Deep within the forest, the moonlight barely pierced through the dense canopy.
Sweat rolled down Naruto's face as he panted, holding tightly onto the Scroll of Seals — the very thing he had been instructed to steal. His heart pounded not just from running but from the weight of the moment. He had done it. He had actually stolen a forbidden scroll from the Hokage's office.
"This is for becoming a ninja… right?" he muttered, setting the massive scroll down against a tree trunk. He unrolled it just a bit. His eyes widened as he saw techniques and names that made no sense to him—except one:
Shadow Clone Jutsu.
"Oh! I remember this one! Haruto told me… this is super useful!"
Naruto stood up, forming the hand signs as instructed.
"Shadow Clone Jutsu!"
A puff of smoke exploded, and for a second nothing happened — but then dozens of Narutos appeared around him.
"I did it!!" he shouted with joy, his clones echoing his happiness.
But joy didn't last long.
A rustle from the forest made Naruto freeze.
From the shadows stepped Iruka-sensei, face stern and eyes tired.
"Naruto…" he said gravely. "You've really done it this time. Do you have any idea what you've stolen?! That scroll contains forbidden jutsu that could destroy this village!"
Naruto's eyes widened. "But… but Mizuki-sensei said if I learned a jutsu from it, I'd pass!"
Just as Iruka's face twisted in confusion, a blur of silver and purple appeared behind him — Mizuki.
"You're a demon fox, Naruto!" Mizuki shouted, throwing a giant shuriken at Iruka.
"Sensei!!" Naruto cried, but Iruka moved in time, taking the hit in the back instead of Naruto.
"You... LIED to me!" Naruto shouted, eyes burning with betrayal.
"Of course I lied. You think someone like you deserves to be a ninja? You're the Nine-Tails — a monster sealed into a kid! You're not a person, you're a container!"
Naruto's fists clenched. His vision blurred with emotion.
From a branch above, Haruto sat hidden, watching everything unfold. This is your moment, Naruto… just like we planned.
Mizuki sneered. "Give me the scroll, Naruto, and I'll spare you."
Naruto gritted his teeth, his eyes flashing with determination. "NO! Iruka-sensei believed in me! Haruto believed in me! I'm not a monster!!"
He formed the signs again.
"Shadow Clone Jutsu!!"
This time, a hundred Narutos exploded into the clearing, surrounding Mizuki completely.
"What the—?!" Mizuki screamed as the clones charged in, fists flying.
Minutes later, Mizuki lay groaning in the dirt, unconscious and bruised beyond recognition.
Naruto stood, panting heavily, as the clones disappeared.
Iruka looked at Naruto, bloodied but smiling. "You saved me… and you mastered a jutsu no one your age should even be able to use. You're amazing, Naruto."
Naruto looked down, then back up, eyes searching Iruka's.
"But… I failed the exam."
Iruka smiled gently.
He pulled off his forehead protector and tied it around Naruto's head with trembling hands.
"No, Naruto… you pass."
Naruto's eyes welled up, and a grin spread across his face. "Thank you… Iruka-sensei…"
From the trees, Haruto smiled softly.
Good job, little bro.
Deep in the forest…
While Naruto sat cross-legged, panting and struggling to grasp the Shadow Clone Jutsu, another figure crouched in the branches above — Haruto, completely hidden in the shadows.
He wasn't supposed to be here. But then again, Haruto never did what was expected.
Down below, Iruka-sensei suddenly arrived, stumbling into the clearing with a bleeding arm, barely able to stand. His focus was entirely on Naruto and the scroll, pain clouding his senses.
He didn't notice Haruto at all.
Haruto smirked to himself. Perfect.
He had already flipped through half the scroll with blinding speed, his photographic memory capturing every seal, every word, every single chakra instruction. His brain buzzed with knowledge.
Ten jutsu — memorized in minutes.
But just as he was about to scan one last technique, Iruka stepped closer to the scroll.
Haruto narrowed his eyes. Too close.
He formed a single hand seal.
Poof.
A whisper of smoke, and he vanished without a trace.
