Naruto: A different beginning
Episode 4
(it's now been 11 years. The Namikaze family is living in a bigger house from the apartment they lived in before. Naruto and Tayuya grew up very well. Tayuya has recently turned fifteen and has recently made Chunnin with her squad. Tayuya was able to open up more as she got used to living with her new family. Although like Kushina in her academy days she really had a bad temper when someone made fun of her whether it was for her hair or for the fact that most of the boys couldn't keep up with her as far as skill and chakra control went. Kushina felt proud when she graduated, Minato cried cause his little girl was growing up, and Naruto wanted to surpass her as well as his parents and prove to the whole village that he will be the next Hokage. The next Ninja legend people will talk about. Tayuya still had yet find what it is that she call her dream. She had hoped to find that answer sometime before she becomes a Jonin. Tayuya grew up to be quite an eye for boys her age and a bit older. Kushina trusted her daughters judgement however Minato...well let's say from the first time she mentioned a boy Minato would over react like spy on her with shadow clones when she was training with her teammates. Her Teammates are Sanouske wears a gray sleeveless shirt, black thin pants and wears many scrolls to summon the weapons and items needed to make his traps. He comes from a clan of trap masters. Every ambush, every kind of horrific trap you may think is only possible in movies the Yagyuus have always made possible make them quite fearsome if you let your guard down or try to out trap or out manuver one. Their symbol is a Racoon since they animal they make a pact with to summon are the Racoons which is also why they have a black painting on their faces around the eyes to symbolize their proud connection to the Racoons. Sanouske is as devious as a racoon but it's that personality that him his teams recon man. He talk his way out of a situation without needing to change his appearance too much with a transformation jutsu. He refers to that as his people skills but it's mostly related to the fact his clan started out as a band of theives before the first Hokage helped them find a better calling and put those skills and their traps to good use and have since been valuable allies to the leaf and swore their loyalty to the village. Sanouske loves to use his "people" skills to swoon the girls and sweet talk them into dates which will you will see in the future. The other member is a mystery at the moment and his family name is still a secret to all but the Hokage and sensei in charge of him. For now all that is needed to know is that his name is Takeru. Now has seen his face since he makes it a point to hide it since the day he moved into the village. Tayuya would usually talk to him since Sanouske is usually the type of she can't stand but is able to work him when on a mission. At most she considers a comrade since he peeped on her and got the beating of a lifetime for it. Takeru is always wearing Armor similar to the samurais from the land of iron only his had some custom looks to it but it was enough to know he was originally from the land of iron at least. He never takes off the armor except when he is at his home. The only thing for sure about him is that he really seems to enjoy hero based shows and comic books. Hence why most of the armors he wears have a similar look to those fictional heroes. When Naruto saw him for the first he thought he would make an awesome super hero for the shinobi world. Takeru's combat prowess was second to none his potential was great but it was obvious to Minato's point of view that was holding back. Takeru's story will be told for another time. Let's focus on Naruto for now. Naruto was in his last week in the academy. His grades were pretty average with Kushina or Minato and occasion Tayuya helping him with his studies and jutsus. Naruto seemed to struggle with control over his chakra. The clone jutsu for some reason was his worst technique. Minato had an idea of what was wrong but Kushina wasn't willing to take a risk on Naruto trying to use an advanced jutsu to prove a point, so the topic was put on hold. It was the day before the exam and Iruka noticed someone missing in his class till he saw the Hokage monument. "Oh god. Naruto! Everyone stay here and study till i get back!" Iruka told his students. While the students began talking a certain blue haired girl sighed as she heard her best friend since childhood's name being called out for another one of his pranks but she had to admit he did make things lively. At the Hokage tower where Minato was looking over some reports till "LORD HOKAGE! LORD HOKAGE! WE HAVE A BIG PROBLEM!" like Hinata Minato sighed.
"What is it now? And please don't tell me it's Naruto again." Minato said since most of the complaints the villagers had about Naruto these days were more about his pranks than the nine tailed fox which was good but not exactly better.
"It is Naruto again! He's painted graffitti all over the Hokage faces." We see Narutos handy work and Minato was looking at it and saw his face got the worst of it compared to the former three Hokage.
