Chapter 145 - Graduation

It was the next day after his visit to the academy. Daichi was moving along the streets of the Leaf and soon reached Aiko's orphanage.

As he entered the compound he saw children playing in the small playground and having fun. There were a couple adults who (Daichi used 'observe' on and made sure we're working for the orphanage) were watching the children to make sure they were safe. As he looked around, his eyes soon focused on a girl who looked very familiar to him. She was playing on a swing with her friends. It only took him a moment to figure out her identity.

'No way. Is that…'

After watching her for a few seconds Daichi headed to the matron's office. He knocked on the door a few times. A couple seconds later he heard the voice of Aiko from inside.

"Come in."

Daichi entered the room and greeted the head Matron.

"Hello Miss Aiko. It's been a long time."

"Daichi! You're back. I'm so happy to see you." Aiko got up and went to give Daichi a hug.

"I'm happy to see you too. How have you been?"

"I've been good. I hired a few people these last two years to help with the kids. So things are going somewhat smoothly. I can't complain. What about you? When did you get back?"

"A couple days ago. I've decided to take the graduation exam this coming month."

"Wow. I have no doubt you will ace the test." Aiko was truly happy for Daichi.

"Miss Aiko. How's Reo?" Daichi asked at that moment.

Aiko smiled expecting that question. She got up from her seat and went near the window in her room. She motioned for Daichi to come and he went near her.

"Look at the swings."

Daichi looked at the girl in a red and blue dress riding the swing.

"She's grown a lot from the last time you saw her huh. 4 years old. It feels like only yesterday when you brought her to me." Aiko said.

"Yeah. Time flies. She's beautiful. She has Kimiko's face but Ren's smile." A smile formed on his face as he looked at the girl playing with her friends.

"You know she's smart too. Learns things much quicker than most. And she often asks me who it is that sends her special gifts and sweets on her birthdays."

Daichi turned to look at the matron. "What did you tell her? Did you tell her about me?"

"No. I just said it was an anonymous donation… You should meet her."

"And say what exactly? I can't exactly go up to her and say 'Hey I'm the guy who saved your life when you were a baby from a psycho who murdered your parents and were about to kill you'…"

Aiko let out a small breath. "I wouldn't phrase it like that… Why are you hesitating?" She asked the boy.

Daichi thought back to his discussion with Kensei.

"Right now, you're about to become a Genin. And I have some work remaining back at the capital. And you and I both know there are elements within the village that could prove problematic if your relationship with the girl got out. Her life would be in danger. For the moment let things pass. Once the threat is removed we'll adopt her. Or at the very least you can openly communicate with her."

"It's still dangerous for her. I can't let her be in danger."

"But Itachi is long gone from the village."

"It's not just Itachi. During my time in the capital, I've encountered some forces that were hostile to me. I'm not sure who but they must have some backing from the village. If I associate with Reo it might put her in danger." Daichi didn't want Danzo to have any knowledge of Reo.

Hearing his words, Aiko didn't say anything more.

"She seems happy." Daichi said as he looked at the small girl.

"Yes. She's smart, made some friends and gets along well with everyone. So despite being an orphan she can smile and laugh. I'm sure one day when you tell her who you are she'll look at you like a big brother."

Daichi nodded. He stood there near the window and watched Reo play amongst her friends. Some time later he handed a scroll which contained some money to Aiko.

"Daichi, this isn't necessary. We're doing quite fine."

"Please, Miss Aiko. Take it. It's better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it." Daichi said, placing the scroll on the desk.

The matron nodded and took the scroll and stored it somewhere safe.

"After a couple more weeks, you'll be busy with missions and stuff huh." Aiko asked the boy.

"Yeah. Not sure who the Hokage would pick for my teammates and sensei. Just hope it's someone strong."

"I'm sure Lord Hokage will assign one that befits your talents."

Daichi spent an hour at the orphanage and before long he left. He wandered around the place and before long reached the academy. It was lunch time and he was looking for his friends.

Before long Daichi found Naruto and company eating food at their usual place. As Daichi got near them he saw Akamaru quickly raise its head and look at Daichi.

"Woof." It let out a bark that turned everyone's attention to him.

Daichi smiled as he looked at them. "Got room for one more."

"Daichi!?"

"Come on. Join us. Welcome back Daichi"

"It's good to see all of you." Daichi smiled at his friends.

"Hey, what's this about you taking the graduation exam? I thought we would take that together next year." Naruto suddenly asked.

Daichi was surprised to hear that. "You guys know about that?" He let out a sigh and replied.

"I've been doing some training at the capital and it ended sooner than expected. And I didn't want to waste a year. So I said to my teacher that I wanted to take the Genin exam this year."

"Wait. You were training at the capital? I thought you were going to learn about your grandpa's business or something." Kiba spoke.

"That was the plan. But things changed once I reached the place."

