Even though her father, Yūhi Shinku, taught her genjutsu and knew far more than Raizen, talking with someone her own age was obviously more relaxing than facing her strict father.
"Yeah, I submitted the application yesterday."
Raizen said.
"Then… then I'm applying for early graduation too."
Kurenai thought for a moment and decided.
A lot of what the ninja academy taught, her father had already covered at home.
Only true civilians needed to follow the standard curriculum. Many students from ninja clans with resources had graduated early.
Of course, early graduates had different levels. Kakashi's record was the highest tier.
"You sure?"
Raizen looked at Kurenai.
Her cheeks still carried a bit of baby fat, soft and round. Right now, her small face was tense and serious.
"Mm."
Kurenai nodded firmly.
Before she could say more, Sarutobi Asuma rushed over from the classroom.
"Red, you're really graduating early?"
Sarutobi Asuma looked devastated, completely unable to accept Yūhi Kurenai graduating ahead of schedule.
Did that mean he would hardly see her anymore?
No matter what, Sarutobi Asuma couldn't accept this outcome.
Yūhi Kurenai nodded again and said,
"Asuma, do you want to graduate early too?"
"If Red is graduating, then I'll graduate too."
Sarutobi Asuma declared.
It was already Konoha Year 45. In the original timeline, they were supposed to graduate next year.
So this was just a few months early.
But Uchiha Raizen… graduating this quickly?
"Red, are you sure this guy isn't just showing off?"
Sarutobi Asuma asked Kurenai.
Back when the class was learning the Clone Technique together, Raizen's performance had been average at best.
Could he really have mastered all three basic techniques just by practicing on his own?
"I trust Raizen."
Kurenai dropped the "classmate" suffix.
After spending time together, she and Raizen had grown quite close.
"Fine then."
Seeing that even his goddess was backing him, Sarutobi Asuma had no choice but to relent.
If Uchiha Raizen failed, he'd be the first to call him out for pretending.
…
The next day.
Raizen entered the examination room alone.
Yūhi Kurenai and Sarutobi Asuma waited outside.
Somehow word had leaked, and Nohara Rin, Obito, and the others had found out too.
"It's only been a short while, and Raizen is already graduating?"
Nohara Rin said in surprise.
She still remembered when Raizen asked her to teach him Konoha's ninjutsu.
In the blink of an eye, he was already applying for early graduation.
Meanwhile, they still had to wait until next year.
"It's luck—pure luck!"
Obito grumbled unhappily.
How were they all so talented? First Kakashi, now Uchiha Raizen.
"Once I awaken my eyes, I'll be that amazing too."
Obito adjusted his goggles, clearly cherishing his future Sharingan.
"You're actually making sense for once, Obito."
Sarutobi Asuma agreed.
If Raizen really passed, wouldn't that mean he was strong in ninjutsu too?
…
The examiner was still Sarutobi Hiruzen.
Having received Raizen's early graduation application, he set aside his duties to personally oversee the test.
He was accompanied by Orochimaru and several instructors from the ninja academy acting as co-examiners.
Raizen calmly gathered chakra and formed hand seals.
The graduation exam randomly selected one of the three basic techniques. Raizen drew "Substitution Technique."
During his recent spar with Hyūga Natsu, he had used it effortlessly. Now it came naturally.
Poof.
Raizen turned into smoke, leaving only a wooden log in his place.
His real body stood three meters away.
"Raizen, you have passed the assessment."
Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded.
Uchiha Raizen's talent exceeded even his expectations. Ninjutsu, taijutsu, and genjutsu...he had no obvious weaknesses.
This made him an even better candidate to serve as a bridge for improving relations with the Uchiha clan.
Mastering all three basic techniques in just over half a year?"
Orochimaru licked the corner of his mouth, his golden slit pupils glinting.
The wind was blowing farther than expected.
Back in his day, even he probably hadn't been this outstanding.
"Uchiha Raizen, congratulations—you are now a full-fledged shinobi."
Sarutobi Hiruzen said, handing him a ninja headband.
"Thank you, Lord Hokage."
Raizen accepted the headband with an excited expression and tied it around his forehead.
The silver-gray metal surface, emblazoned with the Konoha symbol, glinted faintly.
Sarutobi Hiruzen then asked Raizen a few questions, mostly about his views on the Will of Fire.
"Lord Hokage, when I lived in the Land of Lightning, life was very oppressive.
Only after coming to Konoha did I learn that there is such a thing as the Will of Fire."
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