The Pantheon of Nine
By: Finn Mertenz
A/N: Most of the mature rating is due to either Tayuya's language and my own.
The Naruto timeline is a mess, so I'll have to use headcanon and make a timeline. Because of this, Both Madara and Hashirama will be 27 during their valley of the end battle.
Since the battle in the valley of end took place three years after the foundation of Konoha, that would mean Madara died in 3 SSP or Shinobi States Period while both Hashirama and him were born in 167 WSP or the Warring States period. The foundation of Shinobi villages reset the calendar into the SSP.
This means both Hashirama and Madara were 24 when the Leaf village was founded. Since Hashirama has vivid memories of 3-5 yr old Tsunade that would mean Tsunade was born in 0SSP, 3 years before 3 SPP since Hashirama will die shortly after Madara (I'll explain in future chapters.)
Tobirama was born in 168 WSP while Hashirama died before the 1st Shinobi war. That means Tobirama became Hokage shortly after Hashirama's death and his death sparked the 1st Shinobi War. Since Hashirama and Madara had just died everyone considered the leaf weak at that point.
But Tobirama died during the 1st Shinobi war, since the 1st Shinobi war is when Hiruzen was made Hokage. Since Hiruzen was 24 when he became Hokage that means he was born in 181WSP. This makes Hiruzen 13 years younger than Hashirama and 12 years younger than Tobirama.
Warring States Period 1WSP-191WSP (Ends with the foundation of Shinobi villages.)
1st Shinobi World War 4SSP-14SSP
2nd Shinobi World War 28SSP-36SSP
3rd Shinobi World War 42SSP-44SSP
Madara Uchiha 167 WSP-3SSP(Age 27)
Hashirama Senju 167WSP-3SSP(Age 27) (Hokage for 3 years)
Tobirama Senju 168WSP-14SSP (Age 29) (Hokage for 11 years)
Tsunade Senju 0SSP-?SSP(Age 58)
Orochimaru 0SSP-?SSP(Age 58)
Jiraiya 0SSP-?SSP(Age 58)
Hiruzen Sarutobi 181WSP-?SSP (Age 68) (Hokage term ongoing.)
Minato Namikaze 22SSP-46SSP(Age 24) (Hokage for 2 years)
Sasuke Uchiha July 23rd 46SSP-?SSP(Age 12)
Sakura Haruno March 28th 46SSP-?SSP(Age 13)
Naruto Uzumaki October 10th 46SSP-?SSP(Age 12)
Garaa ? Janurary 19th 45SSP-?SSP(Age 13)
Tayuya ? February 15th 44SSP-?SSP(Age 14)
If you are here ONLY for Tayuya x Naruto - her first appearance is chapter 20 and her introduction is chapter 30.
Summary: (Spoiler) What if when Iruka and Kakashi saved Naruto from the Hidden Waterfall Shinobi and Iruka decided to teach Naruto - he also resolved to adopt Naruto?
What if Naruto lived with Iruka for those 6 years from 6-12?
What if Sasuke and Naruto became good friends and rivals both trying to prove themselves to their father figures?
What if 1 year later when Itachi left he visited Naruto and placed Shisui"s left Sharingan inside him aswell as a piece of Uchiha Chakra?
What if Naruto became quiet and distant in public knowing his villagers mostly hated him and that he only had to go home to Iruka for love?
What if the night Naruto stole the Forbidden scroll Iruka died before his very eyes? What if Iruka's death triggered Naruto to awaken the Rinnegan?
What if Iruka's passionate teaching of the "Will of Fire" instilled such a burning flame in Naruto that he vowed to protect everyone - not just the leaf but everyone who had endured his same pain?
Introduction: Chapters 1-3
Land of Waves Arc: Chapters 4-9
Tales of Konoha Arc: Chapters 10-14
Forest of Death Arc: Chapters 15-20
Preliminary Arc: Chapters 21-28
The Red Thread of Fate Arc: Chapters 29-34
The Chunin Exams Arc: Chapters 35-38
The Konoha Crush Arc: Chapters 39-46
The Naruto Retrieval Arc: Chapters 47-60
The Land of Sound Arc: Chapters 61-65
The Curse of Hatred Arc: Chapters 66-70
The Land of Steam Arc: Chapters 71-Ongoing
Disclaimer: I DO NOT OWN NARUTO. I DO NOT CLAIM TO OWN NARUTO.
Scene Change:
Tailed Beast: "What should i expect from a weak mortal?"
Conversation: "Naruto - have you seen Kakashi-sensei today?"
Internal Dialogue: He's pouring even more chakra into his technique?!
Thank you to Jetslinger and their "Melody of the Fox" Fanfiction because it inspired me to write this - my very first fanfiction.
Chapter 1: Enter: Naruto Uzumaki! The Beginning Of A Legend.
Wednesday 4:34pm, November 7th 52SSP.
A 6 year old Naruto and a 18 year old Iruka stood inside the grass-covered playground of the Konoha academy. They were arguing over a recent incident that Naruto got into before Kakashi saved them.
"Give me a break! How could you have lost that Kunai!?" Naruto pleaded before crossing both arms in front of his chest.
"YOU IDIOT!" Iruka retorted.
"You almost lost your life today! Do you have any idea what you put me through?!" While he spoke, he scratched his nose in the iconic Iruka fashion.
This created an awkward period of silence as Naruto scoffed before glancing at the ground. During this, Iruka continued to scratch the bridge of his nose.
"You know Naruto, you remind me a lot of myself... But even I wasn't foolish enough to leave the village walls." After speaking, another awkward period of silence filled the air.
""It's not like anyone cares." Naruto mumbled before staring at the ground.
These words created a stiff frown across Iruka's face while a twisted sense of familiarity swelled in his stomach. Soon, Iruka thought back to his own childhood, a time in his life that he greatly cherished before the nine tails demon ruined everything.
However, these thoughts also sent a dark realization through Iruka, Naruto had none of those memories. This realization caused Iruka to sigh with defeat while rubbing the back of his head.
"Well then I guess that settles its Naruto..." Iruka spoke with a stern voice before gripping the top of Naruto's head.
"Let's go Home." These words forced each of Naruto's each to bulge before glancing up at Iruka.
"H-home?" Naruto stuttered.
"Yep, but let's take a ramen break on the way, okay?" Iruka remarked with a smile.
Suddenly, Naruto glanced between Iruka and the ground several times while mumbling various words. During this, a wide and joyful smile remained present across Iruka's face.
"Okay!" Naruto cheered before giving Iruka a thumbs up and giggling.
At this moment, Naruto ran past Iruka before dashing towards the distant Ichiraku ramen stand. At the same time, Iruka trailed behind Naruto while dreams of his own childhood once again drifted through his mind.
One day later.
Iruka and Hiruzen Sarutobi were gathered inside the iconic Hokage office while rays of sunlight sparkled through the nearby window. These rays of sunlight illuminated the freshly sighed paperwork that was sprawled across Hiruzen's desk.
"Lord Hokage... I need to talk to you about Naruto" Iruka spoke, earning a dramatic sigh in response.
Soon, an extended period of silence filled the ground as Hiruzen took several hits from his pipe. While this occurred, Iruka was giggling in a sheepishly manner while rubbing the back of his head.
