"Alright class, I think it's about time we start." Iruka said as he clapped his hands.
The class quited, looking around as they did, wondering what exactly they were doing today. The class had already finished their final test for the semester, so there'd be no reason for any more work until the start of the next semester when they'd start a new unit.
"As many of you may have already realized, you've already finished the last of the tests for this semester. Therefore, today is simply a day meant to hand out required packets and info for the next semester. Now, why don't we get a move on." Iruka said with a smile and started to hand out amended syllabus packets for the next semester.
~HOURS LATER~
"Now for the final topic for today, Academy Library Cards." Iruka said as multiple groans of boredom were heard throughout the classroom.
"Look, I know it may sound boring, but the Academy Library can be extremely useful in learning and growing within the academy. In Fact, I can even say that I personally know and taught someone who used the Academy Library to graduate early after only a year and a half in the academy." Iruka said as he gained the attention of the class back as looks of awe flashed across some of the faces in the class.
Naruto, on the other hand, blushed but managed to keep it well hidden as a majority of the class asked who it was that graduated so early.
"For now, I think I'll keep that a secret. But, maybe I'll tell you once you all come back. Have a good break everyone! Class dismissed!" Iruka said as slowly the class started leaving, talking about who the mystery student must have been. Never suspecting that the student not only was the student in their generation, but also in their class.
After the rest of the class had exited, Naruto approached Iruka with a smile.
"Thanks for not spilling the beans, Iruka-sensei." Naruto said with a grin, rubbing the back of his head.
"It's no problem, Naruto-kun. I'm well aware that you don't want any attention before your graduation. However, this is something I'd like to talk about." Iruka said turning to look at Naruto and stopping what he was doing.
Naruto waited for Iruka to continue.
"In short, Naruto-kun, I'd like to give you some sort of graduation gift." Iruka said.
Naruto looked on in surprise. "Iruka-sensei, you don't have to do that." Naruto said.
"Well, I know I don't necessarily need to, however, I do want to. So, I was wondering if you knew of the tree walking exercise?" Iruka said, a grin appearing on his face.
"Yea, I kinda already know how to do that…" Naruto said.
"Oh…well what about the water walking exercise?" Iruka said more hopeful.
"That too…" Naruto said with a bit of a nervous laugh.
"Hmm, wait one minute." Iruka said as he walked out of the classroom.
15 minute later, Iruka returned with three scrolls.
"Sorry for the wait, Naruto-kun, but it took a minute to find these jutsu." Iruka said with a nervous smile as he handed over the scrolls.
"I planned on only giving you two scrolls: the tree and water walking exercise, however, since you already know them, these should work. I know it works like three but, in reality, it should really only be two. One of the jutsu is called the body flicker technique, it allows you to quickly flicker between spots and places using chakra. The other two are the Manipulated Shuriken Technique and the Manipulated Shuriken Binding Technique, which allow you to, essentially, manipulate shuriken." Iruka finished explaining as Naruto looked at the scrolls in excitement.
"Also, Hokage-sama wanted me to tell you to report to his office immediately after I'm done with you. So, congratulations Naruto-kun! And good luck!" Iruka said with a smile as Naruto nodded, smiling but also serious, and jumped out the window before Iruka could tell him to use the door.
~HOKAGE TOWER~
"Yo, Hokage-jiji!" Naruto said allowed outside of Hiruzen's window.
"Ah, Naruto-kun. Good of you to finally arrive. Why don't you go ahead and come take a seat." Hiruzen said as Naruto nodded and did as instructed.
"Any guesses on the reason I called you here?" Hiruzen asked.
"Congratulations?" Naruto asked, unsure.
"Haha! Yes, Naruto-kun, that's part of the reason. The other is to officially give you the items received after graduation." Hiruzen said with a laugh.
"First and foremost, Congratulations Naruto-kun, here is your official Konoha headband that officially recognizes you as a ninja of Konoha." Hiruzen said with a proud smile as Naruto gave a grin and took the headband, tying it around his forehead.
"Now onto more serious matters." Hiruzen said, still holding a smile but starting to hold a presence more worthy of his title.
"Usually, possible Genin will graduate from the academy before being put in groups of three and then placed under the tutelage of a jonin. That jonin will then test whether he believes they are truly ready, rather than just on paper. You, however, Naruto-kun, are an oddity. Even when students of the academy graduate early, it's always been at the end of the year with the fourth year students. Then they're placed with other students who are just older than them. The only time this has not happened is during war when genin were deployed immediately out of the academy; granted, back then standards for graduation were much higher." Hiruzen said as Naruto nodded along, listening diligently.
"My point is, Naruto-kun, currently there are no other students who are graduating. Furthermore, there are no Genin teams who need a third member. And, while I could, I don't feel comfortable placing you on a team that is already balanced and in need of more members." Hiruzen continued as Naruto began to wonder if he was even going to have a team for the next six months.
