AN: This idea has been in my head ever since I made an account but I knew my creative writing skills were just getting started then but now I feel confident that I can pull this future story off. Without further ado, here is my rendition on a Samurai Naruto story.

AN 2: All sword stances and such are real and have been heavily researched to ensure validity, just an FYI. Also, if any other author's ideas happen to end up in this story, it is purely coincidental; if they wish for me to recognize them as that idea was theirs then I will give credit where it is due.

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto all rights belong to Kishimoto.

ITALICS – Thinking

BOLD – demon speak/jutsu

Chapter One


Naruto Uzumaki, jinchuriki to the Kyuubi no Kitsune and parents to Kushina Uzumaki and Minato Namikaze; he doesn't know these things yet but has always wondered who his parents were and why the village seemed to hate him. Our blonde protagonist was six years old and sat on the swing which hung from a tree not far from the academy, he mulled over the first week he had during class.

"Why do I even try becoming a ninja when the entire village hates me for a reason I cannot understand. Is this village even my home, do I even belong?" Naruto looked up the Yondaime's face on the Hokage Monument and pondered if the Hokage position was really worth it.

Naruto acted like a rambunctious kid so that others would recognize him but in reality, Naruto was smart and somewhat cold due to the hate received ever since he could remember. Deciding not to stay here any longer, Naruto decided to head to the library and read so that his mind could go elsewhere. Once Naruto entered the library, an elderly lady with white hair and many wrinkles on her face greeted Naruto warmly; she was one of the few who treated Naruto with respect.

"Ah, Naruto my boy, back again to get your mind off things?"

Naruto smiled at the receptionist, "Hai Megumi."

Megumi noticed the sad look on Naruto's face; she used her cane to help her walk around the desk then gave Naruto a quick hug.

"What seems to be the matter Naruto, you can tell this old grandma anything; I'm here to help."

Naruto sighed, "I'm unsure whether I want to become a ninja to a village that hates me, even Hokage for that matter. Is there some other path I could take?"

Megumi was surprised yet irritated at the fact that the village's hate finally got to the boy. She knew what Naruto contained as well as his parents but she knew it wasn't her place to tell.

"I do sonny, here let me show you where the Samurai books are located."

"Please sit Megumi; I don't know if your old bones could take much more."

"For six years old, you are quite the gentlemen. Fine, the Samurai section is just after the area you were at yesterday."

Naruto thanked Megumi as she went to sit down again; some civilians were staring at Naruto with anger which he ignored and got to the section and quickly pulled out a book to read then found a seat. After Naruto opened the book, he started to read.

A Samurai follows what is known as Bushido, eight principles or virtues every Samurai Warrior should live by and never stray from; rectitude or justice, courage, benevolence, politeness, honesty and sincerity, honor, loyalty, character and self-control. To expand on this, the Samurai Warrior:

Holds loyalty, courage, veracity, compassion, and honor as important, above all else,

Has an appreciation and respect of life,

Is deadly in combat and yet so gentle and compassionate with children and the weak,

Strives for enlightenment for good judgment, personal growth, and self-awareness,

Practices some type of martial art skill or something that helps him or her develop physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually,

Uses Death as his or her advisor not his or her enemy,

Seeks to understand the phrase, "Know thyself!" and,

Seeks communal and family relationships and understanding the role of the servant and the master.

Failure to uphold this code, the Samurai is tasked with taking his own life.

Naruto looked up from the book and rubbed his temples in deep thought and confusion, he was only six years old so some of this was hard to understand. After a long break, Naruto started reading again where he found that Samurai worked directly under the Daimyo; this made Naruto smile as he would not be loyal to Konoha, only the Daimyo he served under. Bushido, however, still gave Naruto confusion. Closing the book, Naruto walked up to Megumi and checked out the book then ran to the Hokage Tower; it was only a couple hours since he started reading.


Hokage Tower

Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Sandaime Hokage, was doing the bane of every kage's existence; paperwork. No matter how much he tried, the amount seemed to multiply at an infinite rate. He kind of wished for something to interrupt him from the monotonous task; this is when Naruto barged in and slammed the book on his desk.

"Naruto, how nice to see you." Hiruzen glanced at the title of the book and looked back at Naruto, "So, what got you into the Samurai all of a sudden?"

