Shikigami Summoning in Konoha

Chapter 62: All Starts with 'Mu,' It Must Be Bad

Although Iruka had practically leaked the exam topic to them nearly a month in advance, Katsuragi didn't care at all, and Naruto, even though he cared, couldn't really do anything about it, mainly due to the Nine-Tails' seal.

"It should be about time for the class assignments to be settled!"

Katsuragi thought of this issue again, then glanced at Hinata, who was listening attentively to Iruka, and sighed silently, wondering how the Third Hokage would arrange his placement.

"Never mind, I won't think too much about it. Anyway, tonight is the night Naruto officially receives his 'cheat'!"

Katsuragi looked at the somewhat restless Naruto, recalling his future in the original story, and shook his head lightly, hoping that everything would unfold as it did in the original. However, due to the incident with Hinata earlier, Katsuragi was still somewhat worried about this matter.

"Takanobu Katsuragi!"

Soon, Iruka called Katsuragi's name.

After giving Hinata a reassuring glance, Katsuragi proceeded to the next classroom.

In the empty classroom, devoid of any desks or chairs, only Iruka and Mizuki were present, with a table in front of them displaying several forehead protectors only ninjas could wear. Seeing Katsuragi enter, Iruka smiled and said:

"Alright, Katsuragi, just perform as usual!"

"Katsuragi's scores are really impressive!" Mizuki, who was standing aside, looked at Katsuragi's file and couldn't help but praise, "He really is a remarkable genius!"

"That he is!" Hearing Mizuki compliment his student, Iruka also proudly chimed in, "Katsuragi is well-rounded in all areas of development. He's definitely going to be a formidable ninja."

Although Mizuki was smiling, a hint of displeasure flashed in his eyes as he looked at Katsuragi. His talent wasn't as high, and during his school days, he had never been the top student.

Although Katsuragi noticed Mizuki's expression, he didn't bother to engage with him. Forming the hand seals, he calmly announced, "Clone Technique."

With a "pop," a puff of smoke later, six clones appeared next to Katsuragi, indistinguishable from himself.

"Impressive, perfect score!" Iruka admired Katsuragi and then said, "As expected of our top student, Katsuragi, go call the next person in. Let me see, it's Uchiha Sasuke."

"Yes, Iruka-sensei!"

Katsuragi nodded, and before leaving, he couldn't help but glance at Mizuki again. Noticing Mizuki was also looking at him with malice, he quickly hid it behind a nauseatingly fake smile.

"Tsk…"

Katsuragi shook his head and left the classroom. People like Mizuki were a disgrace to those with 'Mu' in their names. It seemed that those whose names started with 'Su' were definitely not good.

Back in the classroom, Katsuragi called out to Sasuke, "It's your turn, Sasuke."

As Sasuke stood up and passed by Katsuragi heading back to his seat, he suddenly asked, "How many clones did you make?"

"Eh?" Katsuragi was taken aback, puzzled by Sasuke's question.

"I'm going to surpass you this time!" Sasuke eyed Katsuragi challengingly, repeating a claim he had made for years but never achieved.

"…"

Katsuragi looked at Sasuke speechlessly. In this respect, Sasuke was quite similar to Naruto: repeatedly failing and then trying again. After shrugging, he responded, "Six. And it's not just about the quantity, Sasuke, be careful not to fail the quality!"

Katsuragi genuinely worried that Sasuke, in pursuit of quantity, might accidentally produce a clone like Naruto's and embarrass himself during the exam.

"Hmph, mind your own business!"

Sasuke wouldn't be that foolish, of course, and retorted haughtily before walking towards the next classroom with his hands in his pockets, leaving a helpless Katsuragi behind.

"Katsuragi, Katsuragi, is the exam hard?"

Just as Katsuragi had sat down, Naruto leaned over, looking anxious, fearing Katsuragi might mention it was difficult.

"It's okay!" Katsuragi replied nonchalantly, watching Naruto visibly relax before continuing with an eye roll, "Well, that's for me. For you, it might be a bit..."

"What should I do then!" Naruto, not quite relieved, became anxious again, complaining, "Iruka-sensei knows I'm not good at this, yet he still picks this topic."

Katsuragi was at a loss for words, wondering if the exam should have been tailored to Naruto's strengths. But he also knew Naruto was just venting. Comforting him, he said, "It's okay, just try your best. Even if you only make one clone, Iruka-sensei will probably let you pass."

"Yeah!" Although somewhat reassured by Katsuragi's words, Naruto was still nervous.

Soon after, Sasuke returned from the exam room, his expression deeply dissatisfied, clearly indicating he had once again failed to surpass Katsuragi.

As each student took their turn, the classroom was filled with smiles as results were announced on the spot. While Katsuragi and Hinata quietly discussed arrangements after graduation, Naruto's turn finally came.

"Uzumaki Naruto, you're up."

After an unnamed classmate completed his test, he entered the room and called out to Naruto, who had been anxiously waiting. Now it was his turn to take that crucial step.

About ten minutes later, seeing Naruto return to the classroom with a dejected face, Katsuragi knew that just like in the original story, Naruto had failed his exam. Watching Naruto bury his head in his arms on the desk, heartbroken, Katsuragi felt a pang of sympathy.

In a room full of joyful noise, Naruto's failure made him seem even more lonely and isolated.

After speaking to Hinata, Katsuragi moved to sit next to Naruto, gently patting his shoulder and asking softly, "Didn't pass?"

"Yeah!" Naruto's voice was choked up, but facing his best friend Katsuragi, he managed to respond softly, "I did make a clone, and Mizuki-sensei wanted to pass me, but Iruka-sensei didn't agree."

"Didn't you forget what Iruka-sensei told us both?" Katsuragi whispered back, "He said he'd rather you didn't graduate than become a ninja without enough skill. So Iruka-sensei is doing this because he cares about you!"

"I know..."

"But I really want to graduate with you guys and become a ninja, Katsuragi!"

"And I want to become Hokage and be acknowledged by everyone…"

Naruto looked up, his blue eyes brimming with tears. Though he understood Iruka's intentions, his desire was to become a ninja with his friends and fulfill his dreams.

"Ah!" Katsuragi sighed, thought for a moment, and then comforted him, "Don't worry, after school, I'll go with you to plead with Iruka-sensei. Maybe there's another way or he might let you retake the test."

"Thank you, Katsuragi!"

Naruto gratefully thanked Katsuragi, then wiped his tears with his sleeve. It was the first time he had cried in front of others, and thankfully, everyone else was too busy discussing becoming ninjas to notice him.

Of course, Naruto didn't realize that in addition to Hinata, who was always watching Katsuragi, there was one other person secretly observing the two of them. It was Uchiha Sasuke, with whom he shared a profound bond.

End of Chapter 62