4 Year time skip

It was a new morning in Konoha as the sun started to rise over the village walls and in through the windows of the Uzumaki brothers, in Kenta’s apartment, a mess of dark red hair can be seen at the top of the bedcovers with the bed sheets covering everything else. At the base of the bed lay a large black dog with wolf-like features.

As the sunlight fills the apartment the large canine opens its eyes slowly before opening its jaw letting out a yawn just as the alarm clock on the bedside table goes off getting a groan from beneath the covers.

The large dog gets up off the bed and stretches out as the alarm continues to go off, after several moments of stretching the dog starts to nudge the form under the covers in an attempt to wake his master from his sleep, after several nudged a final groan is heard from under the covers, “Alright Midnight, I’m up.” was the response as a hand reaches out silencing the alarm.

Midnight stepped back as the bed covers were thrown back as the occupant slings his legs out of the bed, Kenta sat on the edge of his bed with a groan rubbing his sore neck as Midnight came to his side and he reached out petting his partner, “Who needs that thing when I’ve got you eh.” Kenta said in a joking tone as he went to stand up fully.

The past four years showed on Kenta’s body as he stood up, now sixteen years of age, the many years of hard rigorous training had refined Kenta’s already toned form, as he stood at 5 foot 11 inches tall wearing a pair of skin-tight boxer shorts that went down to his mid-thighs, the evidence of his training was well seen as he now sported an extremely chiselled physique and eight pack abs, showed the extent of his training since he started six years ago.

His red hair had darkened slightly and now flowed to the base of his neck at the back, while the front was trimmed to chin length, his hair was spiked with a wild feel to it, but the strands were thin and varied instead of messy clumps, as the sides of his hair went just above his shoulders framing his face and clashing with his blue eyes making them stand out even more than they had in the past.

As Kenta stood up he rotated his neck as a series of loud pops were heard as Kenta groaned starting to walk to the kitchen, as more pops were heard from his joints as he walked, ‘Ow, that’s the last time I train for ninety-six hours straight, my body just can’t hack that.’ Kenta mentally winces as he made it to the kitchen worktop.

Reaching up into one of the cupboards he took down a large bag of dog food and started scooping several cupfull’s into a metal dish before filling the second one with water and placing both on the ground as Midnight started to eat.

Kenta then started to move over to his closet and started pulling on a black tracksuit with red stripes down the sides of them, before going to the kitchen sink and filling a bottle of water, as he did so he looked to see Midnight was finished with his breakfast, “You mind getting Naruto up? He’ll want to be up early to this morning.” Kenta said with a smirk.

Midnight nodded in response to the request as he trotted over to the door between the two apartments and used jumped up putting its paw on the door handle and letting his weight push it down and opening the door before trotting inside.

Kenta came around the front of the kitchen counter and leant on the front of them as he took a drink of his water as he listen for the sounds that soon followed, the sound of silence followed by Midnight’s loud barking and the cries of shock from the now awake Naruto before the sound of the blond crashing out of his bed.

Seconds later Midnight came trotting in through the door once again and sat by his master's side as Naruto made it to the doorway leaning on it as he panted trying to get his breath back after it was scared out of him in the sudden wake up call, “Why do you do that every time Nii-chan?” Naruto said as he finally got his breathing under control.

Kenta shrugged as he stood up, “Because it’s fun and it’s the only one hundred percent method to make sure you actually get you up where I don’t have to do anything.” he said as he walked to the door out and opened it as Midnight walked through, “I’m heading out on my run. I’m sure you’ve got morning plans as well, seeing as we’re graduating today. So I’ll see you at the academy Otōto.” Kenta said with a smirk as he walked out closing the door behind him as he missed the large smirk on Naruto’s face as he did so.

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Scene break

Kenta and Midnight were both running down the empty street, it was still early and no one was out of bed yet aside from those few who were going to bed. Both teen and dog were heading to the gate to start their real morning run, when a sound behind them caught their attention making them look behind them to see a familiar green blur approaching them at high speed while trailing a large dust cloud behind it as the sound of the figure yelling “Yoooooooouth!” could be heard before it slowed rapidly as it met with Kenta and Midnight as the dust cloud blew past them.

As the dust cloud settled the green figure was now running alongside Kenta and Midnight, he was dressed in an all green body suit with black shinobi sandals with a dark red belt around his waist, with the Hitai-ate around the middle of his waist, both his legs had bright orange leg warmers up to his knees and both his hands were wrapped tightly in bandages, his hair was black and in a bowl cut with thick black bushy eyebrows matching it as he gave Kenta a nice guy grin which seemed to sparkle ever so slightly.

“Yosh! Good morning Kenta-san, what a glorious morning for a run is it not!” the green-clad-boy declared with a fire in his eyes

Kenta chuckled strangely at the boy, “Yeah it sure is Lee. So how’s your training been going?” he asked as the three of them kept running at a steady pace.

Lee pumped his fist in the air as they ran, “It has been going most excellent Kenta-san I’ve recently increased my weights. Gai-sensei says my flames of youth are burning brighter every day.” Lee said with a passion as his eyes burst into symbolic flames before looking at Kenta as they ran, “What of yours Kenta-san how goes your endeavours?”

Kenta shrugged, “As good as always. Sensei says I'm not to increase my weights until I’ve gotten through the final level of the gravity and restriction levels before I do so again. Though I feel like I could easily, sensei says it is too soon, so I'm just adding an extra lap to make the most of it.” Kenta said with a grin, “I would have added five but then I’d be late for class and I can’t be late for graduation.”

Lee pumped his arm high into the air in support of Kenta’s extra training, “Yosh, you’re fire burns even brighter than my own Kenta-san, you will succeed with little difficulty. And from what Gai-sensei has told me of your sensei, it would be wise to listen to him. Though I do not know who he is, Gai-sensei says he is both wise and respected, you are lucky to have someone like that to take you as their student like Gai-sensei has done for me.” Lee praised as the flames in his eyes grew in size, “Come let us explode with the power of youth in honour of our great sensei’s my rival, let us show what the fruits of our training have brought!” Lee cried out before taking off at insane speeds leaving Kenta and Midnight running at their regular speed, watching on as Lee disappeared from sight into the distance.

Kenta looked to Midnight and Midnight to Kenta, “Don’t look at me like that,” Kenta said as he shivered a little, “I find him just as strange as you do.” he said before they continued on their run.

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Scene break

Getting back to his apartment, Kenta walked in with Midnight by his side both were panting heavily as they went to the kitchen. Kenta filled Midnight’s water bowl setting it down on the ground before he went and stuck his head under the tap as both teen and dog drank as much as they could, exhausted from their run.

After a full minute of drinking from the tap Kenta pulled his head out from under it taking a much-needed breath, ‘Damn I needed that.’ he thought as he moved to the bathroom as he pulled off his tracksuit heading to shower.

After a much-needed shower Kenta came out with a towel wrapped around his waist and another in his hands he was using to dry his hair as he made his way over to his wardrobe taking a scroll from the top of it and opening it on the bed as he touched the sealing array within before the room was filled with smoke that faded to reveal his newly bought attire that he’d gotten a few weeks ahead of time with Sayaka’s help in preparation for his graduation.

After a further few minutes of drying and dressing Kenta was finally set for his day. His new attire consisted of a new black flak jacket; this one having short sleeves and hood both with the custom red fur trims and lining. Underneath it was a long sleeved mesh shirt that covered the rest of his arms with loops at the end of both sleeves that were around his middle fingers holding the sleeves in place. He had two metal backed gauntlets and gloves on his hands over the mesh sleeves. His new ANBU pants had been modified with metal exterior kneepads with modified latches attached around his waist designed to hold his whip sword easier. Hanging from the middle of his front waist now was a long dark brown sash that went to his right side and was attached to the back of his waist which had several loops in it, each holding in place a small storage scroll with red bindings on each with various Kanji labelling each scroll’s contents. On his left hip was the standard black Kunai pouch with three Senbon needles horizontally across its body below the opening latch.

Securing his gauntlets to his wrists Kenta nodded in approval of his new attire before he pulled up his hood covering his hair as he turned his head making sure his vision wasn’t impaired taking notes of anything that needed modifications made later. Satisfied he nodded looking down as he felt Midnight nudge him in the leg.

Smirking knowing what his partner wanted, Kenta reached to the underside of his right gauntlet and touched the small sealing tag as three dog treats appeared out of a small cloud of smoke before he tossed them to Midnight who took them in one bite making Kenta smirk as he knelt down rubbing Midnight’s head, “Come on let’s get going, can’t let them start without us.” he said getting a confident bark in response before he knelt to Midnights side as they both vanished in a larger swirl of red feathers.

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Academy grounds

As the wind died down outside of the academy Kenta and Midnight appeared. Kenta stood up from his crouched position, patting Midnight’s head as he did so. The pair could see that others were still arriving and Kenta smirked, ‘Perfect right on time.’ Kenta thought before he and Midnight started to the front door to join the masses.

Entering through the lower classroom door Kenta couldn’t help but smirk as he looked up the rows up seats and saw a sight that made him proud. Naruto had arrived before him and his new wardrobe had drawn the attention of some of the civilian girls in the class, as they were all currently crowding around Naruto talking to the blushing blond who was rubbing his head sheepishly.

His new outfit was something that both Sayaka and Kenta had input on to make him look much more professional. Gone was the orange monstrosity; it was replaced with a dark brown hooded jacket with a red swirl on the back and a dark navy shirt underneath. He wore black ANBU style pants and black shinobi boots. Across the base of his back was a slightly larger than normal sealing scroll for storage with a nineteen inch Ninjatō in a black lacquer sheath resting above it. Something that he’d been practicing with over the past two years after Kenta had got him it as a birthday present.

Kenta catching Naruto’s eye nodded in approval of his brother’s new popularity with the girls in the class as he walked up to take his own seat. As he did so he let his gaze wander to the back of the room to one blushing girl in particular, Hinata Hyūga who at the moment was blushing more than she normally would have been while eyeing up Naruto from behind. Kenta couldn’t help but stifle a chuckle; in the four years at the academy his Otōto was still completely oblivious to her not-so-secret crush on him, he was betting the entire academy knew about it but Naruto. But he had decided to leave it be and enjoy watching her dance around him over the years, he was looking forward to the day that Naruto finally noticed for himself and he could tease him relentlessly for not noticing sooner.

Kenta sat down in his usual spot as Midnight took his spot under the desk at his master’s feet. Kenta looked down at the desk below him and smirked seeing a regular sight of a sleeping Shikamaru and chuckled slightly, “As lazy as always, ‘ay Shika. So are you up for continuing our last game after we’re done with the first test? The sooner you get it done the sooner we can play.” he asked openly as Shika stirred from his position.

Keeping his head down on the table with his left arm as a pillow, Shikamaru simply raised his right hand and gave a single wave back to him, “Yeah sure thing.” he yawned before putting his hand back down.

Kenta smirked at Shikamaru’s laziness, he could never get more than five words out of the guy in a single sentence, it was only when it came to shogi that he was actually paying attention enough that they were able to have a full conversation. Hence why the two had a running game of shogi every week and given how good both of them were the game lasted anywhere up to two days to a full week. Given the could only play for an hour at lunch and then a couple of hours after class, the two of them had sparked a friendly rivalry over the board game that had formed a good friendship over the years.

“Hey Kenta.” Chōji asked as he turned in his seat looking up at the red head, “You and Naruto up for some BBQ after all of us pass? My Tou-san says he’ll hook us all up.”

And with that friendship came the same from Chōji. Both he and Naruto had been friends with the pleasantly plump teen for about the same amount of time, although Naruto more than him, ever since Naruto had actually beaten Chōji in a ramen eating contest after the first month in class. The Uzumaki brothers had had the Akimichi heirs respect and friendship.

Kenta smirked, “Sure thing, sounds like a great way to celebrate graduating.”

“Mind if I tag along also?” came Sayaka’s voice from behind them, Kenta looked and found himself gulping slightly at Sayaka’s new clothing, over the years her figure had filled in more and she now packed a pair of perky C-cup breasts and a slender 5 foot 5 in figure to match.

Her hair had darkened and grown down to her waist, which she kept swept to one side, her onyx eyes still filled with the fire and passion that she’s had since the first day Kenta had met her.

She was wearing the new outfit that Anko had helped her to pick out a few weeks prior, consisting of a shortened version of a Cheongsam dress with bluish-purple rims and detailing that hugged her growing curves nicely. Underneath which she had a pair of skin tight grey shorts that came to her mid right thigh, where she had her kunai pouch strapped to, while the left side was all mesh and went just to below her left knee.

Her arms and hands were covered down to her mid-upper arms with black gloves with no fingertips and mesh at the upper arm areas with bluish-purple rims.

The top of the dress was modified and made of mesh connected to a black choker around her neck leaving her back and shoulders bare. On her feet, she had black shinobi sandals that are cut open at the heels, her clan symbol present at the base of her dress.

Kenta paused for a moment longer as he took in the sight, only to get nudged under the table by Midnight snapping him out of it, “Um, yeah sure, the more the merrier.” Kenta responded fighting down an embarrassed blush hoping she hadn’t noticed him staring.

Only to prove she had when she smirked slightly as she continued down the stairs to their aisle before stopping and giving a slow twirl as she saw Kenta looking at her making sure to let him have a good look before stopping with her hand on her hip facing him, “Well what do you think Kenta-Kun, Anko-chan helped me pick it out for my graduation. Pretty professional looking don’t you think?” she asked smirking seeing him looking at her with a slight blush.

