Ninjas exist because of war. And when war demands more bodies for the battlefield, the purpose of the ninja academy becomes painfully clear.
Even if it's just for transporting supplies, young ninjas can still be of significant use.
Yukika, being a transmigrator, knew all too well—the day Nawaki dies from an explosive tag trap isn't far off.
So this sudden early graduation exam?
It was no surprise to him at all.
This, in fact, was the real reason he came to the academy today.
"There's some surprise, sure," said Minato, the little sunshine boy, his warmth radiating as always. "But I'm still really glad you came to school today, Yukika-kun."
Yukika didn't dislike Minato.
As for Kushina, well—since he was a transmigrator, Minato had already lost his chance with her.
Yukika believed he could give Kushina a better future.
Minato couldn't.
As the future Hokage, Minato might one day nobly sacrifice himself for Konoha.
A respectable man for the village, sure.
But as a husband… as a father?
He just didn't measure up.
Still, that didn't mean Yukika didn't appreciate him.
A person like Minato—being friends with someone like that was never a bad thing.
"Big brother, that guy's getting way too arrogant."
A few seats behind, Hiashi Hyuga's younger brother Hizashi couldn't help grumbling as he glared at Yukika.
And who could blame him?
The Hyuga brothers were considered top talents in their clan.
Yet they were constantly overshadowed by Yukika—and that didn't sit right with them.
Especially now. Class was about to begin, yet that guy was just lounging on a sofa, arms around Uchiha Mikoto and Uzumaki Kushina like he was some damn noble.
A student?
More like a royal prince flaunting his status!
"The Hyuga are the true nobility of Konoha!"
He fumed inside.
"The Senju are a declining clan—who gave him the right to act this arrogant?!"
"Let him be," Hiashi replied calmly.
Unlike his brother, Hiashi was much more composed—and he even found the scene a little funny.
As the next heir of the main branch, he had heard many things from his father.
Looking at Yukika now, he saw him as nothing more than a clown.
A man who flaunts himself so openly will only draw attention and enemies.
There was no need to compete with the declining Senju now.
The world would take care of him soon enough.
"We don't need to lift a finger. The Senju will destroy themselves."
That was the thought in Hiashi's mind—and many others probably shared it.
"Ahem. Quiet down."
Yukika's arrival had definitely stirred the classroom atmosphere.
But teacher Yamazaki Ryuji didn't comment on the whole left-arm-right-arm cuddling scene.
Instead, with a serious expression, he picked up a piece of chalk and began writing on the blackboard.
Only four characters.
But they were clear and direct:
Graduation Examination!
When the students read the words, the room burst into murmurs and shifting moods.
Some were excited.
Others visibly slumped in their seats.
None of them really understood what path the future held.
But suddenly, things made sense to Minato.
So this was why Yukika came to school today.
He looked at Yukika with a newfound sense of envy.
Of course—the Senju heir was better informed than most.
"Quiet! Settle down!"
Seeing the classroom getting a bit too rowdy, Yamazaki Ryuji raised his voice again.
"The early graduation exam is a sign of the Hokage's trust in you all—and it's a crucial test to see whether you're ready to become real ninjas."
"Now then... those whose names I call, please step forward."
He opened the roster book and glanced at the first name—then paused, slightly stunned.
"Uh... Yukika, you're up first..."
The first one, huh?
Yukika wasn't surprised.
He stood up calmly—but didn't move toward the front.
Instead, he turned his gaze toward the teacher.
"I don't mind the exam," Yukika said evenly, "but when you call my name during the assessment, please use my full name."
"From now on, in front of Yukika, add the words 'Senju'."
"This is a matter of respect—for the new head of the Senju clan."
The new head... of the Senju clan?
His words landed like a bombshell.
The entire classroom froze in stunned silence.
Everyone looked at him like he had completely lost his mind.
The Senju clan's...
New leader?!