The Guiding Light
Chapter 1:
Naruto Uzumaki, a name sun animus with more than just pranks and trouble making. To the older generations he represented all that is evil in the world for having the Nine tailed Fox sealed inside him when he was born. However, Naruto didn't know this and was now an attention wanting child who was currently running away from the scene of an obscene crime.
The crime? Well quite simply painting on the hokages faces as well as splashing random civilians with the extra paint. Naruto didn't look scared of being chased. In fact he was laughing and smiling as the Chuunin chased and followed him from rooftops to ally's. However, as he ran he would periodically stop to stick his tongue out at them or gloat about their old age.
This turned out to be a bad idea as his taunting seemed to give them fuel to run faster. Seeing this Naruto bolts applying chakra (though unknowingly) to his feet and comes up with an escape plan. The next turn he disguises himself as the wall quickly using a transformation to conceal himself.
Once all the pursuing Chuunin passed him he smiled letting his camouflage drop to laugh at them only to turn and see a jounin. The man was obviously a jounin, the jacket which was a chuunins but with some alterations, the figureless gloves. Even the mans power marked him as an elite Shinobi.
The man was easily 6 foot maybe a bit more. His shoulders were broad, his eyes a deep blue that looked battle hardened, his headband more like a bandana without the protective metal. However the symbols on his suit and gloves marked him from Konoha. Then the man looked at Naruto with a look of interest and a bit of recognition, rather than scorn or hate that others gave him. The man picked the boy up by the collar easily, holding him in such away that fighting would be useless. "Why are you running Naruto?" the man asks nonchalantly.
Naruto gapped at the large man but pouts and says, "How do you know me? Besides that look for yourself!" he says pointing and smiling at what he did. The man looked but didn't blink much and turned to the boy who he was still holding. "Naruto I know you cause I know your teacher who complains to the hokage about you daily" the man covers-up, he really knew from being at his birthing and sealing processes, but that was top secret. Naruto believed his answer though and says, "Well then who are you? I've never seen you" even if you do look awesome. He added in his head.
The man hesitated at first but smiles warmly at Naruto and says "my name is Solid Snake, I work alone and at my own accord so im never really out in the open like this" he explains covering up that he really is one of the best ninja in the village who mastered infiltration as well as silently killing targets without leaving his trace.
Naruto pondered until they heard a gasp and their was Iruka staring at Naruto in Snake's grasp. The man looked apprehensive about Naruto even being near Snake. This confused Naruto until Iruka asks "Snake?... I am sorry if Naruto did something stupid to upset you" he said looking more concerned than angry with Naruto. Snake smiled warmly, a true friendly smile and set the boy down ruffling his hair to annoy Naruto and says "the boy is fine Iruka, he just painted the monument and almost escaped with it" he commented making Naruto grin and blush with appreciation.
Iruka simply says "well the hokage isn't pleased; he wants all that paint off and by Naruto". Hearing this Naruto tried to argue but was losing so he went quiet. Snake looked a the boy and says "Tell the hokage that Naruto accepts this as his punishment, I leave him to you Iruka, but next time how about you pick him up and walk him to the academy?" Snake suggests gently to the scared nosed man.
Naruto looked at Iruka expectantly as if pleading the man to do so, for Naruto was sick of the glares and the constant beatings to and from the Academy. Snake knew this and when he could intervene in Naruto's Beatings to help the boy but did it with out Naruto ever seeing him. It's not that he didn't want him to see him its more that he was used to being stealthy. Iruka agreed to walk the boy home and back if Naruto attended class more and cleaned the monument. The boy obviously agreed, anything to not be alone anymore.
Later that day after returning to class Naruto and Iruka (who was just watching) were cleaning the monument. "Naruto, I understand that you want to be hokage but why paint the faces?" he asks a bit confused at his actions. Naruto turned to the man with a surprisingly serious face and says "Its simple sense, I'm going to be a better hokage then any one of them believe it" he declares with all his heart. Iruka couldn't hide his smile at the boy's admiration and dedication to be respected despite all his hardships. "Naruto, if you finish this before night fall I'll treat you to some ramen" he says smiling as the sun was starting to set. Naruto not deterred from this gave a pleasant yelp of confirmation of taking that bet. Iruka still can't get over how much money he lost to ramen that day.
Today is the Genin test, which all students must take to become, well genin. They always changed it from year to year which is why Naruto kept failing, he never knew what to study. However, this year was different, Iruka had been helping him on their walks and at the Ramen shop. He knew he couldn't fail as long as they didn't make him do the one jutsu he couldn't master in 100 years. The Clone Jutsu, no matter how hard he tried or how much effort he put into it, he never got it right. Iruka showed him how to manage his chakra better but that didn't even work.
