Almost time for the Graduation Exam

The academy year would be done in two days. Daichi more than maintained his grades and even came in under Sasuke meaning he could take the graduation exam. He also received two more Ninjutsu scrolls. He still had no idea who left them, but he wasn't about to turn them down.

These scrolls contained Earth Wall and Fireball Jutsu. Once he added them to his arsenal, he had a Ninjutsu from each element. Beyond that, he continued to work on his other skills. He ignored Genjutsu since he couldn't use it and could only dispel it was with an influx of Chakra.

Taijutsu was interesting because his training came from a wide range of sources. Spars with Naruto and Hinata, class spars with Sasuke, and Sakura challenging him every other day. Sakura hadn't lost an ounce of anger she had for Daichi. In fact, it very well increased.

Now, she was a fan girl of Sasuke and one of the most annoying people Daichi knew. Though Ino may come second at the rate things were going. From what he heard; Sakura had done more legitimate fighting against him than she's ever done in all years prior at the academy.

At least this provided Daichi the opportunity to try various Taijutsu and Kenjutsu moves on her since she was durable. The Fusion member also had plenty of time to hang out with Hinata and Naruto as well as meet with Hiashi. Speaking of Naruto, Hinata, and Sasuke.

Naruto's Taijutsu was at least decent, but he hadn't shared his failures in other areas with his friends. Hinata was more confident these days and had picked up a few pointers from Naruto and Daichi when it came to Taijutsu. With Daichi around, Sasuke had been motivated to train harder.

Academy Yard

Naruto, Daichi, and Hinata had been talking about going to get Ichiraku Ramen after classes when they were confronted by Sasuke of all people. Naruto glared at him, but Sasuke ignored him since he was only interested in Daichi.

"You better pass the graduation exam tomorrow, Daichi." Sasuke said. "I wouldn't want people talking down to me for beating a student."

"Don't worry Sasuke." Daichi smiled. "I have every intention of passing."

Sasuke moved to leave only for Naruto to speak up. "Hold on Sasuke, I'm challenging you to a fight right now."

"You don't compare to Daichi or I, Dobe." Sasuke stated arrogantly.

Naruto angrily shouted, "What did you just call me?!"

"Is Dobe to complicated?" Sasuke smirked. "Would you prefer loser?"

Naruto was fuming. "That does it. Fight me now."

Sasuke turned away from him. "I don't concern myself with the dead last."

Naruto lunged at Sasuke only for him to slide to the right causing Naruto to sail right past him. Hinata stepped forward trying to diffuse the situation even though she really didn't want to.

"There's no need to fight." Hinata stated.

Sasuke stuck his hands in his pocket. "Tell that to Naruto." He shrugged. "I only moved out of the way."

The Uchiha then walked away.

Naruto got to his feet and glared after him. "Teme!"

At this moment, Ino and Sakura were running to the academy, but Sakura stopped to confront Daichi letting Ino run on ahead. "Daichi."

Daichi nodded. "Sakura. I hope you aren't here to challenge me to another fight because I think we both know how that goes."

Sakura glared at him. "Just you wait. I'll graduate tomorrow, learn how to be a better ninja, and defeat you. Sasuke will be avenged."

"Sasuke isn't dead." Daichi stated exasperated. "He just entered the academy before you and Ino came. Also, good luck with that because I'm not going to stop training any time soon."

Sakura moved to leave, but Naruto quickly interjected. "Wait Sakura. How about you and I go on a date once we pass the graduation exam tomorrow? We could celebrate becoming Shinobi."

Sakura rolled her eyes. "Please, as if you'd ever pass Naruto. Even if you did, you're the last person I'd ever go on a date with."

She walked off leaving Naruto, Hinata, and Daichi alone once more.

"Don't mind her Naruto." Hinata stated."The three of us can celebrate like we normally do."

Daichi nodded. "Sakura's just been taking to many whacks to the head from the grumpy stick lately."

Naruto smiled at his friends. "Yeah, I suppose I'd rather celebrate with you guys anyways."

"Just keep in mind we haven't graduated yet." Daichi started walking towards the academy. "Come on, we'll be late at this rate."

Academy Classroom

Shortly after Naruto, Hinata, and Daichi took their seats, class began.

Iruka looked to Naruto. "As you all know, Naruto was absent for our review on the Transformation Jutsu yesterday which is why we will be having another one today."

Most of the class groaned. Daichi knew why Naruto was absent. It was because of a prank he'd pulled. Naruto had painted the faces of the Hokage Monument and led many Shinobi on a chase. Daichi and Hinata had found it funny, but it was obvious why others hadn't found it as funny.

Most of the class groaned as they lined up before Iruka. He went down the line having the students perform the Jutsu. Sasuke's was perfect. Then it was Daichi's turn. Unlike combat, which Daichi excelled at, he was currently above average when it came to anything stealth.

