Chapter One - Bloody Beaten Brat
"Naruto Uzumaki, the son of Minato Namikaze and Kushina Uzumaki is against the wall with a few villagers approaching him with weapons such as knives, bats, swords, and everything else a person could use as a weapon. He horrifyingly trembles as the man in the center chuckles with a sinister desire in his eyes. "We will finish what the fourth Hokage started!" the man stated as he prepared to throw a kunai at the scared blond boy. The men charged and Naruto could only scream in utter pain as he was stabbed and beaten repeatedly. What felt like an eternity were only mere moments and when the man in the center announced the final blow to end Naruto's life, a man appeared before the villagers. Feeling the intensity from the anbu's anger, the villagers had taken a few steps back. In that instant, they all dropped. Another man wearing a similar white mask appeared and told Hawk to take the boy to the hospital and that he'll speak to the Hokage. The anbu named Hawk nodded and carefully picked Naruto up bridal style and then vanished. The anbu stood while glaring up at the sky. "I'm sorry Minato... I'm not sure why they're treating Naruto this way." the anbu said before vanishing into thin air.
Hokage's Office
"Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Leaf Village's third Hokage, was sitting at his desk reviewing the large stacks of paperwork that seemed to never leave his desk. Immediately, he stopped and without turning around, he greeted the anbu that sat in the window. "Hello there, Shisui." Hiruzen said. Shisui removed his mask and bowed to the Hokage. "Lord Hokage, I wanted to inform you that Itachi Uchiha has collected Naruto Uzumaki and is bringing him to the hospital as we speak. I'm not sure of all the details, but it seems they nearly broke the rule and thus, Itachi eliminated each of them." Shisui said coldly with slight sadness in his voice. The hokage sat back in his chair as he took a deep sigh. He informs Shisui to have Naruto delivered to my office once the hospital heals his injuries. Shisui nods and then vanishes immediately. Hiruzen stands up and paces towards the open window that Shisui entered through. "I'm sorry Minato... I never expected the village to treat your legacy as they do." Hirzuen mentally thought to himself as he peered out at the village with disgust.
Downtown Hospital
"That boy is the demon! I refuse to treat that monster!" the doctor said with anger and fear in his eyes. Immediately, Hawk pulled his sword and placed it on the doctor's neck. "I've run out of patience with you civilians. Either you will treat his wounds or I'll slaughter this entire hospital for breaking the SS rank secret that Lord Hokage gave." Hawk said with his serious and stern tone. The doctor made eye contact and in a moment he quickly ran to order for the nurses to assist with keeping the boy stable. As Hawk remained silent, another anbu appeared before him. This anbu member had spiky silver hair. "Fang? How can I help you?" Hawk asked with respect returning to his voice. Fang informed Hawk that he came by to check on Naruto and was informed that after a little convincing, the doctors didn't want to argue. Fang chuckled and nodded to Hawk before he vanished. A few hours pass and the doctor exits the blond boy's room and informs the anbu member that he is in stable condition. Hawk nods and proceeds to Naruto's room where he sees both Hiruzen and Crow. Hawk bows to the Hokage and immediately the hokage goes through a series of hand seals and a light blue barrier appears on the walls. "Okay, Snake, Fang, Wood, you can reveal yourself." Hiruzen ordered calmly. A purple haired girl appeared before the ninja, along with both the silver haired man. Another man appeared to morph through the roof and jumped down. Each member of the anbu removed their masks to greet the Hokage. "Listen up, we have a major problem. This is Naruto's tenth assassination this week. It's becoming extremely dangerous for him to live within the village. I've decided to use my rank as law this time around. I want Naruto to be placed in the anbu headquarters." Hiruzen said sternly. Everyone's face went blank after hearing what the hokage said. "Now, each of you offer something valuable to the anbu and thus I'll be giving all of you a slight raise. You all will be teaching and educating Naruto. Each lesson will pay out the equivalent to an S rank mission. When you're not out on missions, you will be training Naruto. For the next 8 years, I want him trained into the ultimate ninja. When he is twelve, I want him enrolled into the academy with the other soon graduates. By doing this, it may allow him to have some friends around his own age. Also, it will put him on a team along with the other genin graduates. Does anyone have any questions?" Hiruzen finally asked after taking a deep breath. Fang spoke up and asked for the purpose of