The answer was one the Sandaime was not expecting.

"I'm tired Ji-Ji, tired of all the glares, harsh remarks, and overpriced food and clothing. Becoming a ninja to a village that won't recognize me is not what I wanted; you told me things would change but nothing has. The Samurai seems like to be the path for me; at least the Daimyo will respect me."

"The villagers are just misunderstood, I am sure if you gave them another chance…"

Naruto interrupted, his happy mask was now off and the full brunt of Naruto's cold eyes bored into the Sandaime's.

"Six years Ji-Ji, ever since I was born it seems like, I have dealt with this. The Naruto you knew is gone, what you see now is what this village has done."

Hiruzen was taken aback by the cold visage that Naruto had, it was one no six year old should have; it was here that he knew there would be no talking Naruto out of this.

"Dammit, I would reveal his heritage now but the state he is in would only make it worse."

Hiruzen sighed, "What do you need help with Naruto?"

"A trainer, a master to teach me the Samurai way."

"I know just the person, he set up shop a couple months ago, he's a retired Samurai from Iron Country; I can escort you there."

Naruto simply nodded and grabbed the book off the desk and followed the Sandaime, all the while the latter was thinking how much he and this village failed Minato's legacy.

"I should have watched you more closely Naruto, it seems in my age I have forgotten that family duties come before that of the Hokage."


As the two walked, Hiruzen could hear the whispers of the villagers and noticed Naruto glaring back at them. This took some villagers off guard while others talked to each other wondering what the Hokage was doing with the demon brat but being careful not to break the Sandaime's law. Hearing these, Hiruzen sighed internally at how far the village had fallen; it was this that made him vow to stop being soft and make Konoha strong again.

Soon, after 10 minutes of walking, Naruto and Hiruzen arrive at a small shop which sold a variety of items; Harumasa's Emporium was the name. To the left of the door was a wide window so that others could look in the store and see the man's wares. On the right wall held different sizes of katana, wakizashi, and tanto as well as wooden practice swords called bokken. On the left side of the wall were tea sets, repair kits for clothing and/or armor, and bows. On the wooden floor of the store was barrels filled with shuriken and arrows; behind the front desk, hanging on the wall, were different types of Samurai armor, kimono, and geta sandals.

Naruto and Hiruzen walked in which made a bell jingle when the door hit it, footsteps were heard and an older gentleman greeted them. Harumasa stood six foot tall, had fair skin and black eyes, wrinkles adorned his face along with a scar which was on his left cheek. He wore a simple white kimono with a black loincloth and geta sandals; on his right side were two swords held in place by a black belt; a katana and wakizashi. Harumasa had black hair which was set in a topknot.

"Welcome Hokage-sama and guest to my emporium, my name is Fukui Harumasa."

Hiruzen calmly pointed to Naruto and before he could speak, Fukui looked at Naruto and frowned after seeing the cold visage.

"You have brought me a young child who seemed to have lost his way. Tell me child, what troubles you?"

Naruto looked at Hiruzen who motioned to go ahead, "I seek to follow the path of the warrior as I refuse to become a ninja to a village that hates me."

"I see, but tell me, what do you seek if you so desire to follow Bushido; is this for respect or for revenge?"

"What?"

Fukui smiled, "You are but an empty glass waiting to be filled. You have strayed off the path of life and are unsure where to go."

Naruto growled, "Make sense old man!"

The samurai chuckled before bending down to Naruto's level, "What is your name."

"Naruto Uzumaki."

"Naruto, let us start again; why do you wish to become a Samurai?"

Naruto sighs, "I don't feel welcome in this village, everyone glares at me, calls me a demon and after reading about the Samurai," Naruto held up the book, "I realized that the Daimyo might treat me better than this village ever did."

Harumasa noticed the Hokage's sad glance at Naruto, "Wait here Naruto, feel free to browse the store while I talk to the Hokage OK?"

"Hai."

Hiruzen is motioned to the back of the store and into the samurai's office, once the door is closed both chat silently so that Naruto couldn't hear what they were saying.

"You have brought me a diamond in the rough Hokage-sama, I sense he is still unsure of whether this path is right for him or not but I digress. Tell me why haven't you informed Naruto of his heritage and what he contains?"

