It has been a fleeting week, and Naruto was bored out of his mind. After all, he knew everything already. So most of the time, he either slept in class, skipped and played pranks around the village, playing tag with elite ANBU teams or placed a shadow clone to take his place in class to train somewhere else. Of course, he didn't forget to drag his two best friends with him. It's no fun to train alone after all. And, by doing so, he could maintain his façade as the dead last in the academy.

That's why, he couldn't help but shout in joy when Iruka-sensei announced the graduation exam.

"It was about time!" Naruto screamed. Shikamaru and Sasuke both smirked with a knowing look while Sakura and other academy students berated Naruto for being so loud and annoying.

"Ha! Idiot! As if you would even pass!" Kiba shouted. Naruto ignored the comment and stuck his tongue out towards Kiba, which angered the Dog boy further. But before Kiba could lash out at him, he was restrained by two arms on both of his shoulders. Kiba turned his head to either side to see who stopped him. It was Sasuke and Shikamaru. The other students were either shocked or confused by their actions.

"Hey, let go! What's your problem?" Kiba shouted, irritated.

"Don't you dare lay a hand on Naruto/don't you dare touch him," both Shikamaru and Sasuke threatened quietly but loud enough for only Kiba to hear, especially with Kiba's heighten senses. Kiba felt cold sweat rolling down his back and shivered. He gulped and inwardly thought,

'Scary...'

"Oi! That's enough, you two!" Naruto cried out and the two grunted, displeased but let go of the Dog boy.

All this while, Iruka was speechless. One, Naruto exuded an aura that screamed power and authority, a contrast to his idiotic and loud personality. Granted, Naruto was being loud just now, but Iruka understood how excited Naruto is about the graduation exam as should all the other students. But the fact that Naruto did a complete turn in persona for a split second was enough to surprise Iruka.

This mean that there is more to Naruto than what meets the eye. As a ninja, Iruka knows that they should look underneath the underneath. Hence, Iruka couldn't help but speculate. Any other ninja would probably brush it off and says that it was a coincidence, but there's the second reason that made Iruka thought as such and that is Shikamaru and Sasuke. The two onyx eyed clan heirs, actually listen to Naruto and from the way they acted, it was clear that they were defending Naruto.

'When did those two...," Iruka snapped out of his reverie, shook his head and smiled. It did not matter what relationship those two have with Naruto, he is just glad that there were other kids Naruto's age that would accept him and possibly befriended him. Iruka had realized a while back that Naruto was just an innocent kid that crave attention and not the demon fox. He is one of the few that were able to differentiate between a kunai and a scroll. Albeit a little late, Iruka wanted to care for Naruto as any parent would their child.

Iruka clapped his hands twice to get the class's attention.

"Alright. The class is dismissed. Good luck and do your best, everyone!" Iruka said and smiled. Iruka left and one by one the other students retired for the day and chattered away in their respective group of friends as they head home. Some parents came to pick up their children and asked about their day in the academy. Naruto stayed a little while longer until all the students left, leaving only him, Shikamaru and Sasuke in the classroom. Naruto stayed because he did not want to listen to the adults talking trash about him while the other two understood Naruto's sentiment and simply wish to accompany him. They did not want Naruto to feel lonely as a child like he did in the past. They will always be there for him this time.

After a while, the voice of kids and adults alike faded away from the academy grounds.

"The graduation exam...should I flunk it? No, it's too risky. I should pass this time. It's not like the future is certain. Mizuki might not approach me even if I fail the exam. But if that traitor still plans on stealing the forbidden scroll, I will have to confront this matter with Old Man Third. But I can't blow my cover yet. He will question how I came upon the information. How can I catch Mizuki?" thought Naruto seriously.

"What's up, dobe?" Sasuke asked as he saw Naruto's serious demeanour. Shikamaru shifted closer to them in response. Naruto relayed his troubled thoughts to the two, then waited for their input.

"Such a thing happened? So that's how you got those shadow clone jutsu down, huh" Sasuke mocked.

