Hello all Storm here with a new chapter! Here we'll be seeing Naruto taking his break from training and what he'll be doing until Team Assignments, along with him meeting a certain Genjutsu specialist and no not the one you're thinking of, as well as then seeing the Team Assignments. So, without further ado.
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Naruto groaned as he opened his eyes, only for everything to blurry around him before he tried sitting up, which only resulted in him ending up falling out of his bed with a grunt.
'Damn, how long have I been asleep?' Naruto thought, struggling to push himself up off the floor, feeling his body was still recovering from the lack of sleep.
Eventually, Naruto was able to get up before looking at his clock, only to be surprised to see the time was only an hour later from when he went to get his Ninja ID photo taken.
'No way, I slept for just an hour. But if I didn't and the time is right…that means I slept an entire day, great.' Thought Naruto, not liking the idea he slept for an entire day, missing all the training he could've gotten done.
But also knew it didn't matter, given what the Sandaime said he'd do if he didn't take a break from training. And the Uzumaki would admit he did feel a little better after finally getting some rest, but could feel his body wanted to go back to sleep.
After he started waking up a little more, Naruto made a clone and had it go make some coffee before he went into the bathroom to splash some water on his face and get ready. Once that was done, Naruto went left his room, finding his coffee was already made, pouring a lot of sugar and cream into it so it didn't taste so bitter. Having tried plain coffee the first time when he began his training and hated the taste.
'Now…what exactly am I supposed to do now?' Naruto thought, doubting he'd be able to just go out and start training again, given the Hokage likely has Anbu watching to make sure he rested.
Before the whiskered blonde spotted the scrolls he'd gotten, which contained everything Iruka had left him and what he got from Mizuki as Spoils of War. The latter making Naruto scowl lightly, tempted to just burn the scroll simply to spite Mizuki. Though shook off the thought, knowing it'd be foolish to burn anything potentially useful.
'Besides, it'd be more insulting for me to actually use anything in the scroll rather than simply destroying it.' Thought Naruto with a smirk, imagining Mizuki would hate the fact his belongings were being used by the "Kyūbi Brat".
Now having something to do, Naruto grabbed the scrolls to see what exactly was inside of them, along with figuring he could get some light studying down. As long as he doesn't overdo it, the Uzumaki thought he could get away with it.
Unsealing what was inside the scrolls, the whiskered blonde found a few standard things inside, a decent amount of money in both of them, likely payment from missions and their jobs at the Academy. Several sets of kunai, shuriken, senbon, and Fūma Shuriken from Mizuki's scroll. While from Iruka's scroll, Naruto found several advanced books, making him smile slightly, not surprised that Iruka would leave him more books to study.
He also found some Ninjutsu and Genjutsu Scrolls as well, a few Fire Style and Water Style Ninjutsu from Iruka along with some Barrier Ninjutsu called String Light Formation, Sealed Binding Formation, and a few others. While from Mizuki, he saw some Earth Style Ninjutsu, a Jutsu called the Soft Physique Modification, as well as seeing that Mizuki had some scrolls on Kugutsu and the Silent Killing.
'So, this is how he was always able to find me.' Thought Naruto after opening a scroll from Iruka, detailing an original technique that he created that worked similar to echolocation, giving the user a sonar image of the surrounding area.
The Uzumaki realizing that Iruka must've been using the technique to be able to find him, no matter where he was hiding, while knowing it'd definitely be a useful technique to learn.
While the Genjutsu he found were Demonic Illusion: Hell Viewing Jutsu, Hazy Genjutsu, and a few other good beginner Genjutsu, as well explaining ways to dispel Genjutsu and sense them. Something that Naruto really liked, with how Genjutsu was his weakest subject.
He also found some scrolls detailing Chakra Control Exercises, something else he'd need to work on, like Surface Walking and Water Walking.
'Definitely a lot of good things to work on, once I get back to training.' Naruto thought, happy at what else he'll be able to learn and work on.
Once he finished looking through both the scrolls, Naruto grabbed some of the books he had and began reading over them.
*Later*
Naruto spent three hours studying, focusing on the basic knowledge and principles of being a Ninja, as well as battle tactics and history. Mostly regarding famous Ninja and their conquests on the battlefield, learning about more famous Ninja from Konoha like the Shodai and Nidaime Hokages, the Yondaime Hokage and how he earned his nickname as the Yellow Flash, the Legendary Sannin. With there even being information about Madara Uchiha, himself, before he defected and after his battle against the Shodai Hokage at the Valley of the End.
