Chapter 19: Early Graduation?

The third day's exam proceeded much faster, as each class sent only two students, and there were only eight classes in the ninja school for one grade.

Today, like the second day, non-participants could choose not to come.

However, many students came to watch the exam, curious to see who would be the top student in the fourth grade.

"Am I seeing things? Isn't that Uchiha Obito standing among the contestants?" someone asked in confusion.

"You didn't pay attention to Class 2's news yesterday, did you?" the person next to him asked.

"No, I was unlucky and lost to the strongest in our class in the first round, so I went home."

"That explains it. Uchiha Obito has become very strong recently and even defeated Uchiha Tetsuka from his class."

The spectators discussed the participants from each class with great interest.

Sometimes, they even debated over who was stronger.

Even those who had previously mocked Obito and Might Guy now defended them, as they represented their class.

"This time, Shisui will likely be the first in the grade," Ryuto thought after watching the first round, fearing that Obito and Might Guy might not make it.

The Hyūga Hizashi's Gentle Fist was well-practiced, and with the advantage of the Byakugan, it would be difficult for Might Guy to win, and Obito even more so.

Ryuto acknowledged that Hyūga clan members had a significant advantage in the early stages. The Byakugan was easier to awaken than the Sharingan, and their Gentle Fist was an excellent taijutsu.

The two students who followed him had been training for too short a time, with many shortcomings still apparent.

As time passed, they reached the final two rounds: Obito vs. Hyūga Hizashi, and Might Guy vs. a ninja from Class 3.

As Ryuto had predicted, Obito couldn't find his bearings against Hyūga Hizashi's Gentle Fist, not even getting a chance to use a single ninjutsu.

In the final match, Might Guy performed better than Obito but still couldn't overcome Hyūga Hizashi, whose Byakugan saw through all his moves.

Defeated, Obito felt dejected, having aimed for the top spot but not even making it to the top two.

Passing by, Ryuto comforted him, "Don't dwell on your failures. Think about how much you've improved since last time and strive for the next goal."

Obito's mood lifted instantly, recalling how he had ranked twentieth in his class during the third-grade finals. This time, he had almost made it to the top two in the grade.

Calculating his progress, he felt that becoming the top was within reach!

Then Ryuto approached Might Guy, who surprisingly looked downcast as well.

Ryuto had thought Guy wouldn't mind a single loss, but upon reflection, he realized the cause.

It was likely because Ryuto had given him the taijutsu training manual yesterday, making Guy feel he bore Ryuto's expectations.

"Failure is a part of life; it happens throughout our lives. Don't let a single failure defeat you," Ryuto comforted.

Guy's body shook. When it came to failure, he had plenty of experience.

He had nearly failed the entrance exam, been defeated by Kakashi in one move, and consistently ranked last in every course, earning the nickname 'Dead Last.'

Even at eight years old, Might Guy had experienced many failures.

He began to understand his father Might Duy's words about youth never fading.

"I understand, Ryuto-sensei," Guy's eyes grew more determined.

What he needed to do wasn't dwell on his losses but train hard to win the next battle, aiming to become the strongest.

Ryuto nodded in satisfaction, then walked over to Shisui.

When Ryuto found Shisui, he was surrounded by students asking questions.

Seeing Ryuto approach, the students greeted him.

"Sensei, I got second place in the grade! Is there a reward?" Anko asked, smiling as she walked up to Ryuto.

Ryuto smiled, patted Anko's head, and said, "How about I treat you to some dango?"

"Yay, Sensei is the best!" Anko cheered, becoming Ryuto's biggest fan at the mention of dango.

"Shisui hasn't even asked for a reward for being first in the grade, Anko. You're too eager," Kotetsu teased.

He wasn't serious about Anko being too eager, just a bit envious of her performance.

Ryuto chuckled, dismissing the students, then walked with Shisui towards the shopping district.

"How do you feel?" Ryuto asked.

Shisui thought for a moment and replied honestly, "Very normal. There wasn't anyone who required me to fight seriously."

"That's expected. With your strength, no one in the fourth grade is a match for you, let alone the first grade," Ryuto praised generously.

"Do you think I should graduate early?" Shisui asked, looking into Ryuto's sky-blue eyes.

"Graduate early?"

"I've heard that some geniuses in the past felt they weren't learning much in the academy and graduated quickly," Shisui explained.

Ryuto shook his head. "I don't recommend graduating in the first grade. At least wait until the second or third grade."

"Your strength may stand out among your peers, but outside the academy, your opponents won't just be your age. Especially now, with the threat of war looming."

"If you feel the academy's curriculum is lacking, you can use Shadow Clones to attend classes while the real you trains under my guidance," Ryuto suggested.

Though Shisui survived the Third Great Ninja War and earned the title 'Shisui of the Body Flicker' in the original series, Ryuto was a new factor, and the butterfly effect was unpredictable.

Ryuto preferred Shisui to stay in the academy and develop for a few years. Graduating without the ability to defeat a Jonin was meaningless.

If it were him, he wouldn't feel safe walking in Konoha without Jonin-level strength.

Shisui's eyes lit up at Ryuto's suggestion. He nodded, finding it an excellent idea.

Later, Ryuto bought a bunch of dango and returned to the academy, giving each student in Class 1 a portion before the afternoon class.

Ryuto didn't want to favor Anko alone, but he did give her an extra portion as promised.

"Sensei is the best!" Anko exclaimed, satisfied and eager for more dango. If Ryuto offered a few more servings, she might start a cult in his honor.

Other students also expressed their gratitude, further raising their already high regard for Ryuto.

The ninja academy was efficient, compiling and announcing the results within two days, confirming Ryuto's expectations.