Chapter 1

"Dr. Uzumaki"

Haruno Sakura was not having a good day, let alone an entire week.

She had graduated from the Academy of Shinobi not too long ago, a few months actually from this day to be exact. At that point, she was proud to be serving her village and her parents were proud of her for being the first shinobi of their family.

After weeks upon weeks of doing useless D-ranked missions, their class clown named Inuzuka Kiba - who just happened to be on her team - managed to convince the Hokage to give them a C-ranked mission. At first, it was all smiles when the thought of surpassing her rival Ino, who was on another squad, by completing a higher class of mission came to mind. But now, Sakura found that she was terrified of the coming future.

Only a day ago, her squad leader, Hatake Kakashi had engaged and defeated another Jounin who had come to strike at the bridge builder, but not without consequence. After the fight, he had fallen as well and it was now up to the genin to decide how to run the show until Kakashi woke up.

She sighed, her team was clearly not ready for this step yet.

The pink haired girl snapped out of her thoughts when she heard a knock on the door. She stood and carelessly walked over to answer it. As she opened the door, Sakura was met with a young teen, not much older looking than herself honestly and was wearing a standard chunin vest.

"Umm, hi! How can I help you?"

"You fail." He replied in a conversational tone. "Never in all my years of service..." The blonde muttered to himself with a facepalm, but not silent enough for the girl to miss.

Sakura was now confused, "W-what! And who are you!"

"Zero observation skills. Why am I not surprised..." He replied and then pointed to the leaf headband on his forehead. "Clearly, I'm your back up. What the hell are the Academy teaching you all these days?"

The young girl seemed a bit indignant but relented, "O-oh! I'm sorry." She then motioned for him to enter.

"My goodness, what the hell is the matter with you? Look you idiot, I could've been an enemy shinobi who just happened to have a spare Konoha headband! Aren't you going to ask me some sort of question to verify that I'm your real reinforcements?" The doctor asked, annoyed.

The pink haired girl seemed bemused, so Naruto sighed, he decided to be merciful just this one time. "Whatever. Just...let this be a lesson for the future. Oh and none of you bothered to set up any sort of perimeter defense. So overall, this team of genin absolutely sucks so far."

And with that, he pushed the girl out of the way and walked in. She began to grow red in the face, whether it was embarassment or anger, he did not care to identify.

"Now where's that idiot Jounin of yours?"

"H-he's upstairs." She replied timidly. Now it was clear on her face, the embarrassment from being criticized by someone wearing a fancy green vest.

He rolled his eyes, "Of course."

Walking calmly up the stairs, he heard a voice from behind him. "Who is he? And what is he doing here?"

Naruto replied without looking back. "Again. Zero observation skills - I pity Kakashi for having such an incompetent team." He did not turn back to see the boy nearly attack him, but was held back by another person.

"That's a chunin." It was another male voice.

Ignoring the genin, Naruto entered through the room that he could see Kakashi in as the door was wide open. He surveyed the unconscious man before kneeling down next to his side. "You idiot."

He positioned his hand above the Jounin's forehead. Just as he was about to channel chakra, a voice behind spoke up. "What are you doing?" She asked, alarmed.

"My job, duh." He replied. "Shousen no Jutsu (Mystical Palm)." His hand lit up and turned a light green. He realized that the three genin were watching in earnest but only focused on healing the Jounin.

After a few seconds, the silver haired man, who was previously unconscious, woke up. He took a second to survey who was around him. "Hello genin." He said weakly, eye-smiling. "And Medic. Oh! Naruto."

"Just like old times, Kakashi. You lay down on a futon injured as Rin-sensei makes me practice on you."

The Jounin chuckled, "Indeed. Are you the only one that came?" The doctor nodded, "I see. How fast can you get me back up to speed?"

"It's seven in the morning right now. I can get you up to speed by the crack of noon."

"Um...excuse me, he had a severe case of chakra exhaustion. Shouldn't that take at least a week to heal?" The girl asked.

