This is my Naruto Story! This will show Ryuji the son of Ryu Hayabusa, Naruto, Sakura, Sasuke and others in this story!

Long ago, a Nine–Tailed Fox appeared on the outskirts of the Village Hidden in the Leaves. When it did, it was believed that the village would be lost. Regardless, the ninja of the Hidden Leaf fought valiantly against the beast. Many lives were lost that day. However, one ninja challenged the beast to mortal combat. This ninja defeated the beast and sealed it within a newborn baby. This ninja was hailed forever as the strongest ninja in the Leaf. The Fourth Hokage!

The light of the sun shined in through the window of a house in the Hidden Leaf's Hayabusa's compound. The light shine on Ryuji Hayabusa causing to stir opening his eyes and let out a yawn. He has black spiky hair and blue eyes. He let out a yawn before getting out of bed revealing that he was wearing black boxers. Moving to the closet, he opened the door and took out a black shirt with golden dragon and grey jacket, navy pants and blue sandals. He looks at the bottom seeing a box then he opens the box revealing a sword in a stealth. As he said in his thought "I promise you father, I will make your proud wherever you are and I will take us this sword when I'm ready. When the time comes, this sword will remain here…" He went to the bathroom and did his usual retune.

Walking out of his house, Ryuji walk out fully dressed as he made his way to the village, he looked around at all the people. They were buying food, going to their jobs, or were heading to their favorite hangouts. They look at him waved at him.

As Ryuji said in his thought "These are good people, but I don't see why they treat him like dirt for something he didn't even do." As he said in his thought "No matter what I will still protect this village."

He then felt as if he was being followed as he turns to see a group of man following him acting like they're minding their own business but he notices they glance at him few times. He sighs as he said in his thought "Right on time,"

He knew their intention was to beat him but he had no time for that didn't want to be late.

Turning down an alley, Ryuji looked back and saw the group still following him.

Looking around, Ryuji spotted something that caused him to smirk before walking around a corner. The group watched as Ryuji ducked in another corner before pulling out swords, kunai and other such weapons and giving chase. When they got around the corner though, they were surprised to find that Ryuji was nowhere to be seen. Ryuji watch from ontop of the roof watching the group looking for him as he said in his thought "Glad they didn't see me up here." Jumping back down on the street, Ryuji continued walking until he saw two Chunin running by.

As one of them said, "Naruto!"

As another one said, "Hold on!"

They ran past Ryuji. Looking back at the two Chunin's retreating forms, Ryuji got a questioning look before turning and looking up only for his eyes to widen. The Hokage Monument, which was a mountain side with the faces of the four Hokage carved into it, was covered in graffiti!

As Ryuji ask, "Now who would?" He sighs as he said, "I know who." He looks at the fence to his left. As he asks "Really, Naruto? You had to graffiti the Hokage Monument?"

A tarp painted to look exactly like part of the fence was lowered to reveal a grinning Naruto Uzumaki. Naruto had sun blonde spiky hair, blue eyes and three whisker marks on both cheeks. He wore an orange jumpsuit that consisted of an orange and blue jacket and orange pants with a kunai holster strapped on his right thigh. The jacket however was tied around his waist and had the red Uzumaki swirl on the back. He also wore a black t–shirt and blue ninja sandals. On his forehead, he had a pair of green goggles. As he said, "Pretty good, huh? Though I'm surprised this worked on those two following me and not you."

As Ryuji said, "It's because I've been an unwilling partner in most of your pranks." He looks at the Hokage Monument as he said, "This is gonna pinned on me too somehow."

As Naruto said holding his hand behind his head "Ah, you worry too much! That was too easy."

Unknown to either of them though, was that someone was standing behind them. This person had brown hair done up in a spiky ponytail, black eyes and had a scar that ran vertically across his face. The person, a Chunin, was wearing a black long sleeved ninja shirt and matching pants, a kunai holster strapped on his right leg, black ninja sandals and a green Chunin vest with the red Uzumaki swirl on the back. The Chunin also had a black ninja headband with a gray metal forehead protector on it that had the symbol for the Hidden Leaf on it. A tick mark formed on the chunin's cheek as he glared at the two as he said, "Oh yeah, Naruto, Ryuji?!"

Naruto let out a scream jumping in the air kicking his legs into the air while Ryuji look startled as he turns around as Naruto land on his bottom.

As Naruto ask "Where'd you come from, Iruka–Sensei!? What are you doing here?"

As Iruka said pointing at Naruto and Ryuji "No, what are you doing here? You're supposed to be in class."

Naruto look at Ryuji who gave him a look that said, 'I told you so'.

Iruka had brought both Naruto and Ryuji to the Ninja Academy tied up. As Iruka said, "I'm at the end of my rope, Naruto. You failed the graduation test last time, and the time before that. Tomorrow you've got another chance, and you're messing up again!"

Naruto let out a hmph looking away. Iruka got a tick mark on his cheek before Ryuji cleared his throat gaining Iruka's attention as Ryuji said, "While I get why Naruto is tied up…" As he asks with a sweat drop "Why am I tied too, Iruka–sensei?"

As Iruka said, "Because you weren't in class either, Ryuji!"

As Ryuji said, "I slept in. I'm sorry I couldn't help it."