"Shut up, Teme!" Naruto gloated playfully. Shikamaru shook his head, amused.

"Let's just be straightforward about this. We can catch Mizuki in the act. Naruto won't be alone. We will be witnesses too, so they will believe us, more. If Mizuki countered and accused us for lying, we can just ask Lord Third to call on Inoichi-san to check Mizuki's memories. And ONLY Mizuki's, we don't want them to know our memories of the future after all," Shikamaru formulated. They went into the details then once the plan is clear, they dismissed.

--The next day, graduation exam.

After going through the morning routine and some light training at the training room in the Namikaze compound, the three time travellers took a shower and had a light breakfast before Shikamaru and Sasuke return to their respective homes. Naruto stock up on supplies such as clothes and weapons and stored them in a storage scroll. Then he placed them inside his pocket where he placed another seal so he could have unlimited storage space. This way, he does not have to carry anything heavy by hand, or stuffed in a backpack. Naruto was glad that he is proficient and a master at seals. A talent that the Uzumaki clan is proud of. He also has another storage seal placed at his heart where he kept all the important things, items and belonging. He also kept his father's Hiraishin Kunai and his mother's swords in there too. He always wants his parents' keepsake close to him.

After checking everything and ensured that he is well-equipped, a habit he picked up from long time of war, Naruto went to his apartment via his gate seal then dashed from rooftop to rooftop towards the academy. He could just Shunshin or Hiraishin to the place, but that will attract certain ANBU teams and the Lord Third's attention. He doesn't have to purposely showcase his abilities and get himself in trouble. Plus, he will get an earful from his two best friends. He would like to be spared from that.

As Naruto reached the classroom, he immediately went to seat beside Shikamaru at the far back side of the class. Luckily for him, his wife Hinata sat just in front of him.

"Good morning, Hinata!" Naruto happily greeted. The shy and timid Hyuuga heiress was taken by surprise and almost jumped from her seat. She fidgeted and brought her two point fingers together fiddling with them shyly as her face turn slightly red. Her eyes darted from her two fiddling fingers to Naruto as she replied in a small and stuttering voice.

"Good...good morning, Na...Naruto-k...kun," unable to resist, she clumped her face with both her hands and squealed quietly and fainted right after.

"Waah?! What the?! Hinata?!" Kiba shouted alarmed. Before Kiba could do anything, Naruto intervened and said,

"I'll take care of her," Naruto coolly said then moved to Hinata's side, took her in his arms, then positioned her comfortably, resting her head on the table.

"Sigh, I forgot about this little problem. Oh well, we will fix her confidence over time. Hinata...I love you...but we are going to have to correct that sooner than last time. After all, I want her to be able to protect herself when I am not around. In the past...future, my wife is very strong. I could count on her," Naruto thought silently. Naruto returned to his seat beside Shikamaru and glanced towards Sasuke's direction. As expected, he is surrounded by fan girls who are fighting for the right to sit beside Sasuke. Those girls need to give up though, since Sasuke already has Sakura. Not that he is very pleased about it at this point in time since Sakura is one of those fan girls. It was only after our mission to the land of waves did Sakura changed a little.

Finally, Iruka-sensei arrived and dispersed the chaotic mess of fan girls with his famous Big Head Jutsu. Sakura managed to slip in and sat beside Sasuke, squealing while she's at it.

"Tch, what a drag..." Shikamaru couldn't help but comment. Naruto chuckled at that then regained his attention to Iruka-sensei.

"Now, I will pass the test papers," Iruka finished explaining about the graduation exam which include three parts, test on Shinobi knowledge, shurikenjutsu, and finally ninjutsu. These sorts of test are a breeze to the adults in child's body. Shikamaru and Sasuke answered them normally, while Naruto answered them in a barely passed manner. He still had to end up the dead last after all. It would be weird and they would accuse him of cheating if he got 100% in his test. The second part of the test also went along nicely. Finally the third part...ninjutsu. This is where it all begin. If anyone wonders about the Hyuuga heiress, Shino woke her up before the test began.