"Oh boy. Alright then find Naruto and send him to the academy. I'll let his teacher know what his punishment will be." Minato ordered the chunin who came running to his office. Speaking of Naruto he was running all over the village avoided well trained chunnin.
"HAHAHA You slow pokes can't catch me!" Naruto yelled as he then pulled a fast on some chunnins by hiding on the fence behind a sheet colored exactly like the wooden fence. "Ha! Those guys make this too easy." Naruto said cockily till two people who knew his tricks better than anyone showed up in front of him. "uh oh." Iruka and Tayuya apparently found him and Iruka looked exhausted from all the running.
"Heh I finally found you Naruto!" He said
"Hey Iruka Sensei. Hey Sis." Naruto said nervously.
"Don't you "hey sis" me little brother. You're in really big trouble now." Tayuya said in annoyance as she jumped Naruto and tied him down and let Iruka drag him back to school. They then started making their way back. "I can't believe you did that! Seriously! Now I gotta spend my day off watching you till you clean that mess up. You're lucky dad got mom to calm down and let him decide your punishment." Tayuya explained to him as Naruto pouted. Iruka finally got him back to class where everyone just stared.
"Well Naruto, what do you have to say for yourself." Naruto didn't say anything where Iruka got irked. "Alright fine! Just for that everyone line up for a transformation test." With that annoncement everyone groaned and complained as they lined up. Naruto well known to his generation and others as the son of the fourth hokage but most of the village see him as the monster that attacked the village. Naruto noticed it all too well and wondered why did most of the village hate him. His sister didn't seem to know why and their parents along with their friends just never gave a clear answer as to why. After awhile Naruto just took it all and started pranking the village not too long after proclaiming he will surpass his father and be the next Hokage. Kushina would often ask him to let out anyhting that's bothering him but he never did. She worries that all this pranking he does is just a way to get teh villages attention till he can prove them wrong. She hated to wonder how much worse would the village had treated him if neither her or Minato were around. Then again she wasn't any different when it came to dealing with those problems. Even now she would still be looked at as some kind of demon that gave birth to a bigger monster that could kill them all. She never tells Minato of her problems and rather he focus on their son's problems but somehow she figured Minato knows but kept silent till she opened up. Shikamaru standing next to him followed by Ino.
"Seriously Naruto. Sould you not get us in trouble all the time." Shikamaru complained but he complains about at just about everything that didn't involve sleeping the day away.
"Well it's not like he can help being a rebel." Ino replied even though she was a Sasuke fangirl till recently since Naruto actually saved her from some punk kids who couldn't graduate from the academy. She used think Naruto as nothing but a pain but seeing him fight off those punks withh some basic Taijutsu his mother taught him she couldn't help but see him as manly. So she let the other girls have Sasuke since her only competitor for Naruto at the moment was Hinata.
"Yeah. Like I care." Naruto said as Ino was thinking "Wow even when he is in a bad mood he looks so...ahh" Ino's imagination got the better of her in this one.
"Next up, Naruto Namikaze!" Iruka called out. Hinata his childhood friend watched him and cheered for him silently. "Naruto do your best" she thought as Naruto made the transformation sign. He grades were average and under his mothers supervision both him and Tayuya studied when she told them to cause lord their mother is the last person to make angry. When Naruto thinks of his mother angry he is reminded of a comic Takeru brought about a warrior whose power increases when he gets angrier. Even her specific words to them and especially her enemies were "You won't like me when i'm mad." but as expected from anyone who knows Naruto well enough rather than turning into Iruka he turned into...
"TRANSFORM!" POOF! There stood a bombshell of woman with twin pig tails and D cup breasts with only the smoke covering the juicy bits. Hinata blushed in embarrassment he did that jutsu his mother specifically told him to never to use again and Ino was shocked both that he did and wondered if she could get a bod like that when she got older and Iruka well..
"BUUWAAAAAAAHHHHHH!" Nose bleed rocket knocks him out and Naruto reverts back laughing his brains.
