Later That Night — At Home
After dinner at Ichiraku, the brothers walked home under a quiet sky. The village streets, usually bustling, now lay calm under the warm glow of paper lanterns. Crickets chirped softly in the distance.
"I'm so full, Johan," Naruto groaned, rubbing his stomach. "Ichiraku is the best. I could eat there every day!"
Johan chuckled, a soft smile playing on his lips. "Yeah… it really is."
They walked in silence for a few more steps before Johan's voice shifted, lower now, serious. Hesitant.
"Hey, Naruto… there's something I need to tell you."
Naruto glanced over, eyebrows raised. "Huh? Why the serious tone? Just spit it out."
Johan looked ahead, eyes steady but distant. "I've decided to graduate. From the Academy."
Naruto stopped in his tracks. "What…? Graduate? But why?"
"I've learned everything I can there. Grandpa Hiruzen thinks I'm ready."
Naruto was quiet. The joy from earlier faded from his face. "But… I thought we'd become genin together. Same team, remember?"
Johan's expression softened, and he stepped a little closer. "I wanted that too, Naruto. But this path… it's mine to walk now. I want to get stronger. Not just for me, but for you."
Naruto turned away, eyes shimmering. "I don't need protecting."
"I know," Johan said gently. "But I need to protect you. I have to."
Naruto's voice cracked. "Why does everything have to change?"
Johan placed a hand on his shoulder. "Not everything. No matter where we go, we're brothers. That will never change."
There was silence between them. Then Naruto smiled, a bit forced, a bit brave.
"Fine! I'll just train even harder! When I become Hokage, you'll be my right-hand man! Believe it!"
Johan smiled. "I'll be waiting."
That night, they talked long into the darkness, about dreams, missions, and a future they still didn't fully understand. Their laughter mixed with quiet promises. A deeper bond was forged not just in joy, but in shared vulnerability.
But as Naruto finally drifted into sleep, Johan sat quietly beside him, eyes shadowed by thoughts he didn't dare speak aloud.
"I'll protect you, Naruto," he whispered to the silence.
"From everyone. From everything. No one will ever take anything from us again. Even if I have to destroy the world to make sure of it."
---
The Next Morning — At the Academy
The classroom buzzed with chatter as students filed in. The usual morning noise. But Naruto sat quietly at his desk, his usual spark dimmer than usual.
When Iruka entered, his voice cut through the room.
"Alright, everyone. Settle down!"
The room quieted. Eyes turned toward the front.
"I have an important announcement," Iruka said. His voice was steady, but even he seemed a little surprised by what he was about to say.
"By the order of the Third Hokage… Johan Uzumaki has been granted early graduation from the Academy. Effective immediately, he is now a genin."
The classroom erupted.
"What?!"
"No way!"
"He's the top student, sure, but early graduation?"
Sasuke's hands clenched under the desk. Kiba stood up. "Sensei! Can we apply too? I've been training hard!"
Iruka shook his head. "No. This was a special recommendation. Only the Hokage can authorize it."
He turned to Johan. "Congratulations, Johan. You've earned it."
Johan nodded respectfully. "Thank you, Sensei."
Shikamaru let out a low sigh. "Early graduation… such a drag." He looked at Naruto. "Did you know?"
Naruto didn't look up. "He told me last night."
Shikamaru gave a small nod, understanding now why Naruto wasn't his usual loud self.
On the other side of the room, Ino leaned toward Sakura. "Do you think Johan's been kinda cool lately?"
Sakura blinked, unsure, but eventually gave a small nod.
Kiba pointed at Johan with a grin. "Don't get cocky just 'cause you graduated first! I'm right behind you, and I'm gonna beat you!"
Shino gave a quiet, "Congratulations."
Hinata shyly added, "Y-You really deserve it, Johan…"
Johan smiled warmly at all of them. "Thanks. Really."
But one pair of eyes didn't join the celebration. Sasuke's. He didn't say a word, just glared, as if Johan's very presence was a challenge.
When the bell rang and class ended, the students slowly filed out, some chatting, some silent.
Johan stood near the door, watching Naruto pack his bag slowly. As their eyes met, neither said anything.
But in that silence, there was understanding.
Something had changed, for better or for worse, no one knows.