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Asuka: Ohayō mina! I hope you're fine! The author asked me to present today's chapter, so I'm a bit nervous.
Naruto *grins*: It's going to be fine, Asuka-chan! Don't forget I'm here too, dattebayo!
Asuka: Naruto-kun! That's right! Let's deal with this together, then, ne?
Naruto: Hai! I'll start! *clears his throat* So, as you already know, the author decided to more or less follow the story. Today's chapter follows the first episode of the series and... *looks at the sheet of paper he's holding in his hands* the author decided not to explore our years at the Academy because it would have been to long and too boring to write it down in her opinion. *makes a grumpy face* Hey? But, Asuka-chan, she told us about your birth and how we met for the first time! That's not fair! I would have liked to see what our years at the Academy looked like, dattebayo...
Asuka *sweat drops*: Naruto-kun... The author has already a hard time publishing chapters regularly, do you really think she would bother writing our years at the Academy? *feels the killing intent of the author working somewhere over there on new chapters* I did not say anything... *chuckles nervously*
Sasuke: I can't believe the author really asked you two to present today's chapter...
Asuka *smiling brightly*: Nii-san! You're here!
Naruto *pointing angrily at Sasuke*: What are you doing here, teme?
Sasuke: Nothing, dobe. I'm just here to help you. *turns towards the reader* Anyway, this third chapter deals with our school year taking the exam to become genin. Everyone except Naruto pass the test, and Asuka is worried about him, so she goes to look for him in the forest. A lot of things happen, and Naruto finally graduate. *looks at the sheet of paper in his hand in disbelief* Wow, wow, what?! Wait a minute, I disagree! Things were not supposed to happen like that! I don't want my sister to go in that forest and look for that urusatonkachi! And Naruto becomes genin?! That's bullshit! I did not sign up for that!
Naruto *thumbs up*: In your face, teme, 'ttebayo!
*Sasuke glares at him*
Asuka *sighs*: Sorry for those two... Before you start reading, the author wants to apologize for the delay. She wanted to finish the 'bell test' part (currently she's written half of it), before posting this chapter. Unfortunately, she'll have to go back to school soon – like many of you, I guess – so, don't expect very regular updates, please. Also, don't forget that the author is a French native, so if you see any mistake, she will be glad you tell her. *turns towards the boys* Naruto-kun, nii-san, ready for the disclaimer?
*The boys stop arguing and nod*
Naruto, Sasuke, Asuka: The author don't own Naruto, except her OC. All belongs to Kishimoto-sama.
Asuka: If she did, nii-san would never have left Konoha and he and Naruto-kun might have ended together – amongst other things.
Naruto and Sasuke *shout*: ASUKA!
Chapter One – Enter: Naruto Uzumaki!
After that fatidic night, Sasuke was no longer the same. He became cold and distant with the others people of our class, and did not bother to talk to anyone. Well, it was not like he had acted very friendly with our classmates before the murder anyway, but at least, he cared about them a little, at the time, even if he never showed it, and he really paid attention in class so that he could surpass our brother one day. But now, he hardly left the compound, except to go to the Academy, to train with me, or go for a walk in the village once in a while. He did not really pay attention in class, he did not care about his classmates anymore, and each time I glanced at him, he was looking by the window. He was still the best student of our class, and so was I, but did it matter, now that our family was dead, that Itachi had left and that we had nobody to congratulate us?
As for Naruto, he would continue to show our class he was better than Sasuke; more than that, I had an idea that those challenges between the two boys were a way for Naruto to somehow take my brother's mind off things. Unfortunately, it did not seem to work, as Sasuke was now only seeing the blonde as an eternal looser. I had already asked my twin several times to be friendlier with the blonde, but it was a wasted effort. Worst than that, Sasuke was more and more obsessed with revenge, and, even as his twin sister, I could not find the words to calm him down, no matter how hard I had tried to tell him to change his mind.
When our period of study at the Academy came to an end, I had learnt to read, to write, to count, and all I needed to know as a future kunoichi of Konoha, whether it was about chakra or ninja techniques. I had good relationships with my classmates, too, even though you could not say we were "besties" for now. We were just getting along, and it was fine by me. I mainly spent my time playing with my comrades or studying for school.
And here already came the final exams.
The test was tomorrow, but all the students of the class had been starting to prepare themselves months ago. Many of us were excited to finally leave school and go on missions with a team of their own. I was really happy about the idea too, as being part of a team would mean new friendships, and I could not wait for that. Of course, I was still a little afraid, but I would become more confident after having done some missions. But before that, there's still the test to take and pass, so I should not get on my high horses. I'll do my best. In any case, all my classmates had become more serious than ever, because of this test, and had been training relentlessly for the D-day.
Well, except for one of them. But I was not very surprised.
"I'm at the end of my rope, Naruto. You failed the graduation test last time and the time before that. Tomorrow, you've got another chance, and you're messing up again!"
Said Naruto, tied up with ropes and sitting on the floor in front of the class, humped and turned his head in contempt, as if he did not care at all, and I could not help smiling. This is just like you, Naruto.However, when I looked at the other students around me, all I saw in their eyes were annoyance, anger and contempt, except maybe for Hinata who had love shining in her eyes and Sasuke, who did not actually care at all about the blonde knucklehead ninja.