He stepped forward weaving the right-hand signs. "Transformation Jutsu."

Daichi transformed into Iruka though some of the features were off. Like the hair was lighter and the weapon's pouch was on the wrong side. It was still passable though. Daichi stepped back and it was Naruto's turn which caused Shikamaru Nara to chime in.

He was a boy with narrow brown eyes and shoulder length black hair tied in a spiky ponytail. His attire consists of a short-sleeved grey jacket with green-edged sleeves and the rudimentary Nara clan symbol on the back. He also wore brown pants and a pair of silver hoop earrings

"This is a waste of time." Shikamaru stated.

Ino angrily said, "We always end up paying for your mistakes Naruto."

Naruto ignored them and stepped forward. "Transform."

Naruto had transformed into a naked girl with smoke clouds covering the move revealing parts. Iruka was in shock and his nose began to bleed. He quickly stuffed it with tissue paper.

"Cut the stupid tricks!" Iruka angrily shouted. "This is your last warning!"

Some Time Later…

Everyone except for Naruto, Daichi, and Hinata left the classroom.

Iruka walked over to them and sighed. "Daichi and Hinata, you don't have to be here. Cleaning the monument is Naruto's punishment."

Daichi shook his head. "Nope, we helped him. I participated in the painting."

Hinata quietly said. "I-I was look out."

She's grown more confident, but not with lying to Iruka. Of course, even if she could do as such, Daichi and Hinata never helped Naruto pull his pranks. They were just always happy to take the blame with him.

Iruka sighed. "Guys, this is Naruto's punishment, not yours."

Daichi shrugged. "We understand, but you can't stop us from helping should we choose to."

"Very well." Iruka shook his head with a smile. "You two can join Naruto in his punishment."

Hokage Faces, Some Time Later…

Daichi, Naruto, and Hinata had been working hard to clean the faces and had almost finished.

Iruka said, "You know, maybe after you three finish up here, I could take you to Ichiraku. Buy you three some ramen."

Naruto, Daichi and Hinata looked at one another before smiling

Naruto said, "That's some serious motivation Sensei."

Daichi said, "These faces will be clean in no time."

Hinata nodded in agreement.

Ichiraku Ramen, Evening…

Iruka, Naruto, Hinata, and Daichi sat down with a bowl of ramen before each of them. Both Daichi and Naruto loved the stuff while Hinata was more than okay with it. Especially if it meant getting to hang out with Naruto and Daichi.

"Now, Naruto I believe your friends deserve an explanation since they helped you. Why don't you tell us why you would deface the Hokage's Faces? You do know who they were, right?" Iruka asked.

Naruto nodded "Of course I do. They were the greatest ninja of their generation. The best of the best and undefeated champions. The fourth was the one who stopped the Nine Tails and saved the village. He was the greatest of all the Hokage."

"Then why did…" Iruka began.

Naruto continued, "I'll become the next Hokage. Better than even the 4th. Then everyone will have to respect and look up to me, believe it!"

Hinata had a warm smile while Daichi grinned. Both believed in Naruto. If he said he'd become Hokage, he would.

Naruto then looked to Iruka. "Sensei, can I ask you for a favor?"

"You want another bowl?" Iruka asked.

Naruto shook his head. "I was hoping you'd let me try on your head band."

"Nope. You'll get yours tomorrow if you pass the test." Iruka then chuckled. "Is that why you removed your goggles?"

"No, they just get in the way when I'm eating my ramen." Naruto stated embarrassed.

Iruka and Daichi both laughed. Even Hinata, for how much she liked Naruto, couldn't help but giggle.

Academy, Next Day…

The whole class was listening intently to Iruka Sensei and Mizuki Sensei. Mizuki was a young man with white shoulder-length hair and green eyes. He wore the standard attire of the Konoha-nin. They were explaining the final test that would determine if the students became Genin.

"Each of you are to wait in this room until we call you in. Once we do, you are to create 3 clones. The test begins now." Iruka explained.

Students started entering the room one by one. Soon it was Daichi's turn.

Back Room

Daichi came to stand before Mizuki and Iruka who sat behind a desk.

Iruka said, "You may proceed."

Daichi did the hand signs. "Clone Jutsu!"

Daichi could have done Shadow Clone Jutsu, but he saw no reason to go that far. He passed and was handed a standard forehead protector. Daichi tied it around his head feeling proud. When he left the room, he flashed Naruto a thumbs up. Naruto returned the gesture with a smile.

Academy Yard, Some Time Later…

Daichi had been looking for Naruto and finally found him sitting on the swing near the fence. Just one look, beyond the fact that he didn't have a head band, told Daichi that his friend hadn't passed. He walked over to Naruto who was gripping his head.