"How do you know that?!"

"Calm yourself Hokage-sama, I am not your enemy; I merely took the facts and pieced them together, it wasn't hard to figure out."

Hiruzen glared at Harumasa, "Have you been stalking Naruto, if you have I won't hesitate to kill you here and now."

"Not at all Hokage-sama, I may have been here two months but the villagers seem to like their sake a little too much, ninja included."

The Hokage clenched his fists in anger then relaxed after taking a deep breath, Harumasa continued.

"Mifune, my master, told me that I would meet a boy who lost his way before coming here Hokage-sama; he told me that the fate of the Elemental Nation and Iron Country would rest in his hands alone."

"Almost like Jiraiya's prophecy from the Toads." Hiruzen looked the Samurai in the eyes, "If I agree to this, will you teach Naruto your style?"

"That is not my choice to make, it is Naruto's and my style is based on Iaido, the art of sword drawing."

Hiruzen tensed as Harumasa suddenly got in a stance then started to sheath his katana, with a click, which signified the blade locked in place, the Hokage hat he was wearing split in two and fell to the floor. Needless to say, Hiruzen was now afraid.

"I didn't even see you draw your katana, how?"

The samurai smiled, "Musō Jikiden Eishin-ryū, the style in which Naruto will learn among other things if he accepts the path of the warrior."

Sarutobi grabbed the pieces of his hat and cried anime tears over the now ruined garment, after calming himself he and Harumasa walked out of the office to see Naruto wearing samurai armor and slinging around a katana.

"Well Naruto, it seems like you have chosen your path."

"AHHH!"

Naruto jumped in the air as he didn't expect them to return yet; he quickly sheathed the katana and placed it back on the shelf while taking off the armor. Hiruzen smiled after seeing a real smile on Naruto's face.

"It seems that Naruto found his path again…Minato, Kushina, you would be proud."

"Sorry samurai-san, I was just curious is all."

"Not to worry Naruto, I see you are eager to follow Bushido then?"

"Hai but it some of it was confusing."

"All in due time child, I will teach you the path of the warrior among other things. First thing, that orange monstrosity has to go and you will be wearing what I am."

"But I like orange…OW! Why'd you hit me?!"

"You were distracted by thinking about me burning that hideous outfit."

Naruto stared at the man in awe as the samurai somehow read his mind; this earned another slap on the head which made Hiruzen chuckle.

"You were distracted on how I read your mind; this is something we will work on. Expect nothing, be prepared for anything. Your training will start tomorrow at five in the morning, I expect you to be here on time."

"Hai, Ji-Ji can we get ramen?"

"No." Harumasa said, "You need to eat more vegetables and get a balanced meal; Ramen on special occasions only."

Naruto pouted, "But the villagers only sell me rotten or overpriced food."

The Sandaime's eyes suddenly gleamed with anger, "Naruto, we are going shopping; I think it's time they know who the boss is around here. Harumasa-dono, thank you for helping Naruto and I."

"My pleasure Hokage-dono."

Once the two left Harumasu smiled, "I must inform Mifune-dono that I have found my student, in time maybe he can teach my student as well."


Following Morning Harumasa's Emporium

The bell jingled in the store then the sound of the door closing was heard, Naruto arrived just as told. What confused him was that nobody seemed to be in the store.

"Samurai-san, are you here?"

"Ah, Naruto I see you have arrived on time; you are quite the responsible person." Harumasa arrived from the back of the store and threw Naruto his outfit. "Put that on, you will burn that orange suit you wear afterward."

Naruto hesitated and got slapped on the back of the head, "Remember what I said yesterday child, expect nothing, prepare for anything."

"How do I prepare if I see nothing is happening?"

"A wise question young student but that is what the lesson will be for today, situational awareness. Now go on, change up then meet me in the back."

"Hai samurai-san."

"Master, my young student, for now on I will be called as such."

"Hai master Harumasa."

It took Naruto five minutes to change as he never used a kimono before but once he got it on he felt comfortable, it was really soft and lightweight. His outfit was like that of his master, a simple white kimono, black loincloth, and black pants underneath as well as geta sandals. As he arrived to the back of the store with his old clothes, Harumasa was standing by a wood burning stove which was for heating in the winter.

