116Hello all Storm here with a new chapter! Here we'll be seeing the Graduation Exam along with meeting Naruto and Hanabi's third teammate, along with some surprises as well. So, without further ado.
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'It's finally time!' Naruto thought excitedly, from his seat in the Academy.
Nearly four months have passed, since he placed the Tenketsu Seal on himself, creating another Chakra Network. Since then, he and Hanabi have resumed their normal training in Fūinjutsu, with Naruto having also thought of several new seals to create. Mostly to add to his new sword, of which he has been training to use, since getting it from Iruka.
Though he hasn't added anything, besides Strengthening Seals, Sharpening Seals and Self-Repairing Seals to his Ninjato, yet. Wanting to become at least proficient enough in using it normally, before adding any of the other seals to it.
Currently, it was the third week of March, meaning it was time for the Graduation Exam. At least for those that are having their final year at the Academy, or want to take it early, with Naruto planning to be one of those who takes it early. Though not only that, it was also when Hanabi would be able to join the Academy, and take the Graduation Exams, as well.
Naruto's attention then turned to Iruka, when the Chūnin entered the classroom, along with silencing any other chatter, that's going on.
"Alright class, before we begin, I have an announcement to make. We'll be having two new students joining us for the year, who have been homeschooled, but have now been allowed to join the Academy, so they can take the Graduation Exams, as well. You can come in now." Iruka said, as the door opened again, with Hanabi entering the class, along with another girl, who was in the same age range as Naruto, and the other students.
The girl had long brown hair, and light brown eyes. Her hair was straight on one side, but on the other side, it is in a braid. In addition, she sports a clip, with two circular designs. For her outfit, she wore a pink kimono, held closed by a pink sash, with two pockets on the front. She also wore violet baggy pants and red mesh armor, underneath her kimono, and on her legs, along with sandals that were orange, in color.
"Please introduce yourselves." Iruka said, as Hanabi and the girl bowed to the other students.
"My name is Hanabi Hyūga, a pleasure to meet you all." Hanabi said.
"H-hello, I'm Yakumo Kurama." Introduced Yakumo shyly.
"Now then, Hanabi, Yakumo, you may take your seats, and we can begin." Said Iruka, with the two girls nodding, before going to find their seats, with Hanabi going up and sitting on Naruto's right, with Yakumo following.
"Uh, is it alright if I sit here?" Yakumo asked, while motioning to the seat on Naruto's left.
"Yeah, you can sit here. I'm Naruto Uzumaki, by the way, it's nice to meet you, Yakumo." Naruto said, smiling, which Yakumo returned with a small smile.
"It's nice to meet you as well, Naruto." Replied Yakumo.
"So, Yakumo, you were homeschooled, as well?" Hanabi asked, with Yakumo nodding.
"Yes, I was originally hoping to join the Academy earlier, but was unable to, until recently." Yakumo answered, with Naruto and Hanabi nodding in response.
"Well, do you practice Fūinjutsu? I'm just asking, since you're carrying a brush and notepad, in your bag." Said Naruto, noticing what was inside Yakumo's bag, when she was sitting down, and couldn't help his curiosity.
Only to yelp, when Hanabi smacked him on the head.
"Don't you know it's rude to look into a girl's bag." Hanabi said, with Yakumo giggling lightly at their banter.
"It's fine, but no, I don't practice Fūinjutsu. I use my paintings as a medium for my Genjutsu." Said Yakumo, while pulling out her art supplies.
"You use your paintings to cast Genjutsu?" Naruto asked, intrigued to hear this, as it did sound like something, he might be able to replicate with Fūinjutsu.
"Yes. My Kekkei Genkai allows me to cast lifelike Genjutsu, with it being easier for me to use paintings to cast them." Said Yakumo, with both Naruto and Hanabi looking amazed at the fact she can cast lifelike illusions, since even the most skilled Genjutsu specialists couldn't do that.
Meanwhile, while the three were conversing with each other, they didn't notice Hinata looking over at them. Hinata couldn't deny that she felt a little envious at how close Hanabi was to Naruto, along with being able to talk with him so casually. Though it also hurt, when Hanabi hadn't even so much as glanced at her, when she entered the classroom.
Hinata knew it was her fault for shattering how Hanabi saw her, after she threw the duel to determined who'd be the Heiress of the Hyūga Clan. With Hanabi no longer wanting to spend time with her, anymore. Only ever exchanging a few words, and only when it was necessary. It hurt Hinata, that Hanabi now ignored her, and she could only blame herself.