"What it is, Iruka?" Hiruzen mumbled as streams of smoke poured from his nose.
"T-thank you for making me Naruto's teacher." Iruka remarked, causing Hiruzen to choke on his pipe.
After gagging for several moments, a tense and stern expression spread across Hiruzen's face. This expression forced Iruka to swallow a wad of spit that swelled in his throat.
"Iruka, I'm glad you've developed so quickly with Naruto... but you must understand my precautions." Hiruzen exclaimed.
"Just last week you were begging for Naruto to be removed from your class..." After speaking, Hiruzen's words forced Iruka to downcast his face with shame.
"Does this have something to do with those Waterfall shinobi Kakashi brought in for interrogation yesterday?" These words we answered with a brief nod from Iruka.
"Yes, lord Hokage... I finally understood what you meant that day." Iruka answered before briefly drifting away into his thoughts.
Iruka... The elderly voice of Hiruzen echoed through Iruka's mind.
I agree with you to a point, but he is just like you... He never knew parental love and because of that incident, people in the village avoided him... As these memories progressed, Iruka continued to stare at the floor.
So in order to get attention he turned to mischief... In whatever shape or form he wants desperately to validate his existence and his worth... Just like you. These memories forced Iruka to swell with regret.
After all this time, Iruka finally understood the connection between him and Naruto. The unspoken bond that they both shared as orphans.
"For a long time... I hated him..." Iruka admitted while clenching each of his fists with rage.
Soon, a tense silence filled the air before Iruka unclenched his fists and relaxed. At the same time, Hiruzen was inhaling a massive hit of leaf from is pipe.
"But now I understand, I don't hate Naruto... I only hate the demon that he contains." While speaking, Iruka continued to stare at the floor.
"I will never, never forgive the nine tails... But I can't blame Naruto either..." As Iruka spoke, he continued to think about his own childhood after his parents died, a lonely childhood.
"I must ask if you truly want this Iruka? To be his caretaker? The villagers will hear of this and the council aswell..." Hiruzen interjected with smoke pouring from his nose.
"My father told me a parents duty is to protect their child... I will make Naruto my child and protect him." Iruka replied before finally raising his face.
This statement forced Hiruzen to sighed as smoke continued to pour from his nose. Afterwards, he pinched the bridge of his nose while a brief period of silence filled the air.
"Is Naruto with you now?" Hiruzen asked, earning a nod of approval in response.
"Why was Naruto in the woods anyway?" This question forced Iruka the rub the back of his head before replying.
"One of my students promised to be Naruto's friend if he brought something back from the battle that our patrol units got into a few days ago." After Iruka spoke, he once again downcast his face.
Soon, an extended period of silence once again filled the air as Iruka continued to star at the ground. During this, Hiruzen take several fresh hits of leaf from his pipe.
"Very well... You may take care of Naruto." Hiruzen exclaimed with a wide smile.
These words forced Iruka to once again bow his head with respect before Hiruzen went back to signing paperwork. Afterwards, Iruka turned around before beginning his short journey home, ready to begin his life with Naruto.
One week later.
"STOP FOOLING AROUND!" Iruka shrieked before Naruto laughed in response..
Naruto was sitting inside the living room of Iruka's house, his first real home. This was a type of life Naruto never experience before, a life of parental love.
"But It stays on my head for twenty seconds... That's good right?!" Naruto remarked.
Naruto and Iruka had spent all week practicing the Leaf Concentration technique with remarkable results. Iruka was surprised to see just how high Naruto's chakra reserves actually were.
"It's wonderful, Naruto..." Iruka muttered with defeated before scratching the bridge of his nose.
"But you know how I feel about your sexy Jutsu..." As he spoke, Iruka was organized a pair of freshly cleaned dishes.
"Yea, yea... But how long can you keep the leaf on your head? Two or three minutes?" Naruto asked, completely changing the conversation.
"Naruto my limit is thirty seconds, the Leaf Concentration technique requires extreme high levels of chakra control." Iruka remarked.
This statement forced Naruto to jump up from the couch before skipping towards Iruka with joy. Afterwards, Naruto repetitively jumped in front of Iruka while laughing.
"Are you saying I'm better than you, sensei!?" Naruto teased with joy, earning an innocent smile in response.
Naruto always had a way of making Iruka smile and brightening his day with pure innocence. While Iruka continued to smile, Naruto turned around before disappearing in the swirling vortex of Iruka's house.
Iruka inherited his house from his parents, a two-story tine house that was constructed entirely of maple. The exterior of this house was paint leaf green with a pair of matching leaf green shingles that lined the roof.
There was also a neatly swept dirt sidewalk that paved the way up to Iruka's front door. This sidewalk was lined was various bushes that also decorated Iruka's front yard.
The backdoor lead onto a patio with several wooden leaning chair decorating it with a small circular table placed in the right corner of the patio since the staircase descending to the backyard was place on in the left corner and a chest high railing stationed around the side.
Iruka's backyard was small and compact with a small maple tree in the far corner with a wooden swing hanging from it. Also, there was a small pond of blue water that was resting near the edge of Iruka's back porch.
Meanwhile, the interior held two bedrooms, two bathrooms, two living rooms, four closest, one kitchen and a washing room. When entering the house from the front door, you would be met with a black metal spiral staircase to the left and a shoe mat to the right.
Also, several paintings of Konoha were hung throughout the surrounding walls. Naruto's favorite was a briefly painted picture of the Hokage monument, a monument that he absolutely adored.
Past the stairs and the shoe mat, there was three separate door ways. The left was Iruka's bedroom, the right was the kitchen and the front doorway lead to a living room. If you walked upstairs, you would instantly be greeted with another living room and three more doorways.
"Hey, Naruto..." Iruka stuttered after finally breaking free from his thoughts.
This created a brief period of silence before Naruto came running down stairs with a smile on his face. At the same time, Iruka was drying his hands after finally finishing the dishes.
At this moment, Iruka's right hand firmly gripped Naruto's hair before rubbing his hair. During this, he began to smile with pride and love towards the innocent blond in front of him.
"Once you get that leaf on your head for five minutes straight... I'll take you out for ramen." Iruka encouraged, causing a cheerful laugh in response.
Suddenly, Naruto ran into the backyard with the goal of practicing his chakra control. While this occurred, Iruka chuckled several times before slowly walking up stairs, eager to catch a nap.
Two weeks later.
Iruka and his class of young academy students were gathered outside of recess. Each of these students were gathered in a line to practice their chakra control.
"Execellent Ino, twenty seconds... Up next Sasuke Uchiha." Iruka spoke before a breeze of wind blew in from the south.
This breeze dislodged a leaf from one of the nearby trees, allowing it to float and dance through the air until Sasuke snagged it with one hand. This action caused many of the nearby girls to sigh as they daydreamed about Sasuke.
Sasuke then placed this leaf upon his forehead before closing both eyes while a period of silence followed. After several seconds, the leaf across Sasuke's face began to wrinkle before plummeting to the ground.
"Thirty seconds, nice job Sasuke... Next, Naruto Uzumaki." These words were met with a chorus of boos from several girls.