“U-Um yea looks great Sayaka-chan, very professional looking.” Kenta commented desperately trying to fight down his blush after the agonisingly slow three-sixty rotation. Sayaka smiled at the compliment.

Although the mood was soon ruined as Sasuke pushed past her heading down to his seat before stopping and glancing back an arrogant look on his face, “Hm, if you take fashion advice from sluts and whores, you’ll become one.” He said as he turned back to his seat, “But then again hanging around with the trash will do the same thing.” he scoffed and was about to continue on his way only for his eyes to widen when he heard a low growl moments before he felt something sink its teeth into his ass, as he cried out, looking back the next second to find the black form of Midnight biting into his backside letting out a deep throated growl aimed at him.

Kenta suppressed a chuckle in his throat at the sight, “Midnight let that go you don’t know where it’s been.”

Midnight hearing his master’s command gave a final growl and a squeeze before releasing the boy's backside and moving back. Sasuke, of course took offence to the attack and his hand instantly going for his kunai pouch intending on paying Midnight back for the insult. But as his hand reached his kunai pouch before he even got it open he felt a jab of pain shot through his hand and up his arm. He looked to it and his eye’s widened seeing two Senbon needles protruding from his hand, but not reacting was his mistake as the next second he felt his entire body go stiff and himself unable to move before he heard, someone approach him from the back, looking to see Kenta shaking his head at him.

“You’ve got to work on those reflexes Teme, those Senbon were coated with a paralytic agent that I made myself. It works almost instantaneously as soon as it enters the targets body as you’re no doubt feeling the effects of right now.” Kenta said as he approached Sasuke shaking his head, “But don’t worry the effects aren’t permanent. In fact the effects should wear off in the next few minutes since I gave you a watered down dose, but it’s just long enough so you won’t try anything while I give you a warning.” Kenta said as his hand went to his sword belt pulling it free and straight as he pointed the tip at Sasuke’s face glaring at the Uchiha male, “I will tell you this only once so listen up. If you ever insult Sayaka-chan or Anko-chan like that again and even attempt to harm my partner” Kenta said as he lowered his sword to let it rest just in front of Sasuke’s crotch, “And I’ll make sure that only Sayaka can carry on the next Uchiha generation, which if I'm not mistaken would take away your right to be clan heir also, so it would be in your best interests to keep your temper and mouth in check,” Kenta said before he removed his sword and reattached it to his waist with a smirk, “Besides, Midnight was just trying to help you out by pulling that twenty foot pole you’ve seemed to somehow got shoved up your ass, it’s not his fault you’ve got it wedged up their good and tight” Kenta joked instantly defusing the tension in the scene that had made the whole room go deafly silent, as everyone bar a few burst out in laughter.

However as Kenta turned to head back to his seat, what he had said rolled over in his mind the second that he say Sayaka, as she stopped giggling realising the exact same as Kenta sported a slight blush while Sayaka slowly grew redder by the second.

‘What the hell! Where did that come from! Gahhh, I’m such an idiot, Baka, baka, baka!’ Kenta berated himself for running his mouth; he’d been spending way too much time watching Anko work.

‘Carrying on the line, he doesn’t mean he wants to, oh no, does he, nonononononono, I’m the only one who thinks that he couldn’t have meant that no, we’re just friends, just friends’ Sayaka thought to herself, trying to keep from going any redder from her thoughts.

Kenta quickly returned to his seat as Midnight retook his spot by his feet, Sayaka sat next to him, neither of them looking at each other both with light blushes, both praying that the other wouldn’t notice, praying for something to distract them, and thanked Kami when something did.

“Hey Kenta, Sayaka!” Kiba called as he came in with a waist high Akamaru beside him, “You two ready to pass this today?” he said before he stopped blinking at the stiff Sasuke in the middle of the stairs up, they both looked him up and down as they passed, before Kiba took his seat on the other side of Sayaka still looking at Sasuke, “Ok someone want to fill me in on why there’s an Emo statue in the middle of the room?” He asked which Sayaka giggled at.

“Oh just Sasuke-Nii being arrogant as always and Kenta-Kun getting him to shut up before he embarrassed himself and the clan further.” she said covering her mouth to stop from giggling.

Kenta smirked, “Yeah and the effects should be wearing off right about now.”

As Kenta finished speaking Sasuke actually did get the control of his limbs back again and he immediately acted his hand going right to his kunai. He was furious, how dare that Uzumaki threatens him and make him look like such a fool, he’d show him what happens when you threaten an Uchiha elite. But just as his hand gripped his kunai and he went to step forward to lunge for Kenta the classroom door opened and the voice of Iruka filled the room making him snarl before closing his pouch and going to his seat, he’d get him yet.

Iruka walked to the middle of the front of the room with a pleased smile next to him as Mizuki took his place to Iruka’s right just behind him with a very subtle limp in his step after never properly recovered from Kenta’s finally humiliation that day and always having to use a cushion any time he sat down.

The second Mizuki had entered Kenta had been watching him with a narrowed gaze, he had never liked the silver-haired Teme and he knew he had it out for both him and Naruto from day one of the academy. Although ever since he returned from his extended stay at the hospital his attempts to screw up his and Naruto’s education and marks had been much more subtle; stuff like out-dated textbooks, wrong test papers, faulty equipment in training sessions, things that could easily be explained away. And it was because of that Hiruzen hadn’t been able to give a solid reason to remove him as an academy assistant. But that hadn’t stopped Kenta from making his time as one a living hell, with weekly if not daily revenge pranks that even Naruto marvelled at, as someone so versed in Fūinjutsu it was literal child’s play for him, and with the vast array of possibilities Fūinjutsu made available the outcome was always a sight to behold. For example a small explosive seal with a paint filler instead of shrapnel made for a great paint bomb, and when connected to a motion detecting seal and positioned above a door frame or hidden on a seat with Genjutsu, just before a certain silver haired instructor walked in or went to sit down, made for a hilarious outcome normally in neon pink or lime green, or for the seats a thicker mix of dark brown with a combined stink bomb made a rather convincing scene of the fool messing himself.

Of course all the regular pranking had made the silver-haired instructor weary, there had been a full week where he had come in using the window and didn’t sit down for fear of traps, of course Kenta had fixed that by placing very low-powered explosive seals all over the room hidden by Genjutsu that he could trigger remotely meaning anywhere Mizuki stood he would suddenly jump in shock as a small bang made him jump, and to fix the window problem. Kenta had placed a very powerful stink bomb seal there, so the last time Mizuki had used the window to enter the classroom he was greeted by the most unpleasant smell imaginable before falling backwards out of the window, and hitting the ground two stories up. This had led to another stay in the hospital to recover.

And regardless of the Chūnin’s attempts to get Kenta in trouble for the pranks, nothing had ever stuck given that the seals had disappeared in a blur of speed after they had gone off, so with no evidence all of Mizuki’s claims had gone out the window with him.

Iruka of course, had his suspicions it was Kenta doing all the pranks on Mizuki over the years and approached him in private to ask that they stop. But the two had come to an arrangement, that as long as the pranks didn’t disrupt the class and the class’s marks didn’t suffer for them they could continue, he quite enjoyed seeing the creativity that the older Uzumaki put into the pranks.

Clearing his throat as the class settled down into their seats, Iruka took a step forward, “First of all I would like to congratulate all of you for making it this far. The past four years have been challenging for most of you and that was for a reason to prove that each of had the potential to become shinobi and now you have all earned the right to take the next step in becoming just that a Genin of Konoha, as each of you know the test today will test the skills you have all learned throughout your time at the academy, your knowledge will be tested on a written paper, after which you will be taken out to test your skills with throwing weapons, before a Taijutsu spar to test your hand to hand combat, after which you will be required to perform each of the three academy Jutsu for the final portion, extra credit will be given to those who had put their own time into learning additional Jutsu and can demonstrate one in the final exam, now are there any questions?” Iruka asked as he looked around the room to see no hands raised, “Excellent, now let’s…” Iruka started to say before multiple cries were heard from outside the school in the village, drawing everyone’s attention.

Looking out the window’s everyone’s eyes widened at what they were seeing, the Hokage monument that stood over the whole village had been covered in multi-coloured graffiti from top to bottom in the most comical ways imaginable. But before anyone could say anything about it, more cries were heard from the village as everyone looked as multiple multicolours smoke explosions went off in chain reactions throughout the whole village as the smoke rose high into the air as cries and panicking screams could still be heard throughout.

The next second the door to the front of the classroom opened and a Chūnin stood in the doorway gasping for breath as his eyes dotted all over the room before finally settling on Naruto, who just smiled and gave him a little wave, as his mouth gaped open in confusion, “B-But how…” he muttered like the sight before him shouldn’t have been possible.

Iruka blinked at the reaction before speaking, “Um can I help you with something?”

The Chūnin looked to Iruka, before pointing to Naruto, “Has he been here the whole time?” he asked in disbelief.

Not sure what the other Chūnin meant Iruka asked, “The whole time of what?”

“The pranking spree, nearly the whole village has been hit by it; half of the main street in the market district has been painted orange and the other half in bright green, several businesses have had smoke bombs go off in them along with an assortment of paint bombs, trees have been lined with underwear from multiple residents, and multiple homes have been swarmed with mice, and to top it all off the Hokage monument was vandalised with graffiti.” The Chūnin listed off in horror.

Hearing the list of the pranks Naruto was barely suppressing his laughter with everyone else, Kiba was just laughing his ass off while Kenta was clutching his gut trying to hold it in and Sayaka was giggling with her hand over her mouth trying to hold back the worst of it.

“Well, I can’t say we didn’t see this coming.” Sayaka whispered to Kenta through her giggles.

“At least he’s making good use of his Kage Bunshin’s,” Kenta commented back whipping a tear from his eye, “he must have been planning this for weeks.” Kenta said before he remembered something from a few years prior.

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Flashback

Naruto instantly cheered up, “Sure Nii-chan, you’re still going to teach me how to do that Bunshin thing right?”

Kenta chuckled, “Of course Otōto what kind of Nii-chan would I be if I didn’t help my Otōto.” he laughed, “But only when we’re in the last year of the academy, as much as I’d love to teach it to you now I don’t think the villagers or Sarutobi-sensei would thank me for releasing a horde of pranking blonds on the village. With the chaos, just one of you can cause, imagine what a hundred of you would be able to do.” Kenta explained only for both him and Naruto to shiver with excitement and slight pity for the villagers in the following months after Naruto learns that Jutsu.

Kenta turned to go back into his apartment leaving Naruto chuckling evilly with a wicked look in his eye, already scheming for his future pranking spree.

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Flashback end

“Or years.” Kenta chuckled as he realised just when his Otōto had started planning this day.

Iruka sweat dropped as he heard the list before shaking himself out of it, “Sorry but, he’s been here the whole time.”

The Chūnin then looked to Naruto and back to Iruka, “You’re sure?”

Iruka nodded, “Very, now if you don’t mind we’re trying to start the Genin exams here.” he said in a formal tone.

The Chūnin nodded in apology before closing the door and taking off likely to report his findings and to help with the village clean up.

Iruka sighed before moving to his desk and lifting a stack of papers, “Sorry about that everyone, now let’s get back to the exam.” he said before handing half the papers to Mizuki as both instructors proceeded to start handing them out.

When Kenta finally got his paper he let out a low growl at what he felt. It was subtle but it was there, a low powered Genjutsu over the exam paper, which changed key elements of the questions. Kenta had to give the sneaky bastard credit; the Genjutsu was good if his chakra control was a little better he might not have felt it. He was had certainly done his best to sabotage the exam on him, but Kenta wasn’t going to fall for it. And glancing over to Naruto, Kenta could see Naruto had also felt the Genjutsu over the exam paper, as both brothers nodded to each other and quickly dispelled the Genjutsu before getting to work.

Kenta already planning his revenge as he got to work, first he’d prank the hell out of the Teme for this last attempt, and then as the next chance he got he’d report this to the Hokage and get the idiotic fool put on permanent border patrol, this Genjutsu would be the last straw.

Ten minutes later Kenta had finished the exam paper that was set to take an hour for most students. Before he got up and headed to the front of the classroom with Midnight following close behind as he handed his paper over to Iruka with a nod and a glare at Mizuki who returned it, before walking out of the room his hand pulling one of the scrolls from its slot on his hip sash, if Mizuki wanted to mess with him he’d mess right back and it would be fun.

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Scene break

It was forty-five minutes later, outside on the academy steps where Kenta, Naruto, Sayaka, Chōji, Kiba and Shikamaru had all gathered after finishing their exam, Midnight and Akamaru lay at their individual master's feet as Shikamaru and Kenta wrapped up their last game of shogi.

The Nara had finished his exam five minutes after Kenta but that had only been because he’d decided to sleep on an extra few minutes before starting the exam, before following the Uzumaki’s lead out of the classroom to continue their game. The other’s had followed shortly after in the following twenty minutes, leaving the rest of the class inside to continue their exams.

“And with that Victory is mine.” Kenta said as he moved his final piece into place putting Shikamaru in checkmate.

Shikamaru’s eyes darted over the board for a moment as he looked over the tiles to make sure before groaning as he fell backwards, only to lie down with his arms spread, “Damn, you’re good, I never saw that coming and I was thinking seven moves ahead.” Shikamaru said in disbelief.

