Chapter 7

[Team 7]

It has been over five months since Naruto had been removed from Team 7, considering past behavior concerning the blond, it was thought that what remained of the team would have been elated at his removal, but the saying is true. You never appreciate what you have until it is gone.

Sasuke continued to be trained by Kakashi, although he found himself bored, he didn't want to admit it, but Naruto's disappearance was grating on his nerves. He knew the blond was still active as a ninja as he managed to get information from an Uchiha sympathizer who dealt with ninja records. His location, however, was on a need to know basis and he wasn't in the know. He couldn't really go up to the Hokage and ask for the blond's location, nor could he ask the tiny handful of people Naruto was close too. That would put him in the Hokage's crosshairs and he didn't want to do anything to make his path of growing stronger any harder than it needed to be.

Training didn't have the same zeal to it as before and it made it a bit difficult to work up an effort and push forward. He didn't want to say it, but he missed the competition he had with Naruto. The blond always challenged him and made things interesting. His signature laugh and grin, his loud words, his mannerisms, everything. He was a fool, but he was a bright fool that brought back the hint of color that was lost to him ever since that night. When he challenged him, he always won, but the blond refused to give up and continued to compete with him. It made him want to work harder, having someone who didn't care and just see him as the last surviving Uchiha or untouchable prodigy.

Then he just up and left him with Haruno and his replacement, a walking creep factory who had a smile that was as cold and fake as plastic.

Then he walked back into his life with those two girls beside him. He wasn't wearing his signature orange jumpsuit, but a set of clothes that were expected of a ninja in training.

'Were they his new teammates?'

His mind replayed the scene again and again when the silence of his home after practice got too much. He contemplated and compared from when Naruto was with them and from when he was removed.

Just... think of him as a measuring stick.

Sasuke shook his head free of Kakashi's words as he waited for his chronically late sensei, trying to savor the peace and ignore his new teammate's stare boring into the side of his skull.

He wouldn't voice that he missed the blond, but he was slowly getting to that point.

Sakura slowly walked into the training ground in a subdued manner. Her self-doubts were rearing their ugly heads at an ungodly rate. Ever since that girl Naruto was walking with, knocking her unconscious, Sasuke considered her even lower on the scale of his attention. As if that didn't hurt, it was Naruto. She would have never expected it, even on her worst day that Naruto would give up in his bid to get her attention. The fact that he considered his past love for her to be something to be ashamed of, was something that landed a harsh blow on her self-confidence.

It should have been something she desired, him no longer bothering her, so she could pursue the boy she loved but his compliments and him cheering her on helped silence her self-doubts. It was something she became accustomed too and when it was gone she was now flat on her face. She didn't want to think about him, but he appeared more on her mind than she would like to admit.

Sai was silent as he took note of everything as he continued to draw, he would take out his emotional guidebook to help him with his report at the end of the team meeting.

Kakashi arrived and made to train, giving them each something to focus on, before taking Sasuke away to train. He pushed Naruto away from his mind, although the Hokage's words rung through his head from time to time, the disappointment from his comrades was heavily noticed. He lost their respect, especially Guy's who always had a soft spot for the underdog due to the fact that he was one and rose above people's low expectations of him. The fact that disregarded Naruto when he was his responsibility only made him as low as the naysayers in his youth and caused a fissure in their relationship.

He kept his face neutral as he wanted to slam his head against a tree.

'Naruto doesn't have any talent, why should I put in effort in someone when it would just be squandered?'

Sasuke was the one who needed the most help and had the biggest chance of becoming a chunin first, Sakura would push herself to match him with Naruto either shaping up or getting removed from the ninja program altogether. At the end of it, they would all be chunins at the end, regardless. However, Naruto left them all behind, probably complaining to the Hokage who chewed him out in turn. The old man always did have a soft spot for Naruto, but it wasn't an excuse to get him bitched out.

No matter, the blond was no longer his concern and someone else's problem. He didn't have to think about him. However, despite what he thought, the blond would still pop into his mind along with the image of his late sensei and teammates, shaking their heads at him. He swatted the images away as made to focus on Sasuke.

[Team 8]

Kiba was fuming over Naruto punching him unconscious, when he told his mom and sister, they wondered why, but when they rung the full story from him, they both gave him a fist to the head. They told him, regardless of Naruto's status, dead last or not, he deserved that punch for talking shit about the dead and if Naruto didn't punch him, they would have and told him to watch his mouth.

They made him realize he went too far with his statement and knew that if the shoe was on the other foot he would have flipped his lid, making him slowly nod, he was just mad about Naruto had been ignored them all for so long and even called Hinata a stalker.

Most of the shinobi population knew about Hinata's...observation habits and how unhealthy it was, well except Naruto. But it seems that he did know, and it wasn't well appreciated either.

Tsume could only sigh, 'The pup can't be blamed for being skeptical, as soft-spoken and sweet the little Hyuuga pup is, she gets negative marks for stalking. No one likes stalkers.'

After making sure their words stuck in his mind, they left him be to stew.

