Authors Note: Yo! I just wanted to thank sabyashiv for the feedback, and advice for my Fanfiction!
Please review, or PM me any recommendations for the story, or a few things you'd like to see, Please Enjoy!
Facing Reality
Where we left off:
'Maybe I can make a few friends after all, who would of thought.'Naruto let a smile cross his face, this was gonna be a good few years.
Chapter 2
6 months Into The Academy, Friday, 7:30 A.M.
Naruto sat at his desk, chatter amongst the other students going on around him, these past months have been quite eventful for the young Uzumaki. He pondered on the 3 friends he's managed to make so far, Kiba, Shikamaru, and Choji. Kiba was quite the energetic one, always up to do something exciting, and sometimes getting into some mischief. Shikamaru, well Naruto didn't really have much to say about him except one word, Lazy.
Shikamaru always had to be encouraged, or pushed into playing anything physically taxing, He mostly just laid back, and watched the clouds. Last, but not least; Choji, He was kind hearted when it came to his friends, and he had quite the…appetite, usually always having some sort of snack wherever he went.
"Naruto!" Called Kiba, as Naruto was pulled from his thoughts, "What up, Kiba?" Naruto gussed it was another of of Kiba's pranks, he always seemed to love messing with the adults of the village. His 'prized prank' as he called it was launching paint balloons into random parts of the village, or as he nicknamed it a 'Paint Mortar'.
"After school you want to come over to my House today, Shikamaru, and Choji will be there too!" Akamaru barked in agreement, the pup having taking a liking to Naruto as well. Naruto hadn't guessed that, he hasn't been to Kiba's house just yet, nor any other kids house, this was his first time being invited to anyone's home.
"Oh, uh sure Kiba, but will your parents be ok with it?" Naruto asked, somewhat nervous about what they'd think, "Nah, my mom's pretty laid back when it comes to bringing friends over." Kiba grinned widely.
Naruto felt…excited actually, an entirely new experience for him, being able to visit a friend's home. He just hoped Kiba's mom wasn't like the other people of the village, and didn't lose a friend in the process. The door to the classroom opened, one Sasuke Uchiha entered, right away he made his way over to Naruto, taking the empty seat next to him. Sasuke had recently used Naruto as a reason to get away from most of the, what Naruto calls; Fan-girls in his class.
"Sasuke, had an eventful morning?" Naruto asked, amused by the face of the Uchiha, as he seemed distressed. Sasuke exhaled, letting out a breath he didn't know he'd been holding, "You have no idea." He grunted out, irritated. Naruto didn't really know whether or not to call Sasuke a friend just yet, really it was more of a one-sided rivalry. They mostly just talked at school, and didn't interact after it was over, you could say they were just acquaintances.
Naruto decided to break the silence mowing over, "Well, don't leave me hanging, whats wrong?" Naruto spoke up as Sasuke turned to him, his head resting on his hand. Sasuke exhaled, deciding to answer him, "They won't give me space to breathe, they crowded me on the way here, and I was nearly late trying to answer all the questions they asked just to get them off my back." Sasuke face palmed, his voice alone giving away his annoyance.
Naruto moved his fingers through his hair, going into some thought, "Seems like a hassle." Naruto commented, "That's putting it lightly…" Sasuke muttered in a low voice. Naruto sat back in his chair, placing his feet upon the desk, "How about you see if you can join Shikamaru, Choji, and I at Kibas house?" Sasuke rose an eyebrow as he scratched his hair, "They don't know me all that well, so I'm not to sur-", "Kiba!" Naruto cut him short, Kiba walking over to Naruto, his hands resting behind his wild brown hair. "Whats up, Naruto?" Kiba responded, curiosity in his voice, "You mind if I bring Sasuke along with me after school, if it's okay with you?"
Kiba raised an eyebrow, "Yeah, that's cool, the more the merrier, about time he stopped being so distant from everyone else." Kiba chuckled. "Hn." Sasuke made that noise he always does when he has nothing else to say in response.
