Graduation

Another year passes by. With another application and approval for advancement, Tanya is already in the last year of Ninja Academy at 9 years old,while Naruto and others are in their 3rd year. Compared to Itachi and Kakashi, Tanya can be considered late. She can take the graduation exam that is held three times a year in another 4 months.

Tanya also took elective classes in the final year to learn the basics of Jutsu Formulae and Medical ninjutsu. For the matter of medical ninjutsu, she can do the basics such as closing up superficial wounds, separating liquid of different densities and using chakra scalpel - but to qualify as a proper medic nin she needs to do hospital attachment for a year and learn under a qualified medic. Not that she's planning to. As for Jutsu Formulae, not so shockingly it's quite similar to spell formulae Tanya had used in her previous life.

Jutsu Formulae is basically the 'hand seals' required for Fuinjutsu, Juinjutsu, Barrier jutsu and many other forms of jutsu. 

Her past life experience lets her understand the language easily and lets her apply the Jutsu Formulae for Fuinjutsu to make exploding tags and sealing scrolls - giving her a perfect score in the course. She already planned to make Exploding Tags and sell them in her free time once she gets enough money to get chakra sealing papers first and have money rolling. She does want to eat good food each day and not have to count money.

Of course, they only teach the basics - and in her class only Tsuyu completed the course so fast. Normally, those with Fuinjutsu talent will be assigned a mentor that specialises in Fuinjutsu, and they may join a squad specialising in sealing techniques since those with such a talent are very rare and sought after.

Tanya is already planning her career options. Her results in the academy can be said to be really outstanding, and she can be said to have hexagonal stats on talent. She can't really predict what the academy plans for her; since the squad formed and mentor assigned will be according to a student's skills and potential. Though she does not have any kekkei genkai or special abilities; but her genius means she can learn anything and specialise in any area.

Tanya even had thoughts of becoming a medic specialist or fuin specialist; which in her view are equivalent to doctor and programmer. But well, no. There's a fox demon inside her body, and there's a masked man who always comes her way or her brother. She is uncertain if he's alive or not.

I need strength and power. Tsuyu thought to herself.

Despite the nice idea of being a specialist that can sit in the comfort of the village and only occasionally go out; this won't work for her safety and peace in the long term.

The graduation exam day is coming soon. Tanya is already more than capable of graduating. Cloning Jutsu takes the longest for her to perfect - and even then she had to intentionally leak and waste chakra through tenketsu points to get the amount right to make 5 clones all at once.

She knows the problem is the jutsu itself requires relatively too low chakra to be used for her as each time she molds chakra, the volume she naturally produces at the very minimum is already too much for the jutsu. The same applies to her brother. Bunshin is just a small lump of chakra that would disperse so easily upon any contact. In terms of chakra usage, it's definitely very low and every genin should be able to easily use them.

It's quite embarrassing that it took her years to 'master' it when Sasuke can do it in his 1st year. It's more about Tanya's improvements on her chakra manipulation over the years that let her complete the jutsu and not the jutsu itself really. As for Transformation technique; it's interesting because the volume of chakra she possesses only makes the transformation even more solid and real. For others their transformation is akin to cloning jutsu layered on top.

Danzo in his office felt delighted with the upcoming graduation because it means it will be soon enough for him to take Tsuyu under her control and further his grasp onto her. It's already agreed upon that Tsuyu is too exceptional to have any one mentor suitable for her. And this is a special case. It's a guarantee to have Tsuyu invited into the ANBU, given that she has both talent and personality for it.

Root may have been disbanded on the surface, but they are still operating underground. Of course Danzo is not planning to have Tsuyu join the underground Root because that's unrealistic with how can't just disappear from the radar. So ANBU it is.

Hiruzen conveniently absorbed a few of the known Root members after its official disbandment into ANBU due to their abilities that are needed in Konoha's low time now; and Danzo himself planted few Root members into ANBU without Hiruzen suspecting. 

There's also unofficial Root members all over here and there, acting as regular shinobi or as instructors in the academy to spy on potential candidates. Danzo already planned to move his hands to have Tsuyu join a squad under his directive once she graduated right away. Hiruzen never expected how deep the Root had infiltrated.

