Applying for Graduation!

"Fire Style: Great Fireball Technique!"

The dense forest was silent and serene, but this secluded atmosphere did not last long before it was shattered by a ball of scorching flames, instantly startling the birds and beasts throughout the woods.

"Haha, I've learned another ninjutsu!"

Looking at the area struck by the fireball, which was now in a state of utter disarray, Lin Feng smiled with satisfaction.

The Great Fireball Technique was a basic fire-style ninjutsu for members of the Uchiha clan. Lin Feng hadn't asked anyone for guidance; he had simply practiced it based on the descriptions from Naruto.

By gathering chakra in his throat and completing the six hand seals—Snake, Ram, Monkey, Boar, Horse, and Tiger—he could exhale a burst of flames in one breath. Because the learning curve was relatively low, Lin Feng had mastered it after only a few attempts.

"Next, I should practice the Phoenix Sage Fire Technique!"

The Phoenix Sage Fire Technique involved spitting out a continuous stream of fireballs from the mouth. Their trajectory resembled the seeds of a phoenix flower, and the path of the fireballs could be manipulated using chakra. One could also insert shuriken into them to increase their lethality.

Recalling that Sasuke knew this technique in Naruto, Lin Feng wanted to strike while the iron was hot and learn it as well.

It was said that having many skills never weighed one down; when engaging an enemy, a rich repertoire of ninjutsu would always provide an advantage in battle.

"Rat-Tiger-Dog..."

Clasping his hands together, Lin Feng began forming the hand seals according to his memory.

"Oh no, my Shadow Clone has been dispelled!"

Just as Lin Feng was about to complete the seals, an ominous sensation suddenly echoed in his heart.

After learning the Shadow Clone Technique, Lin Feng had intended to send a clone to attend the Ninja Academy while his real body continued to practice ninjutsu and shuriken skills. He hadn't expected trouble to arise with his very first clone.

"I need to head back to the Ninja Academy first."

His pupils constricted, and Lin Feng's feet moved forward instinctively as he rushed toward the direction of the academy.

By the time Lin Feng arrived at the Ninja Academy, the incident involving Taishan had already been resolved. Taishan and his cohorts had been severely punished by the teacher for bullying lower-grade students, and they likely wouldn't dare to act recklessly again.

Sakura and Naruto had continued their second period without further incident.

Once Lin Feng reached the academy, he was called into the office by Iruka.

"Sasuke, why did you use a Shadow Clone to attend the academy?"

Upon seeing Lin Feng, Iruka patted him on the shoulder and smiled with a meaningful look.

"Uh... I had an important ninjutsu to practice today, but I was afraid of falling behind in my studies, so I used the Shadow Clone Technique."

Lin Feng hesitated for a moment, but answered truthfully.

"Sasuke, who taught you the Shadow Clone Technique? Do you realize this is a forbidden jutsu and shouldn't be used casually?"

As a responsible teacher, Iruka wanted to get to the bottom of the matter.

"Teacher, this Shadow Clone Technique was taught to me by my brother. I understand this jutsu well, and I will use it reasonably."

Knowing that Iruka was worried about him, Lin Feng smiled slightly.

"It really was Itachi!"

Perhaps having already guessed the answer, Iruka sighed, then offered a well-intentioned reminder: "Sasuke, I must warn you, you are still young and your chakra reserves are limited, so it is best not to use this technique... Furthermore, at your current stage, you should focus on building a solid foundation and studying theory, rather than blindly pursuing ninjutsu."

"I understand!"

"But Teacher, may I ask you something?"

Looking at the smiling Iruka, Lin Feng stepped forward and gave a dry laugh.

"Go ahead!"

Iruka stared at Lin Feng calmly.

Scratching his head, Lin Feng tentatively asked: "Well... I think I might not be able to stay at the academy for several years. I want to graduate early."

"Want to graduate early?" Hearing Lin Feng's words, Iruka froze, then stared at him in confusion, feeling somewhat bewildered.

Observing Lin Feng's solemn expression, Iruka pondered for a long while before asking in return: "Is someone bullying you?"

"No, I just want to leave the academy early and become a true ninja."

Lin Feng shook his head and hurriedly explained.

"Graduating early is theoretically possible, but you must meet the graduation standards, pass all the tests, and obtain the consent of the Third Hokage."

The talent Lin Feng had displayed at the academy was in no way inferior to Itachi's back in the day. Iruka didn't think the idea of graduating early was necessarily wrong, so he spoke slowly.

"Since it is allowed, I would like to apply for early graduation in three months!"

Once Iruka's words faded, Lin Feng spoke boldly.

As soon as these words left his mouth, Iruka felt as if something were wrong with his ears. He had seen students graduate early before... but to apply for graduation just three months after enrolling... such a thing seemed to be a first since the founding of the Ninja Academy.

"Sasuke... are you joking with me?"

Iruka was caught between laughter and tears. Graduating in three months? No student had ever been able to accomplish that.

"I'm not, Teacher. In three months, I am confident I can complete the graduation test and become a Genin. Once I become a Genin, there is no point in me continuing to stay at the academy..."

Exhaling slowly, Lin Feng said earnestly under Iruka's gaze.

Listening to these firm words, the shock on Iruka's face slowly faded. He took one last deep look at Lin Feng and sighed inwardly, If Sasuke is truly that outstanding, remaining at the Ninja Academy will only hinder his growth!

"If you can truly pass the test in three months, I will submit an application to the Third Hokage on your behalf..."

Having thought it through, Iruka said softly.

"Hehe, thank you, Iruka-sensei."

Hearing this, Lin Feng let out a heavy sigh of relief, his face filled with joy.

"Sigh, if it weren't for the precedent set by your brother Itachi, I wouldn't want you to leave the Ninja Academy so early." Watching Lin Feng's excited expression, Iruka smiled.

Lin Feng smiled and remained silent; he did not want to discuss Itachi's affairs.

"Alright, go back and continue your class."

With everything clarified, Iruka had no other business, so he said with a light chuckle.

Lin Feng nodded slightly. Having applied for early graduation with Iruka, he had resolved one issue; now, he only needed to train hard and wait for the test in three months.

After leaving the office, Lin Feng did not hesitate and immediately hurried back to the classroom to continue his lessons.

When the second period ended, Lin Feng, Naruto, and Sakura gathered together once more. Because of what happened that morning, the three of them chatted quite a bit.

However, upon learning that Lin Feng stayed up late every night to learn the Shadow Clone Technique and had already begun using shadow clones to conduct his next phase of training, Sakura and Naruto were both quite shocked. They had not expected that the naturally gifted Sasuke would work so hard at his training.

Perhaps spurred on by Lin Feng, Sakura and Naruto did not go home after school, choosing instead to remain at the school's training grounds to work hard on their own practice.

Lin Feng was naturally happy to see this situation; only if Sakura and Naruto trained hard alongside him would Team 7 be able to reform as quickly as possible.