But she didn't want to hurt her little sister and risk the chance of her being branded with the Caged Bird Seal. Hinata would rather have Hanabi be heiress, and herself be branded, than let that happen. Unfortunately, she wouldn't learn, until later on, that her worries of either of them being branded, were unfounded.
She and Hanabi were never going to be branded with the Caged Bird Seal, no matter which of them won the duel. Given it was a universal tradition in Shinobi Clans, that only men were allowed to start a Branch Family. Meaning they were safe, but Hinata hadn't learned this, until after the duel.
Though in hindsight, she should have realized this earlier, as her father and the elders didn't brand Hanabi with the Caged Bird Seal, despite her being the second child. Along with how the only females in the Branch House, were those that were born into it.
Meaning, Hinata had thrown the duel, and shattered the pedestal her sister had her on, all for nothing.
Now, looking at her sister and crush, Hinata could see that the gap between her and the two of the people she cared about most, had only gotten wider.
"Hey Hanabi-chan, why's your sister staring at us?" Naruto asked, having noticed Hinata looking at them, before the Hyūga girl quickly looked away.
At the mention of her sister, Hanabi's expression immediately turned stoic and cold, before glancing at where Hinata was sitting. Naruto looking at her worried, since this isn't the first time Hanabi's relapsed back to her old personality, the one she had, when they first met. And it usually happened whenever there was any mention of her sister.
"Hanabi-chan, is something going on between you and Hinata? Are you two fighting, or something?" Naruto asked, with Hanabi turning to look at him.
"Fighting? Hinata and I never fought, we were as close as sisters could be." Replied Hanabi.
"Were?" Asked Naruto, having noticed the past tense.
"Yes, I used to look up to Hinata, wanting to be just like her, to be strong and kind." Hanabi said.
"Well what happened to change that?" Questioned Naruto, as while he didn't really interact with Hinata, from what he's seen, she was a nice person.
But still pretty weird, with the way her face turns red and she faints, whenever he tries talking to her.
"It was during a duel between us, to decide who be named heiress, after our Tou-san and Clan Elders saw how much I had improved on my own. We fought and at first, I enjoyed it, being able to see how I measured up against Hinata. That is, until I saw she had a chance to win, only for her to not take it. Leading to me winning, and being named the new heiress. And I was confused and afraid at what I did to her, before wondering why she didn't beat me, when she had the chance. If she was strong like I thought, why did she lose? But because she chose to lose, I was named heiress, something I didn't want, nor the weight of it on my shoulders. But I didn't have a say, instead, I just did as I was instructed and locked my emotions away, knowing I didn't have the luxury of acting like a child, anymore. As I'm sure you saw, when we first met." Hanabi said, with Naruto frowning at everything he just heard.
"Well, maybe she just wanted to protect you from having the Caged Bird Seal placed on you." Said Naruto, having heard, and seen references, of the seal, while Hanabi did her own studies.
"Unlikely, since only men could be put into the Branch House to start a branch family." Hanabi replied, with Naruto nodding in agreement, knowing this from helping her with her training and heiress studies.
"Yeah, I know that, and you know that. But did Hinata know that, at that point?" Asked Naruto.
"She must have, she was heiress at the time the duel happened, and had the title longer than I did. So of course she would know." Said Hanabi, given Hinata had been trained to be the heiress longer than she has, so of course she'd know that neither of them would be marked, but Naruto didn't look convinced.
"Are you sure about that? Did Hinata tell you why she threw the duel? Had she told you that she was aware that neither of you would be branded with the Caged Bird Seal, or shown any signs of being aware of it?" Naruto asked, with Hanabi opening her mouth to give a retort, only to immediately close it as she thought over his words.
Did Hinata really not know that neither of them would be branded? Did she really believe if Hanabi lost, she would have the Caged Bird Seal put on her? Hanabi looked down at the desk, looking torn at the thought that Hinata threw the duel, just so Hanabi wouldn't be branded.
But that'd mean she believed she'd be branded herself, but still chose to lose.
'She would have let herself be branded, just to protect me?' Hanabi thought, before immediately shaking her head, and composed herself.
"Maybe you're right, maybe Hinata didn't know we were safe from being branded, no matter who was the heiress, or not. But even so, I'm not ready to talk to her about it, not yet." Hanabi said, her mind being confused and jumbled on what to think, now.
"Of course. Just don't forget, she's still your sister." Said Naruto, patting Hanabi on the head and smiling at her, before turning to Yakumo.
"So, Yakumo, besides using Genjutsu, what else can you tell us about yourself?" Naruto asked, wanting to get to know their knew friend.
