Three days later, the new semester began exactly on schedule.
However, during the opening ceremony, a highly anticipated figure was conspicuously absent from the student body: Kakashi Hatake.
It wasn't until the ceremony concluded that the news gradually spread: just prior to the start of the semester, Kakashi had formally submitted an application for early graduation to the Ninja Academy. He was currently dedicating all his effort to preparing for the graduation exam scheduled in three days, and rumor had it that even the Third Hokage himself would be present to observe.
This was a massive event, not just for the Academy, but for the entirety of Konoha.
If he passed, Kakashi would shatter the record to become the youngest and fastest graduate in the history of the Hidden Leaf.
Because the rumors surrounding the White Fang had circulated for such a brief period, the truth about his suicide remained entirely hidden from the public.
Consequently, the vast majority of students and teachers assumed Kakashi's sudden decision was triggered by his defeat at the hands of Shinichi Higashino. They believed the loss had provoked him, driving him to prove that his genius was untarnished and that he was still the superior shinobi.
Of course, a few observant bystanders felt a twinge of confusion. If he merely wanted to prove his superiority, why not just issue a formal challenge to Shinichi for a rematch? Why go to the extreme of graduating early?
Perhaps geniuses simply possessed a pride and logic that ordinary people couldn't comprehend.
Regardless of the reasoning, the storm surrounding Kakashi's graduation inevitably dragged Shinichi—the boy who had defeated him—into the vortex of public opinion.
While discussing Kakashi, people began to whisper and speculate: "Will Shinichi make a move too? Is he going to apply for early graduation as well?"
Shinichi paid absolutely no mind to the swirling gossip. The moment the opening ceremony wrapped up, he headed straight for the faculty office to find his homeroom teacher, Fumio Matsumoto.
"What?!"
Inside the office, Sensei Matsumoto's face was painted with shock. "Y-You aren't trying to apply for early graduation too, are you?!"
It was a completely understandable misunderstanding. His student had walked in and immediately declared that he had essentially mastered the Academy curriculum and wished to begin systematic, advanced Ninjutsu training.
It sounded exactly like the prelude to an early graduation application.
"Shinichi, you absolutely must not act impulsively!" Sensei Matsumoto hurriedly tried to dissuade him. "You are still too young. Just because Kakashi is doing something doesn't mean you need to blindly follow his lead."
Shinichi Higashino defeating Kakashi Hatake was undoubtedly a shocking victory, but it absolutely did not mean the boy currently possessed the comprehensive skill set required of a formal shinobi.
Kakashi Hatake came from a prestigious lineage and possessed all five chakra natures. This meant he had a vastly broader array of countermeasures and a significantly higher tactical ceiling when facing enemies of any nature or environmental obstacles.
"We have all seen your potential, and precisely because of that, you need to build a solid foundation step-by-step," Sensei Matsumoto added, softening his tone slightly upon noticing the strange look on Shinichi's face.
"You've misunderstood, Sensei," Shinichi replied, shaking his head. "I have no intention of graduating early. I merely wanted to ask for your guidance on the proper channels and requirements to access more systematic, advanced Ninjutsu training."
"You want to learn higher-level jutsu?"
"Yes."
"What exactly do you want to learn?"
"The Shadow Clone Jutsu."
"Shadow Clones?" Sensei Matsumoto was slightly taken aback. He didn't bother asking how Shinichi knew about the jutsu; he simply assumed the hardworking student had read about it in the Academy or village library. Instead, he asked, "Why do you want to learn that specific jutsu?"
"It's like this, Sensei. I always feel like there simply isn't enough time to train. When I was looking through some reference materials, I learned that the Shadow Clone Jutsu, created by the Second Hokage, creates physical clones that can act and fight independently. Furthermore, when the jutsu is released, the clone's memories and experiences return directly to the user," Shinichi explained earnestly.
"I was thinking... if the experiences and memories return, could this jutsu potentially be used to assist with training? Theoretically, if utilized correctly, wouldn't it essentially act as a way to multiply effective training or studying time?"
"Using it to train?"
Something clicked in Sensei Matsumoto's mind. The idea perfectly aligned with the boy's notorious diligence. "That is certainly a very creative line of thought, however..."
He first acknowledged the idea before shifting his tone to point out the critical flaw.
"The Shadow Clone Jutsu consumes a massive amount of chakra. The clone's memories and experiences do return, but the accumulated fatigue and mental strain stack as well. Moreover, it only brings back memories and experiences. The actual physical results of training—like increased stamina or the refinement of chakra—still must be achieved step-by-step by the original body."
"I see..." Shinichi allowed a perfectly measured look of sudden realization to cross his face.
He had, of course, known about these limitations all along. But acting like an omniscient know-it-all would only rob the teacher of the satisfaction of guiding him.
"Sensei, I understand the risks and limitations you've mentioned. Thank you very much for the warning."
Shinichi's gaze sharpened, turning resolute once more.
"But even considering those factors, its utility as a supportive tool remains immense. For example, I can handle the physical grinding of Taijutsu myself. But Shadow Clones could help me simultaneously study far more theoretical knowledge, theorize countermeasures for various combat scenarios, and even simulate low-intensity chakra control exercises. It would drastically accelerate my learning and conceptualization speed."
"So, Sensei, what is the proper channel for me to learn the Shadow Clone Jutsu?"
Hearing this, Sensei Matsumoto furrowed his brow, a look of genuine difficulty appearing on his face.
If Shinichi wanted to learn a D-rank or even a standard C-rank jutsu, Matsumoto, as a homeroom teacher and a Chunin, could likely make an executive decision to privately tutor him. He could easily justify it as nurturing an exceptional student.
But the Shadow Clone Jutsu was entirely different. Developed by the Second Hokage, it was an incredibly practical B-rank jutsu. Aside from learning it through clan inheritance...
Typically, a shinobi had to officially graduate, accumulate merit through completing missions, and then submit a formal application to the relevant village department to receive the learning rights as a reward.
Alternatively, a Jonin instructor with sufficient clearance and strength could teach it to their subordinates after filing a report with the village, depending on the team's specific needs.
But he, Fumio Matsumoto, was merely a Chunin instructor. He simply did not possess the authority to directly hand a B-rank jutsu to a student.
Weighing his options rapidly, Sensei Matsumoto didn't outright reject his diligent student.
After a moment of thought, he proposed a compromise. "Shinichi, let's do this. Go home and draft a formal application. Detail exactly why you want to learn the Shadow Clone Jutsu, along with your understanding of its risks and your specific plans for utilizing it. I will help you submit it to the Academy's Academic Affairs Office, and from there, the Academy will forward it to the relevant village department."
He paused, softening his tone as he offered a safety net. "Of course, the approval of such applications depends on a multitude of factors, so there is no guarantee it will pass. If the village denies it..."
"As your teacher, I can use my own clearance to teach you some other practical C-rank or D-rank jutsu. While they might not fit your specific vision like the Shadow Clones would, they will still provide a tangible boost to your overall strength. How does that sound?"
This was the absolute best path and the strongest promise he could offer his student within the limits of his authority.
Upon hearing this, gratitude flooded Shinichi's face. He took a half-step back and bowed deeply to his teacher. "I understand. Thank you, Sensei, for going to such lengths to consider my request, and I apologize for the trouble. I will go home and prepare the application immediately."