In any way, Naruto being so disobedient and disdainful made our sensei, Iruka Umino, get really made. He gritted his teeth, and his whole face reddened. Well, it always came like this when the blonde was messing around. And this time was no exception: sooner this afternoon, he had disfigured every face of the Hokage Rock with paint. Oh, Naruto, I already told you not to get on our teacher's nerves. I knew he wanted to be accepted by his comrades, but it was not like that he was going to make new friends. Well, he already had me, but I would have felt better knowing that he had other persons he could rely on. All the adults in Konoha were constantly looking down on him, even if they did not dare to tell him something when I was with him, and since the massacre, I was regaled with whispers and sidelong glances too. I understood better why Sasuke did not particularly want to go for a walk in the city when I would ask him.
I looked at Ino, who was sitting next to me, on my left; we were on the front row. She had a blonde ponytail and light blue eyes; her clothes were violet most of the time. Behind us were Kiba and Sakura, and behind them, at the back of the classroom, were Shikamaru and Sasuke. On my right were Chōji and Hinata; Shino and his insects were sitting not far behind them. But, coming back to Ino… She was quite sympathetic, even though she mainly talked with me to have news of my brother. Just like Sakura, actually, and there was no wonder why the two girls looked so close. It seemed however that they had argued about Sasuke's love when they were younger, and now they barely speak to each other, except when it was about my brother and it would always end by the two girls yelling insults at each other. But for now, Ino seemed annoyed by Naruto's childish behavior. She realized I was looking at her, so I smiled at her. She seemed surprised but smiled back, before looking down on Naruto.
"Fine! Because you missed it, Naruto, everyone will review the Transformation Jutsu!"
The whole class let out a groan. I sighed.
Poor Naruto. He still had a long way to go.
We all came in front of the teacher's desk. No need to say everyone was glaring at Naruto. Because of him, everybody had to do the exercise again. As for me, I felt bad for him, because I knew he had not wanted his comrades to be punished for what he had done, but it was too late now to apologize. The boy really had a pure heart, though, but he was still growing up; in fact we all were. His teammates had to support him, not let him down or ignore him as they did most of the time. And the same thing applied for our sensei too: Iruka, with his brown spiky hair and his olive skin, should treat him better and try to understand him. So why is he so harsh with him? Nobody had really tried to understand the blonde. I really hoped there would be a chance to change that, especially when we would be promoted.
For the moment, it was time to perform the technique. One next to the other, the students were all lined up and waiting to be called by our teacher. Iruka sensei looked at the list he was holding, and began to call the pupils one after the other. Not in an alphabetic order, though, which surprised me. I was between Naruto and my brother, so the atmosphere was heavy. Sasuke, his hands in the pockets of his white shorts, was not giving a care at all to the other students, while Naruto on the other hand was looking at them anxiously. I wonder if he's stressed because he doesn't know how to master the technique. So, I did the only thing I could do to cheer him up.
I put my hand on his shoulder.
He jumped. "Don't worry," I reassured him. "I'm sure you're going to nail it all. I believe in you."
His eyes twinkled as they had never done before. The smile he gave me was brighter than the sun itself.
"Thank you, Asuka. You don't know how much it means to me to hear you say that."
"Hn. Don't forget this is all your fault if we have to review the Transformation Jutsu. No matter what my little sister can say, you'll just fail."
"Sasuke!" I frowned at him. You don't need to be so unkind. I hope you'll act friendlier if you pass the test are assigned to a team. Where had the kind brother I had known gone? I knew very well that, for now, Naruto and Sasuke were far from being the best of friends, but I had hoped Sasuke would put his pride aside just for one day and would be a little nicer with the others, especially with Naruto, my closest friend for years.
"Say that again! I'm going to–"
"Both of you, stop please…" I cut off in a whisper, trying to keep them apart. Easier said than done; fortunately, I was between them. "Everyone is looking at us…"
Indeed, all our class, including Iruka, had now their attention drawn on us. I smiled politely, embarrassed, trying to act as if nothing had happened. Our sensei sighed, and then looked at his list, calling another name. This time, it was Sakura's turn. She stepped forward to perform the Transformation Justsu. I did not worry for her: she had always had a good chakra control and great grades, so she would succeed without a doubt. She could be hot-tempered, sometimes, but maybe this was because she used to be bullied when she was younger, because of her large forehead. It was always easier to attack children who did not have a lot of confidence Fortunately, Ino had really helped her to change.
"Alright, Sakura here. Let's do it. Transform!"
A cloud of smoke came up around her. When it disappeared, there were two Iruka in the classroom. Well, there was no need to be impressed, since it was a technique we had to master as future genin, but it was a good thing she had did the transformation right.
"Transformed into me. Good."
"Yes! I did it! Yes!"
She turned around, looking at my dear twin brother.
"Sasuke, did you see that?" she asked joyfully.
The latest did not bother to answer to her and did not even look at her. I chuckled. You'll always have only eyes for Sasuke, won't you, Sakura? It was like there was only Sasuke in the classroom. I was sure they would make a great couple, if my brother took his chance on her, but he did not seem interested for now. I can't really say I'm surprise. It's just like Sasuke to have no interest in girls. On the other hand, I had noticed Hinata was always glancing at Naruto, but she was so shy that I had never dared to speak to her, because it would have probably made her feel uneasy. And I do not think a lot of people had spoken to her either. Maybe she would find the courage to assert herself when she would graduate.