Yakumo blinked in surprise at the question, having chosen to remain silent, while Naruto and Hanabi were having what was likely a private conversation. And she didn't want to interrupt.
"Oh. Well, I'm from the Kurama Clan, which I'm the heiress of. It's a minor clan, with most of the members having die during war times, with me being one of the few left." Yakumo said, while looking down.
"What about before, when you said you planned to join the Academy earlier, but certain circumstances prevented you?" Hanabi asked, knowing it was rude to ask about a private subject like that, but also wanted to turn the conversation to a different topic.
"That was because I was born with a weak body, that left me unable to perform the physical activities required of a Ninja. But it was my dream to become a Ninja, so rather than giving up, I chose to become one that specialized in Genjutsu. Only for certain events to rob me of my dream, until recently." Yakumo said, as her mind drifted back to when the Hokage and Jiraiya came to her home.
*Flashback*
Yakumo sat shaking in her seat as she sat across from the Hokage and Jiraiya, looking at them with wide fearful eyes, after what she just heard.
When they first showed up, Yakumo was terrified that they were planning to kill her, like she believed the Sandaime intended to do, if she became too big of a threat. Just like how he had Kurenai seal away her powers.
Only to learn the real reason her powers were sealed, because of the Ido inside her. A sentient and malicious part of her mind, that could manifest her powers, and use them for destructive means. Like how it did when it set the fire that killed her parents, which she believed was started by the Hokage.
But instead, it was herself that started the fire.
It terrified Yakumo that this Ido was inside her, that it came from her. And that it could possess her, and use her powers in such a way.
"An-and th-the I-Ido, it's se-sealed away?" Yakumo asked fearfully, with the Hokage nodding.
"Yes, but the seal I originally used wasn't strong enough, the Ido managing to break free, and start the fire in your home. Yakumo I am truly sorry for doing this to you, but the Ido was too big of a threat to not be locked away, and I acted without thinking of the consequences, or impact it'd have on you." Sarutobi said.
When he first learned of the Ido, he'd admit he was wary, and even terrified of such a thing. Even more so, with it being able to use Yakumo's great power for itself. Yakumo with the seal could still create illusions that were so real, it could trick the brain into thinking they actually were real, allowing her to kill someone with illusions.
But the Ido had full unrestrained access to her powers, and was able to not just create illusions that felt real, they became real. If left alone, it could potentially cause more damage than the Kyūbi did, eleven years ago.
"But recently, I have been trying to correct several mistakes, I've made in the past. Which is why I brought Jiraiya here, to place a new seal on you." Hiruzen said, as Jiraiya pulled out a scroll.
"A new seal?" Yakumo asked, not sure how to feel about another seal being placed on her.
"Yeah, don't worry this ones much better. It's called the Eight Trigrams Seal, designed by combining two Four Symbol Seals. Its purpose to seal away evil spirits or large targets into a host. With it, the Ido will be locked away, while leaving you with full control and access to your abilities." Jiraiya said, showing a diagram of the Eight Trigrams Seal.
"And…this one will be strong enough to hold back the Ido." Asked Yakumo.
"Trust me, it'll hold." Replied Jiraiya.
Given if the Eight Trigrams Seal could hold back the Kyūbi, it can hold back a split personality.
"Would I be able to become a Kunoichi, if I have this seal?" Yakumo asked hopefully, having refused to give up her dream.
"Yes, but after I assign you an instructor to help you strengthen your body. Along with a doctor for physical therapy." Sarutobi replied.
"Another instructor?" Said Yakumo, not pleased to hear this, given what happened with Kurenai.
While she could now understand why Kurenai put the seal on her. She still held a grudge against the woman who refused to train her, and tried making her give up her dream.
"This one will be different, though just warning, he can be rather…strange. But he's one of the strongest Jōnin in the village" Hiruzen said, as for all of Gai's quirks, he's still the perfect person to help Yakumo strengthen her body.
Yakumo thought it over for a few moments, before nodding, wanting to finally achieve her dream and become a Ninja.
*End Flashback*
Yakumo had fallen silent, as she remembered the encounter, along with the subsequent training under Gai, and her physical therapy.
She had much more enjoyed training with Gai, happy to have a teacher that had complete faith in her goal of becoming a Ninja, that used only Genjutsu. Saying she reminded him of another potential Genin, Rock Lee, who couldn't use Ninjutsu or Genjutsu.
Though, while Yakumo wouldn't be strong enough to use Taijutsu, like Gai or Lee, she would no longer get tired as quickly, or be a burden to her teammates.
