Friday came.
The academy's main training ground was already alive before the sun had fully climbed. Teachers, students, and even a few off-duty shinobi had gathered—curiosity thick in the air. Early graduation tests didn't happen often, and when they did, they were rarely open for others to watch.
Minato sat quietly on a bench, back straight, hands clasped together. He was calm—or at least, trying to be.
A hand landed on his shoulder.
"Don't stress. The test's already in your pocket."
Minato turned to see his red-haired friend grinning down at him.
"I'm not stressing," he said. "After the training you put me through this week, I doubt I could fail even if I wanted to."
Shanks chuckled. "Good. That's the spirit."
He wasn't wrong either. The week had been brutal—hours of chakra control, sparring, and constant drills meant to push his limits. Minato's speed, precision, and composure had all taken a leap forward. It was no exaggeration to say he'd changed in just a few days.
The sound of sandals scraping against wood drew everyone's attention. Three figures entered the field, wearing the flak jackets of experienced shinobi.
"Minato Namikaze, present yourself," the lead examiner said.
"Here."
"I am Sarutobi Hange," the man continued. "With me are Ino Hakuro and Aburame Shinosuke. Normally, there would be only one examiner and one genin opponent, but today's a bit… special."
Minato frowned slightly but said nothing. Shanks nudged him. "Ask why."
"Excuse me," Minato said. "What kind of special?"
Hange smiled. "Both the Hokage and his advisor will be watching this test."
The entire training field stirred. Even Shanks raised an eyebrow.
Moments later, the crowd parted as the Hokage himself entered, followed by Danzo. The murmurs faded instantly.
"At ease," Hiruzen said, his calm voice carrying easily over the noise.
If Minato wasn't nervous before, he certainly was now.
Shanks leaned closer, voice low. "Don't worry. This might actually make things even better for my plan."
Minato frowned. "What plan—?"
Before he could finish, a new figure walked into the arena. The crowd reacted instantly with whispers and a few audible gasps.
The White Fang of Konoha, Sakumo Hatake, had just arrived.
Shanks' grin widened. "That's my plan."
"Sakumo," the Hokage greeted. "Didn't expect you here."
"I heard there was an early graduation test," Sakumo replied casually. "Thought I'd see what all the fuss was about."
"Good," Hiruzen said. "Nice to see you do something other than ANBU work for once."
Hange straightened up. "It's an honor for Minato to be evaluated in front of the Hokage and the ANBU commander."
Danzo coughed. Loudly.
"Oh—and Danzo-sama too, of course," Hange added awkwardly.
Danzo's eye twitched. "Sakumo, it seems you have far too much free time if you can entertain yourself with academy tests."
"What the hell is wrong with him?" Shanks muttered, not even trying to be quiet.
Heads turned.
"What did you say, brat?" Danzo barked.
"I said—what the hell is wrong with you?" Shanks repeated, laughing.
Danzo's jaw clenched. He was about to respond when Hiruzen raised a hand.
"Danzo, enough. Don't argue with children. And you—Shanks—watch your mouth."
"Yes, watch your mouth, boy, or—"
Shanks burst into laughter. "Did you hear him, Minato? This guy's hilarious!"
Minato only smiled awkwardly, not wanting to make things worse.
Hiruzen sighed. "Let's begin before this turns into another council meeting."
Minato took his place at the center of the training ground. The first challenge tested accuracy and control. Wooden targets were placed across the field, some still, others moving unpredictably.
"Begin when ready," Hange said.
Minato exhaled softly, hands flashing through seals. A clone appeared beside him, both pulling out kunai in sync. They moved fast—metal gleaming as the blades cut through the air. Each one struck dead center.
Then, gathering wind chakra, Minato formed a quick seal and released a sharp burst of air that split a moving target cleanly in half.
A low murmur rolled through the crowd.
"He didn't miss a single shot."
"That last one was Wind Style, wasn't it?"
"At his age?!"
Even the examiners exchanged glances.
Minato didn't pause to bask in it. The next test came immediately—a display of chakra control over water. The training ground's pond shimmered under the sun, thin poles stretched across its surface.
Without hesitation, Minato stepped onto the first one. His feet barely rippled the water. Each step was precise, deliberate. Halfway through, he bent slightly, plucked a leaf from a low branch using chakra, and balanced it perfectly on his fingertip as he finished the crossing.
A few onlookers whistled. Others laughed softly in disbelief.
"Is that part of the test?"
"No, he's showing off."
"Well, if you can, you might as well."
Shanks grinned. "He's doing perfect. Just like I told him."
Minato turned back toward the jury. "What's next?"
Hange nodded to one of the assistants. "You'll face Genin Rento."
A tall, muscular boy stepped forward, cracking his knuckles. "Hope you're ready, academy boy."
Minato gave a polite nod. "Ready when you are."
The examiner raised his hand. "Begin!"
Rento charged first, throwing a punch aimed straight at Minato's chest. Minato sidestepped, catching his wrist and pulling him off balance with a smooth twist. Rento stumbled but recovered quickly, spinning with a roundhouse kick—only for Minato to vanish.
Gasps erupted from the crowd.
"Where—?"
Before anyone could finish, Rento was face-down in the dirt, Minato's kunai resting lightly against the back of his neck.
Silence. Then a wave of cheers.
"He didn't even use a jutsu!"
"Did you see that movement speed?"
"That was clean—no wasted motion!"
Even the Hokage's lips curved into a faint smile. Sakumo crossed his arms, nodding slightly, clearly impressed. Danzo's expression, on the other hand, could've curdled milk.
"Winner—Minato Namikaze," Shinosuke announced.
The cheers grew louder. Shanks started clapping, standing on the bench. "Told you! What'd I say, huh? The test was already in your pocket!"
Minato laughed softly, lowering his kunai. "Yeah, guess you were right."
As the examiners finalized their notes, Hange spoke clearly so everyone could hear.
"Minato Namikaze, you've passed the early graduation exam. Congratulations."
Minato bowed slightly, the weight of tension finally leaving his shoulders.
In the stands, Hiruzen watched quietly. "He's sharp. Composed too. You can see the discipline."
Sakumo smiled. "He's got potential—and good influence, too."
The Hokage's eyes flicked briefly toward the red-haired boy cheering from the benches. "Yes… that much is certain."