Finding the right Path
Another story idea which i had. I only write for fun, so critism is welcomed as it helps with my writing development.
There are no pairings for now, that may change however
I do not own Naruto or any other aspects that reference people who could sue me...
Enjoy
Chapter 1
The two boys sat at their desks as quiet as can be…
"Why are we here, I want to become a ninja not sit in a class" asked one of the children, breaking the silence and causing a tick mark to appear on the young Chuunin's head.
The Chuunin's name was Umino Iruka, and he was there trying to help the children enrol into the academy, with the help of the Hokage of course. The Sandaime Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, just chuckled at the display of impatience. He looked at the child who spoke, and then at his counterpart, his twin brother, with a calculating look. He knew the two boys were twins, but they were as different from each other as two complete strangers could be.
The loud one who spoke was Uzumaki Menma. He was a loud obnoxious little brat that always had an opinion. He spoke his mind and it always got him in trouble. He was honest, too honest and it sometimes got him into more trouble than can be helped. It's not that he can't keep things to himself; it is as if everything should be shared. One time, he got into trouble with the Hyuuga clan for trying to befriend the young Heiress. It wasn't his fault though, it was in his nature. He was very kind, but didn't take to kindly to those who cause others pain. If one could identify him by an object, it would be the sun - Shining, bright and bubbly. Spreading its warmth among the people it touched.
His brother on the other hand, Uzumaki Naruto, was as quiet as the dead. If you didn't know better, one would think he was dead. All he did was read his books, and keep to himself. The only time he spoke was if asked a question or speaking with his brother, many people don't even know what he sounded like. In retrospect, many people would call him cold and distant. He was the moon, where Menma was the sun. 'Cold, calculative and eerily silent.' Naruto also had some experience in stealth, sneaking up on the Hokage when he was least expecting it, almost giving the old man a heart attack.
The two boys were only eight and showed an inkling of genius. In their own ways, they both were geniuses. Naruto was silent and had his book smarts, while Menma was loud but had the physical strength. Menma also learnt what Naruto learnt by being told how to do things and listening to his brother. Naruto wasn't as physically fit as Menma, but made up for it in his stealth and strategies. It is uncertain who was older, but the Hokage knew that both boys will become strong and powerful Shinobi when they got older.
At this present moment, they were enrolling into the Academy to begin their long pursuit of becoming a Shinobi. Truth was they were already close to being Shinobi material. They both knew how to walk on water and how to climb trees using chakra. When asked by the Hokage how they learnt, Menma blurted out that Naruto taught him, that and how Naruto learnt it all from a book. They were twin brothers, yet completely opposite.
"Come on old man, this is boring. Ne Aniki, tell them to let us graduate already. We know most of the stuff here anyway" cried Menma, trying to get his quiet brother to negotiate with the Hokage and the Chuunin Instructor on their behalf. Menma knew Naruto had the brain smarts and knowledge to barter with them and come out on top. This time however, he remained silent.
The Hokage chuckled again, taking a puff of his pipe before stating
"All Shinobi begin somewhere Menma-kun, and although you have knowledge on how to complete some of the Shinobi exercises, that is not enough to warrant a complete understanding on becoming a Shinobi"
"But I want to become Hokage and take your hat from you. I don't want someone else to take it when you keel over" spoke Menma as the Hokage chuckled again. Iruka on the other hand looked furious, he was about to admonish Menma before the Sandaime spoke once more.
"That may be true Menma-kun. However, becoming the Hokage is not about how much jutsu you know and how strong you are. It's about protecting those near to you. It's about protecting the Village and possessing the 'Will of Fire'. It is about using your strength to ensure that the 'King' is protected. It is a long and arduous road, but with patience and training, I guarantee that you'll become the Hokage." As the Sandaime finished his speech, he looked into the eyes of Menma and saw the glowing "Will of Fire". He looked towards Naruto and found he wasn't in his seat. Searching around the classroom, he found Naruto enter through the door, appearing as quietly as possible. 'When the hell did he leave? I didn't even sense him go.' Thought the Sandaime, whilst looking at Iruka with a raised eyebrow. Iruka looked at him and shook his head, indicating that he also didn't know when Naruto left.
As the Sandaime and Iruka finished all the necessary paperwork for the two children, they left the Academy and charged straight into Ichiraku Ramen Bar. It was one of the only places where the twins were looked at as more than trash. The only place where they could have a conversation with the owners and not get kicked out. It was also the only other place that felt like home, and for that, the Sandaime was disheartened. He knew the reasoning behind it; he was a part of the cause of the twins being disliked. However he was doing a favour for the village. He knew that enemies would have gotten game if they had known that the Konoha was weakened after that incident eight years ago. An incident that till this day cannot be fully explained. An incident in which many S rank secrets were established; but only one secret remained with the Sandaime. And that secret he would take to his grave.
"Three Pork and three Miso Ramen please old man" called Menma as he walked through the flaps leading into the small Ramen Bar. "Hi Ayame, how are you?" he also asked in a slightly high pitched. He was after all excited to begin his journey of the Shinobi.
Behind him the Sandaime chuckled again at the kids antics. He could not get over how much joy Menma brought to those in his presence. As he though this, he took as seat next to Menma and ordered one Pork Ramen as well.
"Hai Hokage-Sama" called both the young girl and her father. Ayame was a fourteen year old who helped her father run the Bar. She left the Ninja Academy at a young age and started working with her father. Her father was a civilian, but Ayame showed some promise in the Shinobi arts. She was a certified Ninja-Chef. A chef with skills in the Ninja arts.
Ichiraku Teuchi was proud of his daughter. He told her all the time. The old man was a loving and gentle father whom lost his wife when Ayame was in the academy, resulting in her early leaving. He did regret that, but Ayame was also strong willed and decided to help her father in the kitchens and learn the trade.
The Hokage looked to Naruto and when he got the boys attention, was going to ask what he wanted. As if reading the Sandaime's mind, Menma chirped in and said that the three Miso Ramen were for Naruto, while he was eating the three Pork Ramen. The Hokage smiled at this and thanked Kami that Menma was caring enough to order for both twins. He was slightly afraid of the money he'd be spending today.
Just as he finished his thoughts, the Ramen arrived, and each customer ate it with gusto. Menma finished first with a contented burp and sigh, whilst Naruto finished in a more dignified and quieter manner. The Sandaime felt the presence of his ANBU guards and knew that he had to get to a meeting with his councillors. He paid for the meal and bid the twins and the Ramen Bar's owner goodbye.
When the Sandaime left, the twins walked the streets alone till they arrived at one of the training grounds. Training ground 7, which had a small creek running through it. Once there, both boys stretched and started running laps. After the laps the boys rested and started on their chakra control exercises. The last thing they did was spar before they left to go home. Tomorrow was a long day after all. Who knew that the academy would akin to a long and arduous mission? Neither boy noticed the lady hiding in the tree watching their every move.