I don't own Naruto

Chapter 1

It was quiet inside the office of one Hiruzen Sarutobi, the third hokage. He along with Iruka Umino, a chunin academy teacher, was thinking of a complex situation. That situation was one Naruto Uzumaki. He had failed the academy test that all of his other classmates passed, but he ended up defeating a chunin level traitor to the village and learning a jutsu that most jounin couldn't use too often. The problem was they were unsure if they should pass him as the dead last of the academy or factor in his shadow clone points. The extra points would easily make him rookie of the year. They didn't want it to look like favoritism though.

"I say we factor in the points lord hokage. Naruto truly deserves this and he's earned it. Besides there is no one in that class who should get rookie of the year more than him. Sasuke may be the best in the class, but even he couldn't have defeated Mizuki or used the shadow clone jutsu to make just one clone without passing out." Iruka said

"I see your point Iruka. Factor in the points for Naruto. What about the teams? They have to change now." Sarutobi said

"Well of course. If we didn't factor the points in Naruto would have been in team 7 with Sasuke Uchiha and Sakura Haruno. As the rookie of the year Naruto will now be placed on Team 10 with the dead last, although I don't believe he was really trying in the academy, Shikamaru Nara and Midori Nohara. She was physically the best Kunoichi, while Sakura was academically the best. I think Sakura would do better on team 7 with Sasuke because he could hopefully motivate her into training harder. I also think Ino Yamanaka could be a good teammate for them. She also needs to be motivated. I think their teamwork can be good because Ino and Sakura, although rivals now, use to be friends. Hanging around each other more often could bring that friendship back as well as kill their fangirl tendencies. Team 8 will stay the same. That tracker formation is still a good idea. This unfortunately leaves Choji out, but he can be placed in the reserves until a team is found for him. This will give him some time to train in the meantime." Iruka said

"That is a good assessment Iruka. I couldn't agree more on your thoughts and hopes. With your skill at teaching, maybe one day you could be a Jounin sensei." Sarutobi said as Iruka blushed at the praise, from his leader no less.

"Thank you for the compliment lord Hokage. If that is all, I have to meet my students." Iruka said as Sarutobi nodded and dismissed the teacher.

Academy

Iruka walked into the classroom to see Sasuke looking disgusted and Naruto beaten and on the ground with most of the girls in the classroom looking satisfied. The only two that weren't was Hinata Hyuga and Midori Nohara. Midori was a plain looking girl. She had short brown hair that was in a ponytail. She was wearing a cream colored sleeveless shirt that showed her stomach. She had on black pants with her ninja pouch on her left leg. She also wore blue sandals and a blue headband. Hinata has had a crush on Naruto since before the academy and Midori is Naruto's silent fan. She didn't want to be branded as a fangirl, so she kept quiet. She hoped she would be placed on the same team as Naruto, but her hope was crushed when she saw that he didn't pass yesterday. She gained a new hope when she saw him with a forehead protector. She knew the chances of being on his team were slim, but she would still be his fan and would work hard to one day go on a mission with Naruto and become his friend.

"Alright, everyone settle down." Iruka said as everyone looked up to notice their sensei

"Hey sensei, I think it's time for Naruto to leave. This room is for the people that graduated, not the one that failed." Sakura said. Sakura truly thought Naruto had failed the exam and probably stole that headband. He was known for his pranks, so it wasn't that hard to believe that he could have stolen one from the stash Iruka had, or off of a shinobi.

"Naruto did graduate Sakura. He actually made rookie of the year." Iruka said to the shock of the entire class, including Naruto

"What do you mean? I thought I was the rookie of the year?" Sasuke asked

"You were, but Naruto's actions last night gave him an increase in points. Enough points to outdo you." Iruka said

"What happened last night?" Sakura asked

"I'm not allowed to give you all the details, but Naruto learned a jounin rank jutsu and defeated Mizuki, who was betraying the village." Iruka said.

"What jounin rank jutsu and who taught it to him?" Sasuke asked

"How he learned it is classified, but the jutsu was the shadow clone jutsu. A jutsu that not many jounin can use to his extent because of how much chakra it takes. Naruto created a huge amount that I'm not even sure our hokage or Konoha's top jounin could create without tiring themselves out." Iruka said

"I don't buy it. How could he learn the Shadow clone jutsu, a jounin rank jutsu, when he could barely do the clone jutsu?" Sasuke asked.

"How about you give the class a demonstration Naruto? We have limited space so make twenty." Iruka said as Naruto nodded and walked to the front.

"Shadow clone jutsu!" Naruto said as 40 clones appeared. Luckily Iruka anticipated Naruto's lack of proper control and that he wouldn't make the desired amount.

