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15.74% Naruto: The Avenger of the Uzumaki clan / Chapter 17: Graduation Ceremony

章 17: Graduation Ceremony

---

**What a comfortable night!**

Menma had slept until dawn, a rare experience for him since arriving in this world, except when he was just a baby. In the past, he would wake before the sun had even risen. This was something new.

The events of the previous night added to this sense of novelty. As Menma stood by the window, gazing at the distant scenery, he felt a long-forgotten sense of relaxation and joy.

After tidying up and eating breakfast, Menma donned his ninja attire, tied his Konoha forehead protector securely, opened the door, and made his way to the Ninja Academy.

This time was different from before.

Menma didn't take the usual secluded paths to avoid the crowds. Instead, he walked along the main road, just like the other Academy students, basking in the morning sunlight. The streets were already bustling with people, shop fronts open wide, and the air filled with noise.

But this time, Menma didn't hear the usual whispers and muttered insults. Instead, the moment people noticed the Konoha forehead protector on his brow, they tensed up.

Ninjas held a special place in this world.

While the villagers might still dislike Menma, gossip about him, or ostracize him in private, they would never dare to openly show their hostility as they had in the past.

The gap in status between a ninja and a civilian was vast.

Now, when they looked at Menma, their expressions were filled with fear and uncertainty. No one would dare insult him to his face as they once had when he was a child.

Menma walked past them with the same calm expression he always wore. He wasn't seeking to revel in their changed attitudes but rather enjoyed the freedom of walking openly through the streets without fear of abuse.

In the past, the hostility and insults had been unbearable, so he had chosen quieter paths to avoid confrontation. But now that he was an official ninja, those concerns were a thing of the past.

As he walked through the crowd, the villagers acted as though they hadn't seen him. When Menma's figure finally faded from sight, they looked at his retreating back with bewilderment.

"I didn't expect that kid to become a ninja!"

"What was the Third Hokage thinking?"

"Why...?"

"Really..."

They all knew that from today onward, everything would be different.

Menma, who was already far away, had no idea what these people were thinking, and even if he did, he wouldn't care.

His mind was focused on the upcoming team assignments and wondering who his teammates would be. After all, while he had taken the place of Naruto Uzumaki in this timeline, he wasn't Naruto.

In this reality, Minato Namikaze and Kushina Uzumaki had twins. Menma Uzumaki was one of them, and his younger brother was Naruto Namikaze.

With an extra person in the mix, everything was bound to be different.

The only thing he was fairly certain of was that his sensei would still be Hatake Kakashi. After all, there was no one more suitable in Konoha to guide them than Kakashi.

"It all depends on what the old man decides," Menma thought, arriving at the Ninja Academy, which was already buzzing with activity.

As he walked into the academy, Menma noticed the excitement and anticipation on the faces of his fellow graduates. They were all eager to become ninja, ready to take on high-ranking missions, and dreaming of becoming heroes of the village.

Menma could only shake his head at their naivety.

Konoha had become too comfortable in recent years, turning its graduates into flowers cultivated in a greenhouse. These ordinary students might think they're prepared, but reality would soon prove otherwise.

Not everyone was cut out to be a ninja. Only a few would receive preferential treatment or stand out in the harsh world of shinobi.

Among the top ninjas, which one didn't have bloodstained hands? Whose reputation wasn't built on a pile of bones?

Without talent, background, or the right mentality, the future of these graduates looked bleak.

Even Menma knew that the path he had chosen was a dangerous one, where a single misstep could lead to his demise.

"This is a sign of Konoha's decline. Complacency breeds danger..." Menma thought, shaking his head slightly.

"Oh!? Isn't this our number one? You're late today, Menma! The graduation ceremony is about to start!"

"Woof woof!"

Before Menma could reach his seat, a familiar, high-pitched voice called out to him, accompanied by the barking of a small puppy.

There was no need to turn around. Menma knew who it was.

Only one student in their grade brought a dog to school—Kiba Inuzuka, from the Inuzuka clan, known for their ninja dogs.

Kiba was one of the few classmates who had approached Menma despite his reputation. Although Menma wasn't keen on socializing, he didn't go out of his way to push people away, and Kiba was persistent.

"Ah, Kiba. I trained a bit late last night, so I overslept, but I'm not late!" Menma replied with a smile.

"Tsk, you're already number one in the class, and you're still working so hard!" Kiba said in amazement.

"Woof woof woof!"

"That's why Menma's always number one, Kiba. He's different from you," said another voice.

Two more figures joined them. The larger one, munching on a bag of potato chips, was Choji Akimichi, son of the Akimichi clan head. The boy with the pineapple-shaped hair and lazy demeanor was Shikamaru Nara, the genius with an IQ through the roof.

