The sparring match between other classmates was less captivating than the first fight. Since most of them were either civilians or orphans, they lacked the skills of the village's famous clans. No fancy moves were used, and none of them demonstrated any of the three academy jutsus that Koji sensei had instructed.
Taketa Kenta, the slim boy who was Kajiwara Ryōta's opponent today, mainly used a kunai to fight, which surprised Hikaru because bukijutsu (use of ninja weaponry) in combat is only taught in the later years.
After observing the fight, his initial surprise faded quickly as he realized it was unnecessary. Kenta wasn't proficient with handling the kunai as a weapon, so he was no match for the chubby boy who had been training with him for the past six months.
Even though Ryōta was still overweight, his technique had improved significantly due to sparring with Hikaru continuously. The only downside was that he didn't have the opportunity to demonstrate his jutsu in this fight, as it wasn't necessary.
After the class ended, as Hikaru had expected, Koji sensei called him into his room.
Ryōta, having heard Koji sensei call out his name, gave him a look of understanding before leaving the academy first, along with many other classmates. On the other hand, Inuzuka Seiji gave him a death stare, probably cursing him in his heart as if he were an enemy.
Hikaru could only sigh at his sensei's instructions and follow him unwillingly to the room. He took a slow walk, taking his time to come up with as many excuses as he could think of to deny any request that would require him to graduate earlier.
The room was located on the second floor and accommodated numerous sensei. Only one sensei remained in the room, greeting Koji sensei as they arrived. As Hikaru approached his sensei's table, he noticed numerous scrolls scattered around it, suggesting that his sensei was not a particularly organized person.
Takayama Koji took his seat, looking at Hikaru and contemplating his student's recent performances.
He had observed many students, but this particular one had made the most significant progress since the academy reopened.
As their sensei, he knew from the beginning that Hikaru wasn't a match for the Inuzuka boy, so he decided to give him a chance by stalling their match for some time to train, hoping that their minor conflict would motivate him to catch up.
The results of this small experiment, conducted on a whim, greatly surprised him.
Despite his dubious story, Takayama Koji was pleased that he had given Hikaru the three academy jutsu earlier. In today's sparring fight, each jutsu application was well-timed against his opponent.
It showed that Hikaru had really put in some effort to train and lived up to his expectations.
Overall, while his achievements may not be as remarkable as those of a young genius from the Uchiha clan, he possessed qualifications that surpassed those of his peers.
In light of recent events, Hokage-sama had also urged all academy sensei to identify suitable talented students who could be encouraged to take a step further to help fill the vacant spots and replenish their village's strength.
Observing his student's nervous behavior, Koji sensei couldn't help but smile merrily and say,
"You've been the most improved student in the class since the beginning."
'Here it comes,' Hikaru thought as he scratched his cheek, showing his worried expression.
Koji sensei took out his cup and poured some water as he slowly narrated, "The three academy jutsu you used in the fight show that you are a capable ninja already."
"Don't you feel like this class is not up to par with your skills? Perhaps you could expand your knowledge if you chose to..."
"No, sensei. I don't think I'm ready!" Hikaru interrupted his sensei's speech while shaking his head.
Koji sensei furrowed his brow as he heard his student deny his suggestion and asked, "Why not? I believe you're more than ready."
Taking a deep breath to organize his thoughts, Hikaru began to explain his reason nervously: "There is still so much to learn, Koji sensei."
"I barely survived against Seiji-san earlier; my chakra reserve is still very low. Fighting for another minute would exhaust me."
"My chakra control stinks too; I can't use many jutsu as well as others."
"There are still many fundamental classes to catch up on."
"I didn't even get to work on bukitjutsu yet."
"..."
After listening to all the excuses his student could come up with, Koji started to feel overwhelmed and had a headache. He couldn't help but think, 'Did I make the wrong judgment?'
Despite numerous excuses, Koji refused to give up prematurely and said, "Strength is not the only measurement that judges whether you are ready or not; there are many other areas that we look at."
"I believe..." Koji continued to speak, but upon seeing Hikaru's sad expression, he stopped and sighed.
"Alright, I understand." Koji sensei spoke as he took a sip of water and gestured for Hikaru to leave. "If you change your mind, then come to me later."
"Yes, sensei," Hikaru replied happily, and he got out of the sensei room quickly.
Takayama Koji then massaged his head as he saw his student leave his office. A voice then spoke to him from nearby: "A troublesome one, huh?"
Koji turned his head toward his colleague, Fujiwara Daisuke, and replied, "Yeah, he's a weird kid."
Daisuke chuckled at Koji as he spoke his thoughts: "He must have had something in him that made you want to convince him to graduate early."
"He's got some talent; he probably got it from his parents," Koji replied as he stood up and walked toward the window nearby.
Daisuke immediately became interested when he heard and asked, "Who are the boy's parents?"
"Muranaka Sora and his wife, Yukiko," Koji said, enjoying the view as he watched the students make their way home.
"Ah!" Daisuke exclaimed upon hearing the news and remembering their feats. After pondering for a few moments, Daisuke approached his colleague and suggested, "Why not move him to my class?"
"Your class?" The question stunned Koji, causing him to raise his eyebrow.
Daisuke nodded, then said, "Uchiha Itachi has already graduated from my class; I need to find one more student to make up the number."
Koji thought for a few moments before responding, "Sure, but maybe after the exam ends."