Sakura walked down the line, and then Iruka called my name.
"Next. Asuka Uchiha."
I nodded and stepped forwards. When I glanced at Naruto, he had his thumb up and winked. I smiled at him, then took a deep breath and joined my fingers together. I could feel my chakra burning bright inside of me. It's so, so warm… The chakra is flowing throughout every part and every member of my body. This was of course not the first time it happened, but it felt like no matter what happened, I was ready to face whatever difficulty I would encounter. I was glad to have this power inside of me, I felt protected. Like, really protected. One said that if you were strong enough, you could know what feelings someone's chakra was conveying. I mean, depending on the person, your chakra could be for instance bright and warm, or dark and cold. Chakra was linked to people's actions and emotions; there was no doubt about it. Iruka had even explained that to us, during one of our classes. On top of that, there are different variations of chakra: Wind, Lightning, Earth, Fir, and Water. As an Uchiha, I sure have affinities with Fire. It was very useful to know which element your chakra had affinities with: you knew which techniques you could perform and which ones you could not.
Right. I shook my head, and concentrate. Transformation Justsu. What are the hand seals already? Oh yes, this is it: Dog, Boar, and Ram. Here we go.
Pouf, smoke appeared all around me, and I felt my whole body changing. When the smoke disappeared, Iruka-sensei smiled at me and wrote something down on his list. I did not know if he was testing us and so giving us a mark, but anyway, I knew I had done the exercise right. Our teacher congratulated me and I transformed back. Here I was again, with my untied black hair – and two locks which were each one around my face –, my blue tee-shirt with short sleeves and the Uchiwa crest on the back; I was also wearing a skirt over a pair of white shorts, usual ninja sandals with small gaiters, which allowed my toes to be seen, and a pair of silver mitts. Finally, a fabric belt decorated with a ribbon circled my hips. My main colors were blue, black and white, like my brother, but a brighter and lighter shade of blue. I looked like him for sure, but I looked like my mother more when she was my age.
"Yeah, you did it Asuka! You're the best!"
My cheeks dangerously reddened. I waved at Naruto to thank him and walked down the line.
After me, it was now Sasuke's turn to perform the Jutsu. No need to say he transformed successfully, and came next to me after he finished. We smiled at each other, but did not talk, since Iruka-sensei had forbidden us to chat not to disturb the person who was trying to transform. No time to wonder who it was: our teacher was already calling his name.
"Next. Naruto Uzumaki."
I grinned, and used my hands as a megaphone. I could hear Ino and Shikamaru saying something to him, but it did not matter. I wanted to cheer him up because he needed it.
"Come on Naruto, you can do it! Impress them all!"
"You bet!"
Sasuke rolled his eyes, but I was too focused on Naruto to see it. Something was strange: I could feel in his voice that he was up to something, I knew him well, after all. The sparkle in his eyes, this smile of his… Something was on his mind, but I did not know what he had planned to do. I stroked my chin nervously. If I had followed my intuition, I would have said he was going to…
He put his hands together "Transform!"
I gasped, having all of a sudden a premonition. Please don't tell me that he's about to…
There was smoke; when it went down a little, Naruto had disappeared. Instead was an eighteen-year-old blonde girl with blue eyes, but the worst thing was she was entirely naked. Fortunately, smoke still covered some intimate parts of her anatomy. It was Naruto, in a feminine version. That's right, he had already show this technique to me… And as if this was not enough, the girl blew a kiss and winked at the same time. I was not quite sure if I felt like bursting into laughter or praying Iruka not to kill Naruto on the spot. You really can't help kidding, can you? And he was the boy who was supposed to be my best friend. At least, he did not take himself seriously. It was not bad to have a little fun to decompress before the test, tomorrow.
I had always been amazed by the results this technique had on men – well, apart from Sasuke – and how they reacted. Iruka became livid, his eyes looked as if they were going to pop out and he was totally dumbstruck. Blood sprang from his nose and he was knocked back after that. Wow, Naruto really blew him away, this time. This was the only way he had found to draw attention on him. He had not really friends at that moment, but I was sure it was only a matter of time before the entire village came to appreciate him; they just needed some time to see who Naruto really was. I really liked him. He was funny, honest, loyal, and I did not understand why everyone still despised him so much.
Iruka needed a few seconds to pull himself together after Naruto's bad joke. The latest transformed back and burst into laughter, pointing at Iruka. Everybody was glaring at the blonde; Sasuke, who usually did not care about Naruto's childish behavior, seemed disillusioned. I resisted the urge to laugh and giggled instead. What I found sad, though, was that Naruto's smile did not seem to be real, like he had faked it. Could it be possible? Maybe he himself did not find this joke that amusing. He had been doing tricks like that with his teacher for years, maybe the game did not sound funny anymore. He and I really need to discuss seriously on how to make friends in another way than being the class' fool. Wait a little more, Naruto. One day you'll shine and they'll see you for who you are.
"Gotcha! That's my Sexy Jutsu!"
"Cut the stupid tricks! This is your last warning!" he shouted.
Naruto stayed speechless after this outburst.
