Time went by quickly.
That's what it felt like to Naruto anyway. He was excelling in the Academy to the point where some teachers there begrudgingly admitted it themselves despite them trying to sabotage him multiple times. It got so bad the Hokage himself had ANBU standing in corners of the classrooms eyeing the teachers like hawks, and among the most who let out Killing Intent were Inu, Neko, Tenzo, and Karasu. It was quite funny actually. The explosion that Naruto set off in Danzo's base was kept under wraps so Naruto didn't know if the man was under investigation or not. It doesn't matter anyway, he got his point across, and besides…the blonde just loves playing games with new people.
Another thing that happened was the culprit responsible for the murders of those members of the civilian council. The culprit was Hiroshi, there was a lot of evidence against him but the man protested that he wasn't to blame and that he was being framed. No one believed him, especially not the widow of one of the civilian council members who was crying her heart out. The man was sentenced to life in prison.
Things calmed down after that. Shisui took to training Naruto frequently and the blonde sent his shadow clone to the Academy in his place making the Uchiha laugh. He told the blonde a story how Itachi did the exact same thing when he was in the Academy. Naruto smiled at the similarity between him and Itachi. He managed to complete the Fūton (Wind Release) jutsu's in the scroll his father sent him, learn three Katon (Fire Release) jutsu's from Shisui, three Suiton (Water Release) jutsu's from the book, two Doton (Earth Release) from the book, two Raiton (Lightning Release) from the book, four Fūinjutsu techniques, and six Iryō ninjutsu techniques. That wasn't all, his father Eisai would come from time to time to take him away so he could continue his training to become a Sacred Warrior Monk's Guard. He completed the second stage and soon he would have to complete the third stage when it was ready. To complete the second stage one must train their body, while the first stage required the user to train their mind. He wasn't sure what the third stage was because his father said he it was a secret. Whenever he wen to the training ground he spent time practicing his Kenjutsu skills, which have improved thanks to his father. Practicing with dual blades is rare especially within a hidden village, but he would be the first.
He was eight years old now, and things around the village haven't changed except the villagers and not in a good way either. Since they figured they couldn't get him the other way, which was insulting him or whispering things they decided to ignore him like he didn't exist. Naruto never paid attention to them much to begin with and everytime he walked around the village he was too busy reading his book anyway. This seemed to anger some enough to get physical, like one time he was on his way to the Academy he was confronted by a man who blocked his path which drew in a crowd of people hoping to see the Demon Brat get what he deserves. Naruto ignored his rant and made the Seal of Confrontation confusing some citizens that gathered there including the man. The man didn't care for it for very long and attacked him only for the blonde to disappear and reappear before the man sending a punch to the man's gut hard enough to knock him jut like he did with Kiba that one time. After that he walked away from the unconscious man making the crowd disperse not even looking back at them. There hasn't been another incident since. The store owners were verbal telling him he wasn't allowed to eat at their places or buy things from there but Naruto ignored them, besides he got his food from the forest anyway and sometimes Choji would invite him to eat at their families restaurant and Choji's mother loved having him there. The blonde became an honorary member of the Akimichi family.
The civilians learned another thing too. That the Yamanaka, Nara, Uchiha, Aburame, Akimichi, and Inuzuka became the boy's protectors. When another vender tried to give him poisonous food an Uchiha came out of nowhere and arrested the man, the charges were attempted murder because the food he tried to pass onto the boy was laced his poison. His Sharingan could tell. A member of the Nara clan used the Shadow Possession jutsu to take control of some drunken civilians when they tried attacking the boy when his back was turned to them and brought them to Ibiki. The man was smiling from ear to ear; Inoichi himself protected Naruto by telling him the joys of destroying a person's mind making it slow and painful while all the while smiling gently sending some killing intent towards the villagers. The Aburame wanted to thank him for being friends with Shino so they gave him a beetle to carry around on his shoulder, the beetle used its pheromones to release a nasty smell preventing the villagers from coming near him. Tsume thought it was funny the way he handled Kiba during that spar they had sent some ninken to watch over him and growl at anyone who gave him the stink eye. The Akimichi protected him in their own way and that was giving him plenty of food to eat and sheltering him from nasty looks.
