Chapter 10
Chapter 10: Class Rep Trip Part 1
A whole month had passed, and Morgan stared down at her assessment scroll, letting out a groan of frustration. I know I suck, but I could have at least scored four categories with five points. Compared to Natsuki and Menma, they’re good at everything. I bet they’re perfect, but I can’t even be average. I’ll never be good enough as a Genin.
In truth, she didn’t even know their exact grades, but Natsuki and Menma were the best shinobi and kunoichi in their class, consistently topping the charts alongside Sasuke and Sakura. Shinobi across the entire Elemental Nation rated themselves using the Databook system—a ranking that assessed their basic skills as ninjas, excluding Bloodline Limits or unique abilities. This system followed a shinobi throughout their career, from the Academy to Anbu, and even into the Bingo Book, which featured profiles of dangerous missing-nin and regular shinobies.
The Databook system comprised the following basic categories:
- Ninjutsu: Techniques involving the manipulation of chakra and the physical world.
- Taijutsu: Body techniques, focusing on physical combat and martial arts.
- Genjutsu: Illusion techniques that manipulate the senses.
- Kenjutsu: The art of wielding weapons like shuriken and swords.
- Intelligence: Measures cognitive ability, often reflected in problem-solving and strategy.
- Speed: Assesses how quickly a ninja can move.
- Stamina: Important for evaluating chakra levels and endurance.
Each category was rated from 1 to a maximum of 5 points, with exceptionally gifted individuals sometimes receiving a score of 7. The scores were summed to determine a ninja's overall rank: Genins were expected to average at least 23.5 points, Chunins 28.5, Jonins 30.5, and anything above that was considered Anbu or Kage-level. Morgan had received a score of 1 point in Ninjutsu, 3 in Taijutsu, 1 in Genjutsu, 3 in Kenjutsu, 3 in Intelligence, 3 in Speed, and 2 in Stamina, bringing her total to 16 points. She made a mental note to work more on her physical training and find a way to study Genjutsu.
Just then, Hayate approached her, noticing the expressions of frustration, glee, and resignation among the other students as they read their scrolls. “Not bad for a first-year student,” he said, his voice calm and reassuring.
Morgan's ears perked up. Not bad? How could he say that? She felt a warm glow at the compliment but remained skeptical. “But... I suck..." she protested inaudible.
Hayate coughed slightly, then added, “Don’t beat yourself down. Your score is among the best in class. I think you have even greater potential. Remember, you still have six years with me. Besides, we’re not in wartime like my generation. You’re lucky; you can take it slow.”
The Academy typically had a four-year program for first years, focusing more on theory. The second year lasted three years, leading into a one-year graduation phase that was intensely practical. Morgan felt a blush creep up her cheeks. “Hayate-sensei, when will we dive into Genjutsu in more detail?”
“Well, it will become more prominent in your second year. But…” Hayate leaned closer and whispered, “I could teach you the basics of D-Rank Genjutsu later this evening before we start our Kenjutsu lessons.”
A smile crept onto Morgan's face. “Thanks, Hayate-sensei!”
“After class, I need to talk to you alone about the Class Rep trip, so stay and don’t run off,” he said, returning to the front of the class to demand everyone’s attention.
Oh dear, the annual class rep trip. Since Hayate’s classroom session was the last of the day, everyone else quickly ran off home. Standing up, she noticed Hanabi looking at her in confusion, but Morgan waved her off, gesturing that she needed to talk to her teacher. With a wave, Hanabi disappeared out the door.
Morgan approached Hayate’s desk, her heart racing. “Well, you see,” he began, his tone serious, “the Class Rep trip will last for two weeks. You know why, right?”
“To bond and strengthen the different grades and our relations with Sunagakure. Will it be in Konoha or Suna this year?”
“In Suna. The trip starts next week on Monday. You can prepare to start this Wednesday. Here’s the supply list.” He handed her a piece of paper.
She eyed it before tucking it carefully into her bag, a crease forming in her brow. “Could I... get lesson papers for what I’ll miss?” she asked quietly, her fingers curling around the straps of her bag.
“Of course,” Hayate replied, his smile warm. “You won’t miss much—just some reviewing of old lessons. Focus on enjoying yourself. It’s a rare opportunity.”
