V 2 ch 10
Graduation!
"I can't wait to take the finals! My dad has been helping me study since the beginning of the New Year! I'm not even worried about the jutsu part either," Yanagi Lee said confidently. "Nothing is impossible if you put your heart into it," she said as she raised her fist into the air.
"Wow, Yanagi, I wish I had your confidence," Gin said with a smile.
"She's too confident," Daiya said plainly. "Over-confidence is the sign of a hiding weakness." He folded his arms on the table closing his eyes. A paper wad hit him in the back of the head. Daiya's ponytail sparked out causing his brown hair to spoke on all ends.
"I think that's the most I've ever heard him talk," Masaru said.
Takeru wished he was as confident as the rest of them. Saori had been nice enough to help him study with her, but everything in his head was running together. He slammed his head on the table. Masaru looked down at him and laughed. "I don't know if I can do it."
"Hang in there, Takeru. If you sell yourself short, you'll never get there," Kandai said smiling.
"I believe he's already cut the rope," Eiyu said as Takeru kept hitting his head on the table.
Idai sat with his elbows on the table. He was watching everyone in the class with his orange eyes overlooking the area. He wasn't worried about the written portion of the exams, or the jutsus he had to perform. Idai could care less about proving himself to a bunch of people that didn't know him.
Kurenai sensei walked into the classroom. She looked over all of her students with a serious gaze. "If any of you do not feel like you are at the best of your mental ability to take the written portion of the exam, you may leave. No one will judge you if you are not prepared."
A few of the students glanced around. Three students who were panicking stood up. They exited the room. Kurenai was attempting to weed out the students who were not capable of pushing themselves. Ninja had to be both mentally and physically strong. Missions required great effort on those factors.
Kurenai waited a brief moment. No one else stood up. "Congratulations to all of your passing the verbal portion of the exam." The students were confused. "Opponents use all sorts of traps to confuse and attack their targets. Traps can be heard, seen, felt, or used as a form of mental manipulation. The one I just issued was a verbal trap. Those that pass will be trained to distinguish the other forms with their trainers. Let's get started shall we?"
So that's why he trained me on traps after I ran into Ryu. Takeru felt at ease. His father had been preparing him without Takeru ever knowing. He took his test. He blinked. There was only one question on it.
Kurenai stood back at the front. She watched her students' expressions. They were baffled. "Each of you has a different test to ensure there won't be any cheating. Yes, there is only one question for the written portion of the finals. Answer it to the best of your ability. Good luck," she said smiling.
Saori looked at her paper. She said we were going to learn about traps once we graduated. Kurenai sensei issued a verbal trap to get rid of three students. What if the test is just another trap? It has to be. Dad always said to look at something from all angels. This exam is a trap!
Saori wrote her name on the paper. Alright, I'm skeptical. What does it say? 'Tell me everything you have learned while at the Ninja Academy'. Saori smiled slyly. Ninja aren't supposed to reveal their abilities or knowledge to their opponents. If an opponent learns viable information like that, they can use it against you. Saori picked up her pencil. She wrote 'Nice Try' on the paper.
Kurenai looked around the room. "As you finish, you may come down and hand me your paper. I'll take a quick look at it." She waved for Saori to come forward. "Alright, Saori, please go across the hall. Another trainer will ask you to explain your answer." Saori left.
Saori knocked on the door. She was told to enter. Sitting on a desk in front of her was Sasuke Uchiha. He signaled for her to come closer.
"What question did you receive?"
Saori crossed her arms. "Tell me everything you have learned while at the Ninja Academy," Saori answered. She watched Sasuke write it down on a pad.
"What was your answer?"
"Nice try," she said smiling.
"Alright, explain your answer," he said.
"Ninja aren't supposed to tell their opponents their skills, weaknesses, or any such learned information. An enemy can use that against you, or the ones you protect. Kurenai sensei had already warned us of the verbal trap she used on three students. Some traps you can see, others you hear or feel; and some play with your head."
Sasuke wrote down her explanation. It took him a moment. "Alright, strictly off-the-record, what made you think of Kurenai as an opponent?"
Saori had to think. "Kurenai sensei is older and wiser. I am still learning. Therefore, she has the ability and knowledge to try and trick me." Sasuke waved her closer. She stood in front of him.
"Good girl," Sasuke said as he reached up to pet her head. "You're the first to pass the written portion of the final. You're reasoning is somewhat on target. It's not exactly correct. To a ninja, everyone but your teammate is an opponent. You did well." He reached behind his back and pulled out a small scroll. He handed it to her.
