"An exam, huh? Sounds interesting." Zero says as Cooper Scoffs at his ignorance.
"Hah! You say that now initiate...but these exams aren't just any exams. They are the #1 Ninja Sect Exams! Best believe if you take it lightly you will die!" Cooper says the last bit with a little base in his voice.
"Um, okay than...death trials here I come." Zero says nonchalantly as the raccoon Ninja guy shake his head in disappointment.
"Good Luck. Traveler Zero I hope to see you after these trials Kusanagi's Heir. And you Cooper, make sure Zero makes it to these trials no lolligagging about!" Jinzen says towards Cooper with a stern look.
"Yes! Sect Leader Jinzen! Right away sir!" Cooper yells out with a respected bow.
Zero saw the old turtle man vanish into nothingness as if he was never there.
("Cool.") Zero thought
("Eh, I'm faster.") Fūjin cuts into his thoughts as Zero rolls his eyes at the weapon folded and hooked to the side of his belt.
Cooper finally lift his head up and noticed his Sect leader no longer here. He sighs in relief wiping invisible sweat from his furry forehead.
"Okay initiate uh...yeah zero! Follow me! I'll take you straight to the exam site." Cooper says as he turns towards the direction of where the supposedly exam is held.
Zero just shrugged and followed Cooper as he did he took the time to look at what all his new skills do. He started with his new eye skill.
[Omuniaizu]:
A unique skill, talior made for your powerful preception. This skill allows the player to see highlighted spots on the target they are looking at,
-A full Analysis of the target nothing hides from your eyes,
-their Combat Rating,
-Their Weakness to a certain element or any type of attack,
-You can also see the patterns of the opponent how they will attack or defend and move.
-You can also see farther and even in the darkest of places,
-You can freeze your target with fear and also put your target into a
-increases your dexterity by 1,000%. 30% of the target health is critical damage when hitting the highlighted spots on its limbs, and 100% of the target health is critical damage if you hit a vital weak spot like the heart or kidney or if you hit them with a certain element or attack that they are weak to.
Zero was shock at seeing his perception ability was this strong. It was basically overwhelming even to him this skill was straight broken.
Next he look at his new racial movement skill
[Wind Steps]: This passive racial skill increase the user dexterity and agility stat by 500% all your dodges and dashes is like you becoming wind itself. Nothing can hit you or catch you.
Zero couldn't wait to try this skill out. Next he looked at The new aura skill he gotten.
[Aura of The Heavenly Shinobi]: This Unique passive skill makes you into the ultimate Shinobi able to push out your aura into the world making your attack power and stats increase by 1,000% every minute cost 1,000 Chi.
Zero eyes widen at his new unique boost skill. before he could look at what his titles could do. Cooper stops and told him they arrived at the Sect.
The Heavenly Shinobi Sect was a massive complex carved into the cliffs of Shinto's mountains. Training grounds, hot springs, dojos, and meditation gardens dotted the landscape.
Zero was awe at the place as Cooper looks at him with a smug look.
"Pretty sweet, right! Welcome To the Heavenly Shinobi Sect! Initiate!" Cooper yells out all dramatic effects included.
"Now! Enough drooling let's hurry and get you to this exam seem like they about to start. Try to keep up!" Cooper yells out as he vanishes into the shadows dashing through the trees like a blur.
Zero smirked as he was glad to accept this challenge as he uses his new movement skill [Wind Steps] turning into the wind itself dashing after Cooper catching up with ease as he couldn't help but smirk at the raccoon beastkin who looked shocked at Zero’s speed.
Arriving at the entrance Exam site. Zero and Cooper say goodbye to each other as Cooper rush off saying he was actually glad Zero showed up or he would be stuck on guard duty all day. but now that the vault was looted. There was no need for him to guard it. With a farewell and good luck the raccoon beastkin was off to enjoy the rest of his day.
Zero turn his full attention to the exams.
Initiates lined up. Each placed a hand on the glowing crystal. Most triggered a single color—fire, wind, water. A few rare talents lit two or three.
But one caught everyone attention even the proctors were all wide eyed and surprised. A tall scale humanoid male His antlers shimmered as his pale blue scales glinted in the sun. as zero picked up on the whispers in the crowd as this guy was from some famous Bloodline they called him Seiryu of the Azure Scale clan. He was able to get four elemental Affinities as they showed on the crystal glowing bright.