Iruka gain another tick mark as he said, "Fine! Because you missed it, you two, everyone will review the Transformation Jutsu!"

All the students groan. All the students lined up while Iruka cut Naruto and Ryuji free before they too joined the rest of the students. Iruka had a piece of paper. Sakura Haruno has pink hair that reached to the middle of her back with the bangs parted to either side of her face and emerald green eyes. She wore a red short sleeved dress that reached to her knees and on the back, was a white circle, black short shorts with a kunai holster strapped on her right leg and blue ninja sandals. She had a red ribbon tied on her head. Sakura walked up. As Sakura said, "Alright, Sakura here. Let's do it. Transform!"

Sakura perform the hand seal. She was shrouded in a cloud of smoke. When the smoke cloud dissipated, it revealed a second Iruka in Sakura's place.

Iruka nodded his head as he crossed Sakura's name off the list as he said, "Transformed into me. Good."

The second Iruka was shrouded in smoke before it quickly dissipated revealing a normal Sakura once more. As she said excited "Yay! I did it! Yes!"

As Inner Sakura said, "Yeah, I kicked butt!"

Sakura then looked towards a boy with black hair that was spiked up in the back and had black eyes. He wore a blue short sleeved shirt with the Uchiha clan crest on the back, white shorts, a kunai holster strapped on his right leg, arm warmers and blue ninja sandals. As Sakura ask "Sasuke, did you see that?" She walks down the line as Iruka said, "Next. Sasuke Uchiha."

Sasuke walked up before performing the hand seal for the transformation. He was instantly clouded in smoke before it dissipated revealing yet another Iruka. As Iruka said, "Uh, good." He crossed Sasuke's name off the list.

The second Iruka was clouded in smoke again before it dissipated revealing a normal Sasuke Uchiha. Sasuke walked back to the line as Iruka looked at the list again. As Iruka said, "Ryuji Hayabusa."

Ryuji walked up. He looked at Sasuke was looking at him in interest. Ryuji then performed the hand seal for the transformation Jutsu as he said, "Transform!" He as clouded in smoke. When the smoke dissipated, it revealed another Iruka.

As Iruka said, "Third times the charm. Well done!" He crossed Ryuji's name off the list.

The second Iruka was clouded in smoke again as the Jutsu was cancelled before it dissipated revealing a normal Ryuji.

Ryuji walked back to the line as Iruka looked at the list of names again. As he said, "Next. Naruto Uzumaki."

Naruto who had has jacket back on with his arms crossed.

Ino Yamanaka looked at Naruto with a glare. Ino had platinum blonde hair that was done up in a ponytail with a single lock hanging on her forehead and light blue pupilless eyes. She wore a purple sleeveless shirt with a matching skirt, bandages wrapped around her stomach and legs, a kunai holster strapped to her right leg and blue ninja sandals.

On Naruto's other side is Shikamaru who was a thinner guy with black hair tied up in what looked kind of like a pineapple. He had a fishnet shirt underneath a simple vest as he said, "This is a total waste of time."

As Ino said, "We always pay for your screw up."

As Naruto said, "Like I care." He steps forward.

Hinata Hyuuga is down in the line, blushing, she has a large jacket on and a pretty pair of lavender eyes which marked her as a Hyuuga. She also has short black hair she kept pressing her fingers as she said in her thought "Naruto. Do your best."

Naruto performed the hand seal for the transformation. As he said, "Transform!" He as clouded in smoke. When the smoke dissipated, it revealed a nude female version of Naruto. The female Naruto had long sun blonde hair that was done up in twin pigtails, blue eyes, three whisker marks on both cheeks and a nicely sized bust. The female Naruto blew a kiss as Iruka ask "Huh?!" He went completely white before being propelled backwards by a large nosebleed.

Ryuji face palmed as the female Naruto was clouded in smoke before it dissipated revealing a normal Naruto Uzumaki who was laughing as he said, "Gotcha! That's my Sexy Jutsu!"

Iruka, who had recovered and plugged his nose with some tissue, got several tick marks as he shouted "CUT THE STUPID TRICKS! THIS IS YOUR LAST WARNING!"

Naruto is at the Hokage Monument scrubbing away the painting as he said, "This sucks. Loser."

Iruka is on top of the stone with his arms cross as he said, "You're not going home till you've cleaned up every single drop of paint."

Naruto stop scrubbing as he said looking up "So what? It's not like there's anyone waiting at home for me." He went back to scrubbing.

As Iruka ask looking down "Naruto?"

Naruto looks up with his eyes narrowed as he asks with a pout on his face "What do ya want now, Sensei?"

As Iruka said, "Well, I was just thinking. Maybe after you clean this all up I can take you out for some ramen. The good stuff. What do you think?" He looks down at Naruto who smiled as Naruto said, "Now that's some serious motivation! I'll have this clean in no time!"

At nighttime Naruto and Iruka were at a ramen shop as they sat down as Naruto slip some noodles as Iruka ask "Naruto?"

As Naruto said, "Mhm…"

As Iruka ask "Why would you do that to the Hokage faces? I mean, you know who the Hokage are, don't you?"

