Disclaimer: Don't own Naruto
Italics means personal thoughts
The day began like any other. Naruto woke up and had some breakfast. After breakfast, he made his way to the Academy. That was were the day started to... slide. At the Academy, he noticed that some of the teachers seemed to be in something akin to an outright panic. When he made it to his classroom, Naruto was sure something had happened because every single teacher was in a frenzy.
Opening the door to his room, Naruto walked into a very quiet room. This was unusual because usually all the kids were talking with each other and being... well kids. Naruto nodded to the teacher and went to his seat. He noticed that Sasuke seemed to be absent today. This was surprising because he had never seen the boy miss a day. Naruto looked to the board and saw the message: shut-up and sit down clearly written. He also saw Iruka-sensei with his head in his hands. That must be why everyone is so quiet. I wonder what is wrong. Oh well, I guess I can just ask sensei later.
Class that day was incredibly awkward. None of the teachers would tell anyone what was wrong even though it was obvious that something was. Well obvious to Naruto at least. Some of the other kids just treated it like a normal day and goofed off. That attitude almost made Iruka have an aneurism, but he persevered and lasted the day. Naruto couldn't wait until he could find out what was going on.
Naruto made his way stealthily to the base. He had stopped caring about the secret part. Now it was just a part of his life to go through all the steps to get his training. It was just one of those things that happened so many times that a person is no longer awed by it. Naruto had also started integrating some different colors into his wardrobe. The orange section of the base's shop was really starting to influence him. He now wore an orange belt to school to go along with the white pants and red shirt. Not many people made fun of him after he beat them up while sparring.
Walking through the Root base, Naruto found his sensei sitting calmly in the dojo. This gave Naruto a boost of confidence. If his sensei wasn't freaking out, why then should he. He walked over until he reached the padding to sit. Taking a seat, Naruto waited patiently for his sensei to speak. Naruto had to thank his training. He could tell that patience was a great thing to learn because Fu-sensei was always being so patient and taking his time in almost everything.
"Naruto, I hope you noticed the reactions of some of the shinobi around the village today." He looked at me to see my answer. I gave him a nod. "What you may not have noticed was what was causing this reaction. Their reaction was caused by the utter annihilation of the Uchiha clan. The only surviver was Sasuke Uchiha. The rest are dead. Itachi Uchiha killed them." The way Fu-sensei said this took Naruto completely by surprised. He announced it like it was just another thing. Naruto, though, was seriously freaking out. How can one guy kill a whole freaking clan!
"Um... sensei? How did one guy kill a whole clan?" Naruto asked nervously. He knew now was not a time to piss anyone off. "I mean, wasn't the Uchiha Clan one of the most powerful clans in Konoha? How did they all just get killed?"
Fu-sensei looked at him for a little bit. At least the kid is asking smart questions. Some of the regular shinobi were freaking out about how Konoha was going to be destroyed without the Uchihas. What pathetic dross. Fu smoothed out his expression before answering.
"Most of the death marks were from a sword. Initial findings indicate that Itachi killed most of his clan with only a sword. There are hardly any signs of jutsu use. This more than anything show the true genius of Uchiha Itachi. Too bad that it had to come by him weakening Konoha like he did." Fu sighed frustration. Danzo-sama is most likely going to place every Root member on missions now that the Uchiha were gone. This would result in Naruto starting his career in special-ops a lot sooner than originally planned.
Fu didn't let any of his thoughts onto his face, but he did decide to push Naruto even harder until Danzo-sama called for him. Making the decision in his mind, Fu decided to start the training.
"Naruto, because of the mass genocide, Danzo-sama will probably put you on some missions sooner than originally thought. In case of this happening, I am going to push you to train harder. Before you ever go on your first mission, I want you to at least know something about how to tap into the Fox's killing intent. I will also introduce you to the weapon that Danzo-sama has picked out for you. Prepare yourself, Naruto." So saying, Fu rushed in with an attack pattern designed to take out someone as fast as possible.
