Inoiki, Ino, Shikamaru, and Choji strolled together toward the Ninja Academy, the sun just beginning to warm the streets. Shikamaru, hands tucked behind his head, sighed lazily. "Finally, after today's graduation, we'll be free from this Academy nonsense. Going there every day has been such a drag."
Ino shot him a teasing glance. "If you think the Academy's a drag, what are you going to do when you're on missions? In the Academy, you only spend five or six hours a day. A mission could last weeks—maybe even months."
Shikamaru winced at the thought, sighing deeply. "What a drag," he muttered, imagining the hard work ahead.
Inoiki, walking beside them, chuckled. "Don't worry. You'll all get used to it—and who knows, you might even start enjoying the work." Then, with a sly grin, he added, "But I'm not sure I can say the same for Shikamaru."
Everyone burst out laughing, except Shikamaru, who gave another half-hearted sigh of resignation.
"But you know who might not even have to worry about missions?" Choji chimed in between bites of a snack he'd pulled from his pouch. "Naruto. I bet he won't pass the exam and graduate as a Genin."
Ino rolled her eyes. "That's practically guaranteed. There's no way he's passing today."
Inoiki nodded thoughtfully. "I've tried to guide him, but he slowed down his training. He's more focused on his mischief than anything else."
Ino's frustration was clear as she spoke. "Yeah, despite how much you tried to help him, he never listened. Always getting into pointless trouble instead of focusing on what matters."
Inoiki let out a heavy sigh. "He has his reasons," he said, his tone thoughtful. "Naruto pulls all those pranks because he just wants attention. He's desperate for people to notice him, to stop treating him like he's invisible—like a plague. It's not like he has a choice. He's still a kid, not mature enough to understand that in this world, strength is what earns respect. He just wants to be treated like a normal kid, not like some kind of monster."
Ino, Shikamaru, and Choji fell silent as they absorbed Inoiki's words. The weight of Naruto's struggle settled over them, a quiet empathy growing in their hearts. They had seen Naruto's antics as mere foolishness, but now they understood it came from a much deeper place.
Seeing the sombre expressions on their faces, Inoiki gave them a reassuring smile. "Don't worry. Naruto's going to be fine. I'm sure he'll grow into a great ninja one day—he might even become Hokage."
Shikamaru glanced at Inoiki, surprise flickering across his usually nonchalant face. Inoiki wasn't the type to make casual predictions. If he believed in Naruto's future, then maybe, just maybe, it wasn't as far-fetched as it seemed. The thought hung between them, unspoken, as they continued their walk in thoughtful silence.
It was Ino who eventually broke the quiet. "By the way, brother," she said, glancing over at Inoiki with a teasing smile, "why do you always talk like you're some wise old man? If Naruto's just a kid, then so are you. You're the same age."
Inoiki flashed a smug smile. "I'm just too smart, you know. That's why no one can compare to me."
At his narcissistic comment, Ino, Shikamaru, and Choji burst into laughter, their laughter echoing through the street as they made their way to the Ninja Academy. They joked and chatted, the usual weight of the day feeling lighter in their shared company.
Soon, they reached the Academy, their carefree mood still intact as they entered the classroom and took their seats. After a few minutes of idle chatter, Iruka-sensei arrived, clipboard in hand. The room quieted immediately.
"As you all know," Iruka began, his voice steady and calm, "today is your graduation exam. I'll explain the content of the test now. To pass and become a ninja, you must successfully perform the 'Clone Technique.' If you can do that, you will graduate from the Ninja Academy."
A wave of relief swept through most of the students. The exam seemed simple enough, almost too easy. There were quiet murmurs of excitement as everyone realized they had a good shot at passing. But Naruto, sitting toward the back of the classroom, muttered under his breath, clenching his fists. "Damn it, not the Clone Technique. I'm terrible at that—it's my weakness."
Iruka continued, his tone professional but encouraging. "We'll call your names one by one. When it's your turn, go to the adjacent classroom, where Mizuki and I will be evaluating you."
The class remained mostly relaxed, but for Naruto, anxiety lingered. Inoiki glanced at him, sensing his struggle, but said nothing.
After Iruka finished explaining the exam, he left the classroom, and one by one, the students were called to demonstrate the 'Clone Technique.' The room buzzed with nervous energy as each name echoed through the classroom. Successes were met with quiet applause, while murmurs of relief rippled through the students who passed.
Soon, Inoiki's name was called. He stood up calmly and walked into the exam room where Iruka and Mizuki waited. Iruka gave him an encouraging nod. "Inoiki, go ahead and perform the 'Clone Technique.'"
With a simple nod of acknowledgment, Inoiki focused his chakra. In a flash, five perfect clones appeared beside him, each identical in every way. There was no strain in his movements, no hesitation in his performance—just precision and mastery.
"Excellent work, Inoiki," Iruka said with a smile, impressed but not surprised. He handed Inoiki the coveted ninja headband. "You've passed."
Inoiki bowed respectfully, taking the headband in his hand, its weight a symbol of the hard work and discipline he had invested over the years. With quiet confidence, he returned to the classroom, where his friends greeted him with smiles and congratulations. It was no surprise to anyone—Inoiki had always been one of the most capable students.
Except for Naruto. Sitting quietly in the back, Naruto's face was tight with tension. He hadn't been able to stop thinking about his own upcoming turn. While everyone else celebrated their successes, Naruto's anxiety deepened.
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