That night, after finally returning home, Hiruzen barely had time to rest before his disciples pulled him into the study. They were eager to hear his thoughts on the afternoon's assessment.
Orochimaru's gaze was piercing as he spoke, never one to soften his words. "Sensei, do you feel sorry for Might Duy?" he asked directly. "If you ask me, he'd have a much simpler life as a civilian. The shinobi path demands talent, and without it, his journey will be nothing short of grueling."
Jiraiya and Tsunade exchanged glances but remained silent. Perhaps they hadn't really considered the matter before.
Hiruzen took a slow breath, then spoke. "Whether you're right or wrong is something you'll have to determine for yourselves in time. All I can do is to share my understanding, which may not be absolute."
"In my eyes, talent, lineage, and natural gifts are nothing more than stepping stones—they are useful, but they are not what truly define a great shinobi. It is an unshakable will that forges a strong spirit. A strong spirit, in turn, refines the body. And a powerful body, over time, can create a legacy greater than any inherited bloodline."
"The world is full of prodigies, just as it is full of those born into powerful clans or blessed with natural strength. But tell me, when you look at the Kage of every great village throughout the history, how many of them reached the top solely because of those things? Strength alone does not make a leader. It is perseverance, wisdom, and the will to overcome that, which shapes the true greatness."
Tsunade immediately jumped in, eager to display her knowledge. "But Sensei, my grandfather had the Wood Release and in our history lessons, we learned that the Second Mizukage, the Second and Third Tsuchikage, the Second Kazekage, and the Third Kazekage all had kekkei genkai abilities. The Raikage lineage is also known for their powerful physique."
Hiruzen smiled at her enthusiasm but shook his head. "Yes, many of them had kekkei genkai abilities, but they weren't strong because of those alone. The Second Mizukage mastered a unique water transformation technique—tell me, apart from the Hōzuki clan, how many others have reached his level? The Dust Release of Iwagakure wasn't something inherited; it was created by the Second Tsuchikage. The puppet techniques and Magnetic Release of Sunagakure were developed by the Second Kazekage."
"Also, Kumogakure's renowned physical prowess wasn't simply inherited—it was built through intense training."
"And let's not even talk about other villages—look at the Uchiha. The Sharingan is undoubtedly powerful, yet aside from Uchiha Madara, how many among them have truly stood out as legends? That's why you must never let talent or kekkei genkai define you. If you want to walk far on the path of ninja, you must surpass the limitations of what you were born with."
Jiraiya scratched his head. "But Sensei, what about Uchiha Kagami? He's an incredibly strong shinobi. Why isn't he worth mentioning?"
Hiruzen chuckled, reaching out to ruffle Jiraiya's hair.
"When you finally stand at the peak of the ninja world and look back, you'll see that those you once thought were beyond your reach… were never as far ahead as they seemed."
"And in ten years, when you reflect on the legendary shinobi of today, you'll understand this truth firsthand. But for now, don't concern yourself with comparisons—just keep climbing, one step at a time."
Orochimaru, always one to probe deeper, asked, "Sensei, have you reached the peak of the ninja path?"
Hiruzen leaned back slightly, exhaling. "The peak is never as clear as we imagine. The ninja path stretches endlessly—who can truly say whether the next step leads to the summit or the edge of a cliff? Even I cannot.
"But that is exactly why we must keep moving forward. Might Duy's path which is his unwavering pursuit of Taijutsu, isn't necessarily wrong—it's simply a road no one has walked before. If there's no path exists, then we carve one ourselves. Isn't that the true spirit of a shinobi?"
At that moment, the young Sannin felt a sense of awe toward their sensei. His words were carved into their hearts, guiding them forward like a beacon in the dark.
For Shinku, Sakumo, and Naoto, it was as if a bomb had gone off in their minds, shattering the belief that kekkei genkai determined a shinobi's fate. A seed had been sown within them—one that, given time and the right conditions, might one day grow into something truly remarkable.
As the night deepened, the discussions in the study continued—until a voice interrupted them.
"It's late. Aren't all of you supposed to be at the graduation ceremony tomorrow?"
Biwako's firm but gentle words snapped them out of their thoughts. A moment later, the lights in the study flickered off, leaving only the quiet hum of the night.
The next morning, Hiruzen stretched as he got out of bed, rubbing his lower back. Sleeping too long in one position wasn't as easy on the body as it used to be.
Stepping outside, he glanced up at the sky—it was already quite late. He headed toward his apprentices' rooms, but they were empty. With a sigh, he muttered, "Not even a wake-up call for their sensei? I'm the Hokage—how do they expect the graduation ceremony to start without me?"
After a quick wash, he leaped into the air, dispelling the barrier around his yard before flying straight toward the school.
When Hiruzen landed on the academy's platform, a formation of 103 graduates stood before him. At the very front was the top student, Orochimaru, followed closely by Kato Dan, Tsunade, Jiraiya, Might Duy, and others.
His voice rang out across the venue, steady and powerful.
"Today marks the graduation of the first class under the restructured Konoha Ninja Academy. Each of you has proven your excellence, and now, you will step forward as a true shinobi of the village."
"As proof of your achievement, you will receive your first ninja vest and the exclusive Konoha forehead protector. With this symbol, you are no longer students—you are ninja of Konoha. From this day forward, you will shine in your respective paths, serving and protecting the village in various roles."
"Remember—graduation is not the end, but the beginning. I wish you a fulfillment in life, the strength to overcome challenges, and the determination to climb ever higher on the path of the shinobi."
The crowd of young graduates stood in awe. Some were so overwhelmed with excitement as they could barely contain themselves.
This was the Hokage, the Third Hokage—the very man that they had studied in history lessons. The one who had taken the mantle in times of crisis, brought peace to Konoha amidst the turmoil of war, and established the Five Kage Federation to promote stability in a world plagued by distrust. A legendary figure who had walked out of their textbooks and into reality—now standing before them, personally awarding them their forehead protectors.
(Yes, this part of the textbook had been personally "revised" by a certain Hokage.)
Behind him, Sakumo and Shinya followed, each holding a tray of forehead protectors.
These weren't just ordinary headbands—they were special, made specifically for this class. The front bore the familiar Konoha emblem, but on the back, an inscription marked them as The First Graduating Class of the Reorganized Konoha Ninja Academy.
Hiruzen began awarding them one by one.
First was Orochimaru. After securing the forehead protector, Hiruzen handed him a special medal.
The inscription on Orochimaru's headband was different—it read: Top Graduate of the First Class of Konoha Ninja Academy.
Placing a firm hand on the boy's shoulder, Hiruzen said, "I hope you will always stand at the forefront of your generation."
Orochimaru accepted the honor in silence, his golden eyes flickering with thought. 'I won't let Sensei down.'
Next was Kato Dan, then Tsunade and Jiraiya.
One by one, Hiruzen moved down the line, personally fastening forehead protectors onto each graduate.
Eventually, he reached the very last student. Following his usual habit, he opened his status panel to check their name. After all, there were over a hundred graduates—he couldn't possibly remember all of them. This little trick made it seem as though he knew every single one by heart.
But when he pulled up the last name, his expression froze.
What… was this?
Something was wrong with this panel.