A Genin-level exam tested far more than just the three basic techniques and book knowledge. It also included situational judgment, task roles, and critical decision-making.
And the academic portion had only gotten deeper over the years.
In addition, there was a taijutsu and combat evaluation. This part was somewhat unique—Chiba had assumed the Third Hokage would assign a chunin instructor to conduct it, but instead, the Hokage created a shadow clone himself.
"Your combat assessment will be conducted by me," Hiruzen said. "If you can force me to use any technique beyond taijutsu, I'll consider that a pass."
The real Hiruzen held his pipe but didn't light it—since they were still inside the school, he simply tapped it against the desk.
"No need to go outside? "
"No need. Right here is fine."
The Third gave a faint smile.
Chiba bowed slightly in acknowledgment, then both he and the Hokage's shadow clone formed the Seal of Confrontation at the same time.
And then—Boom!
Chiba's chakra surged into his fist as he launched a heavy punch. The Third's clone didn't use any ninjutsu—instead, it reinforced its arm with chakra and blocked barehanded.
But in that instant, Chiba's chakra detonated on contact, blasting outward from the impact point.
The next moment, he stepped in again, throwing another punch. But at the same time, in his right hand—hidden from sight—he had secretly formed a Rasengan.
As his left hand struck, he twisted and drove the spiraling sphere at the Hokage's clone.
It's just a shadow clone. No need to hold back.
Hiruzen was quietly shocked.
What control... Not only could the boy detonate chakra with pinpoint accuracy without harming himself, but he could also form a Rasengan single-handedly in close quarters.
Even most jonin couldn't manage this level of chakra control.
What a terrifying talent!
The clone blocked both attacks with each arm, then instantly flickered behind Chiba, aiming a sweeping kick at his legs.
But Chiba also used a body flicker to evade, and his speed was nearly identical to the Third's clone.
Now Hiruzen was genuinely surprised.
Although age had diminished his strength, stamina, and reflexes, his taijutsu alone was still at the level of an elite chunin.
And this kid can keep up? Maybe Might Guy wasn't exaggerating after all.
After several rounds of hand-to-hand combat, the clone still hadn't been able to gain the upper hand.
At the moment the clone retreated, Chiba threw four or five kunai in rapid succession.
Immediately, the Third noticed—
There are chakra threads tied to them—so thin they're nearly invisible!
Eyes narrowing, the clone whipped out a kunai and cut three of the threads. The remaining ones twisted midair under Chiba's control, weaving through his defense in a chaotic yet purposeful pattern.
Thud. Thud!
The clone vanished in a puff of smoke, replaced by a wooden log—Substitution Jutsu. Two kunai were embedded in the decoy's surface.
"You've mastered chakra threads—and can even use them effectively in combat. Impressive. Very impressive."
Hiruzen's eyes lit up.
As the so-called "Professor of Ninjutsu," he could tell Chiba had deeply studied chakra threads. His were thinner, tougher, and almost undetectable on first glance.
And his control in dodging counters while still manipulating the threads was ingenious.
It was just kunai this time. But what if there were explosive tags attached?
Just from these techniques and his taijutsu skill alone, Hiruzen was already thoroughly impressed.
He was more than qualified to be a Genin—he'd even surpassed the standard.
A genius!
Though he still couldn't perform nature transformation, Chiba had proven that shape transformation alone had huge potential—just as he had claimed.
"Lord Third, does that mean…? "
"You passed. From now on, you only need to submit a weekly progress report to the Medical Corps and the Academy. There's no need to attend regular classes."
Hiruzen smiled gently.
While early graduation had been abolished, he was willing to make exceptions within the rules.
"Thank you very much."
Chiba let out a breath of relief.
Joining the Medical Corps was crucial for him.
Not only did physical development require medical knowledge, but designing many new taijutsu techniques also required an intimate understanding of muscles and human anatomy.
Take the Monster Strength technique, for example—attempting it without that knowledge wasn't training.
It was suicide.
"You earned my recognition with your own skill," Hiruzen said. "You don't need to thank me. If anyone deserves thanks, it's you."
He gave a nod and a warm smile. "How did you come up with the idea to train with chakra threads? "
"I didn't originally set out to train them."
Chiba explained his thought process:
His goal had been to refine chakra to a level where it could shatter physical objects and then integrate it into taijutsu techniques.
No wonder he's interested in chakra scalpels, Hiruzen thought.
He seeks to strengthen his techniques by referencing similar ones—building on the strengths of others to improve himself.
Hiruzen understood now.
Chiba wasn't just strong—his thinking was sharp and methodical.
The Third Hokage grew silent for a long moment, a complicated expression on his face.
In Chiba, he saw a faint echo of the student he had once been most proud of…But that student had long since become a rogue ninja of the village.
Eventually, he waved his hand weakly.
"Go on."
Chiba bowed politely and left the room.
Outside the classroom, he finally exhaled deeply.
Facing the Hokage's clone hadn't been easy—he'd felt real pressure. Truthfully, he could have passed the test more easily. For example, by releasing a faster Rasengan.
He'd nearly completed that optimization just yesterday—using his control skills, he could now activate a Rasengan in under two breaths.
But if he'd done only that, it would have wasted a carefully crafted opportunity.
He needed to show a broader range of ability—to attract the Third Hokage's full attention. He wasn't just trying to show off power…
He wanted access to knowledge. Two books. Two scrolls.
Even in the ninja world, for a civilian, knowledge was far more valuable than money.
He returned to class as if nothing had happened, continuing to focus on his lessons. The teacher hadn't said a word about what transpired.
After school, Chiba resumed his usual village-wide jog.
Some time later…
"The Hokage came to your school? " Guy asked.
"Yes," Chiba replied honestly. "He approved my request to study under the Medical Corps."
"I'm really grateful to you, Guy-sensei. I'll never forget your support! "
"Hahahaha! Don't thank me—you earned this with your own strength! "
Guy laughed heartily, then suddenly frowned. "Wait, why are you going to the Medical Corps? To study medical ninjutsu? "
"I can't even manage basic nature transformation. Medical ninjutsu's probably out of reach. I just want to learn more about the human body, inside and out."
"Huh???"
Guy looked completely lost.
Can't use medical ninjutsu but still wants to join the Medical Corps?He couldn't understand it at all.
But after scratching his head in confusion, he let out another hearty laugh.
"Ah well, I don't get any of that stuff—but you're smart enough to figure it out. Come on! Youth burns brightest when we run—let's go find Lee! "
"…"
And so, the two of them ran off into the sunset—one in front, one behind, beneath the fading light.