Naruto pretending he didn't know what was going on and simply went through life like normal. Things got even more interesting when a man from Tetsu no Kuni came to set up shop and told Naruto he was welcome to come to his weapons shop anytime he wanted. The blonde nodded and left the man's store whose name he found out is Hideyoshi. When he went to see the man again he was surprised to see him chasing someone out of his store threatening to kill them if they ever came back again. When the blonde asked what that was about Hideyoshi said the man was talking bad about him so he threatened to cut the man into pieces if he ever stepped foot in his store again.
Time really does go by, either slowly or fast depending on the person who views it. Naruto had an interest in two hobbies thanks to both Mikoto-san and Hanako-san. He'd taken to gardening thanks to the flower book he got from the Yamanaka matriarch and even got some seeds from her to plant and grow the flowers he wanted. His favorite flowers were Anemone and Hydrangea's. Another thing he took to growing in the backyard of his apartment were vegetables and fruits, of course the fruit he grew was Tomatoes but Mikoto-san told him that he should grow Leaf amaranth stating it was really good to cook it in stir-fry and soups. At first he expected to run into problems with making the food grow in the soil of his backyard but it actually turned out really well, which was evident when two small Tomatoes started growing. That was a good day.
Naruto was practicing throwing kunai at the targets Shisui prepared for him while he left to go take care of something important. The blonde sent a shadow clone to the Academy again today so he could train on his own.
"What an impressive sight."
Disappearing quickly he appeared on top of a tree branch looking down at the strange elderly man that came out of nowhere.
'I didn't sense him! Is he a shinobi?' Naruto thought.
"That was very good! Your speeds very impressive young lad!" the elderly man smiled.
Naruto didn't respond to the praise, instead he stared hard at the elderly man taking in his appearance. His grey hair, which he wears in short ponytail, wearing a mesh armour shirt under a short, brown, sleeveless kimono with a pair of grey pants. He carries a wok that he uses for multiple reasons ranging from cooking in while out on missions, to supplementary weaponry during battle. He also carries a ladle, and a sword sheathed horizontally across his lower back.
"Who are you really?" Naruto questioned.
The elderly man smiled, "Your quite the perceptive young lad, aren't you? My names Kosuke Maruboshi, but people like to call me Konoha's Saikyō no Genin (Konoha's Strongest Genin)."
Naruto stared intently at the old man sensing no lie or deceit, instead there was nothing but pure honesty coming from the old man. Jumping down the tree branch he perched himself on he stood there staring at Kosuke a little bit before sitting down on the ground, "You're a Genin? Your skills are Jonin level."
Kosuke chuckled sitting before the child, "Yes I suppose they are, but I wasn't all that interested in being promoted so I turned them down everytime they asked me. Since you are an Academy student do you believe being promoted is important?"
"I don't really care about promotions," Naruto stated neutrally, "Nor do I really care what people think about me either."
Kosuke stared at the blonde child sadly, "I see…do you have a dream, young man?"
Naruto looked up at the clear blue sky, "I have no dream…I haven't even thought about it."
The old man couldn't help but look sadly at the boy, 'Yondaime…if you could see your son right now, what would you think?'
"Why are you here?" Naruto questioned.
"Hm? Oh, I was curious to see the standout amongst the Academy students this year. I've heard nothing but praises from the Sandaime about you." Kosuke grinned.
Naruto gave him a blank stare before responding, "Standing out allows your enemies to know about what sort of skills you use and won't hesitate to use whatever they know about you to their advantage."
Kosuke couldn't help but chuckle at such a bold statement coming from a child no less, "You really are a sharp boy and very smart. I wouldn't be surprised if you were requested to join ANBU at some point."
"That will never happen." Naruto said.
"You never know." The man smiled.
With Itachi and Shisui
"That's your plan?" Itachi asked Shisui.
"Yeah. I was thinking about using a special genjutsu on the clan to get them to drop the coup without them even noticing," Shisui touched his right eye, "I hear Fugaku has had a change of heart but the elders aren't hearing it and neither are their allies."
"Father's had a change of heart?" Itachi blinked.
Shisui smiled, "Yep. You can thank Naruto for that actually, I mean the whole reason he wants to cut the whole coup off is because of Naruto."
Itachi could hardly believe what he was hearing; "He wants to cut it off because of Naruto?"
"Yeah, and he's got some supporters on his side including your mom." Shisui smiled.
Itachi would have liked to smile at that but, "Its still not enough…did you tell this to the Sandaime?"
Shisui frowned, "I told this to him yesterday while he was in a meeting with Danzo. Not long after that…there was an explosion at an abandoned underground base leaving only one survivor. I'm sure you can guess what happened."
