Mountain Oinari...

The road was well cared for, with no tracks marking the tale-tell signs of carts. The road itself that winded its way up and over the mountain was only wide enough for two people to pass with comfort. On top of the mountain of course things flattened out -it's top and been sliced clean off during the Kyubi's attack- and in the center was a large crater where it was rumored the Yondaime had first assaulted The Beast.

The merchant currently traveling the road was chubby, with more than three jowls and dressed in the finest clothes that money could buy. It was safe to say that he was indeed wealthy -he owned several shops in Konoha and other various large villages inside the Country of Fire- and he gave generously to charities, yet this was not to say that he was a very nice person.

This particular merchant was very greedy and anything he donated he made back by raising his prices.

Using a silk scarf to wipe the sweat away from his face and neck. His mistress had made it quiet clear that if he did not lose at least one chin she would dump him and then speak to his wife. So of course, the merchant had taken to walking up Mountain Oinari -one of the most secure roads in the country- to lose the required weight.

Reaching the top of the mountain, he turned back to stare out over the way he had come. He could see the vast sea of trees that marked the boundaries of the Hidden Village of Konoha, to the south he could faintly make out a series of flatlands that rolled off endlessly flanked to the west with distant hills. To the east, standing out over the forest and showing the true location of the most powerful military power on the continent was the infamous Hokage Mountain.

Gathering his nicely tailored cloak tighter, he turned and started walking once more. His goal today was to see the exact center of the crater on Mount Oinari; maybe he could make some money selling dirt or rocks from the fabled location. Reaching the crest of the crater, he paused, his mouth going dry as he stared in disbelief at what he saw.

There, covered in dirt was what looked like a rather large -about the size of a man- white ball.

The gears in the merchants head suddenly started turning rapidly. He knew the legends involving kitsune; his grandmother had been very fond of telling them, among others, to him. According to the legend, kitsune would place power into a ball and then either hide it or use it as a child would. He wet his lips, slipping and sliding down the slopping crater edges, mind racing.

The Kyubi had been a kitsune, an immensely powerful one. A nine-tails, rarer than any other. If this -for what other kitsune would have such a large ball- did belong to the Kyubi then...it might still contain a portion of its power sealed inside. He could sell it to the Hokage, or...Rock and Lightening would pay ANYTHING to get their hands on it. With this, it would be possible to surpass the Country of Fire in power.

Reaching the ball, he carefully moved closer and reached out, hand trembling as he thought about the amount of money he was now facing. He was sadly disappointed however, when the ball disappeared in a puff of smoke and the ground gave out from under him. Landing in a heap, he was disorientated and confused, at least until he heard a familiar laughter.

Looking up at the edge of the pit he had fallen into he stared coldly at a blond haired child, dressed in orange, who was laughing at him. "HOW DARE YOU! I'LL HAVE YOU'RE HEAD FOR THIS!"

Crouching down Naruto rested his arms on his knees, his face looking disgusted. "Oi, I think all those kids you cheated yesterday should have your head."

The merchant paused, considering how to get out of this. Apparently, Naruto had been present yesterday when he had sold cheaply made items to a group of orphans at outrageous prices. The boy just did not understand business, yet the merchant also knew that trying to explain it would be pointless. So instead he would have to lie, he was good at lying.

"I...yes, maybe you're right." Nodding the man looked as pitiful as he could. "I'm sorry, of course you're right. I should have never...I just let my greed get the best of me. I'll refund their money as soon as I get back..." Offering his hand, he smiled disarmingly. "Help me out?"

"Bah." Naruto muttered dismissively, lowering his head as he hesitantly held his hand out to the man. Reaching out to grasp it, he was suddenly jolted when Naruto slapped his hand away and grinned mischievously. "Yeah right idiot." Naruto laughed, eyes closing as he made a thumb's down sign. "You think I'm THAT stupid?"

"HEY! IF YOU DON'T HELP ME GET OUT, THEN I'LL TELL THE HOKAGE WHAT YOU'VE DONE!" The merchant felt his anger fading however as the blonds eyes narrowed and he stood up. Unable to look away he watched as the boy unzipped his pants, revealing his intention. "WHAT ARE YOU DOING!"

"You pissed on those orphans so...I'm going to piss on you."

"Hey, don't...no..." The merchant begged, hands coming up in a prayer position and lowering his head.

"Here it comes..." Naruto gloated, groaning in comfort.

"GYAAAAAA!"


Naruto:
Altered History
Chapter 1:
-Graduation-
By Geor-sama


"Tomorrow is the Ninja Academy Graduation Exam." Said the tall man with a scar on the bridge of his nose. Staring at the bleary-eyed students the man nodded, crossing his arms across his green vest. "Today I think it would be best to review a few things that might come up on the test."

There was a notable upswing in attention and the man sighed. "First off, who can name the five great Shinobi nations?" He was not surprised to see half the hands go up, especially the pink haired girl that sat in the second row next to a black haired boy. "Yes Sakura, go head."

Standing the girl practically beamed, glancing at the boy beside her. "Ahem, The Five great Shinobi nations are Fire, Wind, Stone, Lightening and Water. Each country is ruled by a Daimyo, who decides laws and various polices."

"The respective Hidden Villages are controlled by Kage's who are equal to the Daimyo. The system has been likened to having one Country inside of another."

"Right and why are there Kages and ninja?" The man asked glancing at the timid hand raised in the far back. "Yes Hinata?"

"Anou...umm...T-the existence of a Shi-shinobi Village means military power." The shy, white eyed girl offered from her seat.

"Correct." Shifting his gaze to the others, he paused, noticing the lack of orange in the students and frowned. "The body is divided into three sections, what are there names and importance?"

Iruka scanned the room the picked on the boy who was staring out of the window at the clouds. "Shikamaru?"

The boy sighed, shifting his gaze toward him before answering apathetically. "High, Middle and Low. Each section contains vital areas, which we should be aggressive in attacking and ending the fight as soon as possible."

"What does the High section include and what damage can be inflicted?"

"This is troublesome." Shikamaru sighed, looking back out the window. "The High section contains the top of the head which if struck forcefully because trauma to the cranial cavity, a severe strike can cause death. The High section also contains thirteen other targets."

"Examples?"

Groaning Shikamaru closed his eyes. "The temples where the bones of the skull are weak and an artery and large nerve lie close to the skin, if severed it compresses the brain and kills. The eyes where a jab can result in either blurred vision, gouged out or if the finger penetrates the thin bone behind the eye and into the brain death. There are also the ears, which if struck hard enough can rupture an eardrum."

