Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or any of the characters created by Kishimoto-sensei.
"Finally, I can take the damn Genin exam," said Naruto to himself as he went to the academy. He was thirteen, the normal age for graduating from the academy and now he just had get past this stupid test.
"Welcome class," said Iruka, "today we will be having the Genin exams. Good luck to all of you. Please come into the next room when your name is called."
Naruto put his head down on the desk to wait for his turn.
"This is boring just sitting here," complained Kiba.
"So, send Akamaru to piss on Uchiha-Bastard's leg," said Naruto with an evil smirk.
"Good idea," said Kiba before looking at his dog, "So what do you think?"
"Bark," replied Akamaru which Kiba seemed to understand.
"But it'll be funny," said Kiba.
"Bark Bark," replied Akamaru.
"Fine, you're right we should just concentrate on the exam," said Kiba.
"Hey Shino, I'll pay you a 100 ryou to have you send some of your bugs up Sasuke's pant to itch him during his test," said Naruto to his bug-fetish friend.
"They say no," said Shino simply.
"Che," complained Naruto putting his head back on the desk to wait his turn.
"Naruto, what do you have against Sasuke anyway?" asked Choji between bites of chips.
"He lusts for power because of what his brother did and now he won't hesitate to do anything to get the power he's after. That includes betraying the village and/or killing one of us," said Naruto, "I may not be the sharpest kunai in the pouch but I can read people like Shikamaru can read a shogi board."
"You really think that Sasuke would do something like that?" asked Choji.
"Without a doubt," said Naruto.
"The bugs say Naruto is right," said Shino before going silent again.
"I hope I don't end up on his team," said Kiba.
"If I do, I might just accidentally kill him on our first serious mission," said Naruto coldly.
"You're probably the only person in class that could," said Choji.
"Nah, Shino could take him," said Naruto.
"So how come neither of you are rookie of the year?" asked Choji.
"Because we're smarter than Sasuke. We know that if we just do average on our scores we'll end up on a more well-balanced team. Best in class and worst in class always get paired together creating a really bad imbalance in team strength. The top in class is always expected to make up for the worst student's shortcomings," said Naruto, "On the other, just because someone is bad in class does not mean that they aren't good shinobi. Some people just can't take tests but are excellent when using Jutsu, maybe even better than the top student."
"You really think so?" asked Choji.
"Yep," said Naruto just before his name was called in to do the exam.
Naruto was sent to a different class after he finished the test to wait on the other students that passed the exam.
Choji, Shikamaru, Shino, and Kiba soon joined him along with another twenty-some students, including the Uchiha-Bastard.
"Good job graduates," said Iruka after he entered the room, "Be back here tomorrow morning to receive your team assignment."
After everyone left Naruto dragged Iruka to eat Ramen . . . again.
"I don't know how you can eat that stuff everyday and still get stronger. It has got to be unhealthy," said Iruka.
"Nah, I have a special metabolism that let's me eat whatever I want," said Naruto calmly.
"Naruto, the Hokage, he asked me to talk to you about something important," said Iruka.
Naruto could hear the hesitation in his voice. He had a feeling he knew what it was about, "If it's about my resident then you don't need to tell me, I already know."
Iruka just spit out the noodles in mouth before looking at Naruto in shock. "How? How did you find out?"
"Hmm . . ." said Naruto thinking, "I met him and he told me what happened and then I told he had to start paying rent. So for a long time now I've been using my Chakra and if I need it I can use his too, though he can be a bit stingy."
"You met him? And you're still alive?"
"Yeh, it's no big deal. Sure he's seven thousand years old but once you get to know him he's gentle as a pussy-cat," said Naruto dripping with sarcasm that was not lost on the instructor.
"How is he really?"
"Cranky, loud, obnoxious, and really pushy. He's got this idea in his head that I should be a worthy container so he's constantly going off at the mouth about training more. In a sense, it is kind of good to have him yelling at me to train all the time because I'm always getting stronger but it does get down right annoying at times," explained Naruto honestly.
"How long have you known?"
