Author's note: Ok so I got a bit of hate due to the rough relstionship Naruto has with his mother and all I have to say is that things happen for a reason, I just I don't decide to do ssomething due to some nonexistent grudge someone thought I have.
(Timeskip)
The last few months had gone quickly and in that time the Namikaze-Uzumaki household seemed to be more lively than it's ever been before. You have two Namikaze-Uzumaki twins and their energetic personalities to thank for that. To an outsider you would think that the family is the happiest that they have ever been but that was only half the truth. Everyone was excited due to the newest addition that would be coming soon to the family, however they were also a bit disappointed that Naruto was being seen less and less.
If you were to walk into his room then it would appear more empty than it normally was. That was because Naruto had all but moved into the Uchiha Compound.
He had told Itachi of the upcoming baby and Itachi already knew why Naruto had decided to spend all of his time away from his family. Itachi had tried to convince Naruto that maybe it wasn't so bad that he was going to have another addition to the family but Naruto would not see reason. Itachi didn't complain about Naruto's presence, actaully no one seemed to complain. Mikoto found it refreshing to have a reply that wasn't a "hn" and on top of that she also had a soft spot for her godson.
The few months that Naruto had been spending more time with Itachi had been rather productive, he had thrown himself into his training and as a result so did Itachi. They would have daily spars and study scrolls on tactics together. Everyonce in a while they would get an Uchiha, who was very different from the average Uchiha, aka Shisui Uchiha to help them practice team moves. Naruto had quickly hit it off with Shisui and the two established a good relationship.
The graduation exam was in about a week and Naruto and Itachi were excited to get out and show the shinobi world what they were made of. The graduation exam was originally supposed to be at a later date but the shinobi council encouraged the Hokage to put the exams at an earlier date seeing how competent the current batch of academy students seemed to be. It was decided that the graduation would be held at an earlier date and which resulted in almost every student being ecstatic at the prospect of an early graduation.
(1 Week Later)
The last week before Graduation day had passed fairly quickly and Naruto and Itachi had decided to take their final week before becoming licensed, certified, legitimate, undenia-you get the idea- shinobi easy.
Today was going to be a good day for Naruto, Yes sir, he was going to walk into that room, get astonishing marks on his tests and whoop Itachi's ass once and for all to become rookie of the year. After that he would just wait to be assigned to a team with people who were decent and hopefully he got along with. He was hoping that Itachi would be on his team but if that were to happen then their team would be severely unbalanced. Quickly putting on his clothes he exited the door.
"Looks like someone is eager to get ti class", said the Uchiha matriarch.
Scratching the back of his head in embarrassment Naruto replied with, "Well what can I say oba-san, I'm happy to finally get into the real world and make a name for myself."
At that Itachi who just came from his room hummed in agreement as well. Mikoto understood where the boys were coming from, not too long ago she was also an academy student who wanted to outgrow the Uchiha name and show the world that she was Mikoto and not just some Uchiha.
"Well then I guess you two will be happy to hear that I have already packed your lunches."
All she got was a cheer from Naruto and a nod from Itachi before they were out the door.
"Kids they grow up so fast", she said as a lone tear was traveling down her cheek. She quickly wiped it off before she saw her youngest son and would proceed by pampering him with lots of affection.
(On The Way to School)"So Itachi who are you hoping is placed on a team with y-"
"You" was his curt reply.
"Damn... that's it, no one else", Itachi shakes his head, "Well I was hoping either you or maybe Anko or Hana. Maybe even Yugao."
"Hn."
"Damn nothing else to say hm?"
"Hana or Yugao, sure, Anko absolutely not."
"Ah what why? She's really strong and she isn't a fan girl. If I'm being real here I think she plays for the other team if you know what I'm saying..."
"What?"
"You know she likes kitty."
"No I know what you meant I said what because I'm confused on why you even think that?"
"Well she never looks at any guy and she always spends her time with girls."
"...Naruto... you're an idiot, I'm surprised you even know what playing for the other team means."
"Hey I'm not that bad, I learnt the meaning behind it when a fan girl got mad at another rejection. But anyways were getting off topic, why don't you like her?"
"She seems like the type of person who will betray you in an instant." Was his brief response.
"Damn Itachi always brutal with your responses huh?"
"What? You asked me for the reason and I gave it to you without beating around the bush."
"Alright but you should keep an open heart and an open mind, never know what you'll find."
