It's okay, lasting a few minutes is already impressive.
There are very few ninja students who can hold their own against a Genin who has been graduated for a year. Those who can are already considered geniuses by conventional standards.
This graduation test is structured in such a way to distinguish between average students and those with exceptional potential.
The former may not be assigned a high-ranking Jonin as a mentor and might even find themselves sent to the battlefield as expendable forces. The latter, however, will receive better training, resources, and protection.
"Now, let's begin drawing lots. When your name is called, come up and select a number for your test assignment."
Kurono Ohna pulled a wooden box from under the desk and placed it on the podium.
One by one, the students approached the stage and drew their numbers.
After Uchiha Meijing picked his, he glanced at it.
[Transformation Technique No. 27]
"Meijing, what technique did you get?" Inuzuka Tsume asked, his curiosity piqued as he saw Meijing descend from the stage.
"Transformation Technique."
"I got the Clone Technique. It's a shame my clan hasn't taught me and Kuromaru the Beast Clone Technique yet. That would've made this test a lot easier for me."
The Beast Clone Technique, unique to the Inuzuka clan, allows their ninja dogs to transform into identical clones of their owners. Unlike traditional clones, these retain physical form, allowing them to execute clan-based jutsu and endure attacks, making them superior to standard clones. They also possess high realism, making them difficult to detect, even with perception-based ninjutsu.
"It's fine. The first test isn't the most important part. Your performance in the second test, which assesses combat ability, will determine your final score. Besides, your normal Clone Technique isn't bad either."
Meijing reassured him.
Inuzuka Tsume scratched Kuromaru's head. "I just hope I don't get matched with a Genin who's too strong. Some of them have been training an entire year longer than us."
Meijing, however, wasn't concerned.
During his time at the academy, he had assessed his own strength. Among his peers, no one else had mastered a C-rank jutsu in the fourth grade. More importantly, he possessed the Sharingan—a powerful ability that significantly boosted his combat prowess.
It was rare for an Uchiha to awaken the Sharingan before the age of ten.
Combined with his natural talent and rigorous training, he was among the top in his class. There was no doubt he would secure the position of class leader—a title that almost guaranteed him a Jonin instructor.
Jingtai, who had just returned from his test, walked back into the classroom.
His number was 2, meaning he was among the first batch to take the test.
"Jingtai, how did you do?" Inuzuka Tsume asked in a hushed tone.
"No worries. The examiner was kind and even complimented my Substitute Technique!"
"What about the second test? Was your opponent strong?"
Jingtai scratched his head sheepishly. "I was unlucky. I had to face a Genin from the Hyuga clan. I lasted a few minutes before he knocked me out with his Gentle Fist."
"That's still impressive! Holding out for a few minutes against a Hyuga Genin is no small feat."
Tsume encouraged him, and Jingtai's spirits lifted. "This is just the beginning! Once I become a Genin, I'll train even harder, prove myself in battle, and eventually become Hokage!"
Meijing chuckled inwardly. This guy had definitely been influenced by Sarutobi Hiruzen's Will of Fire philosophy.
Regardless, his performance wasn't bad. Holding his own for even a short time against a Hyuga Genin was an achievement.
Soon, it was Tsume's turn. She had drawn number 19, meaning she was in the second batch.
Coming from a prestigious ninja clan, her foundation was solid. As long as she didn't face a particularly powerful opponent, her results would likely be favorable.
After Tsume left, it was finally Meijing's turn, along with nine other students, to enter the examination area.
On the elevated platform overlooking the training grounds, a handsome man with long, light-blue hair sat with a group of accompanying examiners. Ten older Genin stood nearby, waiting.
Not far off, other Genin loitered outside the test site. For them, this was merely a low-effort D-rank mission, far easier than tasks like catching a runaway cat or cleaning a river.
"Everyone, I am Kato Dan, your chief examiner. Your first test is the Transformation Technique. I will ask you to transform into me."
Kato Dan smiled.
"Begin."
White smoke erupted across the field as the students performed the jutsu.
Ten identical Kato Dans stood in the training area. However, some students had minor inaccuracies in their transformations—some had mismatched clothing, while one had even forgotten to change his hair color.
The Transformation Technique tests more than just the jutsu itself; it assesses a ninja's observation and mimicry skills. Everything from appearance to posture, expressions, and voice mattered.
Meijing executed the jutsu flawlessly, even imitating Kato Dan's subtle smile.
"Examiner Kato, shall we proceed to the next phase?" he asked, mimicking Kato Dan's voice perfectly.
The examiner's smile widened. "Excellent work, Uchiha Meijing. You may release the transformation and begin your second test."
As the white smoke cleared, ten students stood in their original forms. Ten Genin stepped forward, each standing opposite a student, preparing for the combat assessment.
Kato Dan whispered to his fellow examiners, "Observe carefully and take notes. As for Uchiha Meijing, I'll handle his evaluation personally."
Stepping down from the platform, he stood near Meijing and his opponent.
Facing Meijing was a Genin with shoulder-length hair and a crescent moon emblem on his attire.
"Moonlight Whirlwind."
The Genin introduced himself with a nod before forming the Seal of Confrontation.
"Uchiha Meijing."
Meijing reciprocated the gesture.
"Begin."
Kato Dan swung his arm down, signaling the start of the battle.
Meijing immediately withdrew a shuriken and hurled it at Moonlight Whirlwind.
Recognizing the Uchiha clan's infamous expertise with shuriken, Moonlight Whirlwind instinctively dodged.
However, as the shuriken flew, it split into two in mid-air, altering its trajectory.
This was the Shadow Shuriken Technique, a deceptive throwing method unique to the Uchiha. Unlike the A-rank Shuriken Shadow Clone Jutsu, which duplicates shuriken through chakra, this C-rank technique relies on sleight of hand, stacking two shuriken together so they separate mid-flight for an unexpected attack.
Moonlight Whirlwind evaded, but Meijing tugged the fine wire attached to his shuriken, recalling it.
The returning weapons ricocheted off each other, adjusting their paths unpredictably.
"Uchiha Style: Shuriken Manipulation!"
Recognizing the threat, Moonlight Whirlwind swiftly unsheathed his ninja sword, deflecting the incoming projectiles with precise swings. He then dashed toward Meijing, his blade gleaming.
As their battle intensified, Kato Dan observed with keen interest. This was a promising match between two talented young shinobi.
The real test had just begun.