Testing came and everyone arrived normally except two certain Kunochi. Ino Yamanaka and Sakura Haruno bolted in the door at the same time declaring themselves as a winner of some race. They raced to reach the goal which was sitting alone calmly looking forward. Sasuke Uchiha the last of the Uchiha Clan sat by Naruto calm and distant, which he has been since his clan was killed by his brother Itachi. However, Sasuke wasn't hell bent on just avenging and rebuilding his clan, he still wanted too its just that he wanted a bit more out of life.
Smiling at one of his only friends he looks at Naruto and says "hey dobe, you ready for the test?" he asks teasing Naruto with the nickname. Naruto just smiled back and says "you bet Sasuke-Chan. I'm going to pass no doubt about it." He says teasing right back. Sakura and ino glared at the blond haired boy and said almost simultaneously "Naruto what are you doing in my seat next to Sasuke-kun!" they barked ignoring each other for now. Sasuke looked at them with raised brows while Naruto explains he's simply sitting with his friend. Sasuke backed him up saying "he's right besides I'd rather sit next to the dobe then some drooling fan girls" he explains chuckling with Naruto who blushed at Sakura.
Sasuke didn't miss this for he was apt at noticing things and says "why don't you just ask her out man?" he questions lightly. "I have she keeps saying no, she's waiting for you to discover your love for her or something" he says a bit crestfallen. Sasuke gives a nod and says "well that wont happen she's all yours just promise me you'll win her over soon?" he says a bit jokingly. Naruto laughed gently with the Uchiha, they had been friends before and after Sasuke's clan was killed. Ever since then they were close friends with Sasuke helping Naruto with his aiming of shuriken and Kunai, while Naruto made Sasuke smile.
They're friendship drove them to study together, Naruto understood things more easier thanks to him and Iruka, and when Naruto's house was burned down once a year (otherwise known as Naruto's Birthday) he'd stay at Sasuke's place and keep him company.
However, their trip down memory lane stopped when Iruka looking fierce and serious looked to them and says "we will call you into the other room one by one, starting with Choji Akamichi" he says and the bulky (rather fat) boy got up and followed the man out.
Naruto cursed, when Sasuke asked what was wrong Naruto simply says "they're going in alphabetical order! We'll be here all day!" he says complaining wildly using his arms and hands to make his point more obvious. Same old Naruto Sasuke thought out loud making a few girls giggle more at him then at Naruto's unchanging Personality, or Orange jumpsuits.
Naruto was fast asleep, that is until a certain raven haired youth prodded him awake saying "hey dobe it's your turn!" Naruto panicked and ran after Iruka and prepared for what he had to do to pass. Iruka looked at the boy with a sad face and says "Naruto, you must make 3 useable clones to pass" he says a bit sullen but trying to hide it. "WHAT?! You know I can't do that jutsu! We've tried over the weeks for me to get it I just can't." he says and Iruka says a bit daringly.
"So are you saying you give up on being hokage?" he asks smirking as he knew Naruto could not deny a challenge. Naruto gapped at the older man before getting a determined look in his eyes. Concentrating his chakra and concentrating on all his training on the jutsu he creates one clone! However, the clone is useless and is on the ground drooling and has little color to it.
Meanwhile outside the testing room Sasuke awaits to hear Naruto's shout of joy from passing. However he was sad to hear Iruka's voice ring out "YOU FAIL!" that could mean only one thing, poor Naruto. Outside after everyone else passed Naruto sits alone on his swing looking dejected and lost. Sasuke had already left to take care of a few things that he needed at home. Even they're talk about next time didn't help him.
FLASHBACK*
Sasuke walks up to a sad looking Naruto after class and puts his hand on the latter's shoulder and says "its ok man, I'll help you pass next time" he offers gently trying to cheer the ever smiling blond up. Naruto simply smirked sullenly and says "I really tried o pass this time, maybe im not meant to be hokage?" he asks more himself. Sasuke blinked and says "that's not the Naruto I know, the Naruto I grew up with would never give up!" he proclaimed before leaving the blond to think to himself.
*END FLASHBACK*
Overlooking the village now Naruto stares off into space as Mizuki, a chunin teacher who works with Iruka. The man was always friendly and optimistic; he even tried to get Naruto passed. Mizuki just looks at Naruto and says in a fake friendly voice that he's perfected "You know that Iruka just wants you to do your best right Naruto?" he asks smiling fakely but making it appear real. Naruto nodded and sighed deeply and says "but I really wanted to pass this time, its like people prevent me from moving on" he says a bit sullen.
Then Mizuki smiled and whispers "you know theirs another way to pass right? All you got to do is steal the secret scroll of sealing and learn one jutsu and they will pass you" he says grinning as Naruto gaped at him but Mizuki adds "however, no one can see you take it" he says and after seeing Naruto nod and began to set his plans into action.
