I founded the "Bragging Cult" in Naruto.

Chapter 144 No matter how outstanding you are, it's useless; the base salary is still two thousand two.

Seeing Nono rushing towards him, Tatsuma did not underestimate her. Although judging from Nono's speed, her skill level was not very high, but her performance was the most standard he had seen today.

"You are definitely one of the best students in this year's class, or even the biggest hidden gem in our class."

Tatsuma spared no praise, and after hearing Tatsuma's praise, Nono's expression did not change at all, nor did her movements slow down or speed up; she remained steady.

Tatsuma easily dodged Nonou's attacks while observing her performance to see if she was getting impatient from being unable to break through his defenses.

After all, once you accept a mission, you have to take it seriously. This applies not only to Nono, but to everyone except for a very few people who look down on Tatsuma. As for those few, he takes them even more seriously.

Nonou's emotions remained stable, which impressed Tatsuma. As expected of a ninja valued by Danzo, the Dark Lord of the Ninja World, her composure surpassed that of many other ninjas.

Especially at this age, when facing a crucial moment in life like graduation assessments, most people's mindset will be affected, which is unavoidable. However, those who can control themselves are definitely people with strong willpower.

"Ding~"

Finally, Tatsuma also took out a kunai to block Nono's attack. Although it was only one attack that was blocked, a hint of joy flashed in Nono's eyes, but she quickly suppressed it.

Tatsuma's block was undoubtedly a positive feedback for Nonou, which was also Tatsuma's purpose: to give Nonou the illusion that her attack made Tatsuma no longer feel at ease.

Most people would strike while the iron is hot in this situation, but Nonoyu has excellent control over her emotions. After one round of being aggressive, she immediately returned to her previous rhythm.

Seeing this, Tatsuma stopped getting close and instead distanced himself. With his speed, he instantly moved ten meters away from Nono. Nono also quickly drew her shuriken and threw it at Tatsuma.

"His ninja tool throwing is also quite skillful; he must have practiced a lot."

Catching several shuriken that were no longer sharp, Tatsuma nodded in satisfaction. He roughly understood Nono's level. As for the Three Body Technique, it wasn't very useful in the current situation. If any examinee dared to use it, Tatsuma would definitely give them a low score.

Just now, someone used the Transformation Jutsu to transform into the Jonin leading the team, trying to trick a Chunin into thinking he didn't need to take the test and would pass immediately. However, because he didn't know the Jonin's habits and movements, he was instantly recognized.

The clone technique creates phantom clones, and in a one-on-one situation, it's difficult for examiners to distinguish between the original and the clone. The substitution technique is even more so, as it emphasizes speed.

It is usually used by high-level players to probe and gather information about their opponents. If someone of the same level can use the Substitution Jutsu well, they are at least superior to their opponent in terms of combat awareness. Anyone who dares to use the Substitution Jutsu in battle is just showing off their skills, and now is clearly not a stage for genin to show off their skills.

If candidates use these three techniques indiscriminately, it will only expose their lack of practical skills and thus result in point deductions.

As for other ninjutsu, Tatsuma had seen other examinees use them, but he didn't think Nono could use any other offensive ninjutsu, since the ninja academy didn't teach them.

Unless Nono had already made contact with Root by this time, she would not have been able to learn offensive ninjutsu. And even if she had made contact and learned it, as long as Nono had any brains, she would not have been able to use it.

Therefore, the testing is about complete.

In a flash, Tatsuma appeared behind Nono, pulling her right hand, which was holding a kunai, onto her waist with his left hand, while his own right hand rested on Nono's left shoulder, with the kunai in his hand held against Nono's throat.

"Nonou-kun, it's over."

"Ding~"

Upon hearing this, Nonou, who had been holding her breath since being captured by Tatsuma, relaxed. After Tatsuma released her, she returned to her soft and cuddly appearance, no longer displaying the demeanor of a ninja.

It has to be said that, given Nono's current appearance, probably no one would think she's a ninja. No wonder she can become a top spy who moves between countries; perhaps her true nature is the best camouflage.

After Nono left, Tatsuma took out his notebook and gave Nono a B grade, even though Nono's attitude, focus, and grasp of knowledge were the best he had seen that day.

However, he is testing practical combat ability. No matter how standard the action is, if there is no damage, there is no damage. Giving Nono a B grade at this stage is completely correct.

However, if Nono's attitude and talent are nurtured, she will grow very quickly. This is why Tatsuma thinks she is one of the best candidates. After all, being strong is not the only measure of excellence.

For example, if a certain red-haired, round-faced little girl were at her current level, Tatsuma would give her an S-rank rating, but he wouldn't think that Kushina is an excellent student or ninja right now; the evaluation criteria are different.

Just as Tatsuma was inwardly complaining, a candidate walked into the arena. Without even looking at him, Tatsuma said, "Name."

"."

Hearing no reply, Tatsuma frowned and looked up, only to see Uchiha Tenka's arrogant expression. Tatsuma repeated, "What's your name?"

"Have you forgotten?"

Uchiha Tenka said, sounding both dissatisfied and aggrieved. Tatsuma, veins bulging on his forehead, tapped his notebook and said, "Procedure! Don't you understand the procedure?"

"Oh, you really haven't forgotten? If you haven't forgotten, I would have said it. My name is Uchiha Tenkaze."

Seeing the suspicious look in Uchiha Tenka's eyes, Tatsuma's face darkened. He put away his notebook and asked, "What kind of rating do you want?"

"Hmph! My Uchiha clan will definitely get an S-rank rating!"

Uchiha Tenka's tone remained arrogant. Tatsuma nodded and said, "S-rank, right? Just hold out for three minutes."