"Hn." Itachi replied right as they arrived at the school.
(A Few Minutes Later)By now everyone was in their classes waiting for the examination to begin.
"Alright class the examination will begin shortly, just to remind you guys we will start with a written assessment, once it is graded we will then go to a taijutsu test where you will have to show adequate knowledge in taijutsu by fighting an instructor for 5 minutes or until the instructor deems you're proficient enough or by knocking them out of the mats, you will also have to demonstrate proficiency in shurikenjutsu and finally you will do the 3 academy jutsus and also show us any extra technique for extra credit for the ninjutsu portion."
"Aw man here I was hoping to fight Itachi for the rookie of the year in a battle." Soon all the students started letting their voices being heard. After all its not everyday that you see two prodigies fighting each other.
"Alright everyone quiet down, Naruto you can still fight Itachi but that will be at the very end. Now back to what I was saying before remember cheating will result in immediate failure and try your best. Goodluck to everyone. The test begins now!"
(One Hour Later)Alright the first part of the exam is over, turn over your exams as pass then to the person at the end of your rows."
Shortly after the teacher left with all the exams and the students started to talk amongst themselves but not for long before the teacher came back with the test results.
"Hn. It appears as if you and I have tied for first place Naruto."
"I guess it does Itachi", replied Naruto with a confident smirk.
"Everyone listen up, its time for the second phase of this exam! Please follow me to the training mats."
"Alright first up is...( I'll skip these cause no one wants to read this)
Can Mitarashi Anko step up next? Ok we've been through the rules, the examination will begin in 3, 2, 1, now!"
Anko immediately lunged in to the the action by opening up with a thundering left hand that was blocked by the instructor. She tried an axe kick which was also blocked. The instructor grabbed at her leg and threw her a few feet away and proceeded to stand in place. Anko again rushed in with another left hand which this time missed due to the instructor moving out if the way. The instructor decided to punish Anko by hitting her with a side kick that sent her tumbling and nearly leaving the mat. Anko stood up with a discomfort in her body. This time she decided to switch her approach by again coming in with a left hand and changing it to a leg sweep last second. The instructor was knocked off balance and before he could hit the ground Anko hit him with a quick drop kick that sent him rolling off the mats.
The instructor dusted himself off and quickly stood up," Very well done Anko you used the same opening punch to lure me and then you quickly changed your approach. Next up is...( Again ill skip these next few fights) Uchiha Itachi please come to the mats next. The match will begin in 3, 2, 1, now!"
Unlike Anko Itachi decided to not move as soon as the fight started. A minute passed before the instructor decided that he had had enough and decide to initiate the fight by throwing a twelve to six kick which Itachi dodge and countered by hopping right and throwing a roundhouse kick with his left that tagged the instructors cheek. Itachi quickly pushed off of his right foot and was quickly approaching the instructor when the instructor threw a straight punch that Itachi barely caught right before he hip tossed him into the mat.
"OK that is enough. Itachi Uchiha you pass this test."
A nod of acknowledgement was Itachi's response.
"Alright last but not least could Namikaze-Uzumaki Naruto come to the mat? Alright Naruto we start on 3, 2, 1, now!"
Naruto immediately jumped to the middle of the mat which resulted in the two just circling each other for a few seconds before Naruto did a reverse roundhouse kick faint that had the teacher dash left before he got pushed by another kick that sent him off the mat.
"Very nice Naruto. This was a great session all around, everyone did very well. Now we move on to phase 3 follow me to the target practice section."
(A Few Minutes Later)Alright I'll be calling you guys by alphabetical order so first off could the following people step up...( Another skip)
Now that everyone is done the top three scorers in this part were, one: Uchiha Itachi with a score of ten out of ten shuriken and ten out of ten kunais landed. Two: Namikaze-Uzumaki Naruto with a score of ten out of ten kunais landed and nine out of ten shurikens landed. Three: Mitarashi Anko with a score of eight out of ten kunais landed and nine out of ten shurikens landed. Now the last phase of this exam will commence now. You will all be called individually and be asked to demonstrate all three basic academy jutsus to an instructor. If there aren't any questions then first up is...( Another skip)"
While the tests were being administered Itachi had decided to find Naruto to rub salt in the wound. "He, how does it feel to realize that you won't be getting rookie of the year now that you lost to me in a competition?"
"Keep talking big guy, it'll be all the more satisfying when I bring you down a few."
