Yes, my technique is certainly not bad, but what I see is that my classmates are just as good, and many even know several variations of their techniques — which is more than impressive.
I watched as Nara, Akimichi, and Yamanaka demonstrated their signature abilities — clan techniques passed down from generation to generation.
What stood out as unusual were those three — the others mostly demonstrated basic elemental techniques. Most, of course, showed skills at the D-rank level, but even that is impressive.
There were also plenty of C-rank techniques; the future pillar of Konoha was already showing their talent. At that moment, many future leaders, the jounins, gathered at the Academy's training field.
I noticed Asuma, Kurenai... even Obito and Rin were standing aside, watching the events. Kakashi wasn't there — he graduated before our group.
Well, the future "world threat" — Obito Uchiha — tried to perform the "Fireball" technique — a basic but important technique of the Uchiha clan.
The flame he created was stable but clearly weaker compared to another student who performed before him. Still, Obito managed to pull it off, though not perfectly.
It's much easier to gather information from the tree — quiet, safe, and you can see everything happening on the field.
I was sitting on one of the thick branches, my legs dangling, carefully watching the students below. At some point, a voice came from right behind me:
— So, what are you doing here?
I didn't even turn around:
— Oh, nothing, just watching, — I replied lazily, still looking down.
And then, suddenly, it hit me.
Wait. I'm in a tree.
On the very top branch.
Alone.
Who the hell asked me that question?!
I slowly began to turn around. I slowly, with poorly concealed panic, started turning around. And saw... a squirrel. The most ordinary, fluffy squirrel, standing on its hind legs and looking at me with a very disapproving gaze.
We stared at each other for a moment. Silently.
— Uh... — was all I could manage.
The squirrel clicked its tongue disapprovingly and ran up the tree trunk, as if disappointed in my answers.
— What was that? — I muttered, still stunned, looking in the direction where something (or someone) just appeared and disappeared. I didn't even notice how it appeared and disappeared, and that in itself was a troubling sign.
It seems there are indeed ANBU on the perimeter? Makes sense — after all, future valuable assets of the village are gathered here; they need to keep the order.
But thinking about the secret security had to be postponed — something important was starting on the field. I shifted my gaze to the stands, where the examiners were already gathering.
— It's wrapping up, — I muttered, scanning the adult ninjas. One of the examiners, a stern man with an Academy headband, stepped forward and announced loudly:
— The physical part of the exam is over! Now head to the classrooms for the theoretical part.
As soon as he finished, a murmur spread across the field — some whispered, some exclaimed, "Finally!" and some just silently rushed forward. In a second, the entire crowd of students turned into a chaotic flow heading towards the Academy buildings. I, unhurriedly, climbed down from the tree.
No one said the theoretical part was a survival race. And yet, watching my classmates dash forward at full speed, I quickened my pace. Once in the classroom, I sat down next to Guy. He was sitting straight, nervously tapping his fingers on the desk.
— Guy, so how was the test? — finally, after the entire day of silence between us, I broke the quiet.
— Haaa! — he said cheerfully, but not too confidently. — A real test for both body and spirit! But... the theoretical part — not really my thing...
I smiled, watching him grin awkwardly, as if convincing himself. Before we could exchange another couple of sentences, the examiner walked into the room holding a stack of scrolls.
— Attention! — his voice was firm and clear. — The theoretical test consists of ten questions. Answer carefully, use only the knowledge you've gained at the Academy. Cheating is prohibited. We begin!
Each of us was handed a scroll and a writing brush. I unrolled mine. The first question was immediately about problem-solving:
"If you throw a kunai at a distance of 15 meters at an angle of 45° without considering air resistance, what should be the minimum throwing speed to hit the target exactly?"
I did the math in my head: yeah, this is from basic physics — speed, range, angle... I remembered the formulas, thanks to my training.
Next, the second question:
"Calculate the optimal angle of throwing a kunai for maximum distance in the absence of wind and air resistance."
I recalled another formula and took a breath. The questions kept coming, but suddenly a new assignment flashed before me, one that felt a bit unusual:
"Assume that during a mission, you notice that one of your team members is acting strangely, often avoiding contact with others, and starting to take actions that could harm the successful completion of the mission.
What would you do in this situation if you discovered their intentions could jeopardize the trust and safety of the entire group?"
It seemed like the questions before were just for show, and this one was the real test. My answer:
In such a situation, first of all, I would try to observe their behavior for a little longer to avoid making a mistake in my judgment. If I became certain that their actions truly posed a threat to the mission's success or the safety of the group, I would try to talk to them privately, to understand their motives.
If the situation didn't change, and their actions continued to threaten the mission's success, I would immediately report it to the commander or senior member so they could take action. It's vital that every team member can trust one another, or else the entire mission risks failure.
I finished writing my answer to the last question and leaned back a little, trying to relax. I glanced at Guy, he was still sitting there, nervously rubbing his forehead and writing something down...
As soon as the last page was placed on the desk, the examiner, who had maintained a strict and composed demeanor until now, looked up and raised his voice:
— Time's up. It's over!
— Now, announcements! — his voice grew louder as if he wanted everyone to hear his words. — Tomorrow at 9 AM, gather here in this classroom. The results will be announced, and you'll be assigned to teams!
Finally, it was over. Guy said, "So, what do you think, which team will you be in?"
I don't know — but I've done everything I can to get into a good team, I hope it works out...