Despite this protest, Naruto approached a nearby tree before picking up a freshly fallen leaf and placing it to his head. Afterwards, Naruto briefly daydreamed about all his recent practice and training with Iruka.
Soon, Naruto began to think back across the past three weeks of his life, time spent living with Iruka. During this, Naruto began so distracted by these thoughts that he didn't even recognize how much time had passed.
"Amazing Naruto! Absolutely amazing!" These words finally brought Naruto back to reality.=
"Fifty seconds! Great job, Naruto!" This statement was met with several sighs of disbelief while Sasuke glared at Naruto.
Soon, the class resumed exercises as Naruto ran next to Choji and Shikamaru. At the same time, Sasuke walked back to his tree before quietly snorting as his glanced at Naruto.
Suddenly, Iruka made a mental note for Naruto to hide some of his abilities. Concerned that Naruto might display too much of his own abilities.
After several moments, Iruka snapped back to reality as his class erupted into laughter. This laughter originated from Ino giving a flower to Sasuke before he threw it on the ground.
Iruka then went back to teaching his class on various methods of chakra and chakra control. While this occurred, he couldn't helped but smile at Naruto's sudden growth.
Six months later.
Faint rays of moonlight sparkled down as Naruto and Sasuke walked beside each other inside the Uchiha compound. This pair of friends had just finished training at the academy after they stayed late to practice.
"Yea, yea... You scored a 98% but still I got a 66%!" Naruto remarked with a wide on his face.
"And if you turn the page upside down, it actually says 99%... So in a way I did beat you!" After he spoke, Sasuke scoffed in response.
Soon, Naruto and Sasuke garnished the attention of a nearby elderly lady, a retired librarian. After several moments, this lady began to giggle while staring at Sasuke.
This librarian was so old that perfectly remembered Itachi's childhood, a childhood he shared with Shisui. However, she also understood that Sasuke didn't really have any friends, until Naruto.
Recently, Sasuke had consecutively brought Naruto into the Uchiha compound almost every day after school. At first it was just to practice on home work or chakra control, but over time they developed into true friends.
Soon, Naruto and Sasuke finally heard the elderly woman's constant giggling. This realization forced each of the young friends to glance at the elderly Uchiha.
"Sarada! Have you seen any of my big brothers?" Sasuke asked.
"I havent seen Itachi in some time but I believe young Shisui is in that spot you favor so much, the cliffs next to the waterfalls." Sarada explained before Sasuke quickly waved and began walking away.
While Sasuke walked away, Naruto got distracted by a green book the woman had for sell. This book had the kanji for' History of Clans in the Leaf.' sprawled across it, evidence to Sarada's extensive career as a librarian.
This book caused Naruto to briefly freeze as his mind several back to a conversation with Iruka. During this, Sasuke continued walking away without looking back.
-Flashback-
"Iruka-sensei." Naruto mumbled.
"Yes, Naruto...What is it?" Iruka asked.
This father and son duo each sat inside the living room of Iruka's house while watching TV. This was one of Naruto's favorite things about living with Iruka, actually being able to afford cable.
Soon, an extensive period of silence filled the air as Naruto downcast his face while briefly stuttering. After several moments, Iruka gripped the top of Naruto's head before rubbing his hair, bringing him back to reality.
"Well I was just wondering... Who taught lord old man?" Naruto questioned with a lone tone.
"I TOLD YOU A HUNDRED TIMES! HIS NAME IS LORD HOKAGE!" Iruka shrieked after jumping from his chair.
"Yea, yea... But there must be a secret he has, right? Or a hidden jutsu?" Naruto mumbled while rubbing the back of his head.
"All shinobi have hidden jutsu knucklehead... And if you ever read a book you'd know he was taught by the first and second lord Hokage's himself..." Iruka sighed.
"Books? You mean those things in the library?" Naruto asked.
"Exactly, let's go visit a library and check out some books?" Iruka remarked, creating a tense silence as Naruto downcast his face.
"I'm not allowed in the library..." Naruto mumbled in a depressed tone.
"That's fine, Naruto... I'll just check out some books for you." Iruka replied with a forced smile, upset that people still hated Naruto.
"But don't show off!... This is special jutsu and shinobi techniques, not triple pork ramen!" After shouting, Naruto grabbed his arm at the mention of ramen before motioning towards Ichiraku's ramen stand.
"Fine, fine... But after we eat, we're going to the library." Iruka sighed with defeat.
This statement created a joyful laugh from Naruto before he dragged Iruka down that street. This was a beautiful memory and moment for Naruto, the moment when someone finally showed him unconditional love.
-Flashback ends-
"NARUTO!" Sasuke shrieked, finally bringing Naruto back to reality.
This created an awkward period of silence as Naruto glanced between Sasuke and Sarada several times. During this, Sarada continued to giggle with an elderly tone.
"S-... Sorry, I was thinking about this book." Naruto explained while pointing at the previous green book that garnished his attention.
Suddenly, Sarada limped to her bookstand before pulling the green book loose. Afterwards, the elderly lady casually gave it to Naruto while smiling at him.
This creating a brief period of silence before Naruto quickly smiled back and grabbed the back with both hands. Naruto then got distracted when Sasuke scoffed before turning around and walking away.
"T-thank you so much, old lady!" Naruto stuttered before trailing after Sasuke
Soon, the only sound that could be heard was Sarada's laughter, mixing in with distant owls. After several moments, this laughter turned to rage after Sarada finally noticed what Naruto said.
"OLD LADY!? WHO ARE YOU CALLING OLD!" Sarada shrieked before Naruto and Sasuke each disappeared from sight.
Twenty minutes later.
"Thats the Uzumaki clan, Naruto." Shisui explained with a slght chuckled.
Shisui, Naruto and Sasuke were each gathered around the top of a large waterfall. Also, each of these friends were engulfed on all sides by various trees and bushes.
"S-... So... I have a clan?" Naruto stuttered, earning a nod of approval.
This realization caused Naruto to jump to his feet before dashing towards a distant Sasuke who was practicing his Hand Seals. During this, Shisui once again erupted into a series of laughter.
"Sasuke! Sasuke! I have a clan!" Naruto screamed with joy.
"Really? What do they specialize in?" Sasuke asked, one of the few times him actually showed interest in something.
"I have no idea! I'll have to go talk to Shisui some more!" Naruto answered before dramatically turning around and running away.
This action caused Shisui's mouth to fall open as his laughter crew in volume. At the same time, Sasuke scoffed with defeat before returning to his practice.
Soon, each of these friends became completely devoted to their clan techniques. While this occurred, Shisui was continuously standing beside them, eager to off any assistance when necessary.
One Year later.
Faint rays of moonlight sparkled down on Naruto as he sat in a chair on the porch. This created an extended period of silence as Naruto glared up at the moon for what felt like minutes.
Soon, Naruto noticed a brief silhouette flickering in the corner of his backyard while crows soared overhead. Afterwards, Naruto squinted several times while attempting to stare at the silhouette.
"Hey Itachi! Is Shisui with you?" Naruto asked, creating an awkward silence.
