Firstly apologies there was a weird bug glitch thing last night, peed me off quite alot, so very sorry. Couldn't upload it tried the work around bah. Stupid thing. Should be fixed now. Long authours note then a very long chapter again apologies.

Hi, right I'm sorry it's late but this chapter was very important to me, I've been umming and ahhing about posting this chapter. It's taken me months to write because I have to get this one right. I'm telling you this because it's an important moment in Naruto's life and I hope I've got it right.

Amy-sama90 this is a looooooooooooooooonger chapter. Lol.

Tutenstein I'm trying to amend Naruto. I see what you mean and hopefully will be able to rectify that.

Tristan76 - You picked out all my favourite bits. I'm still up in the air about pairings. I never thought about that for the orange book lol it's a possibility, your question about cat is almost answered here sorry.

PhoenixWytch I'm still debating Kakashi in this story my minds not made up yet. I have an awesome idea about him and Naruto at Halloween which might be included in this story lol.

Kyukon yes it is a slow flowing story I've mapped out to be about 20 chapters long but I keep adding ideas in so it wil probably expand from that.

if I do I will try.

Hope that makes sense I've printed out the reviews so I can take into account what you've all said. Sorry if it's not quite right I'm sure there are mistakes in here.

If I missed your review I'm sorry.

Naruto's eight this chapter.

Thank you for the alerts and reviews.

Naruto = flash back

'Naruto' is thoughts/thinking

"Naruto" signing/sign language

"Naruto" speaking.

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto just some DVDs and games.

Hello friend, goodbye friend Chapter 8

A rabbit masked ANBU stood in the tree line watching the Cat masked ANBU and the young blonde who were training in the clearing. He watched as the child gracefully danced around him and landed very Catlike on the ground before turning his stunning blue eyes to stare through the rabbit's mask. Jumping a little in fright at the intensity of the blue eyes the rabbit masked ANBU was shocked when the five year old appeared in front of him.

"That's just a young recruit Naruto, relax" Cat stated

"He's an Uchiha. Right the genius. Itachi Uchiha. It's his eyes, Uchiha's all have the same eyes" Naruto stated.

(Line)

"Hey rabbit, remembering the past again?" Naruto called as he approached the Anbu captain.

"Hare" he automatically corrected.

"You okay? You don't normally watch Cat train." Naruto queried.

"It's not Cat I'm watching Naruto. It's you. I recognise the genius and I want to make sure you don't end up like the rest of us geniuses."

"Unlike you Hare, only a very few people see Naruto as a genius, he lets them see what they want, and that's normally an idiot." Cat stated walking over to the pair. "Go get ready then Naruto." Making sure Naruto was out of hearing range Cat continued "he enjoys spending time with you Itachi, he has great fun with you, but he knows when something's bothering you, train him. I'll watch this time, besides it'll be nice to see a battle of genius." Cat quipped.

It was frustrating trying to keep up with the two, granted he probably shouldn't have told them not to hold back but he couldn't have expected this. Who would have thought an academy student could match up with an anbu. Naruto was so quick and seemed to be making up strategies on the fly to compensate for his lack of experience. He didn't expect Naruto to suddenly freeze though or for Itachi to worriedly pull his mask away from his face and turn to him with sharingan spinning.

Running over to Naruto he realised what had happened. Naruto had looked into Itachi's eyes and got stuck in a genjustu. Pumping chakra into Naruto to break the connection, he managed to keep his balance when Naruto slumped forward into him before regaining his balance.

"Sorry" Naruto said "I didn't mean to look at your eyes. It was my mistake, I apologize." He said worriedly.

"Are you okay?"

"I should be the one apologizing Naruto not you" Itachi stated "I fear I may have gone too far" he started to turn away.

"Itachi I'm fine. It was an accident, please don't go all Uchiha on me please" Naruto begged.

"Naruto he's an Uchiha it's what they do" Cat laughed, turning to the anbu captain. Shaking his head a smirk appeared on Itachi's face before he covered it by pulling his mask down.

"Fine" he replied as he was swarmed by a very energetic Naruto.

