Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto. It is owned by Masashi Kishimoto (hope the spelling is correct and I don't know his last name)

Answers to Reviews:

mashiro chi 1: Thanks. And I am working on it. I am still a beginner. I will soon iron out as many of my flaws as I can. And yes, you are actually right. I will look into that. Besides, I have a week's time. And maybe, Itachi may not even have to leave the village.

Delightfully sinful: Thank you for your suggestions. I know that he should be powerful, but a 8 year Old's body can't do the same things as a 17 year Old's. So, he has to gradually grow stronger to the level he was, but earlier. He will start changing things. One by one, he will. HE won't rush into things.

Wolvmbm: Thank you

skg1991: Five people will be told the truth since they play a very important part in Naruto's life. The sixth is from the future.

davycrockett100: Thanks

damha: Sorry, this is no harem fiction

"Blah" – Normal speech

'Blah' – Thoughts

"Blah"- Kurama and other tailed beasts talking

'Blah' – Kurama and other tailed beasts' thoughts

Shadow Clone Jutsu- Jutsus

Okay guys, without further delay, here is the story


FLASHBACK:

Seeing Naruto's predicament, Shikamaru just made a hand seal and suddenly, a shadow crept up Naruto's neck. The blonde started to panic and realisation dawned on him. After some time, he said as he released the jutsu, "If you remember right Naruto, I learnt this jutsu after the chunnin exams and when we after Sasuke. It was during the Sasuke retrieval mission that I used this jutsu for the first time against the Genjutsu user Tayuya. I broke my finger with it".

Naruto, now assured that Shikamaru was indeed from the future, asked, "Alright Shikamaru, I believe you. But how did you come back? I mean, the last time I saw you in the battlefield, you were dead". Sadness was evident in his voice.


The hokage's office (continued):

The third hokage spoke before Shikamaru could, "Actually, even I would like to know how you managed to come back. You have at present the chakra reserves at low to mid jonin level. But, that is definitely not enough to come back. And also, at what time exactly did you arrive to in the past?"

Shikamaru let out a sigh and said, "What a drag. But I'll tell you anyway. I was fighting along with Chouji. Once he fell, I knew that I would join him soon too. So, I used all the exploding note and with my shadow stitching jutsu, I made a perimeter so that I would at least take away some of the enemy with me. The next thing I know is the explosion going off, Zetsu clones being blown apart and myself being cut down".

He continued with a sigh, "The next thing I remember is that I was floating in some kind of white space which I definitely was not expecting. I was expecting something like blue sky and clouds, or my parents, heck at least the troublesome girlfriend of mine. Then out of the blue, this old man with horns and Rinnegan eyes comes out of nowhere and asks me whether I wish to keep my promise. At first, I didn't know what to do, say or think. Then he told me which promise it was and told me that he was the sage of six paths. So, after thinking about it for a while, I said yes and here I am, 8 years in the past or present. I just arrived a week ago and I am already answering questions, what a drag".

Both Naruto and the third hokage were both surprised, shocked and dumbstruck. Here was a guy who had fought in a war, died during it and was revived by the sage of six paths citing the reason that he wanted to keep his promise and he describes it so casually as if it were a daily occurrence. This guy was definitely too lazy to show his own emotions. As soon as both reached the same conclusion, they both sweat dropped.

The third hokage recovering from the legendary laziness of the heir of the Nara clan said, "A very exciting and… brief story there Shikamaru. But, how come you came back 8 years into the past whereas Naruto here came back 9 years?"

It was Naruto who answered, "Actually, it would be best if I answer. The old man sage told me he would send us 8 years back too, but some of mine and Kurama's chakra leaked out during the process and we ended up 9 years into the past."

The third hokage, soaking in the information, said, "Alright, that answers my question. Now, Shikamaru, do you have anything else to discuss about?"

Shikamaru replied, "Actually, yes there is. Naruto, what do you wish to about the future?"

Naruto answered, "I wish to change it idiot, believe it".

Shikamaru continued, "That is not what I asked you about. What do you wish to do? There is the Uchiha massacre coming up. Then the graduation. Wave mission, Chunnin exams and many stuff. What do you wish to do about them?"