Nodding when the pineapple headed boy finished he shifted his gaze to the boy next to Sakura. "What else Sasuke?"

"The chin, which if hit hard enough can cause paralysis, a mild concussion, or unconsciousness. The back of the ears and base of skull which if hit moderately hard can cause unconsciousness while a powerful blow can cause a concussion or death."

"There is also the throat, where you can crush the wind pipe or the side of the neck where a sharp blow can cause unconsciousness. For maximum effect, the blow should be focused below and slightly in front of the ear."

"What about the Middle and Low Sections?" Iruka questioned, glancing at a boy dressed in a large high-collared white coat. "Shino?"

"The Solar plexus, which if hit hard enough can snap the thin bone and push it into the heart. The kidneys, knees and the vein on the back of the ankle." The boy answered without looking away from his study of the insect on his finger.

"Very good. What about the nine steps?" Iruka said directing his gaze to the blond girl, dressed in purple, who had been wistfully gazing at the boy next to Sakura. "Ino?"

The girl jerked, her attention returning to the front of the classroom. Then blushing amidst that laughter answered, "Stealthy Step, Cross Step, Night walking, Step, Serpent Step, Dragon Step, Rushing Step, Entering Pivot, Side Step, Lost Track Pivot."

"When ascending a stairway, keep as close as possible to the wall and climb using the Cross Step. On stone steps, this will aid in concealing your position; on wooden stairs, this will prevent creaking since the stairs are most secure nearest the wall and are thus less likely to shift as weight is applied."

Iruka opened his mouth to ask his next question when the door opened and the all too familiar face of Uchiha Yoshiro, one of the oldest and most respected officers in Konoha's Police Force stepped into the room. Yoshiro remained silent since Iruka knew exactly what this meant. Turning, the scarred Chunin sighed nodded an amused looking Mizuki.

The cyan haired man stepped to the front of the room, as Iruka hurried up the steps and then nodding faintly at Yoshiro disappeared out the door.


Careful brushwork, total concentration. Dignity and respect. Silence.

That was the old man's surroundings as he carefully inked a letter to the great Daimyō of the Fire Country. All around him were the trappings of his station, a raised platform draped with a black carpet. It was rare for him to have the time for this, usually his letters were rushed and hurried but today...even the troublemakers were isolated in the academy. Nobody would skip class this close to the final examination.

He would have the entire day to himself, to concentrate on his brushwork.

"HOKAGE-SAMA!"

Stifling a curse, he stared at the now smudged kanji.

Count to ten, count to ten and do not kill them...they are only messengers.

Calm once more he turned to see what emergency had brought them to him. He just barely managed to repress a groan upon seeing the two familiar uniforms of Konoha's Police and a tightly bound and gagged boy named Naruto.

Sandaime took a deep breath on his pipe exhaling slowly. "What did he do this time?"

"He forced Matsushima-san into a hole on top of mount Oniari and then proceeded to urinate on him." Uchiha Tekka said, scowling.

"We would have handed him off to ANBU like normal but, he's almost thirteen Hokage-sama." Uchiha Inabi said seriously. "We wanted to ensure that he understood what that meant."

"I understand and I am sure Naruto knows what it means." Sandaime said, turning his gaze on the boy letting his displeasure to shine through. "Thank you for bringing him to me."

"No problem Hokage-sama." Tekka said, bowing as he turned to leave. His partner offered a bow shortly afterwards and followed, leaving the old man and young criminal alone. Taking another puff on his pipe Sandaime considered the irate looking boy before he closed his eyes. It would not belong before Iruka showed up to collect his wayward charge...again.

"This is getting tiring Naruto..." Sandaime said after a moment opening his eyes to stare at the boy. "Honestly, why do you insist on causing so much trouble?" Naruto muttered something through his gag and Sandaime sighed closing his eyes once more, wondering what was taking Iruka so long.

Soon enough the door to his office opened and a harried looking Chunin, with a scar across his nose entered the room. Iruka paused, seeing the tied up Naruto and then sighed looking up to met the Hokage's gaze. "Sandaime Hokage-sama. I apologize for this."

"Ah, Iruka. I was expecting you a bit sooner." Sandaime said kindly, before lowering his gaze to an angry looking Naruto. "He's a handful isn't he?"

"Yes Hokage-sama." Iruka said with a sheepish grin before reaching down to grab the boy and yank him upright. "What the hell are you doing during class time!"

Shaking his head the Hokage couldn't help but take an extra long puff on his pipe before letting out several smoke rings listening to Naruto's angry -though muffled- retorts. Sometimes -like now- he wondered how he ever let the Nidaime ever talk him into taking this job.

Oh yea...the girls...


Iruka sighed, watching as Naruto used the shovel to fill in the hole he had so painstakingly dug. Well Naruto would think it was painstaking, Iruka was sure that everyone else would see it as appalling. Iruka was torn on the matter, mainly because of the effort these pranks took, if only Naruto would apply himself to his studies as he did with these types of things.

Then again, since Naruto seemed to think differently than everyone else it was just amazing that the boy could function even semi-normally.

"Naruto...why do you keep doing this sort of thing?" Iruka asked finally and not for the first time. He was not expecting an answer; he had never gotten one yet. Naruto would just ignore him and keep cleaning up whatever it was he had done.

"That bastard cheated a bunch of orphans!" Naruto said hotly, and Iruka sighed.

So that was why, with all of Naruto's enthusiasm about being Hokage and a ninja, he had skipped a review session. It was not a widely thought about fact but Iruka understood why this would bother Naruto so much. Without parents Naruto had been forced to raise himself and he had not exactly been treated kindly either.

That was the reason Iruka had even noticed him, because it was like looking back in time at himself after his own parents had died.

Only Naruto had never had parents...or anyone else.

Iruka spotted the shift in body weight and crossed his arms. "I'm not letting you go home until you clean all of it."

Naruto tensed then looked up at him, eyes closed and face defiant. Then grunting the blond started shoveling dirt once more, mumbling something.

Iruka could not help but sigh and lean back, remembering his own parents. He could vividly remember the emptiness and sense of abandonment each time he went home when he had been twelve. That was a mistake, anytime he did that he always felt like letting Naruto go but he could not do that. The boy needed to learn that there were consequences for his actions...

"Naruto..."

"What now?" Naruto complained, eyes squinting up at him in distrust.

Scratching his nose Iruka looked thoughtful. "Well uhm...If you clean all of this up I'll buy you some ramen tonight." Looking down, he fought to keep from grinning at the way Naruto's face brightened. It was amazing how easily the boy could be cheered up, Iruka could remember the first time he had ever seen Naruto...and introduced him to the joy that was ramen.

