Early Graduation

"What's going on?"

A flustered inquiry descended abruptly as three ninjas clad in green flak jackets materialized in the center of the hallway. After quickly assessing the situation, one of them decisively pulled Nara Mori away from the ice spike, while another delivered a sharp hand-chop to the back of Yamanaka Reki's neck, cutting off the agony of the genjutsu still plaguing him. As for Akimichi Hishi, no one paid him any mind; a minor injury like a dislocated joint was nothing to a ninja.

"Arata Uchiha, this is the Ninja Academy. Private fighting is prohibited without permission. Are you unaware of this?"

Looking at the disheveled scene before him, the lead man roared instantly, aiming his fury directly at the third-year kid who seemed lost in thought. His anger filled the entire corridor.

Chuno Daikoku, a Chunin-level instructor who had served at the Konoha Academy for many years, was the foundational teacher for many young ninjas and had once taught Itachi Uchiha.

Naturally, it was no wonder he reacted this way, as Arata Uchiha was the only one left standing as if nothing had happened.

In response, Arata did not speak immediately, though his soul-piercing Sharingan gradually faded away. At this moment, he looked as quiet as a well-behaved child.

However, this was not because he was truly obedient or sensible, but because he was not adept at dealing with strangers outside of his clan, such as Izumi, Uncle Yashiro, or Granny Kome.

Moreover, it was a fact that he had violated school rules by fighting privately.

"Teacher Chuno, it was Hishi Akimichi and the others who provoked Arata first."

At the moment of the standoff, Izumi Uchiha pushed past the classmates blocking her path and explained to the furious middle-aged man.

Hearing this, Yamanaka Reki, who had just regained consciousness with a face as pale as paper, wished he could faint again immediately.

Three talented upperclassmen had been easily taken down in a single exchange by a junior three years their junior—what a massive humiliation this was.

Even though there were factors like their own overconfidence, the fact that they hadn't used their secret techniques immediately, and their lack of coordinated teamwork, Yamanaka Reki had an inexplicable intuition: even if they had used their respective secret techniques, they might not have won.

Chuno Daikoku then glanced at the battered Akimichi Hishi and the other two participants, who kept their heads lowered without offering a defense. The shock of realizing the truth of the situation surged within him.

He had heard the third-year instructors mention Arata's name, and there were even rumors circulating in the academy that the boy was "the second Itachi."

But having taught Itachi Uchiha himself and knowing exactly what kind of talent he possessed, he had only smiled slightly upon hearing such news, dismissing it as mere gossip to spice up life.

Yet, the scene before him was stimulating his nerves in every way.

To suppress the three young ones from the "Ino-Shika-Cho" families before they could even react—this was not something just anyone could do!

"Arata, as a lower-grade student, what are you doing here?"

After his expression shifted, Chuno Daikoku chose to skip the topic; after all, this matter involved too many clans, and it was no longer something he could handle alone.

"Clan Head Fugaku asked me to come for the graduation assessment."

With Izumi Uchiha's intervention, Arata's mood calmed slightly, and he handed over the assessment form and the letter from the Clan Head.

This matter had not gone through the Hokage.

Because the Uchiha clan possessed autonomy.

"Early graduation again?"

Watching the little guy before him, the corners of Chuno Daikoku's eyes couldn't help but twitch.

"Come in."

After a cursory glance at the letter from the Uchiha, he walked toward the assessment classroom first.

The content of the Ninja Academy graduation assessment was the Three Basic Jutsu, but for Arata, E-rank ninjutsu were as easy as breathing.

When dozens of clones, indistinguishable from the real one, lined up in the assessment room, Chuno Daikoku was completely conquered.

Such efficient chakra utilization and such a deep reserve of chakra could make some Chunin feel ashamed.

"The second Itachi Uchiha."

"Arata is truly worthy of the name!"

"Assessment passed."

"But do you really not intend to continue your studies? The Ninja Academy teaches more than just ninjutsu; there is also knowledge in tracking, medical ninjutsu, and much more."

While announcing the assessment results, Chuno Daikoku still couldn't suppress the restlessness in his heart and spoke up to persuade him to stay.

Even with a letter from the Uchiha Clan Head, if the student himself were still willing to stay and learn, he could ask the Third Hokage to intercede.

After all, this was an era of peace; a genius like Arata didn't need to go out and perform missions too early. Continuing to strengthen himself and graduating only after his experience and perspective had accumulated to a certain level was the best path.

"Thank you for your concern, Teacher, but the clan already has other arrangements for me."

Arata Uchiha politely declined.

He could naturally hear the subtext and the sincere concern in the man's words.

No one knew better than a reincarnated soul that there were undercurrents beneath the surface of peace in the ninja world. Countless geniuses fell every year in obscure ways, and even someone like Pakura could be betrayed for profit. Therefore, keeping a low profile and developing in the shadows was the only way to go.

However, time waited for no one.

The Night of the Massacre was a tragedy that could not be avoided.

Only by accelerating his growth could he protect those around him.

"I understand. Since it is the clan's request, then congratulations, student Arata Uchiha. Congratulations on your successful graduation. From now on, you are a Konoha ninja capable of standing on your own. I hope you inherit and strive to carry forward the Will of Fire!"

Chuno Daikoku stood up, holding a brand-new Konoha forehead protector, and handed it to the little guy.

After a moment of hesitation, Arata took the forehead protector and bowed slightly.

"Thank you, Teacher."

"As for the Will of Fire, forget it."

"I am not like that person."

"A ninja headband! Arata actually passed the exam and graduated!!"

When this handsome, quiet third-year student reappeared in the hallway, the entire space erupted once again.

Although the upperclassmen had already guessed the outcome when the Ino-Shika-Cho trio was swept aside, the moment they saw him emerge from the classroom clutching the headband, a tidal wave of astonishment, admiration, and resentment surged within their hearts.

"Arata! Next time, next time I will absolutely not lose to you, and I will definitely be promoted to Chunin before you!"

Akimichi Hishi, having simply treated his injuries, growled a declaration of war at the top of the stairs.

He had not used his full strength just now, nor had he employed his clan's Multi-Size Technique; losing in a contest of pure power left him truly unwilling to accept the result.

If it were a real life-or-death duel, he would never lose!

However, the deeply humiliated Hishi failed to notice the fearful expressions on the faces of his two companions.

"Hm."

Arata Uchiha merely hummed in response as he brushed past them.

For his goal had always been only one: to personally execute that traitorous ingrate, Itachi Uchiha!