Chapter 4: Gradual Graduation

A few weeks passed since the talk with Kurenai and the time for the final exams had come. Naruto still hadn't found a way to get past his bunshin problem. Anko had tried teaching him Tsuchi Bunshin but he had no talent for it and couldn't learn it for the life of him. Still Naruto went, with the hope that if he performed well enough in the other parts of the test they'd let him pass.

After Naruto got inside, he waved hello to his friends (namely Kiba, Shikamaru and Chouji), glared at one Uchiha, ignored a pink haired banshee and smiled at a blushing Hyuga princess. Soon the noise died down as the teachers came in. Naruto always had weird vibes about Mizuki, something Kyubi reinforced, but since he never had any solid evidence he couldn't do anything. After the written test, which thanks to Kyubi he aced, was accuracy. Since he chose to stop holding back he once again scored high, drawing many suspicious looks from some of the people around him, which however were ignored. After that was Taijutsu practice. Naruto squared off against Mizuki and 'defeated' his opponent in under 10seconds, even though Mizuki held back way less than normal. At the ninjutsu portion he was performing well until:

"Now Naruto I need you to perform some bunshins for me please."

"Uhh... Iruka-sensei I can't perform bunshins and you know it."

"Well then Naruto I'm afraid you'll fail..."

"Wait a second Iruka-sensei. I practically aced everything else. Besides there's a reason I can't use bunshin no jutsu. I got too much chakra. I'd go get another jutsu to replace that, but the library always throws me out and I can't exactly go to Hokage-sama and ask him to tutor me. I tried to learn the Tsuchi Bunshin, but my element is opposed so... Anyway what use is a mere bunshin? Makes no sound, has no smell, its just a waste of chakra. Useless if you ask me."

"It still is a necessary skill Naruto so try it."

"Ok ok... damn it Iruka sensei... Bunshin no Jutsu"

Three clones popped, looking dead. Iruka sighed.

"Naruto... you fail again... I'm sorry..."

Mizuki trying to get on the kid's good graces also apologized. After all was done Naruto sat outside the academy. It was so stupid. He could use Katons and Fuutons but of course they needed a simple useless bunshin. The one skill he never could use. It was stupid and unfair. Swallowing his pride, he moved away before being stopped by Mizuki.

"Now Naruto don't be so sad. Its true you didn't pass the bunshin exam but since you aced everything else, I managed to pull some strings and we decided to have a make-up exam. There is a scroll in the Hokage library named the 'Forbidden Scroll'. If you get it and bring it to a certain point in the forest you'll pass as a simulation of a shinobi mission. You'll be showing that you don't actually need the jutsu and still be just as effective. So do you want to take it?"

Naruto saw the man for who he really was. A traitor. There was no such test or Sandaime would already have had him pass it. However just an Academy Student's word against a seasoned Chuunin? Who except jiji would believe him? So he had to catch him in the act. Quickly agreeing Naruto went to Sandaime to tell him what would go on.

The day passed and night fell. Naruto using his thermal sight evaded the guards inside the compound and snatched the scroll. He knew they wouldn't try too much, but it had to be realistic. Naruto ran to the woods when Kyubi's voice echoed in his head

'Hey kit. Since you have the scroll how about learning one of the jutsu inside? They are bound to be strong and you'll need a strong jutsu to fight that traitor off. Even as you are you won't beat him easily. He's not a Chuunin for nothing. That and his chakra... seems strange... corrupted in a way. He also always held back a lot. Better learn a jutsu and be safe rather than draw on my chakra. Since you've never needed it, we don't know what will happen if you do. It could kill everyone if it goes out of control.'

'You're right Kyu. Besides it'll prove to everyone I'm really capable and not some dead last.'

Naruto came to a clearing, sat down and started reading. He read the first jutsu on the scroll, Kage Bunshin. It was an impressive jutsu, no control was needed, just a lot of chakra and Naruto knew he had tons of it. Also the secondary abilities of the Kage Bunshin were most interesting. So with little time to waste, he got down to learning it. After an hour he had the jutsu down and simply waited for the traitor to show up. Suddenly a noise came from the side and a figure dropped from the trees. Only it wasn't Mizuki. It was Iruka.

