"The content of the graduation exam is... the Clone Technique."As soon as Iruka announced the test subject, Naruto's face turned pale.
Soon, the students took the exam one by one. Honestly, it was rare for anyone to actually fail this.
"Next, Naruto Uzumaki."
Naruto stepped into the room, formed a hand seal, and shouted,
"Sexy Jutsu!"
Caught off guard, Iruka's nose sprayed blood."Idiot! Didn't you hear me? The test is for the Clone Technique!"
"Ahh, sensei~ let's spice things up~" Naruto teased in a flirty tone.
Pinching his nose with one hand and pointing with the other, Iruka roared, "You little brat! Cut it out and transform properly!"
—A moment later—
"Clone Jutsu!"
Iruka twitched as he stared at Naruto's poorly formed copy and muttered,"Fail."
After the test, Haruto walked out of the exam room and noticed Naruto sitting alone on the swing. He was about to go over when he saw Mizuki already approaching him.
"Just like in the original story," Haruto thought as he glanced at the Third Hokage talking to Iruka. Mizuki might be a pawn, and even if Iruka's actions are part of an act, his emotions toward Naruto are sincere.
After a moment of thought, Haruto chose not to intervene. Naruto, as the Nine-Tails' jinchūriki, is always watched by at least two elite jōnin. There's no real danger. As for the Scroll of Seals, no way the village would leave its location unprotected.
He stopped Sasuke, who was about to comfort Naruto. Seeing Sasuke's confused eyes, Haruto smiled mysteriously.
"Relax. He's Naruto. He's not going to fail the graduation exam."
Sasuke paused. He didn't quite understand, but he trusted Haruto deeply, so he nodded.
"Let's all go out and celebrate! Haruto, Sasuke, come on!"
"Alright. I'll go get Hinata."
"Brother Haruto, I'm coming too!" said Hanabi cheerfully.
Looking at Third's teasing gaze from afar, Haruto simply smiled brightly.
"That idiot Naruto didn't come back last night." Sasuke spoke with a neutral tone, but his eyes showed a hint of concern.
"Don't worry. I'm sure we'll see him soon."
On their final day off, Haruto took Hinata's hand as they strolled down the street.
"It'd be nice if we ended up in the same team," Haruto said casually.
Hinata blushed, slightly shy about holding hands in public. "Y-Yes... I'd like that too. I want to be with Haruto."
"Oh, right." Hinata suddenly remembered something and pulled out a small handmade charm. "I made this myself... I'm not sure if it actually works."
Looking at the tiny, intricately crafted charm, Haruto felt touched.
"Ah, I forgot to prepare a gift... Thank you, Hinata." He hung the charm around his neck with a smile. "I really like it."
Haruto leaned down and whispered softly in her ear, "Hinata, once you become a ninja, learn to protect yourself. Be brave when it counts, but don't push yourself when it's not worth it..."
He sounded like an old lady nagging, but Hinata didn't mind. She simply nodded again and again, her little head bobbing adorably.
Walking to a quiet corner, Haruto stopped. He looked down at Hinata, who seemed to sense what was about to happen. She gently tiptoed and closed her eyes.
Their lips met. A faint electric feeling spread from their lips to their hearts. Haruto was immersed in the warmth of the moment, while Hinata's face visibly flushed. The two stood quietly, enjoying the atmosphere in silence.
Suddenly, a loud voice shattered the moment.
"Boss, I also became a ninja! Look at my forehead. Eh? You're here?"
Hinata immediately panicked, her face red from embarrassment. She stammered, "I—I'm leaving first," and quickly ran off before Haruto could say anything.
Naruto realized what he'd walked in on and tried to sneak away, but Haruto grabbed him by the collar.
"Old boss, listen to my explanation!"
Naruto flopped on the ground with a pitiful expression, as if he'd been severely wronged.
Suddenly, someone punched Naruto from behind.
"Who are you? You dare hit my boss? I'm the Grandson of the Third Hokage!"