As Naruto said, "Course I do." He slurps up more noodles finishing the bowl letting out a sigh as he said, "Everybody knows. They were the greatest Shinobi of their time, right? The best of the best. Undefeated Ninja champs." As he said, "And the Fourth Hokage's the one who saved the village from the Nine–Tailed Fox. He was the most amazing."

As Iruka ask "Then why'd you?"

As Naruto said, "Cause I'm going to be greater than any of them. Me. Naruto. The next Hokage!" He points at his chopsticks as he said, "A Ninja legend! Then everyone will have to stop disrespecting me. Believe it!"

Iruka sucks up noodles from the corner of his mouth.

As Naruto said, "Uh, by the way, I kinda want to ask a little favor, Sensei."

As Iruka ask "You want another bowl?"

Naruto shook his head as he said, "Uh–uh. I… I want to try on your headband. Come on, Please!?" He bowed his head.

As Iruka said, "Uh…" As he said pointing at his headband "Oh this? No way. You can only wear the Leaf Headband when you finally graduate from the academy and become a Ninja. You've gotta pass the test tomorrow."

As Naruto said, "That is so uncool!" He pouted.

As Iruka ask laughing "Hey? Is that why you took off your goggles?"

As Naruto said, "Ugh! I want another bowl!"

Ryuji is outside with ten dummies then he took out ten kunais tossed them at the dummies. The kunai whizzed through the air before impacting with the dummies. Six hit the center of the dummies while all hit the dummies.

As Ryuji said, "I just don't get it." As he asks in his thought "Why do they treat Naruto as an outsider? What did he do to them that made them hate him so much?" As he said, "I know why Naruto does his pranks, he does it as a cry of attention. He has no parent to come home too. The only friends he has are Iruka–sensei and me. Sure, I don't know my parents but someone has always been like a mother figure to me."

The next morning Iruka stood in front of the class, as Iruka said, "We will now start the final exam. When your name is called, proceed to the testing room. The final test will be on… The Clone Jutsu."

The second Naruto heard those words, he buried his face in his hands. As he said in his thought "Ugh! That's my worst technique! Great. I'm never gonna pass!"

Naruto stood in front of Iruka who was seated at the teacher's desk along with another chunin.

This chunin, Mizuki, had white hair that reached to just above his shoulders and black eyes. He wore the same outfit as Iruka.

As Naruto said in his thought "Alright. Get it together, Naruto. You can do this." He brought his fingers together as he said, "Believe it." Wind began to flow around him as he said, "Clone Jutsu!"

As smoke clouded him from vision. The smoke disappears, revealing Naruto, and he looks over to his right. Lying belly down on the floor, with its tongue out, is a Clone of Naruto.

Naruto laugh nervously as Iruka said with one of those looks "You fail!"

Naruto began to flip out. As Iruka said, "Hmm…"

As Mizuki ask "Iruka–sensei?"

Iruka look at him as Mizuki said, "He's off, but his moves weren't bad and he did hang in there and replicate. This is his third try, so you know he really wants to become a Ninja. We could cut him a break and pass him."

Naruto gain a hopeful look.

As Iruka said, "Mizuki–Sensei. The other students created at least three effective replications. But Naruto could only create one." He pointed at the clone as he said, "And look at it. It's pitful. I can't pass him."

Naruto shake in anger.

Ryuji was called into the next classroom. Walking in, he saw Iruka and Mizuki.

As Iruka said, "All right, Ryuji. Please perform the Clone Jutsu."

Ryuji nodded his head before thinking of something. As he asks "Um, if I may ask, how did Naruto do?"

Iruka sighed causing Ryuji to shook his head as he said, "Nevermind. I can guess. Sorry Naruto." He then made the hand seal to perform the clone jutsu. Blue chakra swirled around Ryuji as he said, "Clone Jutsu!" As smoke clouded him from vision.

When it dissipated, Iruka and Mizuki were surprised to see ten Ryuji clones surrounding the original Ryuji.

As Ryuji ask, "How's that?"

As Mizuki said, "That's every impressive, Ryuji. That's seven more than the required amount to pass, which is three." As he said, "Congratulations Ryuji! You pass! As of today, you are officially a genin ranked Leaf ninja!"

Ryuji smiled as he walked over to the table that had a few headbands left and grabbed one as his clones dispelled. He then tied it around his forehead before turning and bowing to Mizuki and Iruka. Ryuji's headband, like the other genin's headbands, was a blue cloth with a metal forehead protector with the symbol of the Hidden Leaf carved into it.

As Ryuji said, "Thank you, Iruka–sensei and Mizuki–sensei." He stood up straight. He then turned and walked toward the door before opening it and walking out.

Ryuji was outside as he watched everyone else being congratulated for becoming genin by their parents, siblings, friends as he saw Naruto sitting on a swing looking at the family as Ryuji walk over patting on Naruto's shoulder for suppor.

As a women ask "There, you see him?"

As another said, "It's that boy. I heard he's the only one who failed."

As the women said, "Hmph! Well it serves him right."

As the other one said, "Just imagine what would happen if he became a Ninja."

Naruto pulled his goggles down.

As the other women said, "I mean, he's the boy who…"

As the women said, "Shh… We're not allowed to talk about that."

Then they felt a chill as they turn to see Ryuji in front of Naruto giving them his cold glare causing them to flinch and turn away as Naruto look at Mizuki.

