A/N: I'm terribly sorry that I've not updated this in almost three years, but a lot has happened that prevented me from doing so. This chapter is to make up for that. As this story was started before all the revelations that appeared in the manga, this will be considered AU. Certain elements of the manga will appear in this story, however.
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto. that honor belongs to Masashi Kishimoto.
Chapter 2:
the next day, Kushina was cleared for the journey, the hospital stating she could finish healing on the trip. With everything already set, the Namikaze family set forth on their trip, bidding farewell to their loved ones.
Eleven years had passed since then. Under Hiruzen's rule, the village flourished. Buildings were repaired and life returned to a normal pace. Hiruzen was kept up on Minato's trip via toad messengers and, through Minato, Tsunade returned to the village. The Third Hokage was now waiting expectantly for the former Hokage to return while he did his paper work. It was at this moment that there was the soft sound of rushing thunder as the Yellow Flash made his entrance in the Hokage Tower, his wife and son holding on to him. Hiruzen looked up, startled.
"Welcome back, Minato! I trust the training went well." Hiruzen said.
Minato nodded. "I taught him everything I was authorized to, and Kushina taught him everything she knew. He is now proficient in Taijutsu, Ninjutsu, Kenjutsu, and Fuinjutsu." He said.
Hiruzen nodded. "Then will you be entering him into the academy?"
"I will be. While he learned everything in the practical side, he still needs help in theoretical knowledge, and I believe the academy can help there." He said smiling.
The old hokage nodded and passed the required forms. "Just sign these and your son is ready to enter. Will you and Kushina be reentering service?"
"Yes. I think it's time we started taking missions again." he signed as he spoke, allowing Naruto to sign where his signature was needed. Once everything was signed, he passed it back.
"Looks like everything is in order. Classes start tomorrow. Each term lasts half a year, with graduation tests being given at the end of the term. Those who fail to pass or are determined unfit to take the tests will be kept for another term. Academy students can sit for however many terms as required to pass, though their status drops accordingly each time they fail." the Hokage explained. Minato nodded and took his leave.
The Namikaze family is back. How will Naruto handle the academy? Find out next time!
To be continued...
A/N: Sorry for the short chapter, but I think it's justified given how long I was gone. please review and tell me what you thought. I promise the chapters will grow as I update, unless I have another unexpected absence. Ja ne!