On the seventh day after leaving the village, Hiruzen and Jiraiya hurried back to Konoha.
After explaining the situation to Homura and Koharu, Hiruzen made sure that Jiraiya had a chance to take a make-up exam.
Following a night's rest, he resumed his duties as the Hokage.
That day, as he was busy at his desk, Shinya knocked on the door and handed over a document.
"Lord Hokage, this is the list of students who passed the graduation exam. Out of 103 candidates, only one failed—Might Duy. The rest, including Jiraiya, who took a make-up test, have all successfully passed."
Without looking up, Hiruzen said, "Just leave it there. I'll go through it when I have time."
Shinya remained standing.
"Is there something else?" Hiruzen asked, slightly puzzled.
"The graduation exam is over, but we still need to assign the graduates to their respective teams. There's also the ceremony, where you'll be presenting awards and giving a speech. This has already been delayed for several days, Lord Hokage. We need to finalize it soon."
Hiruzen sighed. 'So, now I'm being urged to work? I just got back two days ago!'
Resigned to his duties, he picked up the document and skimmed through it.
Orochimaru scored full marks as the top student—no surprise there. His talent and dedication have always set him apart from his peers. Tsunade performed exceptionally well, living up to the expectations placed upon her as the granddaughter of the First Hokage. Her control over chakra and her natural combat instincts were evident in her results.
And then there was Jiraiya… who, as usual, barely scraped by. It was no surprise to anyone at least Hiruzen. That boy had always been more interested in goofing off than studying, yet somehow, he managed to pull through at the last moment.
Kato Dan's grades, on the other hand, were truly impressive—almost on par with Orochimaru. His academic performance and field assessment results showed both intelligence and skill, making him one of the most promising students in this graduating class.
Then his gaze fell on Might Duy's name. He had struggled in every subject except Taijutsu, where he managed to pass. Hiruzen raised an eyebrow. A student with such low scores would normally be overlooked, deemed unsuited for the path of a shinobi. Yet, something about that name stood out to him.
Might Duy… Wasn't he the father of that future legend, Might Guy?
Hiruzen leaned back in his chair, tapping his fingers thoughtfully against the desk. A boy who lacked talent in Ninjutsu and Genjutsu, yet possessed the perseverance to make it this far, was rare. Perhaps there was more to him than what these exam results suggested.
"Interesting," he murmured. "I should keep an eye on him."
Closing the scroll, Hiruzen instructed, "Shinya, make the necessary arrangements. The graduation ceremony will be held tomorrow. Notify the Security Department and Anbu for recruitment. Also, get me a full report on Might Duy."
After investing heavily in the Ninja Academy's resources, Hiruzen had expected most students to at least reach Chunin level with ease. Yet Might Duy stood out in an unusual way—so much so that he warranted special attention.
As the office returned to silence, Hiruzen found himself comparing his secretaries.
Shinya was diligent, always ensuring tasks were completed on time. He had a strong sense of responsibility, but his methodical nature sometimes made him slower than necessary. Shikaru, on the other hand, was undeniably efficient—when given direct orders. Left to his own devices, he had a tendency to procrastinate, preferring to take the easiest route whenever possible.
Each had their strengths, Hiruzen supposed. One ensured things got done properly, the other swiftly—if properly motivated. In the end, it balanced out.
That afternoon, Shinya returned with Might Duy's report in hand.
His Taijutsu score was a perfect 100—not because that was the highest he could achieve, but because the grading scale simply didn't go any higher. If the limit had been 1000, he might have still maxed it out. His raw physical ability was undeniable.
In stark contrast, his performance in theoretical subjects was dismal, save for one surprising exception—ninja world history. It seemed he had at least paid attention in that class. His shuriken throwing was a catastrophe, his accuracy barely passing the threshold to avoid outright failure. As for the basic Clone, Transformation, and Substitution Techniques? Practically nonexistent. It was as if he had skipped those lessons entirely.
"Shinya, arrange a special assessment for Might Duy. Have a senior Chunin spar with him. I'll observe personally."
Then Hiruzen knocked on the wall. Sakumo emerged from the shadows.
