This is honestly just a challenge given to me by a friend: Write a fanfic that has no planning - just write as you go. That said, this could either go really good or really horrible, so be warned.

Summary: When seven year old Naruto came to, he understood three things. One, he was on fire - literally. Two, he was standing in an unfamiliar bathroom, inches away from a full, freezing bath. Three, in the doorway, there was a one-eyed, grey-haired man staring right at him. "…Why are you in my bathroom?" Old habits really do die hard. AU.

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.

Kurama's element is fire… This changes things for young Naruto, who inherits the fox's will over the destructive flames…

The first time five year old Naruto Uzumaki met Shino Aburame, they were both in a playground. Or rather, under the trees behind it, where the parents couldn't see anything but the vague glimpses of their child under thick, green foliage. This in particular was a great spot for young Naruto, as he found that usually parents wouldn't let their child touch him with a seven foot pole. It was perfect to make friends in a more private place as they could easily stumble from the playground and find him.

Similarly, Shino had wanted seclusion from inquisitive eyes as he searched the earth for bugs. Many girls and boys his age had already expressed their disgust for the insects, and Shino was more than happy to move from the edge of the sandbox to the trees that stood on richer soil.

He hadn't expected to find a boy already there, with sky blue eyes, golden spiky hair and a love for dramatics and hideous orange jumpsuits. He definitely didn't expect for the boy to force him to sit a give his opinion on said blond's problems.

"People often say to me… why are you in my bathroom," he said. "Really, it's not my fault I burst into flames while unconscious and sleepwalk my way into someplace with water."

"… what." Shino said, bewildered.

"I know!" Naruto exclaimed, taking his answer as agreement. "I mean, of course I'm gonna have to cool off! Like, what - do they expect me to shrug and say, 'bah, better keep on burning, then. Just an accident, after all.' Well they won't take it as an accident when a whole block gets burnt down because I couldn't get into some water!"

Shino blinked.

Naruto, taking Shino's blink as incredulousness towards the people Naruto was talking about, nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah, I know," he agreed seriously, throwing his hands up in a show of exasperation. "I mean, it's not like I can control it! Wait, that's a great idea - I'll learn to control it and be the strongest Hokage ever! Thanks - er, what's your name, again?"

Shino tilted his head, thinking he hadn't given his name in the first place. "I'm Shino Aburame."

"Cool!" The blond shouted. "My name is Naruto Uzumaki, future Hokage! Nice to meet you, Shino!"

The dark-haired boy inclined his head. "It's a pleasure, Uzumaki-san."

"Call me Naruto," he replied, grinning broadly, oblivious to how Shino was edging away with a wary look to his eyes. "I'm certain we'll be great friends!"

"Yes, there's a chance of that, Naruto-san," Shino assured him politely, though uncomfortable and wanting to leave; this blonde was very emotional, border lining on Ino's level, and he did not need two Ino Yamanakas in his life.

He was mortified when he saw tears of happiness form in Naruto's eyes. "Shino…" the blond sniffed, rubbed his nose, and threw himself at the frozen Aburame, crocodile tears flowing. "Screw that, we'll be best friends!"

Feeling severely awkward, Shino tried prying Naruto off of him and had no success as the blond started to laugh through his tears and twirl the both of them, flamboyantly telling Shino about all the fun they'd have together.

"No, no, no," Shino repeated through the gap of Naruto's arm, struggling with gusto. The other boy didn't seem to hear him as he continued his tirade: "-and are you joining the Academy? Oh, I can't wait-"

"Please let go of me."

"-to meet everyone else and learn all those cool jutsu! I bet our teacher-"

"Naruto-san, it will be very beneficial to both you and I if you let me go."

"-is going to be a real strong ninja! What do you think?"

Shino sighed.

…From Naruto's perspective, at least, it was the start of a beautiful friendship.