As well as more recent Ninja like Kakashi Hatake who's known as the Copy Ninja, Might Gai who was considered one of the best Taijutsu users in the Elemental Nations and a master in Bukijutsu, Asuma Sarutobi the Sandaime's son and a former member of the Twelve Guardian Ninja, and Kurenai Yūhi who was considered Konoha's number one Genjutsu user.
Along with others like Wicked Eye Fugaku who was the Uchiha Clan Head before his death, Shisui the Teleporter who was also from the Uchiha Clan. There was also Hiashi Hyūga the Clan Head of the Hyūga Clan, as well as Shikaku Nara the Nara Clan Head and Jōnin Commander.
The Uzumaki also read about the Three Demon Queens of Konoha, Mikoto Uchiha known as "The Dollmaker" due to her skill in Genjutsu and controlling her enemies. Hitomi Hyūga "The Yuki-onna" due her being able to combine Water Style and Wind Style to create Hyōton and freeze people. And the third one, Naruto was confused when he couldn't find their name only that they were known as "The Crimson Death".
Though, Naruto didn't read about just read about Ninja from Konoha, he also read about the other Hidden Villages and famous Ninja from them. Like with Hanzō of the Salamander who fought and defeated the Legendary Sannin, being the one who gave them their title for surviving against him. Granny Chiyo from Sunagakure and one of the best puppeteers in the world, along with her knowledge of poisons that only Tsunade Senju herself could counter. Though, something that really interested Naruto as he read about these two, was that Chiyo is one of the few Ninja that could fight Hanzō to a standstill, numerous times.
The Sandaime Raikage who was considered Kumogakure's, having fought an army of ten thousand Ninja for three consecutive days and nights alone before finally dying from Chakra Exhaustion. Along with the Nidaime Tsuchikage Mū and the Nidaime Mizukage Gengetsu Hōzuki, who had a rivalry with each other and were considered equals, which was proven true when they killed each other in their final confrontation.
Naruto had been shocked, amazed, and worried at learning how many powerful Ninja there were in the world, both living and dead ones. Knowing that he'd need to really train and push himself if he ever wanted to reach that level of power.
The Uzumaki eventually stopped his studying and left his apartment to take a break, deciding to get some ramen at Ichiraku's. Having realized that he hasn't visited since the night Iruka took him before the Graduation Test.
With it not taking long for Naruto to arrive at the ramen stand, where he found Teuchi behind the counter.
"Welcome to Ramen Ichiraku! What can I-Naruto?" Teuchi said, turning towards the customer, only to be surprised when he saw Naruto enter the stand.
"Did you say Naruto, Tou-san?!" Said Ayame as she ran out from the back of the stand, looking at Naruto when she saw him as well.
"Uh…hey Ayame, Teuchi." Naruto said awkwardly, given how he hadn't tried checking in and let them know he was alright, not doubting they'd heard about what happened to Iruka.
"Naruto!" Ayame said, smiling happily before practically jumping over the counter and hugged him tightly.
"We were so worried about you! We heard about what happened to Iruka and then when you didn't show up, we thought something might've happened! But I'm glad that you're safe and I'm so sorry about Iruka, too." Said Ayame, pulling away and looking at him in sympathy, with Teuchi nodding in agreement.
"We're glad to see you're alright, after we heard about Iruka and hearing some rumors that you got into some trouble, we thought something might've happened. Are you alright, Naruto?" Teuchi asked, making Naruto wince at their words.
'Well, now I feel like an asshole.' Thought Naruto, feeling bad about making them worried that something happened to him as well.
"Y-yeah, I'm fine, and sorry for not checking in or letting you know I was okay. But after…after what happened to Iruka, I needed some time alone and I've also been training a lot the past couple of days." Naruto replied as he sat down, with Ayame narrowing her eyes at him.
"You have been resting, right?" Ayame demanded, not wanting to hear he's been training this entire time without taking a break.
"I…did finally rest yesterday…after the Hokage made me and just woke up a few hours ago." Said Naruto, making the brunette narrow her eyes further before she sighed.
"As long as you actually are resting and taking it easy now." Said Ayame, with the Uzumaki nodding in response.