Hinata found herself in a slightly depressed state ever since Naruto's confrontation with the rest of the Rookies. The fact that he called her a stalker, weighed heavily on her mind and heart. She found inspiration from the used-to-be hyperactive blond. It was one of the few things that made her get up in the morning.

'How did he know? I usually kept myself hidden, he should not have been able to see me.'

She felt her eyes burn at the look he gave her, it didn't suit him at all and she hated the fact that he looked at her like that, she didn't think she would be able to face him again. She fell hard for him, but couldn't work up the nerve to express her feelings for him, nevertheless, even talk to him.

'What should I do now?'

Hanabi was behind the door of her sister's room, listening to her cry, a frown rested on her face before she made to train. Her load of questions only growing bigger as the enigma that was Naruto Uzumaki seemed to get more troublesome as weeks past.

Shino found himself lost in thought over Naruto, the switch of his behavior was not normal, or maybe something at play. That violent cold that Naruto smiled at them with, him lashing out in quick succession and power to knock Kiba unconscious.

Kiba was many things, but weak he wasn't one of them and Naruto wasn't a weakling despite what others said. But, the blond had no warmth towards any of them, not anymore. Even talking with his mother left him with little to no insight and more questions than answers.

But a bad feeling stirred in his gut that the answer to Naruto's personality change may not be something he would want to hear or any one of his classmates would want to hear either.

Kurenai found herself at a loss and wondered more about the blond, then flinched at her sin, she knew she should have never had done it, but did.

She recalled when she was younger after she became a chunin she used a series of genjutsu on Naruto which caused nightmares, after a week she felt awful about it and placed another genjutsu on top of it to prevent him from remembering.

'Did he remember? Is that why he was cross with me that day when I challenged him? If he did, why didn't he say anything?'

[Team 10]

Shikamaru was placing more effort into thinking, than training. Especially about Naruto and his new behavior.

His mind thought back to that day when Sakura punched the picture with Naruto in it, the broken frame had bad omen written all over it.

He rubbed the space between his eyes, 'Damn, this is so troublesome. And Ino has been in a rage ever since.'

Ino was pacing around the training ground, her face twisted, her ear was a constant reminder of Naruto getting the drop on her and she hated it. She despised it in fact and of his new attitude. It didn't help that she couldn't find him at all, and Ayame made it viciously clear she wasn't welcome if she was going to badmouth Naruto. Even if she did know where Naruto was, she wouldn't tell her and told her to please leave.

Ino knew she was still in hot water from her little stunt and if she tried anything, she may as well toss herself into a furnace. Her parents loved to spoil her, but they knew punishment as well and she was slowly getting their trust back. She could only watch for him on the sidelines, she would then spring her trap and finally get answers.

'You can't hide forever, Naruto.'

Choji was saddened over the behavior of the blond and wondered what made him act like that.

Asuma silently watched his team, before he got their attention and made to train them and keep a good eye on Ino. He knew that Ino was petty and Naruto getting one over on her wouldn't be forgotten and whoever had been training him had been working him over and it showed.

He could only wait and see.

Naruto had just finished coming back from the next town out of Konoha to get his supplies and was just about to return home only to find a suspicious couple of rocks.

He commented over his shoulder, "Rocks aren't square, Konohamaru."

Then the grandson of the Third removed his disguise along with his friends as they introduced themselves, Moegi and Udon.

Konohamaru than tackled him, only made him back up an inch, "Boss, want to play ninja?"

He grinned and rubbed his hair, "As much I want to, I have a set of missions I need to complete, but I'll play with you guys as much you want when I finish and I have the day off."

They cheered then a snort of disgust pierced the air, catching the group's attention.

It was Sakura who had her arms crossed and her gaze was taking in the sight of Naruto, her voice filled with revulsion and slight curiosity, "Playing ninja, really Naruto?"

His eyes darkened as he barely glanced at his ex-teammate through a half-lidded glare, "What do you want Haruno? Shouldn't you be chasing the Uchiha or did he manage to leave you in the dust...again?"

"Boss is she-" Konohamaru stated, raising a pinky.

"Never." He stated bluntly, much to her flinching, "She's too foul to be someone's girlfriend, nevertheless their friend. Now, move along, you three, mind the fangirl."

"She's a fangirl?" Moegi asked, her eyes taking in Sakura's frame.

"Yes, don't be like her, Moegi, you're much too good for that and it would be a waste of your talent and energy."

She nodded, "Yes."

He led them away and said over his shoulder, "Let's try not to meet again."

He then left with the group, leaving Sakura to stare after him with her mouth open and spluttering.

One of the gate chunin could only whistle, "Damn, wasn't expecting that."

"Seems the rumors that Naruto is over pinky are true. I owe the bastard money now."

Sakura then left the scene, mortified and furious, but hurt as well that Naruto reinforced his apparent dislike for her.

After sending Konohamaru and his friends away, he made his way back to the house to prepare for his first set of missions as he changed into a good set of clothes only to run into Aoyama who told him to stay put as he pulled out a sparkly navy-blue cape, he had been meaning to give him.

Before he could speak, a harsh voice pierced the air,

NO CAPES!

Then the cape got set on fire, turning to ash immediately, much to Naruto's shock and Ayomya's scowl.

