The Third Hokage listened patiently, not rushing to interrupt.
Ordinarily, a graduation application wouldn't warrant such urgency.
"But these two Uchiha children only started school earlier this year," Kawashima explained. "And one of them even took a few months off last semester."
Hiruzen Sarutobi set down his pipe on the desk, exhaling a slow puff of smoke. His eyes narrowed in thought, his expression growing solemn.
"I see. And what are their names?"
"Uchiha Shisui and Uchiha Saitama."
The names rang a bell. Hiruzen recalled them from the most recent enrollment list. If memory served, they'd performed exceptionally well.
He leaned back slightly in his chair, folding his hands.
"If they're applying through the proper channels, we have no reason to deny them," he said calmly.
"Yes, Lord Hokage," Kawashima replied, sitting with stiff formality.
"You may go," the Hokage said, picking up his pipe once more.
The office fell quiet again, save for the occasional crackle of burning tobacco.
---
"Then, your application is approved."
Kawashima's voice was stern as he faced the two six-year-old Uchiha boys.
Despite their age, he saw none of the usual immaturity in them. No signs of childish fear or hesitation—only quiet composure.
"Your graduation exam is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. You'll be required to hold your own in battle for ten minutes without being defeated. Pass that, and you graduate."
The boys nodded, accepting the terms without question.
With their objective secured, Saitama and Shisui left the office.
It was nearly lunchtime, and the exam wasn't far off.
"No pressure, Shisui."
Shisui tilted his head and smiled. "Piece of cake."
---
Afternoon came quickly.
"Who wants to go first?"
The proctor—an Academy instructor in his twenties—stood at the center of the training ground. His strength was around chūnin level, and he had been assigned to oversee the evaluation.
Behind him stood two other chūnin, both wearing standard Konoha vests. They looked unremarkable but carried themselves with the ease of experienced shinobi.
Shisui stepped forward confidently.
"I'll go first, sensei."
He gripped the hilt of his short blade, eyes focused on the chūnin before him.
"You may choose your opponent. The match ends when one of you yields or is clearly defeated."
The instructor nodded toward the two chūnin behind him.
Shisui pointed at the one with a sword strapped to his back. "I'll take him."
The chosen chūnin smirked, cracking his neck as he stepped forward.
He didn't underestimate the Uchiha boy—any child applying for early graduation was bound to be formidable—but that only made it more exciting.
They reminded him of that white-haired prodigy from the Hatake clan years ago.
Talented. Arrogant. Dangerous.
Chūnin #1 licked his lips, not out of malice—but anticipation.
"Begin!" the instructor called out, raising his hand before stepping back.
The battlefield was a large, open training ground—perfect for testing live combat skills.
Saitama stood quietly at the edge, arms crossed, watching intently. Beside him, Chūnin #2 was subtly sizing him up in turn, already gathering intel for the next fight.
Shisui and his opponent both drew their blades—this would be a test of taijutsu and kenjutsu.
"Clang!"
The first clash rang out, steel meeting steel with force.
Despite his skill, Shisui was still just a child in both height and reach. He was forced back slightly under the initial pressure.
Gritting his teeth, he twisted mid-step and delivered a quick, precise kick to the chūnin's thigh.
The hit connected.
Surprised, the chūnin stumbled back a half-step, more impressed than hurt.
Both fighters disengaged for a moment, reassessing.
Shisui's expression hardened.
This pressure... it was unlike anything he had felt before.
And this was just a chūnin.
Shisui's grip on his blade tightened. His breathing slowed. Focus returned to his eyes.
He wouldn't go down easily.