Chapter Three - The Path of a Ninja
Five years had passed since the massacre of the Uchiha family. The Anbu had decided to enroll Naruto into the ninja academy to graduate and become an official genin though his skills matched that of a jonin. Though the Anbu and Hokage loved Naruto, his classmates and the members of the leaf still held resentment towards him for being the Demon Fox. However, nobody broke the rule that the Third Hokage implemented about keeping Naruto as the Kyuubi's container. While in the academy, he was easily the top student among all. His grades and performance out-shined that of Sasuke Uchiha, the only person that Itachi couldn't kill. When he and Naruto were little, though they weren't close, they got along. Now that Naruto is enrolled at the academy and is the top of the class, he cannot stand the brat. The girls couldn't get over the fact that Naruto was better than Sasuke, they even went to great lengths to sabotage his performance but heavily failed. Being efficient in genjutsu, Naruto was able to put the false illusion about his sharingan and thus his eyes retained his beautiful blue eyes while he was from the Anbu headquarters. As they were in class, Naruto would often create a shadow clone to show his presence while Naruto would often ditch and train. Since he has been at the academy, Anko resumed her missions and since she trained Naruto, her skills had drastically improved. These days, Naruto is lonely due to his best friend / sensei currently out on a two month long mission to investigate an organization known as the Akatsuki. Naruto was currently sitting on the Hokage monument and was greeted by the third Hokage. "Naruto, why aren't you in class?" he softly asked. Naruto smirked and said that his Shadow Clone was in there and once the clone disbanded, he would acquire the memories. The third hokage nodded and continued to look out at the village along with Naruto. "Missing Anko?" The Hokage asked as he saw Naruto nod his head. "Old man?" Naruto asked with sadness in his voice. Hiruzen glanced down at the boy and raised his eyebrow to signify that he's listening. "Am I wrong for having these feelings towards Anko? I mean, she is my friend, my best friend, and my teacher. However, part of me wants it to be more than that." Naruto admitted. The hokage took a deep sigh as he wasn't expecting to be asked this question. "Naruto, if you're asking me if it is normal for a boy to have a crush on a woman that he finds attractive is wrong, then no. However, you're twelve years old and Anko is twenty four. There is quite the age difference, along with you not even being a genin. This is my advice to you, my boy." The hokage said. Naruto looked down because he knew that the old man was going to tell him to give up on his crush. "Give it time. Become a genin and make a name for yourself. Show the world that you are Naruto Uzumaki. Continue learning under Anko, and learn as much as you can. Protect her with all of your might as she will for you." Hiruzen said with a wink. Naruto looked surprised at the old man, partially because he didn't tell him to give up, but also because he knew what was being told of him. Naruto gave the hokage a smirk and stated that Iruka sensei was going to ask him a question soon and that he should go. Both Naruto and the hokage waved goodbye to each other.
Ninja Academy
Naruto managed to switch spots with the clone without his instructor or anyone else noticing. "Not even a genin my ass." Naruto thought as he laughed mentally that nobody knew he was gone. "Alright listen up everyone, we're going to prepare for the graduation exam. This is strictly a test and as long as you can transform into me and perform the clone jutsu, you won't have to worry. However, those of you that fail, will be forced to take the extra courses." Iruka sensei stated sternly. As the students were being called up, Naruto noticed a young, pink haired girl with a beautiful smile step up and transform into Iruka sensei. Naruto and her were looking in the same direction and when she waved, he gave a wave back only for her to shout, "Ew Naruto! Why would I wave at you!? I was waving to my precious Sasuke!" Sasuke, the boy wearing a blue shirt and white shorts that was behind Naruto was showing clear signs of being annoyed. Naruto was called up and he not only transformed into Iruka sensei, but he managed to create three copies of himself while transformed. Everyone was shocked, including both Iruka and Mizuki for Naruto's advanced techniques. Sasuke himself was shocked but also annoyed at Naruto being advanced. While outside and everyone was together, Naruto remained alone and sat on the swing and began wondering when Anko would be returning. To his surprise, Sasuke approached him. "How are you that strong? What kind of training have you done?" Sasuke asked, clearly annoyed by having to swallow his pride. Naruto gave him a smile and said that Itachi and Shisui helped him. Hearing his brother's name angered Sasuke and thus he pulled a kunai and charged at Naruto. The girls were so obsessed over him and cheered for him regardless of the fact that he was trying to kill Naruto. However, Naruto appeared and pinned him down. "Sasuke, I don't know how many times I've got to say this, but your brother is innocent." Naruto said through his gritted teeth. After a few moments, Iruka appeared and gave both Naruto and Sasuke detention. While sitting in the classroom, Iruka was scolding Sasuke for being childish and that attacking the other students wasn't okay. Sasuke spit at Iruka. "What the hell do you know? You're nothing but a lowly chunin teacher. I'm an Uchiha. I'm an elite!" Sasuke roared as he ran out of the classroom. Iruka walked over to Naruto who gave him a soft smile. "Hey Iruka, do you want to get some dango afterwards?" Naruto asked. Iruka gave a smirk and asked if he was missing Anko. Naruto nodded his head and both he and Iruka went to get a bowl of ramen.
