Chapter 6
As the day of the academy exams arrived, excitement buzzed through the air, and students shuffled into the training grounds, ready to showcase their skills. Yona moved confidently among her peers, her heart light with anticipation. She exchanged cheerful smiles with Shikamaru, who had adopted his usual nonchalant demeanor, leaning against a tree with his arms crossed.
“You’re not even a little nervous?” Yona asked, raising an eyebrow.
Shikamaru shrugged lazily. “It’s just a test. I’ll pass, as always. Besides, this is a waste of time.” He closed his eyes, seemingly unfazed.
Sasuke stood a few paces away, focused and intense, his eyes locked on the exam proctor, Iruka. He felt the pressure mounting but was determined to prove himself. He had practiced tirelessly, and today was his chance to show that he could stand apart from the shadows of his brother’s legacy.
“Let’s get this over with,” Sasuke muttered, adjusting his headband as he glanced at Yona, who flashed him a bright smile.
“You’ve got this, Sasuke!” she encouraged, her voice upbeat. “Just focus, and you’ll be fine.”
“Easy for you to say. You make everything look easy,” Sasuke shot back, a hint of irritation creeping into his tone.
“I’ve just practiced a lot, like you!” Yona replied, a playful grin on her face. “Come on, we’ll ace this together!”
As the exams began, the students took turns demonstrating their techniques. Yona breezed through the first portion, executing her wind jutsu with fluidity that earned nods of approval from Iruka. Sasuke followed, showcasing his own skills with impressive precision. The two exchanged a glance of mutual respect, a silent acknowledgment of their hard work.
“Next up, Naruto Uzumaki!” Iruka called, pulling Sasuke and Yona’s attention toward the front of the line.
“Go get ’em, Naruto!” Yona cheered, her voice ringing with enthusiasm.
Naruto stepped up, his usual bravado shining through. “I’m going to show everyone how awesome I am!” he declared, puffing out his chest as he prepared to perform the Shadow Clone Jutsu.
“Just don’t mess it up this time!” Ino yelled from the sidelines, smirking at him.
Naruto clenched his fists, determination sparking in his eyes. “I’ll show you all! Believe it!” He began the hand signs, focusing with all his might. However, when he unleashed the technique, instead of a multitude of clones, only a few flickered into existence, stumbling around before dissipating into thin air.
The sight sent a wave of disappointment through the crowd. Iruka frowned, shaking his head. “Naruto, focus. You need to concentrate more on the chakra distribution!”
“Damn it!” Naruto shouted, frustration boiling over as he glared at the ground. “Why can’t I get this right?” He glanced at Sasuke, who stood quietly observing, and felt a twinge of envy. “Why is everyone else able to do it?”
Sasuke’s expression softened slightly, but he remained stoic. “You just need to practice more,” he said, trying to be encouraging, though the irritation from earlier still lingered.
“Yeah, practice!” Naruto echoed, his tone shifting to a mix of anger and despair. “How am I supposed to practice if I can’t even pass this stupid exam?”
Yona stepped closer, concern evident on her face. “Naruto, it’s okay! Just keep trying! You’ve gotten better at other techniques, remember?”
“Yeah, but not this one!” he exclaimed, his frustration evident. “I’m never going to be Hokage at this rate!”
“Don’t give up,” Yona insisted, her voice firm. “You’re stronger than you think! Just focus on what you can do.”
“Iruka-sensei, can I try again?” Naruto called, desperation creeping into his voice.
“Of course, but you’ll need to really concentrate this time,” Iruka replied, his tone encouraging yet firm.
“Okay!” Naruto shouted, determination sparking in his eyes once more. He took a deep breath, gathering himself for another attempt. “Just you wait! I’ll prove I can do this!”
As Naruto focused again, Sasuke watched, his heart conflicted. Part of him felt the urge to tease, but another part recognized the fight within Naruto. He couldn’t deny that the boy had spirit, and maybe, just maybe, he could learn something from him about perseverance.
“Let’s do this!” Naruto shouted, summoning every ounce of his strength as he attempted the jutsu once more, hoping that this time, it would be different. He focused on the hand signs and summoned his chakra with all his might. “Clone Jutsu!” he shouted, launching the technique. However, this time, only a single clone appeared, faltering before disappearing back into a swirl of chakra.
“Not again,” Iruka sighed, his disappointment palpable. “Naruto, you need to really concentrate. You can’t keep rushing this. This isn’t how the jutsu works.”