"Gather some of the other young ones. Let them see firsthand what strength looks like," Hiruzen ordered, his gaze lingering on Might Duy's report.
Shinya hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Shall I bring the top students? Orochimaru, Tsunade, and the others?"
Hiruzen leaned back in his chair, exhaling thoughtfully. "Not just them. Bring some of the average ones too. I want them to witness something they won't find in their textbooks."
Shinya bowed slightly and left the office. As the door closed behind him, Hiruzen's eyes drifted back to the report on his desk. 'Might Duy… A failure by conventional standards, yet there was something about him that intrigued the Hokage. A fire that refused to be extinguished.'
Perhaps it was time to see just how bright that fire could burn.
By the time everything was prepared, the sun had begun to set. Hiruzen donned in his Hokage robes and hat before making his way to the Third Training Ground.
There, Might Duy was already standing in the center, facing his opponent—a senior Chunin.
Being the only one to fail must have been devastating for him, Hiruzen thought. But a true shinobi does not give up. This special assessment is his second chance. Let's see if he has what it takes.
Might Duy clenched his fists, determination burning in his eyes. "I won't let this chance slip away! I'll show the power of my burning youth!
Hiruzen observed the training ground as Sarutobi Jiro, a senior Chunin from the Sarutobi clan, stepped forward.
Couldn't they find someone else? They had to pick someone from my own clan?
Clearing his throat, Hiruzen addressed the gathered shinobi.
"This assessment is for Might Duy. His Taijutsu is exceptional, but his other skills are lacking. However, as the saying goes, 'It doesn't matter if a cat is black or white, as long as it catches the mouse.' Talent must be nurtured where it excels, not dismissed for where it falls short."
"Duy, if you can defeat the Senior Chunin Sarutobi Jiro here, I will personally declare that you have passed the assessment. This is a full-contact combat test—use whatever means necessary. The battlefield is limited to this training ground. Jiro, you are to fight seriously. If you win, I will grant you the opportunity for promotion to Special Jonin."
To make the fight as real as possible, Hiruzen ensured both participants had something to gain.
Once Shinya announced the start, Hiruzen called over Sakumo, and together they took Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and Tsunade into the air to observe the fight.
Jiro made the first move, hurling a handful of shuriken at Might Duy. Without waiting to confirm if they were hit, he quickly weaved hand signs. A swamp of sticky yellow mud formed beneath Duy's feet—a combination of Water and Earth Release.
Smart. He's keeping Duy at bay, making full use of his ninjutsu advantage, Hiruzen noted. Jiro isn't just skilled—he's experienced, adapting his strategy to exploit the gap between them.
Duy swiftly avoided the shuriken and noticed the swamp hindering his path. Without hesitation, he changed direction, attempting to outflank Jiro. However, before he could close the distance, Jiro raised an Earth Wall to block him.
Undeterred, Duy charged forward and smashed through the barrier with a powerful kick, seemingly sending Jiro flying or so it appeared.
The "Jiro" that hit the ground vanished in a puff of smoke—it was a Substitution Jutsu!
A moment later, Duy realized the ground beneath his feet had softened. His legs started sinking—another swamp trap.
Across the field, Jiro had already begun forming hand seals. Fire Release, no doubt.
But Duy remained unfazed. With a surge of chakra, he unleashed the Third Gate: Gate of Life!
The ground beneath him shattered from the sheer force, sending chunks of mud flying in all directions. In the blink of an eye, Duy closed the gap between him and Jiro.
Jiro abandoned his jutsu mid-seal, slamming his hands onto the ground and disappearing in an instant.
Hiruzen raised an eyebrow. Earth Release: Hiding Like a Mole Technique? Using it to evade rather than ambush?
From the sidelines, Sarutobi Shinya nodded in approval. Clever. Who says offensive jutsu can't be repurposed for defense?
Orochimaru, Tsunade, and Jiraiya watched intently, each mentally analyzing the technique.
Even Hiruzen found himself entertained. For years, I've relied on sheer strength and mastery of ninjutsu to finish fights quickly. But watching Jiro… This is real shinobi combat—instinct, adaptation, and strategy all woven together.
