Kishimoto the slave driver has finally sealed Kaguya, and still owns Naruto
A/N - I've had a lot of favorites to this story even though it's been a while since my last update. That has spurred me on to write a new chapter.
I asked for input on when Team 7 should graduate 8,10,12 years old. Most favored the latter two with some good reasoning so I'm taking that into account as I write this chapter.
To recap for those who may want to skip re-reading the first few chapters.
Team 7's Second Chance deals with Team 7, 3rd & 4th Hokage being sent back in time as the Infinite Tsukiyomi is taking over.
Everyone was sent back in age appropriate to time status, so we're dealing with younger versions of everyone.
The 4th has sacrificed himself for Konoha but Kushina has survived due to some preplanning.
The Uchiha clan avoids the slaughter so Itachi & Shisui are alive but several Uchiha died during the Kyuubi attack including Sasuke's father.
Excluding Kakashi, Team 7 grows up without knowing their identity until they unlock their chakra coils in class during the first day of the Academy. The unlocking of their chakra causes each of them to become comatose.
Danzo makes an attempt on Sasuke in the Hospital but is foiled by Itachi and Shisui henged as the young ninja, giving the Hokage the opportunity to finally handle the warhawk who in the last chapter is executed for his crimes against Konoha. Do not expect him to escape that fate.
Essentially that's what's happened up to now.
I'm probably going to do some time skips with just flashback or filler talk to take care of gaps of time.
Anyhow, sit back and read the next installment of T72ndC - Academy Days.
T72ndC - Academy Days
Life in Konoha settled down quickly after the Danzo affair, and the newly aware members of Team 7 found the world was a bit different from their previous lives.
Because incursions by ROOT had been limited by the Hokage's foreknowledge, Danzo had not instigated greater tensions between Hidden Villages. According to Hiruzen, less tense relations between Konoha and Kumo helped Konoha broker a true peace deal and prevent the attempted kidnapping of Hinata Hyuga, sparing the life of Hizashi Hyuga. However there was little Konoha could do with either Iwa or Kiri, mainly due to Kiri's internal strife with it's Mizukage and influence of Akatsuki, and Iwa's elder council stonewalling any contact whatsoever. Relations with Suna were tenuously cordial at best since the 4th Kazekage was just getting the Wind Daiymo to revert more missions to the Sand Village rather than the Leaf Village as he had done at the end of the 3rd Shinobi War.
Since their awakening, the three young academy students had discovered that though their memories and Spiritual acuity were quite developed, their young bodies were far from useful. The physical fitness and stamina was that of six year-olds rather than the roughly 17 year old bodies they had left behind. Even worse, they realized their mental psyche was closer to that of their physical age, so they acted much like typical 6 year olds in most situations. Though this was a bit of a pain they managed to adjust, though it was much harder for Kakashi when dealing with them having run missions with the more mature versions.
Kakashi calculated their bodies would require a good three years of growth and physical training before they could hope to achieve decent control of their chakra networks and physically handle the abilities they all knew. All their bodies were essentially blank slates. Though this didn't bother either Naruto or Sakura, it did make Sasuke wonder what his mother was thinking, or his brother Itachi for that matter. When he broached the subject with Itachi and Mikoto, they had said there was plenty of time to train, but so little time to enjoy youth. Itachi's own childhood had been cut short because of the war and Mikoto wasn't about to see her second son lose out on those precious early years of joy. Apparently without his father around the 'Uchiha' strict training wasn't as important. When Sasuke thought about the six years in this time, he realized they had been the happiest he could remember, where he wasn't compared constantly to his brother by a stoic Fugaku. Of the three perhaps the most happy was Naruto because he had the opportunity to grow up with at least one parent this time, and his teammates saw it reflected in a more stable, adjusted, and intelligent boy.
