Three days later, the new semester arrived as scheduled.
However, on the playground for the opening ceremony, a figure who usually attracted everyone's attention was missing—Hatake Kakashi.
It wasn't until the ceremony ended that the news gradually spread: before school started, Kakashi had formally submitted an application for early graduation to the Ninja Academy. He was devoting all his efforts to preparing for the graduation exam in three days. It was said that even the Third Hokage would personally attend to observe.
This counted as a major event in the Ninja Academy, and indeed, all of Konoha.
Once successful, Kakashi would break the record for the fastest and youngest graduation in Konoha's history.
Since the rumors regarding the White Fang had circulated for only a short time, the fact of his suicide had not been made public.
Therefore, in the eyes of the vast majority of teachers and students, Kakashi's sudden move must have been because he was defeated by Higashino Shinichi and was provoked. Thus, he chose this method to prove that his talent had not gathered dust and that he was still the stronger one.
Of course, there were also attentive bystanders who felt a trace of doubt: If it were merely to prove he was stronger, why not directly challenge Higashino Shinichi to a more formal rematch? Why insist on choosing the path of early graduation?
Perhaps geniuses simply possess pride and logic that are difficult for ordinary people to understand.
Whatever the reason, Kakashi's graduation storm inevitably dragged Shinichi, who had defeated him, into the whirlpool of public opinion.
While people discussed Kakashi, speculations and discussions such as "Will that Shinichi who defeated Kakashi make a move too?" and "Will he also apply for early graduation?" began to circulate quietly.
Shinichi paid no mind to this commotion. As soon as the opening ceremony ended, he went straight to the teachers' office and found his homeroom teacher, Matsumoto Fumio.
"What?"
Inside the office, astonishment was written all over Matsumoto Fumio's face. "You... you couldn't possibly want to apply for early graduation too?!"
He couldn't be blamed for the misunderstanding. His student had come up saying he had basically mastered the school curriculum and hoped to access more systematic and deeper ninjutsu learning.
This sounded exactly like the prelude to a graduation application.
"Shinichi-kun, you must not be impulsive!" Matsumoto-sensei hurriedly urged against it. "You are still too young. Don't just look at what Kakashi does and follow suit."
Higashino Shinichi defeating Hatake Kakashi was certainly a shocking victory, but this absolutely did not mean that the current him possessed the comprehensive abilities required of a formal ninja.
Hatake Kakashi had his ancestral heritage and possessed five elemental chakra natures. This meant that when facing enemies of any attribute or environmental obstacles, he had richer means of response and a higher tactical ceiling.
"We have all seen your potential. Precisely because of this, you must proceed step by step." Seeing Shinichi's expression looked a bit strange, Matsumoto-sensei softened his tone.
"You've misunderstood, Sensei." Shinichi shook his head and explained, "I don't want to graduate early. I just want to ask, through what formal channels and by satisfying what conditions can I access more systematic and deeper ninjutsu study?"
"You want to learn higher-ranked jutsu?"
"Yes."
"What specifically do you want to learn?"
"The Shadow Clone Technique."
"Shadow Clone?" Matsumoto-sensei was slightly surprised. He didn't ask how Shinichi knew about the Shadow Clone Technique—this diligent and studious student likely found it in the Academy library or the village library. Instead, he asked, "Why do you want to learn this ninjutsu?"
"It's like this, Sensei. I always feel that there isn't enough time for training. While looking up information, I learned that the Shadow Clone Technique created by the Second Hokage can create clones with physical substance. They can act and fight independently, and after they are dispelled, the clone's memories and experiences return to the original body." Shinichi spoke with candor:
"So I was thinking, since experience and memory can return, is it possible to use this technique to assist in training? Theoretically, if used reasonably, wouldn't it be equivalent to extending effective training or study time in a disguised form?"
"Use it for training?"
Matsumoto-sensei was moved. This idea fit perfectly with this child's consistent diligence. "That is indeed a creative line of thought, but..."
He first affirmed it, then changed the subject to point out the key issue:
"The Shadow Clone Technique consumes a very large amount of chakra. The clone's memories and experiences will return, but the fatigue and burden will also stack. Moreover, it only brings back memory and experience. Actual training results, such as physical growth or chakra refining, still need to be completed step by step by the main body."
"So that's how it is." A look of appropriate sudden realization appeared on Shinichi's face.
Of course, he had known these limitations long ago. But appearing all-knowing would rob the teacher of the sense of accomplishment in teaching.
"Sensei, I understand the risks and limitations you mentioned. Thank you very much for the reminder."
Shinichi's gaze became determined again:
"But even so, its auxiliary role in certain aspects is still significant. For example, I can hone my taijutsu myself, but Shadow Clones might help me learn more theoretical knowledge simultaneously, summarize strategies for different situations, or even simulate some low-intensity chakra control exercises. This could greatly improve the efficiency of my learning and summarization."
"So, Sensei, through what channel can I learn the Shadow Clone Technique?"
Hearing this, Matsumoto-sensei frowned slightly, revealing a somewhat difficult expression.
If Shinichi wanted to learn a D-rank, or even a general C-rank ninjutsu, as a homeroom teacher and a Chunin, he might be able to make the call and find an opportunity to give private guidance, counting it as nurturing an excellent student.
But the Shadow Clone Technique was different. It was a highly practical B-rank ninjutsu developed by the Second Hokage. Aside from family inheritance...
Usually, one needed to become a formal ninja, accumulate merit through executing missions, and then apply to the relevant village departments to obtain learning qualifications as a reward.
Or, it could be taught by a guiding Jonin with sufficient authority and strength, after reporting to the village based on the team member's situation.
But he, Matsumoto Fumio, was just a Chunin teacher. Within his jurisdiction, he did not have the authority to directly grant students B-rank ninjutsu.
Weighing the pros and cons quickly in his mind, Matsumoto-sensei did not directly reject this diligent student.
He pondered for a moment and proposed a compromise: "Shinichi, how about this. Go back and write a formal application detailing your reasons for wanting to learn the Shadow Clone Technique, as well as your understanding of its risks and your plan for its usage. I will help you submit it to the school administration, and the school will then forward it to the relevant village departments."
He paused, slowing his tone to offer a guarantee: "Of course, the approval of such applications requires consideration of many factors, so it may not necessarily pass. If the village does not approve it..."
"Sensei can teach you some other practical C-rank or D-rank ninjutsu within my own authority. Although they might not fit your specific concept like the Shadow Clone, they will still be of tangible help to improving your strength. What do you think?"
This was the best path and promise he could secure for his student within the scope of his abilities.
Upon hearing this, a look of gratitude appeared on Shinichi's face. He took a half-step back and bowed solemnly to Matsumoto-sensei. "I understand. Thank you, Sensei, for taking the trouble to consider this for me. I'll go back and prepare the application immediately."