After several moments, Itachi slowly crept into view as fresh blood dripped from his mask and outfit. Despite this brutal appearance, Naruto's innocence prevented him from reacting with dread.
"Shisui was gonna teach me the Body Flicker technique tomorrow, wanna watch?" While speaking, Naruto scratched the bridge of his nose.
An awkward period of silence then filled the air, a silence pierced only by the call of nearby crows. After several moments, Itachi finally pulled his Anbu mask loose was drops of blood bombarded the nearby ground.
"I would like to thank you for everything you've done, for Sasuke." Itachi spoke with an odd light of sincerity.
"No big deal! I know how dramatic Sasuke can be!" Naruto giggled before rubbing the back of his head.
"Did you wanna come inside? I can have Iruka make you a snack for your mission?" While Naruto spoke, he occasionally glanced blood that stained Itach's outfit.
This question created a tense silence as Naruto and Itachi sat in the darkness for what felt like hours. Soon, Naruto tilted his head with confusion while waiting for a response.
"Itachi, is something wrong?" After mumbling these words, another period of silence filled the air.
At this moment, the sky overhead slowly swirled with a bright crimson aura while crows fanatically flew overhead. At the same time, Naruto casually scratched the bridge of his nose in an Iruka-like fashion.
The entire air then began silent as Itachi stood completely stood for what felt like minutes. While this occurred, Naruto was so innocent and childish that he didn't even perceive Itachi as a threat.
Soon, dozens of distant crows slowly fell overhead while multiple black feathers fell before plummeting to the ground. Among these flock of crows was a single rave, but Naruto was too distracted to notice.
What? Naruto pondered while glancing up at dozens of crows.
This is kind of nice... Those eyes are pretty. While thinking these thoughts, Naruto glanced at a pair of spiraling Sharingan overhead.
A brief silence then filled the air as Naruto became completely distracted by Itachi's swirling crows. After several moments, a nearby raven soared down at Naruto before attacking the distract Uzumaki.
This raven slowly showed its beak into Naruto's mouth before wiggling its body down his throat. This action forced Naruto to violently gag and fall on both knees while Itachi's raven slowly disappeared down his throat.
Suddenly, the raven inside Naruto's throat abruptly disappeared before fading away, as if it was never there. Afterwards, an extensive silence filled the air as Naruto gagged and choked for several minutes while staring at the ground.
Soon, Naruto slowly raised his gasping face before glancing from side-to-side, searching for Itachi. This allowed Naruto to realize that Itachi had completely disappeared from view.
Wa-… Was that a prank? Naruto asked himself while rubbing his throat.
For several minutes, Naruto then stood on his back porch while glancing from side-to-side multiple times. Naruto then sighed with defeat before turning around and walking inside his home, unaware of the deep power that Itachi just stored inside of him.
Two years later.
Bright rays of sunlight sparkled down on Naruto and Iruka as they stood atop the Hokage Monument. This was Naruto's 10th birthday, a date that had become scared to Iruka.
"Iruka-sensei" Naruto mumbled while staring at the distant sun.
"Yes, Naruto? What is it?" Iruka asked with a smile on his face.
A brief period of silence then filled the air as Iruka gripped the top of Naruto's head in a fatherly fashion. At the same time, Naruto continued to stare off at the distant sun.
"I've been thinking... About all the hatred in the world..." Naruto once again mumbled.
"Do you remember talking about that?" After speaking, Naruto earned a nod of approval in response.
"Of course! And what have you been thinking about it?" Iruka remarked while rubbing Naruto's hair.
"Well... How do you fight hatred?" Naruto continued to mumble.
"You protect people, Naruto... Like how I protected you." Iruka explained, forcing each of Naruto's concealed eyes to briefly bulge.
"But Iruka-sensei... Why do people protect others?" Naruto asked, earning an inquisitive hum in response.
"Well... It's called love, Naruto." Iruka replied with a joyful giggle.
"Because when you love someone, you want to protect it." After speaking, a brief period of silence once again filled the air.
"An-... And love, love is something precious, like ramen?" Naruto muttered, earning a nod of approval in response.
"That's right Naruto, love is the hearts desire to protect something that is precious to you..." Iruka explained while continuing to rub Naruto's hair.
"Love is something sweet, people will do anything to protect the ones they love." As Iruka spoke, the faint silhouette of his own parents briefly pierced his mind.
"An-... And you would protect me?" Naruto stuttered.
"I would protect you no matter what Naruto." Iruka answered, creating an extended period of silence.
"Iruka-sensei... Why? why do people sacrifice themselves?" Naruto asked while continuing to stare at the distant sun.
"Well... When someone passes away, it's the end of both his past and future, all the dreams he once had." Iruka explained while rubbing his chin.
"His dreams, thoughts and goals disappeared with him... Everything except his memories." While speaking, these words created a small sparkle inside Naruto's eyes.
"We all have ties that bind use together and when someone dies, all those ties and strings are broken... Except for one." After speaking, Iruka allowed a brief period of silence to fill the air.
"Memories, the memories that we hold dear to our hearts." As he spoke, the memories of his own parents floated through his mind.
"Wh-... What if I'm not strong enough to protect anyone?" Naruto muttered with a timid tone.
"Well... Think of someone you love? Think of someone or someplace you care about?" Iruka suggested.
"Maybe, maybe... Think about someone who's not with you anymore?" After speaking, Iruka finally tore his hand away from Naruto's hair.
"Because when you have someone to protect, your true power will emerge." After he spoke, Iruka scratched the bridge of his nose.
"M-... My true power?" Naruto stuttered.
A tense silence then filled then air as Naruto reach out with his right hand towards the distant sun. Afterwards, Naruto held his hand in front of the sun, creating a bright silhouette of light around his hand.
Naruto then held his hand in this same position for what felt like minutes while Iruka smiled from ear-to-ear. During this, the faint sound of distant commerce and conversations resonated out from the village of Konoha.
"Sensei... Why do people hate others?" Naruto asked before finally looking away from the sun and staring at Iruka.
"Well, getting injured in any shape or form will give birth to hatred, but injuring someone one else will cause them to hate you... That's what pain is." Iruka explained while rubbing the back of his head.
"If we all understood each others pain, than we'd finally understand each other... And a new world could be built." While speaking, Iruka briefly scratched the bridge of his nose.
"There is a lot of pain in this world, Naruto..." As he spoke, Iruka once again grabbed Naruto's head while glancing down at him.
"But I truly believe that a day will come when all that pain and hatred can be put aside, and everyone will live in love and peace..." After speaking, Iruka crouched down to Naruto's eye level.
This father and son duo then briefly smiled at one another before staring off at the distant sunset. During this, an extended period of silence filled the air as Naruto tried to understand what Iruka was saying.
"And maybe, just maybe... If that doesn't happen in my time, you'll be the one to build that world Naruto." After he spoke, Iruka giggled several times while rubbing Naruto's hair.
"H-how do I do that?" Naruto mumbled.
"You first have to grow up... That's one of the last lessons I have to teach you." Iruka remarked.
"But I'm sure if you apply yourself and work had, you'll figure it out all alone one day!" As Iruka spoke, a wide smile spread across his face.