"NARUTO! WHAT DID YOU DO?"

"I know what I did Iruka-sensei. I stole the scroll here. Mizuki said I had to in order to pass the exam as a simulation of a shinobi mission. If I could do something that hard, it wouldn't matter what jutsus I knew, they should be enough for a gennin. Well that was his justification. I think he's a traitor. Anyway I waited here for him but in the meantime I learned a jutsu. Real cool one too. Ah, here comes Mizuki-sensei. Play dumb Iruka-sensei."

"What? What do you mean Naruto?"

Mizuki confidently dropped from the trees.

"You still don't get what that brat said? Hah you always were stupid Iruka! I tricked that baka into getting me the scroll. Now all I have to do, is kill you two and get away."

"WHAT? Mizuki! He's a kid!"

"He's no kid! You know what he is! He's-"

"No Mizuki!"

"He's the demon lord Kyubi! See Naruto Kyubi never died! He was sealed into the shape of a child! YOU! Now you know why everyone hates you! And now you'll DIE!"

Naruto merely lifted an eyebrow and calmly spoke: "Oh. Really now. I'm the Kyubi? Baka I knew about him for five years now. And I'll have you know he'd just like a grumpier version of Iruka."

Iruka was stunned, as was Mizuki. Mizuki however recovered faster and drawing his trusty Fuuma Shuriken he threw it at Naruto. Naruto put up his guard and readied a Kawarimi when suddenly Iruka jumped in front of him taking the blow. Mizuki started laughing while Naruto looked in shock.

"Why Iruka-sensei?"

"Because you're my student. Sure the deaths Kyubi caused were that of a monster, but you're no monster. You're my precious student. A proud Konoha shinobi."

Mizuki's laughter grew while Naruto felt his blood boil. Gently putting Iruka down Naruto walked towards Mizuki while Iruka shouted him to stop. Naruto merely looked over his shoulder.

"Don't worry about me Iruka-sensei. A whole village has tried to kill me countless times and I'm still here. I ain't gonna let a piece of shit like Mizuki get away with hurting those precious to me. OI MIZUKI! Get off your ass you bastard."

"HAHAHA What are you going to do gaki? tickle me?"

"No you jock. I'm gonna break every bone in your body for what you did to Iruka-sensei."

"HAH! As if! I'm a chuunin but my real skill is almost jounin! You won't be able to touch me!"

"Really? Well how about NOW? KAGE BUNSHIN NO JUTSU!"

Instantly clones of Naruto popped around. Mizuke and Iruka stared in shock. Naruto let a smirk appear: "Get'im boys."

Battle cries echoed as Mizuki was soundly beaten to a pulp. His skill was great. But the shock and sheer numbers overcame him. Meanwhile Naruto was tending to Iruka's wound. Suddenly a sound rippled through the clearing and then the soft thud of something stabbing flesh. Iruka stared in shock as a huge shuriken hit Naruto on the back. Naruto on the other hand looked... annoyed.

"Brat... You might have hurt me a lot. But I still have Orochimaru-sama's power! I'll KILL YOU!"

Out of the shadows leaped a transformed Mizuki. The only thing he had in common with before were his hair. Other than that he looked like a cross between a tiger an a human without the claws. Naruto turned and faced him. Inside he was somewhat scared, but he couldn't let it show.

"I see. So that was the taint in your chakra. Kyubi knew you know. He warned me. But... you're not the only one with kick-ass skills Mizuki. Let me show you exactly why noone beats me these days."

Naruto threw a smoke bomb on the ground. Immidiately after he activated his thermal sight, enabling him to see Mizuki and formed his claws. Adrenaline rushing through his veins he charged.

