"Of course it's okay."
Naruto pinched Hinata's delicate cheek and smiled.
"I won't worry you anymore."
Inside the classroom, Haruno Sakura and Ino watched in disbelief as Naruto and Hinata interacted.
"Damn it… why am I not Naruto-kun's fiancée?"
"Honestly, ever since they got engaged, I haven't even brought food to school."
"Why, Sakura-chan?"
"You might as well eat dog food."
"…"
Hinata quietly returned to her seat.
Iruka turned to Naruto.
"Since you're fine, just wait until you take the make-up exam tomorrow."
Naruto had missed today's assessment.
He nodded obediently.
"Okay, Iruka-sensei."
At the same time, the system prompted in Naruto's mind:
[Ding~ System mission released: Pass the Ninja School Graduation Assessment
Reward: Simulation opportunity +1]
Pass the assessment?
For Naruto, this was a simple matter.
After returning to his seat, Iruka delivered some concluding remarks from the podium.
"Take care of yourselves," he said. "If you become a ninja, remember what you learned here whenever you face trouble. That way, you won't get killed or worse."
The graduation assessment was over.
Of course, there were no classes today.
Naruto sat at his desk, thinking. He realized he no longer wanted to be a ninja.
After graduating from the Ninja Academy, many students no longer pursued a ninja career.
But that wasn't true for a Jinchūriki.
Naruto's thoughts weren't random—they were guided by the days to come.
He had read the original story and knew the future plot.
At first, he wanted to follow it.
To see what a real-life Hokage ninja would do.
Plans are plans, reality is reality.
Naruto had the system, and his abilities had improved dramatically.
He had no need to follow the plot.
He could choose freely.
Be a ninja and follow the story. Or ignore it and do whatever interests him.
That could be life itself.
Naruto considered this and made up his mind.
Still, he had to take the graduation exam.
After all, it was a simulation opportunity!
After Iruka finished speaking, the students had officially graduated—though they still had to attend placement classes tomorrow.
Finished packing, Naruto took Hinata's small hand and walked out of the classroom beside her.
He glanced back at Iruka, who stood at the door, a sad expression on his face.
The teacher had taught these children for six years and watched them grow.
But the world wasn't peaceful.
They would face greater challenges ahead.
Hoping that their experiences at the academy would help them…
Naruto waved at Iruka.
Iruka smiled in return.
Hand in hand, Naruto and Hinata descended the school building.
Sakura and Ino didn't bother them today—a rare occurrence.
But as they reached the bottom, someone blocked their path.
Sasuke stood there, cold expression, hands in his pockets.
He glared at Naruto.
"Uzumaki Naruto, I hope you're ready tomorrow!"
"Huh?" Naruto asked.
"Why?"
Did Sasuke care about Naruto's test scores?
Sasuke said, "I've checked the pre-set classes. We're in the same one."
"I'll challenge you every day. Don't slack off."
Naruto's face twitched slightly, and his tone carried a hint of nervousness.
"Sasuke, isn't that a bit much?"
But Sasuke misinterpreted it.
He thought Naruto wasn't even trying to beat him.
Clenching his teeth, he said:
"I've lost to you sixty-seven times. Even if you ignore me now, I'll surpass you one day! Just watch these eyes!"
He raised a hand, revealing the Two Tomoe Sharingan, then snorted and turned to leave without waiting for Naruto to respond.
Naruto: "…"
At that moment, Naruto was certain his choice was right.
If he became a ninja, Sasuke would pester him every day.
And if he didn't take it seriously, it would be a complete waste.
Yeah… that's all.
As Sasuke walked away, a teacher approached.
Kind-hearted and well-liked, Mizuki carried a stack of documents and smiled at Naruto.
"Is this Uzumaki Naruto?"
Naruto recognized him immediately.
The sealed scroll…
Naruto was curious.
But now, he had lost the innocent naivety of a child in Hiruzen's eyes.
If he acted recklessly, Sarutobi might take him seriously.
Should he ignore him?
Naruto hesitated.
If he avoided Mizuki, the matter wouldn't involve him.
But Mizuki would still find other students.
Not a big problem—Mizuki wants to cause trouble. If the target isn't him, why care?
But Mizuki was Iruka's colleague.
And Naruto had a good relationship with Iruka.
Water and wood together can be dangerous.
Maybe one day, Mizuki would go after Iruka.
Hmm… in that case, better deal with him now.
Naruto looked at Mizuki and said,
"I am… what can I do for you, Mr. Mizuki?"
Mizuki chuckled.
"Tomorrow, the school will separate classes. You missed today's test, so there's a make-up exam. Want to take it?"
Make-up exam?
Tsk, tsk…
Iruka had already told Naruto the exam was tomorrow morning.
If Naruto hadn't read the original story, he might have believed Mizuki.
But Naruto remained calm.
"Is that so? Then I'll go now."
He turned to Hinata.
"Little Hinata, you go back first. I'm taking the make-up exam."
Hinata pursed her lips.
"I can wait for you, Naruto-kun."
"No need," Naruto said with a smile.
"You'd better go home first. If the old man gets impatient again, it'll be the same as last time."
Hinata blushed faintly, remembering her last encounter, and nodded.
She trusted Naruto's arrangement.
Last time, Hinata had stayed out playing with Naruto and lost track of time.
Hiashi, worried about his daughter, had gone searching for them, turning the village upside down.
Finally, he found Naruto, and the misunderstanding was resolved.
Since then, Hiashi had set a rule: Hinata must be home by seven in the evening.
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