Dango Shop
Both Naruto and Iruka were sitting at the dango shop. While they were reviewing the menu, Naruto called out to his sensei and asked if he could get some advice. "I'm going to be blunt about this. I miss Anko. Since she left, I haven't been able to get her off my mind. I know she is my friend, my teacher, and my best friend. But deep down inside, I'd like things to be more than that." Naruto admitted while taking a sip of tea. Iruka nearly spits his tea out upon hearing Naruto's confession. "Well Naruto, this is kinda hard to explain. You're only twelve and Anko is twenty four. You're not even a genin yet, and she is a special jounin." Iruka said until he was cut off by a serious Naruto. He informs Iruka he would like the advice from someone as an older brother, and not a teacher. Iruka gave him a look that showed he was trying to read Naruto. "Okay look, I'm not going to condon this. I don't believe it is appropriate for an academy student to be with a special jounin. I will say this, though as a genin you're an adult, If you were fifteen, and felt the same as you do now, then I would support it." Iruka said. Naruto gave him a smile due to knowing that neither him or the hokage were against him having feelings for Anko. The two continued eating their dango. Meanwhile, the members of the anbu were having a conversation without realizing that there was an extra set of ears listening.
Unknown shop
Kakashi and Yamata were talking with each other along with the jounin sensei's Kurenai and Asuma. "So I heard the Uzumaki boy is in the graduating class this year." Asuma stated as he lit a cigarette. Both Yamato and Kakashi looked at each other and nodded. "I heard he was going to be considered for a promotion to be an Anbu after graduation." Asuma continued saying. Kakashi and Yamato nodded their heads to confirm that the rumor was true. This enraged the eavesdropping Uchiha who declared that it was unfair that a clanless loser is a higher rank than the elite Uchiha. Kurenai spoke up and asked if that was a good idea. Kakashi informed her that even though the Kyuubi was involved with him, his control and attitude, along with his skills give him the proper qualifications. Sasuke smirked at hearing this information. He quickly departed from the shop and went home to practice his transformation jutsu.
Ninja Academy
Sasuke had nearly perfected the transformation jutsu and thus he took the form of Mizuki. "Nobody would suspect me of taking the form of this loser sensei." Sasuke chuckled as he entered the classroom. Sasuke began spraying around spray paint along with using regular paint. As he continued with his graffiti, Sasuke couldn't help but laugh knowing that this would cause the entire academy and teachers to hate Naruto even further. The next morning came around and when everyone appeared at the academy, they were in fear when Naruto entered. Across the board was the truth behind Naruto being the nine-tailed kyuubi. Everyones' eyes of fear and anger glared at Naruto. When he asked what everyone was talking about, they pointed at the message on the board along with an exact drawing of what Naruto saw in his dreams. Iruka joined in the classroom and ordered everyone to settle down, he froze at the sight of seeing the graffiti on his wall. Immediately he glared at Naruto who appeared to be standing emotionless. A large uproar when the teachers and students were yelling for the demon to be gone. This upset and broke Naruto's heart, he instantly ran out of the academy with tears of anger and sadness. He even bumped into another person walking. When he went to apologize to the man, the guy screamed and yelled at him and called him a demon fox. "Get out of here you demon!" the man yelled and this further hurt Naruto who took off in a dead sprint.
