Naruto absentmindedly scratched the back of his neck as the rain softly continued hitting the leaves above him. He was a bit cold, sitting at the base of a tree with his travelling cloak long soaked through in the terrible weather, but it was still better than nothing. He looked over the tents in the camp, forming an orderly rectangle. Almost all of them were shut, including their own in front of him, with ninja sleeping in them to regain energy, while some patrolled the area, yet another batch was up in the few trees around them as the lookout, ready to sound the alarm at the slightest threat. Naruto didn't much like the muted tension in the air at night, preferring the daytime's open hostility. Well, prefer as in it was more bearable.

Two ninjas passed him, offering smiles and a wave. He waved back.

Sleep eluded him, as it did always around his birthday. Not that he needed it much, one of the courtesies of the fox in his gut.

The Kyuubi…

The reason he was here in the first place.

That, and the reputation of his parents. "The village needs to show that you are there with them, it will bolster morale. You're talented, Naruto-kun, you will do fine out there." The Third had said. Naruto was hesitant to agree, but an order is an order.

He looked down at his hands, and for a second he saw them covered in blood, his right holding his broken Konoha forehead protector…

Then he heard a rustle to his left and immediately drew a kunai, springing to his feet and adopting a basic defensive stance. He had half a mind to sound an alarm when Hatake Kakashi appeared from the foliage.

"Stand down, Naruto." He said quietly. Naruto lowered his weapon and sat back down.

"Could've warned me, taichou."

"If you paid more attention to the rhythm of my footsteps or my chakra signature you would've known it was me."

Of course, he was right, and Naruto had the courtesy to blush in embarrassment.

"Pay attention next time. I would hate to put you into a grave early because some Iwa ninja got lucky while you were unaware of your surroundings." The silver-haired ninja chided.

"Yeah, I know, I know…" Naruto pouted. Kakashi nodded, then he pulled out something from his pocket.

"Anyway, it's after midnight, so you're officially seven. Happy Birthday, Naruto. Shame I can't give you anything better, but I'm sure you understand." He said with gentleness in his voice. Naruto looked down at his hands, which were holding an ANBU ration bar. His eyes lit up.

"Thanks, Kakashi-taichou!" He said in an excited tone, trying not to be too loud. This beauty was tastier than any of the standard-issue crap they got and have been eating for the past two months.

He snatched it out of his teacher's hands and immediately started to eat it. Tears sprung to his eyes. Flavor! Still cardboard, but meat flavored cardboard! He relished every bite as much as he could, but it was over far too quickly.

"That hit the spot! Thanks again!" He said with a smile, drinking a bit out of his canteen to flush it down, while the Copy ninja took a seat beside him.

For a bit neither of them said anything.

"You did well today." Said the older ninja.

"I guess. We still had to retreat."

"But we lived to see another day. Besides, yesterday's skirmish was our win."

"True."

"Just be glad we're not on the frontlines completely."

"Oh yeah, I'm very glad." Kakashi smiled a bit under his mask and seemed to think a bit about what he was going to say next.

"How are you holding up?" The former ANBU captain sounded half-interested, half-bored about the question they both knew was protocol.

"Not my first experience killing someone, taichou. You know that too."

"More powerful ninjas have succumbed to guilt or PTSD than you. I have to check up on my team, as is my duty as leader."

Naruto sighed.

"I thought the bad part was the act of killing in itself…But when I have time to think about it, that's way worse."

"Seems like you're beginning to understand, my little soldier." Kakashi said with fake cheer in his voice.

"Sure wish I didn't." Naruto said under his breath. If Kakashi caught it, he made no notice of it. They sat in silence for a little while. It was Kakashi who broke it.

"Well, I'll go and start another patrol. Not much time to rest for the likes of us. Try to catch some sleep, Naruto. Konoha needs you ready. Your teammates too."

"I'll try." Was his short reply. Kakashi nodded, then disappeared quietly. A drop of water founds its way through the canopy and hit Naruto on his nose.

After wiping his face, he angrily stared up at the sky, the rain showing no signs of stopping.

He hated Rain country.

He wanted to go home.

Naruto woke up with a sharp intake of breath. He slowly stood up and tried to get his bearings, his eyes settling on his teacher and teammate in one. If there was one thing to be said about Uchiha Itachi, it was that he was a slave driver.