Itachi's eyes widened, 'Danzo! He's already made his move against Naruto?! Wait explosion?'
"Explosion?" Itachi inquired.
"Yeah, it had to have been one of Danzo's bases. There was only one survivor though, a boy about Naruto's age. He hasn't spoken a word since he woke up from the hospital," Shisui informed him, "The Sandaime is thinking about having Naruto visit him."
"He can't!" Itachi practically yelled.
"I'm with you on this one, I don't like it either but the Hokage thinks that if Naruto spends more time with the boy the more open he'll be." Shisui said.
Itachi was skeptical but hoped that maybe everything would work out and the boy currently in the hospital would become a good friend to both Naruto and Sasuke.
Naruto was by the river fishing using a fishing rod Kosuke-san gave him to keep. The old man was pleasant to talk to, he even gave the blonde advice about his swordsmanship just like Shisui. He wondered why the man insisted on staying a Genin though, but then again it was none of his business. Pulling the rod back he managed to snag a large fish that flapped for a little bit before eventually dying due to lack of water. Just as he was about to leave ANBU Neko and Tenzo arrived.
"Good evening." He greeted.
Tenzo kneeled down taking the fishing rod from Naruto before disappearing leaving ANBU Neko left alone with the boy, "He's in a bad mood." Naruto stated.
Neko nodded in agreement, "Something has him upset but he'll be fine. The Hokage wants to see you at the hospital though."
Naruto blinked, 'The hospital?' he thought, "Okay." He Body Flickered to the hospital much to Neko's shock.
'When did he learn to do that?' Neko wondered.
Location-Konohagakure no Sato Hospital
Naruto arrived in front of the hospital walking inside and was instantly greeted by the Sandaime. The elderly man looked unsure about something but as soon as his eyes caught Naruto it seemed to disappear.
"Ah, Naruto my boy you made it." Hiruzen smiled.
"Sandaime, you wanted to see me?" Naruto questioned.
Hiruzen nodded grimly before walking away, the blonde following right behind the old man, "Yes I did, you see there's a young boy here that was caught in that explosion. There were other survivors…but I'm afraid they died soon after they arrived to the hospital."
Naruto knew the old man was lying, 'There were some ROOT agents that didn't die in the explosion, so the Sandaime tried to interrogate them only he couldn't and he probably had them killed. I hope he's not thinking about killing the boy he wants me to meet he didn't do anything wrong."
The two of them arrived in front of a door with the Hiruzen sliding it open. Naruto saw a boy with short, straight black hair, and dark eyes, which contrast, with his translucent-looking pale skin. The boy turned to face them having heard the door slid open signaling their arrival. Naruto noticed the boy's were as black as night, but somehow it reminded him of ink for some reason.
Hiruzen approached the child with a smile, "Hello Sai, how are you feeling today?"
Sai blinked at the Hokage before replying, "I'm fine…"
'Such a devoid response.' Naruto noted.
"That Danzo-brat really enjoys messing with other's emotions. This brat barely has any." Kurama eyed the boy.
"That's good. The doctors tell me you'll be able to leave today." Hiruzen told him.
"Oh…" Sai then turned his attention towards Naruto, the blonde meeting his gaze equally.
"This is Naruto Uzumaki," Hiruzen introduced, "Your going to be living with him from now on."
Silence.
"Mm?" Naruto stared at the man.
"What?!" Kurama yelled.
Sai blinked, "I'm going…to live with Naruto-san?"
"San?!" Kurama exclaimed.
'But he looks older than me.' Naruto thought.
"Yes, and I'm sure Naruto wouldn't mind you living him, right?" Hiruzen smiled.
'Sneaky.' Naruto thought.
"Damn Saru!" Kurama growled in annoyance.
"I don't mind." Naruto said.
"Naruto." Kurama warned.
'Don't worry, I'll keep an eye out for anything suspicious.' Naruto assured the fox.
"Good." Hiruzen smiled, "I'm going to speak with the doctor so we can have you out of here very soon." He left the room leaving only the two of them.
Naruto and Sai had a stare down before the blonde approached the pale boy sitting on the bed, "Are you sure your felling okay?"
Sai stared at him for a few more minutes before responding, "I'm fine."
Naruto narrowed his eyes before poking the boy's forehead making Sai blink in utter confusion, "Stop lying."
