It was early in the morning when Naruto was in the office, pondering about work and his use of life. As a ninja, there was never a time you calmed down, because that could just place your life in danger. But being a Hokage, it made things harder and Naruto had to also keep himself in check. Making himself presentable every day, controlling his language and use of words, also how he interacted with people so that no rumours were the new gossip. It was hard on Naruto, and this was definitely not what he had bargained for. But he stilled loved his job. It proved that people finally accepted him.
As a young boy, he was a prankster, always stirring up trouble in the streets of Konoha. Whenever people opposed him, he used his title as 'Hogake's son' as a form of excuse and blackmail. But that was all a cover, and the first person to know other than his parents was Iruka-sensei. All Naruto had wanted was to be seen as himself, a person who was named after that man who never gave up in Jiraiya's story. At the academy, he was good at everything, like Sasuke. They were rivals, but no one really liked Naruto like they did with Sasuke, saying he was a genius while Naruto cheated from his dad.
Meeting Konohamaru made a change in Naruto's heart; seeing someone so similar to him, also hidden in the shadows of a legendary relative. Both deciding to become a Hokage better than their ancestors, they both became good friends and decided to aim for acceptance as themselves from the village.
Being teamed up with Sasuke and Sakura for genin teams, their jounin teacher was Kakashi-sensei, the Fourth's (Naruto's dad) former student. Not that it meant that the teacher favoured the fishcake. If anything, he probably went harder on him than anyone else. During the chunin exams, Naruto went through some hard times. Versing Neji, a Hyuuga genius, Naruto was able to beat some sense into him, saying what counts is how hard you work towards your goal.
During an upset turn of events, Naruto had to fight Sabaku no Gaara, a Jinchuriki like his mother. Fighting him gave Naruto a new experience, knowing the pain and rejection from the whole village. He knew, he most definitely knew the pain of being isolated, but his mum told him that before you are a Jinchuriki, you are always be filled with love and support, no matter the age. And it was true to Gaara too.
Dong missions, he continued to grow and learn and understand. Studying ninjutsu under Jiraiya for a while, he became more mature and yet never lost his spark of inspiration and faith. His ninja way was as strong as ever and the will of fire in him was evident in his sea blue eyes. Fighting Akatsuki, who were after his mum, he met Killer Bee, also a Jinchuriki.
Naruto realized that his life was lived in the most amusing way. He lived to be the protector of his village, and yet he in return was protected by the love and support of his friends. Slowly, he patted his stomach, the transferred Kyuubi in him, stirring out of sleep. His mother had decided to pass down the Bijuu, saying that Naruto was ready and already filled with love. The transference was successful, with no casualties whatsoever. Kuruma was a good boy, after all.
A knock on the door interrupted his train of thoughts, as Kiba walked through the door.
"Naruto! The whole gang's waiting for you! Remember the deal, Ichiraku Ramen!"
Naruto stood up from his seat and slowly walked out of his office, accompanied by Kiba. Maybe now that his past was behind him, he may as well look into the future, with more challenges to face.
