Of Bloodlines and Betrayals

I don't own Naruto, never have, and probably never will.

I think you all get the hang of what means what, so I won't post that any more

Now as a reminder, two very short time-skips are in this chapter. It just felt necessary to put in there, and helped move the story along faster. Also, did nobody notice that I forgot a title for Chapter three? I've since fixed it, but still, thought someone would have caught that. And I do have one this time! HA! Now, on to chapter four.

Chapter Four: Changes

(One week later, the same training field, 7:00 am)

If one were to walk into the once deserted training field nine, they would be shocked to find the place currently being used. Of course, it is not entirely unheard of for some secretive ninja to use deserted areas to hide some of their techniques, but the one using the training ground was neither a ninja, nor thought to be secretive. However, that was the Naruto of a week ago, and since then, many things had changed, though few were visible from an outsiders point of view.

His torso, which used to be quite scrawny, had become average size for a child his age. His orange shorts had been cast off for more tactical blue ones, though his goggles remained on his eyes. His blonde hair was slightly longer, as if care of it was less important than other things. His bright blue eyes still shone, but now with a burning determination and an insatiable curiosity. However, those were the only things one could tell was different, but only if one knew Naruto well.

The main thing that had changes over the week, but was invisible to others, was his mind. He know knew a good deal more basic information about ninja, and knew about the basic principles of most ninja. He knew what he had to shoot for to graduate the academy. He knew that he needed to learn a taijutsu style, become proficient in throwing weapons, learn a decent amount of theoretical information – though he would never focus on it – and learn the Bunshin, Kawarimi, and Henge. Especially the Kawarimi.

Something else that has changed, was his chakra reserves. Repeated training using the Kage Bunshin no Jutsu had steadily improved Naruto's already large reserves until he could summon five clones, but any more would leave him winded. Using those clones, he is able to form all basic hand seals successfully, though his hand seal speed is atrocious. He had also improved some at throwing the few dulled kunai and shuriken he had managed to steal from the Academy. 'Not like they would miss a few anyway, with how many they had.' thought Naruto, breaking his own reminiscence with bitter thoughts.

That was another thing that had changed about Naruto. He no longer spoke without thinking. He thought about decisions before he made them, and he deliberated before making any major moves of any kind. It was a skill that set him firmly apart from the Naruto of one week ago, who would often do things half-assed, without thinking them through.

However, with this newfound strength came the arrogance that often follows, especially when one has yet to have a reality check. Despite how much he thinks he has gotten stronger, any genin could defeat him with laughable ease, while in his mind, he was already strong enough to start making changes, albeit slowly. But such is youth, who will often think they are invincible until someone proves them wrong, typically in a painful and scarring manner.

"One down, quite a few to go." panted out Naruto after finishing doing a lap around the medium-sized clearing. 'It's a shame that clones can't help me train my physical strength as well. Even if they could, I don't have the chakra to waste to test it out. All of my time now has to be spent getting as strong as I can, and the clones reading about ninjas and practicing throwing weapons have been invaluable.'

Naruto's daily training regime now consisted of getting up, eating, summoning a clone to get books, and two more to read them. The other two clones practiced with kunai and shuriken respectively, and have allowed his skill to become about the same level of a first year Academy student's. The help in those areas has been so useful, that Naruto has not been able to spare a clone to test whether or not they can help with physical training, so for now he takes care of that.

Little did the blonde ninja-in-training know that somewhere nearby, things were about to take a sharp turn for the worse.

XXX

(The council chamber, inside the Hokage tower)

"What do you mean the request is denied? While it isn't often that a student is accepted early, this is one exceptional case that should definitely be allowed. He could very much benefit from entering early, and I would like for you to remember that Hiashi-san." said Sarutobi, who was surprised at the rejection coming from someone normally so aloof and passive.