Morgan nodded, a small wave of gratitude passing through her. “Thank you, Hayate-sensei. I’ll come by on Friday to pick them up.”
As she left, she couldn’t help but overhear his faint murmur to himself, “Is it normal for a kid to be so hard on themselves?” She felt her cheeks warm and quickened her pace.
“
Later, she wandered to the market, where she found Kabuto and Shizune laughing together at the Akamichi Grill. “Shizune-senpai, Kabuto-senpai!” she called, waving.
“Look at you, Morgan!” Shizune said with a warm chuckle. “Your shadow clone is a help at the hospital! Oh is that your assessment scroll?”
Blushing, Morgan handed over her assessment scroll. “It’s not much, really,” she said shyly, glancing away as if that could somehow deflect their attention.
Kabuto’s brow raised as he unrolled the scroll. “This is impressive. For a first-year student, it’s better than most.”
Shizune took a look, her eyes soft with understanding as she handed it back. “Don’t be so hard on yourself, Morgan,” she said, gesturing to a seat. “Sit down and eat something.”
“Oh, I don’t want to bother—”
“Oh, nonsense, kiddo!” came a familiar voice from behind her. Anko and Ibiki had just entered the restaurant, with Anko grinning. “Besides, we’ll pay for it!” she chimed in.
“Just for a few minutes, then,” Morgan relented, sliding her assessment scroll and supply list into her bag as she took a bite. Her eyes widened in delight. Wow… so this is why everyone talks about the Akamichi Grill.
But even as she ate, she felt Ibiki’s gaze on her—sharp, calculating. After a few bites, she stood and bowed to thank them, eager to get back to her shopping. She dashed past Ichiraku Ramen, where she saw Menma, Natsuki, Kushina, and Minato enjoying bowls together, their laughter spilling into the street.
A pang of bitterness tugged at her heart as she passed by. I hate ramen. She quickened her steps, pushing down the sting of loneliness. She caught Minato glancing her way and gave him a polite bow. He looked surprised, raising a hand in greeting, but she moved on, her focus shifting back to her preparations.
As promised, Hayate met her later that evening, forming a series of hand seals. “Genjutsu style: Hell Viewing Technique!” he announced.
The world around Morgan shifted, a haze overtaking her vision. She saw her family in the clearing, their expressions twisted with anger and disappointment.
“Leave us alone, Naruto!” they spat, their voices dripping with contempt. Each word struck her like a blade.
“You’re worthless!”
“A failure of a Namikaze!”
“I wish you’d never been born!”
Her breath quickened as she felt herself drowning in the intensity of their scorn. No... Her hands came together in a release sign. “Kai!” she whispered, forcing herself back to reality. The illusion faded, leaving only the sunset bathing the clearing in soft orange light.
“You okay?” Hayate asked, his voice laced with concern.
Morgan steadied herself. “Yes... I’m fine,” she replied, though her voice trembled. “What exactly does this Genjutsu do?”
“It makes the viewer experience their deepest fears, even some they are not aware of. Powerful, right?” he said, a hint of sadness in his eyes as he watched her.
After a few tries, she managed to master the technique, though she couldn’t help but berate herself inwardly. When the female ANBU, Cat-senpai, arrived, the three of them worked on sword techniques for an hour. After a quick shower and a bite of a chika nut, Morgan grumbled as she tuned into Yunno Scrya’s lesson—listening from the comfort of her bed, of course.
“Uh, Yunno-san, I’ll be on a trip for the next two weeks, so I won’t be able to chat face-to-face,” she explained." Sorry, I love your lectures...."
“I see, it's fine! Plus that means I can prepare some quality stuff. I really enjoy teaching you. Man, I wish my students at the Milchidan University were as enthusiastic as you.” the librarian replied, adjusting his glasses. His blond hair was a bit frazzled, and his green eyes looked tired but he seemed so much full of life talking to her. “Do you need any books?”
“Could you send me books on the Milchidan language, more runes, maybe basic enhancement spells and illusions?” she asked.
He smiled. “I’ll send them over this weekend. Have a good trip, Morgan.”
