NOVEL NEXT Chapter 63: Graduation Ceremony
Half a Year Later
Outskirts of the Forest of Death
Early summer had arrived, and the weather was turning hot once again. In the dense forest, a shadow darted between the towering trees with incredible speed. The figure moved so fast that it was nearly impossible for the human eye to keep up.
If not for the rustling and faint sounds caused by its high-speed movement, no one would suspect a person was traversing this part of the Forest of Death.
Suddenly, a gleaming kunai shot out from the figure's hand, flying straight into the sky. Yet, in the next instant, a hand reached out of nowhere and snatched the kunai mid-air.
Strangely, the figure hovered there quietly, defying gravity without falling.
"Finally, after six months of hard work, I've begun to grasp the Flying Thunder God technique," muttered Uchiha Chiba as he examined the specialized kunai in his hand. The handle bore the mark of a black leaf, his personal symbol for the technique.
Looking back on the past six months, Uchiha Chiba couldn't help but feel they were the busiest he'd ever experienced in his life. His days were spent attending the Ninja Academy, while his nights were consumed with relentless training. On weekends, he visited Tsunade to maintain their budding connection.
But all the hard work had paid off. His overall strength had improved significantly.
Physically, constant chakra training over the months had brought him to the brink of unlocking the Seventh Gate of the Eight Gates.
As for his Haki abilities, his mastery over Armament Haki and Observation Haki had grown, though his Conqueror's Haki still remained elusive.
The most challenging endeavor, however, was mastering the Flying Thunder God.
Chiba never imagined it would take him six long months to even begin using the technique properly. If not for his mindset—"If I succeed, I win; if I fail, I lose nothing"—he might have given up long ago.
Taking a deep breath, Uchiha Chiba disappeared from his spot, only to reappear instantly at his home.
"Tch. The Flying Thunder God truly is a godsend for travel," he mused, his voice laced with admiration. While he could use the Air Dance Technique for movement, nothing compared to the speed and efficiency of teleportation.
Satisfied with his progress, Chiba lay down on his bed to finally relax after months of grueling effort.
That Evening
During dinner, Uchiha Genka looked at her son and asked, "Chiba, the graduation ceremony is the day after tomorrow, right?"
Chiba, busy devouring his meal, nodded and swallowed before replying, "Yeah, that's right. Why?"
"Just wanted to confirm the date so I can take time off work to attend," she replied with a smile.
"Mom, you really don't have to. I can handle it myself," Chiba said casually, shrugging off the idea.
But Genka's expression turned serious. "No, Chiba. Your graduation ceremony happens only once, and I won't miss it for anything."
After a moment, her voice softened. "Besides, all the other kids will have their parents there. If I don't go, people might get the wrong idea."
Chiba blinked. "What idea?"
"That you're an orphan," Genka replied with a teasing smile.
"Fine, fine. You can come if you want," Chiba relented, sensing his mother's determination.
Her face lit up with satisfaction. "That's more like it! Oh, by the way, I've prepared a graduation gift for you. Want to know what it is?"
Chiba was about to say "no," but the warning look in his mother's eyes quickly changed his response.
"Of course! What is it, Mom?" he asked, feigning curiosity.
Genka chuckled and shook her head. "It's a surprise! You'll have to wait until graduation to find out."
Chiba sighed internally. "You win, Mom."
June 5, Konoha Year 34
At the Konoha Ninja Academy
The academy playground was packed with graduating students and their families. Onstage, Sarutobi Hiruzen stood, delivering an inspiring speech to the crowd.
"...Konoha is our family. Protecting your companions is protecting that family. Wherever the leaves dance, fire burns brightly. That fire will illuminate the village and nurture new leaves to grow."
The audience erupted in applause. Parents and students alike seemed deeply moved.
"Lord Hokage is so wise! Our children truly are the future of Konoha," one parent exclaimed.
"He's right. We must do our part to ensure they grow up strong and healthy," another chimed in.
In a far corner, Chiba stood with his arms crossed, unimpressed.
"Did Hokage really just plagiarize that? Shameless," he muttered.
Though he admitted to borrowing ideas himself, at least no one in this world could call him out for it.
Looking around, he noticed his classmates were utterly captivated by Sarutobi's speech. Senju Nawaki's reaction was the most exaggerated—his face streaked with tears.
Chiba shook his head in disbelief. "Does his family know he's this emotional?"
Just then, Uchiha Genka approached with a beautifully wrapped box in hand.
"Chiba, here's your graduation gift," she said warmly, presenting it to him.
Curious, Chiba took the box and opened it. Inside was a kunai crafted from chakra metal, its blade gleaming in the light.
"How do you like it? This kunai is made of chakra metal. I thought it would suit you perfectly," Genka said, her eyes filled with anticipation.
Chiba considered explaining that his combat style didn't rely much on kunai, but he stopped himself. This was a gift from his mother, and chakra metal wasn't cheap.
Smiling, he stepped forward and hugged her. "I love it. Thank you, Mom."
Genka returned the embrace, patting his back gently. "As long as you're happy."
Just as they pulled apart, a familiar voice called out from behind.
"Chiba! There you are—I've been looking for you everywhere!"
Chiba turned to see Tsunade walking toward him, a mischievous grin on her face.