My Techniques are a bit off

Ten Months Later – Ninja Academy Graduation Exam

[Name: Link]

[Ninjutsu: ?] [Taijutsu: ○] [Genjutsu: △]

[Teamwork: X] [Initiative: ○] [Classroom Attitude: ○]

[Notes: Mature personality, extensive knowledge, extraordinary control ability. Displays unique ninjutsu talent, possibly a special kekkei genkai. Struggles with genjutsu and lacks teamwork skills but has the potential to become a genin.]

Iruka Umino glanced at the evaluation form on his desk, then looked up at the small boy entering the room. He couldn't help but comment, "Link, don't you think you're graduating a bit too early?"

Eight years old and already trying to graduate? This wasn't wartime—there was no need to rush.

Link gave a slight bow but didn't respond.

Iruka sighed, shaking his head. "Alright, you may begin. This year's graduation exam requires performing the Cloak of Invisibility Jutsu."

The Cloak of Invisibility Jutsu involves draping a cloth over oneself and blending into the surroundings, creating a pseudo-invisibility effect.

Although it didn't require chakra, it was still considered a jutsu and included in the exam because successfully performing it in front of others required mastery of ninja tools, basic body flicker techniques, and the ability to conceal one's presence.

"Bang!"

Link's hand twitched slightly near his waist pouch, and a smoke bomb exploded on the floor, filling the room with smoke.

[Smooth ninja tool handling.]

Iruka nodded approvingly. This level of skill was commendable, even among genin.

Scanning the room, Iruka took a moment to locate the candidate.

[Sufficient concealment of presence.] Even though he didn't like the idea of such a young child becoming a ninja, Iruka professionally acknowledged Link's performance.

"You've passed, Link," Iruka announced with a deep breath. "You're now a genin."

The chunin beside him nodded in agreement. Though they shared similar reservations about young children becoming ninjas, Link's abilities were undeniable.

Link removed the cloth he had used for concealment, folded it neatly, and tucked it into his waist pouch. Bowing politely, he said, "Thank you, examiners."

He stepped forward, received his graduation certificate, and left to collect his forehead protector and register his photo for the records.

"Click!"

The old camera's flash captured the image of an eight-year-old Link, wearing dark gray pants and a hooded sweatshirt, his face calm and composed.

[Next, the evaluation from my jonin instructor...]

As Link walked out of the academy, he reminded himself not to celebrate prematurely. Still, he couldn't help but smile as he left.

Over the past ten months, he had worked hard, diligently attending the academy's lessons and presenting himself as the perfect student.

Unsurprisingly, the academy hadn't contributed much to his growth.

The ninjutsu taught were basic techniques he had already mastered in their mutated forms. The practical exercises were also unimpressive, consisting of mock battles between students. Even the children of ninja clans refrained from using advanced jutsu during these exercises.

Most of the sparring relied on taijutsu and ninja tools.

In the manga, Sasuke Uchiha achieved top marks in his first semester without learning any significant jutsu, which spoke volumes about the academy's practical training.

Thanks to his adult discipline and consistent effort, Link maintained an above-average performance in taijutsu and practical exercises—never standing out too much but never falling behind.

His ninjutsu was a different story. The techniques he demonstrated were so unconventional that they were frequently marked as "unknown" in evaluations.

As for genjutsu—he was completely hopeless.

The only D-rank jutsu taught at the academy was the Binding Jutsu.

Like the Body Flicker Technique, the Binding Jutsu was a type-based ninjutsu.

The Body Flicker Technique involves moving quickly to avoid attacks. Techniques ranging from simple chakra bursts at the feet to the Flying Thunder God Jutsu fall under this category.

The Binding Jutsu immobilizes a target while keeping their mind conscious. Variants include the academy's basic D-rank jutsu, the Uchiha Clan's Demonic Illusion: Shackling Stakes, and Jiraiya's Sage Art: Amphibian Jutsu.

Type-based jutsu aren't restricted to ninjutsu, genjutsu, or dojutsu. The academy's version of the Binding Jutsu is the simplest form, using chakra to disrupt the target's physical movements.

It's only effective against significantly weaker opponents, making it more of a chakra control exercise than a practical technique.

Students also briefly learn a genjutsu-based version of the Binding Jutsu, which progresses from affecting the body to influencing the five senses. While this is considered an entry-level genjutsu, it has a high skill threshold—over 95% of students fail to master it.

Even so, basic exposure to it is mandatory.

Yet, Link couldn't even manage the initial chakra release for the Binding Jutsu.

The root of the problem was absurd: his excellent chakra control ironically caused the issue.

In private, he had successfully used the Binding Jutsu—but it mutated into a "Money-Binding Jutsu."

Whenever he activated it, his money flew out of his wallet, transforming into semi-transparent, cash-colored symbols that restrained the target. The more money he spent, the stronger the binding.

And the money was permanently consumed.

"My money..."

The memory of that incident still pained Link. That day, he lost nearly all the money in his wallet. If not for some emergency funds at home, he might've gone hungry.

For weeks afterward, he strategically "ran into" Mizuki, mooching a few free meals. Only after receiving academy and orphan subsidies did he recover from that financial blow.

From that point on, he abandoned any further attempts to learn the Binding Jutsu—he wasn't made of money.

…

Speaking of Mizuki, the masked "nice guy" seemed to have wised up after being exploited for free meals multiple times. He stopped trying to "coincidentally" meet Link.

"Whatever," Link thought. "He won't be around much longer anyway. By the time Naruto graduates next year, Mizuki will probably meet his end."

While he remained cautious of Mizuki's intentions, Link had no plans to provoke a direct confrontation with a seasoned chunin.

In the ninja world, information was crucial. Who knew what hidden abilities Mizuki might reveal in a life-or-death battle? After all, the manga only depicted his humiliating defeat at the hands of Naruto's Shadow Clone Jutsu.

For now, keeping the peace and avoiding unnecessary changes to the story was the best course of action.