"OK! I'll work really hard! I will!" Naruto cheered as the dirt literally started flying as if a hyperactive dog was at work. "Then you'll have to buy me two bowls!"

"WHAT! I NEVER SAID THAT!" Iruka shouted before chuckling at the way the boy concentrated on the task. Not for the first time, Iruka wished Naruto would concentrate like that during class time. In all honesty, Naruto was not a bad ninja he just never tired.

For a moment he mused using the ramen bribe more often but like always realized that he could just barely afford buying Naruto ramen once in the blue moon; the boy ate ramen like a fish breathed water.

"DONE!" Naruto shouted happily and Iruka jerked in surprise.

That was fast...

Two hours later Iruka was admitting such to Naruto as they both entered their favorite ramen stand. Naruto brushed it off and excitedly hopped onto a stool shouting for pork ramen while Iruka made small talk with Ayame until her father shot them a dark glance.

Iruka patiently waited until they were both served -Ayame served him with a wink and blush- then decided to attempt a serious talk with Naruto who had removed his goggles.

"Naruto..."

The blond in question looked up, making a noise while happily slurping his noodles. "I didn't want to say it...but you've got to stop these pranks. Especially if you want to be Hokage."

"Huh?" Naruto glanced at him, talking around a mouth full of ramen. "Why?"

"You're almost thirteen Naruto, if you fail the exam this time then next year we have to expel you from the academy. That makes you a civilian and then the Police will not give you to ANBU or the Hokage. You'll be put in jail." Iruka explained, not sugar coating it a teensy bit.

"Well I'm going to be Hokage so screw that!" Naruto said happily before he shoveled an inhuman amount of ramen into his mouth.

"Naruto...do you really understand what the Hokage is?"

Choking the ramen noodles in his mouth down Naruto nodded his face equally serious. "A Hokage is the strongest and most respected ninja in the village."

"Then you have to stop the pranks and pass this exam."

"One day I'm going to be Hokage..." Naruto said softly before thrusting his hand, holding a pair of chopsticks, at Iruka. "And then I'm going to surpass all the Hokage's! Even the Yondaime! I will pass!"

Iruka opened his mouth to refute that but he saw the way those blue eyes glinted and he just sighed. He just could not take the boy's dream away, no matter how unrealistic it was.

"By the way Sensei...I have a request..." Naruto suddenly said, his voice almost pleading. He even had his hands together as if in prayer. "Can I borrow your leaf forehead protector?" Iruka smirked as best he could with a full mouth, reaching up to adjust the object in question.

"No, no this is for after you graduate. It's the symbol that you've come of age, maybe you'll get one tomorrow."

"STINGY!" Naruto shouted and Iruka laughed.

"So that's why you removed your goggles."

"SECONDS!"

"HUH!"


"Now for the last part of the graduation exam." Iruka said, taking the papers from Mizuki setting them on the desk. Turning back to the class he smiled faintly, "You will do the Bunshin no Jutsu." He shared a brief smile with Mizuki before turning back to the group. "When you're called come to the next room."

That said both teachers turned, leaving the twenty-three students to anxiously await their fates.

Naruto honestly didn't see the point, if a Bunshin was required then he had no chance of graduating. He'd failed the last two times and each time, that was the techinque required. To make matters worse this would be his last year in the acadmey, like Iruka said last night.

He forcibly stopped thinking about that and started concentrating on how he could possibly pass this year. He wouldn't have long to figure it out, he knew Iruka-Sensei all to well. Maybe he could use another one of those 'What you see is what you get' scrolls like he had with that merchant bastard. No, they'd find out...or, if he wrote it now and then...no they would know! They always knew when someone tried to cut a corner.

"Yamabe Anzai!" Mizuki, Iruka's assistant, called and a boy got up from among a crowd of grinning friends to disappear into the next room.

Naruto banged his head on the desk, wishing he had some friends to support him. Well ok, he had Kiba and a few others, but they were mostly just running buddies. They didn't really get along all that well unless pranks, food or cloud watching was involved. Even then it felt like he was out of place...

Ack! He didn't hve time to be thinking about that, he had to figure out how to pass.

"Wakai Jo!" Mizuki shouted and another boy from the same group got up and cockily strode into the testing room.

Naruto covered his head with his hand, trying to keep from panicking. It wouldn't be long now, soon he'd have to suffer the torture. Why had he decided to skip yesterday to! He should have reviewed, done something, anything, to prepare! Wait, maybe he could bug that lazy ass Shikamaru and get him to walk him through the basics again!

Lifting his head he turned preparing to do just that when Mizuki's voice rang out once more. "Uzumaki Naruto!"

Naruto didn't move, even though he felt a few curious glances directed at him. "UZUMAKI NARUTO!" Mizuki shouted, a touch of impatience in his tone and this time those curious glances became sneers.

That spurred Naruto to leap to his feet and onto his desk top, placing his hands on his hips. "Oi! I'm coming!" That shouted he leaped over the head of the people in front of him, descending by using the desks instead of the stairs. He almost landed perfectly but sadly his foot slipped out from under him on the last desk and he landed face first on the ground.

"NARUTO!" Iruka suddenly bellowed and the blond in question didn't give his wounded pride a second thought as he scrambled to his feet and amidst the laughter darted into the other room. It was just like he remembered from his previous attempts, there against the far wall was a desk with both Iruka and Mizuki.

On the desk was a row of forehead protectors. The rest of the room was empty except for a chalkboard. Gathering his nerve he cautiously approached the center of the room, praying that this time he could do it; perform a bunshin and pass. Prayer quickly became a declaration that he would succeed and he even silently shouted for his teachers to watch and see.

Bringing his hands together he concentrated, molding his charka with a fierce determination.

He wouldn't fail this time!

Chakra swirling around him he clenched his eyes shut. He could feel the way his chakra moved, slowly at first; sluggish. Then it started speeding up, coursing through him, led perfectly by his will. Naruto urged it on, trying desprately to get it to move faster to take the coesive form that he wanted from it.

He felt the chakra slipping away and he fought to clear his mind, he was Uzumaki Naruto, Future Hokage. He would pass! It was that simple, suddenly his mind was clear and his chakra surged upwards in an unprecidented wave. He felt joy, unabashed joy, it was moving so perfectly!

No...wait, it was growing too rapidly...becoming chaotic...he needed to hurry.

"Bunshin!" There was a loud pop and suddenly his chakra faded, allowing Naruto to relax and open his eyes. Seeing Iruka's look of horror Naruto hestiantly looked to his right to find that yes he had produced a illusion of himself, but that it was one of the most pathetic things he had ever seen.

