Naruto: Path of Uchiha

Chapter 12: Graduation

It's been a year since Naruto joined the academy. Seven-year-old Naruto is now going towards his father, who called him to discuss something.

'You called for me, Papa?' Naruto asks as he enters the room. He observes that his Itachi Nii-san is also present. Why? He can't figure it out.

'You must've done something troublesome', Kurama says, a noticeable smirk on his face.

'You would've known if I did, and stop using troublesome; you sound too much like Shikamaru'

'Yes Naruto. Sit down', Fugaku says, pointing in front of him.

Naruto does as instructed and takes a seat in front of his father and his brother, Itachi.

'I wanted to talk to you about graduation. Don't you think you are ready?' Fugaku asks Naruto, a stern look on the elder.

'I think I am; I already meet the requirement as well', Naruto says, a glint of reluctance in his voice.

'Alright then, you can-' Fugaku begins, but gets interrupted by Naruto.

'Sorry, Papa, but I want to graduate alongside my friends' Naruto says with a slight frown.

He understands where his father is coming from and knows it is a good opportunity, but Naruto doesn't want to feel lonely after he graduates. He loathes the feeling of loneliness.

'Alright, if that's what you want. You know, I asked Sasuke before you. He said that he will graduate only if Naruto agrees as well,' Fugaku explains.

'You both are like two peas in a pod', Itachi, who's been silent throughout, refers to Sasuke and Naruto.

Naruto just shrugs in response.

'You know you can just convince your friends to graduate as well. They're from the Hyuga and Nara clans, right? I'm sure they would be able to if provided the right motivation', Itachi adds.

This piques Naruto's interest. 'You're right, Nii-san. I'm going to head out now!' he says as he leaves the room in a hurry.

'That's the most excited I've seen him in a while', Fugaku says, and Itachi nods in agreement.

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Hinata's POV

Naruto has called for an emergency meeting, which leads to me heading towards the park for our meet-up. I walk towards the park, wondering what he has to say.

It's been almost two years since I've known Naruto, since the night he saved me. I will remain forever grateful to him. He's the reason I gained confidence; he encouraged me to be my true self. It's like he brings the best out of people. Well, that's Naruto for you.

Looking ahead, I notice that I've reached the park. I see Naruto, along with Shikamaru and Sasuke, in the distance.

They spot me, and Naruto waves towards me. I head over to them, a bright smile on my face.

'Alright, everyone's here now. So, what did you want to talk about?' Sasuke asks.

I remember when I first met Sasuke. He appeared to be a person with a cold personality. But, when I got to know him through Naruto, he's actually a nice person who cares deeply for the people close to him.

'I talked with Papa today. He advised me to graduate', Naruto answers.

Graduation? I've heard that the that the most common age that people graduate is when they're 12. Only the remarkable ones graduate a bit early.

'Isn't it too early? And troublesome', Shikamaru says, a frown on his face.

Shikamaru is a nice person as well. He appears to be lazy but gets the work done when needed.

'The three sannin graduated at six; Kakashi-san graduated at five; why can't Naruto?' I reply to Shikamaru, and he raises his hands in defeat, making me chuckle.

'Wait wait. I am not saying that only I want to graduate. I want us to graduate all together', Naruto says, leaving me surprised.

I did not expect that. At all.

'How can we graduate?' I say, obviously shocked.

'You can, Hinata. You're capable. As for Shikamaru, we will have to work a bit on his test-taking skills'. This time, Sasuke says, I smile at him in gratitude.

'I'll have to ask my father', I say, not wanting to give them so much hope.

'Yeah, me too. I think he will agree though', Shikamaru says, crossing his hands.

'Okay then. You both will get back to me in a week, then?' Naruto asks.

I doubt my father will say no. He wants me to be a fine kunoichi. I want to make him proud as well.

'Yup' me and Shikamaru reply simultaneously, earning a bright smile from Naruto.

I swear, I feel my heart beating faster at the sight.

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