Plans for Early Graduation

"Mr. Haku! You're already practicing A-rank ninjutsu this early? That's quite capable!"

Orochimaru looked at the child he and his two companions had brought back to the village six years ago, who was now starting to learn the Shadow Clone Jutsu, and sighed at how quickly time had passed.

"Lord Orochimaru, please stop teasing me. I just want to try it out. If I can learn it, it will save me a lot of time. Then I can help you all sooner. The situation outside the village isn't too good right now, is it?"

"Oh? What do you mean?"

Hearing Haku's reply, Orochimaru became a little interested.

"In the past two years, your squad has been going on missions more and more frequently, Lord Orochimaru. And there are fewer and fewer ninjas I see in the village; they must all be out on missions."

"Mr. Haku, you have very keen observation and analytical skills."

As he spoke, he handed the ninjutsu scroll in his hand to Haku.

"Would you like to apply for early graduation? I'll be your supervising Jonin, Mr. Haku!"

Upon hearing Orochimaru's proposal, Haku was tempted for a moment. The current situation in the ninja world wasn't as dire as during the Third Shinobi War.

The conflicts between the few existing powers weren't so intense yet. With Orochimaru's protection, he could probably harvest some energy points relatively safely. He could also strategically get himself seriously injured a few times. With Orochimaru and the others protecting him, his life wouldn't be in danger, and he could use his bloodline to rapidly improve his strength.

"I think I'll pass for now. I haven't even learned the Three Basic Jutsu yet, and I still need to learn medical ninjutsu from Lady Tsunade. I don't have enough time."

After thinking it over, Haku still refused. His strength was still a bit lacking, and it would be too risky to go out and "play" now. After all, Nawaki had died because he went out "playing" with Orochimaru.

"Perhaps after I learn medical ninjutsu, I can study with you, Lord Orochimaru. Right now, I'd just be holding you all back."

"Oh, Mr. Haku! That's a good idea! Then I'll wait for you for 2 years. When you feel you're ready, you can apply for early graduation, and I'll be your supervising Jonin then."

After saying that, Orochimaru left.

Looking at the ninjutsu scroll in his hand and thinking about Orochimaru's suggestion, Haku admitted he was indeed tempted. But he decided to wait until he had learned the Eight Gates and medical ninjutsu before considering it.

In the following period, Haku's life returned to its normal rhythm. Every day, he studied basic ninjutsu and fundamental knowledge, and when he had time, he self-studied medical knowledge. He trained his Taijutsu in the training grounds, practicing the Eight Gates and the Shadow Clone Jutsu.

Occasionally, he sparred with Yu and Duy. He held back when fighting Yu, keeping their skill levels roughly the same. Duy, however, was falling too far behind.

In these few years, the wars outside the village were also nearing their end. Considering his growth over the years, Haku was preparing to see if it was time to go out and "play" a bit.

After 2 years of practice, Haku's Three Basic Jutsu had become very proficient, and the Shadow Clone Jutsu was also quite skilled. However, perhaps due to his chakra reserves, the duration of Haku's shadow clones wasn't very long. Clones that didn't participate in combat could last for half a day, while those that did could barely last half an hour.

Although his clone technique wasn't at a very high level, thanks to the Shadow Clones, he had finished learning medical knowledge. He had also barely grasped the most basic C-rank ninjutsu, the Healing Technique.

Due to the war, Lady Tsunade had said she wouldn't have time to teach Haku medical ninjutsu for a while. She had given him the B-rank Delicate Illness Extraction Technique and the A-rank Mystical Palm Technique to practice on his own.

With Duy's guidance in the Eight Gates Technique, he could already open up to the third gate, the Gate of Life, but he had no clue about the Gate of Pain. Duy had also been conscripted to the battlefield due to the war.

His combat power, perhaps because he could open three of the Eight Gates, had reached nearly 50, the lower limit for a Chunin according to the System.

"Yu, what do you think about us graduating early?"

Haku approached Uchiha Yu and asked.

"Oh, can't wait any longer? I've already reached Chunin level. There's nothing more I can learn at the academy, so graduating early is a good idea."

"Alright, let's do it. We'll apply for early graduation tomorrow."

"Then what about Duy? Should we have him graduate with us?" Yu didn't object to applying for graduation tomorrow but asked about Might Duy.

"Duy? I don't think so. Let him stay at the academy for another 2 years. Although he's reached Genin level now, his ninjutsu alone isn't enough."

Haku thought for a moment and made his decision. After communicating with Duy, Duy also agreed. He knew that graduating early and forming a team with Haku and the others would only hold them back.

The next morning, Haku sat in a corner, eating the steamed buns he had made, lost in thought. He wasn't exactly spacing out; he was contemplating a small problem he encountered while practicing the Healing Technique yesterday.