"Damn you must be really mad that you didn't even acknowledge my question."
"Hn." Itachi and Naruto quickly looked at each other before Naruto broke into a fit of laughter and even Itachi cracked a smile.
"I didn't know you were part Uchiha Naruto."
"I think I've been spending too much time around your family, no offense.
"None taken."
"Coo- I mean hn." This time both started laughing.
After they had time to recompose themselves Itachi decided to bring up the reason why he came to Naruto. "How about this, we fight a taijutsu battle and the winner gets the honor of rookie of the year?" Asked Itachi with a smirk.
Naruto with a matching smirk replied, "You're on." With that they just sat back and relaxed waiting to be called.
"Can Uchiha Itachi come to room nine?"
"Can Namikaze-Uzumaki Naruto come into room ten?"
"See you in a bit Itachi."
"Hn."
As Itachi stepped into the room he was escorted by the teacher into a corner.
"Alright Itachi first up perform the substitution jutsu."
*poof*
Itachi substituted with a desk behind the teacher, "Good, next up henge into anyone you know."
*poof*
Where Itachi was at a few minutes ago now stood Naruto. And with another poof Itachi stood in the same spot once again.
"OK good now for your last jutsu make a perfect clone of yourself.
*poof*To Itachi's left stood a perfect clone of himself.
"Great job Itachi you have earned your headband, wear it with pride. You are dismissed and may wait outside for the rest of your peers."
Itachi bowed in respect and walked put of the room.
(A Few Minutes Earlier)"Alright Naruto first up is the substitution jut-"
*poof*Realizing that the Naruto had swapped places with him he quickly moved on. "Next is the transfor-"
*poof*
When the smoke cleared up Itachi Uchiha could be seen standing where Naruto was standing just a moment ago. "Hn. Hn. Hn." Naruto undid the henge before bursting into laughter.
At this the teacher sweatdropped and decided to move on. "Last but not least a perfect cl-"
"Shadow Clone Jutsu"
*poof*5 Narutos could be seen in the room.
Instead of a shocked teacher Naruto was greeted by an enraged teacher. "DAMMIT GAKI CAN YOU LET ME FINISH SPEAKING?!"
Naruto sheepishly scratching the back of his head replied, "Hehe sorry."
Sighing the teacher said, "It's alright, anyways I am glad to say that you have passed. Here is your headband you may return outside and wait for the rest of your classmates."
"Thanks you sensei."
"No problem but look kid you got a good head on you, use it."
"Ok?" With that a confused Naruto walked out of the classroom.
"That kids got to learn patience or else he won't make it too far in his career."
(Outside of the Classroom)
After Naruto and Itachi both walked out they realized that everyone was there now.
"I would like to start off by saying congratulations to those who passed and to those who failed do not be disheartened the path of the shinobi is a hard and long one and although you may have lost today, you will fight once more. Team placements will be in a week from now and everyone who passed will need to report to the academy to be assigned to their team. If there aren't any questions then I would like by naming the kunoichi and rookie of the year.
The kunoichi of the year is Mitarashi Anko. The rookie of the year is-"
"Pardon the interruption sensei but I would like to put my spot as rookie of the year up for grabs." This earned many gasps from the crowd. "I will fight Naruto and if I lose I shall hand over the rank of rookie of they year and if I were to win then I would keep it and be owed a favor by Naruto. Does this sound fair?" At thus everyone looked at Naruto who was smirking.
"You're on dattebayo!"
"Ok but what are the rules of this spar?" Asked the instructor.
Itachi looked at Naruto, "How about taijutsu only?"
"Sounds fair."
"Alright if both parties agree to the stipulation then everyone please follow me outside." Everyone quickly rushed outside, excited at the chance of watching the top two students in the class fight. While some were bummed that it was taijutsu only they decided that something is better than nothing.
"LISTEN UP EVERYONE! THE MATCH BETWEEN UCHIHA ITACHI AND NAMIKAZE-UZUMAKI NARUTO TO DETERMINE WHO THE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR IS ABOUT TO BEGIN! ARE BOTH FIGHTERS READY?!" At this he received nods from both Naruto and Itachi. "THEN... BEGIN!"
Immediately both fighters jumped back.
Just when Naruto was about to tense Itachi did something that shocked everyone, "Sensei, I forfeit."
Author'sNote: Well its almost been a year since I last updated and I just decided to post this chapter. I hope you guys enjoy.
