The Attention of So-Called Big Shots (First Update)

"For a regular Ninja Academy student, graduating only requires demonstrating the results of their training in the Three Body Technique."

"As for students graduating early, they are arranged a duel against a genin. Regardless of victory or defeat, as long as their combat aptitude meets the standard, they can successfully graduate early."

"Gong Yi, why must you insist on requesting a chunin as your opponent?"

Ishii Kawa looked at Gong Yi, his eyes filled with both gratification and worried reproach.

Although applying for early graduation does not require defeating the examiner on the spot—only showing that one's ninja aptitude meets the standard—it would certainly be best if one could win.

However, if the opponent is a chunin, the risk is truly too great for an eight-year-old student.

If he were to lose, it would undoubtedly cause Gong Yi to lose the title of top student and the reputation of a genius he had accumulated over the past three years in an instant.

He might even be mocked.

Labels like "aiming too high" or "lacking self-awareness" would be hung around his neck.

Gong Yi shoved his hands into his pockets, his expression relaxed and calm.

"Teacher, do you think that with my strength, I am incapable of defeating a chunin?"

Ishii Kawa froze. Thinking of Gong Yi's performance over the past few years, he subconsciously shook his head.

In the first year, Gong Yi defeated all challengers in the school and earned the title of top student!

In the second year, Gong Yi began sparring with him; while he lost more than he won, he still displayed outstanding combat talent!

In the third year—this year—his record against Gong Yi was one win and nine losses!

What was terrifying was that in the later matches, the ninjutsu and combat methods Gong Yi used became fewer and fewer.

It was almost a crushing display of raw power. Whether in chakra capacity or ninjutsu mastery, even in taijutsu, he, an adult, was not as strong as Gong Yi.

One must remember, he was also a chunin who had executed various missions!

Ishii Kawa gritted his teeth, still feeling that Gong Yi's behavior was too risky.

"Gong Yi, you must understand. I am just a teaching instructor. I have the strength of a chunin, but I haven't executed a mission in a long time. My combat instincts have declined significantly."

"But the ninja assigned to examine you will certainly be a veteran chunin who executes missions daily. They are rich in combat experience. If you fight such an existence, there are simply too many uncertain factors!"

Facing his teacher's admonition, Gong Yi felt no impatience; instead, he felt a warmth in his heart.

This was someone who was truly looking out for him.

Gong Yi remained silent for a long moment, then looked up, his gaze burning as he looked at Ishii Kawa.

"Teacher, do you think I can learn anything more at school?"

Ishii Kawa shook his head. He had already taught Gong Yi everything he knew; there really wasn't much left to teach.

For the past six months, Gong Yi had even begun seeking guidance from other subject teachers.

"Then, Teacher, do you think that as a civilian ninja with no background, once I leave the Ninja Academy, the village will arrange for a powerful, experienced elite jonin to be my team leader?"

Ishii Kawa's clenched fists loosened involuntarily, appearing somewhat powerless.

Clearly, that was impossible.

For most civilian ninjas who graduate, the team leader is usually a chunin.

Even if they are lucky enough to be assigned a jonin, it won't be anyone particularly strong.

Someone like Kakashi, who could follow a renowned powerhouse like Minato Namikaze, was not just because he was a genius or the top student of the school.

It was more because he came from the Hatake Clan and was the son of the White Fang!

Gong Yi smiled. "That is why I must fully demonstrate my talent and show my strength! I need the village to value me and make myself one of the village's futures. As long as my talent is strong enough, the big shots in the village will not allow me to die easily in cruel missions."

"And this graduation battle is the best opportunity to distinguish myself from the mediocre students!"

Ishii Kawa was convinced. Looking at the confident young man before him, he realized once again that he truly had nothing left to teach him.

He hadn't even realized the point about showing himself to attract the village's attention.

It was only after Gong Yi reminded him that he realized it in hindsight.

"You're right!" Ishii Kawa said dejectedly. "I only hope that on the day of your graduation, while you perform well enough, you also don't get hurt."

"Thank you, Teacher!"

Gong Yi suddenly said this, which seemed a bit inexplicable.

Ishii Kawa nodded with gratification; he cared about Gong Yi after all.

The sun set, and golden radiance dyed the entire Konoha village.

Walking down the street, the Third Naruto, wearing his hat, took a puff of his pipe and offered a kind smile to the villagers who greeted him.

"The village is getting better and better!"

The Third felt quite at ease and didn't find his daily work particularly arduous.

Returning home after dinner, the Third suddenly asked about the private tutor.

"Ebisu Ming, where is Asuma?"

As a member of a minor clan on good terms with the Sarutobi Clan, Ebisu Ming had been hired by the Third Hokage to serve as Asuma's private tutor.

Even his son, Ebisu, was one of Asuma's close friends at the academy.

Ebisu Ming pointed toward the backyard, "Young Master Asuma is practicing Ninjutsu. He has been incredibly diligent lately! Even more so than before!"

The Third Hokage puffed on his pipe, "Has the boy been provoked? He used to be quite lazy."

Ebisu Ming hesitated for a moment, "It should be related to the student in his class who applied for early graduation!"

"Gong Yi?"

"Ah, does the Hokage know that child?"

The Third narrowed his eyes slightly and nodded.

"That is a very promising child, and one of the future hopes of our village!"

Without Gong Yi's knowledge, his efforts had already brought him into the line of sight of some very important figures.

PS: To clarify, the protagonist's actions are by no means for the sake of love or justice, nor are they driven by bonds or loyalty. Everything he does is simply to survive—to survive by growing stronger and stronger until he stands above everyone else.