(Chapter 18: Graduation Day and Decisions)

It would near towards the latter end of May as graduation day was now upon everyone, and as such an intense amount of excitement was in the air as not just our trio, but everyone in their class was chomping at the bit to gain their headbands to become Genin at long last…Especially since it meant that Naruto could show off his powers and be with his friends without having to suppress himself any further.


(The Academy, 12:48 Pm, May 24th, 997 S.E)

It was now at the end of the testing day as everyone was looking at Naruto in rapt attention to see it he could do the academy 3…or at least his version of it from what he told Mizuki.

"Alright, Naruto, you know the drill. Do the standard jutsu and get on with it already...We don't have all day for you to waste." Iruka told Naruto in a derisive tone of voice

"Come on, Iruka. Don't you think it'd kill you to be just a bit nicer to him?" Mizuki asked

"No, I'm not here to be nice to him. I'm here to have him do the standard and get on with my day." Iruka haughtily answered back

"Jeez, you don't gotta be a dick about it." Mizuki replied as he motioned for Naruto to begin

'Here goes nothing…also I am so gonna dump stink bombs down his chimney tonight.' Naruto mentally noted to himself as he glared at the brunette Chunin

"Alright, Naruto, you may begin when you are ready." Mizuki told his student while Iruka

From there Naruto used Double Team for his version of the Clone jutsu in which 3 separate copies of Naruto seemed to appear from the ether; identical down to the last detail, from there Naruto ordered one of his doppelgangers to rush up to the very back of the classroom; wherein he then used Substitution to quickly switch with said doppelganger. Afterward he had two of the doppelgangers use Transform in which they seemed to bubble and morph like wet clay; before they turned into Mizore and Toshiro, only much to the humor and laughter of the classroom that they were dressed as cartoonishly looking clowns complete with makeup and bright streaked violet and emerald colored hair.

All the while the twin jinchuuriki were fuming at being made jokes of by their elder triplet, with a visible sneer across Mizore's face and Toshiro having almost gone red-faced at having been made a mockery by a grinning Naruto who was feeling wonderful about himself as small applause from some his classmates came about, especially as he had them engage in comedic bouts of acrobatics and shecanery that gained a few laughs from his peers. Yet despite that and Naruto having his transformed doppelgangers at like complete buffoons of themselves much to the enjoyment of his friends and peers, was eventually called to stop by an irritated Iruka at seeing him make the class into a raucous mess of what was having his time wasted.

That being said after Naruto sat back down alongside Sasuke and Choji, Mizuki and Iruka told them that by the days end they would have the results of their test posted and as such shown on if they were ready to join the shinobi workforce. Hence why in the aftermath of it all and even as they had their extended lunch break while the instructors went over everything, that for the most part all was quiet…which concerned Naruto considering that after his bit in making fools of siblings that he would've expected immediate retaliation, and yet nothing happened.

However, once that was over and the results were given where one by one his peers alongside his friends were given their headbands, and were dismissed after doing so; Naruto was called to meet with Mizuki in private who wanted to give him something after being told he passed.

"So what's the big thing you wanted to give me, Mizuki-sensei?" Naruto asked the white-haired Chunin

"Well, I figured that after everything we've gone through together over these past couple of months. Plus the fact that your going onto the big leagues pretty soon; that it wouldn't hurt to give you a graduation present." Mizuki answered back to a somewhat confused blonde

"I'm not following…" Naruto said whilst Mizuki undid his headband
"Here…take it, Naruto. I figured that it wouldn't hurt to give you a little something, so as corny as this is gonna sound…That you will never be alone when you're out there in the meat grinder. That at least now, you'll have your good 'ol sensei there with you in the bullshit." Mizuki told Naruto as he took off his headband and tied around Naruto's head

"There, now you really look the part of a real-deal shinobi…Hell, you even got the crazy-ass hair to make it work." Mizuki further spoke with a small laugh in seeing his students' wild honey-blonde hair fit well with the bandanna-like headband

"M-Mizuki-sensei, you know you didn't have to do this for me. I would've been fine with just a regular-ass headband." Naruto said back as he looked back at the Chunin with tears forming in his eyes

"Well, I figured that since your something other than just ordinary. That you deserve better than just a basic-bitch headband. You are far greater than what you've had to pretend to be, and because of that I wanted to give you the one thing I could that would show that…It may not be much, but I wanted to do something for my favorite students' graduation day." Mizuki replied with a grin on his face as he patted Naruto on the shoulder

