Demon: Welcome back to the Orphan Trio.

GoodWriter: This is going to be interesting.

Lexboss: I'm sure it will be. (looks around) Hey, where's Creeper?

Demon: He's resting in a secret location.

GoodWriter: Why?

Demon: Well, I managed to talk with him a bit, and he said he has a bit of a…problem.

Lexboss: What kind of problem?

Demon: He wants to hurt GoodWriter, but since he can't, he's losing his mind.

Lexboss: Is there a way to keep him from going nuts?

Demon: I have one idea, but it would need some blood from GoodWriter.

GoodWriter: Done.

(Demon draws a vial of blood)

Demon: Alright, if things go well, he should be fine soon. Anyway, on to the story.

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto in any way. Nor do I own Ninja Warrior/Sasuke in any way.

"Talking" – Thinking – Demon/Summoning Speaking/Jutsu – Demon/Summon Thinking

The Orphan Trio, Chapter 8: The Graduation Test

Everyone was working hard on the first part of the final exam, some clearly having an easier time than others. One of the struggling students was Naruto. He was clearly having trouble with the questions, as evidenced by his lack of writing. 'What the hell? I don't remember any of this being taught in the academy?!' Naruto thought frantically. The blonde was right.

Unbeknownst to Naruto or the other instructors, Mezuki had given Naruto a written exam for the last Jonin test, hoping that Naruto wouldn't know any answers and fail the first part. Unfortunately, Naruto was unable to answer any of the questions correctly, although he gave a valiant effort. By the time he finished, the time was just about up. A few moments later, Iruka called, "Time!" Everyone handed their exams to Mezuki before being led outside for the Taijutsu exam. Smirking, Mezuki turned to leave but was stopped by Daikoku. "I'll take those, Mezuki." Reluctantly, the white-haired instructor gave the man the exams before heading outside. Daikoku sealed the papers in a scroll before following Mezuki.

(page break)

Everyone was waiting patiently for the next part to begin. Naruto, Toshi, and Kurohi were discussing the written test. "That part wasn't too hard." Toshi commented as he looked at the teachers walking up to them. Naruto scoffed slightly, "For you, maybe. For me, it was hell. How was I supposed to know how long a Kunai would last in the air when thrown at a 30 degree upward angle?" The blonde replied, surprising his two friends. "Wait, what? That wasn't on the test." Kurohi said, confused. After only a moment, they realized what must've happened. "Those sons of-"

"Alright," Iruka called, unknowingly cutting the trio off, "We will now begin the Taijutsu portion of the exam. Each of you will pull a colored ball from the bag when your test starts. The color you pull will determine the instructor you face. In order to pass, you must successfully last five minutes against the instructor inside the sparring circle. If you are knocked out or fall out early, you will lose points but still have a grade. If you manage to force the instructor out of the ring, you will earn bonus points. Remember, Taijutsu only. You'll lose points for using any Ninjutsu or Genjutsu. So, first up, Kiba."

Kiba pulled a red ball, which meant he was to face Iruka. The scarred Chunin was holding back for the purposes of the test, but it didn't help Kiba much, who fell out of the ring after only a minute. Shino was next, pulling a white ball for Mezuki. Like Kiba, Shino lasted barely a minute due to his low Taijutsu skill and reliance on his clan's jutsus. Sakura, Ino, and Choji all pulled Iruka and managed to last about two minutes, Choji lasting a little over three. Shikamaru pulled a white ball and forfeited immediately, walking over to a tree while muttering "Troublesome." Ami and Sai managed to last the full five minutes against Mezuki, although Ami had a bit of difficulty.

"Sasuke Uchiha." Daikoku announced. The Uchiha pulled a red ball and prepared for his test. Iruka held back, but even Sasuke was having trouble. Sasuke passed, but lost points for using his Fireball jutsu to blast Iruka out of the ring. As expected, Sasuke was pissed at Daikoku for taking points off, but the instructor told him he didn't follow instructions. The Uchiha stormed off in anger. A few other students barely lasted thirty seconds before being knocked back. Hinata managed to paralyze Mezuki with her Gentle Fist strikes, and then soccer kicked him out of the ring. Finally, it was down to the trio.

"Toshi Jiryo." Toshi pulled a red ball and prepared to face Iruka. Iruka smiled slightly. At first, he didn't like Naruto or his two friends because of Naruto's "tenant". However, after four years of dealing with them, he had changed his tune. Sure, he wasn't thrilled with how often they would sleep in class or screw around, but he could easily tell they weren't anything more than rambunctious kids who studied their asses off at home. He honestly felt horrible about how he sabotaged their grades throughout the academy, but he knew that they would be able to pass the final test easily. Even so, he wanted to make sure they had a fair chance, hence why he asked the Hokage to bring Daikoku in for an unbiased instructor.