"HAHAHAHAHA! I got ya Iruka Sensei! That was my Sexy Jutsu!" He proudly expained till Tayuya who he forgot was watching from outside the window jumped and gave him a punch in the back of his head followed by Iruka yelling
"NARUTO YOU ALREADY FAILED THE GRADUATION EXAM TWICE! NOW CUT THE STUPID TRICKS! THIS IS YOUR LAST WARNING!" Fact of the matter is Naruto could've graduated early but the problem was the exam he took twicewas a concern he brought to the Hokage. Minato ordered for this to be Naruto's test everytime. This his way of seeing if Naruto was serious about becoming Hokage let alone a ninja. School time was over everyone went home except for Naruto who now had to wipe off all the graffiti while Tayuya and Iruka kept an eye on him under the Hokage's order.
"Man this seriously sucks. Can't you ask dad for a favor sis." Naruto complained.
"If you knew cleaning this was gonna suck then you shouldn't have done it and you know he can't give us special favors cause he's our father." Tayuya replied to him as Iruka watched them. He knew one thing that would get Naruto's spirit up.
"Hey Naruto. How bout after you finish the three of us go for some Ramen. My Treat." He said with a smile. One thing the Namikaze siblings loved more than anything. It was Ichiraku Ramen. Iruka had his personal issues like everyone else wiht Naurto at first since his parents were killed but Minato was able to comfort him and show him a special lesson he would never forget. He looked at the two of them as if they were his own siblings but like Minato he gave no special treatment when it came to them being in his class.
"Alright! Now that is some serious motivation!" Naruto yelled as he worked faster.
"Better finish quick then! That Miso Ramen is calling my name!" Tayuya yelled as Iruka chuckled at them. After finally finishing the three of them made thier way to Ichiraku Ramen after Tayuya made sure to let their mother know Iruka was treating them. As they were eating they began talking about why Naruto did what he did.
"So Naruto why did you paint Grafiti over the Hokage faces? You are aware of they are, right?" Iruka asked him.
"Of course! They were best of the best and the strongest Ninja to have ever lived and my dad was one of the youngest people to become Hokage yet. Even now he's still getting stronger." Naruto replied.
"Then why do it?" Tayuya asked as she slurped her ramen down.
"Because after tomorrow I'm gonna prove to everyone I'm some screw up. I'm gonna surpass them all including dad! Naruto Namikaze! The next great Ninja! A Ninja Legend!" Naruto said proudly. Tayuya couldn't help but smile at her little brother.
"Well you better graduate tomorrow then." Iruka replied.
"By the way since you're both here...can one of you let me wear your ninja headbands?" He asked them.
"Why?" They both asked.
"They just look so cool! I wanna at least wear one before tomorrow's test." He replied as they both said no. "Aww, why not?"
"You know the rules Naruto. Only those who have graduated from the Academy can wear a Ninja headband." Iruka explained to him. Naruto pouted at that.
"Aww, look at the way he's pouting. He made that same face when he was wittle." Tayuya said to tease him since given his age he was a bit short than most of the other kids.
"I WANT ANOTHER BOWL!" He yelled to try change the topic. The next day came and the exam was about to begin. Naruto took off running after realising he ate a little slow at the table. "Oh crap! I gotta go mom! I love you! Bye!" Naruto said in a hurry and took off before she could say bye to him.
"Good luck...my little fishcake." She said as she watch him run to his exam. She prayed this time would be different. Naruto had just made it in time and took his seat. Iruka now confirmed all students were present and on time so he now started the exam. There were two parts. First was the written part of the exam. Naruto handles this part well enough. Next came the jutsu portion. This was to see if the students could perform at least one basic jutsu of the faculties choosing to see if they had at least an average amount of chakra control.
"Ok, now the written exam is over we got one more test that will help determine if you are truly ready to become Ninja. This graduation exam's final test will be the clone jutsu!" Iruka told his students.
"AGAIN!? That's my worst technique! No matter how much I practice it I can't get it to work!" Naruto said in his thoughts. Iruka and his assistant instructor and long time friend Mizuki would be the proctors for this exam. One by one the students went in and passed.
"Naruto Namikaze!" Mizuki called out. Naruto entered the classroom and stood before them.
"Whenever you're ready Naruto." Iruka told him as he and Mizuki watched if he finally got the jutsu to work for him.
"I can do this. Just focus my chakra." Naruto told himself as he built up the necessary amount with some extra to make it work for him. "Clone Jutsu!" POOF! Despite the dramatics his clone was another failure and now he was embarrassed.
