A/N: Here comes chapter one of the Akatsuki's new leader. I'd decided to write this whether or not I have fans. I have found a beta: Emerald Elf-Slytherin707, check some the fics she has written they're actually very good, most of them are humor and yaoi, so go get your laugh on.

Also, in this story Naruto is 10, Itachi is 13 and Yugao is 14.

Now for replies to the reviews, I got more than I expected - thank you:

Apex predator- No Yaoi will be involved with Naruto, might have some

Yaoi side pairings, not sure yet.

Challenger- TY for the criticism and yes I will make this longer, bear with me.

The high demon lord- TY for compliments.

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto so all of you stop trying to file lawsuits after me.

"Speech"

"Summon Speech"

"Thought"

"Summon Thought"

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Chapter 1: Demotion

"Today, I officially start baby-sitting duty." Naruto grumbled tiredly, as he rose from his bed that morning. "'Chi..." He thought longingly of Itachi, "Why did you have to leave me?"

"Now, how to do this?" He asked himself aloud, while running the water for his shower. Suddenly then, he heard familiar footsteps approaching his apartment door. "I wonder why Neko-chan is coming by?" Were his thoughts as he finished off his shower.

Drying himself off with a towel quickly, the blonde quickly pulled on his uniform - all darkly-coloured garments tailored to be fitting - and then proceeded to the door, where his visitor had come to a stop, and was no doubt about to knock.

Opening the door before she was able to pound on the wood to gain his attention - Yugao was momentarily surprised as she was faced with her jinchuuriki teammate, clad fully in his uniform - before she seemed to regain her composure, and met the blonde with a motherly expression.

"Naruto," She began in a scolding tone, his hands on her hips, "Are you ready yet? You know we need to see the Hokage to find out who the next captain is going to be!"

Naruto was sheepish, as he rubbed one hand through his still-damp hair, avoiding her gaze as he told her; "Neko-chan, I'm resigning today."

There was silence for a moment, before; "WHAT?!" The kunoichi exclaimed in shock, "Why? When did you decide this? You can't just quit!"

"I can." Naruto told her defensively, "And I need the time that my duties would normally take up..." He hesitated slightly then, before adding as an explanation; "...I want to make some friends in my own age group."

Yugao held his gaze for a moment then, seeming to search out any uncertainty on his decision, before she sighed heavily. "Well, then, who's going to keep me from going insane if both of my teammates quit?"

Naruto smiled easily, glad for her support on his decision. "I'll be here for you," He reassured her, a grin fitting over his features, "Just come see me."

The woman was uncertain for a moment, before she smiled in return. "Do you really mean that?" She asked hopefully.

Naruto gave a short laugh. "Of course!" He told her, "You two are my family! I won't abandon either of you, ever."

Yugao laughed in return then, her expression more at ease. "Thank you, Kitsune!" She exclaimed, while immediately proceeding to tackle Naruto to the ground in a flying-hug.

"Ugh, Yugao!" Naruto groaned, feigning unhappiness at the smaller woman's arms wrapped around him in a fierce grip, "Please, you're crushing me!" He complained.

"I just hope she never figures out I enjoy her bone crushing hugs." He thought fondly.

"I only do this 'cause I know you like it."

"Crap." "What! When did you figure it out?" He exclaimed in surprise.

Yugao smirked triumphantly up at the blonde, "After the first time, when you didn't threaten to kill me afterwards." She told him matter-of-factly.

"Damn, I'm predictable." Naruto swore at himself.

Yugao's grin widened, "You're my cute little Kitsune-Chan!" She told him happily.

Naruto laughed, as he was released from her death-grip, and he told her honestly; "Thanks, for always being there for me, Neko-chan."

She merely smiled in return, as Naruto then pulled his headband from his pocket and tied it to his forehead in preparation.

"Well," He then spoke in distaste, his tone complaining, "Let's get going," He told her with a dramatic sigh, "This is going to be a long procession." He deadpanned unhappily.

Yugao nodded decisively, her tone stoic once again as she told him, "Put your mask on," She fitted her own over her face as she instructed him, "It will make getting there easier."