sending Naruto to the academy. "Lord Hokage, If we are training Naruto ourselves, then why are we sending him to the academy?" Fang asked concerningly. The Lord Hokage took another deep breath as he paced towards the window that was one sided thanks to his jutsu. "Naruto is the fourth hokage's son. While he is incredibly important, it will be just as important to give him a normal life Kakashi. Now as for your roles. Anko, I want you to teach Naruto Taijutsu and help him develop his own fighting style. Itachi, I'd like you to teach Naruto and help him develop his genjutsu. Kakashi, I'd like you to work with Naruto on his ninjutsu since you're known as the man who's copied over one thousand jutsu. Yamato, I'd like you to educate Naruto through the books and teach him everything he will need to know. By doing this, we'll have helped Naruto become a world class ninja before he's graduated." Hiruzen said proudly. Shisui bowed as he asked the Hokage for permission to speak. "Lord Hokage, how can I assist in developing Naruto's growth?" Shisui asked. Hiruzen rubbed his chin and bent his head to the right and left, letting out a slight crack. "Shisui, you'll be the one who covers for any of our shinobis that are on missions. I'm well aware of your sharingan abilities. I'll be sure to have each of them leave everything they plan to teach Naruto to you before they leave so you can properly train the boy. If we have nothing else to discuss, I'd like for us to scatter and make preparations to have Naruto's room set up." Hiruzen declared as he released the jutsu after the members in the room returned their masks to cover their faces. A few hours passed and Naruto woke up. While rubbing his tired eyes, he looked around and greeted the anbu that was secretly hiding in the room. Snake looked at him through her mask that hid an impressed smile and said, "Well I'm impressed. I never thought you were a sensor type. I've got great news, we're going to the anbu's headquarters." Naruto looked up at the anbu with slight uncomfort in his eyes. "Why can't I go home or go with the old man? I don't want to be interrogated again." Naruto cried. Snake's hidden face changed to a face of sorrow as she saw Naruto being afraid. "No Naruto, you aren't being interrogated. You're going to be living at anbu headquarters with us. I don't want to say too much about it, but if you come with me, you will like what you see." Snake said calmly. After glaring at her for a few minutes, Naruto swallowed hard and reached for her hand and the two of them vanished out of the hospital room.
Anbu Headquarters
"Both Naruto and Snake appeared in front of Anbu headquarters and as the two proceed to enter, Naruto squeezes Anko's hand tightly. They enter through the heavily secured door where they find the other members along with the Hokage sitting down at the large round table in the common area. What shocked the four anbu sitting around the table was Anko showing Naruto comfort by holding his hand. Kakashi looked at Anko with his only revealing eye and jokingly said that he never knew she had a thing for blonde. Underneath her mask, Anko's teeth were clenched as she considered one hundred different ways to kill Kakashi. Itachi and Shisui both greeted Naruto politely and he gave them a bow. Yamato gave a wave with his two fingers to indicate his greeting and Naruto returned the greeting with a bow. When Naruto saw the third hokage, he forgot about formalities and the location and rushed towards the old man and gave him a tight hug. Hiruzen gave a soft chuckle as he ruffled Naruto's hair with a smile. All the anbu members gave Naruto a soft and bright smile as happiness overtook his body. "Naruto, I'm glad to see you have made a full recovery. How are you feeling?" Hiruzen asked. Naruto jumped up and down and said he hasn't felt better and that thanks to Anko, he learned about the different breeds of snakes. "I never knew how cool snakes were and if I work hard enough, I can make my natural summon or whatever it is called a snake!" Naruto shouted with excitement. Naruto pointed at Anko as he informed Hiruzen that he finally kept his side of the deal. The third hokage raised an eyebrow and asked to be reminded about the deal. Naruto's foxy smile grew brighter and he said, "Old man, you told me if I made a friend, you would take my friend and I out for ramen! Anko is my friend and so I did my part!" Anko's face blushed under her mask as she smiled hiddenly at the blond boy for calling her his friend. Hiruzen smiled softly and nodded at the blond. "That's right Naruto. As promised, I will take you and Anko out for ramen. Now, on a serious note. Naruto, I've decided to give my blessing to you becoming a shinobi. However, unlike the average person, you'll begin your training immediately and will be trained by each of the anbu you see before you. In order to become an excellent ninja and surpass