---

For the past six years, these two people had been Menma's classmates at the Ninja Academy. Though they weren't particularly close, they had shared enough experiences to be familiar with one another. Menma didn't feel a need to be distant with them, at least for now. The future, however, remained uncertain.

"It's not that exaggerated. Hard work is one thing, but sometimes you also need a bit of luck," Menma replied softly.

"Luck, huh? That's a pretty modest way of putting it, Menma!" Kiba said with a grin, casting a sidelong glance at Sasuke, who sat nearby with his usual indifferent expression.

Menma couldn't help but smile at Kiba's playful nature. There was a mischievous streak in Kiba that always seemed to surface.

"Still, Menma, becoming a ninja is just the beginning. The real challenge starts now. Akamaru and I won't lose to you!" Kiba added with a confident grin.

"Woof! Woof!" Akamaru, the little white dog perched on Kiba's head, barked energetically in agreement.

The "Konoha 12" from the original series were all distinct individuals, each with their own unique personality. Inuzuka Kiba, for instance, was fiercely competitive, something that became especially apparent during the Chunin Exams.

Kiba's initiative to talk to Menma stemmed from his respect for him, but it also fueled his desire to surpass him. After all, if young people aren't competitive, can they really be called young?

From Kiba's perspective, this was only natural.

"Well, I'll be waiting, Kiba," Menma responded. He didn't mind Kiba's straightforward personality—in fact, he found it easier to get along with.

"I don't think that's possible. When it comes to hard work, Kiba, you're not on Menma's level! You've slept through classes and skipped just as many as I have. There's no way you're catching up now!"

Before Menma could respond, Choji chimed in, munching on his bag of potato chips. His remark was delivered calmly but hit with precision, causing Kiba's face to turn from green to red.

"Choji, you jerk! Akamaru, let's show him what we're made of!"

"Woof! Woof!"

In an instant, Kiba and Akamaru were charging at Choji, starting a playful scuffle.

"Stop! Call off Akamaru, Kiba... Ahhhh!"

Menma watched the two of them bicker and wrestle, a faint smile forming in his eyes. There had been times when he had wondered whether it would have been easier to follow the original path meant for him, the path of Naruto Uzumaki.

Following that path would have eliminated many of the obstacles and resistance he faced, and he would have received plenty of support. After all, in this life, he wasn't entirely alone. With a younger brother named Naruto Namikaze, perhaps his journey could have been smoother.

But this thought lasted only a few seconds before Menma pushed it aside.

There was no reason to dwell on it.

He couldn't ignore the bitterness that festered inside him. Maybe one day, Menma could achieve his goals by taking control of Konoha. But how many years would that take? And even though Menma didn't care for the opinions of ordinary villagers, the village of Konoha itself?

He couldn't allow it to continue.

That's right—Menma's deepest ambition was to destroy the so-called "greatest ninja village" in the world. He could restrain himself, hold back the urge for reckless revenge, especially for the sake of his father. But this village... the very name "Konoha" represented everything he despised.

Those high-ranking officials in Konoha were another source of his hatred. Only by dealing with them could he truly find peace within himself.

'This village is completely rotten. The right thing to do is tear it down and start over!' Menma thought silently.

Shikamaru, standing nearby, seemed to sense a change in Menma's mood. However, he said nothing. Shikamaru was perceptive but not intrusive. Everyone had their secrets, and Shikamaru wasn't one to pry unless absolutely necessary.

The graduation ceremony began as scheduled—a day of celebration for the new graduates. Sarutobi Hiruzen, the Third Hokage, made time to visit the Ninja Academy. Standing on the large playground, he addressed the gathered students with a speech that left over 99% of them feeling inspired and fired up.

Hiruzen's words encouraged the graduates, making them feel as though they were on the verge of becoming heroes of the village. Their eyes sparkled with anticipation and excitement. It was clear that the Third Hokage was a master of motivation.

Menma couldn't help but sigh inwardly. Despite his current shortcomings, Hiruzen had once been the Hokage who saved Konoha from destruction. Though he was now old and out of touch, his past accomplishments could not be ignored.

During the time when the Three Legendary Sannin were still young, when Hatake Sakumo was still alive, and when Hiruzen himself was in his prime, Konoha had flourished. But as time passed, the Third Hokage decayed, becoming narrow-minded and foolish.

Menma recalled a phrase often used to describe certain emperors in ancient times: "He was a great ruler, but he lived too long."

It seemed fitting to describe Hiruzen Sarutobi.

The graduation ceremony concluded on a lively note, leaving only the most important part—the team assignments.

As the students returned to their classrooms, their eyes were fixed on their teachers, hoping to be placed in strong teams. Even the less knowledgeable among them understood that being assigned to a good team could make a significant difference.

And then, there were the jonin instructors who would lead the teams. Jonin and chunin were worlds apart, and everyone hoped their instructor would be a jonin.

