Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto

"On the date of October tenth, the kyuubi no yoko appeared within the walls of our village. We don't know why the kyuubi attacked or were it came from, but legends say it is a natural disaster that appears wherever human malice has collected and is at its strongest. Whether or not this is a reason it attacked us is still unknown, but the reasons are still being looked into to this day. Anyway, when the kyuubi attacked many homes and buildings were destroyed and many lives were lost. However, thanks to the Sandaime Hokage and the brave ninja of the leaf, the damages and lost lives were kept to a minimum. As the battle continued to rage on the Yondaime Hokage appeared and took matters into his own hands. Using the space-time jutsu he was a master of he teleported himself and the kyuubi out of the village to finish the battle undisturbed and unhindered. The results of the battle was victory for the Hokage, but at the cost of his life. As a result the Sandaime had to retake the mantle of Hokage until he could find a suitable successor. Now, five years later, the Sandaime is still the Hokage and the village is in a state of peace and is recovering at a steady pace. Now, are there any questions?"

The chunin took a glance around the room to see if any of her students did in fact have a question. As her eyes scanned the room she mainly just saw most of her students with their heads on their desks only half paying attention. She was honestly a bit surprised at that. She knew that history can be a bit dry, but when the kids usually hear about the yondaime they perk up a bit. Out of the corner of her eye she saw a hand raise and smiled to herself, glad at least one student was interested in the subject of his village.

"Yes Daichi, what's your question?" The chunin instructor asked of her student.

"Yeah, I was wondering why that kids in our class. He shouldn't even be in the academy yet should he?" Daichi asked of his sensei.

A bit annoyed that the question had nothing to do with their current topic the sensei looked towards the "kid" Daichi was talking about.

The child in question was a small boy no older then five years old. He was about three feet tall and had a round chubby face. His eyes were a deep amethyst color that seemed to shine with an unnaturally beautiful light. He wore a pair of dark green shorts that went just passed his knees and a white tee shirt with a red leaf symbol on the front of it. He also had two rather unusual features about him. The first was his straight, bright red hair that stopped about two inches above his shoulders with two strands framing his face. The second was his birth marks. They looked like whiskers, three on both of his cheeks.

The chunin instructor continued to eye the boy for a moment as she thought of a way to answer her student. The boy was a new student and today was his first day despite it being half way into the year. She couldn't tell them the full story of why this boy was in their class, but not answering the question or an out right lie would just have the other kids stay away from him. In the end, a half truth is always the way to go.

"Uzumaki Naruto has shown the necessary requirements to enter the academy early as judged by the admissions of the academy. He has also shown the skill necessary to skip ahead a grade and take part in the second year classes. Does that answer your question Daichi?"

Truth was he did have the skill to jump up a grade. He made quick work of the first year material, acing all the tests with ease. He was also ready physically for the exercises done by second years, so it was decide he move up a grade. While its true that this can probably be said for a few other students, Uzumaki Naruto was special. And it was actually that specialness that allowed him into the academy a year early in the first place. Something that had most teachers wondering if they should even be teaching him at all. It was also something that the students knew nothing about and weren't allowed to know about. Whether they knew or not though, didn't mean they liked him there any more then the teachers.

"I still don't believe a little kid like him is good enough to be here." Daichi mumbles to himself. Despite hearing him the instructor decides to ignore it and address the new student.

"While it is true that introductions probably should have been done when you first arrived I didn't wish to stop mid lecture. Now that it's over how about you introduce yourself to everyone Naruto." The sensei smiled up to the mentioned student, encouraging him to do it.

Said boy smiled back as he stood up from his seat at the back of the room. He gave a quick scan of the room before starting his introduction. "Hello everyone, my name is Uzumaki Naruto. My main likes are ramen, gardening, reading, and training. I dislike people who judge someone before they get to know them and the time it takes waiting for ramen to cook. My dream is to be a respectable Hokage that can protect this village and everyone in it just like the Sandaime and Yondaime."

As Naruto finished his introduction the classroom burst into laughter. The children were all either holding their sides or pointing at the red head. Only a few weren't laughing as they eyed the boy in either curiosity or interest. Suddenly Daichi stood up from his seat and looked Naruto in the eyes. He smirked as he said, "A shrimpy little kid like you Hokage. There's no way that will ever happen. Hell right now you look more like a tomato than a ninja in training. You should quit now while your ahead ya overgrown vegetable." He turned to the side and high fived his friends as everyone laughed even harder.

The sensei continued to try to calm everyone down with very little affect. Just when she was about to yell for everyone to stop or risk detention, Naruto's calm voice became heard over the laughter.

"You know a tomato isn't a vegetable, it's actually a fruit. It must be pretty embarrassing to be corrected by a little kid whose younger than you and doesn't even seem like a ninja in training huh. That really doesn't say much about you ya know." Naruto finished with a smirk of his own on his lips.