"Wait a minute, isn't it the candidate who makes the move, and the examiner observes?"

Uchiha Tenka was completely bewildered, but Tatsuma had already made his move. For a somewhat delinquent child like this, the best approach is corporal punishment, but unfortunately, Tatsuma didn't have a stick, so he disciplined him with his bare hands.

Three minutes later, Tatsuma, looking relaxed after waking up, took out his notebook and gave Uchiha Tenka an S-rank rating. Uchiha Tenka, on the other hand, was completely devoid of his previous arrogance, his bruised and swollen face now full of friendliness.

"Your resilience has improved quite a bit, huh? And you were even able to dodge my attacks several times."

Tatsuma said with some surprise, he originally thought that Uchiha Tenka wouldn't be able to last three minutes, but he actually did. He originally only wanted to give him an A, but it turned into an S as previously mentioned.

Uchiha Tenka rubbed his face and complained, "Who do you think that bastard Sento trained with? I'm not bragging, but six out of ten times I'm the one who beats Sento."

"What about the remaining four times?"

"Of course I'm being beaten."

Uchiha Tenfu's confident words surprised Tatsuma. He was surprised that Uchiha Tenfu had become so frank. He remembered that this person had always been a very arrogant person.

"Let's go, don't interfere with my mission."

Tatsuma simply didn't bother to talk to him anymore, waved his hand and told him to leave quickly. Uchiha Tenka nodded and said before turning to leave, "Let's get together tomorrow. I'm probably going to the northern battlefield with my family. Sento should be going to the Land of Rain. I don't know if we'll see each other again. Take Minato with you."

Hearing this, Tatsuma nodded and said, "Okay, I'll talk to Minato later. Just let us know once you've decided on the location. But Minato will probably invite Kushina, is that alright?"

"Yeah, I've invited Kushina too. Hehe, I'll bring my cousin over too. His parents went up north and probably won't be coming back for his first meal. I'll probably leave soon and give him his first taste of meat beforehand."

"You have a cousin?"

"Hmm, Ujiha Obi-tou! It's a nice name, isn't it? And he's cute too."

A smile was forced onto Uchiha Tenka's bloated face. Upon hearing the name, Tatsuma was stunned for a moment. Uchiha Tenka left the examination room without waiting for Tatsuma's reply.

The subsequent assessments went smoothly, and Tatsuma even encountered several classmates, but he didn't run into Kushina. However, Kushina still managed to get an S rating because she knocked out one of the Chunin assessors.

After completing the assessment, on the way to the Hokage Building to report on his work, Tatsuma told Minato about the gathering. Minato didn't object, but he hesitated and seemed to want to ask something.

He didn't need to say anything to Tatsuma to know what he wanted to ask. After all, Minato had been thinking about celebrating Kushina's graduation for several days, and Tatsuma had asked Uchiha Tenka beforehand.

Minato, who was initially hesitant about whether or not to bring guests as Tatsuma had mentioned, readily agreed after hearing that Tatsuma had already asked and that Kushina also knew about the gathering.

The next day, Tatsuma and Minato arrived at the agreed location as promised, which was BBQ Q. Tatsuma had only been there twice before: once when Jiraiya treated him after he completed his first mission, and the second time was on the day he became an apprentice.

It's expensive here, but considering that the Uchiha clan has its own shopping street, it seems like they can afford it. Tatsuma and Minato didn't arrive early, but although they weren't late, many other people had arrived before them.

Compared to yesterday, these students all have headbands on their heads. And it's not just their classmates; even Rope Tree came, along with a few younger students who don't have headbands.

Tatsuma guessed that this gathering was actually a gathering of students, and these junior students were probably the "successors," while Uchiha Obito, who was brought by Uchiha Tenka, became the "plaything" of the gathering, being taken turns to be fondled.

The three members of the Ino-Shika-Cho trio arrived almost at the last minute, and it was Akimichi Choza who carried Nara Shikaku and Yamanaka Inoichi across the way. After all, the Akimichi family never misses a chance to eat meat.

Having no other choice, Shikaku joined the banquet and introduced the junior students to Tatsuma and Minato. The new person in charge was the eldest son of the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, who would later become Konohamaru's father, but for now he was just a little girl.

After the introduction, Shikaku gave Tatsuma a meaningful look, and Tatsuma finally understood why Nawaki had said that the academic innovation project was hindered but would become smooth again. It turned out that it was time to divide the cake.

However, this has nothing to do with Chenma, since he is not involved in it, but is only one of the "founders".

The subsequent gathering was somewhat boring for Chenma. After all, watching a group of ten-year-olds talk about the future and reflect on life felt a bit out of place, much like a primary school graduate saying something like "Everyone has a dream, and everyone's life is wonderful" at a teacher appreciation banquet.

The day after the banquet, Tatsuma went to see off Uchiha Tenpu. He and his fellow clansmen who graduated at the same time would be taken to the north. Uchiha Tenpu had a bruised and swollen face, not from the beating Tatsuma had given him during the graduation exam.

He got home too late last night and was beaten up by his grandmother. If Uchiha Tenka were alone, he probably wouldn't have cared about spending the night outside, but he shouldn't have brought Uchiha Obito with him.

On the same day, Orochimaru and Tsunade returned from the front lines in the Land of Rain. Jiraiya kept an eye on the entire front lines by himself. Orochimaru and Tsunade's purpose in returning was simple: to take the promoted Chunin and the newly graduated Genin to the front lines.

Tatsuma and Minato also received their second mission: to cooperate with Orochimaru and Tsunade to escort the genin to the front lines, and then be incorporated into the legion to participate in the battle.

(End of this chapter)