Flames flickered at the campsite. Many had gathered together after failing to confront the proctors.
"Damn it…" Boruto looked downward, feeling dispirited. Kakashi's words hit him hard, especially when he mentioned Kouga was just toying with him.
What does he know, he knows nothing about me!
"What do we do…" Namida had tears in her eyes. She and Wasabi were utterly beaten like trash by Konohamaru sensei.
Most of them were downed after suffering failure after failure.
Shikadai thought for a second. "Don't you guys think why they didn't take our headbands?"
"Huh?"
"I am sure it's because this is a test on our resolve as well. To keep going."
"You are right…!" Iwabe had his eyes light up, realising such a details.
"I see. No wonder Konohamaru sensei didn't take our headbands. That means, we can keep going until time is up." Sarada clenched her fist. She was not going to give up here.
Boruto looked down on the ground. He looked at Mitsuki, his abdomen injured from Kakashi's strike before. He realised just how foolish he was to go ahead to fight Kakashi on his own.
That he had to be saved in the first place.
"I am sorry, you guys…"
"Huh?" Everyone was taken aback hearing the random apology.
"I thought we all can be ninjas… and afterwards I will figure out everything. I don't know, really…. Kakashi said… I am not suited to become a Shinobi. That I am just playing around…"
Iwabe's expression turned into a scowl. "You…!" He went to pull Boruto's collar up, making sure Boruto heard what he himself said.
"What are you doing sulking over here? Are you giving up already?!"
"Don't fight you guys…!" Sumire quickly interjected.
"I am not fighting him. But damn it's so infuriating. You had been a loudmouth, always going along like it was always easy. But I have to say if it wasn't for you I would not have been here! And I am going to become a ninja, no matter what!"
"Iwabe…"
He pushed Boruto back to his seat.
"Boruto…" Mitsuki called.
"Mitsuki…"
"The Order is waiting for us… you dislike losing to him don't you." Mitsuki sat up with a little struggle.
"I am sure he has already passed. Then it's our turn. We can keep going, so don't give up just yet."
Boruto looked down for a second, clenching his fist. He recalled the times he had in the academy, the friends he had, the experience that his father went through for him to become a shinobi, and Kouga who had beaten him once, or rather… had been toying with him…
"You are right… If Kakashi occhan can say so much about me and him… then I will prove it to him I can also become a shinobi. I… have decided…!"
Boruto stood, his eyes firmed.
"I will become a shinobi, to stay with all of you and to prove myself! Let's do this together you guys!"
After this is over, I will fight you again, Kouga! Boruto clenched his fist tight. He wasn't convinced. Kakashi occhan didn't know anything and he was not going to stop here.
Mitsuki smiled slightly. "Mm. Let's do it."
Everyone regained their spirits and vigor. Sarada suggested a plan, to save the others first to gather their strength. Given none of them had their headbands taken away, it would be most likely they too were still in the test.
"Then let's do it!"
***
Konohamaru and Anko were waiting for them. If they didn't save their classmates, they would have failed the exam.
Konohamaru noticed the movement, and finally they came.
"It seemed like they didn't disappoint." He went to engage the ones on his side, finding Boruto, Mitsuki and Sarada.
"Konohamaru sensei, we will do it this time!" Sarada raised her kunai.
***
Meanwhile, on Anko's side smoke bombs were thrown hindering her vision.
"Ann!" Nue comes out from the smoke. With his chakra, he dragged a few people tied up there into his dimension quickly. But his small body was unable to carry more.
As smoke dissipated, Anko was dumbfounded. Where did some of them- that beast!
Anko noticed Nue scurrying away and went to chase!
Namida found the opportunity and tried to save others. But she suddenly heard footsteps behind her.
"Hm~ What do we have here…" Anko really just sent a shadow clone just now. She licked her lips, her hands filled with snakes stretched out to Namida.
"KYAAAAA!!!!" Namida cried out in terror, unleashing her secret technique. Her cries reached a hundred of meters, even the birds fell from the sky from her cry.
Anko was taken off guard, the sound was too much she fainted.
***
A fight broke out. Boruto's movements pushed Konohamaru, and all of a sudden the Sealing Formation binded him!
Sarada rushed forward, her fist carrying powerful force. Chanaroo!
Konohamaru barely broke out of the seal before the ground was destroyed where he stood.
"Yare yare…" Konohamaru noticed Denki rushed at him and stopped his palm right before he could touch the plate on his abdomen.
"Sorry Denki, you are not my opponent." Konohamaru smacked Denki with a kick.
"Heh. Konohamaru sensei, look again." Sarada smiled.
He looked down, and was shocked to see his device turn red. A kunai appeared suddenly, already embedded on it.
"How…? Genjutsu…? I… see." It seemed that when Sarada attacked him from behind, she took that chance to cast the genjutsu when he was taken off guard and locked his eyes with her for a second.
It seemed Denki had reached his device, but he was tricked by a simple illusion covering the kunai.
