Chapter 5: The Third Hokage
With that, Doi Seishi's figure flashed, and he appeared on the track in a blur of movement.
All the examinees ran toward his position and began following behind him.
Kaito thought to himself, Hmm, this seems pretty straightforward. I could handle this distance on my second day after arriving in this world.
After ten months of dedicated training, running eight kilometers was no problem for him now.
If he channeled chakra to enhance his body, he could even run over ten kilometers.
Everyone completed the first three laps easily, but then some people gradually began falling behind.
By the fifth lap, everyone in Kaito's group except Kaito himself looked completely exhausted.
One girl and two boys failed to complete all five laps.
Doi Seishi announced loudly, "Anyone who failed to complete five laps is eliminated. Please return to the front of the Academy, find your guardians, and return home."
He continued, "For those who completed five laps, you have two choices: either attempt five more laps, or if you feel you can't continue, withdraw to the side of the training grounds and wait."
Many students decided to withdraw immediately, but hundreds still chose to continue.
Among Kaito's orphanage group, only Takeshi and another boy named Tatsuya stayed to attempt the additional laps.
After organizing the data, Nara Takamasa recorded the results.
438 examinees could not complete 5 laps, and 257 examinees attempted the next 5 laps.
Of those 257 participants, 241 successfully completed the additional distance.
Those who couldn't finish were sent to join the group of students waiting at the side of the training grounds.
For the remaining 241 students, the same two choices were offered again.
Ultimately, only 21 examinees decided to attempt another 5 laps.
Those who didn't continue were sent back and organized into different groups based on their performance.
Kaito was the only one remaining from the orphanage. Most of the others who continued came from various ninja clans in Konoha.
All 21 participants completed the additional 5 laps and were separated into a distinct group.
The training grounds were now divided into three separate groups based on performance.
Kaito was relieved they weren't asked to run yet another 5 laps, or he might have had to withdraw as well.
More physical tests followed—push-ups, sit-ups, and agility drills—eliminating even more examinees.
Nara Takamasa continued recording the results.
All 21 students in the top group and 220 participants in the second group passed, but many in the third group were eliminated. Only 636 people remained from the original first group.
After the first phase concluded, the examinees were given a break and provided with breakfast—rice balls and water.
After breakfast, the examiner for the second phase appeared.
Kaito immediately noticed the distinctive pale eyes and recognized him as a member of the Hyuga Clan.
The Hyuga examiner announced, "In each group, all those who have already unlocked their chakra, step forward."
Many students, including Kaito, stepped forward confidently.
In total, nearly a hundred children had already unlocked their chakra.
All the children from ninja clans naturally had their chakra unlocked already.
Seeing that quite a few civilian children also stepped forward, Kaito breathed a sigh of relief.
This way, having unlocked chakra won't make me stand out too much.
The Hyuga examiner activated his Byakugan, the veins near his temples bulging as his pale eyes gained even greater clarity.
He systematically checked the chakra of those who had stepped forward, examining both the quantity and quality of their chakra pathways.
All twenty students in Kaito's top group passed the inspection.
The remaining 64 students from other groups also passed, while several were disqualified for falsely claiming to have unlocked their chakra.
Subsequently, several chunin moved through the crowd to help all the remaining students unlock their chakra for the first time.
Kaito thought in surprise, Wow, I didn't expect them to help everyone unlock their chakra. Konoha must be desperately short on shinobi.
This meant that many examinees who wouldn't normally qualify for the Academy would now be able to enroll.
The direct result of this policy was that hundreds of civilian children would gain access to chakra who otherwise never would have.
He wondered what roles these people would play in the future, and just how many more shinobi Konoha needed to fill its ranks.
While the chakra unlocking process continued, Nara Takamasa observed from the side.
The second phase examiner, Hyuga Hachiro, walked up to him and said, "I still don't understand why the Third Hokage ordered us to unlock chakra for all these children."
Nara Takamasa nodded solemnly. "He had no choice. We've lost far too many shinobi in recent years. The Hokage has ordered us to rapidly train reserve ninja to fill the vacant positions throughout the village."
"But even if most of these children never become full shinobi, having unlocked chakra will make them more capable in supporting roles—medical staff, administrators, craftsmen. They'll strengthen the village in other ways."
Nara Takamasa continued, "Honestly, I'm impressed by the Hokage's efforts to ensure so many children could participate in the exam. He even ordered the Academy expanded to accommodate them."
Hyuga Hachiro replied, "Yes. We just need a few years of peace and no major conflicts to rebuild our strength."
Nara Takamasa sighed wearily. "True, but before that happens, organizing these massive exams is giving me a headache."
Seeing Nara Takamasa's exhausted expression, Hyuga Hachiro couldn't help but laugh.
The process of unlocking and verifying chakra continued for several more hours.
By evening, all the tests were finally completed.
In total, approximately 430 children had passed the entrance exam. The remaining 447 children who failed were dismissed and told to return to their guardians.
Those who passed gathered at the training grounds, waiting for the final announcement.
At that moment, several children noticed an elderly man wearing the traditional Hokage robes and hat, smoking a pipe as he walked toward them.
Kaito looked at the approaching figure and exclaimed internally, Oh, I'm finally seeing someone from the actual Naruto series! I didn't expect the first person I'd meet to be the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi himself!
Upon recognizing the Third Hokage, everyone immediately showed deep reverence.
Most of the children were extremely surprised and honored that he'd come to see them personally.
Hiruzen looked at the children and smiled warmly.
He began to speak in a kind but authoritative voice.
"Congratulations on passing the entrance examination."
He paused for effect.
All the children beamed with happiness, waiting excitedly for him to continue.
The surrounding chunin called for silence so the Hokage could continue his address.
Kaito, however, was thinking, Finally, I get to experience his legendary ability to inspire young people.
In his previous life, everyone had talked about Naruto's famous Talk-no-Jutsu.
But few people discussed how Hiruzen had influenced Naruto, making him willing to give his life protecting the very Konoha villagers who had once rejected and scorned him!
The Third Hokage continued, his voice carrying across the training grounds.
"Now that you have entered the Academy, we will teach you the way of the shinobi and ensure you become true ninja of Konohagakure. This Academy was founded by the Second Hokage himself. He personally taught many students here, including me. I still remember the lessons we learned and the bonds we formed within these walls. The shinobi who graduated from this Academy now protect the safety and peace of our village. Soon, it will be your turn to inherit the Will of Fire."
The Third Hokage looked at these new students, his eyes full of hope and expectation.
"Just as the First Hokage once said, you must now become people who carry the Will of Fire. You must love your village and ensure that your Will of Fire maintains its peace and prosperity.
Let your Will of Fire burn brighter than anyone else's, and let every other village know that Konoha's flame still burns hotter than any other. Possess an unyielding spirit, capable of enduring arduous training and hardship. At the same time, maintain both mental and physical health. Finally, welcome to the Academy, future shinobi of Konoha!"
As soon as his speech ended, the excitement within the children finally erupted, and everyone began celebrating enthusiastically.
The long day finally came to an end, and everyone began returning to their homes.
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