The day had finally come. After years of training, testing, and struggling through the academy, Oliver stood at the edge of the academy courtyard, watching his fellow classmates prepare for their graduation exam. He had never felt more ready for this moment, but it wasn't just about his skills. It was about proving to himself that he was more than just an outsider. He was a ninja—part of a team, part of the village.
The courtyard was bustling with activity. Students were polishing their jutsu, brushing up on their knowledge, and mentally preparing for the big day. Oliver, however, was calm. He had already mastered the three basic academy techniques—Clone Jutsu, Substitution Jutsu, and Transformation Jutsu. He was confident that passing the exam was a mere formality. But, as he always did, he didn't take it lightly. He had trained too hard to let this opportunity slip through his fingers.
As he looked around, he noticed a familiar group gathering near the edge of the courtyard. Rock Lee, Tenten, and Neji Hyuga stood together, all of them preparing for the exam in their own way. Lee was bouncing on his feet, radiating youthful energy, while Neji appeared stoic, his eyes narrowing as he focused on the task at hand. Tenten, ever the practical one, was double-checking her weapons and making sure everything was in place.
Oliver couldn't help but smile. Over the past few years, they had all become close. Lee's relentless enthusiasm and hard work had rubbed off on him, Tenten's precision and calmness had inspired him to focus on the finer details of his techniques, and Neji—well, Neji had taught him that effort could overcome any obstacle.
"Are you ready, Oliver?" Lee's voice rang out, filled with excitement.
Oliver turned to see Lee bounding over to him, his eyes shining with the fire of competition. "Of course," he replied with a smile, keeping his voice steady despite the excitement swirling in his chest.
Lee grinned. "You better be! The Will of Fire burns in us all, and I'm ready to show the world what I can do!"
Neji, who had been silent up until now, spoke up. "Don't get too cocky, Lee. The exam is meant to challenge us. Let's focus."
Tenten chuckled, but her tone was serious as she added, "Neji's right. We need to take this seriously. It's not about showing off."
Oliver nodded. "I'm with you. Let's show them what we've got."
They were soon called to the academy's main hall, where Hokage-sama and several other high-ranking officials waited to observe the final test. The atmosphere was tense but filled with anticipation. The students who had made it this far had already proven their skill, but this was the moment where everything came together.
The Graduation Exam
The exam consisted of several parts, each designed to test the students' proficiency in ninjutsu, genjutsu, and taijutsu. Each candidate was paired with a team of three, and their combined efforts would be put to the test. But before the exam could officially begin, Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi addressed the group with his usual wise and calm demeanor.
"Today, you all stand at the threshold of your journey as ninjas. You have each worked hard to reach this point, and now it is time to prove your ability. Remember the lessons you've learned here at the academy, but also remember the responsibility you carry as shinobi. Your strength lies not only in your skills but also in your bonds with one another. This is what makes Konoha strong."
Oliver listened intently, his eyes focused on the Hokage as he spoke. The Will of Fire. The same ideals he had heard countless times throughout his time in the village. Protect the village. Honor your comrades. Never back down.
Oliver respected the Will of Fire, but as he stood there, listening to the Hokage's speech, he couldn't shake the feeling that it was more than just a noble idea. It was a tool—a method of manipulation, designed to keep everyone in line. He had seen the truth in his old life, had watched as leaders used ideals like this to push their agendas.
But, at the same time, he understood the importance of protecting the people around him. It wasn't about blindly following the Hokage's words; it was about knowing when to stand up for what's right, about understanding what it truly meant to protect those you cared about.
[Flashbacks]
"Iruka-sensei," Oliver began, his voice steady, "I want to graduate next year. I plan on graduating a year ahead of schedule."
Iruka blinked in surprise, a mix of admiration and concern crossing his face. "Oliver, you've always been a talented student. But graduating a year early? That's not something we've seen done before."
Oliver gave a small, knowing smile. "I've trained hard for this. I'm ready. The village needs me to be ready, and I'm not going to sit around waiting when I could be helping."
Iruka looked at him thoughtfully, crossing his arms. "I respect your determination, Oliver. But you must understand, graduation is not just about skill. It's about the bonds you build here. The Will of Fire is something you need to take seriously. It's about more than just technique—it's about knowing when to trust your teammates and work together."
Oliver nodded slowly, his expression serious. "I know. But I've already learned that lesson. I've built those bonds. It's time for me to move forward, and I think I'm ready."
Iruka sighed, looking like he was weighing his options carefully. After a moment of silence, he nodded. "Alright. If you're truly ready, then I won't stop you. But remember—this isn't just about passing the exam. It's about the future, about the choices you'll make as a shinobi. Just don't rush into it."
Oliver smiled, his usual confidence shining through. "Don't worry, Iruka-sensei. I'm not rushing. I'm just ready."
The Exam Begins
The exam kicked off with a series of practical jutsu demonstrations. First up, Tenten was asked to demonstrate her mastery over weapons. With precision, she threw a barrage of shuriken and kunai, each one hitting its target with pinpoint accuracy. The observers nodded approvingly, impressed with her control and technique.
Next, Neji demonstrated his mastery of Gentle Fist taijutsu. His movements were graceful and deadly, each strike a calculated blow to disrupt the flow of chakra in his opponent's body. His performance was flawless, his precision leaving little room for error.
Finally, it was Oliver's turn.
Oliver stepped forward with a calm expression, feeling the weight of the moment but not allowing it to overwhelm him. He had done this a hundred times in practice—now, it was just a matter of showing what he could do.
The first test required him to demonstrate his chakra control. He formed the required seals and performed Clone Jutsu, creating two perfect duplicates of himself. He then switched to Substitution Jutsu, quickly substituting himself with a nearby log and moving to a new position in an instant.
His final test was a Transformation Jutsu. He transformed into a civilian, then into a completely different ninja—his transformation was flawless, the disguise so realistic that even the Hokage raised an eyebrow.
The Results
After the test concluded, the students were gathered again in the courtyard, where the Hokage and the instructors prepared to announce the results. Oliver stood with his friends, each of them nervously glancing at one another. Lee was bouncing on his toes, Tenten was wiping her brow, and Neji stood as stoic as ever.
Finally, the Hokage stepped forward. "You have all shown exceptional skill today. I am proud to say that each and every one of you has passed. You have earned the title of Genin and will soon be assigned to your teams. Congratulations."
Oliver smiled, the weight of the moment settling in. He had done it. He had graduated, and now he was ready to face whatever challenges came next.
As the group cheered, Oliver felt a sense of fulfillment. He had proven himself, but he knew that the true journey had just begun. The village had its eyes on him now, and though he respected the Will of Fire, he knew the path ahead would test his beliefs, his loyalty, and his strength in ways he could never have imagined.
Skill Set and Strength at Graduation (Mid-Chunin)