It was a hot summer day in the Land of Fire, a land filled mostly with forests and rivers. From the air one could spot many human settlements, more so than most of the surrounding nations, ranging from small farming villages to large city-sized villages that dominated the political and financial well-being of the nation. The second-largest is unique in that it was built primarily by the founder, Senju Hashirama, and his Wood-style jutsu. Certainly, the many buildings inside the gates were built with both wood and concrete, but the walls were all wood, erected by Hashirama and standing firm for the last one hundred years since the founding of the city. To the west stood the mighty Hokage Monument, a cliff face which had the faces of the leaders of this village, titled "Hokage" (Fire Shadow), engraved into them. To date four faces had been carved in, but the man in the tower matched the third face rather than the fourth as he had outlived his successor. This man, the leader of the shinobi military forces of the Land of Fire, sat in his office, overlooking the village, and welcomed a man in. He wore a white mask with intricate markings that designated him as a Hunter, one who took on dangerous missions to find and capture or kill rogues who fled from the village after attempting to harm it. A dark green vest with dark blue shirt and pants signified his rank among the elite shinobi: a jonin, a high-level ninja with excellent skills in both combat and leadership. He had just given a vocal update regarding his activities as well as an update from his immediate superior.
"... and here are my findings, sir," a masked man said as he handed a folder to the old man sitting across from him. "If you don't mind my saying, sir, I'm surprised you haven't found someone else to take over for you. If I remember correctly, you were enjoying your retirement by gardening. Has no one else risen to fill yours and the Fourth's shoes?"
"No, not really," the old man replied, his weariness evident in his voice. "I only have a couple of potential candidates, and if the Uchiha revolt hadn't happened Itachi would likely be sitting here." He began to quickly read the contents of the folder, his mind committing everything on the page to memory. "It's a shame your team didn't catch him that time, or else there would've never been a massacre."
"Agreed, sir. Itachi was one of my oldest friends, and to see him volunteer to go rogue in order to find Madara and stop his plans was heart-breaking," the subordinate replied, still standing at attention. "He said that the group he's with right now is already under the thumb of Madara, but he's nowhere near strong enough to take him out, so he has no choice but to play along with their missions."
"We'll have to find a way to catch Madara or train up someone who can fight and kill him, but aside from Orochimaru" he paused as he pulled a sheet of paper out of the folder and looked at it fondly "we really don't have any jonin who can do it, and I'm too old to keep up with him."
The man sighed and adjusted his headband, saying "Well, we'll just have to find a fresh team to train. Any prospects this time, sir?"
"Sasuke is graduating this year, but his psychological record indicates that he is a loner and single-minded in his pursuit to avenge his family." The Hokage reached for another folder on his desk and handed it to the man. "He needs to be broken by someone as strong as Itachi and not beaten by the Sharingan, since I can't order Inoichi to reprogram any aspect of his mind; he needs to come to a conscious decision that he can't beat anyone alone. Many of the other children in his graduating class are from our more prestigious families."
The man's eyes flickered back and forth as he quickly read the list until he got to the end. "So he survived... I still can't believe he did that, and to his own son, at that. Has there been any indication that he knows?"
The old man shook his head. "No, he hasn't been informed, and with good reason. He would be shouting it to the ends of the earth, and no one would believe him anyway."
"No surprise; they've had it out for him forever, though it's more the other one they want to destroy. Simple-minded people..." The ninja's eyes flickered over to a stack of papers with a familiar name on them. "It's too bad he goes about getting attention the wrong way, but he has potential if he can evade properly-trained ninja even though he's only in the Academy."
"Exactly. Assuming they both pass, I'll likely put them both on the same squad, but finding a third might be tricky. If we take those two out of the picture, then the groups look muddier, since everyone averages out to be almost the same, aside from the students that will likely fail. Academically, Haruno Sakura is the top of her class, but in terms of overall skill and potential Hyuuga Hinata has the most out of all the girls; for the boys, Nara Shikamaru has his father's IQ and laziness, but Aburame Shino is probably the best balanced." The Hokage chuckled to himself, then continued. "I pity the teachers who get those four. Sakura is a fangirl, Hinata has confidence issues, Shikamaru is not motivated other than by the will of his parents, and Shino has some serious issues in his physical combat that need to be addressed."
"Easy enough, given the time and energy. With your permission, sir, I would like to scout the potential graduation candidates and come up with team combination suggestions. Given the Red Dawn's current level of strength, they won't be on the move for some time, and we need all the time in the world to get the genin ready to face the turbulent times ahead." The man gazed out the window to the rising moon, full in its setting and shining brilliantly on the town below, and added, "I also request permission to interview the jonin available for teaching them. If these kids have any chance, I want them to have the best chance, as I know you do, sir."