Based on their needs Kakashi devised a plan, with the Hokage's permission, which would hopefully accelerate not only the three youngster's abilities, but also those of the other rookie 12. Though they would participate in the first year of the Academy as normal students, they would after hours be given chakra control and chakra reserve training. In the second year as their bodies could adjust to more activity they would add strength exercises. They could possibly be able to graduate at 8 years of age and become Genin if his conclusions were accurate. At the second year point the same first year training would be offered to the other Rookie 12, suggested by the Hokage citing the example of Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura already having received the training as experimental.
Iruka Umino was still the Chunin instructor, but was a much better adjusted person this time around as both his parents had survived the Kyuubi attack but had been injured enough to force their retirement from active duty. His natural teaching talent and desire was unchanged. Mizuki on the other hand had been watched closely by ANBU, and when his erratic tendencies began to appear during the first year as an Academy instructor he was treated to a visit to T&I. Naruto had been assured Mizuki wouldn't be an issue again.
By the end of the first year all three of Team 7s young students had increased their chakra control considerably compared to other first years. Their chakra reserves were better as well, though still quite limited. By the time the second year started their classmates had seen the changes and told their parents, this resulted in not only the Rookie 12 receiving the training, but also several other students who were heirs of other clans, and it became an optional step any student could attempt throughout the entire Academy. The strength exercises were added at the beginning of that second year and by the mid-term more than a third of Academy students were attempting the after hours strength exercises. The end result was that by the time the graduation exams came around at the end of Team 7's second year most classes were offering up 50% more students who might qualify as Genin. Of course just being stronger wasn't going to be enough to pass the Genin test, but it did mean that any student who passed was likely to be more able than they would have been otherwise.
As the day for the Genin Exams began Naruto rushed around the Uzumaki household with a fervor only an anxious 8 year old can display. Though inwardly he was sure the test would be a breeze, it still was a thrill to know he might graduate a full four years ahead of time, giving him ample opportunity to be stronger and ready for the upcoming challenges he would face.
"Calm down Naruto and eat your breakfast!" Kushina scolded the boy lightly. She knew he was excited, and she remembered the day she took the test many years ago. "You need to eat well so you'll have the stamina for any test they throw at you. Ya' know."
"Aww Mom, I'm not nervous, I just know that I'll finally be considered a ninja! So I'm excited. Believe it!" Naruto beamed at his mother and she returned the smile to him.
Similar discussions were being held across Konoha in several households where prospective Genin were anxious. One boy was less excited, mainly because he had no parents to discuss the day with, he did however have a roommate, Shin.
"Brother Shin, do you think we will have any problems with the test because of the time under Danzo's training?" Sai said hesitantly.
"Brother Sai, it's been two years since we joined the Academy. Even though we were a part of ROOT, it wasn't for so long as many of the others Danzo corrupted. You know we will do fine." The elder boy said with a slight cough.
"Are you OK brother?" Sai had noticed his brother would cough occasionally for no apparent reason.
"I'm fine, there is nothing to worry about. It is time for us to leave." Shin opened the door to the apartment followed by Sai and the two made their way to the Academy building.
As they approached the sprawling Academy and Hokage complex Sai saw a blonde boy walking with a taller woman with flowing red hair.
"Naruto, Kushina-san!" Sai waved to the boy and his mother.
"Sai, Shin! So are you taking the test today too?" Naruto asked, knowing full well they were, as the Hokage had informed Team 7 of Sai's status ever since the settling of the Danzo incident.
"Yes, we are, how about you?" Shin replied.
"Believe it! And Sasuke and Sakura are going to take it too!" Kushina beamed at her son's mention of his friends, as the three seemed nearly inseparable, except this morning as she hadn't seen the other two.
"Naruto! Sai! Shin! Kushina-san!" A young female voice called causing the young students and the adult to turn. The young girl was walking with a young boy with black hair and a tall woman with similar hair.
Sakura, Sasuke and Mikoto Uchiha walked up to the group all smiling. "Greetings Kushina, it seems these youngsters are eager to become Genin aren't they?" Mikoto spoke with a melodious voice. All the young faces sprouted smiles even wider than seemed possible.