If you're wondering how he used the Body Flicker Technique…
Well, he had just learned it ten seconds ago.
Inside Haruto's house...
Haruto sat calmly at his desk, reorganizing the jutsus he had just learned from the Scroll of Seals.
1. Multi Shadow Clone Jutsu
2. Chakra Suppression Technique
3. Chakra Lock Seal
4. Substitution Jutsu: Enhanced Version
5. Exploding Shadow Clone Jutsu
6. Chakra Scalpel
7. Paralysis Seal Technique
8. Temporary Muscle Amplification
9. Mist Shroud Jutsu
10. Flickering Flash Step (Body Flicker Technique)
Haruto nodded to himself in approval. The Exploding Shadow Clone Jutsu was devastatingly effective for eliminating threats, while Chakra Lock Seal was perfect for neutralizing enemies non-lethally. This scroll was a treasure trove—he'd struck gold.
Just as he began organizing his thoughts, he heard loud footsteps racing up the stairs. The door burst open and Naruto charged in, panting, his face lit up with joy. He pointed to his forehead with a wide grin.
"I'm a ninja!" he shouted, proudly showing off his headband.
"Good job, Naruto!" Haruto grinned and pulled him into a hug. Naruto hugged back with equal excitement. As they pulled apart, Haruto smirked and said, "To celebrate, I made crispy fried chicken!"
"Wait really!? YEAH!! Best day ever!"
They feasted like kings and slept peacefully that night.
---
The next day...
The academy buzzed with excitement. Students cheered and laughed, celebrating their success.
The classroom door slid open. Haruto walked in casually, as expected—he had passed easily. But a moment later, the room went silent.
Naruto walked in, head held high… and a leaf headband tied proudly on his forehead.
"No way… Naruto passed?"
"How did he pass?!"
"I don't get it…"
Naruto ignored the whispers, walking up the stairs to sit beside Shikamaru and Haruto. Shikamaru leaned forward, curiosity getting the best of him.
"Where'd you get the headband from?"
"Iruka-sensei," Naruto replied with a smug smile.
Moments later, Iruka entered the class, his gaze sweeping over his students—his smile tinged with sadness and pride.
"Good morning, everyone. Today might be your last day here at the academy. I want you all to know… it's been an honor to teach you. You've made memories I'll always cherish. Just remember—no matter how strong you become, never grow arrogant. And never forget your sensei."
"We won't abandon you, Iruka-sensei!" Naruto shouted, fists raised.
"Yeah!" Haruto added, his voice firm.
A chorus of voices followed:
"YES! We won't forget you, Iruka-sensei!"
Iruka's eyes softened. A bittersweet smile touched his lips. They were growing up… moving on. But that's how it had to be—for their future, and the village's.
He cleared his throat and said, "Alright then… let's assign the teams!"
Iruka picked up a clipboard and began reading off the list:
"Team 1… Daichi, Ren, and Sora."
"Team 2… Itsuki, Hana, and Riku."
The students listened quietly, some nervous, some excited. Then—
"Team 7… Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, and Haruto."
The room buzzed with whispers again.
"Wait, Haruto and Sasuke on the same team?"
"That's… crazy strong."
"And Naruto's with them?"
Naruto blinked. "Wait, me and Sasuke…? And Haruto?!"
Sasuke gave a sideglance to the both of them
Haruto just leaned back in his seat, hands behind his head. "Looks like I got the drama team…"
Iruka smiled slightly and continued.
"Team 8… Hinata Hyuga, Shino Aburame, and Kiba Inuzuka."
"Team 10… Choji Akimichi, Ino Yamanaka, and Shikamaru Nara."
"Team 11 contains Sakura Haruno,Ayame hika and Daisuke roy"
Sakura's face fell. "W-What? But… Sasuke—!"
Iruka remained calm. "This is based on balanced skill levels and available spots. Civilian-track teams focus more on support and administration missions."
Sakura slumped in her seat while Ino quietly celebrated
Iruka clapped his hands. "Alright, everyone. Your Jonin instructors will meet you shortly."