Class was dismissed soon after. Everybody was now talking about tomorrow's exam to finally graduate, and I could not help but feel a little anxious. Iruka had taken Naruto to the Hokage Rock in order to make him clean up the paint he had used to disfigure the different faces sooner this day, so I could not talk and play with him. Shikamaru was with Chōji, Sakura and Ino were probably together too, Shino had gone to the forest nearby to collect new insects with Kiba and Akamaru; Hinata had probably gone home to train for the test. In short, everybody was busy, so I decided to go back home with my brother. He wanted to revise one last time, and I agreed on the fact that it could not hurt. In fact, we did not know much about what was waiting for us. Normally, the test would take place in the morning, and the results would be indicated by the middle of the afternoon, at least it was what I had understood. I don't think it'll be something very complicated. I'll just have to relax and take it easy. If I remembered the hand seals correctly and used my chakra in a proper way, that would be a piece of cake.
We both went back to the compound together and revised for tomorrow's exam until it was time to have diner. Not so long after that, we went to bed. The last thing I thought of before falling asleep was Naruto. He probably had gone to Ichiraku tonight with our teacher, and I was happy for him that he was not alone. But for some reason, I was concerned about him. I hoped everything would go well, tomorrow.
The morning after, I was the first to wake up. I had not sleep very well, because I was nervous about my graduation – what if, for a reason or another, I did not pass? I must stop worrying about that stupid test. I'm not at the top of our class, for nothing, neither is Sasuke. So come on, pull yourself together, Asuka! You still have a lot on your plate! I had no right to disappoint the persons who relied on me.
Sasuke got up a few moments after me. He was bright eyed and bushy tailed, and even smiled at me. We took our breakfast quite quickly; in no time, we were prepared for going to the Academy… and that terrible exam. On our way to school, Sasuke seemed to notice something was wrong with me. I did my best to reassure him, but he insisted, and I told him the truth. This was right after that he started laughing.
"I don't see what's so funny."
"It's just… I'm happy." I stared at him in shock and his peals of laughter died away in his throat. "I was feeling like I was the only one of us who was stressed, you see. Knowing that you're as afraid as I am for this test… is kind of a relief."
Wow. Do I look that much self-confident? I know Uchihas are not good at showing their emotions, but I didn't know it could go that far. Yet, I was happy to know Sasuke worried about that exam. This is what normal people experience in this type of situation. I had always found my brother overconfident and full of assurance. But he was not really like that at all, actually. This was what he wanted to show to people around him. So, I decided to take it all easy, and we talked together until we finally arrived to the Academy. Everybody in the school was already speaking about the graduation exam and Sasuke's fangirls club got excited as usual when he and I stepped into the classroom. Fortunately, Iruka-sensei entered right after us and when he clapped his hands, everybody stopped chatting and went to sit down. My seat was just between the one of my brother and the one of Shikamaru. The first looked so serious and the second so bored that I soon felt uneasy being stuck in the middle of them.
"We will now start the final exam," Iruka informed us. "When your name is called, proceed to the testing room. The final test will be on the Clone Jutsu."
I bit nervously my lips when he said that. I only hoped I would be able to perform the technique correctly, otherwise this was the end. But it could not be that difficult, I had studied hard. Naruto must seriously be freaking out right now, though; he never really liked exams, and he had always had a hard time performing this technique. I glanced at him; indeed, he was going pale and all his colors had run dry. I wish I could have said a few word to him to cheer him up, but I could not talk to him right now. I had to wait until the results were displayed. Iruka-sensei began to call a name on the list, in alphabetic order, and a student stood up and left the class. I closed my eyes, my hands resting on my desk, while I tried to remember the hand seals needed to the Jutsu. Shikamarau heavily sighed and Sasuke was staring into space, his chin lying on the back of his hands. None of them talked to me; Iruka had forbidden the candidates to do so.
The class was composed of thirty-seven students. With a name beginning by a U, I was near the bottom of the list, with my brother. A lot of students had already taken the test. I had no choice but grin and bear it. After what seemed an eternity to me, my name was finally called by Iruka. I immediately stood up and headed to the door.
"Good luck, but you don't need it," Sasuke whispered when I passed next to him.
"Thanks, big brother," I replied in a smile. "Good luck to you too."
But I knew he did not need it either.
Iruka-sensei led me to the room were the test was going happen. He being one of the examiners did not make me relax, and I gulped when he opened the was actually a classroom like any other, apart from the fact that Mizuki-sensei – I think it was his name –, with his pale blue hair and his green jacket, was sitting behind a large desk. On that very same desk were about fifteen headbands. I gulped as Iruka walked towards the other chair that was on Mizuki's left, and sat down. The brown-haired man asked me some personal information to check I was Asuka Uchiha and not another person, and then, things got serious.
"Alright, Asuka. As you were told earlier, we would like you to perform a Clone Jutsu. We're ready when you are." Mizuki politely said
I nodded and took a deep breath. I emptied my mind and focused on myself and the energy in my body. I could feel my chakra bubbling inside of me and it was as sweet as a cup of hot chocolate. It was flooding every muscle, every organ and every cell that I owned. It looks like it's a good start, I thought, noticing the blue energy that surrounded me. I had just to control this power and turn it into what I wanted it to be. First is Ram, second is Snake and third is Tiger. My fingers made hand seals without me completely realizing it, as if it was an automatism. That being done, smoke appeared around me and I found three replicas of myself standing by my side. A glimpse of surprise flashed into my eyes, straight away replaced by pride like I had never felt before. Sure, it was only basics, and I had studied for years at the Academy, but still, it could have been all wrong for a reason or another, who knows? Done, I was finally done with this test.
