As Haruto got up and headed to the kitchen for breakfast, he saw Kushina preparing food for everyone in the house. Seeing her, he smiled and said, "Good morning, Mom."
Kushina smiled back warmly. "Good morning, Haruto."
After a little while, Kushina served Haruto his breakfast. As he was eating, Hana and Naruto woke up and came downstairs after freshening up. They greeted everyone and joined Haruto at the table for breakfast.
Once done, the three of them left for the Ninja Academy as usual. As always, Haruto found himself surrounded by Ino, Hinata, and Satshuki, who kept him busy with their attention and chatter.
Time passed, and eventually, graduation day arrived. There was a bit of concern among the students and teachers—Haruto was a year older than the rest, since he hadn't enrolled at the standard age. Still, everyone was eager to see how he would perform.
After sometime Graduation Day – Ninja Academy
The academy grounds were buzzing with excitement and tension. Students stood in neat rows, some fidgeting nervously while others chatted in excitement. Parents gathered outside the academy building, peering through the windows, trying to catch a glimpse of their children's big moment.
Haruto stood calmly among the group, slightly taller than most of his classmates due to his age. He wore a simple black-and-blue shinobi outfit, his headband tied loosely around his neck. His eyes were steady, observant, and held a quiet confidence that made him stand out—even more than his striking resemblance to both his mother, Kushina, and his uncle, Minato.
Behind him, Ino nudged Hinata and whispered, "He looks so cool, doesn't he?"
Hinata blushed, nodding shyly, her eyes fixed on Haruto. Not far from them, Satshuki stood with crossed arms, pretending not to care—but her eyes never left him either.
The academy instructor, Iruka-sensei, stepped forward with a clipboard in hand. His voice rang out clearly, "When your name is called, step forward. If you pass the final test, you'll receive your forehead protector and officially become a Genin!"
One by one, names were called. Cheers erupted when Naruto successfully performed his Shadow Clone Jutsu. Hana nailed her transformation jutsu flawlessly. Then came Haruto's turn.
Iruka paused slightly as he looked at Haruto's name.
"Haruto Uzuchiha… step forward."
Whispers filled the room. Some students still found it strange that Haruto, despite being older, had only recently joined the academy. But as Haruto walked forward, his calm and composed demeanor silenced the room.
"For your final test," Iruka said, "perform the Shadow Clone Jutsu."
Without hesitation, Haruto clapped his hands together. "Shadow Clone Jutsu!"
A surge of chakra flared for a moment—and in an instant, not one, not two, but six perfectly formed clones appeared beside him, all standing at attention with serious expressions.
The crowd gasped. Even Iruka raised an eyebrow in surprise. Most students could barely summon one clone. Haruto's control and power were clearly beyond average.
"…Excellent control," Iruka muttered, then smiled. "Haruto Uzumaki… passes with full marks."
Cheers erupted in the crowd. Kushina, watching from the windows, beamed with pride. Naruto grinned widely and shouted, "That's my big bro!"
Later, after everyone had graduated, the next step came: team assignments.
Iruka stood in front of the students with a new list.
"Team 7: Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, Sakura Haruno."
"Team 8: Kiba Inuzuka, Hinata Hyuga, Shino Aburame."
"Team 10: Shikamaru Nara, Ino Yamanaka, Choji Akimichi."
There was a pause. Then Iruka announced:
"Special Team 11: Haruto Uzuchiha ,Hana Uzumaki, Satshuki Uchiha."
Everyone's head turned. A team made of an uzuchiha and an Uzumakis and an Uchiha?
Iruka continued, "Due to Haruto's advanced performance, he has been placed in a special Genin squad for missions that require higher versatility. Your jonin sensei will be revealed tomorrow."
Satshuki blinked in surprise but hid it behind a smug smirk. Hana was thrilled to be with her big brother. Haruto, as always, simply nodded.
But deep down, he could feel it—the beginning of a new chapter.
Tomorrow, their real journey as shinobi would begin.