Year 27
Snow still blanketed the village, but inside the Academy, warmth and anticipation filled the halls.
Uchiha Shinichi and Hatake Sakumo entered the instructor lounge, then were guided to the office marked Sarutobi Satorou.
Satoru gestured for them to sit.
He settled into his own chair, smiling.
"After seeing you two dispel your shadow clone yesterday, I reported to Hokage-sama. I told thim there was nothing more for you to learn here. And asked if you could graduate early."
""???!!!!""
Shinichi responded calmly.
"Sensei, the Academy was just reformed. If we graduate early, it might send the wrong message – that mastering shadow clone is enough to skip ahead."
Satoru gave Shinichi a thoughtful look.
'I didn't misjudge him. His insight rivals adults. No. He surpasses many.'
"You're right. Nidaime-sama raised the same concern. So he created a solution: a special Academy-wide exam. One chance per student, anytime during their Academy years starting from second grade. With parental approval, of course."
"The exam will be held two weeks before year's end. You have three weeks to prepare."
"Thank you, Satoru-sensei."
---
Outside the office , Sakumo turned to Shinichi.
"What do you think? Should we graduate early?"
Shinichi supported his chin with his hand as he pondered.
"We could keep using shadow clones and train independently. But real experience… starts in the field."
Shinichi briefly glanced over Sakumo.
'True knights are forged in fire and blood. Perhaps it's time.'
"Let's aim for early graduation together."
"Alright!"
***
It did not take long.
The instructors announced the Early Graduation Assessment.
It would be more rigorous than the standard fifth grade-exam.
Requirements were: 1. Mastery of clone, transformation, and body replacement techniques. 2. Physical assessments in endurance, speed, strength, taijutsu, and shurikenjutsu. 3. sparring against real Konoha shinobi.
Only one chance was allowed.
Despite the warning, many applied.
***
In the end, on the day of early graduation exam, over half of the students participated.
More than 70% failed the written test.
The physical assessment narrowed the field further.
By the end of the second round, only five remained:
Uchiha Shinichi (3rd grade)
Hatake Sakumo (3rd grade)
Uchiha Aiko (4th grade)
Senju Kentaro (4th grade)
Hyuga Osamu (4th grade)
All five passed the ninjutsu portion.
They then faced off against last year's graduates.
All five emerged victorious.
***
"Congratulations!" Sarutobi Satoru beamed. "From today onward, you are shinobi of Konoha!"
He handed each student a Konoha forehead protector.
"You're no longer Academy students. Your actions now represent the village. Carry that weight with pride."
He placed the protector in Shinichi's hands.
Then patted both Shinichi and Sakumo on the head.
"Haha! I know the Academy was too easy for you. I'm glad you can now flourish. But part of me wishes you could've stayed and enjoyed the youth and its simplicity."
He smiled warmly.
"But who am I to hold you back? You have your own paths. Your own wills. Go! Spread your wings. You'll become pillars of this village."
Sakumo bowed.
"Thank you, Sensei. We know how much you care for us and for all your students."
Shinichi nodded.
"Sakumo's right. Without you, who would've dared to propose early graduation – especially right after the Academy was reformed?"
"?!! Ha… haha…"
Satoru laughed nervously.
'Did I just challenge Tobirama-sama's reform?'
But Tobirama hadn't punished him.
In fact, he later rewarded Satoru with a salary increase.
Afterall, Tobirama valued initiative.
He wanted Konoha's citizens to think, not just obey.
It was the same reason he had chosen Sarutobi Hiruzen, Utahane Koharu, and Mitokaod Homura, Uchiha Kagami, Shimura Danzo, and Akimichi Torifu, as disciples and unofficial disciples – despite the Senju elders' objections.
Not just because of their potential, but also to make a statement to other clans and villagers.
Tobirama didn't want Hokage title to be monopolized by Senju.
Senju monopolizing village's leadership will only dismantle the village from the inside.
He wanted Unity and Balance.
That's why Senju had branched off more than 75% of their members into civilian families and minor clans.
Utahane and Mitokado were among them.
---
Anyways.
Sarutobi Satoru gave a nervous laughter and waved off the implications of his bold request.
Shinichi smirked at his instructor's reaction, then offered a respectful goodbye and left.
The other early graduates were also congratulated by their instructors, exchanging farewells before departing.
At this point in Konoha's history, there was no formal Jonin proctor system for Academy graduates.
Tobirama had pioneered the idea of a three-student, one-teacher system, but it was not yet codified into policy. It was more of a trend – a model that others began to follow after him.
