My Name Is Namikaze Naruto - Chapter 16

Strictly speaking, Naruto is already more outstanding than the vast majority of graduates this year. His overall ranking in the top five is not a mere fluke but a solid performance. Having spent six years with Naruto, Iruka genuinely considers him family. As a Chunin, Iruka understands the true nature of a ninja’s career. Despite his current role as a teacher at the academy, Iruka is a real ninja who has completed B-rank and even A-rank missions as part of a team. In this world, ninjas hold the highest status but also face the greatest risks.

Iruka is overly concerned about Naruto. In the graduation exam, Iruka adhered to the assessment principles this time but was also motivated by his care for Naruto. Rules are rules, after all.

Before Naruto could even speak, Iruka knew what the boy was going to say and preemptively cut him off. Iruka believed this was the best decision, thinking that another year at the academy might not be a bad idea for Naruto and that the Third Hokage would likely agree with his approach.

“But, Iruka-sensei…” Naruto began, seeing the serious and solemn expression on Iruka’s face. Knowing Iruka well, Naruto understood that his words were sincere and that if Iruka said he couldn’t graduate, then he truly wouldn’t graduate. This realization hit Naruto hard.

“No means no, Naruto. Your graduation exam results are insufficient. You need to go back and study for another year. When you master the Clone Technique properly, you can retake the exam, and then you will definitely graduate.”

Iruka’s resolute expression left Naruto feeling suffocated. Was this really happening? Would he fail to graduate, just like in the original story? Naruto’s eyes widened with a sense of helplessness. If he couldn’t graduate…

Wait, just like the original story? An important event happened around his graduation in the original story, didn’t it?

Naruto’s mind flashed to a certain figure, his head lifting slightly, his gaze shifting to the left, where he imagined seeing that person.

“Iruka-sensei, I think we should let Naruto graduate. Although this clone isn’t perfect, it’s at least a decent attempt. Besides, over the past six years, Naruto has consistently ranked in the top five in both theoretical and practical tests. He has mastered the other two of the Three Basic Jutsu perfectly. I believe he deserves to graduate.”

A warm, neighborly smile accompanied these words, giving off a reassuring and gentle vibe that attracted Naruto’s attention instantly.

“No! Mizuki-sensei, rules are rules. Although Naruto has performed well in theory and practical tests, the graduation exam requires students to use the Three Basic Jutsu proficiently. This is a fixed requirement. Naruto hasn’t met this criterion, so he can’t graduate. As examiners, we cannot condone this.”

Iruka shook his head firmly, standing his ground.

Mizuki. Yes, this was the friendly-looking examiner sitting next to Iruka, who, in the original story, was the first antagonist.

Naruto realized this was the person who would be crucial in helping him take the first step towards becoming a ninja. He almost forgot this important event. Externally, Naruto still looked confused, but internally, he was calculating his next moves, his mind racing.

The Scroll of Seals incident! Seeing Mizuki reminded Naruto of this pivotal plot point. Originally, years ago, the Scroll of Seals was one of Naruto’s targets. This might be his only chance to get it legitimately. More importantly, in the original story, his counterpart only learned the Multi Shadow Clone Technique from the scroll, which Naruto saw as a waste of resources. This time, he intended to make the most of this opportunity.

Naruto’s mind was set, but Iruka, unaware of Naruto’s thoughts, saw only the disappointed, pleading look on his face. Despite feeling a bit guilty, Iruka maintained his stern expression and reiterated his decision.

“No means no, Naruto. Go back and train well. We’ll talk about it during the next exam.”

Although Naruto had his plans, he feigned disappointment expertly, his dejected expression almost theatrical. Since arriving in this world, Naruto had not only strengthened his skills but also honed his acting to a professional standard.

“Yes, I understand…” Naruto replied weakly, lowering his head and turning slowly. His heavy steps made the walk to the door seem like a journey of a thousand miles. His desolate figure almost made Iruka call out to him, but Iruka’s resolve held firm.

Rules were rules. This was for Naruto’s own good, Iruka thought as he watched him leave.

“Naruto, I hope you’ll forgive me. You’ll understand someday,” Iruka mused silently as he looked at the departing Naruto.

“Next, Haruno Sakura.”

“Yes!”

After Naruto’s figure disappeared, Iruka quickly composed himself and continued the graduation exams. He didn’t notice the peculiar glint in Mizuki’s eyes as he watched Naruto leave, nor the sinister smile that briefly played on Mizuki’s lips before vanishing as quickly as it appeared.

“Uzumaki Naruto, huh? Hehe, this is a perfect opportunity. Kid, you should feel honored to contribute to my grand ambition!”

Mizuki’s pure ambition grew uncontrollably at this moment, reaching a peak that could no longer be suppressed.

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