Six months had passed since the end of the war, and the village had begun to heal. The loss of the Second Hokage still weighed heavily on Konoha, but under Hiruzen Sarutobi's leadership, stability was returning. Indra observed the changes with detached awareness, knowing that the true consequences of Hiruzen's rule would unfold in the years to come.
During this time, Indra and many of the clan students had reached a mutual understanding—there was little point in remaining at the academy. Their training at home far exceeded what the school could offer, and the looming uncertainty of the future urged them to accelerate their progress. With that in mind, they applied for early graduation, ready to take the next step in their shinobi journey.
------
The day of the graduation exam had arrived. The academy grounds were filled with an unusual tension, a mix of excitement and anxiety. Students who had spent years together now faced the reality that some would be moving on while others would remain behind.
Indra stood near Asahi, his gaze sweeping across the gathered students. Tsunade, Orochimaru, and Jiraiya were among those taking the exam as well, their expressions ranging from confident to impatient.
"Well, this is it," Tsunade muttered, stretching her arms. "Finally, we can leave this place."
"I hope the exam isn't too boring," Orochimaru said, his golden eyes gleaming with curiosity.
Jiraiya grinned. "Yeah, yeah, just don't embarrass yourself, snake boy."
Indra merely smirked. His focus was elsewhere. This exam was merely a formality. The true test would come after—when they faced the world beyond these academy walls.
The first part of the exam was a written test, designed to gauge their theoretical knowledge of shinobi tactics, history, and basic jutsu mechanics.
Indra finished his exam swiftly, his pen gliding over the paper with ease. To him, these questions were simple—tactics, historical events, and even chakra theory were subjects he had long studied at home.
Asahi sat beside him, her expression calm as she methodically answered each question. Across the room, Orochimaru finished nearly as fast as Indra, while Jiraiya was scratching his head, mumbling complaints under his breath.
When time was up, the proctor collected the papers, offering no immediate results. The real tests were about to begin.
Jiraiya slumped over his desk. "That was brutal. Who needs this much history?"
Tsunade rolled her eyes. "Any shinobi with a brain."
"Which you clearly lack," Orochimaru added, smirking.
Jiraiya groaned in response. "You guys are merciless."
------
The second test involved performing the three basic Academy jutsu: the Clone Technique, the Substitution Technique, and the Transformation Technique.
The students lined up outside, where three instructors stood waiting to evaluate their mastery. Each student had to perform the techniques flawlessly to pass.
Tsunade went first, her transformations smooth and precise. Her clone technique was adequate, though not exceptional. Orochimaru, in contrast, executed each jutsu with eerie perfection, his clones indistinguishable from himself.
Jiraiya, as expected, struggled.
"Tch, stupid clone technique," Jiraiya muttered, forming the hand seals again. His clone appeared, though it was wobbly and slightly transparent.
The instructor sighed. "Passable, but you need to work on your chakra control."
Indra's turn came, and he performed each jutsu with efficiency. His transformation technique was near-perfect, his substitution seamless. When it came to the Clone Technique, he executed it well enough, though he knew it wasn't his strongest skill.
Asahi followed with graceful precision, her chakra control evident in the way she molded her clones and transformations without unnecessary effort.
With that, the basic jutsu evaluations were completed. Now came the real test.
----
After the basic jutsu tests concluded, the students were led to the weapon training field where rows of targets stood at varying distances. The atmosphere shifted—the tension sharper, more serious. This wasn't just about chakra control or memorized hand seals. This was a test of focus, precision, and nerves.
An instructor stepped forward. "Each of you will be given ten shuriken and five kunai. You'll be judged on accuracy, consistency, and technique. Remember—on the battlefield, a single missed throw could cost you your life or your teammate's."
Tsunade stepped up first. She twirled a kunai in her fingers, her expression one of cool confidence. Her throws were powerful, but her accuracy was erratic. A few kunai embedded themselves near the outer edge of the target. She scowled.
"Still working on that arm strength, huh?" Jiraiya teased.
"I'll work on your face next if you don't shut up," she shot back.
Next was Orochimaru. His movements were almost too smooth, like silk over steel. Each shuriken left his hand with deadly elegance, landing near the bullseye with chilling consistency.
"Tch… show-off," Jiraiya muttered as he stepped forward.
His performance was less refined. The kunai thudded into the board—one even landed backwards, the handle embedding into the wood with an awkward thud. He scratched his head and laughed nervously. "At least I hit something."
Asahi was next, her grip steady but a little tense. Her first few throws were hesitant, but she quickly adjusted her stance. Each weapon found its mark with decent precision, and her improvement was noticeable.
Then it was Indra's turn.
He stepped forward in silence, fingers curling around the cool metal of the kunai. He took a moment to calm his breathing, eyes narrowing as he visualized the path of each throw. Around him, the whispers faded, and everything slowed.
He threw.