Naruto had to fight back the tears of disappointment as the illusion disappered with a pop and swirl of smoke. Dimly he prayed that it would be enough, he had after all produced a Bunshin...looking at Iruka, he held his breath waiting the final word.

"Naruto...you fail!"

Something inside him collapsed, some inner prop that had been holding him up. Suddenly he was just some kid, without any skills other than making trouble...he wanted to shout at Iruka. Yell and scream how it wasn't fair that he should fail! That he had created a Bunshin and that he should be allowed to pass!

He didn't want to be a civilan...just another orphean that could be cheated, lied to, sold and traded...killed...

"Iruka-Sensei," Mizuki interceded, his voice tentative. "This is his third time and he DID technically create a clone...we could let him pass..."

Naruto stared at Mizuki with almost slavish gratitude before looking at Iruka who appeared to seriously be considering that argument.

Please, please, please, please, oh PLEASE! Naruto silently beeseched the Kami.

"No Mizuki-Sensei. Everyone else divided into three, Naruto only created on clone and it was pretty useless."

"Iruka-sensei, he was only required to create one...and he did." Mizuki said doggedly.

"Its not the number of clones." Iruka answered, tone even. "Its the quality of the techinque, as it is if he went into the field like this, his Bunshin could get him killed. Or worse, his team."

Naruto met his teachers steady gaze with a glare. He didn't understand...how could Iruka do this to him? Weren't they friends? Didn't Iruka introduce him to the joy that was ramen? Wasn't Iruka the one that had last night been worried about him becoming a civilan?

"I can't let him pass."

Those words echoed in Naruto's mind, as he watched from the swing outside of the academy. He saw the kids laughing and joking as they left the building, to be embraced and praised by parents. Everybody was so happy, nobody even seemed to notice him sitting alone in the shade of the tree on the tired old swing.

How could Iruka-Sensei not pass him? Was it because he really would be a risk on a mission? No, of course not! He just couldn't create an illuision, not his fault if that techiqnue was crappy. Besides, what use would it be in a fight? Huh, you couldn't even hit anybody with it.

Still, Naruto knew Iruka...the man wouldn't fail him knowing what would happen without a good reason...but Naruto knew he would not be a liability! So what possible reason could there be? Did it even matter, he'd failed this test and next year he would be...

For as long as Naruto could remember all he had ever wanted to be was a ninja that everyone respected. Someone that could stop bastards like that merchant or the orphanage workers that used the kids as slave labor. Someone that could stop them from doing what they did...

A Hokage.

His chest hurt from the knoweledge that he had failed and that he would be as ignored as the others, as forgotten. Leaving the swing outside the acadamey he roamed away, exploring the currently empty streets. He tired comforting himself with the knowledge that he was more skilled than non-ninja, that he could keep himself safe and he could still help others.

"Naruto."

Turning Naruto felt surprise registering in him as he stared at the caring face of the cyan haired older man. "Mizuki-Sensei!"

"We should talk...follow me." Mizuki said kindly and then without a word took a running leap onto an awning before rebounding and working his way higher and higher. Naruto quickly followed, working double time to make the same leaps that his sensei had. Eventually they landed on a balcony without a railing, which provided a great view of the village as the sunset.

Sitting down they were silent for several minutes and then Mizuki sat back, his hands supporting him.

"Iruka-Sensei is a serious person. His parents were killed when he was young and he's had to do everything himself."

"Bah!" Naruto crossed his arms. He didn't care why, it only mattered that Iruka failed him.

"He probably sees himself in you." Mizuki continued off handily. Falling silent they both sat there for a moment before Mizuki continued. "Naruto...I'm going to tell you the truth about something. Something you were suppose to never know about."

"What?"

"It has a lot to do with you, why the villagers are so cold toward you and...why Iruka wants you to become strong in the real way before you graduate."

"I need to graduate this year." Naruto mumbled.

"I know, but this is important and afterwards I'll tell you how to graduate this year despite the normal rules." Mizuki confided.

"Really! THANKS!" Naruto shouted, his mind running rampant with various thoughts. They were washed away however when Mizuki-sensei started speaking.

"You know, of course about the Great Demon that attacked us twelve years ago. We lost the Yondaime and many others in that terrible battle. It's the official reason for why we are so militaristic. Yet, Naruto, I don't think it's fair to hide the truth from you anymore." Sighing Mizuki looked down.

"Huh?"

"The truth is, we're really militaristic because of an event that happened several days after the Kyūbi's death. There was another attack on Konoha, this time from within. We're not sure which country it was, but an enemy nation took advantage of the chaos. They launched a toxic jutsu, something ANBU had never seen before or since, inside the hospital."

"It seemed to originate where the nursery was located, but it was powerful enough to kill everyone inside the building. We lost countless wounded ninja, medics and of course all the babies inside..."

Naruto felt his breath catch, wondering about what this had to do with him. Then seeing the way Mizuki-sensei was staring at him he felt his stomach fall.

"All but one. One child, somehow, survived. That's why the villagers treat you so coldly, many had already lost family and now they had lost even more."

"B-but...how did I-?"

"Nobody really knows. For a while the ANBU believed that you were an enemy plant. The villagers themselves believed you were unnatural to have escaped the attack unscathed. Some of the older generations even said that you were born from the Great Demon's hate and spite for the village."

"I...am I a monster?"

"Hardly, although with the trouble you cause in the village you do more to reinforce that idea than anything else." Mizuki answered lightly. "The truth is Naruto, you probably survived due to a fluke. I mean, you lost your entire family to The Beast on the same day you were born. You never had a chance to know them, letting you survive was probably an act of kindness from the gods."

"...I..." Naruto looked down, falling silent for several long minutes before continuing. "So all those glares and that coldness I suffer is because of something I had no control over?"

"Well that...and the fact you have been pulling pranks on some of the most well respected and powerful people in this village since practically the day you were born." Mizuki allowed, sounding amused. Hearing Naruto mutter something about stuck up bastards deserving it Mizuki continued. "I have to know...how'd you create that ball since you can't do a proper henge?"

"Oh! I used one of those 'What you see is what you get' scroll's from back when I first entered the academy this year." Naruto grinned, eyes closing. "I've got three left."

Mizuki laughed. "You really are a clever one."

Naruto smiled, feeling a fondness for the man forming. "So how do I become strong in the real way?"

"It's the same thing that make Iruka so strong." Mizuki said, tone going serious. "He protects you until you are strong enough to show everybody you are not some cursed child. That's why he is strong, he's protecting something precious to him."