(Line)

Nami enjoyed lying on the hokage either on his hat or on his shoulders. He was warm and tended to forget the cat was there most of the time as did the other ninja when they were addressing him. Nami was almost completely hidden by the curtain that fell from the hat apart from the occasional twitching of the tail. Eyes snapping open Nami's head spun round so that it was facing the window ears perked, something bad had happened.

(Line)

Ibiki Morino was walking down the hallways of the hokage building an urgent scroll in hand. He was walking because someone like the head of anbu interrogation and torture did not run and needed to remain dignified at all times. Okay it was slightly fast walking but it was important valuable information which had come with the price of many lives, one of which had just made it back to the village to hand in the scroll before succumbing to his injuries.

Walking past the hokage's secretary (third new one this month he noted) who attempted to splutter a command at him which was shot down by his don't-mess-with-me look thrown over his shoulder and into the hokage's office.

"Sir, you're not going to like this" Ibiki said when he was in the Third's office. The third looked up grim faced as the door to his office closed behind Ibiki.

(Line)

Walking down the corridor of the academy, Ibiki was searching for a classroom; annoyingly he hadn't found it yet. Walking past yet another door in his rush, he realised he had just passed the room he was searching for. Yanking open the door he was met by a disgruntled Iruka who he'd interrupted mid flow, stepping in he scanned the room, knowing that the person he was looking for was normally in this class. He scanned the class briefly before turning to Iruka.

"Where's Naruto?"

"He's not here yet is everything alright?" Iruka enquired. Ibiki shook his head.

"Well where is he then?"

"Down the hall on the right. Ibiki, why do you need to find Naruto so badly?"
Sighing he placed his hand on the bridge of his nose and rubbed. "To be the bearer of bad news". He replied turning and walking out the door.

(Line)

Sitting in the middle of the classroom surrounded by his year mates, Naruto suddenly perked up, ramrod straight head turned to the window, pen dangling from his hand, the notes he had been taking forgotten. His eyes held a vacant but worried expression. He knew something was wrong. That something had happened; he'd had a bad feeling for a while now.

Across the room from his slumped seat, Shikamaru noticed Naruto's current state, recognising it as when a cat knew something was up, he looked out the window wondering what it was.

Suddenly the door burst open to reveal a large imposing ninja with scars covering his face; a black bandana covered the top of his head. He was dressed in grey ninja garb with a black trench coat on top. He scanned the room quickly; sliding past the still shocked teacher made his way up the stairs and stopped a few feet in front of Naruto.

The entire class' attention swivelled to Naruto and the bear of the man in front of him. No one dared breathe a word so imposing was the figure.

Naruto had watched as Ibiki entered the classroom, he didn't want to know why the head of ANBU was here, but he knew something bad happened. He watched as Ibiki made his way up the stairs and stopped a few feet in front of him. He looked up searching his face for the answer he didn't want to know.

Bending to one knee Ibiki was know level with Naruto he masked his face better than anyone and knew Naruto wouldn't find the answers there.

"Naruto. I'm very sorry to have to tell you this." He began seeing the boy's eyes begin to water he reached into his back poach and pulled out, a slightly battered but familiar cat mask.

Naruto began to shake his head vigorously, not wanting to believe what he was being told. Ibiki handed Naruto the mask, waiting for the reaction he was sure would be coming.

"No. No. No, this can't be happening. No, No, No"

"Please no" Naruto cried tears falling down his face as he held the mask delicately in his hands.

"Naruto he wanted you to have that mask" Ibiki stated watching as the boy fell apart in the classroom.

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" he screamed, his face turning to Ibiki tears still flowing down his cheeks. Ibiki engulfed the boy in his arms hoping to quell the boy's tears. He picked the broken child up and proceeded to leave the classroom.

- Sensei what happened –

- Why was that man here? –

- Why did Naruto react like that? –

"Someone important to him died" Shikamaru answered figuring it out when the mask had been revealed. "He was being told someone important in his life is gone and he reacted like that because he's angry and sad and doesn't want to believe it. How would you react if one of your loved ones died?" he stated turning back to the window.