Anbu Headquarters
Kakashi, Yamata, and a new Anbu member, Kagura, were with them as they tried to convince Naruto to open up his door. "Go away! I don't want to see anyone!" Naruto shouted as he continued crying. The third Hokage appeared and asked what the matter was and when everything was explained, he knocked on the door with his stern voice, "Naruto, open up now." Naruto shouted for the old man to leave him alone. This shocked him and both Yamato and Kakashi for Naruto always being respectful to the hokage. Immediately behind them, a purple haired girl entered and opened the door by pulling it off the henge. "Naruto, come here. Hey!" Anko shouted and caught Naruto's attention. As he saw her, he rushed at her embracing her in a huge hug and shouted that he missed her. While softly patting Naruto's back and telling him that it's okay and that she is going to take him out for dango. The other Anbu members stared in disbelief and they couldn't figure out what was wilder, Anko's soft and caring side, or Naruto ignoring everyone but her. Kakashi then asked what had happened to have Naruto all wound up. "Someone took the form of Mizuki last night and decided to reveal the secret of Naruto's origin. I'm not sure who, anyone that has students at the academy could have told their children. This isn't good. Now that the secret is out, I have little to no hope that Naruto will be able to fit in with the rest of the graduates." Hiruzen said with sadness. Yamato spoke up and suggested that they could possibly give Naruto the Anbu exam if things go south. Hirzuen opened his eyes as he glared into Naruto's room. "Yes, if the boy is having a hard time with his team, then maybe giving him the Anbu exam wouldn't be a bad idea. From now on, I want everyone to keep an extra eye on Naruto. I doubt Anko will let anyone mess with him, but you know she has her own issues like him." Hiruzen said before exiting the building.
Dango Shop
Naruto and Anko were sitting at their usual booth that was always reserved for them due to nobody knowing when they would show up. "How was your mission?" Naruto asked with excitement. Anko smirked and said it was classified until Naruto's eyes formed into the Mangekyo Sharingan and they were in a slight trance. "Assassination huh? I can't wait till the day I'm able to go out on missions with you." Naruto said with his foxy smile. Anko slammed her face into her hand and stated that Naruto's Sharingan is annoying. The two then broke into laughter. "Are you excited about graduating and becoming a real ninja?" Anko asked as she took a bite of her dango. Naruto's face returned to his gloomy attitude due to knowing how the other ninja felt about him being the container of the Kyuubi. Anko sighed and informed him not to worry and that any team will be lucky to have him. "Worst case scenario, I'll become a sensei and we will be a two man squad." Anko said calmly as she took another bite. This made Naruto smile because he knew that no matter what, as long as he was around Anko, then he'd be happy. "Hey Anko? I was wondering, if I graduate, do you think I'd be able to learn your snake summoning?" Naruto asked. This annoyed Anko, not because he wanted to learn a jutsu from her, but because he knew that he would pass and become a genin. "Maybe when you become a chunin." Anko started making her psychotic face at her little blond friend. Naruto began to pout and said it was unfair. "I'll trade you one of my Sharingans!" Naruto shouted and everyone in the restaurant started. Anko scolded him and told him he was an idiot and that she will teach her student, when the sensei feels he is ready. This annoyed Naruto, but he understood.
