Naruto: Mixed Heritage

Chapter 22: Final Exam (1)

The morning sun cast a warm glow over the village hidden in the leaves as the second-year students assembled in anticipation of the graduation exam. Renjiro was the last to arrive among the group.

After a short round of greetings, Ryuji arrived and led them to where the exam would be taking place. He briefed them on the format. The final exams would consist of four stages.

The first stage would be a written exam, similar to the end-of-year exams of prior years. It was a test of their theoretical knowledge and strategic acumen.

Arriving at the exam venue, a spacious hall resonating with the rustling of papers and the occasional murmur of discussions, Renjiro felt a mix of determination and anticipation. The corridors were crowded as there were different batches of the same exam taking the exam as well as the second-year group.

As Renjiro traversed through the bustling corridors of the academy, he couldn't help but notice the hushed murmurs that trailed in his wake. The source of the commotion became evident as snippets of conversations reached his ears, all centred around the distinctive feature that set him apart — his striking lustrous red hair.

"Did you see his hair?"

"Red, isn't it strange."

"I've never seen anything like it in Konoha."

"Have you forgotten about Kushina?"

"Yes, He must be from the Uzumaki clan."

"But wasn't their village destroyed some years ago."

"Maybe there were some survivors."

Whispers echoed with curiosity and speculation as fellow students exchanged glances and pointed discreetly at the vibrant cascade of crimson that adorned Renjiro's head.

The vivid hue seemed to evoke a spectrum of reactions, ranging from admiration to intrigue. The sea of typical black and brown-haired shinobi had found an anomaly in Renjiro's flamboyant mane.

Some openly stared, their eyes widening with surprise, while others discreetly discussed the unconventional sight.

'Yes! Savour my handsomeness!'

Renjiro, aware of the attention, moved forward with a stoic expression, his demeanour unaffected by the spotlight cast upon him while he inwardly gloated.

"Renjiro!" The familiar voice echoed through the air, drawing Renjiro's attention. Inabi, Yashiro, and Tekka Uchiha, the trio of upperclassmen he had encountered back at the clan workshop, approached with an air of confidence that spoke of their experience.

"Look who we have here," Inabi greeted with a sly grin. Yashiro, his arms crossed, nodded knowingly. "Nervous about the exams?"

Renjiro's group exchanged glances, a mix of anticipation and apprehension palpable among them. Tekka, the quietest of the three, broke his silence to offer reassurance. "Don't let the nerves get to you. It's just another step in your journey."

However, their exchange was cut short by a booming voice that resonated across the area.

"Alright, young shitheads, time to head in!" The authoritative voice boomed. The voice belonged to Yaza Kurama, the Jonin proctor overseeing the exams.

Yaza Kurama, a seasoned Jonin with a stern countenance, stood tall and imposing as the proctor overseeing the graduation exams. Adorned in traditional Jonin attire, with a forehead protector proudly displaying the symbol of Konoha, Kurama emanated an air of authority tempered by a sense of responsibility.

His well-worn ninja headband hinted at years of experience, and the chiselled lines on his face told stories of battles long fought. Despite the formidable exterior, there was a pearl of subtle wisdom in his gaze, reflecting the seasoned mentor entrusted with shaping the future of Konoha's new generation.