Raizen first disparaged his former home, then praised Konoha.
Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded lightly.
The Will of Fire was indeed unique to Konoha—the spirit that kept the village alive and thriving.
"Everyone here has treated me very well. They all treat me as one of their own.
I think this care is the true meaning of the Will of Fire—it means 'to protect'…"
Raizen continued, comparing Konoha favorably to the Land of Lightning in every way: more advanced, more harmonious, kinder.
In short: Konoha wins, wins, wins—total victory.
The other examiners in the room, hearing an Uchiha who had lived in the Land of Lightning praise Konoha so earnestly, felt a surge of pride.
This was their Konoha. Their home.
"You have comprehended the entry: [Early Graduation (White)]."
[Entry: Early Graduation (White)]
[Requirement: Graduate early from the Ninja Academy.]
[Progress: (Completed).]
[Effect: Your learning ability increases by 5% on top of your original ability.]
[Note: Can be further upgraded later.]
[Upgrade Path 1: Merge with "Muscle Memory (White)" to upgrade to "Hardworking Top Student (White)."]
[Upgrade Path 2: Merge with "Reading Absorption (White)" and "Basic Memory (White)" to upgrade to "Gifted Top Student (Green)."]
Raizen closed the semi-transparent panel. This wasn't the right time to examine it.
"Excellent."
Sarutobi Hiruzen smiled with satisfaction.
Raizen's understanding reminded him of someone...his old teammate, Uchiha Kagami.
Even Tobirama-sensei had praised Kagami highly.
He was an Uchiha who truly belonged to the Will of Fire faction.
If Raizen could be nurtured properly, he might become another Uchiha Kagami.
After a few more words of encouragement, Sarutobi Hiruzen sent Raizen back.
Raizen pushed open the door. Sarutobi Asuma's eyes widened at the sight of the headband on his forehead.
"I want to take the exam too!"
Sarutobi Asuma rushed inside in a hurry.
Sarutobi Hiruzen's brow furrowed slightly.
He had already learned yesterday afternoon that his son wanted to apply for early graduation.
"Asuma, you…"
He had originally planned to tell him to stay in the academy longer, but changed his mind.
"Come on then. Let me see how well you've prepared."
Sarutobi Hiruzen lit his pipe.
Since Raizen had graduated early, he would soon need a team assignment.
Why not place Asuma on the same team? It would also demonstrate the Hokage's openness toward the Uchiha.
"Alright."
Sarutobi Asuma nodded, then stepped forward to draw his technique.
Click.
The door closed once more.
Red, just watch me!
Sarutobi Asuma thought to himself, glancing back.
"She must be worrying about me right now."
Sarutobi Asuma felt motivated.
"It's the Clone Technique."
The examiner's words snapped him back.
Taking a deep breath, he began the test.
Raizen, you're amazing."
Yūhi Kurenai's gaze locked onto Raizen as he emerged, staring at the headband on his forehead.
Yūhi Kurenai wasn't just being polite—she genuinely meant it.
Even though Raizen was about the same age as them, he had received far less formal education.
"You can do it too, Red."
Raizen said with a faint smile.
The unfamiliar weight of the headband on his forehead still felt strange.
No wonder some shinobi tied theirs on their arms or waists instead.
"I hope I can succeed."
Kurenai nodded, a touch of melancholy in her expression.
Truthfully, she had never considered early graduation before.
But staying longer really wouldn't offer much more. The academy had little left to teach.
The two chatted for a while. Raizen also went over to greet Nohara Rin.
Obito had already disappeared somewhere....Rin said he went to train.
Raizen didn't mind and continued talking with the two girls.
Not long after, Sarutobi Asuma burst out of the exam room, beaming.
He pointed proudly at the headband on his forehead and said to Kurenai,
"See, Red? Early graduation isn't such a big deal."
Though he tried to sound casual, the smug grin on his face gave him away.
Clearly, he was thrilled.
"…"
As the saying goes: no comparison, no harm.
Kurenai couldn't help but feel Asuma seemed far less composed than Raizen.
"Red?"
Seeing the slight disappointment still lingering on her face, Asuma panicked, wondering what he'd done wrong.
He wanted to ask, but Kurenai had already stepped forward to take her turn in the exam room.
Asuma could only sigh and give up.
"Where's Obito?"
He had wanted to show off to Obito, but after looking around, he didn't see him.
"He left."
Nohara Rin said softly.
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