[Hiruzen Sarutobi]

Shockingly enough, the written test had gone swimmingly. All but two students passed and he saw that the two students he had his eyes on passed. Kukui Tanku and Naruto-kun. Both passed the written test with the former getting third and the latter getting ninth. Which was amazing compared to his test scores from just last year! Hiruzen felt pride resurge upon thinking about it.

The next test was going to be the Obstacle course. Hiruzen expected the more physically inclined students to do well in this. Now Hiruzen was most excited for this test. It was something new that all of the clan kids parents who had a stake in the academy(Tobirama-sensei's way of giving clans more power in some form. Most changes to the academy had to be put through three of the clan heads first which was wonderful for preventing stupid ideas since most clan heads were agreeable to these changes)

The thing that excited Hiruzen most though was that the sixth year got to participate in this as well! No they were not running the obstacle course. Unless your name was Naruto Uzumaki or Kukui Tanku you were likely going to be near last. But there was something that the teachers didn't tell the students. His orders... The Sixth years are going to be throwing wooden Kunai and Shuriken at the fifth years,

Now was it a good idea?

Likely not.

Was Hiruzen still going forward with it?

Yes. Yes he was. If you can't deflect basic Kunai and Shuriken, dodge them, or otherwise incapacitate them then you don't deserve to be a shinobi yet. This test was one of the most important things going forward and Hiruzen is glad he decided to get rid of the Ninjutsu test.

Ninjutsu isn't important as long as you can use a kunai or Shuriken to slit someone's throat in their sleep. Being a Shinobi isn't about flashy or large jutsu. The essence of shinobi and ninja overall is killing silently in the night. Being an assassin who nobody would even notice. Not many people agreed with that sentiment anymore unfortunately so the few Anbu Hiruzen had, he cherished. The Anbu consisted of most of the people who would assassinate someone.

Obviously every shinobi worth their salt could. Assassination missions were usually given to Genin to do together if there was a low level target so they could be eased into the idea of it. It was also a great test to see who could enter Anbu.

Now back to the exams Hiruzen began watching as the teachers told them to go. Three people of note here stopped before running and waited. Kukui Tanku. Ino Yamanaka, And Shino Aburame. The two sensors and the best tracker.

They knew people were here.

Eventually Kukui in a burst of speed began running along the walls of the obstacle course building after a short round of Rock Paper Scissors between the three there. Around a dozen Kunai and Shuriken came for him right away. Hiruzen noticed a particular grin on his face. One he only saw in two people before. Kushina Uzumaki and Maito Gai. He was excited to run.

Hiruzen wondered what he was going to do. He couldn't outrun them as they were thrown by Neji Hyuuga who put a lot of force into the throw.

Meanwhile, Naruto was around 25% done with the obstacle course with Sasuke Uchiha at 22% and Kiba Inuzuka at 20%. Kukui was being swift to catch up. The shuriken were about to hi- Kukui caught one of the shuriken furthest ahead and threw it at the others.

This caused a chain reaction of the Kunai and Shuriken stopping Mid-Air and falling to the ground.

Well that was unexpected. But you had to expect the unexpected from Kukui Tanku at this point. Shisui had told him on his visit a few hours ago about the kid his sister brought with her so he could learn about Genjutsu. Hiruzen connected the dots. Kukui was not going to be fun to fight when he gets older.

More Kunai and Shuriken began to fly toward everyone. and most of the top ten swiftly dodged most of them. Ones thrown by the four physically strongest were hitting most of their targets. Except for the now caught-up Kukui. 'How did he even do that?' Hiruzen wondered if the boy had more tricks up his sleeve. Maybe Chakra enhancement? No, the boy was stingy about his chakra in cases like these. Unless these were real Kunai and Shuriken he needed to dodge and in a real competition he wouldn't use chakra enhancement.

The Obstacle course was about 50% over. Naruto ducked under a log that nearly hit Kukui who jumped which caused Sasuke Uchiha who was catching up to the both of them, to get hit in the face. Kukui jumped to the wire the next log was hanging off of and then kicked off a wall to get back behind Naruto who was simply running through the wooden Kunai and Shuriken at this point whilst dodging actual dangers like Senbon.