Naruto looked at her with a face that clearly said 'shut up', "Well then, the real medic here seems to have spoken, she thinks that you should stay in bed for a week Kakashi-san. Who am I, the amateur doctor, to protest?" The sheer amount of sarcasm in his voice shut the girl up.

"Severe case." He mocked repeated, "Don't make me laugh, none of you have ever seen a severe case of chakra exhaustion before in your life. My diagnosis is, Kakashi got his ass kicked but won the fight using about ninety percent of his chakra. Thus, he collapsed from fatigue with some wounds - ONLY mere fatigue with some wounds - and needed a real medic to just patch up his minor internal and external injuries."

"Ten percent of chakra is plentiful, enough to keep you alive just as long as you don't push it below two point seventy seven percent - which is the standard case of 'severe chakra exhaustion' as you say, pink one. Kakashi here...is just lazy."

They all looked at him in awe but he paid no mind to it. "No matter. Report!"

Kakashi seemed a bit shaken, he hadn't been ordered by a chunin ever since he himself was a genin - and that, in itself, had been a long time ago. "Umm, I think Zabuza is still alive and he has backup."

"WHAT?" Two of the genin yelled behind Naruto, the third just widened his eyes slightly, "What do you mean he's still alive!"

"The weapon he was 'killed' with, what were they?" Kakashi asked. Sakura then looked as if a stunning revelation had just hit her.

"Senbon."

And that was all Naruto needed to know to catch onto the topic. "No one kills with senbons. Takes too much skill and practice to even throw senbon, much less kill someone with it. Unless you're a show off, of course."

"When I was fighting Zabuza, a Kiri hunter ninja caught him by surprise and planted about three senbon into his neck. When I checked his pulse, it was gone."

"He was only dead temporarily." The blonde replied for the benefit of the genin who were confused, "I'm aware of this technique and the skill level it requires to use it. His backup should be mid to high chunin if my estimates are right. But from what I concur, you never sensed him, right?" Kakashi shook his head.

"I was too busy on Zabuza."

"Then it's safe to say that he is borderline Jounin in raw skill." That had the genin behind him worried.

Naruto continued, "I'll get you up to speed as quickly as possible - you need to train your genin."

Kakashi nodded, then turned to his squad. "I'll be back by this afternoon. Go take a couple hours to train but be sure to have someone on watch at all times. Also, don't stray too far from the house, just in case."

"Hai!" They answered before leaving.

Naruto then continued his treatment, "Your chakra is at twenty percent. All I can really do is stimulate your tenketsus, allowing it to 'charge' back up faster. Other then that, only a few minor scrapes."

"Thank you." Was all the Jounin said. "Would you mind showing Sakura some medical techniques? It would really help the squad."

Naruto scoffed, "The pink haired one with all but air in her head? I highly doubt she has the talent."

"Ahhh, come on Naruto. My first impression of them weren't that great either, people change. Sakura is actually a very talented shinobi. Kiba and Sasuke don't match her skills when it comes to chakra control, something a medic values above all else."

"You're wrong about that, Kakashi." Naruto replied calmly, "Any crappy medic can have excellent chakra control."

"Then what do medics value the most, Naruto?"

The medic did not care to answer.

(Later that day)

Kakashi stood up and smiled, "Feels good to be back on my feet."

Naruto nodded and left the room, leaving the door open for Kakashi to follow through. The Jounin quickly caught up, "So, you're back in the field? Change of heart?"

"Blackmail." Was all the younger man said, "It was either this or being forced to serve in the clinic - helping the world's stupidest people."

Kakashi had the gall to laugh, "Ah, was it Rin or Hokage-sama?"

"The old man." Naruto replied, saying it as if he thought no one else had the balls to blackmail him. As he made it out the door, it only took him a moment to survey the area. He instanty spotted the genin. "...What do you intend to teach them? Zabuza and his accomplice are way stronger then them. A little training won't do anything to raise their chances of survival."

"I know." Was Kakashi's grim answer, "That's why I need you to help. The accomplice will need to be handled. I will defeat Zabuza." Naruto shrugged.