"What's this," Saori asked.
"It's a weapon's summoning scroll. You hide a weapon in it and carry the scroll. It's your prize for being the first to pass. Congratulations, Saori Nara. You may go down the hall to the third door on your right." Saori left hopping.
Kandai Hyuga looked at his question. He picked up his pencil and began to write. It wasn't a hard question at all, but it was important. He gave his test to Kurenai sensei. She directed him across the hall.
Kandai entered a room where Takeru's dad was sitting on a desk. "Hi, Mr. Uchiha," he said smiling. Kandai stood in front of him.
"Alright, Kandai, what was your question," Sasuke asked.
"What is the purpose of the Hokage," Kandai said.
"What was your answer and explain your answer."
"The purpose of the Hokage is to protect the people of a village. He makes sure everyone has the proper education, training, and protection – much like a father who wants his or her child to succeed."
"Very good. Congratulations, Kandai Hyuga, you have passed the written portion of the final. You may go down the hall. Kandai, how is Takeru doing?"
Kandai turned around smiling at Sasuke. "He's panicking," he said. He waved 'bye'.
"He'll probably have a heart attack when he finds out I'm in here," Sasuke said sighing.
Areku Inuzuka was the next to enter the room. He stood in front of Sasuke patiently. Sasuke wrote his name down.
"What was the question you were asked?"
"Explain a forbidden jutsu," Areku said.
Sasuke sipped his cup of coffee. "Alright, tell me your answer," he said. He started to write.
"A forbidden jutsu is a technique that the Hokage of a village has issued as dangerous and not allowed because it puts too much strain on the user, or can harm the people around the user," Areku stated.
"Good job. Congratulations, Areku Inuzuka. You have passed the written portion of the final exam. You may proceed to the third door on your right," Sasuke said.
Idai opened the door slowly. He walked in looking around the room. A trainer was sitting on a desk watching him. The man waved him over. Idai cautiously walked over.
"What was the question you were given," Sasuke asked.
"What is the Bingo Book," Idai answered lowly.
"Idai, I'm not going to hurt you," Sasuke said. The boy was overly cautious. Idai was looking at him warily. Sasuke sighed. I thought Gai would have made better progress with him. It seems Idai's past is still rearing its ugly head. "What was your answer," he asked. He had to press on. Whoever got Idai on his team was going to have his work cut out for him.
"The Bingo Book is a book that a ninja carries. It informs the ninja of all dangerous ninja that have very strong abilities. It includes traitors and missing-nin from all of the countries," Idai said keeping his eyes averted.
"You are correct, but also incorrect. It includes all ninja with strong abilities. They can be ninja who are missing, who have abandoned their villages, or who are currently resided in a particular village. You may go down the hall to the third door on your right, Idai." Sasuke watched as the boy didn't look at him again.
The next to walk in was Gin Akamichi. She looked at Sasuke shyly, her fingers fidgeting with her kimono. "My question was unfair, Sasuke sensei."
Sasuke waved the girl over. "Tell me why it was unfair. I won't write anything down until I hear all of it, okay?" Gin was worried. "It won't affect your graduation, Gin."
"The test asked me what ninja the Hidden Leaf Village finds unpredictable and dangerous. I don't like that question, Sasuke sensei. Kurenai sensei said before that sound ninja were dangerous because no one knows much about them, even after what has been learned over the years. Idai is from the sound village. It is unfair to label him on account of what others have done. He is his own person."
Sasuke put his pad down. He waved Gin closer. "You are absolutely right, Gin. It is unfair to hold a man accountable for what others have done. So what would you say your answer is?"
"The question is biased. A ninja should be cautious of everyone and make her own judgment after familiarity," she said. Gin blushed as Sasuke petted her.
"You pass Gina Akamichi. You are unselfish and nonjudgmental. Whoever has you on his team is going to be very lucky. You may go down the hall."
Eiyu Hyuga noticed that the students, who did well, didn't return. Some of the students were directed across the hall or to the very next room. He supposed that was Kurenai sensei's way of weeding them out more. He wondered if he had passed.
Eiyu stepped into the room across the hall. He tilted his head. Takeru's father was drinking a cup of coffee. "Did I fail, or pass?"
"You're as direct as Neji," Sasuke said. "Come on, it's not over yet. What was the question you were asked on the written exam?"
"What is the real purpose of the Chuunin exams," Eiyu answered.