Sitting a this desk smoking a pipe peacefully while overlooking documents was none other than the current Hokage. Suddenly someone burst in (lets call him Steve) saying "Lord Hokage sir the Secret scroll of sealing has been stolen!" he exclaims as the hokage stood abruptly clearly troubled and appalled and asked the man "Who would do such a deed?" he asks Steve a bit forcefully. Steve wavered for a moment before answering "Naruto Uzumaki sir!" he says as the hokage sat down slowly with his face smiling.
Soon as he sat down Iruka burst into the room exclaiming "Hokage I heard what happened with Naruto I request to aid in the search" he says hurriedly and gasping but bowing at the end. The hokage paused to think it over; he was a rational man and did things with the utmost care. "Ok Iruka, when you find him please be nice, last thing we need is someone who has the scroll to destroy it due to threats from us" he states a bit flatly covering up that he really cared for the container of the Fox.
Meanwhile Naruto had stopped running after a bit and opened the scroll to learn the very first jutsu, he figured why not to go in order? As he read its name he mentally screamed 'Shadow Clone Jutsu?!' 'Gah the one jutsu I suck at!' he says but practices it anyways following the instructions and tips on the scroll exactly until he was exhausted and beat and laid with the scroll closed next to him.
Mizuki had been lucky to find the boy first, which made him think he should have set up a meeting place for them. However, he say the boy laying down as if he were asleep, this made him smile; all too easy Naruto he thought. Just as he was about to jump out Iruka came into the clearing which woke Naruto. "Naruto, what are you doing out here?" he asks gently at the dirty looking blond. Naruto smiled his famous Fox like smile and says "I'm learning a jutsu from this scroll so I can become a ninja, Mizuki sensei said that you'd pass me if I did, and I did" he said excitedly to the man. Iruka raised a brow and though "Why would Mizuki tell Naruto such a bold faced lie?" he thought but then Mizuki's voice boomed towards them both.
"ahh look at this such a lovely sight it could make me puke. You know Naruto, haven't you ever wondered why the villagers beat you and glare at you the way they do?" he asks laughing as Iruka's eyes widen and yell, "no you cant its forbidden!" He yells at the other man. Naruto was confused, meanwhile Sasuke who had been training nearby heard all that had happened so far, having snuck nearby and hearing this he became intrigued. Mizuki had an evil smile as he continued his speech "you see Naruto? The village hates you! Even your own teacher. Why right now he'd do anything to shut me up. The truth is Naruto inside you is the Nine Tailed Fox, they lied to you all this time Naruto." He says a bit vehemently.
Naruto was confused but it all made sense now, why he was called demon while he was beat, why people hated him for almost no reason. Even Sasuke understood, the few times him and Naruto were in public he noticed the glares and whispering of Naruto as some demon. Now they all knew why. Naruto crying and shivering couldn't move when Mizuki proclaimed "now die you demon!" he yelled as he threw a giant shuriken at Naruto who tried to scramble only not to be fast enough, so he braced himself. However instead of pain he felt weight on his back. Iruka had saved him with his own tears flowing matching Naruto's own.
"I'm sorry Naruto, I knew you were alone and I did all I could, you are just like me" he says as Naruto is suddenly feeling like all this information is too much to take in at once bolts off. As he runs Sasuke catches up with him and keeps up fairly easily and asks "where are you going Naruto? And yes I heard everything" he says knowing he'd ask. "You hate me now don't you?" he asks avoiding of question of where for he doesn't even know, mainly he's just trying to soak all the information in and would try to see what to do with his demonic self. Sasuke jumped in front of Naruto with a serious look that made the boy stop in his tracks as Sasuke says, "Naruto, I could never hate you, your no demon. I believe that you're its jailer, but not a demon. Remember it was you who helped me after my clan died? That's something demons wouldn't do" he explains as Naruto collapses crying a bit but trying to hide it.
Meanwhile Mizuki caught up to 'Naruto' disguised as Iruka and says "Quick Naruto throw me the scroll!" he yells only to have Naruto kick him in the stomach causing him to land in the clearing not to far away form Naruto and Sasuke. "But how?" he asks as he poofs into Mizuki once again "how did you know I wasn't Iruka?" he asks flabbergasted and confused. That's when 'Naruto' poofed as well but into Iruka himself and says "because I'm Iruka" revealing that indeed it was, plus the scroll really was nothing more then a log.
Meanwhile Sasuke and Naruto move in closer to the fight to help Iruka, once Naruto had calmed down he realized that Iruka had done that to save him, he cared. As they hid Mizuki scoffs at Iruka's actions and says, "Why do you protect that demon? The same that killed your parents? You know he's just going to kill everyone one day!" he says coldly. Iruka chuckles a bit and says "your right that is true" he says pausing do to the pain of the Shuriken Mizuki hit him with before they took after Naruto. "So he does hate me" Naruto says to himself and looks sad, Sasuke couldn't say or do anything; he was surprised though that Iruka would agree with the clearly crazy Mizuki.
