Note: The story is set 1 years after the attack on Konohagakure by Pein. This idea came to me just a little while ago. This is my first fan fiction ever, so I'm there are a few parts that can be improved. I hope that by giving this story reviews that I can learn from my mistakes and do a better job with the next chapters. Thank you

[Naruto is the property of Masashi Kishimoto. I do not own Naruto or any character therein. Any OC's I create are free to be used.. though I doubt anyone would want to use them.]

Chapter 1: A new day

The sun's beams illuminated the partially empty streets of Konoha. The night watch that had been set up could finally disband and take a much needed rest, especially considering how active they'd been for the last few weeks. Alarm clocks could be heard sounding in many of the village's houses and soon enough the streets were once again crowded with the merry villagers that inhabited the small village. Another day in Konoha had begun and for one boy it would prove to be a real turning point in his life. Unfortunately he had yet to awaken. His alarm clock had been smashed into oblivion the moment it sounded and anyone who attempted to wake him up was met with nothing but silence at the door. However, this wouldn't continue for much longer. Footsteps could be heard scaling upon the steps that lead to the boy's room and then ceased. Within a matter of seconds the door flew off it's hinges and slammed right into the boy's crotch area. Not a very pleasant way to wake up. A shadowy figure entered the somewhat chaotic room and was soon revealed to be none other than Ebisu.

"Konohamaru-kun! You were supposed to be up two hours ago!! We have been waiting by the training grounds since sun rise!" Ebisu scowled and folded his arms over his chest.

A furious [And obviously hurt] Konohamaru emerged from under the sheets before kicking away the door that served as his new alarm clock. Small beads of tears were stationed at the corner of his eyes as he pointed at his Sensei accusingly with one hand while the other was placed over his quite possibly ruptured 'sweet n sours'.

"W-What the heck Ebisu-Sensei?!?! Do you have any idea how much that hurt?! How can I keep the Sarutobi clan alive if I lose my little helpers-kore?!?! [Kore refers to the way Konohamaru finishes his sentences. A laughing signal or appreciation, much like Naruto's 'Dattebayo']

"Oh cease your nonsense Konohamaru-kun!" Ebisu snarled. "Your private parts are fine. And if not we have medics that can take care of them. What's important is to attend today's training exercise!"

"Training? Heck I don't need any training! I'm already Konoha's number one most improved rookie! I'll be a top notch Hokage in no time!" Konohamaru let out a triumphant laugh, almost instantly forgetting about the fact that he was struck in the crotch by a door seconds ago.

"So he was alright it after all.." Ebisu thought to himself as a bead of sweat rolled down his face. He coughed into his fist and stood up straight as usual. "Konohamaru-kun, might I add that you are still a Genin. That means that there is still much for you to learn. A member of the Sarutobi clan must be patient and diligent. Only then can he truly attain a high and greatly regarded status in Konoha. Much like your grandfather and Uncle, who also trained diligently day in and day ou-... Konohamaru-kun?"

Ebisu who was too focused on his monologue failed to notice that Konohamaru had left his quarters and was already out on the streets. Konohamaru never really attended any of Ebisu's training exercises. He mostly trained by himself or with Naruto when he wasn't busy.

"If only Naruto was our leader." Konohamaru thought to himself.

Konohamaru held Naruto in high regard. Not that he didn't have respect for Ebisu, but Naruto taught him so much more. If it weren't for him he would have never learned the rasengan that saved his life that fateful day. Of course Naruto only showed him how to do it.. Once. From there on Konohamaru trained diligently and tried to make a rasengan of his own. It took him two months, but he could finally make a suitable rasengan. Sadly by that time Naruto had already left the village to train with Jiraiya. That was a rather boring, yet peaceful period for Konoha. There were no Akatsuki or anything to worry about. Now the whole village was on edge, wondering when the group would strike next. Yes, Akatsuki was still active and rumor had it that it's base had grown. Konoha's Shinobi trained diligently in preparation for another possible attack. Even though things seemed normal on the outside, the village was not even remotely the same as it was a year ago.


At that moment a group of Shinobi gathered by the Hokage's office. Inuzuka Kiba, Nara Shikamaru, Rock Lee and Uzumaki Naruto were gathered for reasons that were unknown to them. Once they arrived they were met with the sight of their beautiful Hokage who was still in a somewhat weakened state. Her efforts to heal everyone in the village with Souzo Saisei's full power drained her of most of her chakra and almost brought her to the brink of death. She recovered however, slowly but surely.

"Thank you for coming here. I'm sure you're all aware of the situation with Akatsuki." Tsunade began. Her hands folded together and a clearly visible frown appeared on her face. "With the way they've been expanding their forces we cannot simply sit by anymore and wait for them to make the first move. We will need all the help we can get.. even from our Genin."

There was a somewhat concerned look on Lee's face, but he didn't speak out. As much as he hated the idea of the younger ones becoming involved in the fight he couldn't help but agree that they needed strength in numbers. Konoha's allies were few. Only Sunagakure willingly lend their aid to them after the attack. The Raikage was much more concerned of his brother and those from the rock village looked forward to seeing Konoha fall. Their chances of survival were slim. Very slim.

"Therefor.. I've chosen some of the most promising chuunin out of you to train some of our most promising Genin. Neji Hyuuga has already taken a team under his wing."

"One moment, Tsunade-sama." Lee interrupted the Hokage finally, but not because he didn't agree on something. He was curious rather. "Would it not be better to assign the rookie teams to Jounin like Neji? They are much more capable than we are."

A small smile appeared on the Hokage's face after seeing this. That automatically made Lee's eyes widen. It was becoming clear now, why they were brought here.

"Like I said, I brought some of the most promising chuunin here. All of you have shown enough skill and.. tenacity I should say, to become Jounin. As of today, you four have officially been promoted."

A bright smile appeared on Lee's face, but couldn't be matched to the smile on Naruto's. From Genin to Jounin in a heartbeat. He had put his childish dreams of becoming Hokage aside for so long that he forgot how good it felt to be promoted. Shikamaru's face had a 'been there done that' look upon it, however he was still proud of himself. He could follow in Asuma's footsteps even better now. Kiba couldn't help but shout his signature 'YAHOOOO!' upon hearing the good news. Tsunade placed both of her hands onto her desk and looked at the newly assigned Jounin with a bright smile on her face.

"I'll assign your teams to you later on. I know with your help the next generation will be ready for the upcoming battle. Dismissed."

Chapter 1 -End-

Next chapter: Say hello to Sensei.