"Put your old clothes in here Naruto and set them alight; the burning of your old clothing signifies that that part of you is now gone. What you wear now is the beginning to your new path, that of the warrior."

Naruto simply nodded and did as told, a match was handed to him which he lit and set his orange monstrosity on fire. As Naruto watched them burn he could only think on what the samurai said to him yesterday.

"I am but an empty glass, one that is waiting to be filled."

After a few minutes, Harumasa motioned for Naruto to follow where he took a three foot bokken off the wall; perfect for Naruto's three foot six frame. Next, he took a black silk belt he got from behind the counter then proceeded to put both on Naruto, the bokken slid between the belt and the kimono in a secure fashion on the right side.

"Master?"

"You will not pick up a sword for a few years yet, that bokken is so you can get used to the weight, you will use that until you get your real swords. Now come, we are going to wander the village; pay close attention to everything around you."

"Hai Master."

Harumasa nodded and both head out to wander the village, meanwhile the Hokage was having a meeting with his advisers, Danzo, and the clan heads.


Council Chambers

The clan heads, Shibi Aburame, Inoichi Yamanaka, Shikaku Nara, Hiashi Hyuga, Tsume Inuzuka, Fugaku Uchiha, and Choza Akimichi, the advisors Koharu and Homura as well as Danzo, were all waiting for the Hokage to arrive. None knew what this meeting was about and why it was so early in the morning. The council doors soon opened showing Hiruzen in his Hokage attire and with a stern expression on his face; the God of Shinobi was back.

"Advisors, Danzo, Clan heads, I have called this meeting to inform you that the village has lost a great asset to its Shinobi ranks and we have nothing to blame but this village and myself."

Hiruzen took a deep breath before he continued; he was impressed that everyone was silent still.

"Naruto Uzumaki started the academy a week ago but decided on another path as he came to me with a book yesterday, a book about the Samurai. The happy go lucky kid you knew was nothing more than a mask to hide a cold shell; I saw Naruto's eyes yesterday and realized then and there that we failed one of our greatest legacies."

"Samurai…bah, this is a ninja village and Samurai have no place here. I say you hand Naruto over to me so that I can train him." Danzo said.

"Danzo, how many times do I have to repeat myself…NO! And don't think for a second that I don't know about your still existing Root program; try anything to Naruto and his master, whom is a retired Samurai from Iron Country I might add, and your punishment will not be lenient."

The clan heads and advisors smirked at Danzo's shocked face.

"Hokage-sama, if I might interject, who is Naruto's master now?" Shibi questioned.

"Fukui Harumasa, he was taught by Mifune so I assure you Naruto is in good hands."

Hiashi's eyes widened, "Are you sure that name is correct Hokage-sama?"

"I assure you it is Hiashi-san, why do you ask?"

"When the Hyuga was being formed, samurai still roamed the land and the Harumasa clan had an alliance with us after we had countless battles with them. Years passed and the Samurai clan seemed to disappear, I must meet this man."

The council chamber goes absolutely silent as that was a response nobody expected, after a silent five minutes Homura cleared his throat.

"As interesting as this is, I sense you had other business Hokage-sama."

"Yes, if you recall earlier how I said we failed one of our greatest legacies, that has to do with Naruto Uzumaki."

Hiruzen pulled out a manila folder and slammed it on the large desk, he opened it and pulled out a birth certificate, blood test, and marriage certificate; these three documents were passed around.

"Those are proof to the fact that Naruto is the son of our Yondaime Hokage and Kushina Uzumaki. I will inform Naruto of everything as he has suffered at the hands of this village for far too long, after that the whole village will know of the sins they have committed."

Nobody denied the truth that was staring them in the face yet Danzo had his concerns.

"And what of Iwa and Kumo?"

"That, my old friend," Hiruzen said, "is where your Root will be handy. I want every list of shinobi under your control and their skill set, I will have Jiraiya and Tsunade return so that any seals can be removed and they are checked to see if they are fit for duty. Deny my request and it will be your head Danzo!"

Danzo sighed knowing he couldn't do anything but the Hokage had one more stipulation.

"Oh and Danzo, all your files that we collect from your base will be gone over; any sign of treasonous activity and you will be executed publicly. As of now, Root is now under my command."

Danzo clenched his fists and let out a strained, "Hai Hokage-sama."

