A fight with Shisui revealed many of Saitama's shortcomings.
Saitama realized his fighting style was far too basic—he didn't have a single move that could match or surpass Shisui's strength. In the end, he barely won by relying on the advantage of the Sharingan.
New Year's was just around the corner, and snow began falling over Konoha Village!
Huge feather-like snowflakes danced gracefully across the sky.
Konoha hadn't seen snow in many years—at least, not during Saitama's time here.
"A white winter brings a golden harvest." Konoha had this exact proverb too!
Snowfall couldn't possibly dampen Konoha's festive New Year spirit.
Despite thick layers of snow covering the streets, merchants and pedestrians still thronged the roads busily.
Saitama strolled slowly down the street, crunching through foot-deep snow.
Taking a rare moment off, Saitama decided to treat himself today.
"Dad, there's someone selling masks over there!"
A childish voice rang out. Following the sound, Saitama recognized one of the adult men nearby.
Fugaku Uchiha! The current head of the Uchiha Clan!
The identity of the child next to him became immediately clear—Itachi Uchiha!
Born in Konoha Year 43, Itachi was nearing his second birthday by the end of Konoha Year 44—barely over one year old. After New Year's, he'd finally turn two—a cute and charming toddler.
Saitama stopped, standing not far away.
He wanted to observe this father-son pair.
Fugaku picked up one mask and said to young Itachi beside him, "If you want one, we can buy it for you."
Smiling slightly, Fugaku appeared very kind.
Itachi nodded, then walked over to start picking one from the stall.
Taking this opportunity, Fugaku seemed to sense something and turned his gaze toward Saitama.
His eyes paused briefly on the Uchiha clan symbol embroidered on Saitama's clothes. Curious, Fugaku stared at this young boy.
Noticing the clan leader looking toward him, Saitama simply dipped his head slightly as a respectful gesture to the clan chief before turning to leave.
This father and son seemed significantly more harmonious than what he remembered.
The snow kept falling without pause, wrapping entire Konoha within a white veil.
Before long, Saitama entered a barbecue restaurant.
He hadn't had barbecued meat for quite some time, and now craving it, he took advantage of today's occasion to visit this establishment he frequented often.
Dining solo wasn't so bad—it had its own kind of charm.
Saitama didn't feel lonely at all. As long as your mind was strong, even being alone felt like a celebration!
Skillfully ordering some side dishes, Saitama first asked for two pounds of meat.
At this growing stage, food shouldn't be skimped on—if he weren't careful, he might grow short like the prince, and being called 'Shorty' wasn't exactly friendly!
Now six years old, Saitama currently stood about one meter tall. Not that anyone had measured it exactly, but he was probably just a bit over three foot three.
Among peers, this height wasn't considered short.
Shisui and Saitama were similar, though Shisui looked much thinner.
This place dished out big portions, tasty meat, and kept the prices fair.
Saitama chose a seat tucked in the corner where it was quiet and nobody would disturb him during his meal.
Putting strips of meat onto the grill, he immediately heard the oil sizzle. Saitama couldn't help but grin.
Now that's what I call a perfect life—no need to worry about food or clothes!
Well, it'd be even better without all this pressure.
Isn't that just life? No pressure means no motivation!
Watching the meat slowly turn golden brown, Saitama carefully applied seasonings bit by bit.
Instantly, the high heat caused the spices to release an even stronger aroma.
Even after a satisfying meal, Saitama never allowed himself to relax.
At the start of the new semester, he'd apply for the graduation exam. Although confident in passing, he still needed some preparation!
After setting aside some grilled meat for Grandmother Ka Po-pu, Saitama grabbed his own ninja tools and carefully made his way into the forest.
The trees were blanketed in snow. The air was sharp with cold—but none of it could stop Saitama.
Only in such weather could one truly forge oneself.
Kunai, shuriken, swordsmanship, ninjutsu, taijutsu, and finally genjutsu—Saitama practiced each skill meticulously in this environment.
His chakra surged like a storm inside him. Energy and stamina—limitless.
Under these conditions, Saitama continuously honed his abilities.
He wanted power—and that hunger never let him rest.
Reality doesn't care who you are. If you're weak, the world beats you down until there's nothing left.
Not for a moment did Saitama allow himself to slack off!
[Sharingan!]
Two tomoe appeared within his eyes as Saitama gripped several shuriken and dashed toward a large tree, running straight up its trunk.
This technique used chakra attached to the feet, allowing one to defy gravity and walk on trees—an ability Saitama had mastered over the past few days.
