He looked around, searching for an indication of exactly how far the demon had sent him. He saw it. There on the table was a scroll, one that contained what had to be his latest 'catch'. Not many knew this but Iruka was more then just your average academy chunin. He was one of the villages best hunter nin. He would hunt during the academy off times and then got back to teaching brats. Checking the scroll for the identity of the victim he did some mental calculations and figured out that Naruto was about five, the Sandaime would but him on early start at the academy next year. And without help Naruto would fail, just like last time.

But Iruka knew something that few people did. Naruto was smart. The problem was that no one had ever given him what he needed, the boy barely knew how to read, something that Jariaya had later corrected and then given Iruka and the other teachers an earful about.

The revelation had floored the scared ninja for he remembered Naruto learning Kage Bunshin from the Scroll of seals in a few hours, if he had done that with such a great handicap, what could he have done without it?

Well now was his chance to find out. Discreetly of course, he could not draw to much attention or he might cause problems. He needed a plan.

+LIST+

Meet Naruto

Find Naruto a safe place.

Make sure he eats something other than Raman

Teach Him to read

Give him basic chakra training.

Watch out for traitors.

'I have to meet him or at least find out what his situation is right now. But it's probably better if I keep more of a distance; I'll use my hunter persona if I have to make contact.' But where would be safe for him? The best place I can think of is his fathers hide away, I know how to gain access, he can and the only other people that place will let in are Jariaya and Sandaime, not even Kakashi knew until Naruto showed him. But if we're found the will be trouble, but I can deal with that as long as he is safe. He really needs a better diet. Teaching him to read is a must and so is the training; better control equals a more versatile Naruto which means a safer Naruto. As much As I'd like to just kill the bastards, I'd end up in prison or dead and then where would we be?'

"Oh well, I'll turn in the catch in the morning and then find my little knucklehead."

And that was what he did, and to his dismay he found Naruto wandering the streets in search of food. The orphanage had thrown him out.

'What to do? Uh- oh.'

It would seem that even at such a young age Naruto was more aware of his environment then anyone guessed. Iruka had been spotted.

'Wait a minute, if he can sense me, that means…The little brat LET me catch him.'

Iruka couldn't help but laugh at that, all this time and they where being duped! Everyone from the Hokage down to the villagers.

The chuckle really caught the boy's attention and he stiffened.

Well Iruka had come prepared. Dropping down dressed in his Hunter Uniform he watched the boy back up in fear.

"It's alright."

Naruto backed up against the ally wall.

"No, Naruto, I won't hurt you. Promise, I want to help."

A disbelieving look

"Are you hungry? I can get you food, and a nice place to sleep. Ok?"

That defiantly interested the boy but he wasn't about to trust the masked man so easily.

"Naruto, I promise I won't hurt you." Iruka got down to the boys level and extended his hand.

Naruto stared at him for a moment. Then slowly walked toward him and put his tiny hand out. Iruka made no move to take it letting the boy move closer arm outstretched.

When the boy placed his little hand in his Iruka gave it a small squeeze. "Good boy" he praised. "Now how about some Ramen."

He would worry about the diet after he got the boy to eat something period.

Iruka took him to the area outside the village where the secret entrance to his father's Hide Away could be found, if you knew how.

Iruka took the confused and somewhat frightened boy by the hand and pricked both their figures with a Kunai. Naruto tried to pull away but Iruka held firm as he smeared their blood on the hidden seal. Now he could get in as needed.

The entrance appeared from behind the powerful genjutsu that was powered by other hidden seals and he led the boy inside.

Now if you where expecting a cave with rock and dirt you would be disappointed. For hidden behind the genjutsu was what was essentially a rather large home/vault. There was a living area complete with kitchen, bath, bed and places to sit and read or work. Beyond that was a single heavy door that could not be open just yet.

Iruka sat Naruto at the table and the boy looked at him confused yet expectantly.

"I'll be right back with the food; you stay here where it's safe."

Naruto seemed to consider this then look around himself then back at Iruka and nod. Iruka smiled behind his mask.

"Alright, now remember don't leave."

Again the child nodded.

In a swirl of leaves Iruka was gone.

He arrived at his apartment and changed into his chunin outfit. First stop was the market to get some food to stock the place with then the ramen stand.

When he got back to the cave back in his hunter gab, he found that the boy had hardly moved so much as a muscle.

"Naruto-kun, you didn't have to stay completely still, you could have looked around.

The boy looked at him.

Iruka sighed. "Naruto-kun, want to know a secret?"

The boy looked surprised but nodded.

"This is your place, you're safe here, and you're safe with me. And as long as you don't make too much of a mess and you eat and do the things I show you I'll try not to get to angry, ok?

Again the boy seemed to consider the words but instead of nodding he pointed to Iruka.

"What?"

He pointed again.

"What's wrong Naruto-kun?"

Naruto frowned. He decided to try another tactic. He pointed to himself.

"You?"

The boy nodded then pointed to Iruka.

The man finally understood.

"Oh, call me Anga."

Naruto frowned pointed to himself again.

"Naruto" supplied Iruka. He pointed to Iruka.

"Anga"

"Annnga"

"Good" the man nodded realizing that he would have to get the boy to talk more. He hadn't expected that, not with the boy's future loudmouth reputation.

"Now here is your food." He placed the ramen in front of the boy and showed him how to use chopstick properly before going to put away the other food in the refrigerator.

He then pulled out the things he had picked up from his apartment, Paper pencils, books, and worksheets, everything he would need to teach the child reading and writing. They would leave the other things like math and ninja stuff for later.

Once that was set up Anga (from here on Iruka in hunter mode is Anga and Iruka in chunin mode is Iruka) turned back to see that Naruto had not touch the food and was staring at it. Iruka sighed.

'He's afraid he'll be poisoned.'

Anga walked over the boy and took the chopsticks away. Naruto looked at him. Moving his mask only enough to expose his mouth Anga took some food and ate it.

Naruto watched.

Anga picked up the bowl and drank some broth

Naruto watched

After a few minutes of nothing happening, the boy reach for the chopsticks.

Handing them back Anga left Naruto to his meal and went back to rearranging things to the way Naruto had put them (would put them) in the future.

When he was done with that he turned to see the little blond had finished his meal.

"Naruto, come here I want to show you something."

The ever curious boy hurried to his new friend's side.

Iruka sat with the boy next to him as he began teaching the young blond to read and write kanji.

They got to the point where Naruto could understand and legibly write ten kanji before a full stomach and a safe warm place took their toll and he began nodding off.

Anga chuckled as the boy fought to stay awake but took the books and paper away. When the boy looked up at him half annoyed at the interruption half sleepy he shook his head.

"I think you need a nap." And with that he picked up the small form and carried him to the bed tucking him in. He was going to go and put the teaching materials away when a small hand grabbed his sleeve.

He looked back into pleading blue eyes. "It's alright Naruto-kun, I'm here." He said as he sat down on the bed and stroked the boy's hair. "I'm here, your safe with me. Sleep now."

The boy closed his eyes and with a happy sigh went to sleep.

Anga smiled down at the child that had become a son to him in a former life.

'Hush baby, you're not alone anymore. I'm here.'

POLL ANANANANANANANANAN POLL

Ok people writers block is killing me. ANY ideas for my other stories would really help.

Also check my profile for a poll 'cuse I want to know who you think should find out Anga is helping Naruto and if I should put that off for a chapter or two or just do it in the next one.