(Line)

Iruka heard Naruto's anguished cry along with the rest of his class turning to the door he watched as Ibiki carried a wailing Naruto past, he caught a glimpse of white in Naruto's hand and when he looked up to Ibiki he received a nod of confirmation before the figure disappeared from the doorway. He sagged into his seat shock evident on his face. The class who had been worried before were even more so now after seeing Naruto in that state who wouldn't be. Before they could utter a sound, Iruka looked at them his face solemn. Kenta ran and closed the door.

"What is it Sensei?" he voiced the question the entire class wanted answered.

"Naruto just lost a very important person in his life. He'll be hurting for a while and probably will not be around a lot."

"So we give him space and show him we're there if he needs us right?" the girl who normally shared a desk with Naruto stated. Iruka just nodded.

(Line)

Ibiki walked to the front of the academy with the still wailing Naruto in his arms, he joined the group of four ANBU waiting there nodding to them they teleported away. Turning he looked up at Naruto's classroom window and nodded to the children staring out of it before teleporting away.

He appeared at the base of the hokage tower, Naruto's wails had turned into body wreaking sobs, and he ascended the stairs to the hokage's office.

Making his way into the office he was glad to see Lady Sarutobi there with the third and the honourable grandson was reading on the floor he would notice Naruto instantly.

"It's your fault." Naruto whispered "its your fault if you hadn't sent him he'd still be alive it's your FAULT. I hate you!" He screamed at the hokage tears streaming down his face he pointed an accusing finger at the man before storming away from the room. Asuma who was just entering the room almost collided with the storming Naruto, having taken one glance at the room and turning to the team he accompanied, apologised and ran after Naruto.

He eventually tracked Naruto down to the hokage monument, he was on top of the fourth's head sat down with his knees pulled up to his chest and tears streaking down his face. Asuma walked over to Naruto and placed himself next to him on the ground; he pulled out a cigarette and lit it looking up at the sky he waited. He was just about to finish his cigarette when he faintly heard Naruto speak. Flicking away his cigarette he pulled out another one before leaning in closer to the blonde.

"Why are you here Asuma?" Naruto weakly asked.

"I'm worried about you, when I saw you barrelling out of the old man's office, after screaming at him. You're not normally like that, what's got you in such a state?" he questioned. He got his answer when Naruto pulled away from his legs and allowed the cat mask he had been cradling to show. Quickly figuring out what had happened the older ninja didn't know what to do. Placing his newly lit cigarette in his mouth and picking up the mask he scooped Naruto up in his arms and held him both looking out at the village.

Leaning back against the strong body behind him Naruto mustered enough courage to start talking.

"The old man shouldn't have sent him away. If he hadn't he'd still be here."

"He wouldn't have asked Cat to go if he didn't think someone else could do better."

"It's his job Naruto. He has to send people out. Did you ever think how hard it is for him having to send people out knowing that some of them wont make back to the village. Sending your friends and family and loved ones out on mission and just hoping they'll come back. Could you do that?"

"No I wouldn't want to lose them." Naruto confided. "But Cat's gone Asuma" he turned so that he was facing Asuma. He tried to hold back the tears without prevail, causing Asuma to pull him into a comforting hug.

"Why did he leave?" Naruto asked.

"He didn't mean to, Naruto. But a shinobi's job is dangerous, there's always the chance that you may not come back".

"So why do it? Why become a shinobi if there's a chance that you'll leave your loved ones behind?" Naruto cried as he fought back tears.

"Because they want to protect their precious ones. Because being a shinobi means protecting the village. Do you remember what you said to me about the king?" Asuma whispered into Naruto's ear.

"That the king isn't either the daimyo or the hokage; it's the children who will grow up to bear Konoha upon their shoulders." Naruto whispered

"Shinobi give their lives so that the next generation can grow and pass on the hopes and dreams to the next generation to make a better strong Konoha".

"The will of fire" Naruto said with tears brimming in his eyes.

(Line)

Asuma made his way to the hokage tower just as the sky was turning an amazing hue of pink and orange, carrying a worn out Naruto back to the old man.

Making his way up the stairs he decided against taking Naruto back to the old man. He was still too raw and angry at him, he continued walking past the office to the part of the tower where the hokage residence was situated. Cutting through the kitchen he made his way past Sayuri, she was helping Konohamaru prepare dinner, he'd just made it into the living room and laid Naruto down when he felt a shadow over his shoulder. Turning his head he saw the old man teetering in the doorway, tucking a blanket around Naruto he turned to face the man.

