Chapitre 48: Chapter 48: Farewell
Hitsugaya stood in front of the dressing mirror in the living room, carefully examining the figure in the reflection.
The boy in the mirror had medium-length messy hair tied into a neat single ponytail, with a few strands of bangs casually hanging over his forehead. Although slightly disheveled, they did not obscure his bright, dark eyes and sharp eyebrows.
He wore a typical ninja fishnet shirt as a base layer, paired with a beige jacket. His lower body was dressed in dark gray cropped pants, matched with ninja sandals, giving him a clean and neat appearance.
Standing over 135 centimeters tall, his build was slightly broader than most kids his age, looking like a boy of around ten.
"Where did this handsome little guy come from? Truly irresistible."
Feeling a bit self-content, Hitsugaya stepped out of the house and headed towards the ninja academy. It had been a month since the last conversation, and today was the day he would take the graduation exam.
"Hitsugaya, you're taking the early graduation exam today! Nervous?"
"Idiot! Do you think Hitsugaya is like you? Struggling over a basic Clone Jutsu. He'll easily pass!"
Walking on the path to the ninja academy, several of his peers started bickering around him.
The one being called an idiot was Uchiha Ryuuka. This guy was a bit clumsy, somewhat reminiscent of a future Obito, but without the same kindness. He had a complete family with both parents alive. His chakra control was average, barely managing to climb trees. After over two years of ninja school, he had managed to barely perform the Substitution and Transformation Jutsus. However, the Clone Jutsu, which required higher chakra control, remained a challenge for him.
"I've heard that besides Hitsugaya, only Ryo applied for early graduation among our peers. So envious!" said a girl named Asuka with genuine envy.
Among their peers in the clan, the only one eligible for early graduation besides Hitsugaya was the genius girl Ryo, who had managed to extract chakra after just one night of pre-school training back in the day.
Even in other clans, candidates for early training were usually selected from fourth or fifth grade students. It was rare to see second graders like Hitsugaya and Ryo, but there were always exceptions.
"I heard that White Fang's son also applied for early graduation this year. He's not even six years old yet. Incredible!"
Uchiha Mamoru chimed in. He wasn't among those applying for early graduation this time.
"Really? Not even six? That's remarkable! Ryuuka, remember when you were almost scared to death by a wild boar before you turned six?" Asuka said, unable to resist teasing him.
Hearing this, the girl Asuka couldn't help but taunt him. His poor performance during a wild boar hunt two years ago had become a laughingstock among his peers.
"Asuka! Shut up! We're talking about early graduation and becoming ninjas, okay? And I didn't wet my pants back then!"
Turning red with embarrassment and anger, Ryuuka loudly argued with her. The incident from two years ago had become a source of deep resentment for him.
The girl remained unafraid, merely snorting and ignoring him. Watching the two of them bickering, Hitsugaya smiled slightly. To him, they seemed like a pair of quarreling lovers. However, with Ryuuka's clumsy behavior, he was bound to suffer in the future.
Entering the school, Hitsugaya opened the sliding door of the classroom. Instantly, all the students who had already arrived gave him their full attention.
Three days ago, when he submitted his application for early graduation, the news had slowly spread. By now, everyone in the class knew about it.
His desk mate, a chubby boy named Shishido Ryo, immediately offered his congratulations.
"Nice!"
Giving him a big thumbs-up and a broad smile. Hitsugaya sat down at his desk, ignoring the curious and astonished looks from around him, as well as the occasional unfriendly, jealous, and resentful glances from Sarutobi Kazuma and a few other peers.
Soon, Aoyama Ryosuke, their homeroom teacher arrived. This Chunin bore a slight resemblance to Saitama-sensei, with a similar hairstyle.
Looking at Hitsugaya sitting quietly in the back of the classroom, Aoyama Ryosuke felt a twinge of sentiment. This student had never caused him much trouble, always sitting quietly and keeping to himself, not bothering him or his classmates. At the same time, Hitsugaya showcased remarkable ninja talent.
He had mastered not only the knowledge taught in class but also advanced materials for higher grades. He excelled in Taijutsu, Ninjutsu, Genjutsu, and hand signs.
Now, applying for early graduation brought a hint of regret to Aoyama Ryosuke, who wished he could have left a more significant mark on Hitsugaya's growth.
"Alright, everyone, quiet down! Uchiha Hitsugaya, come with me. The rest of you stay here for self-study!"
Standing on the podium, Aoyama Ryosuke called out loudly.
"Uchiha Hitsugaya is about to take the graduation exam. Everyone, let's give him a round of applause and cheer him on!"
As he spoke, he began clapping, setting the tone.
"Clap, clap, clap."
The classroom burst into applause, with some students even offering a few words of encouragement. Even Sarutobi Kazuma begrudgingly joined in.
"Thank you, everyone. It has been an honor to be your classmate!"
Caught off guard by this gesture, Hitsugaya stood on the podium, bowed deeply, and softly expressed his gratitude as a form of farewell.
Leaving the classroom and following behind Aoyama-sensei at a steady pace, Hitsugaya felt no nervousness about the upcoming graduation exam. However, he was slightly surprised by his classmates' reactions.
"Is this also a form of bond?"
Just as Hitsugaya started to ponder, they reached a new venue with Aoyama-sensei.
The current graduation exam was not as simple as the Clone Jutsu assessed during the Third Great Ninja War, when Konoha needed more ninjas on the frontlines. Back then, even a barely passable Clone Jutsu by Obito was enough to pass due to the urgent need for manpower on the battlefield.
Nor was it like the time the story began, with the graduation age set at 12, where they also had to perform the Clone Jutsu.
(End of Chapter)
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