Fu showed Naruto many new attack patterns that would allow him to destroy a body as fast as possible. Of course Naruto didn't realize this fact, so he thought they were all really cool attacks. Fu also helped Naruto on his kunai and shuriken throwing. Having never seen personalized teaching on the art of throwing before, Naruto was able to improve at a decent rate.
It should be noted that Fu never once took it easy on Naruto. Every spar the two had was a no-hold barred fight. Fu did not hold his punches. Fu did not hold his kicks. If Naruto left his crotch open, Fu would take it even though the pain wasn't as bad for Naruto as it would be later on in life. By doing this, Fu was preparing Naruto for the real world. In actual combat, ninja would never hold back. This lesson was driven deep into Naruto's mind. Fu also actually started correcting Naruto on his emotions. Fu told him that he could be as happy as he wanted inside, but to absolutely never let those emotions out at the wrong time.
To Danzo the wrong time would be anytime, but Fu said the wrong time was in combat. Fu also taught him that the wrong time could be on a whole mission if the mission parameters were of the diplomatic or assassination field. It also helped Fu's case when he taught Naruto about the First and Second Hokage. Both were deadly in combat but relaxed outside of it.
After starting to up Naruto's training, Fu finally brought out the weapon Danzo-sama had picked out for Naruto. The weapon was a kusarigama. The chain reached about ten feet at its longest. Danzo-sama had the whole thing created from chakra conducting metal, hence the long time until Naruto could get it. Danzo-sama had concluded that with Naruto's wind affinity plus his claws, the main thing Naruto needed in battle would be a little range. The kusarigama provided for this. Suffice to say, Naruto was ecstatic at his 'cool' new weapon.
For the teaching of the kusarigama, Danzo 'acquired' someone to teach Naruto. Two hours of everyday were spent learning all the finer details on the use of the chain and sickle. Naruto learned how to use the weighted end to crush whatever he aimed at. He learned how to use the chain to steal weapons from an opponent. Naruto also learned how to throw the sickle and to use the sickle in close combat. Naruto routinely wrapped most of the chain around his waist and wore it as a belt, focusing more on using the sickle as a close-combat weapon. This provided a great surprise to people when sparring when Naruto would suddenly unhook the chain and send the sickle or weight flying at them.
Naruto grew quickly under this brutal regiment. He perfected the jutsus he had already been taught and even learned how to use his claws effectively in combat. Danzo was usually watching and assessing Naruto's progress. After finally judging his skills adequate for a simple mission, Danzo made arrangements for the Third to be kept... unaware of Naruto leaving the village for a night. He finally decided to send the boy to get his first kill. It was two months after the Uchiha massacre.
Naruto was led into a room that he had never been in before when he came to Root that day. Fu-sensei had hinted to him that he would be given a mission soon, but he didn't know how long soon would be. Naruto was excited. He couldn't wait to get an actual mission. He had even been told that Danzo-jiji would get someone to Henge into him and attend the Academy for him. How awesome was that!
"Naruto Uzumaki," Danzo called to the arriving jinchuriki. Danzo had judged the best approach to act like killing was normal, which it was. "Your mission is to assassinate Jio Heiz in the capital of the Land of Fire. This man has been trying to get a motion passed that would eventually lead to cut-backs in the ninja program. This can't be allowed to happen. Your job is to not be caught while simultaneously killing Heiz. You are also tasked to burn his house down. He has no protection, so this should be an easy job of a person with your skills. You are dismissed." Danzo then went back to talking to another of his subordinates like ordering an assassination was an everyday thing.
Naruto, on the other hand, couldn't believe it. Danzo-jiji ordered him to kill someone! Him! Naruto honestly didn't think he could do it. He had never thought he would actually have to kill someone. So what if the definition of a ninja had killing somewhere in it. Naruto realized that he had vastly underrated the job of ninja.
Fu saw his young disciple with a very scared expression on his face walking down the hall. Fu knew that Danzo-sama had ordered him to attend Naruto's first kill, so it was quite easy to guess what the problem was. Knowing what had happened, Fu decided to cheer the kid up with some ramen. Ramen always cheered Naruto Uzumaki up. It was quite a funny thing to watch. Though it was cause for worry if someone ever tried to bribe Naruto by way of ramen.