"You do remember that I usually handle the decision regarding team placement, right?" the Hokage replied, trying to study the reminiscent look in his underling's eyes.
"Of course, my lord. I merely wish to make recommendations in regards to it. It would provide good training for me, and you would also benefit from it, I hope." His eyes lowered to meet his superior's eyes as they flickered back to normal.
The Hokage pulled out his pipe, filled it, and began smoking as he thought about it. Several moments passed before his eyes, which had closed, opened again. "You wish to train a team - a team holding Uchiha Sasuke and Uzumaki Naruto. Is that correct?"
The man nodded. "The thought had crossed my mind, but I know you have greater need of me elsewhere."
"Indeed. Very well, then; make your observations and report back to me next week. The teams will be assembled then," the Hokage said. "Your observations have proven valuable in the past, and I am curious as to how you would go about training a team, but be warned: the council wants Hatake Kakashi to train Sasuke."
"Makes sense, since Kakashi has a Sharingan of his own, but remember the only other person of same rank to fight him to a standstill besides Maito Gai." The man smiled faintly at the memory. "I wonder how he's improved since then."
"Go see for yourself. You're dismissed... rest up and be ready for your assignment by 0600 hours."
The man bowed respectfully. "Yes, sir." He straightened and turned to leave, but paused and looked back, saying "It's good to be home, gramps."
Sarutobi chuckled and smiled back, saying "It's good to have you back, Saito." He watched as the man walked out of his office, then turned to look at the moon. "Let's see how you handle teaching..." He looked back at the folder given him and noted that something had been added to Saito's list of achievements. "'The All-Seeing Eye'... this sounds interesting."
"Day One: currently following Uchiha Sasuke and Uzumaki Naruto. Using Shadow Clone to follow the avenger while following the troublemaker. Am in civilian clothing to blend into the crowd, though my headband is still with me. Young Naruto seems to dislike class... a lot. A preparatory quiz was administered, but while he tried his best to do the work, it became apparent that he could not and, in frustration, he left the classroom (note: he used the classic 'bathroom' excuse) and the school property. Worked off frustration by a series of pranks; citizens shouted obscenities and names including 'demon' and 'hellspawn'... (if only they knew). Full list of names included in addendum. Homeroom teacher found him, though he somehow managed to evade an off-duty jonin who had gotten roped into tracking him. They had a discussion, then left to return to school. (note to self: interview chunin teacher immediately). In interim, used second Shadow Clone to infiltrate school and view records regarding Naruto. Positives include unshakable will and inventiveness during combat. Negatives include academic work and chakra control. Also discovered bias in school system: several teachers have sabotaged Naruto's recent classwork in, among other examples (all listed in addendum), excluding him from chakra control exercises and misrepresenting correct answers as being incorrect in order to fail him. Postulation: test from earlier might have been on higher-level academia that no student of his age would know. Will explore later.
"Results from following Uchiha Sasuke: resides alone in one of the few buildings not destroyed during the Uchiha revolt; constantly training, and appears to know higher-level fire-style jutsu that he should not know until later. Has a picture of Itachi on his training dummy (note: this alone should be evidence enough to indicate mental instability). Despite high marks overall, seems to have trouble avoiding fangirl horde except when at home, and even then many of even the aspiring ninja girls seem to camp out in front of his complex (note: have this addressed immediately!). Also, cannot detect my presence, which means his Sharingan is not active yet; recommend keeping it as such until pride is broken. Treated as royalty among the citizens; not surprising since he's supposedly the 'sole survivor' (note: people are stupid for not asking why such was the case). Recommend history lessons for Sasuke, one that exposes the corruption in his family, up until the revolt, but make sure his loyalty to the village is unswerving beforehand. Show Itachi to be the loyal soldier that he is. Returning from digression. Sasuke could make Hokage if he loved like a Hokage should, but if he stays as he is he won't survive his first C-rank mission. It is lunchtime now; will interview chunin teacher and trail two high-ranking female ninja next.
"Subject: Umino Iruka. Rank: chunin. Assignment: Ninja Academy, room 1C. Specializes in ninja theory and discipline. Dedicated to bringing out the best in all the children he teaches (this alone would qualify him to become Hokage if he rose in rank). Spoke with him over lunch; pleasantries were short due to time constraints. Views Naruto as a precious student, likely due to similar past and compassionate heart. Unknown if he knows about the 'special condition', but likely since he'd need to evac the other students if it tried to escape. Makes compassion all the more surprising, and admirable. Unaware of sabotage; uninformed for now (until this report makes it to Hokage). Has little spare time between classes, assisting Hokage, and what little time to spare for Naruto; no social life as a result. Would make excellent jonin teacher except for overall average skills and low personal ambition. (On a personal note, he really needs some time off; hopefully once Naruto graduates he can take a sabbatical.)