"That is just about what I figured. Naruto can't do the clone jutsu because it takes a very small amount of chakra to make just one. Naruto's chakra control is bad which is why it's hard to use such a small amount. As you can all see Naruto attempted to make 20 clones and got 40. That just means you need to work on your chakra control Naruto. Now get back to your seat, so I can do team placements." Iruka said as Naruto sprinted back to his seat. The class was shocked. This jutsu took a lot of chakra to make just one clone, but Naruto overshot his desired amount to twenty and still was full of energy. Hinata and Midori were proud of Naruto, while Shikamaru filed that knowledge away for later use.

Iruka went through the first 6 teams, but none of the future Konoha 12.

"Team 7 will be Sasuke Uchiha, Sakura Haruno and Ino Yamanaka." Iruka said. Sakura was the first one to cheer, while Sasuke mentally groaned and Ino yelled. After Iruka called Ino more noise was made. Ino cheered, while Sasuke mentally groaned. That lasted for two seconds before the two fangirls realized that they were on the same team. They yelled about it, but Iruka immediately quieted them down. He was hoping he made the right choice. Ever since the team was formed Naruto groaned at his unluckiness. His crush would be on a team with her crush, killing all chances he could have had if they were on the same team. Hinata mentally smiled at the possibility of her and Naruto being on the same team and him losing his crush for Sakura and liking her. Midori was confused. Not only had Naruto made rookie of the year, but he wasn't paired with Sasuke and Sakura.

"Team 8 will be Hinata Hyuga, Shino Aburame, and Kiba Inuzuka." Iruka said. Hinata mentally groaned at not being on Naruto's team. Midori, while happy that her chances to be on Naruto's team skyrocketed, she was confused at how there was 4 students left.

"Team 9 is still in rotation. Team 10 will be Naruto Uzumaki, Shikamaru Nara, and Midori Nohara." Iruka said. Midori smiled at being on Naruto's team, while Shikamaru muttered troublesome. To him it was troublesome that he was on the team with the loud blond and not his best friend. Although he didn't really like the girl he assumed that him, Choji and Ino would be together to make the second generation InoShikaCho.

"What's going to happen to me sensei?" Choji asked. Just like Shikamaru, he was sure that they would put him with Shikamaru and Ino.

"Unfortunately there aren't any other graduates. You will be placed in the reserves until a team for you can be found. There is plenty of genin on reserve, so finding you a team won't take too long." Iruka said

"Alright sensei." Choji smiled.

"Alright, everyone it's time for your lunch break. Return afterwards to meet your sensei." Iruka said as everyone was dismissed.

"Hey Naruto, Midori let's have lunch together. We can use this time to get to know each other better." Shikamaru said as Midori nodded and Naruto eagerly agreed.

Seeing as the other two had no preference on what they had for lunch Naruto offered to treat them to some ramen. The two agreed and followed after Naruto.

"I'm normally not this curious Naruto, but what happened last night?" Shikamaru asked

"You heard Iruka sensei, it's classified." Naruto said, trying to avoid the question

"Naruto, do you know how to increase your chakra control?" Midori asked trying to change the subject. She was curious too, but she didn't want to push him.

"I don't, but it doesn't matter. Chakra control can't be that important." Naruto asked

"Dad says that ninja with good chakra control can use less chakra for jutsu. It can be useful against a stronger opponent." Shikamaru said

"Yeah, but you heard Iruka sensei, I have huge reserves." Naruto countered

"Troublesome. You're not going to listen, so it's no point in trying to help." Shikamaru said as he returned to his food. He wasn't angry at Naruto, far from it. He was just slightly irritated that Naruto wasn't trying to accept advice from his teammates.

"So, how do I increase my chakra control Midori?" Naruto asked. He could tell that Shikamaru didn't like his response, so he decided to open up a little and look into chakra control.

"I don't know any way myself, but I was thinking that we could ask Iruka sensei or our jounin sensei." Midori offered.

"Well, they are our Jounin sensei. Let's ask him or her to make that the first thing they teach us." Naruto said eagerly.

After that they finished their bowls. Naruto paid for the food and they returned to the academy. Lunch break was over and it was time to meet their sensei.