"What was your answer," Sasuke asked.
"It's a two part question. The real purpose of the chuunin exams is cultural exchange of other countries. The other answer is to defeat your opponent and become a chuunin. If you fail, you are given the rank of Genin," Eiyu stated.
Sasuke pondered what Eiyu said for a moment. "Genin and Chuunin levels are decided on the skill, power, and strength of the individual," Sasuke corrected. "You are half correct. You still pass, Eiyu Hyuga. Precede down the hall," Sasuke instructed.
Yanagi walked confidently into the room. She knew she did well. Her dad had been helping her a lot lately with the final closing in. She couldn't let him down.
"Alright, Yanagi Lee, what was the question you were asked," Sasuke said.
"What is the one thing that will stop a ninja from fulfilling his mission," Yanagi said cheerfully.
"And what was your answer," Sasuke asked.
"Simple. The only thing that can stop a ninja from fulfilling his mission is... himself," Yanagi answered rather proud of herself. She clapped her hands as Sasuke nodded.
"Congratulations, Yanagi Lee, your father will be very proud of you. You passed with flying colors. Go down the hall to the third door on your right."
Takeru's heart was racing. What was in the room across the hall? Was it the Hokage? He swallowed. Takeru's hand froze. What if it was Uncle Naruto? His eye twitched. He was nervous.
"Get in here, "the voice said from the other side of the door. Takeru opened it. He peered around the corner. His father was looking at him. "Dad…?"
"Yes, Takeru, you have to pass me. Now get in here," Sasuke said waving at him. "We have to do something about your anxiety."
Takeru walked forward eying his father. Sasuke could trick him if he chose to. Takeru was to be treated like any other student. His father would not go easy on him. No, he would push Takeru more.
"What was the question you had to answer for the written portion of the final," Sasuke asked.
"If you were on an important mission and you held viable information to your village, and you knew your opponents were stronger, what would you do?"
"What was your answer," Sasuke asked slowly. He had to know. It was a hard question. One of the hardest Naruto had come up with for the students to answer.
"I would hand the information off to the person I knew could get it there. I would stay with my teammates and fight," Takeru said honestly. "I wouldn't let them have a reason to back down."
Sasuke waved him closer. "I'm proud of you. That question helps weed out selfish and noble ninja." He hugged his son. "You pass, Takeru Uchiha. Go meet your friends down the hall." He ruffled his son's hair.
Daiya Eimino had been trying to figure out what trickery was involved with the academy exams. He didn't trust anything an adult threw at him. He was one of the first to finish, but had decided to wait it out. The ones that did well appeared to go across the hall. The ones that didn't were directed to the next room. He had been watching the expressions of his fellow classmates as they had turned in their exams to Kurenai sensei.
Daiya Eimino knocked on the door. A man's voice told him to enter. He opened the door cautiously, his body stiff. Daiya narrowed his eyes. "Who are you..?"
Sasuke turned his head. "You're awfully direct." He watched Daiya stand away from him. What is it with these foreign kids? This one and the kid form the sound village don't trust anyone. "Might I ask why you assume I'm going to harm you?"
"Who are you," Daiya asked again. He did not like being alone in a room with an adult. His body tensed.
"We're not getting anywhere. My name is Sasuke Uchiha. I'm Takeru's father," he said. "Why are you assuming I will harm you?" He watched Daiya move a few feet closer, but stop.
"I don't trust adults," Daiya said crossing his arms.
Sasuke stood up. Daiya moved back quickly. "Look, kid, I'm not going to hurt you. I'll even prove it." Sasuke opened his hands, turned around, and even padded down his Jounin clothes. "See? I'm not carrying anything to hurt you."
"Adults don't have to carry anything," Daiya said. The door opened behind him unexpectedly. It started him and he whirled around, his heart racing.
"Ease up, Daiya. It's only me," Kurenai said. "I'm sorry, Sasuke. I have to be in the room with him. I'll explain later."
Sasuke sighed. "Alright. This is getting lengthy. Daiya, is it? What question were you given for the written portion of the exam?" He sat down.
Kurenai knew this was going to be difficult. "Daiya, it's okay. Please answer Sasuke." She watched as he glanced at her.
"What jutsus do you need to perform in order to graduate," Daiya said.
"What was your answer," Sasuke asked impatiently.
"Daiya, you have to answer him. There is a reason behind it. We'll explain in the other room," Kurenai aid. The boy was hesitant.