"Which leads me to conclude that the best thing to do is to place you on a temporary team." Hiruzen said as Naruto nodded along.
"Now, Naruto-kun, no Genin teams are currently available, that much is true. However, there is a team of Chunin who has no permanent fourth member. Infact, up to this point they've been shuffling between extras. However, I must warn you that all three have made it clear to me that they plan on applying for anbu during the next semi-annual application time, which is in only three months. Therefore, Naruto-kun, after three months you'll most likely do missions with those who need an extra rather than with a permanent team since you'll only have three more months before another group will graduate from the academy." Hiruzen explained as Naruto nodded along, considering his options.
"Do the three Chunin know about this, Hokage-sama?" Naruto asked, remembering to show professionalism and respect, as Hiruzen smiled at the question.
"Yes, Naruto-kun. They've agreed to take you on as a fourth member. However, they expect you to be able to move at speeds of at least a high Genin so that you can keep up during missions." Hiruzen said as Naruto nodded in thought.
"And training?" Naruto asked.
"If there's something you need help with I'm sure they won't mind. However, training you won't be their responsibility, rather, it'll be your own." Hiruzen answered as Naruto considered the answer.
"And training materials? Will I have access to everything regarding the Senju and Uzumaki clans?" Naruto asked, waiting for the answer he was hoping for.
"Yes, Naruto-kun. Though there will be some legalities to sort through, everything I previously promised you once you had become a Genin still stands. And, while I understand that you haven't had much time to think, I expect an answer before we leave this office." Hiruzen said as Naruto nodded and considered everything.
"Last question. How often will I have time to train?" Naruto asked.
"Team Seto usually accepts missions that last anywhere from one day to a week. Depending on the longevity of the mission, they may take a longer break lasting anywhere from a couple days to a week or more. That doesn't include time they may deliberately take off to train rather than to rest." Hiruzen answered.
"...I think that sounds good, however, I'm well aware that sometimes shinobi just don't work well together. So, while I'm not saying I want a trial period or anything Hokage-sama, I want you to keep in mind that my skill sets may not match up. Which brings me to ask what kind of team they run, and what kind of missions they take?" Naruto asked.
"They mostly run attack, retrieval, and escort missions that expect conflict. Though, by the sound of things, I'm assuming that you're willing to join Team Seto?" Hiruzen asked for confirmation.
"Yes, that's right, Hokage-sama." Naruto said with a nod.
"Good. I've scheduled you to meet them here Monday morning at eight a.m. for a mission. Now, why don't we move on to the next topic of business: the Senju and Uzumaki clans." Hiruzen said as Naruto became laser focused.
"I'm well aware of your desire to take over as Senju clan head." Hiruzen started as Naruto nodded along.
"So, I feel that I must inform you of a few things. As a clan head, you'll have certain legal powers within Konoha. Until you become a Chunin you won't be able to take a seat within the council, that much is true. However, as a clan head you'll have more respect and knowledge within Konoha. For example, while it's true that you may not cast your vote within the council due to your status within the ninja ranks, you are privileged to the same information whether in or out of the council. Furthermore, as clan head you'll have a say over who resides and does not reside within the clan." Hiruzen continued as Naruto gulped.
"Like Tsunade-sama?" Naruto asked.
"Yes, like Tsunade-chan. Currently she's listed as a ninja of Konoha. However, she's been inactive, and out of Konoha, for over a decade and therefore ineligible to be clan head, ineligible to be a ninja of Konoha, and technically in violation of the law due to her previous status and promises as a ninja. Up to this point, and ever since the end of the Third Ninja War, the council, along with the advisors, have been lenient because of all that she's lost. However, in more recent years they've been requesting her return. After all, if she were to return, her medical prowess would be a great help in healing ninjas who had no hope, or speeding the process up all together. Ultimately, however, the responsibility of Tsunade Senju now falls to you." Hiruzen said as Naruto gulped once again.
"To me?" Naruto asked, pointing at himself.
"Yes, Naruto-kun. While under current circumstances Tsunade-chan is more like a rogue ninja and, might I add, that the only reason she has yet to be officially marked that way is because of her Sannin status, as well as her status as both a senju and granddaughter of the first Hokage and grandniece of the second. However, I fear that soon enough, the council will truly lose its patience and threaten to mark her rogue. However, as her clan head, you'd be able to mark her on official leave." Hiruzen explained as Naruto nodded along in thought.
"Correct me if I'm wrong, but becoming clan head would also make Tsunade-sama my responsibility of sorts?" Naruto asked.
"Yes, that's correct, Naruto-kun. That, along with other responsibilities as a clan head." Hiruzen said with a serious expression.
"Still…I know it may be hard, especially at my age, but even so… I want to be clan head!" Naruto said seriously.
