"I didn't expect Mori Shin to have that kind of power. Even a jōnin couldn't withstand it!" Choji sighed while munching on a bag of chips as they walked home. "Once he learns to control it, just how powerful will he become?"
Shikamaru had his hands tucked behind his head as he replied with typical indifference.
"The stronger the power, the harder it is to control. It'll take way more effort than usual."
Ino frowned thoughtfully.
"If I remember correctly, Shin's teammates are Chie Mai and Ryota, right? What those two did just to win… that was seriously low."
"Which is why finding comrades you can trust with your life is rare and precious," Asuma said, lighting a cigarette with a small smile. "Your three clans have been close for generations. You're naturally well-matched partners, aren't you?"
At that, Shikamaru and Choji exchanged quiet chuckles, and even Ino didn't argue. They really were lucky: even in a newly formed team, betrayal was the last thing they had to worry about.
"All right, let's drop the subject of Mori Shin," Asuma clapped his hands. "Remember what happened as a lesson—but don't breathe a word about it to anyone. I'm holding you accountable!"
Team 10 wasn't dumb. They didn't need a full explanation to understand what to do.
---
[Tenten: Ino, Ino, calling Ino! What's the situation?]
[Tenten: Was it really like in the video? Did Shin awaken a new ability?]
[Tenten: Why aren't you answering?]
[Hyuga Hinata: I'm doing a test with my sensei right now, so I can't follow the chat properly. Maybe Ino's tied up too and can't respond.]
[Haruno Sakura: From the video, it looked like things got dangerous. Maybe Ino-Pig got caught in it too?]
[Yamanaka Ino: Forehead girl, you always wish the worst for me, huh? Like you've ever been in real danger—oh wait, you're still sitting safely in class, right?]
[Haruno Sakura: Who knows what's up with our sensei! Still hasn't shown up! I'm so annoyed!]
[Tenten: @Yamanaka Ino, seriously, what happened with Shin?]
[Yamanaka Ino: I promised to keep quiet… but since you all saw the video, I guess this doesn't count as leaking secrets. But you have to swear you won't tell anyone.]
[Haruno Sakura: Why so dramatic? So what if Shin awakened something new? What's it got to do with us?]
[Tenten: It's probably to protect Shin. I promise I won't say a word.]
[Hyuga Hinata: Me too. I won't tell anyone.]
[Haruno Sakura: Fine, fine. I promise. Happy now?]
[Yamanaka Ino: What you saw in the video is real. I heard the commotion, ran over there, and saw—]
[Yamanaka Ino: Well, you get the idea. The ANBU are already involved, and the Third Hokage is personally overseeing it. We're in no position to ask questions.]
[Hyuga Hinata: Chie Mai and Ryota… they're awful!]
[Haruno Sakura: I never expected that from them. Looks really can be deceiving. Better stay far away from those two.]
[Tenten: Murder and betrayal are pretty much standard fare for ninja life. I've only been a ninja for a year, and I've already seen plenty of people whose lives were ruined by being stabbed in the back by their own.]
[Tenten: It may sound cold, but maybe this was actually good for Shin in a way.]
[Haruno Sakura: Of course it was! He awakened some crazy powerful ability! Even a jōnin lost to him.]
[Yamanaka Ino: Are you dumb? Tenten meant it's a good thing those two didn't actually hurt Shin. Now that he's learned his lesson, he won't make the same mistake again.]
[Haruno Sakura: Ugh, I don't need your lecture, thanks.]
[Tenten: Ino, did you figure out what that ability of his was?]
[Yamanaka Ino: Now that's the real mystery. Even the ANBU and Asuma-sensei were stumped. It might be a brand-new ability that's never been seen before in the ninja world.]
[Yamanaka Ino: They didn't explain anything in detail, and I wasn't brave enough to ask. All I can say is that when I arrived, things looked about the same as in the video.]
[Tenten: Got it. But one thing's clear now—Shin is definitely going to be insanely powerful in the future. We should build a good relationship with him.]
[Haruno Sakura: You guys seriously trying to be part of his "harem" or something?]
[Yamanaka Ino: If he ends up as the God of Shinobi like the First Hokage, why wouldn't we join his harem?]
[Tenten: Ahem, I kinda agree. I'm just worried he won't like me back.]
[Hyuga Hinata: ...…]
[Haruno Sakura: You're all crazy!]
---
On his way to the Hokage's residence, Mori Shin wore an expression of anxiousness—but in truth, he was engrossed in reading the group chat. Having a bunch of pretty girls talking about him, and even showing admiration? That felt surprisingly nice.
Maybe it was time to "accidentally" stage a few heroic rescues. Since they wanted to get close to him, it would be much more effective to bond through dramatic encounters than just random hallway chit-chat.
Before long, he arrived at the Hokage's office. The Third was seated behind his desk, regarding Shin with a kind expression.
"You're Mori Shin, correct?" the Third Hokage said slowly. "I've already been briefed on the incident."
An ANBU had arrived earlier and delivered the report. A chunk of the leftover black substance now lay on the desk. Clearly, the Hokage had already examined it.
"Third Hokage!" Endo Daisho stepped forward and spoke first. "The responsibility lies with me. I was careless—"
The Third raised a hand to stop him, still smiling gently.
"You misunderstand, Daisho. I'm not here to place blame on Shin. In fact, he can't be faulted this time."
Endo Daisho visibly relaxed. The change didn't go unnoticed by Shin. From the very beginning, he'd had the impression that Daisho felt no real attachment to Team 9. The so-called combat test he'd held seemed more like a formality, a way to quickly be rid of them. But now, he was stepping in to defend him?
The Third turned to Daisho again.
"You look exhausted. Go get some rest. I'd like to speak to Shin alone."
Daisho hesitated, his expression conflicted.
"What is it? You have something to say?" the Third asked, still warm and patient. "Speak freely. Even if you're wrong, I won't hold it against you."
Endo Daisho clenched his teeth, then dropped to one knee.
"Third Hokage, I believe Mori Shin has great potential. We should train him properly. One day, he could become an exceptional shinobi of the Hidden Leaf."
"You rate him that highly?" the Third asked, surprised.
The decision had already been made: of the 27 graduates that year, only 9 would become genin. Mori Shin had been placed on the dropout list. From the start, Daisho's assignment had been to ensure Team 9 failed the exam.
But now, his attitude was clearly different. This wasn't just about Shin's newfound power—it was a rejection of that prearranged list.
To become an outstanding shinobi, power alone wasn't enough.