the fourth hokage, you will need to be proficient in Taijutsu, Ninjutsu, Genjutsu, and knowledge. Anko there will be training and working on your Taijutsu with you. She is probably one of the best taijutsu users in this group. Next, Kakashi will be the one working on your ninjutsu. Unlike most ninjas, he's mastered over one thousand jutsus. Itachi will be assisting you with your genjutsu. Unlike the fourth hokage, you will become a master at the illusionary ability. Then Yamato will be helping you with your studies and academics." The hokage finished explaining. Naruto's smile and tears began falling down his eyes and he hugged Anko tightly. She blushed and hesitantly blushed and asked what was wrong. Unable to control his tears or emotions, Naruto shouts that he is happy and for the first time in his life, he feels that people actually care about him. Everyone in the room, including the ruthless Anko, had a slight tear of joy drop from her eyes. Walking up to him with a hand on his shoulder and down on one of his knees, Shisui smiled and said that whenever the others are on their missions, he'll be the one to train him. Hiruzen coughed to give the attention back to him. "Naruto, your training will begin tomorrow and I'll be checking on you from time to time. If you ever wish to go into the village, please do so while accompanied by any of the people you see here." Hiruzen said with a smile but stern tone. Naruto bowed and Anko grabbed his hand and told him that she will show him his room. Naruto smiled and the two of them exited the common area. "Are any of you thinking what I'm thinking?" Kakashi asked innocently. Shisui chuckled and asked, "Is it about Anko being nice to Naruto?" Kakashi nodded and Itachi said that he was shocked to see that Naruto could have such an effect on her.
The next day
Four AM came around quickly and Naruto joined the other Anbu members in the meeting room. Naruto greeted everyone and decided to sit in one of the chairs in the back and remain silent but awake to listen. Yamato stood to the front due to him being the captain of the anbu squad. "Morning everyone. I'm sure we understand that things will be slightly different around here. Our missions will be different as well. Instead of us going in pairs on assassinations, we'll be joining a team of genin with a jonin sensi. By doing this, we will be able to make sure Naruto receives a decent amount of training while we're able to go out in the field. All of our missions will be considered A ranking due to receiving S rank pay for our teaching of Naruto. The first person that will be out on missions this month will be Shisui. The reason I'm sending Shisui first is because since he will be our substitute, this will allow us to teach Naruto and figure out ways of providing the best education to him." Yamato said with his standard stern face. Shisui stood up and bowed to show respect to his captain and that he understood the assignments. He turned around and gave a wink with a wave to Naruto and vanished. "Okay, since there are four of us with twenty four hours in a day, and that we sleep for four hours, we will each spend four hours with Naruto. I'd like to have him do his taijutsu and weapons training first with Anko. This will allow him to get his body woken up along with being able to activate and stimulate his brain." Yamato explained. Both Naruto and Anko exit the room and head towards the training field. "After his training with Ano, I want Naruto to study with me as we work on his academics. After being woken up and having his brain in motion, it will provide the best results for retaining information. After his studies, I'd like him to train with you Kakashi. I'm not sure of his intellectual abilities but I assume by working his body, then his mind, then his body again. Finally, I want Naruto to end his day by learning Genjutsu with Itachi. This will be the rotation and remember, whenever we're on missions, Shisui will be taking our spot." Yamato finished explaining and then gave the signal that the meeting was finished.
Anbu Training Field
Anko and Naruto were standing in the center of the training field. She decided to get a feel for his physical abilities before teaching him the shadow snake dance fighting style. "Alright Naruto, even though we're friends, I won't hold back on your training." Anko said sternly. Naruto gave her his signature foxy smile with a salute."Before I teach you anything, I want to get an idea of your physical abilities. I want you to run one thousand laps around the field, along with performing one thousand push ups, one thousand sit ups, one thousand pull ups, one thousand punches with each arm, and one thousand kicks with each leg." Anko ordered. Without arguing or showing any signs of displeasure, Naruto immediately began running. Anko sat down and pretended to read her magazine as she watched her part time student exercise.
