Chapter 34: Applying for Graduation
Under Nono's guidance, Yuu's medical ninjutsu improved at a startling pace.
Of course, that was only on the surface.
In truth, his level had not suddenly grown. He was simply revealing his foundation little by little. And because he controlled the pace carefully, it created the illusion of rapid progress.
That said, there was genuine improvement as well.
Medical ninjutsu in the Land of Ancestors had developed quickly, but it had only been refined for a few decades at most. The ninja world, meanwhile, had accumulated techniques for thousands of years. After such a long history, its ninjutsu system was bound to surpass the Land of Ancestors in many ways.
So from Nono, Yuu truly learned a great deal.
That day, he went to the orphanage as usual and began treating the children's minor injuries.
There were many kids in the orphanage, and with how rowdy they were, scrapes and bruises were inevitable. In the past, no one paid much attention to those little wounds. Now, they were perfect practice.
"It's all better now."
After healing one child's injury, Yuu smiled and reminded them, "Be more careful next time. Don't get hurt again."
"Thank you."
The child's face lit up with gratitude, the earlier pain already forgotten.
Yuu remained where he was, then turned his eyes toward the director's office in the distance, sinking into thought.
"The director left again…"
A guess surfaced in his mind.
"Was she sent out on a mission again?"
As the orphanage's director, Nono often left to handle various matters.
On the surface, it was official work.
In reality, it was missions.
Yuu had never asked what those missions were. But recently, her departures had become more frequent.
At the same time, the atmosphere in the village and across the ninja world felt increasingly tense. Thinking of the rumors he had heard lately, Yuu could not help letting out a quiet sigh.
"It seems it's time to leave the Ninja Academy."
The thought formed clearly.
If the ninja world was sliding toward danger, then staying in the academy any longer would only increase his risk.
If he wanted to protect himself, the best choice was to graduate as soon as possible.
The next day, he returned to the academy.
In front of the other students, he approached his instructor and made his request.
"Yuu, have you thought this through?"
The middle aged man wore a flak jacket, his expression serious as he looked down at Yuu.
"At your age, applying for graduation now is still pushing it."
"Staying in the academy for a few more years would be more appropriate."
"Teacher Akiya, I've made up my mind."
Yuu smiled, calm and steady.
"If I stay in the academy, there isn't much more I can learn. It's time for me to leave and contribute more to the village."
"This is what I want. I hope you can agree."
"…Since you're that determined."
Akiya let out a breath.
"Then come with me."
Yuu followed behind him, respectful and composed.
Only then did the surrounding students react.
"That guy is applying for early graduation?"
"Isn't he only in his second year?"
Shock spread through the crowd as classmates exchanged looks, unsure what to say.
Not long after, Yuu stepped onto a training field.
Graduating from the academy was not actually difficult. A student only needed to meet the standards for a handful of basic techniques.
After all, even after graduation, they were only genin.
Genin were expected to have the basics. A few fundamental jutsu, plus taijutsu at an acceptable level, was enough.
The requirements were not supposed to be high.
However, because Yuu was applying early, an extra practical combat test had been added.
He had to defeat a designated opponent to pass and officially graduate.
As expected, Yuu cleared the earlier evaluations quickly.
The final practical test, though, caught him slightly off guard.
Not because of the test itself.
Because of who was standing across from him.
His opponent was a boy in his early teens. A fan crest marked his clothes, clearly identifying him as a member of the Uchiha.
Goggles rested on his head, and a familiar goofy grin sat on his face, making his identity obvious at a glance.
"Uchiha Obito…"
Yuu looked at him, genuinely surprised.
So he was the one assigned to test me?
Uchiha Obito, one of the future figures who would shake the entire ninja world.
Right now, he was still a student at the Ninja Academy. Judging by his age, he should be in his sixth year, close to graduating.
In strength and age, he was a suitable opponent for Yuu's practical test.
Yuu was only seven, an orphan with no clan background. Assigning a chūnin level opponent would obviously be excessive.
Obito was just right.
He was twelve, and unless something unexpected happened, he would graduate this year. Even if he was mocked as the Uchiha's embarrassment and the dead last of his class, he still had the standard strength of a genin.
Having him test Yuu fit in every way.
"Are you my opponent for the practical test?"
Yuu walked forward.
Obito laughed, pointing at himself with confidence.
"That's right. Since this great one is in a good mood, you'd better surrender quickly!"
"You must be Senior Obito."
Yuu did not take offense. He simply smiled.
"I didn't expect to meet you here, Senior."
"You know me?"
Obito blinked, surprised.
"How come I don't remember you at all?"
He did not have many friends. If they had met before, he should have remembered.
Yet no matter how he tried, he could not find any memory of the boy in front of him.
"It was a chance encounter."
Yuu answered casually.
"Once, when I was walking along the road, I saw you help an elderly lady cross the street. It left a strong impression."
"You seem like a very kind hearted person, Senior."
"A ah… is… is that so?"
Obito's ears seemed to heat up. He scratched his head, suddenly embarrassed.
But as he looked at Yuu, he also found the kid strangely pleasing.
"You think I'm pretty good too, right?"
Then he puffed out his chest, confidence returning in an instant.
"Since you're so likable, I'll go easy on you. I'll make sure you don't get hurt!"
"Hahaha!"
As he spoke, he seemed to remember something, and he burst into laughter right there on the training field.
.....
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