"Uzumaki Naruto!" my name was finally called.

"G...Good L...Luck, Naruto-k...kun," Hinata managed to say.

"Yeah, thanks Hinata!" Naruto gingerly replied then head towards the examination room. Once inside, Naruto eyed the two Chuunin level ninjas in front of him. Iruka-sensei, and Mizuki.

Iruka was startled, but quickly regained his composure. He couldn't help but gulped his saliva as Naruto looked at him and Mizuki with critical and observant eyes. The eyes are said to be the window to one's soul. And as Iruka see through Naruto's eyes, he couldn't help but think that the child in front of him hid enormous wisdom and intelligence. Eyes that are experienced, as if the child had seen everything that the world threw at him. Iruka snapped out of his reverie and shook his head. He convinced himself that he was just overthinking things. Naruto is only 12, he justified, and he had never even left the village before.

"Alright, Naruto. For this part of the exam, you must do the substitution jutsu, transformation jutsu and lastly create 3 passable clones. Don't worry. I know you can do it," Mizuki started, lying through his teeth for the last part. He did not notice anything weird or slightly off about Naruto, indulging himself in his secret and devious plans. If only he knew...

"Sure thing, Mizuki-sensei!' Naruto exclaimed innocently. Naruto did the first two jutsu without any trouble but as Naruto was about to do the clone jutsu, he stopped half-way as if in thought. Mizuki smirked at this, thinking that Naruto is troubled and will definitely fail. Even now, Naruto still cannot make a normal clone jutsu. His chakra reserves are way too huge not counting Kurama's or even from the future.

"Sigh...it's always crap when it comes to the small stuff, but the big stuff...hell yeah," Naruto grinned inwardly. Naruto looked up towards Iruka-sensei who seemed to be worried for him.

"Iruka-sensei. Is it alright if I used a different clone jutsu? My chakra reserves are way too big for the normal ones," Naruto explain. Iruka blinked at this. He did not expect Naruto to know another clone jutsu. But he nodded as a consent. Mizuki sneered inside.

"Of course, Naruto. As long as it's a clone jutsu," Iruka assented. But he wondered where and when Naruto learned another type of clone jutsu. And what type is it?

"Alright!" Naruto shouted in victory then make the necessary hand seals. As Iruka and Mizuki watched, their eyes widen in absolute shock as they figured what type of clone jutsu it is. Iruka waited in bated anticipation while Mizuki sneered thinking that it is impossible for Naruto to be able to do the jutsu. After all, the jutsu is classified as kinjutsu and deemed dangerous as it consumes a lot of the users' chakra which may cause death. But for Naruto, it is the perfect clone jutsu for him.

"Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu," Naruto whispered the name of the jutsu under his breath, then 20 solid Naruto clones appeared. All of them grinned and jumped with their fist in the air "BELIEVE IT!" they shouted in unison. Iruka sweat dropped and laughed awkwardly.

"Great, more Narutos. Just what I needed...," Iruka thought helplessly. Mizuki grimaced and pulled a scowl. Naruto ignored Mizuki as if he didn't see his reaction, and asked Iruka.

"So, do I pass?" Naruto asked, his cerulean blue eyes sparkled knowingly. Iruka chuckled at the blonde's antics.

"Congratulations, Naruto. You pass!" Iruka beamed. He then beckoned Naruto to come and pick his hitai-ate. Naruto came over and pick up a black one and tied it around his left arm. Giving a last glance to Mizuki, Naruto left the examination room with a triumphed smile. As Naruto came out of the room, Kiba was ready to berate him for failing but left dumbfounded when he saw that Naruto passed. The other academy students' jaw dropped. They never thought that the dead last of the academy would actually pull through. Hinata is happy that they both passed and secretly hoped to be placed on the same team. Shikamaru smirked while Sasuke grunted, keeping up the act.