Anbu Common Area
Itachi and Kakashi were sitting across from each other at the large table in the common room. "Do you think it's a good idea to have Anko train Naruto without supervision?" Kakashi asked Itachi to break the silence and make conversation. Itachi looked at Kakashi and informed him that while Anko may be somewhat psychotic, she is excellent when it comes to Taijutsu. "If mother and father would allow it, I'd have Sasuke trained by her. Unfortunately, they believe that Sasuke should stick with the Uchiha style fighting along with whatever the academy teaches." Itachi said with slight displeasure in his voice. "What are you planning to teach Naruto?" Itachi asked Kakashi with curiosity in his voice. "Well, I'm going to find out his chakra nature. Once I get an idea, I'm going to teach him the basic jutsu of each type. Though I'm sure he won't have much time, I'm going to give him a few books based on the chakra types that he is proficient in. This way, he will have a better understanding of the different elements." Kakashi said.
Anbu Training Field
Anko's face nearly dropped when she saw Naruto finishing the pull ups that she instructed him to do. "How much stamina does this kid have?" Anko thought to herself as she watched Naruto walk up to her. She gave him a questioning look and asked if he needed anything. "I was hoping there would be something I can punch and kick. I'm sure that punching the air is fine, but if I punch an object, not only can I increase my strength, but it will strengthen my body." Naruto stated. This impressed Anko by his ability to think of ways to better increase his performance. She pointed at the tree in the middle and said to use that. Naruto gave his signature foxy grin along with a salute and ran over to the tree. "After three months of training this way, he may be able to compete with Guy sensei. Anko decided to create a snake and informed Yamato that she would like to completely take over his training. Two hours passed and with only thirty minutes left until Naruto finished his training, he finally gave his last kick before falling back to the ground as he was breathing heavily with hopes to catch his breath. "Good job brat. I have an idea of where you're at. Your stamina is on point but I want to focus on your strength and speed. Tomorrow and everyday from now on, you'll be continuing the same training until you can complete this in a single hour." Anko explained. Naruto tried his best to keep his face from dropping from disappointment but he couldn't help but show signs of disappointment. The snake that Anko summoned had returned to inform her that Yamato will speak with her after his session with Naruto. Anko smirked and thanked the snake before it returned to where it was summoned from. After Naruto got a few moments to rest, he stood up and waited for the next assignment from Anko. She glares at him and their eyes look into each other. "It's the same as mine… Sadness, loneliness, and anger. What did you do to deserve the treatment that the village gave you?" Anko asked herself mentally. She then sighed and told Naruto that she wants to show him a few stretches to help his muscle recovery. After his time was up, Yamato appeared and informed Anko that he would collect Naruto for his studies. Anko looked at him and gave him a faint nod to indicate that she wanted to speak with him afterwards.
Anbu Library
Naruto and Yamato entered the library inside the Anbu's headquarters. "Alright Naruto, I want to explain something to you before we start. I'm not like the other anbu members. I take this job seriously and educating you is something that I'm not doing because I want to. I expect your best at all times and if you fail to understand something, ask. We're going to educate you on the basics along with a few things that are advanced. Truthfully, I want to have you at the level of mid chunin, low jonin before you arrive at the academy. If you continue to give your best and apply the education that I've provided, you'll become an excellent and respected shinobi all throughout Konoha." Yamato explained. Naruto gave his signature foxy smile with his salute. Two hours passed after Naruto began his first lesson with Yamato. Looking slightly frustrated, Yamato asked if he was okay. Naruto looked up at him and the two of them connected their eyes. "Why? Why is he giving me that look? It's not like the villagers, but it isn't like the others." Naruto thought. "Maybe I'm not cut out to be his instructor." Yamato thought to himself. Naruto then brought his head down and told Yamata that it was nothing and he resumed working on his studies. It wasn't long before Naruto had finished the packet. "I finished it, captain." Naruto said as he handed the packet to Yamato. After accepting the packet, Yamato told Naruto to remain here and that he'll be back. Yamato entered a small section that connected to the library and as he reviewed Naruto's answers, he felt a presence behind him. "You wanted to see me?" Yamato, without looking away from the packet, Naruto finished. Anko crossed her arms and nodded. "I believe we should rearrange the schedule. I believe that I'll be a better sensei to Naruto. Yes, I'm sure you are excellent when it comes to teaching, but I don't believe it's Naruto's style." Anko said coldly. Yamato looked straight into the wall as he held the packet to his side. "I understand your concern and that is why I'm hosting a meeting tonight after the boy finished his lessons. We're going to ask him who he prefers to teach him what subjects." Yamato said. Anko's face was given a surprise due to not expecting Yamato to give Naruto the option. She then smirked and departed from the library. Kakashi entered the library and sat next to Naruto as he sat still without moving a muscle. "You okay?" Kakashi asked as Naruto looked up and was surprised to see Kakashi. "Yeah I'm fine. I just have a lot on my mind right now." Naruto softly admitted with sadness and sorrow in his voice. He went into explaining that he doesn't understand why the village gives him the look of a monster. "It's not like the people, but captain Yamato gave me a similar look. I know he has my best interest but it's different from what you, Anko, Shisui, and Itachi give me." Naruto said while looking back down. Kakashi gave a deep sigh and said that Yamato isn't like the rest of them. "He has always been like that. Yamato had a strange childhood. It wasn't as bad as yours, but this wasn't what a child should have endured." Kakashi explained and Naruto looked up with surprise. The two of them were excited and went to the Chakra room to begin Naruto's third lesson.
