The afterimage created with chakra was almost indistinguishable from the original; his mastery of this ninjutsu was exceptional.
But the boy's cold eyes reflected the darkness festering within him.
"Congratulations, Kakashi. You've passed the test and are a rising star of Konoha.
In the future, you must become a great ninja, like your father,"
Hiruzen Sarutobi said.
An examiner handed Kakashi a brand-new ninja headband.
Kakashi stepped forward, placing the headband carefully on his forehead.
"We are deeply saddened by your father's passing. He died a hero, his name forever engraved on the memorial stone. We hope you, too, can protect the 'Jade.'"
"Yes, Hokage-sama."
"Jade" carried different meanings.
Hiruzen referred to the "Jade" in shogi.....the one who inherits the Will of Fire.
But Kakashi no longer cared for symbolism.
He only sought to be a ninja who upheld the ninja code.....that was his true destiny.
Hiruzen's eyes flickered as he watched Kakashi, now wearing his headband, push
open the door and leave.
"Amazing!"
"Only ninjas can wear that headband!"
"Kakashi actually passed!"
Students who heard the news had gathered at the door, crowding to see Kakashi emerge.
Raizen stood at the back, quietly watching.
This scene mirrored episodes 580–581 of the anime.
Kakashi applied for graduation; Hiruzen Sarutobi personally reviewed it.
The death of White Fang was only the beginning of Kakashi's descent into darkness.
After Rin Nohara and Obito's deaths, and his adaptation to ANBU life, he would grow completely cold-blooded.
Many ANBU colleagues, accustomed to the world's darkness, could not accept him.
Kakashi even nearly betrayed the Third Hokage under Danzo's influence.
Ultimately, Hiruzen persuaded him to return.
Hiruzen wanted Kakashi to become a Jonin leader, hoping to purge the darkness from his heart through guidance.
This is why he became the Jonin leader of Team 7.
"Your headband…"
Obito stepped forward, pointing.
"You passed...congratulations, Kakashi."
Nohara Rin could not change Kakashi's mind, so she offered her congratulations.
"Yeah," Kakashi nodded.
Obito glanced at Nohara Rin, who had been quietly observing Kakashi.
Hearing her sincere congratulations, Obito clenched his fists.
"What, aren't you going to congratulate me?"
Kakashi asked casually, his vision flicking to Raizen observing from the left rear.
"Who wants to congratulate you? Watch me catch up to you soon!"
Obito spat, then ran off.
"Obito…"
Nohara Rin watched him go, feeling helpless.
Obito was as easily swayed as a child.
The only person she could rely on next was the steady Raizen.
Although Kakashi had already graduated, she still wanted to soothe his mindset.
This story is a hybrid version, merging settings from manga, anime, and official novels.
While each has flaws, this version maintains coherent logic, drawing from official sources.
Kakashi graduated early, huh?"
Sarutobi Asuma remarked.
Kakashi's father was the White Fang, so it wasn't surprising that his son could graduate early.
"Kurenai, if I wanted, I could graduate early too,"
Asuma added, turning to Yuhi Kurenai.
The older ninja had hired instructors from his clan to train him.
Though he hadn't been particularly close to his elders, he had learned a great deal from them.
His uncle and aunt in the Anbu were also supportive, both elite Jonin, further shaping his abilities.
"So, how's your genjutsu?"
Yuhi Kurenai asked, curious.
"Uh… I'm better at Fire Release,"
Asuma admitted, scratching his head.
Like the Uchiha clan, the Sarutobi were known for their Fire Release ninjutsu.
Moreover, the clan had a secret Fire Release technique, Fire Release: Great Flame Technique, passed down through generations.
They also had a summoning tradition, allowing contracts with monkeys.
"I see."
Kurenai's face fell slightly. She had never witnessed Asuma using genjutsu, only passing assessments in class.
Raizen's genjutsu is excellent. He might graduate early if he wanted.
I'm just curious how well he's mastered the Three Body Techniques,"
Kurenai said, suddenly shifting the conversation to Raizen.
Asuma frowned. Why was this Uchiha being mentioned again?
"He's from the Uchiha clan; of course his genjutsu is strong.
Kurenai, if you want to learn Fire Release, you can come to me. I have plenty of experience,"
Asuma boasted, patting his chest.
Most students at the Ninja Academy only knew E-rank ninjutsu.
He, under his uncle's guidance, had mastered D-rank Fire Release ninjutsu.
Typically, they kept a low profile at the academy.
"Never mind, I'm more interested in genjutsu,"
Kurenai shook her head.
She chatted with Asuma for a few more minutes, then, seeing Kakashi walk away and the crowd disperse, she ran over to Raizen's side.
"Raizen-kun, don't forget today's tutoring. I've already paid,"
Kurenai said.
She noticed Raizen had grown colder toward her since buying a katana.
"Don't worry. I'm not the kind of person who breaks promises,"
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