When they returned, they saw all the other teams sitting together. The trio decided to sit together and wait. It didn't take too long, for the first couple sensei to come in. After that only team 7, 8 and 10 were left. Sasuke was thinking of his training with his jounin sensei and eventually killing his brother. Although it was his goal to revive his clan as well, he didn't give one thought to a girlfriend. Ino and Sakura were mentally congratulating themselves for getting on a team with Sasuke. They were oblivious that their other teammate had the exact same thoughts. Kiba was watching the interaction between Hinata and Akamaru and smiling. Shino was thinking about his teammates and the possibility that they were built to be a tracking unit. Naruto was chatting animatedly to his teammates about his various pranks. At Shikamaru's request Naruto kept his volume low. It would irritate Shikamaru, cause problems with the rest of the class, and there was no need seeing as Naruto's audience was directly in front of him.

Soon the door opened to reveal a man and woman. They radiated confidence and authority.

"Team 8, come with me." The woman said. The genin found out that she was Kurenai Yuhi, or Kurenai sensei to team 8.

"Team 10." The man simply said. He was Asuma Sarutobi, better known as Asuma sensei to team 10.

"You're team 7, right?" Kurenai asked as team 7 nodded.

"You're in for a wait." Asuma said

"Kakashi, your sensei, is known for being late to everything unless it's important. He has his reasons, but it's still a pain in the ass to wait for the guy." Asuma said

"Asuma, don't cuss in front of them. They may be shinobi, but that doesn't change the fact that they are 12 or 13." Kurenai said

"Sorry about that. It slipped out. See you later though." Asuma said as Team Asuma and Team Kurenai left the classroom and went their separate ways.

The four shinobi later arrived at training ground 10.

"Let's introduce ourselves first. Names, likes, dislikes, hobbies, and dreams." Asuma said

"My name is Shikamaru Nara. My likes are clouds. My hobbies are shogi and cloud watching. My dislikes are things I deem troublesome. My dream is to live an average life, with an average wife, have a boy and girl, and retire as a shinobi when my kids get older." Shikamaru said

"My name is Midori Nohara. My likes are my role model and pocky. My dislikes are fangirls. My hobbies are training. My dream is to be acknowledged by my role model and to become a good jounin sensei." Midori said

"Who's your role model?" Naruto asked

"That's a secret for now Naruto. Why don't you go ahead and introduce yourself." Midori said

"My name is Naruto Uzumaki. I like ramen and my friends. My dislikes are vegetables. My hobbies are training and eating ramen. My dream is to be the best hokage ever." Naruto said

"My name is Asuma Sarutobi. My likes are Shogi. My dislikes are anyone who purposely endangers Konoha's 'king'. My hobbies are playing Shogi and just hanging out. My dream is to keep Konoha's 'king' safe and to pass on my will of fire." Asuma said. Shikamaru heard Asuma's comment on Konoha's king, but assumed he was referring to the hokage in shogi terms.

"Asuma sensei, what's a will of fire?" Naruto asked

"That's something that you'll learn at a later time. Besides, it isn't something you can teach." Asuma said

"Alright sensei. I was wondering if our first thing we learn from you can be chakra control?" Naruto asked

"That will have to wait because you have something else to do first. Out of the 27 graduates, only nine of you will become genin. With that said you guys are going to take the bell test to see if you are a part of those nine genin. The test is simple, to pass you need to take a bell from me." Asuma said

"You only have two bells, sensei." Naruto said

"I know Naruto. Only two of you can pass, while the last member will fail and be sent back to the academy. You have to come at me with the intent to kill, otherwise you'll never get a bell." Asuma said

"What are we waiting for!" Naruto exclaimed as he pulled out a kunai. Before they knew what happened Asuma was sitting on top of Naruto.

"I didn't even say go yet. I like the fact that you have the intent to kill me. You might actually have a chance to win." Asuma said as got off of Naruto and started the test.

Shikamaru and Midori immediately headed for the trees and effectively hid themselves from sight. Having common sense they knew that it would take some planning to even have a chance against the jounin. Naruto, on the other hand, stood in front of Asuma unmoving.

"Let's go, one on one. Fight me fair and square." Naruto said

"You've got guts kid." Asuma said as he motioned for Naruto to attack him. Naruto charged at the elite shinobi and threw a punch towards Asuma's face. Asuma slightly tilted his body to dodge the attack, but stay in the same spot. Naruto then threw a roundhouse kick which Asuma ducked under. The kicked placed Naruto's back towards Asuma.

"Never turn your back on an opponent." Asuma said as he stood and kicked Naruto towards the water.

Shikamaru and Midori, in different spots, were shocked at the skill the jounin showed. They expected Naruto to lose, but what they saw amazed them. They didn't have time to think any further before Naruto flew out of the water.