"however, your wrong about Naruto, he is no Monster nor would he become one. He's something different, a human being worthy of praise for just being able to smile after all he's been through" he exclaims which makes Naruto smile as well as go a bit wide eyed in appreciation for his teacher. Mizuki smiled and unhooked his last giant shuriken and says, "well I guess I have no choice but to be rid of you" he says and heaves to throw the large projectile. However, before he could get it off Naruto had kneed the man in the stomach as hard as he could, the scroll still on his back. Meanwhile Sasuke jumped and leaped in front of Iruka and says, "hey Sensei are you ok?" he asks as he keeps his eyes on Mizuki and Naruto.
Mizuki looked at the blond who had his hands in a T shape and a determined look in his eyes as he said "if you hurt my Sensei…I'll kill you!" he says simply as Mizuki laughs and says "oh yeah?! Bring it on demon fox!" he proclaims as Naruto gathers a massive amount of charkra. 'What?' thought Iruka, Sasuke and Mizuki, but that was broken when the area was full of Naruto's clones, but nor normal clones but full-fledged clones. The Naruto's all smiled at the shocked Mizuki who not only never seen the jutsu before, but was surprised that Naruto had made so many. That is before he was pummeled into a useless heap.
Sasuke was impressed and shocked as Iruka but merely smiled at the boy once it was all said and done.. Naruto looked bashful and was grinning again but this wasn't a fake one. He was truly happy that his friends were ok. Suddenly Iruka says "hey Naruto come here and close your eyes. Only open them when I say ok?" he says as Naruto complies. About a minute later Iruka tells him to open his eyes, at first everything seems normal until he notices that Iruka's headband is gone. "Congratulations, you pass!" he says simply as Naruto dances celebrating becoming a ninja. Sasuke just mutters "dobe" a few times and sets off to home.
The next day was the day the Genin would get their teams and Sensei. Naruto was excited as he fidgeted with his headband awaiting the announcement of teams hoping he'd be with Sasuke and Sakura. He wanted them for obvious reasons; Sasuke was his friend and they got along, plus Sasuke was strong in his own right, Sakura; well he just had a crush on her and wanted chances to show her his worth.
Iruka coming into the room smiling at Naruto interrupted his thoughts, Iruka overlooked the future genin. However before Iruka can even congratulate them on passing Kiba had to holler out "Why is Naruto here? He failed he should be at home!" he says protesting getting some others to agree with him. Naruto smiled a bit and exclaims back "oh yeah? You see this? This makes me a certified full fledged ninja" he says pointing to his Konoha forehead protector that oddly compliments his spiky blond hair. Kiba upon seeing the forehead protector gasped and says "oh ok never mind then" and went silent as Iruka began to talk. Immediately Naruto perked up and listened intently. "Congratulations on becoming Ninja to you all!" he exclaims before continuing "however, I warn each and everyone of you now, that the road only gets harder from hear on out. You will put your lives on the line in missions for our great village, you are all heroes." This is pretty much how the 4-hour speech went that they had to sit through. Naruto couldn't help but comment on how if you could stay awake through it all that you should be made Jonin instantly.
However after the speech Iruka started naming the teams, Naruto noticed his name should be coming up so he listened a bit more "Team 7 will consist of Naruto Uzumaki, Sakura Haruno, and Sasuke Uchiha" he says smiling at the names as he read them. Naruto was so happy that he was practically hugging Sasuke who merely offered a smile and says "yeah I'm happy I'm on your team too but please don't embarrass me" he says trying to hide the fact that he's friends with Naruto. Naruto simply blushes as he sits down and says, "Oh right sorry Sasuke" they share a friendly laugh. Meanwhile Sakura is torn between joy and hatred that she is on Sasuke's team but also is stuck with Naruto.
"Great I'm with Sasuke-kun, but stuck with that loser Naruto…who does he think he is being all Sasuke's pal anyways? That should be me whose close to Sasuke earning his trust and eventually his love" she says glaring at the blond. Naruto wasn't lost on this for he knew when someone was glaring at him, when he saw her glaring he frowned. Outside after getting their teams Sasuke was with Naruto when Sakura came up to Sasuke begging for a date to get to know each other. Sasuke reply's swiftly with "ok but only if Naruto comes with us he is part of the team after all" he says making it clear that Naruto is to be their. Sakura looks at the blond whose face is smiling at her, why is he always smiling?, she asks herself before agreeing to the terms. However she asks to talk to Sasuke alone for a moment to which he agrees but barely so.
Once away from Naruto Sakura though blushing at Sasuke asks "why does that loser have to come with us? Why can't it just be us two?" she asks pouting trying to sway him her way. Sasuke didn't budge with her argument or her looks at all and says, "Naruto is my friend, has been ever since I can remember I wont leave him behind. Plus, he's been left out of to many things already in his life who am I to deny him his dreams?" he asks her leaving her to think as he rejoins Naruto to meet her at the training grounds. Oddly this is where their Jonin Sensei met them.