"Precious?" Naruto echoed looking at the man.

"Yes. That's when a shinobi truly becomes strong, when they're protecting something precious. To me you are one of my precious students, which by the way, is the reason I'm going to help you graduate today." Mizuki smiled and Naruto couldn't help but smile back.

Inside he was almost bursting with pride now, this was the first time anyone other than Iruka had shown this much interest in him. He listened very carefully as Mizuki told him exactly what he was going to need to do and where to go, noting how Mizuki claimed 'this path to graduation would be much harder than any test he had taken at the academy'.

When Naruto said that didn't matter, he wanted the chance Mizuki smiled just a bit more.

"Good. Now make sure you're at the training area after eight and practice all night. I'm sure you'll graduate this year."

He'd get to graduate! Yes! In your face Iruka!


"He won't get away with this one! Hokage-sama!"

Sandaime had to repress the groan of annoyance, these Jōnin were looking far to excited for his liking. He was even willing to put money on the fact that these fools would kill Naruto before even thinking about capturing him. Still he couldn't blame them, this was a very serious matter...yet somehow he didn't quite think that Naruto was behind the thief.

"He is carrying a very dangerous scroll. It was forbidden by the previous Hokage, I don't know if he stole it as a joke or someone tricked him into it..." Sandaime said, his voice just barely raised. "I don't want Naruto dead, I want him brought back so we can find out why he did this. It's been half a day since the scroll was stolen so hurry and find him."

That said he made a majestic sweeping gesture and the gathered ninja took off at high speed, fluttering his robes. Sighing he lowered his arm, wondering what exactly was going on. He'd been out visiting a friend of the family and when he'd come back two Chūnin's were knocked out and they claimed it was Naruto.

How the boy could have gained entrance into the Hokage tower, let alone Sandaime's private library, was baffling.

"Hokage-sama."

Turning Sandaime inclined his head at the silver haired, masked man standing behind him.

"We didn't find a trace of Naruto's chakra...or any signs that he was even here." Kakashi offered, his visible eye narrowing. "But the eye witnesses are telling the truth, according to Ibiki-san...so it appears Naruto is better than we first thought."

"I see..." Sandaime mused, before shaking his head. "Well part of me says it could not have been Naruto, but all the evidence points to him. Which is a shame because I was starting to like him." At Kakashi's silence Sandaime started walking, hands behind his back, aware of Kakashi falling into step behind him.

"So...how are this years ANBU recruits?"

"They're fine...though a majority can barely hold Jōnin title."

"Ahh, I trust you'll be able to handle them."

"Yes, yes." Kakashi answered absently. "I received the cipher yesterday from Wind Country. They're politely reminding us that we agreed to host the coming Chūnin exam."

"Ahh, yes..." Sandaime nodded, his eyes narrowing. "Please inform them that we are happy to host the Chūnin exam provided they understand our laws concerning other military powers inside our walls." Hearing the masked man's muffled giggles Sandaime couldn't suppress his groan of annoyance.

He should have never told Jiraya to write his fantasies down to stay out of trouble.


I did it. Finally.

Those were the words running through Naruto's mind as he tried to catch his breath and get his body to stop trembling, he couldn't believe how tired he was. It had taken most of the night since discovering the scroll in the woods, but he had done it. He'd finally learned how to do a Bunshin properly!

Now he could show Iruka-Sensei and then...then...then what? Naruto froze, trying to figure out what to do. Mizuki had never explained how training would let him pass.

The exam was over and he'd have to wait another whole year to even attempt graduating. Which meant he was going to be another year behind in his goal, he was going to have to suffer another year of distrust and talking behind his back.

Besides which, there was no guarantee that Bunshin no Jutsu would be the exam next year.

So what was he...Naruto trailed off sensing the presence of someone else. Looking up he found Iruka-Sensei bent at the waist, hands on his hips and staring at him hard with an awkward grin. "...I've found you."

"Hey I found you, nose bleeder!" Naruto couldn't help but shout while pointing and jumping to his feet.

"IDIOT! I found you!" Iruka shouted back then paused staring at Naruto.

Which sort of made him uncomfortable, thus Naruto reached up and scratched the back of his head smiling to hide his nervousness. Geez, why was Iruka looking at him so oddly? He didn't think there was any reason for it...and for that matter why had Iruka even been looking for him in the first place?

Oh! Could he have been after the scroll? OH SHIT! Iruka was going to think he stole it!

Naruto couldn't help but panic for a moment, scared to death at the prospect of having the thief label added to him. Maybe...Maybe if he could pass it off as a joke and show what he learned.

"Hehe…You found me...I've only learned one skill." Naruto saw the look of incredulity on Iruka's face but he had to keep going.

"You're all beaten up, what were you doing exactly?"

Crap! He wasn't falling for it! "Never mind that, Hey hey! I'm going to try an incredible skill!" Naruto noted the look of surprise on the older man's face and rushed on. "If I do it...Let me graduate!"

He had to act now before Iruka had the chance to think. Impress the man and then he'd forget about the scroll for a moment! Lifting his fingers he concentrated, molding the chakra like he'd learned from the scroll. Only part way through did it occur to him that he might not have enough chakra for this technique...no he had to have enough!

"Naruto."

Naruto froze, his concentration broken looking at Iruka. "Hn?"

"Where did you get the scroll?"

He noticed! Damn it! Naruto gulped, maybe Iruka would believe the truth. Naruto really hoped so...otherwise he'd be in a lot of trouble that he didn't want. "Oh this? I was out here training like Mizuki-Sensei suggested and I found the scroll right where he said it would be. So I opened it and...I thought if I learned one of the techniques you'd let me graduate!"

Naruto registered the shocked look on the man's face a split second before Iruka glanced to the side and slammed a hand into his chest sending Naruto sailing through the air. This was a bit of a surprise, but even Naruto knew the sound that followed next. The sound of kunai slicing through the air.

Opening his eyes as he hit the ground and slid Naruto saw the black metal slamming into Iruka at full speed and pinning him against a tree.

Looking to his left and up he found the familiar form of Mizuki crouching on a tree branch one hand in front of him for balance. Naruto couldn't be sure but he looked like he was smirking,

Mizuki never smirked! "Nice job in finding him..."

Naruto glanced away from the man to stare at Iruka who was struggling to remove the kunai embedded in his green Chūnin vest.

"I see...so that's what's going on..." Iruka muttered, wincing as he removed one of the weapons from his shoulder.

Naruto quickly climbed to his feet, he had to help Iruka. He froze however when Mizuki spoke up once more. "Naruto, give me the scroll!"