"Clone technique, substitution jutsu, and transformation jutsu," Daiya said lowly.
"You are correct. You may go to the room down the hall," Sasuke said. Daiya eyed him. Kurenai held up her finger as she opened the door for Daiya. She would explain later. What is with that kid? There has to be something wrong. He's completely standoffish.
"Can I come in now," Masaru asked. He looked around the doorframe. "I've been standing outside for a while."
Sasuke waved the boy in. "Sorry, Masaru. That one took a bit longer than expected." He grabbed up the pad and wrote on it. "Alright, what question were you asked on the written exam?"
"When conducting strategy moves against an enemy, what is one of the most important moves you can make," Masaru said.
"How did you answer," Sasuke asked.
"The most important move you can make is to gain information about your enemy before you go into action," Masaru said.
"You may go join the others down the hall," Sasuke said. As each student came in, he took down their name, the question they were given, and what their verbal answer was. The students had no idea they were still being weeded out. Sometimes when approached, a student often relayed what the instructor wanted to hear – not what they originally thought.
"I wonder how long we have to sit in this room," Yanagi said. "What do you think they're doing?" She stretched her arms out.
"Don't we usually take a break after an exam? Maybe this is just a break," Miyu said.
"Why would we take a break after a final exam? You're not thinking clearly. They are up to something," Daiya said.
"It wouldn't surprise me," Masaru said. "The test we were given was a joke. It was only one question. They can't let us off that easily."
"Oh, they won't," Saori said. "The written exam was a trap. Some of us received trick questions while some of us got by fairly easy. They aren't just testing us on the knowledge we posses. They are testing us on how much we reveal, too."
"It's a mental trap," Takeru said as he leaned against the wall. "We each know what the questions were; obviously, after getting together in a room by ourselves. Everyone is going to answer differently because no two minds think alike. Yet, why would they send us to another room to state what was already written on the test?"
Idai glanced at all of the kids who were pondering what was going on. I though ninja from the Leaf Village were supposed to be intelligent. He narrowed his eyes. Stupid kids. They really don't get it. Idai turned his head. The kid from the lightening country was staring at him. "What," he said lowly, his annoyance high.
"You know what they're doing, don't you," Daiya asked. "Out with it," he demanded. Idai only met his gaze. The abandoned sound-nin wasn't talking.
"I think I know what they're doing, "Suiden said. He caught Daiya's attention. "The reason they would ask us twice to tell them what our answers were, is to see if the answers match. They are trying to catch the ones who aren't being truthful."
"They want to know who is being intimidated and who isn't," Eiyu said matter-of-factly. "If a ninja is intimidated, then all of the training and skills he posses are worthless. Without mental preparation, your body cannot hope to succeed." All of the students were quiet. Their eyes were all focused on Eiyu. "What?"
"Eiyu sounds like father," Kandai said with his happy-go-lucky attitude. All of the kids nodded their agreement. "Hmm?" The door opened.
The students turned their gaze to Kurenai sensei as she entered the room. She stood at the front of the room, her hands clasped behind her back. "Sorry to have kept all of you waiting. We will now split you guys into two separate groups. I won't announce the groups verbally. When I call your name, please take this piece of paper and go to the room assigned."
Each student took the piece of paper that they were given. Half of the students were directed to the farthest door on the right. The other half were directed to the nearest door on the left. They all glanced at each other as they stood in the large room. A tall man with short black hair and a green jumpsuit entered the room. He smiled big and wide. The students all stared at him.
"Hey, kids, how's it going? Are you guys ready to show me how well you can do the substitution jutsu? Each one of you that successfully demonstrates this technique will be directed back to the classroom for further instructions. Are there any questions," Gai asked.
"Sensei, why were we split into two groups," Masaru Uzumaki asked.
"Good question! First you guys took a written exam that consisted of unique questions that were designed by the Hokage to test your knowledge on skills, information, and basic strategy. Some of those questions were easy; some were designed to trick you. Each test was randomly given to each student. After completing the written portion of the exam, students who answered close to the target were sent across the hall. Those that answered incorrectly were sent to the next room to take the final exam again at a later date."
"I understand that part, but why were we asked to tell Sasuke sensei what we wrote for the exam," Gin asked.
"Students sometimes feel pressure approaching authority figures and will change their answers at the last second to please the trainer. It's not done intentionally, but we feel that the student is lacking confidence when it occurs. The students who did not change their answers are in this room. The ones who did are in the other room down the hall. They will still graduate at completion of the final. They will have to undergo an extra class to help boost their confidence. Is everything clear so far? Good! Let's start! When I call your name, please, step forward. Try to avoid me as best as you can and use the substitution jutsu to get away," Gai said.