"Naruto," Fu called out. "Follow me." So saying, Fu led his seriously messed up in the head disciple down the corridors. They came to a door that Naruto recognized as containing some of Root's armory. Fu led Naruto into the room and started looking around for some supplies. Naruto watched him in a daze. It was easy to tell the poor boy was in shock.
"Naruto, snap out of it." Fu said calmly. He received a blank stare for his troubles. Fu did not like receiving blank stares.
"Naruto, look at me." Fu once again said calmly. For this kind gesture, Fu once again received a blank stare. This was kinda pissing him off.
"Naruto Uzumaki! When I speak to you, you will listen!" Fu delivered this in a louder, stern voice accompanied by a very hard first to the back of the head. That got Naruto's attention.
"What the hell are you doing!" Naruto shouted in outrage. Naruto then realized who he was talking to. His eyes widened as he unburdened himself to his most trusted sensei. "I can't kill anyone! Why the hell is Danzo-jiji telling me to assassinate someone!" Naruto cried out with tears in his eyes. He then broke down into sobs. Fu felt slightly sad for the boy that he was becoming more and more fond of. He knew it was for the best though. To kill is a ninja's duty. A ninja that does not kill is not a real ninja.
"Naruto, I know you think that killing is wrong, but you must understand that every ninja you see has killed someone. I myself have killed many people in my time. Those people include other ninjas, bandits, criminals, and even some innocent people. I do not kill because I like it, though some people do, but I kill for the betterment of Konoha. When I am sent on a mission, I know that Konoha benefits. When I kill, I know that Konoha is a safer place. The one thing Danzo-sama teaches above all others is the love of Konoha. I would easily die for it. The Hokage is the same way." Fu told his young pupil.
Naruto was giving his sensei a horrified yet hopeful look. Naruto then took a few minutes to think about what he had just learned. If sensei and Hokage-jiji kill people, then it must not be that bad, right? I can do this. I have to believe in sensei and Konoha. Naruto placed his doubts and fears in a corner of his mind and walled them away. He would not be weak. He would not cry anymore. He would protect Konoha even if it meant killing.
Fu watched the various emotions and thoughts play across Naruto's face. It was a bittersweet moment when he saw Naruto's face firm in decision. Fu knew that a part of Naruto's life was over. No more would he be a little kid anymore. Now he would be a shinobi. Fu was glad that he had seen this moment. He truly liked his student, but he had feared that he would be too weak-willed to pull off the mission. Seeing that look on Naruto's face though, Fu knew that the mission would be a success.
Fu quickly took Naruto to Ichirakus before departing. Naruto ended up eating a lot and talking little. It was easy to see that he was still very worried. Even the owners of Ichirakus seemed worried. They had never seen the blonde that quiet before. They eventually left him to eat his meal in peace.
They set off right before night fell. Taking a secret way out of the village, Fu led Naruto into the forest surrounding Konoha. Naruto was amazed. This was his first time to leave the village. It saddened him that it was to kill someone, but he was resolved to become a great ninja. Great ninja killed other people, so he knew that this was just something that he would have to accept.
Naruto didn't really know what to expect about traveling away from Konoha. He had never traveled long distances before, so he was unaware of one important rule in ninja travel. Jumping from tree to tree for hours on end is boring! All anyone can see is trees, trees, and more trees. Everything was green or brown. There was nothing to do but use chakra and jump. It was incredibly boring. Naruto didn't really like boring. That was why he started complaining after the third hour.
"Fu-sensei, this is so boring." Naruto complained. "Is this how all ninja travel?" Fu looked at the young blonde who hours before was on the verge of a complete mental breakdown. He didn't see anything of the sort now. Though it is possible he is complaining to help dull the thought of what he is about to do, Fu mused.
"You better get used to this, Naruto. Danzo-sama told me personally that he had finally gotten someone close enough to the Sandaime to make sure you could go on many more missions in the future. Traveling like this is essential for any ninja life. Of course, we could go faster, but its better to save the chakra for later." This shut Naruto up quickly. He didn't know what was worse: the thought of more missions like this or all the extremely boring running through endless trees.
