Although strictly speaking, Naruto was already more capable than most of the graduates in his class. His overall ranking was consistently in the top five—not based on assumptions, but on verifiable performance data. Still, due to academy regulations and personal reasons, Iruka couldn't let Naruto pass. Over the past six years, Iruka had come to see Naruto as family. As someone who had achieved the rank of Chūnin, Iruka understood the true weight of the ninja profession. Despite currently serving as a teacher at the Ninja Academy, Iruka had completed both B-rank and A-rank missions in the past as part of various teams. In the shinobi world, being a ninja was considered a noble path—but it also carried the highest risk of death.
Iruka worried for Naruto's safety.
So in this year's graduation assessment, he stuck firmly to protocol—not just because of the official regulations, but because of his personal concern for Naruto. If something was deemed unacceptable, then it simply couldn't be allowed.
When Naruto opened his mouth to speak, Iruka immediately knew what he was about to say. Cutting him off early was, in Iruka's judgment, the most responsible choice. Naruto's identity was too special to treat lightly. Another year at the academy might even be for the best—and Iruka was sure the Third Hokage would support his decision.
That was Iruka's inner reasoning.
"But… Iruka-sensei…"
Seeing Iruka's stern expression, Naruto—who had become very familiar with Iruka's personality—could tell that his sensei wasn't faking it. If Iruka said Naruto wouldn't graduate, then he truly meant it. And if that were the case, it would be disastrous.
Wait—disastrous?
If this were the same as the original timeline, something major should be happening right about now.
Just as that thought surfaced in Naruto's mind, he recalled a particular figure—the gentle voice, the kind smile, and the subtle shift of gaze to the left. That figure had just entered the room.
"Iruka-sensei, I think we should let Naruto graduate. While his clone technique doesn't meet the usual standard, technically it did produce a distinguishable copy. Over the past six years, Naruto has excelled in both theory and practical evaluations—ranking in the top five. He also has complete mastery over the other two techniques in the Three Basic Jutsu. I believe he qualifies."
That familiar warm tone, paired with a friendly smile and older-brotherly demeanor, was comforting—almost too comforting. It instantly caught Naruto's attention.
"No, Mizuki-sensei! Rules are rules. While Naruto has done well in theory and other training, the academy's graduation criteria are clear: a graduating student must be proficient in all three fundamental jutsu. If Naruto cannot properly perform the Clone Technique, then he cannot graduate. We are the appointed examiners. It's our duty to uphold these standards."
Iruka's tone was adamant as he firmly shook his head.
Mizuki.
That's right—the figure sitting beside Iruka, looking every bit the compassionate teacher, was none other than Mizuki, the first true antagonist in Naruto's story. Known to long-time fans as the deceptive and scheming teacher who betrayed the village, Mizuki played a key role in Naruto's first real mission.
A kind of villain from within the system.
More importantly, he was the key to the Scroll of Seals incident—the pivotal event that led Naruto to learn the Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu and take his first true step as a ninja.
Naruto almost missed the significance of that.
But now, seeing Mizuki here triggered a cascade of memories and realization.
The Scroll of Seals!
Yes—that was it!
Naruto remembered now. In the original timeline, Mizuki used Naruto to steal the Scroll of Seals, promising him he could graduate if he mastered a forbidden technique. That event wasn't just Naruto's coming-of-age—it was the foundation of his strength.
In this life, Naruto had already planned to target the Scroll at some point. But now he realized: this was the perfect opportunity to obtain it through "legitimate" means.
And more than that, Naruto knew: in the original, he had only learned Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu.
That was a complete waste.
There was so much more in that scroll—powerful, forbidden techniques that could be far more useful if used correctly. This time, he would seize everything.
Naruto kept his outward expression ignorant and innocent, gazing at Iruka with pitiful eyes as though he were pleading for one last chance. Meanwhile, his mind was racing with calculations and planning.
Iruka, of course, didn't know any of this.
Seeing Naruto's reluctant expression and his refusal to leave the assessment room, Iruka assumed it was out of frustration and sadness. While his heart ached at having to deny Naruto, Iruka's sense of responsibility as an instructor forced him to stand firm.
"What's not acceptable is simply not acceptable, Naruto. Go home and practice. When you've mastered the Clone Technique, come back for the next assessment!"
Naruto had his strategy in mind, but his acting remained flawless. His look of defeat was perfectly in-character—downcast eyes, slumped shoulders, and a drawn-out sigh. Ever since arriving in this world, Naruto had not only worked on his ninjutsu but had also refined his ability to act when necessary.
"...Yes. I understand…"
He spoke weakly, voice barely above a whisper. Head low, he turned around slowly and walked toward the exit. His footsteps seemed heavy and deliberate, the image of a broken boy who had just failed his dream. His lonely back almost compelled Iruka to stop him—but Iruka clenched his fists and remained firm.
Rules were rules.
Even if it pained him to enforce them.
And in Iruka's heart, he truly believed this was for Naruto's benefit.
"Someday, Naruto… I hope you'll forgive me. You'll understand, I promise."
Iruka thought silently as Naruto walked away.
"Next up: Haruno Sakura."
"Yes!" Sakura responded immediately.
Once Naruto's figure vanished through the door, Iruka cleared his thoughts and resumed the rest of the graduation assessments.
He failed to notice the way Mizuki's eyes lingered on the door Naruto had just exited through. A strange gleam flickered in Mizuki's pupils, and the faint curl of a sinister smile played on his lips.
It vanished quickly—so fast that Iruka didn't notice a thing.
"Uzumaki Naruto, huh? Heh… this is perfect. Kid, you should feel honored. You're about to be part of something much bigger than yourself. Just wait and see..."
That growing ambition deep in Mizuki's heart began to surge.
Unrestrained. Unchecked.
And now—unavoidable.