Three days later, the new semester arrived as scheduled.
However, on the playground during the opening ceremony, one highly anticipated figure was missing—Hatake Kakashi.
It was only after the ceremony ended that the news gradually spread: before the start of the term, Kakashi had formally submitted an application to graduate early from the Ninja Academy. He was now fully preparing for the graduation examination to be held three days later. It was even said that the Third Hokage himself would personally attend to observe the exam.
This was a major event at the Academy, and even in Konohagakure as a whole.
If he succeeded, Kakashi would set a new record as the fastest and youngest graduate in Konoha's history.
Because the rumors surrounding White Fang had circulated for only a short time, and the matter of his suicide had not been made public, the vast majority of teachers and students believed that Kakashi's sudden move was likely triggered by his defeat at the hands of Higashino Shinichi. Stimulated by that loss, he was using this method to prove that his talent had not been dulled—that he was still stronger.
Of course, some more observant onlookers felt a trace of doubt. If the goal was merely to prove his strength, why not directly challenge Shinichi to a more formal rematch? Why choose the path of early graduation instead?
Perhaps geniuses always possessed a pride and logic of action that ordinary people found difficult to understand.
Regardless of the reason, the uproar surrounding Kakashi's graduation inevitably drew Shinichi—the one who had defeated him—into the center of public discussion.
As people talked about Kakashi, whispers and speculation quietly began to circulate as well: "Will that Shinichi who beat Kakashi make a move as well?" "Will he also apply for early graduation?"
Amid all this noise, Shinichi paid it no mind. As soon as the opening ceremony ended, he went straight to the teachers' office and found his homeroom teacher, Matsumoto Fumio.
"What?"
Inside the office, Fumio's face was filled with shock. "You—you're not thinking of applying for early graduation too, are you?!"
He could hardly be blamed for misunderstanding. His student had opened by saying that he had basically mastered the school curriculum and hoped to gain access to more systematic and in-depth ninjutsu training.
That sounded exactly like a prelude to applying for graduation.
"Shinichi, don't act on impulse!" Fumio hurriedly tried to dissuade him. "You're still too young. Don't just follow whatever Kakashi does."
Shinichi's defeat of Kakashi was indeed a shocking victory, but that absolutely did not mean that he already possessed the full range of abilities required of a formal ninja.
Kakashi came from a strong family background, and he also had all five chakra natures. That meant that when facing enemies of any attribute or environmental obstacles, he had a wider range of responses and a higher tactical ceiling.
"We've all seen your potential. Precisely because of that, you need to proceed steadily and build on a solid foundation." Seeing that Shinichi's expression looked a little odd, Fumio softened his tone.
"You've misunderstood, sensei." Shinichi shook his head and explained, "I'm not trying to graduate early. I just want to ask: through what official channels, and by meeting what conditions, can I gain access to more systematic and in-depth ninjutsu study?"
"You want to learn higher-level techniques?"
"Yes."
"What, specifically, do you want to learn?"
"Shadow Clone Technique."
"Shadow Clone?" Fumio was a little surprised. He didn't ask how Shinichi knew about the Shadow Clone Technique—at most, it was just that this diligent student had read about it in the Academy library or the village library. Instead, he asked, "Why do you want to learn this ninjutsu?"
"It's like this, sensei. I always feel like I don't have enough time to train. When I was looking up materials, I learned that the Shadow Clone Technique created by the Second Hokage can produce clones with physical bodies. They can act and fight independently, and when they're dispelled, the clones' memories and experience return to the original." Shinichi's tone was frank.
"So I was thinking: since experience and memories can return, could this technique be used to assist training? In theory, if it were used properly, wouldn't that be equivalent to indirectly extending effective training or study time?"
"Use it for training?"
Fumio's thoughts stirred. This idea really did fit the child's consistent diligence. "It's certainly a creative line of thinking, but…" He first offered affirmation, then immediately shifted and pointed out the key issue: "The Shadow Clone Technique consumes a great deal of chakra. The clones' memories and experience do return, but fatigue and burden also stack up the same way. And what it brings back is only memories and experience. Actual training results—like increases in physical conditioning and chakra refinement—still have to be completed step by step by the original body."
"So that's how it is." Shinichi showed a perfectly timed look of realization.
Of course, he had long known these limitations, but if he acted as though he knew everything, it would instead make the teacher lose the sense of accomplishment in teaching.
"Sensei, I understand the risks and limitations you've mentioned. Thank you very much for the reminder."
Shinichi's gaze grew resolute again.
"But even so, its supporting role in some areas is still very significant. For example, I can handle taijutsu training on my own, but shadow clones might help me study more theoretical knowledge at the same time, summarize response strategies under different situations, and even simulate some low-intensity chakra control practice. That would greatly improve my efficiency in learning and summarizing."
"So then, sensei, through what channel should I go to learn the Shadow Clone Technique?"
Hearing this, Fumio frowned slightly, a hint of difficulty showing on his face.
If what Shinichi wanted to learn were some D-rank, or even ordinary C-rank ninjutsu, then as his homeroom teacher—and a chūnin—he might have been able to make the decision himself and find an opportunity to give some private guidance. That could be considered cultivation of an outstanding student.
But the Shadow Clone Technique was different. It was a highly practical B-rank ninjutsu developed by the Second Hokage. Aside from cases of family inheritance, learning it usually required becoming a formal ninja first, then accumulating merit through missions and applying to the relevant village departments to obtain qualification as a reward.
Alternatively, a jōnin instructor with sufficient authority and strength could, based on a team member's situation, report to the village and then teach it.
As for him, Matsumoto Fumio was only a chūnin instructor. Within the scope of his authority, he did not have the right to directly grant a student access to B-rank ninjutsu.
Quickly weighing things in his mind, Fumio did not directly refuse this diligent and eager-to-learn student.
After a moment of thought, he proposed a compromise. "Shinichi, how about this: you go back first and formally write an application. Lay out in detail your reasons for wanting to learn the Shadow Clone Technique, as well as your understanding of its risks and your plan for using it. I'll help you submit it to the school's academic affairs office, and then the school will forward it to the relevant village departments."
He paused, then softened his tone and offered a reassurance. "Of course, approval for this kind of application depends on many factors, and it may not pass. If the village doesn't approve it…"
"Within the limits of my authority, I can teach you some other practical C-rank or D-rank ninjutsu. They may not fit your specific concept as well as the Shadow Clone Technique, but they will still provide tangible help in improving your strength. What do you think?"
This was already the best path and commitment he could secure for his student within his abilities.
After hearing this, Shinichi showed a look of gratitude. He stepped back half a pace and bowed solemnly to Fumio. "I understand. Thank you for taking the trouble to consider this for me, sensei, and sorry to trouble you. I'll go back and prepare the application right away."
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