"I am and I was hoping to get some ramen." Naruto said, making Teuchi laugh lightly.
"Well glad to see you haven't changed too much. I'll get started right away." Said Teuchi as he began preparing the ramen.
"Thanks. I was also hoping that…maybe you two could give me some advice on how I could relax. Like, things I could do when I'm not training or studying." Said Naruto, aware of the fact that he didn't really have any hobbies besides pulling pranks or hanging out with Shikamaru, Chōji, Kiba and Akamaru when they were younger.
And neither of those were an option anymore, since Naruto was swearing off pulling pranks, with him even growing resentful of the time he wasted on it. As for spending time with the others, at best his relationship with Shikamaru and Chōji was neutral after they stopped hanging out. While his relationship with Kiba was antagonistic after he started going along with the other students in believing he's just the deadlast failure.
"You mean like hobbies? Well…you could try gardening, that's a good hobby, helping you learn to relax and taking care of plants. Or even sewing, which might not be something that'd interest you, but it's also a useful skill to know." Ayame suggested, with Teuchi nodding in agreement.
"You could also try painting, since that can be pretty calming and when you start taking missions I'm sure you'll be traveling to a lot of different places, seeing different sceneries and locations, which could give you some inspiration. You could also try quizzing yourself on everything you study, giving you a nice trivia game you could play to see how much you remember." Said Teuchi, the whiskered blonde gained a thoughtful expression before nodding.
With part of him seeing the practical uses of those hobbies as well, with gardening he'd be able to know what plants could be used to create medicine or poisons. Sewing would help in repairing his damaged clothes or sewing up injuries. Painting would help him take in his surroundings and be more observant to what's around him. And quizzing himself on information would help him better recall things he's learned or heard. Plus he did enjoy watering plants, so he wouldn't mind getting a few to take care of.
"Those are some good ideas, thanks Ayame, Teuchi." Naruto said, smiling in thanks, which the father-daughter duo returned before he was soon given his bowl of ramen.
*Later*
After finishing and paying for his ramen, with the Uzumaki sticking to just two bowls, Naruto had left to take a walk around the village. While also sending Shadow Clones out to get some stuff to entertain himself with and keep him relaxed.
Though, his walk eventually took him outside the village, something that Naruto enjoyed as the noise from the village soon vanished. Along with getting away from the villagers and their looks, having noticed how everyone now seemed more scared of him than hateful. Making the whiskered blonde guess that word began spreading of what he did the night he went shopping, with everyone now knowing he wasn't going to be pushed around anymore.
And while Naruto no longer cared about how the villagers see him, as long as they didn't annoy him or get in his way, he still didn't like everyone looking at him like that either. So getting out of the village and enjoying the peace and quiet of the forest made him feel more relaxed and at ease.
"Huh?" Naruto said, stopping when he spotted something through the trees.
'Is that a…building?' Thought Naruto, confused at what a building was doing out in the forest, along with noticing it was close to Satomi Hill.
Now curious and interested about what the building was, Naruto jumped up into the trees and began making his way towards it, staying in the trees just in case it's something he's not supposed to be near. Though soon he stopped just before he reached the building when he noticed numerous wires suspended in the trees with bells hanging from them.
'Traps? So definitely not a place anyone is supposed to go near and given the fact the traps don't seem to be lethal or trap anyone, I'm guessing they're just meant to alert any guards.' Naruto thought, feeling his curiosity grow at what this place could be that it'd require traps and guards.
Jumping back to the ground, Naruto picked up a rock and looked around for anymore traps, spotting a few on the north side of the building. The Uzumaki threw the rock as hard as he could, pleased that he succeeded in hitting the trap and making the bells ring. Before he was surprised when he saw Anbu rushing to where the triggered trap was.
'And there are Anbu, here, acting as guards?' Naruto thought, further confused as to what or who could be here that was important enough to warrant this kind of security.
Looking around for any more guards or traps, Naruto soon spotted a way into the building from the balcony, seeing a tree hanging close to it. Knowing that'd be his way in, the Uzumaki quickly jumped back into the trees and made his way to the balcony, avoiding the traps as he did so. Once he was on the balcony, Naruto quickly opened a window and got in before closing it.
Sighing relief that he wasn't caught, Naruto looked around and frowned as he took in the hallway he was now in, noticing it seemed like a regular hallway.
