Early Graduation Is Imperative! [Monday Ranking Push, Please Bookmark~~]

After something like this happened, the Senju Clan was certainly unhappy. They immediately sent people to negotiate with the Uchiha.

When the Uchiha were questioned, they claimed to know nothing. They had deliberately spread the news, so how could they possibly let the Senju Clan get what they wanted?

"What was the result?"

After hearing his subordinate's report, the Third Hokage remained silent for several minutes before finally speaking.

The Third Hokage had carefully considered Teacher's request. He also knew that, given Hiko's current level of training, Hiko was facing some financial difficulties. If Hiko had taken Tsunade's money because of that, then he truly would not have been worth the Third Hokage's regard.

"Princess Tsunade... took the money to the Casino and was discovered by Uchiha Hiko on the way. That was how this incident happened. Princess Tsunade seemed worried that Uchiha Hiko would tell others about it."

"I understand. You may leave." The Third Hokage waved a hand, indicating that he had gotten the picture.

Sitting alone in his office, the Third Hokage quietly smoked. No one knew what he was thinking. As for the dispute between the Senju and Uchiha Clans, the Third Hokage neither approved of it nor tried to stop it, as if he knew nothing about it.

The conflict between the Senju Clan and the Uchiha Clan was nothing more than a trivial matter. The Uchiha simply wanted to disgust the Senju Clan.

"Look! That's Uchiha Hiko!!!"

"I never expected it. Such a handsome child—what a pity."

Early that morning, as Hiko walked down the street and listened to the people around him pointing and whispering, his expression did not change in the slightest, as though they were not talking about him.

But was Hiko really not angry?

If he could, he would have loved to slap them across the face. But if he ignored such things, they would eventually fade away. It was nothing more than a momentary spectacle. If he pursued it, he would only make matters worse.

By then, even jumping into the Yellow River would not wash him clean.

These people were merely joining in for the excitement. Given enough time, they would naturally forget. Did something between two children really need to be taken so seriously? Was it even worth taking seriously?

It was the same on the streets, and it was still the same at school.

But Hiko ignored them all. Carrying Tsunade's money, he went straight to the office.

"Teacher, this is the money Tsunade gave me. Also, I would like to apply for early graduation today."

"..."

Looking at Hiko's open and composed expression, as though he had not been affected at all, Teacher was somewhat stunned. When the rumors had spread, Teacher had worried for Hiko too. Anyone with eyes could see that the Uchiha were trying to disgust the Senju, but this was not something Hiko could control or change at the moment.

He thought Hiko was a good child and hoped Hiko could earn the Third Hokage's attention and receive focused training. Setting aside factors like the Uchiha being ostracized and unwelcome, from Teacher's perspective, he thought very highly of Hiko.

Of course, he also believed Hiko would never do such a thing. Besides, they were both only five years old. Could they really have done something so sordid?

Looking at the neatly arranged money on the desk, Teacher felt greatly relieved. It proved that Hiko had not touched Tsunade's money.

But before he could say anything, Hiko's request for graduation caught him completely off guard. The Third Hokage had not yet given a clear answer, yet Hiko was already applying for early graduation.

"Sorry to trouble you, Teacher." Hiko did not give Teacher a chance to speak. After thanking him, he turned to leave.

"Wait!!!" Teacher immediately panicked. "Why are you so determined to apply for early graduation? Do you know what kind of assessment you'll have to go through? You're only five!! Can't you just stay in school and keep studying properly?"

"I know. To apply for early graduation, I'll have to undergo a combat assessment. I need at least the strength of a Genin to pass."

Hiko was not joking. He nodded and said confidently, "But I believe I can pass."

"This isn't about whether you can pass or not, it's..." Teacher scratched his head, unable to understand why Hiko was in such a hurry. Even if he lacked money, he should not act so rashly.

"Forget it, forget it. Go to the classroom first. I'll personally report this to Lord Hokage. As for the rumors outside, I'll also ask Lord Hokage to come forward and explain."

"Thank you, Teacher."

Teacher could only accept Hiko's application for early graduation; he could not refuse it. He could try to persuade him, but he could not suppress him. All he could do was honestly report it to the Third Hokage. Whether it would be approved depended on the Third Hokage's decision.

After leaving the office, Hiko felt somewhat moved. Teacher had treated him well and was willing to believe him.

However, applying for early graduation was imperative!!!

"What are you looking at?! Keep staring, and I'll make you regret it!!!"

The moment Hiko reached the classroom door, he heard Tsunade roar. Hiko might not care about this incident; once enough time passed, everything would naturally fade away, and all the lies would collapse on their own. But Tsunade was different...