Sai tilted his head, "How did you…"
"I can tell just by looking at you," Naruto stated, "While true you don't feel any physical pain because there is none, I can tell your head probably hurts a little."
Sai rubbed his forehead, "I do feel a slight twinge, but it will not hinder me in any way."
"That's not the point." Naruto stated.
"Its not?"
Kurama groaned shaking his head, "This brat's going to be a colossal pain in the ass."
'As much as I want to say your wrong I can't. Let's see how this living arrangement will work out.' Naruto thought.
Naruto opened the door allowing Sai to look inside, "This is where you'll live with me from now on."
Sai stepped inside and looked around the apartment noticing how clean it was, "Its clean."
"Of course it is," Naruto closed the door behind them, "I like to keep this place clean."
"I see." Sai sat down on the ground, "What now?"
"Have you eaten yet?" Naruto asked.
Before Sai could answer his stomach growled as if answering for him making Naruto give him an eye smile, "Guess that's a no then, hm?"
"I suppose." Sai said.
"Wait just a moment and I'll make something." Naruto said already in the kitchen leaving Sai to do as he pleased. The pale skinned boy opened his bag taking out his art book and other utensils getting ready to draw as he waited for the blonde to finish whatever he was planning on making. Before he knew it his hand moved on its own drawing his new surroundings not really thinking about it. Such a clean and well-kept place deserved to be preserved within memory. He stopped momentarily when he sensed a new presence appear next to him, getting a good look he saw it was a wolf cub that was staring-no, judging him with its eyes.
Stare.
"…"
Stare.
"…"
Stare.
Eventually Sai place his art book and ink pen down on the floor slowly making sure to keep eye contact with the wolf cub. Slowly as to not frighten the little thing he held his hand out towards the cub waiting for it to make its move this time. The cub blinked at him before lifting up its paw and settling it in the palm of his hands. A silent agreement between the two of them. Yes, this might just work after all.
Naruto appeared but said nothing during the exchange finding it to be a little funny honestly, 'Looks like they've come to an understanding of some sorts.'
Kurama sighed, "Annoying…"
"Dinner's ready." Naruto announced.
Sai and Gaku separated from each other having heard that, the cub had taken off towards the kitchen already eating his food while Sai took his time. The pale boy noticed that for dinner tonight was a perfectly prepared fish that looked really good. Sitting down he took the chopsticks in his hand before trying a little to see how it tasted. Taking the first bite made his whole body seize up as though it were hit by electricity.
'Th-This…!'
"Sai?" Naruto called out to the still boy.
Sai said nothing and proceeded to devour the fish Naruto prepared as though he hadn't eaten anything decent in years, which was true in a way but he no longer remembers his days as a ROOT trainee.
Naruto eye smiled, 'Guess he was hungry.'
"…I have no words." Kurama conceded.
Iruka blinked at the pale skinned boy standing next to Naruto who was holding the blonde's hand. The whole class was interested to know who the pale by was, Ino was staring at him especially hard finding him attractive.
"Um…Naruto? Who is this boy?" Iruka wondered.
Naruto looked at the boy who nodded and introduced himself, "Nice to meet you, Iruka-sensei. My name is Sai, and I am currently living together with Naruto."
"I-I see, well in that case welcome Sai," Iruka smiled, "This is Mizuki, he's the assistant teacher here with me."
Sai stared at Mizuki seeing the man was filled with nothing but hateful emotions and caught a slight sneer that was directed at both him and Naruto. Putting on a fake smile he introduced himself, "Nice to meet you…Dickless."
Silence.
Iruka's jaw was wide open, Mizuki's face was laced with anger, Naruto sported a blank look, the rest of the class was trying very hard not to laugh, well more so Kiba.
"Sorry about this Iruka-sensei, but Sai is learning to give people nicknames and once he gives you one he won't change it." Naruto explained ignoring Kurama's howling laughter.
"Nicknames…?" Iruka was confused. He could have sworn the boy had just insulted Mizuki just now.
Sai nodded his head with a smile, "Yes. Naruto has a nickname as well. Its Ōkami."
Naruto nodded, "Sai is Artist. You'll understand once he shows off his jutsu, once again disregard everything that might seem as an insult. He's just now starting to understand the meaning of nicknames." The blonde wasn't stupid, he knew Sai called Mizuki dickless on purpose.
"Right…Sai can sit next to Ino then." Iruka rubbed his forehead.