'Is this someone's home?' Wondered Naruto as he began walking down the hallway to see what he could find.
It wasn't long before Naruto came across a door, making him look up and down the hall again to make sure no one was coming. Going over to the door, the Uzumaki pressed himself against the wall with his hand on his weapons pouch, just in case there was another trap or someone inside that'd attack him.
Opening the door slowly, Naruto peeked inside only to frown when he caught sight of a few paintings leaning against the wall, along with spotting a desk covered in art supplies. Pushing the door open a little more to see what he guessed was just someone's art room, Naruto walked inside to get a better look at the paintings.
"What're you doing here?!" Someone said, making the whiskered blonde tense and quickly turn to see who it was.
Seeing a girl, his age, with long brown hair that was straight on her right side but braided on the left along with an orange hairclip that looked like two circles joined together, fair skin, and light brown eyes. Her attire consisted of a pink kimono held closed by a pink sash with two pockets on the front, violet baggy pants and red mesh armor underneath her kimono and legs, as well as orange Ninja sandals.
With the girl currently holding a palette knife and glaring at the Uzumaki, though Naruto could also see a hint of worry and fear in her eyes.
"Easy, I'm not here to hurt you." Naruto said, raising his hands to show he wasn't a threat, only for the girl to scoff at him.
"Don't lie to me! I can see you're a Ninja! Are you an assassin?! Did the Hokage send you?!" The girl demanded, believing he's an assassin the Hokage sent to finally kill her, while Naruto frowned at her words.
"No, I'm not an assassin, I got my headband not even a week ago. I swear I just saw this place while taking a walk through the forest and was curious about what, or who, was inside that'd require traps and Anbu as guards." Said Naruto, with the girl frowning but slowly lowered her makeshift weapon, though still regard him warily.
"If you're not an assassin, then who are you?" Questioned the girl as the whiskered blonde lowered his hands, seeing she wasn't going to try attacking him.
"Naruto Uzumaki. And if you don't mind me asking, who are you? And what is this place?" Naruto asked while looking around.
"Yakumo Kurama. This is my…home." Yakumo replied with Naruto noticing how she seemed reluctant to call this place her home.
"Okay. So…did you make these?" Questioned Naruto, motioning to the paintings, now seeing how some of them depicted landscapes of forests, mountains, rivers, oceans, even Konoha itself.
"Yes, I did. I enjoy painting and they help me…get away." Said Yakumo, given while it's unlikely she'll ever be able to see places like in her paintings, with her Kekkei Genkai she can get the feeling of actually being there.
"They look really good; you must have a lot of practice." Naruto stated, seeing how detailed and accurate they all were, feeling like they could come alive at any moment.
Though he also frowned at her words, as the way she said it seems like she's not allowed to even leave this place at all.
"And I'm guessing that those Anbu…they aren't here to keep you safe…" Said Naruto before he trailed off, while Yakumo frowned.
"No, they aren't." Yakumo replied, knowing they were here to make sure she stayed locked away and inform the Hokage if she became a threat, with Naruto nodding slowly in understanding.
"If you don't mind, why exactly? You thought I was an assassin and the Hokage sent me. Why though?" Naruto asked, unable to help his curiosity.
"You expect me to tell you why? I still don't know if you're just going to tell the Hokage anything I say." Retorted Yakumo, not intending to tell someone she just met anything personal like that or risk him telling the Hokage and being deemed a threat to be eliminated.
"Well, if we ignore the fact that I'm probably not even supposed to be here and would get in trouble if anyone found out. Then believe me when I say, I'm not exactly on the best terms with the Hokage at the moment nor do I trust him like I used to." Said Naruto, knowing he'd just get in trouble if anyone found out he was here.
Plus after what happened and everything the Sandaime kept from him, and the stuff he's likely still keeping from him, Naruto had no intentions of telling the Hokage everything he does anymore. While Yakumo frowned at him warily, unsure if he's telling the truth or not. But the brunette could see it in his eyes that he's being honest that he didn't trust the Hokage like Konoha Ninja should.
"…I have a…unique ability that…the Hokage is scared of. He…had someone try sealing it…but he still put me here with Anbu watching me, to see if I'm a threat. And if he thinks I am a threat…he'll have me killed." Yakumo said, not telling him everything just enough to let him know why she's trapped here.
