"What?!" Murayama Shigeru slammed his hands on his desk, his gaze fixed on his two students, Renzou Uchiha and Uchiha Kai, who stood calmly before him. "You… you two wish to apply for the graduation examination?" Murayama Shigeru rubbed his temples, a look of disbelief etched on his face as he sought confirmation. "Did I hear that correctly?"
"That's right, Teacher Shigeru. We're here to request the graduation assessment," Renzou Uchiha replied, a slight, helpless shrug accompanying his words as he noted his teacher's astonishment.
"But you're only third-year students! While your grades are exemplary, even the best in your year, becoming a ninja at this stage is… premature." Murayama Shigeru's gaze then shifted to Uchiha Kai. "Kai, are your family aware of your decision to graduate early?"
"My family has already given their consent. Therefore, I respectfully ask that Teacher Shigeru grant us this opportunity. Kakashi graduated almost immediately after enrolling, and our abilities are certainly not lacking," Uchiha Kai stated quietly but firmly, standing beside Renzou Uchiha. With his parents' approval secured, he saw no reason for further delay.
"But…" Murayama Shigeru trailed off, a mixture of concern and contemplation on his face before he finally fell silent. "You two return to class for now. I will submit your application."
"Thank you, Teacher Shigeru." A spark of anticipation lit their eyes. They both bowed their heads in gratitude before turning and heading back towards their classroom, leaving Murayama Shigeru to ponder the implications in his office.
…
"Hey, Renzou, Kai, you're back. What did you need Teacher Shigeru for?" Obito asked curiously as the two returned.
"Nothing much, just asking Teacher Shigeru to apply for an assessment," Renzou Uchiha replied with a casual smile. He and Kai then returned to their seats, closing their eyes to conserve their energy.
"Huh? Assessment? What kind of assessment?" Obito scratched his head, his curiosity piqued, but after a moment of contemplation, he shrugged and turned back to chatting with Rin.
Jingle bell bell bell. The lunch break bell rang. Murayama Shigeru rose from his desk, left the office, and headed directly for the Hokage Tower…
Hokage's Office:
Knock knock.
Sarutobi Hiruzen, engrossed in paperwork, paused and looked up at the door. "Enter."
"Excuse me, Hokage-sama." The door opened, and Murayama Shigeru stepped inside. He closed the door behind him, took a few steps forward, and knelt respectfully.
"Murayama Shigeru? What brings you here? Please, rise," Sarutobi Hiruzen said, a hint of surprise in his voice. Wasn't today Monday? What was the elite class's esteemed teacher doing in his office?
"Forgive the interruption, but this matter requires your decision."
"What is it?" Sarutobi Hiruzen wondered. Had there been a recent matter at the Ninja Academy requiring his direct intervention that he'd overlooked?
"It concerns the early graduation applications of Uchiha Renzou and Uchiha Kai." Murayama Shigeru stood before the Hokage's desk, a moment of hesitation before he finally voiced the request.
"Hmm?" Sarutobi Hiruzen recalled that early graduation assessments did indeed require his approval, though he hadn't anticipated such a request so soon. The last instance had been Kakashi, two years prior. "Uchiha Renzou and Uchiha Kai…" Sarutobi Hiruzen silently repeated their names, his fingers tapping a rhythmic beat on the tabletop. Uchiha Renzou… the child of Uchiha Shanzhou and Hyuga Mina… A pity. Both inherited the Will of Fire, yet both perished on that mission, leaving young Renzou alone. He's often seen training with a boy named Might Guy and his father, Might Duy, in the village. Diligently exercising for years now. Being their child, he likely isn't without purpose. Perhaps it's worth giving him a chance.Uchiha Kai… the boy who defeated Asuma. The eldest son of Uchiha Elder Yusuke. He's awakened the genius of the Sharingan. His strength is undeniable; he should pass without issue. Thinking of the Sharingan, the Third Hokage recalled Jiraiya's words. It seems Renzou has also awakened the Sharingan, though just one tomoe in only one eye, if I remember correctly.