Iruka soon entered the room, as the class quieted down, and the lessons started.
3 Hours Into The Academy, 11:00 P.M, Lunch
Sasuke sat behind a tree, avoiding attention as he quietly ate from his boxed lunch made by his mother, Mikoto Uchiha. After the massacre of his clan, his mother surviving was the only thing that kept him from constantly pondering on beating Itachi. His mother is the one who helped him mend his broken mind for the most part, after the Genjutsu Itachi used on him, he found all his thoughts filled with hatred of his older brother. His mother was the only one who took him from the path of blind vengeance, but he still planned to confront his brother someday, and defeat him in battle, not killing him, but to get answers for why he did it, why he massacred their clan.
X-X-X
Uchiha Compound, Main House
Mikoto Uchiha, she remembered the massacre, vividly, Itachi, her son, nearly killed her, his own mother. She still remembers those words he muttered, as he thought her dead, "If it was up to me, I wouldn't have done this, but I'm just following orders, Sorry. Mother." That was when she had blacked out, only to awaken in the hospital, ANBU had arrived just in time to help her, a minute longer, and she'd probably have been dead. After recovering the first thing she did was speak to the Hokage, asking for answers, and telling him just what Itachi said.
Hiruzen had told her the truth, how her Husband was planning to betray the village. If it was up to Hiruzen he wouldn't have ordered the massacre, if the council hadn't voted against him. She was told to keep the truth from Sasuke, she agreed, hesitantly.
She sighed to herself, as she raised her Nodachi, both of her hands tightly gripped around the hilt of the blade, her eyes staring down the sharp metal blade. The sword glinted as the sunlight hit it, and in one fierce movement, she dashed forward. With her might she swung horizontally, splitting a single tree in half.
"I should figure out what to make for dinner today." Mikoto muttered to herself, taking her mind off of prior thoughts.
X-X-X
Academy, 11:20 P.M, Lunch
Naruto had finished eating well before anyone else, as he crossed the Lunch yard many tables filled with different students. Sakura, and Ino sat together, chatting away at a smaller table, 'I won't interfere with their chat for now.' Naruto thought to himself, as he went the opposite direction. Coming upon a lone Indigo color haired girl, who he remembered to be Hinata Hyuga.
He sat down across from her, resting his arms on the table, "You're sitting here alone?" He asked her, attempting to ignite a conversation. She gained a feint blush, as she nodded nervously, "I-I'm not really a-all that good at s-speaking with others." She said, a slight stutter in her voice, as she twirled her index fingers around each other, something of a nervous habit of hers.
Naruto scratched his hair, "We could go for a walk if you want, I'm sure you don't wanna sit at this table for the entire period of Lunch." Naruto offered her, as her blush grew a tad darker, "A-alright." She agreed, a smile making its way to her lips, as Naruto led her through the large grounds of the Academy.
After walking for around 5 Minutes, Hinata found herself in deep thought, 'I may actually be able to make a friend in the Academy, and he seems to be a kind person…' She thought to herself, the small smile on her face growing a littler larger.
"Hinata, you okay? You're falling behind!" Naruto alerted her, bringing her out of thought, as she found out she stopped walking, and was now far behind Naruto. She ran forward, intent on catching up, as someone turned a corner, Hinata bumping into them. The 3 Boys, all being taller than her turned their attention to Hinata, her form on the ground in front of them.
Naruto caught site of the scene already making his way towards them, 'Those three look to be 3rd years, the one in the middle being a bit larger than the other two.' Naruto said, analyzing the situation.
The lanky pre-teen in the middle looked down at Hinata, his brown hair in somewhat of a style of a Mullet, wearing a gray t-shirt, and normal jeans, along with blue sandals. "You need to start watching where you're running kid." He said threateningly, the other two stepping behind him, backing him up.