"Hmm..." Fu teasingly said out loud. "Then again, there are some ninja out there that have learned how to fly through certain jutsu. Maybe you could make one like that sometime in the future." Fu had to give it to himself, he was a genius. This idea could very well be on par with Danzo-sama's recruitment of Naruto via ramen. A motivated Naruto is a genius Naruto was Fu's thoughts on the matter. Naruto might be able to create a jutsu that would allow Root to fly. The only problem would be if any normal person would be able to do it. Naruto's chakra reserves were already quite high.
Naruto was amazed at the idea of ninja flying. He couldn't believe something like that was even possible! He had to be able to do that! Naruto then realized that he had a wind affinity. He could so do this! At the age of 8, Naruto's second dream after being Hokage was formed. The dream to be able to fly by using jutsu. Though, he wanted to fly before becoming Hokage. He figured it would help him be Hokage if he could fly around.
After thirty more minutes of boring running, they finally reached the capital. Naruto was given his first look into where the Daimyo ruled the Land of Fire. He had to admit to being impressed. Samurai patrolled the walls of possibly the biggest place he had ever seen. He figured it was bigger than Konoha by a decent bit. Naruto had no idea that a town of this size existed. He was not a well-traveled boy.
Fu slowed Naruto down from rushing straight through the gates. The kid had completely forgotten his mission by now. Fu looked through the night to see who was on guard. Danzo-sama had permanently paid off a guards who took the shift from 11 to 6 in the night. This simple fact made it quite easy to sneak into the capital whenever someone from Root wanted to. Finally spotting the people he was looking for, Fu led Naruto to the gate. Why use stealth when greed would work just as good.
Passing under the portal, Naruto saw his sensei flash something to the guards. He saw them nod briefly before looking back into the night. Naruto guessed that his sensei had something on him that identified him or something. Naruto really had no clue what standard procedure was. If he did, then he would have known that shinobi coming to the capital were supposed to check in as well as having a legitimate reason for being there. If there was no mission or no reason, they could usually find themselves on the receiving end of a sword. Naruto, alas, was unaware of all of this.
The two made their way through the surprisingly packed streets. Even though it was about midnight, there were many people still on the streets. Naruto was amazed. He had never seen so many people just doing nothing. It seemed like every other person on the street was just ideally chatting with someone else. In Konoha, most people had a place to be and didn't waste time in between. There were also ninja using the roofs constantly. Here there was none of that. People just seemed to be relaxing. It was a novel experience for Naruto.
Fu finally spotted the home where Naruto's target lived. Fu was extremely glad that Naruto was given an easy mission. Even though the target was trying to create problems for the ninja program, it would take many more years before the person's bill got anywhere near the Daimyo. This mission was mainly to get Naruto used to the thought of killing. The dude didn't even have a wife. Naruto could probably just stroll in and kill him, but Fu was going to make sure that Naruto followed all the steps to the letter. It would not do for the boy to learn bad habits. Fu placed his hand on Naruto's shoulder and pointed him to the house of the target.
Naruto gulped when he felt sensei's hand drop onto his shoulder. It meant that it was time to work. He really didn't want to do this. Sighing to himself, Naruto prepared himself for his mission. He double-checked to see that all his weapons were in place. He made sure that his kusarigama was loose around his waist. Naruto had already decided to use the scythe from it to make the actual kill. He didn't want anyone to think a ninja killed the man by using a kunai. It was better if he made it look like a simple robbery turned wrong.
Wiping the sweat from his head, Naruto made his way towards the house. He started compressing his chakra just like he had been told to so long ago it seemed by Fu-sensei. It had taken Sensei actually telling him that he could sense the chakra from everyone and not just ninjas before he had realized that he could do this. He had originally thought this technique was just for sensing ninjas. Fu-sensei had explained to him how everyone had chakra, just that ninjas had a lot and were easier to detect if they weren't hiding. Naruto focused and ten minutes later, he found a slight amount of chakra coming from someone in the house.
Fu had to nod after watching Naruto. The boy was making sure that the target was actually home from the street with the chakra sensing technique. He was not looking directly at the house but was perusing some of the goods that were being sold on the streets while concentrating on the jutsu. It was still taking Naruto way too long to actually detect chakra though.
