Interlude

"As you've chosen the path of early graduation, there are a few adjustments we need to discuss," Ryuji explained, locking eyes with each student. 

"Firstly, your second-year exams will be skipped. Instead, you'll undergo the graduation assessment in a month."

'As expected. Well, not technically since I was preparing for two exams back-to-back. I was sure that they would have a catch to this so as to sift the wheat from the chaff. I guess I was wrong.' Renjiro ruminated within the labyrinth of his mind.

Ryuji continued, 

"This also means that you should be prepared to brush over the third-year syllabus. While it won't be the main focus, it might be integrated into the examination."

'What the hell! I thought that since the third years have more practical classes than us, their syllabus wouldn't be that different from ours. I guess I'll have to ask around.'

The weight of the challenge settled in the room, but Ryuji's stern expression softened as he addressed them. 

"I believe in your capabilities, and this decision is a testament to your dedication. Early graduation is no small feat, but with hard work, you can achieve it." Ryuji finished off with an encouraging smile.

He handed each student a set of papers outlining the revised plan, the details of the accelerated exams, and a brief overview of the third-year syllabus. As the meeting progressed, Ryuji offered guidance, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and supporting each other through the upcoming trials.

The room buzzed with a mix of determination and apprehension as the students left, mentally preparing for the intense month ahead. Ryuji watched them go, and his confidence in their potential is evident. The journey to early graduation had begun, and each step would test their mettle and shape their destinies as shinobi.

'Aaah, to be so young and Ambitious. I just hope that neither of them will get discouraged if they fail the test. Who Am I kidding? Not everyone is like me.' 

Ryuji finished off with a short laugh at his misery. This brought back memories of his younger days and he could not help but be sentimental.

When Renjiro arrived back at his place, the first thing that he did was release one long exasperated sigh.

 "Ugh..." Renjiro sighed.

"I can't even get rest nowadays! Maybe I should just quit being a shinobi and live a mundane life after the next Shinobi war. There would be more than twenty years of peace. However, there is also the Uchiha Clan Massacre. I can just become strong Enough and revert my name back to Uzumaki. At that time I should be strong enough to counter Danzo's schemes. But becoming stronger opens one up to stronger threats after all more power, more problems."

After resigning himself to his fate of a never-ending loop of power chasing just for self-preservation, Renjiro focused on the matter at hand.

'Well Good news is I have more time to prepare for the exams and the Bad news is that I have a month to go through the third-year curriculum. Life sure has a way of balancing itself out.'

'Besides that, The only other things that I consider important are Genjutsu and Bukijutsu. But considering the tight time constraint, I can't learn everything about them. I will have to cover the basics and then circle back after I become a genin. Or even, I could even pester my Jounin sensei to teach me. But first, let me see what the third-year curriculum entails.'

Renjiro furled the papers Ryuji handed to them and started studying them one after another.

In their third year at the academy, the curriculum shifted its focus to practical applications, allowing aspiring genins to delve deeper into their chosen specializations. Each student embarked on a unique journey, refining their skills and developing a more profound understanding of their selected path.

For those specializing in sensory techniques, the year involved advanced training in chakra sensing and detection methods. Practical exercises were designed to enhance the range and accuracy of their sensory abilities, while also introducing countermeasures against stealth and evasion tactics.

Students pursuing tracking and surveillance honed their skills in advanced tracking across various terrains. The curriculum included the mastery of camouflage techniques for covert operations, along with strategies to counteract enemy reconnaissance, ensuring a well-rounded expertise in information gathering.

The information-gathering specialization delved into the intricacies of espionage. Students studied interrogation techniques and learned to extract vital intel from captured targets. The curriculum also covered advanced espionage skills, including undercover operations, and introduced counterintelligence methods to safeguard classified information.

For those on the path of genjutsu mastery, the third year involved an in-depth study of illusionary techniques and their applications. Students practised advanced genjutsu casting and dispelling methods, developing the mental fortitude needed to resist and break illusions effectively.

The students had one general class where they had a superficial training on all the specializations and ways to counter them like ways of disrupting genjutsus, covering your tracks during travelling and escaping among others.

Throughout the year, students participated in simulated missions and practical scenarios, challenging their chosen specializations. The curriculum emphasized teamwork and collaborative strategies, preparing the students for the dynamic challenges they would face as genin. 

The culmination of the year involved a comprehensive examination evaluating their proficiency in both their chosen specialization and overall ninja skills.

'Great, they cover ways of countering Genjutsus. I should probably focus on that. The first should be Chakra Disruption.' Renjiro surmised.

Renjiro, determined to learn ways to counter Genjutsu, explored intentional chakra disruption as a countermeasure. By strategically interfering with his own chakra flow, he endeavoured to create a defence mechanism that rendered genjutsu ineffective, providing an escape route from the clutches of illusion.

In his pursuit, Renjiro also sharpened his sensory perception and awareness, aiming to recognize subtle incongruities in his surroundings. 

His gains in sensory training greatly helped. This heightened awareness became a crucial tool, enabling him to detect and dispel genjutsu before its illusory tendrils tightened their grip on him.

As Renjiro's training progressed, this comprehensive and interconnected approach equipped him with the tools needed to navigate the intricate dance between reality and illusion. 

Through a combination of mental fortitude, chakra mastery and heightened awareness Renjiro emerged more resilient and adept in countering the artful deceptions of genjutsu.

"Well, that went well. Onto the next."

Renjiro pondered the significance of venturing into bukijutsu, recognizing its pivotal role in shaping a versatile and formidable shinobi. In his contemplation, he mused on the essence of bukijutsu in direct speech:

'Mastering bukijutsu isn't just about wielding weapons; it's a pathway to versatility and adaptability in the unpredictable realm of combat. Weapons are extensions of a shinobi's skills, amplifying their prowess and offering strategic advantages in diverse situations.'

As he considered the specific weapons to delve into, Renjiro found himself drawn to the idea of mastering the staff or the sabre. He envisioned the staff as a versatile choice, providing both offence and defence through its extended reach and blocking capabilities.

'The staff offers a dynamic range of techniques. It can be a swift, striking force or a reliable tool for parrying and deflecting attacks. Its versatility aligns with my goal of cultivating a well-rounded skill set. Plus, ever since I saw the Monkey King Summon of the Hokage wield it, I was hooked.'

The sabre, on the other hand, appealed to Renjiro for its finesse and precision.

"The sabre, with its sharp and swift movements, embodies a more refined approach to bukijutsu. It allows for precise strikes and quick manoeuvres, emphasizing agility and speed. A well-mastered sabre technique can be a potent asset in close-quarters combat."

"Plus, if I am lucky I can, I can get Lessons from Sakumo. He should be the it Guy from Konoha during this time."

Renjiro envisioned the symbiotic relationship between his existing skills and bukijutsu, recognizing that a comprehensive arsenal, both physical and metaphoric, would elevate him as a shinobi. 

Since the use of the staff and the sabre were not that common in Konoha, save for a few clans like the Hatake clan, the only place where Renjiro could get the weapons art was in Konoha's public library.

'This is Strange, I thought with their Sharingans, the Uchiha could have easily copied weapon arts and other techniques of even the Samurai.'

On reaching the Library, since there was low demand for such arts, the were fewer scrolls on weapon arts and Renjiro only managed to get one for the staff.

'Although this might be unexpected, I can practice the staff in private for whenever I need to perform clandestine missions for the village or even personal ones. I can leave the Sabre for whenever I get the chance to learn from somebody.'

[Let's hit our weekly target of 500 Powerstones and I will upload a bonus Chapter on Sunday]

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