That sounded like a command and Naruto knew not to disobey a teacher, within in class or not. But Iruka-sensei needed help and Mizuki seemed to have hurt his friend in the first place. What could he do? Why was this happening, all he wanted to do was graduate!

"I don't understand...What's going on here! Hey!" Naruto shouted looking back and forth. He wanted someone to tell him the truth.

Instead Iruka lunged forward, forcibly removing a kunai from his chest. "Naruto! Don't give him the scroll even if I die!" Iruka stooped slightly glaring up at Mizuki who was standing up. "That is a dangerous scroll that has forbidden Ninjutsu sealed within it! Mizuki used you to cover his tracks after he stole it!"

Naruto felt something racing up his back, it was cold for a moment and then suddenly it turned hot. His entire body was reacting on its own, preparing to fight without conscious effort. If Iruka-Sensei was telling the truth...that bastard Mizuki was going to pay! He had hurt Iruka and betrayed the old man Hokage!

Mizuki however was looking entirely too amused. "Naruto...if you attack me I will kill you."

"BASTARD! WHY! WHY DID YOU DO THIS!" Naruto shouted angrily, willing his body to stay still for a moment. Logically he knew there was no way he could beat a Chūnin in a straight up fight, but his body was trying to argue the point.

"Why? Because I can! Because I want to get stronger and that scroll was written by the Yondaime, the strongest Hokage ever!" Mizuki shouted, reaching back for his large throwing star chuckling, "Now I'm going to kill you both. Why? Because I can!" Mizuki's face twisted into an ugly visage, showing just how deranged his mind had become. Then muscles straining the cyan haired school teacher hurled the giant weapon at the boy.

Naruto started to move a split second to late, his mind clearing from his emotions to realize the danger he was in...and then his world was obscured by green and black as he was pushed painfully against the ground. Twisting around he stared up at the bloodied mouth and unfocused eyes of Iruka who was crouching over him.

Naruto could think of only one thing to ask. "W-why?"

Iruka was silent for several long minutes and then he spoke his voice hoarse. "I'm sorry, if I had done a better job...you...r-run." Naruto stared at the man he'd come to view as half-brother and half-father. Part of him understood what Iruka meant, understood the feelings those eyes full of tears showed.

The other part couldn't.

He turned scrambling to his feet as he took off, the scroll slapping against his back, ignoring Mizuki's shout. He had to get away, had to think! Why, why had everything turned out like this! All Naruto had ever wanted, was to be a ninja... and now he was running away like a scared little kid.

"Why are you running! Just die, it's not like anybody will mourn!" Mizuki shouted from behind him.

Naruto continued to run through a forest blurred with his tears.


He always thought the same thing, that on the surface the village always looked so peaceful. The Sandaime was not that naive however, he had been alive for far to long to believe that. He had seen the closing of the Shodai and Nidaime Hokage's lives, he'd seen the rise and death of even his own successor against the terrible Demon Fox.

In the distance he could hear the sound of various Jōnin moving quietly, some shouting that they needed to find and kill Naruto. Yes, things were happening again and it appeared he might have to loose yet another precious leaf of Konoha. Why had Naruto stolen the scroll? Could it be he had really been a spy, planted so many years ago just for this purpose?

Turning he stared over his shoulder at the closed door leading into his office. "Kakashi-san."

Seconds later he was greeted with the presence of the masked, one eyed man.

"Well?"

"An ANBU patrol noticed Mizuki moving out of the village quickly carrying a scroll." Kakashi answered blandly. "At the time we didn't know that it was the forbidden scroll, he's a teacher after all and they assumed it was something to do with the academy."

"Mizuki was plotting to frame Naruto in the theft of the scroll."

"It would be foolish to take a forbidden scroll without checking to see if it was trapped. I think, if I'm correct, that Mizuki planted the scroll in a prearranged place that he knew Naruto would go. The boy would of course read the scroll and set off any traps inside."

"Mizuki was never a foolish one." Sandaime said, puffing on his pipe. "Iruka was heading toward the forest when he found out, do you think that he might know where Naruto would be if he was training?"

"More than likely." Kakashi agreed. "I have a team already closing in, this whole matter will be resolved in a matter of minutes."

"Hmmm..." The Hokage frowned, then shook his head. "Let Naruto and Iruka handle this as much as possible. I only want your team to interfere if there is no other choice."

"Of course." Kakashi said, his tone sounding less than enthusiastic but he quietly retreated from the office leaving the Hokage alone. Sandaime sighed, popping his neck absently before clasping hands behind his neck and moving back to the window to stare out over the village.

Was he taking too large a gamble that a Genin and an almost inexperienced school teacher could beat a man good enough to steal a scroll from the Hokage's private office? Probably...but Sandaime had this feeling, there was something large on the horizon and for the foreseeable future he would have to bank on Naruto.

Sighing the old man closed his eyes, wondering what his own teachers would have done.

There was no telling really and in all honesty, he was probably getting ahead of himself. First Naruto would have to not only survive the night but show an incredible skill to merit graduation from the academy. Something that would allow him to avoid becoming a civilan, yet somehow the Sandaime didn't think that would be a problem.

Unconsciously he mused about getting her for the job as Naruto's sensei since the other teams were already formed. Konoha's number one trouble maker and Konoha's number one most sadistic kuonichi, alone on the same time.

That would be entertaining to say the least.


The forest was still and calm, glowing almost eerily in the moonlight. A few nocturnal animals prowled silently searching for prey. They froze only as the solitary figure dashed over head, silently going above and then below branches. He was moving faster than a regular human could run on the ground and his passage just barely disturbed the stray leaves in the trees.

He was pushing himself, searching desperately, with his heart pounding in is ears. How had things gone like this? He had it planned so perfectly! It shouldn't have collapsed like this, but it was ok...he could improvise, adapt. Nobody would know, no way could they know.

First he'd kill that bastard and then he'd remove the other moron, then he could arrange things perfectly. Naruto had killed Iruka, the scroll is gone, most likely destroyed in the fight. So sad, so sad, but it was alright because the traitor would be dead, Iruka would be a hero, and the Yondaime's scroll would be his.

Mizuki allowed himself a rare real smile of pleasure. Things could still work out perfectly, there was nothing to worry about, nothing at all. Ahead he caught sight of a pale orange jumpsuit, Naruto had some real speed. Mizuki smirked, there was no use denying that if Naruto lived he would amount to something decent. To bad he was going to die in this forest tonight.

Mizuki paced him for a moment and then sped up, zipping up even with the boy on the right side, knowing his henge to look like Iruka was flawless. "Naruto!"

