The First Plot Event

Strictly speaking, however.

Naruto was already more outstanding than the vast majority of graduates in this year. Ranking in the top five in overall grades was not an empty figure, but a very substantial numerical performance. However, not only because of the regulations, but also because of the six years they had spent together, Iruka had truly come to regard Naruto as his own family. Iruka, who had been promoted to Chunin, naturally knew very well what kind of profession a Ninja was. Do not be fooled by his current role as a teacher at the Ninja Academy; in reality, Iruka was a true Ninja. He had assisted in the execution of not only B-rank missions but also A-rank missions as a squad member. In this world, Ninjas were the most prestigious existence, yet also the profession with the highest risk factor.

Iruka was perhaps overly worried about Naruto.

Naturally, in this graduation examination.

Iruka was following the examination principles, but also acting out of concern for Naruto and other reasons.

What was not allowed was simply not allowed.

Naruto had just opened his mouth.

Iruka knew what this kid was going to say. Cutting off Naruto's thoughts in advance was what Iruka considered the most appropriate choice. In any case, Naruto's identity was special, and returning to school to study for another year might not be a bad thing. Presumably, the Third Hokage would also agree with his approach.

Iruka thought silently to himself.

"But, Iruka-sensei..."

Seeing the incomparably solemn and serious expression on Iruka's face.

As someone who was very familiar with Iruka's personality, Naruto naturally knew very well that there was no falsehood in Iruka's words. If he said he wouldn't let him graduate, then he definitely wouldn't. But if that were really the case, wouldn't that be terrible?

"What is not allowed is not allowed. Naruto, you failed your graduation exam. You must go back and study for another year. When you have successfully mastered the Clone Technique, come back to take the exam. At that time, I will definitely let you graduate."

Iruka's face wore an unwavering expression as he said this very firmly.

Looking at Iruka, whose expression was so resolute.

Naruto felt a sense of suffocation.

No way?

Is it really going to be like this?

Am I really not going to graduate?

Just like in the original story?

Naruto widened his eyes, feeling at a loss. If he couldn't graduate...

Uh.

Wait?

Same as the original story?

Can't graduate? It seems like a very important event happened during his graduation in the original story, right?

At the thought of this.

A certain figure emerged in Naruto's mind. He lifted his head, his gaze shifting slightly to the left, and that imagined figure entered his eyes.

"Iruka-sensei, I think we should just let Naruto graduate. Although this clone isn't qualified, it was barely produced, wasn't it? Besides, over these past six years, Naruto has ranked in the top five in both theoretical and practical tests, and he has perfectly mastered the other two of the Three Body Technique. I think we can let him graduate."

Along with that gentle expression and a bright smile, the atmosphere, which at first glance felt like a warm older brother next door, made anyone who saw or heard him feel very warm.

It instantly attracted Naruto's attention.

"No! Mizuki-sensei, rules are rules. Although Naruto performed well during his time at the Ninja Academy and his theoretical and practical grades have always been at the forefront, the Ninja Academy's graduation exam requires these graduates to be able to skillfully use the Three Body Technique. This is a set requirement for passing. Since Naruto has not met this requirement, he cannot graduate. This is the most correct way. As examiners, we cannot be indulgent on this point."

Iruka still shook his head stubbornly and said very firmly.

Mizuki.

That's right, this examiner sitting beside Iruka, who looked like a warm older brother next door, was the very first villain character to appear in the original plot that fans of the series were very familiar with.

This villain, who was somewhat of a representative of the "face-art" style.

He was also the most critical person to help Naruto take his first step toward becoming a Ninja.

Almost forgot about this important event.

Naruto still maintained a clueless appearance on the surface, looking at Iruka with eager eyes, but his brain was spinning rapidly. In his heart, he had already begun to calculate the events to come.

The Scroll of Sealing incident!

That's right.

The moment he saw Mizuki, this first plot event from the original story surfaced in Naruto's mind.

Actually, as early as a few years ago.

The Scroll of Sealing had been one of Naruto's planned targets.

This might be the only chance to get the Scroll of Sealing so openly.

Most importantly.

In the original story of his past life, the original Naruto only learned the Multi Shadow Clone Technique.

In Naruto's view, this was truly an extreme waste of resources.

In this life.

He must make good use of this opportunity.

Naruto Uzumaki thought to himself.

Iruka, sitting at the head of the room, naturally had no idea what the brat in front of him was thinking.

Seeing Naruto still staring at him with those pitiful eyes and refusing to leave the examination room, he assumed the boy was simply unwilling to accept the result.

Although he felt a pang of sympathy in his heart.

Iruka maintained a cold expression on his face as he looked at Naruto and spoke.

"What's impossible is impossible, Naruto. Go back and train hard, and we'll talk about it at the next examination!"

Even though Naruto had already made up his mind.

He still put on an appearance of extreme disappointment. His dejected expression was so convincing it was practically a work of art. Since arriving in this world, Naruto hadn't just strengthened his own power; he had also reached the basic standards of a professional actor, possessing all the essential qualities required for the craft.

"Yes, I understand..."

With a listless reply and a bowed head.

Naruto slowly turned around, dragging his feet as if they weighed a thousand pounds, and pushed open the door to leave. His lonely silhouette almost prompted Iruka to call out to him, but the conviction deep within his heart kept Iruka firm in his decision.

Rules were rules!

This was something that could not be broken.

Furthermore, as mentioned before, from Iruka's perspective, this was for Naruto's own good.

Naruto, I hope you can forgive me. You will understand one day!

Watching Naruto depart.

Iruka's eyes flickered as he thought silently to himself.

"Next, Sakura Haruno."

"Yes!"

Once Naruto's figure had disappeared.

Iruka quickly composed himself and continued with the graduation examination.

However, Iruka did not notice Mizuki, who stood beside him, staring in the direction Naruto had left. A strange glint flashed in Mizuki's pupils, and the corners of his mouth curled upward, revealing a faint, eerie smile.

It vanished as quickly as it had appeared, unnoticed even by Iruka right next to him.

Naruto Uzumaki, is it? Heh, this is a truly excellent opportunity to exploit. Kid, it is your honor to contribute to my grand ambition!!

The pure ambition deep within Mizuki's heart surged rapidly at that moment, reaching a point where it could no longer be contained.