Naruto Can You Tell Us Your Story?

by The Failing Shadow

Waking up a week after the battle with Pain. Naruto is filled with pensive thoughts on the future and of his life thus far. While unknowingly telling his tale to a group of kids that will carry on his will, his lessons and struggles to heart. Unexpectedly, gathering more listeners to his story. Changing hearts step-by-step. This is his tale. "The Tale of Naruto Uzumaki"...

1. Chapter 1

Waking up a week after the battle with Pein. Naruto is filled with pensive thoughts on the future and of his life thus far. While unknowingly telling his tale to a group of kids that will carry on his will, his lessons and struggles to heart. Unexpectedly, gathering more listeners to his story. Changing hearts step-by-step. This is his tale. "The Tale of Naruto Uzumaki"...

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Warning: Read explanation and reasons to understand what this story is about.

[Genre Explanation]

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Adventure: (Will follow Canon loosely so the adventures should be there),

Drama: (Must make it realistic and emotional. At least in my vision),

Friendship: (The bonds of friendship are strong with this one),

Comfort/Family: (Can't have that unemotional guy Sai around, so family and comfort are vital here),

Angst: (Have to make my readers emotional),

Humor: (I'll try to lighten up the content make ya laugh and all),

Time-Travel: (A small bit or big?, I never intended to actually add some form of time-travel, at first I merely thought of it like a prank, but I think it'll work out just fine. You all will be surprised who time-traveled. That is of course if you can find them),

Mystery: (Required to give plot, twists, and turns),

Suspense: (Cliff-hangers are really evil some authors know when to use it and others just use it to stop the block on writers block, personally I'm not too keen on Cliff Hangers so I'll try* to avoid it),

Tragedy: (The Naruto-verse unfortunately have some deaths already taken place if your updated with the manga or anime. Of which each of those deaths will play out here in this story or maybe more. Depends on where the direction of the story goes),

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[Reasons for this Story creation.]

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The reason this story was created was to sate my curiosity of what if Naruto told his story to children? What would they think of the Tale of Uzumaki Naruto and how he became a Hero of the Hidden Leaf?

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Another reason was because I couldn't help myself and think of this story being told to 7-10 year olds, what their reaction would be like for the supposed hero of Konoha. There are other stories that are being updated that are about reading Naruto's Story from a book. And I actually like those stories told through that a lot especially reading about the people reading about Naruto's story and their reaction to his escapades, adventures, mistakes, and most of all lessons.

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This story will be Semi-AU & A bit of Naruto-centric but will diverge in story to multiple POV's. It's rating is M for it's extensive use of language, blood, maybe some gore and intense situations. I'll probably be spoiling the readers but this story will contain some form of time-travel. How much you'll have to read on. Also I will most likely diverge from Canon because I seek to provide a sequel to this by delaying the Fourth Shinobi World War, and because the manga hasn't ended yet. :P

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If any of you do not like where this story is headed as of right now I suggest you close the browser and open a new one to search a different Story to adhere to your desire. Because I certainly don't care if you flame because this is MY STORY. Although I welcome any criticism as long as you don't bash on this story, for being what I want it to be. Besides since this is one of my first works, it will be crappy on the grammar which I've already tried to fix earlier.

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This story is dedicated to all the Fanfiction authors who work tirelessly (coupled with their own lives it must be tough!) on their stories. And yes I will continue this story.I have reason to believe the devil whips them to crunch out fantastic stories that will forever be memorable to us readers. But to also dedicate this story for the author of Naruto for sharing with us an incredible universe that has captured many across the spans of over a decade. Naruto Uzumaki and his story is definitely in my books one of the most unique stories out there, so once again I applaud Kishimoto for creating such a fascinating story thus far. And to any Fanfic writer out there I thank you so much for the stories that you all have typed that have kept many readers happy. And without further adieu to you all, my gift. (Bows and leaves the stage).

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Warning: This chapter is merely the prologue to merely ease readers into the story. Be prepared for some angst, but it'll get better.

[Japanese Translations- to English]

Baka-Idiot

Oppai-Breast

Onegai-Please

[Age Corner]

Naruto Uzumaki - (current)- Late sixteen

Group of children - (mixed containing clans, orphans, and civilians) - 5 to 10 year olds.

Iruka Umino - 26

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"Because not knowing the true story, is like following a belief that isn't true. And it hurts me. Because I want to know the truth, because the truth is what matters to me, not lies or half-truths. But the whole truth in your story: uncensored, unedited, and unexposed to anyone else."

-Unknown Orphan

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Chapter 1: A Story Unveiled.

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[Introduction: A short excerpt in Naruto's Life]

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I'm falling...

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Opening my eyes I see nothing in my sight, everywhere I see black and darkness encompass my surrounding vision as if I was descended into the darkest depths of the world. I continue to fall, falling never hitting anything, never colliding with an object, I'm free in a sense to go down into this spiral. But how did I come to this area? Am I just dreaming? Am I just hallucinating, Where am I?

Endlessly I descended into the darkness with my body vertical to gravity falling head first, I had no I idea when I would finally stop, it feels like an eternity just shifting through these shadows. I continue to descend like a kunai just falling with just gravity as my sole companion. I continue to fall, but I remember something I felt; I remember fights, I remember pain, I remember so much that I cannot grasp it all.

And so I continue to fall, my clothes ripped and torn, my body aching and wishing for the rest it has been denied.

I continue to fall, never stopping, just falling to the unknown, How have I fallen, time escapes my mind, I wonder if everyone is worried about me? My friends, my sensei's, my acquaintances, my minions, and my family?

Are they worried for me?

I cannot answer with a straight question only with speculation. And so I continue to fall into darkness, hoping to one day see once more.

My pain is ever growing.

My burdens forever increasing.

My limits shattered beyond comprehension.

And yet, Why do I feel so empty in this dark void, is it because of my demons I have yet to face? In my troubled state do I cling still to this darkness that envelops my whole body, soul, and mind. To become what?

What then happens...?

I remember details in my life, that are full of descriptive memories, some that I wish to cherish forever in my heart, and some I wish I can turn a blind to things. Have I fallen so low to think such thoughts? No do not think so for I am human, therefore we all can afford mistakes. My own mistakes are countless and long for you all to know as of now. I wonder if the actions I've conducted were ever the right ones I made or if any were ever worth it. Worth all the pain, worth all the suffering that I've suffered and bared through all these years. . But I continue to live on and on, for the sake of...

Peace?

Family?

Hokage?

Acknowledgement?

Power?

Vengeance?

All these hopes I once I thought were dear to me, some more so than others, I cannot fathom how far I have thought into this, and yet it only brings more pain upon my soul, more pain in which I must store, pain in which I must further endure for my sake and for others?

My journey isn't for the faint of heart, or for the courageous, nor for riches or spoils, merely just my thoughts, my feelings, and what I believe...

My name Is Uzumaki-Namikaze Naruto

And this is my story...

In the beginning I couldn't fathom all the hate at my direction, every time I walked there would be whispers following my path.

Each and every step I took was long and heavy filled with hate-filled glares.

At the time I couldn't fathom why so much animosity was forced on me without any reason. For every time I asked they would just ignore me. It hurt so much...

I cried so much when no one was near me, in my sleep. The pain in my chest was hurting so hard, just because I live and breathe they curse my existence.

Until it almost felt like I did have a curse.

It intensified further when I had no family to watch over me,

To love me,

To care for me,

To explain things to me,

To understand me,

It was so hard for me to pull through my struggles, my obstacles, when nearly everyone I came across would give me negative treatment, discouraging every time I tried to do something.

Recognition and acknowledgement only went so far. Every time I would look up civilians would give a nod or respect or was it approval to a Shinobi with a headband. I couldn't fathom how a Shinobi can gain positive approval when I as a child could receive none.

Even as a child the hate was suffocating. What did I do to earn such hatred?

When I asked the old man with a pipe and white robes he would only give comforting words and a hug. The pain only lessened but it never went away. It stayed within my heart for so long, I repressed it and for a time it went away like a bandage people get when they're in the hospital.

But the pain was always there hidden deep within the recesses of my heart, like a vault patiently waiting to be opened.

Always lingering, like a parasite...