"Dang it, you're gonna me cry on graduation…Damn it, why'd you have to do something like this for me?" Naruto asked struggling not to let tears streak down his face
"Simple, because like I just said. I know your gonna do something great Naruto, and I may not always be there to see you do it. But at least this way, I get to see you be awesome in spirit…Because, I know your gonna go off to do great things, Naruto." Mizuki answered back with an ever-widening smile at how far his student had come

"So the only thing I can really say right now, is that I'm proud of you for sticking it out this far. I'm proud that I got to see you grow and become a badass on our ride-alongs…But most of all, I'm proud to see you become a young man who is going to do a lot of spectacular things in the world. So godspeed Naruto, because I am happy to have been your teacher." Mizuki said with all the pride and happiness he could in the blonde before him

"Goddamnit…Here you go got me crying over here…Shit, I-I don't know what else to say, but thanks for being a kickass sensei." Naruto replied hating that he couldn't stop crying in this moment

"Hey, you don't have to say anything else to me. Just keep being the powerhouse with a good head on his shoulders, that I know you are. Then we can call it even…That sound like a good idea?" Mizuki asked of the blonde superhuman

"Yeah, yeah it does..." Naruto said as he gave his sensei a side-hug
"By the way, Mizuki-sensei. Thanks for sticking with me all this time…I know I can be a jackass sometimes, but still…thanks for keeping me around, and letting me do all the ride-alongs with you...I promse that I'm gonna make you proud every time I go out for missions, just you watch!" Naruto thanked Mizuki

"Its not a problem at all. I'm just glad that I've gotten to see you grow stronger. Besides, you are a lot more pleasant to deal with than Toshiro and Mizore…Those two were a pain in my ass to deal." Mizuki replied in having rather taken Naruto over the twin jinchuuriki

"Y-Yeah, those two really are pieces of work aren't they...Honestly, I'm surprised they didn't throw a hissy fit in class." Naruto said with a partially choked-up laugh

"But you know what, this ain't about them…How about I take you out to Ichiraku's on me?" Mizuki said to Naruto

"You know what, I'd like that…I really would." Naruto said back as he wiped the tears from his face

'Finally, I made it to being a genin…Now I just have to hope that I can get on a team with Sasuke and Sakura, and everything will have been worth it.' Naruto said to himself as he and Mizuki headed off toward the ramen stand


(3 hours later, 4:08 Pm, Hokage Tower)

Meanwhile, Danzo was currently meeting with Minato over genin placements namely that of Naruto whom he knew for the betterment of the village could not be placed with his siblings in any meaningful capacity…lest their be vitriolic consequences.

"Even you cannot deny that with Toshiro's and Mizore's antics that putting them on a team with Naruto, would not bode well." Danzo said to the blonde Hokage

"Between Toshiro not having changed in the months since he tried to attack Naruto with a Rasengan…All for what…because he couldn't take a defeat well? Then we have Mizore who from the security camera footage Mizuki has graciously allowed us to review. That she not only thinks Naruto as her lesser, but has even gone out of her way to brazenly and openly intimidate others into shunning and ceasing social interactions with him. Together they will make for the most dysfunctional and toxic teammates to your eldest child." Danzo further spoke as Minato listened in silence to the elder shinobi's words

"As such, I would advise that he not be put on a team with them. Both for his emotional and mental health, as well as his physical wellbeing. Given that the potential danger of infighting is extremely high, and having 2 prideful and angry jinchuuriki who already despise you…I feel that even you would agree that this is for the better...Otherwise, this team will not even make it to see the Chunin Exams." Danzo added

"You do make very good points all things considered. Between their recent behavior, and all the evidence presented. I would say that it would be a prudent decision to not do so...Even if I wanted to have my children together as a genin squad, as a Hokage I know better than to approve of such an unstable team when I see it." Minato said in agreement with the warhawk

'God knows, no one wants a repeat of what I had when I was jonin-sensei.' Minato internally remarked in remembering how volatile his own genin were

"I am glad you see things that way…Naruto is despite what his grades and performances in the academy have shown, is a talented young man. As such it would be a shame to see that talent stifled." Danzo replied glad that Minato could see reason

"Indeed. However, if it won't be with his own siblings that he will be paired with. Then who do you suggest?" Minato questioned the warhawk

"I would suggest Sakura Haruno and Sasuke Uchiha to be his teammates, instead of Mizore and Toshiro Namikaze." Danzo replied

"Hmm, any reason as to why those two in particular?" Minato questioned in concerns to Naruto's friends

"To start out with they both share far greater bonds with Naruto than his siblings…Given that they are his best friends from what Mizuki has informed me, as well as their partaking in training with each other after academy hours. Therefore, they would be able to have a greater synergy as a team, a reduced chance of infighting, and better able to function as a cohesive whole than a divided force." Danzo answered back