"He's not happy with you, old man." He stated.

"It was meant to be a simple mission. Well simple for an anbu mission anyway."

"And in typical fashion it went bad. How do you explain that to a boy who doesn't quite understand the concept of life and death? He knows you're the reason Cat got sent on that mission he automatically blames you." Asuma's voice started to rise as he moved away from Naruto.

"I'm hokage it's my job to send ninja's out of the village!"

"why him you had to know how it would affect Naruto!"

"Because there was no one else who could go it was his skill set that was required and he was the only one left with that required skill set. Do you really think it's easy knowing that I'm sending people off to their death never knowing if they are going to come back alive or not sending you and Sayuri out hoping that you'll come back for the sake of the boys. My job isn't easy or fun Asuma but I have to protect this village if it cost ninjas their lives then that is the burden I must carry. He will understand that as will you someday." He stormed back towards his office passing Sayuri and Konohamaru in the doorway.

"You really care for Naruto Asuma" Sayuri said hugging Asuma close.

"I need to cool off I'll see you later" he said kissing the top of Sayuri's head moving out of her arms he ruffled Konohamaru's hair and made his way out of the tower.

"Momma" Konohamaru called. "Why's Naruto so sad?"

"Well Konohamaru he's lost his most precious person. He can never speak to them again."

"Like Daddy" he asked

"Yes like daddy" Sayuri replied clutching her hand to her heart.

"But he's still got me. And you too momma you've still got me" Konohamaru stated showing that he took after Naruto in wisdom.

(Line)

The rain battered the crowd that had come to pay their respects to their fallen comrades. The mission had been completed but at a high price. Cat had been training an ANBU recruit, his protégé, who today received his mask, a turtle.

The Turtle masked Anbu gazed at the child it was terrible seeing the child so despondent, not the child Cat had talked about constantly. He knew that Cat cared deeply about Naruto Uzumaki and that he needed a chance to say goodbye. It didn't bother him that he would not receive the anbu cat mask knowing that it was Naruto's and always would be from then on.

Naruto's solemn figure stood next to the hokage as the rain poured around them his eyes cast downward and the rain mixing with his tears he felt so broken, his eyes were vacant and dull it scared people who knew him to see him like this.

The hokage looked down at Naruto through the pouring rain. It was only right that Naruto came to Cat's funeral but it scared him just how broken he was. Naruto clutched the mask tight in his arms he didn't want to look up knowing that Cat's face would be revealed. He was an ANBU you weren't supposed to know who they were.

The other ANBU watched as the Blonde boy walked over to the white stone and gently kissed his white rose and placing it just as gently on the stone. He didn't move for awhile his head bowed and his body shaking from his sobs, it would take a lot before that child was whole again.

"You promised you would come back. I'm glad you kept your promise but I need you back not just your body. I don't want to say good bye Cat, I can't. it's not fair! I need you here with me. please Cat! Why'd you have to go?" he started as a whisper which turned into shouting before coming back to sobbing.

"WHY'D YOU GIVE ME THE MASK CAT? I DON'T WANT IT WITH OUT YOU HERE TOO!" He flung the cat mask away in his anger "PLEASE CAT I NEED TO KNOW. I need you" he sobbed falling to his knees.

The turtle masked anbu was the one to walk forward along with rabbit. Rabbit picked up the mask while turtle made his way over to Naruto.

"He loved you very much Naruto, if he wasn't with you he wouldn't shut up about you. You were his everything that's why he gave you his mask because you meant everything to him. It's his way of showing it" he knelt at Naruto's level " I hope to see the Naruto that Cat spoke about so often" he said giving Naruto a sealed envelope.

The third scooped Naruto up and held him tight as more tears continued to fall, Rabbit handed him the fallen cat mask he bowed his head in prayer and then left the funeral. The rest of the anbu dispersed when Naruto left, with just Turtle, Rabbit and Ibiki left. Ibiki walked over to the two anbu he bowed his head and ran his hand across the stone.

