Chapter 5 – Fresh Genin

It took a couple weeks to set everything up for Itachi's potential early graduation, the details of which had been finally released to Itachi himself. Itachi would finish this school year, and towards the end he would be given a graduation exam, if he passed he would graduate alongside the older students, and be placed upon a genin team. However, if he scored below 90% he would just advance to the next class along with any of his current class. The stakes weren't that high, if he 'failed' the graduation exam he would be in no different of a situation then he was in currently. Although the Hokage, and elders tried to keep this information private for the time being, somehow the news got out, and it spread like a wild fire. Every city in the Land of Fire had heard about Konohagakure's newest prodigy, and many of the other countries were beginning to hear about it as well. This however placed a lot of importance on him passing the exam, with Konohagakure being seen as 'weak' by the other villages having another prodigy would bolster the village's status as the strongest village once again, and hopefully bring more clients to the village. Itachi understood these things, and that is why he was practicing with Shisui currently. Shisui had passed his exam a few years ago, so he was Itachi's most useful resource.

The exam would consist of a written exam that would include thirty multiple choice questions, and three essay questions. There also is a practical exam where the student is required to preform 'basic' tasks including stuff like creating a clone, or using body replacement technique. Other parts of the practical exam are used to gauge a ninja's accuracy with kunai, and their Taijutsu skills. Currently they were preparing for the written portion of the exam, Shisui had made several cards with a question on one side and the answer on the other side. This took away the option for Itachi to choose between multiple options, if he is able to answer the question without multiple options then he would pass the exam with ease. When Shisui would leave for missions Itachi would spend his time practicing his form and accuracy, his father recently taught his a few techniques to improve his chakra control, he was able to walk up trees with relative ease, but he couldn't walk on water yet.

In exchange for helping Itachi with his exam, Itachi was helping Shisui prepare for the Chunin exams, they would regularly spar and show each other new techniques they had learned. Shisui benefited especially from fighting with Itachi because of Itachi's unique fighting style. Itachi was also able to help Shisui determine weakness in his Taijutsu, Itachi's best feature was his ability to analyze any situation and break it apart, examine each piece individually. Shisui would often win their spars, but Itachi always gave him a difficult time. Itachi's worst skill was his endurance, he would always start their fight fast and hard, but if Shisui could survive the first little bit he would ultimately overtake Itachi.

Setting down the exam cards, "You did much better today, I don't think you answered a single question wrong." The older boy stated.

"I need to score perfect if I am going to pass this exam, besides we've been doing this quite a bit." The younger Uchiha used to excuse his accomplishment.

"I'm just saying it's no small feat." Looking at his watch, "I better get going, my sensei hates it if I'm late." The joyful boy said with an embarrassed smile. Before leaving he turned his head, "And don't worry about the exam, you've got this."

Except Itachi didn't feel like he was prepared for it, he still had more training he needed to complete first.


Izumi was sitting at a table looking through a book on Taijutsu forms, Itachi was beside her giving her input as to pros and cons of several of the forms she enjoyed. This was harder than it looked, was Itachi first proposed the idea she thought that it would take a few minutes and then she'd get to start training, but it was taking a lot longer than she had originally planned.

"What about this one?'' The hopeful kunoichi asked pointing to a particular fighting style.

Reading the brief paragraph Itachi thought it over for a moment, "That style focuses too much on powerful kicks, which can be easily countered if you miss."

Setting her head on the table, "This is difficult, how am I supposed to choose so early?"

"You aren't going to find a perfect style; every style is going to has their own weaknesses and strengths. Once you find the right style for you, you'll need to work on playing towards its strength while minimizing it weaknesses." Flipping through the book stopping near the beginning, "I would recommend one of these basic styles until you know more about what you're looking for."

Raising her head, "But those styles are so boring" The energetic girl proclaimed, "I want a cool Taijutsu like you and Shisui."

Izumi met Shisui a few weeks ago when him and Itachi were sparing together,

It was a warmer day in the Hidden Leaf, Izumi was taking a run trying to improve her physical health. She was getting a bit of exercise in before she went over to 'train' with Itachi, she didn't classify it as training, it was more of Itachi telling her everything she was doing wrong. They hadn't even spared yet, he told her that she was too weak to fight with him. Izumi knew that he was trying keep her motivated to improve her skills, but he could be a bit nicer about it. Deciding to get to the training field a bit early, she stopped her running a bit short of the field. Breathing in and feeling the air burn her lungs she walked over to the location she was planning to meet Itachi. Arriving there early she was surprised to see two people their fighting, examining the situation she noticed the one boy was Itachi.

"Itachi!" she exclaimed

This caused the named boy to look over at her, getting hit by Shisui's kick as result. Grabbing his stuck side, he glanced over at the girl causing her to shrink. "What Izumi?" The boy questioned through gritted teeth.

The now embarrassed girl realized her mistake, "So-orry" she stuttered, "I thought you were in danger."

This caused the only Genin in the group to laugh, "He wasn't until you called his name." Looking over at his training partner, "He will be fine in a moment though, it's not the first kick he's received."

Standing up fully as if on cue, "But never without preparing for it." Looking over at the young girl, "Izumi this is Shisui" motioning over to the other boy.

Looking at both of the boys and noting their similarities, "Wait… Are you Itachi's brother!?" She knew that Itachi had a brother but all this time she assumed it was a younger brother.

This caused the oldest kid to once again start laughing, "No, we're only training together." The young shinobi said, tears forming in his eyes from laughing so hard.

Izumi blushed even harder, she had embarrassed herself twice now, and in front of Itachi's friend no less.

Ever since that day she would occasionally watch the two spar, hoping to be able to join one day. Realizing that at Itachi was probably right she reluctantly agreed that one of the 'boring' styles would be best, at least until she began finding her own way. Now that she had finally decided upon a style she would be able to start training! Or so she thought, but instead she was handed a few more books from Itachi.