"That is all I wanted to say, we are dismissed. Hiashi, Harumasa should be training Naruto but I will inform him that you want to meet."

"Thank you Hokage-sama."


With Naruto

"Master, this is boring, I do as you say but nothing seems out of the ordinary."

"Patience young student, this is something that will take time to hone in. For instance, there are two ANBU who have been following us. One is hiding behind the dumpster behind me and the other is on the roof overlooking me."

"How did he see us, we used a camouflage jutsu?!"

"I don't sense anyone?"

Harumasa sighed, "Close your eyes Naruto and extend your senses, ignore everything else around you as you do so."

Naruto does as told and attempts to drown out the sounds around him, it took ten minutes but Naruto finally managed then snapped open his eyes with a gasp.

"I saw a hazy mist around the ANBU, what was that?"

"He accessed his Ki already, and at such a young age. Perhaps there is more to this boy then I once thought."

"That is the life force of every being on this planet, which is what is known as Ki or chi; for you to have accessed it at your age is truly astonishing."

"Argh, so confused!"

"You're only six my student so you have every right but that is the next part of your homework. After today's lesson you are to go to the library and read up on the elemental nations; the kage, the villages, terrain, everything."

"Expect nothing, be prepared for anything." Naruto said.

"Very good Naruto, now let us continue our lesson but outside the village walls. You are welcome to come ANBU-sans, I assure you I won't bite."

"The Hokage needs to be informed of this."

"They left master; I heard the wind that was picked up."

"Increased senses thanks to the Kyuubi, just another thing I will be working on. You might be a better Samurai then me once you graduate my student."

Nothing else was said between the two as they walked to a training ground which had a waterfall and many trees around; the sound of birds chirping and animals scampering about was plentiful. Before Naruto could question what they were going to do, he was handed a blindfold.

"I will be honing all of your senses; first I will take away your sight, then your smell, your hearing, and lastly touch."

"Are you sure this is necessary master?" Naruto's head rocks backward as he is hit with a stone that Harumasa found on the ground. "What was that for you old coot!"

"Never question your master. A samurai's training encompasses all paths of Bushido, you took up this path and to leave it would mean I would have to kill you after you slit your own stomach."

Naruto looked into the serious gaze of his master and gulped, "Y-you're joking…right?"

"No, a Samurai never lies; if a Samurai says that they will do something, they will as Bushido demands it. Enough chatter, put on the blindfold."

Naruto did so and was immediately hit with multiple stones which made him scream in pain.

"A blind samurai can still fight, listen for the sounds of the incoming projectile and dodge."

Naruto attempted to dodge but again got hit, having enough of this Naruto decided to calm his emotions and drown out everything around him. Harumasa saw Naruto's shoulders relax and smiled.

"That's it my student, relax and let your other senses guide you."

Harumasa threw a baseball sized stone toward Naruto's face at a tremendous speed; he knew that Naruto would be able to catch the stone. For Naruto, it was quiet, his mind blank until a whooshing sound entered his ears; letting instincts guide him, Naruto outstretched his right hand and caught the stone.

"YATAA I DID IT!" A stone hit Naruto squarely in the forehead making him scream in pain.

"You were distracted by your joy in accomplishing your task. We will continue to do this until lunch time; between breaks you will be doing push-ups, sit-ups, crunches and squats. Get in position."

"Hai Master."


Hokage Office

"Inu, Hawk, I see you have returned from your protection assignment though you are hours early, care to tell why?"

"Sorry Hokage-sama, but Harumasa-san and Naruto managed to detect us." Hawk said with Inu adding to his statement.

"Harumasa said that Naruto accessed something called Ki or chi, is that even possible sir?"

Hiruzen lit his clay pipe and puffed a few times which made the smell of tobacco permeated the air.

"I am unsure about chi but I find it hard to believe that a six year old could detect you, the samurai yes, but Naruto? Are you sure you aren't slipping on your duties Inu, Hawk?"

"No Hokage-sama!" Both said.

"Good, I will have to look into Naruto's training myself then; guard the office while I'm gone."

"Hai Hokage-sama!"