Naruto looked at Ino, "Ino's over there sitting next to Choji."
Sai redirected his gaze towards the blonde haired girl with pretty pale blue eyes sitting next to a boy with brown hair eating potato chips, "Ah, Fa-" his mouth was covered immediately by Naruto as Shikamaru's eyes grew wide.
Choji sported a serious look, "Just now…what were you about to say?"
Naruto gave the boy an eye smile, "Don't worry about it, Choji. Sai won't ever say it again."
Choji calmed down and went right back to eating, Naruto meanwhile whispered in Sai's ear, "Sai, never call Choji "Fat," that word is taboo."
Sai nodded his head, "Understood."
Both boys went to their seats, Naruto sat in the back with Shino and Hinata, and Sai sat next to Ino.
Ino smiled at him, "Hey there, names Ino Yamanaka."
Sai gave her a fake smile, "Nice to meet you…Beautiful."
Shikamaru and Choji had their jaws wide open at the nickname, but Ino enjoyed it because she blushed with a smile, 'He-He called me beautiful! Take that Sakura!'
Shikamaru thought the guy was completely crazy, 'Beautiful he says…this guys crazy.'
'Good for you, Ino.' Choji smiled.
Sakura snorted from her position next to Sasuke, "Don't be fooled by her Sai."
Sai turned to her still sporting a fake smile, "Did you say something…Ugly?"
Kiba couldn't take it anymore and howled with laughter falling out of his seat while Sakura's face became red with anger. Iruka sighed and shook his head, 'Is this going to happen everytime?'
Iruka eventually got to the lecture the class after being reassured that Sai wouldn't give anyone else any nicknames (insults). Once that was over the man brought the class outside so he could see how Sai's jutsu works. The boy stood before the class with a blank expression.
Iruka smiled nervously, "I know its your first day Sai, but I was wondering if you could demonstrate a jutsu before everyone so they can get to know you better."
Sai eyed Iruka before turning towards Naruto who gave him a nod in return getting out a scroll and ink pen he began drawing fast enough to impress everyone. Once he was done he made the Seal of Confrontation, "Chōjū Giga (Super Beast Imitating Drawing)." Six ink drawings sprung to life much to the kid's amazement including Iruka's.
"How's this, Iruka-sensei?" Sai looked at the Chunin.
Iruka was very impressed with the display and smiled, "That was excellent Sai! You have some real talent!"
"Thank you very much." Sai gave him a fake smile making the man frown.
"Sai, would you mind showing us your Taijutsu skills in a spar?" Iruka wondered.
"If that is what you want." Sai said indifferently.
Naruto was worried though. This will be the first time he'd see Sai fight in a spar with someone and there was no telling what Danzo taught him. Hopefully nothing that would kill someone.
Sai got into the ring facing off against the same boy that had sent Lee flying that one time. What was an upperclassman doing here, anyway? The blonde eyed Mizuki seeing the man smirk, right should have known.
Sai sported a blank expression determining his opponent as weak and he was right. Compared to Naruto this boy was nothing. He would end his life quickly then.
"Ready…begin!" Iruka signaled them to start.
Before the large boy could move Sai had already incapacitated him making the boy fall on his back, the pale boy wasted no time getting on top of him but that wasn't the end of it. Sai pulled out a chokuto much to the shock of the other students including Iruka, before the man could tell the boy to stop Naruto was already on it having grabbed Sai's wrist gripping it, but not tight enough to cause a bruise to form. Sai gave him a confused look but Naruto just looked back calmly, "Sai…we don't kill our opponents when we do Taijutsu practices."
Sai blinked before standing up slowly, "I understand."
Naruto sighed letting his wrist go allowing Sai to put the blade away, "As long as you understand its fine."
Sai nodded smiling at Iruka, "My apologies, Iruka-sensei. It wont happen again."
Iruka nodded dumbly, "Right, I should hope not Sai. Anyway back inside the classroom everyone!" the students shuffled back inside the classroom giving Sai weary looks, but that didn't bother the boy one bit. The Chunin had gotten his act together long enough to ask a question, "Sai…what was that just now? Why were you going to kill him?"
Naruto answered instead, "Iruka-sensei…after classes are over I will tell you why." And with that he grabbed Sai's hand and walked inside the building.
'Sai doesn't remember but his body does. This could be a problem.' Naruto thought.
