An average person like Rin didn't know the specifics of how Sakumo had sacrificed himself, but his name was on the memorial stone.
"I'm going to apply for early graduation."
Kakashi said concisely, pausing for a moment before continuing forward.
"Isn't that dangerous?" Rin asked.
She noticed the time on Kakashi's application form was 5 PM today.
She knew Kakashi was excellent.
If she had heard about Kakashi graduating early before, she would only feel admiration.
However, since Kiyoshi had said those ambiguous things a while ago, Rin had made a point of collecting a lot of information about Kakashi's father.
She found out many things she had never known before.
But her sources were very limited, including only her parents or other companions.
At this moment, Rin was worried that Kakashi's emotions would affect his mission execution.
With Kakashi's talent and character, he will definitely not waste time on simple D-rank missions, such as searching for lost pets, conducting character investigations, helping villagers dig sweet potatoes, or taking care of children.
He will quickly decide to take on more difficult missions.
If he fails those types of missions, there can be a risk to his life.
He might encounter wild animals, bandits, or even other enemy ninjas.
This was no longer child's play. Kakashi will face the cruelty of the ninja world head-on.
"No, I'm not the kind of person who would fail a mission. Besides, continuing to waste time here is meaningless."
Kakashi said, then walked forward alone.
Rin stayed where she was, her expression becoming even more worried.
She went to the resting area of the training grounds and found Obito.
"What, Kakashi is graduating early?"
When Obito heard Rin say that Kakashi had submitted an application form to graduate early, he immediately stood up from his chair in disbelief.
He originally wanted to rest for a while and slack off, but now that idea vanished, and he felt a sense of urgency.
"Isn't he the same age as us?"
Obito didn't understand what was going on.
Why was there such a big difference between people of the same age?
Even the new outsider, Kiyoshi, was constantly improving quickly.
Was he the only one standing still?
Thinking of this, Obito clenched his fist.
Why were those two so close to Rin?
"I don't know. Maybe it's because of his strength, or maybe it's because of his father." Rin said hesitantly.
Obito asked, "When is the exam?"
Rin replied, "Five o'clock this afternoon."
Obito said, "Let's go watch later."
Anyway, school would end soon. So, Obito decided to see if Kakashi could pass.
Rin nodded, agreeing with Obito's suggestion.
…
Hokage Building
"Kakashi is applying for early graduation?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen put down his pipe, exhaled a puff of smoke, and looked at the application form.
"It's Kakashi's application, Lord Third Hokage."
The Chunin instructor Katsuki respectfully knelt on one knee.
Any student who wants to graduate early has to undergo the review of the Third Hokage.
Besides, Kakashi is the son of White Fang. So, this matter is of even more importance.
White Fang's matter had only just ended not long ago. Katsuki didn't dare to delay for even a moment.
At this critical juncture, with Kakashi applying for early graduation, it was best to notify the Third Hokage as soon as possible.
"The time is set at five o'clock this afternoon?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen put down the application form and tapped the table with his pipe.
Katsuki lowered his head, silently waiting for Sarutobi Hiruzen to make a decision.
Sarutobi Hiruzen said, "Call the other examiners and come with me to give Kakashi his early graduation assessment."
"Yes, Lord Third Hokage!"
Katsuki immediately concentrated Chakra on his feet, using the Body Flicker Technique to leave.
Only Sarutobi Hiruzen was left in the room.
He looked out the window with some unknown thoughts going through his mind.
...
5 o'clock in the afternoon
Kakashi, wearing a light green scarf embroidered with a circular pattern, began to make hand seals, allowing his mental and physical energies to mix as quickly as possible.
Hare—Snake—Tiger.
Kakashi formed the hand seals very quickly, completing them in no time.
Poof!
The smoke cleared, and a clone almost identical to Kakashi stood in front of him, maintaining the "Tiger" seal.
When Kakashi lowered his hands, Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded slightly.
As expected of Sakumo's only son.
The clone created by chakra was almost indistinguishable from the real thing, showing a high level of understanding and proficiency in this ninjutsu.
But the child's cold eyes were a reflection of the darkness in his heart.
"Congratulations, Kakashi. You have passed the exam and become a new green leaf of Konoha. In the future, you must become a great ninja like your father." Sarutobi Hiruzen said.
The examiner beside him handed Kakashi a brand new ninja forehead protector.
Kakashi stepped forward to receive the ninja forehead protector and put it on his forehead.
Sarutobi Hiruzen said, "Regarding your father's matter, we are also very saddened, but he died as a hero and is forever engraved on the memorial stone. I hope you can protect the village as he did."
"Yes, Lord Hokage."
Kakashi nodded.
But the current Kakashi only wants to become a ninja who abides by the ninja system. This is a ninja's destiny.
Sarutobi Hiruzen's eyes slightly flickered, as he watched Kakashi push the door open and walk out.
"So amazing."
"It's the forehead protector that only ninjas can wear!"
"Kakashi actually passed."
Many students who had heard the news of Kakashi's early graduation had gathered at the door, watching Kakashi come out.
Kiyoshi was also among them. He stood in the back, watching Kakashi.
This scene was shown in anime TV episodes 580 and 581.
Kakashi had applied for graduation, and Sarutobi Hiruzen had personally come to review it.
Sakumo's death was just the beginning of Kakashi's despair.
After the deaths of Rin and Obito, and Kakashi's adaptation to the Anbu, he would completely become cold-blooded.
Even many Anbu colleagues who were accustomed to the darkness of the ninja world could not accept Kakashi.
Kakashi even almost betrayed the Third Hokage under Danzo's persuasion.
In the end, Kakashi was moved by Sarutobi Hiruzen and persuaded back in time.
Sarutobi Hiruzen wanted Kakashi to become a Jonin instructor, thus erasing the darkness in Kakashi's heart by leading disciples.
This is why he had become the Jonin instructor of Team 7.
"Your forehead protector..."
Obito stepped forward and pointed to Kakashi's forehead protector.
"You passed, congratulations, Kakashi."
Rin couldn't change Kakashi's mind, so she could only choose to congratulate him.
"Yeah."
Kakashi nodded.
Obito turned his head, his eyes fixed on Rin, who was watching Kakashi.
Hearing Rin's sincere congratulations, Obito clenched his hands.
"What, aren't you going to congratulate me?" Kakashi asked casually.
His vision blurred, and he noticed Kiyoshi looking at him from the left rear.
"Who wants to congratulate you? Watch me catch up to you soon." Obito said harshly and ran away quickly.
"Obito..."
Rin looked at Obito running away, feeling helpless.
Obito was really as emotional as a child.
Then the only person she could rely on was the steady Kiyoshi.
Although she couldn't change Kakashi's graduation, Rin still wanted to try to smooth Kakashi's mood.