Many times I've lost count how I could just end it all, how I could just become the monster and kill everyone just so the hidden hatred directed towards me can just stop. Sometimes I wonder if my parents had done something so I would become a scapegoat.

Many times I've written the angst off and grief, off my mind were it persists to kill and destroy this pitiful village.

And where I could just live in peace and tranquility without the pain and suffering I have to sustain while everyone lives and breathes and plays with their family.

Family...

To me the notion of family was evil and foreign to me because I who grew up with no love, with no family, with no affection, couldn't understand. This is why I took up a mask: In the day I would become a happy-goofy-loud-naive-kid, but when night fell my true personality would emerge.

I wouldn't be cold or heartless per say. But I would ponder my actions. Living in this shinobi village and living alone allowed my observation skills to develop and see what interactions would lead others to do.

So that's what I did, in the darkest of nights where the sun falls behind the trees I would walk in the village and rest on the Fourth Hokage's head. Pondering my thoughts, brainstorming the interactions of the citizens and shinobi in this place I call home...

But throughout all the times I've wondered on the what if's and scenario's that I so desperately wanted in my life. I would continue to aimlessly walk in the silence of the night, so soothing it calms my nerves, and the wind caresses my face and heart, where a specific time in the day I could spread my wings and just be free.

It was soothing, soft, and most of all without ill-intent.

That is why I walk in the night,why I held my mask; to spare myself of all the negativity towards my soul and mind.

Observing the silent night, when the sun has left the horizon. A peace settles that soothes my broken soul from further breaking under the pain. Sitting on top of the Yondaime's head (I didn't know at the time it was actually my father's head I've always sat on, ironic no?). Looking at the stars above at least they haven't left my side over the years never fleeting like the villagers, never hateful or scornful. The night sky, moon, and stars comfort me. They are always there for me. Unending and undying unlike my already broken soul.

I sometimes wonder if there are others outside the village I live in. Who live just like me, who know the pain of loneliness, the suffering of something beyond our comprehension and understanding?

Always told to do what we were ordered to do.

Don't go there!

Stay here!

Hey! Get out!

When the stars are shining brightly in the midnight, where the cool air breezes through my body like a soft blanket, I would feel as if someone has my own pain just like me.

Children that were the same ages as me, I saw experienced different things than I. Always do I see their family comforting their own child and I couldn't help but wish that for myself.

But it's only wistful thinking. I realize that sometimes you just have to toughen yourself and keep moving forward, because that's what I saw when I was younger when their faces were scrunched up in concentration or had that look like they needed to use the restroom.

It was very weird, as a child their facial expressions were puzzling. When I would walk they would glare or whisper behind my back. While other kids my age where spoken to with childish playfulness.

Why? It was a simple response, with a simple answer that was beyond the comprehension of my understanding to even comprehend. Yet I just did like I always saw other kids do with parents, just do what your told to do.

So I didn't question them.

But in the back of my mind, I would never forget the glances people with Shinobi-headbands look at me with either well-placed fear, or shameful understanding that they couldn't come out and just give me some comforting words.

You may think I've become bitter, cynical, narcissistic, and more but considering the life I've lived it's understandable. However I digress this is merely my life story told through my perspective. I mean can you blame me for acting this way? For thinking this way?

No, they wouldn't know, as shinobi we live in a world full of deception. A world filled with death and suffering, hate that revolves again and again; be it a family member dying or a friend going off to war. It is this hate and pain I see every-day that makes me work harder so no other orphan has to feel that pain on their shoulders anymore.

The pain in my chest carrying such a heavy burden is heavy and at times unbearable. There were times I would shamefully think to end it all, with a simple weapon I could find. To escape the madness that is reality of that which makes me live every single day of my life. Yes, it was shameful of me to think so, But again can you blame me for thinking this way?

I've met other individuals who have experienced pain and suffering just like mine, each with their own tales of suffering, pain, grief, and hate. The cycle never ends.

I've seen children scrounging for food near the trash.

I've seen people beg for food, when a passerby just passes them by without a glance.

I've seen a country starving from malnourishment and suffering unimaginable.

Children no less than seven with eyes of a hardened killer inside.

Animals fighting even for the smallest of food that wasn't even healthy.

But…

What broke my heart most was a child. A child no less than 5 years old crying so much you can see waterfalls pour down his wet cheeks. Using his own right arm to desperately stop that flow of tears.

While everyone in front of him and in the back didn't even have the gall to even comfort him in that time or place. Civilians of whom he would pass by wouldn't even glance at his direction or even acknowledge he was even living.

Invisible to all, but to a select few.

Adults who had a metal protector across their forehead, looked at me impassively then continued on their existence.

That's what broke me the most. Beyond all measures I took to get noticed, the end result was the same.

That day was a new change for me.

And yet when I look beyond the walls that surround me, the feeling never goes away.

Each and everyone one of us suffers just as our neighbor does, heck even animals suffer!

It was a fleeting dream of mine to be held by a loving mother, a loving father, to care for me, to feed me, to compliment me, to help me in my time of need. But, alas fate perhaps was perhaps too cruel to grant such a selfish wish for me. And so I buried my intense desires to have my own blood related family care for me. I buried my selfish thoughts to my sleep, hoping, wishing they would return in my dreams and do the things they could if they were alive.

That was what I longed for desperately in my early life and still do today.

A Selfish Reason...

A Fleeting Wish...

A Perfect Dream...

In the shinobi world, people who believe in miracles think luck or an act of Kami has spared them.

I don't believe it. If miracles did occur then my parents wouldn't had to have sacrifice so much of themselves for me, If miracles did occur then the Sandaime and his son would still be around to take care their family, not broken apart for self-fish ideas. Leaving a child (Konohamaru) whose bonds were so strong with his family to be severed so abruptly it leaves you numb and hollow.

Enough to make you deny that they're dead, enough to think this is all just a lie, and that the world you think is real is an illusion, and all you had to do is wake up.

Sadly, this shinobi world isn't filled with miracles that come once a day and save a whole country the next.

Miracles are made by the choices we choose to make every-day, each and everyone has the power to change. The power to change this world and the power to change ourselves and that of others.

Just simple individuals with the ability to make change are what we need in this world. We can't pray for miracles because they just don't happen.

We make our own miracles. Making our own destinies, marking our own fate down the road, just as many countless individuals who died for what they fought for.

Many shinobi fought against one another in the days where there were no hidden villages. Days in which children themselves must fight other children so young, and already thrown into war itself.

War is inevitable. Such that sacrifices must be made. Heroes who have been long forgotten, heroes that never are remembered only for the acts they accomplished.

Information, Duty, War, and so much more,

Many shinobi have fought, bled, on the battlefields to just win for their country, for the war effort, and lastly for the hope to see their family once more.

But just what does it mean to be a Shinobi? Do citizens, summons, Shinobi themselves know what being a True Shinobi is? What led to their paths into becoming a Shinobi? What trials, the struggles, the pain, the Shinobi had to face in order to give their answer? Many people will give varied reasons to what a Shinobi is. Answers differ from civilian, villagers, wanderers, ronin, missing shinobi, criminals, perhaps deities like the Shinigami.

The path of Shinobi. Just where does this path lead?

Sacrifice in many ways is intertwined with that of Shinobi, people who endure, pain and suffering for so many burdens on their shoulders in order to make a necessary sacrifice. A sacrifice in which they willingly do so, in order to see the new dawn, the new horizon, and perhaps a future where children need not fight in wars, a future where children can play and enjoy their childhood before being entrusted with the duty to kill. Many have fallen for their village, some more noble than others, while others sacrifice poorly. It is not in the ends that matters, but the reasoning behind such acts of selfless actions that propel each individual to act upon.

The reasons they fought, and died for, are a huge significance in it all that differs from person to person, the death is meaningful, not the way they lived out there lives but at the moment they died fighting for something they believed in. Those are what I call a noble sacrifice.

A sacrifice in which must be honored for various reasons, be it to save a friend from a boulder. Be it to save village from a civil war, be it to save the balance of the world, by entrusting one of the highest forms of power in a single child borne from love.

My sensei fought his own student from which he had not seen since war-time. And died fighting him to give us vital information. He died not for how he lived his life, nor for his mistakes he sought to correct, but died for something that was essential and vital for the village. Jiraiya died in his fight with his ex-student for his own belief of peace where everyone could finally understand one another. That is the peace, he longs for. The peace he has sought after, fighting his last stand for what he believed in.