When Iruka entered the classroom, he immediately captured the attention of all the students. He could easily read their thoughts, and a gentle smile spread across his face.

"First of all, I want to congratulate you all on your successful graduation. From today on, you are official ninja of Konoha. I hope you all remember the duties that come with being a ninja, and I look forward to seeing each of you grow into excellent shinobi," Iruka said, his hands resting on the podium as his gaze swept over the students.

"Yes, Iruka-sensei!" the class responded in unison.

---


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章 18: The Slightly Unexpected Team 7

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**Looking at the lively and energetic faces below him, Iruka smiled outwardly, but he sighed inwardly. Despite all the warnings he'd given over the past six years, emphasizing the dangers of becoming a ninja, none of the children seemed to grasp the gravity of it.**

**"It's hard to understand unless you've experienced it yourself," Iruka thought. As a Chunin, he knew this all too well. These children, full of confidence and dreams, had no idea how many of them would survive even a year or two as shinobi. But Iruka had done his duty as their teacher. From here on out, it would be up to them and their efforts.**

**"Now, I'll announce the teams," Iruka began, gathering the attention of the classroom. "As you all know, to better complete missions, shinobi usually form teams. The size of a team is generally three to five people. Since you've just graduated, the village will also assign an experienced Jonin to lead you. When I call your name, respond, and your team leader will come to take you. Understand?"**

**"Yes!" the students replied in unison.**

**This was the moment everyone had been waiting for, but it was also the most nerve-wracking part. No one wanted to be on a team with someone mediocre. These fresh graduates understood the importance of good teammates.**

**Even Sasuke Uchiha, who had always seemed indifferent in the original story, felt differently in this life. If possible, he wanted to be on the same team as Menma Uzumaki. This wasn't just because Menma had displayed incredible strength over the past six years—though Sasuke acknowledged it silently. It was also due to Sasuke's own obsession, born from repeated failures. He needed to surpass Menma, not just in one aspect, but in everything. If he couldn't even best a peer, how could he ever hope to defeat his 'genius' brother?**

**Sasuke glanced at Menma, thinking he was being subtle, but Menma noticed immediately. With his current level of perception, Menma could easily sense when someone was paying special attention to him. He could also guess what Sasuke was thinking.**

**Menma wouldn't mind being on the same team as Sasuke. After all, Sasuke held an important position in Menma's future plans. But whether or not it would happen was out of his control. His very existence was a major divergence from the original timeline—after all, the Fourth Hokage didn't have two sons in the original story. Menma was curious about how the Third Hokage would handle the team assignments in this altered timeline. Of course, some team assignments were practically set in stone, like Shikamaru, Choji, and Ino.**

**In the Nara, Akimichi, and Yamanaka clans, if there were three students of the same age, they would always be placed on the same team. This had been the tradition for decades, and their fathers' team had been highly respected in the shinobi world.**

**Other ninja clan members were often assigned similarly. The idea of 'fair and just' team assignments was something of a joke. Mediocre students were never paired with geniuses. Even Sakura Haruno, who seemed average on the surface, had exceptional theoretical knowledge and chakra control. In the original story, she became Tsunade's apprentice and learned most of her techniques in just three years, proving how talented she really was.**

**Sakura's placement on Team 7 with Naruto and Sasuke might have seemed like luck, but it wasn't something just anyone could achieve. After all, Jonin were the elite of a ninja village. Getting assigned to lead a team of fresh graduates was not a role given lightly. It was reserved for those who the village considered the next generation of shinobi. Different Jonin led different teams based on the unique qualities of the students.**

**Kakashi Hatake led Team 7 because he had the Sharingan and was a direct subordinate of the Fourth Hokage. Asuma Sarutobi led Team 10 because the Ino-Shika-Cho trio had always been closely allied with the Hokage family, and Asuma was the Third Hokage's son. These assignments weren't made at random; they had deep-rooted reasons. Ordinary students had little chance of teaming up with members of prominent ninja families unless they displayed extraordinary talent during their time at the Academy. If not, they would be placed on a team led by a regular Chunin and would likely remain Genin for most of their careers.**

**As the names for the teams were called, everything seemed to go according to the script. Ordinary students were grouped together and assigned to Chunin instructors, sealing their likely fates in the shinobi world. Menma paid little attention to these announcements until Team 7 was called.**

**"Team 7: Uzumaki Menma," Iruka's voice rang out, causing Menma to focus intently. This was the moment that could change everything. Iruka continued without pause. "Sasuke Uchiha, Sakura Haruno, and Naruto Namikaze!"**

**The classroom erupted in whispers. Even Menma was momentarily stunned.**

---

**The unexpected class configuration shocked everyone. A team of four? Menma didn't even know what to say, and the other students in the class were equally stunned. In their understanding, graduation teams should consist of three members plus a team leader. So why was there suddenly a team of four?**