"I need not remind you how a divided team will fair in the field. Especially, when it comes to a serious mission." Danzo added as Minato's face froze in memory

"No you do not…To this day, I still feel as though I am paying for what happened during the war. Maybe if I hadn't been so on winning the war; that I could've prevented one from dying and the others at their own throats." Minato said in reference to his now fractured team

"Yet had you not been as devoted toward ensuring the villages' victory. It would have been Iwa or Kumo that would have come out as the victor, instead of us…Perhaps, there wouldn't have even been a Konoha left to have a 4th Hokage." Danzo replied knowing full well that Minato's hyperfocus toward victory was what helped decisively win the 3rd Great Shinobi War

"I know, Danzo. Still, its something that I can't help but reflect on…The possibility of what could've been had I been a better sensei…A sensei who should have seen the signs that his own team was falling apart from the start." Minato said back as he looked back at the picture of what was once his genin squad

"Think of it this way. If you do Naruto this one kindness by allowing him to be on a team with his friends. Instead, of on a team where it is clear that his own family detests him, and even further than that refuse to accept him as a fellow shinobi or even a near equal. Then you can prevent them from falling further apart, or worse yet meeting a mutally assured destruction." Danzo spoke as Minato couldn't help but look at the warhawk in silent agreement

'Even though, I hate to admit that he's right. I can't afford to put my children's wellbeing and safety at risk…No matter how much I want my family to be together.' Minato said to himself hating that he couldn't have his children together as a genin squad

The Hokage in question had desired more than anything to one day put his children on a genin team together, and have them function as a unified front that could depend on each other through the bonds built by being family in blood. However, between Toshiro's temper and refusal to accept Naruto as anything close to an equal given how even after his incident he still would try to go after Naruto, and Mizore going as far as to intimidate others away from and dissuade her own brother from being a shinobi…that in his heart of hearts, Minato knew this was for the best

"At least you see things that way, Minato. This may be a bitter pill to swallow, but in the end it will be for the best." Danzo spoke

"I know, Danzo. However, I had hopes that once Naruto was on a genin squad with Mizore and Toshiro. That I could use it as an avenue to better spend time with him…even I can admit that I've failed in sending more time in bonding with my eldest son than I should have as his father." Minato lamented in full admission that he failed to properly bond with his son when he should've

"...Something I've heard from Tsunade more times than I'd like to admit. Which makes doing this something all the more regrettable, given how I could've prevented this had I just paid better attention to my family." Minato added as his voice further turned somber at this note

"It doesn't help that this is further compounded; by the fact that Naruto is both of legal age to be considered an adult. On top of his becoming a genin makes it so that he has further become an adult in the eyes of a village. As such you will be hard-pressed to get him to spend time with you; now that he has his duties as a genin and member of our forces." Danzo spoke eliciting a sigh from Minato at this added tidbit of news

"Don't remind me…..I don't suppose that you have any advice on how to get him to spend time with his own father? I honestly don't know what to do, as I figured that even with training the twins for the prophecy that there would be time to make it up to him…Only now Naruto is a grown man, and I've missed on so many critical moments to make it happen." Minato wondered as he looked toward the elder in the room for any sort of guidance on the issue

"Unfortunately, Minato, I cannot give you any parental advice on how to reconnect with your son. Seeing as how I have never had children of my own. The stresses of war and maintaining the village never permitted me to have such a luxury." Danzo replied knowing full well that his work and devotion toward the village afforded him little in the way of romance

"Do you ever regret it…You know, not having a family?" Minato asked the warhawk who looked at him with a dutiful stare

"To be quite frank with you, I do not. For the entirety of Konoha in a way is my family. Granted it is not my blood that we are related, but it is by the bonds forged through years of service and protection of our home; that have made it so. Therefore, from the lowest of genin, to the strongest of our Anbu and jonin, to even our merchants. I consider all of them my family in the great and mighty tree that is Konoha." Danzo answered back

"Besides, I have lived a full life. One that I know I would not regret having lived if I were to perish." Danzo further spoke with a smile of content at his life thus far

"I am glad that one of us feels that way…" Minato said still feeling dejected on what to do concerning his eldest in Naruto

"Look the only thing I can tell you, is to let Naruto want to spend time with you. You cannot press the issue, I he does not want to be in contact with you outside of being his commander-in-chief." Danzo told the blonde Hokage

"And what if the opportunity to spend time with him outside of my role as Kage never happens?" Minato inquired