An S-rank missing Shinobi from Konoha who never got the recognition he deserved; the immense sacrifice to mercilessly kill nearly everyone in his own, only to save his own little brother. Thus preventing a prelude to the fourth Shinobi World War, instead he hung his pride and willingly chose to leave the village as a scapegoat, as a killer, as someone who would willingly face execution than portraying the truth. For the sake of peace, for the sake of the village, for the sake of his clan, and finally for the sake of family. Uchiha Itachi chose to live in the shadows, buried under the lying truths, because that's what Shinobi do.

Asuma Sarutobi fought an S-rank Missing Nin. For his own beliefs of protecting the king at all costs, the children that one day would lead the future generation and so on and so forth. He made his last stand not for duty, but of his desire to protect that new generation that will spark a new Will of Fire.

Sandaime Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, who fought valiantly against his past demons, in order to preserve the fire in everyone's hearts, the will to keep moving past death for the safety of the village, because that's what everyone has, willing to give their all for the sake of their home.

Hyuuga Hizashi died, by willingly choosing to defy fate, where he was fated to die by a seal, he chose to die willingly for his clan, his village, and most importantly his own family, to not cause any more strife, or suffering from both sides, he alone chose to settle on his shoulders the sacrifice to seek peace as well for the safety of the village and to spit on fate once more.

Hatake Sakumo chose to leave his son behind to face the village alone with his regrets. However he chose a noble decision; to save his comrades while abandoning the mission. Many frowned heavily upon this because the mission was far important than the costs. However the lesson left behind made a great impression to all shinobi, especially one son of the White Fang. Empathetic was the White Fang of Konoha that he chose to save his own teammates believing that they were more important than the mission itself. The decision to save his teammates before the mission parameters is one of the most honorable and selfless acts one can do, demonstrating immense will and guts to follow.

Senju Hashirama who fought in the warring clan days where children were forced to fight other clans in the days where there were no hidden villages. Only warfare against the young and even old. Bathing the battlefield with blood in the sun and night. Endless fighting that lessened greatly with Hashirama's rise as the first Shodaime Hokage of the first of Hidden villages in the Shinobi world. Regarded as one of the highest elite Shinobi since the Sage of six paths eventually lead his village to a new era of peace.

Senju Tobirama the younger brother to the first Hokage of the hidden leaf. He spread the will of fire his brother professed during his reign to the newest generation of Shinobi who would later on his will. He sacrificed his own life to stop twenty Kumo Shinobi. Leaving behind his last order for Sarutobi Hiruzen to succeed him as Hokage. Selflessly sacrificing himself while placing his faith to the new generation Senju Tobirama died a noble death for the Village of Konohagakure.

And finally Uzumaki Kushina and the Yondaime Hokage Namikaze Minato who self-lessly sacrificed their own selves for a child no more than an hour old had been born in this world. A child full of innocence, born from the love of two loving parents, only to be sacrificed for a foolish prophecy. They chose to cast upon their immense faith upon a child that could've been borne and lived with a family filled with love and affection so early on that he truly deserved.

Only for it to be ripped apart for a prophecy that may or not come true.

Innocent, small, cute, born from two exceptional shinobi who gave their own lives for their home. Above all they sacrificed so much. Placing duty above the rest, placing their undying faith to their own child, the hopes, dreams, and ambitions now rest with him to follow. They fought against one another before falling in love like a red thread of fate in their lives.

They looked fated to live a happy merry after.

But miracles don't work that way. They sacrificed so much for their own village, one who was burdened with loneliness at such a young age, and another who professed to his own peers to stand at the rank of Hokage and willingly keep everyone safe.

The family that could've been filled with love chose duty before that, a duty in a family of shinobi where everything isn't always bright and blue, but shades of uncertainty and the unknown.

A family of shinobi that endures, because that is what a shinobi does. They endure.

My own family endured so much in their lives. That I couldn't ask for any other better parents to have. They gave me so much love it was indescribable, so much faith it was staggering, so much I cannot describe into words.

Seeing their memories…

How they act as a loving couple…

It was what I always deeply wanted…

And I'm proud to be their son!

They gave me so much that it was indescribable;

The love they imparted for me was so immense that I could feel it deep within myself.

The faith they believed in their own child was staggering, complete and utter faith.

The sacrifice they gave me was not in vain. Because I am their legacy.

This is why I will never back down! Because If I do all the sacrifices that everyone left for me would be in vain! For my parents, for my god-father, for my fallen friends, and for everyone's faith in me!

This is why I stand as Uzumaki 'Namikaze' Naruto.

This is why I'm telling you my tale of how I came to be.

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"Its- I can't even..." The figure spoke was utterly shocked and amazed at the introduction. He was shocked that the writing connected deeply to his own experience and could flush out such an emotional and yet accurate passage that accurately described Uzumaki Naruto.

"Ho ho ho! speechless already?" The other figure responded, feeling rather proud and yet amused for his epic introduction of Naruto Uzumaki.

"Hai." He responds softly still in awe at the first draft of 'The Tale of Uzumaki Naruto.' "I could feel how powerful the words you've written connected even to me. To know how harsh and painful his life was, truly I feel I made the right decision." The 1st figure spoke revered, and humbled to be one of the first to read the first draft of the introduction.

"Yes. I knew similarly both your life and Naruto's were similar. Though different in experience they both achieved the same lesson." The 2nd figure finished having noticed similarities between the two.

"Oh? And what is that Sensei?" The 1st responded, curiousity evident in his tone. Desiring to know what that lesson both persons have known.

"You both... have learned through suffering the lesson in pain." The 2nd figure stated in a serious voice.

Smiling wryly, noticing the pun but could not find any witty remark towards the other. "Yes, you are right." Closing his reminisces about his friends that he could've saved so long ago if only he had been stronger with a more noble goal in mind.

As if sensing his distress the 2nd person reaches a hand out to his shoulder to reassure him that every things fine.

"Sensei I-"

"There's no need for apologies here, I've forgiven you a long time ago. Just let it be..."

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[1 Week after the Pein Invasion, Naruto lays inside the newly rebuilt Konoha Hospital]

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I blink.

I look around my surroundings and realize I'm in the hospital.

How weird, why am I in the hospital?

As the blond-haired young adult calmly analyzed his surroundings he came upon a realization that he was in the hospital after beating Pein and having a discussion with him.

The blond looked down and realized he was wearing a hospital gown, with his clothes on a chair right next to the door. It was the clothes Ero-Sennin bought for him because he said.

"Orange is too flashy, be subtle and unpredictable considering that is in your nature, I mean what self-proposed Shinobi would attach an orange fabric to their clothing?"

And so he wore his new jump-suit and agreed with the Super Pervert because he liked orange and somewhat agreed with his perverted sensei.

Besides Naruto mused, what better way to surprise an enemy when you have orange right in front of their face. Since most Shinobi usually wore: black, gray, forest green or dark blue clothing to match their environments.

Then again he mused... unlike my father and mother they wore colors that would be their debilitating feature be with the blood-red color of his mother Kushina Uzumaki or the bright sun-kissed blond his father had on his head.

Thinking about both his parents, Naruto couldn't help but close his eyes and think of the first few moments he shared with them. No matter how small, short it may be he would always cherish that memory and what they looked like at the time...

Mom...Dad...Ero-Sennin...

He was happy he finally got to know his parents no matter how short it was, no matter if he wanted to know more of them, to know more of who they are, and most of all spending at least more time with his family that he never received as a child.

Yes, his dad sealed the Kyuubi within him, for the sake of the village, for the sake of not sacrificing another's child to the suffering a human sacrifice will always carry within their lifetime, for the sake of the child of prophecy, for the sake of being in a family of shinobi, to endure.

But most importantly for the sake of putting his faith, his and Kushina's faith that their child will be that savoir for the entire world.

Thinking about his father, Naruto couldn't help but look out the window and wonder just how his life would be different if his father would be alive and his mother. Perhaps they would both scold him for eating ramen...

Or fuss over him constantly, being overprotective, and unbearable

But that's ok, he would love them for being the parents they are, fussing over him, worrying the smallest of things.

Bah got to stop pondering what if's and wishes... were the thoughts of the bed-ridden Shinobi.