Ninja Academy
Two months had passed and it was time for the ninja academy students to take their graduation exam and be assigned a team. Everyone graduated and while there were many students and teachers that tried to sabotage Naruto, nobody could deny the fact that his skills were more than what an academy student needed. Iruka congratulated all of the students and informed them that they will be receiving information about who their teammates are along with their senseis. "Sasuke Uchiha, Ino Yaminaka, and Sai. You three will be assigned to team seven, Kakashi Hatake as your instructor. Naruto Uzumaki, Sakura Haruno, and Kiba Inuzuku. You three will be assigned to team eight, Kurenai Yuri as your instructor. Finally, Choji Akimichi, Shikarmu Nara, and Hinata Hyuga. You three will be assigned to team ten, Asuma Sarutobi as your instructor." Everyone was excited except for Sakura who couldn't stand being on the same team as Naruto, the fox brat. Iruka informed everyone that they will be meeting with their sensei's the following morning at the assigned location given to them on their diploma of completion. Naruto exited the academy to see everyone go to their parents except for himself and Sasuke. When Naruto was feeling sad, he saw that Anko was there waiting for him and this made him smile and he greeted her. "Anko! You came!" Naruto cheered in excitement. Anko smiled and nodded her head and the two of them began walking to the dango shop to celebrate Naruto's graduation. As they're walking, Naruto's face drops. "Relax, I'm paying." Anko chuckled when noticing Naruto's optimistic and foxy grin fades. "It's not that. Sasuke Uchiha, he doesn't have anyone to celebrate his graduation with. I feel kinda bad. Do you think we could go to his house and invite him to come with us?" Naruto asked. Anko smiled because she knew that Naruto had a heart like nobody else. The two of them proceeded to the Uchiha district.
Uchiha District
Sasuke glared out his window due to being annoyed that Naruto was allowed to continue being a ninja even after his prank that revealed what he is. A knock on his door could be heard and this confused him due to the only person visiting him was the third hokage. Sasuke placed his hands in his pocket and whistled as he proceeded to his door and was shocked to find Naruto standing before him. "What do you want, fox?" Sasuke asked, annoyed. Naruto ignored the statement and said, "Hey Sasuke. I was wondering, do you want to come with me and Anko to get some dango? It's her treat." Sasuke burst out in laughter and asked why anybody would want to eat with the fox that destroyed the village. Naruto's face glared down with sadness. "Let's be real. Naruto, the only reason you even became a ninja in the first place is because the hokage feels sorry for you. All of us that graduated had to work for it." Sasuke continued stating. Naruto glared at Sasuke and commented that he'll never understand how he could be related to both Itachi and Shisui. Sasuke rushed and punched Naruto in the face. He then pulled a kunai out and said that he's going to finish the job that the fourth hokage failed to do. Immediately, Anko appeared and grabbed his wrist. "That's enough Uchiha. There is no reason to attack a fellow leaf shinobi like that." Anko glared with disgust in her voice. Sasuke huffed and stated that he forgot how close the snake whore was with the demon fox. This angered Naruto and he charged at Sasuke only to get stabbed by the kunai in Sasuke's hand. Forgetting the annoyance with Sasuke, Anko quickly rushed to Naruto and tried her best to heal his wound. "If you tell anyone about this event, I'll say that you and Naruto were trying to kill me to finish off the uchiha. Who is going to believe the snake whore and fox?" Sasuke taunted. Anko gave Sasuke a sadistic grin but knew that he was right. She quickly picked Naruto up bridal style and prepared to leave before stopping. "It was you wasn't it? You were the one who revealed Naruto's secret." Anko coldly said. Sasuke chuckled and closed the door and both Naruto and Anko left.
