Authors Note: Sorry for the delay, fanfiction account has been down for a while so I wasn't able to upload this before real life got in the way.

Thanks to defiasstone2 for being a great beta and picking up on my many, many mistakes.

Lastly Naruto is 12, this is his last year in the academy.

Naruto was grinning as he picked up the precious jutsu scrolls, of which one stood out. A handwritten note was attached to it, in what he recognized as being the Hokage's handwriting. Quickly picking it up, and almost getting a papercut in his haste to unfold it, Naruto scanned the neatly written words.

'Naruto, after due discussion with the Academy it was made clear that any clone jutsu would (fulfil) the examination requirements. As such I have sent you the scroll for the Shadow Clone Jutsu, as it requires the least amount of Chakra Control, though I must warn you not to field clones in large numbers or use them for intensive training as the memory feedback when the clones dispel has led to death before.Should it come to my attention that you have been behaving recklessly with this, then you will be prohibited from the jutsu's use.'

Wait a moment? Memory feedback... now that he came to think of it he could remember seeing things that he really shouldn't have been able to see. Like an attack coming from a blind spot, one that he would have stood no chance of seeing - unless his shadow clone had! So no-one had thought to inform him prior to his death that what he was doing could kill him?! He could forgive Jiji, the old man wasn't responsible for him in the way his former sensei was. Plus the Hokage hadn't seen first-hand the number of clones he regularly used.

Now that was something Kakashi-sensei had definitely been aware of given the mission to Wave and their other missions. And as an 'elite Jounin, a title that Kakashi had always been visibly proud of in his own lazy way, then even if he hadn't known much about the Kage Bushin he could have asked Jiji to fill him in on the specifics of the jutsu. He certainly had the clearance for it even if he had genuinely not known the dangers of the jutsu. Which he should have.

Naruto quite clearly recalled some of the other techniques on the Forbidden Scroll and they were all harmful to someone, one way or another. He had been so proud to, finding a jutsu was awesome and low risk… only it wasn't. And he had been left in the dark due to indifference? Naruto didn't think that his sensei would deliberately let him use a potentially lethal technique. Though he freely admitted to not being the best judge of that at the moment, anger was making him less rational regarding Kakashi-sensei.

Quite frankly the only reason Naruto now thought that the man had been able to get away with his actions was because two of his genin team were orphans since a young age, who had no idea what was the correct way to teach, and the last one was of civilian origin whose parents had no idea either. From what Naruto knew the other teams had been given more training in their first week than Kakashi had given them in their entire time as a team up until Wave country. Now that he thought about it, probably due to the increased intelligence stat he had now, most of the clan kids weren't stronger because they trained at home, they were stronger because they had a jounin-sensei teaching them in addition to their clan.

From what Shikamaru had said about his mother's attitude to laziness Naruto had a momentary daydream about what her reaction to Kakashi-sensei would be. Preferably it would be something involving a frying pan, or a shadow jutsu, or both Naruto thought with a slightly malicious grin! Levity aside, the boy's attention turned back to the scrolls, all four of them, as he checked their requirements to be learnt.

Transformation Jutsu [Requires 7 Chakra Control, 8 Ninjutsu] Modified Variation [Requires 5 Chakra Control, 10 Ninjutsu]

-1-A technique that, on the surface, changes the users form

-2-Modified variation (NEW GAME + BONUS!) An actual physical transformation

Naruto was a bit bemused, he'd thought that the Transformation Jutsu was actually physical. He really needed to pay more attention during class from now on, he'd managed to miss something that was pretty important. But for now it was time to learn both versions, and so he did.

Jutsu Gained: Illusory Transformation Jutsu
Jutsu Gained: Actual Transformation Jutsu

Taking the opportunity to go to his Jutsu List he found that not only did he have the two listed, he also was told their Chakra cost.

Illusory Transformation Jutsu: Initiation Cost: 5 CP: Maintenance Cost: 2 CP per minute

Actual Transformation Jutsu: Initiation Cost: 20 CP: Maintenance Cost: 4 CP per minute

The hand seals were also listed, but Naruto already knew them off by heart. Next up was the Replacement Jutsu.

Replacement Jutsu [Requires 7 Chakra Control, 13 Ninjutsu]

Jutsu Gained: Replacement Jutsu

This was oddly enough scaled, though thinking about it, it did make sense. Substituting with a small object was the norm, and if the object belonged to the medium, large or very large categories there was a larger drain on his Chakra Points.