"My reasons are simple, and logical," said the head of the Hyugas. "In the history of Konoha, there have been very few students who have entered early. They have all been, with only one exception the heirs of prodigious clans. The aforementioned exception was Kakashi Hatake, who was not only the son of the White Fang, already showed great promise, and it was during a time of war. We are not currently in a war, and while he is a Jinchūriki, he is not a heir to any clan. Exceptions should not be made for a commoner, especially when my brother's son request was recently denied. If the nephew of the head of the most powerful clan in Konoha is not allowed in early, why should this nobody be allowed? We have to set a standard, and not make exceptions based solely off of favoritism." With that final word, Hiashi sat back down at his seat.

"I must agree with Hiashi-san, Hokage-sama," intoned the head of the Uchihas, Fugaku Uchiha, as he stood up. "The line has to be drawn here, and we cannot cross it on a foolish whim like this one. I too vote against the inclusion of one Naruto Uzumaki into the Academy early." He then sat down, and inclined his head at Hiashi, his point made. Following the stunning declaration by Konoha's two most prominent clan heads, every other person in the room, with the exception of Sarutobi, also voted against Naruto's inclusion.

The aged Kage sighed softly. 'I am so sorry Naruto. I wish I could do something to stop this, but even in his own village, the Hokage is not god.' "Fine. With a nigh-unanimous vote, Naruto Uzumaki will not be accepted into the Academy at an earlier date. If there are no other matters of business, this meeting is adjourned."

"Actually, about the Kiri matter, I don't believe we should send aid. Things are too uncertain at this point for us to make any decisions. We must wait and see before deciding." spoke up the quiet Danzo, before returning to his seat.

"Agreed, I was planning on doing the same thing, but now we can make it official." said Sarutobi. "A show of hands for who agrees with the two of us on this matter please." Once everyone had voted for it, he spoke again. "Now, the matter is officially closed until further information is obtained. And again, if there are no other matters of business, this meeting is adjourned." When no one spoke up, the esteemed leaders of Konohagakure left the room one by one.

Eventually, only two members were left in the room, but neither made a single move to get out of their seat. Hiashi Hyuga, and Fugaku Uchiha. Two leaders, both separate from the common man by something that could never be overcome. Both powerful ninja, in their own right. But here, both wondering why exactly their ever-present rival chose to side with them on this issue.

"So," started the man with eyes of an onyx color. "What exactly did Homura offer to get your alliance on this issue? After all, while your points were valid, they felt too rehearsed, and even you know better than to go against the Hokage on something like this."

"I could say the same thing to you. After all, you normally will fight against me with a passion, but today you were surprisingly docile. And what did Koharu offer you? Even when my Byakugan isn't active, I can still see your eyes dart over there after your vote as clear as day."

"Likewise your eyes also were easy to read, even when you don't have pupils," taunted the Uchiha with a knowing smirk. "Now why would Danzo-san want Uzumaki to be excluded from the Academy? After all-"

"The only thing the two have in common is their third elder, Danzo," finished the Hyuga. "This is probably a part of some convoluted plot of his. He has one of them every other day."

"Yes, but this one actually seems to be working. And affecting young Naruto? Danzo obviously has an end goal in mind, most likely with Naruto being a part of it. And anything that affects a village's Jinchūriki affects the entire village, whether they like it or not."

"True." standing up, and moving toward the door, Hiashi said over his shoulder "I will try to find more, and contact you if I find anything."

"As will I, Hiashi." said Fugaku, acknowledging and accepting his request. As he stood up, and made to leave as well, he thought to himself. 'Now, how will this change our plans? This will need to be discussed at great length, and making definite decisions needs to wait until things have settled down.'

XXX

(An undisclosed location)

"Do you understand exactly what you have to do? Reports have come in saying that part one was a success, now it is your job to initiate part two."

"Of course Danzo-sama. I live to serve you." said the unnamed man with a smile.

"Good. Your ability to perfectly imitate normal emotions will prove invaluable here. Play to the host's arrogance, and above all, do not be caught."

"Yes Danzo-sama. Consider it done." finished the agent with a smirk as he shunshined away.