Naruto stood before Iruka as classes were done for the day with Sai standing right next to him. This was going to be a very…interesting conversation to say the least. He just hoped the man bought the cover story he came up with.
Iruka sighed, "Naruto, Sai. I really need to understand what's going on here, will you please explain it to me?"
Sai blinked, "I was told it was normal to kill your opponents as soon as you defeat them, so that's what I was about to do."
"Wh-What?" Iruka almost fell out of his chair.
Naruto spoke this time, "What Sai means is he was trained to kill and wasn't taught how to interact with others because the person who instructed him said it would be pointless knowing they were going to be killed in the end."
Iruka frowned at this. What kind of person instructs a child to kill and disregard others? "What does the Hokage have to say about this?"
"The Hokage didn't say much on the matter, but he believed Sai would better understand things if he were to live with me." Naruto explained.
Sai nodded in agreement.
Iruka still looked worried, but since the Hokage approved this he let it go, "If Hokage-sama says its okay then I'll let it go."
Naruto bowed, "Thank you, Iruka-sensei."
Sai gave the man a fake smile, "Yes, thank you."
Both boys left the classroom leaving Iruka alone to gather his thoughts about the boy known as "Sai." His smiles were fake and his…nicknames were outright insults. Truth be told he was worried for the boy but since Naruto was looking after him things would be fine.
He hoped.
Sai walked next to Naruto as they headed towards a place that sells ramen, as they walked the pale boy noticed the vile looks the blonde was getting from the people of the village. It shouldn't bother him but it does. The Hokage explained the reason why the villagers hated Naruto and it was because he held the Kyūbi within him. He felt something in his chest when he heard them whispering not so pleasant things at the blonde that was taking care of him.
Anger.
That was the emotion he was feeling right now. He read about emotions in a book he got at the Library the elderly woman let him check out, who was very nice and didn't give Naruto the same look as the villagers did. The book talked about different emotions, which were Happiness, Anger, Sadness, Depression, and other emotions that were described in the book. Right now he was feeling angry, very very angry. He didn't know why but he had the urge to take out his tanto and use it on the villagers. It would be so easy to snuff out their lives and there wouldn't be a thing they could do about it either and the only ones capable of stopping him would be Naruto and the ANBU of course.
His homicidal thoughts were interrupted when he felt a hand on his arm gripping it slightly making him turn his attention to Naruto who kept his eyes front and center. Blinking in confusion he realized the blonde was doing it as a sort of defense mechanism in case one of the villagers tried to attack him. Sai felt his chest tighten this time. In this situation it would be more logical to worry about one's own safety not the safety of others, yet that concept meant nothing to the blonde seeing as how he cared more about his safety than his own. It was…a sad feeling. He may not have known Naruto for very long, but even he could tell the blonde was more of a protector than a fighter and would do anything to keep the people around him safe. Even at the cost of losing something important.
His humanity.
He couldn't allow that to happen. Somehow picturing the blonde losing his humanity because of selfish people who didn't even deserve his protection rubbed him the wrong way. Visibly showing a frown he decided he would watch these…people like hawks, but in the meantime he would give them a fake smile and insult them to their face using his excuse of giving them new nicknames like he did with that annoying idiot Mizuki.
Shisui stared at the pale boy as he drew from his sketch board while the blonde practiced more with his fire jutsu's. When Naruto brought the boy Sai over for their training session he was skeptical, and how couldn't he be? This boy before he lost his memories was being trained as a ROOT Agent before that sudden explosion in one of Danzo's hidden bases. Sai was an interesting boy that's for sure and seemed polite, except for one thing…
The name-calling.
As soon as the boy saw him he gave him a "nickname" as he called it, which was Pansy. It took all of Shisui's self-control not to throw a kunai at him and the look on Naruto's face also helped with his self-control, but he knew the boy did that on purpose, dammit!
Sai was too busy sketching Naruto ignoring Shisui's inner turmoil about him. The pale boy had taken a liking to painting his friend's image that the landscapes. Naruto just had this sunny image around him that naturally drew people in, for both good and bad reasons and Sai was determined to draw it everytime he witnessed such a thing. It was fascinating.
"Shisui-san!"
Shisui turned his head and saw Sasuke running towards them much to his surprise, "Yo, Sasuke! What are you doing here?"
Sasuke stopped in front of him, "Nii-san's busy with ANBU work again today so I thought I'd come find you so-hey Naruto's here too?"