"Time: Afternoon. Subjects: Hyuuga Hinata and Haruno Sakura. Shadow Clone tailed the fangirl while I trailed the heiress. Once again in civilian clothing, though should Byakugan be used it will be for nothing. Thanks to new ability, penetrating the protected walls of the Hyuuga complex was easy. Problem was understated: Hinata has almost NO self-confidence whatsoever. Father disapproves; cousin hates; rest of family apparently unconcerned. If not killed to protect bloodline, will likely be disowned if confidence is not corrected immediately. Must approach delicately; no interference unless Hinata passes and adequate evidence exists on her lack of safety, as clans are above certain laws (note: must get such laws repealed, as this allowed the Uchiha revolt). Potential surpasses entire family, but buried underneath emotional baggage. All-Seeing Eye reveals potential far above entire family, though bonds of family bind her creativity. Recommend tough but loving teacher, possibly female jonin? Note: need to check records on available jonin. Curiously displays a hidden affection for Naruto. Possible team combination? Needs tempering, but also encouragement. Opinion: Naruto could draw out Hinata's confidence, and Hinata could tame Naruto's hyperactivity.
"Shadow Clone returned. Haruno Sakura would make the perfect schoolteacher. Solid grades, though low combat performance. Excellent chakra control; possible candidate for medical program, or apprenticeship under Lady Tsunade if possible. Biggest issue revolves around fangirl tendency. Idolizes Uchiha Sasuke and assumes her academic performance to put her at the head of her rivals. Unaware of Sasuke's total dislike for all fangirls. MUST BE BROKEN BEFORE MISSIONS BEGIN. Despite problem, recommend for teaming with Sasuke under strictest authority to tear her down and rebuild her as an effective ninja; however, the best of care must be taken in this case, as fangirl tendencies are not broken easily. Possible interim one-on-one instruction under female jonin; recommend one with extreme dedication to village and strong personality to match hers. Seems to harbor a dislike (possible hatred?) for Naruto due to the animosity between Naruto and Sasuke, but doesn't seem to go deeper. Parents are civilians; arrived from Sand country a year after the Fox incident. Both unaware of Naruto's circumstances, but learned of attack from natives. Sakura has a good heart, it seems, but suffers from dual-personality disorder and is easily persuaded in matters that concern Sasuke."
Iruka inwardly fumed as the Hokage told him about the incidents at the Academy. "I've known those people for years! They couldn't be doing those things! Man, if this sets Naruto back another year... Lord Hokage, I'm not sure if he can endure another failure. He's been working so hard; in fact, he's been doing fewer pranks this year! I have to find a way to help him."
"Calm yourself, Iruka. All is not lost, though we are in the eleventh hour. I have already scheduled individual meetings with each teacher this evening; thankfully Kurenai will be available to help out. I think it's more than time for some to learn how to walk in someone's shoes, and to learn just how big they are." Sarutobi leaned back in his chair, hands folded and eyes closed. "I want you to personally administer and grade Naruto's upcoming tests and quizzes."
"Of course, sir!" Iruka responded.
"Also, it has come to my attention that a certain boy has been receiving far more attention from the female students than should occur normally." The Hokage glanced up at Iruka, who frowned and began rubbing the back of his head in embarrassment. "There's no coddling or showing off going on there, correct?"
"No, sir, at least, not from me," Iruka responded. "But they're all going through puberty, and the stories and such that are circulated among the citizens are easily picked up by young ears. To be honest, most of the females are going to fail this year, not from lack of talent but rather wasting their time pining after Sasuke. The combat tests are also equal, and Sasuke happens to excel at all of them."
"And the 'Rookie of the Year' award? If I remember correctly, it was instituted about the time Itachi went through the Academy. The dean of the school, granted, is no longer working, but I always felt it was a foolish attempt for the Uchiha to gain more glory," the Hokage said.
"It's too late to suspend it, but we can change the criteria," Iruka replied. "In terms of overall potential, Naruto and Sasuke are neck-and-neck, followed by Inuzuka Kiba and Hyuuga Hinata. In the latter case, though, I was unable to encourage her as much as I wanted. Honestly, I worry about her."
The old man nodded. "I agree, but little can be done until she becomes a genin. Just do the best you can. Dismissed."
As Iruka bowed and disappeared in a swirl of leaves, the Hokage mulled over the rest of the day's report. As he smoked his pipe, he found his curiosity piqued by several points made. "So, nothing definite, but it looks like a team of Naruto/Sasuke/Hinata is his first recommendation. Interesting..."