"He's broken and it'll take a long time for him to heal. Be careful." He ordered before disappearing. The two masked Anbu looked at each other then turned back to their fallen mentor.

(Line)

"Naruto you know at school you come across all quiet and shy. You're a genius who doesn't want to be a genius but acting like an idiot isn't going to solve your problems."

"That's because I'm uncomfortable in class it's not like I have a mask to hide behind." He gestured at the cat mask the anbu was wearing "Besides I'm not acting like an idiot that's just how they see me amongst other things." He sighed.

"Naruto what else do they say?" Cat warned.

"Monster or trouble, they think I'm a bad kid. I know I should say something but I don't want to worry mum. I want to be able to handle my own problems without relying on the old man. Please don't tell him Cat I can handle it."

"It's breaking the law Naruto"

"No they're not. They aren't telling me that I have a demon sealed inside me by the fourth the night I was born, Cat. They are voicing their opinion. They think I'm a monster because of the demon. Do you really think they'd believe that someone like me could be a genius, no they'd think it was that stupid fox. I just need to figure out a way to handle this on my own. I would've been alone if mum hadn't kept insisting, you know."

"Naruto... ...I... ...how long have you known? And how much do you know?" Cat whispered shocked by the blonde's admission.

"Nightmares, Cat and a lot, I'm just not ready to reveal that I know it yet. Cat I know you don't tell grandan everything it's not your mission to, please don't tell him, he'll figure it out when he's ready just like everybody else."

"You don't have to go through it alone Naruto..."

"I'm not I've got you." Naruto smiled up at Cat.

That was about halfway through school Cat confronted Naruto. Naruto remembered it perfectly only a few people had ever called him a genius, and he loved Cat so much for keeping quiet about everything he had said that day. But he missed him now and didn't know what he was supposed to do now, his best friend was gone.

(Line)

Naruto had been distant since the funeral, he'd shied away from people more often than he used to, and he'd gone back to being quiet and always seemed lost. The mask accompanied him everywhere as did the envelope that the ANBU had given him.

Sat on the top of the hokage's head Naruto looked out over the village the cat mask held in his hands, turning his head slightly when he heard the feet approaching him. The rabbit masked anbu made his way over to the blonde figure who's feet were dangling off the edge of the monument, moving his mask to the side of his head he lowered himself to sit next to Naruto. Itachi looked at Naruto this was the first time in weeks that Naruto had been by himself and not almost back to his quiet self.

"Naruto I want to talk to you about something" Itachi encroached.

"Hnn"

"You'd make a terrible Uchiha Naruto" Itachi chuckled. "You know what's happened in the Uchiha district right?" he questioned.

"Kind of" Naruto enlightened

"I lost my best friend, and it hurt, but you know what helps me is the fact that I have a little brother who loves me and when I see his innocent face I realise that he's the reason I'm strong, that I care so much because of him. He's the reason we have to keep on going Naruto. You have a little brother too and he loves you more than anything. Right now I'm going to make some good memories of our time together. Be good Naruto." Itachi said walking away from the edge of the monument and returning his rabbit mask to cover his face.

Naruto looked at the mask in his hand then out over the village, with a determined look taking over his features Naruto placed his beloved mask on his face and moved it to the right so it was sitting on the side of his head. Standing up he brushed his clothes down then threw himself off the top of the monument. The wind whistling through his hair and the sensation of flying was amazing he angled his body so that he could land properly; as he landed he looked around before taking off in the direction of home.

Konohamaru was in the nursery garden when Naruto appeared in the doorway watching him paint. Turning Konohamaru saw Naruto standing in the doorway watching him.

"Want to help me paint?" Konohamaru said with a devilish smirk.

"Okay" Naruto replied before being splattered by yellow paint straight up the front of his shirt and a rather large portion which landed on his face, that was flung at him by his little brother, who then turned tail and ran giggling in glee. Grabbing the blue paint Naruto ran after him flinging paint with greater accuracy at him.

(Line)

Naruto saw Itachi as he walked down the street if he remembered correctly he'd just had a meeting with the hokage and the elders. Running to catch up to the solemn figure just as he reached the lone figure he found himself face to face with the spinning eyes of the sharingan. Itachi realising that it was Naruto who had run up to him and that in his conflicted state he had activated his sharingan, widening his eyes he dissolved his sharingan and kneeled down to Naruto's level and grabbed him by the shoulders he shook Naruto roughly until his eyes focused on him.