The whiskered blonde frowned at this, not sure if all of that was true or if Yakumo just believed it was true. And given everything he's learned and experienced, Naruto really wasn't sure what the Hokage was capable of doing if it meant protecting Konoha.
"A week ago, I'd really believe the Hokage would never do something like that, but…I've recently learned a Hokage would do anything to protect the village, no matter what. Even from those that live in it." Said Naruto, making Yakumo frown as she wondered if he's like her.
"Does the Hokage see you as a threat too?" Yakumo asked, with Naruto shrugging in response.
"I don't even really know. Maybe he does or I'm just an replaceable asset if I do become a threat." Naruto replied, not sure where he stood at the moment in the Hokage's mind.
"What does that means?" Questioned Yakumo with a confused frown.
"Just that I learned something the Hokage kept from me, something bad happened when I learned it, and…I'm just having a hard time seeing him and the entire village the way I used to. Honestly, part of me didn't even want to become a Ninja afterwards, but…I still did so what happened wouldn't be for nothing." Said Naruto, with the brunette's frown deepening before she simply nodded in response.
"I…wanted to be a Ninja." Yakumo revealed, making Naruto look at her curiously.
"I don't remember you being in the Academy. Or were you in a different class or year?" Naruto asked, not remembering seeing her in the Academy.
"I didn't attend the Academy; I had a private instructor since…my body was weak. I couldn't do things like other Ninja could, but I still wanted to be one. But my instructor…" Said Yakumo before clenching her fists at remembering what happened, what was taken from her.
"They betrayed you, didn't they." Stated Naruto, with Yakumo simply nodding in response.
"That…that I can understand. One of my instructors betrayed me too. I never even passed the Graduation Test at the Academy, I failed it three times, and my instructor…they tricked me into stealing something, telling me it was a secret test. But it was a lie, and they tried killing me." Naruto revealing, making Yakumo look at him in surprise.
"What…happened to them?" Yakumo asked, only to get her answer when Naruto simply looked at her blankly, being able to guess his instructor isn't around anymore.
"…Thank you…for telling me that." Said Yakumo after a few moments, seeing that they were alike and felt…glad she supposed to know there's someone like her.
"Yeah, and…thanks for telling everything too. I should…probably leave soon so I'm not found by the Anbu." Naruto replied, making Yakumo nod with a frown.
"Yeah." Yakumo muttered, knowing that things will go back to being the same now.
"But…if you want, I could come back again. Since…it'd probably be nice talking to someone here, as it doesn't look like anyone else lives here and I doubt the Anbu talk to you much. So…if you want, I can keep visiting." Offered Naruto, not sure if Yakumo would want him to keep coming back, with the brunette looking at him in surprise.
"Uh…th-that's…fine. I mean, if you want to come back again, you can." Yakumo replied, surprised that he'd offer to keep visiting her, but also feeling a little happy at the chance she could actually talk to someone.
"I will, I promise. So…see you next time, Yakumo." Naruto said, waving at the Kurama Heiress, which Yakumo returned.
"Y-yeah, see you, Naruto." Said Yakumo while watching the Uzumaki leaving.
Neither of them realizing or admitting how grateful they were that they were able to meet each other, after what they've both been through. Only feeling some relief that they now had someone they were able to talk to.
While Naruto quickly and quietly made his way out of the manor, relieved that he was able to avoid the guards and traps, and made his way back to the village.
Though, the moment he set foot in the village, the Uzumaki froze when he suddenly felt a rush of memories that weren't his own.
'What the hell? Why do I suddenly remember going to a bunch of different places and dropping stuff off at my apartment? I was just…' Naruto thought before his eyes widened in realization at what happened.
'Those…weren't my memories, at least not from the real me. Those were…my Shadow Clones?!' Thought Naruto in disbelief, realizing that those memories came from the Shadow Clones he sent out to get stuff to keep him busy, and when they dispelled all those memories came back to him.
"Idiot!" Naruto muttered while smacking himself upside the head, not believing he got the memories from his clones, seeing that he hadn't read everything there was about the Shadow Clone Jutsu.
'Note to self; make sure to read all the details about any future Jutsu I learn.' Naruto thought, knowing how useful it would've been to know that sooner, before he continued on to his apartment.
*Timeskip-One Week*
'I wonder what team I'll end up on?' Naruto thought as he walked through the Academy to his now former classroom for Team Assignments, wondering who his teammates and teacher will be.