The holographic screen shut off, and she put her marble-shaped device on a makeshift necklace around her neck. Although this device wasn’t as advanced as Raising Heart, it allowed her to stay connected to the Milchidan Planet, where TSAB’s HQ was located some 80 million light-years away. Thanks to the magical energy stored in the stars and the vast vacuum of space, mages could travel between planets relatively easily. Rolling down to her bed she sighed. With another sigh, she crawled under her blanket, feeling a touch of anxiety about what was to come.
Throughout the rest of the week, Morgan packed her small bag with all her essentials for the two-week trip: books, homework, training gear, clothes, and even snacks Ellen had scolded her for eating too little. On Friday, she picked up her papers and signed out of her medical ninja duties in the hospital for two weeks. Before she knew it, Monday had arrived, and as the class rep of Class 1A, she was ready to go. Each year, one class rep from each grade was selected for the annual trip to build stronger connections with Sunagakure. This year, it was the A-group’s turn.
She tugged on her combat outfit, which was suited for desert travel. She chose a combat cheongsam dress with silver embroidery over a navy blue base and a hood. Over it, she wore a dark sandy vest with compartments for supplies. She had tied her hair into a ponytail, and her dark blue ninja sandals completed the outfit.
Just as she was leaving, she spotted a familiar face. “Ah, TenTen-senpai!” she called out.
The older girl smiled. “Hey, Morgan-chan! So, you’re the class rep for Class 1A, huh? I’m the rep for 3A. Oh, look—there’s the Hokage and Menma.” TenTen was wearing her usual pink vest and pants, likely carrying her items in a scroll rather than a bag. From a distance, she saw Minato wearing his typical green Jonin West blue pants with a Hokage mantel on top. Menma wore something else for once. It was a tracksuit with orange stripes on the side of the arms.
The group assembled, chatting among themselves.
“So, Menma is the class rep for 2A? Shit...” Morgan thought to herself.
When the Hokage and Menma arrived, another instructor, Iruka Umino, appeared as well. Morgan sensed four ANBU following them, one of whom felt familiar—probably Cat-senpai.
The Hokage cleared his throat. “We’re a small group, but that’s intentional. Thanks for arriving on time for the annual Class Representative Retreat. Before we go, let’s review why we’re going to Suna.”
Morgan raised her hand volunteering: “To maintain our positive relationship with Sunagakure our ally and also even our enemies.”
“Ding, ding, 100 points!” The Hokage grinned, giving a thumbs-up before being serious. “That being said. It may seem routine, but with tensions still high after the war, strengthening alliances is crucial. This year, besides Suna and Konoha, only Kirigakure will participate. Unfortunately, Iwa and Kumo have their complications. We’ll travel to the border, and from there, I’ll teleport the rest of the way with my Flying Raijin.”
Minato’s gaze fell on them. “TenTen Higurashi, Morgan LeFay Uzumaki, Menma Namikaze Uzumaki, Iruka Umino. Are you ready?”
With their hands in the Fire seal, they bowed. “Yes!”
They leaped from tree to tree in swift, fluid movements, with Minato leading and Menma close behind, followed by TenTen and Morgan. Iruka brought up the rear, and the ANBU took up positions in a protective formation around them.
“ANBU are so cool!” Morgan thought, clutching her bag.
Menma slowed down, jumping back to speak with her. “If you want, I can store your bag in my scroll.”
With a slight eye roll, Morgan puffed her bag into a scroll and tucked it into her knee pouch. “No need, Namikaze- Oji-sama.”
He sighed wincing at her cold reply and title. It was commonly etiquette to adress the Hokage's offspring as Prince or Princess. When they finally reached the border, Minato used his Flying Raijin Jutsu to transport them directly to Sunagakure. Looking up at the massive entrance, Morgan took a deep breath, hoping the trip would go smoothly.
A few guards and talk later the door opened and they were greeted by the Mizukage and his group. They just arrived as well. The Mizukage had his face mostly concealed from his Kage Hat, he had a large brush strap on his back. She can't recall his full name Yagura or something. Behind him trailed a female-looking kid, a light blue-haired boy with a huge bandaged sword on his back another boy with brown hair followed by a female Jonin with a blue Jonin west and red hair.
´´ Their chakra is amazing. Especially that female on she might have Lava Release? Scary...´´, she taught to herself.