(A daily upload?! π±)
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Damn, I hate summer. It's way too hot. Anyway, I talked to Buraβthe sword lady, still don't know her real nameβand Kurama about early graduation. We agreed I'm ready, but they made me promise not to convince Hinata to graduate with me. Something about her hindering my growth... maybe a variable I overlooked.
Anyway, I'm heading to Hiruzen's office now to talk about graduating. I'm 10, so I'd be one of the youngest to ever do it. I could've done it earlier, but I'd rather be overprepared than cocky.
I finally got there and knocked. The staff know me well enough by now to let me through. Guess it pays not to be a loud brat, huh?
"Come in," came the familiar elderly voice.
"Yo, old man, how've you been?"
"I've been well. And how are you, my boy?"
"Eh, the usual. Something's been on my mind though."
DΓ©jΓ vu, anyone?
"Well, tell this old man what's bothering you."
"To be blunt, I want to graduate early. I've got the basics down easy, and if I had to rate myself, I'd say I'm at least Genin-level."
(No need to mention the elemental jutsu I may or may not have picked upβ¦)
"Hmβ¦" the old man hummed in thought.
"Please, old man, I proβ"
"Okay. I'll permit it."
"β¦That easy? Why?"
"You've proven yourself more than ready, Naruto."
---
Hiruzen's POV:
Well, that's only half the truth. I do trust him, but that's not the only reason. Both Tsunade and Jiraiya expressed concern. They believe some time away from the village will do Naruto good. I agree. Plus, it gets him away from Danzoβ¦
Ah, I haven't explained that yet, have I?
Well⦠we'll see after he takes the test.
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"Naruto, are you sure about this?"
"Aww, is Iruka-sensei worried about me?"
"Obviously, you brat. Graduating early means growing up early. You'll have to be more mature. You'll be thrown into the real shinobi worldβand it's not pretty."
"β¦I know, sensei. I've known ever since I decided to become a shinobi."
Iruka sighed, then smiled and ruffled my hair. "Let's start the test, you brat."
---
Iruka's POV:
"Okay Naruto, you need to perform the three basic jutsu: substitution, transformation, and clone."
"This test is way too easy. Even the incompetent ones can pass."
Fair point. But that's just how it is right now.
"I know, Naruto. But it's peacefulβthere's no need for every Genin to be powerful right away."
"That's dumb. Better to be prepared. You never know what could go wrong."
Huh. I didn't think of it that way⦠I'll bring it up with Lord Hokage.
"We're going in circles. Let's just start. Do the jutsu."
"Bleh."
He stuck his tongue out at me and began performing each jutsu, one by one.
---
Naruto's POV:
"Good job, Naruto. Want a black or blue headband?"
"Black, please."
I tied it loosely around my neck. Dumb? Maybe. But it's for the drip.
Iruka smiled. "It suits you, Naruto. Let's get some ramen to celebrate, yeah?"
"Yes please, sensei!"
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3rd Person POV:
Sasuke stood alone in the Uchiha training compound. It was empty.
It's been that way since he did what he did.
The young Uchiha sat against the wall, eyes closed, deep in thought.
---
Sasuke's POV:
It's been over two years since⦠it happened.
That bastard Itachi murdered everyoneβleft me alone. Empty.
I'll kill him. That's my only goal. Nothing else matters.
Well, almost nothing.
That damn blonde hasn't shown up at the academy for weeks.
I'm sure I've surpassed him now.
I'll use him as a stepping stone on my path to Itachi.
And that Hyūga⦠I haven't forgotten.
I'll prove who's strongerβeventually.
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Naruto's POV:
"And then I did the jutsu all cool and stuff."
I nodded proudly as I spoke, acting more energetic than usual. Gotta keep up the 10-year-old image.
"That's wonderful, Naruto," Ayame said as she pinched my cheek. "You're growing up so fast. One day I'll wake up and you'll be Hokage."
I pouted and looked away. "Not funny."
She giggled.
"Whatever. Old man Teuchi, another bowl of pork loin ramenβon Iruka-sensei's tab."
Petty revenge for years of boring classes. I'm sure Iruka can feel his wallet crying. Mwahahaβ¦
Damn fox has been rubbing off on me.
Just then, an ANBU appeared. I wasn't surprisedβthey weren't hiding their presence.
"Uzumaki Naruto. Lord Hokage requests your presence."
"That so?"
I turned to Iruka, Teuchi, and Ayame. "Thanks for the food. One day when I'm rich, I'll make you my personal chef, old man."
Teuchi chuckled. "I'd be honored. Now goβdon't keep the Hokage waiting."
I nodded. The ANBU touched my shoulder and in a flicker, we vanished.
Body Flicker, huh? His is a little slower than mine. Mid-ChΕ«nin, maybe?
Anyway, I wonder what the old fart wants.
Something feels⦠off.
Oh! I made progress on the chakra-powered tech! Not close to a phone yet, but maybe a console or PC. I miss video games, man.
Training and talking to people are fun and all, but sometimes, things just get boring.
β¦Oh. We're here.
Yayβ¦
Yeah. Something's definitely off.
Pray for me?
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