My Name Is Naruto Namikaze

CHAPTER WORDS:- 909

Chapter 16: The First Plot Event

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Strictly speaking, Naruto was already more capable than most of the students graduating this year. His overall ranking in class—within the top five—was not just an arbitrary number but a testament to his consistent performance.

However, it wasn't just the rules that held him back. After six years of watching over Naruto, Iruka had genuinely come to see the boy as family. Iruka was fully aware of what it meant to be a ninja—the dangers, the sacrifices, and the responsibilities.

Having risen to the rank of Chūnin, Iruka knew firsthand the risks and burdens of their profession. Despite his current role as an instructor, he had experienced dangerous missions, including B-rank and even A-rank assignments.

Iruka's worry for Naruto's future loomed large in his decision.

Thus, in this graduation exam, Iruka adhered to the rules as a matter of principle but also out of genuine concern for Naruto's well-being. He refused to compromise.

When Naruto began to speak, Iruka could already predict what the boy wanted to say. Cutting him off decisively, Iruka believed this was the best course of action. After all, Naruto's unique status would ensure that returning to the Academy for another year would not hinder him too much. Iruka was sure that the Third Hokage would support this decision.

As these thoughts swirled in Iruka's mind, Naruto looked at his teacher with pleading eyes.

"But, Iruka-sensei…" Naruto began.

Iruka's stern and resolute expression didn't falter. Naruto, who knew Iruka well, understood that his teacher wasn't bluffing. When Iruka said Naruto wouldn't graduate, he meant it.

"Rules are rules," Iruka said firmly. "Naruto, your graduation exam is incomplete. You'll need to return to the Academy for another year. Once you've mastered the Clone Jutsu, you can take the exam again. When that time comes, you'll graduate for sure."

Iruka's unwavering tone left no room for debate.

Naruto looked annoyed, but internally, he knew that this was a great oppertunity. having the scroll of sealings in his hand will be instrumental in his plans, and with this, it can work.

"Naruto should be allowed to graduate, Iruka-sensei," said a voice.

Naruto's gaze shifted to the speaker, a man with a warm, big-brotherly demeanor. He wore a smile that was seemingly kind and reassuring, the type that could easily put someone at ease. This was none other than Mizuki, sitting alongside Iruka as one of the proctors for the exam.

"Even though Naruto's clone isn't perfect, it's still technically a clone," Mizuki reasoned. "And let's not forget how consistently well Naruto has performed in his theoretical tests and practical evaluations. He's mastered the other two parts of the Three Basic Techniques flawlessly. I believe he's demonstrated enough to pass."

"No, Mizuki," Iruka said, shaking his head. "Rules are rules. While Naruto has performed well in other areas, the graduation exam specifically requires students to demonstrate proficiency in all three basic techniques. Without that, we cannot allow him to graduate. As examiners, we cannot bend the rules."

Iruka's determination was palpable, and his refusal to compromise was clear.

Naruto tried not to be scarastic, but in his mind, he couldn't help but be annoyed. 'so Ninja's who are trained to kill learn A clone jutsu which is completely usless, a transformation Jutsu which is useless in battle, and a jutsu which was a basic one.'

Feigning disappointment, Naruto put on an utterly convincing performance. His head drooped, his shoulders slumped, and he sighed heavily.

"I see... I understand, Iruka-sensei," Naruto said weakly.

His dejected tone and body language were so genuine that even Iruka, who had grown used to Naruto's antics, almost felt like relenting. Naruto's slow, heavy steps as he left the room added to the somber atmosphere.

As the classroom door creaked shut behind him, Iruka clenched his fists under the table. He felt conflicted but remained firm. "Rules are rules, Naruto. One day, you'll understand why I did this."

"I hope you'll forgive me someday," Iruka muttered softly, watching Naruto's retreating figure vanish.

Once Naruto was gone, Iruka collected himself and continued the exam.

"Next, Haruno Sakura," Iruka called.

"Yes!" Sakura responded confidently, stepping forward.

Meanwhile, Mizuki, still seated beside Iruka, allowed a faint, sinister grin to curl his lips. His eyes gleamed as he stared at the door through which Naruto had exited.

'Naruto Uzumaki, huh?' Mizuki thought to himself. 'This might just be the perfect opportunity. A tool like him could finally help me achieve my ambitions.'

The devious intent behind Mizuki's thoughts began to take shape. For him, Naruto wasn't just a failed student—he was a pawn in a larger scheme.

And so, the stage was set for the infamous Scroll of Seals incident. but, what Mizuki didn't know was that he was playing right into Naruto's hand, like a puppet.

 Mizuki didn't realize that the moment Naruto turned away, a faint smirk tugged at his lips—a subtle, mocking smile. In Naruto's mind, Mizuki was nothing more than a hopeless idiot.

Stealing the Scroll of Seals?

What kind of moron would come up with such an absurd plan? A plan that disregarded feasibility and success rates entirely, dreamed up by someone lost in their own delusions of grandeur. If that's not stupidity, what is?

'Well, Mizuki-sensei, let me take full advantage of you. Just don't disappoint me,' Naruto thought, a glimmer of ridicule in his eyes as he walked away.

(End of Chapter)

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