Though Naruto's mind also drifted to what he's been doing the last week, having started some hobbies to keep himself occupied. With it helping that he now knew Shadow Clones transferred memories back to him when they were dispelled, allowing him to get the hang of some hobbies faster than usual.
Aside from that, he also kept his promise to Yakumo and visited her everyday he could, with him having now memorized the guard shifts around her manor, knowing when and where they'll always be. With the two mostly having talked and shared stuff about each other, opening up a little more with each visit, though not sharing everything. Yakumo having also offered to help Naruto learn how to paint, which the Uzumaki accepted. While Naruto also offered to teach her some of the hobbies he's taken up, so she'd have more things to do besides painting.
With it eventually being time for Team Assignments, leading to Naruto getting ready for the day and heading to the Academy.
It wasn't long before the Uzumaki arrived at the classroom and walked inside, getting everyone's attention before they looked at him in shock. Not only at the fact he was here, but also what he was wearing, none of them ever expecting to see Naruto in anything but orange.
"What're you doing here, Naruto? This is for graduates only." Said Shikamaru, looking at him with a raised brow.
"Yeah loser! Dropouts aren't allowed here today, unless you got lost on the way to the baby classes!" Kiba said mockingly, making some of the other Genin laugh.
"His sense of direction is probably as good as his lame clones!"
"He's probably desperate to try failing again if he's here!"
"At least we'll have something to enjoy watching!"
"At least I'm not blind like the rest of you. If you can't even see what I'm wearing then I would be worried about your careers as Ninja, if you can't even notice that." Naruto said, making everyone fall silent as they now took notice of his headband, much to their shock that he had one.
"Where the hell did you get that?!" Kiba demanded, not believing the deadlast somehow graduated.
"I got field promoted." Said Naruto, moving to take a seat, only to be blocked by Ami.
"Yeah right! Like a loser like you could ever get a field promotion, let alone graduate! I bet you stole that from a real Ninja! So hand it over, thief!" Ami said, moving to take Naruto's headband, refusing to believe he actually graduated.
Only for the Uzumaki's hand to shoot out and grab her arm, before he began squeezing it tightly, making Ami yelp in pain.
"Ami, I'm gonna let you off with just a warning, and that's only because I don't want to get into trouble this early into my career. But if you ever try something like that again or anything that gets on my nerves, I'll break your arm. Do we understand each other?" Naruto said while tightening his grip to get his point across, with Ami whimpering in pain as she tried prying his hand off.
"Y-y-ye-ye-yes! Pl-pl-pl-ple-please l-le-le-le-le-let g-g-go-go-go!" Ami said, fearful that he'd actually break her arm.
"Good." Said Naruto before releasing her arm, the purplette instantly running back to her seat, while everyone else looked at him in disbelief and a little wariness.
With Naruto sitting down next to Sasuke, the Uchiha glancing at the whiskered blonde, taking notice of not only his different attire but also his presence as well.
'He's…different.' Sasuke thought, feeling that Naruto wasn't only different on the outside but the inside as well, seeming more focused and serious.
The Uchiha being a little curious of what must've happened to cause such a drastic change, before simply shrugging since it wasn't any of his concern or his problem.
Neither of the two boys aware of the way Hinata was looking at both of them, specifically the way the bluenette was glaring at Naruto.
'You're not Naruto-kun.' Hinata thought, knowing that whoever he was, they weren't Naruto.
With the Hyūga remembering the night of the Graduation Test, having heard some of her clansmen talking about how Naruto had stolen something from the Hokage Tower. Making her worried that something might've happened to him, before she snuck out of the compound to go find him.
Only to be relieved to find him at his apartment, before being confused when she saw how he was throwing things out before he then left. With him looking more determined and serious then she'd ever seen the whiskered blonde before, making her curious at where he was going and followed him.
Though Hinata was then shocked when he went to a clothing store and attacked one of the employees, moving close enough so she could hear what was being said. With her shock and confusion slowly turning into anger the more she heard. Angry at the fact someone was now masquerading as Naruto, the bluenette knowing that the real Naruto would ever lash out like that.
Her anger only growing with each place he went to, attacking more people before returning to Naruto's apartment. With her finding the things the imposter threw out were Naruto's pranking supplies and orange jumpsuits. Only further proving to her it wasn't the real Naruto, knowing how much he loved pulling pranks and the color orange.
