Konoha, Year 41
Time at the academy flies by quickly, and before he realized it, Chao Yanqian had already been studying at the Ninja Academy for three years.
Now, at the age of eight, Chao Yanqian was no longer the five-year-old kid who had just started. Under the guidance of his instructor, Hideyoshi Yamamoto, his progress over these years had been remarkable, even if Hideyoshi wasn't a particularly powerful shinobi himself. His teachings had nonetheless helped Chao Yanqian grow.
Though Chao Yanqian had not yet been involved in actual combat, he could sense his growing strength through his sparring sessions with Hideyoshi. Yamamoto's increasingly serious attitude during their practices confirmed it. He had even conducted a chakra nature test on Chao Yanqian, discovering that his affinity was for earth-style chakra. Hideyoshi taught him a few basic Earth Release jutsu, though nothing particularly advanced, since Hideyoshi was not a master of high-level techniques. Still, these simple yet practical techniques were enough to set Chao Yanqian apart from most of the civilian students at the academy, who could barely manage the standard Three Basic Jutsu: the Clone Technique, Transformation Technique, and Substitution Jutsu.
The world outside the academy had been changing rapidly. The tension among the great shinobi nations was rising. Conflicts between villages were becoming more frequent, although an official war had not yet broken out. Based on what Chao Yanqian knew from history, it was only a matter of time before the Third Great Ninja War would begin. Soon, the Third Kazekage of Sunagakure would be assassinated by the infamous puppet master, Sasori of the Red Sand. This would lead Sunagakure to blame Konoha for the assassination, triggering a full-scale war.
Lying on his bed at night, Chao Yanqian couldn't stop thinking about his future. If he stayed in the academy and graduated in two years, he could continue training in safety and improve his skills. But by then, the war would have already started, and freshly graduated genin would inevitably be sent to the front lines. With no real combat experience, he would be nothing more than cannon fodder.
Early graduation seemed like the only option. Even though it would mean less training time, it would give him the chance to be assigned to a jonin-sensei, from whom he could learn crucial survival skills and gain real-world combat experience. The battlefield was harsh, and those without experience wouldn't last long.
The next morning, after arriving at the academy, Chao Yanqian made a decision. Instead of heading to his usual class, he walked straight to Hideyoshi Yamamoto's office.
"Sensei," Chao Yanqian began, "I want to apply for early graduation."
Yamamoto looked shocked at first, then concerned. "Graduation? Chao, while I understand that you may not be learning much at the academy anymore, things outside are dangerous. Shinobi are dying on missions daily. You might want to consider staying for another couple of years, grow stronger alongside your peers, and then graduate with them."
"Sensei, my mind is made up," Chao Yanqian replied firmly. "Please allow me to graduate early."
Yamamoto hesitated, but after a moment of silence, he sighed. "Very well. I will submit your request. If it's approved, I'll arrange your graduation exam. But in the meantime, we'll need to conduct more intensive sparring sessions to prepare you for what's to come."
"Thank you, Sensei!" Chao Yanqian said, bowing deeply. "I am grateful for everything you've taught me."
It was clear to Chao Yanqian that he couldn't reveal his knowledge of future events to anyone. He couldn't tell anyone that Sunagakure would soon declare war on Konoha. All he could do now was strengthen himself and prepare for the inevitable.
That evening, Chao Yanqian met Hideyoshi Yamamoto in the forest behind the Hokage Rock for a sparring session.
"Let's begin," Hideyoshi said, his tone more serious than usual.
Chao Yanqian readied his kunai. "Please, Yamamoto-sensei, guide me."
Without warning, Yamamoto hurled a kunai straight at him. Startled by the sudden attack, Chao Yanqian threw his own kunai in response. The two weapons clashed mid-air with a metallic clang.
Chao Yanqian rushed forward, attempting to land a strike, but Yamamoto easily sidestepped his attack. Before he could recover, Yamamoto countered by slamming his knee toward Chao Yanqian's midsection, only for Chao to block the blow with his arm. Yet, he couldn't stop Yamamoto from grabbing him by the wrist and throwing him to the ground.
As he hit the dirt, Chao Yanqian realized how far he still had to go.
"Remember, I won't be holding back during these sessions," Yamamoto warned. "Get serious, or you won't stand a chance out there."
Chao Yanqian nodded, picking himself up and assuming a fighting stance once more. The real test was only beginning.