"This was perfect, Asuka. I wasn't expecting less from one of my best students, and I'm sure your brother will perfectly succeed too." Iruka-sensei congratulated me, as my three clones were disappearing.
I thanked him with a genuine smile, and left the Academy while my teacher was going back to the classroom; it was probably my big brother's turn to take the exam, now. I was free for the morning. The results would be displayed later on the afternoon. All the grades we had had this year would count, and of course, the one we were given for this Clone Jutsu we had to perform. I was not worried anymore, now. I knew I would graduate and become a genin. I had worked so much to reach this level! I felt very satisfied with myself.
After lunch – Sasuke had prepared bentōs for the both of us –, a ceremony was hold in honor to the students who were promoted as genin. Children had come with their parents and their family, and they were all gathered in front of the Academy entrance. I was waiting excitedly, and I was sure Sasuke, next to me, could not wait either to receive his forehead protector. Everyone around us was chatting, but it all stopped when the Third Hokage appeared. He made a brief speech to congratulate everybody who had succeeded, and to talk about how he was proud of us all and how each of us incarnated the Will of Fire. My eyes twinkled at his words. I had always dream of having this determination to protect my village, and to feel it burning in my heart. After that, he began to call names in alphabetical order, for the genin to receive their gift. When it was my turn, I heard some people whisper about the Uchiha clan and its downfall, but I ignored it and came towards Iruka. He handed me a navy blue headband with a grin, and congratulated me. I grinned back at him before returning into the crowd; I met Sasuke who was coming from the opposite direction to receive his headband too, and we smile at each other. I soon really felt oppressed by all those people, so I get away from the crowd.
I tied my headband in the same way as Sakura did: not on my forehead, but directly on my hair, on the top of my head, mainly because I found it was more practical and nicer that way.
Speaking of that, Sakura and the others had graduated too, and I felt happy for them. I think all our school year graduated, actually, right? For now, the young students were happily talking with their families and friends about their recent graduation. But I did not care about that at all, because there was somebody I needed to see. Right now. I need to talk to Naruto. I knew people were rumoring and gossiping about him, so he really needed support, and I wanted to see if he had passed, like the rest of our year group. So I tried to find where he could be. He was not fond of crowds either, maybe he was in a quieter place.
I finally saw him sitting on a swing, with Mizuki-sensei standing next to him, but before I could join the two of them, somebody bumped into me; he apologies and went away, I looked at the swing but Naruto and Mizuki were not here anymore. Where did they go?
I jumped when someone's hand lightly touched my shoulder and turned around to face my brother. He put his hands in his pockets and sighed.
"There you are. I wondered where you had gone."
"I was just looking for Naruto, but he left before I could talk to him. You're headband really suits you, by the way," I stated, pointing at his forehead protector with a smile.
He smiled back with pride. "Thanks. So does yours. But you should know… Naruto didn't graduate."
I stared at him in shock. What? He… He did not make it? But I thought… I had gotten away from the crowd before I could hear Naruto's name be called. And I knew Sasuke was not the type to make jokes and tease people; he had not lied. So, it did mean that Naruto had failed? I looked around me, trying to see if I could spot him, but he was nowhere to be found. What was I thinking? He must be in low spirits. I need to find him and see if he's okay! Knots formed into my belly, and I bit my lips. I had really hoped he would pass. I knew he was not the best student at school, but… I had always believed in him, no matter what. I had really thought he would succeed. Could not something be done about that? Was he really going to be the only one to fail? I could not accept that. If that's so, I prefer to give my headband up and repeat the year. There's no way I am a genin without Naruto. We're a big family, and family means that nobody must be left behind!
I had made up my mind: I was going to intercede with the Third Hokage on behalf of Naruto. He needed another chance. Maybe I would be told no, and that Naruto would not be promoted, but I had at least to try. I made a few steps toward the Academy entrance, where Iruka-sensei and the Hokage had been standing a few moments earlier, when they had give us our forehead protectors. However, my eyes widened when I realized they were not here anymore. They seemed to have disappeared too, just like the blonde. Maybe there was a link?
I really felt like I was cursed, now…
"Come on." Sasuke took my hand. "There's nothing you can do for now."
I looked at Sasuke sadly. I knew he was right, but knowing that Naruto had not passed and that he was alone, without anybody to support him or cheer him up made me feel… sad and powerless. Maybe Naruto needs some time alone. If I could not see the Hokage today, I will try tomorrow, then. If he had a meeting with someone, trying to talk to him would not serve my cause at all. I guess all I can do for the moment is wait. I sighed, and turned towards my brother.
"Fine…" I whispered.
Only the moonlight was lightning up the road, tonight, as I was walking in the forest.
I had decided to go out after dinner. Well, you could not really call it that way. I had not eaten anything, because I worried too much about Naruto to swallow anything. Is he alright? How could I be hungry when one of my classmates had failed his exam? Sasuke might thought it served him right, but I thought differently. I could not get what had happened sooner that day off my mind, and I needed to do something about it. So I told Sasuke I was going to do the washing-up; he agreed, and once I was sure he was in our bedroom, I left our house and the compound as silently as possible, with the full moon as the only witness. I can't act as if nothing had happened. I just wanted to see if I could see Naruto somewhere, I would not be outside for long, and I hoped Sasuke would not notice I had gone out. Fingers crossed.