The crowd was calling him "genius", "Prodigy scion of the Azure scale clan", "a one out of a thousand years talent!". Seiryu walks away from the crystal with such a grace Zero could have mistaken him for a king. Which he probably was close to one here in this place.
After a few minutes it was zero's turn. He put his hand on the crystal. Than it lights up in a dazzling display of multicolored lights showing over nine elemental Affinities before it Exploded.
The crowd and everyone that witnessed this all gasp at Zero as he just looks at the pieces of the crystal ball with a deadpan face as he sighs inwardly.
("HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! YOU TRULY ARE KUSANAGI'S HEIR!") Susanoo's voice booms put in his mind as he clutches his head in pain.
[System Class Quest: Completed! Entrance Exam - Stage 1: Elemental Affinity Test]
--‐-------------------------------------‐--------
[Seiryu POV]:
The weight of legacy burned in his chest.
His grandfather, a legendary Sannin of the Sect, forged their clan’s name with Water Jutsu that could drown armies.
Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.
He had four affinities—Water, Earth, Air, and Nature. A prodigy.
Yet this stranger—this Zero—had nine.
He clenched his fist.
“Interesting,” he said coolly.
“But can he fight? Let's see how talented he truly is. only true Shinobi show their worth through battles." Seiryu says in a ice cold tone.
--------------------------------------------------
[System Class Quest update: Complete Entrance Exam - Stage 2: Combat Trials]
Zero looked at the updated Class Quest update.
Sparring rings formed. Blades clashed. Techniques flared.
Zero’s agility, tactics, and raw power overwhelmed every opponent he fought. His new skills and the weapons from Kusanagi's Vault were just too much for his opponents to handle. Making the fights child's play.
Zero noticed a few eyes on him even without looking. He could just feel their eyes burning holes into the back of his head. Even some of the proctors were starting to look envious of his skill. Some even stare in awe.
The proctors finally stop the second exam as he saw his results with the system notification.
[System Class Quest Exam stage 2- Completed!]: Combat Rank Evaluation: Grandmaster!
Zero wasn't all too surprised. About that as he already gotten all his combat skills to grandmaster a month after the update was released. So he was sure that the only people who would be surprised are these NPCs.
Zero got the system notification for the class quest update.
[System Class Quest: Complete Entrance Exam - Stage 3: Chi Mastery]
The final Exam started as Zero watch one by one as the proctors fail or was disappointed by most of the Recruits as some barely performed the jutsu they have them assigned to do. Only a few after every other Recruit was able to do a few of the techniques Given to them. Like that Seiryu guy and a few promising talent that eyed Zero a few times.
When it was Zero turn he did all the jutsu the proctors were giving him at a terrifying speed faster than the eye could see and alot more powerful than a novice Jutsu should be. Causing more chaos among the crowd of people as they looked in awe and some seething with hate.
After a few more Recruits fail and pass the exams were over and Zero got the notification for completing Stage 3 the final exam.
[System Class Quest Exam stage 3- Completed!]: Evaluation: 1,000% Efficiency at doing ninjutsu!
Zero wonder if the other NPCs could see his results. He hope not or they might just riot. All of sudden a loud explosion goes off in the middle of the testing grounds as a large puff of smoke was shown than it vanishes showing a Large stage with four people at the center of it exuding powerful Auras.
Zero recognize the one in the front of the other three it was the Sect Leader. He doesn't known the other three but he could tell they were almost as strong as the Sect leader. Zero could even see it with his new preception skill.
He used
[Name: Jinzen, The Sect Leader of The Heavenly Shinobi Sect]
[ Level: ??????????]
[ Combat Rating]: Demi-god
[ Health: ??? /???]
[Stamina: ???/???]
[ Chi: ???/ ???]
[ Race: Beastkin]
[Faction]: The Heavenly Shinobi Sect (Rank): Sect Leader
[ Bio: One of The Nine Heavenly students of the Heavenly shinobi Kusanagi. Jinzen The Wise Sage of Nature. being the only student of Kusanagi that never branched off from his master and was pass down the Sect to leading it to where it is today.
Zero was immediately put in mind of the seer as she was the only champion rank NPC he met so far in till now. he knew that turtle was strong, but he didn't realize he was this strong.
