02

"We will now start the final exam, when your name is called proceed to the testing room. The final exam will be on the clone jutsu." Iruka explains.

'Oh no, that's my worst technique! Great, I'm never gonna pass!' Naruto panics internally.

"Naruto Uzumaki." The assistant instructor calls. 'Alright Naruto, get it together, you can do this, believe it.' Naruto tries to psyche himself up.

He signals the ram hand-sign, allowing the flow of chakra to envelop him, "Clone Jutsu!"

"You fail." Naruto slowly opened his eyes nervously looking around spotting the non-commissionable clone lying on the ground. Clenching his fist he could feel chills running down his spine as he wondered what would happen next.

"Iruka-Sensei, his moves were off but he's not bad. He did hang in there and replicate. This is his third try so you know he really wants to become a ninja. We could... cut him a break, and pass him." Mizuki suggests. A ghost of a smile immediately manifested itself onto Naruto's face as his eyes widened at Mizuki's suggestion. "Alright!" Naruto cheers.

"Mizuki-Sensei. All the others created at least three clones, he's only created one and look at it... it's pitiful, I cannot give him a passing mark." Iruka dismisses the blonde.

Naruto sighs. He knew it was too good to be true. He could never become a ninja. Everything people had said about him was true. He was nothing but an outcast, and he would never be able to prove anyone wrong and be hokage. It was all just a dream but reality came an woke him up.

...

Naruto sits on the swings watching as parents praise their kids for passing. 'I'm such a disappointment...' Naruto sinks into the swings hiding his face behind the metal chain. With the feeling of shame and anxiety filling his veins, he sat there, eyes slowly losing their color.

"There, look. It's that boy, I heard he's the only one that didn't pass." The brunette whispers, staring at yellow-blonde haired boy wearily.

"Well it serves him right." The blonde haired female chuckles. "Just imagine what would happen if he became a ninja. I mean, he's the boy who-"

"If you say another word, I'll end you." You glare. "You have no idea what it's like... to have no parents, no friends, with everybody against any and every thing you do. You have no idea what it's like to be all alone because you have all the things he doesn't... that I don't. Naruto is human too... he feels pain just like the rest of us!  Stop treating him like he's some kind of outsider. This is his home too! He hasn't done anything to any of you, yet you all sit around and throw insult after insult at him! You're killing him for gods sake! Stop it!" The women stood awkwardly as they watched you wipe away the tears cascading down your face rapidly.

They stood speechless for a moment before walking away.

"(Name), did you pass?" Kiba asks with a smile so big the dimples imbedded in his cheekbones revealed themselves. "Yes, but I won't be joining you guys unfortunately. I'm gonna stay with Naruto." You reply.

"How come? I mean, you passed. Just because Naruto failed doesn't mean you have to retake the class." Kiba tries to reason with you.

"Yes it does. Naruto's my best friend and right now he's going through a rough time. If I leave him alone like this... I'm afraid he might..." Your head snaps over to the swings that no longer contained Naruto. "I'm sorry Kiba, I have to go." You run as you spot Naruto's orange jacket.

'All she cares about is Naruto... what's so special about him?' Kiba thought.

"What does he have that I don't?" Kiba stares as you silently followed behind Naruto and Mizuki.