I do not know really why, but my footsteps had led me to the forest, as I was still looking for the blond. Where are you, Naruto? It was not impossible for him to be somewhere in here, as the forest was a quiet place and a perfect hideout when you needed some time alone. It reminds me the time when we used to watch Itachi throw the kunai at the targets… I wonder where he is now, and if he missed us just a little… How I wish none of this happened! Yeah, the forest was clearly a unique place. I had to be careful, or I could very well lose my way.
I was thinking I had maybe already gotten lost, when I heard someone breathe. A few moments later, I discovered a clearing, with Naruto in the middle of it, who was sitting. He looked like he had made an effort and was trying to catch his breath. My eyes twinkled at this sight. Naruto! You're here! I finally found you! You don't know how much I was worried about you. I made a step towards him, but before I could call his name, I saw another person coming too. The figure was all too familiar for me not to recognize it, especially as I saw the person it belonged to everyday at school: It was Iruka-sensei's. I wonder why he's here… The best for now was to say hidden behind the three next to me. Nobody would see me, and I would probably learn what was the meaning of all this.
"It's all over!"
Naruto watched at him with a smile, and ruffle his hair, before he started laughing nervously. Iruka silently stared at him, puzzled. That was at that moment I noticed the big green scroll Naruto was carrying on his back. What was he going to do with it?
"Got me already? Not bad. You're quick, sensei. I only had time to learn one technique."
So, he was training? All this time? Wow, if that was the case, his determination was far beyond any other. I was really impressed, to say the least.
"Listen, Iruka-sensei!" He extended his arms. "I'm going to show you this amazing Jutsu and you're going to let me graduate and everything will be okay! That's the way it works, right? Anyone who learns Jutsu from this scroll passes."
Things were slowly adding up. Naruto had trained and learnt one jutsu from the scroll, so he was hoping to become a genin. I've a bad feeling, though. Do things really work that way? And why was Iruka-sensei looked so taken aback, then?
"Huh? Where'd you get that idea?" he exclaimed.
"Mizuki-sensei told me about it, believe it!" the blonde proudly replied. "He told me where to find the scroll… And this place…"
Mizuki-sensei? Then, it probably meant everything was fine. He had probably just wanted to help Naruto pass the test. I had known him since I had enrolled the Academy, and I trusted him, I was sure there was no need to worry.
Well, that was until said Mizuki suddenly threw a shuriken out of nowhere. Iruka-sensei immediately pushed Naruto aside, before being pinned with kunai against the wall of a shack that was just behind them. My obsidian eyes widened. Sensei! Naruto! I stepped out from my hideout and caught Naruto from behind; we both found ourselves lying on the ground, but it seemed I had somehow broken our fall. It still hurt in the end, but at least we were safe and sound for now… My whole body was shaking though, but it did not really matter. I was just trying to find my friend and here I am, caught in the middle of a fight. Because it was a fight. Mizuki-sensei had clearly intended to kill Naruto. I did not know why he had done that, but the memory of my parents lying dead on the floor had flashed in my mind. I was not going to let anything close to me die before my eyes. Not when I was still alive. I won't let that happen again, I could not bear it!
"Asuka?!" Naruto looked at me with wide eyes, and so were Mizuki and Iruka. "What…? How…? When…? I mean, are you fine?" he asked in deep concern.
"It's okay, Naruto," I gently smiled. "I was worried so I decided to look for you, but I didn't think…"
I did not finish my sentence, and looked up at Mizuki, who was standing on the branch of a tree. "I must say, I'm impressed you and Iruka found the place," he smirked.
"So, that's the way it is, huh? I should've known," Iruka groaned in pain. Blood was staining his clothes here and there, at the places where the kunai had sunk into his skin.
Iruka-sensei! Naruto and I stood up straight away, in order to help our teacher, but with a single look, he made us understand we had to stay where we were; this was the better thing to do if we did not want Mizuki to kill us. What are we going to do, now? Naruto looked at me, and he was as lost as I was. How had we gotten to this point? It could not be true. What did all that mean?
"Naruto, give me that scroll, now!" Mizuki brutally ordered, always on the branch.
"Wait a minute…" the blonde said, looking at Iruka then at Mizuki again. "What's going on here?"
I shivered. I don't know, but I'm quite sure Mizuki is the bad person here. He was obsessed with that scroll to the point that he had nearly killed Naruto and attacked our sensei. That could only mean he was not on our side.
"Naruto! Don't let Mizuki get the scroll!" Iruka shouted, taking a kunai off his skin, while a trickle of blood was coming out of his mouth. "It contains forbidden Jutsu that could put this village in grave danger. Mizuki used you to get the scroll for himself. For his own power."
"W–What?!" we both exclaimed at the same time.
"Naruto, Iruka is just trying to scare you 'cause he doesn't want you to have the scroll," Mizuki stated in response.
We looked at Iruka again. "Stop lying, Mizuki. Don't let him trick you, Naruto, Asuka!"
Iruka-sensei… He was right: my heart was saying to me that our teacher was telling us the truth. Everything becomes clear. So Mizuki had lied to Naruto, had probably turned the whole village against him if it was not already the case, and likely intended to kill the three of us when he would get the scroll. I gulped. We can't let him have this dangerous scroll; there must be something we can do! Naruto and I looked at each other, wondering what we were going to do to get out of this mess, when Mizuki-sensei suddenly sniggered and said to us:
"Oh, I'll tell you who's really lying."