Naruto recognized him right away, but couldn't believe his eyes at who their teacher was. Sasuke didn't know the man but recognized that he had a very powerful presence about him. Sakura knew him very well but that was because of all her studying. "Who is this?" Sasuke says looking at the 6-foot man in front of them, the camouflage and bandana. Sakura answers before Naruto can "Solid Snake, Special operations Jonin, believed to have defeated Orochimaru, helped in the killing of the nine tailed fox, and Konoha's best." She explains more for Naruto to show off for Sasuke.
Naruto ran to the man and says "hey Snake you're my Jonin instructor?" he asks excitedly as Snake nods and says in his deep raspy voice "that's right. We meet here tomorrow team, oh and you might not want to eat breakfast. Or you'll puke" he says warningly and would suddenly be gone. Not even the audible pop or any smoke came when he left. Sakura scoffed and says "Naruto, why do you have to act like you know people who are above you?" she asks referring that he's too much of a loser. Naruto kindly replies "But I do know him, I met him before the tests." He says gently.
Sakura scoffs and says, "If you say so Naruto." She says noticing the time she panics and says "Crap its getting late I have to go or my Parents before they freak" she says waving goodbye as Sasuke and Naruto head home they talk. "I still don't know what you see in her Naruto" he says calmly and sighing at all the groggily eyes he'll have to endure from being on her team. Naruto simply says "I have my reasons I keep telling you that Sasuke." He says before they head home to rest for the night.
The Next day Team 7 met at the same training grounds early that mourning. The time was about 6:45am and no one had ate so the stomach growling was getting annoying to Snake as he looked at the yawning genin. "all right hers what were doing, it's a survival exercise" he explains while taking out two bells that clang and chime. This grabbed the gennin's attention easily as he continues. "The task is to get these bells from me before noon or no lunch. Also if you fail to do so you will be transferred back to the academy." He says seriously as all the genin went wide-eyed. Naruto was the first to protest vehemently "what are you talking about? Didn't we just take a test and passed?" he asks furiously. Snake smiled at Naruto's passion and says "Well yes technically your right. However that was to see who might become real ninjas however it didn't test your real abilities that are so useful to ninja, such as teamwork, stealth, ninjutsu and taijutsu." He explains.
The teammates all look at the bells and notices that there are only two and automatically Sasuke is determined to get one for himself and maybe Naruto if he can get both. Meanwhile Naruto is having the same thought but can't choose between who he wants to be with him more Sakura or Sasuke. As he has his inner battle Sakura has already decided that her and her beloved Sasuke-kun will pass with out the loser.
Suddenly Naruto enraged by his indecision decides that he'll get the bells first before making his decision. Gripping a kunai in his right hand (though he's mostly ambidextrous) charged at snake wildly but was startled to see Snake change his stance and have a serious look on his face. Snakes stance was unlike any he has ever seen, Snake was slightly crouched with his hands in front of him like in the mantis fighting style. The knife in Snakes hand that Naruto didn't notice he had was different than any kunai. It seemed to be more like a hunting knife with a sharp elongated blade with enough weight for balance.
Naruto still went at the Jonin with all his sped only to be spun harshly with the knife at his neck and his own kunai aimed for his head as Snake smiles saying gently "ah ah ah I didn't say go" he states calmly letting a startled Naruto go before saying "go!". At this command Sasuke and Sakura scatter to hide to form plans to make for defeating the obviously skilled Jonin.
Snake smiles to himself as he mentally marks the hiding genin thinking to himself. "Well at least they thought to hide and possibly make traps…however" he finishes looking at Naruto whose right in front of the man. Naruto had a look of sheer determination and scrutinizing burning deep in his eyes as he proclaims "ok those bells are mine, so give them up or I'll be forced to defeat you!" he says as he readies a few kunai one in each hand prepped to throw. Snake didn't budge but merely puts on a serious face and says "you're a determined one. I'm going to like you" he comments as he readies himself in his unique stance and says "Come Naruto, fight me, show me that you deserve to be hokage one day" he says knowing the boys dream and using it to drive him to do his best.
Sakura meanwhile found Sasuke watching Naruto and snake get ready to fight as she says "what's Snake talking about Sasuke?" she asks as she hides near enough to hear him but not to close as to be a even more obvious target. Despite her pink hair and dress. Sasuke merely looks at her almost bored and says "Naruto's dream is to be Hokage so that he can earn the respect of everyone, he's never had many friends nor any parents and people disrespect him, so he's set on proving them wrong." He explains leaving out the reason they disrespect Naruto.
Meanwhile Naruto and Snakes battle started with Naruto using wild punches and kicks often using the wrong side at the wrong time messing up his momentum and make any possible critical hits useless. That is if he could land a punch. Snake deflected and parried every punch and kick Naruto produced faster than Naruto could even move. Snake also struck his ribs and arms harshly, hits that obviously would have broken his bones if Snake were really trying. Snake was holding back on the power and ferocity of his hits a bit but maintained some power to cause pain so that Naruto may adjust some.