"What did that kid get fed to Hokage-sama? He looks like a monkey with the way he's moving." One of the heads of a clan that Tobirama entrusted to help make the academy greater, Hiashi Hyuuga said. The surprise on his face was priceless. He was the only clan head who asked to come today because he wanted to see how his daughter performed(So far, Fifth place. Not bad.) and how other future genin would perform.

Hiruzen chuckled, "I wish I knew so I could give it to everyone else. But he's very clever when he wants to be," Kukui watched him throw a Kunai he caught at Neji Hyuuga which barely missed, "He's also a sensor which is probably why he can throw the false Kunai and Shuriken back at their users." Hiruzen's current theory was that he sensed the chakra in their arms and used that to guess the trajectory of the Kunai and Shurken.

The current front runners were Naruto Uzumaki and Kukui Tanku who were now 80% of the way through the obstacle course with them now reaching what simulated Iwa's falling rocks. The rocks had Ninja wire that pulled them back up should they not get out of the way.

Naruto rolled under three of the rocks and Kukui simply swung through the Ninja wire, Using chakra on his hands so as to not get cut. Eventually, the section was over to reveal the finish line. Naruto managed to pass it just barely before Kukui.

'Both did well. Naruto could have dodged the Kunai and Shuriken but I suppose he didn't need to. Still this will be a huge mark against him.' Unfortunate but he had two other tests he could use to make up for this failure.

"Both did splendidly, I see. I am particularly impressed by the civilian boy catching my Nephew's Kunai and Shuriken." Hiashi had his Byakugan activated. "No chakra was being used other than when he ran on the walls and covered his hands. I am disappointed it took until he did it for most other students to try it. Uzumaki's performance also left something to be desired."

Hiruzen nodded, "I am as well. And I do agree that Naruto-kun's performance was lacking. He may have gotten first in the race but that matters not when if those Kunai and Shuriken were real he would have died."

Now they needed to wait for the last place to show up as everyone else was starting. It was Shikamaru Nara who had nothing he needed to dodge. He would go far in the world with intelligence like that.

Now after the performance of Kukui he was excited to see how he did during the Taijutsu fight.

The Taijutsu spars were different from your usual spars. Instead of the students fighting each other which wasn't fair for the students who had less skill in Taijutsu, all students would be fighting Chunin who would be holding back to similar levels of power. You had to last a minute to win.

So far seven fights had gone on and three had passed their fights. Sasuke Uchiha, Aburame Shino, and Sakura Haruno. Currently Hiruzen was waiting on the next fight with Hisashi who was also waiting to see how far his daughter had progressed.

Her fight could be next but Hiruzen didn't know. The names were called at random. So Hiruzen didn't know when each spar would happen. He anticipated the Chuunin getting some of the less spectacular spars done first though... well after the three passing ones.

"Okay Kukui it's your turn to spar." This time it was Iruka who called it out. The second strongest Chuunin he had at the academy. This spar would be an interesting one. "You will be sparing with me today, is that fine?"

Kukui nodded, "That is fine Sensei. Although I do have a question?" Oh what would this be? Hiruzen wondered what the boy would ask. Iruka nodded and gestured for the boy to ask, "I normally spar with a sword. Since this test is so important, could I use my training sword?" That was smart.

Iruka smiled, "Well that would be a bit unfair to everyone but nobody has asked before. I will allow it but I will try a bit harder though." Iruka settled into a perfect basic academy style, "Are you ready?"

Kukui pressed down on one of his sleeves and a wooden sword appeared. He was prepared. The brown-haired boy nodded and settled into a modified Humming-bird fist stance, "I am, Sensei." He had a grin on. Like he knew he was going to pass. Maybe not win but pass.

Iruka nodded, "Alright then. Let's begin." Iruka put his arms up for a guard.