"You don't have to tell us, if you don't want to." Naruto said, with Hanabi nodding in agreement.
"Yeah, if you aren't ready to talk about it, you can tell us when you're ready, if you want." Added Hanabi, with Yakumo smiling at them, thankfully.
"Thank you, and yeah, maybe one day." Yakumo said, feeling happy and hopeful that she would be able to also make some friends as well, even better, if they're her teammates, when they become Genin.
Just then, their attention turned back to Iruka, who re-entered the classroom, the being three surprised that they hadn't noticed him leave.
"Alright, now then those of you who wish to take the Graduation Exam now, please stand up." Iruka said, looking at the gathered students, to see which of them wanted to try and take the exams early, or wanted to wait until the end of the year.
Immediately Naruto, Hanabi, and Yakumo all stood up, surprising most of the students at seeing the former deadlast, and the two new students, wanting to take the exam early.
Hinata was also surprised to see Naruto and Hanabi were going to take the exam early, while having faith that they'd be able to pass. Both due to how much Naruto's improved this year, and knowing from experience that Hanabi was much stronger than she seemed.
But that also saddened Hinata, as it just meant the gap between her and them, would grow even wider when they became Genin, and she was still in the Academy.
Though soon, Hinata looked down at her clenched fists.
'I…I don't want to get left behind. I want to show Hanabi I can be strong, and to apologize. And…I don't want to use Naruto-kun to support myself anymore, I want to show I can be strong on my own.' Hinata thought, determined to show Hanabi was right, before the duel, and that she is strong.
And maybe, one day she'll finally have the courage to confess her feelings to Naruto, as well.
With that, Hinata stood up, with a new determination filling her.
Sasuke glanced at Naruto with narrowed eyes, seeing he was going to take the Graduation Exam early. The Uchiha had seen how much the former deadlast had improved, and knew he'd only get stronger, once he became a Genin.
'And I don't plan on getting left behind.' Sasuke thought, standing up, since he's already learned all he needed at the Academy, and staying would just be detrimental to his skills.
Besides, with this, he'll finally get some real training and experience, getting that much closer to his goal.
'If Sasuke-kun is going to take the exam, then so am I!' Thought Sakura and Ino standing up, since if their crush would take the exam, so would they.
"What're you waiting for, stand up, or I'm telling your mother, Shikamaru!" Ino whispered in a threatening tone, with Shikamaru groaning, before he stood up.
"Troublesome blondes." Muttered Shikamaru, with Chōji patting his friend on the back, as he stood up as well, knowing if he didn't, then Ino would make him, as well.
'Like hell I'm getting left behind!' Thought Kiba standing up, with Shino soon following, as while he wasn't sure he'd be able to pass the exam, if he did, then it'd be good to become a Genin sooner, rather than later.
Eventually the entire class stood up, with Iruka sighing at seeing this. While he's proud to see his students want to prove themselves, and graduate early. He knew that not all of them were ready, and it was just a matter of pride at not wanting to be left behind.
"Very well, first we'll start with the written exam, before moving onto the practical part." Iruka said, before he started handing out the papers, while knowing a few of them will manage to pass, but others won't be so lucky.
*Later*
'Like I thought. Not many of them passed, but definitely more than I expected.' Iruka thought, as the final student left the room, while he looked over the list of those that had managed to graduate, and become Genin.
It was just a little over a dozen of the students that were able to pass, with those of note being:
Naruto Uzumaki
Hanabi Hyūga
Yakumo Kurama
Sasuke Uchiha
Hinata Hyūga
Shikamaru Nara
The rest of the students had failed, and would have to try again, next year.
Iruka then looked at another list, those of students he believed had potential, but also needed more training, before they became Genin. Along with including what kept them from passing.
Sakura Haruno and Ino Yamanaka both had the same problem; they were fangirls, plain and simple. Iruka having saw how they only stood up, after Sasuke did, and given their preference to focus on their looks, to get his attention, it wasn't surprising that they failed. Though perhaps, with Sasuke now a Genin, it'd have them focus more on improving themselves as Kunoichi, rather than trying to get a boy's attention.
Kiba Inuzuka failed, as with the improvements Naruto's made, Kiba became the deadlast. This was mostly due to how he was forbidden from using his Ninken partner, Akamaru, during sparring, putting him at a severe disadvantage. Especially when up against Sasuke, Hanabi, and the improved Naruto, as well as older students, like Neji and Lee.
While Lee had the same problem of being the deadlast of his year, that was due to being unable to use Ninjutsu or Genjutsu, along with just starting to improve his Taijutsu. It also helped that he focused on what he could do, rather than on what he couldn't.