Training Field
Naruto, Sakura, and Kiba along with Akumaru met at the designated training field that was instructed by them. While they were there, neither Kiba or Sakura would even acknowledge Naruto who greeted both of them with his signature foxy grin and optimistic attitude. "Why are you talking to us? You know you're taboo and I'm surprised that Lord Hokage would allow you to be a part of us." Sakura coldly stated. Kiba smirked and said, "That's right. Who the hell wants you on their team?" Immediately, Kurenai appeared before them with her greetings. "Hello everyone. My name is Kurinai Yuri and I will be your jounin instructor. Before we do any training or missions, I need to clear one thing up. Naruto isn't going to be singled out nor will I tolerate anyone mistreating him. He is an honorable shinobi of the leaf and I expect that you both treat him with the proper respect. Do I make myself clear?" Kurinai stated. Both Kiba and Sakura looked at each other and then to Naruto with a glare. Kurinai then orders the group to introduce themselves. Kiba stood up first and announced, "My name is Kiba Inuzuku. I'm going to be the next hokage. I love dogs and believe everyone should fight with them." Sakura then stood up and said, "My name is Sakura Haruno. I love Sasuke and I hate Naruto." Naruto remained still as he couldn't figure out what to say. Kurinai looked at him and gave him a warm smile and said that it's okay if he doesn't want to speak. Naruto then stood up and calmly said, "My name is Naruto Uzumaki. I like many things and many people. I hate those that judge before getting to know someone. My dream is to protect someone that I consider precious to me and make her acknowledge me as more than a friend and comrade." Sakura burst out laughing alongside Kiba as they declared that nobody in their right mind would want to be his love, muchless friends with him. Kurinai snapped at both the genin to remain silent. "Okay, tomorrow morning, I want all of you to meet for your final exam." she said with a stern tone. Kiba asked what she meant and Sakura declared they already took an exam. "That's right. That was for you to be eligible to try and become a ninja. Make sure you bring all your equipment and have the attitude of a warrior. Also, I'd like for you to remain behind, Naruto." Kurinai said with a soft tone to Naruto. When the two other ninjas left, Naruto looked up and asked what she wanted. "I understand what is going on. Tomorrow, we're doing an exercise. It's not an exam, but I want them to believe it is because I'm big into teamwork just like Kakashi. I know that Anko's trained you along with a few other Anbu members. I think it would be best if you held back your abilities to keep them in line with the others. This is more of a test for them to see if they can overcome their grudge and fears of what others think." she said. Naruto bowed his head and left and proceeded to head home. Along the way, Naruto couldn't understand why the village continued to give him a dark glare as if he destroyed the village.
The Next Day
Naruto arrived at the training field around four am due to Anko having always made him show up for their training since he could remember. He decided to practise his chakra control to pass the time for his sensei and fellow teammates to arrive. Kurinai was sitting in the trees and remained hidden as she noticed that the rumor from Anko about Naruto showing up early in the morning is a routine that has been installed in him. She gave a warm smile as he continued to practise his chakra control. "Naruto, I don't know why people hold the kyuubi's attack against you. You're a kind and sweet boy. Anybody that Anko considers to be decent, must be decent." she thought as she resumed her relaxing position of her back against the tree. An hour had passed and both Kiba and Sakura had arrived at the training field and they moaned to see that Naruto had arrived. Looking at them with seriousness, Naruto spoke up with a stern, and serious voice. "I want you two to begin working on your chakra exercises that Iruka sensei showed us at the academy." Both Kiba and Sakura looked at him strangely. Sakura said, "That's silly Naruto. Why would we continue doing this from the academy? We're ninjas now and so we need to do ninja things." Kiba spoke up, "That's right. What good is making a leaf float?" Naruto closed his eyes in disappointment and turned away only to have Kurinai sensei standing before them. She informs them that while the leaf floating is an academy level exercise, it's still a useful tool to have better chakra control. "Now listen up, today's training will be about teamwork. I want the three of you to land a punch on my face." she said. Sakura looked shocked and declared that it would be impossible for a genin to hit someone at a jounin level. "Then I guess you will need to work together to form a plan." she added. Naruto