This statement forced Naruto to downcast his face as Iruka continued to play with his hair. Naruto's hair had grown much longer since his childhood, giving him cheek-length hair while a majority of his bangs hung over his forehead and eyes. (A young Nagato's haircut.)
"I know you'll find a way Naruto, because you're my student and you know what they say, right?" Iruka asked, forcing Naruto to slowly raise his head.
"A student inheirits his ninja way from his teacher, isn't that right, Naruto?" After speaking, his words forced a bright smile to bloom across Naruto's face.
"Yes sir!" Naruto answered with a slight chuckle.
"I mean... I can't turn down a request from my master, now can I?" As Naruto spoke, the smile on Iruka's face grew even more wide.
"Oh! Sensei, check this out." After speaking, Naruto ran towards a nearby fence before picking up leaf off the ground.
"I think you're gonna love this Sensei, check this out!" After he spoke, Naruto placed this leaf against his forehead before pressing both hands together and closing his eyes.
Soon, an extended period of silence filled the air, a silence pierced only by the sound of rustling leaves. During this, Iruka swelled with pride and love as he stared at Naruto with eyes full of joy.
He's really grown. Iruka concluded.
Lord 3rd Hokage...Lord 4th Hokage... While these thoughts raced, Iruka glanced down at the stone face of the 4th Hokage.
Our hero has grown up, don't you think? While these thoughts progressed, Iruka briefly scratched the bridge of his nose.
Iruka was so distracted by his thoughts that he didn't even notice the sheer amount of time that passed. Because of this, the leaf across Naruto's forehead slowly began to wrinkle before falling to the ground after five minutes.
However, Naruto was so focused on his chakra control that he didn't even notice when his leaf hit the ground. At the same time, Iruka smiled from ear-to-ear before turning around and walking down the path towards Konoha.
"Naruto, let's go." Iruka spoke out after walking 20ft away from Naruto.
"We can get that all you can eat ramen I promised." This statement forced Naruto to instantly snap back to reality before running with joy towards Iruka.
The day will soon come Naruto. Iruka told himself.
The day when you stand as a shinobi of Konoha. After thinking these thoughts, Naruto finally arrived next to Iruka before they each walked into the sunset.
This was an important moment and day for Naruto, a day he would never forget. The day when he finally understood what his dream and purpose really was.
Two years later.
Various girls were siting in the academy classroom while groaning as they stared at Sasuke. During this, the flickering silhouette of Itachi was repetiviely drifting through Sasuke's mind for what felt like minutes.
As Sasuke became lost in thoughts, nearby girls were intently observing his outfit and clothes. Sasuke's hair was extremely spiky with a pair of side bangs that hung across each of his cheeks.
This hair matched the black armbands that Sasuke wore on each wrist, and the black shinobi shoes he wore. Also, his outfit was a sleeveless blue tunic with a white skirt-like garment worn around his waist.
Under this tunic, Sasuke wore a pair blue shorts while a solid black grasscutter-style sword was sheathed behind the back of his waist. This sword was a direct gift from Shisui.
As nearby girls continued to observe Sasuke, he didn't even notice when Sakura and Ino entered the room. Each of these kunoichi then sat in the row behind Sasuke before glancing directly at him.
"Yo, yo Naruto!" Shikamaru muttered as his friend finally entered the classroom.
"Are those new clothes?" Weird to see you in something other than orange." After he spoke, Shikamaru yawned with exhaustion.
"Y-... Yea!" Naruto stuttered before becoming briefly lost in his thoughts.
Naruto's life with Iruka had been a drastic change from his previous existence as an orphan. Naruto had grown much more quiet and reserved ever since Iruka came into his life, erasing his previous display of pranks.
Naruto didn't really need to pull pranks anymore, he only did them in the first place to attract attention. But since Naruto had Iruka, he didn't need to pull pranks or be loud which gave him a quiet personality.
The recent life with Iruka also gave Naruto a collection of friends, people like Shikamaru, Choji, Sasuke and even Kakashi. Naruto actually never met Kakashi yet but Iruka always spoke very highly off him.
Despite Naruto's familiarity with Sasuke, Choji and Shikamaru, he basically never spoke with any of his other classmates. However, many of these unspoken classmates would occasionally direct hateful glares of mocking laughs at Naruto.
This rampant mockery was always present in Naruto's life, but his recent time with Sasuke had significantly dampened the insults. The Naruto and Sasuke rivalry was well known in the academy, aswell as their odd friendship.
After several moments, Naruto finally managed to shake his head from side-to-side before walking towards Sasuke. During this, each of his nearby classmates were intently observing his new outfit.
Iruka had spent weeks nagging Naruto to change out of his bright orange jumpsuit, concerned for his safety. Iruka made it very clear that no shinobi was be stupid enough to wear such bright colors in combat.
Naruto's outfit consisted of an angle-length purple tunic that was parted in the front, revealing his black pants. The sleeves of this outfit was significantly long while the inside was lined with a pale yellow color, similar to Naruto's hair.
The collar of this tunic was also raised, concealing a small portion of Naruto's lower face and nose from view. This brought attention to Naruto's black shinobi shoes with white shin-guards worn around his ankles. (Obito's 4th SWW outfit with Akatsuki shoes).
"Yea... Iruka-sensei took me out shopping for graduation..." Naruto mumbled while sheepishly rubbing the back of his head.
At this moment, Naruto casually approached Sasuke before pulling a chair loose and sitting down. This action forced Ino and Sakura to both glare at him with pure hatred.
"He already promised to take me out for ramen when I graduate!" After speaking, Choji began to drool at the mention of food.
"Ramen, you say? I would like to join in! A contest to celebrate the old days gone by... Eh, Shikamaru?" Choji questioned, earning a dramatic sigh in response.
"Just try and be civilized... I don't want a repeat of last time... How do you eat glass?" Shikamaru mumbled before shaking off the horrific flashbacks.
"Sasuke, wanna come with?" Naruto asked, earning a hostile snort from Sakura and Ino.
Naruto better stop hanging out with him. Sakura concluded.
That freak can be so annoying sometimes. Ino thought.
"Sure, whatever." Sasuke muttered while shrugging both shoulders.
"That reminds me, I have that book you loaned me..." After speaking, Sasuke reached into his Uchiha backpack.
"It really has a lot of info... Thanks." While he spoke, Sasuke pulled out an the green book with the kanji for 'History of Clans in the Leaf' spread across it.
This was the same book that Naruto received from Sarada Uchiha almost five years ago. Also, that was the last time Sasuke ever saw Sarada alive, a realization that caused him to briefly pause.
"Sure thing... We're you reading up on the Hyuga clan again? Naruto asked, earning a scoff in response.
"I'm just glad Iruka bought you some new clothes... That orange stuff was a killer on my eyes." Sasuke remarked, forcing Naruto to chuckle several times.
At this moment, Iruka entered the classroom before a chorus of boo's followed. After several moments, Iruka managed to silence the complaining children before walking up to the chalkboard.
"Listen up everyone..." Iruka spoke out.
"In preparation for the upcoming graduation exam, we're going to be practicing the Transformation jutsu." After speaking, the entire class erupted into a chorus of boo's
"Up first - Sasuke Uchiha." As he spoke, Sasuke abruptly stood up from his chair before approaching the chalkboard.