Naruto scratching the back of his head, answered, "Actually, now you mention it, I have no idea".

Both Shikamaru and the third hokage sweat dropped at this. Both thought at the same time, 'This is the guy, the sage of six paths chose to change the future?'

Shikamaru sighed and said, "Now I get why the sage of six paths wanted me to go back with him".

Naruto didn't understand what Shikamaru had said and asked, "What do you mean Shikamaru?"

Shikamaru answered, "Naruto, you may be many things. Strong, determined, inspiring, miraculous. But, genius, witty, tactful, strategist aren't one of them. So, you need someone to help you. That is the reason why I am here, or so it seems."

Naruto, understanding what Shikamaru had told him, said, "Okay Shikamaru, like I had told you once, leave all the fighting and physical work to me. You do what you do the best. Use your intelligence to come up with a plan to make the best use of my powers".

Shikamaru smiled at this and said, "That I will Naruto. But, this time, even I will get stronger. I can't laze off somewhere and let my friends and family die. A strong mind needs a stronger body protecting it to work. So, I will get stronger and both keep my promise and protect everyone".

Sarutobi Hiruzen smiled at this. The two boys in front of him had a very strong will of fire. The future of Konoha, if it came to be, would be extremely bright. He knew it.

Shikamaru continued, "So, what have you planned for the future events?"

Naruto gave a foxy grin and rubbing the backside of his head said, "Now that you mention it Shikamaru, I actually haven't planned for anything yet. I was actually thinking of planning for it along the way".

Shikamaru said with a sigh, "You really are hopeless Naruto. Anyway, even though it is a drag, let us first concentrate on the Uchiha massacre first. Lord third, what do you think about it?"

The third hokage answered, "I think that all those who are not even remotely involved in this should be saved. And Itachi must not be branded as a traitor".

Naruto also added his part, "Yeah, I think so too. And Sasuke should not be lied to this time. Also add saving Shisui to it too".

Shikamaru went to his thinking pose for some time and then answered, "I agree with half of what you said and disagree with the other half. I checked over 500 scenarios and most didn't end in our favor. So, will you listen to what I came up with which I think is the most favorable?'

The third hokage replied, "Very well Shikamaru, and say what you have in mind".

Naruto nodded his head in approval.

Shikamaru started, "Well, the first event was the loss of Shisui Uchiha's Mangekyo eye. He somehow awakened it without the 'killing of someone close' part or maybe not. It doesn't matter. What matters is, we have to save him and those eyes. For that, we have to keep Danzo away from him. Danzo has been more of a nuisance to the leaf than we can afford. If I am right, the guy did nothing for the leaf since Naruto's dad became the hokage up until his death".

The third hokage was surprised at Shikamaru mentioning that he knew of Naruto's dad. Seeing the surprise, Shikamaru said, "Yes lord third, I know who his parents were. He told us himself. Well, at least to some of us. Now back to the matter in hand, simply put, Danzo must die".

The third hokage was shook to the core. Even Naruto was surprised. The third hokage asked, "And why is that so Shikamaru?"

Shikamaru answered, "Let me put this straight to your face lord hokage. Then you decide whether I am right or wrong. He stole Shisui's left eye. During the Sound-Sand invasion, he and his root members did nothing to save the leaf hoping that he would be chosen as hokage if the invasion succeeds or you died. Yes, he even leaked some important and secret documents to help the cause. During Pain's invasion, he did the same. But, even though Pain also failed, he managed to become the temporary hokage. He even used Shisui's eye power to cast a Genjutsu on Mifune, the host of the five Kage summit and the leader of the Iron country, to make him the supreme commander of the allied shinobi forces so that in the end he could use the power for total domination. Above all, he wanted to turn Naruto into a weapon and he was responsible for the masked man knowing the location of Naruto's birth and in turn was responsible for the attack on Konoha and the death of the fourth hokage along with Naruto's mom and your wife. In short, he took Naruto's family away. He may have had great loyalty towards the village but his quest for power has corrupted him".