Kenta smirked, “that’s why I think with eight, all it takes is one step.” Kenta said as he touched the scroll under the board and in a puff of smoke the board and pieces were sealed away before he slipped the scroll back onto his sash.

Naruto chuckled at the scene, “It’s funny how this is the only time when you can actually be bothered to do anything Shika, the rest of the time you’re asleep.”

Shikamaru shrugged from the ground, “What can I say games with a good opponent are worth getting up for. Shame there’ll be less of them after today with us graduating and all.” he said sounding a little depressed.

Kenta smirked, “Yeah but we can always play them when we meet up. We still live in the same village, just got to time it is all.”

No sooner had Kenta spoke a yell of “Shit!!” was heard from the main entrance hall of the academy, before the sounds of multiple small explosions rang out as the doors of the academy building rattled slightly.

The teens all quickly moved to the doors opening them only to be met by a wall of multi colours smoke for flow out of them, and standing at the main desk of the hall was the slumped form of Mizuki covered in splatters of multicoloured paint and glitter with lifeless eyes, unable to comprehend what had just happened to him.

The doors of the main hall closed as all the teens fell back laughing at what they had just seen as they clutched their guts in laughter.

“Oh man! That was priceless Nii-chan! Best one yet!” Naruto said through fits of laughter.

“That was brilliant, serves the dumbass right.” Kiba barked in laughter.

“Indeed, he certainly had that one coming.” Sayaka giggled

“He was definitely sparkly.” Chōji bellowed

“Speaking of timing.” Shikamaru laughed in agreement.

Kenta just laughed as his seal combination had worked to perfection, “That worked brilliantly. I think that’s what I’m going to miss most after graduating, using him as a guinea pig for my prank seals.”

“More like Lab rat.” Kiba barked in laughter.

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Five minutes later the rest of the class started to exit the building for the target portion of the exam, all were lining up for the explanation when everyone started laughing heavily as Mizuki came out, he had managed to change his clothes and wash off the paint, but this time Kenta had added something more to the mix, the paint was missed with an extra strength hair dye, so now the former silver-haired Chūnin was now sporting over several different hair colours at once, and the glitter was treated with high strength, water resistant glue, so he was still very sparkly.

Ignoring the laughing as he carried the box full of equipment Mizuki walked over to the target area setting the box down as he tried to keep his anger in check as he clenched his fists.

Iruka cleared his throat as he stifled his laughing, “Ok then, next is the target portion of the exam, you will each have five Kunai and five shuriken, and your targets are at varying distances down the range, the further the target is away the higher your score, the closer to the bull’s-eye the higher your score, you will also be judged on your penetration the more targets you hit and the deeper you hit the better.” Iruka explained, “Now as your names are called come up and take your throws, good luck to all of you.”

Kenta stood with his hands behind his back in silence as he watched the other students throw and winced slightly at the civilian side of things, they could barely hit the targets half way down the range and they were barely having any penetration at all, they obviously hadn’t been practicing and none of them was putting chakra into their throws for distance or penetration power. He’d have thought that at least one of them would have studied ahead but it appeared he was wrong.

Watching as the clan heirs took their throws was a bit more impressive, they hit the mid-range targets with ease and got good penetration, and some even managed to get a little further with good power, but none had managed to get the farthest targets yet.

Kenta watched as Sasuke took his position on the target line with an arrogant smirk on his face as he moved with average skill as he threw his weapons with speed down the range as he hit each target with near pinpoint accuracy, but the last kunai and shuriken veered wide and lodged just left and right of the final targets bull’s-eyes, he had been the best in the class so far and turned around thinking he was perfect shooting a smug and superior glance at Kenta before he returned to his spot on the line.

Sayaka rolled her eyes at her brother’s actions and moved to take her shots next, her projectiles already lined up in front of her, as she moved with speed and launched them down the range, three hitting each of the long range targets with power each piercing the dead centre of the targets, as the last one sailed through the air and slammed into the middle of the farthest target with force to spare.

The rest of the class clapped in appreciation for her skill as Iruka marked down her score, Sasuke seething in rage as he watched her go back to stand beside Kenta not even glancing his way. In his eye’s she was saying he wasn’t even worth her glance, while in actual fact she didn’t want to look at him knowing he was likely glaring at her which he was.

Next was Naruto’s turn and walking up to the line he checked over his tool nodding seeing that they weren’t damaged or wrongly weighted like they had been in the past due to “poor management”, before taking his throws, Kenta had been sure to train him well in all aspects of the academy classes outside of their time in class, and the practice was showing results as his projectiles threw through the air with power behind them as each of them actually demolished the targets they hit, going clean through them at the point of entry, they may not have been hitting the dead centre but it was clear the targets were very much dead.

Kenta smirked at the sight. He knew his Otōto had never been much for accuracy, but what he fails at in accuracy in his throws he more than makes up for with speed and power. Even if the weapon didn’t hit his opponent’s centre, it was very likely to go right through them he had trained him well.

Naruto walked back to his position with a victorious smirk on his face seeing the look of disbelief on most of their peer's faces at his shots, clearly not expecting such a powerful display, he’d always followed his Nii-chan’s example never to draw attention to yourself unless you can help it. Not as if he had to try given how he had been wearing kill me now orange right up until that morning, so he never had to try for attention.

With his turn finally, Kenta walked up to take his shot smirking at Mizuki who had been glaring at him the whole time and decided to mess with him once more.

“You know Mizuki-san, you could just hide your new hair colour with Genjutsu until go can re-dye it. After all being a Chūnin I’m sure you’re skilful at subtle forms of Genjutsu for all purposes.” Kenta said as he narrowed his eyes on the multi-coloured Chūnin.

Mizuki’s eyes widened as he heard the words and realised the message behind them, he’d seen through the Genjutsu he’d put on the exam before, his scowl deepening in anger at being discovered.

But Kenta just ignored the Chūnin as he turned to the target range and in under two seconds moved with speed that the others in the class couldn’t follow, while Mizuki and Iruka barely did, as he launched all of his projectiles with speed, precision and power down the range each hitting the farthest targets down range starting from the furthest back and working their way forward as each projectile lodged itself three inches deep in the dead centre mass with force to make each target swing on their hooks showing how fast they’d been thrown.

The stunned silence from most of the class was expected as well as the cheers from Naruto, Sayaka and Kiba at the absolutely perfect scoring as Iruka marked it down while Kenta returned to his spot, fist bumping both Naruto and Kiba as he did so.

Iruka cleared his throat to get everyone’s attention, “Alright, next we move on to the Taijutsu part of the exam, the class will be divided in two and with divide amongst the two sparring rings where you will either face Mizuki or me in a three-minute sparring session, Taijutsu only, you will be judged on your counters, dodges, blocks and overall combat style and strategies in those three minutes, bonus marks will be awarded for any strikes that hit their mark and for lasting the full three minutes without being knocked out of the ring, now move to the left and right as I call out your names….”

After a further three minutes the class was divided up and lined up in front of either sparring ring, Sayaka and Naruto were in front of Iruka’s ring while Kenta and Sasuke were in front of Mizuki’s ring as one by one the students were called up to spar for the three minutes.

Kenta had ignored the civilian sparring for the most part, none of them lasted past the halfway point of the fight before being forced out of the ring, and Mizuki wasn’t really giving them it light, and looked to actually be enjoying himself as he knocked the last student out of the ring in under forty seconds.

Kenta scowled while he knew the exams weren’t meant to be easy he knew that Mizuki had his own agenda in fighting with speed, he wanted to fight him and get some payback for the extra strength paint bomb just before the throwing portion of the exam, Kenta smirked to himself, it was a good thing he wanted a piece of him as well.

But while he hadn’t paid attention to the civilian matches he had been watching the other ring as Sayaka and Naruto had their matches with Iruka, Sayaka had been training with Anko more over the years and had incorporated her snake style into her own Taijutsu style that required her to be much more flexible, as such she moved with speed and precision as she weaved and dodged each of Iruka’s strikes with near expert timing as she threw her own attacks back in the small openings that Iruka had left, lasting the full three minutes of the spar, Kenta knew she had the skill that if she wanted to she could easily have knocked Iruka out of the ring, and win the match in a shorter time, but she was doing what a shinobi does best and hide their skills till the opportune moment to strike.

In Naruto’s spar Kenta watched as Naruto took on Iruka with power and defence, Kenta knew his style well, Naruto had never been one for speed when it comes to hand to hand fighting, no Naruto was a tank and a brawler, going in with his guard up and his limbs reinforced with chakra to blunt the impacts as he threw his own powerful blows back and replacing his guard not giving his opponent a chance at landing a damaging blow, all his and Sayaka’s training on keeping his guard up had paid off as Naruto lasted the full three minutes also with Iruka rubbing his arm afterwards wincing at the impact of Naruto’s last punch.

Turning back to his own ring Kenta watched the last couple of seconds of Sasuke’s fight, as the Male Uchiha evaded an overhead swing from Mizuki and threw his own back only for Mizuki to dodge the kidney shots as the bell went. Kenta frowned at that, he could see that the punch was meant to go wide, it was well hidden but with his training he could see, Mizuki was only putting on the act of fighting with the last Uchiha, putting nowhere near the strength and speed that he had into fighting the civilian students, but making sure that Sasuke never landed any hits of his own, like he was baiting the Uchiha the entire fight like it was some hoaxed dance between them.

As the bell rang Sasuke walked off the ring with a scowl as Kenta walked on, he was the last and everyone was watching as some were hoping for a repeat of the first day as Mizuki and Kenta turned to face each other in the ring and the timer at the side re-set for three minutes.

The second the bell went Mizuki lunged for Kenta with a fierce right hook, Kenta narrowed his glare and moved accordingly as he moved his head to the side dodging the swing and stepping into Mizuki’s reach as he drove his chakra laced fist into the Chūnin’s gut hard. The impact was heard by all as Mizuki spluttered from the counter, but before he even had a chance to move to get out of range or guard Kenta brought his right elbow up into Mizuki’s jaw line with force napping the Chūnin’s head back as his left arm grabbed Mizuki’s still outstretched right as Kenta’s fist balled up and he pushed forward while pulling Mizuki back, his right fist impacting Mizuki’s face with force twice over before Kenta released Mizuki’s arm and spun on his right heal bringing his left foot up and around just as Mizuki was recovering from the slugs to the face before the next thing he knew Kenta’s boot heel met with the side of his head and send him off his feet and out of the ring hitting the ground with a groan.

The crowd was silent as they looked from the ring to the timer just as the timer hit two fifty, ten seconds was all it had taken for Kenta to beat an adult Chūnin without taking any hits and delivering a knockout blow, needless to say, Iruka marked down full points as Mizuki was currently in no position to do so.

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After Iruka had managed to rouse Mizuki from his unconscious state which Kenta had put him into, everyone had returned back inside for the final part of the exam, Ninjutsu, everyone was lined up outside of the classroom door along the wall and down the hall as each student was called in one at a time to take the final test, this had went by rather quickly as the numbers slowly dwindled down as a student went in one minute and came out the next either with a Hitai-ate or without, all depending on their exam results and their Jutsu capabilities.

Sasuke had just gone into the room and after a few minute Kenta, Sayaka and Naruto all heard the window of the classroom open and the roar of flames as Sayaka held her head in disbelief.

“Katon: Gōkakyū no Jutsu (Fire Style: Grand Fireball Technique), I’d know the sounds of it anywhere.” Sayaka said with a sigh.

Kenta shook his head, “Well it is his go to Jutsu, but you would have thought he’d have learned something more for his extra credit, a C-rank may be impressive got a Genin, but the Gōkakyū is a common Katon Jutsu, not very unique.”

No sooner had Kenta spoken, the door to the classroom opened and Sasuke came out holding his Hitai-ate and shot Kenta a smirk of superiority before turning and heading for the exit.

Sayaka rolled her eyes at her brother’s action before she started to walk to the classroom for her turn waving over her shoulder to Kenta, “Wish me luck.” she said with a confident smile.

Kenta rolled his eyes in amusement, “Don’t need to, you don’t need It.” he said with a laugh.

Sayaka shrugged her shoulders, “True it would be a bit overkill wouldn’t It.” she said before walking into the classroom.

Kenta leant back against the wall with Naruto by his side as he waited for his turn knowing it wouldn’t take long, and less than thirty seconds later the door opened and Sayaka came out holding her own Hitai-ate smiling as she flashed it to Kenta who chuckled, “What did I say, told you ya didn’t need luck.”

Sayaka giggled before she turned and headed out as Kenta started towards the classroom with a confident smirk on his face, getting to the door he glances back to Naruto and gave him a wave as Naruto grinned back to him with a thumbs up, Kenta nodded and walked in while Midnight stayed by the doorway for him to return.

The classroom was empty except for the desk in front of the blackboard at the front of the class, on it there were a number of Hitai-ates each with the Konoha leaf symbol on their metal plating, behind the desk were both Iruka and Mizuki who watched Kenta come into the room and took his position in front of the two Chūnin instructors.

Iruka smiled at him, “Alright Kenta, we need you to perform the three academy Jutsu in order to pass and then one Jutsu of your own choosing should you perform them to satisfaction, start with the Henge, then Kawarimi, and then the Bunshin Jutsu.”

Kenta nodded before without any hand signs at all he was covered in a plume of smoke after it disappeared moments later in Kenta’s place stood a replica of Iruka who was flawlessly created with no differences between the original and the illusion.