This statement forced Ino and Sakura to both stand up before cheering Sasuke on from the back of the classroom. Afterwards, Sasuke casually approached Iruka before preforming a Chunin-level display of the Transformation technique, turning into a perfect copy of Iruka except for his voice.
"Nice job, you get an A-, Sasuke... Up next, Sakura Haruno." After speaking, a heated argument erupted between Sakura and Ino
After screaming for several moments, Sakura dashed past Sasuke before charging towards the chalkboard. Sakura then managed to preform a Genin-level display of the Transformation technique, earning a B- before she returned to her seat.
A brief period of silence then filled the room as Iruka approached his desk before grabbing his clipboard. The Chunin instructor then flipped through several pages while returning to the chalkboard.
"Up next - Naruto Uzumaki." This statement was followed by a tense and brief silence.
Suddenly, Choji stood up from his chair before cheering Naruto on as potato crumbs spewed from his mouth. This walked forced Shikamaru to downcast his face while a smiling Naruto slowly walked towards the chalkboard.
Naruto then stood beside Iruka for several moments before clapping each of his gloved hands together. Afterwards, Naruto erupted into a cloud of smoke before a barely transparent and distorted version of Iruka wiggled into view.
This display forced the entire classroom to erupt into laughter as Naruto reverted to his normal form before falling to the ground. Naruto then pretended to gasp and pant for air even though he was completely fine.
While a vast majority of the class laughed at Naruto for his failure, Iruka, Shikamaru and Sasuke each narrowed their eyes with interest. Soon, Iruka made a mental note to confront Naruto about this moment.
One week later.
Naruto, Iruka and Mizuki were all gathered in the iconic classroom of team 7. They were holding tryouts for the graduation exam and only one student was allowed inside the classroom at a time.
"Next, Naruto Uzumaki" Mizuki spoke while sitting at a desk beside Iruka.
A tense period of silence then filled the air as Naruto slowly approached the pair of Chunin. Afterwards, Naruto stood in front of their desk for what felt like minutes while an expression of concern spread across Iruka's face.
Iruka had spent the past weeks encouraging Naruto to display his true talents, and keep nothing hidden. However, Mizuki also spoke to Naruto, telling him about a special graduation exam that Iruka once took.
Mizuki's words actually managed to convince Naruto, eager to follow in Iruka's footsteps. Because of this, Naruto already decided to fail this exam so he could take the special exam with Mizuki.
"Ninja art: Clone Jutsu!" Naruto's voice pierced the air before he erupted into a cloud of smoke.
After several moments, this smoke began to dissipate before revealing the worst clone Iruka had ever seen in his entire life. This clone was extremely pale and as thin as paper, forcing it to slowly faceplant against the hard floor before exploding into a puff of smoke.
"I-... I can't believe this, Naruto! I can't pass you like this!" Iruka stuttered.
"Come on, Naruto's clearly working hard... Why not just give him the special exam?" Mizuki suggested, trying to use the right words to convince Naruto.
"A special exam is exactly what he needs." Iruka scoffed out in response.
"Naruto, I want you to go home and continue to practice." As he spoke, his tone was clearly depressed.
At this moment, Naruto turned around before a wide smile sprawled across his concealed face. Naruto then skipped for joy as he left the classroom, unaware of the deep horror that loomed on the horizon.
Four hours later, Friday 8:39pm, April 6th 58SSP.
Bright rays of moonlight sparkled down on the dirt-filled road as Iruka slowly walked home. During this walk, Iruka was pinching the bridge of his nose while the face of Naruto drifted through this mind.
Iruka felt like a complete failure, he felt like a terrible teacher and a terrible father. This conclusion created a tense silence as Iruka continued to walk home, daydreaming about his next conversation with Naruto.
"IRUKA!." A winded Chunin shouted before landing beside Iruka in a crouched position
"What is it, Iwana? What's happening?" Iruka asked.
"Nar-... Naruto! H-... He-... He's-..." Iwana stuttered while gasping for air.
"Naruto's stolen the forbidden scroll!" An unknown Chunin interjected after appearing atop a nearby house.
"WHAT?! How long has he been missing, Bekko?" Iruka panicked.
"I don't know... But Lord Hokage has summoned has issued a summoning, come with us at once." Bekko exclaimed before gasping for air.
"Right away! Lead on!" Iruka shouted with agreement before the trio of Chunin began dashing from roof to roof, beginning their journey.
Five minutes later.
"Lord Hokage, this isnt a joke!" Iwana screamed.
"This is a serious crime, one that needs punishment!" As he spoke, the 3rd Hokage stood outside his office with over three dozen Chunin and Jounin surrounding him.
"That's right! That scroll contains secrets that were sealed by the first Hokage! Secrets known only to our village!" Bekko interjected.
"If it falls into the wrong hands, they could destroy our village!" A shinobi known as Daikoku cut in.
Suddenly, a tense period of silence filled the air as Hiruzen inhaled a fresh hit of leaf from his pipe. During this, each of the surrounding ninja wait for orders from their Hokage.
"Very well" Hiruzen mumbled as streams of smoke poured from his nose.
"Bring Naruto Uzumaki here, at once!" After speaking, his orders were met with a chorus of approval.
At this moment, Hiruzen's outfit began to rustle and waver as dozens of Jounin and Chunin disappeared with the Body Flicker technique. This was a very important moment, the moment that would decided Naruto's future and the future of Konoha as a whole.
Meanwhile.
Bright rays of moonlight sparkled down before the dense foliage as Naruto sat in a large grove of a forest. This forest was one of hundreds the surrounded Konoha, giving Naruto an excellent hiding location.
"Forbidden Art: Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu!" Naruto's voice pierced the air while preforming the iconic clone Hand Seals.
This statement created a consecutive explosion of smoke all around Naruto before forty clones came into view. After the smoke fully dissipated, each of these clones sat down in a similar fashion to Naruto before staring directly at him.
Naruto had been practicing and reading from the forbidden scroll for over four hours at this point. This allowed him to basically master an extremely difficult technique, the Multiple Shadow Clone jutsu.
Naruto was actually surprised to notice how easy this technique was to learn and use. However, Naruto failed to realize just how massive his chakra reserves actually were, Kage-level chakra reserves.
Because of this, Naruto decided to continue studying the scroll, eager to appease Iruka in anyway he could. This conclusion forced Naruto to unroll the forbidden scroll even further, revealing an odd yet familiar swirl pattern.
This pattern was the Eight Trigrams Seal, a special technique used by the 4th Hokage himself to seal the nine tails demon inside a young boy over 12 years ago. This seal created an odd feeling inside Naruto's stomach, but he quickly shrugged it off before unrolling the scroll even further.
This allowed Naruto's vision to focus upon another techinique, a jutsu that sucked in Naruto's attention like a vortex. This technique was called Flying Thunder God and Naruto's head began to ache with confusion before struggling to read it.
"To activate this technique, the user places a special seal to mark an intended destination... " Naruto mumbled while rubbing his hair.
"The user can then, at will, enter a dimensional void that instantaneously teleports them to the location of the seal..." These words were spoken very slowly as Naruto struggled to understand them.