Suddenly Naruto was thrown from Snake after attempting to grab a bell instead of hitting the man which would have made sense since his body was twisting one way and the bells were another. After being thrown Naruto gets an idea and forms the T shape hand sign, which made Snake raise a brow in shock. Naruto's voice could be heard declaring, "Shadow Clone Jutsu!" and just like that about 50 Naruto's flooded around Snake and struck at once working together to try and hit the man. Snake smirks at his ability to work as a team with himself but not his teammates and uses his unique fighting style to take out the Naruto's in groups of twos or threes.
Snakes moves were fluent and precisely timed. When a Naruto through a punch that was far to slow he'd grip the arm and fling that Naruto into another as he trips one with a swift kick at the legs and upper cuts another. All his moves smooth and easy. Suddenly he was grabbed from behind and was gripped by other clones weighing him down as the 'real' Naruto reached for the bells saying "ahhaha never let your enemy get behind you" he says and suddenly touches a kunai of himself. Confused he punches the clone thinking Snake transformed into it. However it disappeared into smoke. Naruto thinking quickly disengaged the jutsu to see the one left to leave Snake and him. Only to see he is alone. He cursed to himself saying "replacement Jutsu, dam it" he says looking around trying to find the Jonin.
After failing to locate the man he decides to set up his own trap in the open. However upon seeing a sitting bell in the open he smiles widely before pausing and creates a clone to retrieve it. The clone was stopped about 3 feet by a tie rope that pulled it up upon seeing this Naruto used the replacement Jutsu on the bell itself with a regular nut disguised as a bell. This was something him and Sasuke liked to do, take things but replace them with something else and by the time they noticed it was always to late.
Snake saw this and smirked at Naruto's ability to at least plan ahead somewhat. So he thought he passed. They would have to pass as a team yet so that's why he was behind Sasuke and Sakura who both were oblivious to his presence. Suddenly he speaks to them both "ninja art number two: Hiding from ones enemy" he states as he throws kunai at them both lazily so that they'd jump away in different directions. Once they did he knew his plan was already going to work.
Once they were split up he sent a clone after Sakura while he met Sasuke in an opening who seemed to have something prepared. He raised a brow and says "So you refuse to face me head on. You noticed my speed impressive" he notes Sasuke's ability to gather information on his opponent then see's the seals he's going through and smirks. 'So he knows the famous Uchiha fireball jutsu, not really a surprise' he thinks as Sasuke blows the grand fireball at him. Once the smoke clears snake is nowhere to be found.
Panicked Sasuke looks all around as a hand grips his ankle from below and pulls him to his head and Snake is suddenly above ground and says "earth style: quick sand jutsu. Ninja art 3: ninjutsu." He says almost sounding bored and leaves to let Sasuke escape on his own, or not. As he left to check on how his clone did with Sakura Naruto stumbles upon Sasuke or rather his head and tries not to laugh and says "hey Sasuke I got a bell..here lets get you free" he says stopping as he thinks of what to do.
Meanwhile Sakura as wondering a bit aimlessly calling out Sasuke's name. She never stopped cursing herself for being separated from him then she heard him "Sakura?" she heard as she turned to see a bleeding Sasuke with multiple wounds. Screaming she faints at the sight of her love in soo much trouble. Snake simply shook his head at the sight and says "genjutsu, and I heard she was good at dispelling them, I guess her feelings blind her." He states sighing. However he couldn't leave her like that so he wakes her before proofing away. She woke up crying for Sasuke who she assumed was dead and wandered towards Naruto's voice. Suddenly she heard both boys talking. "Hey be careful my neck is under the dirt you know" Sasuke says a bit hotly as Naruto says I know I'm trying ok." Sakura choose this moment to walk into the clearing and saw Sasuke berried to his neck in dirt with Naruto trying to dig him out. She screamed bloody murder, which made both boys blink. She snapped out of it and helped the boys. After about 2 hours they freed the Uchiha.
They went back to the center clearing knowing that not a lot of time left and Sakura states what Sasuke was thinking "great now none of us pass…we suck" she says as Naruto smiles and says "nu uh I got a bell but here you guys can have it" he says gently putting it between them. This shocked Sasuke more but he says "why Naruto?" he asks gently as Naruto says, "lets face it. I'm no good I couldn't even touch the guy but Sasuke I'm sure that you could if you tried." He says gently. Sasuke was surprised and says "Naruto, to tell the truth I didn't even get near Snake, I didn't want to risk It I even tried my fireball jutsu on him I was useless you earned to pass" he argues.