Kukui saw this and used his sword to catapult himself toward Iruka with an ax kick which the man blocked which transitioned into Kukui swinging his sword at the man in an overhead with him getting his feet planted onto the ground once more which Iruka blocked before punching Kukui's Leg which caused the boy to wince in pain and step back.

The younger one of the two put his sword up in a block to stop a punch from Iruka and then brought up a knee which was swiftly dodged. Kukui then ran at Iruka and swung his wooden sword at Iruka who blocked the strike before getting hit in the side with a kick.

Iruka quickly retaliated with a kick of his own at the boy's stomach to which he sealed his sword and dodged just before the kick connected. He quickly unsealed his sword and grinned before planting it into the ground and jumping off of it and resealing it as he swung down for another overhead slash.

Kukui's slash was blocked by Iruka before the academy student unsealed another one and like a dance shifted to the side and hit Iruka who had then turned around and punched Kukui who barely got a guard up. The genin hopeful winced and Iruka threw away the wooden sword he had with him. "Impressive tricks I see." This time Iruka began to go on the offensive

"Thanks." Kukui ducked under a kick before getting punched in the face by Iruka whom for his part looked sorry. Kukui then hit Iruka's arm with a slash of his sword and then dashed to the side of the man and aimed a strike for the man's liver.

Iruka dodged and then attempted to return the favor but the strike was blocked by Kukui's sword which then knocked Iruka's hand away. Kukui then jabbed Iruka's stomach with the sword before horizontally slashing up and then failing to sweep the man's leg out with a kick of Iruka's nearly knocking Kukui to the ground.

Iruka then slammed an elbow into Kukui's shoulder, making him drop the sword and send a knee to the boy's chest. Sending him toward the tree. Kukui flipped onto the tree and unsealed a third sword. At Iruka's blank look the boy chuckled. "They're cheap okay." Kukui leaped off the tree and off a discarded sword before making it back to Iruka who tried to grab Kukui out of the air only to have a sword slammed into his side.

Iruka then chuckled and let Kukui go. "You are a lot better with a sword than not I see. Good job. You passed. It has been long enough it seems and we got sidetracked by the looks of it.." Has it already been a minute?

"Three minutes. Impressive for an academy student. His usage of his sword was odd but it reminds me of a lesser version of Killer Bee's Eight Sword style." Hiashi commented from the side. He then looked at Iruka. "He was nearly going all out. I wonder how this would have gone if both parties went all out."

Hiruzen wondered that too.

Kukui bowed at Iruka. "Thank you sensei."

Now it was time for the next spar. Nothing would top this one though.

[Kukui Tanku]

Fighting Iruka had been a bit scary. I requested to use a sword because I wanted to try new things. They worked thankfully and my wild style allowed me to go on for three minutes. Now we were in the classroom again. For the Genjutsu test. I was least nervous for this test. Being a sensor was awesome.

I wondered if Kurenai was gonna come back for this test. I don't think any sensei here knows Genjutsu. Or a good enough one. It's just that unused. Like more people in Konoha probably know Fuinjutsu than Genjutsu. Thanks Danzo, Itachi, and Obito! 'Wait... Obito might not have done anything here in this universe.' Might. There was no telling who has done what without talking to the right people.

I scanned around with my chakra sensing once more. Iruka wasn't back yet. I had actually done really well against him. I of course wasn't at my full power but neither was he. I wonder if I could have won if I had used my flame seal. Like not many people can counter the power of jutsu without hand seals.

'Not a single person is talking at least.' Everyone was quiet. I was getting a few glares from some people. Mainly Sasuke's fan club members. Although some glares were weaker than others... Now that I think about it. Ever since Kurenai came to the academy a few weeks ago, Sasuke's fanclub had been smaller. Not by a lot but it was smaller. And it looked like the remaining members were hanging by a thread too.

There were of course a few slackers whom glared. I had apparently betrayed them by becoming top of the class. That fact alone was still surprising. No way I should have pulled that off in a year. My foreknowledge and previous intellect shouldn't have helped much. 'I suppose the System could have had a passive boost to everything...' One that wasn't visible? Maybe.