"You failed." Iruka said. He hated to say that to him as Naruto was looking upset but he had a duty as an instructor to do his job.
"We could cut him a break this time, Iruka." Mizuki said as Naruto had his hopes up on that one. "It was a bit sloppy this time but you can tell he really put his all into trying to make it happen."
"Mizuki all the other students we're at least able to produce three clones. Naruto could barelt make one and look at it. It's pathetic. I'm afraid I can't pass him." and with that it was over. Naruto left the classroom and spent the rest of the day sitting at swing outside the academy. He saw families coming to pick up their kids and he knew it wouldn't be long before his came by to ask how he did. After all that bravado he didn't wanna see anyone right now. He was too embarrassed. Hinata found her mother and Ko waiting for her and showed her headband. As they were telling her of how proud they are she kept looking for Naruto till she saw him sitting on the swing alone trying to avoid everyone. Then she heard some of the other adults mentioning about their relief on Naruto not graduating.
"Mother, why does everyone in the village hate Naruto?" Hinata asked.
"Hinata...I wish i could tell you but there are reasons why I can't right now." Saya hugged her daughter close. She's aware of her Daughter's crush on her childhood friend. "One day he'll know the truth for himself and it'll be important for you to be there and listen to him." During this hug Naruto saw Mizuki standing next to him and asked him to join up on the rooftops to get away from all this. By the time Hinata looked back to at least talk to Naruto he was gone. Kushina had just shown with Tayuya asking the Hyugas if they had seen him.
"I'm sorry, Hinata saw him right there on the swing. We should've kept a better eye on him." Saya said as she felt horrible for not noticing he took off on his own.
"No don't be. Why would he run off like that?" Kushina asked as she had a look of worry for her little boy was.
"He probably didn't wasnt to be seen because he didn't pass the clone jutsu again." Hinata replied as everyone looked at her as she continued talking Naruto and Mizuki were looking at the sunset talking about the same thing.
"I know you're upset Naruto and it may look Iruka is being hard on you but he's doing it cause he cares about you. He wants you to become strong to help you reach your dream of surpassing your father." Mizuki said to try and comfort his student. (cue OST track sadness and sorrow.) Naruto had tears falling as he sniffed.
"I really...wanted to pass this time. I wanted to make them proud of me...(Sniff)...I just can't be like dad...I'm not smart or fast like him...but i worked really hard..." Naruto couldn't stop the crying. He hadn't cried in so long he had almost forgotten how to stop as he wiped the tears off his face using the sleeves of his Orange coat. Mizuke looked at him and gave a sincere smile to him as he patted his head. (end song.)
"Well, if you're still determined...there is one thing you can try." Mizuki said. With that Naruto looked at Mizuki. "It's not common these days but we do have a special test for students who failed but have great potential in them. Sorta like a last chance thing, but it's top secret in the faculty and i think you got what it takes Naruto. If your willing I can make the preparations for you to take it later tonight."
"Really? You're really serious?" Naruto said sounding hopeful.
"Yep, but it's top secret so you can't tell anyone even after you take it." Mizuki replied to him. With that Naruto agreed to take it. Mizuki had told Naruto where to wait as a starting point and to not go home till the test was done. Naruto was given dinner paid by Mizuki so all Naruto had to do was wait till Mizuki returned to let him know he could start his mission based test. In the meanwhile Iruka was with the Namikaze's as he thought about what Minato said as he talked to him about how Naruto did on his exam and how Iruka expressed how he felt before Minato needed to go back his office for a last minute summon to his office.
