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"Ren, do you have everything you need?"

"Yes, Kakashi-oyaji! Hurry, Oyaji! I'm late for three hours already!"

"Relax, Ren-chan, you don't have to h—"

"It's graduation day!"

"... hai, hai. Com'ere, I'll get us there."

A few months passed since Danzo's unexpected visit and Ren was heavily worried about not getting to school in time for the graduation exam! Honestly, for all the days Kakashi has to forget to wake him up, it was today.

Saying that Ren is excited is an understatement, he's absolutely ecstatic. Under the tutelage of Kakashi these past few months, he was able to become a bit decent in taijutsu and much to Kakashi's expectance, Ren was an absolute prodigy in chakra control.

Thinking back, Ren just couldn't get the grasp of spiritual and physical energy when it was Yura-sensei explaining, even though her method in teaching is always effective. So, he tried another method to learn it. Meditation.

He tried to feel and memorize how spiritual energy felt, of course, under the guidance of his guardian. He did this whenever he has free time so he caught the grasp of it as easy as saying ABC. He did the same with the physical energy and with the help of Kakashi, Ren combined both energy and focused.

At first, he had difficulty channeling chakra throughout his body because it just felt wrong. There hadn't been chakra in his past life and this energy is such a foreign thing crawling through his veins. When he became aware of the unknown energy, he felt discomfort at first.

He had the urge to scratch every part of his body just to make the itch go away. But he was able to endure it, though it did take some time to get used to the feeling of a foreign energy in his body. And after getting used to it, he was honestly surprised how it was so easy for him to manipulate the energy to his will.

It was as easy as eating cake!

Taijutsu was a bit tough. While he was searching for a way to grasp the concept of chakra and how it works, he had to train his body. Frankly, his body lacks endurance and no matter how hard he trains, it just never increases and Kakashi found this an obstacle for the young boy.

In his past life, Ren once again reminds himself he wasn't athletic, instead, preferred to be cooped up in his room. He was lean, but not mascular nor was he chubby. He exercises once in a while and it's because of his sister forcing him.

So, for the mean time, Kakashi made him focus on how to redirect an opponent's attack and how to pin down an enemy. It was effective but Ren's taijutsu style focuses more on 'defend-and-evade'. With his smaller than normal frame, he just can't overpower taller and bigger enemies.

His advance chakra control, however, was noticed by the teachers in the upper levels. They said it was a waste to let him go through the remaining years when he has quite a grasp on this particular part of being a ninja.

So, they checked his student profile and deemed him ready to graduate. He was absolutely ecstatic, but also saddened by this news. If he accepts, he has to leave Shikanai, Chomi and Inoue behind.

So when Lunch Break came, Ren informed them of what the teachers told him and his guardian and also his thoughts on this. Much to his surprise, the Ino-Shika-Cho trio were very supportive of him and said he should take it.

On one condition, of course. But it wasn't really hard to accomplish. All he has to do is visit them in their compound twice a week or every day, which was better.

He was happy he made such great friends and he couldn't have been friends with them if it weren't for Shikanai.

Kakashi scooped him up in his arms and shunshined to the Academy. "... is Hatake-Nohara Ren here?" Oh, did he forget to mention that he took up Kakashi's last name, making him Kakashi's official son? Nope? There you have it.

Ren opened the door and panted. "H-Here. I'm here." When Ren looked around, he noticed that every twelve year old kids were staring at him in bewilderment, as if they couldn't believe that this 'new student' that will take the test with them is a mere five year old kid.

"You just made it in time, Hatake-kun." Ren fiddled with the hem of his shirt, knowing that the teacher wasn't talking to Kakashi since the man disappeared moments ago. "Um, I... I prefer to be called Nohara, sensei." Of course, the way he talked caught their attention.

He was far too formal for a young kid. "E-Er, alright. Please come to the front and perform the three basic Academy jutsu." With a skip on his steps, Ren walked towards the center of the class with an unrestrained grin. The twelve year old females in the room cooed at his adorableness.

Ren's cuteness already spread around the Academy. "First, the Clone Jutsu. You may take yo—"

"Clone Jutsu!" With a poof of smoke, three identical clones came to existence behind Ren waving at everyone. Ren knew that the teacher before him became unnerved by his... enthusiasm and eagerness. "N-Next, the Tr—"

"Transform!" Ren and his three clones were covered with another round of smoke. Once it subsided, all Rens were transformed into Yura-sensei. The Nohara dispelled the transformation and clone jutsu and slightly jumped up and down. The teacher just nodded at him to do the last jutsu.

