Blanket Disclaimer – I do not own Naruto, and unless something really weird happens I will not own Naruto by the end of this story. So, on behalf of this entire story I do not own Naruto.

A/N Hey all! I just wanted to thank all the people who reviewed my story, it filled me with much joy. If you have any comments or suggestions for my story I'd love to hear it. This is my first story so please tell me what needs to be worked on so I can improve as I write later chapters. Now on with Team Psych.

Chapter 2 - Shikamaru

Ibiki was pleased. After researching the Kyuubi container he had found out a great deal. His name was Uzumaki Naruto and the best news was he was in his last year at the academy. Ibiki was already plotting on how he could get Hokage-sama to agree to Naruto being his apprentice in the art of torture and interrogation. One concerning fact was that the poor kid had already failed the graduation exam three times so it was possible he was a dunce in most ninja areas. If he was it would mean more work for Ibiki to get him into his unit, but the kid was good at reading people, and Ibiki needed new underlings, talented new underlings. Ibiki needed Naruto, and he would get him; no matter how challenging. However, on the hope that he could make things easier for himself by helping Naruto pass the graduation exam, he was on his way to talk to the kid's sensei to find out about his overall ability and what the graduation exam was like now.

Ibiki was pulled out of his thoughts by the bright, perky voice of the school secretary, "Can I help you Jonin-san?"

Ibiki wanted to cringe how did such a perky person ever become a ninja? However he let none of what he was thinking show on his face as he shortly replied, "I'm looking for Umino Iruka."

The secretary's smile dimmed a bit at his abrupt manner, but it was soon back to full cringe worthy perkiness as she answered, "Alright, it's a little late in the day for teachers to still be here but if Iruka-san is here he'll be in his classroom." The secretary paused as if expecting Ibiki to know where Iruka's classroom was. When all Ibiki did was raise an eyebrow she hesitantly continued, "Room 325." When Ibiki still didn't leave she started to explain as you would to a slow child, "You go down this hall to the stairs , then you climb up three sets of stairs, after that you look for a door on the left side of the hall with the number 325 above it. Thats where Iruka-san might be." Ibiki really hoped this dimwitted secretary someday did something to tick Hokage-sama off he would enjoy toying with her. As it was she was a fellow ninja, and therefore safe from him. So, he just turned and headed for Umino-san's classroom. If Umino was as dim as the secretary he would have words with the schooling comity.

When Ibiki made it to room 325 he was happy to hear voices coming from within. When he got to the door he saw two people; one was a sensei with brown hair in a spiky ponytail and a scar over his nose, this was probably Iruka, the other was a child with black hair who strangely enough also had his hair in a spiky ponytail, and was slouched as if he was bored with the world. Iruka seemed to be on a rant. "Why don't you take this seriously Shikamaru? You've slept through almost every lecture this week your grades could hardly get worse, especially with you just barely passing every test! Then today you decide to skip the first half of class even after I made it very clear that today was going to be heavily covered in this units test! Where were you that could have possibly been so important to risk failing a test you can hardly afford to fail?"

Shikamaru still looked as bored as he had when the lecture started, but Ibiki noticed that his eyes were sharp and calculative. What he said though surprised both Iruka and Ibiki, "I was following Naruto."

Iruka stared, "What?"

Shikamaru sighed and muttered something that sounded strangely like mendoi (troublesome) then repeated, "I was following Naruto. I noticed he wasn't in class today, so I figured he was doin' a prank and maybe he'd want some help." Iruka frowned disapprovingly and opened his mouth to, no doubt, start another lecture when Shikamaru spoke first, "He didn't do a prank though, he got waylaid by a drunk villager shouting things at him, then an ANBU showed up and arrested the guy, and took Naruto to see the Hokage."

Shikamaru paused and his face took on a considering look. "Have you ever noticed just how much the village as a whole seems to hate Naruto? They're always calling him a no good troublemaker, heck I've even heard him called a bakemono (monster), and the Fourths mistake." Shikamaru tilted his head to the side, "What does Naruto have to do with the Fourth anyway? I mean the Fourth died the night Naruto was born didn't he? And then there's the way Naruto seems so close to Hokage-sama. What business does a no name orphan have being friends with the Hokage and guarded by ANBU?"

Ibiki was tense this kid was too smart for his own good and if Iruka didn't get a handle on things he might have to intervene; he hated intervening. He watched as Iruka frantically tried to redirect Shikamaru's train of thought, "Shikamaru we're not here to discuss anything about Naruto we're here to discuss you're lack of focus on school."

Shikamaru completely ignored Iruka's attempt to change the subject, "Speaking of Naruto's birthday did you ever realize Naruto was born on the day Kyuubi was killed?"