By the end of his reasoning, Shikamaru, who was usually too lazy to show much emotions, was showing both anger towards Danzo. The third hokage saw this. Saying he was angry was understatement. He was leaking ridiculous amount of killer intent into the room. If there were any civilians in the room, they would be long dead by then. Even jonins would have had been inclined to commit suicide due to the killer intent. But the two boys had experienced far worse, so they were quite resistant to it.

Naruto, sensing the massive killer intent asked, "Jiji what happened? Why are you so angry? Are you angry that Danzo harmed the leaf?"

Shikamaru added, "Wow, you really have the brightest will of fire, lord third. No surprise that you love this village".

But they didn't expect such a reply from the third hokage. The reply was simple but said a lot, "Screw the leaf, Naruto is family. So was Biwako. Danzo shall die".

Naruto and Shikamaru were both touched by the words of the hokage. They understood what he meant. No one messed with the grandson figure of the hokage. A single drop of tear escaped from the eye of Naruto.

Shikamaru broke the moment and said, "Sorry to break the moment. Now, let us get back to work. Well then, it is decided that Danzo will die. But how? Neither I nor Naruto can take on the guy as we are now. And I doubt Naruto can access the whole of Kurama's power. So, we are both out. As far as I know, only four people can take on and kill Danzo at the moment. The first is obviously you, lord third. The second is Kakashi Hatake and the third is Maito Gai while using the inner gates. And the last is of course, Itachi Uchiha. So, I suggest the latter three be sent together to finish him off. Since you can't leave the office, lord third, they can take him out during the massacre. I expect that ROOT will definitely will be there to make sure to take the Uchihas out. So, Danzo can be taken out then".

The third hokage was impressed by the intelligence and the strategy of the lazy genius boy. He smiled and said, "Very well Shikamaru. I will make sure to do that when the time comes. Continue".

Shikamaru nodded and said, "Now that is done. For the massacre, only those who will directly be involved in the incident should be killed. The rest should be evacuated to somewhere safe so that they don't get in between the crossfire. Itachi will be able to identify who will get involved. So that should do it. And, make sure Shisui is safe no matter what and Itachi must be told that Danzo will try to get him to massacre his whole clan in exchange for it, and should be assured that his brother will be safe so that only the involved can be killed. That should wrap it up. Don't you think?"

The third hokage smiled and said, "You truly are a genius Shikamaru. You will definitely surpass your old man. I will make sure both happens. What do you say Naruto?"

Naruto gave his foxy grin and said, "I knew that I could trust you with my life Shikamaru. You truly are a genius. I accept the plan".

Shikamaru smiled at the compliment. Suddenly, Naruto was interrupted by Kurama. 'What will you do about Obito? He was also present. And Itachi? What will happen to him?'.

'You are right. I will tell them that', Naruto answered.

He said out loud, "Ah, Jiji, Shikamaru… what about Obito?"

The third hokage, not understanding him, asked, "What do you mean Naruto?"

Naruto answered, "Obito was also partly responsible for forcing Itachi into massacring the whole clan. He was under the name of Madara then. And also, what will happen to Itachi and Shisui once this event passes by?"

Shikamaru sighed and said, "Man, what a drag. You are right. I forgot about that fact. So, we have to make sure Itachi does not listen to the guy even if he hears him out. And I think that Itachi must join Akatsuki again. He should be labelled as an S-Rank missing Nin for that. And Shisui should be named as the new clan head. So, that should do it".

Naruto burst out, "And let Sasuke get consumed by hatred again? How about no."

Shikamaru replied, "Actually, this time, he won't be consumed by hatred. Why? Because, he will have his mother and the clan members to protect. Besides, Itachi joining Akatsuki is crucial for us as we can keep tabs on them through him. But this time, he need not stay there forever. At the right moment, he will return. But I doubt that he can survive for long. Naruto, you do remember that he is suffering from some kind of incurable disease? That will be bad for us. So, to make the most of it, he should be in Akatsuki till the Chunnin exams".

Naruto nodded and said, "Sorry about that Shikamaru. I didn't think through it".

Shikamaru smiled and said, "Typical of you. But, that is who you are".

The third hokage, who was watching all of these from the side-lines, said, "Now that you have finished discussing the details, I shall set the things to play, shall I?"