I was still confused by a lot about my life. The system had been the biggest reason for that. Sometimes I hated it for not being the ridiculous gamer system you would see in fanfics. But then again I wasn't in a fanfic. I was in real life. I shouldn't expect to be completely overpowered. The fact that I had even a nerfed system and I reincarnated should be less than impossible. Like the odds of this happening should be in the negatives.

But of course it happened and now I was here in a familiar yet strange world. All healed from my sickness and perfectly fine. No, I feel like that'd be underselling it. I could probably take on a small country in my world if I played my cards right. I had abilities that most people dreamed of. 'And I'm only going to be more powerful from here.' I had started to put in work for the Genjutsu seal. As it turns out, Modifying seals was hard.

I'd do it. It was just a matter of time. But damn it was tough. 'Level six Fuinjutsu for a reason I suppose.' Level six Fuinjutsu was some real stuff. That's when we began to get into Bijuu seals and stuff. I hadn't gotten any news on what Level seven was but I assume it's something like summoning the Shinigami.

'Think about the eldritch stuff later, Kukui. For now we've got work to do.' I sensed two chakra signatures just outside the door. Kurenai and Iruka. "Two people. Iruka-sensei and Kurenai-sensei." I saw every girl but Hinata stiffen up at that. 'Kurenai must have had a few words with them...'

Soon the two people walked into the room. Both looked as serious as they could get. "Alright students I'm sure you remember Kurenai so no need for introductions today. We're going to be doing the Genjutsu test soon but first we need to establish a few things."

Kurenai nodded, "Yes we do. First off is that this test contains three components. 1: How fast you can break out of a genjutsu. 2: How well you respond to said Genjutsu. And 3: How you respond to people trying to gather information." Well I was breaking this right away. "I will be applying the Genjutsu to you all at once so this test will be the quickest one. Now another thing to note is that you can't break the Genjutsu immediately. You have a minute to be in the genjutsu and after that is when you'll be timed as we want to test you on two and three as well as one. Now with that, is everybody ready?" Fuck.

I saw some weak nods but everyone was indeed ready. I nodded as well. Kurenai then began slowly cycling through hand seals. At the very last one I felt my vision fade and chakra enter my body. 'Hello Darkness my old friend.' This was just a pale imitation of my hell.

I elected to see what was going on inside of it first before I broke out. I was already standing up it seems so I began walking. I actually could see and feel my body. Kurenai couldn't take away everything in a genjutsu such as this it seems.

'Give up... Don't continue... What is your worst nightmare? Why are you continuing?' Cheesy sounding voices. Oh joy. Kurenai really didn't have anything else, didn't she?

"I won't fall for it. I know it isn't real. This is just a pale imitation of my hell." I had been counting mentally for the last fifty-eight seconds. "Now it's time to get out of here!" I flared my chakra and hell dispelled and Kurenai sighed as she looked at me.

"Sensor types are always the worst to deal with. Oh well. Alright, the second one passed." I looked over and saw Hinata there... Byakugan activated. Fair play. "You can leave now if you'd like or you can stay and watch to see signs of others being in a genjutsu."

I elected to stay.

[Hiruzen Sarutobi]

There were a total of six people whom passed the early graduation exams. There were three surprises and three he expected. The Unexpected three early graduates were good but Hiruzen didn't think they'd be that good.

Those people were Hinata Hyuuga who with her getting first in the genjutsu test boosted her to fourth. The amount of pride in Hiashi's voice when he heard was nice to hear from the man. Hiruzen knew he was tough on his daughters but he loved them ultimately. But seeing some of that love was nice. It showed Hiashi wasn't just stern all the time.

The next person was Aburame Shino who averaged Fifth place in all categories which gave him fifth and the exams and an early graduation candidate. He'd likely be going into the anbu after hitting Chuunin in a few years. Shibi is probably proud.