Iruka got up and circled the Henged Kenta looking him over as he marked down details on his board before nodding in approval, “A flawless Henge Kenta and what’s even more impressive is that it was done with no hand signs, very impressive.” he complimented as he returned to his seat.

The Henge went up in smoke and blew away to reveal Kenta once more in his position.

Iruka nodded, “Now the Kawarimi if you would.”

Kenta nodded before he once more was covered in smoke with no hand signs again, only this time when the smoke cleared it left a blinking Mizuki who was still sitting in his chair who looked around in shock at the sudden change in his location.

Iruka blinked and looked to his side where Mizuki had been moments ago, only to see Kenta leaning against the desk with his arms crossed with a small smirk on his face.

Iruka gave a single chuckle as he started to scribble down more notes, “Very impressive Kenta, performing a Kawarimi without hand signs and also replacing yourself with another person, quite a feat and demonstrates a high level of chakra control to pull it off so flawlessly, well done.”

Kenta stood up from the desk and gave a small bow as he walked around Iruka and back to his spot on the floor all the time getting the stink eye from Mizuki who was walking back to his spot carrying his chair with him.

Iruka sighed, “Alright now the Bunshin Jutsu.”

Kenta nodded before he smirked and formed the cross sign as he and the entire area in front of the desk went up in smoke and disappeared leaving four Kenta standing in front of the two Chūnin instructors, Iruka nodded, “Impressive clone, although I’m unfamiliar with that hand sign you used Kenta.”

The Kenta’s all smirked, “I would be surprised if you were Iruka-san”, one said, “It is unique to this Jutsu,” another spoke, “If you knew it without Hokage-Sama’s permission you could get in a lot of trouble.” the final finished.

Iruka blinked hearing all four Kenta speak before he looked to the ground and saw all four of them had shadows and his eyes widened, “They're solid, not illusions, the Kage Bunshin Jutsu, that’s a B-rank Kinjutsu.” he spoke as three of the clones went up in smoke.

Kenta nodded, “Correct Iruka-san, I learned it with Hokage-Sama’s permission some years ago, it has been quite beneficial.”

Iruka nodded as he jotted that information down, “Very good, all clone techniques are substitutable for that Jutsu, so you pass with full marks, all the same, now you may perform one Jutsu as your extra credit marks.”

Kenta nodded before he made a half ram hand sign as his chakra formed outside of his hand and moulded into a clear liquid before he thrust his hand forward as the liquid stretched out towards the Chūnin’s sitting behind the desk, both sat back at the sudden movement, but the liquid didn’t reach them, instead it wrapped around one of the Hitai-ates before it pulled back taking it with it as it shot back to Kenta as he pulled his hand back and caught the Hitai-ate in the air with a smirk.

Iruka blinked before he chuckled, “Another impressive display Kenta, that was the Suiton: Suiben (water style: Water Whip) if I’m not mistaken, a C-rank Jutsu performed with only a single one handed hand sign, and with no water source to draw from as well, a very impressive display of chakra nature and shape manipulation, well done.”

Kenta smirked, “I take it that mean’s I can keep this then?” he said gesturing to the Hitai-ate with a chuckle.

Iruka nodded, “Of course you can, now go on and get out of here.” he said with an amused chuckle.

Kenta nodded and headed out the door, Midnight rose to greet his master’s return, as Kenta flashed both him and Naruto the Hitai-ate with a smirk.

Naruto grinned, “Congrats Nii-chan.” Naruto called as Midnight gave a bark of agreement.

Kenta smirked, “Thanks, Otōto, no go in there and get yours and we’ll catch ya outside, come on Midnight.” he said as he and his partner started heading towards the exit.

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Kenta smirked as he and Midnight came out of the academy front door as he finished tying on his Hitai-ate, letting his hair go over the sides as the metal plate was positioned on his forehead when he caught the sight of Sayaka who was waiting outside for him with Mikoto and Anko.

“There they are.” Anko called as she saw them coming out the door, “Looking good with that Hitai-ate there.” she smirked, “It’s been a long time coming.”

“Congratulations on passing Kenta, not that it was really a shock.” Mikoto said with a smile

Kenta smiled, “Thanks, it has certainly been a long wait but well worth it to graduate together with everyone.” he said before he looked around, “Where Sasuke, thought he would have at least waited with you two.”

Anko rolled her eyes, “Duckbutt said he was going to train and ditched on them here didn’t even stop when he came out heading right for the gate, rude little prick.”

Sayaka shook her head; “He can’t ever take a break from training for one minute. He’s obsessed.”

Mikoto sighed, “He’s becoming more and more like Fugaku all the time, he had the same thirst for power when he was younger and it only got worse as he grew up, Sasuke is just the same.”

Kenta frowned, “Well maybe he’ll lighten up a bit on it now, we’re out of the academy now so he’ll have less time for it with missions. Training is good and all but what’s the point if you don’t have friends and a life outside of being a shinobi.”

Mikoto smiles, “Well said Kenta, I just hope Sasuke realises that like you have.”

Anko smirked, “We could always beat it into him make him realise it, could be fun.” she grinned.

Mikoto sighed rubbing her forehead at Anko’s antics while Kenta and Sayaka chuckled nervously at the seriousness of Anko’s tone and knew she’d likely do it, but before they could respond the doors of the academy opened again, and they all looked to see Naruto but something was off as he came down the steps.

Kenta watched his Otōto coming down the steps with his head low his eyes down not meeting his older brother's gaze, something that confused Kenta and he knew something had happened as he moved to meet him.

“Otōto what’s up, what’s going on?” Kenta asked as he approached looking Naruto over with worry evident in his tone, but then it hit him the realisation that Naruto didn’t have a Hitai-ate and confusion etched itself into his face, what was going on?

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“I…. I failed.” Naruto said sounding deflated and beaten, “I…I don’t…” he started to say as he looked down as he tried to think about what’d just happened.

“What?” Kenta said shocked, “But how is that possible? You practiced those Jutsu for weeks on end; you could do all of those three in your sleep. Sure you can only manage a minimum of ten regular Bunshin at any one time, but with your reserves that’s normal, don’t tell me you failed cause of that, you could have just used the Kage Bunshin to compensate.”

Naruto shook his head, “I did, it was going great all through the substitution and Henge but when I tried to do the Kage Bunshin, my chakra it just went haywire I couldn’t control it and my Jutsu failed, I tried it again and it was the same thing, I just don’t understand.”

Kenta blinked as Naruto told him what had happened, and it wasn’t adding up, he’d seen him do those Jutsu hundreds of times in training, something wasn’t right, even though Naruto’s chakra control was still poor for his chakra reserve size, that shouldn’t have mattered, and the way Naruto described his chakra going haywire wasn’t making sense also, chakra doesn’t just do that, no something else was going on here.

Kenta put his hand on Naruto’s shoulder, “Don’t worry about it, I’ll talk to Sensei. This has to be a mistake, I can fix this, there’s no way I’m letting my Otōto fail before his dream even gets started.” Kenta said trying to reassure him, but to his shock Naruto batted his hand away.

“No you won’t.” Naruto said seriously making Kenta blink as Naruto looked at him seriously, “This is my fault Nii-chan. I’m the one who screwed up the Jutsu. There’s no mistake, I’m the one who messed up, and I’m the one who’s going to fix this. I don’t want you coming to my rescue this time, I’m not some little kid anymore.”

Kenta blinked hearing his tone, “Otōto I…” he started to say only for Naruto to cut him off.

“No Nii-chan, not this time. You’ve always been there for me since we were little, looking out for me and protecting me all those times we were in trouble even though we never did anything wrong. You always stood up for me and protected me and you always said that’s what big brothers are for, but not this time Nii-chan. This time I’m the one who screwed up, I’m the one who has to deal with the consequences and fix this myself.” Naruto said as he clenched his fists, “I can’t always be in you shadow, I have to look out for myself and be more than just your little brother. I have to do this on my own otherwise I never be able to say I accomplished my dream on my own. Don’t forget I said I’d become Hokage and then I’m going to beat you Nii-chan.”

Kenta frowned listening to his Otōto voice his plea to do this on his own and looked down for a moment as he thought, sure he’d been protective of Naruto but what older sibling didn’t look out for their younger brother or sister, it was only natural to him. He’d kept him safe when they were younger protecting him from bullies, standing up for him when the matron of the orphanage yelled at him for no reason, he’d just always done it not wanting his Otōto to be hurt. Sure he’d been rough on him in training but that was only to a certain extent only using Senbon to train his stamina and always making sure to be careful not to cut too deep with Kunai in training, but that was just he wanting Naruto to be ready when he finally graduated so he’d be prepared for any mission. He always protected his Otōto, it was what he did, but he realised he was right he couldn’t do it anymore; he had to stand on his own two feet.

Kenta nodded, “Ok Otōto, if this is what you want I’ll step back and let you sort this yourself, but you’d better fix this or so help me I’ll kick your ass so hard you’ll be constipated for a month got it.”

Naruto gave his patented D grin, “You got it Nii-chan. Don’t you worry, I’ll become a shinobi one way or another, Believe it.” he said before he took off with a passion running out of the academy grounds

Kenta just stood there watching as Naruto left but as soon as he was out of sight Kenta sighed and shook his head, as Mikoto, Anko and Sayaka came up behind him.

Sayaka put her hand on his shoulder, “Kenta-Kun, are you ok?” she asked concerned.

Kenta nodded his head, “Yeah I’m fine Sayaka-chan, just worried is all. He may be able to look after himself now, but I can’t help but worry about him.”

Mikoto smiled, “That’s what older siblings and parents are meant to do, you need to let him have his space and learn what the world’s like without you there to hold him up and be there for him to help him when things get too rough for him to do it alone.”

Kenta nodded, “I know, its just being there for him has always been second nature to me, guess I can’t be anymore he’s all grown up.”

Anko smirked, “Ah quit your worrying, the Gaki will be fine, he’ll sort this shit out in no time. And if he doesn’t then you can fix it for him, there’s nothing to worry about.”

Kenta smirked, “Yeah you’re right Anko-chan, thanks.” he said giving her an appreciated nod.

Sayaka smiled seeing Kenta cheering up slightly and knew it was best to take his mind off this for a while as she took his hand, “Come on Kenta-Kun, we’ve got that celebration BBQ meal to go to with the others.”

Kenta chuckled, “Alright Sayaka-chan I’m coming.” he said as she practically dragged him away before they stopped at the gate and Sayaka looked back to her mother.

“I’ll be home later Kaa-chan, is that ok?” Sayaka called back.

Mikoto giggled seeing her daughter drag Kenta away and nodded, “Yes that’s fine, Sayaka. You two go have fun; I’ll have a small celebratory meal for us to share when you get home. And both Naruto and Kenta are welcome to join us as well.” she said with a smile.

Kenta smiled at the invitation, “Thanks, Mikoto-san we’ll be there.” he said as Sayaka dragged him away as soon as she got confirmation.

Mikoto and Anko smiled as they watched the two go, but the second they were out of sight, Anko frowned, “Something’s not right here.”

Mikoto nodded, “Agreed, from the sounds of it, someone was interfering with Naruto-Kun’s chakra control in the exam.”

Anko scowled, “But now the questions are who, how, and why? I doubt it’s for simple vengeance against what he holds.”

Mikoto shook her head, “Indeed, if I didn’t know any better I’d say someone was planning something involving Naruto-Kun, but the question is what.”

Anko crossed her arms, “I’m not sure. Do you want me to do some looking into it?”

Mikoto gave a single nod, “Yes but do so discretely. We don’t want to tip off whoever is behind this, and take whatever evidence you find straight to Hokage-Sama before you come to me with it, he should know first.”

Anko nodded, “Hai, Mikoto-sama.” she replies before disappearing into a Shunshin as Mikoto did the same seconds after.

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It was four hours later as the streets were getting dark, inside of one of the largest BBQ restaurants in town where the group of newly graduated Genin sat around the table grill as the smell of succulent juicy meats filled the air as they sizzled on the grill, as the group chatted amongst themselves.

“Man I can’t believe we finally graduated, fucking A.” Kiba cheered in celebration with Akamaru barking in agreement.

“Yeah, four years in a classroom makes you want to go nuts.” Chōji agreed as he put some more meat on the grill.

“Eh it wasn’t that bad.” Shikamaru rolled his eyes as he took a drink.

“Yeah says the guy who spent about eighty percent of class time sleeping and the other twenty playing shogi with Kenta.” Kiba joked as that got the group laughing in agreement as Shikamaru sighed “Troublesome.”

Sayaka giggled at the joking and banter among the group and looked to see if Kenta was enjoying himself but instead he had a far off look in his eyes as he glanced out the window for a moment, Sayaka frowned, “Kenta-Kun, what’s wrong?” she voiced as the others looked seeing Kenta’s gaze as well.

Her voice snapped Kenta out of his distant trance and back to reality, “Hm, what... Oh sorry guys, I just have some things on my mind is all, sorry if I’m ruining the celebration.”

Sayaka frowned, “You’re still worried about Naruto-Nii aren’t you?”

Kenta frowned and nodded, “Yeah, I just can’t shake the feeling that something isn’t right, and the more I think about it the more it just doesn’t add up.”

Shikamaru raised an eyebrow, “What do you mean Kenta, what’s not adding up for you?”

