Chapter 9: Chapter 9: I Skip a Grade, You Repeat a Year, We Graduate Together

Chapter 9: Chapter 9: I Skip a Grade, You Repeat a Year, We Graduate Together  "No way. Come on in, Mikoto, and stop pinching my cheeks." "Alright, I'll remember that for next time," Uchiha Mikoto teased, mimicking Takuya's tone, which earned her an eye roll from him. As she stepped into the living room, Mikoto opened the lunchbox she had brought and laid out some snacks she had made. Takuya immediately grabbed a piece and started eating. Mikoto sat beside him, resting her chin on her hand, watching him with a soft smile. Between bites, Takuya asked casually, "How's the preparation for graduation going?" "It's alright, I guess," Mikoto replied, a hint of uncertainty in her voice. "I've been thinking about whether I should join the Police Force." The Uchiha clan members had two main paths after graduation: they could either follow the village's standard procedure, join a team with other graduates under a Jonin's guidance, or they could go straight into the Uchiha Police Force. Joining the Police Force meant top-tier training, and learning from the strongest within the clan, especially when it came to the Sharingan. But it also meant dealing with the less glamorous side of ninja life-law enforcement, which often drew resentment from other villagers. "I'd suggest going with the village's team assignment first," Takuya advised between mouthfuls. "Get some experience, and then, if you still want to, join the Police Force later." "Even though the Uchiha's training is better suited for you, the Police Force isn't exactly the best environment for a fresh graduate," Takuya added, knowing her gentle nature wasn't cut out for the rough work the Police Force demanded. Mikoto sighed, her expression conflicted. "You're right. I'm not really the type for that kind of work." The thought of spending her days dealing with troublemakers, enforcing laws, and constantly facing the villagers' mistrust made Mikoto's face scrunch up in distaste. "But it's too bad you're only in your second year. It'd be great if we could graduate together and be on the same team," Mikoto joked with a soft laugh. "Maybe I should graduate early then?" Takuya mused, half-seriously. The graduation exams were a breeze for him-he could pass them with his eyes closed. He had been reluctant to leave school early, not wanting to end up like Kakashi, bouncing between teams. But the idea of being on a team with Mikoto wasn't so bad. "No way," Takuya shot back instantly. "I still remember how those old geezers treated me back then. I'm not going back to the Uchiha." He paused, his expression softening. "But if you think I wouldn't make a good teammate, I'll find another team." This is crazy. Mikoto thought, anxiety bubbling up inside her. If Takuya really did graduate early, even with his abilities, the ninja world was still too harsh for someone his age. "Takuya, I know how stubborn you are once you've made up your mind, but can't you wait just one more year? Just one year, okay?" Mikoto pleaded, trying to find a middle ground. Takuya considered her words for a moment before a mischievous grin spread across his face. "Alright, how about this—I skip a grade, you stay back a year, and then we'll be in the same class and graduate together." "If you don't agree, I'll go ahead and graduate early," he teased. With his grades and skills, not only could he skip a grade, but he could probably ace the Chunin exams too. Skipping ahead would put him right in Mikoto's class-if she agreed to stay back, of course. "No way," Mikoto shook her head firmly. "The teachers would never allow it. My grades are too good. They wouldn't just let me stay back." "If they don't agree, I'll just beat up their kids!" Takuya declared, slamming the table for emphasis. "Pfft!" Mikoto couldn't help but laugh at his ridiculous threat. She knew he was just kidding -Takuya would never actually do something like that. "You're laughing at me?" Takuya asked, feigning hurt as he got up and headed toward his bedroom. Mikoto blinked, confused. "Takuya, what are you looking for?"