Chōji Akimichi was the opposite of Kiba, he was just too nice to attack any of his classmates, even more so, if he was against Shikamaru. Plus, he tended to focus more on eating, than studying and training.
And Shino Aburame, he had been close to passing, but still needed to improve more as well, before he could become a Genin.
'Well, I'm sure that by next year, they'll have learned everything they needed to, to pass and become Genin.' Iruka thought.
Meanwhile, outside the Academy, Naruto grinned widely as he walked beside Hanabi, both wearing their new forehead protectors. With Naruto's tied around his head, while Hanabi's was tied around her waist, acting as a belt.
They were currently heading towards Ichiraku's Ramen, to celebrate becoming Genin. Though not before they had invited their new friend Yakumo, who also passed, and had her forehead protector tied around her left arm, along to join them. With Yakumo happily joining them, excited at both passing the exam, and making new friends.
While watching them from the entrance of the Academy, was Hinata, with her own forehead protector tied loosely around her neck, smiling at her sister and her crush, happy that they both passed. Along with being surprised that she had managed to pass as well, but it made her more determined to prove she did deserve to have become a Genin, early.
Giving them one last glance, Hinata met with her father, before heading to the Hyūga Compound, intent to use the two weeks they have before team placements, to train and improve herself.
*Hokage's Office*
Inside the Hokage's Office, the Sandaime and the potential Jōnin Senseis looked through the Hokage's crystal ball, at the students that graduated.
"Well, it seems we have quite an interesting batch this year." Sarutobi commented, before looking up at the potential senseis.
"Now then, who among you are willing to step forward, and can take on a team?" Asked the Hokage.
"Yosh! I, Might Gai, request to train Neji Hyūga, Rock Lee, and Tenten, Hokage-sama." Gai said, stepping forward, with his patented good guy pose.
"I, Genma Shiranui, request Naruto Uzumaki, Hanabi Hyūga, and Yakumo Kurama." Said Genma, stepping forward, alongside Gai, with his Senbon in his mouth.
"I, Anko Mitarashi, request Shikamaru Nara, Hinata Hyūga, and Sasuke Uchiha." Anko said, stepping forward, looking serious as opposed to her normally laidback attitude.
Though inwardly, she was excited at the chance to take on a team of her own, and put the brats though the ringer.
'Hm, all three of those teams would be perfect balanced amongst each other. With a Hyūga on each of them, their Byakugan would be able to allow them to spot enemies hiding or in the distance, while their Jūken would be perfect for incapacitating enemies, for interrogation. While Naruto, Sasuke, and Lee all have the potential to be heavy hitters, with Naruto and Sasuke being Ninjutsu specialists, along with Naruto's Fūinjutsu and Kenjutsu, while Lee, knowing Gai, will possibly learn the Strong Fist and the Eight Gates Formation. Finally, Tenten, Yakumo, and Shikamaru would be long-ranged fighters, Tenten, with her affinity for weapons, Yakumo, with her powerful Genjutsu, and Shikamaru, with his clan's Shadow Ninjutsu.' The Hokage thought, seeing how well these three teams would balance each other out, and cover each other's weaknesses.
With the right training and experience gained, the Hokage would admit that these three teams had the potential to one day surpass his own Genin Team.
"Granted, to all three of your requests." Sarutobi said, before turning his attention to the other Jōnin, as they made their requests, knowing that these three teams will do great things.
*With Mizuki*
Meanwhile, Mizuki was furious at how things have transpired, with the demon brat having not only improved from being the deadlast, but now has become a Genin!
Now his plan of tricking the demon into stealing the Forbidden Scroll, after failing his third, and final, chance to graduate, is ruined!
'Damn you, demon brat!' Mizuki cursed.
"Tsk, fine, then I'll just get the scroll, myself." Mizuki muttered to himself.
"Perhaps, but it never hurts to have another pair of hands, and eyes."
Tensing at the voice, Mizuki looked and saw Kō Hyūga standing behind him.
"How long were you there?" Mizuki said, tense and ready to draw a weapon to fight.
"Long enough. I've also been monitoring you Mizuki, and know you plan to steal the Forbidden Scroll. And I'm here to offer my assistance." Said Kō, surprising the Chūnin, who was skeptical of the offer.
Given that not many Hyūga became Missing-Nin, even less so, with those from the Main Branch, not wanting to risk being killed and having their eyes being stolen.
"And why would a Main Branch Hyūga want to help me, knowing you'd be marked as a Missing-Nin?" Questioned Mizuki, suspicious that this was a trap, while Kō scowled.
