As the first rays of sunlight pierced the treetops, Uzumaki Tong was already drenched in sweat, well into the second round of his morning training. Though still officially a student at the Ninja Academy, he trained relentlessly in his spare time under Yuantai's watch.
Even Yuantai was astonished. Tong's comprehension and practice of swordsmanship had reached a level where he could grasp complex techniques after just a single explanation.
A genius—an absolute prodigy.
That was all Yuantai could think as he watched the boy panting through his drills.
From 4 a.m. until now, Tong hadn't taken a single break.
Such persistence… such sheer willpower. What if he pushed his body too far?
"Tong, that's enough. You should rest, at least enough to get through the day at school," Yuantai said, appearing in front of him in a flicker and patting him on the shoulder.
Despite his rugged face and sharp eyes, there was a rare gentleness in his expression. His usual triangular eyes squinted into slits, making his face look almost… comically flat and horse-like.
Tong caught his breath and smiled slightly. "Sensei, if this is supposed to be the first day of hell, then this isn't even close. Besides, these few sword forms are barely scratching the surface."
Yuantai blinked, then burst into laughter. "You've still got to show up at school, though. Your teacher, Kimura Sai, was concerned after hearing about your mother's condition yesterday."
Hearing that name, Tong's expression turned solemn.
After a brief silence, he shook his head and said firmly, "Do you think the Academy still serves any purpose for me? Even Lord Danzo wouldn't want me wasting time there. I'm applying for early graduation—today."
"I have to grow stronger—faster. I need to prove my value. Root isn't going to give me endless time."
Without another word, he wiped the sweat from his face and sprinted toward the Academy.
Yuantai narrowed his eyes slightly as he watched the boy disappear into the distance.
He's still too impatient.
But he understood. Tong had spent the entire night making this decision.
Sure, staying in the Academy was the safer, more traditional route.
But having now bound himself to Danzo, he knew that to be useful, he had to break into the Uchiha ranks. And he knew full well that Root could never convince Tsunade to return and save his mother.
But… there might be someone else who could.
Orochimaru.
The mad scientist is possibly still in Akatsuki at this point. Tong figured—if anyone could cure rare diseases, it might be him.
So he needed to be noticed, truly valued by Root. That way, he could earn a mission involving contact with Orochimaru.
Only then could he get close enough to ask for help.
After all, even Kabuto might now be more capable than the average medical ninja in the Leaf.
As he thought all this over, the school gates came into view.
He took a deep breath and entered his classroom.
Kimura Sai was already midway through the first lesson. When he saw Tong appear, he froze.
He had told the boy to meet him in the training room the day before, planning to personally guide him into becoming a powerful shinobi.
But Tong never showed up.
Later, he learned about his mother's condition and understood. He had been worried since.
Seeing him now, Kimura Sai visibly relaxed.
With a gentle smile, he said, "Since you're here, take your seat."
Tong paused, seeing the concern in his teacher's eyes. Then, he shook his head.
"Sensei, I'm here today… to apply for early graduation."
The room fell silent.
Every student stared, stunned.
There was no doubt that Uzumaki Tong had been the top student all year, but to suddenly say he wanted to graduate?
It felt like a dream. None of them were ready for this.
Even Kimura Sai was caught off guard. He walked over and pinched Tong's cheek hard.
"…You sure you're not dreaming?"
Tong could sense the emotion behind his teacher's concern and felt touched.
He gave a deep bow. "This past year, I've grown because of your guidance. But now… I believe I'm ready. And I must graduate."
Kimura Sai finally understood.
He gave instructions for the class to review on their own, then immediately took Tong out of the room.
"I-I didn't mishear, right? He's only seven… and he's graduating?!"
"This is insane. Total genius…"
"Hmph. He's only applying for graduation. Doesn't mean he passed yet."
"Yeah, let's not jump the gun…"
The classroom buzzed with chatter. A seven-year-old graduating… that was rare. Even Uchiha Itachi graduated at seven.
Though rumor had it someone once graduated at five…
In a fully-equipped training hall, Tong stood in front of the examiner, someone from Root.
It seemed Danzo had already anticipated Tong would apply today.
On the other side of the room stood Yuantai and Kimura Sai.
Kimura was visibly nervous. Everything had happened so fast.
"Sir, isn't it a bit much to send a chūnin for a test like this?" he asked, glancing at Yuantai, whom he still believed was from the ANBU.
"It's just five minutes. As a teacher, you should trust your student," Yuantai replied lightly, though even he looked somewhat tense.
After all, Tong's power just days ago was barely peak-genin.
And this examiner—though not top-tier—was a chūnin from Root, skilled in taijutsu.
Tong would be hard-pressed to endure for five minutes, especially in terms of stamina.
But at that moment, Uzumaki Tong looked incredibly focused.
This was a real chūnin-level opponent. Lasting five minutes would be his limit.
But… chūnin usually lacked the refined battle instincts of someone like Yuantai. That might just be the gap he needed.
Tong bowed. "Please go easy on me."
The chūnin snorted coldly, arms crossed. His look said, You're not even worth it.
"Begin!" Yuantai barked.
Whoosh!
Three kunai flew in a triangular formation straight toward the chūnin at high speed.
Tong followed up instantly, drawing the short ninja blade Yuantai had gifted him earlier that morning.
The chūnin dodged effortlessly, deflecting the kunai with his blade. Then he lunged straight at Tong.
His speed outclassed Tong's.
But just as he neared, Tong stopped—completely still—and closed his eyes.
He re-sheathed his blade.
The chūnin didn't hesitate.
He believed in his strength. This was just a genin's graduation test. No matter how skilled the kid was, there was no way he'd land a hit.
But Yuantai's eyes gleamed.
"He's setting a trap… switching from movement to stillness. That first flurry was just bait. Now the real technique begins. Heh… this kid has amazing instincts."
Hearing that made Kimura Sai light up with pride. For a high-level ANBU (or so he thought) to praise his student? That proved his teaching was legitimate.
He couldn't help but smile.
And then—
Just as the chūnin's blade was about to strike—
Tong shouted: "Iaido — Draw Slash!"
In that instant, his chakra surged, bursting from the sheathed blade. A flash of movement—a clean, sudden strike—sliced through the air.
Slash!
A line of blood sprayed from the chūnin's arm.
He barely avoided the fatal blow, jumping back in a panic.
His heart pounded.
If I'd moved even a second slower… that blade would've taken my arm.
And before he could recover, Tong was already sprinting toward the spot where the chūnin landed, throwing six kunai in rapid succession at three strategic angles.
It was as if he could predict every move that was coming next.
The chūnin's eyes widened.
He was stunned.