Near the student is Iruka with the third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Hiruzen had gray hair, black eyes and a gray beard. He wore a red kimono with a white sash tied around his waist, a white coat that reached down to his feet with the word "Hokage" written on the back in red, a white and red hat styled after a bamboo hat with the kanji for "fire" on the front and black ninja sandals. They watch the three of them.

As Hiruzen said, "Iruka. There is something we need to talk about."

Ryuji then turn to see Naruto gone as he sighs as the swing soon stop.

Naruto and Mizuki were on the ledge as Mizuki said, "Iruka–sensei is tough. He's not against you."

As Naruto ask "Then why? Why only me?"

As Mizuki said, "He wants you to be strong. With all his heart. But that will never happen if he goes easy on you. He's like you, you know. No parents. No family."

As Naruto said sadly "But… This time I really wanted to graduate."

Mizuki chuckle quietly as he said, "Then I guess I'll have to tell you."

As Naruto ask looking at Mizuki "Huh?"

As Mizuki said, "It's a secret. But I'm gonna let you in on it."

Naruto widen his eyes as he ask, "A secret?"

It was nighttime at the village as Iruka laid on his bed as he remembers his conversation with Hiruzen

(Flashback)

As Hiruzen said, "Iruka?"

As Iruka ask "What is it Lord Hokage?"

As Hiruzen said, "I know how you feel. You grew up just like Naruto. Without knowing the love of a Mother or Father. The warmth of a family."

Iruka remember the night the Nine–tails attack and he was carried away from his parents.

(End Flashback)

As Mizuki said outside of Iruka's door "Iruka–sensei wake up!"

Iruka open the door as he ask "What? What is it?"

As Mizuki said, "You need to come to Lord Hokage's right away. It's Naruto. He stole the Sacred Scroll."

As Iruka said in shock "You mean the Scroll of Sealing? No!"

Naruto was sitting down in the woods, near an old hut, reading the scroll as he said, "Now let's see… The first one is… Multi–Shadow Clone Jutsu." He put his hands behind his head as he said frustrated "Ah! Not this again. It's my worst Jutsu!"

A group of ninjas were in front of Hiruzen as one of them said, "Lord Hokage! This is not just a prank. This is a serious crime!"

As another said, "The scroll contains secrets that were sealed by the first Hokage. Secrets known only to our village."

Iruka and Mizuki join in as another said, "If it falls into the wrong hands, they could destroy our entire way of life."

As Hiruzen said, "Alright. Bring Naruto here at once!"

As the Ninjas said, "Sir!"

All Ninja's disappear with a rush of wind in front of Hiruzen.

Iruka stops on a building, panting and looking around as he asks in his thought "Where would he go?"

Mizuki ran through another village as he said in his thought "Now that I told everyone what Naruto did, I can eliminate him. They'll be glad he's gone." He smirks evilly as he said in his thought "And of course I keep the scroll for myself."

Naruto is in front of the small hut, sitting on the ground panting.

Iruka walks up to him, and Naruto looks up as Iruka said, "It's all over." He laughs. Naruto scratches his head, and laughs back.

Iruka straightens up, confused as he ask "Huh?"

As Naruto said, "Got me already? Not bad. You're quick, Sensei. I only had time to learn one technique."

As Iruka said in his thought "He's been out here practicing. I can tell how hard he's been working."

As Naruto said, "Listen, Iruka–Sensei! I'm going to show you this amazing Jutsu and you're going to let me graduate and everything will be okay. That's the way it works, right? Anyone who learns Jutsu from this scroll passes."

As Iruka ask "Huh? Where'd you get that idea?"

As Naruto said, "Mizuki–sensei told me about it. Believe it." He turns to show the scroll on his back as he said turning to Iruka "He told me to find the scroll…And this place…" He stops as he saw Iruka's shock face.

As Iruka ask in his thought "Huh? Mizuki?" He then senses an attack as he turns to see incoming attack of kunais as he "Look out!"

He pushes Naruto back, taking the Kunai. It pushes Iruka back to the wall of the hut. Kunai are in the wall, some pinning Iruka there, and there's one in his leg.

Mizuki appeared on a tree as he said, "I see you've found our little hide away."

As Iruka said looking at Mizuki "So that's the way it is, huh? I should've known."

As Mizuki said, "Naruto! Give me the scroll, now!"

As Naruto said, "Wait a minute…" He turns to Iruka then at Mizuki as he ask, "What's going on here?"

He looks at Iruka who panted pulling out the kunai on his leg and toss it aside as Iruka said, "Naruto! Don't let Mizuki get the scroll!"

Mizuki stood up as Iruka said, "It contains forbidden Jutsu, that could put this village in grave danger. Mizuki used you to get the scroll for himself. For his own power."

Naruto stood up glaring angrily at Mizuki. As Mizuki said holding out a hand "Naruto. Iruka's just trying to scare you cause he doesn't want you to have the scroll."

As Naruto ask turning to Iruka "Huh?"

As Iruka said, "Stop lying, Mizuki." As he said looking at Naruto "Don't let him trick you, Naruto."

Mizuki let out a laugh as he said, "Oh, I'll tell you who's really lying."

As Iruka said, "No, Mizuki!"

As Mizuki said, "They've been lying to you your whole life, Naruto. Since the decree 12 years ago."