"Substitution Jutsu!"

In his place was a piece of log and Ren stood beside it. His hazel eyes were wide like any other child receiving a present from their parents. The teacher was still in shock from Ren's mind blowing performance. "Um, s-so, how did I do, sensei?" Ren knew he did go overboard but he was just too excited to finally become an official ninja.

Danzo be damned, that old man won't ruin this day for him.

"You... you passed."

Behind him, all the twelve year olds' jaw was resting on their desk.

They were just bested by a kid!

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Ren waited at the Academy entrance for his friends. He can't wait to show then that he passed. He received an odd look from passing ninjas since it was an odd scene to find a five year old kid wearing a ninja headband.

Sure, it was an odd scene but it was not rare either.

Soon enough, the yard was flooded by students and Ren stood on top of the fence to search for his friends. It took a while, since the three of them always leave last so they don't have to squeeze out of the crowd.

"Shikanai-san! Chomi-san! Inoue-san!" The Ino-Shika-Cho trio quickly caught sight of him and the headband he was wearing on his forehead. Ren waited until they reached him before jumping down from the fence and waited for their reaction.

Over the months they've been together, Ren couldn't help but hold their opinions about him close to his person. He had been an introvert and right now, he really can't say that. Now that he's here in this universe, he became less and less cooped up in his room and more and more outside doing something productive.

More importantly, Shikanai earned herself a special spot in his heart.

"I'm proud of you, brat." The Nara nonchalantly stated but he knew better. She was just as ecstatic as him. "We knew you could do it, Ren-chan!" The Nohara accepted the gift he received from Chomi. "Thank you for this, Chomi-san."

"It's no problem. You definitely deserve it."

Ren looked at the Yamanaka, who was looking away from him. He frowned, was Inoue mad at him? Chomi must have seen his expression because the next thing he knew, the Akimichi girl elbowed her Yamanaka friend on his side. They exchanged looks with Chomi slightly glaring at him.

The blonde finally looked at Ren. "Y-You did a great job, Ren."

"Thank you, Inoue-san!"

Ren was happy. He was glad to have such great friends.

He couldn't ask for more better friends in the Academy than the three of them.

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In all honestly, Yamanaka Inoue didn't know what to make of Nohara Ren when he first met the younger boy. He just went with the flow because anyone who can make Shikanai not lazy... is rare. Still, when Inoue looked into his Hazel brown eyes, something inside him jolt.

He didn't why or what that jolt was, it just means that something is... wrong, weird, he doesn't know how to describe it at all. Nohara Ren looked like an ordinary boy, but he was much more than that.

When the boy had a panic attack, Inoue thought he will have a panic attack of his own. A four year old is having a panic attack in front of them and they don't know what to do. Thankfully, Shikanai managed to calm herself enough to go and call their sensei.

He was relieved, and confused. Why did that boy have a panic attack? All Shikanai said that he was a prodigy, didn't she? What's wrong with that? Any kid would be happy to be considered a prodigy by many. So, why is it that Ren is different?

He doesn't know. He doesn't know...

After that little scene, the younger boy, much to his surprise, is fun to be with, even though Ren is a socially awkward boy. He finds it cute. Days passed and another year ended, at the second week of school the next year, Ren showed up late for their usual lunch gathering.

He had shot a questioning look at Shikanai, but the woman merely shook her head and said, "Just wait." And so, they did. Five minutes passed when there was a sudden rustle above them. Inoue and Chomi stiffened while Shikanai whistled a happy tune.

From the shades of the leaves, a head popped out. He was surprised to see a disheveled Red with lavender rectangular tattoos on his cheeks looking terrified. "Di-Did I lose them?" He shot the younger boy a questioning look.

"Yes, yes, you did, Ren." Was Shikanai's reply. Chomi and he exchanged confused expressions. What were they talking about? Inoue watched as the young boy jumped from the tree and landed on his knees in silence. Now that they could see him more, the boy looked like he went to war.

Shikanai suddenly burst out laughing, hitting her knees repeatedly while Ren pouted at her. Inoue was confused. Shikanai never and I mean, NEVER laugh like that. "Guys? What's going on?" It was Chomi who asked. "This brat here had fangirls overnight. He didn't join us yesterday, remember? He had been running away from his fangirls."

Inoue was bewildered. Sure, he had known there were girls who had taken a liking to Ren since he went to school. But to have fangirls running after him overnight, it was a baffling event. So really, he doesn't - can't - know what to make of this enigma called Nohara Ren.

