In the past five years, Naruto has been living a very fulfilling life according to his routine, while the Hidden Leaf Village entered a period of “true” peace after the Uchiha clan’s destruction. The other great ninja villages, such as the Cloud, Rock, and others, did not fully uncover the truth of the Uchiha clan massacre night. Coupled with the Hidden Leaf still having its former reputation and the other villages not fully recovering from the Third Great Ninja War, the potentially erupting Fourth Great Ninja War was forcibly suppressed.
During this rare peaceful period, Naruto truly did not care about external matters. His life followed a fixed three-point pattern every day: ninja school, home, and the forest training grounds. Naruto never wasted time on other things, focusing entirely on his training and continuously enhancing himself with various knowledge.
Moreover, in these five years, Naruto could clearly sense the ANBU who were originally monitoring him gradually withdrawing, possibly because he was about to graduate from the ninja school and become a real Leaf ninja, or perhaps because his honest behavior in the past few years made the Third Hokage completely reassured.
In simple terms, Naruto already stopped feeling the constant surveillance a year ago. Naruto almost couldn’t help but cheer when that needle-on-carpet sensation completely vanished. Only this way could Naruto gradually implement his plans rather than always pretending to be weak!
Everything was going so smoothly. Now, he just had to honestly wait for graduation and team assignment to proceed with his next steps. However, at this critical juncture, Naruto forgot something crucial: the graduation exam!
It was not until the day of the graduation exam arrived. In the examination classroom, it was Naruto’s turn.
“Clone Jutsu!”
“Poof!”
The familiar golden figure, that steady voice, accompanied by what seemed like a powerful burst of white vapor. However, the next second, as the white smoke dispersed, no two clones appeared as intended, but instead, two lumps of unknown orange objects lay on the ground. Yes, just orange lumps. Compared to a few years ago, Naruto’s Clone Jutsu had somewhat improved. At least now, you could see colors and a roughly human shape if you were willing to admit it.
However, in this situation, it was truly a scene where laughter was impossible. This was the examination classroom of the ninja school. It was now the 60th year of Konoha, and Naruto was 12 years old. Always ranked in the top five of his class, often in the top three for theoretical knowledge, and sometimes even first, Naruto failed his graduation exam Clone Jutsu once again.
Even Naruto couldn’t help but twitch his mouth slightly, looking at the two lumps beside him. Although it was a known fact, seeing that he couldn’t master the Clone Jutsu after five whole years, Naruto didn’t know what to say to himself.
Especially seeing Iruka nearby, who was visibly restraining his temper, Naruto couldn’t help but shrink his head, showing an embarrassed expression. Naruto scratched the back of his head, trying to say something, but Iruka had a hopeless look.
Clearly, this kid learned everything quickly. Substitution Jutsu and Transformation Jutsu in the Three Basic Jutsu were mastered within a few days. Other theoretical knowledge and Taijutsu training were always excellent. Overall, his grades were always at the top of the class. Even three years ago, when Naruto persistently begged, Iruka taught him a C-rank Wind Release Jutsu, which Naruto mastered quickly (Chakra nature was also something Naruto brought up casually three years ago, and Iruka tested Naruto, discovering it was Wind. So, he taught Naruto a C-rank Wind Release Jutsu. Although Iruka wasn’t a Wind type, he could still perform some C-rank Wind Jutsu as an experienced Chunin).
However, it was this Clone Jutsu that Naruto just couldn’t master no matter what. Iruka even suspected if Naruto was naturally incompatible with this technique. But the graduation exam required the Clone Jutsu. With a tentative mindset, Iruka allowed Naruto to try, but the result was unsurprising.
This wasn’t a clone; it was clearly just a lump…
Ahem…
Iruka didn’t know what to say. “Sigh…” Iruka sighed inwardly, then looked at Naruto seriously.
“Failed!”
Although Iruka wanted Naruto to graduate, rules were rules. The graduation exam was a reasonable arrangement; only those who passed could become a Genin. Those who didn’t had to retake their studies. Iruka was slightly rigid about this.
Naruto’s face fell at these words. Seriously? If he couldn’t graduate, it would be a big problem. Going back to study again was not an option for Naruto.
Although the original story mentioned Naruto taking several graduation exams, Naruto in this life doubted the truth of that. Graduation exams were held once a year. While early graduation was allowed, it depended on the ninja school’s approval. Naruto didn’t want to be delayed. It was already the 60th year of Konoha, marking the beginning of the main story. Every step ahead was crucial. Naruto didn’t have time to waste.
“Teacher Iruka, I think I can…”
But before Naruto could finish, Iruka waved his hand, cutting him off. “No, Naruto. Failed means failed. These are the rules. The graduation exam assesses your overall abilities. The Three Basic Jutsu are foundational. If you can’t master them, you’re not qualified to be a Genin!” Iruka said, crossing his hands on the table, looking at Naruto sternly.
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