Both, Shikamaru and Naruto, nodded at this. Then, the third hokage asked, "Is there anything else to discuss?"

Shikamaru answered, "Nothing at the moment. Once the massacre passes, we will have much to discuss. Just fill in the important details to Itachi, Shisui, Gai and Kakashi. That will be enough".

The third hokage said, "I will Shikamaru. Anything from you Naruto?"

Kurama said to Naruto, before he could answer, 'Plan a training regimen for your lazy friend there and tell him about those ROOT agents who have been tailing you for some time now'.

Naruto replied, 'Okay I will'.

He said to the third hokage, "Jiji, three things. First and the most important, ROOT agents have been tailing me for a couple of weeks now. I had to put off training because of that. Now that Shikamaru is also present in the meeting, he will be tailed too. I can sense and hear every negative emotions, and a little neutral and positive emotions too. What I usually heard was, 'How do we get the Kyuubi vessel into the ROOT? If we can't how do we kill him if he goes on a rampage? What is all those meetings with the old man about?' Those are all negative thoughts. I don't think ROOT can actually suppress negative emotions. I think they can only suppress positive ones".

Naruto didn't notice the temperature in the room go down massively. But, Shikamaru did. He sent a jab to the blonde who asked, "What was that for Shikamaru?"

Shikamaru answered, "Lord third is angry".

It was then that he noticed that the temperature in the room had gown down by massive amounts thanks to the killer intent of the old hokage. Naruto and Shikamaru, both thought that his killer intent could rival Madara's.

The third hokage angrily said, "Danzo has gone way too far. He will and should die. Don't worry, I won't make it hasty. I will wait till the incident. Then he shall die. Does he think that he can get away after messing with my family? He will know why Tobirama sensei chose me as the third hokage. I will get ANBU protection for both of you boys. Anyone you want specifically?"

Naruto answered, "Jiji, I want Shikamaru's ANBU guards to be Yugao Uzuki and Yamato taicho also known as Tenzo. And I want Shisui and Itachi Uchiha. That way, both can be protected from Danzo and Tobi. And when we are training, make sure that they don't keep an eye on us. Just let them set a perimeter around the grounds, which even they shouldn't enter. Our secret must not get out so fast".

Third hokage immediately agreed and said, "They will be with you shortly after you leave and I will make sure that they don' trespass on your training. And what is the other thing you wanted to discuss about?"

Naruto answered, "It's about Shikamaru's training. Have you got anymore chakra papers jiji?"

The third hokage smiled and from his desk took out a chakra paper and handed it to Shikamaru. He then said, "I suppose you know how to use it?"

Shikamaru nodded and channelled some of his chakra to the paper which immediately burnt and crumbled into dust.

The third hokage said, "You seem to have equally strong fire and earth affinities. It will come in handy with your clan's jutsus. I am sure that Naruto will help you with your elemental affinity mastery exercises. Won't you Naruto?"

Naruto replied with a grin, "Sure, and we can also work on his taijutsu and stamina".

Shikamaru lazily said, "Man, what a drag, but it can't be helped".

The hokage then asked, "What is the third thing Naruto?"

Naruto answered, "I doubt that anyone will believe us as soon as you have when we reveal the truth. So, is there any memory transfer seals or like memory return seals. Like, by using chakra, we can return the memories of the other timeline?"

The third hokage answered, "There might be something like that. I will check on it and inform you".

Naruto then said, "Okay jiji, we are leaving. We have to start his training as soon as possible".

The third hokage chuckled at the blonde boy's enthusiasm. As the boy got up and started walking towards the door, he asked him, "Naruto, how come you work so hard for everyone else's sake?"

Naruto stopped and smiled. He then said, "Jiji, when I met dad and mom, both said one thing to me. Even Kurama said to me the same thing. They said that they believed in me. Now, how can I not work hard?"

Both Shikamaru and the third hokage smiled at this. Then Shikamaru asked, "Naruto, you really are something else. But, even after coming from the future, why do you still wear the orange jumpsuit? Can't you at least switch to the one you wore during the war?"