"Then you will have to face a cruel reality that a good few shinobi face every day. That their commitment toward training the next generation; has crippled an aspect of their personal life…In your case, a relationship with your eldest." Danzo answered back

"I just hope that he isn't too angry with me for what I've done; for the sake of the prophecy…I just want peace to happen so that my children never have to know the horrors of being on the battlefield." Minato said in dreading the day where such a thing becomes a reality for his 3 children

"Minato, they are soldiers now. Whether you like it or not, the possibility of war breaking out; regardless of the prophecy issued by the Toads, can and will happen. As such the best that can be done is to prepare them for the worst." Danzo replied in a tone of voice that came from having survived all 3 great wars

"I am praying that day never comes…For it just may bring out the worst in my children, if their behavior in the academy is anything to go by." Minato said back with a feeling of dread creep up in his very bones that chilled him to the core

"All that can be done in this moment and in all future moments; is simply prepare and hope for the best…That being said, and until that time is to come. There is the matter of selecting jonin sensei for the genin hopefuls who have passed." Danzo said to Minato who shook his head to refocus himself

"Of course, now who do you think we should start with first?" Minato asked the warhawk

"How about, Tsunade's daughter? She has been the most adamant about wanting her genin squad. So I say we begin with her." Danzo suggested as Minato sighed

"...This isn't going to be easy is it?" Minato asked again

"I will tell you the same thing that I told Hiruzen when he took up the mantle of Hokage? Nothing is ever easy." Danzo answered back as Minato sighed as the two went to work on selecting who would make the best fit as jonin sensei


(3 days later, Akimichi BBQ, May 27th, 997 S.E, 3:37 Pm)

It was nearing a bit past 3 in the afternoon as Naruto was on his lunch break with Choji…or at least he was until Choza told him that none other than Hanabi Hyuga herself wanted to speak with him, which was a surprise to the inheiritor of Arceus's will given her status as a shinobi elite.

"Holy shit, its Hinata's sister?...What the fuck does she want with me?" Naruto asked his hulking colossus of a friend

"Beats me, but I say go for it and see what she wants. It couldn't hurt if dad said she wants to talk to you." Choji answered back as best he could

"Alright, here goes nothing, and wish me luck man." Naruto spoke before getting up from his seat to head over to Hanabi

"Hi Hanabi, what can I do for you?" Naruto asked Hinata's elder sister

"I wanted to see what all the fuss was about concerning Mizuki's favorite student." Hanabi answered back

"He actually talks about me?...Better yet, how do you and Mizuki-sensei know each other?" Naruto questioned confused as to how Hanabi knew his now-former teacher

"Oh, we're drinking buddies. Every now and again, Mizuki and I go for drinks and spend time with each other." Hanabi answered back after having ordered herself some tequila

"Huh, I did not know that he drank…You learn something every day, I guess." Naruto spoke in never guess Mizuki was one to partake in alcohol

"He may not drink as much as Kurenai…That woman could drink an entire distillery and somehow be nothing short of sloppy drunk. But nevertheless, he isn't a lightweight by any means." Hanabi replied

For if there was anyone that Hanabi could count on to be a reliable drinking buddy and friend while had a few to relax after training and a hard-fought mission, it would be her fellow Chunin in Mizuki who was not only able to hold down his liquor, but also was able to help her home when she had a tiny bit much to drink when they went out.

"I guess if I ever go drinking, that Mizuki-sensei is a definite shoe-in for people I wanna do a bar crawl with." Naruto said in making a note to keep such a thing in mind for later

"Trust me, you won't go wrong with Mizuki should you ever want to go out for drinks. Especially now that you have made genin." Hanabi replied

"Believe me, I am just over the hill excited to finally have my headband on…After having to hide about 90 percent of what I can do from everybody." Naruto said back in relief that he no longer had to suppress the majority of his strength

"And congratulations, if anything I can say that you and your friends are far more deserving of a headband than my sister. At least you show talent and actual potential to be a great shinobi." Hanabi said as her glass of tequila arrived

"To be quite honest with you, my sister would make for a better housewife or breeding sow than an actual shinobi. She is far from being cut out to be a shinobi, and I fear that she will either get herself killed, captured or her teammates maimed trying to protect her." Hanabi further spoke knowing that her sister had been coddled into being more of a princess mindset than anything else

"You don't need to remind me. If anything, I wouldn't be surprised if she bribed Iruka-sensei to pass." Naruto replied knowing that other than bribery and status Hinata should've been held back