Iruka and Toshi fought well for the five minutes. Iruka could tell that Toshi was holding back, just like he was. He knew just from watching the Magnet user's spars with Sasuke. By the end of the time, Iruka was teetering on the edge of the ring. After Toshi left and Kurohi was called, Mezuki walked to the circle. Kurohi returned the white ball and went to the ring.

Unlike Iruka, Mezuki didn't have a change in his views of the three. He hated Naruto since he felt the boy was the Kyuubi in human form. He also hated the demon's two friends since they were obviously corrupted by the fox. He decided not to hold back, figuring if the demon and his friends failed, he'd be considered a hero. He purposely left the two alone during the written test because he knew they'd realize they were given a tougher test. Here, however, there was no way to prove he wasn't holding back.

Unfortunately, he didn't get much of a chance to hold back. As soon as the spar started, Kurohi shot forward and kicked the white-haired man straight into a tree. Unsurprisingly, Kurohi wasn't happy to learn that Mezuki had sabotaged Naruto's written test. Kurohi smirked and walked off the circle. Naruto's name was finally called as Mezuki picked himself up off the tree. The instructor was in some pain, but smirked nonetheless seeing Naruto pull his ball. The two got into the ring and stared at each other.

"You're an asshole, you know that Mezuki-sensei?" Naruto spat, surprising everyone except Toshi and Kurohi. Mezuki frowned. "What do you mean, Naruto?" The instructor asked in a fake nice tone. Naruto rolled his eyes at Mezuki's tone. "Just giving me a test that is too advanced for a graduation test is all. Unless everyone was asked the process to get into ANBU and how long a kunai would last in the air at a 30 degree angle." Iruka narrowed his eyes at his fellow instructor and Daikoku unsealed the test papers. Sure enough, Naruto's test was a Jonin exam test. Daikoku knew it because he took one to see how he'd fare, and he failed it. Daikoku resealed the tests and turned to the blonde. "You will be given the opportunity to retake that test before the final test." The instructor stated as he started the spar.

Mezuki cursed silently. Now, Naruto couldn't fail due to his written test. Worse, he was found out. 'That's it. The demon dies now!' Mezuki thought angrily. Holding nothing back, Mezuki threw a powerful punch at Naruto's temple, intending to end him in one shot. Naruto saw the man's plan and ducked at the last second. Mezuki was thrown off balance by the missed punch and couldn't stop Naruto from upper-cutting him. Mezuki regained his footing and launched a kick at the blonde. Naruto managed to grab the Chunin's leg and threw him over his shoulder, using Mezuki's momentum to his advantage. Mezuki landed outside the circle, but he didn't care. He was going to kill this demon, come hell or high water.

Mezuki threw a couple hand signs before shouting. "Now you die! Earth Style: Earth Spear Jutsu!" Naruto managed to jump out of the way as a number of sharp spikes shot out of the ground. The blonde used one of the spikes as a makeshift springboard and jumped towards the instructor. Naruto head-butted Mezuki hard and the white-haired Chunin fell on his back. Before he could stand back up, Kurohi walked up to him, throwing a couple hand signs. "Dark Style: Piercing Gaze!"

Mezuki saw the world around him turn to darkness before a number of creepy-looking eyes appeared out of the darkness and started glaring at him. Mezuki wildly swung around, trying to hit the eyes while yelling at them to leave him alone. Freaking out, Mezuki ran around, trying to escape the glare of the numerous eyes. He finally managed to escape them when he unknowingly ran straight into the same tree Kurohi kicked him into, knocking himself unconscious. Iruka quickly ran to get the Hokage while Daikoku told everyone they'd have an hour to relax while Naruto retook his written test.

(page break)

The students, including Naruto, were all waiting for the last part of the exam. Iruka managed to get to the Hokage and explain what happened. Sarutobi quickly called two ANBU to pick up the former instructor and take him to Ibiki, the head of the T&I, or Torture and Interrogation, department for Konoha. It wasn't long before Mezuki confessed that he was in league with some of the civilian councilors and was to fail Naruto, and if possible, kill him. He admitted to all of the times he sabotaged Naruto's and his friends' grades to fail them. Once Mezuki finished confessing, he was thrown into a cell to await his sentence for attempted murder of a child.