"Hm? Oh yeah, he comes here all the time to train. He's such a good student!" Shisui grinned.
Sasuke stared at the blonde as he stopped throwing kunai and went to gather them before his eyes landed on Sai who was still drawing, "Hey, its you!"
Sai lifted his head from his sketchpad and stared at the Uchiha before giving his trademark fake smile, "Hello again…Duck butt."
Shisui covered his mouth trying hard not to laugh but was failing miserably, 'Oh god this is just too much! I can't wait for him to meet Itachi!'
Sasuke's face was beat red and was about to go off on Sai but Naruto whacked him on the back of the head with a…is that a paper fan? Where the hell did he get a paper fan-no more importantly where the hell was he keeping it?!
"Sai, call Sasuke by his name." Naruto told him.
Sai blinked then smiled again, "Sasuke, then. I'll think of a new nickname for you later."
Sasuke sweat-dropped, 'I'd rather you didn't.'
Shisui managed to catch his breath, "S-So…how are things at the Academy?"
"Productive." Naruto assured.
"Its interesting to see how different personalities interact with each other." Sai stated.
Sasuke pouted, "Its good and all, but it can get pretty boring."
"Really?" Shisui said.
"But…with Naruto around it's started to get interesting again." Sasuke smiled.
Naruto tilted his head in confusion but Shisui showed a knowing smile, 'Naruto's a good influence on Sasuke, and Sai's showing some sign of emotion…or at least I think he is. I can't figure the kid out sometimes.'
"I don't really find the Academy to be any helpful either, but it has its uses…in some areas." Naruto added.
"I bet. How about you Sai?" Shisui asked in curiosity.
Sai thought about it, "Hmmm, everyone has different strengths and weaknesses but its not boring. Although they seem to have a problem with the nicknames I give them except for a few."
'I wonder why?' Shisui thought sarcastically.
Naruto sighed, "Your nicknames aren't exactly as you say they are, more so as borderline insults or just outright insults."
Sai blinked, "You speak as though that's a bad thing?"
Sasuke sweat-dropped, 'Is he serious?' Shisui was thinking the exact same thing as Sasuke.
Naruto simply shook his head before speaking, "Since Sasuke's here we'll leave. He probably wants to ask you something without us here."
"You guys can stay here, too!" Sasuke said fiercely.
Naruto and Sai looked at him seeing his cheeks turn pink for a bit as he looked away from them, "I-If you want to…"
Sai gave a fake smile, "Sure. Thank you for the invitation, Duck-butt."
"Stop calling me that!" Sasuke yelled.
"Why?" Sai tilted his head innocently.
Shisui busted out laughing unable to contain himself any longer while Naruto looked up at the clear blue sky finding this whole situation to be completely normal.
Yep. Just another normal day.
"Alright everyone, today we're going to be doing something different today!" Iruka told them, "You'll get into groups of three based on the numbers we will give to you, the numbers range from 1-10. If you have the same number as someone else then you're in that group! We're going to be doing tag-team spars today!"
'Tag-team spars? That's interesting to hear. I don't think this has ever happened before.' Naruto thought.
Iruka brought out a box with papers on them that each had numbers on them, "All of you get in line and get your assigned number." The kids all lined up and took a piece of paper from the box, once the last student got the last number they got into groups based on the number they received.
Naruto observed his number and saw it was "1" meaning he would be in the first group. Looking around he spotted Hinata looking right at him before averting her eyes again. Walking over to her the blonde boy showed her his number, "I'm in the first group, what about you?"
Hinata blushed, "I'm the same!" she ducked her head down again quickly after saying that.
"Don't do that."
She gave him a confused look, "Do what?"
"Avert your eyes like that," he clarified, "There's no need for you to that. You've done nothing wrong, so don't duck your head down as though you're about to apologize for something you didn't do."
Hinata's face became as red as a tomato but somehow managed to smile and nod her head in understanding.
"Good." He gave her an eye smile.
"It would appear I am in the same group as the two of you." Shino walked up to them.
"That's right, nice to have you with us Shino." Naruto greeted.
"Likewise."
"I'm here too." Sai smiled.
Shino and Hinata flinched having not sensed his presence at all but Naruto did, "So you're here with us too, huh?"
"Mm."
"This should be interesting." Naruto commented.
"Indeed," Shino agreed, "This has never happened before from what I've gathered. Team spars are essentially rare, meaning we are the first generation to do such a thing."
