Daikoku: "Naruto, it's been only a few months since you joined the academy."
He said with some concern, "You're not ready for becoming a Genin yet." His voice was filled with some shock.
Naruto internally rolled his eyes. He knew it was because he was a Jinchuriki. If he became a Genin, he would sooner go on missions outside Konoha.
And the village didn't like sending their eight-year-old Jinchuriki out of the village for missions.
'Would it be the same reaction if someone from the Clan kids asked this? Since they already learned three basic techniques from their Clans before the Academy starts.'
Naruto paused his thoughts and said, "Sensei, I know my limits, and I believe I am strong enough to be a Genin now."
What did the Ninja Academy even teach all these young trainees? Basic Taijutsu, Genjutsu, Shurikenjutsu, three E-rank basic Ninjutsu, and Kunai Training.
The more absurd thing was the qualification for becoming a Genin. If an academy student knew the Clone Jutsu, they became an official ninja, a Genin.
A Genin could learn up to D-rank Jutsus, but the village didn't even teach the 'Body Flicker Jutsu,' which is a D-rank Jutsu at the academy.
'I don't think when Tobirama created the academy he made these kinds of rules and study methods.'
'It definitely started by Hiruzen, Danzo, and other elders. A way to suppress talented individuals.'
'Whenever they see a talented individual, they got anxious and planned to either suppress or take them under control.' Naruto thought and scoffed internally.
"Haa..., Very well, Naruto, I will inform the Principal about it." Daikoku said with a heavy sigh.
"Thank you, Daikoku-Sensei," Naruto bowed and went to his class.
——
"You came early today, huh!" Kiba said, a little amazed at seeing Naruto come to the academy early.
"I had a request to make to Daikoku-sensei. So, I thought it's better if I talk with him before classes begin," Naruto said.
"What kind of request?"
Naruto grin and said,
"I applied for early graduation."
"WHAT?!"
"WOOF?!"
All five of them Stunned and looked at Naruto with disbelief.
Even Choji stopped eating his snacks.
"I knew you were strong, but isn't it too early for you to become a Genin?!" the ever-so-silent Shino asked.
It's true that in the last four months, the top student of the class was Naruto. Not in written tests, but in physical tests like Taijutsu spars and Shurikenjutsu.
He even beat Sasuke during spars, which naturally made his fangirls brim with rage at Naruto.
Though unlike what Naruto thought, Sasuke didn't take it too much to heart. Because of their small interactions where Naruto fueled the flames of Sasuke's rage towards Konoha.
Sasuke got the idea that Naruto wasn't as simple as he thought at first. The village's top-secret detail about his Clan's massacre, a seven-year-old kid could never get.
But Naruto knew the full details, which made Sasuke a little suspicious and curious about him.
"Stop overreacting, didn't I already tell you that I would take early graduation from the Academy?" Naruto said amiably.
"Yes, but we didn't think it would be in the first year!" Shikamaru said, still amazed.
"The quicker, the better!"
"Well, it's your call, Naruto." Shikamaru didn't further push the topic.
——
At the Principal's office.
Daikoku informed Principal Takeshi Mitokado about Naruto's request for early graduation.
Takeshi was around 48 and possessed a lean, wiry build. His once-dark hair was now streaked with silver at the temples, framing a face etched with fine lines around his brown eyes.
His gaze was steady but sharp, reflecting his authority. A subtle, thin scar above his left eyebrow hinted at his past as an active shinobi.
"How many years has it been since a trainee applied for early graduation?" Takeshi said offhandedly.
"Aren't you surprised?!" Daikoku asked.
He was taken aback by Takeshi's casual tone.
"I am, but it's not our job to judge students," Takeshi replied.
"But Principal, he is only eight years old!"
"Haa.."
"Daikoku-san, did you forget already that before the Third War, there used to be Genin who were only six or seven as well?" Takeshi asked.
"I-I know, but those were different times, and the rules and methods of the academy were different as well!" Daikoku said.
"Kakashi was a Genin when he was only five, and your best student, Itachi, was only seven."
Takeshi got up from his chair and looked towards the outside at the academy.
"He applied, but that doesn't mean he became a Genin, and you know that the higher-ups wouldn't let it happen," Takeshi said.
"You can go, I will inform Hokage-sama about it."
Daikoku nodded and stepped out of the room.
——
Later, the academy day continued as usual. During the break period at the grounds, Naruto was hanging with Shika and the gang.
"What kind of test will it be for Naruto?" Kiba asked curiously.
"Most probably more difficult than usual, as he is applying early," Choji answered while munching his snacks.
"What a drag..."
"Can't you just relax and enjoy your time in the Academy?" Shikamaru asked.
Naruto didn't answer and gazed towards the sky. His mind was already in deep thought about the future.
'The moment I achieve Kage Level Chakra, I will free Kurama in Konoha. Then the fate of this shitty village will depend on the future.'
Despite Naruto having a good relationship with Kurama and being friends with Shikamaru, Kiba, Choji, and Shino,
He didn't go soft to the point of forgiving the Village for what they put him through. He wasn't driven by revenge, but letting those old fools go didn't sit well with him.
——
After the Academy was over, Daikoku asked Naruto to stay.
Daikoku genuinely didn't want Naruto to be hurt because of this. The last person who passed the early graduation test was Itachi.
But that doesn't mean someone else didn't apply, but they failed miserably, which hurt their pride, and their performance only went down later.
He didn't want Naruto to suffer like them as well.
"Naruto, the Principal has told me that he has informed Hokage-sama about your request!"
"And in a few days, you will get news about the Test you will have to pass to become a Genin!"
Then Daikoku worriedly added,
"But I advise you to think about it once more, as I—"
Naruto interrupted him. "Sensei, you don't need to worry, even if I fail, it doesn't matter."
Sigh.
Daikoku closed his eyes briefly and nodded gently.
He didn't try to persuade Naruto to take back his request for early graduation.
——
At the Hokage's Office.
Hiruzen frowned after learning that Naruto had asked for Early Graduation.
He ordered an Anbu and said, "Inform the other elders that I am convening a meeting to discuss a matter with them."
"Yes, Hokage-sama," the Anbu nodded and quickly vanished.
Once the Anbu was gone, Hiruzen faced the window and gazed out at the streets of Konoha.
He took a puff of his smoke and exhaled a long, weary breath.
"What is Naruto thinking?!"