With the threat of Danzo gone and his own strength having improved further, Taiichi's life returned to normal. He even slightly reduced the intensity of his training. His friends secretly breathed a sigh of relief. After all, they didn't have a system panel like Taiichi to constantly track their progress; for Taiichi, training was a joy, but for most people, high-intensity training day in and day out was torture.
Time slipped away quietly in these peaceful days. Everyone steadily passed their first year at the Ninja Academy, transforming from clueless rookies into something resembling little ninjas.
In the year 43 of Konoha, during the second year at the Ninja Academy, before the first semester had even ended, a major event occurred—six-year-old Kakashi Hatake applied for early graduation. This caused a sensation throughout the entire school. Early graduation was impressive enough, but for Kakashi to apply at the age of six... everyone was thoroughly shocked.
"Kakashi, have you really thought this through? Applying for graduation now?" Rin looked into Kakashi's eyes and asked seriously.
"Yeah. I can't learn anything more at the school. Besides, I asked for my father's advice, and he agreed to my early graduation." Kakashi answered sincerely, knowing his classmates were concerned about him.
"Taiichi, with your level, you should be able to apply for early graduation too. Why haven't we heard anything from you?" Kakashi turned to Taiichi, who was watching the scene from the side.
"Ah... haha. I asked Director Nono, but she didn't agree to let me graduate so early. She said to wait a bit longer." Taiichi lied. In reality, Taiichi also wanted to graduate early, but after looking at his panel, he had no choice but to wait.
> [System Notification: Your Apprentice Ninja Class Level has reached Lv10 (Max). Class Change Conditions Triggered:]
> 1. Strength 15 points (Completed)
> 2. Agility 15 points (Completed)
> 3. Three Basic Jutsu Lv6 (Completed)
> 4. Learn at least one Ninjutsu (Completed)
> 5. Stay in the Ninja Academy for two full years (Incomplete)
>
>
Looking at these strange requirements, Taiichi felt helpless. He had long completed the first four conditions, and even maxed out his Class Level over the winter break. But the fifth requirement was a headache. Why did he have to stay in the Ninja Academy for two years? Was the system afraid he'd become a ninja with insufficient strength and die prematurely?
But he couldn't tell Kakashi this, so he blamed it on Nono. Being from the orphanage, he had to listen to the Director.
"Alright, enough about me. Your exam is coming up soon. How are your preparations?" Taiichi changed the subject.
"There's nothing really to prepare for. Just need to keep calm," Kakashi said relaxed.
However, Kakashi's words triggered Obito. Kakashi graduating early was depressing enough for Obito, who had always seen Kakashi as his goal. Seeing Kakashi's nonchalant attitude now, he instantly flared up.
"Stuck-up Kakashi! What's there to be proud of? I'm going to apply for graduation tomorrow too!" Obito started spouting nonsense as soon as he opened his mouth.
Everyone couldn't help but laugh. To be fair, Obito's combat ability was decent, but his theory grades were abysmal. He was always at the bottom, scoring pitifully low—usually around 30 points—which had earned him the title "Dead Last."
"Dead Last should focus on working hard first," Kakashi said, glancing sideways at Obito.
"Argh! Ahhh! Don't hold me back! I'm going to fight him to the death!" Obito screamed hysterically while being restrained by the group.
...
"Kakashi, it's time for your exam. Follow me." Teacher Yamada looked at Kakashi with complicated eyes, then turned to lead the way.
The playground was already crowded with people. Early graduation wasn't common in Konoha, especially for such a young child. Everyone who heard the news ran over to watch the exam.
"Silence!" The only ninja on the field spoke up. "I am the proctor for this exam, Jonin Matsuya Sarutobi. Here are the rules: You may use any means necessary. Surviving against the Chunin examiner for 10 minutes or more constitutes a pass."
"Examiner Ryo Ishikawa and examinee Kakashi Hatake, please step forward."
Kakashi walked forward. At the same time, Chunin Ryo Ishikawa used the Body Flicker Jutsu to appear on the field. The two made the Seal of Confrontation.
"Start!"
Kakashi raised his hand and threw four shuriken to block the path. Compared to his first year, Kakashi was much stronger now; the shuriken flew with a distinct whistling sound. Following the shuriken, Kakashi dashed toward Chunin Ishikawa while drawing his short sword.
Ishikawa didn't panic. He pulled a kunai from his pouch, casually preparing to deflect the incoming shuriken. But the moment the kunai made contact with the shuriken, his composure broke. The force was too great—it didn't feel like the strength of an average Genin.
With that momentary delay, Kakashi closed in. His cold blade slashed straight at Ishikawa—one cut, two cuts, three cuts, each strike heavy and powerful. The advantage of a longer weapon over a shorter one became apparent. Kakashi capitalized on Ishikawa's underestimation, seizing the advantage and attacking relentlessly.
After a dozen moves, seeing he couldn't gain the upper hand in close combat, Ishikawa exerted a burst of strength to force Kakashi back temporarily. While retreating, he formed hand seals. "Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu!"
A massive fireball hurtled toward Kakashi. However, he didn't counter with ninjutsu. instead, he used the Body Flicker Jutsu to dodge, throwing shuriken to interfere while closing the distance again.
Ishikawa saw through Kakashi's intent and wasn't going to let him succeed. He continued forming seals, this time using Phoenix Flower Jutsu. Twelve fireballs attacked Kakashi from different angles one after another. Kakashi didn't hesitate and countered with his own Phoenix Flower Jutsu. The identical fireballs met their counterparts mid-air, exploding into countless sparks and obscuring the vision on both sides.
Seizing the opportunity, both formed seals simultaneously. Kakashi used the Clone Jutsu, creating three clones that charged together. Chunin Ishikawa continued to sweep the ground in front of him with Phoenix Flower Jutsu, evidently deciding to carpet-bomb the area regardless of aim. And frankly, it worked. The three clones dispersed one by one under the waves of fire, and even the real Kakashi was singed. But Kakashi used this chance to rush right in front of Chunin Ishikawa.
This time, Kakashi gave Ishikawa no quarter, using his weapon advantage to entangle the Chunin completely.
"Time's up! Exam passed." Jonin Sarutobi's voice rang out. The two combatants immediately used the recoil to separate.
"Kid, your sword skills are really something!" Ishikawa praised.
Kakashi smiled politely.
Cheers erupted from the sidelines; everyone was congratulating Kakashi on passing the exam.
"Kakashi Hatake, you have passed the Genin exam. Once you complete the relevant procedures, you will be an official Genin," Jonin Sarutobi instructed as he walked over.
"Yes, thank you, Jonin Sarutobi," Kakashi responded politely.
...
Watching the Jonin leave, the group of friends crowded around, congratulating Kakashi one after another.
"Alright everyone, stop crowding Kakashi. He still has to go process his paperwork." Taiichi interrupted. Only then did Kakashi have a chance to say goodbye and leave.
...
"Obito, why are you crying?" Gai turned around and saw Obito busy wiping tears.
"Who's crying? I just got sand in my eyes. I wouldn't cry for that guy!" Obito insisted stubbornly.
"Sigh. I wonder when we'll see him next. Now that Kakashi is a ninja, he'll be busy with missions," Rin said sentimentally.
"We're all in the same village; we'll see him eventually. Besides, people rest between missions. Why are you all acting so tragic?" Taiichi cheered everyone up. "Let's work hard too and aim to graduate early as well!"
"Yeah!!!" The group shouted in unison.