"My standing in the Hyūga clan has fallen, ever since Hanabi forced me to stand down, when I tried bringing her back to the compound. My actions not only bringing shame on myself, but the Hyūga Clan, even worse with it being in front of the Hokage." Kō revealed, with his scowl darkening, since it had only gotten worse from there.
He tried convincing Hiashi to get Hanabi away from Naruto, that he was corrupting the Hyūga Clans Heiress. Only for Hiashi to ignore his pleas, and continue allowing Hanabi to interact with Naruto. Now it's worse, as most of the Hyūga Clan now viewed him as an immature child, one begging for a toy they want, despite knowing that the answer is no.
This lead to him losing his standing in the Main House, along with being removed as Hinata's protector.
Since Hiashi didn't want his daughter being guarded by someone, who'd let their personal feelings cloud their judgement. It got to the point, where there has been talk of him being moved to the Branch House.
It angered Kō that he was just doing what he believed was best for the Hyūga Clan, and he was being looked down on for it. With all his anger being directed at Naruto and Hanabi, blaming them for his recent troubles.
"Okay, and what exactly would you want, in return for your help?" Mizuki questioned, since he could see Kō held a grudge against the Kyūbi brat, which made him at least somewhat trustworthy, but knew he'd want something in exchange.
"In exchange for helping steal the Forbidden Scroll, I want you to help me kill the Uzumaki brat, and Hanabi." Said Kō, wanting Naruto dead in payback for his humiliation, while he saw Hanabi was unworthy of leading the Hyūga Clan, if she chose to associate with those below her.
"Well why didn't you say so, I would have helped with that, regardless." Mizuki replied, smirking wickedly at the chance to kill the demon brat.
As for the Hyūga, he's sure that he can deal with Kō, once the demon is dead, and then take the brat with him.. He's sure that Orochimaru would like to have a Hyūga, or two, to experiment on.
*Hokage's Office*
"Okay, Old Man, I'm a Genin now, so you have to tell me about this burden, you said I have." Naruto said, as he and Hanabi stood in front of the Hokage.
After leaving Ichiraku's, and saying goodbye to Yakumo, the two had headed for the Hokage's Office, wanting to finally learn about why everyone hated Naruto. With Naruto wanting Hanabi to be there as well, since she also wanted to know about the hostility aimed at Naruto.
"Yes, a deal is a deal Naruto. I'd tell you about your burden, when you become Genin, but you aren't officially a Genin, yet. You still have to pass the true Genin Test." Sarutobi revealed, with Naruto and Hanabi looking at him in shock.
"True Genin Test?" Naruto asked as he started feeling his annoyance rise.
Not at the Hokage, but at the fact that he wasn't officially a Genin, yet. And that there was one last test he would have to take, before he is one, and could be told of his burden.
"Yes, it's a test given to new Genin Teams, by their Jōnin sensei, to determine if they have what it takes to be Genin. It's also different for each sensei, so don't think to try, and learn what it is. Also, even if I knew the test that your Jōnin Sensei would use, I couldn't tell you, as that'd be a sign of favoritism. The best thing you both can do, is train as hard as you can, and be prepared for whatever test your sensei will give you." Hiruzen said, with the two looking at him with annoyed expressions.
"Fine." Muttered Naruto, annoyed that he had to wait even longer to learn why everyone hates him.
With that the two left the Hokage's Office, and headed for an empty training ground, wanting to blow off some steam.
"Are you alright, Naruto?" Hanabi asked, knowing how much this meant to him, and learning he had to wait even longer, likely wasn't easy for him.
"I'll be fine Hanabi-chan, after I hit something." Replied Naruto, with Hanabi nodding in agreement, while also taking the time to start practicing some of the more advanced techniques of her clan.
Once they reached an empty training ground, Hanabi went over to one of the log posts, and activated her Byakugan. While Naruto pulled out his sword, and began going through kata's.
The two continued training for several hours, only stopping, when they looked up in surprise at seeing it was now nighttime.
"Huh, guess we were out here longer, than we thought." Naruto said, sheathing his sword, with Hanabi nodding in agreement, while deactivating her eyes, feeling tired from the nonstop training and the Chakra, she used.
"Yeah, let's go home, and get some rest." Said Hanabi, as they prepared to leave.
"You aren't going anywhere, you damn brats!"
Tensing at the voice, Hanabi cried out when Mizuki suddenly appeared behind her, and slammed his fist into her head, knocking her away.
"Hanabi-chan!" Naruto said, worried, and went to see if she was alright, or would have, had Kō not appeared in front of him.