During this time, Naruto was given a correct copy of the test and managed to finish it in record time. As expected, this one was much easier to complete. Before they could issue the third part of the exam, Iruka and Daikoku had to grade the students on the first two parts. A fair number had failed the first two parts, which meant they needed an astounding performance on their Ninjutsu test to graduate. Others, like Naruto, Toshi, Kurohi, and Sasuke, aced the first two parts, albeit with Sasuke losing a few points in the Taijutsu test. Now that each student's grades were finished, Iruka walked into the classroom to announce the test and call the first student in.

"Alright. I will now inform you of what this last test is about. This test is to gauge your Ninjutsu abilities. In order to pass this portion, you must correctly use the Henge, Substitution, and Clone Jutsus. With the Clone jutsu, you can use a variant if you are unable to use the standard clone." Iruka pointed out, knowing Naruto and his friends couldn't use the standard Clone jutsu. "In addition, you may also display one other jutsu you know for bonus points. After your performance, we will let you know whether you graduated or not. If you did, you will return to the Academy in two days to receive your team assignments. If you did not pass, you can choose to either retake the year again, or drop out of the Academy if you so choose. Now, will Shino Aburame follow me?" Shino followed Iruka into the next room to take his test.

Shino passed easily, displaying his use of his insects to drain chakra for extra points. He walked out with a headband, saying Choji was next. Choji managed to pass with the three jutsu, and showed his Expansion jutsu for extra points. He was awarded his headband and told the next one to send in. The test continued as such. Ami tried hard, but was unable to complete the Substitution jutsu or the Henge properly and therefore failed. Sasuke showed the three and his Fireball and passed. Sakura and Ino each passed the three needed, but Sakura had no extra jutsu to show, while Ino showed off her Mind Transfer jutsu. Shikamaru lazily completed his three and displayed his Shadow Possession jutsu. Sai showed his Super Beast Scroll, creating an ink Iruka before dispelling it. Kiba and Akamaru, his dog, displayed their Man Beast Clone for extra points. Hinata pulled off her 8 Trigrams-32 Palms jutsu on the log used for Substitution and passed.

A number of students came in with different techniques, and some passed the exam while others failed. Many of them couldn't overcome their poor performance in the first two exams. When Toshi was called in, he used the Henge and Substitution easily, and then used his Lightning clone as a replacement for the clone. He displayed his Magnetism Attract jutsu to stick the two instructors' headbands together before dispelling the jutsu. After he walked out, Kurohi went in and mirrored his friend's success, using his Darkness clone and Piercing Gaze for bonus points, not that he needed them.

Finally, Naruto had his turn. Naruto successfully used the Henge and Substitution, and then used the Shadow Clone jutsu for his replacement to the clone. Finally, the blonde decided to have some fun and used his Sexy jutsu for bonus, sending both instructors back with a nose bleed. While Iruka was pissed Naruto did that "stupid jutsu" as he called it, Naruto countered that it was a good use against most male enemies, and he could reverse it for use against female opponents. Truthfully, Naruto didn't know about that until Toshi pointed it out to him, and he was glad his friend told him. Iruka understood, and while he wasn't happy to see that jutsu again, he accepted its use, albeit limited, in the field. The scarred Chunin smiled and handed Naruto his headband, and the blond happily went back into the classroom, the instructors following him.

"Alright, class. Or, should I say, fellow ninjas," Iruka said proudly, "Report back to this classroom in two days. You will receive your team assignments there. Enjoy tomorrow, because starting two days from now, the road ahead will be difficult. Good day." Iruka dismissed the class and turned to Daikoku. "Thanks for helping me with the exam, Daikoku. Also, thanks for not having a grudge against Naruto. I honestly feel horrible for not having that quality at first."

Daikoku chuckled as the two instructors left the room. "Don't mention it. I'm glad to make sure everyone had a fair chance to graduate. Besides, that little brat isn't a bad kid at all. I even used to shelter him a few times when the mobs would chase after him as a kid. I wonder if he even realizes that I was that man who helped him back then." Iruka smiled, "Even if he doesn't remember you specifically, I'm sure he's never going to forget the kindness shown by a stranger when he was in trouble."

(page break)

Ami sat on the bench outside of the Academy, upset that she failed a second time. She was hoping to graduate and become a ninja. Specifically, she was hoping to finally move out of the orphanage she's lived in for her entire life. But now, she wasn't a ninja, she couldn't earn money to get a place to live, and she was having serious doubts that she would pass if she tried again. 'I guess I'm just not cut out for being a ninja. Damn, now what?' She thought sadly as she watched other students leave with their headbands on, smiling proudly. Soon after, she felt a hand on her shoulder and turned to see her three friends smiling at her, all sporting headbands.

