IN NARUTO AS KURAMA

That day, it was widely reported by those close to the Hokage's office that Sarutobi Hiruzen and Shimura Danzo spent the entire day arguing. Their heated voices echoed through the building, and the sound of objects being smashed punctuated their shouting.

"Hahahahahaha! I can't stop laughing! Who would've thought that Uchiha Fugaku's intellect could surpass even Danzo's schemes!" Shiro exclaimed, his voice full of mockery as he watched the chaos unfold from within the sealed space.

Minato Namikaze, observing alongside him, chuckled lightly. "You underestimate Konoha's clans. Their leaders are often sharper than they appear."

But Shiro's laughter abruptly stopped, and he turned to Minato with a flat expression. "Hehe," was all he said, a pointed rebuttal that needed no further explanation.

Minato smiled wryly and shrugged. "Fine, fine. Do whatever you want. It's all for Naruto's future anyway."

Graduation Day

Time flew, and Uzumaki Naruto's graduation season arrived. By now, Uchiha Sasuke and Naruto had become close friends. Despite their constant bickering, they could talk about anything and everything.

By the river, the two were in their usual antics.

"Naruto! Give me back my grilled fish!" Sasuke shouted angrily, forming a quick seal. "Fire Release: Great Fireball Jutsu!"

Naruto yelped as the massive fireball shot toward him. "Cheater!" he yelled. "Earth Release: Earth-Style Wall!" A giant earthen wall erupted to block the flames.

In a flash, Naruto reappeared behind Sasuke, holding a brick he had picked up. "Gotcha!" he said, aiming a playful whack at Sasuke's head.

Before the "attack" could land, Kakashi Hatake appeared between them, his relaxed demeanor never wavering. With one hand, he suppressed both of their Nine-Tails and Uchiha chakra with ease.

"You're both graduating, and this is what you're doing? Go back to the academy. The Third Hokage is already losing his mind over you two," Kakashi said lazily.

Naruto and Sasuke glanced at each other before bolting toward the academy in unison. Kakashi watched them leave, shaking his head with a faint smile. "Ah, to be young again." Pulling out his trusty copy of Icha Icha Paradise, he began reading as he strolled away.

At the Ninja Academy

In the classroom, Iruka Umino stood at the front, frowning slightly as he scanned the room. "Where are those two troublemakers?" he muttered under his breath.

Calling out the names on his attendance list, he paused when he reached Sasuke's. "Uchiha Sasuke!"

Right on cue, Sasuke squeezed in through the crowd at the door. "Here, teacher!" he announced.

Iruka sighed in relief, his expression softening. Sasuke's reliable presence eased his frustration.

The morning exam went by quickly. As expected, both Naruto and Sasuke passed without trouble. The rest of the morning was uneventful, with the students preparing for their upcoming assignments as ninja.

Noon

Under the blazing sun, the graduates gathered in front of the Hokage's podium. Sarutobi Hiruzen stood, sipping tea before rising to deliver his speech. His calm yet authoritative voice carried over the crowd.

"You are the pride of Konoha, our village's brightest young minds," he began. "Today, you graduate from the academy and embark on your journey as shinobi. You represent the future of Konoha, the everlasting flame that keeps our village alive."

Pausing for effect, he scanned the crowd. "One day, some of you may stand where I do now, donning the Hokage's robe and leading our village. Always remember the Will of Fire, which burns eternally!"

The crowd erupted with cheers, chanting, "The Will of Fire! Endless life!"

Naruto stood among his peers, his expression skeptical. He muttered under his breath, "Sanctimonious old man."

After the ceremony, the students returned to their classrooms, where Iruka gave his final instructions.

"Tomorrow, you'll meet your jonin-sensei and begin your missions. Make sure to arrive on time! This is your first step toward becoming true shinobi."

As he finished, Iruka ruffled Naruto's hair. "Naruto, try not to cause too much trouble, okay? And don't be late."

Naruto grinned. "Got it, Iruka-sensei!"

Iruka smiled warmly. Over the years, his perspective on Naruto had shifted completely. He no longer saw him as the boy burdened with the Nine-Tails but as a student with boundless potential. Naruto had become like a son to him.

To celebrate the occasion, Iruka offered to treat the graduates. "Let's all go to Ichiraku Ramen!" he announced.

Naruto's eyes sparkled. "Yes! Ramen!"

Even Sasuke chimed in. "I'll come too, sensei."

The group soon arrived at Ichiraku Ramen. "Teuchi-ojisan!" Naruto and Sasuke called out in unison.

The shop owner turned with a warm smile. "Ah, little Naruto and Sasuke! Congratulations on graduating!"

"Three bowls of tonkotsu ramen, please!" Iruka ordered, settling the group at the counter.

As they ate, Teuchi and Iruka struck up a casual conversation. "So, treating the kids to ramen as a graduation gift, huh?" Teuchi teased. "Let me cover this one—it's on me!"

Iruka protested lightly, but Naruto interjected, "Thank you, Teuchi-ojisan!"

The two adults laughed, exchanging knowing looks. "See, Iruka? The kid has better manners than you," Teuchi joked.

Iruka shook his head with a smile, giving in. "Alright, alright. I'll take you up on your offer."

As they finished their meal, Iruka reminded Naruto and Sasuke, "Be on time tomorrow. Your jonin-sensei will determine your ninja paths, so take this seriously."

Naruto nodded enthusiastically, while Sasuke gave a silent nod. Just as Iruka was about to continue, Sasuke's eyes suddenly lit up.

"What is it, Sasuke?" Iruka asked, noticing the shift in his expression. But Sasuke didn't answer immediately. Instead, his gaze was fixed on something—or someone—outside the ramen shop.