"Yeah, do you even know who you just bumped into, that's Aihiro, hes in the top 10 students in the 3rd year." One of them gloated for the taller 3rd year.
Hinata's face was terrified, her low self-esteem not particularly helping in this situation.
Aihiro gained a cocky grin, soon after spotting the girls eyes. "Oh you're a Hyuga, so what you think you can go doing whatever you want without consequences?" Hinata rapidly shook her head, "N-no that w-was an accident." She spoke softly, near quiet.
Naruto had stepped between them, staring directly at Aihiro, "It was an accident, please leave her alone." He defended, trying to defuse the situation.
"You want me to leave her alone? Fine, get on your knees and apologies for her then." Aihiro's grin growing, as he stared down at the Blonde.
'I could probably take them on, maybe. But I can't risk Hinata getting caught up in this...' He sighed, "If that's what it takes, fine." Naruto slowly got on all fours, his head bent near the ground, "I'm sorry for my friend bumping into you, it won't happen again." He said in a neutral tone. Hinata took that time to speak up, "N-naruto you don't h-have to do this, it was my f-fault." Naruto stayed silent, staying in his position.
Aihiro chuckled with his grin ever present, as he went to plant his foot atop Naruto's head, "Naruto, get up!" Hinata yelled, for once. In a second, Naruto had raised up, grabbing the taller boys' ankle. "I did what you said, now leave us alone." Naruto said to Aihiro, as he stood up, releasing the hold on his leg.
Naruto turned from him, pulling Hinata away from the three of them. What came next Naruto wasn't able to react to in time, Aihiro ran forward, sending his fist to the back of Naruto's head, flooring him into the grass.
"Who said you could leave, Shorty?" He said aloud, irritation clear in his voice, as he had his closed fist outstretched. Naruto pushed himself up from the ground, standing slowly until he reached full height. 'Despite his build, he hits pretty hard. I best not underestimate him.' Naruto turned to Aihiro, his face completely serious, and his glare in full force.
"Fine, you want to start a fight, then let's go." He turned to Hinata, "Hinata you go back to the Academy, I'll meet you there." He informed her, making sure she doesn't get caught in the fight.
"B-but I can't l-leave you here alone!" She exclaimed, wondering just how he'd stand up to all 3 of them by himself.
Naruto merely smiled at her, "I'm sure I can handle myself, now go I don't want you getting hurt."
Hesitantly, Hinata ran off, intent on getting help.
Aihiro sneered, "Oh, so you're playing the Knight in shining armor now huh, you think you can take all 3 of us on 1st year?" Naruto's head snapped to them, "Not sure, but I'm about to find out."
Naruto got in his Muay Thai fighting stance, his defense solid. Aihiro glared daggers at Naruto, as he ran forward, completely expecting to thrash him. Until as soon as he reached him, he found a knee connecting to his cheek, flooring him into the ground.
Aihiro slowly stood, all the while rubbing his cheek, a stream of blood running down his chin. "Oh, so you got some fight huh? Good at least my punching bag will have some fight in him." He grinned like a maniac. Aihiro motioned for the other two to assist him, as they both dashed for Naruto.
'They're both slower than me, but I won't let my guard down.' Naruto braced himself, as the two 3rd years dashed to his sides, both sending a fist towards his head. Naruto jumped, their fist hitting each other's, as Naruto spun in the air. Upon his descent he sent an elbow to one's nose, and a knee to the others, fracturing both of their noses, as they were sent into the dirt. Naruto balanced himself on the ground, satisfied at the hit he got in.
"You still wanna do this?" Naruto questioned, a smirk slowly reaches unto his lips, until he heard an unfamiliar shout, "Earth Style: Mud Clone!" He was suddenly grabbed under the arms, and forcing Naruto to the ground. "What? But how?!" Naruto exclaimed, unable to get loose from the hold.
