Hello everyone, and welcome to my first fanfiction, I will try to keep this as updated as I can, with all the free time that we students seem to have at the moment I think that an update a week shouldn't be so hard.

Also, if you find any grammar mistakes please point them out, I will correct them as soon as I see them.

Thank you!

I DO NOT OWN NARUTO.

Chapter 1. Prologue.

Another assassination request, another mission, another life taken, sleep, eat, work, repeat, such was the life of one Naruto Uzumaki-Namikaze. He was an ANBU, one of Konoha's elites, a proud member of his village's military force. Coming back from a long mission, his superior just informed him that he would take over his squad's leadership. He honestly didn't know what to say. On one hand, he would become a captain, just like his adopted brother did before him. On the other hand, he could join the shinobi corps, stepping into the light once again after 5 grueling years as an ANBU. Thinking about it for a good few seconds, he spoke with an even, convinced tone that he will not take the promotion.

"Why is that, Hawk?"

"I am going to retire from ANBU."

Now, that was a surprise for the aged Hokage, not even taking in consideration the possibility of one of his most trusted operatives wanting to retire. Only years upon years of experience kept up his unbreakable poker face. Looking at the masked shinobi before him, the Sandaime released a sigh, averting his eyes from the unflinching eyes of the red-haired ninja.

"What brought this on?"

"I feel like it's time to move on from this chapter in my life."

"I see. Is there any chance that you will take this hat from me?"

"I am seventeen, Hokage-Sama."

"Minato was twenty. A three-year difference won't do anyone any harm; you are more than powerful enough anyway."

Hearing his father's name brought back painful memories for the young man. Not willing to continue this conversation anymore he changed the subject almost instantly.

"Did she graduate?"

The Hokage grimaced at his shinobi's question, knowing not to delay the inevitable he answered quickly.

"There was an incident."

"Incident, Hokage-Sama?"

"Yes, the Scroll of Seals was stolen two days ago. We have apprehended the criminal and we have punishe..."

"Surely she didn't know what it is Hokage-Sama!" Naruto interrupted the Hokage. After a few seconds he realized what he had done and with widening eyes he apologized to the leader for his outburst.

"As I was saying, we punished HIM accordingly. Aoi was tricked by one of her instructors to do it; we know that he would have taken the scroll to my traitorous student, wherever he may be at the moment."

"Orochimaru has spies this deep into the village?"

"It seems this way. I assigned T&I to investigate every shinobi that has joined since his betrayal."

"Not a simple task, but why are you telling me this Hokage-Sama?"

The Hokage chuckled, "Surely I can trust my successor with such information?"

Naruto sighed, "Hokage-Sama..."

"Enough about that, now, I know exactly where to reassign you." Said the aged leader while searching for a scroll on his desk that had an ever-growing pile of paperwork on it. "Aha! Here young one, enjoy!"

Naruto eyed the scroll as it was sent flying towards him. Catching it with practiced ease, he opened it, reading the first few lines until his face paled considerably.

"What! Surely you gave me the wrong scroll, Hokage-Sama, this-"

"Is exactly what you need right now."

"But–"

"Nothing, Uzumaki-san. I have my own reasons for doing this."

"Does it have something to do with Itachi?" he asked, flinching when he said his traitorous friend's name.

Sarutobi's eyes softened, his heart clenching in his chest, knowing that Itachi's situation might be his greatest regret yet.

"You need to create more bonds, Naruto."

"I already established bonds, my comrades–"

"Exactly, Naruto, comrades, you need more friends."

Naruto stood where he was, his mask still proudly displayed on his face, not taking it off despite the ANBU resignation, knowing that his duty will most likely end, by the looks of it, in three days. Thinking about his leader's words he sighed, "By your leave, Hokage-Sama"

"Yes, dismissed."

Leaving the Hokage alone with his thoughts, Naruto Shunshined out of the office to his house.

"You need any help you could have even if you don't want it, Naruto-kun; after all, betrayal is one of the most painful things one can experience. I should know." The old man chuckled, looking at the lone photo inhabiting his desk.