Having made his assessment, Sarutobi Hiruzen's gaze settled on Murayama Shigeru. "Murayama Shigeru, approve their early graduation application. Inform them that their duel will take place at five o'clock this afternoon at the Ninja School dueling grounds. I will personally designate their opponents. I expect a strong showing."
"Yes, Lord Hokage." Murayama Shigeru's pupils constricted slightly. He hadn't anticipated the Hokage's swift approval, let alone his personal selection of their opponents. He remembered how Kakashi's assessment target had also been handpicked by the Hokage, resulting in an easy victory for the young prodigy. What challenges await these two? I hope the opponents aren't too overwhelming, lest they damage the children's confidence.
Murayama Shigeru hurried back to the ninja school. Standing at the classroom door, he tapped a student in the front row and asked him to summon Renzou and Kai to his office.
"We're wanted in the office?" Upon hearing their classmate's message, Renzou Uchiha and Kai exchanged a quick glance before eagerly rising and hurrying out of the classroom. It seemed the news had arrived.
"Teacher Shigeru?" They both bowed as they entered the office, their attention fixed on their teacher.
"Your application has been approved. The school's dueling arena at five o'clock this afternoon. Lord Hokage himself will be designating your opponents. Be cautious, and do not underestimate them." Murayama Shigeru regarded the two young ninjas with a complex mix of emotions. They were his students. Truthfully, he didn't wish to expose them to the harsh realities of the ninja world prematurely. But on second thought, this day would come eventually. Their task now was to face it head-on. Since they had made their decision, his role as their teacher was to offer support from the sidelines.
"Don't worry, Teacher Shigeru. We won't lose," Renzou Uchiha stated confidently, while Kai offered a solemn nod of agreement. Words were insufficient; they would prove their resolve through their actions.
…
"A spar today? Didn't you two spar yesterday?"
"I don't know. Maybe Teacher Shigeru wants us to have more practice?" A group of elite-class students followed Murayama Shigeru towards the dueling grounds. The training yard was currently filled with students enjoying their free time. Seeing the elite class heading towards the arena, some curious onlookers trailed behind, eager for any potential entertainment.
Arriving at the entrance of the dueling arena's auditorium, Murayama Shigeru stopped and turned to the confused students, carefully choosing his words. "I've brought you here not for regular training, but because two students have applied for early graduation, and we will be holding their assessment here."
"Who???" A wave of shocked murmurs rippled through the group. "Someone in our class applied for early graduation? Two people?"
"Uchiha Renzou, Uchiha Kai, please step forward!"
"Present! X2" Renzou Uchiha and Kai walked to Murayama Shigeru and waited for his instructions.
"It is currently four forty. Your assessment will begin at five o'clock. You have this time to prepare yourselves."
"Yes! X2" The two immediately moved to the side, beginning to check their ninja pouches and mentally preparing for the upcoming battle.
"What?!" The students who grasped the situation were stunned, mirroring the surprise of the gathering onlookers. Recovering quickly, several students bolted from the dueling arena, disappearing in various directions.
"Those two, Renzou and Kai, secretly applied for early graduation! Damn it, I want to apply too!"
"That's right!" Asuma, a hint of envy on his face as he watched the two on the field, immediately rushed towards Teacher Shigeru, clamoring to apply for early graduation as well. Obito joined Asuma, adding his own noisy demands, completely oblivious to the veins throbbing on Murayama Shigeru's forehead.
"You two…" The other students, witnessing Murayama Shigeru teetering on the brink of explosion, collectively retreated to the auditorium, watching Asuma and Obito's increasingly frantic, near-death pleas.
"Go to the auditorium and sit down obediently!" Murayama Shigeru roared, two swift fists descending upon the heads of the offending duo.
"Ah!"
"Ouch!" Two sizable lumps rapidly swelled on their heads. They both crouched down, tears welling in their eyes. Murayama Shigeru grabbed them by their collars, dragged them to the auditorium, deposited them on his left and right, and then sat down between them. An immediate sense of oppressive authority settled over the audience.
This…Renzou Uchiha and Kai exchanged a look. It seemed their upcoming battle needed to be decisive. If things went awry… the consequences might be more significant than they'd anticipated…
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End of Chapter 35