Chapter 31 Kakashi Graduates Early
Chapter 31 Kakashi Graduates Early
With Danzo no longer a threat, Taiichi, whose strength had further improved, returned to his normal life, even slightly reducing the intensity of his training. His companions also secretly breathed a sigh of relief. After all, unlike Taiichi, they didn't have a progress chart to see their progress at all times. For Taiichi, training was a form of enjoyment, while high-intensity training every day would be torture for most people.
Time passed quietly in these ordinary days. Everyone spent their first year at the ninja academy peacefully, gradually transforming from complete novices into budding ninjas.
In Konoha Year 43, during the second year of the Ninja Academy, before even a semester was over, a major event occurred at the school—6-year-old Hatake Kakashi applied for early graduation. This caused a sensation throughout the entire school. Graduating early was impressive enough, but Kakashi applying for graduation at the age of 6 showed just how shocked everyone was.
"Kakashi, are you really sure about this? Are you going to apply for graduation now?" Rin looked into Kakashi's eyes and asked seriously.
"Yes, I can't learn anything more at school, and I also consulted my father, who agreed to let me graduate early." Kakashi's answer was equally sincere; he knew his classmates were just concerned about him.
"Taiichi, with your level, you should be able to apply for early graduation, right? Why haven't I seen you make any moves!" Kakashi turned to look at Taiichi, who was watching the show from the sidelines.
"Ah~ haha, I asked Dean Nonou, and she doesn't agree with me graduating so early. She told me to wait a little longer," Taichi said insincerely. Actually, Taichi also wanted to graduate early, but after looking at his stats, he could only continue to wait.
[Note: Your Ninja Apprentice job level is Lv10, the maximum. The conditions for triggering the job change are: 1. Strength 15 points, 2. Agility 15 points, 3. Three Body Technique Lv6, 4. Learn at least one ninjutsu, 5. Spend two years at the Ninja Academy.]
Taiichi was also helpless in the face of this strange requirement. He had already completed the first four points, and even reached the required professional level during the winter break. But this fifth requirement gave Taiichi a headache. Why did he have to stay in the ninja academy for two years? Was it because they were afraid that he would become a ninja and die too early if he was not strong enough?
But since she couldn't tell Kakashi these things, she could only pass the buck to Nonou, since she was born in an orphanage and needed to follow the director's advice.
"Alright, let's not talk about me anymore. Your exam is coming up soon. How's your preparation?" Taiichi changed the subject.
"There's nothing much to prepare, just stay calm," Kakashi said casually.
Kakashi's words, however, provoked Obito. Kakashi's early graduation was already enough to upset Obito, as he had always looked up to Kakashi. Now, seeing Kakashi's nonchalant attitude, Obito suddenly became a little agitated.
"You arrogant Kakashi, what's so great about that? I'm going to apply for graduation tomorrow too." Obito's words were full of nonsense.
Everyone couldn't help but laugh out loud after hearing this. To be fair, Obito's practical combat skills were quite good, but unfortunately, his theoretical scores were too poor. He was always at the bottom, and his scores were extremely low, usually around 30 points each time, which earned him the title of "bottom of the class".
"You should really work harder, you bottom-of-the-barrel kid." Kakashi glanced sideways at Obito.
"Ah~ Ah~ Ah~ Don't stop me, I want to fight him to the death~" Obito shouted hysterically as he was being held back by the crowd.
……
"Kakashi, your assessment time is up. Come with me!" Teacher Yamada looked at Kakashi with a complicated expression, then turned and led the way.
The training ground was already packed with people. After all, graduating early was a rare occurrence in Konoha, let alone for such a young child. Everyone who had heard the news had come to watch the assessment.
"Quiet!" The only ninja on the field began to speak. "I am the proctor for this assessment, Jonin Sarutobi Matsuya. Here are the assessment rules: Any means may be used. You must withstand the attacks of a Chunin proctor for 10 minutes. That's all."
