Ch. 1

Meet the Crew: Naruto Namikaze

A bright blonde boy of 9 walked on the sidewalk to the bus stop. He is an Academy student (telling from his uniform) waiting for his chance to be a ninja. It was a normal routine for him: get up, freshen up, eat breakfast (surprisingly it wasn't ramen most of the time), walk to the bus stop, ride it to school, meet up with his best buddy, go to classroom 7, wait for the other students and Iruka-sensei to come in class. Today was nothing special. He wasn't the top student, but he knew his stuff. All of his classmates and everyone in the world were like him, reincarnates of brave warriors, yet only he knew this. They were not the exact same but similar to the originals.

Sasuke Uchiha is his best friend. The two would always go where Sasuke's fan girls didn't or couldn't go to. Sasuke and Naruto, like the originals, were both orphans. Naruto is still the Kyuubi jinchuuriki and Sasuke still has a murderous brother, but unlike last time, Sasuke wasn't after revenge, but redemption for his brother. The entire family was killed and no one survived except Sasuke who was at Sunday church. Sure Sasuke was still cold, but not as much as he was before. Naruto and Sasuke met a day after the Uchiha Massacre when Sasuke was found in Naruto's "usual spot" aka the swing under the tree. The swing was always a place of thought and of some comfort to the boys. Sasuke only opened up to Naruto, and anyone who was close to Naruto as well, like Iruka, the ramen stand people, and the current Hokage.

Since the people wanted to name their leader a Hokage, they redid the system so that it was on the fourth Hokage, but as before he died and sacrificed himself. The Hokage and current ruler of Fire country, also a reincarnate, was Sarutobi, known as the Professor. He gave Naruto his needs. Sasuke met the Hokage before but found more from "the old man" as Naruto called him. The deceased 4th Hokage was Naruto's dad who had sealed a smaller and "chibi-fied" Kyuubi in his son. It was still just as powerful as ever, making Naruto whole. Of course unlike last time Naruto kept his father's name, Namikaze. He had a mother who had to take care of her own country. She promised to come back alive in time for his 13th birthday. He now has his half-sister who will be coming with her to Fire country. Other than that he was alone, looking forward to the day he meets his family.

As he got on the bus, Sasuke spotted Naruto, who was looking out the window as usual. He mentally noted to ask about what he was thinking about this time. Naruto was a lot quieter when around people. He wasn't very loud, yet when he tries to prove something he starts getting as loud as a traffic-jammed freeway.

"Ohayo, Naruto," he said as he sat down in the aisle seat.

"Ohayo," Naruto responded.

"What's on your mind this time?" asked Sasuke. Everyday Naruto was asked this question, but like always he kept quiet. "Come on, tell me. I won't think of you differently… Just talk to me."

Usually Naruto would stay quiet but this time he said, "Okay, but maybe after school in the usual spot." The bus stopped. He then did an infamous foxy grin and said "But first we have to go to school. We might be early, but I think its best after school." So they got off the bus and headed to class.

On their way, shouts for help were heard. Looking at each other and nodding, they raced to the source. It turned out one of the fan girls were bullying a pink-haired girl with a wide forehead. As Sasuke sweet talked them to go back to class, Naruto asked the girl if she was alright.

"Why did you help me?" asked the girl, who introduced herself as Sakura Haruno when Sasuke came back. "Most people let me be bullied. Well, with the exception of Ino. I don't see what makes you guys different."

"We are different Sakura-san. We are Naruto Namikaze and Sasuke Uchiha. You might have heard about us. Even if you didn't, we don't like bullies."

"Ano, you mean that is the famous Sasuke? I thought he would be dreamier." Naruto chuckled at that while Sasuke just scoffed and mumbled something that sounded like "darn rulers" and "fan girls don't even know what I looked like". Sakura, realizing her mistake tried apologizing, only to be interrupted.

"See, I told you we are different," said Naruto. "Don't worry about Sasuke; he's just afraid the fan girls will ambush him when he goes inside a small room." Sakura and Naruto stated giggling. At this Sasuke glared at him, only to start chuckling with Naruto.

"Sakura-san, would you like to join us afterschool on the swing on the tree behind the Academy? I think both you and Sasuke would find what I say interesting," invited Naruto, giving her a bright smile.

"Actually, I would love to. Can I bring a friend?" asked Sakura.

"Hmm… depends on who this friend is. Does she happen to be Ino Yamanaka? The florist's daughter?"

"How'd you know?" asked a shocked Sakura. None of the boys were supposed to know.

"I already know you better than you think Sakura-san. Although she is quite the gal, I am going to be telling you a top secret fact. No one, not even the Kages have realized this yet. I am going to tell you something else, too, but this time, all the adults know about this. Is that alright with you Sakura-san?"

She thought about it for a minute, and then replied "Its fine. I won't tell her. However, if it is that important tell the Hokage."

"I agree, Naruto. Whatever you have been thinking might effect this country, maybe even the world."

"No worries, I will. Ojii-san knows me and I wasn't even thinking about not telling him," replied Naruto. "How about we get to class? Maybe something interesting will happen."

"Sakura-Chan! Come on! Our perfect record will be in jeopardy!" yelled the voice of a young girl.

Sakura yelled she was coming, thanked the boys one last time, and said she'd be there.

"Let's get going," said Sasuke. He was a bit fazed at the importance of the revelation, but didn't like showing it.

"Yeah, lets."