Naruto flew out of the water, followed by a small army of Narutos. Asuma just stood there and waited to counterattack the blond. That idea quickly went down the toilet when he was grabbed from behind by another Naruto. Naruto smirked at his plan working. Just before the first Naruto hit Asuma, he substituted with the Naruto behind him, which was the real one. Asuma held Naruto while all of his clones hit him. Asuma let Naruto go and disappeared in cloud of smoke. That signified that he was a shadow clone.

Shikamaru and Midori came to the conclusion that they desperately needed to work together. Shikamaru had assumed it was a teamwork test the minute Asuma said that only two would pass. Now he was confident that the bells were unimportant. The true goal was to show Asuma that they had teamwork even under a situation where anyone else would be at each other's throats and working for themselves. Midori knew that they needed teamwork, but she didn't come as far as Shikamaru.

After getting over the pain of his clones slamming into him, Naruto stood up and looked around for Asuma. On the ground he saw the bells. Thinking that Asuma dropped the bells, Naruto charged for the bells. As soon as he got close he fell into a trap.

"If it looks easy, assume it's a trap." Asuma said as he reappeared and picked up the bells.

Shikamaru quickly located Midori and placed his hand on her mouth before speaking.

"It's me, so don't make a noise. Have you already figured the true purpose of the test?" Shikamaru asked as he released his hand from her mouth.

"Huh? I thought that we just needed to work together to get the bells." Midori responded

"That's close enough, but the true purpose is to see if we can work together in a situation where one of us would lose regardless. The bells are just a distraction, but they aren't the goal. Let's get Naruto down. I'm going to throw a barrage of shuriken and kunai at Asuma sensei. He will either dodge or use the substitution. After that make a clone and send it with mine in a different direction. We have to hope that distracts him, if only temporarily. After that we get Naruto down and plan for a team assault." Shikamaru said as Midori nodded.

Just after Asuma finished lecturing Naruto, a barrage of ninja tools flew at Asuma. He pretended not to notice it before they hit. This distressed Naruto because he thought Asuma really got hit.

"What the hell?!" Naruto yelled. The next thing he knew Asuma was replaced by a log. Naruto didn't notice it, but a clone of Midori and Shikamaru left the area. Asuma could tell the difference, but played along to see what they had planned.

After he was gone, Shikamaru and Midori appeared.

"I can't believe that worked." Shikamaru said

"What's going on Shikamaru?" Naruto asked

"The true purpose to this test is teamwork. We're supposed to prove that we can work together in a situation where only two of the three would benefit. The bells are just a distraction." Shikamaru said

"Are you sure?" Naruto asked

"Yeah I am. I knew we needed teamwork when he first said only two would pass. There has never been just two man genin squad and we're no exception. After seeing a glimpse of the difference in ability between a rookie genin and an elite jounin, I realized the true purpose of the test." Shikamaru said as Midori cut Naruto down.

"Alright, so do you have a plan?" Naruto asked

"Yes, I do." Shikamaru said as he smirked and explained his plan.

Asuma was standing in a clearing waiting for his students' next attempt. He was hopeful that they realized the true purpose and would work together.

"You think you can get out of our one on one fight that easy!" Naruto exclaimed as he charged Asuma with a small army of clones.

Asuma sighed. It appeared that he was wrong.

The clones surrounded him, but Asuma decided to play with them by dodging and taking out the clones slowly.

"Those bells are mine Naruto!" Midori exclaimed. "Fire style fireball jutsu!"

Asuma was shocked that she could do the jutsu. A huge fireball headed straight for him and the Narutos.

"What the hell Midori, I'm not fireproof!" A lone Naruto yelled at her.

"Naruto's in danger, I need to get him out of the way. There's no way he can avoid that fireball," Asuma said as he grabbed Naruto and jumped away.

As he was sliding away from the fireball, he felt stiff.

"Shadow possession success." Shikamaru said from behind Asuma. Asuma's eyes widened at that. He could easily have broken out, but he felt that he got played. That feeling increased when the Naruto in his arms grabbed the bells and threw them to another Naruto.

The Naruto in his arms poofed away, signifying that he was a shadow clone.

Asuma smiled at his team's teamwork.

"How was that sensei?" asked a clearly tired Midori. That fireball really exhausted her.

"That was a good job. I honestly thought that you guys didn't catch on and was still going after the bells solo. I was ready to scold you Midori because I thought you used that jutsu and put Naruto's safety in jeopardy, but I was wrong. Team 10 passes." Asuma said proudly

Team 10 cheered eagerly.

"Whose idea was that anyway?" Asuma asked

"It was all Shikamaru, sensei." Naruto said

Asuma smiled and mentally made a note to test Shikamaru's IQ, maybe the others too just to see.

"Alright team let's go out to celebrate, my treat." Asuma said as he led them to his favorite BBQ place.