After all students were tested. Iruka announced the successful new Genins and told them to come next week to be placed in a four man team and introduced to their Jounin senseis. They were dismissed immediately after. Friends and family gathered at the academy main entrance to receive the news of their children passing the exam. Some were disappointed while some were happy and went off to celebrate. Sasuke immediately left to escape his fan girls while Shikamaru was received by his parents who came to congratulate him, as if knowing for sure that their son would pass. Well, they are the Nara's after all.

Naruto went and sit by the swing in front of the academy, half-expecting Mizuki to approach him. Shikamaru made sure to keep an eye on his hokage and would immediately move once he spot Mizuki. Shikaku on the other hand, noticed Shikamaru's attention were directed at Naruto. Shikaku was slightly surprise.

"Ah, did Naruto passed as well?" Shikaku asked his son. Without moving his line of sight away from his hokage, Shikamaru nonchalantly reply.

"Yeah, he did."

"...I see," Shikaku was puzzled. Seeing as his son is intently staring at the Uzumaki boy, Shikaku concluded that Shikamaru is interested in him. But what happened next surprise him even more. It was as if his son has been waiting for that particular moment. Shikamaru begin to walk towards his hokage and Shikaku observed that it was exactly after Mizuki appeared and began to 'chat' with Naruto. All the while the whispers were becoming too noticeable for Shikaku's liking. It was the villagers that sees Naruto as the demon fox. Shikaku sighed as he could not do anything about it. And began to walk following his son. He wanted to know, what his son is planning, or what his son is about to do. After all, Shikaku is still curious about his son. There was something about his son that has changed but he could not quite place it. By the way, Yoshino was busy talking with fellow mothers and gloating about her son.

"Hey, what are you guys talking about," Shikamaru asked as he approached. Shikaku noticed the slight frown forming on Mizuki's face. Shikaku narrowed his eyes in suspicion.

"I remember that Mizuki is one of those people that dislike Naruto. What is he doing acting all chummy?" Shikaku silently thought. Maybe his son also noticed this.

"Oh, Shikamaru! Mizuki-sensei said that he is going to give me a field test to officially become genin! He said that only 9 out of the graduates will pass! So he is giving me special...mmff," Naruto was quick to explain but Mizuki covered the boys' mouth and laughed awkwardly. Both Shikamaru and Shikaku raised an eyebrow at this.

"Hmm, I feel that Mizuki is up to no good. Better report this to hokage," thought Shikaku.

"What field test? Dad, is there such a thing?" Shikamaru turned to Shikaku for answers. Clever Shikamaru, getting the Jounin Commander to become suspicious of Mizuki's actions, while they will act like innocent children who had no idea of what's going on. But Shikaku is also smart. He is not the Jounin Commander for nothing so he noticed that his son is actually leading him on. Shikaku felt amused and found it interesting. He thought that his son is definitely a genius. One that may surpass him as a Nara. Luckily for the two 12 years old, Shikaku has yet to find Naruto suspicious.

"Well, there are two ways to become an official genin, either through a field test or survival training which will be given later by your respective Jounin Sensei next week," Shikaku explained then focused his sight towards Mizuki, his tone slightly dark.

"However, since when did Hokage gave you permission to hold a field test for specific genin, Mizuki? If there was such a thing agreed upon, then I should have known about it. You know the consequences of holding an unauthorised field test, yes?" with a biting tone, Shikaku questioned Mizuki.

"Ah, ah, about this, I was planning to ask hokage for permission later. Talking about it, I am going to head over and ask for permission now," Mizuki nervously replied. It was obvious that his plan is being thwarted. Shikaku did not miss that Mizuki clicked his tongue as he left nor did the two time travellers.

"I need to head to the hokage tower to report this and have the ANBU to keep an eye on Mizuki," Shikaku thought.

"Well, it is nice to meet you Naruto. Shikamaru here is interested in you. Maybe you could be friends?" Shikaku teased.