Kenta crossed his arms and leaned back in his seat, “It’s just how he failed, it doesn’t add up. Even if he screwed up the last Jutsu that shouldn’t have failed him, never mind the fact I’ve seen him do it before a hundred times over, but it’s the numbers that aren’t doing it. Even with that last Jutsu failing he should have had more than enough of a percentage of a pass to get through the exams, I’ve drilled him into the ground in Taijutsu, Kenjutsu and Shuriken and kunai throwing, we all saw him pass the second test with ease, and In the past year we’ve used Kage Bunshin to help his class work and stay up late at night revising our notes and learning more. So there’s no way he flunked the written test, so with all that there’s no way that flunking a single Jutsu would have failed him.”

Shikamaru frowned, “You’re right it’s not adding up.”

Kiba crossed his arms, “I saw his match with Iruka. He lasted the full three minutes like the rest of us except for Kenta.”

Shikamaru sighed, “Troublesome, even if he flunked the written test, which is highly unlikely, it's only thirty percent of our marks. The other seventy is made up in the other three, twenty in the throwing test, another twenty-five in the Taijutsu spar and then twenty-five more in the Jutsu test, even if he failed one Jutsu he would have still gotten marks for the others, so unless he completely failed every question in the written exam he would still have gotten above the fifty-five percent passing mark for the exam, something’s not right.”

Kenta nodded, “Exactly, now you see why something’s not adding up.”

Sayaka frowned “Maybe Iruka and Mizuki made a mistake in the exam marking?” she suggested.

Kenta blinked hearing that as the word’s “Mizuki” and “marking” ran through his head and he frowned, ‘No he wouldn’t have done something like that would he… he already tried to sabotage us both with a Genjutsu, so screwing with the results isn’t that big a stretch, but surely Iruka would have caught him marking right exam questions wrong….’ Kenta thought to himself before he stood up, “Sorry guy’s I gotta go and check something.” he said as he went to move out of the booth, “I’ll see you all at the team placements.”

Sayaka stood up, “Hold on Kenta-Kun, I’m coming too.” she said as she moved out of the booth and went to him, “I’m worried about Naruto-Nii too.”

Kenta nodded, “Ok, come on.” he said as he, Sayaka, and Midnight took off out of the restaurant heading for the Uzumaki’s apartment.

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Time skip

It was only another ten minutes before the trio found themselves coming around the side of the apartment block, Kenta still deep in thought as they walked. Sayaka looked to him concerned.

“Kenta-Kun, what are you planning to do anyway?” She asked with a small frown not sure of what they could do to help Naruto become a shinobi.

Kenta frowned, “I’m not sure Sayaka-chan, but I’m my guess is right, then Mizuki sabotaged Otōto’s written exam in the marking process so that he’d fail. Even after both Otōto and I noticed the Genjutsu on our papers.”

Sayaka blinked at that, “Genjutsu on the papers, what are you talking about?”

Kenta sighed, “Both mine and Otōto’s exam papers had a subtle Genjutsu on the, changing key aspects of the questions so that we’d put in the wrong answers and fail the exam, I felt the chakra over the paper and so did Otōto be both dispelled the Genjutsu after feeling it. I was planning to report it to Hokage-Sama the next time I see him, but now I’m thinking that Mizuki tried something else after his first attempt failed, but he only did so to Otōto and not me for some reason.”

Sayaka clenched her fists, “That Teme, he sabotaged Naruto-Nii’s exam,” she growled out, “When I see him I’m going to roast him with my Katon Jutsu.”

Kenta smirked, “Get in line, I’ve got first swings on the Teme. But for now I need to talk to Otōto find out what he plans on doing or if he’s fixed this on his own before I do anything.” Kenta said as they approached the corner of the apartment block.

But as they did the three of them looked up as the window of Naruto’s apartment opened and a translucent blur shot out of it with speed, Kenta squinted his eyes as the blur shot from the window to the rooftop across the street and then continued onward, Kenta’s eye’s focussed on it as he reached out with his senses feeling the chakra signature and his eyes widened.

“Otōto?” Kenta said in confusion

“Was that Naruto-Nii?” Sayaka asked in confusion

Kenta nodded, “Yeah, with his Tōton Jutsu (Transparency Jutsu) up, I wonder where he's going at this time of night?”

“Should we follow? He might need our help?” Sayaka asked as they watched the Naruto Blur shoot from rooftop to rooftop heading for the Hokage tower.

Kenta nodded, “Yeah, something doesn’t feel right, let’s move.” Kenta said as his mood and tone turned serious and the three of them jumped from the street to the rooftops and took off after Naruto a few minutes behind him.

Stopping just outside the Hokage tower Kenta used his sensory ability to watch Naruto as he scaled the outside of the Hokage tower with chakra on his feet and made his way up to a higher level of the building before sneaking in through one of the windows.

Kenta frowned, ‘What are you doing Otōto, why are you sneaking around like this?’ Kenta thought to himself before he looked to Sayaka and started to run through a series of silent hand signs which she recognised as the ANBU hand signs that her mother had taught them in their second year at the academy, Kenta was signing, “Follow my lead, silent and quick”, Sayaka nodded in response as they both ran through a series of hand signs and disappeared from sight in a shimmer of air followed by Midnight a second after.

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Scene break

Naruto moved silently under the cover of his Tōton Jutsu as he moved through the shadows heading to a door deep in the middle of the building, slipping inside as he left the door open behind him for a quick exit, his goal ahead of him sitting on a platform at the far side of the room, a large scroll with a red sash around its middle.

The air shimmered and the Jutsu faded to reveal Naruto standing in front of the Scroll with a frown as he looked the scroll over, before he reached out taking it and securing it to his back.

Little did he know about in the rafters he was being watched by Kenta, Sayaka and Midnight who were concerned with what they were seeing?

“Otōto what are you doing?” Kenta voiced quietly

“It looks like he’s stealing that scroll, whatever it is?” Sayaka voiced, “But I don’t understand why?”

Kenta shook his head, “Neither do I, this just doesn’t add up, and neither does the security here, this was way too easy for us to sneak in here. Where are all the ANBU?”

Before Sayaka could respond, everything went silent as the sound of footsteps were heard, everyone looked to the door to see a lone shadow approaching the door as the Hokage stepped into the doorway looking around in confusion as to why the door was open, only for his eyes to fall on Naruto.

“Naruto…” Hiruzen started to speak only for Naruto to react and turned around forming a hand sign, and he went up in a puff of smoke.

Kenta blinked realising what the Jutsu his Otōto was about to use and pinched the bridge of his nose in embarrassment as the smoke cleared revealing Naruto’s altered Henge transformation.

In his place stood a beautiful blond girl with wisps of smoke all around her, her blond hair tied back in two ponytails, she had a slender figure with a generous bust and gentle features, her eyes were baby blue and she had Naruto’s trademark whisker birthmarks on her cheeks.

Seeing the sudden transformation the entire room was silent for several seconds before Hiruzen’s eyes bulged at the sight in front of him and he shot back on as a torrent of blood shot out of his nose with force propelling him back as he crashed to the floor out cold and twitching.

Up in the rafters Kenta was still rubbing the bridge of his nose in utter disbelief and embarrassment, ‘He actually used that Jutsu, and Sarutobi-sensei fell victim to it… I have a hentai as a sensei; the Sandaime Hokage is a hentai. He should be called Taoretakage (Perverted shadow).’

Sayaka, on the other hand, looked down in utter disbelief and confusion at what had just happened before her sense caught up with her and she looked to Kenta, “W-W-What the hell was that?” Sayaka spluttered.

Kenta sighed, “That was the Jutsu Otōto’s been working on for the past few months, he calls it the Oiroke no Jutsu (Sexy technique) a modified Henge technique. He created it to subdue perverts and creeps who piss him off. Seeing as most of those guys don’t have good self-restraint and thus what just happened happens to them.” ‘Although I never though Sarutobi-sensei would fall victim to it.’

Sayaka’s eyebrow twitched slightly hearing that explanation, “I’ll have to have a word with Naruto-Nii about the uses of such a… crude Jutsu, when I get the chance.” she said with slight anger before looking to Kenta with a narrow glare that screamed danger, “You better not have anything like that in your Jutsu arsenal that you have kept from me.”

Kenta scoffed, “Of course not. We both know I prefer to knock my enemies out with a strong right hook over perverted blood loss. If I recall that’s your preferred method as well.”

Sayaka smirked, “Guilty.” she said in amusement as they watch Naruto slip past the passed out old pervert before using his Tōton Jutsu again and making for the nearest exit for his escape with Kenta, Sayaka and Midnight in pursuit.

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Scene break

After half an hour of running through the trees north of the Hokage monument, Naruto stopped in a small clearing with a small shed that looked to be abandoned.

Naruto stopped and looked around frowning not seeing anyone about only to turn when he hears a sound and looked around to see Kenta, Sayaka and Midnight land in the clearing just a few feet behind him and sighs a breath of relief, “Phew, it’s just you guys. What are you doing-” Naruto started to ask but stopped when he saw the look in his brother's eye.

“I could ask you the same thing, Otōto.” Kenta said his tone serious, “Cause it looks to me that you’ve just done something monumentally stupid, like stealing the Fūin no Sho (Scroll of Seals) from the Hokage tower.”

Sayaka moved and put her hand on Kenta’s shoulder, “Hold on a minute Kenta-Kun, let him explain himself first before we jump to conclusions. What is that scroll anyway?”

Kenta frowned, “it’s the Fūin no Sho (Scroll of Seals), one of Konoha’s most dangerous items. It contains a list of all of Konoha’s Kinjutsu (Forbidden techniques) as well as its post powerful and dangerous Fūinjutsu; it was created and sealed away by the Shodaime Hokage Hashirama Senju. It is law that no one may look at its contents unless given permission by the Hokage, it is never allowed to leave the Hokage tower and it was meant to be guarded by ANBU when it is taken from its stand. Naruto has essentially committed treason for taking the scroll and broken three village laws in the process.” he stated in a hardened tone his eyes set on Naruto, “So I ask, what the hell do you think you’re doing Naruto?”

Naruto’s eye widened before he held up his hands, “It’s not what it looks like Nii-chan honest. This was all Mizuki’s plan.”

Both Sayaka and Kenta’s eyes widened hearing that and Sayaka spoke first, “Naruto-Nii, I think you’d better start explaining and quickly. What exactly you mean by Mizuki’s plan?”

Naruto nodded, “It all happened after I left the academy…”

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Flashback Jutsu

Naruto was frowning as he looked out over the village from the top of the Hokage monument, it had been half an hour since he flunked the exam and was trying to think of some way to fix this, ‘What do I do now? Do I go to Jiji and ask him if he can fix this? That’s what Nii-chan was planning to do wasn’t it? Maybe I can just go to Iruka-sensei and ask to retake the last part of the exam again, would that even be possible?’ Naruto thought to himself.

But before Naruto could make his decision he felt a chakra source behind him and he jumped to his feet his hand on his Ninjatō and the first inch of the blade gleamed as Naruto started to pull it from its sheath ready at a moment’s notice only to stop when Mizuki came through the bushes, “Easy there Naruto it’s only me.”

Seeing Mizuki Naruto’s eyes narrowed on him, he had never liked Mizuki and the feeling was mutual, so the question was, “What do you want?” Naruto asked as Mizuki came out towards him.

Mizuki half smiled, half sneered cockily at Naruto, “I just wanted to come and tell you that there’s is a way for you to become a Genin if you’re interested. A second exam that you can take which is optional for you as your marks were so close to the passing limit.”

Naruto’s eyes narrowed, ‘A second exam?’ “What kind of test?”

Mizuki’s smirk grew, “Oh a very special test that tests your espionage capabilities. The objective is to sneak into a heavily guarded facility and steal “important documents” and make it to the extraction point.”

Naruto gritted his teeth hiding his anger, ‘This Teme is trying to set me up as a traitor, tricky son of a…’ “And what documents would I be stealing, and where would I be stealing them from?” Naruto asked wanting more information.

Mizuki shrugged, “Oh nothing really, it’s just a Document storage scroll from the Hokage tower. Sneak in there later tonight, take it, and wait for me in a little clearing north of the Hokage monument. Once I verify it’s the correct scroll then you pass. It’s that simple.”

Naruto nodded while inwardly scowling, ‘Breaking into the Hokage tower that’s one law. Stealing important documents that is another law. Two laws in one go and then taking off with them makes me a Nuke-nin, I’d be hunted like a dog if I was caught and likely executed for being a traitor. But I don’t exactly have a lot of options here if I do go through with this Jiji would know I’d never betray the village, he’d never brand me a nuke-nin and chances are I’d never be able to get past the ANBU guarding the tower…. But it would be fun to test my skills, I’ll just have to see where this goes.’

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Flashback end

“And that’s how it all went down, I assume you know the rest?” Naruto said as he finished explaining.

Kenta sighed, “So that’s it, you’ve been made into a patsy for this and it looks like Mizuki-Teme is a total traitor to Konoha. Well it’s a rather big jump from just a Teme to a traitorous Teme but I can’t say I never put it past him. This is worse than what I had expected though.”

Naruto nodded, “Yeah I know, I had actually never thought I’d make it this far even with my Tōton Jutsu and stealth. I was going to stop when Jiji caught me, but my instincts took over. I can’t believe Jiji actually fell for my Oiroke no Jutsu (Sexy technique), guess Jiji’s a closet hentai.” Naruto said as he started to chuckle only to be cut short when a fist impacted the top of his head and he hit the ground with a groan with Sayaka standing over him.

