You seriously asked that question? [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-tongue.gif[/img]

The previous Hokage nominates his successor.

But, in regards to this topic ..

It's weird, because it is most likely certain that Naruto entered the Academy years before anyone else, considering the lack of parental care / guidance, and I'm sure one person or another thought it'd be a good idea for their Jinchuuriki to be well-versed. In the future, Naruto could be the leader of their shinobi ranks, etc.

In any manner, even if Naruto joined at a young age, at what point does he fail those numerous times? The only time Naruto could have failed his two or three times would be before everyone else entered the Academy around the age of ten to eleven. It had to have been before everyone joined, otherwise how would Naruto still be on their team?

He is shown in flashbacks with Shikamaru, Chouji and Kiba, and the lot of them are all cutting the same course, with Iruka-sensei constantly scolding them all. As others stated, if Naruto were to have failed the exam at any point after meeting the favored Rookie Nine Genin, they would have surpassed him and been on teams while he was still aspiring to pass.

I would assume things transpired in an order similar to this:

A. Naruto joins academy [age 9] _
At this point, he's potty-trained, can dress himself and most likely thinks he's a grown man that can fend for himself. Now, it's only time to prove that to everyone else and become a shinobi, who will someday become Hokage. Off to the Academy, Naruto goes.

Sasuke has not entered the Academy, as of yet. He is watching his brother rise up within the ranks of Konoha shinobi (presumably Itachi's a Tokubetsu Jounin / ANBU at this point), and is greatly admiring him. He'll start doing things on his own, asking his brother for help, and will soon ask his parents for permission for enlistment.

B. Naruto fails for the first time [age 10] _
Only after a year of enrollment, Naruto thinks he can handle being a shinobi. "Give me missions!" But, with horrible chakra control, little knowledge of seals, Naruto fails to no surprise of the higher-ups.

His failure, plus the mockery of his name by those that passed, adds to his obnoxious personality. He becomes more determined to best everyone someday, and hopes to proves such at the next exam.

C. Naruto fails .. again [age 11] _
With a second year, comes a second attempt for Naruto and the end results in a second failure. He momentarily becomes disheartened, but after a side talk with Iruka and other various shinobi who care, Naruto is once again brought back up and is ready to hit the next exam even harder. With Naruto being placed into the next incoming group of Academy students, and under the guidance of Iruka, Naruto is convinced that he'll be prepared enough for the life of a ninja after this year.

This incoming class of Academy students is composed of the Rookie Nine Genin, and numerous others we see amongst them during flashbacks and initial episodes. At this time, Itachi's the ANBU Division Captain, and going through his own mental / unknown turmoils with that, as well as the stress his family / Clan is placing on him for being the median between the Uchiha and Konoha.

D. Naruto finally graduates! [age 12] _
We all already know this much. Naruto is allowed to graduate. Everyone else actually succeeds in properly graduating. Teams are formed. Jounin-sensei are assigned. Sometime between the previous year and their graduation, the Uchiha Clan are slaughtered by Itachi. This changes Sasuke into the character we meet upon introduction, the avenger.


I think that about covers it. Got any feedback or criticism on things that should / could be different? Post it.

I honestly think it was said Naruto failed three times before graduating. In which case, the only thing I would change is saying he entered the Academy at the age of eight. And failed every year, at ages nine, ten and eleven.

I think the above makes sense since we do know that Sasuke was that year's valedictorian. I'd imagine everything's done annually, as Neji was the previous year's number one seed. We also know Sasuke was at least ten when he finally did enter the Academy. He tells his aunt and uncle how Itachi (at his age) had already mastered the Sharingan and graduated to either Genin or Chuunin, I cannot recall that last part.

Okay, this is too much thinking and my head's seriously starting to hurt. If more support comes to me, I'll post it. In the meantime, enjoy the read. Maybe.