Year 63 of Konoha, Spring.
The season of cherry blossoms in full bloom, the air of Konoha Village is filled with a faint fragrance of flowers.
The morning sunlight filters through the gaps in the leaves, scattering dappled light spots on the clean stone-paved road.
In front of the Ninja Academy building, several massive cherry blossom trees are at the peak of their bloom. Pink-white petals drift down with the wind like gentle snow.
Inside the building, however, the atmosphere is completely different from the lazy spring outside, permeated with a sense of nervousness and excitement.
For the students of the Ninja Academy, this is a day that will decide many of their fates. Passing the exam means obtaining the Konoha's forehead protector and becoming an official Genin, while failure means either staying back to repeat the year or giving up the path of a Ninja.
On the third floor, inside the teachers' office, the atmosphere is relatively relaxed.
"Iruka, the top student in your class this year is bound to be that Menma again, right?" A middle-aged male teacher with round glasses laughed and patted Iruka on the shoulder. "I heard that kid defeated Suga in last year's practical combat exam? And Suga retired from being a Chunin, a practical fighter, not like us teachers!"
Iruka was organizing the exam forms in his hands and let out a bitter smile at the comment. "Yamada-san, stop teasing me. Menma is indeed outstanding, but you know there's also Naruto, that troublemaker, in my class... I just hope they can graduate smoothly today and not cause any trouble for me."
In the corner of the office, Mizuki listened to his colleagues' idle chatter while inconspicuously walking over to the water dispenser in the corner to fill his cup.
He maintained his usual gentle smile on his face, but his ears were perked up, carefully catching every detail in Iruka's words.
'Uzumaki Naruto'… that name flashed through his mind quickly. The mission from that side weighed on his heart like a stone. The target's identity was extremely special, while he was just an ordinary Chunin teacher. How could he approach and gather valuable intelligence without drawing attention? He felt a wave of irritation and powerlessness.
After filling his cup, Mizuki returned to his workstation with it, pretending to organize his teaching materials while his brain worked rapidly.
"It's about time, Iruka, Mizuki, we should head to the exam hall," Yamada reminded, glancing at the clock on the wall.
"Oh, right." Iruka hurriedly stuffed the last form into a folder, stood up, and called to Mizuki beside him, "Let's go, Mizuki."
Mizuki finished the water in his cup, took a deep breath to suppress the turmoil in his heart, his face resuming its usual gentle expression as he nodded. "Alright."
He placed the cup on the desk, picked up the prepared exam evaluation sheet, and followed Iruka and the other two teachers out of the office.
In the hallway, the excited yet nervous chatter of students could already be heard.
The graduation exam had begun.
Second floor, hallway outside the third exam hall.
Students were lined up in a long queue, waiting for their names to be called.
The atmosphere was a mix of anticipation and gravity. Shikamaru stood with his hands in his pockets, leaning against the wall with an expression that screamed 'What a hassle'.
Behind him, Kiba, with Akamaru perched on his head, was arguing heatedly with Naruto, their faces red. "My Taijutsu score this time is definitely an A! Akamaru can vouch for me!"
"Woof! Woof!"
"As if, Kiba! My Clone Technique was even praised by Iruka-sensei!"
"Hmph, so what? My Beast Mimicry combined with Akamaru would definitely beat you in actual combat!"
"What did you say?! Want to have a match right now?!"
"Bring it on!"
The two glared at each other like fighting roosters, with Akamaru barking encouragement from Kiba's head.
In front of them, Choji was completely unaffected, focused intently on eating potato chips with a steady crunching sound.
Nearby, Ino and Sakura were huddled together, discussing something in low voices, their eyes occasionally drifting towards the front of the line where Sasuke stood.
Sasuke stood alone by the window, arms crossed, looking at the cherry blossoms falling outside, his face showing its usual aloof expression.
But upon closer look, one could notice his gaze occasionally drifting towards the back of the line.
There, Menma and Hinata stood together.
Menma leaned against the wall, hands in his pockets, looking relaxed.
Hinata stood slightly bowed, her hands nervously twisting together, a faint blush on her cheeks.
Menma seemed to be saying something to her. Hinata nodded at times and responded softly at others, the blush on her face growing more pronounced.
Sasuke's brow furrowed slightly.