"Believe it! After today we're gonna be real Ninja!" Naruto's infectious manner made everyone laugh. Not the least were Sasuke and Sakura, knowing full well the depth of Naruto's energy.
"Well, if you're going to take today's exams you better get inside then. " A male voice came from behind Naruto.
"Iruka-sensai! We're gonna make you proud today, dattebayo!" Kushina cringed as Naruto spoke.
"Just do your best, all of you. That will make me proud no matter what. " Iruka Umino said, smiling at the students. "You're Sai and Shin aren't you? The same goes for you two, we know life under ROOT was difficult, but now you can prove you're true Leaf ninja as well."
The two boys singled out smiled even broader. Unlike their time under Danzo, over the past two years they had been subjected to much more fair treatment and psychologically normalizing training. Neither thought of themselves as tools without emotion, that programming had been reversed, now they were much like the other young students of the Academy, eager to learn and please out of desire rather than fear.
"We will do our best Iruka-san" Sai said a little formally.
"We'll pass the exam no worries!" Shin said boisterously, much more reminiscent of Naruto than Sai. Then he coughed several times in a row, causing Sakura to look at him and nudged Naruto.
"I don't like the sound of that cough Shin, you should go to the Hospital and have it checked out!" Kushina said, before either Naruto or Sakura could say anything.
"I'll be OK.." Shin complained.
"No Shin, Kushina is right, a cough like that is not good. Don't worry about the exam, we have a make-up scheduled in a few days for those who can't take this one. " Iruka said seriously. "Kushina can either you or Mikoto take Shin to the hospital?"
"We'll take him, no worries." The two mothers said, dragging the protesting Shin away from the group to get him to the hospital.
"I hope he'll be alright." Sai said, concerned for his ROOT brother.
"Don't worry Sai, I'm sure they'll figure out why he's coughing. Keep your mind on the test." Naruto said emphatically, though he nodded back at Sakura. They both remembered Sai's sad story of facing Shin who hid his condition until the two faced Danzo's final trial of loyalty.
As the group of four made their way into the Academy many other students were already filing inside. Sai filed of with a few other students that looked to be part of his class including Lee, Tenten, and Neji. Meanwhile Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura joined several of their classmates who were prepared to take the test. Among those were the other Rookie 9 members. As was their custom, Team 7 sat together with Sakura flanked by the two boys. Though there were some fangirls in the class, that phase of their lives had yet to become as burdensome at the age of 8.
Iruka began class once all the students had been seated. "Attention class, all of you here will be taking the Genin assessment exam today. As you know, we perform this test every quarter starting at the end of your second year at the Academy to assess your progress toward Genin status. Some of you will excel while others will not. Take your scores seriously, they are meant to show you where your strengths and weaknesses are so that you can improve. Are there any questions?"
A boy on the front row of the class raised his hand. "Yes Nominiki?"
"Iruka Sensai, why don't you test us at the end of the first year or during the second year? Some student might be strong enough to graduate early." The boy questioned.
"That is a good observation Nominiki and I'll tell you why we wait. Many years ago during the Third Shinobi war the Academy did test students during their first and second years. Those students who passed and became Genin were young, so young that when they were sent on missions during the war they were often scarred by what they saw and even if they survived the war they have forever been altered by what they experienced at such a young age. After the war an intense look at the program was taken and it was determined that students who took a minimum of two years of Academy training were less than 50% as likely to have the same type of problems. Since then the village has instituted the policy we have today. We want to create quality ninja, not just quantity of ninja. So if it takes you longer to graduate do not fear, because in the long run you'll be ready to be a ninja of which Konoha will be proud. For any of you that do pass your tests today remember what I have said. The tests show you are ready to be a ninja of Konoha. Now if there are no more questions when I call your name please come forward and you will be escorted to the testing areas." Iruka started calling out names. Slowly the class emptied of prospects leaving the Rookie 9.