The boy turned in mid-leap, his gaze distrusting but hopeful.

"Hurry! Pass me the scroll!" Mizuki-Iruka said urgently, trying to look concerned even as he moved ahead of the boy slightly. "Mizuki is after it!"

Naruto stopped, crouching down and Mizuki turned in mid-leap wondering what was up. Naruto pushed off the tree branch and Mizuki was caught in mid-air by a flying shoulder and forced into an uncontrolled dive snapping branches as he descended rapidly.

Mizuki grunted as he smashed into the ground and skidded to a stop. Pushing himself onto his hands and knees he turned to glare at Naruto who was falling back against a tree breathing heavily. "Why...Naruto?" Letting his Henge fade Mizuki glared at the boy. "How did you know I wasn't Iruka?"

Mizuki was taken back when Naruto suddenly smiled while chuckling. Then even as he climbed back to his feet he was greeted with Naruto disappearing in a puff of smoke to reveal a smiling and bloodied Iruka. "Because I'm Iruka."

Mizuki froze for a moment, then smiled faintly. How foolish, he should have noticed the difference in the way they moved. Naruto pushed off with the balls of his feet while Iruka did so with the heels.

"You really care enough to give your own life for that brat?"

Iruka closed his eyes, bleeding heavily. "I won't hand the scroll over to an idiot like you!"

Mizuki blinked then laughed, shaking his head. How stupid could someone get? "You're an idiot, Naruto and I are the same. If you use the skill in that scroll, you can do whatever you want." Grinning he spread his hands laughing.

"Yeah...you can." Iruka said faintly, catching Mizuki by surprise. Iruka was agreeing with him? That had never happened before, could the man be trying something, what could he do? Iruka was on his last legs. "Naruto isn't the same as you though...he'll use it to protect this village..."

"Heh, you keep thinking that." Mizuki allowed shrugging.

"I...why not just run? When you first took it?" Iruka asked, his eyes almost out of focus.

"Oh, the truth is I wanted to make sure the techniques on the scroll weren't booby trapped." Mizuki grinned viciously. "I figure who better than the dead last student from the academy to test and make sure it wasn't dangerous. You just happened to come along before I could arrive and take it back."

Iruka grunted bracing himself against the tree trunk, shaking his head. "Cowardly...but you're wrong...Naruto isn't...I've acknowledged him as one of my excellent students. He may be clumsy so no one accepts him and he might pull pranks...but he knows what it is to feel the pain of loneliness in your heart."

Mizuki felt his eye twitching. Iruka was using his last breath to defend that little prick? What sort of sense did that make?

"He is a member of the Hidden Leaf Village and it's number one trouble maker, he's Uzumaki Naruto!"

Mizuki sighed, shaking his head. He shouldn't be surprised, really, Iruka was always such a blind idealistic moron. Even back when they were in the academy together, of course that could be why the others would pick on him. Not that it mattered any more, so he'd just chalk this up to a difference in opinion.

"Whatever...Iruka I know I said I would take care of you later but I've changed my mind." Unstrapping the giant shuriken Mizuki narrowed his eyes, "HURRY UP AND DIE!" That shouted Mizuki darted forward, the shuriken spinning perfectly like he had always practiced.

Ten feet, five...four...he could already see Iruka's mutilated body, and that was what cost him the chance to kill the man. He had been too caught up in his own fantasy and had missed the inrush of orange until it was too late. One minute his gaze was locked on Iruka, the next a blue shoe was smashing into his cheek forcing him to release his shuriken while he twisted and sailed back once more to crash into the earth.

He bounced several times in his skid until he came to a stop and Mizuki could taste the tinge of copper in his mouth. How dare that bastard attack him? How dare Naruto make him bleed? Pushing himself up slightly he turned his gaze upon the boy, eyes dark with anger. "You should not have done that..."

"Don't touch Iruka-Sensei." Naruto said while he slammed the scroll into the ground so that it was standing upright. Mizuki watched as the boy lowered his head, focusing on him. Mizuki felt something inside him shiver in fear, fear of what he didn't know. "I'll Kill You!"

"You idiot! Why did you come out! Run away!" Iruka shouted before falling in a coughing fit.

Surprisingly that was all it took to jar Mizuki out of his cowardly fear. "Shut up! A little punk like you I'll kill in one shot!" He was taken back however when Naruto in response narrowed his eyes while moving his fingers into an unfamiliar seal.

"Try it trash!"

Even Mizuki could tell there was no bravado in that voice. This was an entirely different Naruto than anything he'd ever dealt with. But Mizuki refused to back down, refused to believe that the boy could actually be a danger to him. "You want to try a jutsu? Then do it!"

Seconds later as the boy's charka began to explode Mizuki wondered for a moment if the boy had used the scroll and if he had which skill he had learned. Then he noticed the chakra had a slightly different feel to it...it almost felt...more mature.

"Taiju Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!"

Mizuki suddenly did not feel so confident, everywhere he looked there was a Naruto. He was trapped in a sea of orange and somehow...he didn't think these were just illusions.

"What's wrong? Come at me!" Said one of the clones, who was hanging upside down.

"Weren't you going to kill me with one shot?" Another taunted and Mizuki could only look around in confusion and mounting fear.

"Well then..." Another one added grinning darkly.

"I'll start things off!" Another finished, arm pulled back for a punch and a cocky smile in place.

Mizuki wasn't sure what happened, wasn't sure of anything except that he was now getting beat into coma by a thousand Narutos, and none of them seemed to be holding back. He was never so grateful for unconsciousness as when it finally washed over him.

Sadly his blissful escape was populated by orange and yellow demons.


"Did anyone find him!"

"No!"

"Damn it! This is bad!"

"He maybe far away by now!"

The Sandaime shook his head, glancing at Kakashi who was casually leaning against a wall in the darkness. He offered a slight nod and the Hokage smiled smugly turning to address the panicking Jōnin. "There is nothing to worry about." He found it funny how fast his soft voice could bring such a stunned silence to a group of panicking ninja.

"Hokage-sama?"

Sandaime was silent for a moment, puffing on his pipe, thinking. It looked like he was going to have to use her after all, that made him quiet happy. Hopefully she would not turn out like her own sensei...still she should jump at the chance to teach, if he asked nicely. Better sooth these almost rabid baboons first so they don't kill Naruto on sight.

"He'll be back soon, with the real thief and Iruka-san." He saw the looks they were sending him and he could only close his eyes and puff a little more on his pipe. "You can go home now." They hesitated then slowly they turned taking off leaving the Hokage alone with the ANBU Commander who calmly walked over to join him while reading his book.