"You are within my range of division, Kyūbi." Said Kō, before he began striking Naruto's Tenketsu.
"Two Palms!"
"Four Palms!"
"Eight Palms!"
"Sixteen Palms!"
"Thirty-Two Palms!"
"Sixty-Four Palms!"
"Eight Trigrams, One Hundred and Twenty-Eight Palms!" Shouted Kō, delivering a final palm thrust that sent Naruto flying back, crashing into a tree, gasping for air as he felt most of his Tenketsu, be sealed shut.
'Ow, that hurt way more than Hanabi-chan's.' Naruto thought, before falling to the ground.
"Kō! What is the meaning of this?!" Hanabi demanded, shocked at the sudden attack, and from a fellow Hyūga no less.
"Forgive me, Hanabi-sama, but this is payback for the humiliation I suffered, at your hand!" Kō spat, with Hanabi looking at him in disbelief.
"Seriously? You're betraying your clan and village, just because I told you no? What are you, a child?!" Hanabi said, not believing he was doing this just because she didn't do what he said
She's eight, almost nine-years-old in the next week, and she's more mature than him!
"I am not a child! I was doing what I must to keep you safe from that monster!" Kō shouted, while glaring at Naruto, having taken his new Tenketsu into account, which is why he used the One Hundred and Twenty-Eight Palms.
"Don't call Naruto a monster!" Retorted Hanabi, glaring at them, while Mizuki chuckled sinisterly.
"The stupid brat really doesn't know, so much for those "All-Seeing Eyes" of yours." Mizuki taunted.
"Know what, bastard?" Naruto said, struggling to stand up, while glaring at them.
"That you are nothing, but a monster! You wanna know why everyone hates you, it's because you're nothing, but a worthless demon! You are the Kyūbi no Yōko, the same monster that attacked eleven years ago!" Mizuki revealed, grinning madly, while Naruto and Hanabi's eyes widened.
"Wh-what?" Naruto said, not believing what he just heard.
"That's right, this is the monster you choose to associate with. One that will now finally die, like it should have." Said Kō, believing this knowledge will have Hanabi turn against Naruto, and help them kill the demon, then he can deal with Mizuki, and make himself out as a hero for saving the Hyūga Heiress, while stopping a thief and traitor.
Naruto flinched at that, looking at Hanabi, believing that she'd abandon him, after learning this.
"You're both idiots." Hanabi stated, shocking the three, and angering their attackers.
"I've been studying Fūinjutsu, for nearly a year, being taught by Naruto. You honestly think I'd believe something as stupid, as him being the Kyūbi. If anything he just contains the fox, and he's more than that too, he's Naruto Uzumaki! A proud Ninja of Konoha, and my best friend!" Hanabi declared.
"Hanabi-chan." Naruto said, shocked and touched at her declaration.
"Then you are truly lost." Sneered Kō.
"Time to die demon lover!" Shouted Mizuki, as they charged Hanabi to finish her off, with the girl's eyes widening, at seeing them charging towards her, and she didn't have the energy or Chakra to defend herself.
Naruto's eyes widened in fear at seeing his friend about to be attacked, along with anger that these two were going to kill Hanabi, and he couldn't even move!
'I won't let them touch her!' Naruto thought, gritting his teeth as his eyes turned crimson red with slit pupils, while the Kyūbi's Chakra flooded his Chakra Networks, forcing his Tenketsu open again.
With his Chakra flowing once more, Naruto rushed in front of Hanabi to protect her. Though what happened next, shocked everyone present.
Before Mizuki or Kō could reach the two, they were shocked when wooden tendrils shot out of the ground, and sped towards them.
"WHAT?! GAH!" Mizuki shouted, only to gag when the tendrils impaled his body, while Kō also taken by surprise at the sudden Mokuton, and was impaled, as well.
'That was…Mokuton?!' Hanabi thought, shocked at seeing the Shodaime Hokage's Kekkei Genkai, before looking at Naruto, since it made sense that he was the source.
Meanwhile, Naruto's eyes widened in horror at what just happened, as the adrenaline left him.
'Wh-what did I do?' Naruto thought, looking at his shaking hands, as the realization of what just happened hit him.
He just killed two people.
"Naruto." Hanabi said in worry and concern at seeing his expression, putting a hand on his arm, with the blonde flinching slightly at the contact.
Seeing this Hanabi wrapped her arms around Naruto, knowing this was likely hard on her friend, given he likely didn't intend to kill them. It just happened.