The smoke covered area became a battle ground. Naruto could easily see Mizuki but Mizuki was faster, more experienced and used his scent to detect Naruto. Naruto ducked under a swipe and countered at Mizuki's other arm. Using the pain he leaped forth, using his enemy as a springboard and leaped into the air. Quickly twisting his body and extending his arms he became a twister of claws cutting Mizuki a couple of times before he ducked it. None of the blows were dangerous, except for one that struck over the eyebrow. Mizuki grabbed Naruto by the chest and threw him on a tree. Naruto twisted his body and used the tree as a springboard before launching himself forward one claw extended, the other cocked back in case he missed. This time he struck true and was rewarded with a cry of pain. Dropping on a handstand, he spun around quickly knocking Mizuki back with his amazing, for his age, strength. Mizuki charged again, angrier every second since, even with his added speed couldn't kill the demon brat. Naruto jumping from his handstand, landed on his feet, sidestepped a wild swipe, ducked a second, parried a third and with his parrying left hand he grabbed Mizuki's hand before bringing his right claw in a swipe and cutting the hand off. Mizuki screamed in pain and stumbled back. Seeing his chance Naruto readied himself and charged. Mizuki swiped in front of him but Naruto rolled underneath, twisted around and with his claws cut the muscles and tendons behind Mizuki's legs. Continuing his spin Naruto used his left claw to strike at Mizuki's spine, while his right hand followed with a powerful punch in Mizuki's temple. Finally the beastified traitor fell unconscious, the pain, shock, blood loss and drug catching up. Naruto disengaged his claws and saw the cloud had almost vanished.

Iruka stared in shock. His old friend was a traitor to Orochimaru and tried to kill him. Then the dead last used an advanced Bunshin jutsu and beat him. When the traitor came back stronger and deformed, the same dead last fought Mizuki, a chuunin bordering to jounin in skill, inside a smoked area. Once again the worst student in the academy was victorious. He couldn't help but wonder... WHO WAS THIS KID? Nevertheless Iruka was proud of his student. He fought for all the right reasons. Naruto slowly approached his sensei.

"Iruka-sensei, I'm sorry but I had no choice but to fight him and possibly kill him. There is a reason I used the smoke bomb but Sandaime knows about it so don't worry. Anyway if you're alright I'd like to treat the traitor's wounds if he's still alive. After all the interrogation team will have a lot of questions to ask him."

Iruka nodded while Naruto used as much first aid he knew to help Mizuki survive. Anko would certainly have some fun with that traitor. Slowly Iruka came upon the barely breathing body of his former friend. He gasped when he saw the vicious wounds Naruto had inflicted. Mizuki would never be anything more than a cripple now. Even if somehow he got free, he'd still be worth nothing. Suddenly ANBU started emerging. Immideately they got the traitor away as the aged Hokage appeared. Naruto picked up the scroll, kneeled to the Hokage and handed it over.

"So Naruto-kun, how was your mission?"

"It went well Hokage-sama. I defeated the traitor and disabled him. The scroll is safe and now I have the one shinobi skill I never could grasp. Now if you would excuse me..."

"Of course Naruto-kun. Here's your hitai-ate. I'll return the scroll personally. Go get some rest. You've earned it."

Naruto nodded and left to go home for a shower and sleep. Iruka on the other hand looked and Sandaime.

"Hokage-sama, if you excuse me, what did you mean about a mission?"

"Naruto-kun realized Mizuki's intentions and came right into my office. I gave him a B-rank mission to trick and arrest Mizuki red-handed. Before you ask, yes I know of Naruto-kun's real level as well as the weapons he used to defeat the traitor and I assure you he's perfectly fine. If it would ease your mind, call it a kekkei-genkai in your heart. Regardless of what happened Naruto-kun is still Naruto-kun, the same boy you met in the academy. He simply held back so as to not draw attention. Also what occurred here is an S-rank secret and will not be repeated. If anyone asks, Mizuki never changed his form and Naruto's clones defeated him. Now I believe you have to go to the hospital and then get some rest right?"

"Hai Hokage-sama."

The next day Naruto showed up in the academy, his black hitai-ate worn proudly on his head. Ignoring the looks of surprise, he waved to ihs friends and sat down next to Hinata, who promptly went red and nearly fainted. Naruto finished her by smiling kindly at her. After she fainted Naruto chuckled, with Kyubi making gagging noises at the cuteness of the whole deal. After waiting for the teacher to enter, Naruto gently woke up Hinata who almost fainted once again by the contact. After Iruka came in, he congratulated everyone that had passed with his annual and well-practiced speech. A speech that was interrupted by a screeching banshee asking why Naruto was here since he had failed. Naruto just smiled at her before shocking his class:

"Because Haruno, my failure in the last test, was simply an act. Something I used to capture a chuunin-ranked traitor in a B-ranked mission. In other words I was promoted by Hokage-sama and ordered to fail. So be silent."