Small Object: 5 CP (Above 10 centimeters but below 50 in largest dimension)

Medium Object: 10 CP (Above 50 centimeters but below 200 in largest dimension)

Large Object: 30 CP (Above 200 centimeters but below 500 in largest dimension)

Very Large Object 120 CP (Above 500 centimeters but below 1000 in largest dimension)

Which was reasonable enough. A Very Large object could very well be the size of a two story building, or even be one! Seriously his apartment block was only 900 cm high! He had measured it as part of a prank one day... traps were a precise business after all. So yes, being able to switch with a block of flats and then back again was pretty impressive, though he would have basically no chakra left afterwards. It was a pity about the range restrictions, Naruto was only able to switch with something that was within 10 meters (1000 centimeters) of him. Otherwise he could have had such an advantage!

The Clone Jutsu, as had been semi-anticipated was out of his reach for the moment. He had the Ninjutsu Skill, but his Chakra Control let him down. This time though, he would not be the dead last, not with his Shadow Clones.

Shadow Clone Jutsu [Requires 10 Ninjutsu, 8 Endurance]

No Chakra Control needed, just a high Endurance and some basic Ninjutsu knowledge. Perfect.

Jutsu Gained: Shadow Clone Jutsu

Not perfect. Not perfect at all. The description was ripping his plans to shreds. He could only make a single Shadow Clone per level?! What was up with that?! With only one Shadow Clone he couldn't pass the Academy, which required a minimum of two clones. And what about all the dangerous situations he would be in that could only be solved through liberal applications of them? What about them? No, calm, deep breaths, do not have 'uncontrolled bad emotions', do not use Kyuubi Chakra.

Think rationally, which was a new and rather pleasant feeling, Naruto willed himself to take a moment and think things through. He had a year in which to 'Level Up', and thereby be able to make an additional Shadow Clone. That was manageable. And since he wouldn't be stealing the Scroll of Seals this time round that meant there was not going to be combat with Mizuki, a chunin. So he could cope for now. Besides, it wasn't like he would be able to make many anyhow, even if his level rose. Shadow Clones cost 100 CP to make a single one! The only good news was that they had no maintenance cost since they had a Chakra reserve when they formed and would draw on that, dispelling when it became empty.

And then the clock on the apartment walls ticking alerted Naruto to the fact that if he didn't leave soon, he wouldn't be on time for the first lesson of the academic year. A blur of dark grey and burnt orange whizzed around, brushing teeth and packing bag, this Naruto still had a preference for orange, albeit a more subdued one. A moment was taken to grab some scrolls marked with a label titled 'Holiday Homework''. Then he door banged open, slammed shut and he raced towards the Academy at his top speed, which was slightly faster than he remembered. Maybe his agility was higher this time? He had boosted it above average...

Either way he made it to the academy in an adequate time, arriving a few minutes prior to Iruka-sensei and therefore having enough time to take a seat, place the homework on the desk in front of him, and observe his classmates. Sakura, Ino and a number of other girls were clustered around a familiar scowling figure, who was studiously ignoring their attentions and proclamations of how awesome he was. A smile came to Naruto's face as he gazed at Sasuke and Sakura, having watched their deaths it was slightly surreal to see them in younger form, but that in no way detracted from the happiness he felt.

His eye caught Ino's and she gestured to Sakura, whispering something. The pink haired girl muttered something, of which he could only catch the words 'Ino-pig', and pointedly looked anywhere except for Naruto's direction. The smile on his face died, as expected by the other children, though not for the reason of Sakura's rejection. Naruto was currently trying to work out what to do regarding Sakura. At the moment he really didn't want her to be the top kunoichi. And his reasons were far from petty.

Sasuke would be placed with Kakashi-sensei, if for no other reason than someone needed to teach the boy about his sharingan. Naruto could accept that, but since it meant that Sasuke, being rookie of the year, would automatically be partnered with the top kunoichi and the class dobe, and so would be on the same team as Sakura. He had to stop that.

Almost anyone, but Sakura, should go on the team taught by Hatake Kakashi. Every other girl in this class that had a hope of actually making the grade came from a ninja, if not a clan background and had access to additional resources.

But Naruto was not going to sabotage a girl who he respected, admired and quite frankly still liked in a romantic way. Nor did he want any of his classmates, even the nastier ones, to die in the forest of death. The ideal situation would be for the lazy sensei to simply not become one in the first place, although that was something he had absolutely no control over. All this was making Naruto's head hurt - there was just no right way to do this! He was pinching his brows in concentration when Iruka-sensei entered and called the class to attention.