Gin stepped forward slowly. Gai sensei came at her punching above her head. It was enough to startle Gin into using the substitution jutsu early. She appeared behind him, her eyes wide as she watched him turn around.
"Good job. A little sooner than I would have liked, but you performed it well. You may go back to the classroom, Gin," Gai said. "Takeru Uchiha, you're next, son."
Takeru ducked as Gai sensei air kicked at his head. He brought his arm out punching back at Gai's abdomen, only to be grabbed around the wrist. Gai started to bring his elbow down towards the back of Takeru's neck. Takeru used the substitution jutsu to get away once he freed his wrist.
Up next was Eiyu Hyuga. As anticipated, Eiyu dodged the air strikes successfully. Gai came at him spinning, and then kicked upwards slowly so that Eiyu could avoid it. Eiyu used the substitution jutsu to stay clear of Gai's powerful kick.
Yanagi Lee smiled at Gai as he came towards her. She did a back flip a few times to avoid a few spin kicks. Gai came up beside her lightening fast and attempted to latch onto the young girl. Yanagi performed the substitution jutsu successfully and was directed back to the classroom.
Saori Nara was next. She slid back as Gai sensei tried to strike here at his hands. He came at her again, faster. Saori froze for a second. Her training became nonexistent until Daiya yelled at her. She came back to reality and executed the substitution jutsu to stay out of harm's way. She would defiantly have to repay him.
"That was a close one," Gai said. "I'm not really going to strike you kids. I just want you to execute your training. Next is Masaru Uzumaki. Come on down and get your prize!"
Masaru scratched his head. This guy is full of himself. He approached Gai sensei smiling. "You're not going to fail me!" Gai came at him swiftly, moving his legs out in a kick, spun, and reached around grabbing his leg. He yanked Masaru upwards causing the boy to fall backwards.
"Boasting doesn't accomplish anything," Daiya said.
Masaru went running at Gai. He swung several punches at him, but Gai sensei avoided them easily. He was faster and more experienced. He smiled at Masaru as he held him at bay with his hand. Masaru was getting fed up at being played with. He moved back then ran around Gai's side, but the man saw it coming. Gai lifted his leg and came within millimeters of hitting Masaru in the face. Masaru dodged the hit by performing the substitution jutsu to get away.
"Don't take it so hard, son. You did what you were supposed to. Mostly. Go meet your friends back in Kurenai's classroom," Gai said. Masaru left scowling. The boy wasn't really happy. "Daiya Eimino," Gai called.
Daiya approached the man cautiously. He didn't know who this trainer was. As Gai signaled for him to get closer, Daiya moved a few feet and stopped. His body was tense, stiff, and rigid. He didn't trust this person. This man was going to make him do a substitution jutsu. Daiya didn't like to be forced into anything. He wanted to prove to the man that he was capable of doing it himself. Before Gai could come at him with punches or kicks, Daiya just performed the substitution on his own. He narrowed his eyes and walked out of the room.
"Well, that was something. I guess he wanted to go ahead and get back to class," Gai said as he watched Daiya leave. He didn't understand that kid.
Idai wondered what was up with Daiya. He hardly knew him, but he was curious. The other boy was a foreigner like he was, and it appeared Daiya didn't trust anyone either. Idai kept staring at the door until Gai called his name. He went towards his adopted parent and looked at him seriously.
"Alright, Idai, whenever you're ready! You can come at me for a change. It will be interesting and fun," Gai said smiling big.
Idai didn't know about that. He didn't want the other students to know he had a different outlook than the one he portrayed in class. He sighed. If he didn't pass, it would look bad. The substitution jutsu was one of the first techniques they had been taught. He narrowed his eyes at Gai then came running at him swiftly.
Idai ducked the kicks and punches and even flipped over Gai's head, getting the man in the back with his feet, pushing. Gai went forward as expected and rolled. Idai crouched low as he slid backwards. It wasn't just a technique he was issuing to his parent, but the ability and courage he had to overcome adversity with the other students. If they weren't going to like him, he was going to make them fear him.
Gai stood up smiling at Idai. He gave the boy a big thumb's up. "That's what I want to see! Now come at me again!" Idai came running as he was told to do. Gai crouched a little, holding his arms out to his body, and then started to run at Idai head on. The boy had nowhere else to run unless he chose to run around Kandai and Areku. Idai had to use the substitution jutsu to avoid a head on collision with Gai. Gai patted him on the back. "Good job!"
