Overdrafting the Future, Starting in Naruto

Chapter 17: The Squad!

Kinoshita Genichi continued to grind, and his intense work ethic at school certainly put immense pressure on many others, like Uchiha Obito and Shiranui Genma. But at this age, there were very few who could keep up with Genichi's pace.

Shizune was one, because she sat right next to him and he was the person she admired most.

Sarutobi Asuma was another, because he refused to lose. He especially refused to accept his father's attitude towards him.

Of course, Might Guy was also grinding. But his grind wasn't because of Genichi; he had always been a grinder, and now he was simply grinding even harder.

None of this had anything to do with Genichi. He wasn't grinding because of anyone else.

Autumn passed, and winter arrived. In the blink of an eye, Konoha Year 42 was coming to an end.

One day, Sarutobi Hiruzen received an application for early graduation. Seeing the name, he raised an eyebrow slightly. "Genichi wants to graduate early?"

Futagi Ryusei nodded. "Yes."

"He has basically mastered genjutsu and the Konoha-Style Swordmanship, and he has long since memorized all the other theoretical knowledge. The Academy truly has nothing more to teach him."

Hiruzen nodded. "Then arrange it as soon as possible!"

"Yes, sir!" Ryusei accepted the order and left.

Hiruzen, meanwhile, began to ponder where to assign Genichi. As an early graduate, Genichi could only be placed into an existing ninja squad. Furthermore, with his talent, he had to be assigned a good Jonin leader, otherwise it would be a waste.

Water Release... Does Konoha have any Jonin who are particularly skilled in Water Release? It seemed not. But there were Jonin who were generally proficient with it. For Genichi, however, it didn't seem like he needed much instruction in Water Release anyway.

The next day.

After arranging the graduation exam, Futagi Ryusei came to the Hokage's Office again to report.

When Hiruzen brought up the matter of team assignment, Ryusei was shocked. "Lord Third, although Genichi is outstanding, isn't this arrangement a bit too fast?"

He felt Genichi should be placed with this year's other graduates. Such new genin teams would take on very simple missions, which would be a good adjustment for him. But if he was placed in a mature ninja squad, they couldn't possibly accommodate a rookie by taking on such childish tasks, could they?

Thus, Ryusei quickly objected.

Hiruzen said, "Don't worry, Ryusei. Genichi is not as fragile as you think. His mind is very mature. Minato has praised him for this on more than one occasion."

"Besides, you must also have faith in the Jonin leader and in Genichi's future teammates."

Thinking of Genichi's outstanding performance, and the famous name of that person, Ryusei did not argue further.

October 8, Konoha Year 42.

Full marks on the written exam.

Full marks on the Three Academy Jutsu.

Without any surprises, Genichi completed his graduation exam and received the forehead protector that symbolized his new status as a ninja.

Shizune and the others were still in class, so there was no one around to watch him pass.

At the school gate, Futagi Ryusei said to him, "Genichi, from now on, you are an official ninja. I hope you can maintain the same spirit you had at the Academy."

"Your Jonin leader is an extremely outstanding ninja. You must learn well from him."

"Also, get along well with your comrades. On a mission, you will be entrusting your backs and your very lives to each other."

"One more thing, on a mission, never, ever underestimate any of your enemies."

This earnest advice deeply touched Genichi. This was a very responsible teacher.

He nodded seriously. "Don't worry, Ryusei-sensei. I'll remember."

Ryusei waved his hand. "Alright, go and meet up with your comrades!"

Genichi bowed respectfully, then vanished with the Body Flicker Technique.

Leaping from rooftop to rooftop, Genichi was extremely curious. Who would his Jonin leader be? It was definitely a Jonin. But there were many Jonin in Konoha, and he didn't know that many of them by name, especially from this era.

In truth, Genichi could have continued to lie low. With a ten-year overdraft available once a year, he could keep stacking his progress. His mind wasn't bad.

But what was the use of mastering more ninjutsu? With insufficient chakra, he would have to be careful with every jutsu, and he couldn't unleash their true power anyway.

So, after mastering the two genjutsu and the Konoha-Style Swordmanship, and with it being difficult to acquire more resources, Genichi chose to graduate.

Of course, there was another reason. If things went as expected, Konoha's White Fang would commit suicide next year. Although the possibility of intervening in this matter was very small, he wanted to do something more, to see if he could change it in his next ten-year overdraft. What if? If he could get on the good side of Konoha's White Fang, his network of resources and connections would increase again. This was something that could boost his growth in power.

"I hope my Jonin leader and teammates are reliable."

Genichi was filled with anticipation, but also a hint of apprehension. After all, being a ninja was a life-and-death profession. If your teammates were unreliable, you could die very young.

Soon, Genichi arrived at a rooftop and saw his Jonin leader and comrades.

Well, damn!

I've hit the jackpot!

"Sakumo-sensei!" Genichi hurried forward a few steps and bowed in greeting.

Yes, the middle-aged man before him was none other than Hatake Sakumo.

Beside him were two others, both men, who looked to be fifteen or sixteen. They were also sizing up this "genius," Genichi.

Hatake Sakumo, of course, recognized Genichi. One could even say they were somewhat familiar. He smiled. "Ah, Genichi. Go ahead and introduce yourself so everyone can get to know you."

"Mm. For example, your favorite food, your least favorite food, and what you're skilled in."

Genichi straightened up. "Yes, sir!"

"I am Kinoshita Genichi. My favorite food is dango, and my least favorite food is also dango."

"I am proficient in Water Release. An environment with water is best, because my chakra isn't very plentiful."

"I am also skilled in genjutsu."

"I have mastered one medical ninjutsu and can perform emergency treatment."

"In addition, I have also mastered fūinjutsu."

The two men beside Sakumo looked at Genichi with strange expressions.

Are you sure this is a kid who just graduated?

To know so much... is he kidding?

Did he start training from the moment he was born?

Forget them, even Sakumo himself was surprised. He had Genichi's file, but it was limited to his skills in Water Release, fūinjutsu, genjutsu, and swordsmanship. He hadn't expected Genichi to also know medical ninjutsu. This was practically an all-rounder.

"As expected of a genius!" Sakumo sighed internally, then looked at the two men beside him.

The man wearing a high-collared black shirt with a sword on his back and black hair spoke up. "My name is Uchiha Namiichi. I specialize in the Uchiha-style kenjutsu, taijutsu, shurikenjutsu, genjutsu, and Fire Release."

"My favorite food is dango. My least favorite food is natto."

An Uchiha, as expected, Genichi thought. He bowed in greeting. "Namiichi-senpai."

Uchiha Namiichi's expression was very cold, but he said, "No need to be so formal. Just call me Namiichi."

Genichi nodded and looked at the other person.

This man had long gray hair tied in a ponytail and smiled. "My name is Yamanaka En. My favorite food is ramen, and my least favorite food is sweets."

"I specialize in sensory perception and genjutsu."

Well now, a member of the Yamanaka clan.

Genichi greeted him politely as before.

Yamanaka En seemed to be a gentle person. "Genichi, you can just call me En."

Genichi readily agreed.

After the introductions were over, Sakumo finally spoke. "Alright, now that you've all met, next up is the mission."

"Genichi, any problems?"

Genichi immediately nodded. "No problem, Sakumo-sensei."

Ryusei had warned him yesterday that he would be leaving the village for a mission today, so he was already prepared. He was carrying a backpack, with his tantō hanging at his waist.

(End of Chapter)