I frowned. Who's really lying? What could he possibly mean by that? And why should he be trusted after what he've just done?
"No, Mizuki!" Iruka yelled. It seemed those two were aware of something we weren't.
"They've been lying to you your whole life, Naruto. Since the decree twelve years ago."
"What decree?" Naruto and I asked at the same time.
"Everyone knows except you. Iruka's trying to hide it from you now. He'd do anything to shut me up."
I gasped, and Naruto's eyes went wide. "What is this decree? Why does everyone else know about it?"
"Don't tell them! It's forbidden!"
But it was already too late, unfortunately. Iruka-sensei was not in a position to stop Mizuki from talking, and the whole thing was way too serious to just let things go. Naruto did want to know that secret that had been kept from him, and, whether I wanted to know it or not, I could not escape, and if I put my hands on my ears, I would hear anyway; I only could watch in horror at Mizuki-sensei and what he was going to tell us.
"The decree is, no one can tell you the Nine-Tailed Fox is inside you!"
Naruto sweat dropped. "Huh?" I myself believed I had misunderstood, until Mizuki added: "The Fox Spirit that killed Iruka's parents and destroyed our village has taken over your body. You are the Nine-Tailed Fox!"
Despite Iruka-sensei's yells, Mizuki did not stop talking, but I had to say I was too shocked to hear what he told us next.
Naruto?
The Nine Tailed Fox Demon?!
My family had already talked to me about that day, of course. It was part of Konoha's history, so even children learnt it at school. But I had never known Naruto had something to do with this, even from afar. And I had never expected the adults, and even less the Hokage, to forbid all the adults to talk about it, and to hide the truth to their children, to Konoha's next generation of ninjas! All the young shinobis studying at the Academy… had been taught to avoid and to hate Naruto without even knowing why… just because of that? I could not believe it… Tears began to fill up my eyes, and I let them rolled down along my cheeks. Does… Does it mean our lives had been built up on lies? If that's so, is there anything that they hid from us? Of course, we did not have to believe Mizuki, maybe he was lying, as he had done for the scroll, but… Naruto's being the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox had the merit to explain where the villager's hatred came from.
How much Naruto should feel betrayed! As he was crying in pain and shaking his head, wind came up around him. Nobody in the village had been taking care of him, because they could not make a difference between the demon itself and the person the demon was locked into. They had just thought they were one and the same, and that he would attack the village on day. Did not they understand? Did not they understand the way they treated Naruto was the best thing to do to make that Fox appear again? All the memories of the citizen hating Naruto crossed my mind. I'm… I'm so sorry, Naruto! If only I had known…! I started sobbing. Seeing we were not paying attention to our surrounding, Mizuki decided it was high time for him to attack, and threw a giant shuriken at us.
I could only hear Iruka-sensei telling us to get down, and suddenly, he was above us, with that big weapon sticking out of his back. We found ourselves having drops of blood on our cheeks when he coughed in pain. Sensei! Sensei, no! Everyone was looking at him in shock. A single word came out from Naruto's lips. "Why?"
"Because we're the same. When I lost my parents, no one seemed to care. They didn't have time for me. They just forgot I was there. My grades dropped. I became the class clown. I just wanted them to see me… And know my name. My school wasn't good enough to get the attention, so I did crazy things. And then I had to pay for it. It was hard." Iruka's tears began to fall on our cheek to mix with blood, but our teacher continued. "I know that's how you feel, Naruto. You feel lonely and it hurts inside. And I could've been there for you more, like Asuka has. I let you down. I'm sorry. No one should have to suffer that much. No one should be alone like that."
Naruto's lip trembled, and I put my hands on my lips. I had no idea… I had no idea you had suffered so much, sensei…! He had no parents, just like Naruto and I. I understood better why he had hated Naruto so much. He had somehow believed he was responsible for his parent's death. The attack twelve years ago on Konoha had destroyed many lives. But it was not Naruto's fault, he had suffered as much as anyone else had! You could not put the blame on a baby who was only a newborn at that time! He had not asked for the demon to destroy the village! He had not asked to have this demon inside of him. People… People should at least understand that.
"Don't make me laugh!" Mizuki interrupted us. "Iruka always hated you. He was orphaned because the Nine-Tailed Fox killed his parents. And that beast is now inside you. He'd say anything to get the scroll from you."
Then why Iruka would have saved Naruto if he hated him so much? He just confessed how he was like him when he was younger! What we had heard did not look like the speech of someone full of hatred and desire to take revenge. And I knew what I was talking about. Sasuke could have this type of look, not Iruka-sensei. In all case, Naruto did not wait any longer and took his cue to leave; he grabbed my hand to make me follow him while I was still in shock. Is… Is all this really happening? Mizuki's attack? Iruka's speech? The scroll, the Fox…? From afar, I could hear Iruka-sensei yelling our names.
We finally hid behind a large tree, and sat down. It was hard for me to stop crying. I still could not believe all the adults had hidden the truth from us. Had the Third Hokage really thought it was the best thing to do for the village and its inhabitants? Weren't we old enough to know the truth?
"Asuka…" Naruto said with a sad voice.
He could not say anything else, because another Naruto and Iruka-sensei suddenly arrived. Soon, it turned out that said Iruka was Mizuki in disguised, but also that Naruto was the real Iruka-sensei who had transformed. They were talented; I had really believed this was the real Iruka that was there, though I knew that Naruto was false, since the real one was sitting next to me.