**All eyes widened as they looked back and forth between Menma, Sasuke, and Naruto, surprise evident in their expressions. Even Shikamaru, usually so indifferent, raised an eyebrow in surprise.**

**As for Sakura Haruno, the usually unnoticed girl, she couldn't contain her excitement when she heard the team assignment.**

**"Yes! Yes! Yes!!!" Sakura cheered, barely able to contain herself. Not only would she be on the same team as Sasuke—the boy she had a crush on—but also with Naruto, the son of the Hokage, and Menma, the top student at the Academy.**

**Her excitement was understandable. After all, who wouldn't want to be on a team with the best students in the class? However, her cheers quickly attracted envious and jealous looks from the rest of the class, mostly from the girls but also from some of the boys. Everyone wanted to be on a team with the top students. Sensing the 'hostile' gazes, Sakura shrank back into her seat, forcing an awkward smile and clamping her mouth shut. She had no doubt that if she kept cheering, the others would pounce on her in a fit of jealousy.**

**'Don't mind me, don't mind me,' she muttered under her breath, trying to disappear like an ostrich burying its head in the sand.**

**Naruto and Sasuke, meanwhile, exchanged glances with Menma, each with a different look in their eyes after the initial shock wore off.**

**"Heh! We're on the same team, Sasuke, Menma, and Sakura. Let's all get along!" Naruto said with a wide grin, giving a thumbs-up to the group. Despite the different circumstances in this timeline, Naruto was still his cheerful, optimistic self. Although his relationship with Hinata was much stronger than in the original timeline, he still had a soft spot for Sakura.**

**But the rest of the class wasn't taking it so well.**

**"That's not fair, Iruka-sensei!"**

**"Why are Menma-kun, Sasuke-kun, and Naruto-kun on the same team?"**

**"This doesn't make any sense! Four people on one team?!"**

**"Teacher, please explain!"**

**The classroom erupted into chaos, the students voicing their disbelief. They might have overlooked the four-member team if it weren't for the fact that the three top students had been placed together. Menma and Sasuke were always the top two in their class, and while Naruto struggled with theory, he was still in the top five overall. The team configuration was too unfair for them to accept—unless, of course, they could switch places with Sakura. This thought only increased their resentment towards her. Sakura could feel their 'resentment' and began trembling in her seat.**

**"Ahem, quiet down, everyone."**

**Iruka coughed a few times, tapping the podium lightly to regain order in the classroom.**

**"The team assignment for Menma, Naruto, and Sasuke was arranged personally by the Hokage. So, stop your complaining."**

**"Huh? The Hokage himself?"**

**"Well, that makes sense. They are Sasuke-kun, Menma-kun, and Naruto!"**

**"But still... why is Haruno Sakura on the team?!"**

**"I don't get it!"**

**The class slowly quieted down, but not without lingering frustration. Menma, meanwhile, began to calm down after his initial shock. Should he be impressed by the strength of the original plot's inertia, or by the Third Hokage's ability to maintain order in this timeline? Either way, the team assignment made sense. If anyone in Konoha was suited to lead Menma, Naruto, and Sasuke, it was Kakashi Hatake—no one else was as qualified.**

**'So, this is how it's going to be. No problem,' Menma thought, letting out a small sigh. He nodded calmly to Naruto, who was beaming, and glanced back at Sasuke, who quickly turned away, crossing his arms with a characteristic scowl. Menma couldn't help but find it amusing—Sasuke's tsundere nature was clearly showing.**

**Despite the students' outbursts, the decision for a four-person Team 7 was final. Iruka, for once, put on a stern face and used his authority as a teacher to silence the class.**

**"Team 8, Hinata Hyuga, Kiba Inuzuka, Shino Aburame."**

**"Team 9..."**

**"Team 10, Shikamaru Nara, Ino Yamanaka, Choji Akimichi!"**

**After Team 7's announcement, the rest of the class assignments proceeded without any surprises. Except for Menma's presence in Team 7, everything followed the original story.**

**"That's it for your class assignments. If your name was called, stay here and wait for your instructor. I wish you all the best of luck in your ninja careers."**

**Iruka gave a final, meaningful look to the students he had taught for six years before turning and leaving the tiered classroom.**

**Not long after Iruka's departure, various Konoha shinobi entered the room, calling out the teams they would lead.**

**"Team 1, follow me."**

**"Team 3."**

**"Team 11."**

**"Team 5."**

**The classroom quickly emptied as the graduates stood up one by one, following their instructors out.**

**Finally, when Asuma Sarutobi and Kurenai Yuhi took away Teams 8 and 10, the large classroom was left with only four people: Naruto, Sasuke, Menma, and Sakura.**

---


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