"Again." He ordered.

"But won't I be too tired if we're attacked?" Naruto asked.

"We won't be. Again."

Naruto scoffed. It's true, they were unlikely to be ambushed in the middle of Fire country, but still, he couldn't help but be on edge a little bit.

"But we've been at it since morning! Can't we take a little break? It's already noon!"

Itachi looked mildly annoyed at him.

"Our duty is to protect the village and to crush its enemies. You have double the burden of everyone else. As Jinchuuriki, you have to be the weapon that finds the heart of the opposition."

Naruto felt anger rise in him.

"But I'm a kid! Can't I be one instead of training all the time and going to war?!" Itachi's eyes softened at his outburst. He stepped in front of Naruto and hugged him in a brotherly fashion. Naruto hugged him back with tears in his eyes.

"I'm sorry Naruto. I wish that could be possible, but for both of us, our duty is clear and vital. I wish I could let you be young, but you must keep going. For the village. For our team. For me." Itachi then stepped back to his original position. Naruto wiped his eyes and steeled his heart. For the village. For their team. For Itachi-sensei.

"Don't be afraid. If the Kyuubi chakra is too much to handle, I will knock you out with a genjutsu immediately. You just focus on keeping it in check." Naruto nodded at his sensei's words. He calmed his breathing down and felt for the chakra inside him, trying to pull it out as he had done today many times. The problem wasn't summoning it but retaining control. He focused on his gut until he felt the chakra, then grasped hard…

But then he felt the world vanish around him, as the seal pulled him in. When he opened his eyes, he found himself in an empty sewer.

"Huh?" His voice echoed in the unnerving tunnel. In both directions, pitch-black darkness stared back at him. With not knowing what to do, he started going in a random direction, torches on the walls being lit as he neared them and snuffed out as he passed.

He didn't need to walk far, as he found himself staring at an impossibly high cage, with bars twice as thick as he was, sealed by a flimsy-looking paper with a single kanji on it. He walked closer until he felt the whole sewer rumble, with hot air coming from the cage. He felt light tremors under his feet as he was rooted in place by instincts that told him running would be pointless, and he would be better off accepting whatever was that awaited him.

"So, you were the one who has been my jailer and warden these past years. A pleasure to finally meet you." With these words the Nine-Tailed fox made his appearance before Naruto, staring down at him behind the bars.

Naruto was really proud that he didn't collapse right then and there. It was bigger than he could've imagined, with nine menacing tails swishing behind it lazily. With a puff of hot air, he settled down to be on a somewhat eye-level with the young Jinchuuriki.

"As I understand it is good manners to greet the other when they have greeted you." Naruto gulped.

"Y-Yeah…Hi, I'm Namikaze Naruto." The fox chuckled.

"You have to forgive me for not giving my name as well, but we Bijuu are sensitive about matters such as that. However, it is quite fortunate you came here when you did."

"How so?" Naruto asked, now curious. Did the beast want something?

"I felt you trying to control my chakra, so I presume you intend to utilize it in future battles, yes? If so, I have a proposition for you." The beast rumbled.

"Uh-huh. Sure. I can imagine what kind would that be." Naruto crossed his arms. The Kyuubi seemed unfazed.

"You can decline if you so wish. However, I had spoken to Uzumaki Mito and Uzumaki Kushina, making a deal with them as I do now, and both have accepted without much protest. After all, both had much to gain from a pact between us, as will you also."

"You talked to mom?! How was she? What was she like? Did you really kill her?!" He shouted the questions in rapid succession. A warning rumble came from behind the bars, shutting him up.

"Please, do not interrupt me. You can voice any questions you might have after I have told you what I wish to."

"Sorry." Naruto meekly replied.

"Now, for the proposition. I am aware that ours is not the only seal on your body. I am also aware of what it does and what fate awaits you as the bearer. I am able to stop that fate from happening."

Naruto's eyes widened and opened his mouth, but quickly shut it. The fox smiled.

"Now, there is just a small problem. By doing so, I would only worsen my own situation, and I am sure you can imagine, that is not at all what I want. And so, I propose a solution to our problems that might arise in the future. I will not stop what is coming, however, I will give you unrestricted access to my power, to use it as you see fit, and also teach you the best method of utilizing it. Furthermore, when our time together is at its end, you will not fight my escape."