Shikamaru narrowed his eyes as he listened to his friend. 'I knew it. I knew he was training. But what kind would require him to leave the village?'

"What kinda training did you do?" The young Nara asked.

"That… is a secret." Daichi said with a small laugh.

"Oh come on Daichi. You can tell us." Naruto wanted to know if he could do the training Daichi did.

"Sorry Naruto. But like I said. It's a secret. Now tell me about you guys. How have you been?"

"Well nothing significant happened. Naruto pranked a bunch of people last week and got in trouble. But other than that nothing much." Kiba said with a small laugh.

"Oh before I forget, I have something for you guys from the capital." With those words Daichi took out a scroll and opened it. Pushing chakra into it, he took out its contents. There were two bags. Daichi took one and opened it.

"The best candy currently available at the Fire Capital."

"Oh sweet." Choji and Kiba dug into the small candy contained bag.

"Hey Naruto, how's your clone jutsu coming along?" Daichi asked the blonde kid.

Hearing that question, Naruto's face soured. "Oh man, don't remind me of that. I still can't make a good clone."

Hearing that Daichi then took another scroll from his sleeve and gave it to his friend. "Here. This contains a Chakra Control training method and my notes on it. Mastering this should help you with your clone problem."

Naruto took the scroll and looked at the title. 'Tree walking chakra control techniques.'

"Hey. I can climb trees just fine, thank you."

Daichi let out a sigh half expecting that. "Just read the scroll Naruto. And you guys can use it too. It'll be necessary when you become a Genin. This is important stuff."

Naruto and some of the other's eyes widened as they heard that.

Daichi then opened the other bag and took out a shogi board. It had a stylish design and the pieces in the container were created with excellent craftsmanship.

"Here. This is for you. I figured you might like something like this." Daichi handed the board and its rule book to Shikamaru.

"Looks interesting. Thanks."

Daichi then took out two small books. He gave one to Hinata and the other to Shino.

"Hinata. Yours has recipes for various healing Ointments and how to cook one heck of a Cinnabon."

"T-thank you Daichi."

Daichi then turned to Shino. "Your book contains records of various rare insects. Don't know if that will be useful for you or not but I bought them for you anyway."

"Thank you for the gift Daichi." Shino slightly bowed his head as a show of appreciation.

Daichi then took out a small golden bracelet with red and green jewels. He handed it to Ino. "The guy I bought this from said it had a Lucky charm. The luck of whoever wears it improves. I figured this would help you. And it would look good on you."

Ino blushed and took the bracelet. "Wow, it's gorgeous. Thank you Daichi."

'I was tempted to keep it. That bracelet has +3 Luck stat. It's the first time I'm finding an item like that. I was half tempted to keep it.'

Daichi then turned to Sakura. "And last but not least Sakura. Here is a small guide to anyone looking to become a medic. I think this could help you out very well."

"Thanks Daichi."

"So now that you've bribed us all with these gifts, you're expecting us not to stay mad at you for early graduation huh." Shikamaru asked Daichi with a smirk.

"Is it that obvious?"

"To me, yeah."

Daichi laughed hearing that answer.

"Don't worry Daichi. It's only a year. We'll catch up with you in no time." Naruto said with a big smile.

"I'm looking forward to it."

Daichi spent time with them until the end of their break and then he left the place.

Daichi prepared himself in the coming weeks. On March 22nd he went to the academy and found Iruka.

Iruka took Daichi to a sparring area. "Try to land three hits on me."

Daichi and Iruka made the seal of confrontation. They began the spar and within a short time Daichi was able to land 3 successful hits on his academy instructor. The first hit came too fast for Iruka to block. The second came behind the feint of another punch. And the last struck when Iruka was busy blocking Daichi's kicks.

"Well done Daichi. Your Taijutsu skills are certainly up to par. Now come on. I'll take you to the waiting room. When the time comes, someone will come to call you. Head to room 21. It's the examination room. Your test will be the clone and substitution jutsu."

Daichi spent some time in the waiting room before being called. He went to the examination room and found Iruka sensei along with Daikoku sensei.

"Daichi. How have you been?" Daikoku Funeno had a smile as he looked at the child he considers a prodigy.

"Good sensei. I'm happy to see you."

"Likewise. Now are you ready?"

"Yes…"

"Good. Perform the clone Jutsu."

Daichi weaved a sign and created the perfect clone.

"Good. Now use the substitution jutsu."

The next second Daichi swapped himself with a chair. Showing that he could perform the technique flawlessly.

"Well done. Step forward."

Daichi stepped forward and stood in front of his two teachers. Daikoku held out a metal plate with an insignia to Daichi.

"It is my honor to present to you the Leaf Headband. Wear it with pride."

Daichi slightly bowed and took the head band. Tied it loosely around his neck.

"Make sure to be here on the 29th. You'll meet your teammates and sensei at that time." Iruka instructed him.

"Yes sensei." With those words Daichi left the academy.