Shinji received another pleasant surprise. While the Body Flicker Technique wasn't as rare or as overwhelming as the Flying Thunder God Technique, it was incredibly compatible with it. In the Naruto world, Body Flicker was one of the most commonly used ninjutsu. Every shinobi village had its own variation. At its core, it referred to high-speed movement techniques that allowed users to traverse short to moderate distances in the blink of an eye.
For instance, the Raikage's Lightning Movement and Shisui's Illusion Body Flicker were vastly different in nature — one was based on Lightning Release chakra mode, the other was a dōjutsu-based movement technique utilizing the Sharingan — yet both were classified under the broader umbrella of Body Flicker.
Similarly, Hanzo of the Salamander used Water Movement, and Zabuza relied on Mist-based techniques. Though their chakra natures and visual effects differed, the underlying principle was the same.
The version Shinji obtained was the standard Konoha-style Body Flicker Technique. Officially a D-rank jutsu within Konoha's classification system, its power could be raised significantly through persistent training and refinement.
Someone like Minato had elevated this seemingly simple technique to an astonishing level. By pairing it with the Flying Thunder God Technique, he became a true master of battlefield control, capable of disappearing and reappearing across vast distances with frightening precision. In fact, his mastery had surpassed even that of Tobirama, the original creator of Flying Thunder God.
One of Minato's most legendary displays came during the Fourth Great Ninja War. He teleported to the battlefield, rapidly placing Flying Thunder God seals across critical locations — including the sea, the battlefield center, and the four corners of the Four Red Yang Formation.
These seals allowed him to perform feats such as diverting a Tailed Beast Bomb to the ocean and instantly positioning the First, Second, and Third Hokage exactly where they needed to be in the defensive formation.
The truth was, Flying Thunder God couldn't operate without pre-placed markers. That limitation meant real-time applications required incredible speed and mobility. This was where Body Flicker came in. Minato's use of high-speed movement enabled him to mark strategic locations under pressure, seamlessly integrating the two techniques and maximizing their combined potential.
In a sense, Flying Thunder God could be considered a form of space-time ninjutsu layered atop an advanced Body Flicker. But Minato's ability to use it with such fluidity stemmed from his complete mastery of the foundational Body Flicker Technique — an essential requirement for controlling such an intricate ability in real battle.
That's why Body Flicker was known as the best complement to Flying Thunder God.
"Exactly, and judging by the result, you're already an S-Class hero," Shinji said, a satisfied grin forming on his face as he immersed himself in the rhythm of his newly acquired technique.
"Becoming an S-Class hero is that easy? Then you must be an S-Class hero too, right, Shinji?" Saitama asked, tilting his head slightly in curiosity.
He was starting to feel like the whole test might have been too easy… especially the physical portion.
That lingering thought surfaced again. 'So… is that all there is to becoming an S-Class hero?'
"Sorry to disappoint," Shinji replied with a polite, slightly awkward smile. "I just got promoted from C-Class to B-Class. Bit embarrassing, really."
"Huh? Seriously?" Saitama blinked, genuinely surprised.
He thought back to Shinji's earlier explanation about understanding things from the perspectives of both the strong and the weak. Was he doing it again — unconsciously judging everything from the strong's viewpoint?
'So maybe the hero exam actually is really difficult for everyone else?'
Saitama rested his chin in his hand, frowning slightly in thought. That explanation seemed to make the most sense.
"That's right. Since you are so powerful, I will be counting on you from now on," Shinji said with a warm smile, folding his arms comfortably behind his back.
"No, I am the one who should be counting on you," Saitama replied, wearing a rare look of earnestness, though in truth he was already picturing the next free meal Shinji might treat him to.
A metallic chime rang through the corridor speakers.
[Mr. Saitama, the orientation for certified heroes will begin at three o'clock this afternoon. Please proceed to Hall Two on time.]
Saitama flicked his gaze toward the ceiling. "Do we get to leave once the lecture ends?"
"Yup." Shinji answered, giving a single nod.
"Good, let's head out then." Saitama rose in one smooth motion, hands stuffed into the pockets of his tracksuit.
By the time they reached the second auditorium, the sprawling hall was almost deserted. Only two seats in the front row were occupied—by them—and a lone figure stood at the podium.
Despite the minimal attendance, the man at the lectern radiated authority. He was Sneck, an active A‑Class hero currently ranked thirty-eighth. His narrow face and sharp jawline gave him the kind of appearance that might make casual onlookers uneasy, as if he belonged in a back‑alley thriller rather than an official venue.
Still, with scarcely anyone present, Sneck felt compelled to address the odd headcount.
"First off, congratulations to Mr. Saitama for passing the exam. However, I was informed only one person qualified today. If this gentleman is Saitama, then who might you be?" he asked, eyes shifting to Shinji.
"I am Shinji, a B Class hero. I accompanied Saitama for the exam, so feel free to ignore me," Shinji replied calmly. His posture was upright, hands resting neatly on his knees, expression politely indifferent.
"Oh, you are that recently promoted Shinji. Understood."
Sneck did not object further, silently permitting Shinji to remain. The Association rules allowed current professional heroes to observe as long as they did not disrupt the proceedings.
"More importantly," Sneck began again, redirecting his attention to Saitama, "we must clarify a few things."
He cleared his throat. S Class heroes were phenomenally uncommon, yet the man before him slouched as though lounging in a convenience store. Saitama reclined with one arm draped across the backrest, legs crossed, wearing a tracksuit emblazoned with the word OPPAI and accompanied by that famously cheeky design. A wad of bubble gum expanded between his lips, reflecting the overhead lights, as he stared lazily at the ceiling.
'This is an official Hero Association event,' Sneck thought, suppressing a sigh.
Next to Saitama, Shinji sat with near‑military neatness, subconsciously easing Sneck's nerves. The contrast only made Saitama's casual demeanor more pronounced, yet confronting an S‑Class hero over etiquette was perilous and unwise.
Maintaining a courteous tone, Sneck continued the orientation. "Mr. Saitama, although you have already achieved S‑Class certification—a remarkable accomplishment—please remain humble. A hero must safeguard not only lives but also reputation. Your likeness is now displayed on the Association's official website, which means the public will monitor your conduct closely."
Saitama showed no reaction. He did not adjust his posture or expression. Instead, he inflated another gum bubble with leisurely patience until the pink sphere eclipsed half his face.
Sneck's brow twitched, yet he persevered. "I hope you will strive to become a hero admirable both in skill and in character."
At that very instant, the bubble burst, spraying sticky remnants across Saitama's nose and cheeks. A stray splatter even reached Shinji's sleeve.
Watching the scene, Sneck felt his mental composure snap like a frayed wire, though he kept his frustration sealed behind a forced smile.
As an A‑Class hero, he could not scold an S‑Class peer publicly, and more importantly his role today was to instruct, not to quarrel.
He swallowed his irritation, briskly summarized the remaining guidelines, and wrapped up the session at record speed. Only when the last slide flickered off the screen did he allow himself a tiny sigh of relief, silently praying that the next group of recruits would at least pretend to respect the formality of Association gatherings.
Please vote for Bonus Chapters.
500 Power Stones = 5 Bonus Chapters
1000 Power Stones = 10 Bonus Chapters