The Headmaster shook his head. "No, you won't. If you graduate early, those who have access will still have access to both the chakra training rooms and the crystals until the end of your six-year academy term which also includes the resistance crystals provided to top ten of this year— That means, if you graduate at age ten this year, you'll retain access to all things until age twelve. After that, you can only use these facilities again if you advance rapidly in rank or make significant contributions to the village. Understood?"
Toru thanked him, and sat down.
The Headmaster smiled faintly, almost playfully. "Since we're on the topic, I'll share something even more interesting. If you graduate this year, you'll receive double the amount of elemental crystals that academy students usually get in two years."
A wave of excited whispers rippled through the class, this was yet another reason to graduate early.
"Also," he added, voice lowering just slightly for dramatic effect, "because some of you may choose to graduate this year, the academy will introduce several new classes focused on preparing you for real missions outside the village. These classes will be completed every one or two months, and you'll need to pass most of them to be eligible for the graduation exam."
After a few more instructions and reminders, the Headmaster exited.
Okabe-sensei took his place at the front of the class. "The Headmaster has already covered the key points." he said. "So now, focus entirely on preparing for the graduation exam. Try to gain at least some mastery in all fields."
Kazeo raised his hand, stood after getting a nod. "Sensei, if we graduate this year, won't we miss out on what's taught over the next two years?"
Okabe shook his head. "No. The next two years mainly involve refining what you've already learned—more detailed reviews and physical training. All essential knowledge for missions will be covered this year."
"Thank you, sensei," Kazeo replied before sitting down again.
With no more questions, Okabe continued, "This year, the requirement to take the graduation exam or pass the fourth year is to learn and master the Substitution Jutsu. So, practice it well."
He began demonstrating the hand signs and chakra control techniques. After nearly forty minutes of intense focus, the bell rang and class ended.
As Okabe exited, murmurs filled the air as it was time for the Fuinjutsu class. A few students were visibly excited—they were finally going to learn how to create actual seals. Still, most weren't too enthusiastic; Fuinjutsu required a lot of theory and calligraphy, which many found dull.
A soft click of the door announced the arrival of Arata-sensei.
He walked in briskly, carrying a folder under one arm, and scanned the class with sharp, curious eyes behind his new thin-rimmed glasses. His dark hair was neatly tied at the back.
"Hello, students," he greeted. "I hope your vacation was both restful and productive."
He set his folder on the table and stretched his shoulders slightly. "As I mentioned in the last class of the third year, this time you'll begin creating actual seals."
There was a flicker of genuine excitement in his expression, though it was the kind of excitement a scholar feels when explaining an obscure but fascinating fact.
"Today's class will be a revision of everything we've learned so far, and I'll also share the list of seals we'll cover this year."
He walked slowly across the room, his eyes sweeping over the students with a keen gaze.
"I know many of you aren't fans of this subject," he added, quirking an eyebrow, "probably because you think it's dry, or maybe because your handwriting still looks like a dying chicken's crawl."
A few students chuckled awkwardly.
"Well, I've arranged some motivation with the help of Headmaster's permission," he said with a half-smile. "Anyone who learns all the seals fastest this year will receive five elemental crystals based on their chakra nature."
That got their full attention.
Every month, each of the top fifteen students, including toppers from both their 2nd and 3rd years, receives just one elemental crystal. For many, this was a rare chance to earn multiple crystals, and for others, a chance to get their very first.
Arata's smile grew slightly wider. "Now that I have your attention, let's begin."
He moved to the board and began drawing. His hands moved with careful precision, but his fingers were stained faintly with ink which were signs of late-night scrollwork and unending practice.
"Hina," he called out without turning, "can you explain the meaning of these symbols?"
Hatake Hina, caught chatting mid-whisper, jumped in her seat and scrambled up.
She glanced at the board, then exhaled in relief. "Yes, sensei. The circle symbol means containment. The spiral represents energy rotation. The lines indicate flow control. The dots represents trigger points, and the four triangles inside the circle mean energy is being captured from four directions."
"Correct. Sit down," Arata said, then scribbled a bit more.
More symbols, more questions. One after another. His pacing was steady but there was an energy in how he spoke, a passion that showed he actually loved this stuff.
"Now," he said finally, "what actually happens inside a seal during activation? Kaito, stand."
Hyuga Kaito rose with a composed air. "Sensei, when a seal is created, it stays dormant. Once chakra is supplied either directly or from a distance, it activates."
"Correct, but incomplete," Arata said, walking toward the middle of the class. "Explain what happens inside the seal."
Kaito furrowed his brow. "Okay... First, chakra enters the seal and the internal design manipulates that chakra. Then..., Then the seal performs its intended function. During creation of seals, the chakra amount matters. Weak chakra leads to weak effects and too much can overwhelm or burst the seal."
He paused. "The result also depends on the user's chakra nature. For example, someone with a dominant water affinity will have stronger results using water-based or cooling seals. A lightning-type user would trigger alarm seals faster."
Arata smiled wryly. "You gave a lot of extra information, but it was a good answer overall. Sit down."
"Daichi," he called next. "How many fundamental types of seals are there?"
Akimichi Daichi stood, brushing crumbs from his lap. "T-Two types, Sensei: passive and triggered. Passive seals stay active as long as they get chakra. Triggered seals need a condition like touch, chakra presence, pressure, or damage. An example would be an alarm seal that activates with pressure."
"Very good, sit down." Arata said.
Daichi returned to his seat and resumed munching his snack.
"And next time, eat after class. You're not a scroll."
Daichi instantly stopped eating. Kazeo chuckled to himself. 'These Akimichi really are like living Snorlaxes, lazy and foody but reliable. They'll be useful for my future plans. I just hope things go smoothly.'
The class continued with more questions and revisions. When only five minutes remained, Arata clapped his hands softly. "We've done a solid revision. The rest will be finished in the next class."
The class instantly lit up. Most of them had been sitting on pins and needles the whole time, never knowing when Arata-sensei might suddenly throw a question their way.
He turned to the board and wrote steadily for thirty seconds before stepping back. "These are the seals you'll learn this year: Wet/Dry Seal, Cold/Heat Seal, Identification Seal, Stickiness Seal, Alarm Seal, and the Basic Storage Seal."
Some students groaned under their breath. The excitement dimmed. Arata noticed this and sighed, not with annoyance, but with the weariness of someone who's had this conversation too many times.
"I get it," he said. "You wanted explosive tags, flashy barrier seals, maybe even teleportation formulas. But these—" he tapped the board with a marker "are your foundations. Master these, and the rest will come."
He packed up his things as the bell rang. "This year, apply for the Fuinjutsu Department if you want more. Until then, write, revise and learn. Good day."
He exited with a nod, his long coat fluttering slightly behind him.
A minute later, the door opened again. A tall, elegant woman walked in. Her posture was graceful, steps confident.
Kazeo's gaze flicked up, and without a shred of hesitation, his brain muttered:
'Damn. That's one sexy woman right there.'