As Asteru opened the door and stepped in, the examination room presented a stark contrast to the bustling classroom—windowless and austere, with only a single overhead light casting harsh shadows across the three chūnin evaluators seated behind a long wooden table. Their faces remained deliberately impassive, trained to reveal nothing that might aid or hinder a candidate's performance. Papers shuffled before them as they made notations on individual score sheets, the scratching of pencils unnaturally loud in the enclosed space.
To one side stood training dummies positioned at various distances—targets for the projectile portion of the exam—while chakra-measuring seals had been freshly painted onto the wooden floor. The air itself felt charged with the residual energy of previous examinees, particularly the distinctive lightning-tinged chakra signature that could only belong to Minato Namikaze.
"Substitution jutsu first," instructed Morimoto-sensei, the most senior examiner, his scarred face bearing witness to battlefield encounters likely used to frighten first-years into studying harder. "Then transformation, followed by clone technique. Standard academy form, though execution speed and chakra efficiency will be factored into your final score."
The female examiner, Yūhi-sensei, leaned forward slightly, her crimson eyes assessing Asteru with analytical precision. "Begin when ready. No second attempts permitted."
Behind them, Morino-sensei maintained complete silence, his hands forming a specialized sensor jutsu designed to detect the subtlest fluctuations in chakra control. This unannounced scrutiny served as its own test—identifying which students possessed the situational awareness to recognize they were being evaluated beyond the obvious parameters.
The weight of expectation settled across Asteru's shoulders as he took position on the examination circle, acutely aware that this moment represented not just the culmination of academy training but a definitive step toward claiming his place in a world that had offered him a second chance with little belonging. Every technique he'd practiced with Minato in secluded training grounds, every modification he'd developed to accommodate his unique chakra flow—all would now face official judgment.
The air in the room grew heavier with anticipation as Asteru's hands rose to form the first seal, a flicker of blue chakra momentarily visible around his fingertips—brighter and denser than typical for academy students, drawing the briefest widening of Yūhi-sensei's crimson eyes before her professional mask returned.
"Whenever you're ready," Morino-sensei repeated, his gruff voice betraying nothing of his assessment as his pen hovered above the scoring sheet, ready to document every strength and flaw in the performance about to unfold.
As they said, Asteru readied himself and started the exam.
The examiners' stoic composure fractured for a crucial moment as chakra surged through the examination room. Morino-sensei's pen halted mid-notation, Yūhi-sensei's crimson eyes widened perceptibly, and the sensor-nin's fingers trembled in their evaluation seal as Asteru's chakra signature expanded beyond anticipated parameters.
The substitution jutsu came first—textbook in execution yet performed with such fluid precision that the log appeared exactly where Asteru had stood with barely a whisper of displaced air. The smoke cloud betrayed the exchange, just as Asteru suddenly positioned behind the ninja tools table at the back of the room, in perfect silence, demonstrating stealth capabilities beyond the academy curriculum.
Before they could comment, blue chakra swirled around the boy's form, condensing and reshaping with masterful control. The transformation technique manifested not merely as a visual illusion but a complete physical replication of the Third Hokage—from the subtle spots on his hands to the minute creases in his ceremonial hat. Even the pipe held between transformed fingers emitted a ghostly wisp of illusory smoke.
"Remarkable detail work," murmured Yūhi-sensei involuntarily, breaking examiner protocol as her analytical mind cataloged the precision that exceeded even some chūnin-level transformations.
The final technique shattered all expectations. Where a standard clone jutsu would produce incorporeal duplicates, Asteru's hands formed the cross seal of a technique far beyond academy level.
"Shadow Clone Jutsu."
Chakra erupted from Asteru in controlled waves as not one but two perfect shadow clones materialized in the room—solid, autonomous duplicates requiring chakra division that genin shouldn't possess, let alone control.
Each clone bore Asteru's appearance rather than maintaining the Hokage transformation, a deliberate choice demonstrating technical mastery rather than showmanship. The clones moved with independent precision, taking different stances to prove their physical substance—one balancing on one leg, another tossing a kunai with casual ease.
"Shadow Clone Jutsu," Morimoto-sensei stated flatly, his scarred face betraying rare astonishment. "A forbidden technique stored in the Scroll of Seals."
The sensor-nin's hands dropped from their evaluation position, his concentration broken by the unexpected chakra distribution pattern. "Each clone possesses equal chakra division," he reported with professional detachment that couldn't quite mask his disbelief. "Perfect equilibrium across all duplicates."
Yūhi-sensei's crimson eyes narrowed with calculation rather than suspicion. "Where did you learn this technique, Asteru?" The question came without accusation, merely curious.
Asteru looked at them in a confused expression.
'Now, I need to maintain this expression and answer them as innocent as possible that way they'll not doubt me.'
