Chapter 292: Itachi's Graduation
Kyosuke and Shisui walked out of the clan compound, greeted by respectful bows from their fellow clansmen.
Along the way, Shisui couldn't stop grinning. Kyosuke teased, "It's not your graduation, why are you so excited?"
"Hehe," Shisui scratched his head bashfully. "Itachi's graduating today. I'm just happy for him."
"The results aren't out yet. Isn't it a bit early to celebrate?" Kyosuke smirked, intentionally teasing his student.
"No, I have faith in Itachi's strength. He won't lose," Shisui retorted instantly, his confidence in his friend unwavering.
Kyosuke chuckled and shook his head. Looking at Shisui's earnest face, he suddenly remembered the girl whose whereabouts were unknown.
She had once been like Shisui, believing she could accomplish anything... but Kyosuke had failed to save her.
Over the past year, Kyosuke had infiltrated the Mist Village three times, searching for any trace of Uchiha Nagisa.
Unfortunately, whether she truly wasn't there or White Zetsu had discovered his movements, his efforts had been in vain.
He had no choice but to temporarily abandon the search. instead, he dispatched the clan's secret guards to covertly monitor the Land of Water and the Land of Rain. Even if they couldn't find Nagisa, they could keep a close watch on the areas.
Given White Zetsu's reconnaissance abilities, secretly extracting her even if they found her would be difficult. So, Kyosuke decided to put the matter on hold.
In his view, rather than searching blindly, it was better to wait for the right moment—a moment when Obito and the others would be forced to reveal themselves.
If they dared to appear before him again, Kyosuke would ensure they didn't leave.
That said, Nagisa's strength was no longer what it used to be. Together with Obito, they possessed enough power to confront him head-on... Kyosuke knew this well.
Therefore, in addition to enhancing his own strength, he needed a partner who could truly assist him.
And that person was Hyuga Saori, in whom Kyosuke had placed high hopes.
It seems I need to put more effort into the Tenseigan matter. After this busy period, I'll find a way for Saori to truly awaken it, Kyosuke thought.
Soon, the master and disciple arrived at the Ninja Academy. A large crowd had already gathered, eager to see the Uchiha clan's latest prodigy.
Itachi Uchiha applying for early graduation at the age of seven was unprecedented since Kakashi. It was no surprise that it caused such a stir.
The playground was surrounded by a mix of civilians and ninja. Upon seeing Kyosuke's arrival, the crowd spontaneously parted to make way for him. Kyosuke walked slowly to the viewing stand under everyone's gaze and stood beside Uchiha Fugaku, who had arrived earlier.
Watching this scene, Fugaku couldn't help but voice his admiration despite trying to maintain his composure. "I never thought... there would come a day when an Uchiha could receive such love from so many people."
He saw clearly that the villagers made way not just out of fear of Kyosuke's strength, but out of respect and gratitude... it was evident on everyone's faces.
This was why Fugaku felt so conflicted. So, the Uchiha can be like the Senju... No, only Kyosuke has achieved this. The others are still the same... Fugaku sighed silently.
"Things will change. Give the clan some time," Kyosuke whispered without turning his head.
Fugaku was startled, then smiled and stopped dwelling on it, turning his gaze back to the field.
"Yes, things will get better. As long as you are here..."
At this moment, the star of the day, Itachi Uchiha, made his entrance.
As soon as he appeared, cheers erupted from the crowd.
The loudest among them was Shisui. There were also three kids of varying heights and builds in the upperclassmen section, shouting at the top of their lungs.
"Go Boss! You're the strongest!"
"Show everyone your strength, Boss! Let's see who dares to gossip behind your back now!"
"That's right, that's right! Our Boss is the strongest!"
On the field, Itachi heard his "subordinates'" shouts and his face flushed red. He lowered his head, muttering in embarrassment, "Stop, stop it... shut up, it's too embarrassing..."
On the viewing stand, Kyosuke watched Fugaku's twitching mouth and laughed unceremoniously.
However, this didn't affect the exam. A ninja in a green vest read the rules and immediately announced the start of the battle.
For students graduating early, combat ability was the most important criterion, hence today's battle.
Itachi, known for his excellent grades, had no issues with the academic side. Everyone knew that. The real test was whether he could last five minutes against the Chunin in front of him.
Yes, that was Itachi's test today.
It seemed difficult, but those in the know, like Fugaku, were aware that Itachi had possessed the strength to graduate a year ago. The graduation had been delayed for various reasons until today.
All those aware believed that no matter who the Chunin was, they would be no match for Itachi.
As expected, Itachi controlled the rhythm of the battle from the very beginning.
Taijutsu, kunai throwing, and other basic skills—he was not inferior to the opposing Chunin in any aspect. Those with keen eyes, like Kyosuke, could even tell that Itachi hadn't used his full strength yet.
Seeing himself being suppressed by the kid taking the exam today, the Chunin, out of shame and anger, disregarded the prior agreement and unleashed an Earth Release jutsu, attempting to regain some ground.
Facing the hurtling boulder, Itachi didn't panic. With a hand seal speed inappropriate for his age, he quickly executed his signature Fire Release jutsu.
"Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique."
A fireball, superior in both power and speed, smashed through the boulder head-on and continued rushing toward the Chunin with its remaining force.
"Th-this is impossible!" the Chunin roared in disbelief as he scrambled aside to dodge.
He couldn't understand why the kid in front of him could use a jutsu of such scale, or why his own jutsu had been completely overwhelmed.
I spent so much time mastering Earth Release, and yet...
He's clearly so young...
...Is this what they call a genius?
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