"Dad!" Shikamaru rebuked but there was no bite to it. In fact, it actually felt like his son was amused. Shikaku realized just from that alone, that his son is not opposed to the idea.

"Hell yeah! We will be best of friends! Believe it!" Naruto gingerly exclaimed seemingly happy at the prospect of having friends. Shikaku felt warmed by this. He knew how horrible the villagers treated the fourth hokage' son and Shikaku felt bad about not being able to do anything about it. So he thought, at least if his son become the boy's friend, he would feel more at ease.

What he did not know, however, was how his 'son', Shikamaru had outwitted him, that everything happened had gone exactly as planned. In this way, Shikamaru had created the foundation and reason for him to stay beside Naruto. If they had appeared to be good friends all of a sudden, others would naturally find it odd and suspicious.

After all, previously before they came back from the future, their 12 years old selves had not so much as talk to each other. In case of Sasuke and Naruto, they hated each other and were always at each other's throat. Sasuke will be in the same team as Naruto so his reason to stay beside Naruto will be established as well. With this, they have solid reasons to be seen together without weird looks directed at them. Shikamaru being Naruto's friend, and Sasuke being Naruto's teammate, hopefully.

Mizuki was easily caught in action. Since he couldn't get Naruto to do the dirty deeds for him, he went and steal the forbidden scroll himself. But since Shikaku had reported Mizuki's suspicious behaviour, The ANBU had kept a close watch and easily resolved the situation. Naruto and Shikamaru was sure to be 'incidentally' be there to witness the whole thing. Naruto warranted that he invited Shikamaru to celebrate passing the exam at the Ichiraku's with Iruka-sensei who promised to treat them.

Iruka had noticed Mizuki running past them through the rooftop nearby with a huge scroll strapped at his back. The ANBU hot on his tail. Feeling something amiss, Iruka went after them and Naruto as well as Shikamaru looked at each other knowingly and followed suit.

"Stop, Mizuki!" Iruka yelled as they arrived at a clearing in a forest. Mizuki halted and turned towards the incoming Chuunin and newly graduated Genins and sneered.

"What do you think you have there with you, Mizuki?" Iruka questioned gravely.

"What is going on, Iruka-sensei?" Naruto asked innocently, Shikamaru close behind him. His eyes narrowed dangerously as he assessed the situation.

"Shut up, you demon!" Mizuki sneered. Naruto pretended to be surprised and flinched at the jeering. Shikamaru quickly moved in front of his hokage to protect him. Mizuki went and revealed why the villagers hated Naruto and about the Kyuubi. Naruto again 'pretended' to be shocked at the truth and trembled in place. Shikamaru quickly placed a hand on his shoulder reassuringly making it known that such a fact did not faze him and that Naruto is still his friend, and not a monster.

Naruto smiled and nodded, as he returned to face Mizuki with determination. The three cooperated and fought against Mizuki. Naruto used the shadow clone technique and acted as decoys while Shikamaru prepared his Kageshibari no Jutsu. Iruka used taijutsu and shurikenjutsu against Mizuki, with Naruto chipping in to attack at every opportunity. Finally, Mizuki was caught by Shikamaru's technique and was immobilized. At this point, three ANBU appeared and explained Mizuki's treacherous acts and took him into their custody. No one needs to say it, they knew that Mizuki will have a painful time at the T&I department. With that, the case was solved. The ANBU reminded them to report to hokage-sama for their involvement in apprehending Mizuki and swiftly left using the body flicker technique.

Naruto, with Shikamaru close behind him turned towards Iruka and asked carefully,

"Iruka-sensei...do you think, I'm a demon too?" Naruto asked sadly.

Iruka's eyes widen at the implication Naruto was hinting and immediately moved in to hug the little blonde.

"Of course not, Naruto..." Iruka said softly. Naruto quickly replaced his sad expression with a happy one, a huge grin, plastered on his face. He began to drag both Iruka-sensei and Shikamaru to the hokage tower.

"Let's go. Old Man Third will marvel at my accomplishment today, believe it!" Naruto exclaimed happily.