He shouted at the ceiling, "Once again, madam?!"

Naruto blinked at what remained of the cape, "What was that?"

Sero had a teasing edge to his voice, "Aoyama, did it happen again?"

Denki who came up behind him quipped, "And I missed it, damn."

"Um?"

Denki placed a hand on his shoulder, "Oh, the scream you heard before was the old woman who regularly fights with Aoyama about his love for sparkly capes."

"Capes are good on some occasions, Aoyama not this one." Sero quipped

"One of these days, madam, one of these days!" He shook his fist to the sky.

He then made to go back to his room in a huff.

"What's the scoreboard now?"

"Ah, 422 to Ms. Edna and 63 for Aoyama, now."

"You keep track?"

"Oh, the stories we can tell you about them, Naruto. You'd laugh your ass off. But you need to get going for your missions, or you'll get scolded."

"Right."

He then made his way out of the house to complete his first set of missions outside of his team, the nearest mission was in a town outside of Konoha, it was only a quick walk away past the East Gates of Konoha and the town was one of the smaller ones compared to others in the Fire Country.

'A C-rank, it seems there's a wild animal running amock that the hunters in that town cannot handle. Well, this will be interesting.'

Soon enough, he arrived in the town and made to search for the man who called for the mission. After asking around, he finally found the man who just finished chatting with a fruit vendor.

The man was rather portly and has been raised in the sun due to his tan, leathery skin, his age showed in his crow's feet, and balding gray hair. He was wearing a simple gray shirt with dark shorts and sandals.

"Are you the ninja they sent to handle my mission request?"

He nodded, "Yes, I am sir."

"You look...awfully young."

Naruto smiled, "Ninjas come in a variety of sizes, sir."

A slight smile fell on his lips as he always did enjoy people with a sense of humor.

"Well, if they sent you, you must know what you are doing, young man. Now, do you know why we called you here, just to be sure?"

You said, "You had a wild animal that needed to be taken care of, correct?"

"Yes, that is correct."

"What is your name, young man?"

"Naruto Uzumaki, sir."

"Very well, allow me to explain, you see this bear, is not just like any regular old bear. This one is massive, greatly towering a man in height and it has been attacking various houses for food. Thankfully no one has gotten killed, but a few had gotten attacked and barely escaped with their lives. No hunter has been able to find where it hides and people are practically petrified of the damn bear."

Naruto took in all the information silently and said, "He would get in started tracking the animal and would get back to him."

"Are you sure you won't need any help?"

"No, sir. But thank you for the offer. I'll be back soon so just rest easy."

He then disappears before the man's eyes making him rub his eyes only to see no one there.

He then looked at the fruit vendor, "There was a young man before me, right?"

"Yes. He just went to do his job."

He just shook his head, "I need to sit down."

[With Naruto]

He made his way into the forest to observe the area, summoning ten shadow clones he had them search the area after they overlooked everything, spread out further, if they found the massive bear, then they were to dispel immediately.

They did as they were ordered as he went along his own.

Soon enough, one of his clones dispelled and in his mind flashed the memories of the clone about the bear.

'The man wasn't kidding when he said the bear was massive.'

He then ordered his shadow clones to set a trap and he waited, soon enough the bear fell for it and roared in agony. He quickly ended the bear, before taking it back.

When it went into town, people were shocked shitless as he tossed the deceased bear's corpse on the ground as various townspeople went up and checked it while several others stared at Naruto in awe.

When three hunters came forward and confirm it was the same bear, they thanked him and wished him well. Naruto, in turn, wished them the best.

Naruto made his way to the next town where he had to deal with another animal.

When he reached the town, one of the farmers gathering in the town square came over after he saw Naruto had the Konoha headband around his neck.

"Are you a ninja?"

"Yes, are you the one who called in a mission about a wild animal causing trouble?"

"Yes, thank you for coming."

He invited Naruto into the circle of farmers as they explained about the giant wild boar that had been causing trouble, destroying produce, and attacking people. As Naruto was clearing up on details, people screamed caught everyone's attention as the sound of hooves stomping against the ground filled the air.

"Sweet God, not again!" One of the farmers yelled as most of them made to put as much distance as they could between them and the charging boar.

Naruto smiled as he pulled out two pairs of kunai, "Speak of the devil and he will appear."

Before the farmer could yell or even pull him out of the way, Naruto rushed forward and decapitated the beast with ease, much to the shock of the townspeople as they stuttered over the ease of such power the young man wielded. They thanked him repeatedly and told them to be safe as they would dispose of the animal. He bowed and wished them all a good day.

The next mission was helping a traveling merchant through a spot that had been plagued by bandits. The merchant was shocked that the person who answered his call for help was a simple young man, who bowed and introduced himself.

His use of shadow clones made a practical army and sent them forth in various forms of animals as he told the merchant to go about his travels.

Around them, multiple bandits were captured and restrained before they were taken back for their bounties or the T&I center as Naruto continued to pump out shadow clones as they got destroyed as they continued on their way to the safe spot where they reached his destination.

The merchant was extremely thankful gave him a present of a necklace as a good luck charm and wished him well. He smiled and thanked him. Naruto bowed and made sure the man was safely inside before going about his way.