"Since I was six, some idiot villager hit me in the head with a beer bottle and left me for dead. That was the first time I met the fox. He healed me and called me a weak vessel that was unworthy of his greatness. Well, you know me. I didn't take that very well. I don't know if you notice but my pranks suddenly stopped around that time. I was expending all that extra energy torturing the fox anyway I could. Usually just taunting him or singing children's songs in my head. He's sworn to me that if he ever meets 'Barney' that he tear him limb from limb and use his entrails as floss. I can't say as I disagree with him on that one but it still gets dead annoying. So, we've reach a compromise. I train to become a worthy container and he gives up his chakra when I ask for," explained Naruto as he continued to eat his Ramen.
"Why haven't you talked to the Hokage about this?"
"Why would I? He never told me about it in the first place and yet he must have known. He may have always been kind to me and treated me fairly when most other wouldn't but he still lied or rather kept secrets about me from me. Why can't I keep some of my own secrets about me from him?" asked Naruto a bit hotly.
Iruka just nodded, "That is a fair point Naruto. And you're certain the fox will not be escaping?"
Naruto gave Iruka dirty look, "What do you take me for, a simpleton? That was first thing I looked into when I learned about the fox. I found out every last detail about the seals Yondaime used to seal that bastard in to make sure he would never get. I might not have had a choice in having the bastard put in there but now that he's there, he sure as hell isn't getting out."
Iruka smile fondly at Naruto, "I still don't know why didn't apply yourself in classes. You could have been rookie of the year."
"So could have Shino, but he and I both understand that we have better odds of ending up on a more well balanced team by being average even if we are gifted," said Naruto as he motioned to the cook for another bowl.
Iruka smiled and continued his ramen. That night did not get as stressful as it could have been.
Iruka saw Naruto home before he went to meet with the Hokage as promised.
"So Iruka, tell me, how did Naruto take the news?"
"He already knew," said Iruka to the Hokage's surprise. Iruka then launched into the explanation that Naruto gave him.
In the end the Hokage was chuckling, "Amazing."
"I know, I couldn't believe how candid he was in talking about it," said Iruka.
"Did you have any reason to doubt his story?" asked Sarutobi.
"No, I've known Naruto for a long time now. I can tell when he's lying or withholding information," said Iruka confidently.
"I see. It would have been so easy for him to feign ignorance of the fox with the law, even more so as it never came up in conversation beyond history lessons," said Sarutobi.
"Anyway, it is getting late sir and I still have to arrange the teams," said Iruka politely excusing himself.
"Naruto, you're turning out more and more interesting everyday," said the Hokage as he puffed on his pipe.
BREAK
Naruto woke up early the next day as usual to meet with Gai and Lee for their morning workout. A work out that Neji and Tenten never knew about nor care to take part in. They were both satisfied with the way things were and saw no reason to change, besides as Neji was often quoted, 'I am fated to this path' or some such bullshit.
The morning routine ended when Lee and Gai had to go meet their team for their daily mission.
Naruto though went home for a quick shower before he had to report to the academy for team assignments. Naruto walked in to the class just as it was about to begin just as it always did.
"Congratulations again to all of you who passed. However, now the real work begins in your journey towards becoming Chuunin," said Iruka proudly.
"So, here are the teams . . . Team 7, Hyuga Hinata, Uzumaki Naruto and Uchiha Sasuke," said Iruka.
Naruto shot up to his throwing his chair back away from him "Change the teams," he ordered.
"I'm sorry Naruto, but the teams were approved by the Hokage," said Iruka.
"If you put me on the same team as the Uchiha-Bastard I will no doubt kill him and then there will be no Uchiha left in Konoha and then when I kill Itachi, there will be no Uchiha anywhere. The clan will end and the Sharingan will be lost forever," said Naruto adamantly.
"Naruto, teams are final as approved by the Hokage. You'll just have to work out your differences," said Iruka before continuing on with the team listings.
Naruto picked up his discard chair and threw it with such force at the blackboard that the feet actually went through the board before Naruto stormed out of the classroom headed straight for the Hokage's office.
"Let me see the old man," Naruto said to the secretary who gave him a cold look in return.
"You have to come back later, the Hokage is in a meeting and is not to be disturbed, especially by one like you," said the secretary.
Naruto just growled before ignoring her and the ANBU outside the office and stormed inside.
In the office the Hokage was sitting with Hyuga Hiashi obviously deep in discussion.
