READ NOVEL ONLINE Chapter 15: ch15
**Today is an extraordinary day.**
The genius of the Uchiha clan, Ethan Uchiha, recently announced by the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, is set to undergo an early graduation assessment from the ninja academy.
While this might seem ordinary to some, it's a significant event for the major and minor families of Konoha. Early graduation isn't unheard of, but what makes this occasion remarkable is that Ethan Uchiha has only been at the academy for half a month, an unprecedented achievement.
In the entire history of the ninja academy, no one has ever attempted early graduation at the mere age of five. Even the legendary Sannin—Tsunade, Orochimaru, and Jiraiya—graduated early, but they were six years old at the time. Ethan Uchiha, a year younger, is poised to break the record for the youngest graduate in the academy's history.
At the training ground, a large crowd has gathered. Among them are the leaders of various clans and the Hokage, all here to witness the momentous event. Naturally, Ethan Uchiha stands at the center, awaiting his examination.
His arms crossed, he appears calm and composed, which leaves a strong impression on the surrounding clan leaders.
"Patriarch Hayato, your Uchiha clan truly is a cradle of geniuses," one of the patriarchs remarks, with the others nodding in agreement.
"You're too kind," Hayato Uchiha responds politely, maintaining a courteous smile. Unlike the arrogance that some young Uchiha members tend to display, Hayato, seasoned by years of experience, understands the value of humility in social situations.
Beside him is Ethan's grandfather, Isaac Uchiha, who watches his grandson with a proud smile. He eagerly anticipates Ethan's performance.
Soon, the examiner arrives—an experienced Jōnin, accompanied by a Chūnin wearing a vest. The Jōnin explains the conditions to Ethan Uchiha:
"As long as you can hold your own for five minutes against him, you'll pass the graduation assessment."
The task sounds straightforward, but enduring the attacks of a Chūnin, who has likely completed several C- and B-rank missions, is a difficult challenge for most students. However, it's fitting for an early graduation exam.
After all, if a student can't hold their ground against a Chūnin, they aren't ready to face the dangers of higher-level missions. They'd be better off training longer at the academy.
Still, only sending a Chūnin seems to underestimate Ethan's abilities. He suspects that Hiruzen Sarutobi might be behind this, perhaps trying to test him and suppress his rise. As a member of the famous Uchiha clan, it's no surprise they would face obstacles.
"Ethan Uchiha, do you have any objections?" the Jōnin asks.
"No," Ethan replies. He knows objecting would only make him appear difficult. Besides, facing a Chūnin is more an insult to his abilities than a challenge. If anything, he'll have to show his true strength.
"Very well, then. Let the assessment begin!" the Jōnin declares.
With that, the early graduation exam is underway. The Chūnin quickly draws several shuriken and hurls them toward Ethan Uchiha, his aim precise and calculated.
But for Ethan, who had already activated his Three Tomoe Sharingan, the shuriken seemed to move in slow motion. In an instant, he calculated their trajectories, then swiftly deflected them with a few casual swings of his kunai.
As the Chūnin prepared for his next move, Ethan acted first.
"Genjutsu: Sharingan!"
Their eyes locked, and in that moment, the Chūnin was ensnared in Ethan's illusion. Within seconds, Ethan appeared in front of him, his kunai pressed lightly against the Chūnin's chest, right over his heart. One simple push, and the fight would be over.
"You dare send just a Chūnin to assess me? You underestimate me, Ethan Uchiha! Bring a Jōnin next time," Ethan declared in a calm yet commanding voice.
With that, he left an indelible impression on everyone present. His display of strength and confidence was nothing short of awe-inspiring.