Fu started paying attention again when he noticed Naruto heading towards the house. Fu was proud that his disciple was making it look innocent. He had thought Naruto would be given clear signs that he was nervous. Those kind of signs could kill a ninja on a real assassination mission. Naruto seemed to be... calm.
Naruto was remarkably calm for what he was about to do. After spending the whole trip here worrying about actually killing someone, he was finally able to think about it logically. Actually thinking was something Fu-sense and Danzo-jiji actively encouraged. If he didn't think things through well enough for one of them, they would be extra brutal in sparring. Naruto was glad of this fact now. He saw that there were no lights on in the house. This observation led him to conclude that the target was asleep. That worked perfectly for Naruto.
He made his way to an alley that went around the house. The house was a two story and the chakra from earlier indicated that the target was upstairs. Making his way to the back of the house, Naruto was happy to find a small fenced in yard. This would allow him to be unseen by any pesky neighbors. Naruto quickly jumped the fence and went over to the back door. He checked to see if it was locked. It was. Naruto then checked the windows. They were locked too. Shit, how am I supposed to get in?
Naruto then looked up. Oh, you have got to be kidding me! Located on the roof was a nice, wide chimney. Just the right size for young boys to climb through.
Naruto let out a small groan before using the tree-walking chakra exercise to climb to the roof. He made sure to stay in the dark as much as he could climbing up. He didn't want anyone to see him after-all. He grabbed the lip of the roof and slowly inched his way. Making sure to stay out of the moonlight as best as possible, Naruto tipped toe over to the chimney. Using all the stealth in his 8 year old body, Naruto lifted himself into the chimney and used chakra to stick to the sides. He slowly made his way down.
Going as quite as he could, Naruto climbed down the chimney. He arrived at the bottom to find he was in the downstairs portion of the house. He got out of the chimney and tried dusting himself off. He really didn't want soot on him. After determining that getting all of the soot off was impossible, Naruto headed up the stairs that were located behind a couch to his right. He walked up the stairs and found two doors at different ends of the halls. Naruto listened closely and heard snores coming from the right one. Naruto quietly slipped down the hall and opened the door.
Naruto saw his target for the first time. Usually, he would have already seen him via a picture Danzo-jiji would have, but Danzo had decided that Fu was enough to confirm the target. This meant that Naruto almost started dying out laughing at the person that was in front of him. A very short man was cuddled up at the wrong end of the bed with a huge doll as his snuggle mate. He was wearing bright pink pajamas and on his face had to be the ugliest night cap Naruto had ever seen. He couldn't even tell what the thing was besides some kind of weird hot pink color.
The only reason that Naruto didn't laugh was because it really hit him then. He was going to kill this person. A person he didn't even know was going to die because he had a mission. Naruto reached for his kusarigama but hesitated while looking at the funny looking guy. He gulped. Naruto could feel the tears falling from his eyes. He slowly made his way to the man asleep in his own bed.
Jio didn't have a care in the world. He was in a dreamless sleep, and he was enjoying it. He then heard a noise that woke him from his sleep. He opened his eyes to see a blade in his face! He saw someone holding it and tried to get up and run. This was doomed to failure though as the next thing he knew was pain across his neck before he nothing anymore.
Naruto couldn't believe he had done that. He had made a slight scuff while walking towards his target. Apparently the man was a light sleeper because he woke up. Naruto could tell that the man was about to either scream or run. He had to do it! He slit his throat. All that blood... blood everywhere. Filling the bed. Naruto turned around and hurled all over the floor. Tears were flooding from his eyes now. He hurled some more. Sobbing, Naruto kneeled on the floor. Five minutes passed, ten. Finally collecting himself, Naruto got off the floor and decided to finish the mission. He had to set the house on fire.
Naruto walked through the house and placed exploding tags in select places that were designed to make sure the house collapsed. He also placed them next to highly flammable items. He set the charge for five minutes. Naruto looked behind him at the house after he walked into the backyard from the door this time. He saw the window to the room that housed his first kill. He almost hurled, but he was able to stop it in time. Naruto then retraced his steps to where he left Fu-sensei. He found him just where he left him. Fu didn't say a word. He just turned around and started walking with Naruto right next to him.