As Naruto ask, "What decree?"

As Mizuki said, "Everyone knows except you. Iruka's trying to hide it from you now. He'd do anything to shut me up."

As Naruto ask with his eyes wide looking at Mizuki "What is this decree? Why does everyone else know about it?"

As Iruka said, "Don't tell him! It's forbidden!"

As Mizuki said whose face is partially shadowed "The decree is, no one can tell you the Nine–Tailed Fox is inside you!"

Naruto's eyes widen in shock as Mizuki said, "The Fox spirit that killed Iruka's parents and destroyed our village has taken over your body. You are the Nine–Tailed Fox!"

As Iruka shouted "STOP IT!"

As Mizuki said, "They've all been sneaking around, hiding things from you your whole life. Didn't you think it was strange how they treated you? Like dirt. Like they hated you for just being alive."

Naruto gain tears as he said, "No!" His hands are on his side and wind has come up around him as he said, "No, no, no, no!"

As Iruka said, "Naruto…"

As Mizuki said, "That's why you'll never be accepted in this village. Even your beloved Sensei hates your guts!"

Iruka bends over in pain with his hands over his legs as he remembers his conversation with Hiruzen.

(Flashback)

As Hiruzen said, "Iruka. Naruto never had a Mother or Father to care for him. He's shut out of everything and doesn't know why. Most people won't even look at him. How would you feel if everywhere you went, people turned their backs on you? That's why he gets in trouble. So, people will notice him. It may not show, but he's always thinking about the family he doesn't have. He's hurting inside."

(End Flashback)

Mizuki spin a giant shuriken above his head as he said, "Die, Naruto!" He throws the Shuriken while Naruto fell down trying to get away.

As Iruka said, "Naruto! Get Down!"

Naruto does, covering his head with his hands. Then, Naruto looks up.

Iruka is above him, the Shuriken sticking out of his back. Iruka coughs a little, in pain. Naruto, with drops of blood on his cheek, looks up at Iruka shocked as did Mizuki as Naruto ask "W–Why?"

As Iruka said, "Because we're the same." As he said, "When I was a kid, no one seemed to care. They didn't have time for me. They just forgot I was there. My grades dropped. I became the class clown. I just wanted them to see me… And know my name. My school wasn't good enough to get the attention, so I did crazy things. And then I had to pay for it. It was hard."

Naruto looks up as tears fall down onto Naruto's cheek as Iruka said while crying "I know that's how you feel, Naruto. You feel lonely and it hurts inside. And I could've been there for you more." As he said with Naruto sitting up a bit "I let you down. I'm sorry. No one should have to suffer that much. No one should be alone like that."

Naruto lips tremble as Mizuki said chuckling "Don't make me laugh! Iruka always hated you. He was orphaned because the Nine–Tailed Fox killed his parents. And that beast is now inside you. He'd say anything to get the scroll from you."

Naruto stood and ran as Iruka said, "Naruto!" As he shouted reaching out to Naruto "NARUTO!"

Mizuki drop down laughing as he said, "You know once he makes up his mind, nothing can change it."

Iruka's hand drop as Naruto kept running as Mizuki said, "He's going to use the scroll to take revenge on the village. You saw that look in his eye, didn't you? Those are the eyes of a beast." He stood up straight as Iruka said, "No…"

Iruka he pulls the shuriken from his back and stands up as he said, "Naruto…Isn't like that!" He throws the shuriken at Mizuki, who only has to lean to the side to dodge because of Iruka's injuries hindering him.

As the Shuriken went to the tree as Mizuki said, "You're a joke. As soon as I eliminate Naruto and get the scroll, I'll be back for you." He jump away.

As Iruka said in his thought "I won't let you."

Ryuji was walking in the village as he said in thought "Some of them took things for granted. They should be at least grateful for what they have." He then decided to jump into the air and landed on the roof as he started jumping along the rooftops.

However, as he was doing so, he spotted someone being backed into an alley. Curious, Ryuji jumped on to the roof of the building next to the alley and peered down to see a large man and a young girl.

However, upon closer inspection, Ryuji's eyes widened as he noticed the long pink hair with a blue Leaf ninja headband tied in it. As he ask in his thought "That's Sakura! What's going on?!"

As the man laugh as he ask "What are you doing here in Yasu's territory, little girl?"

Sakura gulped, but fixed a glare on Yasu as she said, "I was just getting some stuff for my parents. You'd better back off! I–I'm a genin kunoichi of the Hidden Leaf!"

As Yasu said, "HAHAHAHAHAHA! Yasu isn't afraid of a little girl." As he said, "Now why don't you hand over all your belongings to Yasu and maybe Yasu will let you go, hmm?"

Sakura continue to glare at Yasu as she said, "No way! This is your last warning!"

Yasu laughed again as he approached Sakura as he said, "Yasu likes when they fight. Yasu thinks he'll keep you."

Sakura's eyes widen as he ask "W–what?!" She was backhanded into the wall by Yasu. She collapsed on to the ground and fell unconscious.

Ryuji, who had witnessed this, gain a cold glared as he jumped down and landed on the ground between Yasu and Sakura.

As Ryuji said in cold tone "It's not nice to hit girls. Now Leave Sakura alone now!"

