The first monthly exam of the semester.
"As expected of Kitazawa-sensei—he managed to finish modifying Fang Over Fang in just a single day."
Kiba strolled down the street toward the Academy, speaking with admiration.
"Mhm." Hana nodded, though her tone carried a hint of regret. "It's a shame I can't use Quadruple Fang Over Fang in this exam. Kitazawa-sensei only gave it to me yesterday. One day isn't nearly enough to learn it, let alone master it."
Kiba grinned. "That's fine. You can save it as a trump card for next time. For this exam, just sit back and let me shine."
Though his two-headed hellhound was still rough around the edges, he was determined to show it off.
"Don't get overconfident," Hana warned. "Our classmates are strong."
"I know, I know." Kiba rubbed his chin, eyes glinting with curiosity. "Hey, Sis… do you think I could learn Quadruple Fang Over Fang too?"
"You? Without three ninken?" Hana blinked, then her eyes widened as realization struck. "Wait—you're thinking of using Shadow Clones?"
That idea made her frown. "You're treading dangerous ground, Kiba. That's not exactly… traditional."
"Exactly!" Kiba said proudly, as if that settled the matter.
"There's just one problem." Hana shot him a sharp look. "How are you going to convince your clones to act like dogs?"
Kiba froze. Silence.
Fang Over Fang and Hell Hound both worked because he was willing to play the role of the ninken himself. But convincing three stubborn copies of himself to roll over and play dog? Impossible.
"Tch. Shadow Clone Technique really has some flaws after all," Kiba muttered with a shake of his head.
"Watch what you say!" Hana snapped. "That technique was created by the Second Hokage himself!"
"Kiba!"
A loud, familiar voice cut through their bickering. Both siblings turned to see Naruto bounding up the road—dressed head to toe in garish green tights.
"Hana-senpai!" Naruto called cheerfully once he reached them.
"Hey, Naruto," Kiba said, slinging an arm around his shoulder. "Confident about today's written exam? You know it's a brand-new format."
"No matter what kind of test it is," Naruto declared with a blazing grin, "you just stake your youth and give it your all!"
"Don't forget our bet," Kiba reminded him smugly. "I've got a feeling you'll be buying me Ichiraku ramen when this is over."
"Woof! Woof!" The Haimaru siblings barked in protest.
Kiba scowled. "What's that supposed to mean?"
Naruto blinked. "Wait—you can actually understand them?"
"Of course," Hana explained. "Everyone in the Inuzuka Clan can. They just said they think you can beat Kiba."
Naruto scratched the back of his head with a sheepish laugh. "Thanks, guys! I'll do my best!"
"You traitors!" Kiba groaned, while the others laughed.
The three arrived at the academy together, where Choji was already munching happily on potato chips at his desk.
"Morning, Choji!" Naruto called out.
"Not worried about the exam?" Kiba asked, incredulous.
"Worrying won't change anything," Choji replied cheerfully.
"He's right," Shikamaru added with a lazy yawn.
Kiba rolled his eyes. "Easy for you to say—you always come in tenth place without even trying."
Ino turned to Shikamaru. "So? What rank are you shooting for this time?"
Shikamaru shrugged. "No idea. I know the usual crowd, but I don't know much about the new students in the Genius Class. With the challenge system in place, though, I'll probably aim a little higher."
Naruto gaped. "Wait—what do you mean, you can just decide your rank?"
"That's what being a top student means," Sakura said as she entered with her bag.
If you could solve every question on the test, your score really did just depend on your mood. Unlike Shikamaru, though, Sakura couldn't deliberately lower hers.
Naruto slumped. "Feels like you guys live in a whole different world from me."
"It's mutual," Shikamaru replied, side-eyeing him. "During the practical exam, we all thought the same about you. How can a first-year fight like a jōnin?"
"Indeed," Shino added quietly, adjusting his glasses.
"Gah! Shino—when did you get here?" Naruto asked, startled.
"I've been here for several minutes," Shino said flatly.
The door burst open again. "Youth burns brighter with every challenge!" Lee declared, striking a pose with his thumb raised.
Neji and Tenten edged away immediately.
