With the complete defeat of the five genin opponents, Konoha's first-ever early graduation exam concluded in a dramatic and decisive fashion. Gekkō Hoshiyomi and his companions officially became full-fledged shinobi.
Their teacher, Mitsui, watched the five students—now proudly wearing their forehead protectors—and felt a complex mix of emotions. He had once assumed that these five were simply overestimating themselves, unaware of the true heights of the shinobi world.
But now it seemed he had been the one with the limited view. Still, rather than feeling disheartened, Mitsui felt nothing but pride as he looked at his students.
No matter what, these five prodigies were his students—his legacy. Their names would be a shining mark on his teaching career, and that was something worth celebrating.
Mitsui had originally planned to have them return to the academy and give a motivational speech to inspire the rest of their class.
But the Third Hokage personally vetoed the idea. If word got out that five six-year-old prodigies had graduated early, it could attract the attention of rival villages. That kind of exposure would be dangerous for them.
For now, the news of their graduation would be kept tightly under wraps. Only when they had enough strength to protect themselves would their achievements be made public.
With the speech plan scrapped, Mitsui chose to celebrate with them over a meal instead—a quiet but meaningful way to mark the occasion.
After dinner, Mitsui excused himself to return to the academy; he still had classes to teach in the afternoon. That left the five graduates sitting around the table, glancing at one another awkwardly until Tsunade was the first to break the silence.
"Grandma Mito's waiting for me at home," she said as she stood. "I'm heading back. See you all at the team assignment meeting in three days."
Once Tsunade left, only Hoshiyomi and the other three remained at the table, unsure of what to say.
Jiraiya and the others were orphans—joys and sorrows alike had always been shared only among the four of them. There was no one in particular they needed to run home and report to.
After exchanging a few looks, the four decided to head straight to the training grounds. They spent the afternoon playing and practicing, making noise and enjoying themselves.
That evening, when Hoshiyomi returned home, he finally let his childlike side show. As soon as Rie walked into the courtyard, he proudly rushed up to show off his new forehead protector.
When Rie found out her son had passed the graduation exam and officially become a Genin, she was torn between scolding him for keeping it from her and tearing up from joy.
After taking a moment to calm herself, Rie took Hoshiyomi's hand and spoke solemnly:
"Come with me, Hoshiyomi. There's something I want to show you."
She didn't even bother to make dinner. Still holding her confused son by the hand, she led him into her room.
Since Hoshiyomi had his own room, he rarely entered what was essentially the Gekkō household's master bedroom—Rie's private space.
But this was his home, after all, so he should have been familiar with it... or so he thought.
Since when did Mom's room have secret compartments?!
Rie moved like a shinobi herself, pressing and turning a small ornamental carving on the side of her vanity mirror. With a soft mechanical click, the entire vanity began to rotate ninety degrees, revealing a narrow hidden compartment carved into the wall.
Hoshiyomi stood there stunned as Rie reached into the hidden space and gently retrieved a long wooden box. She brushed the dust from it with the tenderness of someone caressing a lover.
Then she turned to her still-bewildered son and said softly:
"This is the true heirloom of the Gekkō Clan. Today, I'm passing it on to you. From this day forward, you are the new head of the Gekkō Clan."
Hoshiyomi almost wanted to retort that there were only two people in the clan—did it really matter who the head was? But the gravity in his mother's voice made him take the box with solemn care.
It was long and narrow, shaped like it held a blade. Hoshiyomi glanced at Rie with a questioning look, and she gave him a warm smile.
"Go on, open it."
With her encouragement, he opened the box without hesitation.
Inside lay a sword—a ninja blade of such elegance and beauty that it took his breath away.
His late father had collected many fine ninja blades, but compared to this one, they all paled in comparison.
Hoshiyomi instinctively handled it with extreme care, afraid that even a careless touch might mar its flawless surface.
The sheath and hilt were a blend of deep blue and gold, and the moment he held it, he could feel its exceptional craftsmanship. Eagerly, he unsheathed it, holding it under the light to examine the blade more closely.
The blade was about 80 centimeters long—a bit large for his current size, but it would be a perfect fit when he grew older.
Near the hilt, the blade had a slight curve. Its base was broad, narrowing dramatically near the tip. Even a single glance could sense the strange and captivating beauty of its shape, as if the eye were drawn to it involuntarily.
What made it even more striking were the three crescent-shaped patterns etched along the blade's edge. They echoed the Gekkō Clan's emblem—three crescents growing larger in sequence.
As Hoshiyomi admired the blade, Rie spoke, her voice gentle yet proud:
"This sword is called Mikazuki Munechika. It's our clan's heirloom. According to legend, your ancestor Gekkō Yūma forged it using remnants of weapons left behind by the Sage of Six Paths, blended with chakra-infused metals and rare materials, refining it repeatedly.
It's said to be one of the sharpest ninja blades in the entire shinobi world."
That sparked Hoshiyomi's curiosity. He recalled tales from his past life of blades so sharp they could slice iron like tofu or cut a falling hair midair.
Without thinking, he plucked a hair from his head and gently blew it toward the blade.
The hair fell... and was instantly sliced in two the moment it touched the edge.
No exaggeration—this sword truly could cut a hair with a breeze.
Seeing her son's excitement, Rie smiled and patted his head, continuing:
"Since the Warring States era, this blade has always been the personal weapon of the Gekkō Clan head. Your father once wielded it on the battlefield as well. But after you were born, he sealed it away.
He said that no matter what happened, this sword must be passed on to you—as a gift for when you became a shinobi. I didn't expect his wish would be fulfilled so soon.
Hoshiyomi, your talent far exceeds your father's. I know you'll make a name for yourself with this sword—one that will lead the Gekkō Clan back to greatness."
Hearing his mother's words, Hoshiyomi suddenly felt the weight of the blade double. In that moment, it seemed to carry the hopes of every Gekkō Clan leader who came before him.
He had never thought much of his family's legacy before. But now, he held the sword with reverence, and made a solemn promise to his mother.
Author's Note:
The sword Mikazuki Munechika and its link to Hoshiyomi are loosely inspired by the sword of the same name in Touken Ranbu (even though I've never played it). If you're curious, give it a look—it might also help you visualize just how ridiculously handsome our main character is!