With Naruto's mother he was surprised with her blood-red hair she carried and wondered if he had that hair maybe I would've been smarter and not had anyone behind my back say "Blonde dumbass."

Well, can't win all battles I suppose...

Then again to see and feel her, even if it was within my mindscape. I was elated to finally get to know her, the story of the red-thread of fate, and the true story behind the attack on Konoha by the masked man.

Now, that I think about it. It seems all of this was perhaps pre-ordained, as if some great calamity is about to befall the whole of the Shinobi nations.

Inside the temple of Mount Myoboku the Great Toad Sage sneezed before falling asleep and wondering if the Prophecy will come true yet so he can retire and let the small green toad with the ridiculous Mohawk take his place.

Inside the house of Shima, wife to Fukasaku smacked her husband in the face for sneezing on her cooking.

Sigh... How troublesome why would that masked man do that anyway, what was his purpose? Did he reach it? Most importantly how was he able to pinpoint mom's place for giving birth.

None of the other villages could infiltrate the village, months perhaps years back to be able to get clearance to knowing this information classified only to the Hokage and his ANBU.

Then again... Naruto mused... It would have to been planned because the infiltration was a success, the Kyuubi was released and his father and mother had to die to seal it within him.

Reaching to massage his temples, Naruto couldn't help but feel sympathy for those critical thinkers and great deductions skills people possess, though perhaps it would create far more migraines having such an inherent blessing/curse.

Now I understand why Shikamaru always says 'Troublesome' it really is a pain in the ass to over analyze situations and give an answer that may or not even come true; just possibilities and the luck of the dice perhaps? Giving a pang of sympathy towards the most smartest in the village after his own father.

Thinking of those people he couldn't help, but laugh out right within the confounds of the hospital room.

To some ANBU, that were in the room they became bewildered at the Hero of Konoha to outright laugh for no apparent reason, but alas they were supposed to just watch over him just in case he escaped like so many times in the past. Countless escapes he made, to think the troublesome Blonde Prankster Menace became the Hero of The Hidden Leaf would be an interesting tale to tell.

I guess, after all my hard work and stubborn streak I finally got the recognition I deserved right Kaa-san? Tou-san? Jiraiya-Sensei?

Naruto was met only with silence, not like the dead could speak to him right?

But, suddenly the wind outside of Naruto's window he opened to get some fresh air blew towards his face and around his body.

Almost as if someone was messing with his hair again, another throwing an arm around his shoulders, and a pat on the back.

Naruto, after the wind blew away into the confines of the rebuilding village after Pein's attack could only bring his right arm in front of his face to stem the flooding of tears that would eventually fall.

He couldn't help it, the people he loved to death to go so far as even send him a message, no matter how ridiculous it sounded, no matter how in-coincidentally it may seem for a stray breeze to hit his face.

The truth however was Naruto just imagining it, there was no wind blowing caressing his face. But not even the ANBU stationed in his room could say otherwise. All of them could only look on in pity at Konoha's Hero. Helpless were they to say otherwise.

Back to Naruto, after wiping his tears away, he checked once more in his room to check if any people were there to see him crying.

Because Naruto almost never cried. Ever since he was ignored in the village he knew deep inside that crying would get you nowhere. So he locked that emotion deep within his psyche. Never again to show weakness to an enemy.

However as he grew older, Naruto became more emotional to say the least he experienced more bouts of happiness, be it from his comrades, teammates, sensei, or from people who considered him more than your average shinobi asking for money.

He was Uzumaki Naruto and he cried not because having the hate towards him, but feeling a real sense of calm serenity through his being that instilled within himself deep contentment of his feelings of joy and happiness.

Tears of joy they were, and he wasn't afraid to show them like Bushy brow and Bushier Brow sensei.

Because no matter what people thought of him, he didn't dare become what they preached.

Because he was Uzumaki Naruto.

Carving his own destiny and spitting at fate all the way.

That's who he is, and that's how he'll always be...

His hands curled into fists. And he found renewed determination to succeed harder than ever because he knew within himself there are far worse things in the Shinobi world about to stir.

Much like the Calm before the Storm.

The fight with Pein only served to open his eyes further to the people outside of his village of villains and enemies that will be stronger than even Nagato.

And for that he needed to train, he needed to make sure he can accomplish his goals, he needed to protect his teammates and his friends and his village. He needed so many things to do he should just stop before he collapses from Determination Overload Disorder (DOD).

Straining his body to take deep breaths he proceeded to do this for five minutes.

Now that he has somewhat calmed down before he would've spammed Kage-Bunshin all day long.

He proceeded to tilt his head towards the window overlooking the past Hokage's...

The Shodaime...

The Nidaime...

The Sandaime...

The Yondaime...

The Godaime...

Man, at least we have the first female Hokage, Naruto mused. Silently wondering what the other past Hokage's would think about a female Hokage addicted to gambling and sake more than signing paperwork.

Ahh, Baa-chan... Wait is she all right?

I wonder if she'll be fine, last I saw her I told her to go drink some tea and rest... Maybe that wasn't the right decision...

A Genin ordering a Hokage to leave the battlefield and confront Pein, one of the leaders of the Akatsuki...

Naruto snorted. Amused how he'll deal with the fallout on his record marked.

Rank: Genin

Name: Uzumaki-Namikaze Naruto

Crime: Ordering the current Hokage to leave the battlefield when her presence was needed.

A small smile tugged his lips, when he thought of that scenario, would look great with his other notable pranks.

Did I black out? Must've occurred when I was in shock when everyone was congratulating me, for semi-saving Konoha from a near disaster.

Then again I did beat an S-rank Shinobi that should've been SS-ranked...

Damn, Bingo Books lying.

But whatever, I at least saved everyone from near annihilation with the help of the Toads in the end...

Since not many knew of Nagato or Pein as how Naruto puts it, he decided to keep the tidbit of Pein's story and life in secret; no doubt people will slander or insult someone who nearly put everyone in Konoha in a casket because of his 'god-like' powers...

Hmmm, but I could make a book about Nagato's life, and Konan, and Yahiko...

Yes that's what I'll do; first I'll contact Konan for permission to write the book, not slandering Pein as a member of the Akatsuki, but write a story about pain and hate, centered on the lives of the three orphans and their struggle. He wouldn't put in the battles or kidnapping of other Jinchuriki, no he would center around the belief of what his sensei wanted about peace and understanding and how those three were a major part of how he became a self proclaimed Super Pervert, Icha-Icha writer extraordinaire, Sage from the mountain Myobukuzan, Summoner of the toads, Sensei to the Yondaime, Student of the God on Shinobi, and one hell of an old Shinobi up in the S-ranks of bingo books, a legend, myth, or mass hatred to some.

But Naruto he'll never forget his most famous title:

Godfather...

Naruto took a deep breath and unclenched his fists to stop the tears that would flow whenever he thought of the pervert and how he helped shape the man currently thinking about him.

Sitting inside of a hospital with no ramen...

Sigh...

What a fantastic ending, The human sacrifice comes to save the day, against one of the supposed leaders of the Akatsuki and was able to narrowly defeat him, then asks to discuss with him on why he attacked and killed so many innocents, only to have an argument of peace, disciples, and pain. Then leading to the resurrection of all the Konoha Shinobi and civilian alike, coming home exhausted beyond his limits only to find everyone there waiting for him.

Naruto!

Naruto!

Naruto!

Each and every cheer and praise where loudly directed at him, and he couldn't stop his jaw from dropping, at how every Shinobi and civilian were giving him looks of pride and happiness to see him alive and safe.

His chest clenched, and arms were left dangling off to the sides.

The single act of saving my own village finally opened the people's eyes to seeing who I am as Uzumaki Naruto.

Not as the Kyuubi holder,

Not as the Demon,

Not as that orphan,

But, Uzumaki Naruto: The #1 Knuckle-headed Shinobi, Most unpredictable Shinobi to ever grace the Shinobi World, A wandering hero among several villages he visited. Child of the Prophecy and Savoir of this world foretold by the great sage of Mount Myobozukan, Konoha's Future Orange Hokage, Son of Uzumaki Kushina and the Yondaime Hokage Namikaze Minato, God-son to the Super pervert Jiraiya the Toad Sage and now most recently the Hero of the Hidden Leaf.