Naruto pulled his mask from where it hung by his hip, holding it up to his face to consider it, as he felt himself become strangely nostalgic.

"So many memories... lay in this mask..." He thought to himself then, letting his fingers trace the design depicting a fox which decorated the mask, "I've worn it since I was 8 years old..." His breath then hitched slightly as he finished the thought; "...When me and 'Chi were promoted to ANBU."

He then raised the mask to his face slowly, and fit it into place over his features. He and Neko-chan were swift then, as they jumped from rooftop to rooftop over the village buildings - heading at breakneck speed towards their destination:

The Hokage tower.

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Old Sarutobi, Lord Hokage of the hidden ninja village Konohagakure, sat at his desk at this point in time - attempting to finish off his paper work early in the morning, so that he may then enjoy a relaxing day of reading Icha Icha Paradise. The appointment of the new ANBU captain had been an easy choice - and he himself felt as glad as the room full of ANBU shinobi that the proceedings were now over. Now back in his office, Sarutobi reveled in the peace and quiet he found - That is, until he heard his window opening - and the forms of Naruto and Yugao appeared suddenly in front of his desk.

Sarutobi was silent for a moment, his expression questioning, before he offered a pleasant smile. "And what do two of my most powerful ANBU agents need, so early this morning?" He asked wonderingly, "The proceedings are already finished for today, I would have thought you had both gone home."

Naruto fixed his gaze determinedly then, as he told the Hokage respectfully; "Hokage-sama, I came here to resign from my position as an ANBU shinobi."

The old man was immediately shocked, and he spluttered in confusion, before asked in a demanding tone; "What do you mean?" He then shook his head, before adding, "Why?"

"I made a promise to someone, and I need to quit to keep it." Naruto answered simply, not offering any further details as he bowed slightly to the Hokage and continued; "I'm sorry, old man. I want to join my age group in the academy." He then took a deep breath before meeting Sarutobi's eyes and telling him seriously, "Also... I need to be on the Uchiha's team, when I become a genin."

Sarutobi was still and silent for many long moments then, allowing this information seep in, before he asked reasonably; "Why do you wish to be on that team specifically, may I ask?"

Naruto's expression was hard and determined as he replied, "I promised to watch over him," He spoke earnestly, "So I need to be close for a while."

The Hokage was quiet once again then, thinking over the implications of Naruto's words, before the man nodded obligingly - allowing Naruto this favor. "All right, Naruto." He told the boy, "But there is one condition."

Naruto was apprehensive, though he felt himself immediately relieved and grateful to the old man for allowing his resignation. "What is that, old man?" He asked lightly, smiling.

"You have to take Yugao on a date," The old man stated, smirking as he added; "Once a month."

Naruto's expression fell then, his jaw dropping to the floor in surprise, while he became stuttering - his eyes wide and shocked. All the while Yugao became laughing and giggling to herself in good humor.

"Why, Kitsune-Chan," She used her pet name for him, much to Naruto's embarrassment. "What time are going to pick me up?" Yugao asked happily.

"Are you serious, old man?" Naruto asked, his face heating slightly at the Hokage's request, "This is crazy! And here I thought it might be something serious!" He exclaimed.

"I am deadly serious, Naruto." The Hokage replied, his expression stoic then as he told the boy, "You will comply with my request, or your resignation will be ignored."

"HEY!" Yugao then yelled, "Stop talking like I'm not here! Kitsune, I asked you a question and I want an answer, or else!" She told the blonde demandingly.

Naruto sweat-dropped. "She's scary when she's angry..." He thought helplessly, "Help me, Kami!" "How about tomorrow at seven?" He asked meekly, offering a sheepish smile.

Yugao smiled sweetly then, her mood changing dramatically as Naruto complied. "That sounds fine, see you later, Kitsune-Chan!" She waved happily as she left the office through the same window her and Naruto has used to enter.

Sarutobi then grumbled under his breath irritably, "That has ruined my paperwork-free day, Naruto." He informed the boy before him with a flat expression.

