Konoha was bustling with energy as today marked a significant event: the academy exams. Children, numbering at least 500, were making their way to the academy, some accompanied by their parents. Orphans, on the other hand, were guided by the caretakers from their orphanages. Yuto walked alongside Kana Yamanaka, joining the other Yamanaka orphans as they approached the academy.
'This many people are going to attend the academy exams!?' Yuto thought in shock as he observed the mass of kids gathered. 'According to the exam booklet, only 150 students will pass and be placed into different classes: Class D, C, B, A, and the elite Class S. Class S probably had the clan heirs, the last Uchiha, and Naruko, the Jinchuriki, in the original anime when she was a boy.' His thoughts wandered as he scanned the crowd.
Yuto's eyes landed on familiar figures: Shikamaru Nara, Ino Yamanaka, and Choji Akimichi, standing together and chatting. Kiba Inuzuka was talking excitedly, while Shino Aburame stood quietly, observing. Hinata Hyuga timidly glanced around, but when she spotted Yuto, she quickly looked away. Sakura excitedly ran to join Ino, her mother smiling from behind.
However, Yuto's attention was drawn to a girl with spiky black hair tied into a ponytail, wearing the Uchiha crest on her back. 'She looks like Sasuke! But... since Naruko is the reincarnation of Ashura and a girl, it makes sense that Indra's reincarnation is also female.' He thought as his gaze lingered on her. He heard another girl call her Hitomi Uchiha.
Before he could think more, the crowd grew silent. Naruko had arrived, her usual brightness dimmed by the harsh glares and whispered insults from the villagers. But Yuto, unfazed, walked towards her, offering a warm smile. "I was starting to think you broke your alarm clock again," he teased, patting her back gently. "I thought I'd have to wake you up."
Naruko's face lit up immediately as she laughed with him, the glares of the villagers quickly becoming irrelevant. Whispers filled the crowd. "Why is that boy close to that thing?" "Hasn't anyone warned him about her?" "Should we step in?" Yuto ignored the judgmental stares and whispers, focusing on his conversation with Naruko. The villagers had no say in who his friends were.
Before the villagers could dwell on it any longer, the gates to the academy opened. Children, both excited and nervous, began to make their way inside. Yuto grabbed Naruko's hand, walking with her. Kana Yamanaka called out, likely to tell him to distance himself from Naruko, but Yuto didn't bother to listen. He knew her intentions.
Inside the academy, Yuto handed his registration form to a Chunin standing by the entrance. The Chunin gave him a quick, concerned look, but when his gaze fell on Naruko, his expression changed to one of fear and disgust. Yuto remained stoic, handing over Naruko's form as well, then led her away without a word.
They soon reached the academy grounds where several Chunin instructors were organizing the children into lines. Yuto gave Naruko an encouraging wave as she reluctantly went to join the girls group. He then stood in line, facing a Chunin from the Nara clan.
"Alright, you're about to begin the physical part of the Academy Exams. After you complete this, head inside for the written test," the Nara Chunin explained lazily, yawning mid-sentence. Yuto sweat-dropped, finding the man's casual attitude almost comedic.
'The written exam is mostly primary school-level stuff, like my old English textbooks. Except, instead of stories like 'The Ugly Duckling', it's about ninja tales. I went through it last month—easy to memorize,' Yuto thought, confident in his preparation.
The Chunin began calling students forward by alphabetical order. Yuto watched as the first batch, mostly Uchiha, sprinted from point A to point B. 'They're so slow... or maybe it's because of all the training I've done with Guy-sensei? Definitely a blessing to have trained under him.'
As more kids ran, Yuto grew increasingly unimpressed, noting that even Kiba was slower than he expected. When it was Naruko's turn, Yuto couldn't help but chuckle as she blitzed past the competition, leaving the Hyuga, Uchiha, and other clan girls far behind. The Chunin's faces were priceless.
Then, Yuto's name was called. He joined the group of boys: three Uchiha, two Hyuga, one Inuzuka, another Yamanaka, and three civilians. He took a deep breath, then, at the Chunin's signal, dashed forward with all his might. In no time, Yuto crossed the finish line, leaving the others far behind, barely having reached a quarter of the track.
"Impressive," the Nara Chunin murmured, jotting down Yuto's score. Naruko smirked at Yuto, and he responded with a playful wink. Hinata stared at him in awe, while Ino wondered who this boy from her clan was. Hitomi Uchiha watched him closely, her eyes narrowing as they flickered towards Naruko too.
Meanwhile, back at the Hokage's office, Hiruzen smiled as he observed the scene through his crystal ball. Kakashi, in his ANBU gear, stood nearby, along with Guy, who had somehow managed to track down his rival's hiding spot. Both of them grinned, proud of the duo's progress.
The next test was an endurance run. Yuto and Naruko easily outlasted most of their peers, continuing to run long after many had dropped out. Eventually, only Kiba, Hitomi, Naruko, and Yuto remained. Kiba gave in first, followed shortly by Hitomi, who glared at the two with frustration.
"How?" she muttered, panting as she struggled to catch her breath. Yuto and Naruko exchanged a glance, high-fiving each other once they finally finished, their bodies barely breaking a sweat. As the Chunin examined their chakra levels, he was impressed with Yuto. 'His chakra levels are larger than the other kids. Even more than the Uchiha girl's.' He thought, though his mood soured as he checked Naruko.
'What monstrous chakra for a brat. Just like a demon.' The Chunin glared at Naruko in disgust, but Yuto quickly patted her on the back with a warm smile. "Don't let them get to you. You're too sweet for their stupidity." His words and smile brightened Naruko's mood instantly. "I won't, believe it!" She grinned, giving him a thumbs-up.
With that, they walked off together to take their written exams. The test went smoothly, though Yuto couldn't help but tease Naruko. "I hope all those lessons I drilled into your head paid off. Don't give me that look—I saw you dozing off after muttering that it was enough," he lectured, making Naruko laugh sheepishly.
"I wrote down everything I remembered!" she defended herself, and the two laughed as they made their way to Ichiraku Ramen, certain they had not only passed but aced the exams.
(Pls give me some power stones!)
(Find out next time on Naruto:eye system)