Formulate a Training Plan
Inside the Ninja Academy.
Today was the day of the graduation exam.
The exam focused on the Three Body Technique—a basic yet essential skill every genin needed to master.
For Chiyu, this exam was nothing but a breeze.
Graduation exams at the Ninja Academy were straightforward. Even Minato Namikaze, who famously graduated early, didn't have to defeat a Chūnin or endure their attacks for long to pass.
Early graduates like Minato were tested more thoroughly—not only on the Three Body Technique but also on taijutsu, shuriken throwing, and foundational skills. They had to prove they had the full package to be trusted as ninjas before officially graduating ahead of schedule.
The exam began promptly.
Chiyu arrived at the classroom where the test was being held.
The examiner was Masada Hayabusa, a strict sensei known for his high standards. Chiyu knew Hayabusa looked down on him, so he kept silent.
Once Hayabusa announced the start, Chiyu effortlessly performed the Clone Technique, Substitution Technique, and Transformation Technique—the core elements of the Three Body Technique.
Hayabusa found no flaws. After stamping "Exam Passed" on Chiyu's certificate, he handed over the forehead protector.
Without a word, Chiyu accepted the protector and left, not even sparing Hayabusa a glance.
Hayabusa's beard twitched with irritation. Other candidates had thanked him for his efforts after their exams, but Chiyu's cold indifference stung.
Muttering under his breath, Hayabusa spat, "As expected from a traitor—cold-blooded to the core. I really don't want someone like him becoming a ninja."
Outside the academy, Chiyu waited. Soon, Kushina Uzumaki emerged, beaming and eager to wear her forehead protector.
"Chiyu, how does it look?" she asked, twirling excitedly.
"It looks great," he said, a complex mix of pride and apprehension swirling inside him.
Now, with their headbands on, their real journey began. The ninja world was a brutal crucible—where only the strong survived and the weak were ground to dust.
Suddenly, a familiar voice broke the moment.
"It's time to go."
Orochimaru was there, standing behind Chiyu like a shadow.
Chiyu turned respectfully and bowed. "Orochimaru-sensei."
Kushina's heart dropped. Orochimaru's pale skin and snake-like vertical pupils chilled her to the bone. Compared to the other Sannin—Tsunade's warmth and Jiraiya's boisterousness—Orochimaru was a cold, venomous serpent.
She instinctively shrank behind Chiyu.
Still, summoning courage, she whispered, "Orochimaru-sama…"
Orochimaru's gaze barely flickered toward her; no words followed.
Chiyu addressed Kushina quietly: "Orochimaru-sensei came for me. You should go back now. If anything happens, ring the bell."
Kushina nodded. "I understand."
Chiyu ruffled her hair gently. "Go tell Granny Mito the good news about your graduation."
Reluctantly, Kushina left, glancing back several times.
Chiyu's own reluctance burned inside him, but he didn't want Kushina exposed to Orochimaru any longer. No one knew what darkness lurked behind that cold gaze.
Turning back, Chiyu apologized, "Sorry for keeping you waiting, Orochimaru-sensei."
"Let's go," Orochimaru said simply.
Chiyu followed him out of the academy.
After some time, they reached an underground base on Konoha's outskirts.
Chiyu's eyes narrowed suspiciously at the dim surroundings. Was Orochimaru already in the habit of building secret bases this early?
Inside, Orochimaru led him to a cluttered office, scrolls strewn about.
Sitting, Orochimaru fixed his sharp eyes on Chiyu. "Do you know your chakra nature?"
Chiyu answered honestly, "I only know I have Lightning Release."
Orochimaru produced a sheet of chakra paper. "This will detect your chakra nature. Infuse your chakra into it."
Chiyu complied.
The paper reacted immediately: one corner wrinkled, another caught flame, a section moistened, and a part crumbled away.
Orochimaru's eyes gleamed. "Lightning, Fire, Water, and Earth Releases? You're missing only Wind to have all five basic elements."
He closed his eyes briefly, strategizing.
After a pause, Orochimaru opened them. "I'm not an expert in Lightning, Fire, or Water, but I can guide you well enough."
"Taijutsu-wise, you've mastered Lightning Breathing Full Form. Keep refining it—I don't have anything better here."
"You've also got the shape and nature transformation of Lightning Release down. Focus on that, then gradually work on Fire, Water, and Earth."
"I noticed your Sharingan skills need work. The Sharingan is one of the Three Great Dōjutsu—no matter if it's a single tomoe, it's a game-changer."
"Pairing your Sharingan's Eye of Insight with Lightning Breathing will boost your effectiveness drastically."
"Finally, my secret techniques rely on the Summoning Technique, so you must master that too."
"That's your training plan. Any objections?"
Chiyu's voice was steady. "No objections, Orochimaru-sensei."
Rising, Orochimaru said, "Good. We start tomorrow. I'll show you your room."
He led Chiyu to a sparse chamber—only a bed and a small table.
"You're free to explore the base, but don't enter rooms sealed with markings," Orochimaru warned.
"Yes, Orochimaru-sensei."
Left alone, Chiyu lay on the bed, contemplating the path ahead.
Orochimaru's plan was clear: Chiyu's future wouldn't be easy, but it would be full of purpose—and that, in the ninja world, was the only way to survive and thrive.