Daichi patted his back and tried to console him, "I'm sorry Naruto."

Naruto forced a smile. "Don't be Daichi.' Hinata joined them. "It's amazing that you and Hinata got your head bands. I'm happy for you two. I mean, there's always next year."

Hinata was saddened. "Naruto…"

Daichi was about to say something when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned around and saw Mizuki. The Fusion member got a weird feeling like something wasn't quite right with the man; however, Mizuki had always been nice to Naruto, so he buried those feelings.

"I'll take it from here Daichi." Mizuki smiled. "You should take Hinata and run along."

Daichi was hesitant but decided to listen. "R-right."

Daichi and Hinata left the academy, but those feelings about Mizuki still persisted. There was just something about him that the clan head didn't trust.

Streets of Konoha, Night…

Daichi had decided to take a nightly stroll when he noticed Naruto running down the street clutching a large scroll. Daichi raised an eyebrow at this and decided to tail his friend.

Forest of Konoha

Daichi had trailed behind Naruto for some time before his friend finally stopped. At this point, The Fusion member hid behind the tree. He peeked out as Naruto began studying from the scroll. It sounded like he was learning Shadow Clone Jutsu.

"I should have asked Naruto if he was lacking in other areas." Daichi lamented. "I could have taught Naruto that Jutsu, and Iruka likely would have passed him."

Some Time Later…

Iruka had found Naruto. Apparently, Mizuki was the one to tell Naruto where that scroll was and where to go with it. Daichi had a bad feeling about this. Unfortunately, that feeling would prove right.

Iruka shouted, "Look out!"

Daichi saw Iruka push Naruto out of the way before getting hit with many kunai. "This is bad. Mizuki's turning on the village." He began weaving hand signs. "Okay, you haven't worked before, but I want a chance here. Please work." He whispered. "Fusion Clone Jutsu."

A clone, very much like a shadow clone, of Sasuke appeared. This was Daichi's Bloodline. The ability to take his Chakra, which remembered anyone he fought, and create a clone of them. No transformation required. This endowed a Fusion Clan member with many boons.

They'd eventually have an affinity with all five basic elements. All you'd have to do is gain enough clones of Shinobi with those affinity. In addition, a member gains all Taijutsu and Ninjutsu knowledge, but they must bring out a clone of that person to get that knowledge.

They must also train to utilize either. It was like finding a scroll and learning from it. His mother said his grandfather and father were like him in that they were useless creating and dispelling Genjutsu. It was likely a weakness all Fusion Clan members had.

As far as Daichi was aware, a Fusion Clan member could only summon two clones in the beginning. They'd have to train to create more and stronger clones. Finally, Fusion Clan members had access to almost any Bloodline Limit provided the proper clone was out.

There were certain Bloodlines that didn't mix from what his mother told him. For instance, his grandfather and father never could mix the Sharingan and Byakugan. Fortunately, since a fusion clone functioned a lot like a shadow clone, he knew what to do

The clone slipped off while Mizuki spoke to Iruka. "I see you found our little hide away."

"So, that's the way it is." Iruka stated. "I should have known."

Daichi stayed back for now waiting for his chance.

Mizuki said, "Naruto, give me the scroll."

Iruka had removed the kunai and was bleeding. "Naruto don't let Mizuki get that scroll. It contains Jutsu that will put this village in grave danger. Mizuki used you to get the scroll for himself."

"Naruto, Iruka is trying scare you because he doesn't want you to have the scroll." Mizuki stated.

"Stop lying Mizuki!" Iruka looked to Naruto. "Don't let him trick you Naruto."

Mizuki laughed. "Oh, I'll tell you who's really lying. They've been lying to you your whole life since the decree 12 years ago."

Naruto looked at him shocked. "What decree?"

Mizuki looked crazy as he said, "The decree is that no one is to speak about the Nine Tailed Fox sealed inside of you. The same fox that destroyed our village, killed Iruka's parents, and Daichi Ryu's own father."

Daichi froze in place. "Naruto contains the Nine Tailed Fox!?"

Iruka angrily yelled, "Stop!"

"Have you ever wondered why no one includes you in things? Why you're an outcast?" Mizuki continued.

Blue Chakra swirled around Naruto as his emotions ran high. "No! No! No!"

Iruka worriedly yelled, "Naruto!"

Mizuki said, "That is why you will never be accepted in this village. Even your beloved Sensei hates your guts. Those 'friends' you have are only pretending, so you won't kill them. I beat Daichi Ryu throws up in his mouth at having to appease you. The best thing you can do is die!"

Mizuki threw a Fuma shuriken at Naruto

Knowing his friend was in danger caused Daichi to act. "No!"