Anbu Chakra Room
"Naruto, do you know what Chakra is?" Kakashi asked. Naruto nodded his head and stated it was like a form of energy inside the body. "When a ninja or someone uses chakra, it becomes the energy that activates whatever jutsu is being used." Naruto answered with confidence. Kakashi gave his happy closed eye and informed Naruto that he was correct. He then asked Naruto to gather up a bit of chakra and create a clone. Naruto looked confused and rubbed the back of his head and asked for an example. With little to no effort, Kakashi made the tiger seal and another Kakashi stood before Naruto. Naruto's face switched to his foxy smile and he jumped up declaring that Kakashi was the coolest. A blush was hidden from his mask, but had his mask been removed, Kakashi's face would have appeared to be pink. Naruto took the position that Kakashi took and placed his hands to make the sign of the tiger and shouted, "Clone Jutsu!" A puff of smoke exploded around Naruto who created a clone that looked like it was sick and physically disabled. "Hmph… The clone is useless, but the amount of chakra that was released is higher than my own." Kakashi thought to himself as he inspected the clone. "Alright Naruto, so while the clone wasn't great, I was able to scale the amount of Chakra you had in your reserves. Until you get control of your chakra, I won't teach you any jutsu." Kakashi coldly stated. Naruto smiled and asked what they were going to do. Kakashi turned towards the boy and said that if he told him the answer, it wouldn't do him any good. This annoyed Naruto who decided to go to the library and find a book on controlling chakra. "I know you think I'm being cold and hard on you. I want you to become resourceful and learn how to master the control of both your chakra, and the fox's chakra." Kakashi thought to himself before exiting the room.
Anbu Training Field
Sitting on top of the building out of sight from Naruto, Anko was watching him gather his chakra. "Damn it Kakashi. You didn't want to show him the basics of chakra control?" Anko asked herself with annoyance as she watched Naruto continue to fail at creating another clone. Naruto continued trying to reproduce clones and even went ahead and tried to overload himself by shouting, "Damnit! Multiple clone jutsu!" twenty full functioning Naruto's appeared. Anko's face dropped from being surprised and tried to figure out how he managed to do that. "Wait a minute, that's right. His chakra reserves are much higher than most and while he overloaded a single clone, he released enough chakra to create twenty Narutos." Anko pointed out to herself. She then left her spot and returned to the common area while she waited for Naruto's training with Itachi to be finished. While Naruto laid on his back as he tried to catch his breath, a warm greeting gave Naruto the strength to pick himself up. "Oh Itachi! How's it going?" Naruto cheerfully asked. Itachi gave a soft smile and informed him that he was fine. "I spoke with Kakashi. He informed me of your lack of chakra control. Before I teach you anything, I need you to learn how to control your chakra." Itachi said. This upset Naruto but being around the anbu, he understood that it wouldn't be right for him to complain. Naruto bowed and resumed his training by creating another twenty clones. After an hour had passed, Naruto was nearly beaten. "Okay, I have been able to create twenty clones consecutively. Let's try creating forty." Naruto thought to himself.