"Iruka, I think you of all people oughta know it's like to be ignored. Naruto has great respect for you because you're one of the only few people who treats him like a person instead of a monster or the son of the Hokage. That's why he's been getting into trouble these last 2 years. He feels he needs t oget the villages' attention to prove they're wrong about him even though Kushina, Tayuya and myself do all we can to to show he doesn't need to go that far. So far Hinata was the only one to convince him to keep his pranks to a minimum since i've caught her helping him on a rare occassion." Minato said as he chuckled on those rare times Hinata got caught assissting Naruto with some of his early pranks on the village. "I think you relate to Naruto more than most cause like you and Kushina he's trying to prove himself. He wants us to believe in him. That's why I requested for him to take the clone jutsu. To show it won't all be easy but to see that no matter what happens as long as he doesn't give up he can always make something happen." That was when he left before Iruka could ask why he would want to test his own son like this so eatly in his life. That was when Kushina, Tayuya, and him heard the alarm sounding. Iruka headed off as Kushina and Tayuya quickly got changed and caught to him and saw other Chunin and Jonin were on kneeling before the Hokage waiting for him to speak. Kushina saw a white haired masked Ninja who she knew all too well from his young days as Minato's student.
"What's going on Kakashi?" She asked him.
"Something big. I don't think you're gonna like what sensei has to announce." Kakashi said as he could tell this one order that would difficult for him to give. Minato looked at Kushina as he knew this was gonna hurt her as much as him.
"Just awhile ago...the Leafs secret scroll has been stolen...by Naruto Namikaze." Minato said reluctantly most of the ninja present who already didn't like him were now beyond hating with that while those who knew the boy couldn't believe what Minato just announced. Tayuya couldn't accept what her father just said and neither could Iruka. Tayuya turned to her mother and could tell she was ready to break down since this kind of crime is punishable by life in prison or in Naruto's case with how people seem to hate him...death. It took all of Kushina's will to stay calm as she had to listen the angry out bursts.
"Lord Hokage! I know he's your son but even you have to admit he is taking this way too far! That scroll contains Jutsus that has been taught to our village since the it's founding by the First Hokage!" A Jonin yelled his concern.
"Forgive me." Minato whispered to himself since this would be difficult for him and his family. "Go and find Naruto and bring him back immediately!" With that all shinobi dispersed and began the search. Tayuya met up with her squad to search. Kushina was on a roof top and Iruka stopped to ask if she was alright.
"It'll be alright Lady Kushina." He said as looked at him with tears on her face. "Naruto is a good kid. He would never do something like this." Iruka expressed his faith and trust in Naruto because he was raised by a good father, a caring sister, and most importantly a mother who loved her son deeply. "We just gotta look to where Naruto would go. He'd have to be somewhere we wouldn't think to look." With that they both started running as they brainstormed where he could be. Meanwhile in another part of the village Mizuki knew exactly where to go.
"This is perfect. With this no one would care if I were to kill him now then i can take the scroll for myself." He said in his thoughts with a menacing grin. During this whole thing Naruto was already reading the scroll to see if he can at least master one jutst before he was found to pass his test.
"Let's see...hmm, the Shadow Clone Jutsu. GAH! Not again! This is my worst technique but I guess I don't have a choice since I only got so little time for this test." Naruto said to himself. Almost an hour has gone by and Naruto fell on his but from exhaustion but was looking rather confident and proud. He took this time to catch his breath till he turned around and saw two people.
"(pant, pant) We finally found you Naruto!" Iruka said as he chuckled since he knew Naruto well enough to hide in unexpected areas. Kushina ran to her baby and hugged him and kissing him like he was gone for a long time.
"Oh, my little fishcake! I was worried sick about you!" She said as she tried to control her sobs.
"Sorry mom. But hey, Listen! And you too Iruka Sensei! Now that you two found me this means I get to take the Exam again right?" Naruto said to them and they looked confused as to what he was talking about. Wondering why he isn't aware of the fact that he was in big trouble for taking the scroll.
"Whoa whoa slow down there. What test? What are you talking about?" Iruka asked him.
"The secret test the academy has! Mizuki sensei told me all about it and this secret spot so you guys can see...I..." Naruto noticed the shocked looked on their faces and was starting to worry.
"Impossible." Kushina thought.
"Mizuki told him this? But why?" Iruka thought. Both wondering why a promising Chunin like him would do this. Just then sensed an attack as Iruka pushed the mother and child away. He took quite a few kunais and shurikens were then thrown Kushina shielded Naruto with her body with no time to perform a hand sign while hold Naruto. The wounds weren't fatal on either of them but they did hurt alot.
"MOM! IRUKA SENSEI!" Naruto yelled in shock while holding the scroll. They all looked up to see Mizuki on a tree.