As Yasu said, "Well, well. If it isn't Konoha's Dragon boy."

As Ryuji said, "Call me what you want but leave Sakura alone."

As Yasu ask "So the friend of the Nine–Tailed Fox has decided to claim her as his mate?"

Ryuji look confused before he glared at Yasu as he said knowing he meant Naruto "No way Naruto is the Nine–Tailed Fox. The Nine–Tailed Fox died years ago at the hands of the late Fourth Hokage."

As Yasu said, "HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! You know nothing about that!"

As Ryuji ask keeping his guard "What do you mean?"

As Yasu said, "Yasu know how everyone treats your friend and Yasu knows why."

As Ryuji ask, "Why do they do that?"

As Yasu said, "Because the Nine–Tail Fox is inside him! He contains the Nine–Tail Fox himself!"

Ryuji's eyes widen in surprise as he said in his thought "That's why they shut Naruto out treating him like an animal! They think that he's the Nine–Tailed Fox!" His bangs covered his eyes.

As Yasu said, "That's right, he's the Nine–tailed Fox in human form!"

As Ryuji said, "You're wrong." He glared at Yasu as he said, "It doesn't matter if he has the Nine–Tailed inside of him he's still Naruto Uzamaki to me. If what you were saying about the spirit taking him over was true, then he would have gone on a rampage in the village for how the others treat him already. So, in truth, the spirit is just inside him! Naruto is still the one in control! He puts his whole heart into his hark work training. So, you're wrong he's nothing like the Nine Tailed Fox."

He then grabbed Yasu's arm surprising him then threw him clear out of the alley and crashing into a stand across the street. All the people in the street stopped and stared in shock as they saw Yasu painfully pull himself out of the rubble that was a stand before looking toward the alley to see Ryuji walk out of it as he said, "Like I said before. Now leave Sakura alone."

He ran forward punching Yasu in the gut causing him to hunch over in pain. Ryuji removed his fist from Yasu's gut before ducking down and doing a sweeping kick which knocked Yasu off his feet and caused him to hit the ground hard.

Ryuji then followed it up with kicking the man in the face causing a sicken crunch to be heard by all who were witnessing this.

Yasu went rolling back a few feet before rolling to a stop and holding his profusely bleeding nose. He quickly scrambled to his feet and picked up a metal bar. As he said, "You're dead boy!" He ran towards Ryuji.

Ryuji just stood there as he swung the metal pipe at Ryuji's head but he ducked under the pipe as it passed over his head. He then quickly stood up and moved around Yasu before kicking the back of Yasu's knees causing him to fall on them.

Ryuji then grabbed both of Yasu's arms and pulled back on them while placing his right foot on the man's back.

Yasu dropped the pipe as he felt the pain of his arms being pulled back while he was being pushed forward. As Ryuji ask "You are going to leave everyone who comes through here alone from now on. Got it?"

As Yasu said, "Yes! Yes! Yasu got it!"

As Ryuji said, "You will also return everything you've stolen to their rightful owners. Understand?"

As Yasu shouted "Yes! Yasu understands!"

Ryuji let go of Yasu's arms and allowing the man to fall face–first on the ground. He looked back at Ryuji.

As Ryuji said, "Good, now get moving!" He kicks Yasu in the back and sending him flying forward a few feet.

Yasu quickly stood up before running away as fast as he could.

Ryuji turned and walked back into the alley to see that Sakura was still on the ground unconscious. He took notice of a bag of groceries on the ground and picked it up. Checking to see if everything was still in the bag, he put his left arm through the holes in the bag's handles and let it hang off his shoulder. He walked over to Sakura and, reaching down, scooped her up into a bridal carry. He then turned toward the alley exit and took off running before jumping on to a low building's roof.

Sakura opened her green eyes as she finally regained consciousness. The first thing she noticed was the night sky. Sitting up, she looked around and noted that she was on top of a roof. As she ask "H–how did I get here?"

She remembers she ran into Yasu then he backhanded her into a wall and fell unconscious.

As a voice said, "I brought you here."

That cause Sakura to let out a startled yelp as she quickly stood and turned to the source of the voice to see Ryuji seated at the edge of the roof. He was looking back at her with a neutral expression. As Sakura ask "R–Ryuji? What's going on? Why did you bring me here? And where is here?"

Ryuji knelt on his right knee with his right arm over it as he said, "To answer your first question: I saved you from that thug Yasu. To answer your second question: I brought you here because I didn't think that taking you to my place was a good idea because you probably would think that I was gonna do something perverted to you and I don't know where you live. To answer your third question: We're on the Ninja Academy roof." Sakura went wide eyed at that. She had thought Sasuke would save her back there, but for Ryuji to save her? Well, they have been friends since they were eight and she did developed a crush on him like she has on Sasuke.

As Sakura ask "W–why did you save me? Was it because we are friends?"

As Ryuji said, "To be honest, I really don't know."

Sakura got a tick mark as her anger soared as Inner Sakura said angrily "Cha! If you don't even know why you saved me, then why did you even bother?! I thought you save me because we're friends!"

As Ryuji said breaking Sakura out of her thoughts "But," He look at Sakura as he said, "I couldn't just walk away and ignore what was happening. I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I did." He sat down on the roof as Sakura walked over and took a seat next to him.

