87. Ripple(2), New Developments, Graduation & Teams Incoming...

"So! Just look forward to it! That's all you need to do!"

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( At the Academy)

"Today, you'll all be taking your graduation exam. If you pass, you'll receive this—your Konoha forehead protector—and officially become ninja of the Hidden Leaf."

Iruka stood at the podium, a wave of emotion in his voice. No doubt about it—this year's class had cost him the most energy, but they were also the ones he'd bonded with the deepest. Troublemakers or not, he found them all endearing in their own way.

"Man, Iruka-sensei is still such a chatterbox! Doesn't matter what kind of exam it is—just bring it on already!"

Arms crossed, Naruto acted like he didn't have a care in the world. Iruka pressed his fingers to his forehead in exasperation.

"Seriously, Naruto... Where do you get this confidence? You've been at the bottom of the class every single time... Anyway..."

He looked up again, his tone more heartfelt. "Good luck to all of you, my students."

"Thank you, Iruka-sensei. We've really appreciated everything."

In unison, the class stood up and bowed. Even Sasuke with his cold demeanor, Shikamaru with his slouching laziness, and Hinata with her detached silence—all stood and bowed along with the others.

Iruka subtly wiped at the corners of his eyes before straightening again. "Alright, alright! Don't think I'll go easy on you just because you're acting obedient now. If anyone fails today, I'm not letting them graduate!"

In the Hokage's office, the Third Hokage smiled warmly as he watched through his crystal ball. Even as the village's leader, his favorite view was still the moment students graduated from the Ninja Academy.

This was proof of Konoha's will, passed from generation to generation. From the First to the Second to the Fourth—none of their efforts had been in vain. Surely, they'd be pleased if they could see this.

---

"The data you requested is ready, Lord Hokage."

A masked ANBU stepped inside. Sarutobi didn't look away from the crystal ball.

"Oh? Thank you. What do the numbers say?"

"According to our analysis, last night's broadcast of Fox Tales' first episode received universal praise—near 100% viewership. Many villagers are even requesting a re-run today."

It was all thanks to the village's publishing team and the powerful network backing the project. The episode had finished production around 5 PM and aired at 7 on Konoha TV. Word-of-mouth promotion from publishing staff ensured that nearly every household with a TV tuned in.

That, of course, left TV-less villagers feeling left out. And today? The hottest-selling item across every shop in the village was, without question—TVs.

Those who'd seen the episode wanted more. Those who hadn't were desperate to catch up. Combined with graduation day at the academy, Konoha was easily twice as bustling as usual.

"Ah... that little white cat saw it coming again, did she?" Sarutobi chuckled. Then his tone shifted. "But as far as I know, TV supplies have been disrupted lately, haven't they?"

The ANBU nodded. "Yes, Lord Hokage. Our early investigations suggest these weren't natural accidents. Someone deliberately sabotaged those factories—highly trained shinobi, based on the lack of traceable evidence."

Sarutobi took a slow drag from his pipe, frowning. "I see... You're dismissed."

Being Hokage meant more than just protection and governance—it meant watching over the village's economy and well-being, too. The elders and advisors could only do so much.

---

"Do you think the other villages are targeting Konoha's Fox Tales broadcast?" Yamanaka Inoichi's tone was serious as he sipped his sake.

Electrical appliances weren't traditionally high-profit items. Even though TV technology existed, poor distribution and lack of engaging content made sales rare. Who'd want to buy a TV when there was only one channel with barely anything worth watching?

And now—just as a genuinely watchable drama hit the airwaves—every single factory producing electronics had mysteriously gone up in flames. Who wouldn't be suspicious?

"I know, right? We finally get something worth watching, and this happens?" Akimichi Choza munched his dango with visible irritation. "If this isn't someone messing with Konoha, I'll eat my vest."

"You're quiet, Shikaku." Choza turned to their usually astute teammate.

Nara Shikaku rubbed his temple, puzzled. "You're not wrong. Everything you've said makes sense... But I can't shake the feeling that something's off."

"Even so, it's not like those factories are going to start hiring ninja to protect them." Inoichi sighed. "Ino's been practicing lines and choreography in secret every day—I'd hate to see her efforts go to waste."

Shikaku raised his cup. "Don't worry. Hinata—the boss of that little squad—she's not someone who backs down over something like this. If things get serious, I wouldn't be surprised if Konoha ended up building its own factory."

"Heh. True. Let's stop dwelling on the bad and toast to the good—our kids graduate today!"

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Fox Tales – Episode 7: "The Pain That Lingers"

[Please! Great master, you must save my fiancé!]

Princess Qing stood proud, her emotions painted across her elegant face. Her tone was a declaration of standing:

[I don't care what those demons haunting Lin are! They're just spirits who don't belong in this world or time! They have no place in our reality!]

[…You're right. I'll accept your request.]

Glasses glinting coldly, Miketsu replied with the clinical chill of an exorcist:

[Sending spirits back into the cycle of reincarnation is the duty of the Yoru clan.]

Humans and demons were not the same. Their lifespans proved that.

Humans were bound to a limited lifespan—but their souls would continue in the cycle of rebirth.

Demons lived far longer—but only got one chance at life.

Humans forgot their past lives. Demons remembered—but the people they loved would never be the same.

Any attempt to cross that divide between human and demon was…

[Utterly foolish.]

A sharp, proud voice cut in.

Under moonlight, a red-cloaked figure stood tall—long silver hair gleaming, gold eyes shining with inhuman light. He was unmistakably… a demon.

"…Inuyasha."

Ahri stopped mid-step, her voice heavy with regret.

"Hmph! So you do remember me. Good. Then you'll understand—I'm not letting you get away again!"

The fiery demon lunged, claws cutting through the air like whips.

[Take this! Iron Reaver: Soul Stealer!!]

Debris exploded as his claws tore through the rooftop. Ahri flipped back through the smoke, her body shifting.

A white fox tail unfurled behind her. Snowy ears twitched atop her head.

[Please stop, Inuyasha… If anyone could understand me, it should be you.]

She gazed at him with soft sorrow.

[Everything I've done was to repay the one who once swore to be by my side. Your father… wasn't he just like me, once?]

[A demon who loved a human. Who gave birth to you, Inuyasha.]

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Unsurprisingly, the graduation exam results were exactly as expected.

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(Again three chapters in one go)