The next one is a real shocker. By the skin of his teeth. And Hiruzen meant it too. Shikamaru Nara. Now whilst he wasn't actually graduating for the sake of the Ino-Shika-Cho trio to be formed again next year he passed. Mainly thanks to his scores in the written exam, fifth in the genjutsu exam, and the intellect he showed in the Obstacle course.

Now the top three to Nobodies surprise were Kukui Tanku at first, Sasuke Uchiha at Second, and Naruto-kun at third. Naruto's written scores weren't the best but his physical scores were just incredible. Nothing short of astounding compared to last year.

Hiruzen was so proud of him. He in just a year became one of the best in the academy and now he was going to graduate early. Although finding good team placements would suck. But he had his chuunin to do that for him so it didn't matter.

Uchiha Sasuke got fourth in intelligence, third in the obstacle course, third in taijutsu, and third in Genjutsu. Now Hiruzen was sure the boy wasn't particularly happy. He read the reports from Iruka and knew the boy wanted to be the strongest. But still this was massive. Thanks to his scores he got second place which is really good.

Then there was the boy who took everyone by surprise. The one some called the Return of the flash. Others the second coming of Jiraiya. It was Kukui Tanku. At first the boy had been unremarkable. But something changed in the boy at the very beginning of the year.

Hiruzen remembered getting a report on the boy from Iruka at the start of the year. It was like there was a fire in his eyes that simply wasn't there before. Then he rapidly began improving and striving to be better. Striving to improve himself to degrees that Maito Gai would be proud of. Except for the times he took days off.

Gai rarely had those

Kukui eventually discovered Fuinjutsu and was this year's prodigy. Naruto may have been the faster learner like his father but if there was anyone to compare Kukui too. It'd be Kushina Uzumaki. The boy's wild way of fighting and moving around today helped that point. But the real thing to drive it home is his creativity. His ideas were incredible.

His drive to improve and love for Fuinjutsu led him to become the best in the year. Especially with the grades he got in Fuinjutsu class. Hiruzen considered it a massive achievement. If the boy was this strong within a year and no real help other than two six years and Naruto then how strong could he be under a jonin or himself?

Hiruzen wanted to know. He wanted to teach the boy because he saw the same passion he had for learning in his eyes but he didn't want him to not experience the same joys of being a genin that he did. So he needed to find a jonin for him.

Or rather his chuunin would. He would love to do it but the mountain of Paperwork in front of him just kept growing and growing for some reason and Hiruzen didn't like it. 'Damn you Minato for not leaving your tricks behind.' He could see the smile on the man's face. Tobirama-sensei's as well. It's almost like they were laughing at him.

'One day I'll figure out your tricks, Minato.' Where was he? Oh yeah he needed to go visit the early graduates and congratulate them on graduating from the Academy. Oh Hiruzen couldn't wait to see their faces when they realized there was more.

Originally I planned on Hiruzen talking to Kukui. For the last part of the chapter. But then I sorta Derailed this chapter a bit. It actually derailed the moment I thought writing a chapter mostly from Hiruzen's PoV would be easy(PS: It was. At least this time... There may be more chapters like this in the future) So here we are. I honestly enjoyed writing Kukui form a third person PoV. Might try that more.

So we're one chapter away from the end of the academy arc. Now I know at some point people noticed two things. Well I hope they did... or didn't. The mask and the forbidden scroll. So for the mask, that was just for filler to be honest. I had nothing at the time to put in the chapter so I put in the mask. I might try to reincorporate it to the fic somehow.

For the Forbidden scroll... Well originally I wanted Kukui to get a leg up but I didn't know what to give him. So I gave him the blood jutsu. The original plan was after the Tsunade Retrieval Arc he fights Deidara and gets low on chakra. So before Deidara kills him he lobs an arm off and drinks the blood from it. Effectively becoming a vampire.

I'd love to tell you all the original plans for this fic but I'm going to reuse a lot of them so yeah. Can't. Although I can tell you what I'm not gonna use. Kusagakure arc won't be used. Instead I'll have something else in its place. A new arc if you will.

Anyways that's all I have for today. Thanks for reading everyone!

-Tobi