Naruto didn't know what to think. The choice was very hard, but he reasoned that if the beast intervened with the other seal, he could still learn how to use the Kyuubi's chakra without its assistance. He opened his mouth, but the fox smiled wider and talked before the boy could.

"Ah, I can see what you are thinking. I am sorry, but I have to shatter some of your illusions. If you choose the first option, then my chakra will be inaccessible to you. Try as you might I will not give you anything beyond what this wretched seal compels me to do so. You could loosen the seal of course, but then you give me more influence, and so I will deny you at every possibility imaginable. And that sounds like a lot of work for a droplet of power, does it not?"

Naruto's words got caught in his throat and the Bijuu couldn't help but let out a booming laugh.

"This is my proposition! Power or Fate! The choice is entirely yours. You can also let things stay as they are, but what would that achieve? And so, you have three avenues to pursue. What will you choose, I wonder, and what will your reasoning be? There is no reason to rush your choice. We are here for some time after all, so I will give you one year to decide. If you give me no answer I will consider our deal over. However, if you do…I am looking forward to working together, to whatever end it might be, Warden." Naruto nodded at his words.

"Okay…So…Did you kill my mom?!" He shouted again. The Kyuubi deigned one annoyed look, then closed his eyes.

"Hey! Did you hear me?!" No reaction.

"You said I could ask questions when you're done!" The beast opened one eye.

"I believe I said you could voice your questions. To answer, however, I am not inclined. Maybe after you have decided on an answer to our deal."

Naruto grit his teeth.

"Fine. How do I get out of here then?"

"So eager to leave…if you wish to do so, then go. But one more thing. Do not mention the contents of our conversation to neither your teammates nor your captain. If you do, there will be no deal, so just say I threatened you like the big bad fox I am. Until we meet again, Warden…"

With that, he felt being thrown out of the seal and found himself lying down, on a bed that could only be one in their tent, judging by its hardness.

He opened his eyes, to see one of his teammates sitting by his bed, Inuzuka Hana, the fledging medic and tracking expert.

"Hey, kiddo. Slept well?" She asked with a smile.

"How long was I out?" Naruto asked, rubbing his eyes.

"Just fifteen minutes, actually. What happened to you, anyway? My scans told me there was nothing wrong with you physically." She asked concerned.

"Well…The Kyuubi spoke to me. It pulled me into the seal, or did I pull myself by accident? I'm not sure."

Hana was immediately on guard.

"What did it say?!"

"It-well, it just threatened me…and said he wants to eat me!" He hoped she would buy it. Fortunately, he looked like a boy who was afraid, rather than someone lying. Hana looked concerned.

"You have to tell taichou, and we'll have to send a report to Hokage-sama. They have to know that the fox can speak to you."

"Yeah. Where is he, by the way? Kakashi-taichou, I mean."

"He and Uchiha-san went out on a patrol to ensure that no attack would come while you're unconscious. They'll be back soon I imagine."

Naruto looked around the tent, noticing that the fifth and last member of their team was nowhere to be seen.

"Where's Hyuuga-san?" He asked. Hana looked happier a little bit.

"He finally recovered his vision. That flashbang he received was no joke, but he pulled through, fortunately. He is taking a walk, I think, now that he can appreciate the scenery again."

"So we'll leave soon?" He asked, nearly jumping out of his bed.

"If there is nothing wrong with you, then we'll leave for the Kusa border outpost in two days."

"Kusa?"

"Yeah, the loss of Ame to Iwa was a big blow, so Hokage-sama wants to win over Kusa to our cause. It would give us the upper hand, so that's where we go to act as poster boys for the cream of the crop. I had hoped to remain here for a little bit…"

Hana looked nervous, so he thought about what she could be waiting for.

"Wait…Will the freshly churned out genin be posted here?" It was the class of Naruto's age group and if he remembered correctly…

"Yeah. We're still short of ninja, so they have no choice. My little brother Kiba is among them. It's safe here, and they will only be doing menial tasks to help the fighting body. But still…I worry you know. About anything that could happen. And with the rumors that the Tsuchikage hired some mercenary group… " She was wringing her hands together.