Ibiki wanted to tense, but years of hiding his emotions prevented it. Iruka, however did tense and Shikamaru noticed it, as his eyes got sharper you could almost see him coming in for the kill. Ibiki wanted to clench his fist, this kid was definitely too smart, and it was clear Iruka couldn't handle it. He'd have to step in. He moved to step forward, but was too slow to stop Shikamaru from asking one final question. "And what about the law that keeps all this secret from us uninformed kids?"

Iruka gasped, "Who told you about that!" Shikamaru had a victorious look on his face, and Ibiki didn't know whether to whistle in respect of the kids ability to bluff, or bang his head on the wall for Iruka falling for it. One thing was for sure though, he had to stop this, now, and make sure the kid got the right truth instead of the wrong one. So Ibiki gained the attention of the occupants of the room by clearing his throat and saying, "Umino-san, at least I assume you Umino Iruka,"

Iruka blinked at the sudden topic change as well as the abrupt appearance of this new person whom he recognized as Ibiki the head of the T&I department. However in an effort to save face he quickly replied, "Yes, I am Umino Iruka."

Ibiki nodded, "Good then back to the previous conversation, you just told the kid about the law." Iruka looked like he wanted to argue, but Ibiki steamrolled right over him, "He was bluffing you, he came to you with what little information he had and was trying to get more. He succeeded too." Iruka was probably imagining things, but he could swear that Ibiki almost sounded impressed. Iruka was quickly distracted from that thought when Ibiki continued talking, "Now thanks to you, the kid knows for sure there's a secret and will have to be told the rest." Iruka flinched and looked down in embarrassment. How the heck had he managed to let a kid who wasn't even a ninja yet fool him? As Ibiki finished what he was saying Iruka wished the ground would open up and swallow him, "Now Umino your going to come with us to see Hokage-sama so he can hear why the kid here has to be told this story by the man responsible and after we straighten out this mess you and I are gonna come right back here so I can talk to you about another student of yours." Iruka gulped, it wasn't that Ibiki had said any of that in a particularly threatening way; it's just, this was Ibiki, if Ibiki actually came here to talk to him about a student it couldn't be good; for him or the student.

After saying as much as he would in front of a perceptive brat Ibiki grabbed both Iruka and Shikamaru, and shushined to the Hokage tower. When they got to the tower, the group proceeded through every check point on the way to the Hokage's office, thanks to Ibiki being there, in fact, the only place they were stopped was at the doors to the Hokage's private office where two ANBU suddenly became visible. Ibiki calmly told the two ANBU that there had been a code fox-17, and that he needed to see the Hokage at his earliest convenience. The two ANBU had stiffened when they herd code fox-17 and looked at the two people with Ibiki. Then one of the ANBU nodded and told Ibiki that he would inform the Hokage. Less than ten minutes later the three were shown into the Hokage's office.

Sarutobi Hiruzen was a powerful man. In his younger days he was known as the Shinobi no Kami (God of Shinobi), and even now he was known as The Professor. He had always been strong or smart enough to achieve his goals. Until now. He was old and his physical power was waning, and while he still had his cleverness people were less willing to listen to a man that many were trying pass off as senile. But even as he was steadily losing power, both physically and politically, he had never truly felt weak and powerless until the responsibility of taking care of Naruto fell into his lap. The exhaustion he always felt when situation regarding Naruto came up was back and in some ways stronger than ever.

An ANBU had just informed him that a fox-17 had arisen. A code fox-17 meant that one of Naruto's peer's had discovered his secret, this was the first of Naruto's peers to figure it out, and what was worse was that Naruto himself didn't know the secret yet. Sarutobi let out a sigh as he acknowledged to himself that after this code was resolved he would need to inform Naruto of the Kyuubi, there could be no more delays. The ANBU cleared his throat and once again asked what Sarutobi would like to do about the code. Sarutobi sighed and told the ANBU to show them in.

Sarutobi watched as his three visitors were shown in. The first was Ibiki. On the outside Ibiki looked as unflappable and intimidating as always, but Sarutobi knew he was annoyed, although strangely, he also seemed to be intrigued. Sarutobi hid a smile as he pitied the poor soul who had gotten Ibiki's interest. The next to come through the door was Iruka. Poor Iruka looked stunned, abashed, and a little afraid. The last to come in was Nara Shikamaru. He walked as if the whole world was boring him, but there was a sharpness in his eyes that belied his lazy posture. Sarutobi resisted the urge to shake his head. Of course Shikamaru would be the one to figure it out, he was a Nara after all.

The Professor watched as the three formed a row in front of him than he sat up straighter and got down to business, "Ibiki, report!"

