Before Kurenai could continue speaking, Asuma rushed over.
"Kurenai, are you really graduating early?"
Asuma looked grief-stricken, completely unable to accept Kurenai's early graduation.
Wouldn't that mean he would see less of Kurenai in the future?
Asuma couldn't accept this outcome no matter what.
Kurenai nodded again and asked, "Asuma, do you want to graduate early too?"
"If Kurenai graduates, then I'll graduate too." Asuma said.
It's already Konoha Year 45, and according to the original schedule, they will graduate next year.
It's only a few months earlier.
"Kurenai, are you sure Kiyoshi isn't just trying to show off?" Asuma said to Kurenai.
Previously, when the class was learning the Clone Technique together, Kiyoshi's performance was only average.
Could it be that he has practiced privately and mastered all three basic techniques?
Kurenai said, "I believe in Kiyoshi."
"Alright."
Seeing Kurenai say that, Asuma could only comply.
Anyway, if Kiyoshi doesn't make it, he'll be the first to jump out and say, "If you can't do it, then don't pretend."
...
The next day
Kiyoshi entered the examination room alone.
Kurenai and Asuma were waiting outside.
Rumor had it that Rin, Obito and others had also found out about his early graduation.
"It hasn't been long, and Kiyoshi is already graduating?" Rin said in surprise.
She still remembered Kiyoshi asking her to teach him Konoha's ninjutsu.
But in the blink of an eye, Kiyoshi is actually graduating early.
Meanwhile, they will have to wait until next year to graduate.
"Luck, it must be luck!" Obito said unwillingly.
How come everyone is so talented?
First Kakashi, then Kiyoshi.
Obito said, "Once I awaken my Sharingan, I'll be that amazing too."
Obito adjusted his goggles, taking good care of his eyes.
"Obito, you make a good point."
Asuma felt that Obito had made a correct statement for once.
If Kiyoshi can really graduate, won't that mean he's also very skilled in ninjutsu?
...
The proctor this time was still Hiruzen.
He had received Kiyoshi's application for early graduation, so he had put aside his affairs to personally look into the matter.
Accompanying him were Orochimaru and several instructors from ninja school serving as examiners.
Kiyoshi calmly began to make hand seals.
For the graduation exam, a basic ninjutsu is randomly selected.
As Kiyoshi's luck would have it, he was tested in the Substitution Technique.
He had used the Substitution Technique during his sparring match with Natsu some time ago, so now it was easy for him.
Poof!
Kiyoshi turned into smoke, leaving only a wooden log in his place.
He himself stood three meters away from the log.
"Kiyoshi, you have passed the exam." Hiruzen nodded.
Kiyoshi's talent was better than he had imagined. With ninjutsu, taijutsu, and genjutsu, he had no noticeable weaknesses.
In that case, Kiyoshi is even more suitable to act as a bridge to ease the relationship with the Uchiha clan.
"He mastered the Three Basic Techniques in just over half a year?"
Orochimaru licked his lips, his golden vertical pupils gleaming.
This talent...
Even he was probably only this good back then.
"Kiyoshi, congratulations on becoming a ninja."
Hiruzen said, handing Kiyoshi a ninja headband.
"Thank you, Lord Hokage."
Kiyoshi took the ninja headband with an excited look and put it on his head.
The silver-gray metal surface of the ninja headband, marked with the Konoha symbol, was reflecting light slightly.
Hiruzen Sarutobi then asked Kiyoshi some questions, mostly asking about Kiyoshi's views on the Will of Fire.
"Lord Hokage, I lived very oppressively in the Land of Lightning. After coming to Konoha, I realized that there is such a spirit as the 'Will of Fire.'"
Kiyoshi first belittled his old home and then praised Konoha.
Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded slightly upon hearing this.
The Will of Fire is indeed a spirit unique to Konoha, a symbol of Konoha's continuous life.
"Everyone here is very kind to me and treats me as a member of Konoha. I think this care is the true meaning of the Will of Fire, the meaning of 'protection'..."
Next, Kiyoshi began to say that Konoha was better than the Land of Lightning, that it was more advanced than the Land of Lightning, and that everyone in the village was harmonious and friendly.
In short, Konoha wins, wins, wins, wins big.
Several examiners in the room, hearing this Uchiha who had lived in the Land of Lightning, praising the great Konoha so much.
Couldn't help but feel proud.
This is their Konoha, their home.
"You have acquired the Trait: [Early Graduation (White)]."
[Early Graduation (White)]
[Requirement: Graduate from Ninja School early.]
[Progress: Completed]
[Effect: Your learning ability increases by 5% on the original basis.]
[Note: Can be upgraded.]
[Upgrade Route 1: After integrating it with Muscle Memory (White), it can be upgraded to Hardworking Academic (White).]
[Upgrade Route 2: After integrating it with Reading Absorption (White) and Basic Memory (White), it can be upgraded to Academic Genius (Green)]
Kiyoshi closed the translucent Trait panel. Now is not the appropriate time to look at the Traits.
"Very good."
Hiruzen smiled with satisfaction.
Kiyoshi reminded him of someone, his former teammate, who was also from the Uchiha clan, Kagami.
Even Tobirama had praised Kagami. He was an Uchiha had Konoha in his heart.
If Kiyoshi is trained well, he may become the second Kagami.
Hiruzen exchanged a few pleasantries and asked Kiyoshi to go back.
Kiyoshi pushed the door open, and Asuma stared wide-eyed at the ninja headband on his head.
"I want to take the exam too!"
Asuma rushed in hastily and said.
Hearing this, Hiruzen slightly frowned.
He had learned about his son's application to graduate early yesterday afternoon.
"Asuma, you..."
He originally wanted to keep Asuma in school, but then he changed his mind and said, "Come on, let me see your learning progress."
Hiruzen picked up his pipe and lit it.
Kiyoshi has graduated early and needs to be assigned to a squad.
Why not have Asuma and him in the same squad, so that it can show his inclusiveness towards the Uchiha?
"Alright."
Asuma nodded and then stepped forward to draw the ninjutsu he was going to be tested on.
Click!
The door closed again.
'Kurenai, just gaze at me!'
Asuma thought to himself, looking back.
'Kurenai must be worried about me now.' Asuma thought in his heart.
"It's the Clone Technique."
The examiner's words brought Asuma back to his senses.
After taking a deep breath, he began the exam.
...
"Kiyoshi, you're amazing."
Kurenai's eyes were fixed on Kiyoshi as he came out, looking at the ninja headband on his forehead.