"SO MUCH WORK." After screaming, Naruto dramatically fell backwards against a nearby tree.
Soon, Naruto closed both eyes while his clones picked up the forbidden scroll before passing it among one another. After several moments, Naruto completely past out while each of the surrounding clones continued working hard, allowing him to sleep and work at the same time.
Seven hours later.
"NARUTO! NARUTO!" Iruka screamed while dashing over several tree branches.
Iruka was fully aware that Naruto loved hiding in the woods, causing him to search the nearby forest around Konoha. Naruto wasn't just his little brother anymore - he was his son.
After several moments, a bright flashed erupted from between a pair of distant trees. This light forced Iruka to stomp both his feet atop a tree branch before soaring through the air, moving with Chunin-level speed.
This speed allowed Iruka to fly into a kunai-filled grove before landing atop the ground with a heavy thud. Afterwards, Iruka quickly noticed an exhausted Naruto that was sprawled across the ground and gasping for air.
"NARUTO!" DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW WORRIED I'VE BEEN?!" Iruka shrieked, causing Naruto to briefly jolt.
"Hah looks like you finally found me Sensei." Naruto chuckled out.
"But took you long enough. I had time to learn and develop two forbidden technique's!" After speaking, Naruto barely managed to sit up.
"Do I pass the secret exam sensei?" These question filled Iruka with uttered confusion.
"What are you talking about? What Secret exam?" Iruka murmured.
"Dont play dumb! Mizuki told me all about the secret exam and how you passed it." Naruto explained, creating a horrified expression across Iruka's face.
During this expression of horror, Naruto closed both eyes while smiling at his sensei. At the same time, Iruka realized Mizuki was trying to frame Naruto and steal the scroll for himself.
"Hey there, Naruto..." The voice of Mizuki spoke out from atop a nearby tree branch.
"I see Iruka has found you hard at work, how's the exam going?" As he spoke, his tone was innocent and kind.
"Hey, Mizuki-sensei! Iruka was just abo-." Naruto attempted to replied before Iruka cut him off.
"Naruto! Dont listen to him! This entire exam was a step up! Get back to the village, now!" Iruka interjected, filling Naruto with confusion.
"What do you mean? I thought I already passed the exam?" Naruto mumbled.
"I passed, right Mizuki-sensei? While speaking, Naruto glanced up at Mizuki.
This question caused Mizuki to chuckle for several seconds before a tense period of silence filled the air. During this, Iruka already had his hand spread across his kunai pouch.
"This isn't where I told you to train at Naruto. Do you know how long I've been searching?" Mizuki exclaimed.
"Naruto! Don't let Mizuki get the scroll! It contains forbidden jutsu that could put our village in great danger!" Iruka screamed, forcing Naruto's grip on the scroll to tighten.
"Iruka is just trying to scare you because he's afraid of you breaking his record." Mizuki replied nonchalantly, causing Naruto to breathe a sigh of relief.
This was a rather confusing moment for Naruto, filling him with hesitation. Naruto thought the pair of Chunin were trying to give him a final test, causing him to just play.
"Stop lying Mizuki! Don't let him trick you, Naruto!" Iruka screamed.
Suddenly, Mizuki started to laughed in a extended and twisted fashion, forcing Naruto to abruptly gasp. As Mizuki continued to laugh, it took several moments before he finally stopped.
"I'll tell you whose really lying, Naruto." Mizuki spoke, forcing Iruka to tense.
"NO MIZUKI!" Iruka bellowed.
At this moment, Iruka pulled a kunai loose in each hand before entering a Taijutsu stance. Afterwards, a tense period of silence filled the air, a silence pierced only by the sound of Mizuki's laughter.
Soon, Naruto's grip on the forbidden scroll tightened as he briefly struggled to breathe. This was a tense moment for Naruto, a moment he didn't want to fail.
"They've been lying to you, Naruto. They've been lying to you for your entire life." Mizuki exclaimed.
"Everyone knows except you, Iruka's trying to hide it from you even now... He'd do anything to shut me up." After speaking, his words filled Naruto with confusion.
"What lie? What does everyone else know about it?" Naruto mumbled.
"DON'T TELL HIM! ITS FORBIDDEN MIZUKI!" Iruka shrieked.
Suddenly, the only sound that could be heard for minutes was the faint sound of distant owls. Also, flickering rays of moonlight would occasionally sparkle down upon the confused and exhausted Naruto.
"You don't even know, do you?" Mizuki spoke before a dense gust of wind blew in from the south.
"The nine tailed fox is sealed inside you!" These words forced each of Naruto's concealed eyes to bulge with shock.
"The demon who destroyed our village, murdered Iruka's parents and killed hundreds of our villagers is sealed inside you! YOU ARE THE NINE TAILED FOX DEMON!" While screaming, this words forced Naruto's entire body to twitch.
"They've all hiding things behind you're back your entire life... Didn't you think it was strange how they treated you? How they hated you for just being alive!?" These words were spoken with a sadistic tone.
Soon, Naruto began to bite his lip while his entire body continued to twitch. At the same time, Iruka charged forward at Chunin-level speed.
"STOP IT" Iruka screamed before leaping into the air.
Iruka then disappeared into the shadowy tree line as a fierce Chunin-level battle erupted in the shadows. During this, Naruto's body was completely still while each of his eyes occasionally twitched and pulsated.
Suddenly, the sound of metal striking metal filled the air as Iruka and Mizuki continued to battle each other. This sound finally brought Naruto back to reality before he struggle to stand up only to fall backwards into a nearby tree.
Naruto spent the past seven hours training with dozens of Shadow clones, displaying Kage-level feat of chakra control. Because of this, Naruto was completely and totally exhausted, barely able to move.
Naruto was so exhausted that he slowly curled up into a fetal position before huddling next to a tree root. Afterwards, Iruka jumped from a nearby tree branch before landing on the ground next to Naruto.
"Naruto! I need you to take the scroll and report to the Lord Hokage!" Iruka shrieked.
Instead of moving, Naruto continued to pant and gasp for air as chakra exhaustion left him completely paralyzed. This realization forced panic to swell inside of Iruka, filled with genuine fear for Naruto's safety. But it was no good Naruto was beyond exhausted he couldn't move.
At this moment, Mizuki landed atop a nearby tree branch before hurling several shuriken through the air. As these weapons approached, Iruka pulled a kunai loose with his left hand before deflecting each of these shuriken with a single strike.
This action created the sound of metal striking metal while a spray of sparks filled the air. Afterwards, each of these shuriken harmlessly fell to the ground beside Naruto's feet.
"Naruto! Run! Run!" Iruka screamed before Mizuki jumped to the forest floor.
Iruka then charged towards Mizuki while an exhausted Naruto continued to struggle for air. As Iruka approached, Mizuki casually sidestepped his attack before kneeing him in the stomach.
After disarming Iruka, Mizuki grabbed him by the collar of his outfit before tossing him to the ground. During this, each of Naruto's eyes began to violently twitch while struggling to breathe.
"Pathetic, pathet-" Mizuki mocked before being cut off as Iruka once again charged at him.
