"Congratulations, child."
With a kind smile, the third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, personally placed the headband symbolizing the ninjas of Konoha on Shinichi's forehead.
"From this day forward, you are a true ninja! Remember the way of the ninja, protect the village, and cherish your companions."
"Yes, third Hokage-sama!"
After the simple ceremony, Shinichi turned and walked out of the classroom that was being used as a temporary examination room. As soon as he stepped out, a familiar commotion rushed over.
"Shinichi! Congratulations on your graduation!"
"Great! From now on, you're a real ninja!"
"As expected of you, Shinichi!"
Led by Takashi Ishizuka's loud voice, a group of familiar classmates had already gathered around, chattering with congratulatory words, creating an exceptionally lively atmosphere.
Shinichi naturally smiled and nodded to the students who had gathered around him.
"Wait for me, Shinichi!"
Takashi clenched his fist tightly, his eyes burning with determination and his voice filled with conviction: "I will soon catch up with you and become a true ninja!"
"Shinichi, congratulations on your graduation."
Shizune walked up from the back of the crowd with a smile on her face.
She handed over a small, seemingly practical medical kit: "These are some basic medical supplies and emergency medicines that I made myself. They might come in handy during a mission."
"Thank you, Shizune."
Shinichi accepted the medical kit and expressed his gratitude.
However, while expressing his gratitude, a slight sense of regret also crossed his mind.
Over the years, through Takashi's connection, he successfully came into contact with and received guidance from Master Chen, which can be considered as opening a door to Taijutsu.
However, the expected progress failed to materialize on Shizune's side; he was unable to reach Tsunade, one of the legendary Sannin, through Shizune.
His relationship with Shizune was undoubtedly very good, and Shizune would often complain to him about that unreliable Tsunade-sama, but Shizune never expressed any intention to recommend him.
Shinichi has always cultivated a persona of diligence, steadfastness, and not seeking personal gain, so he naturally doesn't take the initiative to do anything, and therefore, there hasn't been any substantial progress.
As for Tsunade herself, Shinichi knew very well that the legendary female ninja who had lost her younger brother and lover one after another had long closed herself off, immersed herself in her own world and pain, and was indifferent to most things in the outside world.
Shizune, as Dan Kato's niece, was taken in by her, more as a sense of responsibility and a place to find solace in their shared suffering.
In this state, it's perfectly understandable that Tsunade wouldn't develop any extra interest in him, this other people's genius child, nor would she bother to casually glance at him like Master Chen did.
However, Shinichi wasn't too disappointed.
Cultivating interpersonal relationships, especially with people like Tsunade, requires both opportunity and patience.
Maintaining a good relationship with Shizune is itself a valuable long-term wedge, quietly planted.
Someday in the future, when the time is right, this wedge may take root and sprout, becoming a bridge connecting that treasure trove.
"Everyone!"
Shinichi raised his voice so that all the students around him could hear him clearly: "To thank our teachers for their guidance over the years, and to thank everyone for your companionship, I plan to hold a small gathering at the Aji No Takumi restaurant tomorrow afternoon. All the teachers, classmates, and elders who have taken care of me in the past are welcome to come and join us if you are free."
He spoke casually, but those familiar with his style knew that this was likely to be another large-scale banquet.
Just like the thank-you banquet he held for his swordsmanship teacher two years ago, this has become his unique way of expressing gratitude and maintaining relationships.
As for the cost, Shinichi no longer needs to worry about it. On that day in the Hokage's office, when the third Hokage proposed to include the Rasengan as an official Ninjutsu of Konoha, he asked Shinichi what kind of reward he wanted.
Shinichi did not ask for Ninjutsu or special privileges. Instead, he frankly requested a generous monetary reward, stating that he hoped to pay off his school loan and ensure that he could focus on his training without being bothered by worldly affairs for a period of time.
This pragmatic and reasonable request was quickly approved.