The kunai struck—not dead center, but solid hits nonetheless. He adjusted, his next series of shuriken flying with more confidence. One missed by inches, another stuck on the edge. It wasn't perfect.
"Hmm," Indra muttered to himself, analyzing his form. Grip too tight. Need to adjust angle on release.
Tsunade leaned in from the sideline. "What's the matter, genius? Not good at everything?"
Indra didn't rise to the bait. "Shuriken don't decide battles. But I'll make sure mine count when it matters."
The instructor marked his scores, nodding thoughtfully.
By the end of the test, it was clear who had a natural flair and who would need more practice. But everyone had shown growth—and more importantly, potential.
-----
The final test was taijutsu sparring. Each student would face an instructor in a controlled match to evaluate their combat ability.
When Indra's name was called, he stepped into the ring, facing a seasoned chūnin named Ryo Nakamura. The man was taller, broader, and had years of experience over Indra.
"A Hyuga, huh?" Ryo smirked. "Let's see if you're all talk."
Indra activated his Byakugan, settling into the Gentle Fist stance. "Come and find out."
Ryo wasted no time, rushing forward with a straight punch. Indra sidestepped, his hands blurring as he aimed for the instructor's tenketsu points.
Ryo twisted at the last moment, avoiding the full strike, then countered with a low sweep. Indra jumped back, but Ryo followed up with a quick palm thrust that caught Indra's ribs, sending him stumbling.
"Too slow!" Ryo barked.
Indra gritted his teeth. He adjusted his footwork and dashed in, his strikes coming faster. His palms hit Ryo's arms, disrupting his chakra flow, but not enough to disable him.
"Not bad," Ryo admitted. "But—"
He suddenly feinted left, then spun right, catching Indra off guard with a kick to the shoulder. Indra skidded back, his feet digging into the dirt.
"Damn it," he thought. "His speed and experience are on another level."
Ryo smirked. "You're good, kid. But you're not there yet."
Indra inhaled sharply, then rushed in again. He aimed for the chest, then feinted and struck at Ryo's knee instead. The instructor faltered for a second, and Indra took the opening to land a palm strike to his ribs.
Ryo grunted but quickly grabbed Indra's wrist and yanked him forward, using his momentum against him. Before Indra could counter, Ryo flipped him onto his back, pressing a knee to his chest.
"Match over," Ryo declared.
Indra exhaled sharply but didn't protest. He had lost. But he had learned.
Ryo stood and offered a hand. "You're talented, but you rely too much on traditional forms. Adapt more, and you'll be dangerous."
Indra took his hand, nodding. "I'll remember that."
------
By the end of the day, the results were posted on the academy notice board.
Orochimaru had secured the top spot, his performance nearly flawless. Indra came in second. As he read the list, a quiet fire burned in his chest.
So I wasn't the best.
Despite being a reincarnator, Indra reminded himself that this didn't guarantee perfection. He had the advantage of his memories and an adult mind—but if he didn't use them to their fullest, he would fall behind. This exam had proven it. He still had a long road ahead.
The headbands were distributed, and for the first time, they felt the weight of being true shinobi.
"Come back tomorrow to take your shinobi registration photo," their instructor said. "Team announcements will follow."
-----
Following the announcement of the graduation results, the Hokage received a detailed list of the newly graduated genin. Sitting in his office within the Hokage Tower, Hiruzen Sarutobi reviewed the profiles one by one, stroking his beard in thoughtful silence. Orochimaru, Tsunade, Jiraiya, Indra Hyuga, Asahi Hyuga, Daichi Uchiha... the names stood out clearly.
Despite his youth and appointment as the Third Hokage, Hiruzen was well aware that not all shinobi of the village respected him. Many saw him as a stand-in, a compromise born of necessity rather than merit. It was the legacy and respect for Tobirama Senju that silenced dissent. Unlike his predecessors, Hiruzen lacked a kekkei genkai or overwhelming power. What he had, however, was his sheer versatility—mastery over all five basic chakra natures, the ability to combine them into rare fusion techniques, exceptional proficiency with the bō staff, and his contract with the Monkey King, Enma.
Knowing his own shortcomings, Hiruzen had wisely appointed his former teammates as Hokage Advisors: Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane. Danzo Shimura, his other teammate, had taken a different path.
As Hiruzen gazed out the window of his office, his thoughts drifted back to the battlefield—a moment that had shaped everything.
Flashback — First Shinobi World War
The sound of battle still echoed in his memory: the sharp whistle of kunai, the desperate breathing of his comrades, the blood-soaked mud underfoot. They had been ambushed. The Kinkaku Force of Kumogakure—a brutal squad feared even by other elites—was closing in. Tobirama, their leader, had halted the group to make a grim decision.
"One of us has to stay behind," the Second Hokage said, his voice calm despite the dread in the air. "They're too fast. If we all try to flee, we die together."
A heavy silence fell. Everyone knew what he meant.
"I'll do it," Hiruzen spoke without hesitation. "I'm the strongest. I have the best chance of delaying them. Maybe even surviving."