The last mission for today was cleaning out a bandit camp, which was rather small, but it's better to start off small than big first. He ended them quickly and when he finished, he saw that it was around 2 in the afternoon.

"Huh, I didn't take the whole day, nice."

He then made his way back to Konoha for a late lunch as he made to fill in reports and had a nice conversation with Ayame before he made his way to the payment desk.

The secretary gave him a dirty look and said, "What do you want d-brat?"

Naruto ignored the slip-up and turned in multiple papers saying, "I want payment for these missions, I completed."

She took the papers in disgust and looked over them before giving a sigh, "As you must know there's a tax that must be implemented."

"I suppose that tax is just for little old me?"

"You should be blessed to even get anything, you little monster," She hissed, "Just for your quip, I say, one-third of your total payment will be docked for the good of Konoha."

He snorted.

"Is something funny?"

Then she felt it, an ice-cold chill running down her spine, then she saw a horrible image of the demon fox that haunted every person since that night appeared before her, the fox's mouth filled with sharp fangs that were just about to snap her up before the image disappeared and it was just Naruto.

She was pale and shaking, "W-what?"

He tutted and shook his head, "You seem to be under the delusion that I will allow you to do what you wish with my money. What you just saw is a little gift of mine and I'm pretty sure he will be happy, he hasn't eaten in over a decade, he needs snacks."

Then she shat herself.

He tutted once again, "Do you see what happens when you try to screw with the wrong person? Now you shat yourself."

She apologized profusely as she made to give him the full amount of his earnings.

He smiled and double-checked to be sure, he then bowed, "Thank you for giving me everything. Now, I hope you take this as a lesson to keep your hatred to yourself. You may hate me if you wish, but I won't tolerate you or anyone else trying to shaft me. That time is long gone. Have a nice day."

Then he left without a backward glance as the woman raced to change her outfit and get someone to cover the rest of her shift.

A slight cough and laugh filled the air as Hayate watched the blond disappear, he had been watching the entire scene with interest as he made to get his own payment.

'It seems the rumors about Naruto's new personality is true. Yugao isn't going to believe this. Not bad, kid.'

Naruto made go on a walk until he stopped to look at the Hokage Monument and made the decision to go after the closest of the Uzumaki weapons the journal listed.

The weapon of Rage, hidden within the head of the First Hokage.

He made his way after it, slowly making his way towards the monument, recalling in the journal that you need to find an Uzumaki swirl and it would allow him to enter, as he walked, he passed Kakashi much to the shock of him as he hasn't seen the blond in months and couldn't help his curiosity in watching him. He took note of the fact that he got rid of his jumpsuit as Sasuke said, he looked healthy and happier, not fake happy but actually happy.

Naruto stopped and made to go a different direction and he knew that he was being followed. He then made to scatter with various shadow clones before disappearing into the wind and then watched as Kakashi gave up and went home.

Once he saw that Kakashi was finally gone, he scowled.

'Lazy bastard, the hell is he following me around for? Probably looking for something to give to his special Uchiha prodigy. Fuck the both of you, then, especially you Kakashi.'

Naruto then made his way to the monument and found the Uzumaki swirl before he entered, he found a large statue of a dragon, a rather massive one curled around the base of a stand that was carved with multiple seals. Its appearance was that of a Chinese depiction of a dragon, more snake-like with hardened scales.

He cut his finger, allowing the blood to flow, dripping onto the snout of the stone beast which awoke the beast from their slumber as the beast raised its head, it's dark eyes boring into Naruto.

"Who dares awaken me?"

"Naruto Uzumaki."

"Uzumaki..." The beast growled, its large eyes boring into him, sniffing him, judging his worth.

After a long moment, the beast spoke, "You are one...The clan has been spread out since the island's destruction with all the weapons hidden, but you are one."

"I am the son of Kushina Uzumaki."

"Wonderful. However, I cannot give you the weapons via blood alone. You have to be worthy of them. Let's see if you are."

Naruto smiled as he braced himself, "Bring it on."

The dragon gave a slight version of a smile, "That's the spirit."

The beast then created a small flame and had it fly over to Naruto, then it entered through his chest causing him to fall to his knees, his body felt like it was on fire, he never felt such rage before, it was as if all the bad things that had happened, was worse, he wanted to bathe in blood, he wanted to set everything on fire until nothing was left.

It was agony, He grits his teeth as a growl escaped him before he tried to calm himself, he concentrated, trying to get a grip on himself.

Then he recalled Class A, the people who just accepted him and were more welcoming to him in an entire day than his old classmates and teammates were to him a year.

Shoto standing up for him in the shop.

Aizawa giving him a chance.

Hiruzen believing in him.

Ayame and Teuchi comforting him.

Iruka supporting him.

His mother's dying note to him.

The nice man from his dreams, his face became clear as he croaked out his name, "Kurama."

Then he forced everything back and righted himself, calming his temperament and forcing it down.

"Interesting...You managed to quell the flames of your rage, especially considering you have plenty to be furious about. Good."

"Fucking hell, that hurt."

