According to the usual procedure, many parents would wait until the class assignments were completed before leaving. So, at this moment, not only were the students and teachers present on the school grounds, but also the Third Hokage and many parents.
Therefore, when Uchiha Akira suddenly requested to graduate, it drew everyone's attention.
"Uchiha Akira, huh? I've heard that there's a new genius in the Uchiha clan recently," remarked the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, who had some impression of Akira.
After all, the story about him awakening the Sharingan just from falling down was quite the topic of discussion, and even Hiruzen had heard about it.
"Applying for graduation on the first day of school? Even I didn't do that back in my day," thought Uchiha Itachi, glancing at Uchiha Akira with some surprise.
"Akira, that guy..." Sasuke, standing nearby, felt a bit displeased upon hearing this.
Just a month ago, Akira hadn't even managed to extract chakra, and now, a month later, he was applying for graduation? Had he already left Sasuke behind?
"Who does this arrogant guy think he is?" muttered Naruto Uzumaki and Kiba Inuzuka, among others, feeling irritated.
They hadn't even started school yet, and someone was already showing them up?
"This kid sure knows how to draw attention!" Akira's grandfather grumbled softly.
But judging by the pleased expression on his face, it was clear that he wasn't truly angry.
After all, what could be more satisfying for an old man than seeing his grandson achieve something great?
...
As Uchiha Akira finished speaking, the schoolyard buzzed with chatter.
However, the Third Hokage didn't immediately give his opinion, signaling that it was up to the teacher to handle this situation.
"Akira, attending the Ninja Academy isn't just about learning ninjutsu. Theoretical knowledge and understanding the Will of Fire are also crucial..." Iruka Umino said with a kind smile, patiently explaining.
Many parents nodded in agreement, clearly trusting Iruka's words.
Indeed, Iruka made a valid point!
The Ninja Academy wasn't solely focused on chakra extraction and ninjutsu training.
Understanding and instilling proper moral values, like the true meaning of the Will of Fire, was just as important.
Could the Uchiha clan members truly grasp this concept? Did they think that just because they were from the Uchiha clan, had learned some ninjutsu early, and gained an advantage, they could simply apply for graduation on the first day of school?
At this point, all eyes were on Uchiha Akira.
Indeed, how would he respond to Iruka's point?
Though everyone was watching him, Uchiha Akira's expression remained calm.
It seemed that such attention wasn't enough to make him feel nervous.
However, Iruka's words were something Akira hadn't anticipated.
It seemed that the life simulations didn't include this scenario.
Of course, in those simulations, Akira hadn't applied for graduation on the first day of school.
After a brief silence, Uchiha Akira spoke, "Actually, I've always been interested in the Will of Fire. So, I've already studied it at home."
"Where the leaves dance, the fire burns bright. The fire's light will continue to illuminate the village, allowing new leaves to sprout..." Akira recited the core concept of the Will of Fire.
He then continued to recite several key passages from the Ninja Academy's important texts.
Come on, during the ninjutsu simulations, he had acquired knowledge from learning the Clone Jutsu, and later from the Great Fireball Technique!
Having essentially completed the first grade of the Ninja Academy twice, Uchiha Akira naturally remembered the moral and ethical lessons clearly.
Iruka was left speechless.
Indeed, if Uchiha Akira could recite the moral education texts from the Ninja Academy, it was clear that he had already self-studied the curriculum quite thoroughly!
Immediately, Iruka looked towards the Third Hokage.
Alright, Akira had proven his academic knowledge and understanding of the Will of Fire, and even the Third Hokage nodded in approval.
"In that case, let's test your practical skills to see if you're truly at the level of a ninja," announced the Third Hokage as he stepped forward.
While academic knowledge was important, the most crucial aspect was practical combat ability.
After all, being a ninja was a profession centered on combat, where practical skills were of utmost importance!
"Hyuga Jinko, you've been a Genin for two years now. Why don't you test him?" The Third Hokage said after a moment of thought, addressing a 13- or 14-year-old boy from the Hyuga clan.
Then, he turned to Uchiha Akira and said, "If you can fight Jinko to a draw, I will, as Hokage, approve your graduation!"
Note: If you are interested, you can read up to chapter 31 at patreon.com/Emik01.