Next he looked at the Sannin that looked like an older version of Seiryu.
[Name: Ryukiba, Sage of The Freezing Tides]
[ Level: ??]
[ Combat Rating]: Grandmaster
[ Health: 3.5M /3.5M]
[Stamina: 2.3M/2.3M]
[ Chi: 6.4M/ 6.4M]
[ Race: Demi-Human]
[Faction]: The Heavenly Shinobi Sect (Rank): Sannin
[ Bio: Known as one of the three pillars of the Heavenly Shinobi sect holding it together. under the leadership of sect leader Jinzen. Ryukiba, Sage of The Freezing Tide, A sannin of renown, and for also being the patriarch of The infamous Azure Scale Clan. He is a powerful shinobi who could drown armies with powerful water jutsu. and freeze the souls of his opponents with powerful ice style jutsu. his power is just as deep as the ocean and his heart is as cold as absolute zero.
Zero respected Ryukiba for his strength. next He looked at the Demi-human silver wolf variant woman. who looked like a furry lover wet dream. as her ninja garb was basically too small for her huge breast and wide hips as two tails wags lazily about behind her along with a gord hanging from her waist. he pulled up her info
[Name: Lady Tsume, Sage of The Lunar Blade Style]
[ Level: ??]
[ Combat Rating]: Grandmaster
[ Health: 5.5M /5.5M]
[Stamina: 6.3M/6.3M]
[ Chi: 4.2M/ 4.2M]
[ Race: Demi-Human]
[Faction]: The Heavenly Shinobi Sect (Rank): Sannin
[ Bio: Known as One of The three pillars of the Heavenly Shinobi Sect. Lady Tsume is the last of her bloodline of the Lunar Tribe. Renown throughout Shinto realm as a powerful shinobi who loves to fight and drink. Her enemies fear her lunar blade style as it could cut down thousands in a single move.]
Zero could tell. she was a fighting maniac, and also a drunk he could bet that her, and his Ranger Commander Leo would get along just fine. Next, He looked at a pale white skin tone tall and muscular Oni/Bird demon guy zero looked confuse on what the guy could be, but with flaming eyes & hair, black horns and giant bird wings. the guy could be the devil and zero would be convince.
He pulled up the info on the guy.
[Name: Jiro, Sage of The Immortal Flames]
[ Level: ??]
[ Combat Rating]: Grandmaster
[ Health: 5M /5M]
[Stamina: 5.3M/5.3M]
[ Chi: 8M/ 8M]
[ Race: Onyx]
[Faction]: The Heavenly Shinobi Sect (Rank): Sannin
[ Bio: Known as One of The three pillars of the Heavenly Shinobi Sect. Jiro the first of his race, a progenitor of his bloodline. Once Renown as the feared "Demon of the Immortal flames" in till he was adopted and taught all about ninjutsu by sect leader Jinzen. he now fights with a purpose and that purpose is to protect the sect and destroy all of the sect enemies.]
Zero couldn't help but be in awe at the first of his race part.
("A progenitor in this day and age. Interesting been a while since I have seen one, not since the last one I personally created. wonder how they are doing.") Izanami says as he paused in deep thought.
(" I'm guessing Progenitors are extremely rare?") Zero ask towards the weapons
("Very rare. but not so much back when we were free and not seal inside these godforsaken weapons.") Tsukuyomi says as zero nods in understanding.
All the recruits start to talk with awe and shock seeing the strongest of the sect standing right before there very eyes.
The sect leader voice cuts through all the noise as everyone. quiet down stood at attention towards the Sect leader.
"Congratulations! to those that have made it this far. we at The Heavenly Shinobi Sect welcomes you! May fate guide you through this new journey as promising young Shinobi!" Jinzen yells out to the crowd as most of the recruits look exited, determined and most of all prideful.
Each of the sannin took turns with their own welcoming speech. Jinzen returns to the front.
"Now I shall call each of you up to receive your Genin outfit. starting from the best of you to the least. Recruit Zero! step forward." Jizen yells out his name as all eyes looks at him as he swallows his nervousness and walks up to the stage.
"Looks like you made it through Zero and on top at that. Congratulations! It seems fate has plans for you Kusanagi's Heir." Jinzen says with a prideful grandfather-like smile. Handing zero the Genin outfit. that he notices was all white.