Aishiro let his grin widen, "Kai over there." Aishiro pointed to the green haired 3rd year that Naruto landed an elbow on, a smile upon the long green haired, and greed eyed boys face. "Has quite the amount of chakra for someone his age, probably even as much as a decent Chunin would have according to our teacher, and not to mention his father taught him that Jutsu." Aishiro let off a laugh.
Naruto sneered, Aishiro took that moment to kneel down before sending a fist into Naruto's cheek, causing the Blonde to grimace in pain. "So, what are you gonna do now?" Aishiro taunted, his fist held up, ready to strike down.
'I was careless, I let my attention turn from an opponent, I lost this one. He's to big for me to throw off, and my Mobility is limited.' Naruto admitted to himself, preparing himself for the coming onslaught.
Aishiro grabbed ahold of Naruto's head, sending another strong punch into his nose. A pained grunt escaped his lips upon contact, but he proceeded to take the pain best he could. Naruto was sure his nose was broken right there and then, 'Even if I lost, I won't give in to this pain…' He steeled himself, bracing himself once more. Although before the hit came, he suddenly heard a voice he recognized, "What do you think you three are doing?!" Upon hearing the voice, the three 3rd years looked up, to see the 1st year teacher, Iruka Umino.
The 3 of them made way to run, but Iruka was already ahead of them, as they bumped into him, falling onto the grass. "You dare waltz around, thinking you can beat on one of my students?" Iruka for once looked terrifying, face one that of pure anger. "And not to mention he's basically one of your comrades, but you insist on causing harm to him?" Iruka's voice seemed deeper than usual, a lot more threatening.
The 3 pre-teens were shivering on the spot, the malicious feeling coming from Iruka. "Stay. Right. There." He ordered, and they didn't dare move. Iruka made his way over to Naruto, who was already sitting cross-legged, holding his nose closed, stopping blood from leaking out.
"Are you alright, Naruto?" He asked, genuinely concerned, unlike most Iruka saw Naruto for who he truly is, a Kindhearted child, and a strong once at that, Not some reincarnation of a certain 9 tailed demon.
Naruto nodded, "I'll be fine in a day or two, nothing Major." Naruto responded, as he made his way to his feet, the Mud Clone having been gone the moment the three 3rd years tried to run away.
Iruka nodded, "If it wasn't for Hinata I never would have known, you should thank her later." Naruto nodded, he really did owe Hinata for that one. "Now, as for you two. Office, Now." Iruka ordered, the 3 pre-teens having ran towards the direction of the Academy, Iruka close behind.
Naruto uncovered his nose, the Injury having already healed, "It's not bleeding anymore, but how?" If Naruto had a mirror he'd see that he looked relatively unscathed, he just pushed the thought back, not bothering to ponder on it for now.
Upon his arrival back at the Academy he noticed one Hinata Hyuga running over to him, along with Kiba, Choji, Shikamaru, Sasuke, and surprisingly Sakura, and Ino.
"Hey man, are you ok? Hinata told us what happened!" Kiba asked, worried the rest of them nodding in agreement.
Naruto scratched the back of his head, "I'm fine I just got in a fight with a few 3rd years…" Nruto stated simply. "A few, you mean more than two? But you don't even look like you got a scratch, besides a bit of dirt." Sasuke added.
"What do you mean not a scratch?" Naruto questioned, confused. Ino took that moment to take out a small pocket mirror, handing it to him. Upon looking in the small mirror, he noticed he didn't have a single scratch on his face, "What, but-" Naruto was shocked, how could he have healed like this already?
Sasuke looked at him with a shocked look on his face, 'How could he have fought them all by himself, I know for sure I couldn't manage that, not yet.' Sasuke pondered to himself.
Most of them besides Shikamaru, and Hinata had looks of shock upon their faces, wondering near the same thing as Sasuke.
Hinata took that moment to step forward, "I-i'm just glad you're ok. Y-you didn't have to do all of that for m-me anyways, I j-just met you." Naruto placed a hand atop her head, a wide smile crossing his face, as she gained a blush. "Well I consider you a friend Hinata, and I always help my friends, some 3rd year jerk won't make me back down." His grin only growing wider.
