Rin didn't know exactly how Sakumo had died.
As an ordinary girl, such matters were far beyond her reach.
However, one thing was certain—
Hatake Sakumo's name had already been engraved on the Memorial Stone.
"I'm going to apply for early graduation."
Kakashi spoke concisely.
He paused for a brief moment, then continued walking forward.
"…Wouldn't that be dangerous?"
Rin asked, unable to hide her concern.
Her gaze fell on the application form in his hand.
The time written on it was clear—
5 PM today.
She knew very well how talented Kakashi was.
In the past, hearing that he intended to graduate early would have filled her with nothing but admiration.
But ever since Kiyoshi had said those vague and unsettling things, Rin had deliberately sought out information about Kakashi's father.
Much of what she learned was something she had never known before.
And the sources—mostly parents or fellow villagers—were limited and fragmented.
Even so, it was enough to make her uneasy.
At this moment, she couldn't help but worry…
Would Kakashi's emotional state affect his performance on missions?
With his level of talent, it was impossible for him to remain on simple D-rank missions for long—
Tasks like finding lost pets, investigating villagers, helping with farm work, or babysitting.
Sooner or later, he would be assigned more dangerous missions.
And once those missions failed—
The consequence would likely be death.
Wild beasts.
Bandits.
Or even enemy ninjas.
This was no longer a game.
This was the harsh reality of the ninja world.
"No."
Kakashi replied calmly.
"I'm not the kind of person who fails missions."
"And continuing to waste time here is meaningless."
After saying that, he walked forward alone without looking back.
Rin remained where she was, the worry in her eyes deepening.
After a moment, she headed to the rest area of the training ground and found Obito.
"What?! Kakashi is applying for early graduation?!"
Obito immediately stood up in disbelief after hearing the news.
All thoughts of resting or slacking off vanished in an instant, replaced by a strong sense of urgency.
"…Aren't we the same age?"
He couldn't understand it at all.
Why was the gap between them so large?
Even the newcomer, Uchiha Kiyoshi, had been improving rapidly.
So was he the only one left standing still?
Thinking of this, Obito clenched his fists tightly.
And to make matters worse—
Both of them always seemed to be close to Rin.
"I don't know… maybe it's because of his strength, or perhaps because of his father."
Rin hesitated before answering.
"When is the exam?"
"This afternoon. Five o'clock."
"…Let's go watch."
Since they had nothing to do after school anyway, Obito decided to see for himself whether Kakashi would pass.
Rin nodded, agreeing with his decision.
Hokage Building
"Kakashi is applying for early graduation?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi set down his pipe and exhaled a cloud of smoke onto the application form.
"Yes, Third Hokage-sama."
The chunin instructor knelt respectfully.
Any student applying for early graduation had to be reviewed personally by the Hokage.
Not to mention—
Kakashi was the son of the White Fang.
And the incident involving Sakumo had only recently come to an end.
There was no room for delay.
"…Five in the afternoon, huh."
Hiruzen tapped the desk lightly with his pipe.
The instructor lowered his head, waiting silently for the decision.
"Gather the other examiners."
"I will personally oversee Kakashi's graduation test."
"Yes, Hokage-sama!"
The instructor immediately used the Body Flicker Technique and disappeared.
Left alone, Hiruzen stood by the window, his expression unreadable as he stared into the distance.
5 PM
Inside a room marked with the large character "忍",
Kakashi stood quietly.
Wearing a light green scarf embroidered with circular patterns, he began forming hand seals.
Mental energy and physical energy rapidly merged within him.
Ram — Snake — Tiger.
His movements were swift and precise.
In just a short moment, the seals were completed.
Bang!
A puff of smoke dispersed—
And a clone, almost identical to Kakashi, appeared in front of him, maintaining the Tiger seal.
When Kakashi lowered his hands, Hiruzen nodded slightly.
As expected of Sakumo's only son.
The clone was so realistic it could almost pass as the original.
His mastery and understanding of the technique were exceptional.
However…
That cold gaze in Kakashi's eyes—
Was a direct reflection of the darkness within his heart.
"Congratulations, Kakashi. You've passed."
"You are now an official shinobi of Konoha."
"From now on, strive to become a great ninja, just like your father."
As Hiruzen spoke, one of the examiners stepped forward and handed Kakashi a brand-new forehead protector.
Kakashi accepted it and tied it onto his forehead.
"Regarding your father… we share your grief."
"But he died as a hero."
"His name will forever remain on the Memorial Stone."
"I hope you will protect the 'King', just as he did."
"Yes, Hokage-sama."
Kakashi nodded.
The word "King" carried many meanings.
Hiruzen was referring to the king piece in shogi—
Those who inherit the Will of Fire.
But for Kakashi…
None of that mattered anymore.
All he wanted was to become a ninja who strictly followed the rules.
Because in his eyes—
That was the true path of a shinobi.
Hiruzen's eyes flickered slightly as he watched Kakashi, now wearing his forehead protector, walk out the door.
Outside, a group of students had already gathered.
"So cool!"
"That's a real ninja headband!"
"Kakashi actually passed!"
Kiyoshi stood among them, positioned slightly toward the back, quietly observing.
He knew very well—
This moment marked only the beginning.
Sakumo's death was merely the first step into darkness.
What awaited Kakashi next…
Would be far more cruel.
"Your headband…"
Obito stepped forward and pointed at Kakashi's forehead.
"You passed… congratulations, Kakashi."
Rin said softly.
She couldn't change his decision.
So she could only offer her support.
"…Yeah."
Kakashi nodded.
Obito turned his head slightly, noticing how Rin's gaze remained fixed on Kakashi.
Hearing her sincere words, his fists tightened unconsciously.
"…What? Aren't you going to congratulate me?"
Kakashi asked casually.
As he spoke, his gaze shifted slightly and landed on Kiyoshi standing behind.
"Tch. Who would congratulate you?"
"I'll catch up to you soon enough!"
Obito left behind those words before quickly running off.
"Obito…"
Rin looked at his departing figure, feeling somewhat helpless.
He was still as emotional and impulsive as ever.
Which meant…
The only person she could rely on now was Kiyoshi.
Even if she couldn't change the fact that Kakashi had already graduated,
She still wanted to try—
To ease the darkness growing within his heart.
But that darkness had already taken root.
And the path ahead would only become colder… and more ruthless.
— End of Chapter —