called for Kiba and Sakura to group together with him but found out that they were already making their own plan. "What should we do? Maybe you could have Akamaru distract her and we attack from behind?" Sakura asked. Kiba shook his head and admitted to her that their sensei is a genjutsu expert and that she'll probably have them all confused. Naruto spoke up and said that while she may be a genjutsu user, there are ways of breaking it without her knowing. "If we break her genjutsu along with a follow up genjutsu, we shouldn't have any problems with completing the assignment." Naruto openly stated. Sakura tells Naruto that it would never work and to stay out their way. The three of them faced their sensei and took their stance. Kiba used his Man-beast transformation and Akamaru transformed into an exact copy of Kiba. He then jumped towards his sensei and both him and Akamaru began to spin like a tornado. Seeing this, Kuranai went through a sequence of hand seals before the attack made contact. As she went flying towards the other side of the training field, Kiba declared that nothing can counter his ultimate taijutsu. Sakura cheered but Naruto remained calm with his arms crossed and said that he attacked a substitution. Seeing Kuranai appear behind Kiba, Sakura tried calling out to him but was too late because she had a kunai from her holder against his neck. Sakura resumed her stance and charged after Kuranai who vanished into thin air. Sakura remained still only to find a beaten down Sasuke on the brink of death. She began to scream and when Naruto released the genjutsu she shouted at him for playing a prank on her. "Naruto you idiot! Why the hell would you do that to me?" Sakura's face lit up with anger. Naruto sighed and said that she was in a genjutsu and that he dispelled it. Kurinai appeared before them again and launched a barrage of kunai and shuriken in their direction. Naruto's eye glared as his left eye transformed into the Mongekyo sharingan and redirected the weapons across the training field. His eye began to slightly bleed but thanks to the genjutsu that he's perfected, nobody noticed his eye change or the blood leaking down his face. Both Kiba and Sakura were confused and the attack was redirected. "Don't worry about that, we need to work together if we're to land an attack on the sensei." Naruto stated with his unusual stern voice. Kiba sighed and asked what he thought they should do. This stunned Sakura and asked why the boy in the gray jacket would take any advice from Naruto. "I don't like him, but so far, he's been the only one to do anything useful against her. So what is the plan?" Kiba said and it caught Naruto's attention. "This is a tactic that I learned from Snake and Hawk. If you two were to turn on me and prepared to attack, the sensei would definitely interfere. What if I put her under my own genjutsu and had Sakura try to attack me? Then Kiba, you can go in and land the attack on her." Naruto explained. Both Kiba and Sakura looked hesitant to follow the plan but decided in the end it may be the only thing that worked. "I can't stand you Naruto! I don't want you on this team! The sensei can't have a dead boy on her team!" Sakura shouted as she rushed towards Naruto with a kunai in her hand. Immediately, Kurinai appeared before her with her fist in her hand with a face of disgust. Immediately, she went flying from a fist that came from Kiba. As she was sliding back from the attack, Kurinai was both shocked and impressed that Naruto was able to trick her like that. "Well, you guys worked together and were able to put your differences aside. As of today, you're all full-fledged ninja." Kurinai said with a smile. Both Kiba and Sakura jumped up and down with excitement while Naruto remained silent with his eyes closed and a small grin on his face. The group dispersed after Kurinai informed them about their first mission the following day at four am.
Anbu Headquarters
Anko, Kakashi, Yamato, Kagura, and Hiruzen congratulated Naruto on his success of becoming an official genin. However, the blond haired boy that wore orange from head to toe wasn't as excited as the rest. "What's wrong with you Naruto?" Hiruzen asked with concern. Naruto looked down and said, "Don't get me wrong, I'm happy to be a ninja. The other genin, they don't look at me as their own. Is there a way that I can be a one man squad, or at least have a sensei only?" Everyone in the room went silent as they considered Naruto's words and slightly agreed with him due to knowing how the others reacted. "I tell you what Naruto, tomorrow will be a field exercise. If you can demonstrate proper leadership and the ability to complete the mission without fail, we'll take your request into consideration." Kakashi said with his single eye indicating a smile. This cheered Naruto up and for the rest of the evening, any sadness or negativity had left Naruto's body.