"So, that's how it is. I should've known Mizuki!" Iruka said to his now former friend.
"I gotta admit I'm surprised you two knew to look here. Guess it was a good thing i came a little extra prepared. Especially for you." Mizuki said as he slammed his hands together. "Chakra seal!"
"AHHH! GRRR, This seal..." Kushina yelled in pain and realised this jutsu was a speacial chakra seal jutsu for Jinchurrikis. This sealed her own chakra along with the half of the nine tails chakra she was already carrying in her body. This seal also causes physical pain by focusing the chakra on her pain receptors.
"MOM!" Naruto yelled in worry. He had never seen his mother in this kind of pain before. Next to his dad she was one of the strongest Kunoichi to date. One of the current top four to be more exact.
"Hmmph, so even one of the Leafs Lady Devas can be vulnerable when you exploit their weakness." Mizuki said arrogantly
"Where...did you...learn this justsu?" She asked despite the pain.
"That's my little secret I'm afraid." He replied.
"Mizuki Sensei, What is this? What the hell is going on here?" asked a very confused Naruto.
"Naruto! Mizuki used you! He wants that scroll to increase his own power! Don't give it to him!" Iruka yelled.
"Don't listen to him Naruto. Just give me the scroll and you'll get to be a full fledged Ninja like I said." Mizuki stated. "A Rouge Ninja that is." He added in his thoughts.
"Stop lying to him Mizuki!" Iruka yelled.
"Oh I'll tell you whose lying!" Mizuki replied and got Naruto's attention with Kushina and Iruka fearing what he was about to say.
"No...Don't...listen...to him." Kushina said under her pained breath regretting not bringing Minato's Kunai since reasorbing half of the Nine Tails chakra caused the to be removed like it was overloaded with the sudden asorbtion of so much chakra into her body along with her own strong chakra.
"They've been lying to you your whole life Naruto! Even your own parents!" Mizuki said. "Under your daddy's orders we were forced to keep it a secret from you!"
"No Mizuki! It's forbidden!" Iruka yelled.
"What secret? What secret does everyone know that I don't!?" Naruto asked.
"The Nine tailed fox that attacked our village twelve years ago was never slain by the third Hokage it was instead sealed away. Half of it's Chakra into your mother while the Beast and the other half of it's chakra in you. IN OTHER WORDS YOU ARE THE NINE TAILED FOX!" He yelled with great pleasure and enjoyed the shocked look on Naruto's face like he was just hit with something. "Didn't you think it was strange that whole village would always talk about your mother behind her back and look at you like you were some kind of plague."
"N-Naruto..." Kushina said as her tears were falling again. She didn't want her son to know the truth like this.
"No worries Lady Kushina. I'll put him out of his misery!" Mizuki said as he grabbed his giant Shuriken. During this exchange Iruka thought on what Minato said before the nsaw Mizuki set to kill Naruto. "Say good bye!" He threw the giant shuriken.
"NARUTO!" Kushina yelled in fear as she couldn't move from the pain.
"NARUTO! GET DOWN!" Naruto snapped out of it as he was expecting to get killed but he was still alive and saw Iruka on top of him as he was the one who took the blow.
"Why?" He asked. (Cue sadness and Sorrow again)
"Because we're the same. I used to be like you. When my parents died during the attack...nobody seemed to care so I became the class clown just to get attention from people but my grades dropped and I wasn't getting anywhere. I thought I should be like the others and seek revenge for my parents but then...
(flash back)
Iruka saw a little two year old Naruto alone in his back yard. He was hesitating cause from every point of view...he looked like an innocent child. He then saw him fall and hurt himself and started crying. Instead of ignoring him he went to Naruto and picked him up to help him stop crying. "Fishcake! Are you ok!?" Iruka heard Kushina as she ran to pick up her baby.
"He just fell...it looks like he just hurt his knee a little." Iruka explained as he gave Naruto to her.
"Oh I see. Thank you..." Before she knew it he was gone. Iruka had gone to the memorial stone realizing he couldn't do it. No matter how people rationalize...Naruto was just an innocent child in all this. Just then he turned around and the Fourth Hokage.