XXX

(Naruto's apartment, 8:00 pm)

The unidentified Root agent appeared with nary a sound outside of Naruto's front door. He knocked on the door with his hand, then stood in a position designed to seem relaxed.

The door opened, and a blonde stuck his head outside. "What is it? It's kind of late, so could you make it quick?" answered the obviously tired blonde.

"Actually, the news I have may take a little while. Do you mind if I come inside?" smiled the ninja as he pretended to be caring.

"I suppose," replied Naruto, who the agent could tell was no feeling slightly more amiable. Opening the door, and gesturing for the man to follow him, he walked into his home. Naruto shrugged, "It's not much, but it's livable. Just take a seat anywhere." Sitting back down at the table where a refrigerated meal was waiting to be eaten, he motioned for the man to start talking.

Sitting down across from the young boy, the man began to talk. "The first thing you need to now, is that I'm incredibly sorry Naruto." 'Lie' "I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but someone had to tell you." He sighed, and ran his hand through his hair nervously. "I don't really know how to say this," 'Lie' "So I'll just tell you. You're not going to be allowed into the Academy-"

"WHAT! But the old man promised me I could! Why wouldn't he let me in?"

The man shook his head. "I'm not privy to that sort of information." 'Lie' "All I know is their decision."

Naruto looked up to the ceiling. "I knew it was too good to be true." Sighing, and turning back to face his guest, he said "So, is there anything else to tell me? Anything else that you want to ruin?" muttered the boy sarcastically.

"About that …" began the man. "Again, I hate to be the bearer of bad news," 'Lie' "But this is something I think you need to hear." Looking at Naruto seriously, he spoke a single sentence: "No help is being sent to Kiri."

Naruto just stood there, staring mutely at the man for a few minutes. "But, but why!? Jiji knows that they need our help, so why won't he help them!?"

"Again I don't know," 'Lie' "but the decision has been made."

"No … this is terrible. All those poor people, with nobody to help them …" said Naruto to himself, though the man heard him.

"Actually, that's not entirely true." Naruto's head shot straight up, now paying rapt attention to the man. "I see in you something that I've only seen in Kages, legends, people who are incredibly powerful, people who do create things. I see that potential in you, Naruto."

"Really? You really think I can do something?"

"I don't think you can, I know you can. Though, you may want to wait for maybe two weeks or so to improve your strength even further before you go. If you want, I can even help you get stronger before you go. I'm not all that powerful, but I am a jonin."

"Awesome! You'll help me get stronger, and then I'll be able to help the people of Kiri!"

'Hook, line, and sinker. Is the kid really this stupid?' "So when do you want to start?"

"Meet me tomorrow at 7 am at training ground nine. And I never got your name, …?"

"Name? Well I suppose you can call me Asuma."

XXX

(Two weeks later, outside the gates of Konohagakure)

"Well, it's been two weeks. I suppose I need to get going. I'll see you again one day. Kirigakure, here I come." Without looking back, Naruto left the village, going off towards his dream.

Now I know some people are going to say I don't stick with canon by making Asuma part of Root, but I challenge you to point out anything that directly contradicts this. It actually points toward it, with Asuma and the Sandaime having a falling out in canon that led to him joining the 12 Guardian Ninja. Why couldn't there be other falling outs that caused him to join Root? That's my thoughts anyway.

Now I know I said Wednesday, but when you get an extra chapter, and it's a day late, should you really complain? I mean, you still get the extra chapter, so what are you complaining about. Chapter 5 will be on Sunday, just like normal.

Now for reviews, I was a little disappointed that there was only one last chapter, but I suppose it did have a bit less action. A shout out to TigrezzTail to being the only reviewer, and the first one to review twice. As for where my title comes from … while I picked it for a few reasons. One, is that is sounds awesome. The second, will be revealed, in … about the third arc, I think. Things in my story aren't exactly cut and dry, but I do have a lot of this story already planned out. In total, there will probably be, 5 arcs, give or take one or two, depending. This will be epic in length, and I never plan on stopping this story. This will, be finished, one way or another, and I hope you enjoy the ride. 9 out.