Ninjutsu Application

Three days later, the new semester arrived as scheduled.

But on the training ground for the opening ceremony, one figure who usually drew all eyes was missing—Hatake Kakashi.

It wasn't until the ceremony ended that news gradually spread: Kakashi had formally submitted an early graduation application to the Ninja Academy before the semester began, and he was now fully preparing for the graduation exam three days later. Word had it that even the Third Hokage himself would attend to observe.

In the Ninja Academy, and even throughout all of Konoha, this was a major event.

If he succeeded, Kakashi would break the record for the fastest and youngest graduation in Konoha's history.

Because the rumors about White Fang had circulated only briefly, and his suicide had never been made public.

Thus, to the vast majority of faculty and students, Kakashi's sudden move seemed to be a reaction to his defeat by Higashino Shinichi—a spur to prove that his talent hadn't dimmed, that he was still the stronger one.

Of course, some sharp-eyed observers felt a flicker of doubt: if he only wanted to prove himself stronger, why not challenge Higashino Shinichi to a more formal rematch? Why choose the path of early graduation?

Perhaps geniuses always had a pride and logic that ordinary people found hard to grasp.

Whatever the reason, Kakashi's graduation storm inevitably dragged Higashino Shinichi, the one who had defeated him, into the vortex of public opinion.

As people discussed Kakashi, whispers and guesses began to circulate: "Will Shinichi, who beat Kakashi, make a move too?" "Will he also apply for early graduation?"

Shinichi paid no attention to all this noise. As soon as the opening ceremony ended, he went straight to the faculty office and found his homeroom teacher, Matsumoto Fumio.

"What?"

Inside the office, Matsumoto Fumio's face was full of shock: "You... you're not thinking of applying for early graduation too, are you?!"

He couldn't help but misunderstand. His student had come straight out and said he had basically mastered the school curriculum and wanted access to more systematic, in-depth ninjutsu study.

That sounded exactly like the prelude to a graduation application.

"Shinichi, don't be impulsive!" Teacher Matsumoto quickly tried to dissuade him. "You're still too young. Don't just follow what Kakashi does."

Higashino Shinichi defeating Hatake Kakashi was certainly a stunning victory, but that didn't mean he already possessed all the comprehensive abilities required of a full-fledged ninja.

Hatake Kakashi came from a prestigious clan, and with his five-nature chakra affinity, he had a wider range of countermeasures and higher tactical flexibility against enemies or environmental obstacles of any nature.

"We've all seen your potential. That's exactly why you need to build a solid foundation step by step." Seeing Shinichi's expression turn a bit strange, Teacher Matsumoto softened his tone.

"You misunderstand, teacher," Shinichi shook his head and explained. "I'm not trying to graduate early. I just want to ask—through what official channels and under what conditions can I access more systematic, in-depth ninjutsu study?"

"You want to learn higher-level techniques?"

"Yes."

"What specifically do you want to learn?"

"The Shadow Clone Technique."

"Shadow Clone?" Teacher Matsumoto was slightly surprised. He didn't ask how Shinichi knew about it—no doubt this diligent student had found it in the Academy library or the village library—but instead asked, "Why do you want to learn this technique?"

"It's like this, teacher. I always feel I don't have enough training time. While looking up materials, I learned that the Shadow Clone Technique, created by the Second Hokage, produces solid clones that can act and fight independently. When dispelled, their memories and experience return to the original body." Shinichi's tone was frank.

"I was thinking—since experience and memory can return, could this technique possibly be used to assist training? In theory, if used properly, wouldn't it effectively extend the time available for productive study or practice?"

"For training?"

Teacher Matsumoto's heart stirred. This idea fit the child's consistent diligence. "That's a creative approach, but..."

He gave affirmation first, then shifted his tone to point out the key issue:

"The Shadow Clone Technique consumes a large amount of chakra. The clones' memories and experience do return, but so do the fatigue and burden. And what it brings back is only memory and experience—actual training results, like physical conditioning or chakra refinement, still have to be done step by step by the original body."

"I see." Shinichi's face showed just the right amount of realization.

Of course, he had known these limitations all along, but if he acted omniscient, the teacher would lose the satisfaction of teaching.

"Teacher, I understand the risks and limitations you've explained. Thank you very much for the reminder."

Shinichi's gaze turned resolute again.

"But even so, its auxiliary role in certain areas is still significant. For example, I can train taijutsu on my own, but Shadow Clones might help me study more theoretical knowledge simultaneously, summarize strategies for different situations, and even simulate low-intensity chakra control exercises. That would greatly improve my learning and summarization efficiency."

"So, teacher, what channel should I use to learn the Shadow Clone Technique?"

Hearing this, Teacher Matsumoto frowned slightly, a troubled look crossing his face.

If Shinichi wanted to learn a D-rank or even an ordinary C-rank technique, he, as the homeroom teacher and a Chunin, might be able to take the lead and teach him privately as a way to nurture an outstanding student.

But the Shadow Clone Technique was different. It was a highly practical B-rank technique created by the Second Hokage. Aside from clan inheritance, one usually had to become an official ninja, accumulate merits through missions, and then apply to the relevant village department to earn the right to learn it as a reward.

Alternatively, a supervising Jonin with sufficient authority and ability could report to the village and teach it to their squad members.

And he, Matsumoto Fumio, was just a Chunin teacher. Within his scope of authority, he had no permission to directly grant a student a B-rank technique.

Weighing the options quickly in his mind, Teacher Matsumoto didn't outright refuse his diligent student.

After a moment's thought, he proposed a compromise: "Shinichi, here's what we'll do. Go back and formally write an application. Detail your reasons for wanting to learn the Shadow Clone Technique, your understanding of its risks, and your plan for using it. I'll submit it to the Academy's academic affairs office, and they'll forward it to the relevant village department."

He paused, softening his tone to offer a reassurance: "Of course, approval for this kind of application depends on many factors, and it might not pass. If the village doesn't approve..."

"Within my authority, I can teach you some other practical C-rank or D-rank techniques. They might not fit your specific idea as well as the Shadow Clone, but they'll still genuinely help improve your strength. What do you think?"

This was the best path and promise he could secure for his student within his capabilities.

Shinichi listened, a grateful expression appearing on his face. He stepped back half a pace and bowed solemnly to Teacher Matsumoto: "I understand. Thank you for taking the trouble to consider this for me, teacher. I'll prepare the application as soon as I get back."