How many times did I scream to be Hokage?

How many times did I wish for the people of this village to finally acknowledge me?

How many times did I ever dream of this?

And in a single-decisive battle against another Child of the Prophecy did fate finally grant one of his long awaited wishes.

Oh, how long he relished that desire; now that it's been fulfilled, a great burden had been lifted from Naruto's shoulders. The tension and constant reminder in his mind to no longer reach or try to strive for that goal can finally be put to rest.

However now that he thought about it he always had that acknowledge of who he was, what he was to them.

To his teammates he would always be the one who would put the others' well-being before his own, focusing more on the matter of his teammates than the mission at hand. He would always care for his teammates a great deal, because they were like a pseudo-family to him.

Kakashi would be a silent uncle to them all, advising but not helping them actively, yes he would help occasionally when his cute Genin couldn't handle it, but for the most part it was mostly a solo adventure. Learning new things outside the walls of Konoha like which plants to use for tea, to know which plant is poisonous to our health, from which area was safe to sleep with an eye open, to knowing when to ration your supplies for a long mission at hand. Kakashi was never one to bore with long lectures like Iruka-Sensei because that was too boring.

Kakashi only spoke words that were essential, vital to a conversation be it an argument or discussion not like the one hooded guy who would only speak when he was called upon.

What was his name again?

Alas even with Naruto's improved prowess he still maintained his Naruto-like character of forgetting even the most common of details ranging from Hinata's admiration towards him and even small things like the name of Shino...

But, were getting sidetracked.

Continuing on...

Sakura would be like the sister he never had, always checking her teammate's health and even that of our sensei, scolding us when we do something stupid like Kakashi not helping an old lady with groceries when he said he did the morning yesterday. Like a scolding mother she would bring her fist down, and not one or two, but three simultaneous head-bumps would appear on all of us when we all do something reckless. Like that one time we all left her in the hot-springs with supposedly Strong guys. Which wasn't the best idea because strong in a sense that we failed to notice they were strong* in their beliefs of liking the female body too much. A.K.A. The new super perverts...

Sigh.

With another sigh Naruto couldn't help but notice after Jiraiya's death many men, some of which he knows suddenly and abruptly started showing off their perverseness. Whether it is because of some supernatural powers of the pervert Jiraiya so strongly believed in. Or perhaps all the men who read the Icha-Icha Series (including Naruto out of helping his god-father with releasing and polishing his new stories of Icha-Icha should he had lived.) felt they too needed to show off their perverse nature to honor the author.

While in a universe far-far-away a brown haired student from Kuoh Academy sneezed wondering if he too should spread his perverseness to the males of the school. And worship a shrine dedicated to the female's appealing body especially OPPAI!

Fate had other plans, unfortunately for Naruto was not a super pervert like his late master although he did wonder why he perverted than taking another hobby...

Gah! Naruto threw his hands up in the air, to stop the onslaught of memories of his time with Ero-sennin, and should focus more on the present at hand.

Now then, Sasuke...

Sasuke would be a hard individual to describe...

To Uzumaki Naruto, Sasuke Uchiha would always remain in his heart as an annoying brother who would always try to show his superiority, by trying to one up him in nearly everything.

Tai-jutsu- Nearly every match he had with Sasuke he would always lose.

Nin-jutsu- His repertoire of jutsu eclipsed Naruto's own since becoming a Genin, being well-versed in Fire jutsu courtesy of his late clans demise by his own brother

Gen-jutsu- All the time, that smirking bastard would just use his Sharingan and throw me into a Genjutsu from which would take me hours to dispel. And when he did, his energy was already spent, so he could no longer punish that smug prince.

Needless to say he was outclassed in those three categories. And it didn't make him feel any better, only strode to fill his ever growing motivation to be stronger than all the Hokage's and make his parents proud.

But, throughout all their battles, all their bickering each would always have a small smile of content towards one another. Be it gratitude, be it caring for one another, or for having each other's back.

Naruto considered Sasuke like his brother he wished he had.

Not so he could acknowledge him

Not so he could care for him

Not so he could always push him to his limits

But, because he could relate to Naruto, sharing a similar tragic past together. In a way both share the sufferings and loss of innocence, that in the end bonded them like brothers.

Not super intimate mind you, like those two guys like Bushy-brows and Bushier Brow sensei. Who would show off their YOUTHFULNESS together with no shame whatsoever. Just a 'You watch my back, I watch yours' kind of pack that made.

But anyway, Sasuke would always have his back, even when he went up against Haku in the land of the Waves, ever since he protected him from a range kunai from his blind spot, and even when he left the village Hidden in the Leaves to Orochimaru.

A brotherly bond in the ways that brothers shared, when they bled for each other, in battle, in spars, and in life-or-death situations.

Sasuke is that brother to Uzumaki Naruto.

All-in-All his Pseudo-family was a weird bunch. But deep inside each and every one of them. They would lay down their own life on the line to see the other live. Though they would never say that out-loud, they would do it regardless of the consequences, regardless to their own well-being, and regardless to the mission.

That's what his family would do

That's what Team Seven would do

That's what Naruto would do, to protect his family and friends, from any and all harm.

Even from Death itself.

.

Oi, stop spreading your conviction, it's stuffy in here, your chakra is suffocating my chakra every-time your desire increases.

Naruto blinked. Silently he wondered who said that, since there was no one residing in the room where he was currently staying.

Then again... not many have one of the most powerful Bijuu sealed inside of them.

His lips curled upwards thinking he wasn't alone as he thought he was.

Mhmmmmm, and don't forget that! My power is incredible! You're lucky that I even bestowed you my awesome power.

Naruto huffs and turns away, but if you look closely on his face theirs a small smile there.

Internally Kuruma or the Kyuubi no Yoko, The nine-tailed fox also has a smirk on his lips, thinking how brash his container was for thinking of battling an SS-rank Shinobi with the fabled Rinnegan.

Just like my father. Kuruma mused... I wonder...

Bah! The nine-tailed Bijuu stopped his internal thoughts to focus on the matter at hand. Just relax will ya? our chakra tug of war can't go only to one side ya know?

Hmm, you're right. Kuruma I'm sorry for that, I'll try to be more careful next time. Naruto says.

Yeah, well don't forget it!

Yes mother...

Shaking his head, Naruto couldn't help but restrain the laughter in his chest about his prideful partner sealed inside of him.

I wonder what else this world has for me?

Taking his pondering thoughts away for another time. The new hero of Konoha decided it was time to get out and stretch his legs and maybe visit the Ichiraku Ramen to fill his stomach before it starts to growl.

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

Too late Naruto mused. And with that he grabbed his usual attire with the Sage cloak on his back with black flames decorating the bottom and proceeded to jump out of the hospital.

Unaware of the ANBU's that conveniently left before Naruto dressed in his usual attire and jumped out of the hospital building. For their shift was over, and the next squad was supposed to arrive. Unfortunately, that next squad was late do to Tenzo formerly Yamato from ANBU collapsing due to over-exhaustion on regrowing buildings for Konoha. And so the group of ANBU that had just left Naruto's hopsital room, helped the former ANBU. Because, you never leave a fellow ANBU in dire need of assistance, regardless of retirement or resigning on the persons. An ANBU never leaves an ANBU behind period.

Anyway, outside while in the air Naruto could feel the safe air caressing his face like a mother would.

He enjoyed that moment.

Until he realized he had no plan on how to land.

What a fantastic departure from healing only to get broken bones from a fall. And then proceed to stay in the hospital locked up in a white jacket for no escaping.

Luckily though. That didn't happen. So Naruto only flew out for several seconds and slowly descended with the articulate use of Wind Chakra distributed evenly around his body so that he was vertical standing on the ground.

Now standing up right, and dusting invisible dust from his knees, our blond hero proceeded to jog to Ichiraku Ramen all the while giving smiles to any bystander that politely greeted him.

.

In ten minutes he was able to reach the Ramen place and couldn't help, but salivate his lips in anticipation for the 'Food of the gods'.

Sitting on his favorite spot Naruto shouted inside "Hey old man!"

"One miso ramen please!"

A shout of "Sure coming up!" was exclaimed from the kitchen. While the owner's daughter of the Ramen place; Ayame came out with a white dress with brown linings that stopped at her knees got out of the kitchen to serve the customers wanting to try out the delicacy the hero of Konoha so loudly pronounces as 'The greatest food on this world.'