"Good. I'm happy for you, Naruto-kun. Now that that's settled, I think the first order of business is having you sign all the necessary documents. Luckly, however, I suspected that you'd choose to become clan head and had the necessary documents prepared." Hiruzen said as he pulled out a giant stack of papers.
Naruto gained a depressed look as he looked at the stack.
Naruto gulped. "Are all of these papers for me…?" Naruto asked.
"Indeed, Naruto-kun. And, while you sort through these and figure out what exactly you need to sign and read, I think I'll take a lunch break. Maybe go have some Ramen. Infact, I think I know of quite a good ramen stand within the village… I wonder what it's called?" Hiruzen said with an evil grin as he walked out of the office.
~A FEW HOURS LATER~
It was about three p.m. and Naruto thought that he'd read enough in the last few hours to last a lifetime.
Officially, he was now clan head of the Senju clan and owner of all it possessed. He'd also done as Hiruzen had suggested and gave Tsunade on official leave so that she wouldn't be marked a rogue.
"All done, Naruto-kun?" Hiruzen said with a smile as he walked back in and sat down to look over the signed documents.
"Yeah, but it wasn't exactly much fun." Naruto said with a sigh as he leaned back.
"Good, now why don't we head over to the Senju Clan Compound." Hiruzen said with a smile as he grabbed Naruto's shoulder and suddenly body flickered to the Compound.
"Woah.." Naruto said slightly dizzy, not expecting the shushin.
"Naruto-kun, I'd like you to take a look at this seal. What do you see?" Hiruzen asked, standing beside the Senju Clan Compound gates.
Naruto looked, noticing a seal.
"It kinda looks like a blood seal along with what looks like a barrier seal." Naruto said, looking at some of the symbols.
"You're partly right. However, it is much more complicated than that. The main mechanics, however, are that it functions as an extremely fortified blood seal that only works with the blood of someone that meets two requirements: first they must be alive and second, they must be intentionally trying to open the gate or must be willing." Hiruzen said as Naruto nodded along, amazed at the advanced seal.
"Now, to add someone to the sealing matrix, you simply must place your blood on the matrix and before using the half ram/half tiger seal to activate it, you need to place someone else's blood down as well. However, for someone else's blood to be accepted, you must have the will for them to be added to the sealing matrix. After, use the half ram/half tiger seal to complete the seal." Hiruzen said as Naruto nodded and added his own blood after seeing Hiruzen add his own. After, Hiruzen used the half ram/half tiger and added Naruto's blood to the Senju Clan Compound gate sealing matrix.
"Now, Naruto-kun, why don't you give opening this gate a try?" Hiruzen said, stepping back.
Naruto stepped forward, re-cutting his thumb to draw blood before smearing it across the now glowing seal. After, he quickly and expertly performed the half ram/half tiger seal and the seal began to glow slightly brighter.
Naruto, along with Hiruzen, began to slightly step back as the gate opened outwards.
"Though, I suppose I should've asked beforehand, Naruto-kun, I wonder, have you considered where you might live? The Senju Clan Compound does have quite nice living quarters." Hiruzen said as Naruto froze at the thought.
"Well, I suppose I wouldn't mind living here; it would be a big improvement from my current place, after all." Naruto said as he looked around to see what was in view.
"If you do decide to do so, Naruto-kun, I'd suggest that, for now, you not get caught. Legally there wouldn't be a problem, however, …" Hiruzen started as he tried to think of a way to explain the situation kindly.
"The villagers are the main problem, right? They may not always be that way but, for now, they are." Naruto said as he looked over the wide expanse of the compound.
Hiruzen hummed in agreement before commenting, "I have hope that they won't always be like that, Naruto-kun. I think that the progress you're making as a ninja and as a member of Konoha is going to be what changes their opinion. I think that you're going to change them." Hiruzen said as he looked over the familiar area with a smile.
"As you most likely already deduced, the compound isn't extremely modern. Infact, the Senju and Uchiha compounds are modeled very similarly. Anyways, the Senju Clan Compound is fashioned more after the warring clan era with inside appliances being up to date till about three decades ago. However, sealing arrays of all types around the compound are still in tip-top shape. Some of which include seals for the grounds, so as to keep them in pristine shape, and in houses, to keep dust from collecting or animals from making a home." Hiruzen said as he began to guide Naruto around the compound.
"As you can also see, there are multiple training grounds of all shapes and types around the compound. Though, that shouldn't be too much of a surprise considering the size the Senju Clan once was." Hiruzen said somewhat sadly as he led Naruto past a few of the training grounds before heading towards the homes.
Naruto followed Hiruzen around as they journeyed through the Clan Compound and saw some of the different living options if Naruto were to take up residence there.
