Graduation

Chapter 20: Graduation

Shisui's Body Flicker Technique was difficult to learn. After a full day, Kagami had only grasped the basics. However, from that day on, Kagami understood why, in the original story, Shisui taught Itachi the Crow Clone Jutsu and Kotoamatsukami, but not the Body Flicker Technique. It wasn't that Shisui didn't want to teach him; it was likely that Itachi's talent in the Body Flicker Technique made it impossible for him to learn Shisui's version in a short time. Coupled with the relationship between Konoha and the Uchiha clan at the time, they had very little time to train, so he didn't learn it.

Kagami differed from Itachi in two key ways. Firstly, while Kagami was far inferior to Itachi in Fire Release and genjutsu, his talent in the Body Flicker Technique was enough to astonish both Itachi and Shisui. This talent laid the foundation for Kagami to learn Shisui's Body Flicker Technique. Secondly, Kagami was not yet involved in the events between Konoha and the Uchiha clan; he was still within the Ninja Academy and had ample time to learn the Body Flicker Technique.

These two advantages were the reasons for the difference between him and Itachi, and why Itachi couldn't learn Shisui's Body Flicker Technique while he could.

Of course, setting aside these matters for now, on the second day of the holiday, the most important thing for Kagami was...

"You want to learn Shadow Clone Jutsu?"

Itachi looked at Kagami in surprise.

"Are you planning to use Shadow Clone Jutsu for class too?"

"Mhm."

Kagami answered naturally. His method was essentially copied from Itachi's, so he felt no shame in front of Itachi.

Unlike Shisui's teasing, Itachi nodded seriously.

"Yes, that's a good choice. Your current strength is purely a waste of time in the Ninja Academy. I think after you finish next semester, you might be allowed to graduate early, just like me."

Kagami was taken aback.

"Maybe."

If he graduated early, he'd become a genin. Although that was what he desired, the thought of becoming a genin now still brought a sense of inexplicable unease.

The first few days of the holiday were mainly for setting the direction for Kagami's training throughout the break. On the first day, Shisui taught Kagami his unique Body Flicker Technique. On the second day, Itachi taught Kagami Shadow Clone Jutsu. And on the third day?

Shisui held three leaves and handed one to Kagami.

"Let me see your nature transformation."

Kagami nodded, took the leaf, and placed it on his palm. A moment later, flames ignited from the leaf, quickly burning it to ashes.

Shisui handed Kagami another leaf.

"Lightning."

Kagami took the leaf and placed it on his palm, just like the previous one. However, this time, the leaf showed no change.

"Brother Shisui, since I first discovered my nature, I've only practiced fire nature transformation. I don't know anything about lightning or earth."

Shisui appeared to have expected this.

"I'm guessing Lord Guizhi instructed you to prioritize practicing fire nature transformation?"

"Mhm."

"The Uchiha clan has many Fire Release ninjutsu. Prioritizing fire nature transformation isn't wrong. However, starting now, prepare to practice lightning and earth nature transformation. Such excellent affinities shouldn't be wasted."

Thus, Kagami's training for this holiday consisted of these three things: Body Flicker Technique, Shadow Clone Jutsu, and lightning and earth nature transformation.

Among these three, Shadow Clone Jutsu, although nominally a forbidden jutsu and the highest-ranked among the three, was actually the easiest to master. It took Kagami two to three days to successfully cultivate it, which made him marvel at Naruto's incredible talent with Shadow Clone Jutsu. It took him two to three days, while Naruto learned it after just a glance.

As for the Body Flicker Technique, Kagami estimated that he wouldn't be able to master it within the year.

Nature transformation was also not easy. It took Kagami half a year to cultivate fire nature transformation. Lightning and earth nature transformation combined would likely take another year.

March, Konoha Year 55. The Ninja Academy reopened.

Kagami went to school as usual. The difference was that it was his Shadow Clones attending classes, while his true body remained in the training grounds, practicing all day.

September, Konoha Year 55.

Another semester ended. Nothing major happened during this semester. The only noteworthy event was that Shisui began to gradually fade from many people's sight. Currently, only Kagami and Itachi could see Shisui. Whenever others were present, Shisui would use the Body Flicker Technique to evade them. This made Kagami realize that the situation between the Uchiha and Konoha was worsening. Shisui's behavior could only mean he had accepted a secret mission and couldn't be seen. So, what kind of secret mission was Shisui undertaking?

Kagami didn't know the specifics, but he was certain that this secret mission must be related to the Uchiha!

Speaking of which, during this semester, Kagami once again, as expected, took first place in all subjects without any surprises. Furthermore, Kagami had mastered lightning nature transformation, and his taijutsu, ninjutsu, and shuriken skills had all seen significant improvement.

However, Kagami felt no excitement. Instead, he looked up at the sky with a worried expression.

The relationship between the Uchiha and Konoha is worsening. What about Shisui? Did Shisui listen to me and not tell Danzō about Kotoamatsukami? Right, and Danzō. After I defeated Neji, he hasn't contacted me. Was he blocked by Shisui? Or does he have a bigger scheme in mind?

Kagami looked at his hands. He was now seven years old. Born on August 15th, he was a month younger than Sasuke and about two months younger than Naruto. But he was still too young! It was still too little! There was too little time!

Time, time, time. Please give me more time.

In a spacious and bright room, a group of people sat in a row. In the center was the Third Hokage, wearing the Hokage's hat and robe. Danzō, Homura, and Koharu sat on either side.

In front of the Third Hokage, Iruka stood and spoke earnestly.

"Hokage-sama, I request that Uchiha Kagami from our class be allowed to graduate early."

The Third Hokage asked as usual.

"The reason?"

Iruka replied matter-of-factly.

"Uchiha Kagami has completely understood all the content I've taught him over the past year. Moreover, he has already mastered ninjutsu, and there wasn't a single mistake in his exams. During the final exam, I had Uchiha Kagami attempt the Three Body Technique, which is the graduation exam, and is usually taken five years later. As a result, Uchiha Kagami perfectly executed the Three Body Technique and even used the forbidden jutsu, Shadow Clone Jutsu. I believe that in the remaining five years at the Ninja Academy, I can no longer teach Uchiha Kagami anything. Therefore, I am applying for his early graduation on his behalf."

The Third Hokage hesitated.

"Just like Itachi back then? He's still in his first year."

Danzō looked at the Third Hokage.

"I think this is perfectly fine. Wasn't there a precedent with Itachi?"

Danzō was a man of both good and bad; he wasn't entirely a villain. We can't completely dismiss him.

Danzō's bad side manifested in his extreme self-centeredness, his occasional ruthlessness, and his personal ambitions. However, Danzō's good side was that whatever he did, he genuinely believed it was beneficial for Konoha. Furthermore, Danzō was very rational and rarely let emotions get the better of him.

The Third Hokage's concern was that Kagami was too young to graduate early and become a genin, fearing that such a genius might suffer some loss.

Danzō's perspective, however, was different. He believed that a genius was only a genius if they survived; otherwise, they were just dead. There was nothing wrong with becoming a genin early, as it would save time wasted at the Ninja Academy.

The Third Hokage sighed.

"Mm."

Since there was a precedent with Itachi, it wasn't impossible for Kagami this time. However, the Third Hokage was still considering it.

Danzō said calmly.

"I've observed that child. His genius is no less than Itachi's. Keeping him at the Ninja Academy is not a good thing."

The Third Hokage frowned and pondered for a while before finally relenting.

"Yes, you're right. Keeping him at the Ninja Academy serves no purpose for him at this moment. Then, I'll allow him to graduate."