What If?
By: Vicantis
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto, they belong to Masashi Kishimoto, I don't own Inuyasha, they belong to Rumiko Takahashi, and I don't own Final Fantasy, they belong to Tetsuya Nomura. I don't own so don't sue. I'm just a broke college student. I do own any characters you don't recognize, along with the Dragon Temple and sister Temples.
Summary: AU/AR What if Naruto had been acknowledged and had a mentor from the time he was six? What if Haku didn't die in Wave Country and was a demon vessel? What if there were others like Gaara and Naruto? Seven others? To make nine? What if?...those are powerful words.
Warnings: This fic has mild shounen-ai between the Jinchuriki and a few other characters. You'll see what I mean. Don't like…don't read.
I.
It was a nice day. Or so the ANBU thought. There she was minding her own business, walking down the streets of the marketplace, when she was slammed into by a blonde blur. As she helped the little boy up, she couldn't help noticing the three whisker marks on each cheek. They were just standing up, when a group of villagers came running up. "Hand that brat over." Said one of the men. "Why?" She asked. "Because he's a…" "You know the Law. Do you really want to die?" It was then that the villagers realized that she was a shinobi. "Fine. Keep him. Hope he dies." Said the man, as he walked off.
When he was gone, the kunonchi turned and knelt down. "So…What is your name?" Immediately the boy came to life. "I am Naruto Uzumaki, future Hokage." The ANBU warrior grinned. "I am StarStorm Dragana, Chuunin. Please call me Star." She said, giving her disguise rank. Naruto grinned back at her. "So Naruto…why were those men chasing you?" Naruto ducked his head a little. "I tripped near one of the market stalls and knocked some stuff over." Star blinked. "That's no reason to chase somebody. Did you apologize?" Naruto nodded. "Huh. Oh well, what's done is done. You're in the Academy right?" His eyes widened. "Oh no, I'm late!!!" He was about to dash off when Star grabbed him by the shoulder. "I'll walk with you and explain things to your sensei, okay?" "Okay."
When they got to the Academy, they heard one of the teachers yelling for Naruto. As they approached the classroom, the teacher came storming out. When he saw Naruto, his face turned red. "Where have you been Uzumaki?!?" He thundered. "He's been with me." Said StarStorm. "Who are you?" He asked. "I am StarStorm Dragana." She said. "Dragana?" He looked at her suspiciously. "Yes. Naruto was helping me this morning and we lost track of time." She smiled disarmingly at him. "What was he helping you with?" "He was helping me to water and weed my garden."
"Hmph…whatever…get into class Uzumaki." As the ANBU turned to leave, Naruto called out, "See you later, Star." She nodded. "See you later, Naruto." And with that she was gone. Several of the students had stuck their heads out the door of the classroom to see what was happening, but when they saw it was Naruto, they groaned and went back to their seats. Naruto just bounced over to his seat, opened up his book, and waited for the teacher to start the class. The teacher was a shocked by this, but shrugged and started class.
Meanwhile, the ANBU/Chuunin was headed towards a particular forge on the outskirts of the other side of the village. When she got there, she knocked on the door. As she heard a small hand scrabbling at the latches, Star smiled because she knew it was the Weapons Smith's young apprentice. When the apprentice got the door opened, Star nodded to him and stepped in. The minute she did, she heard a "You're late." Come from the forge room, heard over the ringing of the forge hammer. "Sorry. Something came up." She said. A snort was heard. "Like what? A run in with the Kyuubi?" asked the deep voice. "Actually with the vessel, but something like that." Star said with an impish grin. The ringing of the hammer paused for a minute, before starting again. "You're serious aren't you?" asked the Blacksmith. Star nodded. "As a kunai through the heart. He's cute as a button and starved for affection. I'm thinking about training him…Clan Style."
The ringing stopped, and the Weapons Smith moved out from the Forge room. He was a tall man with large muscles. He took off his forging goggles, revealing diamond blue eyes, and stared at her. "You want to train him…Clan Style?!?!" He yelled at her in his deep voice. "Leo. Do not yell. I can hear just fine and you scared Zero." Star calmly replied. He shook his head. "Star, I don't know what's worse. The fact that I trained you or the fact that you want to train someone else, and that someone is the village pariah." Star glared at him. "Something is going to happen to that child without the guiding hands of the Dragon and the Lion and you know it Leo. I have to do something." She said.
"Oh yes, because we all know what types of premonitions you have. Damnit I am retired!!" Star smirked at her old teacher. "Oh really? Then why do you still wear the Leaf hitai-ate?" Leo growled at her. "Girl I am about to hit you with that hammer. Wait until you make captain, then train him. Once you are captain, you only have to answer to the Hokage." Star gaped at him. "But that could take years!" She cried. "So be his friend in the meantime. Now, what is his name again?" he asked. Star smiled. "Naruto. Naruto Uzumaki, the future Hokage. That's what he introduced himself as."
End chapter 1
A/N: I'm gonna deviate from the Naruto storyline quite a bit here. For instance the ANBU have a bit of a bigger role than they do in the series. They also are gonna lead double lives, with their ANBU rank and a disguise rank. Star and Leo both have lots of secrets that will be revealed within the next few chapters, but don't yell at me for doing this. Reviews are nice. Constructive criticism helps me figure out where I went wrong. No flames. Those will be read then sent to the fireplace. And that's it. Later.
Update sept.7, 2007: I have changed a few things. As I tend to do when I go back and reread this stuff.