Snake would suddenly appear near them and says "Well you guys have seemed to pass despite only Naruto getting a bell and only now coming together" he says happily. The genin look at him confused so he elaborates "the point of this was to see how well you would work together. Why else would we make teams of three? The bells were to make you compete against each other but in the hopes that you'd relies that a jonin is to hard for you to ace alone." He says hoping that would suffice. They all understood now but Naruto had to ask "then why did you threaten to send us back to the academy?" he asks curiously. Snake simply says "well had you failed you would have been sent back, but it was also to give you more incentive to fight harder." He says smiling.
Meanwhile at the Hokage's office Iruka is looking at the Jonin sensei of his latest charges that graduated and gasped at team 7's. Iruka looks at the old hokage and says "you can't be serious?..Solid Snake? As in THE Solid Snake?" he asks a bit scared and impressed that Naruto was on someone like Snakes team. The hokage smiled and says "yes, he wanted to teach so that he could be near Naruto, he said that the boy was interesting and seemed to be very dedicated." He says gently. Iruka was a bit flabbergasted but agreed that someone like Snake would mellow Naruto a bit but also would make him more dedicated and a hard worker making all of his team work for everything. Iruka then starts to question all the rumors he's heard from other shinobi about Snakes prowess. "is it true that Snake defeated Orochimaru causing the sannin to retreat, help hold off the nine tailed fox, and even could defeat the other sannin?" he asks the old hokage who simply smirks and pauses before answering. "to tell the truth all that is very true and you might add that he is even more stronger than I am, I've offered him my job many times but he doesn't like the spot light." He says seeing Iruka's facial reaction was amusing enough.
Meanwhile at the Raman shop that Naruto forced his entire team to go, Snake describes their near future. "ok team I want you to meet me at the same spot tomorrow mourning, we will begin traing for about 2 weeks before even touching missions" he explains wanting to make them a better team and improve their basic skills. Sasuke simply nods while Sakura blushed at the Uchiha who she was sitting by. Naruto asks, "Why do we have to tain? Are the missions that hard?" he asks with genuine curiosity as he finishes his eigth bowl. Snake shakes his head and says, "Well our first missions are like chors but I want you guys to be better prepared for the harder ones later down the road." He explains while ruffling Naruto's hair as a signal that his explenation was over.
Meanwhile Sakura goes back to her and sasukes previous conversation about Naruto mainly because she knew it was the only thing he would ever talk to her about. "you told me Naruto doesn't have parents, don't you think he's lucky? I mean no one yells a thim for being late or if he doesn't do his homework. I envy him" she says to Sasuke who turned his attention to her and listened but merely looks annoyed. "Sakura you don't understand what its like to be alone, Naruto's parents are dead he's an orphan with out of home. Same with me only I at least have a home." He explains leaving it their trying to be nice to her not for her sake but so that they work together better and that Naruto doesn't try to start a fight.
As they disperce to their respetive homes Snake feels a tug and looks to see a very confused pink haired kunochi. He raises his brow in confusion until she says "Sensei what did sasuke mean when he said Naruto was like him? Fa ras I know Naruto simply didn't have any parents" she explains her confusion her brows still furrowed in confusion. Snake sighs and begins to explain. "Sakura, Naruto and Sasuke both have hard pasts, infact they shared it together as friends. It's why they're so close. They lived in darkness until they found a friend to light it up" he explains not going into detail. This made Sakura ask the question that everyone knew would come "why was Naruto's past so hard?" she asks innocently clearly not knowing. Snake simply looks at the now night sky and says "Sakura that's something only Naruto can tell you when he's ready to" he says walking letting her think to herself. Though she couldn't form an answer she suddenly became determined to be nicer to Naruto, so that Sasuke will see that she isn't heartless and thus love her.
The next mourning Naruto had to turn off his alarm clock that he realized he hated more than any creature on earth. As he showers and brushes his teeth he see's the time and takes off for the training grounds noticing that he would be about 15 minuets late. Once he arrives he sees his teamates waiting for him patiently with their Sensei nearby. Sasuke is leaning on a ree looking more like he's asleep as Sakura attempts to talk to him. Naruto's heart pained a little bit seeing how she looks at him and hoped that maybe one day she'll look at him like that. He was shook from his little daydream of earning Sakura's heart when Snake says "glad you could join us Naruto, as I said we will work on some basics that I see fit for each of you to wwork on. Now if I give one of you a certain traning regimen that doesn't mean I like them more or less. Its for the greater good of your team." He explains as he takes out three scrolls of different color.
The first scroll on the left was a orange that matched Naruto's jaket. The second was a dark blue like Sasuke's shirt and the last was pink like Sakura's hair. Snake then elaborates "as you can see you each have your own scroll, you must follow its directions exactly until I tell you otherwise." He says handing them the respective scrolls. "you each have individual needs and they will be handled, however we will work as a team so there are group sessions and this is our first." He says as he has them put the scrolls down near the three standing training dummy's. "ok heres what were working on, 1: learning eachothers weekness and strengths." He says pointing first at Naruto who was having thoughts that he was invulnerable.