Naruto looked up and gulped seeing her with a sweet smile on her face, “Naruto-Nii, you are never to use that Jutsu when you are in my presence again. Do. You. Understand. Me?” Sayaka spoke in a sweet tone that promised pain, Naruto nodded rapidly.

Sayaka turned to a sweat dropping Kenta pulling a one-eighty in personality going from scary to serious, “What do you want to do now Kenta-Kun? We should probably take the scroll back to Hokage-Sama and get that traitorous Teme arrested.”

Kenta nodded, “It’s an idea… or~” Kenta said as a smirk came to him, “We could do our duty as Genin of Konoha and apprehend the Teme red handed when he comes for the scroll and expose him for the traitor he is. When we drag his sorry ass back to the village and drop him at Hokage-Sama’s feet.”

Naruto grinned, “Oh I like that plan, it will give us plenty of payback on the shitty Teme for using me as his scapegoat and all the other stuff he’s done over the past four years.”

Kenta nodded, “Agreed, but first things first.” he said as he walked over to Naruto and took out one of the scrolls from his sash and unfurled it, “We need to swap the Fūin no Sho (Scroll of Seals) for a fake. No way we’re using the real deal in a sting like this, it’s too valuable and dangerous to risk.” he said as he opened up one of the empty storage seals and gestured for Naruto to bring him the scroll.

Naruto set the scroll down on the seal as Kenta channelled his chakra as the seal activated and the scroll went up in smoke sealing the larger scroll within it. Kenta nodded and rolled the scroll up replacing it back in its slot and taking another scroll out and opening it to a second seal before releasing its contents as a scroll the size of the Fūin no Sho (Scroll of Seals) came out.

“We can use a Henge on this scroll to make it look like the Fūin no Sho (Scroll of Seals), it will be enough to fool the Teme till we can take him in.” Kenta explained as he closed up the second scroll

Sayaka nodded, “Ok we have a plan, now let’s make a plan B, never can be too careful in situations like these.”

Kenta nodded in agreement as they quickly started planning their plan B.

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Time skip

It was another hour and a half later and their trap had yet to be sprung, Naruto was sitting in the middle of the area board out of his mind while hidden in the tree line, Kenta, Sayaka and Midnight were waiting patiently for the traitor to show himself.

Kenta was sitting on a branch with his eyes closed as he reached out with his sensory abilities feeling for any approaching chakra sources, they were far enough away from the village so as not to be detected by standard patrols. Something that Kenta found odd that there hadn’t been any patrols coming out their way, ‘Something's not right, Sarutobi-sensei should have woken up ages ago and raised the alarm after he discovered what Otōto took. So why are the patrols scattering in search for him and the scroll? Unless they are and just not in the right direction, but why would that be?’ Kenta thought to himself before his eyes opened as he felt a chakra signature approaching their position, Kenta looked to Sayaka and started signing to tell her what was going on.

Down on the ground, Naruto sighed once more as he waited for the traitor to show up already so they could beat his sorry ass for this, he was starting to actually fall asleep it was taking so long. When suddenly his eye’s widened as he heard someone burst from the tree line and land a few meters in front of him, Naruto looked up to see Iruka coming towards him not looking happy.

“Finally I’ve found you.” Iruka said as he walked towards Naruto, “Do you have any idea what you’ve done you idiot.”

Naruto frowned, “Yeah I know, played right into that traitor, Mizuki’s, plan to use me as a patsy.”

Iruka stopped on the spot hearing that, “What do you mean patsy?”

Naruto sighed, “Mizuki-Teme approached me after I failed the exam. He said there was another exam I could take to become Genin and all I had to do was take this scroll and bring it here and wait for him to arrive. I realised what was going on while I was waiting and trying to figure out what to do next.”

Iruka’s eyes went wide hearing that as he processed the information he had just been given, it was in this moment that he was distracted, and when multiple shuriken and kunai came out of the shadows.

Iruka didn’t see them, but Naruto did and he reacted as he pulled his Ninjatō and moved to behind Iruka and deflected each one with speed, skill, and precision.

Up in the treeline Kenta smiled as he saw his brother take action, ‘And he thought I was wasting time teaching him how to do that, looks like it’s paying off now isn’t it.’ he mentally chuckled as he watched.

After the last shuriken had hit the ground Mizuki landed on one of the lower tree branches with a sneer plastered across his face, “So you discovered my little plan. Your more intelligent than I gave you credit for, but then that wasn’t every much to begin with.”

With the confirmation from Mizuki, Iruka turned pulling his own Kunai, “So that’s the way it is huh? I should have known!”

Mizuki scoffed at Iruka before narrowing his gaze on Naruto, “Hand over the scroll you little bastard and I might just let you live.”

Naruto held up his Ninjatō glaring at Mizuki, “Never going to happen traitor! You’re going to pay for your crimes.” Naruto yelled.

Mizuki growled at the statement, but before he could comment again two figures burst from the treeline from above Mizuki who looked up to see both Kenta and Sayaka flashing through hand signs before calling out their attack.

“Katon: Gōkakyū no Jutsu (Fire Style: Grand Fireball Technique).” Sayaka called as she spewed a large fireball from her mouth.

“Fūton: Renkūdan (Wind Style: Drilling Air Bullet).” Kenta yelled as he shot a high-powered blast of air at Mizuki.

The two attack shot at Mizuki as their paths connected and the new air source caused the fireball to grow in size tenfold, Mizuki’s eyes widened as it came at him, barely able to move out of the way in time to avoid the hit and narrowly dodge the flames from the impact as he dropped to a lower branch avoiding the flames but no sooner had he landed a twisting form of claws and teeth shot at him from below severing the branch from the tree taking away Mizuki’s foothold making him fall to the ground flat on his face.

Sayaka and Kenta landed on the ground in front of Naruto and Iruka both dropping into a stance ready to act the twisting form swirled in the air before slowing down and turning again as it stopped in between Sayaka and Kenta revealing Midnight growling angrily in Mizuki’s direction, as the Chūnin got to his feet.

Iruka looked shocked seeing them come out of the tree line and then even more so at the Katon and Fūton combo Jutsu, the result of which was currently burning the tree line. Snapping back to the situation Iruka looked to them in shock, “What are you three doing out here?” he asked wanting answers.

Kenta kept his eye’s forward not taking his gaze off Mizuki, “We found Otōto an hour and a half ago and put together what was going on and decided to put together a little trap for this Teme to walk into so we could take him in. So far things are going as planned.”

Mizuki scoffed at Kenta’s statement, “I see, I should have guessed the Demon brat’s protective big brother and his Uchiha whore would be close by, oh well it doesn’t matter now, just hand over the scroll and I’ll be on my way. I might even let you all live.”

Iruka raised his kunai before speaking, “No matter what we can’t let Mizuki get the scroll! It contains forbidden Jutsu that can put this village in grave danger!” Iruka started explaining

Kenta lowered his hand to his belt ready to pull his sword, “We know what the Fūin no Sho (Scroll of Seals) contains Iruka.” Kenta spoke as his gaze hardened on Mizuki, ‘What I’m not getting is what a weakling like him wants with it. Half the Jutsu and techniques in there are way out of his league and the other half require expertise and/or chakra reserves that only a Kage level shinobi would possess. So either he’s completely stupid and doesn’t know this or he’s working for someone to retrieve the scroll and wants to take it to them.’

Mizuki started to chuckle at the sight before him before turning his gaze to Naruto, “You shouldn’t listen to them Naruto, they just don’t want you to have the scroll. Just hand it over to me.”

Iruka scowled, “Stop lying Mizuki! Don’t let him trick you Naruto!” Iruka said over his shoulder to Naruto.

Naruto smirked, “Don’t worry about me Iruka-sensei, I’m not buying a single word out of this lying Teme’s mouth”

Mizuki started chuckling to himself, “Hahahahaha! Oh, I’ll tell you who’s really lying.” He spoke with a hidden meaning, confusing the teens as to what he mean.

Iruka’s eye widened in realisation of what he was about to do “No Mizuki!”

Both Kenta and Sayaka glanced to each other confused, both with no clue as to what was going on, but neither let their guard down as Mizuki continued. “They have been lying to you your whole life Naruto. Since the decree by the Hokage sixteen years ago.”

Naruto narrowed his eyes as he gripped his Ninjatō harder “What decree?” he asked with a hard tone.

Mizuki smirked, “Every adult in the village knows about it. Iruka is trying to hide it from you even now.” Mizuki said as he pointed at Iruka, “He’d do anything to shut me up!”

Kenta shifted the angle of his stance so both Iruka and Mizuki were in his line of sight before he spoke, “What’s he talking about Iruka-san? What’s this decree that lord Hokage made, and what’s it got to do with Naruto?” Kenta asked his worry evident in his tone.

Iruka shook his head, “I can’t say. Lord Hokage forbid everyone from evening mentioning it, it’s punishable by death for any to speak about It.” he explained with a frown.

Naruto hardened his features hearing that and looked from Iruka to Mizuki, “What is this decree? Why does everyone else know about it?” he asked voice hardened

Iruka’s eyes widened hearing Naruto’s question, “Don’t tell him it’s forbidden!!!”

But Mizuki just ignored him, “The decree is no one can tell you the Kyūbi no Yōko is inside you!!”

The clearing was silent as everyone’s eyes widened hearing what Mizuki had said. The air tensed as the secret was revealed before Mizuki continued, “The fox spirit that killed Iruka’s parents and destroyed our village has taken over your body! You are the Kyūbi no Yōko!”

“STOOOP IT!!!”Iruka yelled seeing the look on his former student’s faces.

But Mizuki didn’t stop, “They’ve all been sneaking around hiding things from you, your whole life. Didn’t you think it was strange how they treated you? Like dirt! Like they hated you for just being alive!”

Kenta’s mind was spinning hearing that as his thoughts ran a mile a minute, ‘It all makes sense now. All the times we were attack when we were younger, the overcharging by the shops, the hateful glares from the adults, why they treated Naruto, us, like that. But why didn’t Sarutobi-sensei tell me? Why is it taught that the Kyūbi no Yōko was killed by the… Wait the books didn’t say killed they said… Defeated’ “So that’s what it meant.” Kenta said out loud as his thought finally started to make sense, “That’s why the textbooks read that the Kyūbi no Yōko was “Defeated” by the Yondaime, not killed but defeated. He was a high-level Fūinjutsu practitioner, he didn’t kill it and he defeated it by sealed it inside of…” Kenta said in a low voice.

“Inside of me.” Naruto finished his eyes wide and his breathing short and shallow in fear.

Both Kenta and Sayaka looked back and saw it, the pure terror and fear etched across Naruto’s face, at the realisation of what Mizuki had said being the truth, but before they could even say a word he reacted and took off at high speed jumping to the tree tops and going as fast as he could away from the place in fear.

“Naruto!!” Iruka called only for his cry to be cut short when he leaped to the side to dodge a large Fūma Shuriken thrown by Mizuki who took advantage of the distracted Iruka, but Mizuki smirked seeing him move before he pulled back his hand through the air and Kenta caught sight of the shimmering line of Ninja wire leading to the throw Fūma Shuriken.

Kenta reacted pulling his sword and in an upward slash cut the wire but a second too late as the sharp tug had pulled the Fūma Shuriken in a different direction as it pulled a wide birth and came right at Iruka who didn’t have time to react before it hit him dead in the centre of the red spiral on the back of his Chūnin flak jacket.

With a snarl Midnight leaped into the air and started spinning heading right at Mizuki who only just got out of the way of the Tsūga attack, but no sooner had Mizuki dodged, Midnight stopped spinning and landed on the spot that he attacked and pushed off his hind legs following Mizuki with his fangs bared as it went for the Chūnin’s throat.

Mizuki snarled pulling a kunai as he re positioned himself in the air to dodge the bite and went to slash at the wolf-like dog, but before his blade made contact, the pointed end of Kenta’s whip sword swung with speed blocking the kunai and knocking it off course before Mizuki and Midnight landed, Midnight immediately leaping backwards and landing beside Kenta who pulled the handle of his sword as the whip retracted forming a solid blade once again.

Behind them, Sayaka knelt by Iruka’s side and sighed in relief, “You’re lucky Mizuki’s a crap shot and the Chūnin flak jackets are so thick. The blade missed your spine by a couple of centimetres.”

Iruka winced in pain, “Don’t worry about me, you two need to go after Naruto and protect the scroll. It’s more important, Naruto’s scared and he need’s you more than I do. GO.”

Sayaka looked to Kenta and Kenta looked over his shoulder with a hardened glare before nodding, “Ok, Sayaka, Midnight, let’s move.” he ordered as they all took off heading up into the trees and started branch hopping in the direction Naruto went.

Mizuki chuckled watching them go, “Do you really think those three brats and that flea bag can keep me from that scroll? Their deaths are on you.” Mizuki said as he walking leisurely towards the trees.

Iruka forced himself up with a smirk, “You’re forgetting those three were in the top portion of their class, and one of them has constantly gotten the better of your for the past four years if you think it’s going to be easy you’d best think again.”

Mizuki sneered at the comment before he jumped up to a branch and took off in the direction they went, as Iruka groaned in pain with the Fūma shuriken still in his back, only for his head to jerk when he hears movement and looks to the other side of the clearing as both Sayaka and Kenta came out from behind the shed walking over to them and Iruka’s eyes widened.

