Chapter 5 – The Graduation Exam

The instructor shouted angrily as he glared at the gathered students:

"What are you all doing?! Don't you know the Hokage will be arriving soon? If you cause any more trouble, I'll make you repeat the entire year!"

The students quickly returned to their places in silence. Meanwhile, Hyougen remained standing indifferently, as if the situation had nothing to do with him. Deep inside, he felt relieved—he wasn't looking for trouble, but he had deliberately acted like an arrogant Uchiha to avoid unnecessary attention, especially today.

The instructor would be arriving soon, and if he noticed that an Uchiha had been insulted without reacting, he might escalate the matter to the Hokage. And if that happened, the Hokage might think that Hyougen had embraced the so-called "Will of Fire" or something similar… and that was the last thing he wanted.

"Alright, line up!" the instructor called out again, making everyone take their places in preparation for the long-awaited event.

---

The Hokage's Arrival

Within minutes, the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, arrived, accompanied by a few Jonin. As soon as the students saw him, they bowed respectfully and shouted in unison:

"Yes, Hokage-sama!"

Even Hyougen gave a shallow bow, though he held no particular respect for this man.

The Hokage stood before the students, scanning them briefly before launching into his usual speech:

"You are the future of Konoha… the ninjas who will inherit the Will of Fire and protect this great village! Becoming a ninja isn't just about strength—it means dedicating your life to your friends, your families, and your village…"

The speech dragged on for some time, and the students listened with admiration, while Hyougen watched with an uninterested expression. Though he was staring at the Hokage, his words went in one ear and out the other.

(A professional brainwasher…) he thought sarcastically. (If I didn't know the plot and what he'd do later to Naruto and the Uchiha, I might have believed him. This man is an expert at manipulating young minds… That fool, Renji, will never betray Konoha after this emotional speech.)

After what felt like an eternity, the speech finally ended, and Hyougen sighed internally.

Suddenly, a student stepped forward enthusiastically and shouted at the top of his lungs:

"I'll become Hokage one day!"

It was Renji, the boy who always dreamed of becoming strong enough to protect the village. Some students laughed at him and mocked his ambitions, but the Hokage simply smiled and patted his head gently.

"I believe in you, Renji."

Renji's eyes widened, filling with tears of joy, while the laughter of his classmates continued in the background.

(This kid will never betray Konoha,) Hyougen thought as he watched the scene unfold.

---

The Exam Begins

The instructor stepped forward and announced clearly:

"Alright, let's begin the exam. You will each face a Chunin in a combat test. If you can last three minutes, you will pass."

The matches started one by one, with students being called forward in turn. Hyougen sat on the ground, relaxed, watching his classmates' performances with mild interest to gauge their progress over the past two years.

When Shimura Ayane was called, she stepped forward with confidence, clearly certain of her success. She fought her Chunin opponent skillfully, even gaining the upper hand at times, but in the end, the match ended in a draw. The difference in experience and age was what prevented her from winning.

(As expected, she never really had a chance, but she performed well.)

After several more fights, the instructor finally called his name:

"Uchiha Hyougen, step forward!"

He stood up lazily, making his way to the arena. (Luckily, there are multiple examiners, or else this would take all night.)

Hyougen faced his opponent, a Chunin who didn't seem to take the fight seriously, as if he was used to defeating students with ease.

"Let's begin!"

Although Hyougen didn't take the exam seriously, he decided to act like an average Genin to avoid drawing unnecessary attention. He used basic Uchiha techniques—swift movements, precise kunai and shuriken throws, and smart maneuvers.

He didn't display any extraordinary skills, but he wasn't weak either. He continued blocking attacks, dodging strikes, and using defensive tactics, managing to last the required three minutes.

"Alright, the match is over!" the instructor announced.

Hyougen immediately stopped, not even waiting to hear any reactions. He turned and left the arena without bothering to watch the remaining matches.

But what he didn't know was that as he walked away, the Hokage was silently watching him, his gaze unreadable.