Three days later, the new semester began as scheduled.
But one familiar figure was missing from the opening ceremony on the school grounds: Hatake Kakashi.
It wasn't until the ceremony ended that word gradually spread: before the new semester began, Kakashi had officially submitted an application to graduate early from the Ninja Academy. He was preparing with all his might for the graduation exam three days later, and it was said that even the Third Hokage would attend in person to observe.
This was a major event, not only for the Academy but for all of Konoha.
If he passed, Kakashi would set a new record as the youngest and fastest graduate in Konoha's history.
Since the rumors about the White Fang had circulated for only a short time, his suicide had not been made public.
As a result, most students and teachers assumed Kakashi's sudden move was because Higashino Shinichi had defeated him and wounded his pride. He was trying to prove that his talent had not gone to waste and that he was still stronger.
Of course, some more observant bystanders felt a little puzzled. If he only wanted to prove he was stronger, why not challenge Higashino Shinichi directly to a more formal rematch? Why choose the path of early graduation?
Perhaps geniuses simply had a pride and a way of thinking that ordinary people couldn't understand.
Whatever the reason, the fuss over Kakashi's graduation inevitably dragged Higashino Shinichi, the one who had defeated him, into the maelstrom of public opinion.
As people discussed Kakashi, speculation and gossip also began to spread quietly: "Will Shinichi, the one who beat Kakashi, make a move too?" "Will he apply to graduate early as well?"
Shinichi paid no mind to all the commotion. As soon as the opening ceremony ended, he went straight to the teachers' office and found his homeroom teacher, Matsumoto Fumio.
"What?"
Matsumoto Fumio's face filled with astonishment. "Y-You're not thinking of applying to graduate early too, are you?!"
He couldn't be blamed for misunderstanding. His student had opened by saying he had more or less mastered the school curriculum and hoped to study ninjutsu in a more systematic and advanced way.
That sounded exactly like the prelude to an application for graduation.
"Shinichi, don't do anything rash!" Teacher Matsumoto hurried to dissuade him. "You're still too young. Don't just follow Kakashi because he's doing it."
Higashino Shinichi's victory over Hatake Kakashi had certainly been astonishing, but it didn't mean he was already equipped with all the abilities required of a full-fledged ninja.
Hatake Kakashi came from a distinguished family and possessed Chakra of all five natures. That meant he had more ways to deal with enemies of any nature or environmental obstacles, and a higher tactical ceiling.
"We've all seen your potential. That's exactly why you need to build a solid foundation, step by step." Seeing Shinichi's odd expression, Teacher Matsumoto softened his tone.
"You've misunderstood, sir." Shinichi shook his head and explained, "I'm not trying to graduate early. I just wanted to ask what official channels I could use, and what requirements I'd have to meet, to study ninjutsu in a more systematic and advanced way."
"You want to learn more advanced techniques?"
"Yes."
"What exactly do you want to learn?"
"The Shadow Clone Technique."
"Shadow Clone?" Teacher Matsumoto was a little surprised. He didn't ask how Shinichi had learned about it; the diligent student had probably read about it in either the Ninja Academy library or the village library. Instead, he asked, "Why do you want to learn this technique?"
"It's like this, sir. I always feel like I don't have enough time to train. While researching, I learned that the Shadow Clone Technique, created by the Second Hokage, can create tangible clones. They can act and fight independently, and when they're dispelled, their memories and experiences return to the original." Shinichi spoke candidly.
"So I wondered: if their experiences and memories can return, could the technique be used to help with training? In theory, if used properly, could it effectively extend the amount of time available for training or studying?"
"To help with training?"
Teacher Matsumoto's thoughts stirred. The idea certainly suited the child's usual diligence. "That's a very creative idea, but..."
He first praised the idea, then shifted gears to point out the key issue:
"The Shadow Clone Technique consumes a lot of Chakra. The clones' memories and experiences do return, but so do their fatigue and strain, and those pile up too. What they bring back is only memories and experience. Actual training results, such as improved physical fitness or Chakra development, still require the original to work at them steadily, step by step."
"I see." Shinichi wore an expression of just the right amount of realization.
He had known about these limitations all along, of course. But if he acted as though he knew everything, his teacher would lose the satisfaction of teaching him.
"Sir, I understand the risks and limitations you've mentioned. Thank you very much for the warning."
Shinichi's gaze grew resolute once more.
"Even so, it could still help a great deal in certain areas. I can work on Taijutsu by myself, but Shadow Clones might help me study more theoretical knowledge at the same time, summarize strategies for different situations, and even simulate some low-intensity Chakra control exercises. That could greatly improve the efficiency of my studying and analysis."
"Then, sir, what channels can I use to learn the Shadow Clone Technique?"
At this, Teacher Matsumoto furrowed his brows slightly, looking a little troubled.
If Shinichi wanted to learn a D-Rank technique, or even an ordinary C-Rank one, then as his homeroom teacher and a Chunin, Matsumoto might have had the authority to take him aside and teach him. It would have been a way to nurture an excellent student.
But the Shadow Clone Technique was different. It was a highly practical B-Rank technique developed by the Second Hokage. Aside from learning it through one's family...
Usually, one had to become a full-fledged ninja, earn merit through missions, and then apply to the relevant village department for permission to learn it as a reward.
Alternatively, a Jonin instructor with sufficient authority and skill could report the matter to the village and teach it based on the needs of their team members.
As for Matsumoto Fumio, he was only a Chunin teacher. His position did not give him the authority to grant a student access to a B-Rank technique.
After weighing things quickly, Teacher Matsumoto didn't outright refuse his diligent student.
He pondered for a moment, then suggested a compromise. "Shinichi, how about this? Go back and write a formal application. Explain in detail why you want to learn the Shadow Clone Technique, what you understand about its risks, and how you plan to use it. I'll submit it to the school's Academic Affairs Office, and then the school can forward it to the relevant village department."
He paused, then continued in a gentler tone, offering him an alternative: "Of course, these applications have to be considered from many angles, so there's no guarantee yours will be approved. If the village doesn't grant permission..."
"Within the limits of my own authority, I can teach you some other useful C-Rank or D-Rank techniques. They might not fit your particular plans as well as Shadow Clones, but they'd still help you improve your skills. How does that sound?"
This was the best path and promise he could secure for his student within the limits of his authority.
After hearing him out, Shinichi looked grateful. He took half a step back and bowed deeply to Teacher Matsumoto. "I understand. Thank you for taking the trouble to consider this for me, and sorry for the trouble. I'll prepare the application as soon as I get back."
Before you continue