Ibiki frowned at being singled out for this report, but still to obey his leader he stepped forward and replied, "I was on my way to speak to Umino Iruka about current Academy curriculum. Upon arriving at Umino-san's classroom I overheard a conversation between Umino-san and Nara-chan," At his new nick name, Shikamaru gave Ibiki a glare that would have melted ice. Ignoring the kid Ibiki continued on, "During the course of the conversation Nara-chan brought up observations he had about Uzumaki Naruto and his ties to the Kyuubi. While stating these facts Nara-chan was able to bluff Umino-san into confessing the existence of the law that has to do with Naruto."

After finishing his formal report Ibiki relaxed a bit and continued in a more casual voice. "Seeing how remarkably far Nara-chan came on his own, and also the fact that he now knows there is a secret I thought it would be better to tell him the whole truth now instead of him bumbling around and discovering a potentially harmful half truth later." Having finished speaking Ibiki stepped back into the row.

Sarutobi was surprised Ibiki was rarely impressed by anything so Shikamaru must be quite the talented bluffer. But why on earth would Ibiki want to meet with Iruka about current school curriculum? The Professor nodded in acknowledgment of Ibiki's report then turned his attention to the others in the room, "Iruka, Shikamaru-kun, do either of you have anything to add to Ibiki's report?"

Iruka looked down in embarrassment, "Hokage-sama, please forgive me, I shouldn't have allowed myself to get tricked into giving up such important information."

Sarutobi gave Iruka a stern glare, "You are correct Iruka, and you will need to go through training to resist torture and mind games. Ibiki will be your teacher."

At this Ibiki scowled, "With all do respect Hokage-sama, couldn't you find someone else to teach the idiot. I've already got a lot on my plate."

Sarutobi's eyes took on a dangerously mischievous look, "I'm sorry Ibiki, but this incidence has made me aware of just how good our students are at gathering information. Therefore it will be required from now on that all academy teachers be taught how to resist torture and mind games," At Ibiki's horrified look the Professor continued, "Do not worry Ibiki you will only be required to teach Iruka. Iruka, however, will teach the rest of the teachers what he learns from you, so teach him well. Besides you should be happy Ibiki it looks like you'll have new talented faces in your department in a few years time." Poor Iruka looked like he was about to faint from fright, but just gulped and with his head bowed promised himself he would not fail, no matter what Ibiki did to him. Meanwhile Ibiki was thinking about what Hokage-sama had said about new faces in T&I in a few years time. Ibiki inwardly smirked, if he had his way he'd see new faces in there in a few months time.

Sarutobi brought all attention back to himself by clearing his throat, "Now, Shikamaru you've obviously figured out some of what is going on with Naruto. So, why don't you tell me what you know and I'll correct your misconceptions as well as filling in the blanks."

Shikamaru shifted to a more alert stance, "From what I've observed Naruto is tied to the Kyuubi in some way, and there's a law to keep people from finding out, but from watching the way the older generations treat Naruto I'm guessing the law is only to keep the secret from my generation and down. I also have come to the conclusion that based on his closeness to you, and his physical similarities to the Fourth; Naruto is in some way related to either you, or the Fourth. That's it."

The Third was amazed and worried Shikamaru had done very well, but he couldn't be allowed to know how close he had come to figuring out Naruto's heritage. "You are correct in some of you assumptions, first Naruto is connected to the Kyuubi. The Kyuubi is a construct of chakra that has gained the ability to think, because of its unique construction it, along with all the Bijuu, is impossible to kill, the best we can do is seal it away. However no inanimate object would be able to hold the power of the Kyuubi, something that already has a chakra network must be used." Sarutobi knew this was a lie, but the less people who knew about that particular secret the better.

Understanding dawned on Shikamaru's face, but then he frowned in thought, "Why Naruto? Why not put it into an adult who would put the power to good use, and be able to handle the stigma, or even a deer, or some other animal?"

Sarutobi frowned, "Unfortunately, due to the toxic nature of Kyuubi's chakra only a newborn child would be able to adapt to it rather that immediately dying. Also, when a child is used to seal a Bijuu they are called a jinchuuriki. As for sealing any bijuu into an animal, it wouldn't work. Too many of an animal's actions depend on instinct, so a bijuu would be able to over whelm the animals mind, and take control of its body. " Sarutobi's face took on a deadly look, " Also Shikamaru, I must warn you, this secret is S ranked, and no one else in your age group knows this secret. Not even Naruto. If you tell anyone you will be put to death; as is the case with all S ranked secrets."

Shikamaru gulped, "That makes sense." Shikamaru had a hesitant look on his face as he continued, "But what about Naruto's family, is he really an orphan?"

