Sasuke Uchiha didn't care about the reactions of the students in the audience and walked back to his seat with a cold expression.
His strength placed him above all the other students, but to him, they were merely background figures, existing only to emphasize his brilliance. None of them were worthy of standing at his level. There was only one man he aimed to surpass, the one he must kill.
"Next, Naruto Uzumaki!"
Iruka called out several times, but the classroom remained silent. His face darkened as he scanned the students below him.
"Missing even the graduation exam? It seems like he never took becoming a ninja seriously. Fail him."
With a stroke of his pen, Iruka was about to mark Naruto Uzumaki as failed.
Mizuki quickly grabbed Iruka's arm, stopping him.
"Wait, Iruka-sensei. Maybe Naruto was delayed by something. Let's wait a little longer."
Iruka frowned in confusion. "Mizuki, are you seriously defending that guy?"
BANG!
Before Iruka could finish speaking, the door of the classroom was suddenly kicked open. The door slammed against the wall with a loud bang.
"Sorry, I'm late! I shouldn't have missed the exam!"
Naruto strode into the classroom, grinning sheepishly at the two teachers.
[Umino Iruka Anger Points +60]
[Mizuki Anger Points +20]
[Haruno Sakura Anger Points +10]
[Uchiha Sasuke Anger Points +20]
Unlike in the original timeline, Naruto had always blended into the background at the academy, rarely drawing attention to himself.
Not only did he rank dead last in academics, but he barely interacted with his classmates—less so than even the brooding Sasuke Uchiha.
Now, appearing before everyone in such a bold manner, he caught everyone off guard.
"Naruto!! You're even late for the graduation exam!"
Iruka slammed his hands onto the table, roaring at Naruto in frustration.
"Iruka-sensei, I was helping an old lady cross the road. That's why I was late. I'm really sorry."
Naruto scratched his head awkwardly, spouting nonsense without hesitation.
If Iruka knew that Naruto had just been busy painting Hokage Rock, he might have strangled him on the spot.
"Tch—"
A wave of boos erupted from the students. Hardly anyone believed such a poor excuse.
Mizuki, sensing Iruka's growing anger, quickly stepped in to smooth things over.
"Naruto, it's alright. It's your turn for the exam. Let's begin."
Mizuki flashed a seemingly kind smile, but Naruto wasn't fooled.
This wasn't the first time Mizuki had acted overly nice to him. As someone who had lived two lives, Naruto was far from a naive twelve-year-old.
And as a transmigrator who had read the original story, he knew exactly what Mizuki was after.
Other than using him to steal the Forbidden Scroll, there was no other possible reason.
"Hmph, even if that loser takes the exam, he won't pass."
"Yeah, I heard he can't even perform the Clone Jutsu properly."
"Looks like he'll be repeating another year for sure."
The students whispered among themselves, their contempt for Naruto apparent.
Especially the boys. After Sasuke had stolen all the attention, seeing the class loser get humiliated helped soothe their wounded pride.
Naruto smirked and turned to face them. "You're all just trash." With a mocking grin, he gave them a thumbs-down.
[Inuzuka Kiba Anger Points +52]
[Uchiha Sasuke Anger Points +31]
[Kaga Naoiro Anger Points +36]
"What did you say, you dead last?!"
"You're asking for a beating after school!"
"You better watch yourself in Konoha, or I'll make sure to beat the hell out of you all every time I see you!"
Naruto's provocation enraged the students. They clenched their fists, ready to charge at him.
But Naruto simply listened to the system notifications in his head, feeling nothing but joy.
Go ahead, get angrier. The more pissed off you are, the more Anger Points I earn.
Still, to avoid escalating things too far, he dropped the act and walked up to the podium. Forming a quick series of seals, he performed the Clone Jutsu.
BANG!
A puff of white smoke exploded around him.
When it cleared, three identical clones stood beside Naruto.
The difference?
One clone looked exactly like Naruto.
The other two had transformed into perfect copies of Iruka and Mizuki.
"Iruka-sensei, Mizuki-sensei, did I pass?"
The three clones stepped forward in sync, speaking in different voices.
"These clones… they're flawless!"
Iruka's eyes widened in shock.
"Naruto… how did you…?"
Mizuki was equally stunned. He had been watching Naruto closely, hoping he would fail the exam so he could manipulate him into stealing the Forbidden Scroll.
But now, Naruto had displayed an ability that defied all expectations.
Everyone knew that the Clone Jutsu was the most basic of ninjutsu.
Unlike Shadow Clones, which had substance, the standard Clone Jutsu only created illusionary clones to distract enemies. They had no physical form and no offensive capabilities.
But Naruto had not only created three clones—each one was indistinguishable from the real person.
Even Haruno Sakura and Uchiha Sasuke, who had performed the best so far, paled in comparison.
Inuzuka Kiba rubbed his eyes. "No way… Naruto actually did it?"
Nara Shikamaru lazily rested his chin on his desk. "How troublesome. Naruto just publicly slapped everyone in the face."
Haruno Sakura's jaw dropped. "Is this really the dead last Naruto ?!"
Uchiha Sasuke's expression darkened. He stared at Naruto with hostility. "Was this guy just pretending to be weak all along?"
(End of Chapter)