Root Headquarters.Aburame Ryoma stood before Shimura Danzō, calmly reporting every detail of the recent encounter—especially the unprecedented fusion of parasitic insects with phosphorus bugs.
"Oh? The combination of phosphorus bugs and parasitic insects?" Danzō murmured, eyes glinting with rare interest. "Good. Very good. That's a sharp blade."
As one who constantly sought to exploit the Aburame clan's potential, Danzō knew full well what phosphorus bugs were—and how impossible they were supposed to be to cultivate. For years, he had coveted their power, even ordering Ryoma to attempt raising them multiple times.
All attempts had failed.
"But becoming my disciple… inheriting my will… is not so simple."
The technique impressed him, yes. But not enough for him to immediately accept Shiki.
Ryoma bowed his head. "Shall I refuse him when I next see him? Aburame Shiki won't get another chance to slip past me."
His voice carried confidence. Last time, he had lost only because he underestimated Shiki and lacked proper intelligence. If they fought again, he would use his full strength—no mistakes.
"No," Danzō replied. "Since he wishes to become my disciple… let me see how capable he truly is."
He added coldly:
"But your failure is undeniable. Step back and accept your punishment. You must not fail again."
"Yes," Ryoma said firmly. "I will never fail again."
Meanwhile…
Kakashi returned home silently. He took up his short blade and began training, replaying the sensation of releasing the Slashing Wave in his mind.
Again and again. Over and over.
When his concentration peaked, he struck.
A wave of cutting chakra burst from his blade, slicing cleanly through the wooden training post. The severed surface was smooth enough to reflect light like a mirror.
Kakashi panted, eyes wide with excitement.
He had finally succeeded.
"Well done, Kakashi," Hatake Sakumo said, having been observing quietly. "Your progress is remarkable. I thought it would take you months to learn the Slashing Wave."
He had watched Kakashi push himself relentlessly, and Sakumo's instincts told him his son would master the technique soon.
He had been right.
"Today, I sparred with Aburame Shiki," Kakashi admitted. "I lost… but I learned a lot. Shiki is incredibly strong. I don't think he even used his full power."
Proud of mastering Sakumo's technique, Kakashi eagerly recounted the day.
"Oh? He blocked your Slashing Wave?" Sakumo raised a brow. As its creator, he understood better than anyone how terrifying it could be.
Aburame Shiki truly was a prodigy. Being rivals with him was good for Kakashi—not only for strength, but for forming precious bonds.
Ninja Academy.
"Secret Technique: Mushidama!"
A black tidal wave of insects surged toward Kakashi. Despite struggling desperately, he was quickly engulfed.
Instructor Yoshino Taiga immediately declared Aburame Shiki the winner.
The two had sparred countless times over the past few months. They were the strongest in their class—destined to meet in every final match.
Kakashi's swordsmanship and Slashing Waves were formidable, but he was at a natural disadvantage against Shiki's insect techniques, which had no openings and could attack endlessly.
Kakashi could never kill the swarm fast enough, and Shiki's techniques allowed him to trade the lives of insects for direct damage—an overwhelming advantage.
Every match made the other students sigh in awe:
People really aren't created equal.
Even Shiki's friends, after training with Might Guy, couldn't catch up. The gap only widened.
Ever since his sparring with Kakashi became known, Shiki had become the center of attention. Even when he sat quietly in the back, students stole glances at him.
This… troubled him deeply.
He was learning forbidden techniques—Poison Vessel, advanced human anatomy, and dangerous insect cultivation principles.
Stop looking at me… I feel guilty studying this stuff in class…
Finally, Shiki closed his book and reclined.He couldn't keep studying like this.
Originally, he planned to research in secret, but everyone now saw him as "King of Scrolls." Too many eyes were on him… and these techniques were things that could cause a lot of trouble if discovered.
It seems I really need to apply for early graduation. Staying in the academy draws too much attention.
He had already mastered basic human anatomy. The more advanced material was beyond his current reach.
As for the Forbidden Poison Technique, he had analyzed its structure and was working on improvements.
His new technique—the Violent Poison Technique—wasn't stronger than the forbidden original, but it was controllable enough for him to use at full power.
It still had flaws, but it had one overwhelming advantage: speed.
If perfected, his parasitic insects would become fast-moving, self-destructing carriers. Upon death, they would release dense clouds of phosphorus-laced poison.
In moments, he could contaminate entire enemy zones.
A terrifying weapon on the battlefield—one that would make his name impossible to ignore.
Two objectives: first, test the Violent Poison Technique. Second, apply for early graduation. The academy is no longer suitable for me.
During the break, Shiki handed Yoshino Taiga his early graduation application.
"Shiki… you've made up your mind?" Taiga asked seriously.
"Yes, Sensei. And thank you for your guidance."
Kakashi stepped forward as well—also submitting an early graduation application.
He had endured the academy only because sparring with Shiki improved him faster. With Shiki leaving, he had no reason to stay.
Taiga looked at them proudly. "I'll file the applications immediately. Though I believe in you both… early graduation exams are very difficult."
He hurried straight to the Third Hokage's office.
Both Shiki and Kakashi were personally assigned to him by the Hokage as students requiring special attention—early graduation required direct approval.
Seeing the Hokage was always an honor for Taiga.
"Early graduation?" Hiruzen mused. "Good. Aburame Shiki and Kakashi have met the standards. Approve their requests."
He paused.
"And arrange their examinations. I will personally observe."
Taiga's heart surged with excitement.
"Yes! I will return and inform them immediately. They will be thrilled to hear that the Hokage himself will be watching."