Naruto smiled sheepishly, "Sorry, old man." He apologized, "I'll try not to do this again... but you know I have to keep my promises!" He grinned.

Sarutobi nodded his head slowly, "Yes, that is true." The man then seemed to remember something, "And about your request," He shuffled papers in front of him as he told the boy, "Report to the Academy at 8:30, room 201."

Naruto looked to a clock on the wall then, before his eyes widened and he exclaimed; "I've got 20 minutes!" He then finished hurriedly to the Hokage with a slight bow, "See you later, old man!" Naruto finished. He walked quickly to the window then, and jumped out stealthily - heading back to his apartment, where he planned to change his clothes and prepare for his new life.

Sarutobi shook his head as he returned to his work, thinking over the young boy's decision. "I hope you know what your doing, Naruto."

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"Quiet down, students!" Umino Iruka yelled over the noise of his class, as he waved his arms widely to gain their attention, "Today, a new student will be joining our class! Please, welcome Naruto Uzumaki. He will be here until graduation."

The man smiled convincingly, though in his mind he thought unhappily; "Why does he have to join my class?" Iruka groaned to himself, "He's going to do something stupid, I know it!" "You can come in now, Naruto." He announced.

The door opened then, and the figure you all know and love walked in - wearing his complete new outfit; a hideous orange jumpsuit that had been laying in his closet for years, and that he had finally decided to use.

"Yo, Dolphin!" Naruto referred to Iruka casually, grinning as he waved from the door, "Long time, no see, man."

"So he does remember me," Iruka thought irritably, "I'll have to tell him not to call me that." "No, I am Iruka," He corrected the youth, "And I will be your teacher here at the Academy for the next two years, Naruto."

"Whoops, no mask-names!" The boy swore under his breath at his own slip-up, "I forgot, I'm not in ANBU anymore." "Sorry, Iruka-sensei!" He quickly apologized, feigning a mistake, "I thought you were someone else. Well, nice to meet you!" He quickly amended.

Iruka breathed a sigh of relief, "Naruto," He told the boy then, already feeling a headache coming on, "You can take your seat anywhere there is an open space."

"Thanks, Iruka-sensei." Naruto muttered, as he spotted boy sitting some distance away from the others, and grinned - he could recognize those features anywhere.

Walking over immediately, Naruto seated himself right next to the evident Uchiha of the room. "So this is who I've got to watch out for." Naruto thought to himself, looking to the stoic boy as he ignored his presence. "Not much... but not helpless either."

"Hey there!" Naruto began cheerfully, fixing a large grin on his face as he regarded the Uchiha boy, "Who are you?" He asked of the boy.

The raven-haired youth struck was stoic as he turned to the blonde, and Naruto could not help but feel his heart leap at the strong resemblance between this boy and his love, his grin faltering for a moment.

The boy's dark eyes were curious, and he was silent for a long moment, before deciding to answer Naruto's friendly question. "Sasuke Uchiha." He told the blonde simply, his eyes holding Naruto's bright blue.

The blonde nodded obligingly, as he replied likewise. "I'm Naruto Uzumaki." He told the boy.

After these simply greetings, the class began - and the rest of the day proceeded as completely uneventful. Naruto, having already reached the level of ANBU, already knew everything being taught by the Academy - and so he soon found himself falling asleep.

In his dreams, he saw a dark figure with long flowing hair and red-tinted eyes - and when he had a moment to spare it, he thought of tomorrow, and how it was going to be hell - or a hell of a lot of fun.

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To be continued…

A/N: I decided to make Naruto have Yugao and Itachi because I felt like it really. Keep reading and reviewing I turned on anonymous reviewing so you don't have to sign in to review.

Vote; should I make the next chapter the date between Naruto and Yugao? Or should I skip to the genin exams? It will probably be the date because this will be too much fun to pass up unless I get a lot of reviews saying to go to the genin exams.

Vote; Please also for the chuunin exams I will be watching the chuunin exams arc to

get ideas and such and please make suggestions so I don't get writer's block.