"Hey, did you hear? Uchiha Houka, who hasn't been to school in half a year, is taking the Graduation Exam!"
"Really? I remember he beat his classmates Masamune Hyuga and Uchiha Ronai. He's really strong!"
"He should pass the Graduation Exam, right?"
In the Ninja Academy hallway, a few students huddled together, chattering about something. Their voices carried, catching Mizuki's attention as he passed by.
Mizuki's white hair was parted neatly down the middle, the picture of a traitor's hairstyle. At their words, jealousy flashed in his eyes. He sneered and cut in, "Heh, you guys haven't heard? The genius Kakashi has already signed up for the Chunin Ninja Exams!"
"What?! Kakashi's taking the Chunin Ninja Exams?!"
"Exactly! Now that's big news. Uchiha Houka? He's not even fit to carry Kakashi's shoes!" Mizuki said loudly.
"Yeah, that's true! When Kakashi graduated last year, he kicked Houka unconscious with one blow."
Mizuki smiled in satisfaction and turned to leave.
In the classroom, Obito, Kurenai Yuhi, Rin, and the others gathered around Houka, staring at him with grave expressions.
"Hey, you're seven-year-old kids. You don't need to look at me so seriously." Houka was cringing with embarrassment.
"You bastard, Houka! You're taking the Graduation Exam?!" Obito clenched his fist. "Didn't we agree to graduate together next year?!"
"..." Houka's eye twitched. He gave an awkward laugh. "Did I say that?"
"Houka, after you graduate, are you going to take the Chunin Ninja Exams right away?" Kurenai Yuhi asked cautiously, looking at him with worried, wide eyes.
"What?! The Chunin Ninja Exams?" Rin exclaimed. "Houka, don't tell me you're planning to challenge Kakashi again in the Chunin Ninja Exams?"
Houka hurriedly waved his hands. "Don't get the wrong idea! I am taking the Chunin Ninja Exams, but it has nothing to do