The Hokage Initiative

Disclaimer : I do not in any form own Naruto.

'Thoughts/Noises/ Battle sound effects.'

"Reading."

"Jutsu."

"Very loud talking."

"Normal dialogue."


'Don't know if these guys are taking it easy,'

Naruto twirled himself into a corkscrew flip, soaring over his adversary effortlessly, and launched forward with all the momentum he could muster in mid-air. Naruto angled his body in a spear-like formation, and slammed his hand down on a clone's head with the full force of his body. White smoke erupted on impact from skull meeting concrete rooftop tiles. Blue eyes shifted from one corner to another of the makeshift sparring area, he counted eighteen more to go. In an effort to start the morning off right, Naruto decided it would be a great idea to use the rooftop of his apartment building as an taijutsu arena. His neighbors would beg to differ. The chainlink gates did well to keep his clones from being kicked out of 'bounds' to their death.

"Or I'm just stronger than I thought." Naruto chuckled and lightly scratched at the bridge of his nose, a goofy smile plastered on his face."Huh-"

A gang of clones tackled the Uzumaki to the ground and started a dog pile on top of him. The remaining clones followed and piled in where they could, some even wailed on Naruto with stomps and punches. They were kicking his ass as a team and added insult to injury by talking shit too.

"Or maybe we're just better than you. Twenty of us is better than one you!"

Resistance was getting him nowhere at the moment but Naruto had an idea, "Hey someone got the time?"

It was crazy enough that it just might work. One clone responded with a punch straight to the original's jaw, "Shut up dumbass, how stupid do you think we are?!"

That particular clone spoke too soon, "Umm it's 6:25 am boss." Another clone let his grip go slack when he checked the time. The other clones knew at that moment, they were fucked. "You dumbass!"

'CLANNNNNNG!'

"Gahhh!"

A brilliant explosion of azure chakra tossed the clones into the air like ragdolls. Naruto stood amidst the center of the flame-like aura, the wind kicked up dust around him while his chakra chains twisted and coiled with the wind. A feral grin stretched across his face, a small trail of blood pooled from the corner of his mouth- with but a mere whisper- "Disperse." The chains shot into the air and dashed through the clones. A resounding chain of 'poofs' followed the slaughter.

The chakra constructs returned to him and dispelled into nothingness once more. "Man what a close call, almost had to concede to- myselves? Myself? Me? Umm them? Yeah that sounds right." Naruto caught sight of the digital clock he had perched on a wooden crate. "6:27," the morning light was starting to fall upon the village and the sun was just now peaking over the Hokage monument.

Naruto placed a hand above his eyes, fighting the sunlight that stabbed at his vision. "What a view." Naruto leaned against the chainlink gate and looked over Konoha. "Guess I should shower up real quick, today's the day!"

Thoughtlessly a feral smirk spread across his features while the wind played with his down crimson hair, a collection of green leafs floated past him. His blue eyes sparked with excitement, 'Today's the day.. I'll make you proud mom, I promise'

...

(Sasuke)

The sun was rising now, he had always especially admired the sun. The sun had an unspoken power about it, one that could not be questioned nor forgotten. It gave hope, it represented strength and rebirth. Something young Sasuke clearly resonated with, and undoubtedly respected. He looked at his own hand, observing the rays of sunlight that pierced the shade that the cherry blossom branches cast. He noticed how his tan skin was brightened by the energies of the sun, it benefited from the natural vitality that seemed to flow into him. Of course Sasuke was well aware that all creatures thrived from the sun's radiance, but he had felt especially affected by the energy.

"You always did love to play outside, Sasuke-kun."

There it was again, that voice, her voice. The Uchiha didn't bother to look, he knew it was just his mind and heart collectively fooling him. For the umpteenth time Sasuke yearned for the soft embrace of his mother, he peered over the steep valley that resided below. From under the comfort of a cherry blossom tree that had grown on a hillside, those dark eyes usually so full of life were dull and slightly puffy. Sasuke sighed and tugged at his dark spiky locks, his eyes scanned over the rows of tombstones that lined the grass valley. He could recall every name ingrained on every tombstone, even without the Sharingan. This was the Uchiha's land, their burying grounds. Well now his land in technicality and eventually where he would come to rest someday he assumed.

"It feels like it was just yesterday that I saw you," Sasuke hugged his knees to his chest, back rested against the tree. "Mother, this wasn't how things were supposed to go. I always envisioned that when I became a genin, you would be there to welcome me home with open arms. You would offer me my favorite snack, but I would insist I was too old for that kind of treatment. Which you would ignore and give it to me anyway, then you would go on and on about how proud you were-"

Sasuke chuckled aloud and smiled to himself with the image in mind, he blinked hard to fight back the wateriness in his eyes. "Mother, when you died I was left alone. No one was there for me like you were, and never could." He felt the warm liquid slide down his cheek, Kami how he hated crying.