Sarutobi gave a sad smile, "Unfortunately Naruto truly is an orphan. I keep a close eye on him because he is the Kyuubi jinchuuriki, and I want to do what I can to help him and keep him safe." The Third got a sad look on his face, "The Fourth wanted Naruto to be seen as a hero for holding the Kyuubi back, but the villagers only see him as the Kyuubi reincarnate. Their hatred has insured a very lonely existence for the boy. The least I can do is allow him to have some small friendship with me." Sarutobi straightened and put an unreadable face on, "As for being related to the Fourth. Well, the Fourth was an orphan with no known relatives, and he never told me of any children of his own. There is no possibility of Naruto being related to the Fourth, I wish there was."

Sarutobi shifted his focus from Shikamaru to the other occupants of the room, "Now that this matter is resolved I need to get back to work. You're all dismissed." The three men saluted to their Hokage and filed out of his office.

While Ibiki was leaving; he was pondering on the possibility of there being other talented people readers in Iruka's class. There were already two, what would be the odds of there being one more? Ibiki smirked that would be something he'd have to look into.

In the mean time Ibiki had a teacher to torture, so he reached out and grabbed the back of Iruka's flak jacket, "Where do you think you're going idiot? I told you I had something to discus with you, besides I've got to train you to not be so gullible. No time like the present to start." With that Ibiki and Iruka disappeared in a swirl of leaves.

Omake

Iruka's head was spinning as Ibiki dragged him into the T&I department for his first lesson. How did this happen, Iruka was going to kill Shikamaru for getting him into this mess. Iruka watched as Ibiki signaled two T&I chunin to come forward. The two chunin looked at Iruka then switched their gaze to Ibiki as one of them asked, "What's going on Taicho(captain)? Why is there a non T&I Konoha nin down here?"

Ibiki frowned, "Hokage-sama has given me the assignment of making sure this idiot is capable of resisting torture and mind games." Iruka thought he saw the two T&I chunin give him looks of pity, but he hoped he was imagining things. Iruka brought his attention back to the conversation as Ibiki continued, "Listen up you two I want you to prepare interrogation room 1 for use and while your at it tie this idiot up in there and make sure there's plenty of olive oil and salt in that room, I'll need it later."

Iruka was starting to freak out a little why would Ibiki need olive oil and salt? Was it for him? Surely Ibiki wasn't allowed to permanently scar him, was he? Iruka started trying to find a way to escape as the two T&I chunin grabbed him and started pulling him to interrogation room 1. As they were walking to the room one of the chunin quietly said, "I'm really sorry you have to go through this, but hey, look on the bright side, you'll be stronger by the time Ibiki's done with you." Iruka gulped what had Hokage-sama gotten him into?

It had been 30 minutes since Iruka was brought here. The two T&I chunin had tied him securely to the chair and left the olive oil and salt on a tray in plain view. Every time Iruka looked at the two items visions of all the different types of torture that he could think of that included olive oil and salt danced through his head and he wished Ibiki would come back and just get it over with, 'cause he didn't know how much longer he could stand this.

An hour had passed since Ibiki had had Iruka tied to this chair and Iruka couldn't take it anymore. He was about ready to start screaming when Ibiki came in with the cruelest and most bloodthirsty smile Iruka had ever seen. Suddenly Iruka wished he could be alone again. Ibiki pulled the tray that had the olive oil and salt on it closer to Iruka's chair, and then sat down in a chair right in front of Iruka. Ibiki's scary smile still in place as he spoke, "I don't want to be doing this Iruka. It's a waste of my time, and I hate wasting my time. I wouldn't have to be here if you weren't an idiot. So I think a good repayment for all this is to use you to work off some of my annoyance, you need to learn how to resist torture eventually, it might as well be now." Iruka watched in terror as Ibiki reached for the olive oil.

"Wait!" Iruka screamed, "Wait please I'll tell you anything you want to know! Just don't hurt me!" Ibiki paused then pulled his hand away from the olive oil, "Fine, but if I think you're lying you'll wish you had gone along with my original plans. Now tell me everything you know about your students and all there is to know about the final academy exam."

Iruka nodded his head vigorously and then spent the next two hours telling Ibiki everything he could think of about his students and the exam. After he was finished Ibiki nodded and then once again reached for the olive oil. Iruka started stuttering, "W- wh-wait, you p-pp-promised you wouldn't h-h-hurt me if I-I t-told you w-what I kn-knew."

Ibiki looked at Iruka like he'd grown a second head, "I'm not gonna hurt you, but thanks to this stupid assignment I had to miss lunch. So I'm eating it here." Then Ibiki grabbed the olive oil with one hand and a plate with the other. Then proceeded to pour some olive oil onto the plate, then some salt, after he'd done that he took out a loaf of bread and tore off piece to dunk into the olive oil/salt mixture. After Ibiki took his first bite he looked up at Iruka and smirked, "You see this is your torture Iruka. You have to sit there and watch me eat, all while knowing you failed your first day at mind game resistance training." Ibiki held his bread up and smiled, "Bon appetite."