Hinata felt something in her change, as she saw Naruto in an entirely new light. "T-thank you, N-naruto." Naruto let out a small laugh, "No need to thank me Hinata, now let's get back to the Academy, we still have a long way to go until we become Shinobi, right guys?" They all nodded cheerfully in response, all of them heading back to the Academy building.
Naruto lagged behind them, in his own thoughts. 'I hope the rest of the year isn't as dramatic as this.' He silently hoped.
Academy End, Friday 4:45 P.M.
"Naruto you coming?" Rushed Kiba, as he walked in the direction of his home. "Yeah, I'm coming, I'm coming." Naruto replied, as he walked ahead to Kiba, Shikamaru, and Choji close behind.
Upon reaching Kiba's house the first thing he noticed was it's size, it was quite huge if he had to say so himself, 'First time being to a Clan House, I knew they'd be big, but wow.' Naruto thought to himself, as Kiba knocked on the door.
Naruto expected her to be Kiba's mother, but the girl looked to be a teenager, either 4 or 5 years older than them. "Hey Kiba!" She said cheerfully, then looking behind Kiba, spotting the other 3. "Oh, Hey Shikamaru, and you Choji." She said with a smile crossing her face, having seen those two before before. "Hey Hana!" Cheerfully exclaimed Choji. Shikamaru gave a lazy wave, as Hana's attention turned to Naruto.
"Is he one of your other friends Kiba?" Curiously asked Hana, Kiba gave a cheerful nod, "Yup!" Naruto walked forward, stepping infront of Hana reaching out his small hand, well compared to hers. "Naruto, Naruto Uzumaki." Naruto introduced himself with a smile, as Hana shook his hand matching his smile. "Hana Inuzaka, nice to meet you Naruto!"
The group enetered the house, as Hana spoke up, "Oh, Kiba mom is at the store right now, she should be back in a bit." Kiba nodded, "Alright, Ok guys to my room!" Kiba exclaimed as he rushed upstairs, everyone, but Hana following him.
An Hour Later
The group of classmates were watch television, when the door suddenly opening, a spiky brown haired women stepping in, with the signature red fang like markings on her face. Kiba immediately got up, running over to his mother, "You're back! Mom I want you to meet Naruto, another one of my friends."
Kiba's mother rose an eyebrow, looking over the room, and spotting the Blonde. "Ah, I'm guessing you're Naruto then?" She questioned the blond, As he nodded. "Well, it's good to see my son is making more friends, I'm Tsume Inuzaka, look after him for me yeah?" She said with a small chuckle at the end, Naruto joining with a laugh himself.
Naruto was quite happy Tsume didn't seem irritated at the mere presence of him, he hoped it stayed like this.
Naruto lost track of time while he was at Kiba's house, his family was extremely kind towards him, which is quite a rarity. Throughout the day they mostly played a lot of game Kiba had, and at some point getting to know a bit more about Hana. She was a Genin currently, and training to be a veterinarian in the future. She also seemed a lot more laid back then her family, and less wild-like as she lacked the more unruly hair most had, and lacking the slit eyes. She even practices knitting as a pastime.
Sasuke even showed up at some point in the Evening, although Naruto didn't think he'd come, Guess he was wrong. Sasuke even seemed like he was having fun, who knew the guy could give a genuine happy smile.
3 Hours Had Passed, 9:30 P.M.
Sasuke had already left an Hour ago, as he was going to be late for dinner. Naruto soon left afterwards traversing through the streets of Konoha. Although empty, there were still the occasional civilian walking around, although they paid Naruto no attention.
Caught off-guard Naruto felt a rock impact the back of his head, his head snapping forward. He quickly turned, holding the back of his head to spot one Aihiro. "What in the world are you doing out so late, shouldn't you be like, grounded or something?"
