Time was like the leaves on a tree, constantly withering and falling one by one.
In the blink of an eye, it was almost time for Natsuki's class to graduate.
Naruto, that troublemaker, didn't cause trouble as frequently anymore, because he still had a bit of a gambling addiction, and it was better to play a few more rounds of cards than to cause trouble if he had time.
Moreover, in Naruto's opinion, his graduation was a sure thing.
Because ever since he mastered tree climbing and water walking, his control over Chakra had become stronger, and using the Three Body Technique was no problem.
However, facts proved that Naruto was too naive.
This day was the graduation exam, and Iruka-sensei announced the test subject: Clone Technique!
When Naruto heard this, he was immediately full of confidence, because his Clone Technique could already be used very smoothly. He had even somehow mastered Natsuki's Clone Fusion Technique and had defeated many classmates during outdoor combat lessons.
Therefore, even Natsuki thought that Naruto's graduation exam should be no problem.
"Next, Natsuki. Naruto Uzumaki, prepare."
Upon hearing this, Natsuki immediately got up and went to the next classroom. Iruka and Mizuki, the two teachers, were responsible for grading.
Natsuki honestly performed the hand seals and created two clones. He was quickly given a perfect score by the two teachers and asked to leave. Naruto outside the door showed Natsuki a bright smile.
It was as if he was saying: It's just a graduation exam, a piece of cake!
Naruto stood in front of Iruka and Mizuki and performed the hand seals without error. With a bang, a limp clone collapsed on the ground, looking strange no matter how you looked at it.
"This, this isn't right! Why did it fall like this, believe it!" Naruto couldn't believe it.
"Naruto, what's wrong?"
Iruka frowned, because during outdoor combat lessons on normal days, Naruto's Clone Technique was used very smoothly without any problems. But what was happening now?
Was Naruto messing around on purpose? Impossible!
What Naruto looked forward to the most was becoming a Ninja. There was no way he would mess around during the graduation exam!
Could it be, the Nine-Tails seal...
Iruka immediately became serious, "Naruto, try using other Ninjutsu, use Transformation Technique and Substitution Technique. I'll see if something is wrong."
Naruto was also anxious. He obeyed and performed the hand seals to use Transformation Technique.
However, his best technique, the Sexy Justu, changed its appearance. It was supposed to transform him into a blonde beauty named Naruko, but instead, it turned him into a bucket-waisted old woman. The Substitution Technique was also abnormal; in short, everything was strange.
Iruka made a decisive decision, "Naruto, your graduation exam is suspended. I'm going to find Lord Hokage!"
Saying that, he hurriedly left.
Naruto was dumbfounded, "Iruka-sensei! What in the world is going on, believe it! I was clearly able to use the Three Body Technique properly before, why did it suddenly become like this, believe it!"
Mizuki's eyes, however, flashed, and the calculation in them flickered past.
Outside the classroom, before Natsuki could leave, he saw Iruka-sensei rushing out, and then heard Naruto's dumbfounded and collapsed voice.
For a moment, Natsuki frowned + was taken aback.
"So, something is wrong with Naruto, he can't even use the Three Body Technique that he was previously skilled at? Is it the power of the plot, or the Nine-Tails seal loosening? No, it shouldn't be the power of the plot. If the plot has power, then what about me pursuing Tenten, learning the Eight Gates and Hatake Swordmanship? It should be the Nine-Tails seal loosening, the Nine-Tails' Chakra disrupting Naruto's Chakra, which caused problems with Naruto's Three Body Technique. But in that case, doesn't it just go back to the original plot? Or is it that Sarutobi Hiruzen did something to prevent Naruto from graduating?"
Natsuki couldn't determine it for a moment, and his friends around him were also very confused.
Of course, there were also some unpleasant voices, such as "fox demon," "serves him right," and the like. It was best to pretend not to hear them.
At this moment, Naruto walked out dejectedly, his face mournful, "Everyone, I..."
Now he was really crying!
Inuzuka Kiba even twisted the knife, "Naruto, you're too pathetic. It couldn't be that you were too nervous and forgot how to make the hand seals for the Three Body Technique, right?"
Naruto immediately argued, "That's not it, believe it! I remember the hand seals very clearly, not a single mistake, but somehow something went wrong!"
As he spoke, he performed the hand seals for everyone to see, and indeed, the hand seals were correct.
But with a bang, Naruto's clone flopped limply onto the ground, like a dying fish.
Now, everyone didn't know what to say. Based on Naruto's performance during outdoor lessons on normal days, his Chakra control wasn't bad, and he could use the Three Body Technique smoothly. Now, the hand seals were also correct, so it could only be that there was something wrong with his body or Chakra.
... Requesting fresh flowers...
Shikamaru and Shino subconsciously exchanged glances, seemingly understanding something.
Nine-Tails...
Hinata saw her crush so sad and bravely gathered her courage to say, "Na-Naruto-kun, don't worry, Iruka-sensei has gone to find Lord Hokage. Lord Hokage will definitely be able to solve Naruto-kun's problem."
"Mm, thank you, Hinata."
As things stood, Naruto could only rely on the Third Hokage. If even the Hokage couldn't fix his problem, then he probably wouldn't be able to be a Ninja in the future.
He didn't want a future like that!
However, not long after, Iruka returned with a worried look on his face.
Naruto quickly went up to him, "Iruka-sensei, Iruka-sensei, what did Lord Third say? Can my problem be solved?"
...
Iruka looked at Naruto with a complicated expression, shook his head, and sighed, "Naruto, your situation is a bit special. Lord Hokage said he will find a way to solve it. However, this time, you cannot be considered to have passed the exam. You will probably have to wait until next year."
"Ah? How could this be!"
Naruto's face immediately fell, but he quickly looked up again, "I'm going to ask Lord Third about it, believe it!"
Saying that, he turned and ran, heading straight for the Hokage Building. Iruka didn't stop him, just silently watched Naruto's back disappear into the distance, his eyes full of complexity.
Natsuki, however, was thoughtful, feeling increasingly suspicious.
If it was the Nine-Tails' seal loosening that caused Naruto's Chakra to become chaotic and uncontrollable, perhaps Sarutobi Hiruzen planned to use this opportunity to manipulate Naruto, deepening the bond between Naruto and Iruka. This way, it would be easier to control the Jinchuriki, and the Jinchuriki would willingly sacrifice for the Village. If Sarutobi Hiruzen deliberately caused trouble, sending someone to secretly do something to Naruto...
No, no, thinking further leads to conspiracy theories.
Although conspiracy theories don't seem entirely wrong.
Shino asked in a low voice, "Natsuki, what should we do?"
Natsuki shook his head, "Naruto's identity is special. How he should be arranged is for Lord Hokage to worry about; we cannot interfere. However, if there is a way to help Naruto, we will do our best."
Shino nodded. For now, this is all they can do. It depends on how the Third Hokage arranges things.
Natsuki put these issues aside, took his headband, and walked out of the school. A cute girl with twin buns was waiting at the school gate.