Fu had to say he was feeling quite proud. Naruto had done the mission well. The hurling part was not really necessary, but besides from that, it was alright. Fu did make a note to himself to work on making sure Naruto moved silently. Watching from a rooftop that had clear view into the window that Naruto had noted earlier, Fu made sure to have his report to Danzo-sama ready before they got back to Konoha. A block from the house, Fu and Naruto heard the crashing sound that came from the house falling down. Six blocks away was when they could really see the fire shining in the night. They made their way out of the capital just like they came in.
Hours later
Naruto and Fu made their way back into Root headquarters around 4 in the morning. Fu sent Naruto to get some sleep in headquarters before going to make his report to Danzo-sama. Walking through the base, Fu was thinking back to when he was first put in charge of Naruto. He was pissed. He didn't understand why he had to baby-sit some kid. Now about a year and a half later, he had to admit that it was one of the best things in his life. It was... nice to train the kid. Naruto had a drive to train like nothing he had ever seen before. He would practice for hours to get just one thing right. Many a time he had to force him to leave. The harder he was pushed, the more Naruto wanted. It was nice.
Fu had seen something he never thought he would see in Naruto tonight. He saw something he expected the kid didn't even know about himself. The kid was methodical, and he had a great grasp of tactics. He went over all his options, covered all his bases, and only then did he think up a plan. If trained correctly, it could be a major asset to have an operative who was able to come up with an assassination plan off the top of his head like he did tonight.
Knocking on Danzo-sama's door, Fu entered on hearing the enter. He quickly went into a kneeling position before giving his report.
Danzo listened with interest. He was glad that Naruto was able to do so well on his first mission. That just cemented his decision to take on the kid as a personal apprentice. He had been thinking it over for a while, but now after hearing just how much potential the kid had, he knew he was going to take the kid. He would take him, and then he would turn him into the greatest ninja Konoha had ever had. With Root and Naruto-kun behind him, Danzo knew that the Hokage title would be his, and if something unexpected happened, Naruto himself would make a good candidate for Hokage. With Naruto's lineage, it would be child's play for him to convince the Daimyo of Naruto's credentials.
"Fu, I will be taking Naruto-kun as my personal apprentice from now on. You will still be involved in some of his training, but I want his wind manipulation to be much better than it already is. I also want to work on his Fox training. I will be teaching the boy some of my most prized jutsu. When you inform him of this, make sure he know how much an honor this is." Danzo looked off into space for a second before continuing. "I also want you to pick out a girl from the Root ranks and start training them in sensor skills with Naruto. Naruto's sensory skills are too weak for actual combat. Maybe that will change one day, but for now I want you to teach someone who shows talent as much as you can."
Danzo looked at one of his best operatives. The man was changing. He was much better at blending into crowds now because he was able to show more emotions. Danzo knew the change was from Naruto, but he didn't know if he liked it or not. He would watch him carefully and see how it affected the girl he was going to train.
Danzo dismissed Fu before turning around in his chair to stair at the sword hanging on the wall. Danzo used his hand to rub the eye that was covered by bandages. It didn't help him to know that he could manipulate anyone he wanted without suspect now. No, his eye was only a tool for him to reach the position of Hokage. His fear though was that he was getting old. He was now in his sixties, and he knew that he wouldn't be able to hold the position of Hokage for long even if he did get it. Yes, he would train Naruto Uzumaki very well. If Konoha was going to be strong in the next generation, then they would need a leader who knew all about the roots.
Next Day
Naruto made his way to class very tired. He had almost no sleep last night, but he figured that he would be better off actually seeing some of his classmates instead of sending the Henged dude. He still wasn't over killing someone like he did last night. The blood that coated his hands. The cut that gaped from the man's ruined neck. It was almost too much for him, but Naruto would not let his sensei down. He would not be destroyed by being an actual ninja! Naruto noticed the Academy's doors were already open , so he made his way to his classroom.