“Please, Iruka-sensei! Just give me one more chance!” Naruto pleaded, desperation lacing his voice. He felt his heart sink as he looked at the other students, who were already shifting their eyes away from him, some whispering.
“I’m sorry, Naruto,” Iruka replied, shaking his head gently. “I can’t bend the rules for anyone, not even you. You’ve worked hard, but you need to understand that every student has to meet the same standards.”
“Standards?” Naruto shot back, anger igniting within him. “I’ve been trying my hardest! This isn’t fair!”
Yona, sensing his frustration, stepped forward, her expression serious. “Iruka-sensei, please! He’s improved so much. Can’t you give him just one more chance? He deserves it!”
Iruka looked between the two of them, regret in his eyes. “Yona, I appreciate your concern, but I have to be fair. If I let him try again, I’d have to allow it for everyone else as well, and that’s just not possible.”
Naruto’s fists clenched at his sides, his emotions bubbling over. “Forget it!” he yelled, his voice echoing through the training ground. “I’m done!”
Before Yona could react, he turned and sprinted away, his heart pounding as he fled the scene. The weight of failure crashed down on him, and he felt the world around him blur. All he could think was that he had let everyone down again.
“Naruto!” Yona called after him, but he was already too far gone. She stood frozen for a moment, her heart aching for him, wishing she could reach out and help him in his moment of despair.
The announcement of results interrupted her thoughts. Iruka gathered the remaining students, his voice steady as he began to call names. “Shikamaru Nara… graduated. Sasuke Uchiha… graduated. Yona Senju… graduated.”
Cheers erupted among the students as Iruka continued, “Congratulations to all of you who have passed the academy exams! You are now officially genin!”
Yona forced a smile at her classmates' celebration, but her heart wasn’t in it. She glanced around, searching for Naruto’s familiar blonde head, but he was nowhere to be found. Her excitement over her own accomplishment felt hollow without her friend by her side.
“Where could he have gone?” she murmured, worry creeping into her chest as she began to push through the crowd of jubilant students, hoping to catch a glimpse of Naruto.
Sasuke, observing her anxious search, crossed his arms. “He’ll be fine. He probably just needs time to cool off.”
“Time? He just failed his exam, Sasuke!” Yona snapped, frustration bubbling beneath her calm facade. “He needs support right now. I can’t just let him stay out there alone!”
“Just don’t let it get to you,” Sasuke replied, a hint of annoyance in his voice. “You did well, and you should be proud of that. Worrying about him won’t change anything.”
Yona shot him an exasperated look but then turned back to the crowd, her heart heavy with concern for Naruto. “I just… I need to find him,” she said quietly, determination flickering in her eyes.
As she stepped away from the throng of celebrating classmates, Yona felt a sense of urgency driving her forward. She wouldn’t let Naruto slip away, not when he needed her the most. With her heart set on finding her friend, she took off in the direction she last saw him, hoping to catch up before he let his anger consume him.
--
As Naruto ran through the trees, his heart raced with anger and frustration. He couldn’t believe he had failed the exam. His classmates were graduating, and he felt left behind, as though he would always be the loser everyone thought he was. He stumbled to a stop in a secluded clearing, his breath coming in ragged gasps.
Suddenly, a voice broke through the haze of his thoughts. “Well, well, if it isn’t the academy’s number one failure,” Mizuki said, stepping out from the shadows with a sly grin.
Naruto’s eyes narrowed. “What do you want, Mizuki?” he snapped, crossing his arms defiantly.
Mizuki chuckled, seemingly unbothered by Naruto’s anger. “I can see you’re upset about failing. It’s a shame, really. But I have a way for you to prove everyone wrong.”
“What do you mean?” Naruto asked, curiosity piquing despite his initial hostility.
“I have a plan,” Mizuki continued, leaning in conspiratorially. “You know about the Forbidden Scroll, right? It holds powerful techniques, and if you could master one of them, you could finally show everyone that you’re not a failure.”
Naruto hesitated, his heart pounding. The Forbidden Scroll was legendary, but it was also forbidden for a reason. “Why would you want to help me?” he asked suspiciously.
Mizuki waved a dismissive hand. “Let’s just say I believe in potential, and you have it in spades. Think about it—if you steal the scroll and learn a jutsu from it, you’ll graduate for sure. You won’t be left behind anymore. Just imagine how it will feel to finally have everyone recognize you!”
Naruto bit his lip, the prospect of finally being acknowledged tugging at his heartstrings. He thought about Yona, Sasuke, and the rest of his friends. They were moving on without him, and he couldn’t bear the thought of being left behind. The idea of being able to finally stand alongside them as a ninja was almost too enticing to resist.