"If he shows enough talent, I'm more than happy to accept him into my class." Daisuke expressed his thoughts with enthusiasm.
After giving his colleague's suggestion some serious thought this time, Koji finally smiled.
'Despite his apparent reluctance to graduate, placing him in a class with numerous elite students from the large clan could potentially persuade him to reconsider.'
"I'm sure he'll fit in without any problem," Koji said with a confident face. Then he remembered a crucial detail that was passed to him earlier. Koji lifted his chin and organized his thoughts before making an inquiry. "Do you also have another slot open?"
"Why?" Daisuke asked with a confused expression.
Koji let out a sigh and said, "The Inuzuka clan has asked for a favor: whether one of their members could move up to your class."
Daisuke then understood his colleague's unique circumstances; one cannot disregard a favor request from the big clan. They were only academy sensei, after all; their status hierarchy was different.
He thought for a few seconds and asked, "Is his performance up to par with the other boy?"
After seeing his colleague shake his head, Daisuke then bit his bottom lip and bitterly said, "Then I suggest we report the situation to the Third Hokage and let him decide."
"This is beyond our ability, after all."
...
After coming out of the academy, Hikaru could still feel the pressure from his sensei, who was trying to convince him to graduate early. He was sweating so much that he thought he had exercised for an hour.
If Hikaru were to seize this opportunity, it would indicate that he is nearing the point where he is prepared to take the lives of others, or vice versa. He doesn't think he is ready to take that step yet.
However, one day he will have to face this reality; being a ninja entails training to become a soldier. Hikaru acknowledged this fact; he has already decided to persist with his training and cannot back off.
It's just that graduating this year is still too soon, so it doesn't benefit him as much.
Hikaru sneezed as he walked back toward his home, thinking that someone must have spoken badly of him behind his back. He thought for a moment and decided to change routes and head toward the training ground instead.
A chubby boy may still be waiting for him at the training ground.
When Hikaru reached the training ground at the same spot where he had trained in the morning, he saw his friend working hard, trying to practice the tree-climbing exercise.
Ryōta, with a look of determination on his face, ran quickly toward a tree, trying to climb up with each step. The tree was about forty meters high, but he only got five meters before jumping off.
With a slight shake of his head, Hikaru expressed his opinion, saying, "You need to concentrate more on your chakra control."
Ryōta was surprised to hear someone's voice, but when he turned around and realized it was Hikaru, he simply sighed in relief and said quietly, "I already tried, but I'm not as good as you."
Hikaru blinked his eyes in confusion, asking, "Why do you compare yourself to me? Just be patient and keep training harder."
Ryōta kept his head down, thinking for a bit before clenching his fist as he asked, "Koji sensei already asked you to graduate, didn't he?"
Upon hearing the question, Hikaru raised his eyebrow, recalling that Ryōta had asked him earlier in the morning. He only shook his head slightly before channeling his chakra into his feet and moving slowly toward the tree, saying, "Yes, sensei did ask me."
"How was it? Did you accept his offer?" Ryōta inquired hurriedly as he watched Hikaru slowly walk upright with his feet stuck on the tree.
After Hikaru walked toward one of the tree branches, he stood still with his head downward and finally said, "But I rejected it."
"Wait, what?" Ryōta exclaimed as he was stunned by the answer and immediately gestured with both of his hands open wide, asking, "Why did you reject the opportunity to graduate?"
"You already beat Seiji-san; you're the best in class."
Hikaru crossed his arms and glanced at the boy for a few moments before saying, "I already told you the reason this morning, and I still think it's too early for me to graduate."
Hikaru paused for a moment before continuing, "I did beat Seiji-san, but it was due to luck; you know his temper; he always rushes for a quick win."
"With a little bit of thinking, you could always do the same as me."
Ryōta shook his head in disagreement and said in a low voice, "No, I don't think I can do the same as you."
Hikaru couldn't help but scratch his cheek and change the strategy by asking, "Well, you saw me every day, training hard—maybe even harder than you, but why have I still decided not to take the opportunity?"
"Have you ever thought about this?"
Ryōta suddenly felt weak and quiet after all the questions dazzled him.
Hikaru leapt from one tree branch to another, taking several steps down until he reached near his friend.
Looking at him closely made Hikaru feel a bit sorry for him. He knew Ryōta had always dreamed of becoming a real Shinobi ninja, following in the footsteps of his parents and big brother, but the opportunity never came.
His efforts were still insufficient to pique their sensei's interest.
To be honest, Ryōta is still too naive and impatient, forgetting that he is still young and has many years to hone his skills and be ready. Being in a subclass doesn't mean that his opportunity will never come. It may just take a bit longer, but if he works really hard, he will reach it one day.
In Hikaru's case, he was a little bit lucky. His opportunity came earlier, thanks to his parents' note and their experience, and he had some initial capital from their jutsu arsenal. But this doesn't mean he didn't work hard for it.
Even with the opportunity given to him at the start, Hikaru would still push the graduation date as far as possible if he weren't under any pressure. Of course, unless circumstances dictate otherwise.
Also, he had another motive: he did not wish to graduate by himself. He'd love to finish the academy with his first friend in this world.
"You may think I'm a coward, but only partly." Hikaru reached out his hand toward Ryōta's shoulder and patted it slightly. "The real reason is simple: I told you I wasn't ready, and I meant it."
"I'm barely qualified."