"I wouldn't doubt that, and if not her that did so. Then my father would probably have something to do with it…Why he allows her have so much leeway is beyond me." Hanabi said as she took a small drink of her drink
"I feel you on that one; since you're looking at the guy who has to play 2nd fiddle to the 'Heroes' of the village. So believe me when I say that I get where you're coming from." Naruto said in sympathizing with her all too well on the issue of spoiled siblings

"Well, I would offer you a drink over our plight of dealing with spoiled rotten siblings. But considering that you have to return to work in under an hour. I'll settle for your company." Hanabi replied with smile that made Naruto's face redded and warm if only a bit

"I-I'm glad that I'm that good of company to someone like you." Naruto said back

"Well, of course…Not to mention you are rather handsome as well." Hanabi added as she took another drink of her liquor

"But I digress, as other than you being a good-looking young man…Of whom I'd say is much nicer than that thug my sister is dating. That I did want something from you in particular." Hanabi replied

"Alright, what do you want from me?" Naruto asked

"Seeing as how after last night when we went drinking together. Mizuki did a lot of boasting of your strength and talents in taijutsu. Apparently, making the case that your skills are something that can contend with even jonin." Hanabi answered back

"He did, did he?" Naruto asked in being delighted to hear that bit of an ego boost

"Yes he did, and as such I wanted to come to see if it was the case for myself...Its not everyday that you hear of a freshly made genin posessing that level of talent in taijutsu" Hanabi replied her smile widening ever moreso

"So what then? You want to have a sparring match with me?" Naruto questioned

"That is exactly, what I want? I want to see if what Mizuki said about you is true…Not to mention that I've seen the skills your twin brother possesses. Which while impressive, aren't anything to be lauded as the next great thing to come out of the village; as he so often brags about." Hanabi answered back in having heard more than enough times from the jinchuuriki on his supposed greatness

"Yeah, Toshiro's bark is just as if bad as his bite…Take it from personal experience...that guy is a jerk and a half." Naruto replied as he felt his shoulder throb and itch at unwelcome memories of his brother

"Yes, I have already heard about you having beaten him once, and his being a rather sore loser about it." Hanabi remarked

"Your definitely not wrong about him being a sore loser. I don't know what it is, but that man just cannot learn to take defeat on the chin…I swear I've seen 9-year-olds take a loss better than him." Naruto said in regards to his brothers' foul temper when it came to losing in any capacity

"I most certainly agree. But back on topic…would you care to agree to indulging me in a friendly sparring match?." Hanabi asked
"Sure…There's just one thing I'd like to ask from you if I do this." Naruto said

"What is it?" Hanabi asked

"If we do this…and sorry if this comes out kind of dorky. But would you mind going out with me sometime after we do all that?" Naruto requested of the Hyuga before him

"I see no reason why I shouldn't. You seem like a very nice person, and much kinder than your brother. In addition to what I can only assume is an incredible amount of strength and skill…I am all for it." Hanabi replied as she had more of her tequila

"Really…Wow, I-I honestly don't know what to say…To be real with you, I didn't think you'd say yes." Was Naruto's bashful reply

"Give yourself some credit, Naruto. After all, I don't see why a beautiful girl such as myself would say no to a nice young man like yourself." Hanabi replied her smile turning more flirtatious as she saw Naruto gulp almost nervously

'I swear its girls like her that'd probably eat me alive…Not that I'd complain about it.' Naruto said taking a look over at Hanabi

Since Naruto was one to admit that Hanabi was a stunning woman who with her explosively wide hips, muscular thighs and legs, a bubbly rear that wouldn't quit if you tried, and while not as busy as her younger sister still had a very sizable one that Naruto had to struggle to not stare at; all of this combined with her strong yet rather curvy frame built from years of martial arts training…To Naruto made her one of the most attractive women bar none to him in the village, as the fact that he was getting attention paid to him by this pale-eyed woman made his heart do backflips and his face almost redden to almost embarrassing degrees .

"Thank you for the nice words and all, I really do appreciate it." Naruto said trying to stop the heat he felt in his ears from rising

"Of course, and I can't wait to see what you can do, once we have our sparring match." Hanabi said as she took another small drink

"That being said, I will leave you to the rest of your lunch break, and good luck with your shift." Hanabi further spoke

"Thank you, and thanks for…agreeing to go out with me after." Naruto said as the elder of the Hyuga sisters gave him a small kiss on the cheek

"Consider that a bit of good luck, for when we exchange blows against one another.." Hanabi said with a sly smile at seeing Naruto's face redden even more

"O-Ok, I'll see you later then." Naruto replied as he got up and headed back to where Choji was

