The previous combat trial at the Shinobi Academy had not only showcased Kurama Yakumo's overwhelming strength but also revealed the overall excellence of this batch of students.
The talented youths from the other villages were completely helpless when facing the Academy's "Four Great Talents" and Kurama Yakumo, who possessed 'Wood Release'.
Even the rest of the Academy students performed admirably and were deserving of praise.
The more outstanding the students, the more they deserved nurturing. Thus, Kakashi had proposed to the Third Hokage that the jōnin be allowed to select exceptional students from the Academy as disciples.
This tradition had long been part of the Hidden Leaf's heritage.
Back in the day, the Third Hokage had personally selected Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru this way.Jiraiya had done the same for the Fourth Hokage.And the Fourth Hokage had chosen Kakashi, Obito, and Nohara Rin in the same manner.
In fact, the succession of Hokage and their disciples was deeply intertwined with selecting promising candidates from the Academy — a tradition passed down for generations.
If a shinobi from the Hidden Leaf didn't manage to enter this system — didn't become the disciple of someone within the Hokage lineage — then politically, they would have no real eligibility to become Hokage.
No matter how high their reputation or how strong their power, it would be extremely difficult to ascend through official channels.
On the other hand—
Those who did enter the Hokage disciple system — like Naruto being Jiraiya's student, Yakumo under Tsunade, or Sasuke training under Kakashi — were automatically considered qualified candidates for Hokage.
Don't underestimate this qualification.
Having it or not was the clear difference between being "one of us" or "an outsider."
If you were not considered "one of us," then the stronger and more famous you became, the more likely you would invite disaster — not opportunity.
The case of Sakumo Hatake, the "White Fang of the Leaf," was a bitter example.
After waiting a moment, Kakashi asked the assembled jōnin:
"So, does anyone have a student they're interested in?"
Asuma shrugged:
"The old man already picked for me. I'll be mentoring the new generation's 'Ino-Shika-Chō,' so I'm out."
Shizune smiled:
"I was torn between Ino and Sakura, but since you're taking the Ino-Shika-Chō trio, I'll choose Sakura. I've reviewed her test scores — her chakra control is very precise. She'll make a great future medical shinobi."
Might Guy kept his eyes locked on Rock Lee:
"I'll observe a little longer!"
Kurenai Yuhi, freshly promoted from special jōnin to full jōnin, shook her head:
"I'll also keep watching for now."
In truth, she had originally favored Kurama Yakumo because of her exceptional genjutsu talent.
However, Yakumo was already apprenticed under Tsunade, leaving Kurenai temporarily without a preferred candidate.
Kakashi frowned slightly and looked at Yamato, who hadn't spoken yet.
Seeing Kakashi's gaze, Yamato grimaced and said:
"The Hokage has already assigned me someone — the shrine maiden from the Land of Demons."
Due to the rising tension surrounding 'Wood Release', Yamato, himself possessing 'Wood Release', had grown increasingly low-key.
"Sigh..."
Kakashi could only sigh.
Based purely on the students' performances, it was easy to see who shined brightest.Yet none of the jōnin were willing to take in Uchiha Shinji or Kimimaro.
Clearly, they wanted to avoid potential trouble.
Few jōnin in the entire village were willing to accept an Uchiha as a disciple — and even fewer would willingly mentor an orphaned outsider like Kimimaro.
Kimimaro at least likely understood his precarious position and wouldn't harbor resentment.But Uchiha Shinji was different — dazzlingly talented yet left without a master.If this continued, who could say what seeds of bitterness might take root in his heart?
Thus, Kakashi turned to Kurenai and asked:
"Kurenai, what do you think about Uchiha Shinji?"
Kurenai thought for a moment, then shook her head:
"I'm not suited to be his mentor."
Kakashi then turned to Guy:
"Guy, what about you?"
Guy instantly declined:
"He's a genius — not the type suited to my training style."
Kakashi couldn't argue.
It was true — not every jōnin was qualified to mentor someone like Uchiha Shinji.
In Kakashi's mind, the ideal mentors for Shinji would be prodigies like Uchiha Shisui or Uchiha Itachi themselves.
Compared to them, even Kakashi himself felt he was lacking.
"Sigh... I'll have to keep searching among the jōnin."
A week quickly passed.
The jōnin officially began accepting their chosen disciples.
Asuma became the mentor of the new generation's Ino-Shika-Chō trio.
Kurenai Yuhi, at the Hyuga Clan's request, took Hyuga Hinata under her wing.
Shizune began teaching Sakura medical ninjutsu.
Yamato started training Shion, the shrine maiden from the Land of Demons.
Even Rock Lee, often overlooked, reportedly found a taijutsu mentor.
The mass apprentice-choosing became the hottest topic at the Shinobi Academy.
There was envy, anticipation—
And of course, plenty of complaints.
As for Shinji, he was secretly delighted.
The more new gossip and topics arose, the less attention would fall onto Karin, who was still secluded at home.
Yet what Shinji hadn't expected was that the jōnin disciple selection frenzy would ignite rumors about him and Kimimaro.
It was obvious.
Out of all the standouts, only Shinji and Kimimaro had been left out of the jōnin selection process.
Yakumo and Naruto had become disciples of the legendary Sannin, Tsunade and Jiraiya.
Sasuke trained under Kakashi, the Hidden Leaf's premier technician, while Neji received personal instruction from the Hyuga Clan's head.
Even students considered weaklings — like Shikamaru, Ino, Choji, Sakura, Shion, and Rock Lee — had found mentors.
Yet Uchiha Shinji and Kimimaro, two undisputed prodigies, continued training alone.
This was... extremely telling.
Kimimaro's status as a defected shinobi from the Hidden Mist explained his situation somewhat.
But Shinji?He was a native Hidden Leaf shinobi, and one of the tragic survivors of the Uchiha Clan Massacre — a boy wrapped in sympathy and tragedy — yet no jōnin was willing to take him in?
Inside the Classroom.
During break time, Haku approached Shinji and said:
"Shinji, you don't have to mind what people are saying."
Shinji paused, then smiled:
"Don't worry. I'm fine."
After waving off Haku's concern, Shinji left the classroom — and bumped straight into Sasuke.
Seeing Shinji, Sasuke asked bluntly:
"Still no jōnin willing to take you?"
Frowning, Sasuke added:
"Want me to talk to Kakashi-sensei about it?"
Shinji shook his head:
"No need. I'm doing just fine."
After leaving the school gates, Shinji ran into Shion, who had clearly been waiting for him.
Shion eagerly sidled up and whispered:
"Shinji, I asked the jōnin mentoring me — now we can train together!"
Seeing Shinji about to speak, Shion raised her hand in a 'hush' gesture like a little adult:
"Don't worry! If anyone asks, I'll just say it was his idea to choose you. See? I'm a good friend, right?"
Shinji couldn't help but laugh — partly amused, partly helpless.
"Well then... looks like now I'm the one helping Karin draw attention away from herself!"