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"Alright, but Naruto, given your current Ninjutsu level, passing the exam will be very difficult."
Mizuki looked at Naruto, his face a mask of practiced sympathy. His voice carried just the right amount of artificial worry. Damn it, Mizuki thought, this Fox Demon is truly a monster. What normal child grows this tall? A twelve-year-old kid is almost as tall as I am.
He leaned in, his voice drops to a conspiratorial whisper. "A Ninja cannot focus only on Taijutsu, Naruto. Ninjutsu is the foundation of our existence. Think about it: if your teammates are in mortal danger during a mission, but you can't help them because you didn't learn Ninjutsu..."
"But... I'm not good at it..."
Naruto lowered his head, his shoulders trembling slightly. To Mizuki, he looked distraught. In reality, Naruto was biting his inner cheek so hard it bled just to keep from laughing.
Inside the Sealing Space, Kurama was sprawled out, propping his chin up with one massive paw. "Look at this guy acting," the fox grumbled, though his eyes were dancing with amusement.
"It doesn't matter," Mizuki said, a sharp glint of triumph flashing in his eyes. He was sure the brat had taken the bait. "A sensible child like you wouldn't want to drag your teammates down. Your teacher has a way to help you."
Naruto looked up, his eyes wide with perfectly timed surprise. "Really, Mizuki-sensei?!"
"Of course! How could I lie to you?" Mizuki screamed wildly in his heart. I can't laugh yet! I must hold it in! Once I trick this Fox Demon into stealing the Scroll of Seals, I'll kill him and take it for myself. A kid who only knows Taijutsu—even Guy's brat—is no match for me.
Naruto's mind was also racing. This is it. The Multiple Shadow Clone technique is my legitimate cheat code. For years, I've been capped at five clones. With the forbidden version, I can create hundreds. And if Kurama sees the other jutsus in the scroll, I gain all of them.
"The thing that can give you the talent of a Ninja is—the Scroll of Seals," Mizuki said mysteriously. "It's a scroll guarded by the Hokage. It records powerful jutsus. Legend says that obtaining it grants you the power of the deceased Hokage. If you get it, Naruto, you might even become Hokage yourself!"
Naruto predictably "believed" him, his eyes shining before he showed a flicker of hesitation. "But, sensei, isn't that an important item for the Village?"
"Things in the Village are meant to be used by the people!" Mizuki suppressed his disgust. "If a hero like you, who wants to be Hokage, can't use it, then no one is worthy."
"In that case," Naruto said brightly, "can I just ask Lord Third for permission to check it out?"
"How can you do that!" Mizuki shouted, panic lacing his voice. He quickly forced a smile. "I mean... the Sandaime is very busy. Better not to bother him. If you 'borrow' it and prove your strength first, he'll look at you with even more respect."
Why isn't this kid following the script? Mizuki cursed internally.
"I see. You're right, sensei. So... where is it?"
He fell for it! A beast with no brain!
Inside the Hokage Office.
Hiruzen Sarutobi slowly set down his pipe, the smoke curling around his wrinkled face. At his desk, Naruto had just finished recounting Mizuki's plan in detail.
"So, Mizuki instigated you to steal the scroll?" The Sandaime's voice was steady, but his grip on his pipe tightened. He already knew this from the Anbu, but seeing Naruto come forward of his own volition filled him with a profound satisfaction.
Twelve years of watching this boy maintain his true self amidst the loneliness... it was time for the final test.
"I understand," the Sandaime said, a wave of pride in his eyes. "I will entrust the real Scroll of Seals to you, Naruto. I hope you won't disappoint me!"
Naruto's expression became solemn. "Konoha is my home. I won't tolerate anyone hurting it. Please rest assured, Sandaime-sama!"
"Good! Grandpa believes in you."
As night fell, a nimble figure carrying a massive scroll leaped out of the window, a golden streak vanishing into the residential rooftops toward the forest.
By the window, Hiruzen watched him go, a nostalgic smile on his lips. Minato, are you watching? Your son is just as outstanding as you were.
"Notify Inoichi Yamanaka and Hiashi Hyuga," the Sandaime instructed the shadows, his voice carrying an imperceptible hint of amusement. "Tell them Naruto ran off with the Scroll of Seals."
The old Hokage looked back at the night. This "accident" was a perfect test for Naruto—and a chance to see which of the two clan daughters was the best match for the boy.
Far away in the forest, Naruto suddenly shivered. He glanced back at the Hokage Building. I have a feeling the script for tonight is a lot more complicated than I imagined.
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