"You also want to apply for early graduation?"
Iruka blinked in surprise. His first instinct was to shake his head and refuse, but when he saw the determined look on Uchiha Sasuke's face, he hesitated. Remembering the boy's lonely past as an orphan, Iruka's tone softened.
"I'll report it to Lord Hokage," he said gently. "But Sasuke… don't rush. You're still young. There's plenty of time ahead of you. Don't push yourself too hard."
Sasuke bowed slightly. "Thank you, Iruka-sensei."
Warmth flickered in his heart. Apart from Haruno Sakura, who often chatted with him, only Iruka's quiet concern gave him comfort these days.
"What?! Sasuke's applying for early graduation too?"
"Seriously? We just got into the academy this year, and two students are already graduating?"
"I can't even keep up with classwork, and they're already leaving! How are we supposed to compete?"
"Sasuke must've been pushed by Naruto Uzumaki. That guy's not normal at all!"
"Didn't Naruto say he wanted to be the Fifth Hokage? Maybe Sasuke's just trying to catch up!"
When Iruka announced Sasuke's application, the classroom erupted into chaos. The students' faces twisted in disbelief and anxiety.
They were still children, but the pressure hit hard. Naruto's fame had already shaken the academy — now Sasuke's early graduation added another layer.
Even if the kids didn't care, their parents surely would. At home, the dreaded comparison would begin: "Look at other people's children!"
Iruka sighed deeply. "Anyone else applying?"
A small, trembling hand rose.
"Iruka-sensei…"
"What is it, Hinata?"
"I—I want to apply for early graduation too."
The classroom froze.
Iruka blinked, stunned. Triple pressure. Naruto's rise, Sasuke's application, now Hyūga Hinata too?
He could only sigh again. "Alright. I'll… report this to Lord Hokage."
In the Hokage's office, Sarutobi Hiruzen examined the forms.
"So, Uchiha Sasuke and Hyūga Hinata, huh?" he murmured, smiling faintly. "Let them apply. I'll arrange the assessment myself. Don't worry, Iruka."
Lately, Hiruzen had been in good spirits. The resurgence of Uzumaki Naruto had rekindled hope in Konoha. After years of decline, the village was beginning to shine again.
Naruto wasn't just any boy — he was the one Hiruzen had personally watched grow up, the perfect heir to the Will of Fire.
Though the Third Hokage's reputation had waned, he finally saw a future worth believing in.
"I just need to hold on a little longer," he muttered, puffing his pipe.
He glanced at the photos of Sasuke and Hinata, a small smile forming. "New seedlings are sprouting… Konoha's future is bright."
Then, another file caught his eye.
Application: Uzumaki Naruto — Promotion to Chūnin.
He tapped the form thoughtfully. "Defeated bandits — C-rank. Defeated Cloud Jōnin — A-rank equivalent. Numerous smaller missions in the village… yes, the qualifications fit."
Konoha needed a morale boost. Promoting Naruto would do just that. And with his power, no one would object.
Hiruzen took his seal and stamped it down with a firm thud.
At the Nara residence, father and son stood atop the hill overlooking Hokage Rock.
"So, what do you think, Shikamaru?"
The boy sighed. "What's there to think? It's such a drag. Naruto's already aiming to be Hokage — can't he let the rest of us breathe?"
Nara Shikaku chuckled. "Then work harder, son. The ninja world's growing more dangerous. The stronger you are, the better your odds of surviving."
Shikamaru frowned, silent.
At the Akimichi household, young Chōji peeked into the kitchen. "Dad, can I have more pocket money? I wanna buy more snacks."
His father, Chōza, frowned. "You just got your allowance! Why—"
"In my class, two more students are graduating early."
Chōza paused… then burst out laughing. "In that case, you get double allowance! Eat as much as you want!"
Chōji blinked in confusion. "Huh?"
Meanwhile, in the Inuzuka home, Kiba was out training with Akamaru.
"Kiba, you're overdoing it again," his mother called. "You'll wear Akamaru out!"
"Don't worry about us!" Kiba snapped.
Akamaru barked in agreement — "Woof!"
Kiba's mother crossed her arms. "You're in a bad mood. Don't tell me this is about Naruto again?"
"No!" Kiba gritted his teeth. "Two more classmates just applied for early graduation."
His mother's eyes widened. "What?! Then you'd better train harder! Double your regimen — and that goes for Akamaru too!"
"Woof woof woof!!"
"Are you trying to kill us?!" Kiba yelled as Akamaru whimpered.
The Inuzuka compound buzzed with chaos.
At the Haruno residence, Sakura sat quietly in her room, head buried under the blankets, sobbing.
Unlike her classmates, she wasn't from a ninja clan. Her parents were ordinary civilians. The academy was her only gateway to the ninja world.
She had always excelled in theory, topping her written exams… but now, as she watched Sasuke apply for early graduation, she felt left behind.
When even gentle Hinata followed suit, Sakura's heart sank further.
She wanted to apply too — but reality hit her. Her shuriken throws were weak, her stamina poor. She was nowhere near ready.
If she tried now, she'd only embarrass herself.
But the thought of Sasuke leaving — of rarely seeing him again — crushed her.
Tears rolled down her cheeks.
Then, she sat up suddenly, eyes blazing.
"No," she whispered. "I can't stay like this. I have to train — harder than ever."
"I, Haruno Sakura, won't give up just because things are hard. Even if I'm weak now… someday, I'll catch up to you, Sasuke!"
She wiped her tears, leapt off the bed, and clenched her fists.
Her eyes, bright and fierce, reflected her determination — burning as red as her outfit.
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