Seeing Naruto on the stool Ayame let out a squeal and flashed so to speak next to him, and reciprocated a loving hug to the resident Hero of Konoha.

"It's nice to see you doing well here Ayame."

"Indeed. As you as well Naruto-kun, thanks for coming by after the reconstruction. But I couldn't help but wonder if you only came here for the ramen and not lil' o'l me?" Ayame said with a twinkle in her eye.

Now Naruto considering he was a student of the Super pervert was actually well graced in diffusing horrific misunderstandings, that usually landed his master with an iron hook to the face or the upcoming beat down from righteous woman that were trying to enjoy a relaxing day at the hot springs. Only to find out a pervert was there peeping on them and then has the gall to say it was all a "Misunderstanding." Needless to say if Naruto hadn't been there most of the time he would've lost a God-father rather quickly...

Then again this isn't a story of the escapades of Jiraiya and Naruto.

And so with practiced with elegance one and a change in aura. Naruto said:

"Why Ayame I would never come here for that sole reason alone. I came here because I wanted to sate my stomach of its growling but also to check if you guys needed any help."

"Naturally you know how comfortable I feel 'around' here than most places around the village."

At this Ayame reluctantly let her supposed assumption of Naruto only coming for Ramen, to be replaced with well placed sympathies towards the resident Jinchuriki. She remembered so long ago a younger Naruto would come by regularly to Ichiraku Ramen for comfort when he needed it most and Ramen which he loved very dearly.

She stared at the deep-ocean blue eyes of Naruto. With Naruto also gazing back at her, with eyes filled with gratitude and acceptance.

Knowing Naruto was just being Naruto she dropped the topic and gave him a gentle smile on her face. As if saying: 'I know Naruto. You're always welcome here anytime.'

To Naruto, Ayame was one of the pillars that supported him a lot during his early life that shaped who he was and how he came to be. She was simple yes. She only worked for a simple restaurant. But she simply understood Naruto for who he is to her and not because of what others think about him. To Naruto she will always be that loving surrogate sister that dotes on you when you need it and checks you up from time to time.

Those small acts to Naruto were countless. But they were so priceless in his younger days along with her father.

Yes they acknowledged him as a human being, Yes they acknowledged him as someone who needed help.

But most importantly, they were willing to give him a chance.

A chance in his way of thinking of showing everyone just Uzumaki Naruto is.

And that's what he saw the Ichiraku family that embedded itself into one misunderstood child of Konoha.

While slurping through his fifth bowl of Miso Ramen, Naruto couldn't help but remember when Iruka-sensei and him were both eating Ramen and conversing at Ichiraku Ramen. Those memories he had with Iruka filled his chest with great appreciation and gratitude towards the scarred Chunin.

For not only did Iruka treat Naruto as a human being and not the misplaced hatred or prejudice most of the villagers and Shinobi direct on him. Iruka was special in that he could relate to Naruto for he too had in the past resorted to pranking around the village. Which is why, Iruka could always find Naruto during his Prank Spree. But, Iruka was also a precious person to Naruto, he was able to understand him in the past so early on because of their similar history, and help him when he couldn't understand the curriculum at the academy.

I mean Iruka was there when-

"Oh, Naruto! your here?"

Speak of the devil the man of the hour is here right now.

Umino Iruka; The ex teacher of Naruto Uzumaki, rank Chunin, academy instructor. Her wore a standard green colored vest with his leaf headband proudly displayed on his forehead. His black hair tied into a pony tail and had blue pants, his most defining characteristic is his horizontal scar stretched from the middle of his nose to the right and left.

He was substituting for Ebisu since he was unfortunately peeking at the newly rebuilt hot springs in Konoha. Though Iruka didn't know that. So he just came back from supervising his team composed of Konohamaru Sarutobi, Udon, and Moegi.

Walking in and taking a seat next to the newly dubbed Hero of Konoha he gave a smile towards his direction and after ordering his own Miso Ramen. The two conversed about the state of the village.

"Naruto shouldn't you be resting at the hospital?" Iruka asked Naruto, worried for his health after a gruelling battle with the SS-ranked Shinobi who flattened Konoha into a bowl a week ago.

"Eh? I'm all good now Iruka-sensei!" Naruto says with a bright smile on his face.

Sigh. "Got bored I bet staring at the white walls in the hospital, huh? Naruto?" Iruka, questioned. Already deducing why Naruto escaped from the hospital.

Closing his eyes and rubbing his head with his right hand, Naruto sheepishly said. "Hahaha, nothing gets by you huh Iruka-sensei?" Naruto admitted, a bit put off at how Iruka always seems to figure out his excuses, no matter how lamer they seem to be accumulating.

"Naruto." Iruka said quietly. He knew he had to put this delicately for Naruto, even if he was able to defeat Pein, he was still not much of a person who enjoyed conversational lectures about himself.

Except to a small select group of people he knew. He would respect and listen to heart there lecture for him.

"Hmm? what is it sensei?" Naruto answered back after wiping his mouth of the dangling noodles from his lips.

Putting his chopsticks away and paying of the ramen he ordered he thanked the Teuchi and Ayame as always for a splendid job well done for the meal. Asking Naruto to come and walk with him around the village still in reconstruction.

"Iruka-sensei, is everything all right?" Naruto asked Iruka, worrying that a serious topic may arise due in part of leaving the Ramen place. Even he had no clue what Iruka was about to talk about. But months of staying in Kaka-sensei's student made him mature greatly, even if he still retained that same Naruto-like-quality.

So his underneath the underneath senses were already tingling right after Iruka subtly told him to walk around the village. Perhaps he was trying to make a point or head somewhere else he had in mind.

"Do you see the village now. everyone is hard at work trying to build their home back to what it once was." Iruka says quietly still walking along the bustling path of civilian and shinobi alike. Each working on a house that was once flattened or a road that still had rubble clogging the path ahead. And yet everyone is still working day and night.

Naruto looks around the state of the village and sees children helping their parents, shinobi offering to help build a building for shelter.

It was in a sense cool and tranquil. Everywhere he looked people were not sad or angry but had a face of determination at their work. People he occasionally saw to buy groceries waved at him and their children all held smiling faces toward him now than in the past.

"Iruka-sensei everyone looks happy, and even more determined." Naruto comments.

"Yes. Nearly two decades had passed since our Will of Fire was so bright. But after the re-admission of the Third Hokage and the loss of our Yondaime Hokage our fire had all but diminished. I remember days where I walked to the office of the Yondaime Hokage people were happy with their lives. Since the 3 Shinobi world war ended." Iruka says to Naruto, he takes another deep breath and says once more.

"Looking at the village once more I am proud that our Will of Fire burns brightly now than ever before."

"Yeah, your right." Naruto agrees with Iruka's statement, seeing as the villagers are at least happy now with their lives.

Iruka, then turns to Naruto facing him and his full form. He couldn't help but think. Sandaime. Yondaime. Our Will of Fire burns brightly now than ever before. And it was all thanks to Naruto. To think that the loud prankster of Konoha we knew in the past, would ultimately become one of the Leaf's heroes we need now than ever before. Iruka thought.

The irony in that the prankster would one day become a hero to Konoha. Where once he was scorned and hated. Is now revered finally as the hero he was meant to be for the Village Hidden in the Leaves.

Iruka knew that Naruto's role in his village and perhaps the world will impact the Shinobi world greatly. But Naruto bless his soul would no doubt probably not notice it. With that in mind he says to Naruto.

"Naruto. You know your role in this village now is even larger than what it once was." Iruka says.

Naruto oblivious as always with both his hands behind his head, responds to Iruka. "Eh, what do you mean sensei?"

Pinching the bridge of his nose Iruka tries to form a delicate and yet understanding message that will hopefully reach Naruto's understanding of the current situation.

"Naruto, when you were just a kid, back when the village still had its Sandaime Hokage." At the mention of the Sandaime Hokage, Naruto astutely pays more attention to Iruka, knowing that this conversation would be very serious.

"He and I were discussing about you. He was defending you. He told me when I still couldn't quite understand you. How you and I were similar."

"It was during this time he told me."