As Ryuji said, "Some people like me because of my heritage and some don't like me because of their humiliation by my clan. The only friend I had is Naruto and Iruka and you of course, then Shikamaru and Choji, but I don't really try to join Naruto on his pranks." As he said, "Don't get me wrong! I'd be lying if I said I didn't find some of them funny, or that I didn't willingly join him on a few. I just people to treat me just as Ryuji Hayabusa."

Sakura then smiled, she knew that Ryuji is the son of the great Dragon Ninja, Ryu Hayabusa, the strongest Ninja in the Hidden Leaf, he was strong as the Fourth Hokage maybe even more powerful.

Ryuji sigh breaking Sakura out of her thought as Ryuji said, "But he's good guy." He looks at Sakura with a smile as he said, "I've got a dream, too, after all." As he said, "And to fulfill it, I have to show people that I can do that by just being me." He then looked away as he stood up, but if he had looked at Sakura, then he would've seen a small smile on her face.

Sakura stood up before she went wide eyed with panic as she remembered something important. As she said, "The groceries!" As she said, "I forgot them in that alley!" She hung her head in defeat as she realized she would be going back home empty–handed. She then felt a tap on her shoulder and raised her head up to see Ryuji standing in front of her whilst holding a bag of groceries in his left hand causing Sakura to go wide eyed in shock.

As Ryuji said, "I picked them up before I brought you here because I figured they were yours."

Sakura quickly snatched the bag out of Ryuji's hands and looked inside to see that everything she bought was still there. Sighing in relief, Sakura looked at Ryuji with a smile as she said, "Thanks, Ryuji."

Ryuji nodded his head. Sakura notice that Ryuji was missing his jacket as she asks "Um, Ryuji what happened to your jacket?"

As Ryuji said confuse "What do you mean? You're wearing it?"

It was Sakura's turn to be confused. Looking down at herself, Sakura's eyes widened as she saw that she was indeed wearing Ryuji's jacket for it was draped over her shoulders. As Ryuji said, "I put it on you to keep you warm until you woke up." As he said, "But anyway, I should get ya back home."

To Sakura's surprise, Ryuji proceeded to scoop her up in a bridal carry earning a surprised "eep" from Sakura as she said, "I can walk."

As Ryuji said, "I know, but I figure that this seems faster." As he said, "Just point the way."

Before Sakura could object, Ryuji leaped off the roof. After a while of traveling, and a few wrong turns that earned Ryuji a few lumps on the head courtesy of Sakura, the two arrived at the Sakura's house. Once he landed in front of Sakura's house, Ryuji set Sakura down on her feet.

As Sakura said, "Well, thanks again for your help, Ryuji."

Ryuji nodded his head as he said, "Sure thing, Sakura. I'll see ya later." He turns and walk off home.

Once he disappeared around a corner, Sakura hurried inside.

After depositing the groceries in the kitchen she immediately headed up to her room. Once she had closed her bedroom door, she turned and leaned on it as she sank down to sit on the floor. She would never admit it out loud, but while she had been held by Ryuji, she had felt her cheeks grow hot and her heart thump wildly in her chest which was something she thought only Sasuke could cause but Ryuji was the cause of it.

Both Ryuji and Sasuke were talented ninja with a little more training Ryuji could be on the same level as Sasuke but that wasn't the main reason her heart was thumbing as she said in her thought "I was in real trouble. Things could've been a lot worse if Ryuji hadn't stepped in and saved me. And I know girls can easily fall for guys who save them, but…"

Girls like Sakura could easily fall for guys who save them. Her heart is torn between her crush on Sasuke and blooming her heart on Ryuji since they were kids as she would decide on who would she pick in the end of her long time and her other crush.

Sighing, Sakura stood up. As she did, she realized she was still wearing Ryuji's jacket as she said in her thought "Oh, I forgot to give it back to him." She took it off and folded it as she said in her thought "I'll just give it back to him when I see him again." With at least that decided, Sakura set it on top of her dresser and went to get ready for bed.

Ryuji enter his home and turn on the lights. He closes the door and lock it he stretch feeling like he forgot something then realize he forgot his jacket as he said, "Whoops. Looks like I forgot to ask Sakura for my jacket back." As he said, "Oh well, I'll just ask her for it the next time I see her." He turned out his living room light and made his way to his bedroom for some much needed shut eye.

Hiruzen is in his office sitting on his chair looking at the crystal ball as he saw Naruto running through the trees as he said, "This is not good. Mizuki has a big mouth. He made Naruto feel so bad. Worse than he's ever felt. It could unleash the power inside of him. If Naruto keeps tampering with the scroll, the seal that locks the Fox spirit inside of him could be broken. The beast will come out. If that happens, I fear for us all."

Iruka ran after Naruto through the tree with Naruto still running as Iruka appeared behind him as he said, "Naruto! Everything Mizuki said was a lie. Give me the scroll. Hurry!" He stood in front of Naruto as he said, "He's coming after you to take it away."

Naruto stops on a branch, then jumps, right into Iruka, sending Iruka flying back. Naruto lands on his feet, and slides to a stop panting hard Iruka is on his hands and knees as he said, "It can't be…"

Naruto took the scroll off his back, and backs up to a tree, sliding down to the ground as he ask "How did you know, Naruto?" As he ask looking at Naruto "How did you know…" Smoke appear around him before revealing to be Mizuki as he ask "That it was me, and not Iruka?"