"As expected of Sharingan. To think you caught me off guard." Konohamaru sighed and smiled slightly.
"Go ahead then, Lord Seventh is waiting."
"Yosha!" Boruto and the group rushed forward, with the will to graduate no matter what!
***
Kakashi was sitting on a rock, reading Icha-Icha paradise for the 1000th time out of boredom.
"Hm, already here. What makes you think anything will change?" Kakashi glanced at Boruto coming on his own.
"I won't lose this time, Kakashi occhan!" Kagebunshin no jutsu!
4 shadow clones appeared and attacked together.
"4 is your limit huh. Unfortunately, even if there's more it wouldn't be enough." Kakashi dodged and counterattacked casually, killing the clones one by one.
"It's ov-"
"Go!" Multiple footsteps and shouts came from around Kakashi. He was shocked seeing so many Boruto's shadow clones coming at him.
"So many…?!"
He beat them one by one with a little struggle, trying to avoid the bell being taken away at all cost. As he looked back, the clones were really just transformed classmates of Boruto.
Wait…!
A transformed Boruto used Shadow Paralysis technique, catching Kakashi off guard as he didn't expect a Boruto shadow clone could use the technique!
"Now!" The real Boruto screamed as he rushed to Kakashi. Coordinated Light Formation was made together by everyone, binding Kakashi.
"You guys…!" Kakashi was barely able to move and stopped Boruto from reaching the bells.
It seems I have to hurt them a little… I am in a pinch!
Purple Lightning!
Purple thunder unleashed with a crackle from Kakashi's whole body, paralysing everyone around. But they didn't give up and held onto the Fuinjutsu. Boruto too, wasn't giving up.
Boruto roared as he tried to reach the bell. He managed to touch it, making it chime. But he couldn't hold it and collapsed to the ground.
"Dammit… we… so close…"
Dawn came shortly after, signalling the end of the 24 hours period.
After seconds of silence, Kakashi looked around at the kids, exhausted and battered after a whole day of their struggle. He smiled slightly behind his mask. Maybe not up to his standard but guess it passed for this peace era. And most importantly, they work together and that was the real criteria for passing.
"All right. The graduation exam is finally over…"
"Everyone passed."
Seconds of silence passed. And in unison everyone was dumbfounded.
"But… What about the bell?" Boruto raised his head from the ground, mustering some strength he had left.
"In the shinobi world, rules and laws had to be followed. Those who break them are called scums. But… those who abandon their own comrades are worse than scums. The moment you all worked together as one, you guys already passed."
Kakashi said lightheartedly.
"Why didn't you say so earlier then…" Metal had tears in his eyes. He thought he really failed.
***
"Congratulations on graduating, all of you." Shino gave his congratulations. With a handseal, all their headbands suddenly turned into Konoha forehead protectors.
Everyone was surprised, but followed after cheers of happiness.
Boruto felt the metal plate of his metal protector with his fingers, feeling the metallic texture. Now, he's a real shinobi much like his dad. But this isn't over yet.
He has someone to challenge. His eyes were determined.
Kouga, just you wait. I don't believe I can't match you.
***
The next day came, everyone was gathered in class in the morning for a team assignment. Ino-Shika-Cho was expected, Iwabe, Denki and Metal became a team. And afterwards there were 5 people left. Boruto, Sarada, Mitsuki, Kouga and finally Mika.
Naruto hummed looking at the 5. Sarada seemed a little uncomfortable, because no matter who, she felt out of place in some ways. She supposed she could work well with Mitsuki, but Boruto was too headstrong. Mika, she's not familiar given how quiet she was. But she was very polite and probably the most calm in class. As long as her ability was as good as the teacher said it shouldn't be a problem. As for Kouga, well, she had mixed opinions on him. Most of the time he seemed childish with his daydreamings, always living in the clouds on his own. But that other side of him, it told her he was serious when it came to it. So in the end she really just didn't want to team up with Boruto.
"As for the next three… it's Boruto, Mitsuki, and Sarada for team 10."
"I don't agree with this team!" Sarada raised her glasses.
"I prefer to be teamed up with Kouga. I hope you will allow it." Mitsuki also added.
"Ah. You see, Kouga and Mika had special placements. So it's really just you three left…"
"... What's so special about them?" Boruto glared at Kouga and Mika for a second.
"Well. For starters, they were assigned as a sensor team specialising in scouting, tracking and information gathering-ttebayo. Kouga had a good sense of smell like his dad. His dojutsu is really good at tracking and identifying chakra signatures too. While Mika had her Byakugan."
Sarada opened her lips to say something, but couldn't say a word because that made sense. Neither she, Boruto nor Mitsuki had a place in such a team and didn't have the skillset.
"Information gathering? Kakashi occhan said these two were above the rest. Why are they in such a weak team?" Boruto said with contempt.
"Ah… Boruto… don't say that…" Naruto was dumbfounded. Did they fight again?