"The Yondaime Hokage wanted the villagers to regard Naruto as a hero. He placed the seal and died hoping for that."

As they were walking they finally stopped at the Fourth Hokages head, overlooking the entire village from above.

"When the Sandaime told me that. I knew the moment you defeated Pein and somehow managed to revive everyone that had died in the invasion."

Looking at the village from atop the Fourth Hokage's head Iruka takes another deep breath and faces Naruto once more. Smiling with his bright teeth towards him with his eyes closed. And said to him once more.

"You would become a hero. And right now there is a hero right before my eyes." He finishes with tears flowing out of his eyelids. Feeling immensely proud of how far his student had overcome for the sake of the village and for the burden on his shoulders. The pain too was there knowing he could've helped out Naruto even more.

Naruto upon hearing this is quite embarrassed with red cheeks on his face and closing his eyes like Iruka he says "Thank you Sensei, it means a lot hearing that from you." Naruto says unabashedly with both his arms behind his head.

Slowly, though Naruto walks next to Iruka and pats his shoulder in re-assurance and said to Iruka.

"Don't worry Iruka-sensei, it's a heroes job to save the day! so don't worry everything will be all right Dattebayo!" Naruto exclaims loudly to show his determination towards the whole village and Iruka himself.

Because a Hero's work is never done.

.

After watching the village for who knows how long from atop the Fourth Hokage's head, I started walking back to my apartment. Contemplating whether or not I should start back on training to more prepared for the ensuing fights ahead in the future. No time for resting up, the world isn't going to save itself. And with that thought in mind for today Naruto proceeded to head towards a nearby training ground and-.

"Hey Naruto-san. Can you tell us your story?" Said a small kid, abruptly stopping his next movement to head towards the training ground. He was stumped to say the least by this peculiar question towards him.

I couldn't fathom why a kid perhaps 5 to 10 years old would ask me about a story. Really no one has ever asked about a story, considering I was just a 'demon.' So they ignored me for something I contained and never fully got to know the real me.

Perhaps...

This time of change is coming. After the invasion of Pein, have the people changed their thoughts about me? Is it time to change?

Perhaps...

But, what if they still see me as a demon? Will they see me for who I am? To see Uzumaki 'Namikaze' Naruto.

Each of the kids, Hyuuga, Nara, Akimichi, Yamanaka, Aburame, Inuzuka, Civilian, Orphans, and some others, all of their faces held pensive and innocent curiosity waiting to be filled with talented and wondrous stories. Some have quirks of their own that set them apart, clans to civilians to orphans just like me, to each his own that encompasses a certain uniqueness that separates them from them all.

Stories I've ever experienced in the village, outside, my life...

My life story...

Could it be the story they would like to hear would be my tale before Pein? Or is it Before becoming a Shinobi, for being who I was?

A human, a person, an individual...

I couldn't bear to look at all their childish personalities, one was giving the puppy dog look, and another was just saying 'troublesome' under their breath, others held bewitched curiosities that await my response.

But, what should I say?

Should I really tell them my story?

In my head one side tells me:

"Naruto... why not give these children the truth about your past, uncensored, past the gritty details, show them who the real you are. Show them all the struggles, pain, and risks, you've taken in your life, besides these are innocent children who want to know the real Hero of Konoha that saved their homes, their family and most of all gave them all their will of fire back!"

While the other side said:

"Naruto... do you really take these children as people who would understand you? Who do you think understood you the most? Yourself. Who do turn to for help? Yourself. Who do trust more than anyone else? Yourself. See Naruto all throughout your life you have been living and for yourself and only yourself. Why should you now go tell these children about your story, these blank states of children who know nothing of pain and sacrifice like you went through..."

...

...

Silence.

Those were the only lingering thoughts Naruto had on his mind, his darker personality actually made a good point about them.

What gives them the right to ask such an 'Interesting story?'

Unbeknownst to Naruto and the children waiting for him to speak, his fists clenched and his toes curled inward, while outwardly he had a small frown marring his face.

That's true...

Inside of Naruto the Kyuubi or Nine tailed fox heard these thoughts and couldn't help but stoically think: how interesting... Let's see how this plays out. Were the thoughts of the Kyuubi.

Naruto still stood still while the children were getting anxious, fiddling their own toes, looking intently at him wanting to know their hero, their role model. The savoir of their own home.

And what do you think Naruto chose?

Suddenly a blond haired kid, that looked eerily similar to Naruto that looked about eight years old, with just a shirt with a spiral on it and blue shorts. He had blue eyes just like Naruto and the same blond spiky hair with dark green goggles on his forehead.

To the outward shinobi, that were passing by they could've sworn the Yondaime and Naruto overlap this child, that looked eerily similar to them both.

But what was also startling about this, was the red haired 'tomato' child holding hands with the blonde Naruto/Yondaime look alike, she was wearing an orange dress that stopped before her knees and a yellow hair pin over to the right side of her face. She had violet eyes that held warmth and love for him, even if she never met him before.

To Naruto who felt a tug on both his sleeves by both of these small children looked down and saw their eyes. That held no hatred, disgust, or hidden malice.

These eyes... Naruto thought. They show...

Understanding...

"Excuse me Naruto-san, but if it's not too much trouble could you please tell us a story?" the Blonde haired kid spoke with a voice of gentleness.

And then the red head spoke after the blond kid.

"Yeah I want to hear a story! Because stories are so cool~ Do you think you can tell us your story Naruto-san?" Spoke the red-head with a voice filled with excitement.

Naruto didn't know it, nor did the children, but to any outsider they saw Naruto's un-tense themselves and involuntarily let out a sigh of relief.

However, disturbing as it may be, these were the thoughts of both the red haired and the blonde kid: Yes, he's finally becoming relaxed around us. Both internally thought.

Looking at these children holding his sleeves Naruto couldn't help but think they actually make a cute couple. I wonder if dad had other reasons for loving a red-head like mom.

As Naruto was thinking that thought, the red haired child in front of him sneezed. While she was thinking: someone must be thinking about my red hair te~he~.

Taking all of their faces in all the time, Naruto couldn't help but wistfully think; Perhaps it is time for a story, a story about my life, a Tale of Uzumaki 'Namikaze' Naruto... he thought to himself.

In the afterlife, Jiraiya sneezed onto his newest novel "The Tale of Uzumaki Naruto." It sucks because Jiraiya was about to write an epic quote from our favorite orange loving Shinobi.

Back in the real world Naruto closed his eyes once more. And proceeded to contemplate where in Konoha a location would be suitable for these children.

Pulse...

Pulse...

Pulse...

Pu- Gotcha!

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Opening his eyes, he looked upon the still children and spoke:

"Sure! Just follow me. This place where were going should help you all with my story." Naruto said. And with that he winked at them and jogged lightly.

And so the group of children followed the savoir of Konoha. They took about an hour walking because random civilians and shinobi would pat Naruto on the back and say.

"Good job!"

"Keep up the good work!"

"Naruto-sama will you please marry me?"

At the last exclamation he told the kids.

"If you guys don't hurry I won't share my ramen with you guys!" Shouted Naruto as he ran a bit faster so the little brats could at least see him.

At his command all the little boys and girls started running as if the devil was behind their backs.

Reaching the Yondaime's head in less than twenty minutes. An impressive time only shattered by our resident bushier brow sensei of Youth with a record of one minute while on his hands from the Hokage tower. A feat accomplished by a challenge submitted by a masked silver haired shinobi in the hospital still recuperating while reading the last known issue of Icha-Icha.

Reaching the top of his father's head, Naruto let out a sigh of relief for escaping what were the beginnings of his soon-to-be-popular fan-club.

Turning his head, he saw most of the kids were downright panting and exhausted from that jog. Well except the kids from respectable Shinobi families.

He decided for a small amount time for them to recuperate. Besides no one wants to listen to a story when you're exhausted.

And with that said, Naruto made a shadow clone and had him transform into a sign that said. And unsealed a orange blanket for the kids to sit upon

"Rest for 5 minutes then we can begin."

The children seeing this all sent Naruto silent gratitude from their eyes.