"Hey Naruto, I bet you guys pass easy!" Kiba Inuzuka moved down to sit next to Naruto.
"Why do you say that Kiba?" Sakura asked, having heard what he said.
"Because, you guys are way stronger than the rest of us, sheesh, if I'd had been in that test group two years ago to improve my chakra and reserves I bet I'd be a cinch for Genin now. Everyone in class knows you guys are ahead of us by leaps and bounds!" Kiba shook his head. "But just you wait, I'm not far behind you guys! And neither are the others!"
Sakura turned to look behind Kiba at the other Rookie 9. Each of them looked more determined than she could remember. Even Shikamaru was more engaged in being a ninja if that could be believed.
"Well even if we do pass, that doesn't mean we can't hang out you know." Naruto said to Kiba. He didn't want to loose connection to those precious to him, even if becoming Genin earlier would make him stronger to face what was to come.
"Kiba Inuzuka" Iruka called out and the young dog boy went to the door and gave a thumbs up to the others in the class as he left.
More small talk ensued with the other Rookie 9 until another name was called. "Hinata Hyuga".
"Good luck Hinata!" Naruto said encouragingly to the young Heiress. The eyes of young Hinata Hyuga snapped to the boy who had once saved her in the park at the cost of receiving a beating himself. She hid a reddening of her cheek with a quick turn back toward the classroom door.
"Naruto, be fair to her this time!" Sakura knocked him over the head as she hissed at him.
"What? Oh..." Naruto sheepishly smiled. Over the past two years Naruto had many hours to think about those people who were precious to him, and he realized Hinata Hyuga was one of his especially precious people. It had taken her near death at the hands of Pein, and her staunch support during the war to realize she meant more to him than he had inwardly realized. He imagined that if things had gone differently with the war he might even have developed an intimate relationship with the kunoichi in question. Now that he had a chance to make different choices, he had vowed to cherish her friendship earlier and see if they truly were meant to be together.
It took another half hour for there to be just Team 7 left in the class. Each of them was quiet, contemplating life as 8 year old Genin. Slowly the eyes of the three exchanged glances and their heads nodded in silent agreement.
Naruto followed the Chunin Instructor who was his escort. Like the last time he'd taken the Genin exam this instructor led him to the training room inside the Academy. Sitting behind the table were three proctors for the exam, instructors for other classes in the Academy. Each would score his ability to carry out the orders given, some things being pass/fail and others a weighted score of 0-10.
"Naruto Uzumaki, your first test is to strike the target with three shuriken and three kunai." The head proctor called out.
Naruto looked at a nearby table where the required ninja tools were laid out. Picking up the kunai he hurled them at the target, hitting the spots he intended to contact.
The proctors each wrote on their scoring sheets.
"OK, now you are to demonstrate the Body Substitution jutsu with that log." The proctor pointed to a log sitting on a chair.
Naruto made the handsigns and switched places with the log easily.
Again the proctors filled out their sheets.
"Now demonstrate the Bunshin technique."
Naruto made the handsigns and created his bunshin, however it was as dismal as at the same age in the last timeline.
The proctors filled out their sheets again.
"Finally, Naruto Uzumaki, this is an important question. Do you feel you are ready to become a Leaf Genin?"
Naruto inwardly grinned, knowing the answer.
"No proctor, as much as I'd like to be a Genin, I'm just too young to be an effective ninja." Naruto said.
"Thank you for your candor. Your grades will be tallied and handed over to your instructor for evaluation. You are excused."
A smile spread across Naruto's lips as he exited the Academy and joined Sasuke and Sakura who were waiting for him. "Well?" They chimed together.
"I think I failed. How about you two?" He beamed at them.
"Same..."
Sakura blushed... "I think Kakashi and the 3rd are going to think we're nuts."
"Yep... believe it!"