Danzo flinched. He opened his mouth—then closed it. His fingers trembled.
"I-I should…" Danzo began, eyes darting nervously.
But Tobirama raised a hand. "You want to, Danzo. But you're not ready."
Tobirama turned to Hiruzen.
"You are. From this moment on… you are the Third Hokage."
Everyone's eyes widened. Even now, the weight of that moment pressed on Hiruzen's shoulders.
End Flashback
It was during the chaos of the war that Tobirama created the ANBU—an elite black-ops unit meant to shield the village from hidden threats. After Tobirama's death and Hiruzen's ascension to Hokage, Danzo approached him in the Hokage Office with a proposition.
Danzo stood near the window, arms folded, his gaze shadowed. "You're the Hokage now. But the village still needs a shadow."
Hiruzen raised an eyebrow, watching his old teammate carefully. "And you intend to be that shadow?"
Danzo stepped forward. "Let me take control of the ANBU. I'll create a division—one that doesn't flinch. One that ensures this village survives, no matter the cost."
Hiruzen frowned. "You would act without restraint."
"You rule with light," Danzo said. "But someone must operate in darkness. I'll do what you won't. That's the difference."
Though reluctant, Hiruzen gave his silent consent. Danzo took command of the ANBU and soon after established Root—a secretive and ruthless subdivision under his exclusive control. For years Hiruzen tolerated Root's actions, even its moral ambiguity. It was a compromise he made for the sake of the village.
Now, in the present, Hiruzen reviewed the genin profiles, inviting Homura and Koharu into his office to help determine team placements. He had already decided to personally mentor a team—and he had someone in mind.
"Tsunade," he said aloud, placing her profile aside. "I want her on my team. She's a genius, and I owe it to Sensei to guide her."
"Orochimaru too," Homura suggested. "He's the top performer—flawless execution across all fields, even without a clan background."
"Agreed," Hiruzen nodded. "Jiraiya as well. He may be lacking now, but I see potential."
Then came the question of Indra Hyuga. Hiruzen considered him briefly for his own team, but quickly discarded the idea.
"I want to create a team focused on dōjutsu—Byakugan and Sharingan," he said. "Indra will thrive better under Kagami."
Koharu raised a brow. "You're aware Indra and Asahi are engaged? Placing them on the same team could compromise their effectiveness."
"Or strengthen it," Hiruzen countered. "They've trained together for years. Their synergy could become a foundation for excellent teamwork."
The advisors relented. They had considered a tracking team with Hyuga, Inuzuka, and Aburame members, but not all clan students were available this year.
Kagami, who had remained quiet until now, finally spoke. "Daichi Uchiha—place him with me. I know of his past. I believe he can be my successor. If we want the Uchiha to fully integrate, we need examples of unity. Let me lead this team."
Hiruzen smiled. "Then it's decided. Team 11—Indra Hyuga, Asahi Hyuga, Daichi Uchiha. Instructor: Uchiha Kagami."
-----
The next day, all eighteen students gathered again in their classroom. Indra silently calculated—six teams. He tried to recall how the teams were normally balanced: top performer, average, and weak. But he knew these decisions could also be influenced by the Hokage or the Jonin Commander.
Whispers filled the room as they waited.
Finally, their class teacher entered with five jonin standing behind him.
"I will now announce the teams and their instructors," he said, unrolling a scroll.
"Team 7: Tsunade, Orochimaru, and Jiraiya. Your instructor—Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage himself."
Gasps rippled through the room. Even Indra raised an eyebrow. The Hokage himself taking on a genin team—clearly, these three were considered special.
Then came the next name.
"Team 11: Indra Hyuga, Asahi Hyuga, and Daichi Uchiha. Your instructor will be Uchiha Kagami."
Indra blinked, taken aback.
Asahi?
He had expected her to be placed on a different squad, especially with how focused their families were on separating personal relationships from missions. Yet, here she was—his fiancée, now his teammate.
His eyes shifted to the third name—Daichi Uchiha. A quiet, distant boy. Indra remembered him vaguely—an orphan from the Uchiha clan, rarely speaking, always lingering at the edge of the group. They had barely exchanged words.
And yet, here we are…
Indra's thoughts raced as his gaze turned toward their instructor.
Uchiha Kagami. The name struck a chord.
Kagami… one of Tobirama's personal students. A war veteran, a man trusted by the Second Hokage himself.
Indra straightened unconsciously. He hadn't expected this. A Jonin of Kagami's caliber—an Uchiha who had earned Tobirama's respect despite the long-standing clan distrust—was now his sensei.
This… changes everything.
As if on cue, Kagami stepped forward.
"Team 11," he said with quiet authority, his dark eyes sweeping over the three students. "Gather your things and follow me."
Indra rose to his feet, a dozen questions swirling in his mind. The moment had arrived—and it was already unfolding in ways he hadn't predicted.