Sasuke comes

"What are you all gathered around for? Get back to your seats," Iruka said as he entered the room, noticing the group surrounding Naruto. He couldn't help but feel curious.

During this time, Naruto was still prone to mischief, often scribbling on the Hokage Rock. However, recently, perhaps because the graduation exam was approaching, Naruto hadn't been causing any trouble.

Of course, Naruto's mind had also been occupied with thoughts of the Nine-Tails, leaving him without the energy to play pranks.

Upon hearing Iruka-sensei's instructions, the students dispersed and returned to their seats.

"Alright, we'll begin the graduation exam today. The students whose names are called will proceed to the next classroom."

"This time, we'll be testing the Clone Jutsu," Iruka announced.

Naruto grimaced. Of all things, they had to test him on the jutsu he struggled with the most.

Just his luck!

Although Fuji's influence had improved Naruto's standing with some of his peers, the Nine-Tails still caused him difficulty with the Clone Jutsu.

Sure enough, when it was Naruto's turn, he could only produce a single clone—and it was a poor one, lying motionless on the ground. He failed the graduation exam.

"Iruka-sensei, his stamina and physical abilities are quite remarkable. He's barely managing a clone. I think we could let him pass…" Mizuki began, plotting his scheme to gain Naruto's trust.

Naruto's eyes lit up upon hearing Mizuki's suggestion.

"Mizuki-sensei, all the other students can produce at least three clones. Naruto only managed one, and it was completely unstable. I can't let him pass," Iruka replied firmly. Despite Mizuki's words, Iruka was too responsible to allow Naruto to pass so easily.

As in the original story, Naruto failed the graduation exam.

Sitting on the swing outside the ninja academy, Naruto watched the other students and their proud parents with a lonely expression.

"Vullll..." Vulpix, sensing Naruto's sadness, jumped into his arms and tried to comfort him.

"Thanks, Vulpix. I'm feeling better," Naruto said, petting it softly. "Even if I didn't graduate from the academy today, I'll be recognized one day. I'll become Hokage."

Naruto's ability to bounce back so quickly was surprising but encouraging.

Sarutobi stood at the entrance of the academy, observing Naruto from a distance. A brief smile of relief crossed his face.

"Iruka, there's something I want to discuss with you."

…

"Another beautiful day," Fuji said, opening the door to the Pokémon House. "If I'm not mistaken, today is Naruto's graduation exam. Things should unfold just like they did before."

Unbeknownst to Fuji, the Pokémon House had already been open for a week.

The business... well, it wasn't booming. The villagers of Konoha didn't seem particularly interested in buying Pokémon, and the shop wasn't well-known among ninjas.

It made sense, though. The Pokémon like Snivy and Gastly hadn't matured yet. They weren't powerful enough to draw the attention of the shinobi.

Fuji was slightly surprised that Sarutobi or Danzo hadn't sent anyone to investigate his shop. After all, if they had discovered a Pokémon like Gastly, Sarutobi would have surely taken an interest.

Maybe it was because the graduation exams were about to take place? After all, this year's class wasn't just any ordinary group of students—Naruto, the Ino-Shika-Cho trio, Sasuke, and Hinata were all graduating.

As for Danzo, it was possible he simply hadn't noticed Fuji's shop yet.

Fuji chuckled to himself. Perhaps he had read too many novels where anything out of the ordinary would immediately attract the attention of the Root or the ANBU.

Sighing, Fuji was about to return to the counter to relax when he saw a cool-looking boy approaching from down the street.

It was Sasuke, fresh from taking the graduation exam.

After receiving his Konoha forehead protector, Sasuke left the academy and headed toward the place Naruto had mentioned: the Pokémon House.

He soon found it.

"Welcome! This is the Pokémon House. How can I assist you?" Fuji greeted him with a warm smile.

"I heard from Naruto that he got his Vulpix here," Sasuke said. "I want to know if you have any particularly strong ninja beasts."

"If you do, price isn't an issue," Sasuke added bluntly, not wasting any time.

As he spoke, he looked around the shop to see what was so special about it. Aside from Fuji being as handsome as Naruto had described, the shop didn't seem extraordinary.

Still, the Pokédex on the counter and some energy cubes caught Sasuke's attention.

---