Seeing Veigar Koshima's helpless expression, Kaoru Iwabe couldn't help but smile inwardly. Having taught Veigar for over half a semester, this was the first time he had ever seen him like this.
Scratching his head, Veigar continued, "Actually, I applied for early graduation on the recommendation of the Third Hokage."
"I wonder if you, Sensei, would approve my request?"
Before Veigar could even finish speaking, Kaoru Iwabe's expression turned to one of shock.
"The Third Hokage… how could—"
Veigar interrupted, "How should I put it?"
"That day when I was injured, I got involved in something classified, so I can't disclose the details."
"But at the time, the Third Hokage did suggest that I graduate early and become a Genin of the village."
"Because of some personal reasons, I requested a delay back then, which is why it's only happening now."
"As long as you submit my application, I believe the Third Hokage will approve it."
Kaoru Iwabe took a deep breath, his shock evident. Then he asked, "You're saying… you could have graduated over two months ago?"
"At that time, you already had the strength of a Genin?"
Veigar nodded. "That's correct."
"In fact, the Third Hokage even believed that I was close to Chūnin level."
As soon as Veigar said this, Kaoru Iwabe stared at him for a few seconds before finally replying, "Alright then."
"I'll submit your early graduation request to the Hokage."
Veigar responded, "Thank you, Sensei."
After chatting for a while longer and filling out the early graduation application, Veigar finally left the Ninja Academy.
Not long after Veigar departed, Kaoru Iwabe grabbed the application and hurried out, heading toward the Hokage Residence to hand it over to Hiruzen Sarutobi for review. However, just as he stepped outside, he unexpectedly ran into Tomohisa Ishikawa, who was preparing to head home.
Seeing the rush Kaoru was in, Tomohisa asked, "Kaoru-sensei, you seem to be in quite a hurry. Do you need any help?"
Recognizing Tomohisa, Kaoru paused briefly and said, "Tomohisa-sensei, it's an urgent matter, but I don't need any help."
"But… I must say, you've taught a truly remarkable student."
Before Tomohisa could ask what he meant, Kaoru continued, "I'll be on my way now. We can talk later."
"Goodbye, Tomohisa-sensei."
With that, Kaoru hurried off, leaving Tomohisa standing there, confused.
After a while, as if realizing something, Tomohisa muttered to himself, "A remarkable student… is he talking about Veigar?"
...
Back home, Veigar picked up his ninjatō and began training. However, he found it difficult to calm his mind. The thought of soon leaving the academy and officially becoming a Genin filled him with both excitement and apprehension.
As for whether he could pass the early graduation exam? Veigar had no doubts. His strength gave him absolute confidence.
Meanwhile, as the homeroom teacher of the Elite Class at the Ninja Academy, Kaoru Iwabe arrived at the office of Hiruzen Sarutobi.
The Third Hokage glanced at Kaoru, who stood with slight apprehension, and said, "Kaoru Iwabe, do you have something to report?"
Kaoru nodded. "Yes, Lord Third."
"I'm here to submit an early graduation request for one of my students."
"This is the application. Please review it."
Kaoru respectfully presented Veigar's early graduation form with both hands.
Tap… tap…
However, Hiruzen did not immediately take the application. Instead, after taking two puffs from his pipe, he asked calmly, "It's Veigar Koshima, isn't it?"
Kaoru quickly nodded. "Yes, Lord Third. It's Veigar, he—"
...
The next day.
Upon arriving at the academy, Veigar immediately received confirmation from Kaoru that his early graduation exam would take place in one week.
On the spot, Veigar requested a week-long leave to prepare.
When class started, Kaoru entered right on time, his face brimming with energy as he announced, "Students, I have some exciting news for you."
"And that is…"
Kaoru deliberately paused, drawing everyone's attention before continuing, "Veigar Koshima has submitted an early graduation request, and the Third Hokage has approved it."
"I hope you will all learn from Veigar and train diligently."
The moment Kaoru finished speaking, the classroom erupted into chaos. As expected, he did not intervene—he had already anticipated this reaction.
After all, something similar had happened last year.
It wasn't until two or three minutes later that the noise gradually died down. At that moment, Might Guy, who was relatively close to Veigar, stood up and asked loudly, "Kaoru-sensei, why isn't Veigar here today?"
Kaoru replied, "Veigar likely won't be coming to school anymore."
"He has taken leave to prepare for his early graduation exam."
Soon, the news of Veigar's early graduation spread like wildfire throughout the Ninja Academy, sparking intense discussions among students and teachers alike.
Tomohisa Ishikawa and Keiichi Takayama, who were more familiar with Veigar, were quickly surrounded and bombarded with questions about him.
Meanwhile, Veigar, who had returned home early, had already begun his intense training regimen, completely unaware of the commotion his decision had caused.
Seated on his bed, he performed the Human Body Enhancement Technique, continuously refining his physical strength.
Based on his usual training schedule, performing this jutsu once per night would require about twenty days to fully master it.
But now, Veigar had decided to accelerate his progress—he would perform the jutsu three to four times a day. Before the early graduation exam, he aimed to push his strength to its absolute peak.
Though it would be exhausting and grueling, Veigar believed it was worth it.
As the day flew by, the news about Veigar spread beyond the academy and began circulating throughout the village.
Eventually, intelligence concerning Veigar even landed on the desk of another high-ranking figure in Konoha—Danzo Shimura.
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