Then he faked a startle, "Wait, it's forbidden jutsu...? I didn't know that, I just did what I learned in academy but just tried to modify a little to suit with my chakra... that's all."
Asteru scratched his right cheek in a nervous and awkward manner. "Did I do something wrong? Senseis..."
'Hmm... These instructors said nothing to Minato when he performed clone jutsu... But now they are asking me. Does this world also work on background powerhouse people...'
The examiners exchanged glances laden with professional concern, unspoken questions passing between them in the coded micro-expressions of veteran shinobi. Daiki-sensei's scarred fingers drummed once against the wooden table—their agreed signal for potential security concerns—while Yūhi-sensei's crimson eyes performed a more thorough chakra assessment of the boy standing before them.
"Dispel the clones," instructed the sensor-nin, breaking his customary silence. His hands formed a subtle detection seal beneath the table, monitoring the chakra flow as the duplicates disappeared in synchronized puffs of smoke. Each dissipation released perfectly controlled energy without the typical rebound effect that often disoriented inexperienced users.
Daiki leaned forward, his intimidating frame casting a longer shadow across the examination floor. "The standard Clone Technique taught at the academy creates incorporeal illusions that cannot interact with physical objects," he explained, voice measured but intense. "What you've demonstrated is the Shadow Clone Technique—a jōnin-level skill that creates solid duplicates capable of independent action and chakra manipulation."
Yūhi-sensei's expression softened marginally as she observed Asteru's genuine confusion. Her analytical mind rapidly reassessed previous reports of the orphan's unusual training sessions with Namikaze Minato—sessions that had occasionally involved Sakumo Hatake but had been dismissed as the prodigy's mentor.
'Did the White Fang teach this kid too? If it's Minato, I could understand, but for this boy to learn that jutsu...'
"Modification of basic techniques shows initiative," she noted carefully, "but accidental discovery of forbidden jutsu raises questions about your chakra control development." Her crimson eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "Most genin lack sufficient chakra reserves to create even one shadow clone without risking chakra exhaustion."
The sensor-nin completed his evaluation with a slight nod toward his colleagues. "Chakra signature is stable. No evidence of external influence or seal manipulation."
Daiki made a final notation on his evaluation form, then fixed Asteru with a penetrating stare that had made hardened criminals confess their crimes. "The Hokage will need to be informed of this... unusual development." His voice remained neutral, neither accusatory nor approving. "For now, complete the weapons accuracy portion of the examination."
He gestured toward the training dummies positioned at various distances, their target circles small enough to challenge even experienced genin. "Standard kunai and shuriken test. Ten projectiles each, scored by proximity to vital points."
The atmosphere in the room had transformed—what began as a routine graduation examination had evolved into something far more consequential. Whatever path opened before Asteru now would be shaped by this unexpected demonstration of forbidden techniques.
---
Five minutes later.
Asteru went back to his classroom, walking past Kushina as Sayomi was walking out for her test. Then he sat in his place, dazing like he was destined to fail.
He laid his head on the desk and mumbled to himself, "Failed... I'm gonna fail for real... Looks like I did wrong by showing off my shadow clone."
The classroom's ambient noise enveloped Asteru as he slumped at his desk, oblivious to the curious glances from classmates who'd noticed his extended examination time. Sunlight streamed through the windows, casting long shadows across the wooden floors as afternoon gradually claimed the day. The rhythmic ticking of the wall clock marked each passing moment of uncertainty.
"Next up, Inuzuka Tsume," called the assistant instructor from the doorway, barely glancing up from his clipboard as the wild-haired girl rose confidently, her ninken puppy trailing at her heels.
At the front of the room, Chūnin-instructor Akane maintained her vigilant watch over the remaining students, her experienced eyes occasionally drifting toward Asteru with an unreadable expression. Behind her professional mask, calculations and assessments formed about the unusual boy and the implications of whatever had transpired in that examination room.
Near the windows, Kushina's vibrant red hair caught the sunlight as she whispered frantically to Mikoto Uchiha, their hushed conversation punctuated by quick glances in Asteru's direction. The Uzumaki girl's expressive face cycled through curiosity, concern, and determination in rapid succession.
'What happened in there, Asteru? Why did it take so long?' she wondered, chewing on her lip.
Mikoto's dark eyes narrowed thoughtfully. 'If the examiners took that long, it's not because he failed... It's because they saw something unexpected.'
"Did you see Morimoto-sensei's face when he came out?" whispered a student three rows back. "Never seen him look that serious after an exam before."
"Heard they called for an ANBU messenger," another murmured. "Something about reporting directly to the Hokage."
The ambient whispers fell like gentle rain around Asteru's hunched form, indistinct yet persistent. Unaware of the ripples his performance had created, he remained lost in a spiral of self-recrimination. His fingers absently traced the grain patterns of his wooden desk.