Aihiro scoffed in response, "That's not important, but wanna know what is? Me finishing what I started." Naruto's shoulders dropped, as a frown covered his face. "You're really gonna do this right now, and without your backup?" Naruto sneered.
"I don't need those guys to beat you." Aihiro said in a cocky tone. Naruto simply turned heal and faced him, "So, we're gonna do this then? Fine." Naruto dashed, already sending his knee to Aihiro's nose. Aihiro being caught off guard, fell back onto the concrete, holding his nose. "Damnit!" He screams, "I'll get you back for that!" He yelled out, as he quickly got to his feet. 'He's going in blind, and he doesn't have his two lackeys with him, this shouldn't be too hard, But I won't let my guard down like before.' He thought to himself, already planning his next moves in advance.
Aihiro suddenly launched himself forward, throwing a right hook, that sailed right through Naruto's hair as he ducked. Naruto sunk his elbow into Aihiro's stomach, causing him to gasp for, and grab his stomach in reflex. Naruto took this opportunity to jump up, clashing his knee against his chin, sending him sprawling back onto the ground.
"You can't win, Stay down." Naruto stated matter-o-factly. Aihiro suddenly whipped blood from his mouth, a malicious grin forming on his face. "Or, how about this. You quit being stubborn and put down your fist, and get pummeled like the loser you're supposed to be, Or you're Hyuga friend may run into some trouble later down the line." He countered, his grin growing wider. Naruto's stare grew to one of anger, "What did you say?" He questioned through clenched teeth.
"Oh you didn't hear me? I said, if you don't lay back, and let yourself get pummeled into the ground. Somethin' unfortunate may happen to your little frie-" Aihiro couldn't even finished that sentence, as within a blink of an eye, Naruto was infront of him, his fist smashing down into his cheek, a tooth falling from his mouth.
Naruto's eyes were slit, and red, his teeth seeming to have gotten sharper, as well as his nails, and his whisker marks getting more defined.
"You don't EVER threaten my friends; you understand me?!" He yelled directly at him, the tone of his voice having got deeper, his malicious intent being clearly sensed by the older boy as Naruto's hand took place around his throat.
Aihiro suddenly found himself speechless, he felt fear he's never felt before, staring into those red slit eyes of the blonde. Although he figured something else out, he couldn't breathe right now. He tried to push him off, but Naruto wouldn't budge, the younger boy seemed to have been twice as strong now.
Aihiro thrashed around, as he tried to get loose, "What happened to all that bravado you had earlier, Huh?" Naruto taunted as his grip seemed to tighten. Aihiro's eyes widened in fear, as he felt the crushing force of his hand.
There was suddenly a yell, "Hey, someone get over here!" Naruto hadn't been paying attention, as he was solely focused on Aihiro. As the boy saw his world slowly go back, the pressure on his throat suddenly released.
Naruto was yanked off the older boy by 3 Adults, as another assisted him to his feet. "What do you think you're doing to him, you truly are a Demon!" One of them shouted, as Naruto tore from their grip, his appearance having gone back to normal.
Aihiro used this situation to his advantage, putting on an act. "He just came out of nowhere, I don't even know why he attacked me!" Aihiro said, rubbing his eyes of fake tears. The Adults sneered at Naruto, "You be sure we're gonna speak to the Hokage about this outburst of violence." One of them said to Naruto, his glare ever present.
Naruto sneered, as he simply turned from the group, going back to his own apartment. There was no point is arguing with them, no one would side with him.
Reaching his apartment, he entered as he slammed the door behind him. He plopped down onto his bead just pondering on the day's events. "Just great, that won't make my life here any better, But." His face suddenly steeled, as he went serious. "I'll make sure he doesn't lay a hand on Hinata, no more of my friends are getting hurt." He said finally.
Authors Note: Hope this chapter supplied a bit more character development, and also I've found out a good ability for Naruto to have, but it will be your job to figure it out!