Naruto reached out and took one of her hands into his. Hers were bigger than his own, but the gesture was not lost. She squeezed his hand with a half-nervous smile on her face.

The tent's flap moved, and Hyuuga Hizashi stepped in.

"Ah, Namikaze-san. I see that you're alright." He said after a short bow.

"Good to see you up too, Hyuuga-san!" Said Naruto. The doujutsu user turned to Hana.

"Shall I inform the captain and Uchiha-san about Naruto's condition? They are due to arrive back in a few minutes."

"Yes, please. We'll wait for you here." She answered, and the Hyuuga left after bowing again. Hana turned back to Naruto.

"Now, how about I do one more scan, just to be safe?"

"Sure."

They were running through the woods at the maximum speed they could in Waterfall country to deliver provision and supply routes to the border outpost, who will relay it to another outpost and so on until it reached Konoha. It was information they couldn't let the enemy get a hold of, but they all knew the risks.

Naruto was in the middle of their formation as the most important member of the team, in the back was Kakashi acting as rear guard, to his right Hyuuga Hizashi, Byakugan active and searching for anything. To his left ran Inuzuka Hana with her dogs, and finally in the front Uchiha Itachi leading the charge.

"Hey kid, sure you can keep up?" Naruto looked to the left, where the lone woman of the group was.

"Hey! Why couldn't I?" He answered irritated.

"Because you're seven."

"And six months!"

"My point still stands." By this time Naruto could see every member of the team was paying attention to him.

"I'm fine. We can keep going." Hana sighed at his answer.

"But you will tell us when you can't, right?"

"Yeah, yeah, let's just g-"

Suddenly everybody stopped when Hizashi held his hand up, signing a silent message to Kakashi:

'Enemy full platoon of Chuunin and Jonin. Southeast.'

They weren't alone, it seems. Their captain immediately switched positions with Itachi and faced the direction of the enemy ninja Hizashi relayed.

'How far?' He asked Hizashi, still silent.

'Out of sensory range.' He answered. Kakashi looked contemplative for a while.

' Have they noticed us?'

'No.'

Kakashi quickly signalled a code.

'214'

At that Itachi immediately sped through hand signs too fast Naruto to see, preparing to catch those who came close in powerful masking Genjustu.

"Everyone, suppress your chakra and hide in the bushes around. Hizashi, no Byakugan. Hana, reign in your dogs. We'll take the chance that they didn't see us."

When they hid, Naruto slowly inched closer to Hana and pressed his mouth to her ear.

"Couldn't we fight them?" He whispered as quietly as he could.

"A full platoon? No chance, same for sneaking further away. Now quiet and mask your chakra." She whispered back, barely audible.

Naruto grit his teeth. He held them back, he knew it, just like he always did in fights. In any battle the Iwa ninja went for him even though they didn't know his Jinchuuriki status because he was the most obvious target, so he was forced to kill, and forced to hide behind his teammates when he was overwhelmed. While it's true that he saw himself improving, but he had to rely on others too much.

And this was away from the worst of the fighting.

He hated it. He shouldn't even be here, but at least he would like to feel useful now that he is. But they always had to hold back, always look out for him as well.

He only wondered when that will cost one of his teammates their lives. He saw it happen, he knows it can happen to the best such as Kakashi and Itachi.

He could only grit his teeth and shut up.

The Kyuubi's offer went through his mind. They haven't spoken since, but it was a constant thing he thought about. The power that he could get from it. And once he had power, he could hone it with skill and experience, but he needed the power to do something. Yet, the price was too steep.

He hadn't declined yet, though.

The Iwa ninja drew close. Not too close, so it seemed they would pass them by, but then, they seemingly stopped for no reason. Then they heard multiple footsteps coming their way, finally coming to a stop 10 feet away, caught in Itachi's Genjutsu without knowing it. He felt his breathing speed up as adrenaline flooded his system until he felt Hana's hand on his shoulder and the touch calmed him down. The Iwa ninja talked about inane things while relieving themselves around various trees, oblivious to the team of Konoha ninja huddled under an illusion.

The seconds crawled by. Naruto knew well what happens if they are found. He saw that around him, everyone was tense, ready to move if need be.

In and out, just keep quiet, no movements, make no noise to give them away.

He wasn't going to cause his team's death. Not now, not ever.