"I guess you realized it on your own. That's good first step to being a good Ninja Iruka. Even though your grades are below average I know why you try to be the class clown. Unlike most you aren't afraid to cry for your parents." He said.
"No I'm not! If I cry it's because I'm proud of my parents! They died as heroes for this village! That's why...I don't think it's fair to blame a little child for something he had no control over! My parents wouldn't forgive me if I killed an innocent child like that!" Iruka yelled knowing full well that the Hokage is already aware of what he intended to do before coming to the Memorial stone.
"Not many people can overcome that kind of hate Iruka. It's something we Ninja struggle with everyday but despite that we depend on each other here for within each of us lies the Will of Fire." Minato replied as he walked past him.
"The Will of Fire?"
"The philosophy taught to us since the First Hokage. When we feel the need to protect others and stand by each other for something no matter how great or small a threat is like a family. That is the Will of Fire that helps us in these times. I have faith in our village that despite how they see my wife and son...they will come to see them as heroes." Minato said as Iruka looked at his Hokage putting such faith in people. To his surprise Minato gives him a hug. "I know these last two years have been hard Iruka but you're not alone. Even if it's just one person you'd be surprised at one person believing in you can a difference. We are all family in this village so don't be afraid to let others into your life." Iruka began to cry after hearing those words.
(end of flash back)
"I'm sorry. I shoulda tried to be there more becuase I saw the signs that even though you had people with you were trying to draw attention of the village but you don't need to do that Naruto. Your family and the friends you have now...they believe in you and so do I. so please don't hurt yourself anymore like this." Naruto saw his tears and his mothers but the truth that they kept a secret like this from him was still too much so he ran away with the scroll into the woods. "NARUTO!"
"NARUTO! NARUTO!" Kushina and Iruka yelled but the last yell was too much for Kushina as she pass out from the pain. And Mizuki walked past them.
"I think it's about time took care of him. I'll come back and deal with you two later." Mizuki said as he dashed off after Naruto. Iruka looked to Kushina even though she was unconcious Naruto was she could still think about at the moment. He then pulled the shuriken out of his back and tried to get back up.
"No. I won't let you. I swear I'll protect him with my life." Iruka said to himself. Meanwhile Minato had been stuck in a meeting with Homura and Koharu and Danzo urging him to take appropriate action for Naruto stealing the scroll. They felt putting him in root would be for the best but after a long and ridiculous debate with them he was able to put off judgement till they had the matter solved first. Just then he saw Tayuya and her squad.
"Dad!"
"What is it Tayuya?"
"It's mom, she's gone. She hasn't reported back or anything. I'm getting worried" Hearing his daughter say that was enough to make look into the matter. He went into a chamber to access a crystal orb to let him see all within the village all the way to about fifteen miles out in the forest area since that's all Minato can handle with it. He found Kushina unconcious and Gave Tayuya the order to get a medic team there while he continued his search for Naruto from the crystal ball. Back in the Forest Naruto was hopping from branch to branch till Iruka caught up.
"Naruto! Mizuki is after you! Give me the Scroll quick!" He asked but unexpectedly Naruto tackled him with all his might and both fell to the ground. Naruto got some distance and sat up against a tree. "GRR Damn it!" POOF! Iruka turned out to be Mizuki. "How the hell did you know I wasn't Iruka Naruto!"
"Heh simple." POOF! Naruto turned out to be Iruka with log to pretend it was the scroll. "Because I'm Iruka Umino."
"Why are you protecting the monster who killed your parents anyway?" Mizuki asked as he got up and unbeknownst to them Naruto was actully hiding behind a tree and was listening. "Admit it you know he's a monster and now that he knows he's gonna use the scroll to attack the village for his revenge. That's just what monsters do."
"You're right. You're right that is what a monster would do." Iruka answered and Naruto squeezed the scroll feeling betrayed.
"So it's true. Dad...Mom...Sis...Hinata...Even Iruka Sensei think I'm..."
"But that's not who Naruto is." Those words suddenly got his attention. "Sure he may be a bit of screw up and likes to prank people but what kid his age wouldn't like to do that stuff. He may not be the kind of genius his Father is but that's what makes him special. He's not trying to be like his dad or even use the fact his father is our Hokage to get anywhere. He's trying to make his own name for himself. He works harder than anyone i know and he puts alot of effort into his training. He's not a monster he's the son of Minato and Kushina Namikaze. He's Naruto Namikaze of the Hidden Leaf!"(cue the Naruto fight song from episode 1) Hearing that made Naruto cry cause now he was starting to see he didn't need everyone's approval. The only ones that mattered are from the people who truly cared about him.
