Iruka saw that the Third Hokage was still deep in thought. Worried that Makoto Ito and Naruto Uzumaki might be punished for stealing the Scroll of Seals, he spoke up to plead for them.
"Lord Hokage, these two children..."
But the moment he opened his mouth, Hiruzen Sarutobi interrupted him.
"Enough. Let's leave today's matter at that. This was all Mizuki's scheme. You two were merely deceived by Mizuki, and more importantly, you protected the Scroll of Seals and defeated Mizuki. That counts as a considerable contribution to the village. We'll let today's matter pass!
"Merits and faults cancel each other out. There will be no punishment. As for Naruto! Since you have already learned the Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu, you will be granted an exceptional promotion. You are permitted to graduate from the Ninja Academy. From today onward, you are a true ninja!"
Naruto Uzumaki heard Hiruzen Sarutobi's words and happily sprang up from the ground!
"Yahoo!!!! I finally graduated! I'm a ninja too!!!! Hahahahahaha! Makoto! Did you hear that? Grandpa Third said I could be promoted as an exception! I'm a real ninja now!"
Makoto Ito watched Naruto Uzumaki leap around like a crazed ape and felt a headache coming on...
"I know, I know. I heard it all. Congratulations, Naruto!"
Hearing the Third Hokage's words, Iruka smiled broadly as well. He untied his own Ninja Headband and personally placed it on Naruto's head!
Naruto touched the Ninja Headband on his head and became even happier...
Madara Uchiha: How boring! Is that really how it ends?
Tobirama Senju: Although it ended perfectly, I still feel that something about this is strange. It is as if everything had been arranged from the very beginning.
Minato Namikaze: Second Hokage, you felt that too? From the moment Makoto and Naruto went