Naruto answered with the same smile, a small but genuine smile, "My mother asked me something Shikamaru. She asked me, what would we get if we mixed the Konoha's Yellow Flash and the Red Hot Blooded Habanero? The answer was quite simple. The answer is that we would get the Konoha's Orange Hokage".

Shikamaru smiled at this and got up. He then placed a hand on the blonde's shoulder and said, "Well then Orange Hokage, we better start training", and both boys left as the third hokage sat smiling at the two's friendship. He then undid the privacy seals and called for his ANBU's. He had lots of work to do, starting with arranging for ANBU bodyguards for the two boys.


Streets of Konoha:

Naruto and Shikamaru were walking towards the training ground behind the Hokage Monument. They were discussing about Shikamaru's training.

Naruto said, "First, we will build up your stamina and chakra capacity till you can use at least 10 shadow clones for long time. Then, we can use the same training method, which I use, on you. I suppose that, by the time of graduation, you will have had completed both the elemental manipulation training exercises".

Suddenly, Naruto stopped talking and stiffened up. Shikamaru noticing this, asked, "What is it Naruto?"

Naruto answered, "ROOT. They are here to capture us. You ready for a quick fight?"

Shikamaru answered, "What a drag. I suppose we can. What I lack in chakra control, I gain in chakra capacity. Let us fight in some training grounds. I will trap the agents with my shadow possession and you can knock them out. Surprise is the key".

As soon as he finished, both started to jog towards training ground 7. Naruto then said, "I think that they are waiting for us to get to a secluded area. So, we have some time with us".

Shikamaru nodded and started planning strategies on the move.

While they were jogging towards the grounds, they passed a pier. Naruto turned towards it and saw a, once familiar, duck-butt shaped, raven haired boy. He was trying to breathe a fireball, out of his mouth. Naruto was about to run towards the boy when he felt a hand on his shoulder.

Shikamaru said, "Naruto, at the moment, Sasuke doesn't know us much. So, going to him and behaving like close friends won't work in our favour".

Naruto gave a foxy grin and said, "Well then, let us become friends".

Shikamaru sighed and smiled before saying, "Nothing can be done about you, can it? Well then, lead the way, dear Orange Hokage".

Naruto pouted, "You won't let the Orange Hokage part out, will you?"

Shikamaru chuckled and answered, "Not until you become the hokage".

They then went towards the pier where Sasuke was practicing the fireball jutsu, which wasn't going very well. When they got close to him, Shikamaru said, "Looks like you are having trouble with that jutsu. Am I right?"

Sasuke scoffed at the comment and said, "As if you two could help me".

Shikamaru smiled a cheeky smile at this and said, "Naruto, if you will, please?"

Naruto answered, "Gladly, Shikamaru". He then made the hand-signs before shouting, "Fire Release: Fireball Jutsu" and he breathed out a fireball that was nearly the size of the grand fireball and as hot as it. Sasuke just stood there gaping at the fireball in awe while Shikamaru was laughing out his heart.

Sasuke, recovering from the awe, asked Naruto, "How did you do that. Even I couldn't do it".

Naruto replied, "Gather chakra into your lungs, heat it and then breathe it out as a ball of fire. If it doesn't come out as a big one, use more chakra. That should do it".

Sasuke, heeding to the advice, started doing as he was told. After a couple of tries, he managed to breathe out a decent sized fireball. Sasuke was completely overjoyed and ecstatic. He was almost jumping up and down in joy, almost. He thanked them while doing a hard work trying to control his joy. But, both Shikamaru and Naruto saw that he was happy and surprised at the fact that this was the emo-king, who was thanking them!

Once again, Naruto stiffened up and started jogging again. Shikamaru noticing it also followed him. Sasuke stood there some time before coming back to his senses and started following them, albeit stealthily to check whether they were going to train and if they did, to check whether they would allow him to join as well.


Training Ground 7:

Both of the boys made it to the training grounds within fifteen minutes. As soon as they reached the centre of the ground, ten ROOT ANBU's surrounded them. Sasuke arrived just then and after seeing the ANBU's, chose to hide for then. But, Naruto sensed him and motioned towards Shikamaru, who understood. Luckily, none of the ROOT ANBU's understood.

