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Shisui's Body Flicker Technique was incredibly difficult to learn. After a full day, Kagaya only grasped the basics. But that day also made him realize why, in the original story, Shisui entrusted his Crow Clone and Kotoamatsukami to Itachi but not his Body Flicker Technique. It wasn't that Shisui didn't want to teach it—Itachi's talent in Body Flicker likely wasn't enough to master it quickly, and with the strained Uchiha-Konoha situation, they had little time for such training.
Kagaya was different. First, while he couldn't match Itachi in Fire Release or genjutsu, his talent in Body Flicker was astonishing, even to Shisui and Itachi, giving him a foundation to learn Shisui's technique. Second, unlike Itachi, who was entangled in the Uchiha-Konoha conflict, Kagaya was still just a Ninja Academy student with plenty of time to train.
These two advantages set him apart from Itachi and were why he could learn Shisui's Body Flicker when Itachi couldn't.
But that aside, on the second day of the holiday, the most important thing for Kagaya was…
"You want to learn the Shadow Clone Jutsu?" Itachi asked, looking at Kagaya in surprise.
"You're planning to use Shadow Clones to attend classes too?"
"Yup," Kagaya replied casually. Since he was copying Itachi's method, he felt no embarrassment admitting it in front of him.
Unlike Shisui's teasing, Itachi nodded seriously. "It's a good choice. With your current strength, staying at the Ninja Academy is a waste of time. I think after next semester, you might be allowed to graduate early, just like I did."
Kagaya paused. "Maybe."
Graduating early would make him a genin. It was what he wanted, but the thought brought a strange unease.
The first few days of the holiday were spent setting Kagaya's training goals. On the first day, Shisui taught his unique Body Flicker Technique. On the second, Itachi taught the Shadow Clone Jutsu. On the third day…
Shisui handed Kagaya a leaf. "Let me see your nature transformation."
Kagaya nodded, took the leaf, and placed it in his palm. Moments later, flames ignited, quickly consuming the leaf.
Shisui handed him another. "Lightning."
Kagaya took it and placed it in his palm, but this time, nothing happened. "Senior, since I tested my chakra nature, I've only practiced Fire transformation. I haven't touched Lightning or Earth at all."
Shisui nodded, unsurprised. "I figured. Takayuki-san probably told you to prioritize Fire transformation, right?"
"Yeah."
"The Uchiha have many Fire-based techniques, so prioritizing Fire transformation isn't wrong. But from now on, start practicing Lightning and Earth transformations too. You can't waste such great chakra natures."
Thus, Kagaya's holiday training focused on three things: Shisui's Body Flicker Technique, Shadow Clone Jutsu, and Lightning and Earth nature transformations.
Of the three, the Shadow Clone Jutsu, though a forbidden technique and the most prestigious, was the easiest to learn. It took Kagaya just two or three days to master it, making him marvel at Naruto's prodigious talent in the original story. Even Kagaya needed a few days, while Naruto learned it in mere moments.
The Body Flicker Technique was another story. Kagaya doubted he could master it within the year.
Nature transformation was also challenging. Mastering Fire transformation had taken him six months. Lightning and Earth together would likely take a year.
---
March, Konoha Year 55. The Ninja Academy reopened.
Kagaya resumed attending school as usual, but with a twist: his Shadow Clone went to class, while his real body trained all day at the training ground.
---
September, Konoha Year 55.
Another semester ended without major incidents. The only notable change was Shisui's increasing absence from public view. Only Kagaya and Itachi saw him regularly. When others were around, Shisui used his Body Flicker to avoid them. This made Kagaya realize the Uchiha-Konoha situation was worsening. Shisui's behavior suggested he'd taken on a secret mission—one likely tied to the Uchiha.
Kagaya didn't know the details, but he was certain it involved the Uchiha.
That aside, this semester, Kagaya unsurprisingly topped all subjects again. He also mastered Lightning nature transformation and made significant progress in taijutsu, ninjutsu, and shuriken techniques.
Yet he felt no excitement. Instead, he gazed at the sky with a worried expression. The Uchiha-Konoha situation is deteriorating further. What about Shisui? Did he listen to me and keep Kotoamatsukami from Danzo? And Danzo—since I defeated Neji, he hasn't approached me. Is Shisui protecting me, or does he have bigger plans?
Kagaya looked at his hands. He was seven now, born on August 15, a month younger than Sasuke and two months older than Naruto. But he was still too young, too weak. Time was running out.
Time, time, time—give me more time!
---
In a spacious, well-lit room, a group sat in a row. At the center was the Third Hokage, wearing his hat and robe. Flanking him were Danzo, Mito, and Koharu.
Before them stood Iruka, speaking earnestly. "Lord Hokage, I request that Uchiha Kagaya from my class be allowed to graduate early."
The Third Hokage asked as usual, "The reason?"
Iruka responded methodically. "Over the past year, Uchiha Kagaya has fully mastered everything I've taught. He's learned ninjutsu, and not a single exam question has stumped him. During the last final exam, I had him attempt the Three Basic Techniques, which are meant for students five years from now—the graduation exam. He performed them perfectly, even using the forbidden Shadow Clone Jutsu. I believe the next five years at the Ninja Academy would offer him no further growth. Thus, I request his early graduation."
The Third Hokage hesitated. "Like Itachi back then? He's only in his first year."
Danzo glanced at the Hokage. "I think it's fine. Didn't we set a precedent with Itachi?"
Danzo wasn't wholly a villain; he had both good and bad traits. We can't entirely dismiss him.
His flaws lay in his extreme self-centeredness, occasional ruthlessness, and personal ambitions. But his strength was that, in his heart, he genuinely believed his actions benefited Konoha. He was also highly rational, rarely swayed by emotion.
The Third Hokage worried that Kagaya, so young, might suffer losses as a genin. Danzo saw it differently: true geniuses survived to prove their worth; those who didn't were just tragedies. Becoming a genin early wasn't a bad thing—it saved time wasted at the academy.
The Third sighed. "Alright."
Since they'd allowed Itachi's early graduation, there was no reason to deny Kagaya. Still, he hesitated.
Danzo spoke calmly. "I've observed that boy. His genius is no less than Itachi's. Keeping him at the academy isn't beneficial."
The Third frowned, pondering, then relented. "You're right. The academy no longer serves him. Let him graduate."