One month passed just like that.
The seasons hadn't changed, but the academy sure had. Today was the graduation exam of the Ninja School, and unlike Naruto's original timeline—where performing even one of the three basic body techniques earned you a shiny forehead protector—things were very different now.
The exam had gotten harder. Much harder.
Not only did students have to show practical skill, but the academy now included theory Written tests as well. History, chakra theory, battle principles, even emergency procedures. The teachers weren't playing anymore.
But in this world, Naruto wasn't the hopeless troublemaker who couldn't even pull off the basic techniques.
He wasn't the kid who kept failing Bunshin no Jutsu.
Because in this world, his life has changed—just slightly, but enough.
Jiraiya had helped Naruto control the Nine-Tails much earlier. Unlike the original story where Naruto struggled until Jiraiya finally trained him twelve years after his birth, here… Naruto had guidance four years earlier. A stronger foundation. Better chakra control. Fewer breakdowns. More confidence.
And the results were showing.
After completing his written exam with a sigh of relief, Akira stepped out of the testing room, stretching his arms.
Now only one thing remained.
The practical test.
The examiner stepped forward and read out clearly:
"Next stage—each student must perform all three basic body techniques:
Henge no Jutsu.
Bunshin no Jutsu.
Kawarimi no Jutsu.
Successfully completing all three is required to pass."
The teacher began announcing names one after another.
"Sasuke Uchiha."
"Hinata Hyūga."
"Kiba Inuzuka."
"Shino Aburame."
"Naruto Uzumaki."
"Ino Yamanaka."
"…Akira Uchiha."
Akira's ears twitched the moment his name was called.
He stood up, exhaled once, and walked toward the closed examination room. Inside, three teachers sat behind a long table, clipboards ready. Among them was Iruka.
Iruka smiled warmly as Akira entered.
"Akira, perform the three basic body techniques as usual."
Akira nodded. No words needed.
First—Henge no Jutsu.
Second—Kawarimi no Jutsu.
Third—Bunshin no Jutsu.
Each movement was clean, sharp, practiced. When he finished, all three teachers exchanged a glance and nodded in approval.
Iruka gave him another small smile.
"Good work. You can go now. You'll receive your results tomorrow. And tomorrow… those who pass will get their Konoha Ninja headband and learn about their future teammates and jonin-sensei."
Akira bowed slightly, then stepped out of the room.
---
Outside, he noticed many students had already left. Some waited in groups, some in pairs, and some… were waiting for someone in particular.
"Akira! Here!"
Ino waved at him enthusiastically, as if she hadn't seen him in years.
Akira couldn't help but smile and walked toward her.
Together, they left the academy grounds. Sasuke had already gone—of course. He wasn't the type to wait for anyone.
The afternoon passed quickly as Akira and Ino wandered around, chatting and teasing each other about the exam until they eventually split paths.
---
By the time Akira reached home, the sun was already leaning toward the evening. His father wasn't back yet.
His mother looked up the moment he stepped inside.
"So? How was the exam?"
Akira grinned mischievously.
"Well… it was really hard. I'm not entirely sure if I can get first place this time."
His mother froze.
"Really?"
Akira burst into a laugh.
"Just kidding. It was easy as usual."
Before she could scold him, he darted off to his room like a fleeing cat.
His mother sighed, shaking her head with a helpless smile.
"You're always joking about important matters," she murmured, heading toward the kitchen to prepare dinner.
---
After dinner, Akira finally had time for something he had been waiting for the entire day—
Lucky Simulation.
Earlier that afternoon, he had received a notification saying he had gained one more Lucky simulation. Meaning…
He now had seven Lucky Simulations stored.
Akira sat in the middle of his room, excitement buzzing through his veins. After calming his breathing, he spoke softly:
"System… use Enhanced Lucky Simulation — Naruto World."
The moment the words left his mouth, his vision blurred. He blinked—once.
When he opened his eyes again, he was lying in a familiar place.
The White Cloud World.
A vast white bed, silk-soft, stretched beneath him. The clouds around him were warm and weightless, and the entire space felt unreal, divine, almost too comfortable.
In front of him, a translucent system screen shimmered into existence.
Enhanced Lucky Mode selected
Initializing Enhanced Lucky Mode—
designation: Son of Luck + buff."
Akira swallowed in anticipation as glowing text began forming.
---
Day 1
You received your graduation exam results.
As expected, you were Rank 1, the top student of this year's graduating class.
Rank 2 was Sasuke.
The rest of the top ranks were filled by Konoha twelve.
Naruto did not rank last this time, but he also wasn't anywhere near the top.
He ended up with a middle-range average score.
Naruto's practical test was good—far better than in the original timeline—but his written exam was only slightly better than the original anime's version of Naruto.
After the results were announced, the classroom buzzed with noise. Eventually, everyone left one by one with their teachers until only four remained:
Naruto.
Sasuke.
Sakura.
You.
You couldn't help thinking:
…Am I one of those handicapped protagonists whose team formation causes split-ups?
Is this going to be some weird four-man team? Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura… and me?
Just as the thought formed, the door slid open.
Kakashi walked in lazily.
Everyone held their breath.
Kakashi read:
"Naruto… Sakura… Akira."
No Sasuke.
You immediately noticed Sasuke's expression didn't change when his name did not appear. Something had definitely changed—most likely because of your influence.
Sakura looked devastated and immediately asked, "W-Why isn't Sasuke in our team?"
Kakashi answered calmly:
"Sasuke will not join any genin team. He will directly enter ANBU."
At that moment, everything clicked for you.
Is Sasuke following Itachi's path?
Did Fugaku, the elders, or someone behind the scenes groom him like they did with Itachi and Shisui?
Is Sasuke being positioned as a future agent… or maybe even a double agent?
But you said nothing.
After Kakashi left first, Naruto, Sakura, and you left the classroom and followed Kakashi, the four of you headed toward the academy training ground.
There, Kakashi clapped his hands lightly.
"Alright. Introductions."
You went first.
"My name is Akira Uchiha. I'm from the Uchiha clan. Please take care of me."
You kept it short. No likes. No dislikes. No unnecessary drama.
Then came Naruto, loud as always.
"HAHAHAHA! I'm Naruto Uzumaki! The future Hokage!! Dattebayo!!"
" As for my likes ..... "—he blushed violently and glanced at Sakura, then stopped immediately when he saw Sakura's fist tightening.
"As for dislikes… that annoying guy Sasuke!"
Sakura introduced herself next.
"Hello. My name is Haruno Sakura."
She looked toward the sky dreamily as she mentioned her "likes," imagining a certain dark-haired boy who wasn't even here.
Her gaze sharpened when she mentioned her dislikes—her eyes landing directly on Naruto.
Finally, Kakashi spoke.
"Well… my name is Kakashi Hatake."
Silence.
"As for my likes…"
More silence.
"As for my dislikes…"
Even more silence.
Then he casually waved a hand.
"Well. Let's stop here for today.
Let's meet Tommorow, 10 a.m.at training ground no.4 "
---