Shikigami Summoning in Konoha

Chapter 61: The Graduation Exam Begins!

Fortunately, the situation didn't develop to its worst extent. Over the next few days, although Katsuragi was summoned by the Third Hokage several times, it was only for physical checks, chakra tests, and a few minor experiments.

There were none of the interrogations or dissections Katsuragi had feared, which greatly relieved him.

Classroom, during the break.

"Katsuragi, are you alright?"

Hinata, noticing Katsuragi's listless appearance, asked with concern, "You've seemed very preoccupied these last few days. What's wrong?"

"It's nothing!" Katsuragi shook his head, managing a forced smile, then reassured Hinata, "Just a little issue, it's almost resolved!"

"Okay!"

Seeing Katsuragi's reluctance to elaborate, Hinata simply nodded, then hesitated before gently taking Katsuragi's hand in hers, shyly adding, "If there's anything I can help with, please tell me. I want to help Katsuragi too."

Katsuragi, surprised by Hinata's rare initiative, looked at her earnest, pale face, and felt his spirits lift. He then gripped her hand tightly and nodded happily, "Sure!"

Afterwards, Katsuragi stopped dwelling on the Third Hokage's matter and focused on deepening his relationship with Hinata. He no longer pressed for too much, just hoping to graduate as a Genin soon and get his hands on the gold and SSR rewards.

As the night fell, with the bright moon hanging in the sky, Katsuragi, having been instructed by the Third not to wander, hadn't been to the forest to farm coins for several days. Now, he lay bored on his bed, staring at the light bulb, chatting with the three ladies in the courtyard.

"Katsuragi, is that old coot still researching you?"

Since they could share visions, the Three-Tailed Fox, Yuki-onna, and others were aware of the recent happenings.

"Not really research, just checking what exactly is going on," Katsuragi sighed as he replied to the Three-Tailed Fox.

"You know, you really acted recklessly with this matter!"

Under the cherry blossom tree, Enenra unusually scolded Katsuragi, "You acted without fully considering all the details and consequences, Katsuragi, you'll really suffer for this in the future!"

"I know, I'm sorry!"

Katsuragi himself regretted it, mostly because the years of comfortable living had almost made him forget the inherently cruel and dangerous nature of this world. This incident had served as a wake-up call.

"If it really comes down to it, leave here," suggested Yuki-onna, though this was the last result Katsuragi wanted to consider.

With Enenra's ability, Katsuragi could easily escape from Konoha by transforming into smoke, but where could he go after leaving? Join Orochimaru or the Akatsuki? Katsuragi felt he'd rather wander alone than do that, although this was an option only if the situation deteriorated to the extreme. Currently, Katsuragi had no thoughts of leaving at all.

At that moment, Katsuragi sensed someone approaching his house. He tensed immediately but relaxed when he recognized the figure—a regular visitor from the Anbu in recent days.

"Katsuragi Takanobu, the Hokage summons you!"

The Anbu ninja didn't waste words and vanished after delivering the message.

Sighing, Katsuragi bid the ladies in the courtyard farewell and began his journey to the Hokage's office.

After another round of checks, the Third Hokage sat across from Katsuragi, puffing on his pipe in the smoke-filled room. Katsuragi, thanks to Enenra's ability, wasn't bothered by the smoke.

After a long silence, just as Katsuragi considered if it was time to leave, the Third finally spoke, "Katsuragi, I think I've understood your situation now."

"What is it, Lord Third?" Katsuragi asked eagerly, hoping this signaled the end of the ordeal.

"Naruto has a special type of chakra in his body. It seems you accidentally absorbed this chakra, and it merged with your own, leading to your current condition," the Third explained, his conclusion far from the truth but exactly what Katsuragi hoped to hear.

"Special chakra?" Katsuragi feigned confusion, then asked, "But why was I able to merge with this chakra?"

"I'm not sure," the Third shook his head. He had tried to replicate the chakra fusion process with Katsuragi but without success. Moreover, with only the Nine-Tails in the village and no further subjects for extensive testing, his options were limited.

Of course, part of the reason was the Third's reluctance to harm Katsuragi. Although some of Katsuragi's expectations were off, one thing was correct: the Third trusted him. The elderly Hokage had lost the ruthlessness and decisiveness of his youth. He harbored affection and pity for Katsuragi, a child he had watched grow up, rather than a willingness to use him for ends.

"This matter ends here; you needn't come again. I'll consider your situation regarding the team assignments," the Third finally said, easing Katsuragi's anxiety.

"One more thing, if that red chakra appears again in Naruto, you must inform me immediately, understood?"

"Yes, I understand!" Katsuragi nodded earnestly to the Third's serious instruction.

With the matter resolved, time passed quietly, and life for Katsuragi resumed its tranquil course until the day he had been eagerly awaiting arrived.

"Naruto!!!"

Still the familiar roar from Iruka, only this time Katsuragi was wide awake, shaking his head in resignation at the startled and confused Naruto.

"The exam is tomorrow, and you're still sleeping!"

Iruka looked at Naruto with frustration, "Do you really not intend to graduate?"

"Sorry, Iruka-sensei..."

Naruto scratched his head, clearly embarrassed, as he didn't want to keep failing.

"Go stand in the hallway and wake yourself up!" After a slight reprimand, Iruka continued with the lesson.

"Tomorrow's the exam, huh!"

Katsuragi felt a surge of excitement. By his calculations, he should be able to claim his 500,000 coins and the Genin reward after the exam, provided that the Third or the team leader confirmed his graduation, as there was always the possibility of having to re-take it.

"Anyway, everything will be clear tomorrow!" Katsuragi thought to himself, looking forward to the next day.

The day quietly passed, and the next morning arrived.

"The graduation exam starts now. Those called, please come to the next classroom!" Iruka stood at the podium with a list, addressing Katsuragi and the others, "The subject of this exam is the Clone Technique."

"Just as I thought, it's the Clone Technique!" Katsuragi murmured to himself, unable to help but glance at Naruto, who looked constipated at the news.

End of Chapter 61