The laughter continued just like before, only now being directed at Daichi instead. The only ones not laughing or chuckling were Daichi and the friends he high fived before. They were all glaring up at him in anger, but before anyone could say anything the chunin instructor beat them to it.

"All right that's enough everyone! I expect better from all of you. You are all fellow leaf ninja in training and should be respectful towards one-an-other. Daichi you have detention after school, and Naruto since this is your first day in this class I'm giving you a warning."

"What! Why do I get detention and that kid only gets a warning?" Daichi asks his sensei.

"I already told you. This is Narutos first day in a new class so I'm cutting him some slack. You on the other hand should know better and you started the whole thing. Now this isn't up for discussion so sit down." The instructor stated firmly. Daichi did as he was told even though he really didn't like it. Naruto on the other hand remained standing for a moment before slightly bowing down.

"Gomen nasai sensei. I didn't mean to cause trouble. I just don't like to be judged by someone who knows nothing about me." Naruto says to his teacher.

"That's all right Naruto, and thank you for apologizing. However, am I really the one you should be apologizing to?" The teacher says as she smiles at the red head. It was rare to hear that from a child without making them say it. 'It will be nice to have a little gentleman in class instead of a brat.' She thought to herself.

"Gomen nasai Daichi." Naruto says without any hesitation or sarcasm.

"Suck up." Daichi mutters out only loud enough for those close to him to hear. Everyone hearing it agreeing with him.

"Daichi, is there something you want to say to Naruto." The teacher asks her student.

"Nope." Is the immediate reply from the seven year old.

"Daichi." The teacher warned.

"sigh... gomen nasai Uzumaki." The sensei just let it go knowing that was the best she was going to get out of him. She stopped for a minute to think about what to do next. History was done for the day and they already covered some chakra theory earlier. The next best thing to do would be some physical exercise. 'It will also wake up the few that are still half asleep' She thought to herself. With a plan in mind the teacher announced it to the class.

"Alright everyone we're going to go outside and do some exercises now. This will give your minds a slight rest and get the blood flowing too. So everyone get up and follow me outside." The chunin declared.

"Hai, Kurenai-sensei." The class called out as they followed her through the door.

Yuhi Kurenai was what many would call, and have called, a very beautiful woman. She had messy black hair that reached past her shoulders and only stayed out of her eyes because of her hitai-ate, which was placed on her forehead. Her eyes were an exotic wine colored red that had an extra ring around the pupil. She wore red lip stick and used purple eye liner. Her clothes consists of red pants with a red sleeveless turtle neck shirt. Over that is a traditional chunin flat jacket that most chunins wear.

Currently she was watching as her students started wrapping up the exercises they were doing. It wasn't anything big; some laps around the school along with some pushups and sit-ups, maybe some "sparring" if they had some time. They were just children right now, there was no need to go overboard and try to do things that would physically stunt them. Her eyes than drifted to her youngest charge, one that was already done with his exercises.

'He's two years younger than everyone and yet he's still keeping up with the best students in the class.' Kurenai noticed as she saw the red head stand with the others that were done. Despite what some people believed he really did deserve to be in this class. He's keeping up with the best students not only physically, but based on his previous test scores academically as well. Kurenai smiled to herself a bit as the rest of her students finished their tasks.

'I may just have a little prodigy in my class... Than again that may be a bit much. I'll keep an eye on him though, he's an interesting little boy.' She thought to herself. Sure she knew just who this boy was, but truth was it didn't really matter to her. She was a teacher and she was going to teach any student that came under her wing regardless of who they were, or what they may hold. Refocusing on her students Kurenai announced to the class.

"Alright everyone, you all did a good job. I'm going to let you all have lunch a bit early today, but that means everyone is back exactly on time for the next class alright."

"Hai, Kurenai-sensei." Was the response she got from every student.

Kurenai watched them all for a moment longer before turning around and heading back into the classroom to grade some papers.

Naruto was currently sitting on the swing that was located on the tree right outside the entrance of the academy. It was halfway through lunch and he had already eaten the bento that his nee-chan had packed for him. He was currently reading a book that he got not to long ago. At least he was trying to. Naruto may be smart for his age, but he was still just a child and he had trouble with some of the words. He underlined those words so he could ask his nee-chan what they meant later. As he was underlining he saw someone walking towards him out of his peripheral vision. He put his book and pencil down and turned towards the new arrival.

Naruto recognized him as one of his current classmates. It was a boy who was taller than him, not really all that surprising. He had black, semi spiky hair that reached down to his shoulders. He had golden colored eyes and tan skin. He was wearing black pants that had a lot of pockets on them and a white tee shirt with what looked like three claw marks as a design on the front. He was also wearing a neckless that had something that looked like a black diamond hanging from a silver chain.

