Chapter 31 – Kakashi Graduates Early
With Danzo no longer posing a threat, Taichi's life returned to a peaceful rhythm, even as his strength continued to improve. His training intensity eased slightly, giving his friends a chance to breathe easier. After all, unlike Taichi, they didn't have a status panel to constantly track their progress. For Taichi, training was a kind of enjoyment, but for most others, continuous high-intensity workouts could feel like a form of torment.
Time quietly slipped by in this calm routine. The first year at the Ninja Academy passed smoothly, and the students, once clueless rookies, gradually began to take on the appearance of budding ninjas.
By the 43rd year of Konoha, during the second year at the academy, a major event shook the school—six-year-old Hatake Kakashi applied for early graduation. The news sent shockwaves through the entire school. Early graduation alone was impressive, but for someone as young as Kakashi to request it? Everyone was astonished.
"Kakashi, are you sure about this? You want to graduate now?" Rin asked seriously, gazing into his eyes.
"Yes. I can't learn much more here, and I've also consulted my father—he agrees with my early graduation," Kakashi replied earnestly. He understood that his classmates were simply concerned about him.
"Taichi, with your level, you could probably apply for early graduation too. Why haven't you shown any intention?" Kakashi turned to Taichi, who was quietly observing from the side.
"Ah… haha, I asked Director Nonō, but she didn't approve. She said I have to wait a little longer," Taichi said, speaking half-truths. In reality, he wanted to graduate early as well, but looking at his status panel, he knew he had no choice but to wait.
[System Notification: Your Ninja Apprentice Profession Level has reached Lv10 – Maxed.
Job Advancement Conditions Triggered:
1. Strength ≥ 15
2. Agility ≥ 15
3. Triple Body Technique Lv6
4. Master at least one ninjutsu
5. Attend Ninja Academy for a full two years.]
Looking at these strange requirements, Taichi felt helpless. The first four conditions were already complete, and his profession level had even maxed out during winter break. But the fifth condition—having to stay two full years at the Ninja Academy—gave him a headache. Was it to prevent him from becoming a Jonin too early and risking his life?
Of course, he couldn't tell Kakashi this. He had to blame it on Director Nonō since he was an orphan and needed to follow her guidance.
"Enough about me. Your assessment is coming up soon—are you ready?" Taichi diverted the topic.
"Nothing special to prepare for. Just keep a calm mind," Kakashi said casually.
Kakashi's nonchalant attitude, however, triggered Obito. Kakashi graduating early was already enough to frustrate him—after all, he had always treated Kakashi as a benchmark. Now, seeing him so relaxed, Obito felt a surge of competitiveness.
"You arrogant Kakashi! What's there to be so proud of? I'm applying for early graduation tomorrow too!" Obito blurted out, all fire and determination.
Everyone couldn't help but burst into laughter. Obito's combat skills were actually quite decent, but his theoretical scores were abysmal. He always ranked last, often scoring just around 30 points—so low that he'd earned the nickname "Tail-End".
"Tail-End, you better keep working hard," Kakashi said, giving Obito a sidelong glance.
"Ah~ ah~ ah~ don't stop me! I'll settle this once and for all!" Obito yelled hysterically, thrashing as his friends held him back.
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"Kakashi, it's time for your assessment. Follow me!" Teacher Yamada said, eyes filled with complexity, then turned to lead the way.
The training ground was already packed with spectators. Early graduation was a rare event in Konoha, and even rarer for a child this young. News of Kakashi's assessment had spread, and everyone wanted to witness it.
"Quiet!" The lone supervising ninja called out. "I am Jonin Sarutobi Matsuya, the proctor of this assessment. Here are the rules: You may use any technique or skill at your disposal. Survive the attacks of the Chunin examiner for ten minutes or more."
"Now, let the examiner Ishikawa Ryo and examinee Hatake Kakashi step forward."
Kakashi calmly walked up. In an instant, Chunin Ishikawa Ryo appeared, forming a stance of opposition.
"Begin!"
Kakashi flicked four shuriken to block the path. Compared to when he was a first-year, his strength had noticeably increased; the shuriken whistled through the air. Following the throwing weapons, Kakashi dashed toward Ishikawa, drawing a short blade in hand.
Ishikawa didn't panic. Casually pulling out a kunai, he tried to intercept the incoming shuriken. But the moment the kunai met the shuriken, he realized something was off—the force behind them was far beyond that of a typical Genin.
This hesitation allowed Kakashi to close the distance. His blade flashed, cutting through the air with deadly precision: one strike, two strikes, three strikes. The advantage of a long-handled weapon over a short blade became obvious. Seizing on Ishikawa's underestimation, Kakashi relentlessly pressed the attack.
After a dozen moves, Ishikawa, finding himself at a disadvantage in close combat, surged with force to push Kakashi back. Retreating while forming hand seals, he unleashed: Fire Style: Great Fireball Technique.
A massive fireball shot toward Kakashi, but he didn't counter with ninjutsu. Instead, he used a Body Flicker to dodge, tossing shuriken to distract Ishikawa and close the distance.
Ishikawa, realizing Kakashi's plan, continued hand sealing—this time casting Phoenix Fire Technique. Twelve fireballs shot from different angles, aiming at Kakashi, who mirrored the technique to counter. The resulting twenty-four fireballs collided midair, scattering sparks and clouding the battlefield.
Using the chaos, both combatants formed new seals. Kakashi created three shadow clones, charging together. Ishikawa swept Phoenix Fire across the ground, disregarding all else in a wide-area attack. The clones were incinerated one by one, and even Kakashi himself was grazed by the flames. Yet he seized the moment to close in on Ishikawa.
From that point, Kakashi pressed the advantage, leveraging his weapon mastery to corner Ishikawa.
"Time's up! Assessment complete," Jonin Sarutobi's voice rang out. Both combatants stepped apart, using each other's momentum to separate.
"You've got some serious sword skills, kid!" Ishikawa praised.
Kakashi offered a polite smile in return.
Cheers erupted from the sidelines as everyone congratulated Kakashi for passing the assessment.
"Hatake Kakashi, you have passed your Genin assessment. Complete the necessary paperwork, and you will officially be a Genin," Jonin Sarutobi instructed.
"Understood, thank you, Jonin Sarutobi," Kakashi replied courteously.
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Once the Jonin left, Kakashi's friends gathered around, offering their congratulations.
"Alright, don't crowd him too much. He still has paperwork to complete," Taichi said, giving everyone a nudge. Kakashi then had the chance to bid farewell.
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"Obito, why are you crying?" Guy noticed, spotting Obito hurriedly wiping his eyes.
"I'm not crying! It's just… sand in my eyes. I'm not shedding tears for that guy," Obito insisted stubbornly.
"Who knows when we'll see him again? Kakashi's officially a ninja now, and he'll be busy with missions," Rin said, a hint of melancholy in her voice.
"We're all from the same village. We'll see him again. And even on missions, there's rest time. Why all the melodrama?" Taichi encouraged, raising spirits. "Let's work hard too, and graduate early ourselves!"
"Alright~~~!" everyone shouted in unison.
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