"I was thinking the same thing myself." Naruto said.
"This will be a good experience for when we go out into the field." Sai added.
"That's true." Hinata agreed.
"Okay everyone! Now that you're in your assign groups its time to get things started! Group 1, which consists of Naruto Uzumaki, Hinata Hyūga, Shino Aburame, and Sai, will go up against Group 10, which consists of Shikamaru Nara, Ino Yamanaka, and Choji Akimichi! Both groups head to the circle!" Iruka said.
Group 1 and 10 stood in the circle staring at each other as they waited for Iruka to give them the signal. Shino and Naruto stood side by side as they both analyzed their opponents. The blonde eyed Shikamaru specifically and unknown to him Shino was too. Leaning in closely the bug boy spoke in a calm quiet voice, "Shikamaru is the most dangerous. Its best we defeat him quickly."
"I was thinking the same thing," Naruto admitted, "I'll take care of Shikamaru."
"Understood."
Iruka raised his arm in the air, "Ready…begin!"
Before they knew what hit them, Naruto had appeared behind Shikamaru chopping him in the back of the head rendering him unconscious. Before the boy hit the ground the blonde caught him before he hit the ground and gently laid him down on the ground. With that done he could leave the rest to Shino and the others.
Choji didn't have time to even do anything as he felt his chakra deplete, "Wha-" before he could get the words out of his mouth Hinata had used a Juken strike to knock him out.
"I'm sorry, Choji-kun…" Hinata apologized.
Ino stood frozen stiff as Sai appeared before her but instead of trying to knock her out like the others did he did something no one would expect him to do…
And that was kiss Ino full-blown on the lips making everyone around them blush or have their mouths drop, even Iruka looked speechless.
Sai pulled back and smiled at the frozen stiff girl with a small blush on her cheeks, "I read it's customary to kiss the girl you like. Did you like it, Beautiful?"
Ino didn't respond instead se passed out her face becoming as red as a tomato; Sai was confused as he held her in his arms staring down at her as she mumbled things he didn't understand.
"Interesting, the book didn't say anything about fainting." Sai said.
Naruto merely huffed in amusement, "So…Ino?"
Sai nodded, "She's not so bad."
"Is that so?" Naruto encouraged.
Hinata blushed at the boldness of what Sai did to Ino, if only she could be so bold and do that. Shino said nothing of course but there was some hidden amusement in his eyes.
Iruka sighed not at all surprised by Sai's odd behavior, "R-Right…next pair…"
There were other group pairs but they didn't do as well as the others, and Sasuke's group took down most of them. So now it was down to the final pairs, which were Sasuke and Naruto's group. Naruto and Sasuke bowed to each other respectfully taking everyone by surprise, but not Iruka. The Chunin noticed the Uchiha was growing closer even talked to each other on occasion.
"Ready…begin!"
Sasuke and Naruto came at each other using fast speed Taijutsu and ignoring their surroundings, meanwhile Sai wasted no time knocking Kiba out while Shino did the same for Sakura with the help of Hinata of course, so now it was just Sasuke and Naruto now. They both got in a few good hits until Naruto found an opening and exploited it sending the Uchiha flying out of the circle.
"That's it! Winners are Team Naruto!" Iruka announced.
Naruto helped Sasuke up, "Your getting better."
"Yeah…but I'll beat you next time." Sasuke declared.
"We'll see." Naruto teased.
Sasuke pouted.
Iruka gathered the class and told them to come inside the building, and as Naruto made his way in the building he heard the sound of a crow making him turn in the direction where he heard it from. There was a crow perched on top of a tree branch staring down at him but there was something about it that put him on edge, as though warning him of what was to come. Pulling his eyes away from the bird he walked inside the building the feeling still lingering inside him.
Naruto was about to head to bed right along with Sai and the wolf cub that was starting to get big only to go near the front door when he heard a knock. Opening the door he came face to face with non other than Shisui Uchiha, "Shisui-san…?"
The only thing he saw after that was Shisui giving him a sad smile before his world went black and he fell forward. He did the older Uchiha prevent his fall by catching him gently.
"Sorry, Naruto…looks like I'll be giving you another burden to carry." He heard the man say sadly.
Naruto could barely hear Kurama's threatening voice to maim and kill Shisui for doing this only having one thought in mind, 'What do you mean by that…Shisui-san…?'
-To be continued-
Next Time: {What Makes Us Who We Are}