Time passes slowly, graduation day comes. The instructor begins the Graduation Exam; in which Tsuyu passes with flying colours on all of them. Everyone in her class passes alongside her. Everyone proudly wears the forehead protector, feeling happy of becoming a true shinobi.

Tanya smiled slightly looking at her classmates. Although she only knew them for months, they were nice coworkers in her view. But now they are all proper soldiers of Konoha and comrades.

Tanya walked out of the Academy doors along with her excited classmates. Their parents are already waiting for them. Congratulations, promise of giving a good treat or celebration; it's a sweet occasion that day.

Just then, Tanya saw among the crowd a bright blond boy waiting for her. Waving at her and jumping excitedly as usual; of course it's Naruto. Tanya smiled slightly seeing his twin brother.

'Tsu-chan!!! Waaa you are a Ninja now! Can I see can I see! The protector! Please!!', Naruto is begging Tanya while holding onto her sleeves.

Tanya let out a huff before taking out her forehead protector from her pocket.

"Don't leave a scratch on them nii-san", Tanya said in amusement.

'Wow…', Naruto caress his finger over the symbol of Konoha etched onto the steel plate. He held the forehead protector with awe and longing. He takes off his goggles and wraps it around his forehead.

'Tsu-chan! How do I look! Hehe!'.

Tanya just smirked slightly.

"The same as usual". Even with the forehead protector he is still the Naruto he knows alright.

'Huh! What you mean same as usual! I must look cool-dattebayo!'.

"Yes yes. Very cool. Now give it back. It's against the law to impersonate shinobi. You can get both of us in trouble", Tanya said plainly.

'I want to wear them just for today! Please Tsu-chan!'.

"That's not possible". Tanya's pupil contracted as her gaze became serious, her voice cold. Naruto almost instinctively follows her command, but his will is stronger! 

'Just for today! I will give it back later! I promise! HEHH!', Naruto quickly ran off. 

Tanya huffed in annoyance before chasing after him. She is not that serious about chasing him and just keeps her distance from him. She wonders why she is even playing along with him.

Naruto laughed out loud as he flickered all over Konoha streets, jumping around from rooftop to rooftop. Naruto felt like he's a real shinobi.

'I will become the greatest shinobi! And become Hokage! One day you all will look up to me! Believe it!', Naruto screamed out as he jumped around. He caused the citizens below to be startled, gaining a lot of attention for himself.

"This overdosed brat…", Tanya huffed as she continued the chase.

***

Covered in sweat, both of them entered Ichiraku Ramen. It's a treat for the occasion of Tanya's graduation and Tanya decides they can splurge for today. After all, Tanya can get money from working soon. Naruto sat on the stool still thrumming with adrenaline.

'Teuchi-san! 3 bowls of Tonkotsu Special!'.

"2 large miso for me", Tanya added plainly. Yes, she does eat a lot. The energy she consumes for training is massive.

Teuchi let out a chuckle. 

'Coming right up. You little shinobis have a big stomach. Haha', Teuchi joked seeing the protector on Naruto's forehead.

'I am not a little shinobi-dattebayo! I am a strong one! And I will become Hokage one day!'.

Teuchi just chuckled softly as he prepared the ramen.

…

'I can't wait to graduate too…'. Naruto said softly with longing as he touched the forehead protector.

"You will". Tanya said with certainty. She has seen his growth, and she is certain he could graduate, that's just a plain fact.

'Tsu-chan…'. Naruto felt a little sappy hearing Tanya's direct belief in him. 

Although at times he felt jealous and felt inadequate compared to her, and he still felt that at times really - but Tanya still believed in him; well, for most things. 

'I will… and I will become Hokage and be even stronger than you! Believe it!'.

Tanya just smirked.

"Hokage has a lot of responsibility nii-san. You have to be responsible first before taking it up. I am afraid this village will be ruined if you become Hokage right now", Tanya made a rare joke that's also based. If Naruto remained childish as he is now as Hokage in the future; she might have had to carry the Hokage's baggage for him as his assistant in the future. Sounds like a hassle…

'Hm!? I am responsible alright!'.

