Chapter 177: Temptation

Chapter 177: Temptation

(Arthur POV)

As the Ninja Academy Graduation Exam approached, I spent my days practicing alongside Naruto, making an interesting discovery during our training sessions.

The magical power from my original body had somehow transferred to this character - just not in the way I'd expected. While I couldn't cast spells from my world directly, my elemental magics remained: Soundwave Magic, Rose Magic, and even my demonic bloodline ability, Sinful Magic.

It seemed the Naruto universe had adapted these abilities into Kekkei Genkai - bloodline limits. Makes sense, really. Unlike Dragon Ball's world where magic freely exists, this universe runs on chakra and nature transformations. My magic couldn't operate under its original rules here.

Still, being able to use even limited magical power felt reassuring. The Rose Magic worked, though it now drew on chakra rather than magical mana.

The basic Clone Jutsu remained a challenge though. My chakra control was absolutely abysmal. Converting my magical energy reserves into chakra through the background story edit probably wasn't my smartest move. Sure, I had massive chakra reserves like Naruto, but controlling it was like trying to fill a teacup with a waterfall.

Not that it mattered much for my immediate plans. Learning the Shadow Clone Jutsu shouldn't be too difficult - that technique relies more on raw power than precise control. With my large chakra pool, I should manage at least four solid clones. After that, I can work on magic implementation.

If Naruto could master Shadow Clones with his enormous chakra reserves despite his terrible control, I should manage too.

I just had to be careful though. The Shadow Clone Jutsu was labeled forbidden for good reason - it divides the user's chakra evenly among the clones. Only someone with massive reserves like Naruto could use it safely.

***

The classroom buzzed with nervous energy on exam day. Iruka stood at the front, while my classmates settled into their seats.

I could feel Sasuke's cold stare as I passed his desk. "Pathetic excuse for an Uchiha," he muttered, loud enough for nearby students to hear. "Can't even perform basic jutsu. You bring shame to our clan's name."

Great. I completely forgot to edit my relationship with Sasuke in the background story. Seems the system filled in the blanks itself - making me the disappointing cousin he looks down on. I sighed, noting how the other students either ignored me or shared Sasuke's disdain.

"Naruto!" Iruka's voice cut through the classroom. "How many times must we go through this? You've failed the graduation exam three times already because you don't take it seriously-"

Naruto responded with his typical pout, turning away from Iruka - which promptly got him tied up and subjected to a lengthy lecture.

The class's snickers at Naruto's predicament were interrupted by Kiba's sharp voice. "Hey, Iruka-sensei! Why's Naruto the only one getting punished? Arthur's failed just as many times!"

I shot Kiba a dark look. 'You mangy mutt...'

Iruka turned to me as if suddenly remembering. "Ah, right." His eyes narrowed. "Get over here. You and Naruto are notorious for your childish pranks and painting graffiti all over the village monuments."

"I heard the Uchiha boy is even worse than the fox child. They say he brings shame to his entire clan."

"Shh! We're not supposed to talk about either of them..."

The parents' whispers carried clearly to the two boys, though they pretended not to hear.

Arthur sighed, placing a reassuring hand on Naruto's shoulder. Seeing his friend's usual energy completely drained hurt more than his own failure. "Hey, don't lose hope now. We still have a chance."

Naruto remained uncharacteristically quiet, his eyes fixed on the ground.

"Trust me," Arthur continued, conviction in his voice. "This world won't abandon those who keep trying and stay hopeful. We'll become ninja - I promise you that."

Nearby, the Third Hokage and Iruka observed the two outcasts. The old leader's face grew stern as he watched them.

"Iruka..." The Third Hokage's voice carried a weight of concern. "We need to talk later..."

***

That afternoon, Naruto and Arthur sat together on the academy rooftop, legs dangling over the edge. The usual energy that defined Naruto was nowhere to be seen as he mechanically munched on chips, barely tasting them. Arthur watched his friend carefully, noting how the typically talkative ninja-hopeful had grown so quiet.

When Naruto did speak, his words came out bitter and hollow. "Iruka-sensei... he didn't even give us a chance. He knows how hard we've been trying..."

Arthur remained silent, his attention split between comforting his friend and anticipating Mizuki's arrival.

Right on cue, their instructor appeared, his footsteps deliberately heavy enough to announce his presence. "I thought I'd find you two up here."

Mizuki's voice dripped with false sympathy as he explained how they could still earn their headbands. "There's another way to become ninja..."

Both boys perked up instantly, Arthur carefully matching Naruto's genuine enthusiasm with well-practiced eagerness. As Mizuki laid out his plan to steal the scroll of seals, they leaned in closer, appearing completely drawn into his scheme.

After the boys rushed off to prepare, Mizuki's lips curled into a calculating smile. "I hadn't planned on the Uchiha being involved," he muttered to himself, "but this works even better. That failure of an Uchiha might actually make himself useful - he'll help Naruto get that scroll for me." His quiet laughter held a dark edge.

"Can you believe it, Arthur?" Naruto's excitement bubbled over as they ran. "All we have to do is get that scroll from the old man's office, and we'll be real ninja!"

"Right," Arthur agreed, matching Naruto's pace. "We'll have to be careful though - stealing such an important scroll won't be easy!"

Internally, Arthur smiled. He knew full well that the Third Hokage would deliberately allow Naruto to take the scroll. Sometimes the best way to expose a traitor was to let their plan play out - with a few careful adjustments.