Naruto chuckle as smoke appear around him before it disappeared revealing Iruka with a log beside him as he said smirking "Because I'm Iruka."

Mizuki stood up as he said, "You're a fool."

Unknown to them Naruto is hiding behind a tree off to the side holding the scroll as Mizuki said, "Why are you protecting that freak? He's the one who wiped out your family."

As Iruka said, "I don't care what you say, cause you're not getting your hands on that scroll."

Naruto lean forward angrily as Mizuki said, "As if you could stop me. Don't you get it? Naruto is just like me."

As Iruka ask "How's that?"

As Mizuki said, "He wants the scroll for his own power, and his own vengeance. That's how beasts are. He'll poor all his rage into the scroll and destroy everything."

As Iruka said, "You're right…"

Naruto gasp in shock hugging the scroll tighter as he said in his thought "So it's true. Iruka–Sensei never believed in me. He thinks I'm some beast. Some kind of freak!"

As Iruka said, "That is how beasts are."

Naruto's eyes widen as Iruka said, "But that's not who Naruto is. He's nothing like that. Naruto's one of a kind. Works hard. Puts his whole heart into it. Sure he messes up sometimes, and everyone jumps on him… But his suffering only makes him stronger. That's what separates him from being a beast. So you're wrong. He's nothing like the Nine–Tailed Fox. He's Naruto Uzumaki, of the village hidden in the leaves."

Naruto cried as Mizuki said reaching for his last shuriken on his back "Hmph! You really believe that dribble?" As he said pulling the Shuriken "Iruka, I was going to save you for later but I changed my mind." He spun the shuriken as he said, "You're finished!"

As Iruka ask in his thought "So this is it…?"

Naruto suddenly jumps in between them, and head butts Mizuki in the stomach, sending him flying backwards. Iruka's eyes widen. Naruto skids to a stop, standing the scroll up beside him as Iruka ask in his thought "Naruto?"

Naruto stood up straight as Mizuki said looking at Naruto "Not bad, for a little punk."

As Naruto said with half of his face shadowed "f you ever lay a hand on my Sensei… I'll kill you!"

As Mizuki said standing up "Such big words. I can completely destroy you with a single move!"

Naruto put both his hands' index and middle fingers together in the shape of a cross as he said, "Take your best shot, fool. I'll give it back to you a thousand fold!"

As Mizuki said, "Let's see you try! Show me what you can do, Nine–Tailed Fox!"

Iruka watch in shock with his mouth open as Naruto said, "Shadow Clone Jutsu!"

Poof sounds were heard and Iruka's eyes widen. Surrounding them are hundreds of Naruto clones in the trees and on the ground as Iruka said in his thought "Naruto… Those aren't just Illusions." He sat up smiling as he said in his thought "They're solid clones! He's mastered an extremely advanced Jutsu."

Mizuki looks around confused and overwhelmed. All of the clones are calling out over here or come on as Mizuki ask stumbling around "Huh? What is this?" He fell to the ground and moves back as he said, "No…"

As one of the clones said, "If you're not comin'…"

As another said, "Then we're gonna come after you."

Mizuki looks around, then screams, as the clones lay into him with everything they have. By the end of it, Mizuki is a broken, bleeding mess on the forest floor.

Naruto chuckle rubbing the back of his head as he said, "Sorry. I kinda got carried away." As he asks looking at Iruka "You okay, Iruka–sensei?"

As Iruka said letting out a breath "Yeah…" As he said in his thought "He's amazing. He wants to surpass all the Hokage… And I'm starting to believe he might do it." He let out another breath as he said, "Naruto. Come here a minute. I've got something I want to give you."

At the village, all the ninja were all together as one ask "You're telling me no one can find Naruto?"

As another said, "Not a clue…"

As another said, "This is bad news. We're gonna have to smoke him out or something…"

Hiruzen walk up with a pipe in his mouth as he said, "There's no longer any need to worry."

They look at them as one of them ask "Lord Hokage?"

As Hiruzen said, "The scrolls safe. Naruto will be back soon."

As Naruto ask "Sensei? How much longer?"

As Iruka said, "Okay. You can open your eyes now."

Naruto opens his eyes he saw Iruka's standing there, smiling, holding in his hands Naruto's goggles he also saw Iruka's missing his headband. The sun shine's brighter, revealing them both standing.

As Iruka said, "Congratulations. You graduate."

Naruto had Iruka's headband on his head shock at this as Iruka said, "And to celebrate, I have a surprise. We're going out for Ramen tonight."

Naruto's lips tremble as Iruka ask opening his eyes "Huh?"

As Naruto said, "Iruka–sensei?" He jumps at him, hugging him, and Iruka falls back down as Iruka said, "Ah. That hurts."

Naruto laughs, and Iruka is patting his back as he said, "Oh, come on." They start mucking around as Iruka said in his thought "Naruto. This is only the beginning. The road gets tougher now that you're a Ninja. But if I told you that, I guess it would ruin the moment. So, I'll tell you later. Over Ramen."

To those who read this, Ryuji will be the forth member of Team Seven. Yes, I know not creative but trust me, it might be better this way.