Early Graduation, It's Imperative! [Monday Ranking Push, Begging for Collections~~]

When something like this happens, the Senju Clan naturally won't be pleased, and they directly sent people to negotiate with the Uchiha.

The Uchiha played dumb about everything—the rumors were deliberately spread by them, so how could they let the Senju get what they wanted?

"And the result?"

The Third Hokage, after listening to his subordinate's report, sat in silence for several minutes before finally asking.

The teacher's plea had been carefully considered by the Third Hokage. He also knew that given Hikaru's current training level, Hikaru was having some financial difficulties. If Hikaru were to take Tsunade's money because of this, then he truly wouldn't be worth valuing.

"Princess Tsunade... well... took the money to the casino, and was discovered by Uchiha Hikaru on the way. That's how this happened. Princess Tsunade seems worried that Uchiha Hikaru will tell others about it."

"I understand. You may go." The Third Hokage waved his hand, indicating he had grasped the situation.

Sitting alone in his office, the Third Hokage quietly smoked his pipe. No one knew what he was thinking. As for the commotion between the Senju and Uchiha clans, the Third Hokage neither approved nor intervened, as if he were unaware of the matter entirely.

As for the fuss between the Senju and Uchiha clans, it was merely a trivial matter. The Uchiha were purely trying to disgust the Senju.

"Look, it's Uchiha Hikaru!!!"

"Who would've thought, such a handsome kid, what a shame."

Walking along the road in the early morning, Hikaru listened to the pointing and whispering around him, his expression unchanged, as if they weren't talking about him at all.

In truth, was Hikaru really not angry?

If he could, he'd love to slap them across the face. But with matters like this, if you ignore them, everything eventually fades away—it's all just momentary noise. If you dig into it, you'll only make things murkier.

By then, you wouldn't be able to clear your name even if you jumped into the Yellow River.

These people were just joining in the excitement. Given time, they'd naturally forget. Was a matter between two children really worth so much attention? Truly worth caring about?

It was the same on the streets as it was at the academy.

But Hikaru paid none of it any mind. Carrying Tsunade's money, he went straight to the office.

"Teacher, this is the money Tsunade gave me. Also, I'd like to apply for early graduation today."

"..."

Looking at Hikaru, whose expression was frank and seemingly unaffected, the teacher was a bit stunned. With such rumors spreading, the teacher was also worried for Hikaru. Anyone with eyes could see the Uchiha were just trying to spite the Senju, but unfortunately, this wasn't something Hikaru could control or change at his current level.

He thought Hikaru was a good kid and hoped Hikaru would catch the Third Hokage's eye and receive focused training. Setting aside the factors of the Uchiha being ostracized and unwelcome, from a teacher's perspective, he thought highly of Hikaru.

Of course, he also believed Hikaru wouldn't do such a thing. Besides, both children were only five years old—would they really do something so sordid?

Looking at the neatly arranged money on the desk, the teacher felt relieved. It proved Hikaru hadn't touched Tsunade's money.

But before he could say anything, Hikaru's words about applying for graduation caught him off guard. The Third Hokage hadn't even given a clear answer yet, and Hikaru was already pushing for early graduation.

"I'm sorry for the trouble, Teacher." Hikaru didn't give the teacher a chance to speak, thanking him and turning to leave.

"Wait!!!" The teacher immediately panicked. "Child, why are you so set on applying for early graduation? Do you know what kind of assessment you'll have to go through? You're only five!! Can't you just stay in school and keep studying?"

"I know. Applying for early graduation requires a combat assessment, and you need at least Genin-level strength to pass."

Hikaru wasn't joking. He nodded and said confidently, "But I believe I can pass."

"It's not about whether you can pass or not, it's that..." The teacher scratched his head, truly unable to understand why Hikaru was in such a hurry. Even if he needed money, he couldn't be this reckless.

"Fine, fine. Go back to the classroom first. I'll report this to the Hokage Lord personally. Also, regarding the rumors outside, I'll ask the Hokage Lord to step in and clarify."

"Thank you, Teacher."

For an early graduation application, the teacher could only accept it, not refuse it. He could advise against it, but he couldn't suppress it. He had no choice but to report it to the Third Hokage. Whether it would pass depended on the Third Hokage's decision.

Leaving the office, Hikaru still felt a bit touched. His teacher was good to him and willing to believe in him.

However, applying for early graduation was absolutely necessary!!!

"What are you looking at?! Keep staring and I'll make you regret it!!!"

Just as Hikaru reached the classroom door, he heard Tsunade's roar. With this kind of incident, Hikaru might not care—given time, everything would naturally fade, and all the lies would crumble on their own—but Tsunade was different.