Chapter 18: is here
December 15, Konoha Year 38 – Kakashi's Graduation Exam
Hoshita Shūichi and his classmates gathered outside the examination grounds, waiting. An hour later, Kakashi emerged—scarf draped around his neck, demeanor as aloof as ever. All eyes immediately locked onto the gleaming forehead protector tied around his head.
"He actually passed!"
"Incredible!"
"That's Kakashi for you!"
"At his age, he must've broken records!"
The academy students erupted into awed whispers and envious cheers. At just five years old, Kakashi had become the youngest graduate in Konoha's history, a feat that swiftly spread through the village and beyond. Genius always drew attention, whether from allies or enemies.
Shūichi, however, remained unfazed. Having mastered the Phoenix Sage Fire Jutsu, he was only one technique away from unlocking [Fire Release Expert]. Unfortunately, Yakushi Nonō didn't know any fire-style jutsu. His backup plan? After New Year's, he'd attempt to trade the Memory Palace method to the village for a fire-release technique.
For now, he devoted his two-week winter break to training at Konoha Hospital—though he never neglected his physical conditioning.
New Year's Celebrations
Shūichi spent the holiday at the orphanage with Nonō and the other children rather than at home. Returning on January 1 of Konoha Year 39, he discovered a scroll on his living room table, accompanied by a note:
"A New Year's gift for Shūichi."
The handwriting was Ten'un's.
Just before the holiday, she'd delivered his share of the grenade profits—a staggering 100,000 ryō.
"What could this be? A sealing technique? Or a jutsu scroll?"
Unrolling the scroll, Shūichi's pupils contracted.
"Blaze Release!"
A B-rank fire-style jutsu!
His breath hitched. He'd expected a pre-sealed technique—standard merchandise from Ten'un's family shop—but never this.
"Ten'un, you absolute legend!"
With this, his fifth required fire jutsu, he could finally claim his prize—once he mastered it.
But a B-rank technique wouldn't bow easily.
Studying the instructions, Shūichi's excitement grew. He recognized Blaze Release from lore—an anti-summoning technique used against Pain's creatures. Unlike most fire jutsu, it ignited targets remotely, demanding precise chakra control. Ideal for confined spaces, its lethality lay in sustained burns rather than explosions.
Regardless, Shūichi vowed to conquer it at record speed.
While others reveled in holiday leisure, he trained by frozen riversides.
Uchiha Obito, equally driven, often joined him—having resolved to apply for early graduation once the new term began.
January 10 – New Semester
The final term of the academic year commenced. Shūichi's routine resumed, though he paused his hospital studies to focus on Blaze Release.
Meanwhile, Obito made his own waves by applying for early graduation—and failing spectacularly. Poor written scores and botched clone techniques sealed his fate.
"If that smug Kakashi can do it, so can I!" Obito declared, undeterred.
March 3 – Shūichi's Sixth Birthday
Celebrated at the orphanage with Nonō and the children, Shūichi was showered with humble gifts: wildflowers, origami, handmade sweets, even a wooden kunai whittled by a younger child. Their sincerity warmed him more than any luxury could.
Nonō's gift, however, eclipsed them all—
Shadow Clone Jutsu.
For a moment, Shūichi felt almost overwhelmed.
The technique's utility was undeniable. Even a single clone could accelerate his training exponentially. But his meager chakra reserves posed a harsh limitation.
"After securing [Fire Release Expert], I'll grind for [Tool Mastery Expert] first," he decided, teeth gritted.
Originally, he'd planned to pursue [Medical Expert]—Nonō's guidance would've smoothed the path. But [Tool Mastery Expert]'s perks were too critical:
100% boost to tool proficiency
100% increase in physical stamina
100% faster neural reflexes
The stamina upgrade would drastically expand his chakra pool. Moreover, enhanced physique would narrow the gap with Kakashi in taijutsu, paving the way for [Taijutsu Expert]—and another stamina doubling.
"Worth the pivot."
Spring Break Approaches
By the riverside, Shūichi exhaled as flames licked across a practice dummy.
"Finally... mastery."
After a full term of relentless drilling, Blaze Release yielded to his will. In his mind's eye, the [Fire Release Expert] node glowed green as cosmic energy suffused him.
Effects:
100% fire-style aptitude boost
Handsign-free fire jutsu
The latter mirrored his [Transformation Expert] ability—jutsu activated by thought alone. His survivability had just skyrocketed.
"Time to apply for graduation."
A new node flickered to life on his skill tree:
[Jutsu Savant]
Requirement: Master 30 techniques
Effect: All jutsu executable in two seals, 100% general jutsu aptitude boost
Shūichi scoffed. "Thirty's excessive. Better to stack specialized expert titles first."
His focus shifted to tools.
Current Proficiencies:
Kunai
Shuriken
Explosive Tags
Grenades
Senbon (in progress)
"Ten tools total... If wakizashi and katana count separately, that's two more. Nunchaku? Staffs?"
The path ahead was clear—if arduous.
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