Although, in strict terms,
Naruto was already more talented than the vast majority of graduates from this year. Ranking in the top five for overall performance wasn't just an empty statistic; it was a solid indicator of his abilities. However, it wasn't just because of regulations; it was also due to the six years they had spent together. Iruka had come to regard Naruto as family. He knew well what it meant to be promoted to a Chunin. Despite currently being a teacher at the Ninja Academy, Iruka was a genuine ninja. He had participated in not only B-rank and A-rank missions but also as a team member. In this world, ninjas held the highest status and had the riskiest profession.
Iruka had also worried about Naruto.
Naturally, in this graduation exam,
Iruka was both following the assessment principles and concerned about Naruto and others. What was not allowed simply wasn't allowed.
Naruto had just begun to speak,
Iruka already knew what he was going to say. Iruka decided to cut off Naruto's thoughts in advance, considering it the most appropriate choice. After all, Naruto had a unique status, and going back to school for another year might not be a bad thing. Iruka was confident that the Third Hokage would agree with his decision.
Iruka thought to himself,
"But, Iruka-sensei..."
Seeing Iruka's serious and sincere expression,
Naruto, who was very familiar with Iruka's character, knew that Iruka's words were genuine. If Iruka said he couldn't graduate, then he couldn't. But if that were the case, it would be terrible, wouldn't it?
"What I say is final, Naruto. Your graduation exam is incomplete. You'll have to go back and study for another year. Once you've mastered the Clone Jutsu, you can come back for the exam. I promise you'll graduate then."
Iruka's expression was unwaveringly determined.
Seeing Iruka's resolute expression,
Naruto felt a sense of suffocation.
Could this really be happening?
Was he really unable to graduate?
Just like in the original story?
Naruto widened his eyes, feeling lost and uncertain. If he couldn't graduate...
Wait a minute?
Just like in the original story?
Unable to graduate? Didn't something very important happen to him in the original story because of this?
Thinking of this,
A certain figure, a raised head, a slightly shifted gaze, and an imagined image appeared in Naruto's mind.
"Iruka-sensei, I think we should let Naruto graduate. Even though his Clone Jutsu isn't perfect, he has managed to create a few. Moreover, in the past six years, Naruto has consistently ranked in the top five in theoretical and practical tests. He has also mastered the other two aspects of the Clone Jutsu perfectly. I believe he deserves to graduate."
Accompanied by that gentle expression, along with a cheerful smile, Mizuki exuded an aura of a friendly big brother. When people saw and heard him, they couldn't help but feel a warm sensation.
Instantly, it attracted Naruto's attention.
"No! Mizuki-sensei, rules are rules. While Naruto has performed well during his time at the Ninja Academy and consistently ranked in the top positions in theoretical and practical tests, the graduation exam at the academy requires these graduates to be proficient in the Clone Jutsu. This is a set requirement. Since Naruto hasn't met this requirement, he can't graduate. This is the correct decision. As the chief examiner, we can't make exceptions in this regard."
Iruka remained steadfast, shaking his head firmly.
Mizuki.
That's right, this person sitting next to Iruka, appearing as a friendly big brother, was the first antagonist well-known to fans of the original story. Mizuki had a unique flair for being charismatic. He played a crucial role in helping Naruto take his first step toward becoming a ninja. Naruto almost forgot about this significant event.
Although Naruto maintained an appearance of confusion,
His mind was rapidly calculating his next steps.
The Forbidden Scroll incident!
Yes, that's it.
The moment Naruto saw Mizuki,
The first plot event from the original story came to Naruto's mind. Originally, a few years ago...
The Forbidden Scroll was one of Naruto's planned objectives. This might be his only opportunity to openly obtain the Forbidden Scroll. Most importantly,
In the previous world's original story, his true self had only learned the Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu.
To Naruto, this was truly a waste of resources.
In this world,
He had to make the most of this opportunity.
Naruto thought to himself.
And Iruka, sitting at the front, naturally had no idea about this bratty kid's thoughts.
Seeing Naruto looking at him with puppy-dog eyes, Iruka thought that Naruto was unwilling to accept the decision.
Although there was some reluctance in his heart,
Iruka kept a stern face and said to Naruto,
"What's not allowed is not allowed, Naruto. Go back and train hard. You can try the next exam when the time comes."
While Naruto had already made up his mind inwardly,
He still wore an expression of extreme disappointment on the surface. His acting was so convincing that it was truly convincing. Since coming to this world, Naruto had not only strengthened his abilities but also developed basic acting skills that any actor should possess.
"Okay, I understand..."
Naruto replied weakly, hanging his head.
Naruto slowly turned away and, with heavy steps that seemed as if a thousand pounds weighed on him, pushed open the classroom door and left. His departing figure looked extremely lonely, to the point where Iruka almost called out to him, but his inner conviction made Iruka stick to his decision.
Rules are rules!
This couldn't be compromised.
And as mentioned earlier, from Iruka's perspective, this was also for Naruto's own good.
Naruto, I hope you can forgive me. You'll understand in the future!"
Watching Naruto leave,
Iruka's eyes shimmered with a hint of an odd light, and his lips slightly curled upward, revealing a subtle, enigmatic smile.
Then, in an instant, it vanished, and even Iruka, who was beside him, didn't notice.
"Naruto Uzumaki, huh? Hehe, this is a very good opportunity to use you for my ambitions, kid. Being able to contribute to my grand plans is an honor for you!"
Deep in Mizuki's heart, that pure ambition rapidly grew, reaching an uncontrollable level.
(End of this chapter)
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