Countless energy runes shimmered into existence, weaving across the void like living streams of light.
At the same moment, an even brighter radiance descended from the moon, where a serene-faced woman gazed quietly toward the distant horizon.
As the gateway to the Ninja World, the moon naturally housed numerous defenses and sealing methods left behind by Naruto.
Kaguya raised her hand gently. In response, numerous streams of chakra surged forth, echoing the runes illuminating the sky.
When all the energies intertwined, the void instantly calmed. The Giant Star Spirit Array began its silent work—its most basic function activating: absorbing cosmic energy to fortify the entire Ninja World.
Over the years, under Naruto's guidance, Kaguya had begun refining her overwhelming power.
It was only when Kaguya started controlling her strength in a meticulous manner that Naruto realized just how terrifyingly potent the Chakra Fruit truly was.
Within a few short years, Kaguya's power had advanced to the late Six Paths level, her chakra reserves nearly inexhaustible.
Naruto couldn't help but think he had severely underestimated the fruit. Then again, the original Kaguya had been sealed soon after consuming it, leaving her strength unrefined.
According to intelligence, that Chakra Fruit had likely been meant as a tribute to a high-ranking member of the Ōtsutsuki Clan.
Yet Kaguya had intercepted it.
Judging from the Ōtsutsuki's displayed abilities, they likely possessed ways to perceive fate itself… to foresee certain outcomes.
Time flowed quickly.
Soon, the calendar reached what, in the original story, should have been Boruto's graduation.
But now, instead of a graduation ceremony, it was the day of the Advanced School Selection Examinations.
A grand event for the entire Ninja World.
The basic selection phase had ended. Today was the climax—
the Super Class Examination, where top prodigies from every village would compete for entry into the legendary class endowed with unprecedented resources.
Those who passed would become the brightest geniuses of their generation.
"Time really flies," someone murmured.
"Our children have already grown up. If only the world could remain peaceful like this."
The voice came from a tall building overlooking the vast arena. From the inside, they could clearly view the entire competition ground, yet the outside world could not see into the room.
Naruto turned his head and saw Shisui, now more mature than the youth he once knew.
"Haha… yeah. Time moves fast," Naruto said faintly.
Shisui caught the emotion behind Naruto's words and shook his head. He knew what Naruto was thinking—future enemies, threats beyond their current understanding. When viewed from that perspective, time was nowhere near enough.
Yet at the same time… time was slipping away.
Their own children now stood tall, capable enough to undertake missions, capable even of setting foot on the battlefield.
But Naruto had extended the academy duration to nine years.
Safer, yes—yet lacking the rough, dangerous edge of their own childhoods.
The world had grown peaceful. Even bandits were a rare sight—after all, who would choose a life of crime when it was now so easy to live a stable life?
In the modern Ninja World, as long as one was willing to work, survival was effortless.
"The participants today aren't simple ones," Shisui said as he sat down and poured tea for himself.
"Oh?" Naruto raised a brow. "Tell me."
Shisui smirked. Naruto was always busy—rarely did he have time to follow the matters of the younger generation. Today, he was here mainly because of Boruto and the others.
"I knew you wouldn't pay attention, so I'll fill you in."
"Among today's contenders, aside from Boruto—whose strength you already understand—and Sarada, who needs no introduction… the standout is Mitsuki, Orochimaru's child. His power is exceptional."
Naruto blinked. He knew Mitsuki—both the boy before him now, and the one from the original timeline's memories.
But could Mitsuki already qualify for the Super Class?
It seemed Orochimaru had raised him well.
Created from Orochimaru's own genes, Mitsuki was essentially an artificial human—something like a perfected test-tube child.
"Orochimaru's research has reached new heights," Shisui continued.
"Mitsuki doesn't just possess multiple kekkei genkai… he even has the Mangekyō Sharingan of the Uchiha. Though, that Mangekyō has stirred no small amount of controversy within the clan."
Although the Uchiha Clan had once declined to the brink of extinction, its population had slowly begun to flourish again.
This revival was, in many ways, thanks to Itachi's contributions.
Shisui himself had no objections to Orochimaru's research—so long as it didn't cross certain lines—but some members of the clan still held concerns. Many of the older Uchiha who survived the past era naturally disliked seeing Orochimaru tampering with the clan's genes so casually.
"Still, I don't really care about that," Shisui said calmly. "Strength ultimately comes from the individual, not just from a kekkei genkai."
Naruto looked over and laughed lightly.
"That Orochimaru guy is definitely obsessed with the Sharingan, but I've already warned him. He won't try anything he shouldn't."
"Who else is there?" Naruto asked.
Before Shisui could respond, the announcer's voice boomed throughout the arena.
"Next, the Super Class Selection officially begins! Broadcast across the entire world! Let us welcome the rise of the next generation of shining stars!"
Shisui paused, then chuckled. "Looks like the matches are starting. We can talk while we watch."
"First match: Nara Shikadai versus Yutian Hideyoshi!"
Hearing the announcement, Naruto raised his brows with interest.
"Shikamaru's kid, huh!"
He clearly recognized the Nara surname, but the opponent's name meant nothing to him. He had seen Shikadai several times but had no real impression of Hideyoshi.
It was worth noting that Shikamaru and Temari had indeed ended up together. Their son, Nara Shikadai, inherited the Nara Clan's lazy disposition, but Temari's strict personality kept him from being nearly as lax as Shikamaru used to be.
Appearance-wise, he took more after Temari—sharp eyes, clean features—though he unfortunately retained the classic Nara pineapple-shaped hair.
"Yes," Shisui said with a smile. "Shikadai is quite talented. He's not at the very top of the new generation, but the Nara Clan's intelligence more than compensates for any lack in raw combat ability."
Shisui had observed Shikadai a number of times.
His temperament was far better than Shikamaru's had been at that age—less cynical, more proactive. Among the new generation, he was definitely one of the more outstanding shinobi.
(End of Chapter)
📝 Limited-Time Offer (Ends Soon): $9 → 20 chapters ahead
⚒️ Pa-treon-com/LordMerlin
😊 Thank you for your support!