"I was gonna kill you last but you really ticked me off with that Iruka. Say hi to your parents for me!" Mizuki yelled as he lunged with his giant Kunai spinning on his finger.
"So this is it for me, huh?" Iruka asked in his thoughts as he closed his eyes waiting for death since he had nothing left in him till a WHOOSH and BAM! He saw Naruto come out from behind and punched Mizuki and knocked him back. "Naruto!?"
"If you ever touch my family, friends, or my Sensei...I'll kill you!" Naruto said as he gave Mizuki his fox glare.
"You think you can take me on!? Are you serious!? I can take you out in one hit!" Mizuki yelled as he got up.
"Take your best shot fool. I'll take what you got and give to you a thousand times more." just then Tayuya's squad along with Tsunade carrying Kushina after removing the seal Mizuki placed on her and now tended to Iruka while watching was happening. Naruto made the hand signs that everyone seem to recognize. "Multi-Shadow Clone Jutsu!" POOF! litereally about a thousand Narutos appeared.
"I don't believe he pulled it off." Tayuya said.
"And they aren't illusion clones either. Those are solid clones. He's mastered an extremely advanced Jutsu." Iruka replied to Tayuya as Kushina looked amazed as well. Mizuki was now in a panic.
"Come on! What are you waiting for!" all the Narutos yelled. "Well if you're not coming then we'll come to you!" They yelled as the sounds of pummeling, punching and kicking were heard alond with Mizuki's screams. Back in the village all the ninja's were met back up Kakashi was now reading his book like he knew something as Minato came out.
"It's all over now." Minato said with a smile as everyone minus Kakashi looked confused. "Don't worry Naruto will be back soon. This case is over." back in the forest and the sun had just rose up Naruto was called over by Iruka after tying up Mizuki. He did notice everyone talking about something but paid no mind to it.
"Ok now close your eyes. No peeking." Iruka said.
"Ok." Naruto agreed. "Can i open them now?" He asked.
"Yes Fishcake. Now you can." Naruto opened his eyes and noticed Iruka was missing his Headband till he felt his forhead.
"Naruto Namikaze! Congradulations. You graduatefrom the Academy and are now a Genin of the Hidden Leaf." Iruka said with a smile as he and the everyone else applauded him. Kushina jumped to her son and gave him her happiest hug yet.
"Congradualtions Fishcake. We're all so proud of you." She said as she stroked his hair.
"And to celebrate. We all agreed to go out for some Ramen tonight!" Iruka said proudly as he let Tsunade tend to his injuries.
"Iruka Sensei!" Naruto then jumped him for a hug and was so happy he was okay and got to graduate!
"Well I guess it...My two little babies...are Ninja now." Kushina said as she had a dramatic look in her eyes.
"Mom! We're not babies anymore!" The siblings yelled at their mother.
"YES YOU ARE! YOU'RE MY BABIES!" Kushina grabbed them both and cried her eyes out not wanting to let go and two of them tried ot break free but that was gonna take a while.
"He says he wants to surpass his father. I thought it was crazy at first but now I'm starting to think he really can do it, but it only gets harder from here Naruto. But I can tell him that later...after Ramen." Iruka said in his thoughts as he watched the Namikaze sibilings trying to break free from their Mother.
END OF EP 4
PREVIEW! Cue preview theme!
Wait are you serious! Come on Dad can't you just accept the picture as is?
Sorry son but it has to look professional and I can't make exceptions.
How bout if i die my hair!
No
How bout a pretty boy look!
Better but no.
How bout my Sexy Jutsu!
N...well I guess that depends
Fouth Lord Hokage! Prepare to be assasinated!
Whose the kid dad?
Oh dear. Here we go again.
NEXT TIME!
The Third's Grandson! My Name is Konohamaru!
And we see Konohamaru and Naruto training for the sexy jutsu with Sanouske watching with a grin.