Training Field #44 - The Forest of Death
The nine rookie teams along with another team that they were unfamiliar with appeared. Kurenai, Kakashi, Asuma, and the unfamiliar Might Guy appeared before everyone. "Alright listen up! I'm sure most of you are ready to go on your missions. However, there will be times that you'll be forced to deal with enemy squads and you need to be ready. For this assignment, each team will be given a scroll. There are a total of four teams here, in order to pass, the team must obtain all four scrolls. Once all four scrolls are obtained, the team that has collected them is to return them back to the entrance that they started at. Myself, along with your sensei's will be inside the forest setting up traps along with having obstacles to further make it difficult. Also, they're to interfere if death appears to be an option for anyone that's unlucky. This mission is to promote teamwork along with survival." Anko said, who appeared randomly. Each of the teams received a scroll and while they time before the start, all of the ninja grouped together, leaving Naruto out. This slightly annoyed Anko but knew she wouldn't interfere. "I've got an idea." Sasuke said with his smug attitude. Both Ino and Sakura looked at him with hearts in their eyes. "We allow Naruto to get the four scrolls. Then we beat the living hell out of him. After he is beaten down, he'll probably have enough of us due to not receiving the respect he thinks he's entitled to. Once he runs off, and trust me, he always does. That crybaby runs away with his heart on his sleeve. Then we will have a team battle royal and the winning team will get the scrolls. All the genin except for one pineapple haired guy cheered in excitement. "This is dumb. Something is off about Naruto. There is no way he is a genin level ninja, if I had to guess, I'd say he would be somewhere around the mid jounin level." he thought to himself. The boy named Shikamaru was being called out by his team to join them. Immediately, Anko declared the start of the mission and the four teams entered the forest.
Forest of Death
Naruto, Sakura, and Kiba were proceeding through the forest where they found three scrolls carefully hidden. Both Kiba and Sakura cheered but were cut off when Naruto declared it was a trap. "No way, it isn't logical for the other three teams to leave the scrolls out in the open for someone else to get it." Naruto said as he used a few different genjutsu reversals. He then proceeded to use his mangekyo sharingan that was continued to be hidden by his own genjutsu from the other ninjas. Unable to find anything off, it appeared that the scrolls were legit. "Kiba, Sakura, these scrolls appear to be good. Let's take them and return back to the entrance." Naruto declared only to find a sinister looking Sakura and Kiba. Circling Naruto, Sasuke, Ino, Sai, Shikamaru, Choji, Hinata, along with the new team of genin consisting of Rock Lee, Neji Hyuga, and Tenten appeared. "Sorry Naruto, we don't believe you are cut out to be a ninja like the rest of us." Kiba declared. Almost instantly, everyone except for Hinata and Shikamaru charged at him. Kurenai prepared to interfere only to have Kakashi and Anko stop her. "Relax, Naruto is far beyond their levels. It will take more than a group of eleven genin to attack and defeat him." Anko declared. As they watched from below, Naruto easily proved to be far above their levels. Thanks to his hidden sharingan, Naruto was able to see the attacks as they were coming and properly dodged and counter attacked. "What the hell is wrong with all of you? Kiba? Sakura? Aren't you going to help?" Naruto asked with frustration as he continued fighting off the ninja that were attacking. To his surprise, Kiba and Akumaru appeared behind him to restrain him from moving. Sasuke walked up to him with his sinister grin. "I'm going to enjoy this like nothing else." he said as he prepared to attack Naruto. To his surprise, the genjutsu broke, and Naruto sent everyone into the black void from the Mangekyo sharingan. They were witnessing the Kyuubi attacking the village and killing their families. This frightened everyone and when Naruto regained control, they all glared at him with the look that the village was popular for giving. This upset Naruto and he put the scrolls in his pockets and immediately ran off. He tried his hardest, but the blood and tears couldn't be held back. Anko and Kakashi, along with both Kurenai and Asuma tried to stop him only for Naruto to warp out of their sight and into reality by the entrance. He dropped the scrolls and proceeded to leave the area as he refused to spend another second with the group of genin that hated him.
