensei, long time no see."
Shiki greeted him casually and naturally.
Mizuki was somewhat surprised that this red-haired kid would greet him first. However, being always skilled at disguising himself, he immediately responded with a bright smile. "Oh, it's Shiki! Indeed, we haven't met for quite some time. Feigning concern, he asked, 'How have you been lately?'"
How have you been?
Shiki believed that Mizuki already knew about his nearly destroyed talent.
Bringing this up must surely be an attempt to mock me, right?
After all, in the original story, Mizuki became Iruka's close friend solely to maintain superiority by constantly belittling Iruka.
Regarding such a petty person, Shiki couldn't imagine what good intentions he might possibly have.
Still, he said, "Not great, actually. Iruka-sensei is refusing to let me take part in this exam."
Refusing to let you take the exam?
[Official BookHelper site: www.bookhelper.com Read Millions Of Popular Books Free Forever Without Ads!]
<><><><><><><><>
Thank you for reading! Your support will keep me updating!
~ Every 50 Powerstones = **4 Bonus Chapters** this weekend!
<><><><><><><><>
Want to read the subsequent content in advance?
Please follow my Patreon:patreon/Tansnovel
Tans Novel - The Fastest-Updating Naruto Fanfiction Account
Read 100+ chapters in advance, with at least 3 new chapters updated every day! More free chapters! 20+ Naruto fanfictions!
Just three steps:
1. Download and open the "Patreon" app
2. Search for "Tans Novel"
3. Click on the collection and enjoy to your heart's content
<><><><><><><><>