With Naruto

Naruto was now doing his second set of twenty crunches, sit-ups, and push-ups; as he was doing the push-ups, Harumasa would stand on Naruto's back for added weight. This of course made him lash out at his master which earned a stomp to Naruto's back and sent him to the ground. After a few beat downs, Naruto just went along with his exercises. Naruto stood from his crunches and brushed the dirt of his kimono as well as the sweat from his brow, the blindfold was still on.

"Tell me Naruto, can you sense anything wrong about the training ground we are in?"

Naruto pushed his senses out, "I sensed some birds chirping in the tree about 20 yards to my right as well as some animals running from the area. It's fuzzy but something is hiding by that tree."

"Amazing, only his first day and Naruto can already sense me." Hiruzen thought.

"You can come out Hokage-sama, I sense you wish to talk to my student?"

Naruto turned to the tree to see Hiruzen walk towards them, "Indeed I do but there are too many ears about the woods."

"Then our lesson is done for the day. Naruto, come to my store after you're done to pick up more of your new outfit and burn the old one's at your home. Also, remember your homework."

Naruto bowed, "Hai, thank you master."

"Before we part Harumasa, Hiashi Hyuga would like to talk to you about an ancient treaty they had with your clan."

The samurai smiled, "Ah yes, I haven't seen a Hyuga in quite some time. Sadly, I'm the last remaining member of my clan; maybe my student could pass on my legacy once I am gone."

"Really!" A slap is heard in the training ground, "Will you stop that old man I got enough bruises today!"

"Emotions can distract you from the fight and possible dangers around you. Mediation will be your next lesson, same time tomorrow. By your leave Hokage-sama." Harumasa bowed.

Hiruzen nodded and lead Naruto to the Hokage Tower while Harumasa went to the Hyuga compound to see what Hiashi wanted.


Hokage Tower

As Naruto and Hiruzen arrived, the Hokage dismissed Inu, Hawk, and the hidden ANBU then set up security seals so that nobody else would listen in. Naruto took a seat on the couch while Hiruzen sat in his chair.

"So Ji-Ji, what did you need to talk about?"

"When I saw those cold eyes of yours yesterday and what the villagers were saying about you, I woke up. No longer would I be considered soft and I have taken steps to make sure Konoha harms you no longer Naruto."

Naruto scratched his head in slight confusion, "Not that I'm happy about that but why tell me this?"

"You always wanted to know about your parents and why the village hated you, well that day is today. The village will find out about your heritage after lunch."

Naruto sat silently as he watched Hiruzen get up and take off the picture of the Yondaime which was on the wall with the other past Hokage; underneath this was a safe. After unlocking this, Hiruzen grabbed two scrolls and handed them to Naruto after putting everything back in place. One of the scrolls had a spiral on it while the other had the Kanji for Namikaze on it; Naruto read the Kanji and gasped.

"N-no, that can't be, if the Yondaime was my father then that means the Kyuubi is…"

Hiruzen nodded sadly and sat beside Naruto, "Yes, the Kyuubi is sealed within you and is the reason why the villagers hate you. They see you as the demon, not the scroll that holds it back."

"What is this spiral symbol?"

"That is the Uzumaki clan symbol; sadly the clan was destroyed in the second war. Your mother, Kushina Uzumaki, came from Uzu before they were destroyed; both parents loved you very much. I'm sorry for keeping this from you."

Naruto wiped the tears from his eyes and hugged Hiruzen, "Thank you Ji-Ji and I forgive you but how will the village take it?"

Hiruzen shrugged, "We will see later today but first how about getting a new home."

"I have to pick up my clothing from my master Ji-Ji, and then we will go to my parents' home."

"I have a better idea as Harumasa-san is likely still talking to Hiashi, how about some ramen?"

"YES!" Doing this made Naruto clasp his hands over his mouth and let out a chuckle. "I guess master is right about my emotions."

Hiruzen ruffled Naruto's hair, "I look forward to seeing you in full Samurai gear one of these days Naruto; even though you aren't a ninja I believe your parents would still be proud."

"Maybe, but ramen Ji-Ji…let's go!"


Last AN: Before you ask, yes Fukui Harumasa was an actual Samurai who lived from 1884 to 1971. He was taught under Ōe Masaji, the founder of the Musō Jikiden Eishin-ryū style; he lived from 1852 to 1927. As for the Harumasa clan, that is purely fictional.