In and out, some of the ninjas started to leave, finally. He wanted to fidget, to move, but he stopped himself. Itachi released the genjutsu on those leaving, them not even noticing the technique. Just goes to show how good he was.

Finally, all of them left but they didn't move out of the bush. The ninjas rejoined the main force and the platoon started to move, back to Iwagakure.

They waited for a few minutes still, when they allowed themselves to move out of their hiding spot. Naruto was the first to speak, still quieter than usual.

"What the hell were those guys doing here? They didn't look too battle-ready for those in the lands of Konoha's allies!"

"No…They didn't." Said their captain, deep in thought.

"This big of a force doesn't pass through unnoticed." Remarked Hizashi.

"No, it doesn't."

"So, what do we do?" Asked Hana. Kakashi looked at them all.

"We have one more piece of information to deliver to Hokage-sama."

Naruto didn't like to see the Hokage angry. Even though he was old, he scared him when he looked at people with eyes that could freeze the blood inside of them.

Right now, the report they handed in of the Iwa platoon in Waterfall was receiving the end of that gaze.

"Naruto-kun." Spoke the Hokage in a low tone. The Jinchuuriki stepped forward.

"As of today, you will begin a full apprenticeship under Orochimaru." Naruto shuddered. He remembers the Snake Sannin. His hand went to scratch his neck, and when he turned back, noticed that Hana did the same. The rest of his team only had a strange glint in their eyes, but they all felt it, just as he did.

"You have a half a year to be battle-ready to be deployed on the front lines. Understood?"

"Yes, Hokage-sama."

"Good. As for the rest of the team, you will be broken up while Naruto trains to pursue various objectives. You will get them three hours from now. Until then, dismissed."

They left the room, leaving only the ageing Hokage and the Kyuubi Jinchuuriki in the room. Hiruzen made a signal, and an ANBU dropped down.

"Get me Orochimaru, tell him he has no time to waste."

"Yes, Hokage-sama." The ANBU was gone. The Third turned to Naruto.

"I understand the Kyuubi spoke to you."

"It has."

"Good. Try to tame or coerce the beast. You will need to master its power as much as you can in the following period. I'm not asking that you become an S-rank or even an A-rank ninja. You will have your team, one of the best, so all you need to be is strong enough for the upcoming battles on the frontline. Because we will need you, Naruto-kun."

'Need the Kyuubi you mean. If anybody else would hold him, it would be the same to you, huh?' Naruto couldn't help thinking.

"Of course, Hokage-sama. I will do my best."

"Good. Don't forget Danzo's training."

"I won't Hokage-sama."

Then, the same ANBU dropped from the ceiling.

"Orochimaru-sama is here to see you, Hokage-sama." The masked ninja said.

"Very well. Dismissed." The ANBU was gone again.

Almost as if on cue, the Sannin stepped in. Coming as fast as his skin and bone body would allow, his black cane tapping lightly against the ground, Orochimaru stepped into the office. His sunken eyes flashing to Naruto, transfixing him in the yellow gaze. Then he turned away to the Hokage.

"Good to see you, sensei." He said in a raspy voice.

"As it is to see you. But I'm afraid we have no time for pleasantries. I called you because young Naruto here will be your student for the next six months. After that time, he will be re-deployed to the front lines. You will ensure that he is ready for such a task. The details will be handed to you later today by an ANBU operative."

The Sannin smiled and looked at Naruto as a hunter at its prey.

"Oh, he will be ready. He will be ready."

A/N: Hello! First of all, yes, this chapter was all over the fucking place, with skips every five seconds, but I needed you to have an idea what's going on. I feel like I need a strong base and I tried to cover as much as I could. More will be revealed on what and how much is different, but this was more of a Prologue than a first chapter, really, also pretty short. There will be beefier chapters where I plan to have more happening, but the chapters will vary in length.

Also, I plan this to be 13 chapters long, no more, no less. I don't know when the updates will come, it will all depend on how much is happening/how long it is. Also, writer's block, bad shit and life, in general, can happen so I don't want to put too much pressure on myself.

If you're intrigued or liked this I'm very happy! If you don't, feel free to let me know about errors I've made (and I mean this throughout the whole story) or things you didn't like.

Thank you so much for reading and have a great day!