Arthor's Note:
Before anyone starts reading this fiction, the pairing will be Naruto x Ino, and it will show a more intellegent Naruto. Those that expect me to have mobs attack Naruto find another story. Most of Konoha, merely mistreated Naruto not attacked him. That being said, making his life and survivial difficult isn't much better and this is what the cannon shows. Those who came for a cute little story with out of character Ino or Sakura think again. Ino and Sakura are shallow in the cannon until they mature really late (almost shippuden). The rating will be M for reasons that deal with more then just adult content. It is possible for this story to become a limited harem, but if this happens each charactor must win their place with the "Stamina Freak". This means, I will not add certain girls.
Some of you will believe I am bashing certain charactors, but I am staying true to their character. Kakashi did ignore Naruto and Sakura for Sasuke. Sakura and Ino did like Sasuke for shallow reasons (ie. cute, cool, and status (last Uhicha)). They even say this themself when anyone ask why they like Sasuke. Sasuke did say restore not revive his clan.
Finally, I have always wrote third party omni, so I have major trouble with defining pov, letting the readers into the character's heads, and i assume you know the basics of the Naruto universe. I have some idea's on Naruto that many of you won't like but I hope you will bare with me and may see my point.
Setting the stage:
This fan-fiction is set directly after Naruto defeats Mizuki. It in it's beginnings will expand on Naruto and Iruka's relationship (keep your minds out of the gutter homosexual fans). The basis of this relationship being Iruka's flash back to being the class clown for attention.
Standard Disclaimer:
I do not own Naruto or it's characters, and receive no earnings in any way for my fan-fiction.
Fair Warning:
I am writing a fan-fiction, so asking if a cannon event will happen or expecting me to ignore ripples to follow the cannon may get you ragged on. Yes certain missions and people are important to Naruto, but destiny will see to that. Karma will to see to the rest.
Chapter One: Class Clowns and Loyal Masks
Iruka had just got of the hospital, and he took his favorite student out for ramen. This was nothing new other then normally the hospital wasn't required for such an outing. This time was different,however. Iruka had decided as he layed in the hospital recovering from the fuma shuriken to his back to give Naruto the benefit of steps already traveled.
"Naruto, I want to talk to you about something serious. I have been in your shoes, so trust me when I say this. I know you want people to accept you, but you don't have to hide your real self. I saw the way you handled Mizuki. You are certainly not the dead last of the academy, and as your teacher, a friend and hopefully an adopted big brother, I want to know why you hide your real self." Iruka kindly and almost fatherly spoke.
Naruto suddenly choked on his fifth bowl of ramen. He had to wonder had Iruka really saw through his mask. He wasn't dumb or even dense as people thought, but surely, he hadn't let someone close enough to let them realise this. Sure, he had dropped the act when Iruka had spoken up for him to Mizuki, and beaten Mizuki to near death.
"I know the village fears me and that is why I pretend to be an idiot. Normally, it keeps idoits like Mizuki off my back. You really think I like orange this much? Of course not, but it gives the villagers the false believe that I am controlable. If they knew, I was getting stronger then they would fear me more, but I guess I have to end the act sooner or later. " Naruto sighed.
If Iruka had to place this more serious Naruto, he would put him as a combination Shikaku and Anko. It seemed all together to imagine either of them in all bright orange though. Iruka then decided he had to get Naruto to take off his mask. Ignorant villiagers be damned.
Iruka spent the better part of the night debating Naruto the pros and cons of his act. He tried to use Naruto's crush on Sakura Hurano against him, but that only resulting in finding out that the crush was merely that their lives were simular.
Naruto knew what it was like to be bullied and hated for something you couldn't control. For Naruto, it was the hosting of the Kyuubi no Kitsume, and for Sakura, she simply hadn't grown into her forehead. The main difference, though, was Sakura had Ino to befriend when she was younger, and Naruto was still waiting for his first true friend. Naruto, for one, wanted to show Sakura she was loved and accepted, but one universal truth applied to Naruto. He always went over the top.
Iruka almost fainted out of breath robbing laughter when Naruto admitted the one he actually liked was Ino Yamata. Until she started fawning over Sasuke, Ino had always been kind to everyone and while she didn't play with Naruto as a kid, she did little things like smile at him.
Naruto's feelings for Hinata on the other hand were the exact opposite. He, of course, knew that Hinata had feeling for him, but he needed a girl or rather a woman that could stand by him. She just too timid to be of interest to Naruto. He wanted a girl that would fight him, stand up to him, but ultimately be his submissive where it counted. Hinata had yet to fill that bill and may never.
Now, there was a weapon he could use. He spoke hours on end about how he wasn't much different then Hinata with the mask, and that if he wanted Ino, he would have to show his real self. After hours, Naruto finally agreed. Tomorrow, at team selections, he would show the world his real self and watch out anyone that didn't like it.
"You know if you want to win over Ino you will have to get a sense of style. Well you have the rest of the day to get a 'Make over'." Iruka chimed in. "Just don't ask me to help."