He would need to go on stage soon as the student representative to give a speech. To be honest, he was feeling somewhat nervous and uneasy inside.
But no one else thought he would be nervous, because his father was the strongest shinobi in the world, a peerless powerhouse who could shatter the moon. Therefore, he absolutely would not be nervous about such a small occasion.
"Itachi, you are truly amazing!" said the little girl standing next to him, wearing the Uchiha clan's emblematic black fan pattern on her clothes and with a head of flowing long hair. She looked at Itachi and whispered, "And you're representing the graduates with a speech later. Are you nervous?"
To be honest...
Itachi stood out very obviously among the crowd of older students!
So small, so short!
Seeing this, the little girl couldn't help but giggle...
Because it was just too amusing. You know, back in their lower grades, Itachi was a true idol!
Not only was he the eldest son of the Uzumaki Country's Daimyo, he also possessed a brilliant mind, handsome looks, and a gentle personality. Many people at the academy liked Itachi, both in the lower and higher grades.
And Itachi had always been so outstanding, graduating in just two short years, becoming the outstanding graduate he was now, and soon to represent the graduates with a speech.
Her eyes unconsciously showed a trace of nostalgia...
Back then, when she saw Itachi practicing ninjutsu at the Uchiha clan's outpost, she was so happy, but didn't know how to approach him. Day after day passed, she could see Itachi practicing ninjutsu with the Uchiha geniuses..., Mister Obito and Mister Shisui, every day, while she secretly watched from behind, her heart excitedly shouting inside, he was really, really cool.
Until that afternoon...
Mister Obito and Mister Shisui left early because of some business, leaving only Itachi alone practicing the Uchiha clan's throwing techniques, and she was still secretly watching from behind. She had originally planned to gather her courage and greet Itachi at that moment, but...
Itachi spoke first. He turned his head, smiled towards the tree she was hiding behind, and asked if she had also come to practice ninjutsu, and if she wanted to join him?
Of course she nodded excitedly. Then, she asked Itachi to teach her ninjutsu and taijutsu, and later he slowly taught her academic knowledge too. It continued until they went to school together, became deskmates, ate meals together, and walked home from school together. Just when she thought this beautiful life could continue on like this...
He skipped grades!
Thinking of this, it was really, really infuriating!!!
They could have graduated together, but not long after, he directly skipped to the third grade. Then, not long after that, he skipped to the 6th grade. And because he was too young to graduate, he had to stay one more year. Finally...
Slowly, they rarely had classes, meals, or walked home together anymore.
Especially this semester, Itachi needed to do research with the professors. He was very busy and basically had no time to accompany her.
But...
Even though Itachi wasn't in their class anymore, every time class started, the teacher would talk about how hardworking, amazing, and diligent Itachi was every day, to motivate them.
So, every time class began, hearing news about Itachi always made her very happy.
"You will definitely be able to stand here too in the future." Hearing Izumi's words, Itachi was momentarily stunned. His heart felt considerably lighter, especially after Izumi secretly slipped him the candy. It made him no longer nervous. He said, "In three years, Izumi, you will definitely be able to stand here too. I believe in you."
Izumi was also very smart, and her grades were always among the top!
"Yes!" Hearing Itachi's words, Izumi happily squinted her eyes and whispered, "I will work hard."
Was this Itachi making a promise with her?
"Time is almost up, Izumi." Itachi touched the candy in his pocket and said, "I need to go prepare."
"Good luck!" Izumi looked at Itachi's departing back, raised her small pink fist and shook it, saying with a serious and quiet voice, "Itachi, you can definitely do it!"
...
"So, to adapt to the current state of educational development, Uzumaki Country will establish a brand new institution of higher learning on the divided continent." The somewhat aged Uzumaki clan leader stood on the stage and said sternly, "There, children will acquire more knowledge, receive more profound learning, and learn specialized skills and knowledge, as well as gain different life insights. At the same time, these specialized knowledge and skills will help you live better and find employment in the future..."
The Uzumaki clan leader looked at the parents and students below...
"But getting accepted is not that simple. Not only must theoretical knowledge be solid, practical knowledge must also be proficient. So, I hope everyone can continue to study even harder from now on, strive to pass the exams, and obtain a better life, a better future!!!"