Areku wondered how he ended up being one of the last kids to go against Gai sensei. He wasn't really worried about it, but it was down to him and Kandai now. Kandai didn't seem to mind anything. The boy from the Inuzuka clan walked up to face Gai. He watched him alertly.
Gai had two students left to test. He ran at Areku Inuzuka head on, but started to slide, turning his body so he appeared behind the boy. He moved his leg up in a kick as he balanced his weight on his right foot. Areku went sailing through the air, landing on his stomach. The boy got up then whirled around.
Areku ran at the man in the green jumpsuit. The man was anticipating him to get closer, but Areku decided to play a little. He stopped and slid, arching his back towards the floor, his hands going down to come behind his head as he shifted his weight and kicked upwards. His legs came under Gai's chin and met their target. Gai sensei went back stunned. As the man fell over, Areku flipped in the air, changing his position. He watched the man with his slit eyes.
Gai rubbed his chin. "That's a pretty powerful kick you have there. I wonder whose team you will go to. However, mine are faster and stronger. It takes a lot of training to get where I am! And you are still young and liable to make mistakes! That was one of em! Let me show you how to apply the proper technique and style of a ninja!" Gai came running at Areku, flipped over him, and then touched the floor with his hands. Gai's legs pushed on Areku's back, sending the boy flying again onto his stomach. Areku used the substitution jutsu to avoid his head going into the wall. "That was pretty good! Next is Kandai! Come on down, son! I know coming from the Hyuga clan must have taught you something! Let's see it!"
Kandai walked towards Gai sensei smiling. He bowed then stood straight up. Kandai ran at Gai sensei, then crouched low, spinning as he brought his arms up, palms out. He started to hit several chakra points on Gai to stop his chakra flow. Kandai moved back as Gai had this look of surprise on his face. His father had already started teaching Kandai and Eiyu how to use the Byakugan. Kandai smiled at Gai. "It was a nice try, but you are correct. I am from the Hyuga clan. Don't worry, the chakra will return in a little while." Kandai poofed in front of Gai. He appeared beside him, still smiling. "I'll go back to class now. Thanks, Gai sensei."
The students took a quick break for lunch then came back. The day was getting lengthy due to how much they had to prove. All of them knew that in the long run, it would be worth it. They took their seats and looked at each other. The class had gotten somewhat smaller. Instead of Kurenai sensei, they were now faced with a tall boy with black spiky hair. He wore a face mask and appeared to be a Genin.
Takeru wondered what was up. Why was Ryu standing in front of the class? He watched as Ryu waved at all of them. We still have to do the clone jutsu and the transformation jutsu. Why is Ryu here?
"Alright, children, listen up. Next you will perform the transformation jutsu. In order to pass me, you have to transform into myself, one of your classmates, and a random person of choosing," Ryu said lowly. He looked at the floor, his hands in his pockets, sighing. "If you can do all three of them successfully, you will go into the next room on the right, to issue the clone jutsu in front of the Hokage. Good luck," Ryu said without enthusiasm.
The students didn't move. Ryu looked up, his red eyes narrowing. "Get your butts up here, I don't have all day," he said highly annoyed. All of the students lined up in front of Ryu. "Ah, let's see, since you guys think I'm here to play games with you, um, let's go with… you the kid on the end with the blond hair. You'll do."
"Is he for real," Masaru said. "Aren't we supposed to be performing our jutsus in front of Kurenai sensei, or another trainer? You're not that much older than us."
Ryu's eye twitched. "Look you annoying runt, I'm in trouble with my sensei and the Hokage. I have to be in here. I swore to do it, or get kicked off my team. So stop your yapping."
"Ryu, what did you do," Takeru asked. All of the students looked at him since he knew the guy's name. "Or do I not want to know?"
"Nothing really," Ryu said nonchalantly. He turned his gaze towards the door. "I just tried to get the better of Hideki by throwing an exploding paper bomb at him. Anyway!"
Takeru popped his forehead. He would do something like that. The two on his team give him enough trouble, so I guess Ryu decided that since he was going to be held back, he might as well get them while he could. Oh, man. Takeru rolled his eyes.
Masaru stepped forward. He put his hands in front of his body and transformed into Ryu in a puff of smoke. Another puff of smoke revealed Takeru, and then he randomly chose to turn into his dad. He smiled.
