c15: Graduation Assessment
Five days later, a scroll appeared on the desk in the Hokage's office.
It was the application submitted by Chiba his official request to graduate from the Ninja Academy in advance.
Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, sat in his high-backed chair, his wise eyes fixed on the document. His expression was initially serious, but as he read through the application, a smile gradually surfaced on his face.
"So the Hatake clan produces yet another genius," Hiruzen murmured, stroking his beard. "Kakashi graduated at five… and now Chiba wants to do the same perhaps even earlier."
He shook his head slightly and let out a soft chuckle, equal parts admiration and concern.
Chiba's demonstrated talent and strength were undeniable. His combat records at the Academy, reports from instructors, and his performance in practice spars all pointed to a shinobi far beyond his age group. With such overwhelming potential, the Hokage had no reason to reject the application so long as Chiba could pass the official assessment.
"The boy's abilities are exceptional, no doubt," Hiruzen said aloud, setting the scroll aside and picking up his pen. "But he's still young. If he's to graduate early, as Kakashi did, perhaps it would be wise to place him in ANBU for a time… under close observation."
The Hokage paused, tapping the pen against the wood of his desk.
"But I mustn't make it easy for him. I allowed Kakashi to breeze through the assessment back then, but Chiba… I'll have to challenge him. See what he's really made of."
Hiruzen signed the approval, sealing the decision.
It didn't take long for the news of Chiba's early graduation request to spread through Konoha like wildfire. Within hours, whispers circulated from the Academy classrooms to the village streets, from the training grounds to the dango shops.
"Did you hear? That kid from the Hatake family Chiba he applied to graduate early!"
"No way! He's not even six yet. Just like Kakashi… maybe even faster!"
"The Hatake clan keeps producing monsters. First Sakumo, then Kakashi, and now Chiba…"
In taverns and training fields alike, shinobi and civilians discussed the news with astonishment. Veterans who had once fought alongside Sakumo Hatake could only shake their heads in admiration and perhaps a bit of fear at how his lineage continued to redefine the word genius.
Though the application had been confirmed, no one knew what the graduation assessment would involve. The Hokage kept the details classified, which only fueled speculation.
Would it be a duel? A survival test? A stealth operation?
With no clear answers, excitement and curiosity surged throughout the village.
Chiba, however, remained unfazed. He continued his daily routine without pressure or worry. To him, the assessment was nothing more than a formality.
"If I can't pass a basic Academy graduation exam, I might as well find a wall to bang my head against," he muttered.
In the outskirts of the village, the clearing Chiba used for personal training had been reduced to a scorched battlefield. The surrounding vegetation was blackened, trees reduced to ash, and even the soil was singed a deep charcoal.
Chiba stood shirtless in the middle of the ruined terrain, his chest heaving as he exhaled steam. His body radiated intense heat, flames flickering faintly around his arms and shoulders.
The ground sizzled beneath him as he summoned more fire chakra. Slowly, deliberately, he raised his right hand, gathering the flames into a dense orb.
The fireball expanded as it absorbed his chakra, swelling overhead until it resembled a miniature sun. The energy radiating from it warped the air and cast shadows that danced across the ruined earth.
"Dai Enkai: Endōka Great Flame Ring: Flame Emperor," he said softly.
The gathered flames pulsed violently, the fireball doubling in size. The sheer power it contained could easily incinerate a small mountain if released its destructive force rivaled that of high-level Fire Release techniques like Gōka Mekkyaku used by the Uchiha.
Had Chiba unleashed it, ANBU patrols would have swarmed the area, mistaking it for an enemy attack.
He had only recently acquired the powers of the Mera Mera no Mi, a mysterious fruit with origins outside of traditional shinobi knowledge. Though he could now use powerful offensive techniques, the more advanced traits like elemental body transformation or the flame aura were still locked or too risky to reveal.
Chiba slowly dissipated the fireball. Beads of sweat clung to his brow, his breathing ragged. Exhausted, he nearly collapsed to the ground.
"Tomorrow's the graduation assessment," he muttered between breaths. "Once I pass, I won't have to keep playing around with those Academy kids anymore."
He didn't train further. Instead, he gathered his belongings and returned to the village, stopping by Ichiraku Ramen for two steaming bowls of miso ramen before heading home.
That night, as he stepped through the door of the Hatake home, he found Kakashi waiting for him, seated cross-legged on the floor with a book in hand.
"You're home late," Kakashi said, glancing up from Icha Icha Paradise. "All set for tomorrow?"
It was clear from his tone that he genuinely cared. Despite his cool exterior, Kakashi had always taken his role as older brother seriously.
"Don't worry about it," Chiba replied, waving a hand dismissively. "It's just a graduation exam. I could probably pass it with my eyes closed."
Kakashi let out a chuckle and scratched his head. "Yeah, that's true. I probably couldn't beat you now, even if I tried. You'll pass without breaking a sweat."
He paused, then added with a smirk, "Still, I can't help but be nervous. Must be that big brother instinct."
"You should hope it's not too easy," Chiba said with a grin. "If I breeze through it, it'll be boring."
Seeing Chiba's confidence bordering on arrogance Kakashi exhaled in relief.
"Alright then," Kakashi said. "Go get some sleep. I want to see what kind of chaos you cause tomorrow."
The two shared a brief nod before parting ways for the night, the quiet tension of the coming day hanging in the air.
Chiba didn't feel pressure he felt anticipation.
Tomorrow, everything would change.
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