'I'll find out what you did to Naruto-kun, faker.' Hinata thought, glaring at the imposter.
Naruto, meanwhile, couldn't help but frown, feeling a strange disturbance before shaking his head at the odd feeling. Before he suddenly heard the sound of someone running loudly through the halls, making him look towards the door just as Sakura and Ino burst into the room.
"I'm first!" The two girls shouted as they entered the classroom before glaring at each other.
"Give it up, Forehead! I obviously won!" Said Ino with a smirk.
"Oh please, Ino-pig! My foot was already through the door, I won!" Sakura retorted.
"You're delusional! I won fair and square, so I get to sit next to Sasuke!" Ino said as they glared at each other.
"Fat chance, I'm sitting next to Sasuke!" Said Sakura, making several other girls glare at them.
"No way! I was here before either of you two, I should sit next to Sasuke!"
"Well I got here first so I should next to Sasuke!"
"I thought of sitting next to Sasuke first, so I get the seat!"
"None of you are sitting next to Sasuke, because I'm going to!"
'After today, it'll all be over.' Sasuke thought, unable to deny the relief that after today he won't have to deal with anymore fangirls.
'Really starting to like being the outcast now.' Thought Naruto, thankful he didn't have to deal with girls going crazy over him like that.
"Get out of the way or you're dead, Naruto!" Sakura demanded after slipping past the other girls as they were arguing, seeing her chance to sit next to Sasuke, only to see Naruto already sitting there.
With the Uzumaki unable to suppress the wince of hurt at how his crush was talking to him, before quickly covering it with an annoyed sigh. Naruto then moved to the next seat over, surprising Sakura a little that he actually moved and didn't even so much as greet her. Before the pinkette shook her head and quickly sat down between Sasuke and Naruto, smirking at the other girls when they finally noticed she took the seat, much to their annoyance.
'Oh, Sakura, I'm gonna…' Ino thought in annoyance as she took the seat right above Sakura and next to Shikamaru, before she glanced at Naruto with a curious frown.
Remembering how she saw him come to her family's flower shop a few days, not expecting the deadlast to be interested in flowers. Being especially shocked at his clothes and that he was wearing a headband, not believing he actually passed, somehow. Though it also made Ino curious at how that happened and what lead to his new attire, along with how different his body language was, given her clans specialty in Mind-related Ninjutsu they were naturally good at reading people. And if there's one thing Ino prided herself on besides her appearance, it's her ability to read others.
Yet she now found herself unable to get a read on Naruto, which only made her more curious as he's usually one of the easiest people she could read. With the Yamanaka Heiress wanting to find out what could have caused the change, refusing to be left out of the loop on something like that.
'At least he finally got rid of that orange eyesore.' Thought Ino, knowing it'd be easier to tolerate being around him without having to look at that orange monstrosity.
Everyone's attention soon turned forward when a Chūnin entered the classroom, confusing the students at where Iruka and Mizuki were.
"Good morning, everyone. Today, all of you are officially Ninja of Konoha and will now be placed into teams of three, while having a Jōnin Sensei assigned to train and guide you all." Said the Chūnin, confusing the students further.
"Uh, where are Iruka-sensei and Mizuki-sensei? Shouldn't they be here?" Sakura asked, raising her hand, with the rest of the student also being curious about this, while Naruto looked down and clenched his fists.
"I'm afraid that…Iruka has been killed in the line of duty, having been killed by Mizuki after he revealed himself as a traitor and attempted to go rogue, with Mizuki having also been killed before he could escape." Revealed the Chūnin, much to everyone's shock, horror, and sadness to learn Iruka was dead and that Mizuki was a traitor and responsible for killing Iruka.
"So, for today I'll be here to list off who is on which team and your Jōnin Sensei. Now then, Team One…" The Chūnin said as they began listing off the Genin names and who their instructors would be.
"For Team Seven we have Naruto Uzumaki…" Said the Chūnin, making Naruto perk up at hearing his name.
"…Sakura Haruno…"
'I'm on the same team as Sakura?!' Naruto thought, smiling that he and Sakura were teammates, wondering if he'd finally have a chance with her.
'Or at the least, we could be friends. Sakura's also the smartest in the entire Academy, so maybe she'd also be willing to help me study too.' Thought Naruto, hoping that he and Sakura could be friends at the very least, and that they could train and study together.