"Alright, you pass, go on," Ryu waved the boy along. "Next is the uh… pretty pink haired girl. Your turn."
Yanagi put her hands in front of her body. She turned into Gin first smiling. Gin blushed at Yanagi for picking her. Yanagi turned into Ryu successfully then transformed into her mother, Sakura. Ryu told her 'good job' then told her to go next door.
"The Inuzuka kid. You're next. Come on, don't be bashful. I'm sure you're fine," Ryu said with no emotion. He hated being forced to do this. It was like babysitting.
Areku Inuzuka sighed. This guy had no interest in telling them 'good luck' or hope that they did well. He put his hands in front of his body and transformed into Ryu. As Ryu he narrowed his eyes, making a perfect match. Areku poofed into Saori then chose to do a dog. Some of the students clapped. Areku was issued out the door.
"Next is the puppet girl. Since you can't stand the sight of me, I'll let you go ahead and be done with it," Ryu said heavily disgusted. He was tired of Saori's attitude towards him. He admitted he had something to do with her disappointment in him, but it was no different than anyone else's.
Saori Nara clenched her fists. She put her hands in front of her body and poofed into Ryu. She didn't change until she gestured with her hand and tilted her head to the side, sticking her tongue out. Ryu twitched his eyebrow. After succeeding in making him a bit angrier, Saori poofed into Kandai Hyuga. She twirled around to show off her long hair, and then poofed into Gaara.
The students all freaked out for a second. Gaara was the Hokage of the Hidden Sand Village. Everyone in Konoha knew of him and his abilities. Ryu scowled. "That was a bit much." As Saori walked out the door with a huff, Ryu signaled for Gin to go next.
Gin bowed low to Ryu, trying to show him respect. He looked back at her stunned. She blushed then poofed into Ryu, as she was supposed to do. Gin kept blushing, embarrassed at herself. She poofed again to change her form into Idai. Before Idai noticed, she changed her form quickly into Kurenai sensei.
Eiyu stepped towards Ryu. He put his hands in front of his body, closing his eyes. The boy changed into Kandai successfully, Ryu, and his father. He stuck his nose in the air as he walked out of the room before Ryu could tell him anything.
Kandai was a bit apologetic at Eiyu's behavior. He wondered what was wrong with his brother. Kandai stepped forward. He smiled at Ryu before poofing into him. Kandai chose to poof into Areku and his mother, TenTen.
Takeru decided to go next. He waved to Ryu before poofing into his friend. Takeru did a goofy dance to try and get Ryu to smile, but it didn't work. He moved on to change his form into Gin, and then chose to do Onari.
Ryu cocked his head. "Who is that?" He had never seen that girl before.
"It's Onari," Takeru said as he turned back into himself. "That's the girl I've been telling you about."
"Oh, yeah. The little foreign girl from the snow village. I'll have to meet her," Ryu said smiling a little. He waved Takeru on.
Idai glanced behind himself to take a quick look at Daiya. The boy from the lightening country was looking away, not interested in what the other students were doing. Idai wondered if the boy ever spoke to anyone besides making quick comments. Ryu told him to hurry up and Idai snapped to. He decided to turn into Daiya first. He glanced out of the corner of his eye to see Daiya looking at him oddly. Idai chose to turn into Gai sensei, and then Ryu. He left the room.
Daiya wondered why that kid had chosen to do him. He narrowed his eyes. Was that guy making fun of him? He had no idea. Daiya went up to Ryu. He put his hands in front of his body, poofing into Ryu first. He chose to do Takeru and Kurenai sensei next. He walked out of the room.
Daiya stopped in the hall. The white haired kid, Idai, was leaning against the wall. "What do you want," he asked the boy. Idai glanced at him. Daiya wasn't one for games. He stood his ground.
"Why don't you talk to anyone," Idai asked. He could tell Daiya had a lot of resentment in his words. He didn't move as Daiya passed him.
"The same reason you don't," Daiya said lowly.
The students stood at attention in front of the Hokage. They all looked at the Hidden Leaf headbands that were laying on the table the Hokage sat at. The man got up smiling and waving at the students. "Hi, guys, I want you all to do your best, alright? You're only one step away from graduating from the Ninja Academy! Now I want each one of you to perform a successful clone jutsu. It is a basic strategy technique that helps confuse an opponent in combat! Ready?" Naruto signaled for Idai to step forward. "Alright, let's see if you have it in you."
