The next day, the Ninja Academy was abuzz with excitement. Students whispered amongst themselves, their faces filled with anticipation. Today was a defining moment—the graduation assessment that would determine who would finally become a Genin.
Inside the classroom, Iruka Umino stood at the podium, his stern yet encouraging gaze sweeping over his students. "Class, for this year's graduation exam, you will be tested on the Clone Technique!" he announced.
At that moment, nearly all eyes turned toward Uzumaki Naruto, who visibly slumped in his seat. "No way! It had to be clones?! I'm doomed!" he wailed, gripping his head.
"Naruto!" Iruka's voice snapped him to attention. "Is there a problem?"
"N-No… but, Iruka-sensei, can't we change the test to the Transformation Jutsu instead?" he pleaded desperately.
Iruka shook his head firmly. "The graduation exam is decided by the Hokage himself. Every ninja must master the Three Basic Techniques. If you can't, then you aren't qualified to become a Genin."
Naruto's face fell further into despair. Despite his best efforts, he failed to produce proper clones when his turn arrived. The first attempt resulted in a sickly, half-formed version of himself lying on the ground. The second was somehow worse—a tiny Naruto the size of a doll.
With that, his fate was sealed. Naruto Uzumaki had officially failed the exam.
Neji, Rock Lee, and Tenten, who had come to check on the results, were quick to console him. The rest of the class—the soon-to-be Genin of Konoha—gathered around, offering their own words of encouragement.
Naruto scratched the back of his head with a forced grin. "Well… looks like I'll have to repeat another year. You guys better not forget about me!" he said, but it was clear the reality stung. "Anyway, I gotta go… nature calls!"
At that moment, only Shouta Kazuki and the twelve others remained in the classroom. Iruka had left to finalize the graduation lists. As the students talked amongst themselves, the door suddenly burst open.
"Naruto?" Shikamaru raised an eyebrow. "What's with you?"
"I HAVE BIG NEWS!" Naruto exclaimed, panting slightly. "Mizuki-sensei told me that there's a secret way I can still graduate! There's a treasure hidden in the Hokage's office—it's called the Scroll of Seals!"
The room fell silent.
"Mizuki-sensei said that if I steal the Scroll of Seals and learn a jutsu from it, I can become a ninja!" Naruto continued, excitement and doubt flickering in his eyes. "But… something about this feels off. What do you guys think?"
The room filled with murmurs. The idea of stealing from the Hokage Building was insane. Yet, as they pondered the situation, Shouta Kazuki sat quietly, an unreadable expression on his face.
So, the moment has finally arrived…
Shouta had been waiting for this opportunity. Senju Tobirama's legacy had been denied to him for too long. If the Second Hokage refused to teach him directly, then he would take matters into his own hands. The Scroll of Seals held more than just forbidden jutsu—it was a treasure trove of history, secrets, and power.
And he wasn't going to let it slip away.
Shouta suddenly spoke up, his tone casual yet deliberate. "I think it's worth a try. But sneaking into the Hokage Building alone is risky, Naruto. If we all go together, we'll have better chances. Some of us can act as lookouts, others can get in and grab the scroll."
There was a moment of hesitation, but then Kiba grinned. "Heh, sounds fun. I'm in."
Chōji shrugged. "If we get caught, we'll be in so much trouble… but I won't let Naruto do this alone."
Even Neji, ever the realist, didn't refuse outright. "If we do this, we have to be careful. If we're caught, we might never be allowed to become ninja."
One by one, they agreed. Naruto looked at them, eyes wide and shining with emotion. For the first time, he truly felt like he wasn't alone.
Meanwhile, within the spiritual plane…
Senju Tobirama, watching the events unfold, clenched his fists in frustration. "Big Brother! Sister-in-law! Look at that little bastard! He's actually leading an entire group to steal the Scroll of Seals! This is treason!"
Across from him, Uchiha Madara smirked. "And whose fault is that? If you had simply taught the brat, he wouldn't have to go to such lengths."
Tobirama scoffed. "Why should I teach him?! He's too ambitious! If Konoha falls into his hands, it'll be ruined!"
Hashirama, ever the pacifist, merely chuckled. "Tobirama, they're just kids. Besides, what's wrong with them learning? They're from Konoha, after all."
Tobirama stared at him in disbelief. "Brother… do you even understand what's in that scroll?! It contains every forbidden jutsu developed since the Warring States Era!"
Hashirama waved a hand dismissively. "So what? Maybe they'll learn something useful!"
Tobirama gritted his teeth. He was torn between his irritation at Shouta's reckless ambition and the nagging feeling that perhaps… just perhaps… the boy was worthy of his teachings after all.
At the Hokage's Office…
Sarutobi Hiruzen sat at his desk, rubbing his temples. The past few weeks had been a nightmare. Reports of mysterious robberies flooded his desk—merchants, casino owners, wealthy businessmen… all being targeted by two unidentified ninja.
Each victim described their attackers differently, leading the Hokage to suspect they had used transformation jutsu. But why? Who were they? And what was their endgame?
"Another robbery today…" an ANBU reported, stepping into the office.
Sarutobi sighed. "How much this time?"
"Thirty-eight million ryo, all in cash."
The Third Hokage groaned, massaging his forehead. If this continued, Konoha's reputation would be in jeopardy.
But then, a small smirk formed on his lips.
Tonight… Mizuki would make his move. And Naruto would take the Scroll of Seals.
Hiruzen reached into his desk drawer and retrieved a smaller scroll, already prepared in advance.
Everything was falling into place.