"You're a fool! Why are you protecting that freak? He's the one who wiped out your family."
"I don't care what you say, 'cause you're not getting your hands on that scroll."
Naruto gritted his teeth, the scroll still in his hands. I closed my eyes. I don't know what's on that scroll, but they both seem determined to get it no matter what…
"As if you could stop me. Don't you get it? Naruto is just like me."
"How's that?"
"He wants the scroll for his own power, and his own vengeance. That's how beasts are. He'll pour all his rage into the scroll and destroy everything," Mizuki explained.
"You're right…"
We were left speechless by those words. Naruto gasped and I felt my whole body shake.
"I guessed it was true all along. See, Iruka-sensei never really cared for me at all."
Naruto… I put a hand on his shoulder. I myself was taken aback to be honest. When Iruka had made that speech earlier… I had truly believed he cared for Naruto and that he had forgiven him for his parents' death… Had he just been lying this whole time? It was hard to believe our teacher could have engaged in double dealing. What did he think he was playing at?
"That is how beasts are. But that's not who Naruto is. He's nothing like that. Naruto's one of a kind. Works hard. Puts his whole heart into it. Sure he messes up sometimes, and everyone jumps on him… But his suffering only makes him stronger. That's what separates him from being a beast. So you're wrong. He's nothing like the Nine-Tailed Fox. He's Naruto Uzumaki, of the village hidden in the leaves."
We both cried like we had never cried at those words. Naruto, Iruka finally understood! He finally understood you were a good person! This was why I had always dreamed to hear from the people in the village: to acknowledge Naruto's existence and to treat him like a normal person. Iruka-sensei really cared about Naruto. I smiled; finally, someone was acknowledging Naruto's existence! We had both been waiting for this moment for a long time. Mizuki was not going to fool us any longer.
From that moment on, we decided it was high time to protect our teacher, after all we had heard. When Mizuki was going to kill Iruka with the last big shuriken he carried on his back, I left our hideout and rushed to the latter in order to protect him with my body, and so I believed I was going to die soon. However, Naruto had stepped in between Iruka-sensei and I and Mizuki, and sent the latter flying backwards. He then skidded to a stop, standing the scroll everyone wanted up beside him. My teacher and I looked at him in shock. Naruto…!
"If you ever lay a hand on my sensei or Asuka… I'll kill you!"
When Mizuki finally went back onto the offensive, Naruto used for the first time the new technique he had learnt: he crossed his two fingers over his other two fingers, and made the Shadow Clone Jutsu. Thousands of clones of the blonde surrounded us, in the trees and on the ground. I can't believe my eyes. Did he… Did he really do that? I thought, in awe. It was not just illusions like those we were learning at school, it was far beyond that. Even Sasuke and I, being the best students of our class, could not have done that. That's… amazing…
It did not take them long to beat Mizuki up. On the end, Naruto was standing above him, while laughing at the same time. Wow, you really got carried away, this time. I turned towards our teacher, who was not in a very good shape: "You okay, Iruka-sensei?" I and Naruto giggled when we realized we had said the same sentence at the same time.
He breathed. "Yeah… What about you, Asuka?" he asked in concern.
"I'm fine." He nodded in relief, then he another took a breath. "Naruto, come here a minute. I've got something I want to give you."
He asked the latter to close his eyes. While Naruto was surprised, he did not argued and did what he had been told to do. At first, I did not understand what was the meaning of all this, but then Iruka took his headband off his head, and I immediately knew what was going to happen. I gasped in joy and smiled brightly; Iruka put his forefinger on his lips and winked at me. I nodded happily, I did not want to spoil Naruto's gift! I can't believe it! He then removed and took off Naruto's goggles and tied the forehead protector around Naruto's head. He then allowed his student to open his eyes and congratulated him.
"Congratulations. You graduate. And to celebrate, I have a surprise. We're going out for ramen tonight!"
Naruto's lips twitched as if he was going to cry. "Iruka-sensei!"
He tried to hug our teacher, but fell back down to the ground, with Naruto, and the three of us burst out laughing as the daylight was filtering through the three; the night had already come to an end, and we had not even noticed it. I'm so happy for you, Naruto! You're a true ninja, now! All the three of us made a group hug, before we happily left the forest, Iruka carrying Mizuki on his shoulder. I hoped Sasuke did not notice I had gone out. I sighed. With all what had just happened on this crazy night, my brother scolding at me was the least of my worries.
-Footnotes-
Sasuke: Well it seems to be all for today. The author did not know if there was a written part for the genin test, so she decided there would only be a practical part, which is the Clone Technique. We hope you liked what you read.
Asuka: Next time, the chapter will revolve around me and Naruto-kun meeting a young boy named Konohamaru!
Naruto: Huh? Who is he?
Sasuke: Dobe, you've lived in the village since your birth and you don't who he is?
Asuka: It's the grandson of the Third Hokage! And he wants to become Hokage, just like you!
Naruto *angry*: I will be the one to become Hokage, dattebayo!
Asuka *sweat drops*: Sure, Naruto-kun! *turns towards the reader* Anyway, don't hesitate to leave comments or to favorite this story; the author will be even more motivated to write the next chapters! Thanks to those who've already done it! Have a nice day and see you soon!