The dragon then looked at the stand and unfurled its' body and showing a jar that held a pair of gloves, brought them before Naruto, and said, "Try them on."

He slowly stood up and placed them on, only to find the gloves that used to the gloves shifting to full-fingered gloves, much to his shock. 'They were supposed to be fingerless gloves with three claws, now they were just full-on gloves? They just shift or I am not ready to wield their full power yet?'

Then he recalled the words from his dream and then his hands ignited with a pair of claws twice as big as his hands.

"It seems you are worthy, Naruto. Good, I'd loathe seeing the death of another Uzumaki, especially since we are so few in the world, now."

He then cut off the flames and bowed, "Thank you."

The dragon pressed his head against Naruto's, "No, thank you."

Then stretched the tip of its' tail to touch Naruto and he felt something flood into his mind.

"Go forth and best of blessings."

Naruto then made his leave as the door that led him to the location of the weapon was now sealed and linked only to him.

He shoved his hands into his pockets, hiding his gloves and knew he had to practice and smiled at the name, Kurama. Then he left for home with the wind taking him away.

Soon after that, he made his way home, where everyone was relaxing or doing their own thing. He spent a while with Izuku, picking his brain for ideas as he made to test out his new weapon. Then he turned in and allowed sleep to take him away.

[Dream]

Naruto found himself, not in his memories again, but the familiar place, the same location of where he dreamt of his memories.

He followed the same path, twists, and turns until he came across a familiar set of the massive bars.

Naruto slowly made his way closer, he felt his throat tightening and for the first time in a long time at this moment, he croaked out, "Kurama..."

A shuffling sound was heard before he heard footsteps until he saw him.

He towered over him, but he still had that gentle smile on his face, he was wearing a red ivy-printed battle kimono with black hakama pants. He outstretched his arms to which Naruto quickly entered them, then he patted his head, his fingers running through his hair.

He closed his eyes as if trying not to wake up if this was another sad dream.

After a moment, he opened them and knew he wasn't dreaming, his kit has come back to him. But he wasn't ready yet.

"I've been waiting to hear that from you for so long. It's been so long kit, so very long, but you are almost there."

Then he felt a pair of hands rest on his face before he felt his forehead rest against his as he knelt down, blue meeting red.

"Keep getting stronger, kit. You are so close, then you will remember."

Naruto made to finish the rest of his missions and gave a status report, which in turn he was given his lectures. He was congratulated as he heard nothing but good things about his efficiency and polite manners and he thanked him. He also told Aizawa that he found the first of the Uzumaki weapons and was planning on how to use them efficiently.

The man told him to be careful and if he needed any help, just to ask.

After that, he made to go Poppy and Nectar only for Haruko to pull him into a private room and got him a cake, it was a bubble milk tea lava cake. For completing his first set of missions with them as she heard about it from Midnight.

He was thankful and they shared it with all the workers.

After another day with them, he made to talk to Dabi, to which he found himself comfortable with the scarred man. Dabi, in turn, didn't mind answering questions the blond had, it helped a bit that the blond didn't register his scars either. He didn't know why, he barely tolerated people, but the blond just had this way of getting past your guard.

Soon, their conversations turned towards his gloves and how he needed help controlling and managing it. Dabi made to help him whenever he got the chance, which Naruto was thankful for.

Once he was alone, he was asked why he was so helpful.

He simply shrugged, saying that he felt like it.

Naruto then made to clean out a bandit camp and found two Uzumaki scrolls, he made to study and practice, along with the material he got from Aizawa about taijutsu styles. He got his payment and made to do some training only and Dabi helping him control his fire over the course of several weeks whenever Dabi felt up to it.

They continued to talk until he got Dabi's story, how he came to look as he does now, and how it was due to his power-hungry father. His parents were in an arranged marriage that only benefited my father, he used her a broodmare.

"I'm the eldest of four, I have a sister and two younger brothers. I had a stronger version of that man's blood limit and he worked me over ever since I was five. My mother could only protect me for so long, even when she was pregnant with my other siblings, she tried to protect me, but I couldn't let my mother get through with it. It was already vile enough he forced himself on her constantly, she still tried her best even in her weak state. My brother and sister tried to intervene but that fucker terrified them to the point of compliance, I don't blame either of them. Especially at that age, the fucker was terrifying, he considered me a failure because my quirk was too dangerous as it hurt me and I didn't want to follow in his footsteps. He forced me into a freezer and I could only light myself on fire with my quirk or freeze to death. My mother worked herself sick, trying to save me when I finally escaped the freezer and she wanted me to escape. I went to get help, but no one would face that man. When my youngest sibling who showed signs of a new bloodline that combined both my mother and that man and he did the same thing he did to me, I snapped. I wanted to take all of them, run, and never come back to that madhouse. When I tried to help him and get my other siblings, that man arrived."

A sigh escaped him as he rubbed the middle of his forehead, he remained silent for a good two minutes before he continued.