“But it’s stealing,” Naruto said, wrestling with his conscience. “What if I get caught?”
“Trust me, kid. No one will ever know it was you. Just think about how great it will feel to have power—real power! You can finally earn the respect you’ve always wanted. It’s a win-win!” Mizuki leaned closer, his eyes gleaming with temptation.
Naruto’s mind raced. He felt the weight of his failures pressing down on him, and Mizuki’s words ignited a spark of hope in the darkness. Could he really do this? Could he change his fate and finally show everyone what he was made of?
He glanced back toward the academy, the image of Yona cheering him on filling his mind. He wanted to prove himself, but at what cost?
“I… I don’t know,” he stammered, uncertainty creeping into his voice.
Mizuki smirked, sensing Naruto’s wavering resolve. “Just think it over, kid. You know where to find me if you want to take control of your destiny. Don’t let this opportunity slip away.”
As Mizuki stepped back into the shadows, Naruto stood alone in the clearing, the weight of the scroll heavy on his mind. He was torn, caught between the desire for acceptance and the nagging voice of his conscience. Would he really risk everything for a chance to be recognized, or would he find a better way to prove himself?
With his heart racing, Naruto clenched his fists, contemplating his next move as the sun began to set on the horizon.
--
At the Academy, Yona paced the courtyard, her face set in concern. Shikamaru was lounging against a nearby wall, arms crossed, watching her with a raised eyebrow.
"You're awfully worked up over this," he remarked lazily. "It's just Naruto. He’s probably sulking somewhere, like usual."
Yona shot him a look. "This is different, Shikamaru. Naruto failed the exam and ran off. I can’t shake the feeling something’s wrong. He’s been acting strange since Mizuki-sensei talked to him. I need to find him.”
Shikamaru sighed and scratched the back of his neck, looking away. “Troublesome…” But after a moment’s pause, he gave her a small nod. “Alright, I’ll help you look for him. He’s bound to be somewhere obvious.”
Just as they were about to head off, Iruka-sensei’s voice cut through the quiet. "Yona, Shikamaru," he called, stepping out of a nearby doorway. His expression was serious, his gaze shifting between them. "You’re looking for Naruto?”
Yona looked up, startled. “Iruka-sensei! Yes, we are. He’s not been himself since the exam. We’re worried about him.”
Iruka’s face softened, but there was a deep worry in his eyes. “If Naruto’s missing, then I’m coming too. I’m his teacher—I won’t let him face whatever he’s dealing with alone.”
Shikamaru glanced at Iruka, a bit of surprise in his eyes. “Alright then, sensei, the more the merrier. But finding him isn’t going to be easy. He could be anywhere by now.”
Iruka nodded in agreement. “Let’s start by checking his usual hangouts. We’ll cover more ground if we split up. And if either of you sees him, don’t approach him right away. Just come get me.”
They nodded, and with a quick exchange of glances, they split up to search the village.
After about an hour of checking the training grounds, rooftops, and other places Naruto often went, Yona, Shikamaru, and Iruka regrouped in the village square, looking frustrated and a little worried.
“No sign of him?” Iruka asked, looking between them.
Shikamaru shook his head. “I even checked the Ichiraku Ramen stand and that old tree he likes to sit by. Nothing.”
Yona’s brows were furrowed, and she looked at Iruka, her voice barely above a whisper. “I’m scared, Iruka-sensei. What if something’s happened?”
Iruka put a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “We’ll find him, Yona. He might just need time, but if he’s in trouble, we’ll get to him.”
They set off again with a renewed sense of urgency, each silently hoping they would find Naruto safe—and soon.
--
As Naruto stood alone in the clearing, clutching the stolen scroll of forbidden jutsu, he breathed heavily, excitement and determination written all over his face. He knew that mastering a technique from this scroll could finally make him strong enough to be acknowledged by everyone. But, before he could try another move, Mizuki appeared, his face twisted into a manipulative smile.
“Naruto!” Mizuki called out, his voice slick with false encouragement. “You’ve done well bringing the scroll here. I knew you had it in you.”
Naruto looked at Mizuki, slightly confused. “So… if I learn one of these techniques, I’ll finally graduate, right?”
Mizuki nodded, feigning sincerity. “That’s right. You’re doing exactly what you’re supposed to. Now hand over the scroll so you can get the recognition you deserve.”
At that moment, Yona and Shikamaru arrived, with Iruka following close behind. They looked relieved but tense seeing Naruto with the scroll. Before they could say anything, Mizuki’s expression shifted into something darker.
