Chapter 36: Hinata’s Dilemma

In the main hall, Tetsuya took a sip of hot tea, trying to relax. His expression betrayed his frustration as he glanced at his dog, Kiba, who lay beside him with a guilty look.

"Who would've thought that the cute puppy sent by Hana Inuzuka would turn out to be such a troublemaker?" Tetsuya sighed. "When Kiba was little, he seemed so innocent. But now, he's a one-dog wrecking crew."

Kiba, sensing his master's displeasure, whimpered softly.

After sending Kiba outside, Tetsuya refocused on his recent accomplishments. He activated his system with a simple command, "Extract Indra Chakra."

As soon as he spoke, a yin Chakra formed in his dantian and shot up to his forehead. Tetsuya's mind felt cool and sharp, his mental strength increasing rapidly. His Sharingan activated, revealing the three tomoe pattern. Gazing into the mirror, he watched the tomoe spin faster and faster, hinting at an imminent evolution to Mangekyō Sharingan.

"The eyes are evolving," Tetsuya thought, excitement bubbling within him. "Soon, I'll achieve Mangekyō without any pain. What will my Mangekyō abilities be?"

With both Indra and Ashura's Chakra within him, the eventual rise to Rinnegan seemed certain. Tetsuya's spirits soared as he envisioned his future power.

"Once I exchange for the Chakra of the nine tailed beasts, the power of Six Paths will be within my grasp," Tetsuya mused, feeling a great weight lift from his shoulders. In high spirits, he created an artificial hot spring with Fire Style and Water Style, soaking for a while before heading to bed.

The week flew by, and soon it was time for the graduation exam. Iruka stood on the podium, explaining the exam's requirements. As in the original story, the task was simple: perform the Clone Technique successfully to graduate.

Naruto's face turned pale. His Clone Technique had always been weak, and he still struggled to perform it reliably.

"This is troublesome," Shikamaru muttered, leaning back lazily in his chair. "Tetsuya, do you think Naruto will be okay?"

Tetsuya, enjoying a massage from Ino, waved his hand nonchalantly. "Don't worry, Naruto will become a ninja."

He knew that Naruto's failure would lead to him learning the Multiple Shadow Clone technique, marking his first major power-up.

One by one, the students demonstrated their Clone Techniques. As expected, everyone in the elite class performed flawlessly. Finally, it was Naruto's turn. He stepped up, sweating nervously, and formed the seals.

"Clone Technique!" he shouted. A single, limp clone appeared on the floor, unable to stand.

The class erupted in laughter. Even Tetsuya couldn't help but chuckle, though he knew the reason for Naruto's difficulty was the Nine Tails' influence on his Chakra control.

"Unqualified, Uzumaki Naruto," Iruka said, sighing. Although he wished Naruto could pass, the rules were clear.

"No, Iruka-sensei! I still have a special technique!" Naruto shouted, determination in his voice.

Tetsuya perked up, knowing what was coming next.

"Sexy Jutsu!" Naruto cried. In a puff of smoke, he transformed into a beautiful blonde woman, blowing a kiss to the class. Iruka's nose bled profusely, and he collapsed.

Tetsuya grinned. The technique had improved, thanks in part to their sneaking into the red-light district for "research."

Ino and Hinata turned bright red with embarrassment, noticing Tetsuya's excitement. Ino glanced at her own blonde hair, her heart pounding.

"Tetsuya... Naruto is a man," Hinata whispered, tugging at Tetsuya's sleeve, worry etched on her face. "It's okay to like girls, but not Naruto!"

Tetsuya laughed and ruffled Hinata's hair. "Don't worry, Hinata. I'm just appreciating the technique."

Hinata nodded, but resolved to keep an eye on Naruto in the future.

At the end of the exam, thirty students, including Tetsuya, graduated. They were instructed to return the next day for class assignments and to meet their instructors.

After the exam, Tetsuya saw a dejected Naruto. He decided to let the plot play out naturally and observed Mizuki lurking nearby.

Ya suggested a celebratory gathering before missions began, and Tetsuya agreed.

"Hey, Sasuke! You coming?" Tetsuya called out to Sasuke, who was about to leave.

Sasuke looked surprised but then smirked. "Since you asked, sure."

Their group headed to the BBQ restaurant, Roast Meat Q. Along the way, Sakura joined in upon seeing Sasuke, making the group complete, minus Naruto.

The dinner was lively. Ya and Chōji competed over food, Shino and Shikamaru discussed potential instructors, and Ino and Hinata kept feeding Tetsuya. Sasuke, despite his aloofness, couldn't help but think about Naruto.

"That idiot must be feeling awful," Sasuke thought, a rare flicker of concern crossing his mind.

After the meal, as Tetsuya prepared to walk Ino and Hinata home, an Anbu appeared before him.

"Tetsuya Kamiyo, Lord Hokage requests your presence in his office immediately."

Tetsuya, surprised, nodded and turned to his friends. "I've got to go. See you tomorrow."

As he followed the Anbu to the Hokage's office, he couldn't help but wonder what awaited him.