"Don't do anything stupid Itachi" Naruto whispered eyes watering as he realised that something bad was going to happen.

'It's too late for that' Itachi thought before knocking Naruto out, catching the falling boy he placed him over his shoulder and teleported to the hokage tower.

(Line)

The third was facing out the window when Asuma came in carrying an unconscious Naruto turning around he was shocked when he saw Naruto.

"What happened to Naruto?" the third feigned shock having an idea as to what had happened.

"I found him outside the tower, lucky I was in the area I suppose, there's no external bruising not that I'd know if he'd been hurt with his advanced healing ability." Asuma summarised.

"Send for Doctor Yori Takumi just to check, have him go to the family rooms in the tower and take Naruto there too. Sayuri and Konohamaru should already be there I believe." The third said dismissing his son. Turning back to the window the third frowned in thought.

'Itachi what did you do to Naruto? Something terrible is about to happen.' He sighed, his ever present pipe no longer in his mouth. Eyes narrowing he turned quickly with his robes flying behind him he stormed down to the secret council chambers slamming the doors open he found Danzo and his two councillors along with Itachi Uchiha who had Sasuke lying unconscious on the floor between them in the chamber.

Growling out his anger he demanded to know what was going on here. Nami slyly opened one eye, from his perch on the hokage's hat.

"Calm down Hiruzen, we've just settled the Uchiha problem for you." Danzo smirked triumphantly

"Here before you are the last two surviving members of the Uchiha clan" Homura Mitokado stated pointing towards the two boys.

"Even if there was supposed to be only one." Koharu Utatane stated in anger. "One boy is not worth more than the village.

"I wanted a peace solution to this matter not a massacre!" he shouted realising that they had gone behind his back as leader of the village.

"Lord hokage, it was the only way, they would not have listened to reason, they were too far gone in their plan and hatred towards you and the village it was the only way to assure the safety of the village."

"Please lord Hokage I beg you keep Sasuke safe as you do with your own family please he doesn't need to know of the plot just please keep him safe. Promise me as long as you live he will be safe."

"I promise he will be safe, no one will know of what truly happened tonight." The third promised.

"And you Danzo are not to harm Sasuke in any way or I will reveal everything I know about Konoha and its secrets to enemy countries is that understood" he threatened the elder war veteran.

"Fine" Danzo muttered darkly

"But what do you expect to tell the village?" Koharu asked

"Tell them I turned rogue and lost faith in my clan."

"Very well you are now a missing Nin of Konoha and will be treated as such."

"Lord Hokage" he bowed his head dissolving into a flock of ravens. Turning to the remaining members of the room the third unleashed his anger upon them.

"you will not ever go behind my back or my orders again as Hokage of this village is that understood!" he growled venomously at them while unleashing copious amounts of killing intent. Watching the colour drain from their faces he stooped down and picked up the last remaining Uchiha and made his way out of the chambers.

"It's a good thing he doesn't know about the laws surrounding the demon container then." Danzo smirked, eyeing the two councillors with mirth.

Walking down the corridor the third summoned his ANBU.

"Put out a high alert Itachi Uchiha has massacred his entire clan save for his brother and is making his escape. The district needs to be cornered off and a team sent out to find and catch Itachi. I'll take Sasuke to the hospital." He growled still seething at the betrayal lies he would have to tell to cover up this.

(Line)

Sayuri sat beside Sasuke's bed watching over him. He'd been unconscious for a week since the incident and had to be put back under when he awoke screaming. She'd been sat by him ever since. Running her hand through his jet black hair, she worriedly checked his temperature, which was still feverous. Finding a flannel she wet it then placed it caringly over his head trying to cool him down. Looking up at the IV drip she watched as magically the nurse came in and changed it. While the nurse changed his IV another nurse brought his dinner in and smiled at Sasuke while bowing to Lady Sarutobi. Glaring at the door that the nurses had left through she turned to find that she was staring straight in to onyx coloured eyes. Blinking slowly Sasuke turned his head back towards the ceiling before trying to sit up. Sayuri carefully moved so that she could move him into a sitting position. He glared at her after she helped him to sit up. Sighing she pulled his dinner round to him and poured him a glass of water which he promptly gulped down.