“Naruto,” Mizuki’s voice dropped into a mocking tone, “do you want to know why everyone in the village treats you like dirt?”
Iruka’s face paled, and he shouted, “Mizuki, stop! Don’t say another word!”
Ignoring him, Mizuki continued, his words dripping with malice. “Twelve years ago, the Nine-Tailed Fox attacked the village. And the Fourth Hokage didn’t kill it; he sealed it away… inside you, Naruto! You are the Nine-Tailed Fox!”
Naruto's eyes widened in shock, unable to comprehend what Mizuki was saying. Yona and Shikamaru, too, were frozen in place, processing the horrible revelation.
“You’re lying!” Naruto shouted, his voice wavering with anger and confusion.
“Oh, it’s no lie,” Mizuki sneered. “That’s why everyone despises you, why they treat you the way they do. They’ll never accept you because, to them, you’ll always be the monster that destroyed the village!”
Iruka stepped forward, his face set in anger. “That’s enough, Mizuki! Naruto is not the Nine-Tails! He’s one of us, a citizen of this village, and a future ninja!”
Naruto looked at Iruka, searching his face for answers, but his pain was evident. Mizuki’s words had struck deep, and for the first time, he was questioning everything he’d believed.
But Yona couldn’t stand it any longer. “Naruto, don’t listen to him!” she shouted, moving closer. “You’re not a monster, you’re Naruto! You’re our friend!”
Iruka, seeing Naruto’s distress, spoke up, his voice filled with emotion. “Naruto… you’ve worked harder than anyone to be acknowledged. You’re not the Nine-Tails. You’re Naruto Uzumaki… and you’ve become a fine young man.”
Naruto’s grip on the scroll tightened as he felt Iruka’s words reach him, cutting through Mizuki’s venomous lies. But Mizuki wasn’t finished.
“Don’t listen to him, Naruto!” Mizuki jeered. “He’s just trying to manipulate you! They’ll never accept you; they’re only using you as a weapon!”
Naruto’s face hardened as he looked at Mizuki, then at Yona, Shikamaru, and Iruka. For the first time, he saw not judgment but true acceptance in their eyes. A spark ignited within him, and he felt his resolve strengthening. This time, he would prove to them all that he wasn’t a monster.
Naruto took a deep breath, then glared at Mizuki. “I’m not a monster! I’m Naruto Uzumaki!”
With a defiant shout, he unleashed the Shadow Clone Jutsu, hundreds of clones appearing around him. Mizuki’s eyes widened in fear as he realized his taunts had only made Naruto stronger.
“You’re going to regret messing with me!” Naruto said, a determined look in his eyes as the clones surrounded Mizuki, ready to protect the people who mattered to him.
In that moment, Naruto knew he wasn’t alone. He had friends who stood by him and believed in him, no matter what.
After Naruto unleashed the Multi Shadow Clone Jutsu, dozens of Narutos surrounded Mizuki, each one glaring fiercely, ready to strike. Mizuki looked around, stunned and terrified. "How... How did you do this? You couldn't even do a simple clone jutsu before!"
Naruto’s clones grinned in unison, and as one, they all charged, landing blow after blow on Mizuki until he lay on the ground, defeated and groaning in pain.
Once the last of Naruto’s clones disappeared, he stood there, panting but triumphant, looking down at Mizuki with satisfaction. At that moment, Iruka approached him, a gentle, proud smile on his face.
"Naruto…" Iruka began, his voice thick with emotion. He reached into his pouch and held out his own headband, looking at Naruto with pride. "Come here for a second. I've got something I want to give you."
Naruto looked at him, wide-eyed, and approached slowly, as if he couldn’t believe what was happening.
Iruka smiled, kneeling down to Naruto's level. "Congratulations. You pass," he said softly, carefully placing the headband on Naruto’s forehead.
Naruto’s eyes filled with tears as he reached up to touch the headband. "Really? You mean… I’m really a ninja now?"
Iruka nodded, a warm smile on his face. "Yes, you’re one of us now. You worked hard, Naruto. I’m so proud of you."
Naruto’s tears overflowed, but his face beamed with a joy he hadn’t felt before. "Thank you, Iruka-sensei! Thank you so much!"
Iruka patted him on the head. "You earned it. Don’t ever let anyone make you think otherwise."
As they stood together under the moonlight, Naruto’s resolve strengthened. For the first time, he felt like he truly belonged, and with Iruka’s encouragement, he knew he was ready to take on whatever challenges awaited him as a ninja.