"I miss you..." he rested his head against his folded knees, "I miss Itachi too..." He looked up once more, and recalled that it had now been four years since his mother died, and three since the massacre. Petals of the cherry blossom tree fluttered in the wind and glided down around him before flowing onward through the burial grounds, in that moment he felt something.

A sensation that he could not associate with anything he had ever felt before, nor could he describe. No actually he could, Sasuke looked to his hands once more. The morning sun rays were now stronger than those from just a moment earlier. They now burst through the blossom tree petals and illuminated his entire frame. He felt the sun, literally. But on some spiritual level that he couldn't quite comprehend he felt it as well.

Sasuke swiped away the residual wetness of his face, he refused to acknowledge them as tears, and looked to the Hokage monument. From the steep grassy hillside he could see past the compound walls and some of the larger village buildings including the academy. Sasuke straightened his black one-piece, put on his forehead protector, and set out for the shinobi academy.

'I swear to my ancestors and fallen relatives, so you all may rest peaceful and to reclaim the honor of the Uchiha clan. Fugaku Uchiha will pay for his crimes against his brethren. Both Uchiha and Konohagakure alike. This I swear!'

...

(Shinobi Academy)

Iruka Umino was a simple man. Well by civilian standards he was an highly trained warrior, but in the world of shinobi, he was a simple man. Though he would love to say he had a notorious career filled with amazing feats and earned a spot in the bingo books across the nations as an A-rank threat, that would be a big ass lie. Truth is, he graduated on time with slightly above average grades, but nothing special. He took the Chunin exams twice before he passed. He never officially made the rank of jōnin, but was promoted to tokubetsu jōnin due to his advanced nature in suiton-ninjutsu and nintaijutsu.

By the age of 18, he entered the Jōnin exams but was given a rude awakening as to just how inferior he was in the shinobi world. Due to personal issues Iruka was placed on leave until he seemed up to par to take on missions once more. Years later at the ripe age of 24, Iruka found himself nearing the end of his journey with his very first graduating class.

Iruka stood behind a podium, eyes scanning the faces of his graduates, and noted the various ways they wore their headbands. How he grew to care for them as if they were his own seed, and here he stood, barely prepared to send them off into their destinies. Iruka chuckled and wiped at his eyes as a precaution.

'Geesh I hope I don't shed a tear or two, Naruto would never let me hear the end of it.'

Noticing Sasuke slip into the seat next to Naruto, Iruka looked over the room and affirmed that everyone was present. Clearing his throat a bit audibly, his students fell silent and turned their eyes upon him.

"I want you all to know, as of today you are all shinobi. You have faced hardships and difficult trials to get here." Iruka spoke evenly in a flat tone without a hint of emotion. "And I can't put into words how proud I am of you all," His tone softened and a smile graced his face. "Not just as a teacher but also as a fellow comrade."

"But as your comrade and superior, I must tell you that what you have achieved is just the beginning." His smile vanished just as quick as it came. "What comes next will be far more difficult. Now you are only genin, first level shinobi. You all have a long way to go before you can be considered an elite shinobi. For this part of your journey into the shinobi world, you will not be alone."

Iruka noted the perfect silence and attention the genin exhibited, what a delightful change. "You all will be placed in three man cells, led by a jōnin." Lifting a sheet of paper for the genin to see, Iruka continued speaking. "I have here the squad assignments,"

Naruto looked toward Sasuke with a knowing look, to which Sasuke just shrugged and proceeded to ignore the Uzumaki. "But before I do so, I was informed that Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha are to report to training field 13, by order of their jonin sensei..."

Iruka observed the note curiously, "Who also asked not to be named?.." He turned his inquisitive gaze upon the two genin in question, and saw his confusion reflected. Apparently this was news to them too.

"Well Naruto, Sasuke, It has been a pleasure being your instructor but it is time to part roads. But this goes to all of you as well," Iruka directed his pointer finger from one side of the room to another to emphasize. "You may all call upon me if you need me, my door is always open."

"Good luck boys," Iruka gave an informal salute and watched the boys leave his classroom for the very last time. 'And please watch out for each other'.

...

(Naruto and Sasuke)

"Well that was a bit of a downer wasn't it?" Naruto quirked his lips while recalling everything Iruka had said. Sasuke calmly strode forward not really giving Naruto much attention, "Hey are you even listening to me?" Naruto placed a hand on Sasuke's shoulder. Something was off about him today, he was moody, well way moodier than usual.

Sasuke slapped the hand away and glared harshly at him, "Don't touch me Naruto. Today's not the day." Sasuke crossed his arms and stalked ahead through the busy market streets of the Konoha market. Naruto stared questioningly at the back of his friend's back.

'What's got his panties all in a bunch today?' Naruto's eyes drifted to the insignia on Sasuke's back. Naruto face-palmed for his obliviousness, Naruto whispered aloud to himself. "Fuck I'm such an idiot, I totally forgot."