"So, what happened? What did she wanna talk to you about?" Choji asked his longtime friend

"Not much, just wants to have a friendly sparring match with me is all…Also, I somehow managed to talk her into going out with me sometime, so that's a plus." Naruto answered back still feeling his heart pound in his throat

"Really?" Choji asked in surprise

"Yeah, turns out that after your main man goes up against one the Hyuga's best in taijutsu. Then he has himself his first date ever…Holy shit how am I gonna not fuck that up." Naruto wondered to himself as he realized he was not gonna have to fuck up on his 1st date

"On the plus side you have a date with Hinata's big sister, so that's a big plus for you. But on the otherhand, you have to survive a sparring match with her…So I'm pretty sure you'll make it out of this with all your chakra points intact, and not coughing up a lung after." Choji replied in an attempt to lift Naruto's spirits

"Thanks for boost, I'm gonna need it! Because, holy shit do I feel like I'm gonna puke my guts out." Naruto said before taking a deep exhale to focus his now jumbled-up nerves

"...Hopefully, Grandpa has some good dating advice for me." Naruto hoped

"I'm sure your gonna come up with something pretty good. I dunno how you do it, but somehow you always make the impossible possible…If that makes any sense." Choji replied in a further attempt at a pep-talk

"Not really, but I get where your going." Naruto said back

"...Anyways, let's enjoy the rest of our lunch-break, my guy. We've got a long night ahead with it being graduation weekend." Naruto added

"Oh shit, your right. We're gonna be more packed than a can of cinnamon rolls." Choji replied

"Exactly!" Naruto replied as the eventually returned to eating their lunch

'I wonder just how strong he is, as hopefully it wasn't all Mizuki hyping him up because he got plastered…It would be such a shame too, since he is really handsome.' Hanabi said to herself in hopes that Naruto's strength wasn't all inebriated bluster from her friend


(The next afternoon, Ichiraku Ramen, May 28th, 997 S.E, 2:12 Pm)

Meanwhile, the next day would come swiftly as Naruto was hanging out with Sasuke and Sakura at Ichiraku Ramen; the three of them excited after getting a message in the mail of whom their jonin sensei would be.

"Well guys, here we are. We've finally made it to being genin!" Naruto said as his companions shared a like-minded smile on their faces

"Trust me I'm over the moon, to finally not have to hold back anymore. Plus I don't have to be in that god-awful clothing anymore." Sakura spoke glad to be able to wear the clothes she was most comfortable wearing instead of that effeminate mess she had to wear

"...I swear if I had to wear that hot mess, or be in that transformation for one more goddamn day. That I was gonna put a hole in someone or something." Sakura further spoke

"Agreed. Furthermore, now that we are freed from having to pretend to be lesser. What are we going to do now?" Sasuke questioned, having wondered where they were to go from here now that they were genin

"That's easy…we get even stronger, go on some kickass missions, and be ready for when the Chunin Exams come around. After that, we stomp the dogshit out of anyone in our way, rank up to Chunin and profit." Naruto answered back on what he saw was their next phase of becoming greater

"So pretty much what we've been doing? Except now we don't have to pretend to be a bunch of bitches." Sakura surmised as she and Naruto finished their bowls of ramen

"Right on the money! Because now we can go at it, at full power…Between my being a mega-powered badass, Sakura being a smoke demon when it comes to martial arts, and Sasuke on his way to being a fucking God with kenjutsu. Then I'm pretty sure that there won't be anybody who can stop us." Naruto replied with a smile full of excitement at all of what they'd now be able to accomplish at their full power

"Now all we have to do is survive whatever fresh hell; that our new sensei is going to put us through." Sasuke replied

"I'm sure having Kazushi as our sensei ain't gonna be that bad." Naruto said fine and dandy with his cousin being their sensei

"You say that now, Naruto. However, when your pissing blood from being trained into the ground. Then you will definitely be singing a different tune then." Sasuke replied in having heard stories from Lyoto of his sister not knowing the meaning of taking it 'easy'

"Hey, I don't really care if I do that or not. If we all get stronger from whatever she puts us through, then I'm fine with it." Naruto said back in being fine so long as the results were an overall net positive

"Alright, but when you can feel your arms or legs or even bones for that matter. Then I better not hear a single complaint you…Because apparently you can 'handle' it." Sasuke replied

"Oh relax, Sasuke. Besides, it can't be all that bad. I mean I go through training with Ohma-sensei and Raian and them, and I turn out just peachy." Sakura said in agreement with her 'brother'

"See! Even Sakura thinks it won't be that much trouble." Naruto spoke

"I won't say anything more on the subject, just be prepared for the worst is all I can say on the subject." Sasuke replied