Kakashi stopped within arms reach, not saying a word and the Sandaime contented himself to stare up at the stars over head before speaking to the masked man. "Well?"

"He is interesting. Preliminary report says that Naruto not only learned a forbidden technique but used it with surprising results to defeat Mizuki." Kakashi looked up from his book raising an eyebrow while still looking incredible tired. "I told the team to wait until the two were clear of the area. I am curious...what now?"

"Now..." Sandaime mused, smiling to himself, before glancing at the silver haired masked man. "Now...I get to see Anko-chan about a teaching job."

"...You wouldn't. You would." Kakashi deadpanned before shaking his head.

"Naruto is unusual. He will need an unusual teacher...besides you've got enough on your plate."

"Yes."

Seconds later Sandaime was alone, hands clasped behind his back and blowing smoke rings into the brightening sky musing about life, the Yondaime and Naruto.


Iruka leaned his head back against the tree trunk, concentrating on his breath. He didn't think he had any internal injuries or bleeding, but there was no telling. The important thing however was that he would not be dying anytime soon. This meant he could consider the blond who was staring at him worriedly.

Iruka did owe Naruto but there was only so much he could do. Naruto had failed the graduation test and passing the boy into the official ninja ranks would utterly irresponsable. Yet this was the last year that Naruto could even try for it and...the blond had met the minimum requirements.

There was no questioning that, still there was one thing Iruka couldn't help with. Naruto sucked at illusion, it'd be a huge liability to send him into the field. So what could Iruka do? The Hokage would never let Naruto pass if he couldn't complete that last step...but then again...Naruto HAD just split into over a thousand real bunshins right before his eyes.

Could that count? Iruka frowned considering that, real clones over illuisions would make him much less of a liability. Then Iruka winced, one of his wounds flaring up. Well, they might revoke Naruto's graduation to Genin but for a few hours he could let the boy, no his brother he realized with a start, experience what it was like to be a real ninja.

Now the only problem was where to get a forehead protector. That and the fact that Naruto kept asking if he was ok.

"Close your eyes." Seeing the hesitation Iruka narrowed his eyes, frightening the boy into doing just that.

Biting back a yelp of pain Iruka reached up and removed his own forehead protector, the cloth was faded and the plate was nicked and not nearly as pristine as the others. Naruto might not even like it and demand his own forehead protector, but it would do for the moment.

Moving onto his knees, ignoring the pain that raced through his body he reached up and removed Naruto's goggles before slipping the forehead protector in place. Satisfied he collapsed back against the tree.

"Sensei now?" Naruto sounded so anxious.

"Ok, you can open your eyes." Iruka said, plastering a smile on his face. There was no use in letting Naruto know just how hurt he really was. "Congratulations on graduating." Naruto's face registered shock at first and then surprise. "Let's celebrate! I'll buy you a bowl of ramen."

Iruka almost thought Naruto was going to shout, or cry...instead he sort of smiled and Iruka prepared himself to give a lecture -which might be his last considering his wounds- about how the hard part of being a Shinobi was just starting. Naruto however had different plans, the blond lunged forward embracing him in a bone-crunching hug.

Well...Iruka would just save that lecture for the ramen place.


AN

This will probably be the only AN I give for this entire fic, first off yes this is a retelling of Naruto P1. It was the winning contest entry for Krakensghost, I will update the 10th of every month. The plot for my story deivates after this chapter, it will touch back in during the Chunin and etc parts, but they shall not follow mindlessly the orginal manga.

If you don't like this, then go read something else. I understand about your distrust of retellings, I've read one or two myself...so I myself was leery, thus I tried to make mine avoid the problems of lesser retellings.

Techniques/Jutsu's:

I do have a tendency to use both the Japanese names for certain ones...I've collected the most common into a short list and present it here. These will be the only names that I'll contionusly use Japanese names for and this will be the only list.

So if you see a Japanese jutsu you don't know check here...All other jutsu's shall be in English.

Bunshin no Jutsu (Doppelganger Technique)
Chidori (One Thousand Birds)
Henge no Jutsu (Transformation Technique)
Kanashibari no Jutsu (Temporary Paralysis Technique)
Kage Bunshin no Jutsu (Shadow Doppelganger Technique)
Kawarimi no Jutsu (Body Replacement Technique)
Kuchiyose no Jutsu (Summoning Technique)
Meisai Gakure no Jutsu (Hiding Camouflage Technique)
Rasengan (Sprialing Sphere)
Shihohappo Shuriken (Shuriken from All Directions)
Seneijashu (Hidden Shadow Snake Hand)
Sen'eitajashu (Hidden Shadow Many Snake Hand)
Sojasosai no Jutsu (Twin Snakes Kill Each Other)
Shosen Jutsu (Mystical Palm Technique)
Shintenshin no Jutsu (Mind Body Switch Technique)
Taju Kage Bunshin no Jutsu (Multiple Shadow Clone Technique)
Futon: Daitoppa (Wind Release: Great Breakthrough)
Katon: Ryūka no Jutsu (Fire Release: Dragon Fire Technique)
Kaze no Yaiba (Blade of Wind)

Misc. Section: This is actually a list of plot points, excuses and explanations:

The plot follows (more or less) the original NP1 series, with changes occurring as I desire.

The Uchiha clan is still around

I have Naruto separated from Sakura and Sasuke, because Naruto back on the original team would be boring and pointless; he had no real instruction, plus yea know...I like Anko. (Just something about a hot woman that wears fishnet, loves sharp objects and routinely scares people to death that appeals to me.)

I've done my best to keep from bashing any character -seriously I have- and keep Naruto from failing into the various pitfalls that so often occur. The main focus of the story is on gasp the character it's named after! All characters are interpreted as I view them, I've done my best to keep them IC. If I failed, I hope I've done it at least in an entertaining way.

On the surface when compared to the original and the other characters in this fic Naruto is stronger than he should be. When you stop and think it's not, it's merely the difference of one-on-one training compared to what everyone else is experiencing.

As for the Sasuke vs Naruto debate, Kurenai is a more conservative teacher while Anko is trying to create a ninja that could perform B, A and eventually S-ranked missions. However, I do plan on having them about equal in power and skill like in the original series.

I'm reluctant to give pairings due to the fact that the characters are currently 12 and 13, but I will to save time list the only ones that will in some way matter to either this story or it's sequel:

Sasuke/ Sakura
Naruto/ Ino
Lee/ Tenten
Iruka/ Ayame
Anko/ Kakashi
Hinata/ Choji
Hayate/ Yūgao