Naruto: I Am Uchiha Sasuke!?

The moment Iruka mentioned the graduation exam, the entire classroom fell silent.

For the students, this was a pivotal moment. They were still just academy trainees—children training to be ninjas, but not yet true shinobi. Passing the exam meant stepping into the real world as Genin, officially joining the ranks of Konoha's ninja forces.

Becoming a Genin wasn't just about the title. It meant being eligible for missions, gaining mentorship from experienced ninja, and beginning the path toward personal strength and recognition. For those who had grown up idolizing the legends of Konoha, this was the first true step into their aspirations.

"Teacher Iruka, are you going to tell us the test contents in advance?"

Naruto grinned mischievously as he raised his hand.

"Hmph, of course not, Naruto," Iruka sighed, shaking his head. "Don't think I'm going to make it that easy for you."

"Ahh, so much for that…" Naruto pouted in disappointment.

Laughter erupted in the classroom.

"Haha, Naruto, you actually thought you'd get an early hint?"

"Yeah, as if Iruka-sensei would let you cheat!"

"Oh, wait, I almost forgot—Naruto has already failed the exam twice."

"Heh, looks like it'll be strike three for him!"

Naruto's face twitched in frustration as the mocking continued.

"Tch! I only failed because they tested jutsu I'm not good at! This time, I'll definitely pass. Just wait and see!" he snapped, crossing his arms defiantly.

Iruka clapped his hands together, bringing the class's attention back. "Alright, that's enough teasing. Remember, we're all comrades here in Konoha, and one day, you might be teammates on life-or-death missions."

As the class quieted down, he continued, "Now, listen carefully. The exam will evaluate your basic ninja skills, including taijutsu, weapon handling, and fundamental E-rank ninjutsu. One of the core requirements is proficiency in the Clone Technique."

---

Sasuke leaned back in his chair, barely paying attention to Iruka's lecture.

"This is basically child's play," he mused internally. "No wonder the old Sasuke's progress was so slow."

By the age of seven, he had lost his entire clan, leaving him without guidance. Unlike Itachi or Kakashi, who had mentors to hone their skills, he had been left to train on his own. The ninja academy's curriculum was too basic to fully develop his talent, making his progress slower than those who had the luxury of direct training from powerful shinobi.

"No wonder Orochimaru was able to push me to Kage-level in just two and a half years. Say what you will about the guy, but he was a damn good teacher."

Sasuke was pulled from his thoughts by a loud voice.

"Hey, Naruto, why are you dozing off again?! Get up here and demonstrate the Clone Technique!"

Naruto jolted awake as Iruka's sharp voice cut through the room. Shikamaru, sitting beside him, lazily poked his shoulder.

"Your turn, Naruto," he muttered.

Naruto groaned, rubbing his eyes. "Aw man… I was having such a nice dream about ramen…"

Iruka crossed his arms. "Less talking, more demonstrating."

Naruto sighed and dragged himself to the front. He formed the hand seals and focused.

*Poof!*

A burst of white smoke filled the air. As it cleared, a single, sickly-looking clone lay on the floor, pale-faced and limp-limbed.

The class erupted into laughter.

"Hahaha! That's so pathetic!"

"Wow, even for Naruto, this is bad!"

Red-faced, Naruto clenched his fists. "Tch! Don't look down on me! I'll show you my new technique!"

With renewed determination, he quickly formed another set of seals.

*Poof!*

In an instant, the smoke cleared, revealing a stunningly curvaceous woman with long, flowing blonde hair and a revealing outfit.

"Seduction Jutsu!"

The classroom immediately descended into chaos.

"AHH! Naruto, you pervert!"

"Damn it, Naruto! Change back, NOW!"

"Whoa… That's actually kinda impressive."

Before Naruto could enjoy his moment of triumph, Iruka's fist came down hard.

*SMACK!*

"Owww!" Naruto wailed, rubbing his head. "Iruka-sensei, why so rough?"

Iruka sighed deeply. "That was completely unnecessary… Alright, Sasuke, your turn."

---

Sasuke exhaled and casually walked to the front, his hands still in his pockets. The girls immediately perked up in anticipation.

"This should be easy," he thought. He quickly ran through the Clone Technique's hand seals in his mind.

*Poof!*

Three identical Sasuke clones materialized beside him. They stood firm, solid in appearance and perfectly mimicking his stance and expression.

The class gasped in admiration.

"As expected of Sasuke-kun! He's so talented!"

"Wow, three clones at once! That's way better than Naruto!"

Iruka, too, was impressed. "Flawless execution… He already has full mastery over a basic Clone Technique at this level?"

Sasuke, however, remained unimpressed.

His mind was racing.

[You carefully analyzed the Clone Technique and experienced an epiphany.]

[You have comprehended the Advanced Clone Technique!]

[Advanced Clone Technique]: Allows for the creation of multiple disembodied clones instantly, with improved control and efficiency.

As Sasuke observed his clones, he smirked internally.

"If even this simple exercise can trigger an evolution in my jutsu… then I'm only scratching the surface of my potential."

He exhaled, dismissing the clones with a casual flick of his wrist.

The room was still filled with admiration and murmurs of awe, but Sasuke had already moved on in his mind.

He was far more interested in what lay beyond the academy—his true path to power.