At this moment, he is quite well-off financially.
The purpose of this banquet was not only to express sincere gratitude, but also to launch a carefully planned declaration of identity and a refresh of perception, in order to quickly upgrade the Ninja Academy Student occupation to Genin.
At the same time, it reinforces the impression of being loyal and grateful, which is beneficial and harmless.
........
[Ominous Omen (Green): Your fortunes are initially fraught with misfortune; you may occasionally sense minor, ominous omen and potential dangers.]
The time required for the Ninja Academy Student occupation to advance to Genin is much shorter than the time it took for the Apprentice Swordsman occupation to advance to Swordsman.
That makes sense. He is now a promising talent that Konoha's higher-ups are paying close attention to, and he graduated under the personal witness of the third Hokage, so the relevant recognition would naturally come faster and more focused.
When the opportunity to draw lots that accompanied his career advancement arrived, Shinichi followed his usual practice, carefully washing his hands, bathing, and changing his clothes.
After completing a set of seemingly devout but useless prayer rituals, he drew lots.
The result was this green talent called Ominous Omen, which, like the previously drawn Auspicious Sign, belongs to the category of mysterious fortune.
Judging from the description of the term, if Auspicious Omen is associated with the auspicious and favorable aspects of one's fortune, allowing one to occasionally perceive good signs and opportunities, then Ominous Omen corresponds to the inauspicious and dangerous aspects of one's fortune.
Of course, this does not mean that the talents have negative effects.
Based on his personal experience over the years, Shinichi is convinced that all talent generated by the panel is essentially some kind of positive buff; only the areas of effect and the forms of expression are different.
The term Auspicious Omen has been tested by him, intentionally or unintentionally, many times over the past two years.
For example, his chances of winning at slot machines outside the village casino or at some luck-based games during village festivals were indeed higher than those of ordinary people, indicating that the Auspicious Omen was indeed subtly enhancing his luck.
More importantly, it occasionally brings a vague sense of whim, suggesting that some opportunity or favorable turning point related to him may be about to appear.
Following this logic, the mechanism of the Ominous Omen should be the opposite, yet both fall under the category of buffs.
It might not bring misfortune, but rather make him more sensitive to potential calamities? Or perhaps make things more difficult for his enemies?
Similarly, when a disaster or major crisis concerning him is brewing, the Ominous Omen may occasionally provide a warning, like a sudden whim, or a change in air pressure before dark clouds appear. Though not specific, it is enough to raise an alarm.
After waiting at home for about three days, Shinichi finally received the specific notification regarding the team assignments: His teammate will join him at 7 a.m. tomorrow at training ground number 6.
"The training ground?"
Shinichi put down the notification letter, lost in thought.
It seems that this teammate, whom he has not yet met, intends to test his abilities first.
Who could it be?
With this curiosity in mind, he spent the night peacefully.
The following morning, Shinichi, fully equipped with his usual gear, arrived at the sixth training ground on time.
To his surprise, there was only one person waiting for him in the training ground.
He was a middle-aged ninja of medium build, dressed in simple brown clothes, and carrying a large iron pot conspicuously on his back.
His attire was somewhat peculiar, even carrying a touch of rustic humor.
Upon first glance at this person, Shinichi felt he looked somewhat familiar, but couldn't be sure.
He stepped forward steadily and bowed respectfully, saying, "Hello, sen. I am Shinichi Higashino, here to report for duty today. Nice to meet you."
The middle-aged man turned around, a very kind, even somewhat unassuming smile on his face. His tone was gentle, unlike that of a ninja: "Oh, Shinichi Higashino, I know you. Everyone in the village is saying that a remarkable genius has emerged."
He scratched his head, looking a little embarrassed: "I didn't expect you to be assigned to a good-for-nothing old guy like me. I'm sorry for causing you trouble. My name is Kosuke Maruboshi."
It really was him!
Kosuke Maruboshi!