“What do you two think you’re doing? You were meant to be going to help Naruto.” Iruka strained a yell seeing them still there.

Kenta narrowed a glare on the Chūnin, “Relax Iruka, we’re just Kage Bunshins that the originals left behind. The plan B, we were meant to cage Mizuki in as a backup plan but then things changed when you got here. So shut it and let us patch you up.”

Iruka winced at the tone Kenta was using only to grit his teeth in pain as the Sayaka Bunshin pulled the shuriken out of his back and started to heal the injury with a medical Jutsu, as it was happening Iruka watched Kenta keep a scowl narrowed on him the entire time a guessed what it was about.

“I’m sorry for not telling you about the decree. You have to understand it’s the law that no one can…” Iruka started to explain before the Kenta clone held up his hand.

“Save it Iruka, now is not the time nor the place for that. Right now we’re going to patch you up and send you on your way to help our originals. Once you’re gone we’ll dispel and let them know you’re on the move.” Kenta said his gaze turning away from Iruka who frowned but understood the mission and objectives comes first.

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Scene break

Naruto was moving with speed through the tree branches and had already covered three kilometres before he finally came to a stop on a large tree branch to catch his breath, his mind was racing and he was still holding the fake scroll as what he’d been told raced through his mind, the terror of it all so real and daunting he couldn’t think straight.

But before he could start running again, Sayaka landed on one side of him a few feet away on the same branch and Kenta and Midnight landed on the other side crouched down.

“Otōto, it’s alright. Everything’s going to be ok.” Kenta started to say trying to calm Naruto down as he approached him.

Naruto’s head turned to him, worry and terror-stricken across his face, “Stay back. I-I I don’t want to hurt you two, I-I don’t know what’s going on anymore, I-I….”

Kenta frowned, “Otōto!” he said making Naruto stiffen and look to his brother who’s frown turned into a small smile, “You’re not going to hurt us, no matter what Mizuki-Teme said, you aren’t the Kyūbi no Yōko.”

Sayaka nodded her head in agreement, “He’s right Naruto-Nii, that Teme was probably just lying trying to mess with your head.”

Naruto shook his head, “N-No he wasn’t lying.” Naruto said as his hand went to his stomach, “I can feel it now and everything fits, the reason why Nii-chan and I are treated like we are, our birthdays lying right on the anniversary of the Kyūbi no Yōko’s attack on the village, I…. I am the…”

“No you aren’t you Baka.” Kenta growled/yelled, “Don’t you remembered anything I said? The Yondaime was a high-level practitioner of Fūinjutsu the sealing arts. Naruto, remember what I taught you about sealing. The Kyūbi no Yōko is sealed inside of you like a kunai is sealed inside a scroll for travel or storage. Just because the kunai is in the scroll doesn’t make the scroll the kunai, it’s the same with the Kyūbi and you. Just because the Kyūbi is inside of you doesn’t make you it, you are Naruto Uzumaki the prankster king of Konoha, and my Otōto you are not the Kyūbi Naruto.”

Hearing his brother Naruto’s fists clenched and his eyes started to tear up as he realised it was true and he’d been so worried for nothing, and the realisation and the relief hit him hard as he started to cry. Both Sayaka and Kenta saw this and move on him taking him into an embrace holding him as he let his pain out, giving him comfort after such an ordeal.

It was a few minutes before they broke the hug Naruto looking a little better if his eyes a little puffy from the tears.

“Thanks, Nii-chan, Sayaka-nee.” Naruto said with a small smile.

They both nodded, “Any time Naruto-Nii.” Sayaka said with a smile, “Now we have to focus, Mizuki is coming after us, and Iruka’s following trying to cut him off, we need to come up with a plan”

Kenta nodded, “Agreed, I can feel their chakra signatures approaching fast, but it’s strange, Mizuki is chasing Iruka.”

Naruto looked at him confused, “Shouldn’t it be the other way around?”

Kenta shrugged, “Should be, but something’s up, let’s go check it out.” he said as they all turned and started heading towards the chakra signatures with Kenta in the lead.

----------------------------------------

Scene break

Backtracking their previous route but taking a higher path, the four of them came across a very strange sight of Naruto running through the trees with Iruka following him. Sayaka and Naruto looked to Kenta who used hand signs to tell them what was going on and what the plan was as they nodded in turn and followed the pair through the tree’s but keeping far enough back to be out of sensory range.

As the pair approached a clearing, the Naruto below pushed back on the last branch and thrust himself into the Iruka mid jump with force sending them both into the tree before both fell and crashed to the ground, before the Naruto rolled off the Iruka and started to limp away as the Iruka coughed slightly in pain.

“How did you know” the Iruka started to say before being covered in smoke revealing it really being Mizuki, “that I wasn’t Iruka?”

The Naruto smirked as he slumped against a tree, “Because I’m” he started to say before the same smoke covered him revealing Iruka, “Iruka.”

The trio and hound in the trees above slipped down and landed silently in the bushes to the right of the clearing keeping them hidden as they watched the exchange take place.

Mizuki half growled half groaned as he got up shooting Iruka a sneer, “You’re a fool. Why are you protecting that freak? He’s the one who wiped out your family.”

Iruka groaned as he held his shoulder that had been dislocated from the impact, “I don’t care what you say because you’re not getting your hands on that scroll.”

Mizuki scoffed, “As if you could stop me.” He said as a smirk came to his face, “Don’t you get it? Naruto is just like me.”

Iruka groaned as he leant forwards slightly before bringing his shoulder back against the tree as a loud pop echoed out as he popped his shoulder back in, “How’s that?” Iruka groaned as he flexed his shoulder and started to stand up.

Mizuki smirked, “He wants the scroll for his own power and his own vengeance. That’s how beasts are.” Mizuki said holding his hands out, “He’ll pour all his rage into the scroll and destroy everything. Hell now that the secrets out I bet that his brother will help him and they probably took that Uchiha slut with them for their toy, you’re a fool Iruka.”

Iruka looked down as he leant against the tree still winded as he sighed, “You’re right...”

The three in the bushes glared at Iruka for that little comment before he continued speaking

“…That is how beasts are. But that’s not who Naruto is.” Iruka said as he glared at Mizuki with anger, “It might have been if he was alone in all of this but he isn’t. He has friends who help him, a brother who loves and cares for him, he has people who look out for him, so regardless of what you say I know Naruto is nothing like you, and he isn’t the Kyūbi.”

Mizuki scowls, “I’ve had enough of your babbling, I was going to leave you alive back there, but now, I'm just going to kill you and then I’m going to find and kill that demon brat and his pain of a brother before I take the scroll and maybe even that Uchiha whore too.”

Kenta clenched his fists hearing that as he gripped the handle of his sword his knuckles going white from the pressure as he restrained himself from busting out of the bushes and cutting Mizuki from ear to ear for that comment about Sayaka.

Mizuki smirked, “I’m sure Orochimaru-sama would welcome me with open arms with such gifts, both the scroll and a pure blooded Uchiha for his pleasure.”

Kenta’s eyes widened hearing that comment and he growled slightly, ‘So that’s it, now it’s all making sense. He doesn’t want the scroll for himself he wants it for Orochimaru. It would figure he’s one of the few with the skills and reserves to actually understand the working of the Jutsus and techniques within the scroll and use them.’ Kenta looked to Naruto and Sayaka and ran through a series of hand signs before they nodded and disappeared into shunshins taking up positions, the time to act was now.

Mizuki smirked as he reached behind him, “So sorry but I’m afraid you won’t be around to see my plan come to fruition.” he said as he detached the final Fūma shuriken from his back, “Now die!” he yelled as he threw it with force at Iruka.

It was at this point that the three who’d been watching events unfold acted as the oversized shuriken raced horizontally at Iruka, Naruto who’d taken position above the pair in the tree tops dropped down from above his Ninjatō drawn as he speared it through the middle of the shuriken nailing it to the ground with his sword.

Mizuki’s eyes widened at the sudden appearance of the blond but his attention was quickly drawn by another as Sayaka leaped from a tree branch from his upper left as she ran through a series of hand signs as she called out her attack

“Katon: Hōsenka no Jutsu (Fire Style: Phoenix Sage Fire Technique).” Sayaka called out as she brought her hand to her mouth and started rapidly shooting out a volley of fireballs on one side of Mizuki.

Mizuki quickly leapt left and right avoiding the volley of flames as they came at him, before another flurry of movement caught his eye, as well as the call of “Gatsūga” was heard and this time two twisting forms came at him from his right and left that shot towards him with speed.

Mizuki had to jump back several times as the twisting forms that carved deep gashes into the ground each time they made contact, after the seventh dodge Mizuki skidded to a halt while the twisting forms pulled back and slowed as the forms of Kenta and Midnight landed on all fours in formation with Sayaka and Naruto.

Kenta snarled as he stood up from his Inuzuka style stance. His clawed finger nails receding as he pointed his finger at Mizuki, “Give up, we have you out numbered and out classed, it’s over Mizuki.” as Midnight growled at his side.

Mizuki scowled at the statement, “Like hell it is, I will have that scroll.”

“Not going to happen.” Kenta declared as Midnight barked beside him and Naruto stepped up as well.

“You’re finished Mizuki-Teme.” Naruto yelled.

Mizuki laughed at the statement, “What are you going to do? I outrank you both and now that I don’t have to hold back anymore I’ll easily be able to kill you both and that flea bag.”

Naruto scowled “It doesn’t matter whatever you tried to do to us, we’ll return a thousand fold.”

Kenta growled “ It's time you learned once and for all, that you don’t mess with the Uzumaki Brothers and get away with it, this is for the past four years of your rubbish and bullshit” Kenta declared as both he and Naruto made a single hand sign as they called out “Tajū Kage Bunshin no Jutsu.”

The next second the entire clearing was filled with smoke from the Jutsu, clearing with a burst of wind revealing an army of red heads and blonds each glaring at the single silver-haired Chūnin in the centre of the clearing, who at this very moment looked like he was about to wet himself at the sight surrounding him as both originals of Naruto and Kenta raised their hands and yelled out, “Attack!!!” before each and every Bunshin raced at Mizuki fists ready as Mizuki cried out in fright.

Both Sayaka and Iruka watched wide-eyed as the Bunshin’s and original pounded on the traitorous Chūnin with force to spare until he was left a pummelled mess in the middle of the clearing, twitching and out cold from the beating the two brothers put on him.

With nods of approval from all the Bunshin, they all went up in smoke as the mass Jutsu dispelled leaving only the two originals standing a few feet away from the battered Chūnin, who looked to each other and nodded to each other on a job well done.

But before anyone could make another move Shinobi wearing all black attire and wearing assorted white animal masks dropped down from the tree line all around the clearing, Kenta recognised them as the Village ANBU, the village shinobi elite.

The next moment the Hokage appeared in a shunshin, several feet from on the other side of the battered Mizuki, flanked by both Anko and Mikoto who looked at the scene both with neutral expressions.

Hiruzen looked from Mizuki to Kenta and Naruto with a neutral gaze of his own, “Would one of you please tell me what is going on here?” he asked looking between them.

Kenta’s gaze settled on his sensei as he spoke, “We’ve apprehended a traitor who has been plotting against Konoha for multiple years, who manipulated Naruto into stealing the Fūin no Sho (Scroll of seals), the true reason behind which I suggest we leave until we are behind closed doors for the full explanation.” Kenta said as his gaze hardened, “Also because you seem to have some explaining to do yourself about a certain law you passed sixteen years ago that involves my Otōto which you didn’t see fit to tell me about, Saratobi-sensei.” Kenta finished his voice hard, his tone hardly restraining his irritation on the matter.

Both Mikoto and Anko’s eyes widened realising what he was referring to and mentally cursed to themselves realising that Kenta knew. While both Iruka and Sayaka looked on wide-eyed as well as they caught what Kenta had called the Hokage at the end and they had to keep their jaws from dropping at what it meant.

Hiruzen at that moment sighed tiredly, before nodding, “Yes, it would appear that now is the time for such a discussion, that should have been had years ago.”

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Scene break

Arrival in the Hokage’s office was meet with a rather hard silence as the doors closed and Hiruzen ran through a series of hand signs before the room was sealed off from the outside world so no one could see or listen in.

With a weary sigh Hiruzen took his seat behind the Hokage desk and held his head in disappointment of his actions as he spoke, “I take it that Mizuki was the one who revealed the secret.”

Kenta only nodded as he kept a hardened glare on his Sensei. Iruka was the one who spoke, “Hai Hokage-Sama, he revealed the fact I think as a last ditch option to hurt Naruto, although I don’t know what he hoped to achieve by this.”

Hiruzen nodded with a frown, “I see.” he said as he looked to Kenta, “To begin with I’d like to apologise for not telling both of you about this years ago, I understand if you both feel I have betrayed you in some way. But please try to understand, I only did what I thought was necessary to protect the both of you.”

Kenta’s fists clenched, “Protect us.” Kenta spat, “How is that protecting us? Growing up with a secret that we never knew about, that was the whole reason why the other villagers treated us lower than dirt. And what’s worse every time I came to you and asked about it, you always said you didn’t know why. So tell me Saratobi-sensei how is blatantly lying to us and keeping the truth from us, protecting us?”