"He attacked me, separating me from my siblings, with his blood limit, and he was going to use me as a lesson for my siblings not to disobey him ever again. I couldn't handle it anymore and snapped. When I snapped, I blew up half the house with my bloodline, everything was in flames and I just ran. I couldn't stay, I just ran and ran until I collapsed and fell unconscious. I was found by a traveling merchant on the brink of death and healed by a wandering doctor. I stayed in the shadows, especially my appearance put me off of getting any normal civilian work and I didn't want to fight unless for self-defense."

He looked up at the sky, "I found a home here when it was raining, I just stumbled upon it and they let me be the bartender and have my peace. Although I still miss them, my family. I don't know what happened to them now...I hope they're alright."

Naruto scooted closer to him, "You have been through a lot, but you have a home now. And you're stronger for that, besides if they are anything like you, they'll be alright. But, if I ever get the chance, I'm gonna castrate that miserable bastard, gold-plate it, and then put that shit on a plaque just for you."

He snorted and then he burst out laughing, "Fuck I needed that."

He rubbed his head, "You're alright, kid."

The pair continued to rest before he made to teach him, but Naruto promised to look out for him.

That mad bastard got a new enemy that day and well, Uzumakis hold nasty grudges.

In Kiri, a man felt a feeling of foreboding pass over him, before shaking it off.

Soon enough, a month has passed and he had completely caught up with everything he missed in the Academy, it was something he could be proud of, and well, he made to relax, reading his mother's journal before he went to get his new set of missions.

Then he got a request from Anko through a snake to meet her in the Interrogation Center he made his way over and she greeted him.

He greeted her back and said, "Why did you call me? I'm pretty sure the Snake Mistress has plenty of things to do than to deal with me?"

"I just find you interesting and I want to see that jar of bugs and parasites that you used on the Hyuga. Not bad with how you threatened him by the way."

"Oh...That. Will, he needs to learn how to watch his mouth. It was either a threat or hanging him up naked in a diaper, poison ivy cream, and restraining his hands with gloves so he can't scratch. That and the cream sinks in quickly, it's literally hell for twenty hours at least, at most it's four days."

Anko shuddered, "Nasty. I like it."

"You want to use it, correct?"

"That jar of parasites and bugs? Yeah, and where to find them?"

"They are found in the very deep part of the Forest of Death. Well, the parasite I threatened him is a vile one and its' practically infantile, if you saw the adult one, you'd shit yourself."

"It can't be that big, can it?"

"It's fucking huge and let's just say dying by that parasite isn't the best way to go. You'd rather slit your stomach and wait for death instead."

She rubbed her chin, "I have a prisoner who isn't talking, any tips?"

He quipped, "Depends, what's in it for me?"

She smirked, "Not going to help from the goodness of your heart?"

"As much as you are lovely and not a judgemental prick, like most of Konoha, I cannot."

"Always ask for payment upfront and compliments? Good, you're learning. I'm beginning to like you kid. Let's see what you got."

She led him deeper into the T&I center and they walked until they met Ikibi who was standing before a one-sided window with two other people he was conversing with.

"Got a pair of gloves?"

Ibiki raised an eyebrow at the blond who has rumors swirling around him, standing different than the boy who was loud and boisterous while being drenched in orange.

After handing him a pair of medical gloves he took a long, hard stare at the man that was restrained in the chair.

"His profile, please." He softly said as he put on the offered gloves.

He glanced at Anko who waved a hand, telling him to do it and he did as he gave him the information.

Name: Kaito Watanabe

Ninja Rank: Jounin {Missing Ninja}

Ninja Registration: 003842

Strength: High chunin to Low-jounin level

Affiliation: {Past} Suna, {Current} Oto

Parents: Unknown, presumed orphan

Clan: N/A

Siblings: None

Crimes:

Affiliation with Orochimaru

Affiliation of various bandit groups

Affiliation with multiple slave traders

Participation with various town attacks leading the death and kidnapping of over a hundred people.

Once he finished, Naruto pulled out a jar and made his way inside, the man spat curses but Naruto simply paralyzed him with a pinched nerve and said, "You are going to be speaking, regardless."

Naruto then cut into the back of his neck as the man couldn't even look around as he stared straight forward as Naruto pulled out a long black centipede-like parasite and inserted it into the man who suddenly thrashed about until Naruto sealed the wound closed.

After another minute of him spazzing out, he then stiffened, then his posture relaxed and he straightened his stance.

"Whoever wants to ask him something, I suggest you hurry. The parasite will act as a truth serum but it will eat all his spinal and brain fluids quickly. I'd say you have at most five minutes before he loses the ability to speak."

The interrogators answered the questions they could until it reached five minutes.

The man gave a low groan as he started to gurgle.

"Are you done with him?"

They looked back at Ikibi who gave them a nod.

"Yes, we are. We got all the answers out of him."

"Do you need him alive now?"

"No."

"Good," Naruto then stabbed him in the back of the head with ease.

All that got him was a couple of raised eyebrows.

He then made to carve open his back and he pulled out another jar, a much bigger than he removed the parasite which was now the length of a forearm and curled it inside the jar. Then he tucked both jars inside his clothes, cleaned the materials he used, and looked at the ninja watching him as he made his way outside the room.

He glanced at Ikibi and said, "Now, how much?"