Mika's expression didn't change, not really understanding what's with Boruto all of a sudden. Human emotions were still a mystery to her at times. Kouga just sighed inwardly. The Order cannot have an infighting when they were just getting started.
"Hmph. I guess not so special after all~" Boruto side-eyed Kouga hoping to see any reaction. But Kouga seemed calm.
"Boruto, can we talk later?" Kouga asked calmly, his gaze sincere. He didn't want to fight Boruto for no reason.
"Yeah. Bet we should." Boruto put his arms in his pockets..
"Sensei, this is why I don't think I am suited with Boruto. I request for a change of team!" Sarada made her case once more.
"Sigh…just bring this letter to the Hokage then."
"Eh, my Papa?"
"Yup." Naruto just smiled.
"Okay. I will definitely bring it to Papa!"
"We will go together then, Sarada. I still prefer to be with Kouga. But otherwise I am fine with us too. We are all part of The Order." Mitsuki smiled, casual about the whole thing.
"Hey I am not that bad-dattebasa! Didn't everything go well with me?" Boruto complained as the trio left the room to find Hachidaime for appeal.
Naruto chuckled seeing them. Anyways… What was The Order?
He shook his head, assuming they were playing with Kouga and his imaginations.
Naruto turned to Kouga and Mika. He sighed slightly.
"Well, now for your third member… he's already here." Kouga and Mika turned their heads above, already noticing his presence way earlier. That boy was hiding in the shadows, planting himself on the ceiling. He disappeared and reappeared in front of them.
"Aburame Itto. Pleased to be working with you." The teen looking boy with black hair tied in a ponytail and black goggles spoke calmly. The black cloth mask hid more of his expression.
"He used to be a member of your mother's organisation, selected by her. As for your sensei…"
A woman with red hair came in. She raised her glasses, looking at Kouga and Mika with a little annoyance. Tsuyu asked her to be their sensei…but thinking she could get some vacation away from Orochimaru she agreed.
"She's Uzumaki Karin. In a way my very distant cousin! You can say she's your very distant aunt Kouga. She's a very good sensor and a Fuinjutsu master."
Karin huffed slightly, crossing her arms. "Yes, you can say me and Naruto were related. But very very distant indeed…" Karin glanced at Naruto. She noticed his chakra remained as she last saw. The lack of warmth, and even felt a little muddy nowadays. She recalled that warm feeling Naruto used to have before the war. Naruto was never the same since then, even if outwardly he still smiled the same.
"Bloodheir, fate has brought us together once more." Kouga said in his cool Umbra voice, bringing Karin out of her thoughts. They were in fact very familiar with each other as Kouga often visited Orochimaru and Karin was one of his assistants.
Karin huffed again. "Yes we do, Umbra."
"Hahaha. Karin, you are in those games too?" Naruto chuckled hearing the weird terms.
Karin had a slight smile on her lips. "A game? Yes… it sure is an interesting game."
"Okay, come on to the training field, let's see what you guys can do." Karin led the way.
"Karin sensei, I want to learn Adamantine Sealing Chain!" Kouga quickly spoke, finally having an excuse for her to teach him that technique!
"That again? This brat. Now I am really your sensei, I have no choice, do I?" Karin rolled her eyes. She was pestered at times by Kouga after Orochimaru spilled she knew the jutsu.
"Our team specialises in tracking and information gathering. There's a lot to it more than just using your technique or your eyes. At times some information can only be gained in other ways… Itto, you are from ROOT and have been an active Shinobi for a year or two. I believe you know what I am talking about."
"Yes, Karin sensei." He said without much emotion.
"Let me see if you have the basics down first…" Karin said with a huff.
***
"Stop… please stop… I give up…" Karin was beaten, both physically and spiritually and lying on the grass like a dead dog. Kouga and Mika looked at each other, before looking back at miserable Karin. The ground was filled with holes and cracks from their battle. Itto already stayed ten meters away from those two freaks afraid he would be crushed like a bug.
"Then I can learn Adamantine Sealing Chain now sensei?" Kouga asked in excitement, as if not caring about her condition.
An Eye Creature looked over at miserable Karin. Tsuyu in her office chuckled softly. She wasn't a combat specialist so it's natural.
Those two already bullied their sensei.
She placed her warm coffee back onto the table after sipping a little. She had her own reasoning to place them in such a team. It's to allow freedom for Kouga and Mika. As a team of sensors and specialists in information gathering, they would go out and stay out more often. This too allows their horizon to grow.
Besides, the placement too was a part of her effort in helping Kouga mask his abilities. Since Kouga was going around with his Rinshinsho and Umbra thingy, having Kouga specialise in different areas on the surface would divert his identity from being found out. Not to mention Kouga did have a lot of enemies on the outside…. She had many that wanted revenge on her, and her son might be targeted instead. Having him in a more lowkey position would excuse him from unnecessary troubles.
***