Pushing off from the height of the trunk, his entire body leapt outward.
Headfirst, Saitama plummeted like an inverted onion.
Still midair, he flung the shuriken held between his fingers; they whistled sharply through the air!
After throwing four shuriken, Saitama didn't pause for a second.
Reaching once more into his ninja tool pouch, several more shuriken nestled between his fingers.
His crimson eyes swept around sharply before his hands moved again.
"Ding!" "Ding!" "Ding!" "Ding!"
Four metallic rings rang out as Saitama closed his eyes, twisting his body slightly at the last moment before landing squarely on both feet!
[Boom!]
The shuriken struck their targets simultaneously, lodging firmly where Saitama had aimed.
Opening his eyes again, they'd returned to normal—clear and sharp.
Without needing confirmation, Saitama already knew his last set of shuriken had hit every mark perfectly.
His skill in ninja weapon throwing had now reached mastery, refined to an unparalleled level!
Brushing off imaginary dust from his clothes, Saitama stood up and gathered all his weapons. Training done for today.
...
"So, you two are here applying for the early graduation exam?"
The bald leader of the ninja academy thought the world had gone completely mad.
When had this world become overflowing with geniuses?
He stared at the two Uchiha youths standing in his office, struggling to hide his disbelief.
Had he really been out of the loop for so long that talents like these had slipped past his notice?
Convinced that the two students weren't making a mockery of him, Kawashima decided it was best to report the matter to higher authorities.
"I'll need to consult with someone about this. Why don't you two head back to class for now? I'll let you know once I get word, alright?"
With what he believed was a kind smile, Kawashima gestured for Saitama and Shisui to leave.
"Thank you very much then!"
Shisui replied politely, while Saitama simply gave a respectful nod.
"Saitama, Shisui, where did you two go just now?"
Iruka asked curiously when he saw them return mysteriously after leaving the classroom shortly after the new semester had begun.
Saitama didn't intend to hide anything from Iruka—who had been the first friend he made at the ninja academy.
"Me and Shisui went to apply for the graduation exam. We just met with the school leadership!"
"What!?"
Iruka covered his mouth in shock, eyes wide with disbelief.
But he soon calmed himself.
"Well, you're both from prestigious families, after all. Graduating early makes sense."
His expression darkened slightly. Aside from his unusual physical strength, Iruka really didn't possess any exceptional ninja talent. Despite working hard, he barely managed to keep up with the rest of the class.
Though Iruka always admired their natural gifts, he kept his secret sadness hidden behind a smile.
Patting Iruka's shoulder gently, Saitama said nothing else and returned to the back row with Shisui.
Meanwhile, Kawashima knocked on the Hokage's office door.
"Oh? Kawashima, what brings you here?"
The Third regarded the balding middle-aged man with surprise.
The academic year had just begun, so logically, the ninja academy should have been swamped with its usual start-of-term chaos. Kawashima shouldn't have had time to come see him.
Setting aside the documents in his hand, the Third picked up his pipe with his left hand, lifting it to his lips as he fixed Kawashima with a steady gaze.
"Today, two students from the Uchiha clan applied for the graduation exam."
The Third listened quietly, not rushing to comment.
Normally, such a matter wouldn't be urgent enough to bring Kawashima here in person.
"But these two Uchiha students have only been enrolled for six months now. One of them was absent for several months last semester."
Kawashima lifted his head and explained the entire situation thoroughly.
"Is that so?"
The Third placed his pipe back on the desk, exhaling a puff of white smoke.
His eyes narrowed, his expression turning serious.
"What are the names of these two students?"
"Shisui Uchiha and Saitama Uchiha."
The names rang a bell. He vaguely recalled seeing them on the list of newly enrolled ninja academy students. They'd performed rather well upon entry, hadn't they?
The Third fell silent in thought again.
"If they're applying for graduation through the standard process, you don't really have any reason to stop them, do you?"
He asked Kawashima, who sat upright with quiet anticipation.
"No objections, then I shall take my leave, Lord Hokage."
The Hokage Office fell silent once again, broken only by the occasional puffing sound from a pipe.
...
"Then, I approve your application."
Kawashima seriously looked at the two half-grown kids standing before him.
Although both were only six years old, Kawashima could sense no childishness or ignorance typical of their age from these two boys.
What he felt from them was nothing but complete calmness.
"The graduation exam will be held at 2 p.m. Survive ten minutes in battle against a Chunin and you'll pass!"
Kawashima announced the requirements and timing for the graduation exam.
Saitama and Shisui gave their thanks to the bald leader before stepping out.
