No Need for Love

C h a p t e r 6 - Failed Achievement

Leaning over the table, I keep my elbow propped on top while my head lays in the palm of my hand. Dragging my eyes up, I look at the clock hanging on the wall. As the seconds tick by I wonder when my turn will come. About half the class has already gone and I'm beginning to get a little impatient.

It seems Iruka is choosing students at random instead of in alphabetical order. Anyone can be chosen to go at any time. Once that thought crosses my mind I hear Naruto's name being called. I immediately look at him and he does the same. Walking up, I wish him luck before he leaves. Naruto gives me his signature grin with a thumbs-up in return. I smile back and he then leaves the room.

'I hope he does well. Naruto, you have everything you need to pass. Now just put it together. I know you can do it.'

With nothing else to do I simply sit back down and wait. As time flows by I watch students leave the classroom one by one, until I'm the only person left.

'Seriously! Why am I last?!'

Finally hearing my name being called, I get up and walk out. Entering the next room my nerves start to jump around. My movements are shaky, my hands become sweaty, and I feel butterflies in my stomach.

'Aarg, why do I feel so nervous?'

Inside I see both Iruka and Mizuki Sensei sitting behind a table with two Leaf Village headbands on top. Seeing that I wonder why there are two. If I'm the last student shouldn't there only be one left?

'Did someone not pass?'

My mind slightly wanders off until I hear Mizuki Sensei call my name.

"Hm?" I reply snapping out of my last thought.

"Are you alright (Name)?" Iruka sensei asks me.

"...O-oh yeah! I'm fine." I say in embarrassment realizing I was just standing there like an idiot.

"Are you ready?"

"Yes" I say with a nod.

"Ok you know what to do, create one clone." Iruka tells me

Standing in front of them I close my eyes and focus on my chakra. I need to do this perfectly, I need to show them I'm worthy of becoming a genin.

Creating my hand sign I shout the words "Clone Jutsu!"

Just like that a puff of smoke appears around me, and when it clears four more versions of me are standing in the room. All together that makes five (Names). Two clones are on my left and two more are on my right side. Both sensei's marvel at my work and applaud.

"Very nice, wonderful job, you pass!" Iruka tells me

After that I release the jutsu and my clones disappear with another puff of smoke. Walking up to the table, I grab my official Leaf shinobi headband. I stare at it while the light seems to gleam and bounce off the shiny metal. The village symbol is perfectly engraved, not a single flaw in sight. I continue to admire the headband as if I was an artist admiring their masterpiece.

"I did it."

"Congratulations (Name)." Mizuki says

"Thank you." I say to them both.

Giving them a small bow in gratitude, I place the headband on my forehead and tie it securely. Running out the building I see a bunch of other students wearing their headbands as well. Searching through the crowd I see everyone has passed, but I don't see Naruto. Looking around I finally spot him. He's sitting on a swing alone, away from everyone else.

Seeing his facial expression I immediately understand why. Naruto didn't pass the exam. The other headband on the table, it was supposed to be for him. The sight of him being like this forces all of my happiness from earlier to vanish. I feel sorry for him, I want to comfort Naruto. I take a step forward but stopped myself.

Looking down I decide 'No, I should leave him alone for now. Give him some space.'

I pivot my foot and walk away deciding to just go home. Although as I'm leaving, I fail to notice a sneaky Mizuki telling Naruto of another way he can "pass" the exam he failed earlier.