"Technically, I'm not supposed to fight on the front lines according to Tsunade-sama's second clause of the duties of a medical ninja." He replied, "But I'm not a stickler for the rules so...why the hell not?"

The silver haired ninja sounded relieved, "That's good." Truth was, he didn't think the blonde would agree to the plan. He had never liked fighting during his training back then.

"Again, what will you teach them?"

Kakashi eye smiled, "I think it's a good time to teach them the tree climbing exercise."

And it was in that moment did Naruto pause, he seemed to be in deep thought for a moment, before turning his gaze to the Jounin.

"Kakashi."

"Yes?"

"You suck."

(x)

(With the genin)

"So...what do you think of that new guy?" Kiba asked, "He doesn't seem too tough. I bet me and Akamaru could take him!"

Uchiha Sasuke, the third genin of the trio, scoffed. "Idiot. He wears a chunin vest for a reason."

"He's kind of...er...mean." Sakura said timidly, "The first thing he said when I opened the door was, 'You fail' - I mean, we were never given proper instruction and...well, Kakashi-"

"Sakura." The raven haired boy cut her off, "Shut up. They're coming."

"Hello my genin!" The Jounin said in a cheerful tone, "I have come to deliver some training."

Naruto decided to fade into the back and watch. There wasn't much a medic was supposed to do, sure, he could help train the genin but it wasn't his responsibility. He had no obligations here except to heal the wounded and to contribute in order to complete the mission.

He watched as the girl, Sakura if he remembered right, soak the exercise up in a moment. Naruto mentally scoffed as he saw Kakashi give him a telling look. "Whatever Kakashi."

"Excellent job, Sakura! Now then, why don't you keep practicing." She nodded.

"When does the bridge builder wish to continue his little project?" Naruto asked aloud.

Kakashi thought for a moment, "Tomorrow, I believe he said back on the boat."

Naruto nodded and then closed his eyes, trying to relax.

"You know, maybe you should do a little training yourself, Naruto."

The doctor shrugged, "I'll be fine. You should be more worried about your little genin up there."

"Hey!" Naruto heard an indignant scream, but did not care to open his eyes to look up. "What makes you think that you're better then us!"

"Arf!"

"I'm taller-" The blonde opened his eyes and began counting off numerous factors. "-smarter, faster, stronger, more charming, more experienced and more consistent then you all." Was his conversational reply, further enraging the single genin.

"Fuck you!"

"How vulgar." Naruto stretched his arms to rest behind his head, "You shouldn't be offended. I've been a shinobi for quite a while now. I am accomplished, you are only at the beginning of your career. Logically, I'm a better shinobi then you."

"I bet we could take you on, right, Akamaru!"

"Arf!"

Naruto sighed, "You may believe what you want." He then begin drifting off to sleep, "Loudmouths are usually the easiest to beat."

"Usually." He mentally thought, amused.

"Tch!"

Kakashi sighed, "Maa, get back to your training, Kiba. Naruto, stop provoking my genin."

Naruto grinned, "You are way too soft on these kids, Kakashi. How will they ever learn if you don't give them a slice of reality every now and then?" He took a pause, then continued. "New genin typically think that they are the best to ever grace the lands. But the truth is, eight-five percent of them will die within five years of service."

"You're right." The Jounin responded, "But now is not the time to scare them."

The blonde didn't respond right away, "Like I care." And those were his last words before snoring could be heard from him.

(X)

Flashback

"Oi! Naruto, where the hell were you? You missed the team gatherings!" A girl yelled out. "You'll never make friends if you don't ever show up, Naruto."

She stood at five foot three, far taller than the boy she was currently yelling at. Her hair was dark as the night and she had dark pupils - on her clothing was a fan, the very symbol of her clan.

The blonde child, who looked no older then eight, sighed and rubbed the back of his head. "Heh, sorry Na-chan. I was held back by my Aunt Rin. She had to talk to me about something."