"Last on our list of homes is Tobirama Senju's previous residence." Hiruzen said as he and Naruto walked inside.
"For the most part, it's the same as the other houses; the only exception being more seals. However, Tobirama mottled part of his second level to be a private office/small library. The other part of the second level being his personal bedroom and bathroom." Hiruzen said as he took him through the house until they stopped at a closed door that looked nicer than the others in the house.
"In and around this private office there are multiple seals to preserve, protect, and seal off this room to the outside world. The seal on this door is almost an exact copy of the one on the Senju Clan Compound gate. And, like the one on the gate, while I have access to this office, you do not. Therefore, I'd suggest that even if you plan on not living in this house, you get access to everything in what is now your clan compound." Hiruzen said as Naruto nodded and worked with Hiruzen to give himself access.
"Now that we've toured all the homes, why don't we move on to the fun part of the tour: the Senju Clan library and archives." Hiruzen said as Naruto gained a grin.
A few minutes later they arrived in what appeared to be the center of the Compound. In front of Naruto and Hiruzen existed what appeared to be a large Two story building; an extremely large building. Hiruzen led Naruto to what appeared to be the front door.
"The Senju Clan Library and Archives is the biggest building within the compound; it's also the most protected. Inside and around the building exist dozens upon dozens of masterfully drawn seals that protect and preserve it. It, like the Senju Clan Compound gate and Tobirama's office, has a seal that requires access gained in the same way as we've previously seen." Hiruzen explained as he and Naruto once again performed the process of giving Naruto access, before walking inside.
"On the first and second floors exist the library which consists of private history or information, jutsu, training scrolls, journals, and even some history of missions. On the second floor also exists Hashirama Senju's private office along with a more private Senju Clan library which, previously, was only meant for the eyes of higher ups within the clan or certain individuals under special circumstances." Hiruzen explained as they journeyed throughout the library. As they did, Hiruzen made sure to give Naruto access to anything that was not already available.
"The final destination is the Senju Clan Archives which is in the basement." Hiruzen said as he led Naruto down to another sealed door, which Hiruzen gave Naruto access to, and through a passageway.
"I personally have never looked through the archives so I'm unsure of what you might find. However, I do know that anything from this point on will be accessible due to my will to allow you access to everything, rather than just the door. Furthermore, anything you find should be in the same shape it was when it was placed here due to the preservation seals all around." Hiruzen explained as he and Naruto made their way up and out of the building.
"Truthfully, Naruto-kun, other than Tsunade-chan who only quickly looked through Hashirma's private office to retrieve his journal before returning it, no one has looked through Hashirama's private office, nor the private library, nor the archives since around Tobirama-Sensei's death, and my promotion to Hokage. So, to be completely honest, I'm not sure what you'll find inside." Hiruzen said as he reminisced on old days.
"Hokage-jiji…do you think it'd be wrong to live in Tobirama-Sama's old house?" Naruto asked.
"You're worried because you don't want to disrespect him, correct?" Hiruzen asked as Naruto nodded as he looked down and away from Hiruzen's eyes.
"No, Naruto-kun, I don't think that Tobirama-Sensei would feel disrespected by you living in his old house, nor if you used his old private office." Hiruzen answered as Naruto looked up, somewhat surprised at the response.
"Tobirama-Sensei was the kind of person to think logically in most situations, so someone who could be trusted taking residence in his old house wouldn't be a problem for him. Furthermore, I'd even venture to guess he'd be pleased and proud of your decision to take on the mantle as clan head so young and happy that you chose his house above all others." Hiruzen answered, already guessing that Naruto had decided to move.
"...You're right, Hokage-Sama! I'm Clan Head of the Senju now, I need to start acting like it." Naruto said with a serious expression.
"Well then, Naruto-kun, there's but one thing left I'd like to mention." Hiruzen started.
"While you are clan head and you do have choice over what happens in regards to the Senju, I'd suggest that you make wise choices on who you give access to the Senju Clan Compound." Hiruzen said as Naruto gave a serious nod in return.
"Hey, Hokage-jiji, there's one last thing I wanted to ask. Do you think it'd be ok to put the Senju Clan symbol somewhere on my clothes? Or on my armor, if I were to buy some, perhaps?" Naruto asked, unsure.
"Well…I suppose that depends on what you're comfortable with. The Clan Counsel will know of your new status regardless of your preference on the matter. However, until you become a Chunin and take a seat among the counsel, your status won't be made public purposely, rather, it'll be public but undiscovered or unknown. Or, like how it's public knowledge that the Senju clan exists, but everyone assumes that Tsunade-chan is the Clan Head; and while she was, she no longer is." Hiruzen explained.
"No matter what you choose, Naruto-kun, I'll support you." Hiruzen said with a grandfatherly smile as he began to walk away.
"Good luck, Naruto Uzumaki-Senju."