Most ninja clans took responsibility for their own.
Upon graduation, they assigned the instructors from within the clan to teach kekkei genkai, secret techniques, and clan-specific philosophies.
For graduates from civilian backgrounds, the Hokage Office personally assigned mentors – experienced shinobi, mostly from Senju or Ex-Senju, who would guide them through their early missions and development.
These instructors were compensated accordingly, receiving rewards and recognitions for nurturing the next generation.
It was a system still in flux.
But it reflected Tobirama's vision:
A village where every child, regardless of origin, had a path forward.
Where tradition and innovation could coexist.
And where the future of Konoha would be shaped not by bloodlines alone, but by will, talent, and unity.
***
"Nii-san~!"
Kaito leapt into Shinichi's arms as soon as he entered the house, hugging his waist.
"You're a ninja now! SO COOOL!"
Shinichi smiled and patted his brother's head.
"Shin-chan, congratulations!"
"Good job Shinichi!"
Minami and Fukashi joined the celebration.
"Tonight," Minami announced, "I've prepared your favorites: sweet marinated beef ribs, sweet and sour cod fillet, hot and spicy prawn grills, butter and garlic grilled lobster- and Agedashi tofu to start."
Shinichi's mouth watered as Minami opened the kitchen door.
The aroma flooded the house.
She had used wind release to trap the scent until now.
'Ah.. I've reached heaven. If this isn't paradise, what is?'
Shinichi ginned.
"I love you the most, Kaachan!"
Minami smirked victoriously.
Fukashi sulked in defeat.
No one could compete with the chef goddess of the household.
Even Kaito, who pouted briefly, surrendered to the aroma.
---
The meal began.
Shinichi reached for the Agedashi tofu, his favorite appetizer.
He scooped a piece and took a bite.
The thin potato starch coating crackled delicately, giving way to soft, custardy tofu beneath. The contrast in textures, both crispy and silky, was sublime. The tofu soaked in a sweet and savory broth, lightly topped with grated daikon that added a gentle sharpness.
The flavors danced together – umami, sweetness, and a whisper of earthiness.
Before he realized it, Shinichi had already finished the tofu.
He moved on.
The Sweet and Sour Cod Fillet.
He picked up a portion of cod fillet with his chopsticks.
The fish flaked apart effortlessly, as if the chopsticks were parting it like Moses parting the sea.
Moist and Flaky. Simply Perfectly Cooked.
As the piece entered his mouth, it melted without resistance, flooding his palate with a balanced sweet and sour glaze. A scoop of rice followed – its subtle sweetness and mild blandness harmonized with the cod, cleansing the palate and preparing him for the next dish.
The Butter and Garlic Grilled Lobster.
The lobster tail had already been extracted and sliced into bite-sized chunks.
Shinichi picked up a piece.
It was bouncy, juicy – rich with scent of garlic and lemon. The citrus cut through any lingering seafood aroma, while the garlic infused the meat with warmth and depth.
The buttery glaze coated each bite, sending waves of savory richness across his tastebuds.
He chewed slowly, savoring the texture – firm yet tender – and the luxurious flavor that lingered long after the bite was gone.
The Hot and Spicy Prawns
The prawns had been shelled, lightly battered, and coated in a fiery red sauce.
Shinichi grasped one by the tail and began to bite his way down.
The first bite released a burst of herbal aroma – dense, layered, and intoxicating.
The salty seafood flavor mingled with the heat of the spices, creating a sensation that was both exhilarating and soothing. The finale was as harp kick of spice – painful, yes, but addictive.
His tongue tingled.
His eyes sparkled.
And he reached for the next dish.
The Sweet Marinated Beef Ribs.
The beef ribs were served on the bone, just long enough for Shinichi to grip with both hands.
He took a bite.
The meat was tender, juicy – melting in his mouth as the marinated sweetness enveloped his tastebuds. The balance of fat and protein was perfect: rich, but not greasy; hearty, but not dry.
The sweetness of the marinade neutralized the lingering spice from the prawns, creating a smooth transition in flavor.
Each bite dissolved effortlessly, leaving behind the deep, satisfying taste of perfectly cooked beef.
Shinichi leaned back, nearly fainting from the sheer joy of the meal.
'This… this is paradise. If this isn't heaven, then what is?'
The night was quiet.
Shinichi had graduated.
Kaito was proud.
Minami was radiant.
Fukashi was content.
And the food– Was Divine.
Again, the Uchiha household was at peace.