Breaking his thoughts, he turned to the three young ones. "What did you learn from their fight?"
Orochimaru spoke first. "Jiro is extremely skilled in ninjutsu and has plenty of battle experience. As for Duy… No matter what kind of jutsu he faces, he can counter it with sheer physical prowess." He paused, frowning slightly. "It's hard to put it into words."
Hiruzen nodded, "It's a power that surpasses all techniques."
Then he looked at Jiraiya and Tsunade.
Jiraiya smirked, arms crossed. "Hah! I could've handled that even better. I'd start with my Oil Release: Slippery Terrain—keep the enemy from getting close. Or, you know, just torch the whole field with Fire Release."
Tsunade, on the other hand, was practically buzzing with excitement. "Duy's fighting style is incredible! Sensei, teach me how to break through jutsu with raw strength too!" She grabbed Hiruzen's sleeve, her eyes gleaming with enthusiasm.
Hiruzen chuckled. What an interesting group of students I have.
Hearing Tsunade's words, Hiruzen couldn't help but frown. Did I raise this little girl wrong? There's no turning back from the path of becoming a violent woman.
Noticing his reaction, Tsunade tightened her grip on his arm and shook it, her voice turning sweet and coaxing. "Please, Sensei? Pretty please?"
Where did she learn to act like this? One trick after another…
Hiruzen sighed, "Speak properly. Why do you want to learn a fighting style that relies purely on brute force? It's extremely difficult. First, you need a solid foundation in Taijutsu. Without that, it won't work at all. If you're serious, start training in Taijutsu first. Once you meet the standards, I'll consider teaching you."
He didn't want to discourage her enthusiasm outright, but he also knew how demanding such a style was.
As they spoke, the battle below had reached its conclusion—a draw. Might Duy was completely exhausted, while Sarutobi Jiro had used all of his chakra. The training ground was left in ruins which shows the evidence of the intensity of their clash.
Everyone descended to the ground.
Shinya stepped forward, clearing his throat. "Since it ended in a tie, this means—"
Before he could finish, Hiruzen cut in. "I saw everything. Both of you fought with everything you had," Hiruzen said, his tone firm yet appreciative. "Jiro, your mastery of ninjutsu is impressive—a testament to your years of hard work and discipline. Because of that, I'm granting you the chance to take the Special Jōnin assessment. Prepare yourself—you'll be leading a team on an independent A-rank mission."
Jiro's eyes widened. The chance to rise to Special Jonin—it made all his years of training feel worth it.
Meanwhile, Might Duy lowered his head, his expression darkening. He hadn't won. He had wasted the opportunity given to him by the Hokage. Am I really not suited to be a ninja?
Seeing Duy's crushed expression, Hiruzen decided not to keep him in suspense any longer.
"Duy," he said firmly. "I see your dedication. Your Taijutsu is excellent—you have truly lived up to your youth. The strength gained by burning your youth must not go to waste.
"In the name of the Third Hokage, I officially declare you have passed this assessment. Report to the academy at 8:00 AM tomorrow for the graduation ceremony. Don't be late."
Hiruzen's words lingered in the air for a moment.
Duy blinked, frozen. "R-Really?"
"Really," Shinya confirmed, stepping forward to pat his shoulder.
Realization struck Duy like a bolt of lightning. He leaped into the air, pumping his fists with uncontainable energy.
"THIS IS THE POWER OF YOUTH! NEVER LET YOUR FLAMES OF YOUTH BURN OUT!"
Laughter and smiles spread through the group. Jiro, Orochimaru, Tsunade, and Jiraiya all exchanged grins. Even Sakumo, usually stoic, allowed the corners of his mouth to twitch into a rare smile.
Hiruzen let them enjoy the moment for a bit before finally interrupting.
"Alright, that's enough. Get some rest. Remember—the graduation ceremony is at 8:00 AM tomorrow. Don't be late."
With that, the gathering dispersed, leaving behind only the lingering warmth of shared accomplishment and camaraderie.