"Hey, Ami, are you feeling alright?" Naruto asked softly, his hand on her shoulder. Ami sighed sadly and faced forward again. "Not really. I'm kind of having doubts." Kurohi walked over and sat next to Ami, while Toshi sat on her other side. Naruto stayed behind her, his hands now on the bench. "Doubts about what?" Kurohi asked, concerned. Ami looked down, not wanting to see the headbands anymore.

"I'm thinking that I'm not cut out to be a ninja. I already took the exam twice and failed each time. The first time I was sure I had slacked off just a bit too much, so I tried my best this time. But, it didn't matter. I still failed. Now, I can't get out of that damn orphanage." Tears started to fall from the girl's eyes, and the three guys felt sad for her. Naruto in particular knew how she felt because he lived in the same orphanage when he was younger. Even with how he was treated for having the Kyuubi in him, he knew the orphanage was miserable for everyone there. However, he had a thought and smiled slightly.

"Ami, what if you were offered a job that didn't require you to be a ninja?" The blond asked, raising his friends' attention. Ami sighed before answering her friend. "I looked around. I'm too young for any civilian jobs at the moment. The only way I could have a job is if I turn 16 or I do missions as a ninja." She heard Naruto chuckle a bit, but didn't get the chance to ask why he was laughing.

"I can think of one job you can have that doesn't require a certain age, or a headband. Can you, Kurohi?" The Dark user was confused until Naruto pointed towards the direction of their obstacle course. Getting the idea, Kurohi beamed. "That's right, Naruto. There is a job she can get without a headband or age requirement." Turning to Ami, he spoke again. "Ami, you know we run the Ninja Warrior course, right?" Seeing Ami's nod, he continued. "Well, we could use someone to run the registration booth. If you like, you can do that." Ami's eyes widened at the proposal given to her.

"You're serious? You'll hire me to work with the course?" Ami asked excitedly. Kurohi nodded, and Ami happily grabbed the Dark user in a bear hug. "Thank you! Finally, I can work to get out of that hell hole!" Ami replied, happy to start her new path. Naruto smiled at his friend's reaction, before he remembered something else he talked to the old man about.

"Ami, I think there's a way you can get out of the orphanage even faster than you think." Seeing Ami's hopeful face, he continued. "I spoke with the old man recently, and he told me that our landlord currently has a four bedroom apartment available. If you would like, we could all live together. This way, not only will you be out of the orphanage, but the rent won't be as difficult to handle. What do you guys think?"

Kurohi thought for a moment before responding. "Actually, that would be a good idea. We'll all be able to stay in contact this way, since we'll all live together."

Toshi added his opinion as well. "True, Kurohi. Plus, the rent for each of us will be lower than if we had a three bedroom or a single apartment." Naruto smiled and turned back to Ami. "So, what do you think, Ami? Would you like to live with us?"

Ami was stunned. First, her friends offered her a job, and now they're offering for her to live with them?! "Of course!" Ami shouted as she jumped the bench and bear hugged Naruto like she did Kurohi. After letting Ami calm down, Toshi cleared his throat. "Alright, then it's settled. Let's head to the Hokage's office. We need to get our identification pictures taken, and we can discuss the apartment with Lord Hokage there." The four friends started towards the Hokage tower, ready to get things going.

Demon: There we go. Chapter 8 is finished.

Lexboss: Wow, what a dick.

GoodWriter: I know, right? Mezuki must have been horrible in the canon.

Demon: He tried to kill Naruto and Iruka, so yeah.

Lexboss: So, what's the next chapter going to be?

Demon: I'm going to go to the team arrangements, then the bell test the chapter after.

GoodWriter: Something tells me this won't be like canon.

Demon: No shit. They're not going to be total idiots. Anyway, read and review!

(Hidden Location)

(A scientist observes Creeper sleeping in a room when another shows up with a box)

Scientist 1: What's that?

Scientist 2: Boss said it's GoodWriter's blood. He said we know what to do with it.

Scientist 1: Right.

(Both glance to the vial then to Creeper)

New Jutsu:

Dark: Piercing Gaze: The user places a Genjutsu on a target in which the target is surrounded by a world of darkness. Within the darkness is a number of eyes either glaring intently or just staring at the target. Mostly used as a distraction, but can be used to scare a target into lowering their guard. (Rank D)