Suddenly, the Hokage and Hiashi jumped into the training ground, joined by a team of Anbu and Hyūga, respectively, having sensed a flare of the Kyūbi's Chakra. Looking around, they were shocked to see Mizuki and Kō impaled on wooden tendrils, something that shouldn't be possible, along with Hanabi comforting a stunned and silent Naruto.
"Hanabi, what happened?" Hiashi said, wanting to get answers as to what just happened.
"Tou-san." Said Hanabi, looking, and saw everyone who showed, before she started explaining what happened, from Mizuki and Kō showing up and attacking them, the reveal of Naruto being the Kyūbi's Jinchūriki, and Naruto using the Mokuton.
It shocked everyone, with Hiashi also being angered at Kō's betrayal, while thankful his daughter was safe.
"Uzumaki. You have my deepest apologies for Kō's attack. Along with my thanks, for protecting my daughter." Hiashi said with a bow in respect, with Naruto nodding shakily, still coming to terms with what happened.
"Ye-yeah, I-I'm glad Hanabi-chan is…safe…" Naruto said, before falling backwards, with Neko catching him.
"Is he alright?" Hanabi asked, worried something was wrong.
"He's fine, he's just asleep. Likely from the mental and emotional fatigue, from everything that just happened. Neko, Tenzo, take Naruto and Hanabi back to their apartment, and watch them." Sarutobi ordered, not knowing if there were more conspirators, and didn't want to take any chances.
Nodding, the two Anbu grabbed Naruto and Hanabi, before Shunshining away.
"This has been…surprising, to say the least." Hiashi stated, looking at the wooden tendrils, as the remaining Anbu and Hyūga worked to collect Mizuki and Kō's bodies, so they can be brought to Inoichi, so they can view their memories.
"Yes. It's surprising that Naruto somehow possesses the Mokuton, and was able to subconsciously use it on this level, already. I'll have to speak with Tenzo to begin training him in it during the two weeks, until team placements. I'll also see to teaching him the Shadow Clone Jutsu." Sarutobi said, knowing that to master the Mokuton, Naruto would have to first master Water and Earth Manipulation, which would take some time, but with Shadow Clones, it shouldn't take nearly as long.
"Indeed, that would be best. And if there's anything my clan or I, can do to help, Hokage-sama, just ask. We owe Naruto a great debt, for what he's done." Said Hiashi, simply relieved his daughter was safe.
Meanwhile, Naruto and Hanabi were dropped off at their apartment, with Neko and Tenzo taking up posts outside.
Hanabi went to lay down on the couch, deciding to let Naruto have the bed, this time. Before looking at her sleeping friend sadly, knowing he likely won't be any better, when he wakes up.
'Just one night, for both of us.' Hanabi thought, laying down beside Naruto, her own near-death experience making her shiver in fear.
It didn't take long, until both of them were sound asleep, unaware of the fact they unconscious moved closer together.
So, what did you think, good. Yep Naruto and Hanabi have now graduated the Academy along with their soon-to-be teammate Yakumo Kurama. Not only that but several others have graduated as well, including Hinata who has now become determined to prove she can be strong on her own.
Also I should probably clear something up, I don't hate the NaruHina pairing, I hate the canon version that was rushed and came out of nowhere. I'm perfectly fine with the pairing, usually if it's in a harem and the build up is done correctly, and not just happening out of nowhere. Hinata's inclusion in Naruto's harem in this, is just an experiment with no solid guarantee she'll be in it, if she's not then she'll likely be paired with Haku, who'd either be male or female is currently up in the air.
Also Hinata won't be a common pairing in my stories, only if she could fit in with the pairing and her addition would be appropriate. Like in "Rise of a Legacy" Hinata's inclusion could work, but again nothing official yet.
Anyway we then see Naruto and Hanabi also learn about the true Genin Test before going off to train where they're ambushed by Mizuki and Kō, where they reveal Naruto's status as the Kyūbi Jinchūriki in the hopes of Hanabi turning her back on him. Only for Hanabi to stand by her friend, leading to the two traitors trying to kill her. Then to everyone's shock Naruto subconsciously uses the Mokuton to kill the traitors.
Also Naruto having he Mokuton is a mix of him being Asura's Transmigrant (And by proxy Hashirama's as well), his distant relation to the Senju Clan, unlocking part of his sealed Chakra, and applying the Tenketsu Seal to help better regulate it. While using the Kyūbi's Chakra and his drive to protect Hanabi being what finally pushed him to awaken it.
Finally we see the Hokage and Hiashi arrive before having Naruto and Hanabi taken back to their apartment and discussing what happened. So, review if you liked go away if you didn't.
Storm out