"Is that true Iruka-sensei? And why would Naruto-baka take on the mission? Its obvious Sasuke-kun would do a much better job than-"

"Because you banshee the mission required for someone to fail. Or are you stupid and blind as well as ignorant? If your oh-so-precious Sasuke-kun failed, the mission would have failed since it would make no sense. I on the other hand was perfect: I hid all of my potential and let short-sighted fools like you see only what I wanted you to see. And if you're wondering I solo took down a jounin ranked shinobi. Iruka-sensei can confirm it since he was there."

"HAH! I knew it! You had Iruka-sensei fight for you while you hid like the dead-last you are!"

"HARUNO SAKURA! BE SILENT OR I WILL FAIL YOU! Now as Naruto said I was there. However I was careless and was injured at the spine before the start of the battle. Naruto not only defended me, but he also protected the village treasure 'Forbidden Scroll', learned a B-ranked jutsu AND defeated an enemy that would have made short work of me. So sit down NOW. Oh Naruto, I forgot to thank you last night with what went on. Want to go for Ramen later? My treat."

"Sure Iruka-sensei. After I meet my team though."

Sakura once again jumped in: "So what? Sasuke-kun would have done so much better!"

Iruka still feeling pain from yesterday had the last of her ranting: "HARUNO! SIT DOWN NOW! Naruto's a hero. He was personally chosen by the Hokage and has skills you wouldn't imagine if you saw them. Naruto here could defeat your Sasuke-kun, any day with little difficulty, even if he had the Sharingan. So shut up and sit down."

"B-b-but..."

This time Kiba interfered: "Naruto's got blood scent on him. It is like Mizuki's but also like a cat..."

Naruto corrected him: "Tiger to be exact. But yeah the traitor was Mizuki." *sigh* "Blood scent is so darn hard to remove once it dries on your skin... Anyway Iruka-sensei how about we ignore the banshee and friends and go to team placements?"

"Yes well Team one is..."

After five minutes or so: "Team 7 will be Uchiha Sasuke, Haruno Sakura" *girlish squeal* " and Inuzuka Kiba" *sound of head hitting a desk* "under Hatake Kakashi. Team 8 will be Uzumaki Naruto, Hyuga Hinata" *soft thud as Hinata fainted from excitement* " and Aburame Shino under Yuuhi Kurenai. Team 9 is still in circulation. Team 10 is Yamanaka Ino, Nara Shikamaru and Akimichi Chouji under Sarutobi Asuma." After finishing the placements Iruka left the class. Naruto on the other hand offered his condolences to Kiba and went off to meet his team. Sasuke brooded while Sakura repeatedly screeched her victory over Ino. Kyubi inside Naruto's mind wanted to get out and kill Sakura. He might not be evil anymore, but he had sensitive ears and her screeching was too much. Naruto mercifully sent chakra to his ears, not to improve his hearing but to dampen it, getting repeated thanks from the demon lord.

Some time later Kurenai walked in, drawing the attention of every male except our resident brooder, and after introducing herself she took her team to a dango stand to get to know each other.

"So now that we're all here how about we introduce ourselves to each other. I'll start. My name is Yuuhi Kurenai, a new jounin. I like genjutsu, drinking tea and spending time with my friends. I dislike arrogant people, sexists and perverts. In the near future I want to make you a powerful infiltration-scouting squad and later on maybe have a family. How about you blondie?" started Kurenai after they had ordered their food and drinks.

"Alright, I'm Uzumaki Naruto. I like pranks, jokes, spending time with my friends, ramen and training. I dislike arrogant fools, people who judge before getting to know someone and people who just won't change their opinions no matter how retarded they are. My dreams for the future? Earning Konoha's respect and becoming a powerful shinobi so I can protect what is precious to me. Maybe revive my clan later on but that's in the far future."

"I am Aburame Shino. My likes are insects and looking for new kinds of insects. I dislike fire and intense sunlight. In the future I want to find new kinds of insects to add to my clan as well as become clan leader."