Naruto noticed that there weren't many people in yet when he arrived. He shrugged before going to sit next to Shikamaru. Naruto had to admit that Shikamaru was an interesting character. All he did in class was practically sleep, yet on every test, he only answered enough questions to pass. Naruto, who couldn't pass written tests for much of his earlier years in the Academy, was intrigued by the lazy boy. It seemed like Shikamaru was purposely getting only enough answers to pass, but if that was true, then that would mean that the boy was extremely smart. Naruto wasn't sure if he was ready to believe that just yet.
Naruto decided to test out his theory. "Hey Shikamaru... are you smart?" Naruto asked. This question seemed to waken Shikamaru from his sleep. He also seemed to be quite surprised.
Shikamaru looked up in surprise. He didn't know how Naruto came to his conclusion, but he had noticed that the blonde was changing more and more as the years passed on. Starting the Academy as what could best be called an idiot and at worse completely retarded, Naruto had risen in the ranks slowly but surely. At first it had only been in the physical skills, but lately the blonde had even been doing better on written tests. Shikamaru had to admit to being very curious at what could cause such a change in anybody, especially the boy who everyone thought to be a total loser. Naruto was now ranked third in the class, and he was only ranked that because he only made from 70- 90% on the written tests. Naruto dominated in everything physical.
Shikamaru was so curious about the blonde that he decided to do something troublesome. He told the truth. "When it is not too troublesome." Shikamaru answered.
Naruto smirked at the answer. He, and everyone else, had heard countless times of Shikamaru's use of the word troublesome. Somehow it seemed fitting that Shikamaru would answer his question like that.
Curiosity answered, Naruto turned back to waiting for class to begin. He didn't notice Shikamaru's sweat-drop at his turning away. Shikamaru just lay his head down in defeat. It was too troublesome for him to continue when the boy next to him had already stopped paying attention to him.
Students filled into the classroom slowly. To Naruto's eyes, most of them looked like complete immature idiots. To one who has had to take life like I, what right do these children have to frolic and waste my valuable time by being idiots. They should be training to be great ninja for Konoha, not being idiots! Naruto's thoughts easily showed that a bloody maturity in the body of an eight year old was not a good thing.
Calming himself, Naruto had to admit that if he hadn't killed anyone or had a concrete goal, he would probably have been right there with them in joking around. This was not to say that Naruto didn't enjoy a good joke or prank. It was more like training had become his whole world. Naruto decided to watch out for an opportunity to pull a prank sometime soon. I wonder if Danzo-jiji will enjoy a good joke on him... The smirk Naruto was sporting could best be described as pure evil.
Shikamaru was the only one who saw it, and he had to shiver from the dread he had in seeing that smile. He sent up a prayer for the unlucky soul that had earned that smile. Shikamaru literally thought Naruto would start cackling melodramatically and start spouting out his evil plans. Luckily, or not so luckily for a certain old man, Naruto did neither. He calmed himself down and started planning.
Naruto made his way to his training after class was let out. Naruto was determined to become even stronger. He didn't want anything to go wrong on future missions. If I become incredibly strong, nothing can go wrong, so I will just gain strength. I will show that Fox who is boss, and I will learn more jutsus. I will make Fu-sensei, Hokage-jiji, and Danzo-jiji proud of me! Naruto was a determined kid. Too bad that his expectations of training were going to be totally off once he arrived at headquarters.
Naruto made his way into the base. He didn't really see anyone walking around, but he had come to expect that. A base of highly trained ninja could easily get around without being seen.
Naruto reached the dojo where he had trained for around a year and a half. He opened the sliding door and saw Fu-sensei sitting on a mat with tea like he was usually seated. It was another comforting fact for Naruto. The world didn't stand still because he had killed someone. People still had things that were done day after day and life went on. Naruto gained a smile at the small revelation.
Fu looked at the boy who he had trained for over a year. He was sad to see him changing instructors. Fu knew that Danzo-sama would be the best teacher for the boy, but he had grown attached. He didn't want to let Naruto's expectations down, so he was determined to train a shinobi of the highest caliber to aid Naruto in areas he failed at. Fu slowly stood up and beckoned Naruto to him. Fu placed his hand on Naruto's shoulder and guided him over to the desk that had been placed inside the dojo for Naruto to learn seals. Fu began to speak.