'I'm on the same team as Naruto?!' Thought Sakura, groaning and slumping forward, not believing she's stuck on the same team as the deadlast loudmouth.
"…and Sasuke Uchiha, your sensei is Kakashi Hatake." The Chūnin said, making Naruto and Sakura both look up, before the pinkette shot up and cheered.
"Yes!" Sakura said, happily that she's teammates with Sasuke, smirking smugly at Ino who growled in annoyance.
'So much for having a chance or being friends. I shouldn't even be surprised.' Naruto thought while slumping forward, knowing with Sasuke as a teammate it's unlikely Sakura will even give him the time of day.
Knowing it was just his luck that he's paired with the girl he likes, only for their third teammate to be the boy she likes.
"Team Eight is Hinata Hyūga, Kiba Inuzuka, and Shino Aburame, your sensei is Kurenai Yūhi. Team Nine is still in rotation from last year. And Team Ten is Ino Yamanaka, Shikamaru Nara, and Chōji Akimichi, your sensei is Asuma Sarutobi. That is the last of the teams, congratulations to all of you and good luck on your paths of becoming splendid Ninja. Now you're all dismissed, meet back here in an hour to meet your senseis." Said the Chūnin before taking their leave.
With the Genin all leaving the classroom, Naruto got up and left as well before stopping for a moment and looked at his new teammates. Contemplating on asking if they'd want to eat together, only to sigh and shake his head, doubting that either of them would want to.
'Well, who knows, maybe it won't be as bad as I think.' Naruto thought as he exited the classroom.
So, what did you think, good. Yep we see Naruto waking up after sleeping for an entire day, showing how tired he was, before thinking over what he'll be doing until Team Assignments. With him eventually deciding to get some light studying done as well as look through the scrolls of Iruka's and Mizuki's belongings, finding several new books to read as well Ninjutsu, Genjutsu, and Chakra Control Exercises. Before we then see Naruto going to Ichiraku's, with Teuchi and Ayame both being relieved to see he's alright and giving their condolences for Iruka's death, while Naruto also apologizes for not letting them know he was okay, before getting some ideas for hobbies he could do until Team Assignments.
Then we see Naruto going for a walk through the village and forest, only to end up coming across a mountainside manor, making him curious of what's inside before sneaking in. Leading to Naruto encountering Yakumo Kurama, who believes he's an assassin sent by the Hokage, only for Naruto to manage to calm her down so she doesn't attack him. With the two then getting to know each other a little better, but still being closed off since they just met. Before Naruto has to leave but promises to come visit again, neither of two admitting how glad they are for the meeting after everything they've been through.
We then get a timeskip to Team Assignments, learning what Naruto's been doing since meeting Yakumo, in addition to keeping his promise of visiting her every day. With Naruto soon arriving at the classroom, shocking the other graduates that he was there before being mocked by some of the other Genin only to silence them and point out he has a headband and was field promoted. Only to be stopped by Ami who accused him of stealing it, before being given a warning not to anger Naruto again. With Naruto sitting next to Sasuke who takes notice of his changed appearance and presence, but shrugs it off as not his problem.
Though then we get a surprise as we see Hinata glaring at Naruto, having followed him the night he went shopping and how he acted, believing that the "real Naruto" would never act like that and that this just an imposter disguised as Naruto, not knowing it's the real Naruto. Before we see Sakura and Ino arriving, arguing over who gets to sit next to Sasuke, with Sakura demanding Naruto moves which he does while covering the hurt at how his crush is talking to him. While we also get some of Ino's thoughts showing she'd already learned of Naruto's changed appearance and having graduated, making her interested in finding how it happened.
Finally we see a Chūnin arriving to list the teams, along with revealing what happened to Iruka and Mizuki much to everyone's shock, horror, and sadness. Before we get to the teams, with Naruto being happy he and Sakura are on the same team, a feeling Sakura doesn't share, only for their moods to flip when they learn Sasuke's their third teammate. With the rest of the teams being listed before everyone is dismissed for lunch, while Naruto is hopeful that maybe things won't be as bad as he thinks they'll be with is new teammates. So, for those that like the story, thanks for your support. For those that don't or at least don't like the direction taken, you're more than welcomed to drop the story. But thanks for giving the story a chance anyway.
Storm out