Naruto: The Clanless Prince

Inside the Ninja Academy

Today marked the day of the graduation assessment.

The focus of the assessment was the Three Basic Techniques: the Clone Technique, the Body Replacement Technique, and the Transformation Technique.

For Sora, this type of assessment was easy to handle. The graduation exams at the Ninja Academy were generally straightforward. Even for exceptional students like Namikaze Minato, who graduated early, it wasn't a matter of defeating a Chūnin. As long as they could survive under the Chūnin's scrutiny, they could pass.

Candidates like Namikaze Minato, who sought early graduation, faced additional tests. They were evaluated not only on the Three Basic Techniques but also on fundamental skills such as Taijutsu and shuriken throwing. In essence, they had to demonstrate mastery of all the knowledge acquired during their time at the academy and prove they were ready to become shinobi.

The assessment began soon after.

Sora entered the classroom where the exam was being conducted. The instructor overseeing the assessment was Masada Hayame.

Sora was well aware that Masada Hayame held her in low regard. Knowing this, she chose not to engage with him unnecessarily.

When Masada Hayame announced the start of the assessment, Sora performed the required techniques without hesitation. She executed the Clone Technique, the Body Replacement Technique, and the Transformation Technique flawlessly.

Masada Hayame couldn't find a single fault with Sora's performance. With a begrudging expression, he stamped the examination certificate with the seal of "Passed" and handed Sora his forehead protector.

Without saying a word or sparing Masada Hayame a glance, Sora took the forehead protector and left the classroom.

Masada Hayame puffed out his beard and glared in frustration. After all, most candidates would express their gratitude for his teaching over the years. But Sora? He remained cold and indifferent.

"That boy has such an aloof nature," Masada Hayame muttered bitterly. "I can't believe someone like him is going to become a ninja."

Sora waited for a while at the entrance of the academy. Soon, Uzumaki Kushina emerged, brimming with excitement.

Kushina couldn't wait to put on her forehead protector.

"Sora, how do I look?" she asked eagerly, spinning around to show it off.

"You look great," Sora replied with a small smile.

Seeing Kushina proudly wearing her forehead protector stirred mixed feelings in Sora. The reality of becoming a ninja was harsh. From this point forward, they were stepping into a world that was akin to a battlefield—a merciless grinder where the weak perished and only the strong survive.

"It's time to go."

At some point, Orochimaru appeared silently behind Sora.

Sora turned around and bowed respectfully. "Teacher Orochimaru."

When Uzumaki Kushina saw Orochimaru, a chill ran down her spine.

With his pale, almost ghostly skin and snake-like vertical pupils, Orochimaru appeared to Kushina as a predator, like a lion ready to devour its prey.

Tsunade and Jiraiya, the other two Sannin, look normal enough, Kushina thought uneasily. Why does Orochimaru have to be so terrifying?

She instinctively shrank behind Sora in fear.

Still, out of respect for Orochimaru as Sora's teacher, Kushina mustered her courage and greeted him. "Orochimaru-sama…"

Orochimaru glanced at her briefly, his expression unreadable, before saying nothing.

Sora turned to Kushina. "Kushina, Orochimaru-sensei is here for me. You should head back now. Remember—if anything happens, ring the bell."

Kushina nodded obediently. "I understand, Sora."

Sora gently rubbed her head. "Go back quickly and tell Grandma Mito the good news about becoming a ninja."

Kushina hesitated, knowing that after this moment, she might not see Sora again for a long time. Reluctantly, she turned and walked away, not looking back.

Sora watched her go, his heart heavy. He, too, was reluctant to part ways, but he didn't want Kushina exposed to Orochimaru's presence for too long.

No one ever knows exactly what Orochimaru is thinking, Sora thought. Being noticed by him isn't a good thing.

He turned to Orochimaru, bowing slightly. "Sorry for the delay, Orochimaru-sensei."

"Let's go," Orochimaru said.

Sora followed him as they left the Ninja Academy.

After what felt like an endless walk, they arrived at an underground base on the outskirts of Konoha.

Sora surveyed the dim surroundings with curiosity. So Orochimaru already had a habit of building underground bases, even back then?

Orochimaru led Sora to a room that appeared to serve as his office. Scrolls filled with various ninjutsu lay open on the desk. Orochimaru sat in his chair and gestured for Sora to approach.

"Do you know your chakra nature?" Orochimaru asked.

Sora replied truthfully, "I only know that I have the Lightning Release nature."

Orochimaru reached for a small piece of paper and handed it to Sora. "This is chakra test paper. It will reveal your chakra nature. Infuse it with your chakra."

Taking the test paper, Sora channelled his chakra into it.

The paper reacted immediately. One section wrinkled, another caught fire, a third became soggy, and a fourth crumbled into pieces.

Orochimaru observed the results, his golden eyes narrowing slightly. "Oh? You possess four chakra natures: Lightning, Fire, Water, and Earth. Only Wind Release is missing to complete the set."

He leaned back, closing his eyes in thought.

Sora stood quietly, waiting for his teacher to speak.

After half an hour of silence, Orochimaru opened his eyes and spoke. "I am not a master of Lightning, Fire, or Water Release, but I can guide you sufficiently. For now, you will focus on refining your Lightning Release.

"As for Taijutsu, continue practising the Full Sword Form of the Thunder Breathing Style. It's already well-suited to your strengths, and I have no better alternatives for you.

"Since you've mastered both the form manipulation and Nature Transformation of Lightning Release, deepen your proficiency there before branching out to Fire, Water, and Earth.

"You're also lacking in Sharingan mastery. Even a One Tomoe Sharingan has significant potential if used correctly. You must include rigorous Sharingan training in your regimen. Combining the insight granted by your Sharingan with the Thunder Breathing Full Sword Form will amplify your effectiveness.

"Additionally, you'll need to master the Summoning Technique. My techniques rely heavily on summoning, and I expect you to use them proficiently.

"Do you have any objections to this training plan?"

Sora shook his head. "No objections, Orochimaru-sensei."

Orochimaru stood. "Good. We'll start tomorrow. I'll show you to your room."

He led Sora out of the office and to a small, spartan room.

It was bare, save for a bed and a bedside table.

"This will be your room," Orochimaru said. "You may explore the base freely, but you are forbidden from entering the sealed room. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Orochimaru-sensei."

With that, Orochimaru left.

Sora lay down on the bed, staring at the ceiling.

As expected of Orochimaru. His training plan alone makes it clear—I'm going to have a very intense and fulfilling life ahead.

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