"Day Two Report: Interviews with the possible jonin teachers. First up was Hatake Kakashi, who was at the Memorial, as usual. Unlike the kids, he sensed me coming and was the first to speak, but it was the same pointless mutterings he had when I was last here. I guess nothing I said last time sank in, so I simply reminded him of it and left him alone, though not before challenging him to another duel. I recommend that he be passed over for a teaching assignment this year and that he attends counseling from Inoichi Yamanaka; his mourning has gone on long enough and will eventually kill him if he slips up.
"Subject: Yuuhi Kurenai. Rank: jonin. Current assignment: none. Specialization: genjutsu. Pleasant woman; capable at many types of missions. Motherly tendencies could possibly rule out teaching Hinata and Sakura, but might be good for Naruto and/or Sasuke; at the same time, possesses strong feminine identity that might build confidence for Hinata and individual identity for Sakura. Social butterfly, as far as jonin go. No current recommendation.
"Subject: Sarutobi Asuma. Rank: jonin. Current assignment: none. Specialization: wind jutsu, strategy. Likable, yet aloof from most other ninja. Prefers long-term missions, but desires to teach a team. Smart like a Nara, but with minor emotional baggage that inhibits growth. Recommend a team, as it might prove therapeutic in his case.
"Subject: Mitarashi Anko. Rank: jonin (special). Current assignment: Torture & Interrogation. Specialization: unknown. A real firecracker, but with good reason. Unable to trust others outside of the T&I department, Kurenai, and ANBU-jonin Yuugao. Fond of dango. Suffers from incomplete Curse Seal implanted by Orochimaru several years back. Training a team might prove effective at drawing her out of her shell; personality best suited to training any type of team, but would be great for Hinata or Sakura.
"Subject: Yamato. Rank: jonin. Current assignment: ANBU. Specialization: Wood-style jutsu. Unable to find out anything else, but might be good for training Naruto given specialization.
"Subject: Yuugao. Rank: jonin. Current assignment: ANBU. Specialization: swordsmanship. Proud and loyal; friends with Anko and Kurenai. Serves under Yamato. Possible teacher for Sakura and Hinata.
"Notes: tomorrow the rest of the potential graduates will be tailed, then my final recommendations will be compiled. End of report."
"Day Three Report: currently tailing the children of the Ino-Shika-Cho trio. Close living proximity ensures simultaneous observation. First notes focus on Yamanaka Ino. Suffers minor case of fangirl tendencies, but is otherwise capable of becoming a ninja. Needs focus on physical combat and specialization outside of family skills; swordsmanship a possibility. Personality carries much bravado which must be addressed immediately, but has a caring heart for her comrades. Gets along well with everyone outside of Sasuke's fan club, even Naruto. Note: bears no resemblance to either parent; must request DNA sampling. Unknown chakra affinity (note: get this added to last-year Academy testing).
"Next subject is Nara Shikamaru. Laziness seems to hide genius; may surpass father. Loves to watch clouds rather than train. Also lacks specialization outside family jutsu (Note: alarming trend!). Recommend tutoring by Maito Gai to drive laziness out and develop physical combat.
"Last subject is Akimichi Chouji. A tank just like his father. Pleasant personality that would get along with just about anyone; recommend pairing with Sasuke to draw him out of shell. Loyalty unquestionable; Hokage material? Weakness includes super-specialization and vulnerability to ninjutsu, probably genjutsu as well.
"Lunchtime notes: All three have a problem that must be addressed, as they have no doubt been raised to become a second 'Ino-Shika-Cho trio' that specializes in joint attacks. A smart opponent, however, will know how to break them up and take each one down; Ino seems to be the most vulnerable.
"Trailing Inuzuka Kiba and Aburame Shino. Same setup as with Uchiha and Uzumaki; trailing Shino with Shadow Clone and Kiba myself. Extra care required as both have tracking specialization. Kiba, the first subject, has similar qualities to Naruto, yet more as a result of upbringing rather than a lack of it. Has a partner, like the rest of his family. Seems to specialize in combination-taijutsu, but probably lacks in solo movements. Average chakra control; vulnerable to genjutsu. If earth-element, possible to teach techniques to complement his specialization.
"Last subject is Aburame Shino. Trail interrupted by kikai bug; indicates his knowledge of my presence. Information limited due to interruption. Shino appears to lack in physical skills but is good at long-range support with kikai bugs. Probably unable to use ninjutsu or genjutsu due to nature of kikai bugs; recommend swordsmanship training.
"This concludes my observations on potential candidates. The rest simply do not measure up this year, but with modifications to the Academy more potential can be brought out. End of report."
A/N: I wanted to spruce up the beginning just a bit. Been stuck on Act 3 for awhile, and am trying to get back into my rhythm, so I decided to write a 'proper' intro.
Also, I want to thank everyone who read, reviewed, and are following this story. It's not the best, I'll admit, but I do appreciate all of the feedback I've gotten so far, and am trying to make Act 3 as good as it can be.