Naruto's signature grin melted away into a dull frown, he stuffed his hands into his vest pockets, and followed after his companion. 'He really misses them,' Naruto stared ahead at Sasuke's back, once more his eyes fell upon the symbol of the Uchiha clan. 'I guess today was just another reminder of what he has lost. Or what was taken away.'

Having cleared the distance of the market, the two were alone as they neared the training grounds. Naruto kept pace with Sasuke, they walked side by side in silence. They made their way through the forestry with nothing but the sounds of nature to fill the awkward silence, Naruto looked at Sasuke from the corner of his eye. Though trying to keep to himself Sasuke could clearly feel the eyes of his redheaded friend on him. Breaking through the foliage, the two made it into a vast clearing.

"Would you stop staring at me?" Sasuke met Naruto's stare full-on and looked mildly annoyed, but not entirely mad. Naruto merely placed his fist forward, and looked around bashfully.

"You know this isn't easy for me to say, but I'm sorry man, I can be pretty dense sometimes, ya'know?" Naruto chuckled and scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "Bros?"

Sasuke looked at the stupid grin plastered on the Uzumaki's face and then back to his fist, well at least the little turd was being understanding and not a total moron for once. A nice change of pace that Sasuke appreciated. "Well damn Sasuke are you just going to leave me hanging or what?!" Naruto clenched his other fist and teeth as he glared at his moody bastard of a rival.

Wordlessly Sasuke met Naruto's outstretched fist with his own, he smirked in response to Naruto's naturally impatient nature."Bros."

With the tension between them lifted, the two fresh genin took in their surroundings fully. Training ground 13 was one of the many training areas that shinobi of the Hidden Leaf used. Nothing about it was particularity special, save for the huge crystal clear pond that covered the entire other side of the field. Naruto took a seat in the grass, and rubbed his chin.

"I wonder why we were told to meet our sensei here?," Naruto asked no one in particular and continued to take in the surroundings. "More importantly why would our sensei insist that his identify remain hidden from us?" Naruto looked to Sasuke, who gave a noncommittal shrug, he was too busy scanning the grounds.

"I don't know, but I got this weird feeling. Like we're missing something." Naruto got back up to his feet and nodded in agreement. "Yeah I got that same vibe too. But I then I also got to thinking about something else."

"'Thinking' you say, I didn't know your people were capable of anything other than being annoying as hell and eating ramen." Sasuke quirked an eyebrow up in surprise. Naruto flipped Sasuke the bird, "Haha very funny, wise guy." A thoughtful frown was on his face as he continued to rub his chin, "But seriously isn't it normal to have an ongoing sense of scrutiny? I mean we're shinobi now. We deal death from the shadows, we steal, and most of all we keep secrets."

Sasuke hummed in agreement, he turned to his crimson haired pal. "And when did you get so smart?" Naruto grinned and scratched his whiskered cheek lightly, "Well I have been doing a bit more reading lately."

Sasuke snorted in response, but lost track of his sly retort when an remarkably white feather gently floated down in front of them. " What the hell? Naruto you saw that right?" Sasuke was suddenly hit with a sudden sense of sluggishness, he felt unreasonably tired. Naruto seemed to be in the same boat, falling ungracefully on his ass. "Yeah I saw that, but are you seeing this?" Naruto pointed to the sky, Sasuke followed his gaze.

A horde of the very same luminous feathers floated down surrounding them at an increasing rate, more seemed to fall by the second as they couldn't see an end to them. 'Shit! I'm too late..' Sasuke lost the feeling in his body and fell face first into the grass, losing consciousness.

"Sasuke..." Naruto tried to call out to him but his voice was nothing more than a whisper, he looked to the sky once more and could barely see the sun, the feathers continued to fall. 'What is this? Dammit I can't move!'

Naruto fought a feeling that he could only associate with sleepiness, just times a thousand and on steroids. His eyelids became heavier and harder to keep open as each moment went by, black and blue spots danced across his vision. "Sleep Uzumaki Naruto, do not struggle." A deep voice filled the clearing but Naruto could not bring his body to move, he could only make out a pair of sandals.

Naruto willed his body to do something, a burning sensation fought against him but he managed to grasp the person's ankle. "I guess what they say about you Uzumaki's is true," The blunt end of a kunai struck the base of the back of Naruto's skull.

"Always apply the double tap method."


Word Count: 3,064

Hey guys, I know it has been a while, please forgive me! *Bows repeatedly* I am trying to get back in the groove of writing, and I realized that the key to gathering a massive following is consistent updates. So I will try harder to get that done, now that I am a college student I have more time yet none at the same time. So this was just a chapter to get something out there and get my creative thoughts rolling. Hope you guys liked it. I think this is my very first cliffhanger, yay for me!

Please tune in next time to see what happens on The Hokage Initiative!