At exactly nine, Kitazawa entered. The chatter died at once as students scrambled into their seats.
"I'll begin distributing the test papers," Kitazawa said, his sharp gaze scanning the room.
The bell rang, and silence fell as pens scratched across paper.
Kitazawa left a shadow clone to oversee the exam while his true body slipped away to the artificial lake, training hisGreat Waterfall Technique. His control had reached the point of near mastery—soon he'd complete another system mission.
Two hours later, the written exam ended.
"The practical exam will take place tomorrow at nine, on the training grounds," Kitazawa announced upon returning. "Remember—those ranked twentieth and below should be ready to face challenges."
Uneasy murmurs spread.
They all knew the value of the Genius Class by now. Jōnin-level instructors. Early access to jutsu beyond the basic three. Privileges most ninja didn't see until after graduation. Losing that edge would be a crushing setback.
"Go home and rest," Kitazawa said, smiling faintly. Pressure was fuel, and he knew his class needed it. Talents like Sasuke and Naruto had nothing to worry about, but others needed the push.
Gathering the exam papers, Kitazawa left the classroom. At the office door, he paused, sensing eyes on him.
Without turning, he asked lightly, "And when did you learn to stalk your teacher?"
A moment later, Hinata peeked out from behind the corner, face flushed crimson. Their eyes met, and she flinched before shyly stepping forward.
"Is something the matter?" Kitazawa asked gently, reaching out to pinch her warm cheek.
"Um… to eat," she whispered, barely audible.
Kitazawa chuckled. "Wait for me an hour. I'll finish grading first."
He entered the office, summoned nine clones to help with the workload, and sat down at his desk.
On the sofa nearby, Hinata exhaled softly, the corners of her lips curving into the faintest smile as she settled in to wait.
Time slipped by.
With the help of his Shadow Clones, Kitazawa graded thirty test papers in barely half an hour.
Compared to the last final exam, the rankings had shifted noticeably. After all, Class 1-A had been reorganized into the Genius Class—a gathering of prodigies. Yet, most of the top ten still consisted of familiar faces.
This time, the top spot had shifted from Sakura to Shikamaru.
Kitazawa could easily guess why. Shikamaru hated unnecessary hassle; by securing first place now, he wouldn't have to deal with constant challenges. By the next exam, he'd likely adjust his score depending on how things stood.
Sakura slipped into second, while Neji claimed third. Sasuke dropped to fourth, and Hinata climbed two places, now holding fifth.
Yakumo followed at sixth, Karin stayed steady at seventh, Shino ranked eighth, Ino ninth, and Tenten broke into the list at tenth.
The upper ranks shifted only slightly—Neji and Tenten's inclusion being the highlight. The real turbulence happened further down.
Kiba, once eleventh, had been pushed out by his sister Hana, tumbling down to nineteenth. Naruto also slipped three spots, now fifteenth. Lee, as expected, landed at the very bottom—thirtieth.
It wasn't surprising. He lacked talent in academics and poured every ounce of effort into taijutsu.
Still, Naruto and Kiba were hit the hardest. Written tests were never their strength, but thanks to Kitazawa's constant drilling, they'd managed to scrape into the top twenty. With their practical exam prowess, neither was in danger of losing a seat in the Genius Class. After all, only the bottom ten were open to challenges from other classes.
"You're fifth this time."
Kitazawa looked up, meeting Hinata's pale eyes with a smile.
"?"
Hinata blinked, stunned. Fifth? She had dropped two spots. A flush of shame rose on her face—had she disappointed Kitazawa?
"Shikamaru took first, and Neji grabbed third," Kitazawa explained, standing. "Your score didn't change. Don't let it bother you. Come on, let's get some food."
Relief softened her expression. Losing to Shikamaru and Neji was nothing to be ashamed of.
"How about BBQ?" Kitazawa suggested. His net worth had already passed twenty million ryo—it was time he upgraded from cheap meals.
Hinata swallowed unconsciously at the word BBQ. She had packed a bento, but barbecue with Kitazawa-sensei? The bento could wait.
After the meal, Kitazawa walked Hinata home.