Then, the tallest of the ROOT ANBU's, apparently their captain, came forward and said, "Naruto Uzumaki and Shikamaru Nara, your audience is requested by Lord Danzo. Please come with us peacefully. We would like not to hurt you two in any way".

Shikamaru and Naruto looked at each other and exchanged cheeky grins. Shikamaru then said, "If I remember correctly, ROOT isn't supposed to exist. They should have long been disbanded. Naruto, are you ready?"

Naruto gave a foxy grin and said, "Go ahead Shikamaru".

The captain of the ROOT ANBU's said, "I think that you won't come on your own accords. So, it seems violence is necessary. CAPTURE THEM".

As soon as he said that, Shikamaru did a hand-sign and shouted out loud, "Shadow Possession Jutsu" and shadow from his feet began to grow larger and capture all the ROOT ANBU's shadows. He then said, "Shadow possession success". All the ROOT ANBU's found themselves unable to move.

Naruto then did his favourite hand-sign and said, "Shadow Clone Jutsu" and ten Naruto's poof'ed into existence. The ten shadow clones went towards the ROOT ANBU's and knocked them out. The two boys then tied them together.

Naruto then said, "That was very quick. Guess they underestimated us pretty big, dattebayo".

Shikamaru replied, "Yes they did. And now, they are in big trouble".

Naruto nodded and then turned towards the place where Sasuke was hiding and called out, "You can come out now, Sasuke. I know that you are there".

Sasuke, knowing that he was caught, came out of the hiding spot and asked, "Who are they? Why were they after you two? How did you defeat them so easily? And how did you know where I was hiding?"

Shikamaru answered, "One question at a time. They are ROOT ninja. A banned, if you could say so, branch of ANBU. They were after us for some reason which you need not know. We won because they underestimated us and so they paid the price".

Naruto interrupted then and said, "As for finding you, I sensed you as soon as you arrived".

Just as he finished, four ANBU's arrived at the training ground and were surprised to see the ROOT ANBU's tied up and the three boys standing near them. Then, the ANBU with the weasel mask came forward and asked, "What happened here? Did any of you get hurt?"

Naruto answered, "Don't worry Itachi-san, none of us are hurt".

Itachi was totally taken by surprise. The boy knew of his true identity. So, he removed his mask. Sasuke was also surprised, and he asked, "Brother Itachi, what are you doing here?"

Itachi answered, "We were sent here by the hokage. Now Naruto-kun, how did you know it was me?"

Naruto answered, "I know who each of you are. Yugao-san, Tenzo-san and Shisui-san. Jiji told us both who would be sent".

Shikamaru, understanding that Naruto was weaving a very believable lie, nodded. Surprisingly, the ANBU's believed them.

Itachi, then turned towards Sasuke and said, "Sasuke, go home for now. You may meet your new friends again tomorrow".

Sasuke was about to say that they were not his friends yet when Naruto enthusiastically said, "Sure Sasuke, you can join us. How, about every Saturday and Sunday, we meet here?"

Sasuke was surprised that the boys considered him as a friend and happily nodded before running off towards his clan compound.

As soon as Sasuke left, all the rest removed their masks. Itachi then said, "I will call for reinforcements to take these ROOT ANBU's away. Can you explain to us how you managed to defeat such opponents?"

Naruto answered, "They underestimated us. Shikamaru used his clan's jutsu to immobilize them and I knocked them out".

The ANBU's were impressed. Itachi then said, "We better leave. And we need a detailed schedule on what you do every day so that we can protect you more efficiently".

Shikamaru answered, "Well, we will come up with one. We don't have a fixed one at the moment. So, Naruto, let's plan a schedule".


That's all folks. My longest chapter as of yet. Over 5000 words. Sorry about the lateness. My exams are finally over and this week, hopefully, I will update two new chapters as a consolation. And the next chapter will be a little of training and a lot of Uchiha Massacre. So, keep waiting and watching.

And thanks for your support so far. Over 150 follows and almost 100 favourites. Thanks guys. But still, only 40 reviews. Come on guys, tell me what I am doing wrong so that I can iron out my flaws next time. Encourage me. More encouragement, more chapters. Anyway, thanks for your great support. See you next time, with the Uchiha Massacre.