'These guys stayed in class, but how the hell do they even get this kind of information in seconds...'
Across the aisle, Minato observed his friend with calculating precision, his brilliant mind already piecing together fragments of information. The blond prodigy had noticed the extended evaluation time, the unusual commotion in the hallway afterward, and now Asteru's uncharacteristic despondency. His blue eyes narrowed slightly, a strategy already forming.
'He used something powerful... maybe something that caught their attention. But if it's Asteru, he wouldn't show anything without reason. He's hiding something.'
"I completely botched the substitution," called Chōza with cheerful resignation from behind, attempting to lighten Asteru's mood. "Still left my sandal behind when I switched places."
Fugaku, seated a few rows ahead, crossed his arms silently, his sharp eyes flicking back toward Asteru. 'Shadow clone... that's what I sensed. The chakra distortion was... dense. He's not just another shinobi after all, he defeated the hyuga heir fair and square.'
"Something changed in the examination room," Inoichi noted quietly from across the aisle, his perceptive nature lending weight to his observation. "They modified the testing parameters after Minato's evaluation."
'That kind of chakra output wasn't normal for a genin exam... even the sensor-nin seemed startled.'
"Just waiting for tomorrow now," Shikaku Nara added lazily, though his sharp eyes missed nothing of the show that was happening now. 'What a drag... but if he pulled off a jōnin-level jutsu, things are gonna get complicated for him.'
In the back, Shibi Aburame adjusted his sunglasses, his voice barely audible. "His chakra control pattern... irregular but stable. Intriguing."
'No parasite chakra, no seal signatures. That wasn't borrowed power.'
Hiashi Hyuga sat upright, his pale eyes focusing subtly on Asteru. 'Even without the Byakugan active, I could feel it. That chakra was too balanced. It wasn't forced.'
Tsume glanced back briefly from the doorway, her expression half amusement, half awe. "Tch, so that's what had the examiners whispering... show-off," she muttered with a smirk before heading out.
'Still... pulling that off at our age? Damn impressive.'
Himari, one of the quieter kunoichi, clasped her hands together anxiously. 'I hope he doesn't get in trouble for whatever that was. He doesn't look like someone who'd break rules on purpose.'
The atmosphere thickened as minute after minute passed, and word spread through the classroom like wildfire. Half the students whispered speculation; the other half watched Asteru in silent, uneasy admiration.
Kushina leaned forward slightly, resting her elbows on her knees.
'Whatever you did in there, Asteru... it's going to change things a looot.'
The assistant instructor's voice rang out again from the doorway.
"Next up, Uzumaki Kushina."
Kushina shot up from her seat with a mix of nerves and determination, her chair scraping loudly against the wooden floor. She inhaled sharply, forcing a grin toward Mikoto and Asteru before marching toward the examination room.
"Wish me luck!" she said, her tone light but her hands trembled ever so slightly at her sides.
'Okay, Kushina… this is it. No slipping up this time. You can do this.'
Mikoto smiled encouragingly. "You've got this, Kushina."
"Go blow them away," added Chōza, half-cheerful, half-genuinely worried.
As she disappeared through the door, a faint hush fell over the classroom. The sound of the latch closing seemed to seal her fate within.
The examination room looked exactly as it had for Asteru — cold, silent, and heavy with unspoken judgment. The three chūnin examiners sat once again behind the long wooden table, their expressions carefully neutral, though the faint tightness in Yūhi-sensei's jaw betrayed lingering tension from the earlier surprise.
"Substitution jutsu first," said Daiki-sensei evenly, though his gaze flicked toward the chakra sensors for a moment. "Proceed when ready."
Kushina nodded, forcing herself to breathe. Her heart hammered so violently it felt like her pulse alone might disrupt the chakra flow. She performed the seals with deliberate precision — Tiger, Boar, Ox, Dog, Snake — and vanished in a puff of smoke.
The log substitution landed behind one of the training dummies — not perfect, but clean enough. When she reappeared a meter off from her intended mark, she frowned slightly.
'Close, but not clean enough. Gotta tighten the flow before the next one.'
"Acceptable," said Morino-sensei, making a small notation. "Transformation next."
Kushina inhaled, closed her eyes, and formed the hand seals again. Blue chakra flared faintly around her — slightly wild, raw, but brimming with vitality. With a flash, her form shifted into that of Yūhi-sensei herself — crimson-eyed, elegant, with not a single strand of red hair out of place.
Yūhi blinked, genuinely startled. "That's… quite accurate," she admitted before catching herself and resuming composure.
Kushina dropped the transformation, her chakra settling around her in visible ripples. Her confidence wavered for a second. She knew what was next.
"Clone technique," Daiki announced, his tone measured but expectant.