"What was it?" The girl asked, "Was it really so important for you to miss nearly three hours of hanging out with us?"

"My training. Apparently, she's gonna 'kick it into high gear'. Hehehe, she thinks I'm better then half her employees." He smiled widely.

The girl chuckled and ruffled the boy's hair, annoying him a bit, "You have such a high opinion of yourself, Naruto."

"Well, I'm awesome, nothing I can do about it." He replied in a strictly calm voice, making her smile.

"Right...Well, better go meet up with Shin. I'll see you later, Naruto."

"Ah, ok! See you later Na-chan." She turned around, walking at a medium pace.

Naruto sighed and watched her go with a blank look in his eyes.

(x)

Naruto opened his eyes, his dream had ended, to see that the genin were down on the grass panting. "How were they?" Naruto yawned.

"Sakura burned out the fastest, followed by Kiba then Sasuke, who just recently came down himself." Kakashi said.

The doctor nodded. "How long have I been out?"

"Three hours."

Standing up, he stretched out. He eyed the genin once more with a look Kakashi could not identify - and then spoke up, "We should get back for dinner."

The Jounin agreed and called down his genin.

(Tazuna's house)

"Um..." An old man mumbled, looking at the one ninja he definitely did not recognize. All he did know was, the blonde was a member of Konoha. "I don't mean to sound rude or nothin' but who are you?"

Naruto finished his mouthful of food before answering, "Uzumaki Naruto, certified medical ninja."

"Medic?" The old man said, surprised. "You don't strike me as one. Hell...aren't you a bit young too?"

The blonde shrugged and continued eating.

So of course, Kakashi had to say something. "He's the youngest to ever graduate as a certified medic."

"Wow." A woman spoke, she had been making the lovely meal Naruto had been chowing down on, "That's impressive. So, you're kinda like a doctor."

"That's exactly what I am." He replied with a smile, "Thank you."

"Medics don't fight." Kiba said, "So-"

Naruto just looked at him as if he were stupid, "Kid." He started, "I know you're not all there up there but did you seriously just make that generalization?"

"What?" Sasuke just looked at Kiba and sighed.

"Tsunade of the Sannin was a medic." The Uchiha pointed out, "She's a powerful shinobi."

They didn't speak much from then on, except for a few comments here and there. Naruto felt quite relaxed in the home, it had a welcoming aura to it.

"Why?" A boy said.

Naruto continued to eat, ignoring the seemingly random word.

"What?" The dog boy spoke, "What's up?"

"Why do guys keep fighting? You won't win! Gato is too...too powerful."

The doctor resisted the urge to snort into his glass of water.

"Because it's our mission." Sakura supplied, confused by the boy's statement.

"You'll die." The kid replied, "You're all gonna die. There are no heros here, he'll kill them all."

"What!" Kiba exclaimed, "We're shinobi! We're not regular people like Gato who can't do anything but bully people around!"

The boy just scoffed and looked to leave. "You're all weak. None of you know anything! What do you know about pain! You're no mat-"

"May I have some more rice, please?" Naruto interrupted, they all looked at him. "Sorry for interrupting, this rice is just way better then anything I can make at home."

Kakashi looked fairly amused, as did Sasuke and Tazuna. Tsunami did as he requested, "Thank you." Was all he said, and then he just continued to eat.

Inari seemed to have forgotten what he was gonna say so he left the table to go to his room.

Kiba seemed both angry at being talked down to by a kid, and bemused by the whole situation. "What was that all about?" He muttered.

"Well...you see." Tazuna said, "It's a long story."

"We have all night." Kakashi said. Tazuna nodded and began.

Naruto did not listen to a single word, not caring too much for the personal issues of others.

(The next day)

"Where's Naruto-san?" Sakura asked, looking at the lone Jounin who was training them.

Kakashi eye smiled, "Naruto is currently watching over Tazuna as he continues to build his bridge. He volunteered to do the full shift today so all of you could get as much training as possible! What a nice guy, right?"

