"Kakashi hasn't come to class for three months now… have any of you seen him?"
Rin's voice trembled slightly as she spoke. The group of children sat in the academy's courtyard, the afternoon sunlight casting long shadows across the training field.
Everyone shook their heads.
Ever since the White Fang's tragedy, Kakashi had disappeared from the academy. The empty seat in class felt heavier every day, a reminder that the aloof prodigy who once outpaced them all was now burdened by grief. With the semester nearing its end and still no sign of him, worry hung in the air.
"He's probably still mourning," Lock finally said, his tone calm, though his gaze sharpened. "His father just passed away. It's normal he isn't in the mood for classes. Don't worry too much—Kakashi's stronger than he looks. He'll get through this."
If it had been anyone else, Lock might have doubted it. But Kakashi… Kakashi had always been sharper, colder, and more resilient than his peers. A devastating loss like this would wound him, but it wouldn't break him.
In fact, Lock thought, this is the beginning of his transformation.
When Kakashi finally returned, it wasn't with quiet steps back into routine. His reappearance shocked the entire academy.
He applied for early graduation.
The announcement hit the students like a thunderclap. Whispers erupted instantly, swelling into an uproar that rippled far beyond the classroom. For a five-year-old to request graduation from the academy was unheard of. Since the school's founding, there had never been such a precedent.
The case went straight to the Third Hokage for approval. Teachers and parents buzzed with uncertainty. Could a child truly step into the world of shinobi so soon?
Among Lock's classmates, reactions were a mixture of awe, worry, and denial.
"No way… how can Kakashi graduate already? He's only five!" Rin clasped her hands tightly, her brow furrowed with concern.
"That jerk just wants to leave us behind," Obito grumbled, crossing his arms with a pout. "I don't agree at all!"
Genma turned toward Lock, his expression serious. "Lock, you've fought Kakashi before. Do you think he can really pass the graduation exam?"
Lock didn't hesitate. "He can. Without question."
He had clashed with Kakashi too many times not to know the truth. The boy's talent and discipline surpassed even most academy instructors. The school might try to raise the difficulty of the exam, but Kakashi would overcome it.
Obito groaned dramatically. "If Kakashi graduates, then he'll already be a real ninja. That means he's way ahead of us! How is that fair? We can't let him—"
Smack!
Lock's hand landed squarely on Obito's head.
"Idiot. Stop thinking only about yourself. Kakashi just lost his father. Of course he doesn't want to waste time here. He's already beyond what this place can teach him."
"Ow! Stop hitting me on the head!" Obito whined, rubbing the sore spot. Then he squinted up at Lock. "But wait… if the academy can't teach Kakashi anything, isn't the same true for you? You're even better than him sometimes, but you're still here. If you can stay, why can't he?"
Lock froze.
For a moment, Obito's childish logic hit him harder than any punch. He had already learned everything the academy could offer—basic theory, hand signs, chakra control exercises, even teamwork drills. Beyond this, only real missions could sharpen him further.
So why am I still here?
His heart began to race. A thought sparked and refused to fade.
If Kakashi can graduate early… then why can't I?
The idea lit a fire in his chest. He'd been searching for a way forward, for a chance to grow stronger, to move closer to his goals. This was it. Graduation wasn't limited by age—it was limited by ability.
"Lock? Lock!" Genma shook his shoulder, jolting him from his thoughts. "Why are you zoning out?"
Lock stood abruptly, determination hardening in his eyes. "I've decided. I'm going to apply for graduation too."
His words left the group stunned.
Without waiting for their protests, Lock marched straight toward his homeroom teacher, Yagyū Murakazu.
The older man nearly spat out his tea when he heard. "What did you just say? You want to apply for early graduation too?"
Lock bowed respectfully, but his gaze didn't waver. "Yes, sensei."
Yagyū groaned, dragging a hand down his face. He was already drowning in stress from Kakashi's application, waiting for Hokage-sama's decision, and now another headache had arrived. And not just anyone—Fujiwara Lock, the boy he had personally taken interest in, the prodigy he thought he could guide carefully into greatness.
"Lock…" Yagyū began, his tone weary. "Kakashi I can almost understand. But you? You're different. You're clever, disciplined, and far more mature than most your age. But that's exactly why I want you to stay in the academy. A shinobi's life is not simple. It's not just about talent or strength. You're a civilian-born child—you don't fully understand what it means to step into that world yet."
Lock bowed his head slightly, listening. He knew the man's words came from genuine care. But his resolve didn't waver.
"Teacher, I respect you deeply. But staying here is meaningless for me. I want to become a real shinobi. I have my own path to walk, and I can't delay it any longer. Please… let me try."
Yagyū's face reddened, his voice breaking into a rare shout. "You damn brat! Do you think this is a game? You think having a 'plan' is enough to survive out there? You're still a child!"
Lock met his glare calmly. "I've made up my mind. Please grant me this chance."
The teacher's fury ebbed into frustration. He stared at the boy, then sighed heavily, shoulders sagging.
"Two years," he muttered. "Just two more years in the academy would be the perfect time for you. But you won't listen, will you?"
Lock remained silent. His silence was answer enough.
Yagyū waved a hand in defeat. "Fine. But you're not Kakashi. If you want to apply for early graduation, bring your mother to the academy. If she agrees, I'll allow it."
Inwardly, he was certain that Lock's mother would never consent. What mother would willingly throw her child into the dangers of a shinobi's life so young?
Lock's lips curved into the faintest smile. "Understood."
This was the first step.
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