Hokage's Office
"So how did everything with Naruto go?" Hiruzen asked. Anko stepped up with clear anger and disgust on her face. "Do you want to know? It was just as I predicted. The other genin ganged up on him, even his own teammates turned on him. He lost control, activated his sharingan and I guess showed them the image of the Kyuubi attacking the village. I will say this, before you expel Naruto out of the ninja program, it wasn't his fault, and he completed the mission perfectly." Anko shouted until Hiruzen raised his hand to silence her. "I'm not going to expel Naruto. Usually, I would promote him due to the skill set that he's displayed. However, I'm going to keep him as a genin. Anko, I want you, Naruto, and Kurenai, along with Kakashi to meet with me tonight in my office. Here is enough money for Naruto to buy himself a new outfit, along with a weapon, and a mask of his own desire." Hiruzen said as he ordered for everyone to leave. "Naruto… I'm sorry. I know life hasn't been fair to you. If I could, I'd place everyone under a genjutsu to make them accept you. However, I think you're going to like the treat that I'm giving you." Hiruzen thought to himself as a small smile appeared. Night time came, and Anko, Kurenai, and Kakashi appeared just as instructed. "What's going on Lord Hokage?" Kakashi asked with curiosity in his voice. The hokage smiled sharply and told Kakashi that he'll know soon enough once Naruto has arrived. Walking down the street towards the hokage tower, Naruto began an inner argument with himself. "That's it. I'm done with being a ninja for the leaf. I'm going to tell the hokage that I'm leaving and won't return until the village decides to accept me for what I am." Naruto thought as he proceeded to enter the hokage's office. He glared around at seeing his original sensei and best friend, along with Kakashi, and current sensei. "What's going on? Why are you all here?" Naruto asked while confused. "Naruto Uzumaki. As a result of your mission today, I've decided to give you an appropriate award. However, whether you take this as a reward or punishment, is strictly up to you. As we discovered that the other genins aren't fond of having you around them due to the recent exposure of you being the container of the Kyuubi. I've decided to remove you from Kurenai's team. I'll be explaining to the rest of the genin that you were expelled from the standard ninja program. What I'll be doing is placing you in a separate squad with Anko as your sensei. While you will be with here one on one, and having the rank of genin, I will allow you to be omitted from any D rank missions. You will be allowed to take part in C, B, and A rank missions as long as Anko sees fit. Also, I've decided that it would be best to disguise your appearance. There are a few different options, but the easiest would be to give you an Anbu mask. I've decided as your reward, you'll receive your new code name of Fox, while Anko will continue having hers be Snake. She will then take you to the store and help you purchase a new uniform along with a sword of your choosing. Are there any further questions?" Hiruzen finished saying as he took a deep puff from his pipe. Naruto's face lit up with his foxy grin. However, it was brighter and wider than what anyone has ever seen. "So you mean I get to be in a two man squad with Anko!?" Naruto asked and began to jump up and down after Hiruzen nodded with a smile. Naruto was happy and immediately, Anko grabbed him by the hand and the two of them went shopping for his uniform.
Konoha Clothing Store
Since Naruto is going along with the act of being expelled and a new ninja known as Fox, has joined the genin core, the Third Hokage ordered for the clothing stores to remain open while a certain ninja shops. Naruto and Anko are both wearing their Anbu masks along with a black cloak to disguise their bodies. "Alright Foxy, go ahead and choose what outfit you would like." Anko said with a smile under her mask. Naruto instantly knew what he wanted to wear. Naruto found a black vest, along with black pants, with a red undershirt that matched the color of his sharingan to give respect to Shisui. This made Anko smile because she knew how much of a role model that both Itachi and Shisui were. The two of them paid for the outfit and then went to the weapon's shop that Tenten's family owned. After looking around, Naruto asked Snake if it would be okay if he had a weapon of his own modified. Snake's eyes went wide behind the mask but she nodded. Fox pulled out the Kunai that Kakashi gave him for his birth many years back and asked if it would be possible to have it extended like a sword. "Fang is like my unofficial father, he and Hawk often went out on missions together. I think it would be appropriate that I honor the three of them. Also, I'd like to honor Wood, but keeping my skills sharp and having the battle ready attitude on all missions to also give him honor and make him proud." Fox stated. This made Snake smile and slightly brush that the little boy she met years ago was turning into a young man. After the two of them paid for everything, they returned to Anbu headquarters where everyone was there to congratulate and praise him. For the first time in a long time, Naruto felt happy and was determined to make all of the people in his life proud of him.