"Now, please have examiner Ishikawa Ryo and examinee Hatake Kakashi step forward."
Upon hearing this, Kakashi stepped forward, and at that moment, Chunin Ishikawa Ryoya instantly appeared on the field. The two formed opposing hand seals on the field.
"start!"
Kakashi raised his hand and flung out four shuriken to block the way. Compared to his first year, Kakashi was now much stronger, and the shuriken flew with a distinct "whooshing" sound. Following the shuriken, Kakashi quickly ran towards Ishikawa Chunin, drawing his short sword at the same time.
Ishikawa wasn't in a hurry. He casually took out a kunai from his ninja tool pouch, ready to deflect the shuriken directly in front of him. But the moment the kunai made contact with the shuriken, he was shocked. The force was too great, unlike that of an ordinary genin.
Because of this delay, Kakashi also arrived nearby, his gleaming blade slashing straight at Ishikawa. One slash, two slashes, three slashes, each one powerful and heavy. This is where the advantage of a long-handled weapon against a short-handled weapon becomes apparent. Taking advantage of Ishikawa's underestimation of him, Kakashi seized the initiative and launched a relentless attack.
After a dozen or so moves, Ishikawa realized he couldn't gain an advantage in close combat, so he suddenly unleashed his power, temporarily forcing Kakashi back. He then retreated while forming hand seals, unleashing "Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique".
A huge fireball hurtled toward Kakashi, but he didn't counter with ninjutsu. Instead, he used Body Flicker to dodge, throwing shuriken to distract the attackers while closing in.
Ishikawa saw through Kakashi's intentions and wasn't about to let him succeed. He continued forming hand seals, this time using the Phoenix Flower Technique. Twelve fireballs hurtled towards Kakashi from different angles. Kakashi didn't hesitate and also formed hand seals to counter with Phoenix Flower Technique. The same fireballs met their respective targets, and the 24 fireballs collided in the air, scattering countless sparks that obscured the view on both sides.
Taking advantage of the opportunity, both players simultaneously formed hand seals. Kakashi used his Shadow Clone Technique, creating three clones that charged towards his opponent. Ishikawa Chunin continued to sweep the ground with his Phoenix Flower Flame, clearly disregarding everything and unleashing a large-scale ninjutsu attack. And surprisingly, this technique was effective. The three clones were successively engulfed and scattered by the flames, and even Kakashi's original body was scorched by the Hokage. However, Kakashi used this opportunity to reach Ishikawa Chunin.
Kakashi no longer gave Ishikawa a chance, using his weapon advantage to relentlessly entangle the Chunin Ishikawa.
"Time's up! You've passed the test." The Jonin Sarutobi's voice rang out, and the two who were locked in combat immediately separated by using each other's strength.
"Kid, your swordsmanship is really something!" Ishikawa praised.
Kakashi smiled politely.
At this moment, cheers erupted from the sidelines as everyone congratulated Kakashi on passing the test.
"Kakashi Hatake, you've passed your genin exam. After completing the necessary procedures, you'll be a full-fledged genin," Jonin Sarutobi said as he approached.
"Okay, thank you, Jonin Sarutobi," Kakashi replied politely.
……
After watching the Jonin leave, his friends gathered around and congratulated Kakashi one after another.
"Alright, everyone stop crowding around Kakashi, he still has to take care of some paperwork." Taichi interrupted everyone, giving Kakashi a chance to say goodbye and leave.
……
"Obito, why are you crying?" Guy turned around and immediately saw Obito wiping away his tears.
"Who's crying? I just got sand in my eyes. I won't cry for that guy," Obito stubbornly replied.
"Sigh, I wonder when we'll meet again. Kakashi has become a ninja, and he'll be busy with missions from now on." Rin also became sad.
"We're all from the same village, we'll see each other again. Besides, we need to rest after doing missions, why are you all looking so melancholy!" Taiyi encouraged everyone, "Let's work hard and try to graduate as soon as possible."
"Good!" everyone shouted in unison!
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