"Naruto Uzumaki, you have no taijutsu skill to speak of, your genjutsu Is literally non existant, your ninjutsu is non expansive. One jutsu wont work every time no matter how creative you get" he says making Naruto look crestfallen. However he continues "However Naruto, you have a lot of chakra, and your probably one of the most determined people on earth. I have faith that you'll improve fast" he offers the boy a smile which Naruto happily returns. Next he looks at Sakura Haruno and says "Sakura, your taijutsu is text based and not natural, you need to rely les son text and more on your instincts, your chakra control is great as well as your genjutsu ability. However you have no ninjutsu at all, le tme tell you we will change that." He says and she gives him a small smile that says 'thanks'.
Sasuke knew he was next and was fairly confident that he knew wha the needed to improve on until snake started talking that is. "Sasuke Uchiha, like Naruto you have a lot of chakra, your taijutsu is fairly good but not spectacular. Your ninjutsu is like Naruto's having only one wont save you. However, your genjutsu is non existant, now you amy argue you wont need it once your Sharingan kicks in but its better to b prepared before so that you can adjust easier." He explains.
That whole day was spent on the boys working on their chakra control by climbing tree's. well Naruto was climbing 15 at once using clones to help his training after Snake told him about the fact that clones return information to their creator. This was brought up after Snake asked both boys what they knew about their jutsu. Snake was surprised that Sasuke knew how to alter the size of his fireballs and even hide weapons in it. He was more surprised to find that Naruto didn't know that shadow clones relay their knowledge to its host. As the boys trained (Sakura being exempt after climbing the tree using her chakra in one try) Snake as talking to Sakura about how to become stronger.
Sakura blinked at her sensei at what he suggested she do "your telling me to run around all of Konoha, then do push ups and sit ups right now?" she asks both afraid that she'd die in the attempt and not wanting to leave Sasuke alone with the idiot blond. Snake shook his head and says "look Sakura I know you lack self confidence and you don't really think you can do this, but I believe in you. Plus I'll be with you the entire way to make sure you don't collapse alone somewhere ok?" He says gently seeing her straighten up and nod and she begins her run around Konoha.
About 3-4 hours later Sakura is panting on the ground sweating hotly and gasping after completing her requested training as the boys had stopped theirs for a break. Well Naruto's clones were still at it but now their were only 5. they sat and ate what was considered lunch though Naruto didn't even get breakfast. As they ate quietly Snake looked at hem all and saw that Sasuke and Sakura were tired, Sakura obviously more than the Uchiha. Whereas Naruto is fine eating and barely even sweating. Snake new of his unlimited stamina, as did Sasuke. However Sakura didn't and thus asked. "Naruto, you've been working all day and yet you don't even seem tired what's your secret?" she asks innocently. Snake expected Naruto to clam up or maybe get defensive but he merely smiled at the girl and says "just work hard and keep at it, your body will catch up eventually" he says giving her his Foxy smile and a thumbs up. Sakura took this in for a moment and says "ok, thanks Naruto" she says gently but loud enough for him to hear. He simply smiled wider.
That night they were instructed to read their scrolls so that they would know what to do in the mornings for the next 2 weeks. The scrolls all had one thing similar, a run around Konoha early in the mourning with their team. The rest was different, for example Naruto's scroll had him constantly working on his chakra control and learning better taijutsu from Snake himself or Sasuke. From Snake he was learning Snakes fighting style which Snake called CQC. Sometimes Naruto would work with both his teammates in learning the moves. The moves ranged from simple throws and getting the stance down. The moves were that to get the timing down so that you can vault someone over your shoulder in such a way that your other hand is ready to strike hard. They worked on this by practicing on each other and Naruto's clones. They also were required to follow their scrolls.
Sakura's scroll had instructions on how to practice some genjutsu's that were easy to hard in difficulty. The one she liked is wear she made the environment tie up her target tightly allowing her to strike. She had it pretty much down she was timing the whips and vines with real materials to make it seem more real. Meanwhile Sasuke's had him doing pretty much Naruto's and Sakura's scrolls combined just add trap setting. Snake had seen that Sasuke liked to lure his enemies away from the original fighting place and to a more open area. Now if he planed ahead and planted traps so that he would have even more of a upper hand then he could be a force to be reckoned with. In fact they used this fact to teach Naruto and Sakura reasons not to blindly chase an enemy.
They continued their training together or solo for the weeks slowly getting better. Naruto had significantly better chakra control and no longer threw clones as much though he could he choose to use them a bit more wisely. He also was very improved on Snakes CQC and was advancing faster and getting better almost everyday. However he didn't want to leave his friends behind so when they asked for his advice or help he provided. Finally the day came and team 7 walked up the giant stair case to the Hokages office to get their first mission.