If it weren't for the mission assigned by Kakashi… to infiltrate the Ninja Academy as a student to gather intel on this batch of students, he wouldn't bother playing this graduation exam game with these kids.
But every time he saw Menma's composed, unruffled demeanor, a strong sense of competitiveness surged within him.
Over these past few years, he had challenged Menma roughly every month or two. Thirty-six challenges in total. Thirty-six defeats.
Each time, Menma defeated him in a different way… sometimes with Taijutsu, sometimes with Ninjutsu, sometimes even with just Genjutsu or tactics.
Each time, Sasuke could feel the gap between them.
But Sasuke wasn't discouraged.
Training under Kakashi and Yamato, his skills had advanced by leaps and bounds.
At twelve years old, he had already mastered multiple B-Rank Ninjutsu, his Taijutsu was at Chunin-level, and just three months ago during a mission, his One-Tomoe Sharingan had evolved into a Two-Tomoe Sharingan.
Yamato had commented at the time: "A Two-Tomoe Sharingan at twelve, Sasuke, you are already an outstanding Chunin."
Yet even so, Sasuke still had no confidence in defeating Menma.
That black-haired boy was like a mountain whose peak you could never see. Just when you thought you were getting closer, you'd look up and find him still higher.
"Uchiha Sasuke!"
The call came from inside the exam hall.
Sasuke withdrew his thoughts, put his hands in his pockets, and walked into the exam hall with an impassive expression.
This elicited squeals of admiration from Sakura, Ino, and several other girls.
The exams proceeded.
Students were called in one by one and came out one by one.
Some showed smiles, clearly having performed well, while others were pale-faced, probably having made mistakes.
But most students in this class came from Ninja Clans or possessed exceptional talent, so the Academy's Three Basic Techniques exam wasn't difficult for them.
Soon, it was Naruto's turn.
"Uzumaki Naruto!"
"Here—!!"
Naruto shot into the exam hall like a cannonball, nearly knocking over the table by the door.
Iruka sighed in resignation, while Yamada beside him couldn't help but laugh.
Inside the exam hall, Mizuki sat on the far right of the examiners' table, holding the scoring sheet, his eyes sharpening.
'Uzumaki Naruto, the Nine-Tails' Jinchuriki… if he graduates successfully, it will probably be even harder to get close to him later. But given Naruto's usual performance in theory classes and his grasp of the Three Basic Techniques...'
Mizuki calculated quickly in his mind.
He knew Naruto's theory grades were perpetually at the bottom, and while his Three Basic Techniques had improved greatly over the past two years, consistency was always an issue.
'If Naruto messed up today and failed the exam...'
'Then as a teacher, I might have a chance to approach him under the pretext of 'tutoring', or even...'
But the next moment, Mizuki's train of thought was interrupted.
"Begin, Naruto," Iruka's voice was gentle yet stern. "First, the Clone Technique."
"Watch me!"
Naruto formed hand seals. Though his speed wasn't particularly fast, his movements were precise, and his Chakra Flow was stable.
"Clone Technique!"
Poof!
A puff of white smoke later, two identical clones of Naruto appeared beside him.
While the details of the clones could use some refinement, they already met the passing standard.
"Not bad." Iruka nodded. "Next, the Transformation Technique."
"Transformation Technique!"
Naruto formed seals again. His body changed amidst white smoke, transforming into Iruka's likeness… the scar on his face, even his expression, were imitated remarkably well.
"Good." A flicker of relief passed through Iruka's eyes. "Finally, the Substitution Technique."
Naruto quickly formed seals.
"Substitution Technique!"
Poof!
His figure instantly appeared three meters away, while a wooden log took his original place.
The exchange was smooth and natural, without the slightest lag.
All three basic exams, passed.
After the demonstration, Naruto dispelled the clones and looked nervously at the three teachers, especially Iruka.
Mizuki's expression darkened almost imperceptibly, but he quickly resumed his gentle smile.
Looking at this child with spiky blond hair and bright blue eyes filled with anticipation and a trace of unease, Iruka felt a surge of mixed emotions.
He remembered Naruto's mischievous antics over the years, remembered the loneliness hidden beneath his bright smile, and remembered the sacrifice of the Fourth Hokage and his wife.
The resentment that had lingered in his heart since the night the Nine-Tails killed his parents… resentment that had shifted from the Nine-Tails onto Naruto… finally dissipated completely.