"Welcome back! I do hope that all of you have kept up with your studies and conditioning over the break, or at the very least done the assigned work." Naruto gulped, taking a quick peek at 'his' work. It seemed to be correctly done, and it was his handwriting...

"Please come up in alphabetical order and place your homework on my desk, you'll be getting it back in a few days, marked."

This time there was an audible groan from the class, but they reluctantly shuffled forwards. Sakura looked quite eager though.

"Now today will be a quick assessment of your abilities... don't worry, it's not a formal ranking like an end of year one, just to let us know your strengths and weaknesses. The first item on the agenda is chakra control, so if everyone could take a leaf..."

This time one groan sounded out - Naruto's. Not once had he managed to float the stupid thing with his chakra - it just sat there! This time was no different, other than the message from the game received when he failed, yet again.

Skill Check: Chakra Control: 7/10: FAILED!

Out of the corner of his eye he could see Sakura levitating a leaf on each digit, and the one on her right thumb was moving steadily up and down in a controlled movement as she concentrated. Her Control was seriously impressive, and the only practical area in which she beat Sasuke. Who incidentally was also levitating ten leaves, but was clearly straining and there was no deliberate manipulation of them.

He did last longer than Sakura though, who stopped after the required minute, looking tired. Naruto just sat there for an hour getting the word FAILED flung in his face again and again. Most of the class had had an occasional success, even if it wasn't for the length of the required minute, and so he was firmly in last place.

"Okay everyone, now normally we'd have a written test, but your homework will be informing us of your academic aptitude... and dedication in some cases. So let's move on to target practice." Once at the range they were started off on the stationary targets at medium range.

They would then have difficulty increased or decreased according to skill level. Naruto had hopes for this, he had tagged Bukijutsu after all and just looking at the target he felt his body angling in order to release the weapon at the correct trajectory. And then he did release them, sending the kunai hurtling forwards.

Skill Check: Bukijutsu: 25/20: PASSED: +5XP!

He'd done it! Naruto took a moment to luxuriate in the looks of surprise on just about everyone's face, the sensei's included. All of his kunai hit the bullseye, giving him a perfect score that matched Sasuke's.

Skill Check: Bukijutsu: 25/20: PASSED: +5XP!

After he repeated the feat, but with shuriken he was taken for the first time to the long range targets. Beforehand he had been getting 6-7 hits out of 10 on the mid-range targets with the occasional bullseye, putting him at a bit below average. Now though, Naruto shifted his feet excitedly with glee, he had improved greatly. The target did look much smaller, but he still felt relatively confident that he could get a decent amount of hits to it.

Skill Check: Bukijutsu: 25/25: PASSED: +8XP!

Skill Check: Bukijutsu: 25/25: PASSED: +8XP!

Now there were some obviously gaping mouths. Only 3 students out of 45 would get a bullseye every time on those targets, and Naruto was not one of them. Iruka clapped him on the back, offering him a smile as he was moved on once again, except this time the target was at the beginner level. But Naruto wasn't protesting as the boy standing next to him was Sasuke, who was currently giving him a speculative look. They were the only two students to be eligible for the moving targets, though Hinata and a couple of others had come close to getting the above average score needed to qualify.

He was nervous, despite himself. The difficulty was upped, and he'd only barely managed to get a bullseye last time. The question bothering him was did he fail completely when a skill check failed, meaning he would not hit a single time, or would it scale, giving him a few hits. Naruto didn't know, since his only experience with skill checks were the complete failure that was the leaf exercise and the complete success that his bukijutsu had been so far. And then it was time for him to throw and it was not nearly as easy as before.

Skill Check: Bukijutsu: 25/30: FAILED!

...

Skill Check: Bukijutsu: 25/25: PASSED!

The game had worked its way down to Naruto's current bukijutsu level from the Skill Level needed, presumably to get a perfect score. As it was Sasuke beat him with 9 hits out of 10, 2 to the bullseye, whereas Naruto had got 7 hits and not a single one landed dead (centre). It was his loss, clean and simple. He hadn't even got any XP for his efforts. And speaking of that, how much did he have to get in order to level up in the first place. Returning to the Abilities List he noticed a small number in the top right hand corner.

