Chapter 18: Applying for Graduation

Hiruzen's eyes widened, a strong sense of astonishment reflected in them.

Fight with Itachi?

How could this be possible?

Hiruzen knew Itachi's strength very well. Itachi had already activated his Mangekyou Sharingan. Even the Third Hokage couldn't guarantee that he could match Itachi.

For a moment, Hiruzen stopped thinking. After calming down for a while, he began to look seriously at Ryujiro.

"Who won between you and Itachi?"

Hiruzen asked solemnly.

The outcome?

Ryujiro pondered for a moment.

If it was solely based on strength, he believed he far surpassed Itachi. However, Itachi still had Tsukuyomi, Amaterasu, Susanoo, and other abilities.

Moreover, he hadn't fought Itachi with his full strength so he couldn't be sure how would these abilities of Itachi fare against him.

But even then, he believed he could easily defeat Itachi if they were to fight for real.

And the main issue here was he didn't want to reveal all his cards in front of Hiruzen so he chose to give a diplomatic answer.

"It's fifty-fifty," Ryujiro replied calmly.

Hiruzen sucked in a breath after hearing what Ryujiro said. Did that mean the Ryujiro in front of him already possessed the strength of a Kage?

Of course, whether what Ryujiro said was true or not remained to be seen, but this kid in front of him was definitely not simple.

This attitude, this composure... If Ryujiro's background wasn't clean, Hiruzen might have seen him as a threat.

"With your strength, you don't need to continue studying at the ninja academy."

"Yes, Hokage-sama. This time I've come to apply for early graduation."

Ryujiro stated plainly.

Ryujiro knew he currently possessed great strength, but his power wasn't growing at the rate he wanted. 

So, to rapidly improve himself Ryujiro knew he had to face real life combat and that couldn't be done staying in academy.

That's why he wanted to graduate early and go on missions.

"I approve your application. With your strength, there's indeed no need for you to stay at the ninja school any longer."

"However, to confirm your strength, I will arrange for a Jonin to test you."

"Is that okay with you?"

Hiruzen greatly admired the village's talents and appreciated civilian geniuses. However, he found it difficult to let go of Ryujiro.

Ryujiro's personality and composure were not as straightforward as Minato's. 

When Hiruzen first saw Ryujiro, he knew that such a character would be difficult to control and restrain in the village.

"No problem, Hokage-sama."

But it was just a Jonin test. Even if it was an elite Jonin like Kakashi, Ryujiro was confident he could defeat them. 

Moreover, it was just a test of strength; there was no need to exert one hundred percent of his power.

After Ryujiro left, Hiruzen lowered his head and sighed.

"Things are getting out of control."

Ryujiro was indeed a genius, but if a genius grew too fast, it would make people wary because such individuals were prone to getting out of control.

Especially for Hiruzen , who had experienced Orochimaru's betrayal.

---

The next day, Hiruzen leaned against his head slightly, facing Danzo, who was holding a cane on the other side of the office.

"Danzo, if it's about Ryujiro, I'll say it again. I won't hand that child over to you."

Danzo looked at his old friend with a gloomy gaze.

"Hiruzen, why don't you understand until now? Only Root can handle that child. Only powerful ninjas are qualified to bear the darkness of Konoha."

"It's a waste of his talent to let other Jonin guide him. As long as that child joins Root, I will personally guide him."

"That child is not like Minato. He won't be easily bound by others."

Danzo insinuated with a cold gaze.

With the ability to cut through mountains, that kid definitely had some secret. 

Once he obtained this secret jutsu, the position of Hokage would be within easy reach.

"No, no matter what you say, I won't hand this child over to Root. Root is not suitable for him."

"Hiruzen, you're still so naive."

"Someday you'll regret it."

With a cold snort, Danzo left the Hokage's office in annoyance.

Watching his departing figure, Hiruzen muttered to himself.

"Danzo, that kid's strength has already exceeded Root's control. He doesn't belong to Root; he belongs to Konoha."

"We old folks will continue to shine the light on the village and let the new leaves sprout."

Another ninja reaching the level of a Kage in swordsmanship was extremely important for Konoha, especially now that they had lost the Uchiha clan.

---

The graduation application was scheduled for the afternoon, so Ryujiro was not in a hurry. Naruto had already become one of the top students in the academy.

And there was nothing more for him to teach Naruto now. Let the timeline proceed as in the original story.

He arrived at the Hyuga compound.

Hiashi and Ryujiro sat at the table, while Hinata pushed open the door, brewed tea, and placed it in front of the two.

"I'm applying for early graduation."

Ryujiro said lightly.

Hinata's father, holding a cup of tea, suddenly paused as the cup floated in mid-air, but he quickly regained his composure.

"With your strength, you can indeed apply for early graduation."

"Ryujiro-kun... "

Hinata hesitated, biting her lip. Suddenly, a hint of determination flashed in her eyes.

"Father, I also want to apply for early graduation with Ryujiro."

"No."

Hiashi refused without even thinking

Hinata's face turned pale instantly.

Hiashi had seen Hinata's change in strength with his own eyes.

But Hinata was the eldest daughter of the Hyuga clan, and now she was even more outstanding than Neji.

In the future, Hinata would become the head of the Hyuga clan.

And he didn't want her to be exposed to the darkness and dirt of the ninja world at such a young age.

"Why, Father? Even if my strength is not as good as Ryujiro's, it's still far stronger than an average Genin."

"I have nothing more to learn at the ninja school now."

Hinata said with reluctance.

Continuing at the ninja school would only widen the gap between her and Ryujiro. Hinata didn't want to be left behind by Ryujiro.

"You are the eldest daughter of the family. To become a ninja, strength alone is not enough. Intervening in ninja affairs recklessly could cost you your life."

Hiashi looked at her solemnly.

Although on the surface, Hiashi seemed indifferent to Hinata, how could he ignore his love for his daughter?

Unlike Ryujiro, Hinata's attitude, composure, and sharpness were already impossible to hide.

Hiashi seemed to see the former Konoha White Fang once again.

"Hinata, what your father said is not wrong. A ninja's hands are stained with blood."

Ryujiro agreed with Hinata's father. Hinata's current strength could indeed spar with low level Chunin, but her strength was still too weak.

This world hid many powerful ninjas. Each member of Akatsuki alone could be compared to a Kage level ninja.

Moreover, Hinata, with the Byakugan, would inevitably attract the attention of other villages besides the Hyuga clan.

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