A relieved and gratified smile spread across Iruka's face. He picked up a brand-new Konoha's forehead protector and solemnly handed it to Naruto. "Congratulations, Naruto. You have passed and graduated. From today onwards, you are an official Genin of Konoha Village."
"YEAH—!"
Naruto cheered, eagerly taking the forehead protector from Iruka and immediately tying it around his head.
"Thank you, Iruka-sensei! Thank you, teachers!"
He bowed to the examiners, then rushed out of the exam hall in high spirits.
From outside came his excited shouts: "Menma-nii! I passed! I'm a Ninja now!"
Mizuki watched Naruto's departing back, his fingers lightly tapping the scoring sheet. A faint glint of disappointment flashed in his eyes, quickly concealed.
'Plan A had failed... then, I could only execute Plan B.'
An hour later, the exams were completely over.
At the Ninja Academy's entrance, the place was buzzing with noise and excitement.
Children who had successfully graduated excitedly showed their brand-new Konoha's forehead protectors to their families. Parents beamed with pride, patting their children's shoulders and offering words of encouragement.
Under the cherry blossom trees, cheerful laughter and chatter blended together.
Naruto stood alone in the shade of a cherry blossom tree, watching his classmates surrounded by their families. The bright smile on his face dimmed slightly.
But he quickly shook his head, casting aside that hint of loneliness.
'At least he had Menma-nii, Hinata-nee, and Iruka-sensei... And besides, from today on, I am a real Ninja!'
"Naruto."
Menma and Hinata walked over.
Both of them also wore their forehead protectors. Menma's was neatly tied in the center of his forehead, while Hinata wore hers around her neck.
"Menma-nii! Hinata!" Naruto immediately regained his vigor, pointing at the forehead protector on his head like a puppy waiting for praise. "Look at me! I'm a Ninja too! To celebrate us becoming Ninjas, let's go eat Ichiraku Ramen! My treat!"
Hinata bowed her head slightly and said softly, "Um... Naruto-kun, Menma-kun, I'm sorry... My family has prepared a dinner tonight. Father, Mother, and Hanabi are all waiting... to celebrate my graduation... So I can't go eat ramen with you today."
"Oh, I see..." Naruto was a bit disappointed but quickly cheered up again. "It's okay! Next time then!"
Menma nodded understandingly and patted Hinata's shoulder. "Go ahead, family matters are important. We'll catch up later."
"Mm... Thank you, Menma-kun." Hinata's face turned even redder. She stole a glance at Menma, then, like a startled rabbit, quickly lowered her head, whispered "See you", and turned to dash away.
After Hinata's figure disappeared past the school gate, the gentle expression on Menma's face receded slightly.
His Mind's Eye of Kagura expanded silently, covering the surrounding area of several hundred meters.
Behind the window of the third-floor teachers' office in the building, a familiar Chakra was 'watching' this direction.
That person was hiding well, but to Menma's senses, they stood out like a candle flame in the dark night.
'Mizuki.'
A cold glint flashed in Menma's eyes.
'Has been observing Naruto since the exam started... Is it Orochimaru's order? Or... Danzo?'
He quickly analyzed the possibilities in his mind.
Orochimaru should still be in the Land of Stars conducting research, so it's unlikely he'd be interested in Naruto.
Danzo was a possibility. That old schemer had always had his eyes on the Nine-Tails' Jinchuriki, and as Orochimaru's pawn in Konoha, Mizuki might have connections to Root.
Menma shook his head, temporarily setting aside his doubts.
Regardless, Mizuki's plot from the original work was essentially foiled today.
Under his guidance, Naruto's grasp of the Three Basic Techniques was quite solid, allowing him to graduate smoothly.
And once Naruto became an official Genin, he would be assigned to a team under a Jonin Instructor, receiving more stringent protection, making it much harder for Mizuki to act.
"Let's go, Naruto, let's get some ramen," Menma said, putting his thoughts aside.
"Alright!"
Just as the two were about to leave, a figure blocked their path.
Sasuke stood with his hands in his pockets, having his usual cool, aloof expression, and walked up to Menma.
He lifted his head, looking directly at Menma with dark eyes filled with undisguised fighting spirit, issuing a challenge. "Menma, now that we're both official Ninjas, let's have a proper Ninja Duel."