Level 1: XP: 26/100

Alright! He was already a quarter of the way there! And with that Naruto started practicing on the moving targets, each time getting 7 hits and no bullseyes. It wasn't exactly the same, sometimes he would miss on the first three throws and land the next seven, other times it would be mixed, or even the other way round. The results remained static.

The only thing that changed was his Abilities List, which now held a section stating his perfect abilities with stationary targets, but only an average score on moving ones. Which was better than before, as Naruto knew that they didn't test with moving targets in the genin exam, they were put there so that advanced students talents didn't stagnate. In short he was facing full marks on the bukijutsu section of the graduation exam.

He was still grinning at the thought of that when they were taken to the sparring rings and the teachers began to pair them up for a 'Taijutsu ONLY' spar. Iruka-sensei said that last bit with particular emphasis, and a pointed look at Naruto. The blonde could only shrug helplessly, it was Iruka-sensei, so it wasn't general dislike due to the Kyuubi, so that meant that his past self had done something. A prank most likely, like the time he'd defeated Kiba by burying a weight activated springpad under a specific spot. That match had been declared invalid, with good reason in retrospect, he wouldn't have beaten Kiba otherwise.

And as luck, or fate had it he was paired with Kiba, who started boasting about his future win. Akamaru provided support from the side, barking enthusiastically. The match started later than the others after Kiba chose to argue that Akamaru fought with 'dog-style taijutsu' and should be allowed to join in. Only after Naruto asked the boy if he felt unable to beat him alone did Kiba back down. Or, as he put it, rose to the challenge.

They made the seal of confrontation and Naruto quickly realized that even with upgraded Agility Kiba was faster than him, and stronger, and they seemed to have roughly the same Perception.

Skill Check: Taijutsu: 23/18: PASSED: +7XP!

But Kiba's comparative lack of skill in Taijutsu moves was countered by his excellent reflexes, and as such he was still winning. This was because Naruto just couldn't take advantage of the openings left by his opponent, and given how he was pushed back steadily when he blocked the stronger boy was going to push him out of the ring, giving him the victory. And Naruto didn't want that. Not now that he had finally improved.

So Naruto changed tactics, if Kiba was winning due to physical dominance then Naruto would just have to use the area which he knew for a fact he was better than Kiba in. Intelligence was the name of the game now as Naruto started stalling for time, mind racing through several possible strategies - and settling on one. From then on Naruto's mix of blocks and feints became less spontaneous and took on a set pattern, one which was obvious to the chunin-sensei and several of class, including Sakura and Shikamaru. It was a set of moves that one mixed and matched depending on where you wanted the enemy, or in this case sparring partner to end up standing.

Kiba, thoroughly into the mock battle, didn't notice anything other than Naruto being a bit more predictable than usual. Swooping in for an attack Kiba was suddenly slammed into by Naruto, who had launched himself upwards and crashed their heads together. The world whirled for both of them, but Naruto had anticipated it, he had initiated the collision after all. Kiba stepped back and to the side, giving him space to regroup, but which also took him out of the ring.

Naruto had won his first spar in goodness knew how long and it felt great. Except for his head, that hurt, a lot. The pain conflicted with the adrenaline buzzing through him, it was all he could do to make the seal of reconciliation. But he had managed to win against Kiba, he had managed to win against Kiba, and he had... gained more experience!

Opponent Defeated: Kiba: Level 3 Version: +30XP!

Kiba had been level 3! No wonder it had been harder to beat him, and yet he, the dead last had done it! And while some might say that since Kiba was towards the bottom end of the class rankings, it wasn't much of an achievement, if a subject by subject approach was taken then Kiba was in the top 10 for Taijutsu. Every, single, time. So, yes Naruto was pleased, his head had finally stopped throbbing and his next opponent awaited (him).

Toishido Chiaki had civilian parents, and was quite strong for his size. But the fact that he was now shorter than Naruto worked against him, also Naruto now being more skilled at Taijutsu contributed to a fight that was somewhat one-sided.

Skill Check: Taijutsu: 23/13: PASSED: +2XP!

It only lasted a minute before Chiaki was in a secure hold, which in turn led to another message.

Opponent Defeated: Chiaki: Level 1 Version: +10XP!

Naruto was now at a solid 75/100XP and he really, really, really wanted to level up today. The sooner he could produce two shadow clones, the better.

"And now we have only one lesson until the Academy ends, so I want you all to keep your minds keen while we practice ninjutsu. Remember if you cannot do something, ask one of the sensei's for help."

