Mizuki glanced at Iruka, knowing his good friend was still concerned about Shiki's well-being.
After all, Shiki was no longer that prodigy boy. He also carried an illness that prevented him from using chakra normally.
Taking the exam now would be risking his health for nothing.
But...
Who told you to beat Qing Mu before? Now I failed Lord Danzo's mission!
So Mizuki kindly asked, "Shiki, are you really sure about taking this exam?"
Shiki nodded. Not saying anything else—he never backed down when problems arose.
"Then..."
Before Mizuki could finish, Iruka shouted, "No! I absolutely won't allow it!"
Mizuki's pupils slightly narrowed, then his smile returned warmly. "Iruka, if Shiki wants to take the exam, he must have confidence in himself. Besides, there'll be plenty of jonin watching over this exam. Nothing will happen."
"But..."
Before Iruka could speak again, Mizuki declared, "Alright, that's settled then. Shiki, just go ahead and take the exam with peace of mind. Prepare well and strive for a good ranking."
Chapter 68: Genius Qing Mu
After Mizuki said those words, Iruka stopped arguing further—because Mizuki was his best friend.
Besides, wasn't Mizuki also thinking about Shiki's best interest? Wanting every child to show their worth.
That's how Iruka comforted himself. In truth, among peers, Iruka was quite a passive person.
He usually gave in unless it was a matter of principle. Even when witnessing bad behavior, he'd always find the kindest reason possible.
He's a man living under the sunshine, thought Shiki.
Having gotten the result he wanted, Shiki pushed his chair back and got ready to leave.
As he passed Mizuki, he gratefully said, "Teacher Mizuki, thank you."
"Not at all. Just doing what I'm supposed to do—helping my students out. But you should understand—Teacher Iruka has your best interest at heart."
For now, Shiki chose to believe those words. Behind any disguise, a villain could perform better than a real good guy ever could.
As harsh sunlight filtered through new green leaves onto Shiki's face, he realized how quickly the morning had flown by.
Shiki didn't make much preparation.
In contrast, many other students wore worried expressions. Not everyone was an honor student.
Inside the Ninja Academy, all kids of Shiki's age gathered together.
The first test was simply throwing kunai—something most children his age had already mastered decently.
"Next—Shiki Uzumaki!"
Upon hearing his name called, Shiki walked forward and stood twenty meters away from the target.
The examiner, previously a bit sluggish, suddenly perked up.
After all, the red-haired kid had become quite a hot topic recently.
Shiki glanced at the target, didn't think twice, and threw his kunai forward just like everyone else.
Dead center!
Shiki took a quick glance and simply walked away.
For him, throwing kunai was a piece of cake.
This performance, while impressive for a kid their age, wasn't particularly special—after all, many others could achieve the same result.
The real exam was still ahead.
The examiner lowered his head and continued reading from the list. "Next up, Xiao Zefeng."
One name after another was called. Most students performed quite well.
However, when the examiner saw the next name, he couldn't help but raise his alertness slightly once again.
"Next, Hyuga Ao!"
"Woah! It's Ao!"
"A genius of the Hyuga Clan!"
"He was second only to Shiki and Sasuke in talent!"
"No! Now he's definitely second only to Sasuke!"
Ao stepped into the examination area beneath countless watching eyes, clearly enjoying the cheers around him.
Just like how regular kids dream of living a genius's life.
But most geniuses, in turn, often feel lonely.
A few teachers standing nearby began conversing. "This kid Ao has improved dramatically in strength recently."
"He should already possess the power of an elite Genin by now, right?"
"After all, he's the Hyuga Clan's genius. Right now, the Hyuga are probably the strongest clan in Konoha."
Shiki noticed that Sasuke's eyes briefly flickered with disdain.
Then, Sasuke shot a mocking glare at Ao.
Suddenly, while observing Sasuke, Shiki noticed something odd about his expression. Soon after, astonished voices rose from the surroundings.
"What is Ao doing?"
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