Before Menma could respond, Naruto jumped out as if his tail had been stepped on, pointing at Sasuke's nose and shouting, "Hey! Smug bastard Sasuke! Are you done yet?! This is the thirty-seventh time! You've never beaten Menma-nii once! Still won't admit defeat?!"
Sasuke's face instantly flushed red, as if struck on a sore spot.
Over the years, he had challenged Menma roughly every month or two. His record was a shameful thirty-six losses and zero wins!
Even though his skills had advanced by leaps and bounds under Kakashi and Yamato's training, even unlocking the Two-Tomoe Sharingan, and Yamato himself had assessed him as having Chunin-level strength, he still lost to Menma time and again.
Naruto's words were like rubbing salt in his wounds!
"Dead last! Shut up! This has nothing to do with you!" Sasuke roared in anger and humiliation, his Two-Tomoe eyes flickering faintly.
"Who are you calling a dead last, you smug bastard! Fight me if you dare!" Naruto clenched his fists, unwilling to back down.
As the tension between the two grew thicker, Menma sighed helplessly and stepped between them, separating Naruto and Sasuke, who were almost nose-to-nose.
"Alright, alright, you two, stop arguing," Menma's tone carried a note of pacification. "Let's call it a day, Sasuke. Team assignments are tomorrow, and we'll meet our new Jonin Instructors. There might even be entrance tests or something. Better save some energy."
Hearing this, Sasuke was taken aback.
He indeed wouldn't be participating in the regular Genin team assignments, but Yamato had also notified him of new team mission arrangements, telling him to stay in shape.
Remembering that he was already an Anbu's member, a rank higher than newly-minted Genin like Menma and Naruto, a sense of childish superiority immediately rose in Sasuke's heart.
He snorted coldly, slightly toning down his fighting spirit, but still said to Menma, "Hmph! Fine, we'll do it another time! Or, let's compete to see who becomes a Chunin first!"
Hearing Sasuke's confident provocation, Menma couldn't help but let out a light laugh and nodded. "Sure, let's see who makes Chunin first."
Meanwhile, atop the Hokage Rock's viewing platform.
Hiruzen, clad in his Hokage robe and wearing the Hokage hat, stood leaning on the railing, gazing into the distance.
His eyes penetrated the vast distance, landing on the small figures at the Ninja Academy's entrance. Watching Naruto excitedly gesturing and talking with Menma and Sasuke, a gentle smile appeared on his face.
The evening breeze ruffled his graying sideburns, making his ceremonial robes flutter.
Behind him, Kakashi, dressed in standard Konoha's Anbu attire with a white cat mask covering his face, appeared soundlessly. He knelt on one knee, posture respectful.
Hiruzen didn't turn around. He just slowly took a puff from his pipe, gazing into the distance as he spoke, his voice carrying the weight of years and a hint of weariness. "Kakashi, you've worked hard all these years."
Ever since his son, Sarutobi Shinsuke, and his wife died in battle that night, the heavy burden of leading the Anbu had fallen on the then still very young Kakashi's shoulders.
Over these years, Kakashi had led the Anbu through countless dangerous, shadowy missions, contributing immensely to the village's stability, but he himself had become even more silent and somber.
Kakashi merely lowered his head slightly, responding in his usual lazy yet respectful tone, "You exaggerate, Hokage-sama. It is my duty."
Hiruzen turned around, looking at the kneeling Kakashi, his gaze profound. "Life in the Anbu, constantly alongside darkness and death, must be tough. I'm thinking of giving you a long vacation. How about it?"
Kakashi was slightly taken aback. He looked up at the Third Hokage through the eyeholes of his mask.
Hiruzen pointed with the hand holding his pipe towards the direction of the Ninja Academy in the distance. Through the curling smoke, his voice held a gentle warmth. "Go be Naruto's Jonin Instructor. That child... though a bit mischievous, has a pure heart, bright like the sun."
Kakashi's body stiffened almost imperceptibly.
It wasn't that he had never been a Jonin Instructor before. But his assessments for his subordinates were extremely strict, and no Genin team had ever passed before.
But this time, the subject was... the child of his teacher, the Fourth Hokage.
Looking into Hiruzen's expectant eyes, Kakashi remained silent for a moment, then finally slowly lowered his head and responded in a deep voice, "...Yes, Hokage-sama."