Hiruzen inwardly winced at the tone Kenta spoke with, he understood Kenta felt hurt and betrayed by him and bit his tongue so as not to speak back. Had it been anyone else that had spoken to him that way he’d have had them thrown into a Cell with a couple of weeks scheduled with Ibiki to adjust their attitude and remind them who ran this village, but Kenta was both his student and had a right to be angry with him.

Anko spoke in Hiruzen’s defence, “Kenta just take a step back. I’m sure Hokage-Sama had a reason for doing what he did otherwise he wouldn’t have done it. You have a right to be angry but…” she started to say only to be cut off by Kenta.

“You’re damn right I have a right to be angry. This whole time there was a reason for why Naruto and I were treated like crap by the majority of this village, and he kept it from us. If anyone can even fathom my anger right now it would be you Anko.” Kenta said as he fixed her with a glare that made her stiffen at both it and his words.

She knew he was right after she had left the village with Orochimaru all those years ago, she hadn’t known about him being a traitor and how she was unknowingly betraying the village by just going with him. And then to make it worse at the very end of it all he took all her memories of those years she’d been with him on the road. She could understand all to well, she couldn’t even remember being out of the village and yet she was viewed by the majority of shinobi as a traitor for that fact and being his student. She could only imagine what she would be feeling if Orochimaru had taken more than just the memories of those years and instead have taken all of her memories involving him and then not being told upon return to the village and being treated like she had been. She would have been just as pissed off if not more so.

Hiruzen frowned, “Kenta I understand your anger, but at the time it was the only option that was viable, and that would give you both the best lives possible as well as keeping you both together.”

Kenta frowned at that statement, “Is that supposed to be some sort of statement aimed at me, do you think I’d abandon Naruto, I’d never do that.”

Mikoto stepped forward, “We know that Kenta and we know that you think that now, but at the time there were more angles in play. And still are, you were only one of them if Naruto’s secret had been outed more so than it already was then he would have been in more danger than he already was, you both would have been. Hokage-Sama was only trying to contain the damage and protect you both.”

Kenta’s glare softened, “What do you mean?” he asked fearing what Mikoto was hinting at.

Hiruzen sighed, “In the wake of the Kyūbi attack the village was in chaos and people needed assurances that the Kyūbi wouldn’t attack again. It was through my naivety that I believed the council should be told the truth; the Yondaime believes this as well and wanted Naruto to be treated as a hero for holding the Kyūbi and protecting the village from its wrath. But things didn’t go as we had hoped, events unfurled that left me with no choice but to declare Naruto’s status as an S-rank secret and pass a law forbidding anyone from mentioning it, but word spread before I could contain the information. It was all I could do to assure that both you and Naruto had as normal a childhood as possible, and not let Naruto grow up with the fear of what he contained until you both were old enough, and educated enough, to understand and not be swayed by your fears.”

Kenta clenched his fists, “I would never have abandoned Naruto. I would never abandon my Otōto, not for any reason!” he said firmly as his fists shook from his grip.

Hiruzen nodded his head, “I know you wouldn’t now Kenta and while it’s still a nobel thing for you to say I fear that you only say that now because you yourself know the intricate workings of Fūinjutsu and sealing. Ask yourself would your younger self at age five or six see it the way you do now, if you were raised being told the boy you’ve grown up with has a the Kyūbi no Yoko sealed inside of him, fear will make us do a great many things we never think we’d do.”

Kenta’s head hung at that statement and he looked down, he knew the answer to that question, part of him wanted to say it, to scream it to the heavens that he’d never leave his only family no matter what anyone said about him. But there was the smallest whisper in him that said that he would have done what all the others had done, turning on his own brother and seeing him like they all had and he hated himself for that thought alone.

Naruto saw his brother's reaction and moved to his side putting his hand on his older brother's shoulder not saying a word as both brothers eyes met for a second, no words were said but the look in Naruto’s eyes said it all, “It was ok” before Kenta turned away in shame of his own thoughts.

Pushing his shame to the side after several silent moments Kenta looked back to Hiruzen the anger lessened slightly as he spoke, “Why him? Why was it Naruto that the Yondaime sealed the Kyūbi inside? Why not me? We were only born five minutes apart, so why Naruto”

Hiruzen shook his head, “To that I can’t honestly say, I wasn’t there when the sealing took place and I don’t know why he chose Naruto and not you Kenta. Perhaps it was the five minutes between you that was the difference but I can’t honestly say.”

Kenta looked down in thought, ‘There has to be more to it than that. Things just aren’t adding up here, why were Naruto and I even brought to the place of the sealing in the first place? Why was I brought if I wasn’t even going to be used? Unless we were both already there… But why would two new-born-babies be anywhere but a hospital? It just doesn’t make any sense.’

In Kenta’s silence Sayaka curiosity got the better of her as she spoke, “Hokage-Sama, you said that events unfurled that left you with no choice but to declare Naruto’s status as an S-rank secret. What events are you referring to? Surely they weren’t so serious that you couldn’t have revoked your laws about Naruto’s status earlier and told them the secret, or was it left in place to simply keep them from finding out.”

Hiruzen sighed, “That was part of it, but there were far many more reasons for the law remaining in place that simply that, it was to protect the fact that Naruto held the kyūbi from spreading. Such a secret is a valuable one and had the word spread beyond the village I feared that other shinobi villages might attempt to kidnap Naruto in order to take the power of the Kyūbi for their own village.” Hiruzen frowned leaning back in his chair, “But the main reason was to keep Naruto safe within the village walls after the civilian side of the council took a less than high approval of his status as container of the Kyūbi.”

It was then that Kenta snapped out of his thoughts, “What do you mean by that?”

Hiruzen shook his head, “You have to understand, many people had just lost their loved ones, so many were dead and the Kyūbi was still a raw nerve, the council were asking what happened to the Kyūbi and in my hope that they would listen to the Yondaime’s last wish I told them that the Kyūbi was sealed inside of Naruto, the Yondaime wanted him to be seen as a hero to this village for holding back the Kyūbi. But instead they let fear control them, in their eye’s Naruto was the Kyūbi in a weakened state, they were angry, hurt and in morning, they did what most would do.”

Mikoto frowned from beside the Hokage, “They called for Naruto’s immediate execution, believing that his death would mean the death of the Kyūbi who’d killed so many of their loved ones.”

Sayaka gasped hearing that, Naruto felt his heart drop hearing that the civilian side of the council had tried to have him killed less than a day after he was born. Kenta on the other hand clenched his fists as he growled out, “People are fucking idiots.” Kenta said with a scowled look.

“Kenta language.” Sayaka berated him

Kenta just rolled his eyes, “What would you call them then? I know Fūinjutsu isn’t that wide a practice as it was in the past but come on, I could understand some of the civilians being scared but the shinobi as well. They use sealing scrolls and explosive tags all the time, and they can't tell the difference between a kunai and the scroll they seal it in? I’ll say it again people are fucking idiots.”

That got a varied response through the room, both Naruto and Anko outright laughed at the comment, while both Sayaka and Mikoto giggled at Kenta’s blatant comment, he was crude but right.

Hiruzen chuckled slightly, “Indeed people often can’t look past their views and see that Naruto is Naruto and not the Kyūbi that he contains”

Naruto grinned, “Then I’ll just have to make them see, that I’m me and not the Kyūbi in me, I’ll make them all see and then I’ll become Hokage and the whole world Knows I’m Naruto Uzumaki and not the Kyūbi, Believe it.”

They all smiled hearing that from Naruto. Kenta smirked at his attitude mentally relieved that all this handed damped his spirits.

Hiruzen chuckled, “Indeed and to get you on that path, I think you’ll be needing this.” Hiruzen said as he reached into his drawer and pulled out a Konoha Hitai-ate and tossed it to Naruto who caught it and looked at it confused.

“But Jiji, I didn’t pass the exam.” Naruto stated as Hiruzen chuckled

Mikoto smiled, “Actually Naruto-Kun you did.” she giggled seeing the shocked look on the blond's face.

Anko smirked, “After you three left the academy I went inside and did some snooping around and found a single short range chakra disruption seal under left side if the desk in the final exam room. Mizuki most likely used it when you were doing your Jutsu and messed up your chakra control so your Jutsu would fail.”

Hiruzen nodded, “And when both Anko and Mikoto presented me with this evidence I sent an ANBU over the academy to retrieve your exam paper and other test results while I searched for you with my seeing glass, and we discovered you on top of the Hokage monument when Mizuki approached you. It was why you were able to sneak into here undiscovered, I planned to confront you and inform you of this but before I could you use that rather…. Interesting Jutsu on me and it was another fifteen minutes before I came around.” Hiruzen finished getting a rather heated glare from the three Kunoichi in the room, as Naruto and Kenta sweat dropped while Iruka just looked confused, “Anyway, after checking over your exam, which Mizuki incorrectly marked. You got full marks in it, which puts you well above the graduating mark. Congratulations Naruto-Kun you’re officially a Genin.”

Naruto cheered as both Sayaka and Kenta patted him on the back in congratulations for passing.

Hiruzen smiled, “Now as a graduation gift for the three of you, I am rewarding each of you with B-Rank mission pay for apprehending the Nuke-nin Mizuki and retrieving the Fūin no Sho (scroll of seals), congratulations on your first successful mission.” Hiruzen said as he took out a scroll and started to write down the mission report and assigning the pay.

Anko smirked, “Damn, you three got lucky. Not many Genin can pull a B-Rank their first day on the job, nice one.”

Mikoto nodded in agreement, “Indeed, however it is troubling me, what did Mizuki intend for the scroll, surely he knew that the majority of the Jutsu in it would be of little use to him, perhaps he intended to sell it to another village.”

Kenta sighed, “No that’s not it?” he said as he rubbed his temple getting Mikoto, Anko and Hiruzen’s attention, “The Baka let it slip in the forest what he intended to do with the scroll. His plan wasn’t to learn its techniques himself or take it to a rival village; rather he planned to take it to a single intended individual who does have the means to use it. He intended to take it to Orochimaru.”

At that Mikoto, Anko and Hiruzen looked at Kenta their eyes wide, Anko walked in front of him putting her hands on his shoulders and looked him straight in the eye, “You’re sure he said that? He said that bastards name?”

Kenta nodded, “I wouldn’t have said it if he hadn’t, I believe his exact phrasing was “I’m sure Orochimaru-sama would welcome me with open arms with such gifts, both the scroll and a pure blooded Uchiha for his pleasure””.

Mikoto’s eyes narrowed, “He intended to take Sayaka as well.” she said her tone growing dangerous.

Kenta nodded, “He said some other choice words as well but I won’t anger you further by repeating them.”

Anko and Mikoto looked back to Hiruzen for a response, as the elderly Hokage sighed.

“I see, then this mission just jumped to A-Rank pay. Anko I assume you’re wanting first crack at the traitor for whatever information he has?” Hiruzen asked getting a nod from the snake charmer, “And Mikoto I assume you want to get some retribution for his intent towards Sayaka here?”

Mikoto nodded, “Hai Hokage-Sama, but I believe just being present while Anko-chan interrogates him will be more than adequate. I’m sure she’s more than skilled enough to deal out adequate punishment while probing for information.”

Anko smirked, “Oh there will be plenty of probing alright, preferably with a red hot poker rammed right up his….” Anko started to say only for Mikoto to put her hand over her mouth.

“Please Anko-chan, there will be no talk of sodomising traitors with anything in the presence of minors.” Mikoto sweat dropped as she took her hand away.

Anko chuckled, “He-he, I guess I got a little bit too excited there, but rest assured he will be singing like a cannery by the time I’m done with him. Not that it’ll keep me from continuing though.” she smirked, while everyone in the room sweatdropped at her sadistic attitude.

Hiruzen cleared his throat; “Right then.” he said as he rolled up the mission scroll, “I believe that should do it, A-Rank mission pay for retrieving the Fūin no Sho and stopping the traitor.”

Kenta blinked as he took out his own scroll and unfurled it, “You might actually want the scroll back then.” he said as he came to storage seal, opening it in a puff of smoke revealing the Fūin no Sho, “It would have been a bit irresponsible to use the actual Fūin no Sho as bait, so we used a Henged scroll in its place to fool Mizuki, the real Fūin no Sho was never in any real danger.”

Hiruzen chuckled as he took the scroll from Kenta and nodded, “A wise decision indeed, I have taught you well my young student.”

Kenta smirked, “Indeed you have Sarutobi-sensei, so I think we’ll all just forget about how Otōto was able to knock you out without even touching you with a simple specialised Henge, I think that would be best.”

Hiruzen splutter in embarrassment before hanging his head as he handed over the mission scroll, “Yes, I believe that would be for the best, and that we not speak about it after this day.”

The three Genin just chuckled as they walked out, with Midnight following, to celebrate now that Naruto was officially a Genin as well.

Anko smirked, “Ha, looks like that Gaki’s plan is finally coming together, he and his brother are shinobi now. About damn time.”

Mikoto smiled, “Indeed, they’ve worked hard to it all three of them have earned it.”

Iruka nodded in agreement, “Yes but it’s still a long road ahead of them, let’s just hope they’re strong enough for it.”

Hiruzen sighed, “I don’t think we have to worry about that Iruka. Kenta will always look out for Naruto and Sayaka, he’ll never let either of them get hurt as long as he can help it. For now all we can do is wait and watch. Who knows what the future holds for those three, but one thing is for certain, it will be interesting.”

The others nodded in agreement as they looked out the window and watched as the three Genin left the Hokage tower side by side.