Iruka and Mizuki then clashed in a fierce Chunin-level display of Taijutsu for several seconds. Despite Iruka's determination, Mizuki was able to sidestep a backhanded slash from the fatherly shinobi.
Mizuki then plunged a kunai directly through Iruka's right hand, disarming him while drops of blood spread across the ground. Afterwards, each of the battling shinobi jumped back over 5ft before Iruka quickly pulled Mizuki's kunai loose from his hand.
Iruka then briefly gasped for air before tossing Mizuki's kunai to the ground. At the same time, Iruka realized that no one else would arrive in time, filling him with dread.
"You would really defend the sane demon that killed your parents?" Mizuki asked.
"The only demon here is you Mizuki!" Iruka protested.
"Hmph... I didnt want you to get involved Iruka but if you wont give up..." Mizuki mumbled, forcing each of Iruka's eyes to violently twitch.
"I never give it! That's my ninja way!" Iruka screamed before glancing at Naruto.
This image then forced Iruka's mouth to fall open with shock after noticing the expression of fear that was spread across Naruto's face. This fear briefly overwhelmed Iruka before the distant memory of his own father drifted through his mind.
A parents duty is to protect their children! A single phrase echoed through Iruka's mind.
This thought forced Iruka to swell with confidence before jumping over 10ft backwards through the air. At the same time, Iruka clapped both hands together and weaved through the Snake, Ram, Monkey, Boar, Horse and Tiger Seals before landing atop the ground.
"Fire style: Fireball Jutsu!" Iruka exhaled a condensed spray of chakra-filled flames.
These flames burnt the surrounding earth and nearby trees before surging out towards Mizuki. As these flames approached, Mizuki chuckled in response before clapping both hands together and weaving through the Tiger, Rabbit, Boar and Dog Seals.
"Earth style: Mud Wall!" Mizuki screamed before crouching down and slamming both hands into the ground.
Suddenly, several portions of nearby earth and hardened mud rose several feet from the ground, creating a wall. This wall was then engulfed by a condense explosion of chakra-filled flames after Iruka's technique collided with Mizuki's.
After several moments, Iruka's technique finally dissipated while Mizuki continued to stand behind his partially collapsed wall. Afterwards, Mizuki grabbed one of the massive shuriken strapped across his back before hurling it through the air.
"NOW DIE, DEMON!" As these words pierced the air, Iruka's eyes bulged with horror.
A tense silence then filled the air as Naruto tried to stand up before falling back time. This realization forced Iruka's entire world to slow down as he swelled with panic.
"NARUTO, WATCH OUT!" Iruka screamed with a mixture of pain, rage and fear.
At this moment, Naruto buried his head into both hands before tears slowly began to pour from his eyes. Afterwards, the sound of melt piercing flesh could be heard before an extended period of silence filled the air.
Suddenly, Naruto finally came back to reality after several cold drops of blood began to bombard his head. This realization forced each of Naruto's lips to briefly quiver before raising his head.
This action allowed Naruto to notice a blood-stained Iruka that was standing directly in front of his fetal body. As Iruka stood, his right hand was propped against the tree behind Naruto for support.
The blood was Iruka's hand was also dripping atop Naruto, staining his once blond hair. This brought attention to several wounds, cutes and bruises that covered Iruka's face, a result of his concealed battle with Mizuki.
"Naru-Naruto... Naruto." Iruka stuttered while blood streamed from his mouth.
Soon, Iruka fell on both knees in front of Naruto before coughing up several drops of blood. This blood was sprayed across Naruto's expressionless face while stared at Iruka's blood stained face without even blinking.
Despite his injuries, a wide and prominent smile then spread across Iruka's face. This was an expression that filled Naruto with a brief moment of hope, convinced that everything around him was just a test.
"I'm so-... Sorry Naruto..." While stuttering, blooding continued to drip from his mouth.
"This is it." After speaking, Iruka closed both eyes before smiling from ear-to-ear.
Iruka then pulled his right hand from the nearby tree before gripping Naruto's head and playing with his hair for one last time. During this, fresh drops of blood continued to stain Naruto's hair as Iruka struggled to breathe.
"Yo-... you are my torch..." After speaking, Iruka cough up several drops of blood. out,
"You're m-... My Will of Fire..." A final phrase escaped from Iruka's mouth before his lifeless hand slowly slid from Naruto's hair.
Iruka's lifeless body then slowly fell sideways through the air before he hit the ground with a heavy thud. The force of this impact forced Iruka's skull to bounce back up before once again hit the ground as his entire body went limp.
An extensive silence then pierced the air while each of Naruto's hands twitched several times. While this occurred, the faint laughter of Mizuki could continuously be heard.
"Hahaha pathetic!" Mizuki mocked.
"How does that make you feel, demon? I bet it you love it don't you?" As he spoke, Naruto began to hyperventilate.
Naruto's gasps for air began so frequent and drastic that nothing else could be heard, causing Mizuki to laugh with pride. He never thought it would be this easy.
"Lets get this over with, I need to get this scroll to Orochimaru..." While speaking, Mizuki began to lazily stroll towards Naruto.
"Besides, no one cares about a 3rd rate academy teacher and some freak." While he spoke, Naruto's entire body began to twitch.
"He was right you know... I did lie to you. I used you to get this scroll all to myself." After speaking, Mizuki laughed with joy.
"And not only did you bring me the scroll, you also killed Iruka." This statement forced each of Naruto's downcast eyes to violently convulse.
Suddenly, Mizuki gasped with shocked while nearby trees and portions of earth abruptly cracked. Afterwards, Naruto finally raised his face before a faint glimmer of purple erupted into existence from his eyes.
"Aa-... AAa-... AAAHHH!" Naruto's pain-filled screams pieced the air as tears poured from his new pair of violet eyes.
These eyes created a fierce yet unseen force that rippled out from Naruto with the strength of gravity. This force then effortlessly flung Mizuki back while uprooting trees and portions of earth.
Several shockwaves of dust and debris then resonated out in all directions as Mizuki was instantly crushed to death. During this, the nearby earth quaked under the weight of Naruto's chakra.
Suddenly, a fierce explosion of dust, debris and trees erupted into existence, polluting the air. Afterwards, an extended period of silence filled the air as the debris slowly dissipated.
Soon, a motionless and gasping Naruto came into view before he fell onto his back with a heavy thud. Naruto's vision was this briefly overwhelmed by a hazy blur as he struggled to see anything.
Naruto then slowly turned his face to his left before his eyes slowly noticed the blood stained corpse of Iruka. Also, Naruto finally noticed a massive shuriken that was lodged into Iruka's back, the same shuriken that was aimed for him.
This image combined with the dark realization of Iruka's sacrifice forced tears to swell inside Naruto's violet eyes. Naruto then stared at Iruka's limp and lifeless face for what felt like hours before chakra exhaustion finally overwhelmed him.
At this moment, Naruto fell unconscious next to the lifeless corpse of Iruka while rays of moonlight sparkled down from overhead. At the same time, dozens of Anbu were now racing towards his location after noticing the extensive shockwave that Naruto just created.
This was a horrific and nightmarish moment for Naruto, the moment when Iruka gave his life to save him.