Anbu Common Area
While inside the common area, Anko noticed Itachi's arrival and she raised her eyebrow and showed a confused look. "Itachi, where is Naruto?" Anko asked. Itachi informed her that he left Naruto at the training field. "There is no point in teaching someone that has no control over their chakra. Yes, he can create twenty clones, but anyone can release high amounts of chakra. Until he can create a single, perfect clone, then I'll train him." Itachi explained. This annoyed Anko and once Yamato entered the room, she gave him a death stare that even the complete professionalism of Yamato had been shaken. Anko walked up to him and said that two of Naruto's teachers aren't spending any time teaching him. "He is a four year old boy. How can he be expected to train himself without guidance?" Anko shouted at Yamato who was slightly cowardly from her yelling. Yamato cleared his throat and said that he understands her concern and that when Naruto returns, he will ask Naruto his thoughts. Anko gave an annoyed look but took a breath in understanding. Anko decided to go to her room and take a nap while waiting for Naruto's return.
Anbu Training Field
Naruto laid back on the ground while taking large breaths through his wide smile on his face. "Okay, I can create up to one hundred clones. Hmm. What did Kakashi and Itachi say? I lack chakra control? Please, I just created one hundred copies of myself. Wait a minute! It makes sense now. It's not about how many I can produce, it's about being able to produce a certain amount perfectly." Naruto shouted. He then dispelled all of the clones he created. "Okay, time to create one clone." Naruto said as he took his stance and tried to create a clone. Another useless clone appeared. Naruto continued his training and created perfect clones for hours on edge. Without realizing it, Naruto failed to show up to the Anbu's common area after his training was complete. Naruto prepared to create another clone until his concentration was disrupted by Anko. "Naruto, what are you doing? You were supposed to report back two hours ago." Anko said with annoyance until she saw that Naruto was all banged up from training. Surprising her, Naruto walked up and grabbed her hand. "Anko, can you teach me how to control my chakra? I managed to create one hundred clones, but whenever I try to create one, I fail." Naruto admitted. Anko smirked and told him that tomorrow they will do some chakra control exercises but first they need to return home. Naruto nodded and he grabbed her hand and the two of them entered the building.
Anbu Common Area
Naruto greeted everyone who stood up to give him a slight scolding until Anko silenced them by stating that he was training. "He wasn't goofing off. In fact, this boy learned how to perform the Shadow Clone Jutsu." Anko said. Yamato spoke up and told Naruto to take a seat. The blond did with a look of sadness crossed his face. Everyone took note and asked if he was okay. "You guys are disappointed in me aren't you? You had these high hopes that I would be Anbu level and because I failed, you don't believe I should train under you." Naruto said. Everyone burst out in laughter and Anko put her arm around Naruto and told him he was an idiot. Even the stern Yamato gave a chuckle. "Naruto, you're only four years old. In fact, from what I have gathered, you're far more advanced than any four year old that I've ever seen. I'd like for you to reveal your thoughts on everyone to us." Yamato asked. Naruto swallowed hard and began to speak. "Kakashi… He is… Weird! But in a way, he is like a father to me. I know he didn't train me, but that's because he wants me to be independent and become resourceful. Itachi, I don't know much about him. I get the same feelings that I do for Kakashi except I feel that Itachi is more like a brother to me. Though, once I learn how to control my chakra, I want to learn as much ninjutsu and genjutsu from both Kakashi and Itachi. Captain Yamato, you're strict. I don't like training under you. However, you're probably the best one to do it because it gets me out of my comfort zone." Naruto admitted. All of the Anbu around the table nodded their heads with a slight smile. Anko then squeezed Naruto's neck and shouted, "What about me you little brat!" Naruto laughed and turned to her. "Honestly Anko, you are my favorite person to be around. You are my first and best friend in the entire world. I'm not sure why, but when you trained me earlier, or had me exercising, I know that if I worked harder, you will be able to teach me a lot more." Naruto said and Anko's face blushed and she gave a slight smile. Yamato said, "Naruto, you're only four years old. We are planning to send you to the academy for the graduating year. After discussing with everyone around, we're going to give you the choice to pick who you would like to train and educate you." Naruto immediately turned around and hugged Anko. Kakashi gave his closed eye smile to indicate being pleased and stated that it shouldn't have been a surprise. Yamato nods and informs Anko that Naruto's studies will also be a responsibility for her and that if she needs any assistance, each of them will be more than happy to help out. Anko nods and informs Naruto to meet her at the training field in the morning time and that they are going to have a field day.