"I am Hyuga Hinata... I like flower pressing and Naruto-kun. I dislike people who judge others and I want to become clan leader and abolish my clan's seal."

Naruto looked at Hinata impressed as she had managed for the first time in as long as he knew her to not stutter. After enjoying their meals Kurenai decided to brief them on tomorrow.

"Ok team, tomorrow comes the real genin test. Before you ask, that test was to determine who was actually capable of becoming a genin. Everyone else didn't have a chance to pass so why waste resources. Rest well and meet me in Training ground 8 at 8 o'clock sharp. I must warn you that you only have 33% chances of passing."

Naruto gave her a grin and said: "I don't think it'll be harder than taking down a jounin Kurenai-sensei. Consider the challenge over. No matter what you throw at us, we'll overcome it. I suggest getting some rest yourself because we're not going to make it easy on you. Before you leave however can I have a word with you?"

"Sure Naruto come with me."

Going to the side Naruto addressed his future sensei: "Kurenai-sensei, I have also seen it proper to warn you that I have acquired yet another scouting skill yesterday. I learned the Kage Bunshin in the hour it took Iruka to find me. See why I insisted in coming to your squad instead of Kakashi's? My kage bunshin will have every ability I do as well as think independently and transfer me any knowledge of their actions. Last thing I wanted to talk to you about; Kyubi is the maker of the Genjutsu art, so I asked him for a couple of Genjutsu. He gave me the details, as much as he could, but since he never used handseals that's something you'll have to work on. Regardless if I pass or not, I'll ask Kyubi to help you on your genjutsu. Also tomorrow I probably won't fight you all out. Yesterday I could fight all out because Iruka couldn't see thanks to a smoke bomb, but I don't want my teammates knowing about my skills if they are not going to be on my team. I trust them both but years of getting the snot beaten out of me as well as a few nasty backstabs have made me paranoid. Just so you're prepared though, it doesn't mean I'm useless. Kyubi and Anko have both trained me to the ground. Don't be too surprised ok?"

"Hai Hai Naruto-kun. Don't worry about me. Now go back to your team and save your energy."

"I see. Well see you tomorrow sensei."

Kurenai then left the team alone as Naruto went back to them.

"Ok guy and girl, I think I found some things about tomorrow. By her stance and words, tomorrow we'll be fighting against her in some form or other. She's famous for her genjutsu so we're in luck. Hinata you got your Byakugan, Shino you have your bugs, they're immune to genjutsu right? I remember you saying it at a point, and lastly I can constantly expel chakra from my body to form a sort of armor against genjutsu. That and I have some abilities I haven't shown in class. Kurenai-sensei knows about them, but I hope she'll forget them in the heat of battle."

"That is true Naruto-san. We are all protected to a degree or another from illusions but she still is a jounin."

"I know that. I doubt she's heavy on taijutsu though, she doesn't seem the type and she doesn't carry a sword or other weapon. So that leaves fuuinjutsu and ninjutsu. Personally I'd rather have her as a ninjutsu opponent, seals can be very unpredictable if the enemy has time and she's had weeks to prepare for us. Of course her being a jounin means she's bad news anyway, so we need to decide on team tactics..."

Then new team stayed there discussing possible strategies for hours, Naruto making sure Hinata gets her turn in the discussion, often asking for her opinion. Hinata for her part felt nice since her long-time crush noticed her, while Shino was pleasantly surprised to have a capable team with him. After they separated, Naruto went off to train for a few hours, then home quickly for a shower before going to Ichiraku's to wipe out Iruka's wallet with his ramen consumption. All in all, it was a good day and it was getting better.

A/N: Second combat sequence and Naruto's graduation. Next time Kurenai's plot to test her team and the council's suspicions. Personally I think its high time since someone shoved a boot where the sun doesn't shine but we'll see how it goes. So reviews please about what you want to fix. Also if it hasn't become obvious, its going to be Naru/Hina. I'll try not overload it with sweetness. Heck Kyubi's right: so cute I'm gonna puke. That's one of my quotes mind you. Anyway till next time!

Today, on this 9/6/2012, I, Soulblazer87, do hereby leave this site, possibly forever.

I shall not update this, or any other story.

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