The theoretical knowledge exam had already ended yesterday.
It was basically just a formality.
The real show was today's practical skills assessment, with the Three Basic Techniques being the most critical component. Generally speaking, as long as a candidate could successfully master these three jutsu, they were guaranteed to graduate. Mastering them meant the candidate possessed the preliminary strength to become a Genin.
To put it bluntly, even if such a ninja was terrible, based on the experience of past wars, they were at least qualified cannon fodder.
Even on a battlefield facing Kage-level monsters, they could still serve a purpose—like draining a tiny bit of the enemy's chakra or stamina before dying.
Didn't the legendary Third Raikage eventually succumb to Iwagakure's human wave tactics?
Of course, in that battle, the Third Raikage made the Stone ninja pay a horrific price, inflicting over ten thousand casualties.
So, from that perspective, even the lowest-level Genin still had some use.
Theory was one thing.
But a ninja was ultimately judged by their combat capability.
As the undisputed top student for six years running, Menma breezed through both yesterday's written exam and today's practical test. His performance was flawless—excellent in every regard.
Barring any unforeseen accidents, Menma would graduate as the top student in his class, and likely the entire grade.
As his teacher—and someone who practically viewed him as a younger brother—Iruka was naturally very satisfied.
"As expected of Menma-kun, holding the top spot for six straight years. It looks like you'll be the valedictorian of this graduating class too, right, Iruka-sensei?"
Standing beside Iruka, a young man with a gentle smile spoke up.
He was also an examiner for this graduation test, another Academy instructor, and the first minor antagonist of the original series: Mizuki.
Judging solely by his current appearance, Mizuki looked like the perfect gentle teacher, just like Iruka.
But Menma knew exactly how dark this guy's heart was.
Thinking of Mizuki reminded Menma of a regret from a few years ago. Back when he first learned the Clone Technique, he had mastered it almost instantly and demonstrated it effortlessly in front of Iruka.
He regretted it soon after.
In his eagerness to learn, he had overlooked a crucial plot point associated with graduation: the theft of the Scroll of Seals.
That was a golden opportunity to legitimately gain extra benefits from the scroll! But because he had accidentally shown off his mastery of the Clone Technique too early, he couldn't exactly pretend to fail the graduation exam later.
So, he had to miss out on that specific plotline.
Though, he consoled himself with the thought that the Scroll of Seals Naruto stole might not have been the original, or perhaps he wouldn't have been able to see everything in it anyway.
Menma didn't believe for a second that the original Naruto could have stolen the Scroll of Seals so easily without Hiruzen Sarutobi's tacit permission.
Everything was under control.
Including Mizuki.
Maybe there were minor deviations, but the overall outcome was predetermined. Thinking otherwise would be an insult to Hiruzen's intelligence.
So, the true value of that specific scroll was questionable.
However, the Shadow Clone Technique was still a must-have for Menma.
It was a bug-tier jutsu.
With his exaggerated chakra reserves and the Nine-Tails' chakra as a backup, the Shadow Clone Technique was practically tailor-made for him. It was the perfect tool for accelerated training using the memory-transfer cheat.
He missed the chance to get it from the scroll, but he wasn't out of options.
There was always Kakashi, or potentially Jiraiya in the future.
He didn't need to rush. Menma refused to believe he wouldn't be able to get his hands on the Shadow Clone Technique eventually.
"Heh, well, that depends on the results of the other students. Here is your forehead protector, Menma. Remember to attend the graduation ceremony tomorrow. There will be important announcements afterward!"
Iruka chuckled and shook his head slightly. Then, looking at Menma standing before him, he picked up a forehead protector from the table and handed it over.
"Yes, Iruka-sensei. I'll take my leave now."
Menma took the protector, bowed slightly to both Iruka and Mizuki, and turned to leave the classroom.
He was mildly curious about what Mizuki—who had already decided to defect to Orochimaru—would do now that the "fail Naruto" plan was off the table. But he wouldn't waste too much time or energy on it.
Mizuki was just a small fry.
In the original story, Naruto needed to use the Mass Shadow Clone Technique to drown Mizuki in numbers.
Menma didn't need that.
His raw personal power was already enough to deal with Mizuki.
Not to mention, he had the Nine-Tails' power as a fallback.
To put it bluntly, if Menma disregarded the consequences, he currently had a non-zero chance of causing mutual destruction with the Hidden Leaf itself.
Someone like Mizuki wasn't even worth Menma's attention.
However, what Menma didn't notice was the fleeting, strange glint in Mizuki's eyes as he stared at Menma's retreating back.
After Menma left, the stream of students continued.
Almost everyone passed the graduation exam without issue.
Unlike in earlier eras, failure was rare in recent years. Menma's class was no exception. Apart from a few incredibly unlucky souls, everyone passed.
Of course, the real hurdle was still ahead: the survival test with their assigned Jōnin or Chūnin team leaders. Those who failed that would be sent back to the Academy.
The original anime proved this precedent existed. Kakashi, in particular, was notorious for failing every single team assigned to him for years. While Kakashi might have had special privileges due to his status, it showed that sending graduates back was a standard procedure, not a rare exception.
Naturally, most of the kids didn't know this yet. Clutching their new forehead protectors, they were all ecstatic.
As soon as the exam ended, waves of students headed out to celebrate.
As the undisputed center of attention for this graduating class, Naruto called for a class celebration. Thanks to his status, most people accepted the invitation.
Only a small handful declined.
Menma was one of them.
Naruto and the others didn't mind. After six years, everyone knew Menma's personality by now.
Sasuke also refused. The Young Master of the Uchiha had zero interest in attending a childish party.
His goal remained singular and unwavering.