There were a few giggles as Naruto walked up to Iruka straight away. They probably thought he was going to ask for help on the Clone Jutsu. Instead he planned to check with Iruka-sensei discreetly as to whether the Academy knew about his permission to use the Shadow Clone technique.

Probably not the best idea to simply use a B-Rank Kinjutsu in class with Mizuki-sensei present, especially given it was a jutsu from the forbidden scroll the man so coveted. And if Mitarashi Anko was anything like a representative sample of the Torture and Interrogation Department he didn't want to be taken there. Especially not to experience the former of the two occupations the departments employees specialised in. He in no way trusted Mizuki not to have him dragged off without checking first, which he could actually do, if he wasn't aware.

Huh? Naruto guessed that memorizing all those reform laws regarding the academy through the scroll had more than just academic benefits. It had practical academy usage as well. Increasing Intelligence and Knowledge had been a wise move.

And after receiving reassurance that he wouldn't get arrested from a trusted source Naruto set about practicing. The Illusory Transformation Jutsu was just weird, he looked like the Hokage but his limbs were all the wrong lengths so what he saw didn't quite match up with his movements. Hence he was notably clumsier. And after bumping into Choji and almost making him spill his barbeque crisps - an act which earned him a glare from the boy, he set about practicing the Replacement Technique. The jutsu itself he had no issue at all with, he was however trying to get the hand seals to be even more quick, but with no loss of precision. He had time, and Chakra Points.

Last but not least he summoned a single Shadow Clone, which drew no attention at all. It did look the same as an ordinary clone and no-one was watching him make an alternate hand seal, so it wasn't unrealistic though. It was as class ended that the precious XP finally came his way.

Achievement Earned: We All Have To Start Somewhere: +25XP!

Your first day at the Academy is over, and you've managed to show your progress!

LEVEL UP!

Art: - 11 +

Bukijutsu: - 25 +

Chakra Control: - 7 +

Crafting: - 10 +

Fuuinjutsu: - 23 +

Genjutsu: - 12 +

Intrigue: - 10 +

Iryojutsu: - 13 +

Kenjutsu: - 15 +

Knowledge: - 18 +

Lock Picking: - 11 +

Mercantile: - 10 +

Medicine: - 13 +

Ninjutsu: - 28 +

Persuasion: - 10 +

Poisons: - 13 +

Regeneration: - 19 +

Seduction: - 10 +

Sensing: - 11 +

Stealth: - 11 +

Survival: - 10 +

Tactics: - 13 +

Taijutsu: - 23 +

Trapping: - 11 +

Skill Points: 15

Naruto quickly placed 2 points into Genjutsu, so that he could learn that book, 2 went into Medicine for the same reason, after that he tentatively placed the remaining points into Chakra Control and seeing it go up to 11, enough for him to finally get that leaf exercise he confirmed his selection. The next screen was much, much more interesting.

Perks: One Selectable Per Level!

Intensive Training [3 Ranks]

+1 to any SPECIAL Stat

Better with Blades [2 Ranks]

+5 Bukijutsu, +5 Kenjutsu

Jutsu Keep Trying [Unlimited]

+1 Random Jutsu that you meet the requirements to use

Swift Learner [3 Ranks]

+5% Experience

Bookworm

+2 Knowledge, +2 Medicine, +2 Fuuinjutsu, +2 Poisons, +2 Tactics

Naruto eventually went with the Bookworm Perk because it offered more overall improvement and none of the other options were too attractive. Intensive training was too precious, he didn't know his own style at the moment and so those 3 potential points were going to be spent during future level ups. Swift learner was too small a boost to really affect Naruto right now, 5% would have given him a mere 2XP extra, simply because most experience earned was in the single digits and thus wouldn't have increased at all. Any Jutsu he got would probably be weak, he might get lucky and find a second Shadow Clone Jutsu, but he doubted it. His Bukijutsu was already good, he didn't know any Kenjutsu, so that left Bookwork as the best option.

That evening, filled with Ichiraku's ramen Naruto headed off to bed happily. Ramen always put him in a good mood. Ramen combined with growing stronger to protect his precious people was bliss. He now knew about Genjutsu Theory and Basic Medicine, thanks to the scrolls he had greedily absorbed, and Teuchi and Ayame had praised him as he related his 'brilliant spar' and his 'awesome bukijutsu'.

And like that another day ended, with Naruto's young mind already filling with abstract ideas of how he could gain some more xp tomorrow…