"Naruto, Danzo-sama has decided that he will take you on as his apprentice. He has informed me that he will be teaching you his personal jutsu that no one else knows. He will teach you all he knows in the shinobi arts. I hope that you learn well."
Naruto was shocked to say the least. He couldn't believe he would never see Fu-sensei again!
"But Fu-sensei! I thought I was Your apprentice. Why do I have to become Danzo-jiji's when I like you so much. Will I even ever see you again?" Naruto cried. This took unfair to a whole new level. He makes his first kill, and the next day he gets his favorite sensei taken from him!
"This is a great honor, Naruto. Danzo-sama has never taken on an apprentice before. Also, I will still be teaching you occasionally. I will be teaching you more sensor powers and other things deemed important. Don't worry." Fu said with a smile. This being only the second time Naruto had ever seen Fu-sensei smile, he took his words to heart. He wouldn't worry. Trying to muster up a smile, he succeeded to give Fu-sensei the best smile he had ever shown.
Fu kept smiling as he saw Naruto's acceptance of the situation. He had to start working his jaw with his hand though after a minute. That was the most he had smiled since childhood. It hurt his jaw.
Fu then got Naruto up and led him into a part of the base he had never been before. Naruto found himself looking around curiously. If he didn't know better, Naruto would say that they were going even more underground than they already were.
The two eventually arrived outside a door that Fu knocked on before opening. Naruto was surprised to see inside was another training area. The only difference was that this one came complete with grass, water, waterfall, and rocky walls. The room was lit by what looked like mirrors to Naruto. There were beams of lights that did surprisingly well in illuminating the room.
Naruto saw Danzo-jiji sitting around the middle of the room. When they got closer, Danzo-jiji's head raised up to give them a closer look. His gaze was like an eagle's seeing all before it. Naruto stood confidently before the man who was about to become his master. He just hoped to learn some cool new jutsu and become stronger. He also hoped to not be sent on many more assassination missions, but he would succeed if he was given one.
"Naruto Uzumaki, I have decided to take you on as my apprentice. You will do everything I tell you. I will not waste my time on stupidity so don't bring it here when we train. If I believe you are slacking, I will punish you. If you dedicate yourself to my training, you will go far. Don't disappoint me." Danzo then slowly stood up and walked closer to the duo.
"This will be your new training area. You will come here ever day instead of your old one. The only reason you will go back to the old dojo will be to receive lessons from Fu. You are to come here right after the Academy each day, and you are to make sure to run in the morning. If you do not run, you will be punished." Danzo came to a stop right in front of Naruto. Naruto looked into his eyes and saw something that greatly scared him. Naruto saw the eyes of a person that had taken countless lives in Danzo-jiji's eyes. He didn't really like his chances of not getting many more assassination missions after seeing that.
"If you do as I instruct, your path to Hokage could possibly be made open. Work yourself to the bone and dedicate your all to Konoha and you will go far. Come Naruto-kun and begin your training." Danzo turned away and started walking back into what Naruto could now tell was more like a cave area than an actual room. Danzo then stopped, turned around, and said, "And call me Danzo-sama or Danzo-sensei from now on."
Naruto finally got his bearing and, remembering his earlier planning, said, "Of course, Danzo-jiji. Whatever you say." Naruto finished with giving him a big smile.
Fu almost died out laughing at Naruto's antics. He actually did think Danzo-sama would die from the twitching his body went through. Covering his smile as best as he could, Fu made his exit from the room. He had a new student to train.
Danzo was slightly worried at Naruto's smile, but he placed it in the back of his mind. He would train the boy until Naruto could beat almost anyone. With the Kyuubi's and Naruto-kun's power, Danzo could already see himself in the Hokage's seat. His time had almost come. All he had to do was be patient, and not kill any smart-mouthed blondes.
Naruto walked behind Danzo-jiji to learn how to become a strong shinobi. He would not stop until he was the best. The Hat of the Hokage would be his. This he swore on the name of Naruto Uzumaki. He would let nothing stand in his way.