Chapter 32: Please Call Me Hinata-Sama - The White Eyed Princess of Konoha

### Chapter 32: Please Call Me Hinata-Sama Time flies. For sixth graders, the most important thing is the graduation exam. The graduation exam at the ninja academy is actually quite simple. It's merely a basic assessment of one's ability to use ninjutsu to determine if they can graduate. This involves the evaluation of the "Three Basic Techniques." Ninjas are a profession focused on efficiency. Subjects like culture, ninja theory, physical training, and shuriken throwing have all been assessed through regular studies and tests. The school clearly knows each student's performance. While the three techniques are simple, they are the true basics of ninjutsu and serve as the only proof of whether a person has the qualifications to learn ninjutsu. The academy's graduation exam is held three times. The teacher randomly selects one of the three techniques, and as long as the student successfully performs it, they pass the test. Passing any one of the three rounds of the exam results in graduation. The student's final exam score will be based on their best performance. For students in the elite class, the graduation exam is a mere formality. Take Hinata, for instance; she has already passed two assessments. Even if she doesn't take the last one, she would still graduate. Thus, the atmosphere in class is relaxed, with small groups of students chatting enthusiastically about the glorious future of becoming ninjas. But there is always an exception. One particular student, who joined the academy through special connections due to his unique status, failed both of his previous exams. Hinata couldn't tell if Iruka was doing it on purpose, but Naruto was excellent in Transformation Jutsu and could occasionally pull off the Substitution Jutsu. However, he just couldn't master the Clone Jutsu no matter what he tried. In this joyful atmosphere, Naruto was the only one under a cloud. Hinata no longer fancied sitting in the front row. Having been a mediocre student in her past life, Hinata misunderstood academic prowess, mistakenly thinking that top students must sit in the front row. In reality, the diligent sit in the front, but the geniuses sit at the back. In class, Hinata's closest friends were Choji and Shikamaru. Choji was simple and kind, while Shikamaru was intelligent and resourceful. They had a lot in common and made a perfect target for some playful teasing. Choji lay listlessly on the table, not even touching his favorite chips. How wonderful would it be to be in the same class with Shikamaru and Hinata! But even as naive as Choji was, he knew that the Ino-Shika-Cho trio was inseparable. Just as the class was in high spirits, Iruka entered with the roster and announced to the class, "Listen up, everyone. The topic for this graduation exam is the Clone Jutsu. Students, please proceed to the next room in order when your name is called!" "Oh no! What is this!?" Upon hearing the announcement, Naruto's expression soured as if he'd just eaten something dreadful. This was Naruto's last chance, and unfortunately, it was the test of his weakest jutsu, the Clone Jutsu. Hinata stole a glance at Naruto. According to the storyline, he was due to sneak the Scroll of Seals tonight, wasn't he? Hinata was tempted to follow and watch. But after some thought, she abandoned the dangerous notion. How could something as important as the Scroll of Seals be stolen by an apprentice not even qualified as a Genin? The Hyuga Clan's vault, for instance, was laden with traps, ninjutsu seals, and sensory barriers for protection. Moreover, with Naruto being the host of the Nine-Tails, it was inconceivable he didn't have Anbu watching over him discreetly. Perhaps this was the Third Hokage's ploy to test Naruto's loyalty to the village. And, it was also an opportunity for Naruto to gain an advantage! The Multi Shadow Clone Jutsu was perfect for someone from the Uzumaki Clan, whose chakra reserves were terrifyingly vast. Hinata, having passed the graduation exam using the Clone Jutsu, could easily outperform Sasuke and secure the top spot in the graduation exams. For less critical techniques, Hinata could learn them at home; after all, Kakashi had already mastered the Shadow Clone Jutsu before he entered the academy. As for Sasuke... with no one to guide him, his progress over the years had been slow. Coincidentally, Naruto was next in line after Hinata. After completing her exam, Hinata turned to Naruto as he prepared to enter the test room and patted him on the shoulder, encouragingly saying, "You can do it! Believe in yourself!" Naruto was not without talent. In fact, if it weren't for the Nine-Tails interference, his aptitude in ninjutsu might have been on par with Sasuke's. Even the ingenious Namikaze Minato didn't complete the Rasenshuriken, yet Naruto developed it. "Thank you, Hinata, you're so kind!" Naruto said, his eyes brimming with tears. Hinata's eyes moistened in response. Attempting to build a good relationship with her future boss required considerable effort on her part. By the end of the exams, Naruto was the only one out of the twenty-seven students who hadn't passed. Although Hinata knew the plot, she didn't know how to console Naruto at that moment. She chose to avoid him and, pretending she didn't know about his results, left school early to head home. "Congratulations, Miss Hinata... No, now I should address you as Lady Hinata! Congratulations on passing your graduation exam!" Hiashi Hyuga's right-hand man, a sycophant through and through, greeted Hinata the moment she returned home, presenting a carefully prepared graduation gift. Graduating from the ninja academy meant Hinata officially became a ninja. From now on, please call me Hinata-Sama! Hinata accepted the gift with a grimace, her tone aloof as she said, "Thank you for the thoughtful gift." This loyal comrade has been serving as Hinata's guardian since she was a child, tirelessly loyal, having watched her grow up. Yet with his level of intelligence, it seemed he'd never realize just how he might have offended Hinata. As a famous line from *Nirvana in Fire* goes: "The power a prince has from his father is ultimately the future emperor's power." Hinata thought it was necessary to remind Hiashi’s man about whom he truly should be loyal to. Perhaps another time, as today, Hinata had more important things to do. Returning to her room, Hinata closed the doors and windows, gazing intently at the mirror. Yes! It was time for a makeover. Despite her young age, Hinata kept her hair short, just like in the anime. Short hair wouldn't get in the way during battles and added to her adorable appearance. Deception by appearance is also an essential skill for a ninja. Hinata rummaged through her wardrobe. For the top… a short black T-shirt would do. Black made one appear more slender and evoked a protective instinct. For the bottom… also black shorts, paired with white thigh-high socks, and a top tied around the waist to resemble a skirt! "Great!" Hinata admired herself for quite some time in the mirror. While such a combination might seem outdated in her previous life, in the ninja world, it was different. Hinata felt quite pleased with herself. As for the forehead protector… she decided to hang it around her neck just as in the original series. "Perfect!"