Lunchtime was just around the corner, and they didn't have much time before the afternoon exam began.
"No problem, right, Shisui?"
"Not a big one."
Shisui tilted his head slightly, smiling at Saitama beside him.
Before they knew it, the afternoon rolled around!
"Who wants to go first?!"
The proctor was a teacher from the Ninja Academy, early twenties with strength roughly at the Chunin level. He was in charge of supervising this graduation exam.
Behind the proctor stood two Ninja wearing standard vests. Their appearances were ordinary, unfamiliar to Saitama.
Shisui stepped forward and said to the proctor, "I'll go first, teacher."
He then placed his hand on his tanto and stared at those two Chunins.
"You can pick one to fight—just a friendly match!"
The proctor shot a glance at the two behind him.
"I'll choose that honorable ninja over there with the katana!" said Shisui respectfully.
The selected Ninja gave a slight smile.
He wouldn't underestimate students who applied for an early graduation.
Students bold enough to do this usually weren't weak.
Besides, he also noticed the Uchiha Clan Symbol on the clothing of these two students.
They were just like that boy from the Hatake family several years ago—he may have been young, but his strength was undeniable.
Glancing solemnly at the boy before him, the first Chunin licked his lips.
Taking down prodigies like this? That brings real satisfaction.
"Well then, begin!"
Seeing that both were ready, the proctor waved his hand to signal the start.
This place was a training ground, wide enough for them to fight freely.
Stepping aside, Saitama and others watched the upcoming battle.
Meanwhile, the second Chunin discreetly observed Saitama, gathering intel for his upcoming fight.
Both Shisui and the first Chunin used blades, naturally engaging in close-range combat.
"Bang!"
Shisui and the first Chunin clashed for the first time.
Given the height and age difference, Shisui found himself overpowered at first.
Clutching his teeth, Shisui kicked his opponent hard in the thigh.
Caught off guard, the Chunin was struck.
After exchanging one blow, both chose to retreat.
Locking eyes with the ninja, Shisui felt an intensity he'd never known before.
And this guy was just a damn Chunin!
His eyes sharpened, determination flashing across Shisui's face.
Suddenly, the Ninja rapidly approached him, blade drawn to the side as if charging up for an attack.
[Forward! Backward! Left! Right!]
He sprang forward with a powerful push off the ground, refusing to yield.
Though he couldn't overpower the Chunin in pure strength, he still had his own advantages!
[Ding!]
[Ding!]
His speed was clearly superior, his movements more agile!
Shisui used his physical strengths to keep clashing with the Chunin.
Dodging the Chunin's heavy slashes with nimble movements, Shisui would counter with sudden strikes that caught the Chunin off guard.
Had Shisui finally seized the advantage, even temporarily?
Perhaps provoked by what seemed like mockery from Shisui, the Chunin gradually picked up speed, and Shisui's attacks began losing their effectiveness.
[Ding!]
As Shisui slashed toward the Chunin's back, his strike was parried.
Immediately after, Shisui felt a powerful force strike his abdomen.
The Chunin had kicked him square in the gut.
[Boom!]
Shisui skidded backward across the ground, leaving behind a long trail of scorched marks.
The Chunin watched Shisui with a mocking glint in his eyes.
Clutching his blade tightly, the Chunin extended his free hand toward Shisui, beckoning him forward with a taunting gesture.
Standing firm, Shisui frowned. He had originally wanted to avoid using [Shifting Body Technique].
Gripping his sword, Shisui charged at the Chunin.
This time, he wouldn't hold back!
Observing Shisui charge once again, the Chunin curled his lips into a faint sneer.
Stepping forward, he prepared to teach Shisui a lesson—to show him why he was a Chunin!
As Shisui drew closer, the Chunin's expression softened into calm confidence.
Just as expected of a Ninja Academy student—though fast, still lacking adaptability, sticking to straightforward attacks without variation.
Suddenly, the Chunin narrowed his eyes!
Was that... the Hand Seal?
Shisui formed a seal with his left hand, triggering unease in the Chunin.
[Whoosh!]
Shisui vanished before his very eyes.
How was that even possible!?
The Chunin couldn't help but look stunned.
Was it the [Shifting Body Technique]? Had this brat from the Ninja Academy mastered a Ninjutsu that even he, as a Chunin, hadn't yet learned!?
[Boom!]
A kick slammed into the Chunin's back, sending him flying.
The Chunin reacted quickly too—the moment the kick hit, he twisted midair and brought his sword up defensively across his chest.
[Boom!]
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