At dawn, as the war was nearing its end, Konoha suddenly became rife with undercurrents. Every few days, a few ninjas went missing, and countless rumors began circulating through the village.
For instance: Iwagakure might backtrack on the peace treaty, or Kumogakure might continue to wage war against Konoha…
In short, the villagers, whose faces had just begun to show relief, grew anxious once again. But for now, none of this concerned Ye Mizunotsuki.
Early in the morning, he had a simple breakfast, holding the Enma Blade he had acquired yesterday, and slowly walked toward the Ninja Academy.
Some decisions were finally due.
…
Ninja Academy, Kurai's Office
"What? You want to apply for early graduation? Has the Hokage been informed? Wait—why suddenly this decision? The war isn't even fully over yet!"
Kurai held the application in shock, staring at Ye Mizunotsuki standing calmly before him.
Clearly, this decision was made after careful thought—and he was resolute.
With Ice Release, Special Jonin-level chakra, mature theoretical knowledge, and nearly "cheating-level" cards—especially after obtaining the Enma Blade—Ye Mizunotsuki had no reason to stay comfortably in Konoha.
A fledgling must eventually take flight. To advance faster, he needed to set challenges for himself.
Many were still stronger than him in the shinobi world—but that was precisely the challenge he sought.
And he believed he was ready.
"I understand. Honestly, from the very first day of school, I knew your strength was no less than a regular Genin. Now, after half a year of training and considerable progress, I will submit your graduation application to the Hokage for final approval. After all, you were recommended by the Hokage himself."
Kurai tucked away the application and patted Ye on the shoulder. "I wish you success."
Ye bowed deeply. Although Kurai's strength was modest, he had taught Ye many things and could be called a teacher. Ye had always held deep respect for his mentors.
"Thank you, Kurai-sensei."
…
Classroom
In the classroom, Red Bean, still in high spirits after being taken out to eat by Orochimaru yesterday, hummed happily at her desk. Umizuki Yuyaka, however, stared at an empty seat in the corner, her eyes filled with concern and curiosity.
"Red Bean, why hasn't Ye-kun arrived yet? Is he sick?"
Red Bean noticed for the first time that Ye Mizunotsuki, never late before, had indeed not arrived. Her bright eyes widened. "No way! He's so ruthless, he could kick someone to death—there's no way he's sick."
"But—"
Umizuki was about to argue when Kurai entered the classroom, holding books and leaning on the podium. "Class begins."
The bell rang outside.
"Sensei!" Red Bean raised her hand, pointing to the empty seat. "Someone hasn't arrived!"
The other girls who admired Ye also noticed his absence and started murmuring.
"Class, settle down. Ye is summoned by the Hokage. He might not attend class ever again," Kurai said calmly, refusing to answer further questions, and began the day's lesson.
Red Bean and Umizuki exchanged glances, both puzzled.
"What could have happened to Ye-kun?"
…
Hokage Tower
Hiruzen Sarutobi puffed on a pipe, blowing out smoke rings—a habit he had recently developed.
"Kurai has already reported your case. In principle, I have no grounds to refuse. But have you truly considered this?"
Over the past six months, Hiruzen's attention on Ye had not waned; if anything, it had grown. The reports from Kurai praised him highly.
Despite weak academic performance, his thinking was sharp and creative; his proficiency with ninja tools had skyrocketed from the bottom to the top; his talent for hand seals allowed for one-handed seals and perfected the Multi-Clones technique, surpassing Kurai himself.
Previously, Hiruzen valued Ye mostly for his extraordinary Ice Release. Now, even as an ordinary civilian shinobi, Ye could potentially create miracles, like Minato Namikaze.
According to Kurai, Ye possessed all the essential qualities of a naturally gifted shinobi.
"Yes, Hokage-sama. I can no longer learn anything at the Ninja Academy."
Ye admitted his ambition without hesitation. He wanted power. Hiruzen's heart tensed as he sensed the boy's desire.
"I understand."
Hiruzen nodded. He was not Danzo—his heart was far more accommodating. Perhaps that was why Tobirama had entrusted Konoha to him.
"Three days from now, at Training Ground 40. Even though this is early graduation, the exam will be more stringent, including real combat scenarios."
Ordinary graduation exams required only the Multi-Clones technique and basic ninjutsu. Early graduation signified genius. Every early graduate was noticed by the village. Those setting the youngest-age record included Kakashi Hatake, whom Ye had seen multiple times.
"I understand," Ye said, as if expecting the Hokage's approval. This was just the beginning.
"Hokage-sama, if I pass the exam, may I join the Anbu? There are no peers with whom I can form a team."
This was Ye's true goal: joining the Anbu would provide greater challenges. Being a regular Genin was not in his plan.
"You want to join the Anbu?"
Hiruzen paused. No Konoha Genin had ever immediately joined the Anbu upon graduation.
The Anbu required the elite—those capable of undertaking the village's most difficult missions.
But recalling the intelligence Danzo had shown him six months prior, Hiruzen's eyes flickered—and he agreed.
"We'll see how you perform."
Ye immediately understood. Only exceptional performance would earn Hiruzen's trust.
"Then it's time to show my real skills," Ye thought, leaving to prepare. He knew it was time to make a bold move.