Kushina froze. For a brief moment, the faint hum of the ceiling light filled the silence. Her eyes darted to the chakra seals drawn across the floor. She clenched her fists.
'I can't fail here. Not again. Asteru helped me for hours—no, a whole night without sleeping. I won't let that go to waste.'
Her hands came together in the familiar cross sign. She felt her chakra spin, unsteady at first, like trying to mold water in cupped hands. The first clone flickered into existence — pale, ghostly, its features blurred.
Then it sputtered out.
Her breath hitched. "No, no, no…" she whispered under her breath.
Yūhi-sensei's expression softened slightly. "Take a moment. Compose your chakra."
'No more half-measures… I promised Asteru I'd do this right.'
Then something shifted in her expression — a flash of remembrance. That night at the playground. The dim streetlights. Asteru's calm voice telling her, "Don't force it Idiot, just let it divide naturally like how you tear your bread to eat or share equally with other's."
She exhaled once, centering her chakra deep in her core.
Then, without hesitation, her hands flew through the signs again — faster, sharper, more precise.
"Shadow Clone Jutsu!"
Chakra burst outward like a shockwave, rattling the papers on the examiners' table. Smoke erupted in the circle, followed by the unmistakable thud of two solid feet landing beside her. When the haze cleared, two perfect Kushina's stood at her sides — solid, breathing, grinning in unison.
The silence that followed was deafening.
Daiki-sensei's pen froze above his form sheet. Yūhi-sensei's crimson eyes widened once again, disbelief flashing across her face.
Morino-sensei's chakra detection seal flared, readings spiking erratically.
"Impossible," he muttered. "Identical chakra signatures… both stable."
"Not another one," Daiki breathed quietly, rubbing his temples. "That makes three."
Yūhi-sensei's gaze flicked toward the sensor-nin. "Shadow Clone Jutsu again. Two solid duplicates. Chakra division is perfect."
Kushina blinked, panting softly from the effort. "Did I… did I get it right?"
Yūhi exchanged looks with the others. "You executed a forbidden-level jutsu flawlessly, Uzumaki. This technique is classified as—"
Kushina's expression fell. "F-forbidden?"
Her clones turned to each other, mimicking her shock perfectly. 'Damn, Asterruuu just what the hell did you teached me?'
"I—I didn't know! Honest!" she stammered. "I just tried what Asteru showed me! I thought it was a tougher version of the clone jutsu!"
Daiki exhaled heavily, pinching the bridge of his nose. "You and that boy…" he muttered under his breath.
Morino nodded grimly. "Three students in a single exam period demonstrating restricted techniques. First Namikaze, then that orphan boy, and now her."
Yūhi's lips pressed into a thin line. "It seems Sakumo Hatake has been more generous with his knowledge than intended."
Kushina looked confused but dared not interrupt. The examiners made several quiet notations, then Daiki finally said, "Dispel the clones."
With a single seal, her duplicates vanished, leaving only faint trails of dissipating chakra.
Daiki sighed, but a faint, reluctant smile crept into his expression. "You pass the practical, Uzumaki. Pending further review."
Her eyes lit up instantly. "Really!? I pass!?"
"Pending review," he repeated, but she wasn't listening anymore.
When the door opened again, the classroom looked up in unison.
Kushina walked in, red hair flying, her grin brighter than the sunlight pouring through the window. She scanned the room, spotted Mikoto, and practically ran toward her.
"I did it!" she shouted, flinging her arms around the Uchiha girl in a bone-crushing hug. "I made a clone—like a real one! It didn't even poof this time!"
Mikoto blinked, startled, before laughing softly. "You what?"
"I mean—well—it wasn't exactly normal," Kushina said quickly, lowering her voice. "But it worked! I think I really passed!"
Across the room, whispers erupted again.
"Another one?" hissed Chōza, eyes wide. "That makes two of them now."
"Three," corrected Inoichi quietly, his brow furrowed. "Minato's wasn't normal either. He used the real thing."
"Troublesome," murmured Shikaku, leaning back in his chair. "If the Hokage finds out they all know forbidden techniques, there's going to be a storm."
Hiashi Hyuga's pale eyes flicked toward Asteru. 'First Asteru, now the Uzumaki girl. There's more to them than we've been told.'
Shibi, silent as ever, adjusted his glasses slightly. 'Their chakra control exceeds genin-level. This could alter three person team formation logic.'
Fugaku's dark eyes lingered on Kushina's joyful expression before turning toward Asteru. 'So even she's caught up in this. Whatever that boy's hiding… it's changing things.'
Meanwhile, Minato's gaze softened faintly as he watched Kushina celebrate. 'She actually did it. Asteru's influence runs deeper than anyone realizes.'
Kushina hugged Mikoto tighter, laughing breathlessly.
"Tomorrow," she said, beaming, "we're all walking out of here as shinobi!"