The next morning—Friday—brought the true highlight: the practical exam.
At nine sharp, Kitazawa arrived at the Ninja Academy's training grounds, only to spot an unexpected guest: the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi.
The Hokage stood among the Genius Class students, smiling warmly, clearly in high spirits.
Kitazawa hadn't invited him, nor received notice. A surprise inspection. But it made sense—this Genius Class was Hiruzen's pet project. Their success would bolster his reputation. Naturally, he'd want to witness their first practical exam with his own eyes.
"Hokage-sama." Kitazawa stepped forward respectfully.
"Kitazawa," Hiruzen chuckled, "I came uninvited. I hope you don't mind."
"It's an honor." Kitazawa bowed.
"And? After a month of this Genius Class… what changes have you seen?" Hiruzen's gaze drifted toward Naruto and the others.
"They won't let you down." Kitazawa replied with confidence.
"Then I'll look forward to it."
The Hokage retreated to the sidelines, a silent observer.
Kitazawa moved to the center of the field. "The Genius Class's first practical exam of the semester begins now. Battles will be randomly matched. Three rounds total. Performance will determine your ranking."
Iruka arrived with a lottery box, but unlike usual, Kitazawa did the drawing himself—just as he had during the Student Council selection trials.
"The first match of Round One: Hyuga Neji versus Uzumaki Naruto."
A stir rippled through the students.
"Those two again?" Kiba's eyes widened.
Indeed—they had clashed in last semester's final, during the Council selection exam. Naruto had barely snatched victory with his Shadow Clones and Rasengan.
"I still think Naruto has the edge," Shikamaru muttered.
Choji and Ino nodded in agreement. Even Sasuke leaned toward Naruto. Only Hinata remained silent, knowing Neji had sharpened his skills under Kitazawa—learning Shadow Clones, mastering Eight Trigrams Vacuum Palm, and more.
Neji himself felt a flicker of suspicion. Facing Naruto right off the bat… had Kitazawa-sensei arranged this? No—Kitazawa wasn't that type, especially with the Hokage watching.
"Neji, huh?" Naruto scratched his head. He loved close combat—but Gentle Fist close combat? That was another story. Last time, Neji had shut down his chakra points with ease.
"Good luck, Naruto!" Lee beamed, striking a fiery thumbs-up.
"I'm fired up!" Naruto yelled, bounding into the arena.
Neji stepped forward, falling into his Gentle Fist stance. "Please."
"Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu!"
Thirty Narutos exploded into existence, immediately splitting into three neat formations. Kunai rained down from every direction.
Neji's eyes narrowed. Just as Kitazawa predicted—Naruto wasn't charging headlong this time. He had learned from their last fight.
No matter.
"Shadow Clone Jutsu."
With a puff of smoke, two more Nejis appeared. The trio blurred forward, slipping between kunai and storming Naruto's formations.
"Shadow Clones?!" Naruto gawked. That was his own trick! Sasuke had used a similar tactic before too.
"Leaf Whirlwind!"
His clones rushed in, whirlwind kicks flying from every direction.
Neji didn't flinch. His palms struck with blinding speed, targeting the chakra points in their legs. Four clones crumpled instantly.
He didn't press the attack—instead weaving past, disabling legs one after another. Within moments, Naruto's formations dissolved into chaos.
"Ahhh! Move already!" his clones shouted, stumbling over each other.
"This feels familiar…" Sakura murmured.
Sasuke's Shuriken Technique had caused a similar mess before.
"Not just that," Shino noted coolly, adjusting his glasses. "Neji's movements are starting to resemble Sasuke's style."
"It's Kitazawa-sensei's training." Sasuke said flatly.
"Then Naruto's doomed?" Kiba asked.
"Not necessarily." Sasuke's eyes sharpened. "If he's smart, he won't fall for the same thing twice."
As if on cue, Naruto dismissed his clones, clearing the chaos in an instant—only to summon another thirty with a battle cry.
But Neji had already locked onto the real one and was closing in fast.
Naruto grit his teeth. He hated fighting Gentle Fist at close range—but there was no other choice. He'd just have to hold out for one second until his clones could converge.
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