The boy continued to walk towards him till he was right in front of him. Then he stuck out his hand with a smirk.

"Its rare to see a new kid stand up for himself in front of an entire class where everyone is older than him. That takes some guts. My name is Kyo, what's your name kid. I wasn't really paying attention when it was said."

"Thanks. My names Uzumaki Naruto, and aren't you a kid too?" Naruto answered as he shook Kyo's hand and then questioned him right back.

"Yeah, so. Is there a problem with a kid calling an even younger kid a kid." Was the immediate response followed by a smile.

"No, I guess there isn't." Naruto said with a smile of his own. "So is there something I can help you with Kyo."

"Not really, no. Just figured I'd tell you to watch out for Daichi is all. He seems to be gunning for you after what you said to him."

"Really? Well thanks for the tip, but I think I'll be alright." Naruto told him with no hint of worry in his voice. Kyo grinned as he heard this.

"Heh, your an interesting kid ya know that. But really you should watch out for Daichi. He won't do anything if someones with you, but he'll most likely gang up on you with his friends when he does find you alone. Dudes a coward like that."

"Thanks for the warning, I really appreciate it. I'll keep it in mind and think of something." Naruto told him, already trying to think of something to get Daichi off his back.

"No problem red. So, what'cha reading there. It doesn't look like anything from school and you seemed pretty into it before I came over?" Kyo questioned the younger boy.

"It was a present from someone close. It's called the Tale of the Utterly Gutsy Shinobi and its a really good book. Well, at least the parts I can fully make out are really good. I'm having trouble with some of the words." He admitted with a sheepish smile.

"Makes sense, you are just a kid. But ya know if you want, I can try and help you out with some of the words. Though I don't know how much help I'll be." The older boy suggested.

"Really. That would be great."

For the rest of lunch the two boys kept on reading what they could of the book. When the first bell finally did ring the two got up and started their way back to class. Both were talking about what they had just read and both were smiling.

DING DONG... DING DONG...DING DONG

Kurenai stopped what she was saying as the final bell of the day went off. The students were already packed and up out of their seats by the time the second bell went off. Sighing at how eager they are to get out she quickly told them their assignment before they got out the door.

"Read pages sixty seven through eighty two and do problems sixteen to thirty for tonight. Everyone hear that?"

"Groan... Hai Kurenai-sensei." Typical class response.

Everyone was now outside the building and excited to be out of class. The students were either meeting their parents, meeting up with friends, or starting their walk home. Naruto was one of the latter. As he was passing the swing he saw some of the looks the parents gave to him, but he just ignored them and continued on his way. Seeing this the parents decided to ignored him as well. That was when Naruto saw a group of about five kids looking right at him and now heading his way since no one was looking at him anymore. At the front of the group was a boy with short brown hair and brown eyes. He was average height for his age and a bit on the lean side. He had on light brown, more tannish colored pants with an orange long sleeved shirt on. Him and all the other guys around him were glaring right at Naruto.

Naruto didn't expect this. He figured Daichi would try something later, or tomorrow at lunch. He didn't think it would be this soon with all these people around. Then he looked around again and saw not a single person sparing him a second glance. They were all still ignoring him and didn't even see the group of boys. The group was getting pretty close and before he could even do anything.

"YO NARUTO, WAIT UP!" Everyone looked towards the source of the yell, Naruto especially. He saw Kyo working his way past everyone as he made his way to him. As he passed by Daichi he gave him a smirk that was answered with a glare. That was when Naruto noticed that everyone was now focused on him again and he had to smile at what Kyo did.

"Hey Kyo, what do you want." Naruto said with his smile still on his face.

"Just wonder if you wanted to get a bite to eat. I'm a bit hungry and I figured we could read more of that book while we wait for the food."

"Yeah, that sound good." With that the two started to walk off leaving everyone, including a pissed off Daichi, behind. "Do you know were you want to eat." Naruto asked after the two left the academy grounds.

"Nah, I'm good with any place so you chose."

"You ever eaten at Ichiraku's Ramen?"

"No, I don't think so. Is it any good."

"It's the best" Naruto said, genuinely believing what he was saying. "I also what to say thanks for back there. You saved me a lot of trouble."

"It was nothin. I mean what are friends for." At that both boys smiled as Naruto continued to lead them to Ichiraku's, planning on having a great meal with his first friend.

And Done

I know that it may seem a bit slow but I'm going to use the academy years to show the new Naruto and what the changes do close to home. I also know that he may seem a bit to mature for his age but all that will be explained in later chapters. I'm also not sure on pairings, I'll think more on it after the academy, which might span a few chapters.

This is my first story so any reviews with comments or criticism would be much appreciated.