Strictly speaking, Naruto was already better than most of his peers. His overall ranking in the top five wasn't an exaggeration, but a solid fact backed by performance.
But rules were rules—and after six years of watching over Naruto, Iruka also saw him as family. And Iruka knew all too well what it meant to be a shinobi. He wasn't just an Academy teacher. As a chunin, he had completed not only B-rank missions but even A-rank ones, supporting other teams in the field. In this world, shinobi were both the most respected profession—and the most dangerous.
So Iruka's refusal wasn't only about regulations. It was also about worry, about care.
Naruto had only just opened his mouth when Iruka already knew what he wanted to say, and cut him off before the plea could leave his lips.
"No exceptions," Iruka thought. "He can always repeat the year. With his special status, the Third Hokage would agree. It may even be safer this way."
Inside, Iruka reassured himself.
"But, Iruka-sensei…"
Naruto's heart sank as he saw Iruka's expression: stern, immovable. There was no lie in his words. If Iruka said no, then it was absolutely no.
But if that was the case—
Would he really fail to graduate?
Just like in the original timeline?
Naruto's eyes widened, a wave of helplessness rushing over him.
Wait. Hold on.
Just like the original? Didn't something important happen back then?
As the thought formed, a figure rose in his mind, a gentle smile, a warm voice—
"Iruka-sensei, why not let Naruto graduate? True, those clones weren't quite right, but at least he managed something. Besides, in theory and practice, he's been in the top five for years. His other two basictechniques perfect. I think he deserves to pass."
That kindly expression, that easy laugh—the aura of a warm, dependable big brother next door.
It immediately drew Naruto's attention.
But Iruka shook his head firmly.
"No, Mizuki-sensei. Rules are rules. Yes, Naruto's performance in class has been excellent, both in theory and practice. But graduation requires all three basic techniques That's the standard. If he can't meet it, he cannot graduate. We are the examiners. We can't bend the rules."
Mizuki.
Yes—the same Mizuki that every fan of the original story knew as the very first antagonist.
The one whose scheming set Naruto on the path of becoming a true ninja.
Naruto almost laughed at himself—he had almost forgotten this critical event.
On the outside, he wore a confused, pitiful look, eyes fixed on Iruka. But inside, his mind was racing.
the Scroll of Seals incident.
Yes. At the sight of Mizuki, memory surged back—this was the first plot event.
And the Scroll of Seals… had always been one of Naruto's goals.
This might be the only chance to obtain it openly.
In the original timeline, his other self had only learned the Multiple Shadow Clone Technique. Naruto thought that was a tragic waste.
This time…
This time he would use the opportunity properly.
Iruka, of course, had no idea what was going through the boy's head. He only saw those pleading eyes, that lingering refusal to leave, and assumed it was stubbornness.
"Enough, Naruto. No means no. Go back, train, and try again next exam."
Even though Naruto already had a plan, on the surface he put on an act—disappointment etched deep in his face. His performance was so convincing it could have earned him a stage role.
"…Yes. I understand."
His head bowed, his voice faint.
Step by heavy step, he turned, pushed open the door, and left. His lonely back almost broke Iruka's resolve—but the man gritted his teeth and held firm.
Rules were rules.
And this was for Naruto's own good.
"Forgive me, Naruto. One day, you'll understand."
Iruka's eyes flickered as he thought the words silently.
"Next—Haruno Sakura."
"Yes, sir!"
By the time Naruto's figure had vanished, Iruka had smoothed his feelings and resumed the exam.
He didn't notice Mizuki's eyes following the boy, pupils gleaming strangely. A faint, twisted smile curled at the corners of his mouth before vanishing again—too quickly for Iruka to see.
Uzumaki Naruto, eh? Heh. A perfect opportunity. Little brat, offering yourself up for my ambition—consider it your honor!
In that moment, Mizuki's naked ambition flared, uncontrollable and consuming.