Konoha Ninja Academy.
Shin stood in a classroom at the highest point, watching through the window as the children on the training grounds carried out a ninja combat exercise under their teacher's direction.
Beside him stood the Ninja Academy's principal, an elderly man nearing fifty.
The principal said, "The overall aptitude of this batch of children isn't particularly high. Aside from a few who stand out a little, I'm worried that quite a number of them may not be able to graduate smoothly."
Shin pondered for a moment. "Is it because of the previous enrollment?"
The principal looked slightly embarrassed. Shin had personally asked them during the last enrollment period to admit more children from the village. At the time, Shin had not yet become Hokage.
He could only say, "The Ninja Academy has a set standard for admissions. Every year, quite a few children of the appropriate age are turned away."
Shin nodded. "It seems I was too hasty back then. There's no need to lower the graduation exam standards. If any children truly cannot graduate when the time comes, let them repeat the course as appropriate, or send them to ordinary schools outside the village to continue their education. Speak with their parents—the village will cover all expenses."
The principal nodded. It was indeed a very good solution, though they would need to do some work persuading the students' parents.
Then he spoke again. "Regarding Uchiha Itachi..."
Shin's gaze was also fixed on the black-haired boy on the training grounds.
The principal said, "His talent far surpasses that of ordinary people. After just one year at the academy, he already possesses the qualities required of a ninja. The teachers all feel that having Uchiha remain at the academy would be a waste of time."
"Early graduation?" Shin asked