Months seemed to blur by as Maruku continued his training. As his reserves grew he eventually added the three basic ninjutsu as well as studying fuuinjutsu. He knew that if he wanted to get home fuuinjutsu and maybe space time ninjutsu would be involved. But that would be a long time coming, he would need to be promoted to jounin before he could study such things.

Fuuinjutsu he found to be almost needlessly complicated. He just didn't get the math behind it all. Still that could come later. Right now he had to study for his graduation exams, while being on a team might make him stand out more it would be the best way to advance through the ranks right now.

Graduation came before he knew it and he felt confident with his results. The only tests left were the tai and ninjutsu portion. As he was waiting for his name to be called Maruku couldn't help but wonder what team he'll be on. If he had it his way it would be on an average team with not alot of attention. That way he could still have the freedom of being a ninja but without to many eyes on him.

"Maruku you're up." The boy in question walked out back to the courtyard. His taijutsu examiner was Mizuki. He couldn't help but grin, he was going to enjoy punching this asshole. The signal to begin rang out and Maruku immediately launched forward a fist ready to punch this dickhead's face. As his opponent moved to interpret the boy hid a smile. He had fallen for his feint. A clean kick made itself known to Mizuki's side and Maruku took a bit more pleasure in watching him gasp then he probably should have. Leaping back and taking his stance once more the boy readied himself for the second half of this test. Defense. Maruku ducked, bobbed and weaved, his eyes easily keeping track. Then he saw it, an opening! Stepping closer, he dodged the punch coming at his face and retaliated in kind. The crunch of cartilage and bone made him feel a bit queasy but Maruku took solace in the fact that it was MIzuki who he was punching.

"Enough! You pass. Onto ninjutsu." Following Iruka to an empty classroom he breezed through the test.

"Congratulations you are now a ninja of the hidden leaf. Serve your people and your village well." The head band he was offered was simply a steel plate with the leaf emblem on it with black cloth. Maruku took it with an almost reverent level of respect. This was the physical manifestation of everything he had worked for so far. He tied it around his head with a smile. One more test and he would be a ninja. But for now it was time to celebrate.

As he walked outside his eyes couldn't help but wonder to the iconic swing. Sure enough there was an expected but nonetheless sad scene. Naruto sitting on the swing away from everybody else looking miserable. He tore his eyes away. As much as he wanted to reach out, to be the other boy's friend, Naruto was just to high profile. He also knew that if he found away home the other boy would stop at nothing to bring him back. His place in this world wasn't permanent and he would not mess with peoples feelings like that.

So it was with a heavy heart Maruku walked right by with not a word spoken between them. Wondering the village he came to a weapon shop. He bought a standard new kunai and shuriken set but the stand out item were a pair of steel knuckle dusters. Putting his new weapons away he got takeout and went home. Tomorrow he would be on a team.

He woke up late. Getting dressed he rushed to the academy and made it just in time to see Naruto and Sasuke's non-consual make out session. He laughed, he couldn't help it. Taking his seat he patiently waited for team assignments. As Iruka went through the filler teams he was starting to get worried. He was a nobody, he was supposed to be on a filler team.

"Team 7, Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke." Maruku sighed in relief, looks like things haven't been changed too much.

"As well as Maruku." He faced palmed. What the fuck is this. He raised his hand

"Uh, sensei aren't there only supposed to be three genin to a team?" Maruku asked

"Normally yes but we had more graduates this year." that seemed to be all the explanation that he was going to get. Eventually all the other students left with their jounin leaving all four genin left together. Looking at his team he saw Sasuke looking out an window, Sakura was looking at him, and Naruto was setting up a prank. He sighed, he had his work cut out for him.

Suddenly the sliding door opened and an eraser fell right onto Kakashi's head. He was taller than Maruku thought he would be.

"Roof, three minutes." the whole team scrambled towards the door. When everybody was situated on the roof introductions began. Everything went exactly as it always did until it was time to introduce himself.

"Alright Boring how about you?" Maruku was affronted. He most definitely was not boring.

"My name is Maruku, I like sushi, I dislike pickles, and my dream is to be a great ninja."

"Hm. Alright, real training begins tomorrow. I suggest that you don't eat breakfast or you'll just throw it up. See ya!" With his orders and advice spoken the elite ninja vanished in a puff of smoke. Gathering his nerves he spoke to his team. Things were already changed so he might as well try and make friends.

"Hey guys since we're all on the same team do you want to hang out." Both Sasuke and Sakura by proxy ignored him. Naruto however looked interested.

"Know any good spots to eat?" Maruku's question was completely rhetorical but he followed Naruto as the other boy took off while rambling. He couldn't help but smile, things were different now.