Kiba scoffed, "Well, at least he's good for something. He didn't do anything but sleep and insult us yesterday!"

Sakura looked like she wanted to say something too, but she caught herself.

"Maaa, he's like that to almost everyone. Don't take it too personally. Anyways...shouldn't you be tree climbing? Sasuke is almost at the top already."

Kiba looked up from where he was at and twitched, the Jounin was right. "Shit!"

Just as Sakura was about to go start climbing the tree, Kakashi stopped her.

"Sakura. You won't be climbing trees today." She widened her eyes, "You'll be going to the next level. Do you have a bathing suit of some sort."

"...No sensei, I didn't think I would need one."

Kakashi nodded, "Doesn't matter, your regular clothes will do." He took out a note, "Go to the bridge and hand this to Naruto. From then on, just follow his directions."

She looked hesitant but nodded anyways.

Kakashi smirked as he watched her leave. "No free day for you, Naruto."

(X)

(At the bridge)

"That one eyed son of a bitch." Naruto cursed mentally.

Sakura looked at him nervously. Naruto rolled his eyes, he wasn't surprised. From his observations, the reason Kakashi was teaching at the moment was because the Academy currently had an excellent student. That excellent student just happened to be an Uchiha and only one person had the qualifications to teach an Uchiha. A while back, he had taken a patient who kept raving on and on about some kid who was bound to be rookie of the year who just happened to be an Uchiha.

Which meant that the Uchiha on this team was the rookie of the year and that meant that this girl was the highest scoring female of the Academy. But she didn't act like it at all - in fact, she acted like an idiot most of the time which led him to believe that she was the book worm type of girl.

All of this pointed to the fact that she was indeed, a 'goodie goodie' girl who didn't want to do any wrong. That was why she was embarrassed when he criticized her and why she seemed unfamiliar with being criticized in the first place.

Nope, definitely not medic material at the moment.

He looked at the note again and mentally cursed again. He had been planning on slacking off today, knowing that according to Kakashi, Zabuza had been terribly hurt himself. Naruto knew just how powerful Kakashi was and according to the details, Zabuza was estimated to be out for a week.

So he knew for a fact that there was a ninety-five percent chance of absolutely nothing happening today. Good odds in his opinion.

"...Kakashi has asked me to teach you how to walk on water." Sakura looked interested in that. He continued.

"I can teach you this easily, especially from here. Can you swim?" She nodded. "Good. Now follow me."

He walked to the corner of the bridge. "From here, I can overlook your training and watch over Tazuna at the same time. I will take a brief moment to explain to you how water walking works. It's not too complicated unless you're an idiot - you bascially do what you did for tree walking with the exception of having to consistently adapt to the currents of what you are standing on."

She looked confused at the last part. He sighed, "Just...do it. The more you do it, the better you will get at it."

"Hai." Was her only reply as she left to attempt it.

Naruto was amused by her timid nature but thought nothing of it.

"Well, at least Kakashi gave me a fair amount of entertainment - not many things like watching a green genin try to walk on water only to fall."

(Meanwhile - elsewhere)

"Reinforcement, you say?" Zabuza asked. He was currently bedridden and wrapped in bandages.

The masked shinobi nodded. "Hai, a blonde teenager, not much older then the other genin. With the exception of what I recognize as a Konoha chuunin vest."

Zabuza paused to think for a moment, "I see...Gather more intel on this person. What do you believe he can do?"

"He does not seem to be a fighting type." Haku said after a moment, "Also, I noticed Hatake was up and about."

"Already? He used a lot of chakra in our fight. Figured he'd be out in a week."

Haku nodded, having come to the same conclusion. "I believe he may be a healer of sorts. A medical ninja."

Zabuza nodded. "Medics are tough to combat directly." He admitted, having many years of experience to back his statement.

"...Assassinate him if you have the opportunity." Zabuza ordered before falling asleep.

He did not notice his accomplice freeze up for a moment.

"Hai." Was all the figure said before leaving his boss to sleep.

END

Thank you for reading.