Daichi had acted far too late, but his fusion clone was tied to his previous instructions. So, Iruka moved to take the attack while the fusion clone of Sasuke, moved in front of him taking the shuriken. The clone dispelled, and the shuriken clattered to the ground.

"What!?" Mizuki yelled in surprise

Naruto could only focus on Iruka who'd been the first to move.

"W-why?" Naruto asked in shock

Iruka said, "We're the same you and me. I lost my parent's, yet no one seemed to care. They didn't have time for me, my grades suffered, and I became the class clown. I wanted to be seen and heard. I let you down by not being there for you. I'm sorry Naruto."

Tears welled up in Iruka's eyes.

Daichi had managed to surprise Mizuki, but now the Chunin ignored him as he turned his attention back to Naruto. "Don't make me laugh. Iruka hated you because the Nine Tails killed his parents. He'd say anything to take that scroll back."

Naruto didn't know what to do or who to believe. Even Daichi being there didn't prevent Naruto from running. The Fusion Clan member wasn't about to stand around. Not anymore. He ran after his friend.

"Naruto… Damn it! I let that fox color my impression of you as my emotions fought over what was right. I should know what's right. I should have spoken up then. You are my friend, and no stupid fox is going to change that." Daichi thought.

At this point, The Fusion Member wanted to beat Mizuki down for what he's done, but he knew Iruka Sensei could take him. Now, Daichi looked around as he ran along the trees.

"Where are you Naruto? Why are you so good at stealth?" Daichi thought frantically.

At that moment, Daichi caught sight of Naruto being followed by Iruka. The Fusion member went after the two of them only to realize that neither person was the real person meaning it had to be Iruka and Mizuki.

"You bastard!" Daichi declared as he jumped and kicked the fake Iruka out of the tree.

Mizuki was revealed as he fell to the forest below. Iruka transformed back into himself before he and Daichi jumped down.

"How did you know I wasn't Iruka?" Mizuki asked angrily.

Daichi replied, "Please Mizuki. I may be above average when it comes to using the Transformation Jutsu, but that doesn't extend into identifying it."

Mizuki grit his teeth, "You two are fools. Why do you insist on protecting that freak? He's the one who destroyed the village, cost lives, and killed your parents. When will you understand that he's like me? He is a beast working for revenge."

Iruka said, "You're right about one thing. That is how a beast acts, but Naruto isn't one. Naruto is one of a kind. He messes up from time to time, but he learns and grows from his mistakes. He is Naruto Uzumaki from the Village Hidden in the Leaves."

"You know nothing about who Naruto really is." Daichi glared at Mizuki. "My father died that day, but it wasn't Naruto's fault. I will never blame him because he's my friend, and I will always protect my friends."

Mizuki said, "Those were some moving speeches, but they won't matter when I kill you."

"Daichi, get out of here!" Iruka yelled worried for his student.

Daichi drew his training blades as he had yet to put his real sheathe on, "I won't do that Sensei."

Mizuki spun his shuriken, but this time he charged in to attack them. Daichi got ready to strike when Naruto appeared from nowhere kicking Mizuki in the head and causing him to throw his shuriken away. The shuriken cut through a branch before it was gone.

Both Iruka and Daichi shouted with joy, "Naruto!"

Mizuki got to his feet and scoffed. "Not bad for a punk."

"If you ever lay a hand on my Sensei or friend, I will kill you." Naruto said menacingly.

Mizuki said, "That's a big claim but unlike you, I can back up what I say. I will kill you with a single move."

"Take your best shot because I'll return it a thousand-fold." Naruto declared.

"Bring it on Nine Tailed Fox." Mizuki stated angrily.

Naruto weaved the hand signs. "Shadow Clone Jutsu!

Iruka and Daichi saw hundreds of Naruto shadow clones appear around the clearing.

"Naruto can create so many." Daichi thought amazed.

Iruka smiled, "He's mastered such an advanced Jutsu."

Mizuki was freaked out as all the clones charged in

Some Time Later…

A bruised and battered Mizuki was unconscious on the ground.

Naruto gave goofy grin and rubbed his head. "I guess I got carried away." He then turned to his friend and Sensei. "You two okay?"

They both answered, "Yeah."

"He's amazing. He wants to surpass all the Hokage, and I think he just might." Iruka thought with a smile. "Come here Naruto, I have something I want to give you."

Naruto walked over and closed his eyes.

Iruka said, "Open your eyes." Naruto was shocked into silence as he now wore Iruka's forehead protector. "Congratulations, you graduate, and as a reward for what the two of you did, I'm taking you out for ramen."

Naruto was ecstatic and jumped in the air. "I did it! Daichi we're both Shinobi!"

"Congratulations." Daichi was smiling. "I know you can reach you can become Hokage."