Speaking of it, it was deeply ironic!
When the First, Hashirama Senju, founded the Shinobi Village, his intention had been to spare the children of the shinobi clans from going to war at the age of six or seven, so they could enjoy a peaceful and happy childhood.
But now, no matter whose child graduated early and became a shinobi at six or seven, the whole village would shower them with admiration and praise.
And Kizaru, who had just received an invitation from the Third Hokage to graduate early, had become the object of everyone's envy.
His classmates, their parents, and the clans behind them were all envious that the Shimura Clan had produced such a top-tier genius. Some were even a little jealous.
Since plenty of parents had gathered outside the school on exam day, Kizaru's performance spread throughout the entire village in no time.
Everyone learned that Shimura Kizaru had a terrifying gift for physical conditioning, and was also exceptionally talented in ninjutsu.
As a result, the Shimura Clan became the most popular place in the village in a matter of days. Many clan heads found suitable excuses to pay them a visit.
The Shimura Clan had Danzo, its clan head, serving as Hokage Assistant and having founded Root. And its future held a super-genius like Shimura Kizaru. Anyone with a normal level of intelligence could see that the Shimura Clan's prospects for the next several decades were bright and full of promise!
The Yamanaka Clan and the Aburame Clan, already on friendly terms with the Shimura Clan, went even further to show their closeness. They proactively arranged for many of their talented shinobi to join Root, considerably strengthening it.
Danzo, the one in charge of Root, appeared calm in the face of such generous gifts, but inside he was filled with delight.
And Danzo adored Kizaru more than ever!
To help Kizaru build his reputation, Danzo had many clan members and Root operatives spread the word around the village: six-year-old Shimura Kizaru had improved the B-rank Wind Release techniques Vacuum Sphere, Vacuum Great Sphere, Vacuum Wave, and Vacuum Serial Waves. He had also created the A-rank techniques Super Wind Style: Vacuum Sphere and Super Wind Style: Vacuum Wave, as well as the S-rank techniques Super Wind Style: Vacuum Great Sphere and Super Wind Style: Vacuum Serial Waves.
The news sparked even more discussion throughout the village. Shimura Kizaru became the talk of the town, and everyone marveled at his astonishing talent.
But when the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, heard the news, his expression grew complicated.
It wasn't that Hiruzen didn't want to see the Shimura Clan produce such a genius. As Danzo's friend, he knew that Danzo had been the one to improve those techniques.
Back when Danzo had worked on them, their teacher, the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju, had provided plenty of guidance, and Hiruzen himself had offered Danzo many ideas and suggestions.
His friend really was giving everything he had to support the younger generation!
Hiruzen sat in his office, smoking and sighing over it.
Thinking of the Sarutobi Clan, which had not a single promising youngster he could support, Hiruzen couldn't help envying Danzo.
It seemed he would have to put in more effort himself. He already knew what his eldest child was capable of; all he could do was try to have another child and take his chances.
Rubbing his aching lower back, Hiruzen decided that since he wasn't too old yet, he'd better hurry up and have another child.
While Hiruzen lamented that his clan had no successor and resolved to have another child, Danzo was worrying over how talented his nephew was.
His old friend wanted his nephew to graduate early, and Danzo was all for it. But the person involved wasn't willing, which made things rather difficult!
Now the Hokage wanted Kizaru to graduate early, his teachers wanted him to graduate early, and everyone in the village was waiting for him to do so, eager to see how he'd perform in the graduation exam!
The whole village had built up the atmosphere for it, yet the person involved didn't want to graduate early. It was incredibly frustrating!
Given the current public opinion, all Kizaru had to do was take the early graduation exam and use his Kekkei Genkai to defeat a Jonin on the day, and his reputation as a super-genius would be secured.
Then, as long as he avoided any serious moral failings and continued growing stronger, he would carry everyone's hopes, become a top-tier powerhouse with Danzo's help, achieve great military feats, and build up enough prestige. Wouldn't the Hokage's seat then be his for the taking?
Danzo had even figured out how he would realize his political ambitions after his nephew became Hokage—help Konoha grow strong and perhaps even unite the Shinobi World!
But he was already stuck at the very first step. Kizaru didn't want to graduate early. He wanted to keep going to school.
"It's not that I want to go back on my promise. It's just that the Hokage's request is something this old man can't refuse." Danzo sat across from Kizaru, looking as though he had no choice in the matter.
"Uncle, I think the three-year plan is great. There's no need to change it," Kizaru said with a smile.
"Things in this world are always changing. Very few things stay the same," Danzo continued. "Your talent is simply too extraordinary, far beyond this old man's expectations. It's no longer suitable for you to stay in school."
"I think it's perfectly suitable. A six-year-old child should be at school, studying, shouldn't he?" Kizaru's face kept its faint smile.
Danzo took a good look at his strapping, slender nephew, who stood 175 centimeters tall. It was hard to connect him with the words "six years old."
You at six and an ordinary six-year-old child were practically two different species, weren't they?
Danzo really wanted to complain, but there wasn't much he could say.
After thinking it over in silence, Danzo decided to compromise.
"This old man knows what you're thinking. How about this? You apply for early graduation now, but for the first two years after graduating, you won't have to take on any missions. You'll only need to train."
Hearing Danzo's new proposal, Kizaru didn't answer right away. Instead, he considered it seriously.
His uncle's meaning was simple: he would make up for the time lost by graduating early. For two years after graduation, Kizaru wouldn't have to go on missions and could focus on training at home.
After giving it some thought, Kizaru looked at Danzo and said, "I'll accept that arrangement, but I have one condition."
"What is it?" Danzo asked.
"Let me finish my first year. That way, I'll see it through to the end."
"No problem!" Danzo answered at once.
Although it would have to be put off for a while, Danzo was already more than satisfied that Kizaru had agreed to graduate early.
"Then, if there's nothing else, I'll head back now, Uncle."
As he spoke, Kizaru rose from his seat.
"Wait!" Danzo called out when he saw Kizaru about to leave.
"Is there something else?" Kizaru stood looking down at Danzo.
"After you graduate, have you thought about what you want in a teacher?"
"A guiding teacher?" Kizaru hadn't really given it any thought. He looked up at the ceiling, pondered briefly, then lowered his gaze. "What a hassle! I'll leave it to you, Uncle."
With that, Kizaru didn't give Danzo a chance to say anything more. He simply strode out.
Watching Kizaru's retreating figure, Danzo shook his head helplessly.