Haruto turned around and saw a strange kid—Konohamaru. In that moment, he recalled the vow he made to teach this brat a lesson. His smile turned cold.
"You're the Third Hokage's grandson? Perfect. I love putting second-generation elites in their place. Let me show you my original ninjutsu."
Haruto formed a few hand seals.
"Ninjutsu, Spiral Maru."
He placed his hand on his head and spun him around like a top. Not long after, Konohamaru passed out on the ground.
As Naruto handed over some snacks in apology, Haruto asked, "Naruto, how did you even pass the exam?"
"I… I defeated a Chunin."
It wasn't much different from the original story. Haruto figured the whole thing was set up by the Third Hokage. Mizuki, no longer of any use, was just a pawn to help Naruto gain a sense of belonging to the village. As for Iruka, whether he was in on it or not didn't matter anymore. Haruto decided not to think too deeply.
"This is my new little brother, his name is Konohamaru," Naruto said, pointing at him. "And this guy's my boss. His strength is almost the same as mine."
"Oh, so the boss of the boss? Then that means you're the real boss! Are you stronger than Naruto? Do you have a jutsu more powerful than the seduction technique? Please teach me—I must defeat the old man!"
Haruto thought for a moment. He didn't really have a jutsu more powerful than the seduction technique—it was one that could even confuse the likes of Kaguya.
"The old man you're talking about… that's the Third Hokage. Why do you want to defeat him?"
"Grandpa named me Konohamaru after the village, but in everyone's eyes, I'm just the Hokage's grandson. No one recognizes me as myself. I've had enough of it. That's why I want to become Hokage as soon as possible."
"You think being Hokage is just a title you can claim? If you want that name, you'll have to defeat me first."
Naruto's mouth was still as sharp as ever. Haruto suddenly felt a subtle spiritual probe—it must've been the Third Hokage observing. Time to put on a proper performance. His next move might determine whether he'd be granted the technique he was after.
He stood up and faced the two boys.
"Do you really understand what being Hokage means?"
"Hokage doesn't just mean being the strongest in the village. It's not a title people give you automatically. Becoming Hokage doesn't make others acknowledge you—you have to make them acknowledge you before becoming Hokage."
"Hokage is a burden. The hopes of everyone in the village rest on that title. From the moment you become Hokage, your actions affect everyone's future. Even one mistake can cost hundreds of lives. Can you really carry that kind of responsibility?"
Naruto and Konohamaru were silent, looking at Haruto with thoughtful expressions. For the first time, they seemed to truly understand the weight behind the word "Hokage."
"As far as I know, the First, Second, and Fourth Hokage all died protecting the village. I believe the Third will do the same. Many of their loved ones gave their lives as well. Konohamaru—your father, your grandmother... If one day the village is truly in danger, are you prepared to give your life for it? Even if it means losing your family?"
Silence followed. Neither of them could respond.
Haruto wondered if he'd gone too far. Naruto, who once burned with dreams, now looked uncertain.
But then, Naruto looked up, his eyes unwavering.
"I will definitely become Hokage," he said firmly. "No matter how heavy that title is, no matter what sacrifices I have to make, I'll achieve it. That's my ninja way."
"And me too," Konohamaru said, clenching his fists. "If I say I'll do it, then that's my ninja way from now on."
Haruto smiled at both of them.
"You two sure talk big. If you want to become Hokage, then beat me first."
"I will definitely beat you!""And me too!"
Haruto chuckled to himself. Guess I've been giving speeches too often lately—I almost convinced myself.
"Konohamaru, hurry up," he said as he turned to leave. "Naruto and I have already graduated. We're on the path to becoming jonin now. Don't keep us waiting too long."
"Got it!" Konohamaru shouted. "Just wait! I'll catch up soon!"
Far away, the Third Hokage watched the scene unfold through his crystal ball. A soft smile appeared on his face.
This... this is the inheritance of the Will of Fire.