This decision was also proposed by Jun. After the war ended, knowledge would usher in a new wave of explosion. Therefore, to be the first to ride the ship of the times, the educational model of Uzumaki Country must be further optimized, allowing Uzumaki Country to cultivate more talents.
In a way, this institution of higher learning was equivalent to a preparatory research institute!
And these were not times of war. Graduating at around eleven years old and going out to find work was indeed a waste for some talented students. It would be better to let them continue their studies further, gain more knowledge, and be able to contribute better to the nation's development in the future.
"That concludes my speech. Thank you, everyone. Now, let us welcome our graduate representative—Uzumaki Itachi to the stage to deliver the graduation speech."
As soon as the words fell, intense applause immediately erupted from below the stage. Itachi was a legendary figure within the academy, and also the "child of other families" in the eyes of parents. After all, perfect scores in all subjects, graduating at eight years old, was truly too impressive.
Looking at the slightly youthful Uzumaki Itachi, everyone sighed inwardly, truly worthy of being Lord Jun's child!
Then, they slowly quieted down to listen to Itachi's speech.
...
Itachi didn't say anything particularly special, just talked about things related to the academy, the academy's strengths, the academy's shortcomings, his happy days as a student, the teachers' guidance, the camaraderie of classmates, and some respectable old professors who tirelessly taught him, making his grade-skipping journey pleasant and fulfilling.
It flowed smoothly and naturally, each sentence spoken from the heart, filled with sincere emotion.
So, about an hour later...
"Thank you to the academy for its cultivation, the teachers for their guidance, the classmates for their care, and my parents for their support..."
After thanking everyone he should, Itachi bowed slightly and walked off the stage.
Then, it was the clan... the principal's turn to go on stage, announce the list of graduating students, and after the principal's message, let all the graduating students know...
Their student life at this academy had come to an end.
In a few days, some students would choose to go straight to work, while some would choose to continue their studies on the divided continent.
But to be honest...
No matter the final choice, when graduation arrived, there was still some reluctance in the heart. Reluctant to leave the teachers here, reluctant to leave the classmates here, reluctant to leave...
every flower and blade of grass here!
Perhaps he could still come back in later, but by then, he would no longer be a current student of this academy, but rather...
a graduated senior visiting his teachers!
After the graduation ceremony ended, Itachi walked slowly alone through the academy. Izumi wasn't by his side because he had said he wanted to be alone today, to take a good look at the academy once more.
Although it had only been three short years here...
the academy in his mind was still filled with beauty and laughter.
Along the way, when he saw familiar teachers, classmates, or classmates' parents, Itachi would smile and greet them, then continue walking slowly.
Unconsciously...
he arrived at the academy's large plaza, stopped, and quietly looked at the handsome statue of Grandpa Madara erected there. The corners of his mouth turned up slightly into a smile, and he murmured, "Grandpa Madara, today... I graduated."
In a few months, he would go to the divided continent to continue his studies, so he would also be leaving this place, leaving his parents...
"Next time I come to see Grandpa Madara, I'll probably have to wait for a holiday."
After a moment of silence, with a confident smile, he puffed out his chest and looked at Grandpa Madara...
"Grandpa Madara, please believe me. Next time we meet, I will definitely have become an outstanding shinobi!!!"
As soon as the words fell...
"Haha~"
A familiar, wild laughter came from behind...
Itachi's heart skipped a beat. He sharply turned around and looked at the handsome young man standing before him, wearing the same red armor. He was completely stunned.
"Congratulations, Itachi!" The young man, with his trademark wild laughter, looked at the now taller Itachi and nodded with satisfaction, saying, "You've grown up too!", then raised his right hand and directly used the Uchiha throwing technique to toss a small white object towards Itachi. "Catch!"
"This is..." Itachi reached out and caught it. He was stunned, looking at the young man before him with utter disbelief. Then he slowly opened his hand, looked down at the single milk candy lying quietly in his palm, and looked up again excitedly, calling out, "Is it really you?! Grandpa Madara?!"
"You have always been outstanding. And also..." Madara smiled and nodded, saying, "The candy Grandpa Madara promised to give you. Sorry..."
"For delaying it until now..."