"Thank You, Sect Leader." Zero says with a bow as he walks off the stage each of the Sannin nod with recognition and respect for zero's talent as zero also bow to each of them before leaving the stage.
Next was Seiryu who was also received words from the sect leader which he bow to as well after getting his outfit. than just like zero the sannin all nod with respect towards seiryu for his talent. except his grandfather who didn't even acknowledge seiryu as he left the stage.
Zero was confused at that. than Hachiman voice spoke up in his mind.
("What is there to be confused about Kusanagi Heir. I would have acted the same way as Ryukiba. just imagine having put time and resources into someone you thought would come out on top in a renown sect that you have put your blood and sweat into just for your legacy to disappoint you. All that time wasted to be out done by some barbaric outlander.") Hachiman says with his usual serious Strick tone.
("Still, that's your blood. it's just wrong to do that to someone who loves you and look up to you.") Zero says as a few of the gods agree and some didn't really care.
Next was a Human girl name Juno Ryokai She has pale gold eyes, short platinum-blonde Hair, wearing a dark brown half-cloak. Zero remembers her as she had the extremely rare light elemental affinity, and she was decently good especially with that sword of hers coming only shortly behind seiryu in all the exams. but zero got the feeling that she's a stickler to the rules and don't bullshit around.
After Juno A human male name Kazuo Yamori was next. He wore loose white robes, has messy black hair tied in a high ponytail, Glowing cyan eyes. He walks up to the stage with a yawn and using his pinky finger to dig in his ear. lazily grabbing the sect Genin attire he almost forgot to bow towards the sect leader as he tumbles around like a class clown. Both Ryukiba and jiro was fume with anger at the fool. as Lady Tsume just laughs with tears flowing holding her stomach.
Walking off the stage Zero looks at kazuo as Kazuo looks at him with one finger over his mouth and a wink. zero shook his head he knew exactly why Kazuo shush him. Zero saw how the guy was holding back throughout the exams, Zero thought of kazuo as one of those side characters who hides behind the main character but is secretly OP. The only thing special he showed that zero could see how the proctors graded him high on was his incredible speed. he was probably the fastest recruit here aside from himself of course.
Next to be called up was a human girl name Makiko Enshou. She had red hair in a bun, glasses on her face, with scroll like tattoos across her arms. Zero especially looked at her during the exams. She did okay in the combat exam but she really shine towards the end at the last exam even outperforming Seiryu. Using her unique ink style jutsu as her tattoos come alive combining with her fire style jutsus. Made zero even look in awe at her perfect handle of Chi.
After a while of calling up all the recruits. Jinzen step back up and spoke for the last time.
"I would like to congratulate you all and welcome you not as recruits but Full fledge Genin of The Heavenly Shinobi Sect! shall you blow past your limits and Shatter the Heavens for none shall block your Path of The Shinobi!" Jinzen yells out over the crowd as the stage explodes into smoke as it vanishes the sect leader and the three sannin and stage all disappeared from sight.
A system notification appears in his view.
[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION – CLASS QUEST COMPLETED!]
> Quest: “Genin” – COMPLETE!
Objective(s):
Join the Heavenly Shinobi Sect [?]
Pass Elemental Affinity Trial [?]
Pass Combat Proficiency Trial [?]
Pass Chi Control & Jutsu Proficiency Trial [?]
Summary: You’ve surpassed the expectations of all proctors. Your skills have shaken the Sect.
Rewards:
Ninja EXP: +12,400
Sect Reputation: +3,000 [Heavenly Shinobi Sect - Friendly]
Hidden Achievement Unlocked: “One-Man Genin Army”
Title Unlocked: “Number 1 Genin”
Class Level Up: [Ninja - Unique Class]
→ Level 1 → 2: +Stat Points
→ Level 2 → 3: +Stat Points
→ Level 3 → 4: +Stat Points
→ Level 4 → 5: +Stat Points
You are now Level 5 [Ninja]
Title Gained:
→ [Number 1 Genin]
“Recognized by the Heavenly Shinobi Sect as the most exceptional Genin of your class.”
Effects:
All stats +5 when fighting other Genin
Increases mission rank rewards by 10%
Gain increased respect and rivalry from other sect members
Zero couldn't help but smile at this. and couldn't wait what was in store for him next.