"Well, now that Mr. Worrywart has canned it. I wanna say congrats to my brother over here getting his first ever date!" Sakura congratulated Naruto who was busy devouring his bowl of miso pork ramen

"Oh yeah, turns out that I've got a sparring match and date with Hinata's sister…Honestly, I'm kind of freaking out a little bit about all that." Naruto said feeling his heart race in regards to his upcoming date/match with Hanabi

"Relax, Naruto. Everything's gonna go great on your date with her." Sakura said back to a somewhat nervous and slightly red-faced Naruto

"You sure about that?…Because, I don't know the first thing about how to even go on a date, much less impress someone on it?" Naruto questioned feeling his stomach knot up from thinking about it

"I'm positive of it, just be yourself and do what you'd think would give her a good time. As long as your not a total douche about it; then you should be golden." Sakura told the superhuman blonde

"...I really hope so, because I really don't wanna botch this..Since this is my first actual date with a super pretty girl, and I really don't wanna fuck it up by being me.." Naruto replied

"Since living with parents that've ignored you for over a decade, and dickhead siblinsg that put you down at every given opportunity; doesn't really help your confidence when it comes to dating...Fuck me, how am I gonna make it through a 'possible' date with Hanabi, when I don't even know how to wow a girl, or even plan a date...I am gonna be super fucked!" Naruto further spoke as he rambled on in feeling his guts tangle themselves into a knot the more he thought about potentially messing things up with Hanabi

"First things first...take a deep breath and breathe. Secondly, you aren't gonna botch things with her Naruto...all you gotta do is just be yourself and you'll be just fine." Sakura said after she smacked Naruto's cheeks to get him to snap out of his spiral of self-doubt

"Also, if it makes you feel any better, I can keep an eye out in case your cunt sister tries anything…Knowing her, the moment she hears your actually going out and having a social life. She'll try and fuck things up for you." Sakura spoke in knowing full well that Mizore would be out and about to ruin Naruto's social life the moment she heard about him and Hanabi

"I figured that, and I was hoping that you guys could keep this on the down-low. Because the last thing I need is either of them shitting on me, when I finally got something good going..And thanks for snapping me out of that, Sakura." Naruto requested from his two friends

For Naruto's biggest worry going forward the moment he gained his headband and became a genin, was the fact that his social life or rather what could become of it; would be ruined by his siblings who in his mind would no doubt see too it that it would become and stay in shambles…After all, if he wasn't good enough to be their equal or even a shinobi in their eyes; then why should he deserve a halfway-decent social life with anyone for that matter.

"Don't worry, Naruto. I'll make sure you and Hanabi hopefully being a thing, a secret." Sakura swore

"You have my word as well. Furthermore, Sakura and I will do what we can to prevent them from ruining any dates or future outings you may have with her….Or any other woman you choose in the future." Sasuke promised to Naruto

"...Let's keep it at one lady for now. I'm just trying to make sure I don't go to pieces on her, on a date…The very last thing I need to worry about is starting my own harem." Naruto said shuddering at the idea of having to deal with that many women

'Yeah, in the words of Shikamaru's lazy ass. Having that many women around sounds 'troublesome', and then some.' Naruto said to himself

"Smart move, Naruto. The very last we need is to deal with getting with an immeasurable amount of women, and siring a legion of super-powerful bastards." Sasuke replied, glad that Naruto was taking it easy in regards to his dating/romantic life

"Do I look like Pervy-Sage?! Because, I may wanna clap some cheeks eventually, but I'm not gonna be out here fucking everything that has a tight ass and a pair of tits out to here…Nope! I absolutely refuse to fuck up that majorly and have a bunch of kids mad at me for shit, on top of a whole lot of baby mama drama." Naruto said back in absolute refusal to do what Jiriaya had done and fucking anything that had a hole and pumping out more bastards than he could count

"That's probably why he has to write so many books when you think about it. Since the man from what I've heard doesn't believe in 'protection', then it makes sense that he owes a mountain's worth of child support." Sakura chimed in

"Couldn't be me...The last thing I need is a legion of baby-mamas coming after me for who knows what." Naruto said as he finished his ramen alongside Sasuke

"Anyways, now that we're all done. You guys wanna go and do some training in the Forest?" Naruto asked

"Sounds great to me. I'm always ready to fuck shit up." Sakura said with a pugnacious grin

"I see no problem with doing that…Although, we will have to stop by the compound first so I can gather my swords." Sasuke said before Naruto left a stack of bills to pay for their meal