Idai tilted his head watching the Hokage of the Hidden Leaf Village. He put his hands in front of his body and crouched, concentrating. Another clone of him popped into view. The Hokage smiled at him and waved him forward to receive his ninja headband. Idai left the room. He hoped Gai would be proud of him, for accomplishing something.
Kandai was up next. He smiled at the Hokage as thoughtfully as he could. He hated the fact that he was a bit nervous. Kandai put his hands in front of his body and formed a hand gesture. Another form poofed beside him to reveal a copy of himself. He was issued forward to claim his graduation headband.
Masaru approached his father proudly. He put his hands in front of his body just like the other students had done and smiled really wide as he concentrated. If he screwed it up, his father was going to be heavily embarrassed. Masaru concentrated harder until a clone popped right next to him. His father, the Hokage, Naruto Uzumaki waved for him to come get his ninja headband.
Gin stood in front of the Hokage, her cheeks flustered. This was a man of great importance and she had to prove to him that she had what it took to be a ninja of the Hidden Leaf Village. Courage. Courage, Gin. You have to make them proud of you. She concentrated hard. A clone of herself popped next to her. She bowed low to the Hokage as she took her ninja headband.
Takeru walked up to his Uncle. He wasn't afraid of the Hokage as some of the other students. He wondered if they were truly afraid of him, or if they held respect for him. Takeru had grown up being surrounded by Naruto and his family. His father was the Hokage's best friend. Takeru closed his eyes, concentrating. He felt the chakra flowing in his body. Before long, he had it. A clone popped into view that looked exactly like Takeru. The boy walked up slowly to his uncle. He took his headband proudly.
Areku stepped forward. He closed his eyes concentrating. As he gritted his teeth, he forced his chakra to increase. The clone jutsu was mandatory. He had to pass it, or fail. It was a difficult jutsu for him to master. He didn't know why, but he had always had trouble with it. His father, Kiba, had told him that the same thing happened to Naruto. Areku pushed himself harder until a clone popped into view. The Hokage handed him his ninja headband.
Daiya, the boy from the lightening country, took his place in front of the Hokage. He slowly put his hands in front of his body. He left his eyes open, unlike the other students and concentrated. Daiya didn't trust anyone enough to close his eyes around them. A figure poofed beside him. It was a copy of him. He took his head band from the Hokage slowly.
Saori was up next. She concentrated hard on what she looked like. It wasn't an easy thing to think about. Your eyes faced outward, not inwards. Saori took a deep breath. A copy of herself showed up next to her. She looked at it. It wasn't half-bad, but she wasn't pleased. She never was with anything she did. The Hokage signaled for her to take her headband. She did.
Next to last was Eiyu. He stood at attention in front of the Hokage, a man of great importance that had fixed issues with his clan. Thanks to the man in front of him, Eiyu and Kandai did not have the mark of the Hyuga clan on their forehead. They had grown up without fear and humiliation of the superior branch of the clan.
Eiyu concentrated hard, closing his eyes. He had been training relentlessly on the clone jutsu with Kandai. They were supposed to be the best – they had to make their father proud. As Eiyu had been doing, he let his mind wander before popping back into concentration mode. A clone of Eiyu poofed next to him. He took his headband with great pride.
Yanagi was last, but she didn't mind. She knew she would do well. She was good at the clone jutsu. She was so good at it, in fact, that her and her father had been copying themselves all over the house as of late. Yanagi smiled as she concentrated. She had to find her center. The pink haired girl, daughter of Sakura Haruno, became serious for a moment. A copy of herself popped into her view. She happily took her headband from the Hokage.
Naruto Uzumaki, Hokage of the Hidden Leaf Village, smiled as Yanagi Lee exited the room. "Well, that went as well as I expected. Everyone performed the jutsus correctly and effectively. Too bad it took me three times to get it right. They sure are getting stronger as the years go by."
All of the kids met outside of the Ninja Academy to congratulate themselves. Everyone was patting each other on the back and giving high-fives. Takeru got his hair ruffled by Ryu Yuhi. He was rather pleased to have such attention from the older boy. Gin was blushing badly at how Yanagi was smiling at her and jumping around praising her. Kandai was telling Masaru what a wonderful job he had done. Saori actually received a pat on the back by Areku, much to her surprise. It made her smile. Eiyu snuffed at the amount of attention that was going through the air. He rolled his eyes. Daiya didn't get why they were all so happy. It was just the effects of training. He caught Idai glancing at him. Idai turned his gaze away.