"Tch, what a drag...," Shikamaru comment but a smile tugged at the corner of his lips.

"Ha ha ha, slow down Naruto," Iruka chuckled, glad that his hyperactive blonde is cheerful again. The day ended peacefully.

At the hokage tower.

"The ANBU has explained to me of what happened. Thank you for your good work, Iruka, Shikamaru, and Naruto," Old Man Hiruzen thanked the three ninjas who had come to report to him of the Mizuki's incident. Then he waited. The silence ensued a tense and awkward atmosphere.

"Uh, hokage-sama? Is there anything else?" Shikamaru called out knowing what the third hokage was waiting for but since Naruto made no effort to bring up the subject, he decided to take the initiative and broke the silence.

"Ah, right," Old Man third glanced towards Iruka for a second then trained his eyes on Naruto.

"How did you come about and learn the shadow clone technique, Naruto?" the Old Man Third asked with a raised eyebrow. He was curious after he read the result of the blonde's graduation exam from Iruka. The shadow clone technique was a higher level ninja jutsu, something that even Jounin-level ninja find difficult to master. The most a Jounin level ninja could create was 10 solid clones. But in the exam, Naruto easily created 20 solid clones, and he figured that Naruto could create more if he wanted.

"Oh I passed a training ground on the way to academy one morning, and saw a bob cut haired ninja and a silvered haired ninja sparring. I saw the silver haired ninja doing some hand seals and created two shadow clones. At the time, I was a bit puzzled as the hand seals used to make the clones was different. But after I tried it out, I figured that they are not normal clones. I practiced doing it since then and it came pretty easily for me. I started to think about why I succeed in making the shadow clones but not the normal ones. That's when I figured out it was because of my large chakra reserves," Naruto elaborate as natural as possible, making it seemed as if he is actually smart but alluded by his hyperactive personality. This will plant a foundation for Naruto to make others less surprised when he used other and higher level ninjutsu in his arsenal.

"I see. So that's how it is," Old Man Third seemed satisfied with Naruto's answer and the two time travellers inwardly sighed in relief.

"Also, Naruto...," Old Man Third started.

"Hmm? What is it Old Man?" Naruto urged the hokage to continue knowing full well what the following conversation is about. But he acted clueless about it.

"I am sorry for not telling you about your condition. I was trying to protect you. But I realized I was wrong after everything that happened," the third hokage said feeling guilty for the villager's treatment towards Naruto. But no matter how much Sarutobi Hiruzen tried to protect the blonde, the Citizen Council allows the villagers to do as they pleased. If only they knew his heritage...but the hokage could not afford to tell Naruto or others who his parents are fearing for Naruto's life.

His parents had lots of enemies and Naruto is still young and unable to protect himself. It is also the reason why he assigned several ANBU to watch over him. But there is only so much that he can do. But that was in the past. The current Naruto is definitely not someone anyone can mess around. But the hokage does not know that. He still think that Naruto is a helpless child. But now that Naruto proved to be smarter than he looks and more capable than what he lets on, the third hokage couldn't help but feel a little at ease.

"You have become stronger, Naruto...," the hokage thought.

"Oh that's okay, Old Man. I was shocked at first, but Iruka-sensei and Shikamaru helped me. They accepted me as who I am, and not the fox. For that I am grateful. I now understand why the villagers hate me but it can't be helped if they are clouded by their hatred and anger that they were unable to differentiate between a kunai and a scroll," Naruto grinned. The hokage was surprised at this but then smiled. He was glad that Naruto did not come to hate the village.

"I see. Well then I am glad you feel that way. You may dismiss," the hokage said and with that the three ninjas left.

"Alright, how about we head back to the Ichiraku's and continue our celebration?" Iruka suggested.

"Alright! You're the best Iruka-sensei!' Naruto exclaimed happily dragging Shikamaru behind him.

"Tch, troublesome..." Shikamaru smirked. Iruka chuckled and looked at them charge ahead with a soft smile.