"Ok cool, by the way man. How's that Sharp Spear of yours coming along?" Naruto asked as the trio began heading off toward the Uchiha Compound

"Actually, I completed it last Friday." Sasuke informed the superhuman blonde

"Really? That's awesome!" Naruto replied ecstatic over Sasuke's accomplishment

"Thank you, it took quite awhile to pull it off. However, I finally managed to make the technique a reality." Sasuke said with pride over his recent accomplishment

"So now you can make lightning lances?...Alright, I'm not going to even lie, that actually sounds pretty cool." Sakura spoke in full admission that such a thing was pretty great

"You see guys, even now we're getting more and more badass. I'm telling you guys, we just can't lose!" Naruto almost exclaimed as the trio continued heading off toward the compound

"I agree…It won't be long before we make our dream of becoming the next Legendary Sannin a reality." Sasuke said with a smile at the impending day in question

'Yeah, that'll be the day...I can almost see it now.' Naruto remarked to himself as they headed onwards to grab Sasuke's gear and make a day out of killing creatures in the accursed forest

So with graduation day having come and gone, and our trio now officially a genin squad. What sorts of new adventures await them, on their journey toward becoming the next generation of Legendary Sannin?! Well, you'll just have to stay and find out as we enter into Part 2, of Naruto: The Pokesage!


Alright, you guys that takes care of that as we're finally finished with Part 1 of the story and soon begin Part 2 of things, and oh boy do I got some shit prepped and ready for that!

Now then onto the list of powers/abilities Naruto is gifted by his current set of plates.

Mind Plate: Telepathy and Immunity to Illusions: Levitate
Zap Plate: Superhuman Speed: Motor Drive Ability

Flame Plate: Thermal/Infrared Vision: Thermal Exchange Ability
Toxic Plate: Immunity to Poisons and Toxins:

Fist Plate: Superhuman Strength, Stamina and Aura Sensing: Technician
Blank Plate: Superhuman Senses and Agility: Mold Breaker Ability

Nature Plate: Superhuman Healing Factor and Plant Manipulation: Chrolophyll Ability
Dread Plate: Negative Emotion Sensing and Augmentation

That being said this is Pravus666 signing off till next time, as next chapter we officially kick off Part 2 of the story, so stay tuned for all of what's coming next!

Part 1: Evolution by Korn

Random End Song: Bet by Snarky Puppy


Now then onto some of the reviews from the last chapter.

Kourtney Uzu Yato: Yeah, this is Naruto's first chance in diving into what his full powers are like so far given that he was strong enough to quite literally not only partially summon an aspect of Giratina into existence to unintentionally devour Raiga's soul and send him to the Distortion World, but also temporarily drown that mining village in darkness for over 12 hours. Also, trust me I've got some things planned for Naruto having his fair share of overpowered moments given that with him having graduated he can finally stop holding back as much. Not to mention that with Orochimaru now having their final body they can actually go all out unlike in canon without worry of their body falling apart given all of what went into its creation, and what makes it interesting, whereas Pein has allowed himself to stagnate in thinking he's an almighty God with his Rinnegan; Orochimaru, by contrast, being a creature of science is someone who is all about diving into what can be made possible with a legendary and relatively unknown dojutsu.

Skull Flame: First things first, to answer the question about Ranmaru...Yeah, he's dead given that Naruto launched him into a brick wall hard enough to crack his skull hard enough to make him bleed out of his head. And unless a trained medic was able to get there in time then he would've bled out from a likely fractured skill and his head snapping from flying into something like that that hard. And glad you liked what I did with making Giratina that spooky when I had Naruto go full power with the Night Slash given taht with it being the equivalent of Pokemon Satan, I'm honestly surprised there haven't been more attempts at making it some otherworldly horror.

Guest: Well, here's the thing you have to remember is that even though Naruto doesn't show it all that much. There's plenty resentment and hate for what's happened because of the prophecy, that's just festered and grown stronger over the years of what he's had to put up with...So it stands to reason that with him shoving it down over the years that its gonna get stronger and stronger to the point where as established can summon an Avatar of Giratina.

God of Wind: Concerning the plates and Orochimaru; he pretty much set things up to where he can actively siphon off and channel their energy like batteries given that he didn't absorb them into his newfound body. Given that as a scientist he didn't want to chance it destabilizing from absorbing something that hold unfathomable amounts of power, and as such can channel them freely...Hence why our favorite Serpent Sannin is studying them and adjusting to his new body better before he goes off searching for a 3rd Plate that they more than likely intend to absorb into themselves to further amplify their powers and abilities.