Let it be said these 5 minutes were quite intriguing to say the least in regards to the group of children. On one hand they're personalities relate very similarly to that of his friends especially those from Shinobi families and those who are derived from civilians and orphans. Some were more logical, others were contemplating why their own sweat is staining their nails, some were just keeping silent and muttering a silent 'troublesome'. Others were the same, much like his classmates in the academy, filled with their own quirks that make them unique. However so, Naruto couldn't help but sweat-drop mentally if all shinobi families difference in clans rested in the extent of each quirk...

Well no matter, it's best to observe the little brats for now.

"Gah my nails!"

"Munch Munch"

"Sigh"

"Woof! woof!"

"Hey the view is great here!"

"It is?"

"Yes, why? Because none of us have decided to explore the confines of the village we live in."

"Sugoi…"

"I know right!"

"Naruto-san looks really at peace here."

"Huh? Really let me see!?"

Silently the mixed children mingled and tried to view the gentle face of the Hero of Konoha.

When they looked upon his face. They saw both his eyes were closed almost as if he was asleep. His lips curled into a small upon his face.

All in all, Naruto Uzumaki looked totally at peace here.

"Uhm…. Eto-maybe we shouldn't stare at Naruto up close guys…"

"He does need his space…"

At this everyone except Naruto sweat drops.

Opening his deep blue ocean eyes to the children surrounding him. He intensely stares right back at their childish curiosity.

Sigh

Closing his eyes once more he contemplates his reason for telling the group of children his story. The decision was a tough one because he on one hand could tell them a heroic half assed story to make them believe it more, making it more entertaining to them all. Or on the other-hand he could refuse to tell his tale because it's graphic, gritty, sad, and morbid. However the positives would be learning the real truth about him, while describing detailed accounts that will forever embed themselves as important lessons to each child.

After releasing another sigh. Naruto looks back at them and notes their still pensive and innocent curiosity to know the Hero's story. So after some consideration he decided to tell them.

"My story isn't for the faint of heart to be heard, especially from children like you all." Naruto says to the children.

"Ehhhhhhhhhh?!"

Most of the children exclaimed abruptly. As if thinking he won't tell them his story.

However the silent more rational thinkers believe that the story should be told.

Most who thought like that, were mostly from Shinobi families.

Except one child.

No one remembers who he was, because he was just an orphan. Always forgotten in the background. Silently watching the others being picked off by families, (mostly those of whom were wealthy). Envying each child taken with love from the adults in their eyes. Each and every time he would watch with a heavy heart knowing he never receives them either.

Naruto who watches the children with intense eyes stares intensely at both the children who gave an outburst and who stayed silent. He then asks them.

"Because this story isn't for children, where you expect miracles to happen and endings to end in a happily ever after. This story…. My story… is-"

"I DON'T CARE!" said a voice in the group of children.

At his outburst everyone looked back of the group to see a young kid no more than 7 to 8 years old with a white t-shirt and blue shorts. He had dark spiky red hair like Naruto had when he was a child. Light skin with a very slight tan and a slight chubby cheek. His eyes were blue startling similar to a young Naruto with red hair.

The young adult in the group of children frowns and asks him.

"Why? Why do you not care?"

"Because... you should just give us the real story." The red haired boy says. And goes on further saying.

"Because."

Looking down on his feet with his bangs shadowing his eyes.

"You will eventually lie to us in your story. And I don't want that, I want a true story, a true story that isn't filled with half of a lie or half of a truth. I want a story to desperately believe in. But also to tell your story to others be it a kid, lady, guy, enemy, or animal" The red haired child takes a deep breath and lifts his face once more to show his determination.

"Because not knowing the true story, is like following a belief that isn't true. And it hurts me. Because I want to know the truth, because the truth is what matters to me, not lies or half-truths. But the whole truth in your story: Uncensored, unedited, and unexposed to anyone else." As he said this, Naruto couldn't help but wonder how a small child was able to speak so clearly, with such determination, and with complicated diction directed at him and the others. As if he was wiser beyond his years, despite his young appearance.

His statement stroke a chord in each and every children even Naruto, because this child, this individual was able to discern a critical point that we humans tend to overlook. That things aren't what they seem, being all good or all evil, more so on a combination of the two sides intermingling; a bit of truth here and a bit of a lie there. Until you can't even discern what is real or a lie.

The child takes a deep breath and continues on staring at each and every child including Uzumaki Naruto.

"So please! Tell us you're story, I don't care for the bad stuff, the stuff that makes each and every one of us happy with joy or stuff that can't be explained early on to kids like us. I just want for once a true story." Shouted the small red haired child.

"Onegai!"

To the children. What he spoke was definitely true, because like him they were fed stories that were too good in their opinion.

Like what really happen to our uncle/aunt?

Why did some buildings fall?

What's happening?

Each thought the children remembered with their family or someone older; they were always treated with simple unnecessary stories or excuses to hide the real reason.

Reasons like:

It's nothing honey, go back to playing with your friends.

Don't worry about it.

Just go play.

Each and everyone one of them had a startling realization that what this kid said. Who was even near the same age as them. What he said in his speech was true!

Never had they realized such a small detail that they overlooked because of their distraction that caught they're attention.

"He's right."

At this, all the children's heads turned towards the story teller. And Naruto says to them all:

"You're correct. All my life I've been lied to. Stories that were never true, lies told upon more lies that make you want to believe them. Half-truths that satisfied my curiosity, but never sated the real truth underneath. Half-lies told for my safety, but were only an illusion to my eyes...

And for what? To protect myself? To safeguard my curiosity? To pave a road where I would walk a road they already predicted for me? Almost as if the whole bunch of you are controlling me like a puppet? Feeding me with lies to bend me, or justify your actions with lies that seem convincing to a fault."

Finishing his speech Naruto looks at each and every child to see their reaction.

He wasn't disappointed. Each kid held a face of startling realization as if the answer was in front of their face the whole time. Some even went so far to bang their heads on the soft orange blanket with muffled shouts of 'Baka!' 'Baka!' 'Baka!' Enough to make their heads swell red until a friend would stop them.

It was funny and Naruto chuckled at their actions.

Remembering how he used to be like that. Like that time he was told the secret to the shadow clone jutsu. The secret blew him away like a hurricane. Even more so, that he didn't even have the gall to remember that small tidbit of information that would've helped me by leaps and bounds. Just thinking about it, he could've been far stronger than if he had learn the shadow clone jutsu early in life and abused its properties after that till now. He could've become Hokage by now!

Naruto sighed mentally, even he wasn't that smart and that was only reserved for people who were exceptionally bright and geniuses.

Looking at the children once more he decided that he will them his story.

I hope that none of you are ever scarred mentally or emotionally by my story.

"And so." He stops to build tension and suspense. Looking at each of their faces, they all unintentionally lean forward to hear what he has to say.

"I will tell you my story." At his response all the children whoop in joy. Some more ecstatic children have teary eyes that they will be able to learn about one of the most mysterious pasts of a hero. Others have bright smiles on their faces and glomp him like a teddy bear, unwilling to let go from his strong arms.

"Hahaha," Naruto chuckles and rubs his head sheepishly and tells them "All right calm down, were about to start now."

Faster than a blink of an eye the children sit cross legged, all have their heads facing towards him.

And Naruto looks at them, noting their background and personality. And he couldn't help but contemplate if this is how Iruka-sensei felt when teaching a group of kids about Shinobi life and education.

Nervous. Scared. Worried.

Shaking his head, closing his eyes and straightening his back. Naruto takes a deep breath and collects his thoughts for a few seconds before opening his blue eyes towards the children sitting across from him.

Then he begins, his story by saying:

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[Author's Note]

[Currently no Beta]

Cough* If there are any free beta volunteers out there that want to beta this story, message me. Help would greatly be appreciated? Cough*

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Now I apologize for cutting it off there, I know you all hate me for a cliff-hanger, but for reasons that I will now tell you are because I need time to think of where the next chapter will go. I already outlined where the future chapters will be about, but there is no words done yet for the next chapter, only a title.

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The goal of this story is pretty vague and confusing so please forgive any pro writing because quite frankly this is my first time typing a story that is like this. I'll probably update this story and probably cook up some other stories I have waiting to be uploaded.

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Music:

30 Seconds to Mars: City of Angels, Do or Die, Up in the Air

Some interested universes of other stories I'm thinking of publishing are Monster Hunter Freedom, Diablo, Starcraft, Rosario + vampire, High school DxD, and now Naruto.