"Right… sure thing brother…", Tanya doesn't bother to argue as the ramen is served.

***

The next morning, Tanya went to the academy to be assigned into a team. She hopes she can get lucky with the instructor that can teach her useful things.

The academy instructor called out one by one for the assigned group.

'Group 10; Akimichi Jibei, Fushimi Renjiro, Tachibana Misaki. That's all! You will meet your Jonin mentor in the afternoon. Everyone is dismissed for now!'.

Hm?

Tanya's name is not called out. Is it because of uneven numbers? Thinking about it, it's natural there might be one or two that can't be fitted into new graduates 3 man squad due to numbering issues and they might have to join other already established squads that need new members.

Some of Tanya's classmates whisper and wonder why she had no team. Everyone in class slowly left, leaving only Tsuyu and the instructor in class.

Just then, the door to the class opened. Tanya's eyes widened slightly, before she stood and bowed respectfully.

"Sandaime-sama".

Hiruzen lets out a puff of smoke, as he reads the file given by the instructor to him.

'Tsuyu-kun, congratulations on your graduation. Though, it's not surprising'.

"Thank you for your praise, Sandaime-sama". Tsuyu replied respectfully.

'You must be wondering why you aren't assigned a team. I have another plan for you, Tsuyu, given your talent. I believe you know about the ANBU'.

Tsuyu felt a glimmer of anticipation in her heart, but also doubt.

"Yes, Sandaime-sama".

Hiruzen takes out his pipe, his tone is not looking at a child, but another shinobi with high potential.

'ANBU answers to my call, and a lot of their work is not for the weak hearted. They may even do things that can be called cruel or without honor. I believe you understand the need of such an organisation; for the peace of Konoha'.

Tsuyu nodded and replied with a simple yes. ANBU is the CIA or Black Ops of Konoha to make it simple. And she has no scruple of doing anything deemed dirty as long as it doesn't challenge her principles and cost her anything. Though, most of her past life experiences were as a soldier, not some secret agent. But she would be glad to learn.

'Would you like to serve directly under me as part of the ANBU, Tsuyu?'. Hiruzen asked directly.

Tanya felt excited at such an opportunity. She stood upright and answered with a firm tone. Her eyes carried no hesitation.

"I am willing, Sandaime-sama". Tanya would not miss this opportunity handed on a silver platter. But she has her reservation and quickly added;

"However, I have only recently graduated. I am afraid my skills are not up to par with the required role of an ANBU". Tsuyu is not being humble or anything. She may have the basics covered; even better than most genins. But she is still a genin with no specialised skills yet - only potential.

She planned to hone her skill and merits as a regular shinobi first. So Hiruzen coming to her to invite her right after she graduates does not feel right even for her.

Hiruzen smiled slightly.

'I have seen your results. You have talent in a lot of fields. And no one mentor can fully bring out your potential. I believe you have the ability to learn and catch up soon. In ANBU, you will be assigned into a 3-man squad led by a Captain - each squad has their own specialties like regular ninja squads'. 

Hiruzen continued.

'To answer your question of your doubts; not all ANBU members start as an expert. They start from the ground up and hone them. You will train and learn under them. Everyone is a family in ANBU, as you all will share the burden of darkness of Konoha. You are free to approach any of the members to learn, they will be open to teach you what you want to know. Though, it's up to you to gain their recognition. I believe in you, Tsuyu'.

Tsuyu's eyes widened slightly. So that's the work culture of an ANBU, and it means she has access to a lot of potential mentors with specialised skills? While some say if a company uses words "we are family" and the like you should stay away; but for ANBU this is a very good thing. 

"I will live up to your expectations, Sandaime-sama", Tanya stood upright, her eyes filled with unhidden happiness.

'I am sure you will surprise me. Wait on top of Hokage Stone tomorrow morning. Someone will bring you to ANBU headquarters. You will certainly be tested by them. Be prepared'. Hiruzen smirked slightly.

Tanya had a serious expression. She expected a test and a trial before she can officially join such an organisation.

"Yes Sandaime-sama!".

***