"You've had us quite worried Sasuke". The third said as he entered the room. "You've been out for three weeks. My daughter-in-law Sayuri hasn't moved from your side the entire time. She'll be here if there is anything you need". Turning to Sayuri he continued "Naruto woke up the day after the incident he's fine and helping Konohamaru paint the garden red". He said giving Sayuri's shoulder a squeeze before he left.

"I'm not here because of orders Sasuke; I'm here because I care. I'll be over here if you need anything." She pointed to the chair in the corner of the room. Sasuke nodded his head and picked at his food. His clan was gone and he'd been out of it for three weeks, it was all Itachi's fault, the man would pay.

(Line)

The class had been told to invite their family for family day the following day, Naruto how ever didn't know how to do that, his grandfather was busy running the village constantly doing paper work, and having meetings. No he was far too busy. Uncle Asuma was busy too he was due back from a mission later today and would need to rest for a while. Mum was starting to go on missions again as well as visiting the orphanage and helping the children there and not to forget Konohamaru he was being looked after by mum as well or with grandpa. There was no-one he could ask, not that he should feel bad Sasuke had no-one either, though mum did try to help him through it, he'd become a lot colder. It was decided then he wouldn't mention it to them he'd just have a nice dinner with them altogether, making his way out the school building. Looking up he saw Asuma leaning against the school gates a cigarette dangling loosely from his lips he was slightly dirty from his mission but didn't look in any pain.

Making his way over to the swing as he normally would he waited for the other parents to greet and chat with Asuma as he would if his mum came and collected him. He liked the swing yes it isolated him but he didn't mind, the swing was referred to as his swing as he was the only one who ever went on it, more so now Cat wasn't here.

He looked up when a shadow fell over him. Iruka smiled down at him.

"It's family day tomorrow who are you going to ask?" he asked

"They're all kinda busy I didn't think it would be fair to ask. Iruka sensei did you invite your parents to parents day?"

"Yeah I did they're ninjas so they were really busy but then so were most of the other children's parents so a few might have come along but not for very long. They died soon after and I never quite came to terms with that. You should ask them anyway in case they can come. Everyone in the academy is involved so you can't really hide from all the parents and family there anyway."

"Sorry Iruka sensei" Naruto whispered so that Iruka almost couldn't hear. 'What the...? How does he know?' he thought in shock.

"Hey kiddo ready to go" Asuma smirked. He'd watched the interaction between the two he saw the array of emotions running across Iruka's face and decided now would be a good time to interrupt. Jumping off from the swing Naruto bowed to Iruka and then walked next to Asuma out the academy gates.

"I thought you weren't due back till later today?" Naruto asked Asuma as they walked through the village.

"Finished early, just got back actually" Asuma replied taking another puff on his cigarette "how was school anything interesting happen today?" he asked raising an eyebrow while looking out the corner of his eye at Naruto.

"Nothing much we covered kunai throwing techniques and had a practice test" he shrugged his shoulders

"Really?" he asked scratching at the base of his chin where his beard had grown. 'He's not going to mention family day'. Asuma thought.

"Yup. What's for dinner?" Naruto answered innocently.

"Mum's special" Asuma smirked.

"Awesome" Naruto whooped in joy.

(Line)

Walking down the corridor hand in hand the two individuals made their way down to classroom 5a. Knocking on the door before entering the two figures came into the classroom to find many bewildered faces staring at them. Iruka sensei turned to the two figures stood in his doorway, scratching the scar across his nose nervously.

"Momma I don't think he's here?" the smaller of the two figures stated shaking his head knowingly.

"If you're looking for Naruto he's in 1c." Iruka mentioned

"Thank you sensei, sorry for the interruption." The taller figured bowed before closing the door behind them.

(Line)

Sasuke sat next to his blonde headed idiot, nudged the boy venomously hoping to cause the idiot to cry out when nothing came he looked towards him, to see him shaking his head and continuing his note taking.

