The summer had ended and it was once again time for our young hero to return to the academy. In the past couple of months Naruto's training had progressed as far as It would without a sensei to properly train him. His fuinjustu was coming along, but he still couldn't figure out that seal that was in his father's box.

In regards to to ninjutsu he had learned the hidden mist jutsu, and study it to the point where he could summon the mist within a couple of seconds. He'd also taken to the Doton technique headhunter jutsu. It took a week or two to get down, but it was worth it in the end. Continuing on water his best ninjutsu by far was the water bullet jutsu. While he only learned three techniques in that time frame the important part was that he was proficient with them. Being able to use them on a moments notice.

Chakra control had been a tougher subject. One that took up the majority of his training. Beginning with leaf balancing before moving on to tree climbing. He worked himself to exhaustion on more than one occasion.

His scouter now showed him that he had reached up to low genin control thanks to his intense control training.

Walking in Naruto took his seat. His bald still strapped to his side as it had been since the day it was given to him. Looking through the seconds notes he had taken the Shinigami's advice to use his gifts he already had. In preparation for use of the flying thunder God slash. The second had included notes on the basics of his personal kenjutsu style. Something Naruto was very appreciative of.

He'd carried his sword with him every waking minute, and even went so far as to sleep with it. Still it had not talked to him once. 'Guess patience is a virtue.' He thought to himself as he sat and waited for the lesson to begin.

As he sat he saw the object of all the girls affection walk in. Sasuke Uchiha the last of his clan still within the village. Through some drunken shinobi at his part time job. He had learned that Sasuke's brother Itachi had slaughtered the his entire clan save his brother in one night.

The shock and loss had sent Sasuke into a downward spiral of depression. It didn't help that every girl wanted the Uchiha heir for his namesake alone. Going so far as to throw themselves at him day after day. Naruto didn't care for the boys name. But being a orphan himself he felt for the boy. The though bringing a question to mind. 'Is it better to lose everything. Or to have nothing in the first place so you never know the feeling of loss?'

The thought stayed with Naruto through the day as the lectures drowned on and on. So at lunch he decided he would get his answer.

He walked up to the boy as he sat under a shady tree alone eating his meal. "Yo mind if I sit?" Naruto asked as black eyes met blue. "Yes I do. I've got no time for you I need to achieve my goals so I don't have time for friends or meaningless conversation." The boy replied.

Naruto shrugged and turned to leave. But as he did something tugged at him. He turned his head and gazed at his classmate. "You know Sasuke. If there's one thing I've learned. It's that one man does not make a army. I'm sure your brother has allies by now. After all who wouldn't want a Uchiha strong enough to destroy his entire clan in one night within their ranks. You'll need someone to watch your back, and help clear the path that leads to your goal. My goal is to become Hokage. It would help to have a future clan head in my corner. So if I help you find Itachi and defeat him. What do you say you help me become Hokage?" Naruto smile as Sasuke looked up at him.

"Don't answer now. Take the rest of the day to think on it. I'll get your answer after school lets out." He waved as he walked off to go about his day.

Throughout the day Sasuke repeated Naruto's words in his head. It was true. At his current level he wasn't even one percent ready to stand in Itachi's presence again let alone beat the man. Training on his own would do nothing if he didn't have someone to test his progress against.

Naruto did have a air of professionalism that seemed to form after the break. Their goals also coincided with each others. Sasuke could bring down his brother and Naruto would gain recognition for aiding in the hunt. He'd have to test Naruto though. He needed to make sure the boy was up to snuff. Otherwise testing his metal against him would prove nothing. That sword was another thing. Itachi had been skilled at Kenjutsu during his time in the leaf. Kenjutsu was something Sasuke hadn't even begun training in.

With two Sharingan pitted against each other they'd be on even footing. Which meant Sasuke needed more weapons in his arsenal.

The day drew to a close and Naruto waited patiently for Sasuke at the main gate. As he moved towards him Naruto smiled. "So have you come to a desicion?" He asked.

"I'm in. On one condition." Naruto raised a eyebrow but motioned him to continue. "You and me. All out war at the training grounds right now." He said gauging Natuto's reaction.

"That's fine with me. I know just the place." He said motioning Sasuke to follow him as he headed for the training grounds.

As they arrived Naruto turned to his classmate and grinned. "Now let's get this started shall we?" He said dropping his coat to the ground.