When the younger boy confided to them about graduating this year, Inoue and ththe girls supported him. Even so, deep inside, the Yamanaka hated it. He hates prodigies, or rather, despises them. They always get special treatment from the villagers and even the clans.

He hates them.

But he can't seem to hate Ren.

Not Nohara Ren.

He's special and different from the prodigies Inoue had seen.

He likes Ren, that much is obvious.

The boy had grown on him, to Shikanai and Chomi. Heck, maybe Ino-sama would like him as well. Inoue pondered on it. Maybe he should ask Ren to have a playdate with Ino-sama, they are still five years old, after all.

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Ren loudly knocked on Naruto's apartment door. The excitement and adrenaline hasn't subsided so he's all jumpy and energetic, which earned him looks from the villagers earlier. Honestly, who wouldn't be this happy when they graduated from the Aademy?

"Comin', -bayo!"

When the door opened, Ren saw Naruto wearing his frog hat and was still in his pyjamas. But who cares about that? He gestured Naruto to look at his forehead and when he did, his cerulean eyes sparkled, making Ren love it more.

"Woah! You're a ninja now, Ren-chan!"

"I know, right?!"

He closed his eyes and gave his friend the biggest grin he could muster, but his companion suddenly went quiet. He opened his eyes and his grin vanished, curving a curious eyebrow, he asked, "What's the matter?"

The blonde suddenly slapped his hands over his face, covering his cheeks. Ren saw his ears burning red, making the Nohara chuckle in amusement. "Aren't you adorable? Anyways, go hurry and change. Kakashi-oyaji is going to treat us out!" He exclaimed while turning around to face the horizon.

He never saw Naruto's burning face at all.

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"... Team Twelve... Uchiha Shusuke..."

An Uchiha raised his head from the desk. He has the typical dark hair and onyx eyes with pale skin. He wore a very dark red (bordering on black) turtle neck shirt and black pants. Both of his forearms and calfs are wrapped in bandages.

"... Uchiha Kanata..."

The two Uchiha boys high fived each other. Uchiha Kanata also looks like a typical Uchiha except that his hair is a shade lighter. He wore a blue turtle neck shirt with the same black pants.

"... and Hatake-Nohara Ren."

The two Uchiha stared in surprise at their sensei before their gazes averted to the only five year old in the graduating class. The younger boy looked just as surprise as the both of them.

"And that's it for the teams. Most of your sensei are already here. I bid you all good luck. I still have some paperwork to finish so see you children anytime." Once that was finish, the Jounin senseis ame in called for their teams. All were called already... except for Team Twelve.

Team Twelve was the only team with all member being the same gender. Apparently, they were one short on girls so they decided to put Ren on the all-boys team since he still has a lot to catch up on.

"Hey,what do you think about that kid?" Shusuke asked his friend. "Dunno. We haven't really met, you know?" Kanata shrugged his shoulders. A shadow suddenly covered their desk and when they looked up, they saw Ren in front of them, fiddling with the hem of his shirt.

"Um... hello." They weren't surprise the kid is nervous. They were from the powerful Uchiha Clan, after all. Well, that was what Shusuke thought so. "Yo, you don't have to be nervous, you know? Even though we're the amazing Uch—"

Shusuke was cut off when Ren intervened. "Um, no, I'm not nervous of you being an Uchiha... I... er, I'm just socially awkward." His ego deflated a bit. Whaaaaat? Kanata cleared his throat to get the younger boy's attention, since he thought Shusuke only made a fool of himself.

"I'm Uchiha Kanata and this is Shusuke. Please take care of us from now on." It was quite awkward asking a five year old that but they were teammates now. "Um, Hatake-Nohara Ren but I prefer Nohara or Ren, I'm not really comfortable being called Hatake."

Kanata wondered why but didn't push it. Though, Shusuke seemed to have another idea. "Why not?" His question was blunt and straight and Kanata had to punch him upside the head for being insensitive. "Don't push it, doofus."

"Er, it's okay. I don't mind answering it. I was born an orphan and my current guardian asked me if I wanted to take on his last name and I agreed. So, it's nothing really personal that I don't want to talk about. If anything, I will gladly share anything within reason because we're teammates from now on."

The way he structured his sentence and the words he used took Kanata by surprise. Ren's not an ordinary kid, is he? Sure, they knew he was a prodigy by how excellent he executed the three Academy jutsus on graduation day. But this... this took the cake.

"T-Team Twelve! I'm sorry I'm late!"

The figure exclaimed and suddenly tripped on air. Their sensei fell on his face and scraped it on the floor when he fell down.

The trio looked at each other and back to their sensei.

This is gonna be a long year~