Naruto snapped back to his senses when he felt the elbow make connection with his ribs, shaking his head to clear it, he continued making notes. Lucky for him Sasuke had taken a venomous dislike to him since the massacre happened. It was strange he used to be a rival of some sorts and now, Sasuke had to beat him, whether in class or physically. 'I wonder if this is because I met his brother before the massacre happened.' Naruto thought as he copied from the board.

(Line)

The classroom door opened to reveal Konohamaru and Sayuri Sarutobi.

"Sorry we're late, we went to the wrong classroom" Sayuri said blushing in embarrassment.

Konohamaru ran up the stairs and jumped into Naruto's lap instantly showing that he was Naruto's visitor for family day. However following Konohamaru up the stairs Sayuri sat down next to Sasuke shocking almost everyone in the room.

"I didn't want to leave you alone Sasuke, I wanted to make sure that you were okay with being back at school now" Sayuri whispered to Sasuke. Sasuke smirked his lips slightly before composing himself.

"Why'd you not mention it was family day?" Konohamaru asked.

"I didn't want to be a burden besides I thought everyone was busy." Naruto replied sheepishly rubbing the back of his head. "Why'd you go to the wrong classroom?"

"Went to Iruka's first then here, you should really tell us things you know uncle 'Suma reminded mum this morning" Konohamaru giggled. Poking his brother in the chest.

"Maa maa" Naruto replied raising his hand in a familiar sort of way causing all the adults to wonder if he'd been in contact with a certain silver haired ninja.

Konohamaru sat in his big brothers lap trying to figure out how it was that the clone jutsu worked. The adults in the room watched as Naruto rather than doing the work explained to Konohamaru how to complete the work.

"The clone technique creates a copy of the user or objects used by them. They are very versa versatil, Naruto what's that word say?"

"Versatile, it's able to change frequently, basically." Naruto explained

"Oh right, they are very versatile and useful and are often used to distract or fool enemies into thinking they have delivered a critical or fatal blow to the user leaving the enemy vun vul what's this one?"

"Vulnerable, umm open to attack. if you get stuck try sounding the word out"

"'Kay. The basic clone technique uses only chakra to create the clone. There are also clone techniques that transform another person or animal into a clone of the user. Genjutsu can create ill-u-sin-ary clones. This technique creates..."

"Intangible can't be touched" he replied straightening his mask on the side of his head.

"Intangible copies of the user. They are simply illusions and will diss-i-pate what's that mean?"

"Like scatter."

"Dissipate when they come into contact with something. The illusions can be seen through by the Byakugan and the Sharigan. People with normal eyes can also dis-tin-guish

"Can tell the difference, so they can tell the clone from the original"

"Right. Since the clones don't have shadows and will disrupt, that's when you make umm disorder right" seeing Naruto nod his head he continued. "Will disrupt the area themselves with their movement."

"They don't kick up dust or crush grass and things."

Sasuke watched the interaction between the pseudo siblings reminding him of his relationship with his brother he glared angrily at the two. Sayuri sensing the irritation coming from Sasuke simply stated "Don't start thinking like that everyone has their own life to live bad things happen take comfort in the good things.

"So how do I do the hand seals show me ram, snake and tiger please"

"For Ram you place your left hand on top with your left thumb on top and you two fingers pointing up" he repositioned Konohamaru's hands so they were in the correct position "snake put your hands together now fold your fingers and thumbs down with your left thumb on the outside. And tiger place your hands together with your thumbs pointing up now fold down all your fingers but your index they should be pointing up with your thumbs."

"And chakra?" he asked with an innocent smile adoring his face. Wrapping his hands around Konohamaru's hands Naruto released his charka allowing it to trickle into the young boy at the correct amount for the jutsu he said "about this much." Before taking his chakra back.

The clone technique is a basic technique used here in the academy. But I still can't do it." Naruto stated causing all the people listening into the two boys' whispers' to face plant. He could explain it perfectly in notes and demonstrate it but couldn't perform the jutsu.

Please review and let me know what you think.

Thank you very much

Also if my sister reads this I might be dead, she threatened to kill me if I did what I did in this chapter lol. I hope I got it across right and sorry for the tears if you cried.

If I'm still alive see you all next month.