Ninja Academy.
An extremely lively day.
Even livelier than the first day of school.
Because today is graduation day.
Sixth-year students are about to graduate and become genin, adding their bricks to Konoha's foundation.
One has to admit, this system is pretty absurd.
Though kids in the shinobi world mature early, sending twelve-year-olds to kill and be killed—well, their survival rate speaks for itself.
In peacetime, it's relatively safe.
But when war breaks out, genin are dragged into the meat grinder—a near-death ordeal.
Those who survive become lauded prodigies.
Like Uchiha Itachi or Hatake Kakashi.
But the lack of theoretical education leaves most of them with some mental issues, more or less.
In Natsume's previous life, even universities had on-staff psychologists.
But among shinobi, that profession doesn't even exist.
Speaking of which, Uzumaki Naruto might actually fit the role.
He does have that talk-no-jutsu.
…
Sixth-year Class A.
Mizuki wore a broad smile as he looked over the class.
But his gaze was really fixed on Uzumaki Naruto and Uchiha Sasuke.
A flicker of jealousy flashed in his eyes.
These damn geniuses easily got everything he wanted.
While he was stuck here as a lowly classroom teacher.
Inside the seal space, where they were chatting, Uzumaki Naruto looked up, a little confused.
"When did I offend Mr. Mizuki?"
"Just a weakling."
The Nine-Tails' scornful voice rang out. "You're paying attention to the malice of ants?"
"Watch your mouth!"
Uzumaki Kushina glared at him. "Stinky fox, don't corrupt Naruto."
"…"
The Nine-Tails hesitated, then spoke softly, aggrieved, "I am not a fox, and I do not stink."
He felt wronged, but what could he do?
One wrong move and he'd be trussed up in thick gold chains.
"Better safe than sorry."
Namikaze Minato smiled gently. "Never underestimate anyone—that's advice from your dad's experience."
"Mm."
Naruto nodded. "I will."
"Alright, go do your test."
Minato pointed outside. "The teacher's calling your name."
Naruto left the seal space at once.
There were two proctors for the graduation test; Mizuki was one of them.
The other was their homeroom teacher.
Naruto stepped up and began forming hand seals.
He drew Clone Technique and Transformation Technique.
"As expected of the Fourth Hokage's son."
Mizuki flashed a bright smile and praised him. "Your Three Basic Jutsu are already very proficient—on par with a chūnin."
Inside, he was tearing his hair out.
A brat not even ten years old was better than him at the Three Basic Jutsu.
How was that fair?!
"Thank you, sensei."
Naruto accepted the forehead protector. He'd sensed Mizuki's malice, but kept his face neutral and remained polite.
"You're welcome. Head to the school archives for registration."
Mizuki kept smiling.
In the original, he tricked a failing Naruto into stealing the Scroll of Seals.
But now he didn't dare try it.
He sighed inwardly—when would he get the chance to defect to Lord Orochimaru?
Naruto turned to leave.
He registered in the archives, officially becoming a proud genin of Konoha.
But it wasn't over yet.
Next came the assignment of team leaders.
"I wonder who my sensei will be?"
Naruto asked curiously.
"Should be a pretty good jōnin."
Minato thumped his chest proudly. "I am the Fourth Hokage, after all."
"What good is that?"
Kushina shot him a look. "Don't worry, son. You're a Jinchūriki—your teacher will definitely be top-notch."
"I think it might be Kakashi."
Minato analyzed, "Kakashi's currently teaching Sasuke, and Sasuke is very likely your teammate."
As Hokage, he knew the ins and outs of team formation.
It's never truly random.
Uchiha Sasuke is the survivor of the Uchiha clan.
Plus, the Sharingan restrains the Nine-Tails to some extent.
If the two of you form a bond, that's ideal.
"Sasuke, huh? That'd be great."
Hearing Sasuke might be his teammate, Naruto grinned. "With him around, genin life will be pretty colorful."
"That's your takeaway?"
Kushina flicked his forehead. "It's the third teammate! I'm hoping for a pretty girl!"
"…"
Naruto was speechless.
What's so great about pretty girls?
They can be so annoying.
Sakura clings to Sasuke every day; it even messes with my training.
…
At the same time.
Fourth-year Class A.
"Ugh, why isn't today a holiday?"
Haruno Sakura wailed. "If I can't see Sasuke-kun, I can't even eat!"
"Then give me your bento."
