Chapter 2- Graduation

-Ninja Academy-

"EEEEEHHHHHH!" Naruto yelled, causing the rest of their classmate to look at them

"My request to graduate early was accepted by the Hokage, I'll be taking the test tomorrow" Menma had explained to why he was called to meet Iruka-sensei after class.

"If you're taking it, I'm going to as well!!" Naruto said

"You can't even cast the Clone Jutsu properly, what makes you think you will pass the test?" Shikamaru commented.

"His right Naruto, to pass you must able to cast Shadow Clone Jutsu which is B-rank Jutsu."

"AM GOING TO SEE THE OLDMAN" Naruto rushed but was stop by Menma

"Enough! Naruto, don't be disrespectful! You just stay here and study harder." Menma reprimanded Naruto

(The next day)

-Outside the Academy-

While Menma was taking the test, the rest of his classmates waited outside. As Menma went outside wearing a black forehead protector, he was congratulated by everyone except for Naruto and Sasuke.

"I gonna catch up to you just you wait! Dattebayo!" Naruto said to Menma while Sasuke clenches his fists. As he wanted to be strong so he could chase after his brother after the massacre. Seeing this Menma suggested that they all go and celebrate with Iruka-sensei, knowing what Sasuke was thinking about Menma dragged Sasuke along with them.

As they waited for their orders to arrive they were all doing their thing, having an opportunity to speak with Sasuke alone.

"Why did you bring me along?" Sasuke asked Menma

"It's better to be with friends rather than being all by yourself," Menma answered

"I can't understand the feeling of losing a family but I do understand what it's like to be alone. If you ever need to talk you can come to me." Menma continued

After that, they all went on home. As Menma and Naruto walked home, Menma saw that his brother was disheartened by the fact that Menma was able to graduate early while he was not able to create a regular clone.

"Don't worry Naruto, I know that you will able to do it someday." Menma suddenly said

Hearing this made Naruto a little bit better.

(The next day)

-The Hokage's office-

Menma went to the Hokage's office to be assigned a team, wondering who will be teamed up with. as he entered he was greeted by an old man peeping at his telescope.

"Hello?" Menma called out as he knocked on the open door.

Hearing this the 3rd Hokage coughed and went back to his seat.

"Ah, Menma you're here." pretending that nothing happened

"Congratulations Menma on becoming a genin. But right now there are no teams available for you to join, So you will serve as an auxiliary member to other teams. You will under the tutelage of Kakashi Hatake, you will meet him at the third training ground." the 3rd Hokage continued

Menma thanked the Hokage then left to go meet his new sensei.

Menma was curious about how he will be tested by Kakashi, as he had no teammates to test with on teamwork. When Kakashi arrived he greeted Menma and gave a lame excuse on why he was late, Menma already expecting this did not complain to Kakashi. Kakashi was somewhat surprised at how Menma reacted to his lame excuse.

As they introduce themselves, Kakashi then mentions that they will be taking a mission alongside another team as a test to Menma. Saying that if he failed he will be sent back to the academy, then went back to the Hokage's office.

Menma's 1st Mission was to find the missing cat 'Tora' alongside another team. Kakashi wanted to test Menma's teamwork with a team he had just met.

During the mission, Menma showed that he was adaptable to the other team's formation as they chased after the cat. This impressed Kakashi, as Menma was able to utilize what was important. After they finished Kakashi brought Menma to the Memorial Stone giving his speech about the ninja world.

After that Kakashi started Menma's training the next day as his schedule will alternate from training and missions.

Kakashi trained Menma in Tree Climbing Practice and Water Surface Walking Practice to help him better control his charka, this also helped Menma to control his sensory ability not be overwhelmed by the negative emotions he could sense.

After Menma mastered the two practices Kakashi wanted to test Menma's charka affinity and gave him a Chakra Induction Paper, they discovered that Menma has Wind and Lightning. Seeing this Kakashi taught Menma his signature move the Chidori.

Aside from that Menma practice alongside Naruto and Sasuke, Naruto had developed his Sexy Jutsu to use against Iruka and other adults. Menma had noted that they were improving especially Naruto, Menma taught Shadow Clone Jutsu to the both of them but informed them of the consequence of over using it.

Menma had problems with Naruto and Sasuke wanting to graduate early, not wanting to disrupt the future too much. Menma tried to convince both of them. Sasuke reluctantly followed Menma's advice, while Menma managed to convince Naruto that if he graduated early the possibilities of him being on the same team as Sakura would be diminished.

During this time Menma tried using Kurama's charka and realize that his sensory ability would heighten as he would be overwhelmed by the hatred of the Kyuubi, luckily he was able to control himself from turning.

After a year worth of practice, Kakashi decided that Menma was ready to become a chunin. The 3rd Hokage was reluctant to accept Kakashi's recommendation due to the location where the current chunin exam would take place. Although they had kept Menma and Naruto's identity a secret, they feared that the 4th Raikage would be able to identify Menma's parentage.

The Hokage allowed Menma to participate in the chunin exams, as he did not want to hinder Menma's growth as a ninja. At this time Menma was assigned to join Kabuto's teams for the chunin exams, as it was required to have a 3 man team to participate in the exams.

Hearing that he was going to team up with Kabuto, was understandably worried about what Orochimaru was planning. Knowing that this was the only opportunity to better prepare himself for the future before that canon start, he was reluctant to team up with Kabuto for the exam.