Ikibi said to one of the men in the room, "Get the standard payment and I expect extra in there."

The man saluted and made to do what he was ordered, "Yes, sir."

He then turned back to Naruto, "How much for the parasite?"

"Depends?"

"You got that from the Forest of Death, correct?"

"Yes."

"You said the deeper parts of the Forest, right?"

He nodded, "Usually Anko never strays beyond the middle of the Forest. The deeper parts are where you find creatures like this and their poor victims, I usually mercy kill them and find the parasites their in their infantile forms. Also, they help in many of my pranks."

"Wait, that sticky shit prank that you nailed two council members with two years ago one of them?"

A smile rested on Naruto's lips, "Ah, that one is one of my favorites, made from maggots that are practically the size of your arm, it's agony to get out skin and hair, nevermind clothing. Well, unless you have solvents, which I do, but it's good to see them suffer a bit."

Anko burst out laughing, "They couldn't get out of the house for three months, the smell lingered for the rest of the year before it finally disappeared completely that shit was the best."

"How did you come up with such a thing?"

"I'm a prankster remember? Besides, if the Academy wasn't going to teach me, I may as well learn something myself."

"How many of those things do you have?"

I need to re-count but from what I can recall over twenty, the bugs, parasites, and animals all have various properties that I can use for pranks and other things, but those are the mainly harmless ones, they just cause discomfort in various extremes. Give me time and I can get you some really dangerous ones, though. For a good price."

"How the fuck are you the dead last, kid?"

"The Academy is a bunch of bullshit, only Iruka is worth their salt in that place. They didn't bother grading me correctly so I stopped trying, if I had a teacher that wasn't a judgemental cock, I probably wouldn't have been the dead last in the first place. That and the fucking clone jutsu which uses as a fingernail clipping of chakra."

"I'm gonna break some fucking legs over there, the fuck!" Anko snapped

All the teachers in the Academy felt someone walk over their graves.

"Please not Iruka."

She scoffed, "Fine, not him."

Iruka felt a swept of relief fill him as he made to focus on his work and pondered if he should get Naruto something.

A sigh left him, "Thank you."

He got the payment and made to leave before Anko hugged him from behind and dragged him to the Dango shop to celebrate. Once they got to a table and got their plate of Dango, Anko made to ask him a question that has been on the mind of many jounin.

"Where have you been hiding?"

"Can't say, but I'm happier where I am now and learning a lot more than I ever did with Hakate. Which is jack shit, look underneath the underneath and those who abandon their friends are worse than scum. Well, he's worse than scum. I'll never respect him again. To think he'd be different than the civilians, but he's worse. At least they have the balls to admit they hate me, but he wants to use me as a measuring stick for his precious Uchiha. No matter, I never want to see his miserable face again."

Anko gave him a sad look as Naruto waved her off, "Don't feel bad. I'm just ranting a bit."

She gave him a half-hug and rubbed his hair, then Naruto got his payment, both for the last set of missions he completed and what he did for the Interrogation squad, which he counted and found it was the right amount.

"Double-checking?" Already aware as she had to do the same.

"I've been shafted by too many civilians to count and I'd rather not take that chance."

"Verdict?"

"Everything's there."

He then sealed it away in a safe place.

The two then continued to have a nice talk before going their separate ways, but on the other side of their seats was Team 8, silently listening.

[Unknown Location]

Danzo was silently working at his desk as one of his ninjas came and reported his observations about the strange behavior of the Kyuubi container before he was dismissed.

After a long moment, he huffed.

"Trying to remember after all this time? That will not happen, you need to be docile and weak, the only way for you to gain true strength is for me to bring you to that. It seems you need to be reminded of your place, Uzumaki. For people like you, your only worth is to be a weapon, silent and compliant."

[Hokage's Office]

Hiruzen was looking over the news of the chunin exams being held in another village for the second chunin exam for this year. It would be Konoha's turn next year and he decided to make it interesting.

'Now...where should I begin?'

Thank you, (guest) Eddie for the cape idea!

Ending it! And before you fill your reviews about the Dabi is Touya debate, I consider it canon and yes, Dabi and Shouto are brothers, but they don't realize it yet. They barely come across each other as Dabi likes to keep to himself and Shouto is rarely in Poppy & Nectar unless for certain missions, even then he's usually quick and efficient. Also, considering in that situation, Dabi had some trauma due to him snapping and his near-death experience. The stress took a toll on his mind, so it kind of fucked with his memory. Dabi casts away the Todoroki name and dyed his hair black, his skin is a patchwork of multiple scars those of which are hidden by clothes. Although he still misses his mother and his siblings, he can't remember their faces, due to the trauma. The face he remembers clearly is Enji. Will the brothers meet and have a heart to heart? Later on in the story, but not now.

And quirks are bloodlines/special abilities in this story. The heroes and villains in the BNHA world are now ninjas or warriors in various sections of the Elemental Nations. Some heroes and villains may either be neutral, evil, or good, depending on how the story flows. But they all have their own story, it's just translated in the Naruto-verse.