Yamanaka Ino smiled and took her shot.
"Ino-pig!"
Sakura glared. "You're not afraid of turning into a pig eating that much?"
"Hmph, you're just jealous of my figure."
Ino puffed her chest out proudly.
"…"
Sakura looked like she'd been struck by lightning, then tried to save face. "Damn it, when I grow up, I won't lose to you!"
"I find that unlikely."
Ino sighed.
"Jerk!"
Sakura clenched her fists and ground her teeth. "Don't celebrate too soon!"
Just then, Iruka came in.
Sakura had to lower her fists with a sigh.
"Hinata, step out for a moment."
Iruka looked around and called.
Hyūga Hinata rose with a puzzled look.
"Huh, Hinata—did you not do yesterday's homework?"
Inuzuka Kiba asked while hugging a small white dog.
"You think Hinata's like you?"
Sakura snarked.
"I did do it."
Kiba said righteously, "But Akamaru accidentally ate it!"
Akamaru, who'd been quiet, snapped his head up and bared his teeth in protest.
"Hahaha, Akamaru's still a baby—we're not fully in sync yet."
Kiba laughed awkwardly.
Hinata stepped out to the hallway. "Iruka-sensei, what is it?"
"Hinatа, you're already stronger than most genin. Have you considered graduating early?"
Iruka smiled. "You're much stronger than your teacher. If you stay, you won't improve."
Hinata froze slightly.
No one had mentioned this to her.
She thought, then asked, "Sensei, why bring this up so suddenly? If it's about strength, Sakura and Ino also meet the standard."
"You are sharp."
Iruka sighed with admiration. "Lord Natsume wants to take you as his student."
"Eh?"
Hinata was stunned.
What is going on?
Didn't Father say I should become Natsume-oniisan's wife?
How did that turn into being his student?
Did something go wrong?
But she couldn't refuse Natsume's request.
After brief hesitation, Hinata said, "Iruka-sensei, I'll apply to graduate early."
"Alright, come with me."
Iruka wasn't surprised.
That's the Hokage's aide.
Even the Hyūga heiress can't ignore that.
The two of them went to Sixth-year Class A.
"Iruka, what brings you here?"
Mizuki stood up to greet him.
On the surface, they were good friends.
But in secret, Mizuki was jealous—jealous that Iruka received so much support and goodwill.
Iruka's parents died in the Nine-Tails' attack; he's an orphan.
"Mizuki."
Iruka pointed to Hinata. "I have a student who wants to graduate early."
"Oh, Hinata."
Mizuki's expression shifted; he smiled. "Of course that's fine."
"Thank you, sensei."
Hinata said sincerely.
What followed was simple.
The Three Basic Jutsu posed no problem for Hinata.
After the exam, she registered in the archives, then headed to the next classroom.
The successful graduates were waiting there for their team leaders to arrive and take them away.
Hinata's arrival drew attention.
Mainly because she wasn't from their year, and her Byakugan features were too obvious.
At this stage, though, no one would be foolish enough to mouth off at the Hyūga heiress.
Hinata felt a little stiff.
She wasn't used to so many eyes on her.
But she didn't blush and faint, either.
Thanks to years of Natsume's training.
"Hinata!"
Naruto waved from not far away.
Sasuke frowned. Another girl. Trouble.
Hinata approached and greeted them politely.
Thanks to Ino and Sakura, she'd interacted with Naruto and Sasuke before.
It was only proper to exchange a few words.
"Did you apply to graduate early?"
With Minato's guidance, Naruto was much smarter—and more socially adept—than in the original.
"Mm."
Hinata nodded.
"In that case, we might become teammates."
Naruto elbowed Sasuke. "Right, Sasuke?"
"Whatever."
Sasuke said coolly. "Just don't hold me back."
"Sasuke, be nicer to girls."
Naruto slung an arm over his head, mimicking Kushina's tone.
"Boring."
Sasuke tilted his head away with a snort.
Just then, a group of shinobi walked in.
The boys fell silent.
These were their future team leaders.
Just not sure who was whose.
"Kakashi, don't be so down."
At the end of the group, Natsume offered comfort. "I may be Sasuke's team leader, but he's still your disciple."
Kakashi sighed. What a mess.
He thought leading Sasuke's team was a sure thing.
Who knew a dark horse would appear—
One who was technically his superior, no less.
What could he do?
Natsume made sense, but Kakashi still felt… off.