"What are these?!" She proclaimed, her eyes growing with surprise.

"You should read these before you begin training, you wouldn't want to teach yourself bad habits." Itachi said, the beginnings of a smile forming on his lips.

"I'm never going to get to train." The girl complained, in defeat.


The day has finally come for his graduate exam, Itachi was nervous, but anyone looking at him wouldn't have a clue, he had a stern, cool exterior. By this point everyone in the village knew his name, and he got mixed reaction from everyone. For some people he was the hope of the village, a prodigy that could restore the Leaf's glory. However, many of the villagers despised him because of his heritage, many villagers still despised the Uchihas because they believed that they played a part in the Nine-Tails attack. As Itachi walked to the academy some of the villagers wished him luck, but the majority of them either turned away, or spit on the ground before him. It didn't bother Itachi though, none of them were truly causing him any harm, they were just using him as a way to deal with their pain, it wasn't excusable, but it was understandable.

Arriving at the academy he was greeted by a smiling Izumi, "Good morning."

Nodding at the younger girl, "Good morning." Looking around Itachi noticed that she was getting dirty looks from many of the other students, especially the girls. "What's that about?" He questioned motioning to the other students.

This caused blush to creep into Izumi's cheeks, "Ummm….. Well, someone spread the rumor that we're dating, you know cause of all the time we're spending together training."

Now Itachi was great at analyzing situations, but he was also rather humble and didn't realize that his fellow students would get jealous like this because they assumed he was dating someone, that is why he questioned the situation. "Is that it?"

Izumi was hoping for some kinds of reaction other than a neutral reaction, a negative reaction would be fine as well, as long as she knew what he was feeling. Before she could speak however they were joined by Shisui from behind, "Good luck man, it's not like you'll need it" he chuckled, "But seriously, you've got this."

Reaching the academy most of the students were preparing for the graduation ceremony later, all of the main rooms were occupied, except for one, the room meant for his exam. Stopping at the door, he looked back at his fellow clan members, and said his farewells.


Shisui was pretty sure Izumi was more nervous than Itachi who was taking the exam. It was obvious to most everyone except Itachi that Izumi had feelings for him. Over the past few months Itachi had become as close to as a brother as anyone has, and his greatest talent was how he managed to analyze every scenario, except for this one. However maybe Itachi did know how she felt, he was taking time from his training to help her, and he obviously didn't do that with anyone.

Interrupting the silence, "Do you think he will pass the exam?" The nervous student asked.

"Without a doubt" Shisui smirked, "Between you and me I asked him questions much harder than that exam will, and he flew through them."

"You what?" she chuckled, most of her nerves fading away, "Why would you do that?"

Scratching the back of his head, "Well most of what the academy teaches is beginner stuff, you know."

Shisui wasn't trying to sound arrogant, and certainly wasn't trying to upset Izumi, but his words did hurt a little bit, after all these 'basic' topics was what she was struggling to learn right now. Turning to face the door both Uchihas watched as Itachi walked out of the room and over to them.

Izumi stood up, "Well, did you pass?" She urgently questioned


After Itachi entered the room one of the chunin closed the door, there was a total of three proctors, his current sensei, a Huyuga, and another chunin who Itachi didn't recognize. Sitting down in the open seat Itachi looked up to his sensei.

Looking down at his brilliant student, "I believe you already know the rules," after receiving a nod from his student, "Then only one thing remains, are you ready?"

Itachi was as prepared as he could be, but he still didn't quite feel ready. Nevertheless, he had to get it over with, there is no need to dread the exam yet. "Yes sensei"

Setting down the written exam in front of Itachi, "Well then, you may begin."

With that Itachi started the written portion of his exam, over the next thirty minutes he answered each question, making sure that he carefully read each question. Once he finished he stood up, handing his paper to his sensei.

Looking up from where he was sitting a bit confused, "Finished already?" he questioned. This question concerned Itachi a bit, but he couldn't afford to doubt himself now. With a nod his sensei took the paper, handing to the unnamed chunin. "Now for the practical exam, go over to the marked area of the floor." Pointing toward an exam in the middle of the room.

Walking over to the center of the room Itachi motioned that he was ready, the Huyuga began speaking this time, "In order to become a genin we need to know that you can competently preform at least three jutsu, you may choose whichever three you please."

Itachi stood there a moment before running through a few hand signs, manipulating chakra throughout his body, he created a perfect clone of himself. The proctors discussed this among themselves for a moment before motioning for him to continue. Running through a few more hand signs Itachi visibly began changing in appearance, it was only slightly but is displayed his skill over the transformation technique. The proctors discussed this once again before being content and telling him to proceed.

They all stayed there in silence for a few minutes before his sensei stood up and looked around, "How did you?" realizing what happened, he sat back down. Leaning over he whispered to the other two proctors before standing up, "Congratulations Itachi Uchiha as being the youngest post-ware graduate." Walking over he handed him a forehead protector. Leaning over he questioned, "When did you place that genjutsu on me?"

Tying the forehead protector onto his head, "When I handed you my written exam out hands briefly touched, I applied the genjutsu then."

This surprised all three of the chunin, most students didn't even begin to get into genjutsu until they become a chunin. They could already tell that he was going to be formidable foe.


A/N: If anyone is looking to beta read/edit a story hit me up, and we hopefully can work something out. I am also working on a brief character description for my interpretation of each on the characters, if you guys are interested let me know and I'll post it as a chapter. Also, what did everyone think about Shisui showing Itachi how to wrap a hand, did it make sense or should I revise it?

"Once you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, no matter how improbable, must be the truth." – Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (Sherlock Holmes)