It's been 24 years, why am I reincarnated in Konoha without a system?

Chapter 187 Battle against Hayate, Promotion to Special Jonin

More than ten days later, at Konoha's No. 1 training ground.

The training ground, usually deserted, was bustling with people today.

"I heard that the newcomer being tested today is Kakashi's disciple, the genius boy Mitarai Ishikawa who was the only one to be promoted to Chunin last year."

"That's right. Although that guy doesn't usually show off, I know his strength. He's definitely at the Jonin level."

"Jonin level? Are all the rookies this strong now?!"

"There's absolutely no mistake. I've heard that their team has completed several high-difficulty missions. And Genma himself has acknowledged that Ishikawa's strength is no less than his."

"Hiss! So, it seems another genius ninja is about to be born in Konoha..."

"Of course, otherwise why would the Hokage have arranged for him to take the Special Jonin exam so quickly?"

"Hehe! Although I'm also looking forward to the newcomers' performance, I suddenly feel a bit old. I'm only twenty years old this year..."

"Haha, I feel the same way. Everyone used to call me a rookie Jonin, but I never thought I'd be a senior so soon!"

Among the crowd, several Jonin were whispering amongst themselves. They weren't worried at all about whether Ishikawa would pass the exam, since the Special Jonin exam was basically just a formality.

To become a Special Jonin, one must excel in a certain aspect, so the assessment will naturally focus on that outstanding aspect.

"Speaking of which, is that little guy the rookie Chunin Mitarashi Ishikawa? Hiruzen's eye is as sharp as ever, discovering another new Konoha seedling so quickly."

"A seedling? He has now become a pillar supporting Konoha. A 13-year-old Special Jonin, no wonder he is Kakashi's disciple."

Hokage advisors Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado looked at the young man in the arena with complex emotions, a mixture of satisfaction at the rise of Konoha's new generation and envy at the abundance of talent from the third generation.

Why weren't they the ones who discovered such an outstanding young man first?

"Hehe, you two shouldn't praise this kid too much; he's still a newcomer." The Third Hokage glanced at his two old companions and waved his hand, his beaming smile impossible to hide. "Now, let me explain this assessment..."

[Here we go again! No need for such long-winded speeches at a time like this! The Third Hokage.] In the center of the arena, Ishikawa watched the Third Hokage launch into a long-winded monologue about the Will of Fire, while also subtly inserting his own opinions.

After another five boring minutes, the Third Hokage finally pointed at Ishikawa with a hint of lingering interest, "Hayate, this time you will be the one to test Ishikawa."

"Yes, Lord Hokage." Hayate, who had just left the Anbu, immediately accepted the order and appeared opposite Ishikawa in a flash.

"Cough cough cough... I am Special Jonin, Gekko Hayate. Mitarai Ishikawa, cough cough... I will not show any mercy."

“Me too, Hayate-senpai.” Ishikawa said with a dark expression, not expecting his opponent to be this sickly guy.

The third generation's blatant handicap is a bit too obvious. Since that's the case...

"The assessment begins." At the command of Jonin class leader Nara Shikaku, Hayate swiftly drew his long sword and lunged at Ishikawa.

"Secret Sword: Moon Shadow"

Hayate, fresh out of the Dark Division, unleashed a deadly attack, moving at high speed and leaving several afterimages that made it difficult to distinguish between reality and illusion. His long, gleaming sword hurtled straight at Ishikawa's face.

However, his speed was fast and his movements were deceptive, and Ishikawa was quick to react as well.

Almost in the instant the wind moved, Ishikawa's body flashed with arcs of lightning, and his figure vanished from the spot in an instant.

"boom!!"

Under Jifeng's astonished gaze, Ishikawa appeared almost instantly before his eyes as a long sword was drawn, emitting a clanging sound.

"So fast!" A look of surprise flashed in Hayate Ishikawa's eyes as he looked at him, but his expression remained unchanged as he formed a hand seal, "Shadow Clone Technique..."

Two puffs of white smoke drifted by, and two clones instantly burst forth from both wings, simultaneously wielding their swords—'Konoha Style Swordsmanship: Dance of the Crescent Moon…'

Ishikawa is currently being held back by him, unable to form hand seals or sheathe his sword for defense! This is a sure-kill situation, impossible to avoid.

"Is that all?" Facing the attacks from both sides, Ishikawa smiled calmly. Under Hayate's shocked gaze, the White Fang Longsword suddenly erupted with a white lightning bolt that paralyzed and blasted Hayate away.

The next instant, Ishikawa's longsword spun like a shooting star streaking across the sky.

With two soft "poof" sounds, the two swift clones were shattered and disappeared by the white blade light!

Just as Gale recovered and was about to attack again, he saw a blur and a white-toothed longsword was placed against his neck. "Sorry, you lost."

"Wow, what a fast sword!" In the crowd, a certain Jonin clicked his tongue in amazement as he watched the dazzling battle that ended in the blink of an eye.

At the same time, he secretly wondered what he would do if he were facing such an attack!

"Not only is he fast, that kid has also integrated Lightning Release into his swordsmanship, allowing him to unleash ninjutsu attacks without needing to form hand seals. That's why Hayate failed. Is this the power of a genius...?"

"That's right. Hayate thought he could end the battle by creating shadow clones with one hand seals, but he didn't expect his opponent to unleash a lightning attack without using any hand seals. Although it was only a normal C-rank lightning attack, the surprise was still hard to defend against!"

"Although neither of them used their full strength, I acknowledge that kid's strength. He is qualified to become a special Jonin, there is no doubt about that."

"As expected of Kakashi's disciple, the teacher is a genius Jonin, and the disciple is no less so..."

"Hahaha, just as I thought! There was absolutely no suspense in this assessment. Poor Gale, he'll probably be feeling down for days after being defeated by a junior."

"No, no, no, you should think about it differently. Isn't it a kind of happiness to be defeated by a younger genius?"

"Yes, that's it! Only when the younger generation surpasses the older generation can Konoha have a future..." The other Jonin discussed and agreed, turning to nod to the Jonin squad leader Shikaku to show their approval that Ishikawa had passed the test.

Shikaku was equally satisfied and turned to the Third Hokage, nodding in approval of Ishikawa's promotion to Special Jonin.

"Then, I declare this assessment over. Mitarashi Ishikawa, from today onwards, is a special Jonin of Konoha!" The Third Hokage announced loudly with a smile, and Shikaku even handed over the Jonin chainmail he had prepared.

"Congratulations, Mitarai Ishikawa."

"You're too kind, Squad Leader Shikaku." Ishikawa accepted the gift with a smile, showing some respect for his future superior.

After all, this squad leader is no slouch when it comes to strategy, courage, or awareness!

"Yes, you can come to me anytime if you have any questions in the future." Shikaku nodded without smiling, then turned and followed the Third Hokage and the others to the Hokage Building.

With the Joint Chunin Exams approaching, they still have a lot of preparations to do...

"Mitarashi Ishikawa, yet another genius boy lured by Hiruzen?" Not far from the training ground, Nabekage Danzo leaned on his cane, his gaze slightly cold.

"No wonder you entrusted that whirlpool girl to this boy, I see. Are you trying to replicate the bond between the Fourth Hokage and the former Nine-Tails Jinchuriki? Hiruzen, I'm falling behind you again..." With a sigh of sudden realization, Danzo quietly and decisively left.

Although he also longed to recruit this genius youth and obtain a spare Jinchūriki vessel, he ultimately had to give up due to the Third Hokage's intimidation.

However, Hiruzen, you absolutely mustn't let me find an opportunity...