Chapter 57: Rank Assessment
Konoha Stadium.
That's right, Masahiko named it.
It was a building similar to the venue for the Chunin Exams in the future, but many times larger. At Masahiko's suggestion, the rank assessment for ninjas over the age of 10 was held here. Ninjas under 10 would all be required to enter the soon-to-be-established Konoha Academy for further education.
After some discussion, they decided to divide ninja ranks into nine levels. Of course, it wouldn't be Level 1 to Level 9.
From lowest to highest, they were: Genin, Chunin, Elite Chunin, Special Jonin, Average Jonin, Elite Jonin, S- Rank, S Rank, and S+ Rank.
Three Genin could form a squad led by an Elite Chunin or higher to complete C-rank missions. Three Chunin could complete B-rank missions, while Elite Chunin could complete B-rank missions independently or lead a Genin squad on C-rank missions.
Special Jonin were Chunin who had Jonin-level skills in a specific area; they could team up under an Elite Jonin to complete A-rank missions. Average Jonin could complete A-rank missions independently. Elite Jonin and S- Rank ninjas were the absolute main force of the village; the Peak Jonin of the Warring States Period would eventually be sorted into these two ranks. S-rank missions for the village would be handled by them.
As for why there were no D-rank missions... in this era, no civilian would dare ask a ninja-sama to babysit or find a cat.
The last two ranks had very few people, even in the current Konoha. S Rank ninjas represented the Clan Head-level powerhouses of the Warring States, like the Nara Clan Head. As for S+ Rank, there were only four: Senju Tobirama, the Hatake Clan Head, Hyuga Tenjin, and Masahiko.
When determining the ranks, everyone tacitly agreed not to add a Level 10 or Level 11, because no one was qualified to assess the strength of Hashirama and Madara.
Standing in the center of the newly built Konoha Stadium, Masahiko looked around. Ninjas from various clans sat in formation in the stands, giving it the feeling of a college sports meet.
That's right, Masahiko was standing in the center of the arena. His role today was the examiner for the Jonin rank assessment.
Several elders were involved. The Hyuga Clan Head assessed the Genin; his Byakugan made testing Genin very convenient. The Nara Clan Head assessed the Chunin; with his intellect, he could tell at a glance if someone had the qualifications to lead a team. Jonin assessment was given to Masahiko because he had relatively few weaknesses and wouldn't be embarrassed by the Jonin's bizarre jutsu.
Hashirama had originally wanted to personally assess the S-Rank ninjas, but Masahiko had said, "I think Madara is more suitable. If he stands there, everyone will unconsciously use their full strength to attack him."
As for Madara's reaction, well, that was another chaotic story...
A figure appeared in front of Masahiko, interrupting his thoughts. He looked up. "White hair... from the Hatake clan? Only twelve or thirteen years old, and already here for the Jonin assessment?"
The young man opposite him smiled gently. "Elder, my hair is blue..."
Masahiko's face darkened. He had exposed his colorblindness. He quickly explained, "Er, the sun is really bright today. So, blue-haired boy, are you a mutant of the Hatake clan?"
The boy kept his gentle smile. "Elder, I am not from the Hatake clan. My name is Kato Dan..."
"Pfft... cough, cough." Masahiko hadn't choked on his own saliva in years.
The boy could no longer maintain his smile. "Elder, is there something wrong with my name?"
"I didn't expect it to be the Kato clan..." Masahiko thought, but said, "Nothing, nothing. Let's test. There are three items in total. You've finished the first two, right?"
Kato Dan handed over a report card. Masahiko took it. "Elite Chunin in basics, Elite Chunin in ninjutsu. Not bad for your age. Do you want to become a Special Jonin?"
Kato Dan nodded. "I have mastered my clan's secret ninjutsu and came to test it with the Elder."
Masahiko nodded. "Use it on me once."
Kato Dan looked troubled. "Elder, my secret technique is a bit special..."
"It's fine. Isn't it just the Spirit Transformation Technique? My Yin Release is at Level 6."
"What?"
"Just do it. Attack however you like. If I dodge even once, I lose." Masahiko looked impatient.
Kato Dan said no more, looking a bit indignant. "Ninjutsu: Spirit Transformation Technique!"
A moment later, his face turned completely green.
His spiritualized soul had just entered Masahiko's spiritual world when it was kicked in the butt by Masahiko's soul and sent flying back into his own body.
"Haha! Your soul strength is decent. Being kicked by me didn't hurt you much..." Masahiko laughed. "I'll consider it a pass. Next!"
Kato Dan's expression shifted several times before he silently left. Masahiko chuckled inwardly. Kato Dan is probably his son. To think he'll chase down Tsunade, the goddess in so many hearts... how could I not take this chance to bully you a little...
Just as he was thinking this, he noticed it had gotten cloudy... Masahiko looked up. A somewhat exaggeratedly fat man stood before him.
"From the Akimichi clan? If you give me your clan's BBQ recipe, I'll make you an Elite Jonin directly. How about it?"
The fat man scratched his head honestly, his booming voice startling Masahiko. "Really?!"
Seeing everyone around them look over, Masahiko's expression changed. "Fake... hurry up and take the test!"
When the test results came out, it was Masahiko's turn to look green. This Akimichi fat man would have been rated as an Elite Jonin anyway. Masahiko felt like he had just been played...
"Next!"
"Great-Grandpa! It's my turn!" A familiar figure came before Masahiko.
"Oh, Kenji-kun. I have a general idea of your strength. No need to test. Average Jonin, right?"
Kenji nodded in agreement. Masahiko grinned mischievously. "Have you met the little girl Hashirama betrothed you to?"
"Betrothed? What betrothal?"
Masahiko's expression changed. Kenji didn't know? Could it be that Hashirama hadn't dared to tell Mito he'd engaged their son without her consent? He might have just screwed Hashirama over...
Seeing Kenji's confused look, Masahiko quickly said, "Oh, nothing, nothing! Next!"
The rank assessment lasted for three full days. The number of ninjas in Konoha exceeded ten thousand, with around a thousand Jonin. If you added the Uzumaki clan attached to Konoha, the current village was terrifyingly strong.
When Masahiko saw Hashirama, he looked worried. "With so many ninjas, how many missions will we need..."
Masahiko smiled. "That's something for you, Lord Hokage, to worry about. This old bag of bones will just enjoy a leisurely retirement..."
Hashirama paused. "Great-Uncle, I've actually been wanting to ask about your age. You look exactly the same."
"Me too, Great-Uncle..." Tobirama popped out from some corner.
Masahiko scratched his head. "I am... about 20 years old this year..."
Hashirama: "..."
Tobirama: "..."
☆☆☆
-> 30 Advanced chapters Now Available on Patreon!!
-> https://www.pat-reon.co-m/c/Hollowborn
(Just remove the hyphen (-) to access patreon normally)
If you like this novel please consider leaving a review that's help the story a lot Thank you