Early the next morning.
The classroom was still buzzing with energy when Guts stepped inside, only to be immediately stopped by Kakashi, the class monitor.
Kakashi said with his usual calm.
"The teacher asked you to head to the office."
The moment those words left his mouth, several students exchanged looks, some smirking, others whispering among themselves.
Given Guts's usual behavior, they all assumed he was being scolded—again.
Only Kurenai Yuhi looked serious. She knew the real reason.
Guts wasn't being punished—he was likely being summoned for the early graduation assessment.
Sure enough, as soon as Guts stepped into the office, the teacher didn't waste time.
"You've been approved for early graduation," he said flatly.
"Head to the third training ground. Your exam is today."
Guts clenched his fist, trying to suppress a grin.
"Don't get cocky," the teacher said, eyeing him.
"Being allowed to take the exam doesn't mean you'll pass it."
But Guts didn't care. With the strength he had now, passing a Genin exam was a given.
He figured he could even handle the Chūnin exams if needed.
As the teacher grabbed his materials and left for class, Guts turned and headed toward the training ground.
Back in the classroom, when the students noticed Guts was missing again, speculation kicked up immediately.
"Is he being punished again?"
"Maybe he was thrown out for good this time."
But the teacher cleared things up before the rumors went too far.
"Guts has gone to take the early graduation assessment," he announced from the podium.
"So let's begin class."
A wave of surprise swept through the room.
Even Kakashi's indifferent face twitched.
He hadn't even been enrolled a full year. Not even half.
Yet here he was, taking the graduation exam already? Not even the legendary Sannin had graduated this early.
"He's always causing some kind of stir…"
"Think he'll actually pass?"
"No way. I mean, even Lord Orochimaru graduated at six. Guts can't possibly top that."
"You say that, but remember when he kicked Teacher Choza's leg in half before even entering the school?"
The teacher slammed his textbook on the podium to silence them.
"Enough chatter! Like it or not, he's taking the exam. That alone puts him ahead of you. Instead of talking, how about you study harder?"
Truth be told, Guts wasn't exactly popular.
The number of people he regularly spoke to could be counted on one hand.
Most students avoided him. He had a reputation—rub him the wrong way, and you might find yourself knocked out.
His violent nature made him a pariah. But for the teacher, Guts's early graduation was a useful tool to light a fire under the rest of the class.
When Guts arrived at the school's third indoor training ground, someone was already waiting in the center of the field.
"Tsunade?" he blinked in surprise.
She wasn't wearing her usual ninja gear—just a plain, white short-sleeved top and casual clothes. No flak vest. No forehead protector.
"I just got back last night," she said, cracking her neck.
"Didn't expect to hear you were graduating early."
Guts ignored the way her chest was straining against her top. He called her by name, but she didn't seem to mind.
Instead, she tugged on the necklace around her neck and smirked.
"Too bad the war's about to end. I was planning to make you my personal errand boy for the next twenty years."
Her tone was teasing, but her presence carried pressure.
Even without trying, Tsunade was intimidating.
The shirt she wore wasn't particularly revealing—but with her figure, it barely contained her at all.
The pendant she wore bounced with each movement, nestled between curves that her clothes failed to hide.
"Damn brat. What are you staring at?!"
Tsunade's voice snapped him out of his thoughts.
"Then maybe wear something thicker,"
Guts wanted to mutter, but he held his tongue. Instead, he shifted the topic.
"The war isn't over yet. No use making bets on it."
He tugged on his collar, trying to regain focus.
Tsunade rolled her eyes and pulled out a small bell from behind her, letting it jingle in the air.
Bell test? Seriously?
Guts nearly sighed. This was standard for Genin candidates—but usually done by Chūnin or Jōnin like Kakashi. Tsunade was overkill.
Even worse, this training ground was cramped. Indoor, narrow—bad news for anyone relying on movement or traps. It heavily favored the stronger ninja.
If Tsunade picked this place on purpose, Guts couldn't help but wonder if she wanted him to fail.
But the truth was more complicated.
She remembered her younger brother, Nawaki.
War took him away before he had a chance to grow.
Even if she pretended to bet against Guts, deep down, she didn't want to see him go down the same path.
If there was even the slightest chance the war would end soon, she'd rather keep Guts in the Academy until then.
The sound of metal echoed as Tsunade clipped the bell to her waist.
"You have thirty minutes," she said with a grin.
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