I am very serious about revamping the chunin exams as well, I want them to fight, although the Forest of Death in the anime and manga are wonderful, I want the third test to be interesting and I really haven't seen anyone make a twist on this arc, not unlike the Tri-wizarding Tournament in HP-verse or the U.A. Sports Festival. Also, in my revamp, the weapons change to suit the wielder who is worthy of them. Naruto just got Rage and now is going to be learning how to control flames from red to black, to white being the hottest as that's it's power. Well, I can't wait to write about his special move Hell Treatment, so I hope you will enjoy it as much as I will. Along with that, the weapon Hate, God the things I can do with Hate and it's abilities.

Thank you for all your reviews!

bankai777 - Depends, but Jiraiya will have a lot to answer, spy network or not.

Perseus12 - The scene between Naruto and Neji is something I'm glad I wrote, it needed to be done and well Naruto, giving him a hint of perspective, that and he is a hypocrite, fighting and training himself in spite of Fate yet condemning others for the same? Being a hypocrite isn't a good look on anyone. Also, for the second chance, I need to chew on the idea but Hinata will not pair with Naruto in this story, practically all Konoha girls are out. He may have saved her from bullies, but the stalking is NOT a good look on her. Especially since she was watching him, she would know of his mistreatment, Naruto isn't stupid and knows when he's been observed. The term Stalker-chan fits Hinata. Now, I don't hate her, but her stalking and the ramen incident tainted any chance of her getting a romantic relationship with Naruto. She may be friends with him after she grows a bit of spine and apologizes through both words and actions. Kakashi isn't getting any forgiveness, Naruto's view of him is completely tainted, and would rather go through mob attacks than be under his command and he will make that viciously clear.

Vongola Ninja - Of course, there will be warnings and readers may skip them if they wish. That's what bold font is for. And no, Konoha women, Tsunade is in her own heap of trouble, but the relationship will not be in the romantic sense, Shizune would be the responsible older sister figure, Anko would be the crazy, fun-loving older sister figure, although I'd like them both, the answer is no. Girls and women outside of Konoha are different stories, however. Yes, redemption is in the cards for some, especially for those you listed as they are the more empathetic of the Rookies and will realize their mistakes, but it will not happen immediately. Remember, apologies are not bandaids. And Naruto has no reason to trust them, actions speak louder than words. And no, I don't think I wrote anything about Naruto having chains or a quirk. Quirks are translated to special abilities/bloodlines in this universe for my story. Hope you enjoy the story regardless.

MonoBear007 - Ah, so do I, but we will see since they are not technically Konoha, but in time, not now. And same, it won't happen, point-blank. I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter.

eniox27 - Yes, there is, especially when he gets his hands on the nearest Uzumaki weapon. The bandaged man with the scar can never keep his damn nose out of other people's shit and well, he'll get his due. I always wanted Kurama to be a father figure to Naruto because I felt it would be cute. His old class will not be able to handle the new Naruto at all, but they either have to deal with it or get left behind. And Naruto is more than willing to leave them behind.

zero fullbuster - I'm glad you enjoyed the story.

FictionGobler20 - I'm glad you enjoyed the story and well, everyone needs some entertainment during this time. I hope you get more joy out of this when it's revamped and polished hopefully in the near future if the muse is willing.

Einjeru Hakate - I'm glad you enjoyed this story and my other ones, and well I love dark twists. Kakashi gets to observe Naruto for a little bit before he's gone from his sight once again. Naruto will have no love for Kakashi, just as the man lost the respect of his peers for going back on his own code, it will only get worse for him from there. I hope you continue to enjoy the story.

LoamyCoffee - I'm sorry for the long wait, but I'm trying to work out more things, especially since my writing from when I started this story improved a bit, I plan on starting the story at the end of Wave and giving more details before following the timeline. I'll probably get to chapters 9-10 before I finally update the revamped chapters, but that's a heavy maybe, especially considering the state of everything now. I'll place a date of the new chapter underneath the chapter number and before the author's note at the bottom.

Skull Flame - Yep and Monoma know where his limits are, you really don't want to get on the bad side of the demonic prankster. The fallout has its' uses and Ino is stubborn and will dig in her heels until later on. I'm glad you enjoyed the scene with Neji as I enjoyed writing it.

Phoedra135 - Most, if not all the heroes and villains in the BNHA-verse are translated into the Naruto-verse. The author's note explains it better.

917brat - This is why I like reviews and how the fuck could I forget about his sexy jutsu? Can I use it? Please? I'll give credit?

dannyrockon122 - Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

(guest) Nicholas - Hey, there! And sorry for the long wait! And yep, the Rookies will have to earn his forgiveness, it will not be easy and they will have to work their way up as Naruto has no reason to trust them. As much as Neji is a prick, I'm pretty sure he doesn't deserve the eyeball parasite...Well, not yet anyway. Regardless, I hope you enjoy this story and the updates. Be safe.

(guest) Big slammu - Well, the idea was interesting and well, with broken fingers, they can't use their precious style at all and they would be fucked. But this is why I enjoy reviews, thank you and take care of yourself.

(guest) Jyabura - Maybe, I have a lot of things on my plate.

Wendel Santana - I will don't worry.

~Kourtney Uzu Yato!