"Naruto, what can I do for you?" asked the Hokage noting the red-slit eyes Naruto was sporting at the moment. It either meant Naruto was pissed or the Kyubi was in charge.
"Change the damn teams," said Naruto simply.
"Naruto, the teams are chosen based the ability to balance its members out," said Sarutobi.
"Change the damn teams now," said Naruto getting angrier than before.
Sarutobi took a file out of his desk to check the team assignments.
"Ah, I see," said Sarutobi, "Naruto, please sit for a moment and calm down. Let me explain my reasoning."
Naruto never had reason to doubt the old man in the past so he sat to listen.
"Naruto, have you met Hyuga Hiashi?" asked Sarutobi politely.
"No sir, but I have heard of you," said Naruto politely inclining his head to the man. Naruto could tell both men were slightly unnerved to see the red-Kyubi eyes staring them both down.
"Naruto, are you aware that Hyuga Hinata has had several attempts on her life from other villages trying to acquire the Byakugan eyes?" asked Sarutobi.
"Yes sir," said Naruto.
"Hinata was dead last in the class this year not because she isn't capable but because she lacks confidence. Every time someone attempts to kidnap her or take her eyes she slips a bit more. Now you are simply overflowing with confidence, something that could help her greatly," explained Sarutobi.
"Hinata is not the problem, that Uchiha-Bastard is the problem," said Naruto still fuming.
"I understand that but let me finish," said Sarutobi calmly trying to pacify Naruto, "The last place student and first place student are always pared together to balance them out. But this time, it is also to provide Hinata-san with extra protection."
"Uchiha is not even that good, Shino is by far better than Sasuke and so am I for that matter," protested Naruto.
"I know, but there is still more to it. Sasuke is constantly looking for a fight to improve his ability. He is there for more like to fight any attackers than protect her. To an extent we need that. We need to keep the Uchiha occupied with challenges," explained Sarutobi.
Something was finally starting to make a bit of sense to Naruto.
"Uchiha Sasuke is a flight risk," said Sarutobi finally, "he is so consumed by his desire for power that he would do anything to get his hands on it. Not only that but when Itachi killed off the clan he did something to Sasuke's mind which have been unable to repair. Top that off with the fact that our spies have recently learned that someone has taken an interest in Sasuke."
"Orochimaru," said Naruto coolly.
"Yes, how did you know?" asked Sarutobi.
"It's not that hard to figure out. Orochimaru abandoned the village after he was passed over for Hokage swearing he'd have his revenge. Orochimaru's greatest ambition is to learn every Jutsu in the world. He can do that with the Sharingan eyes. And if I remember correct, he abandoned the village after you caught him doing human experimentation in the pursuit of finding an immortality technique, which is impossible as even Demons aren't immortal, even if they'd like to think so. So that leaves a mind switching Jutsu which wouldn't be that hard to develop into a permanent technique if it was based of the Yamanaka's Hijutsu."
"Very good Naruto," said Sarutobi, "You even thought of some angle I had not considered."
"So basically, you want me to back up the Uchiha if there are anymore attempts to take Hinata and more than that, you want me there to prevent the Uchiha-Bastard from running," said Naruto calmly, his read eyes faded some time ago.
"Exactly," said Sarutobi.
"And if he does try to run?" asked Naruto.
"Then he will have to be eliminated," said Sarutobi, "Though we would like to recover the Sharingan eyes if possible. You're Jounin Sensei has already been briefed on the situation so don't be too surprised if at some point your sensei ignores you to train Sasuke if for nothing else than to appease the boy and keep him in the village."
"I have just one request then," said Naruto, "Under no circumstances is the Uchiha to be taught any assassination techniques like the Rasengan or Kakashi-san's Chidori. If he is a flight risk then the last thing we need is for him to know such techniques and make sure the Jounin instructor is aware of that because so help if he is taught such a technique I will Kyubi out of his cage just to kill that Jounin." With that Naruto stood and left behind a stunned Hokage and Hyuga Head.
Once Naruto was out of the room the door closed to reveal one Hatake Kakashi standing behind the door.
"I hope you were listening very closely to what that boy just told us Kakashi-san," said Sarutobi, "I don't care how he knows about those techniques, but so help if you put him such a position where he would even consider unleashing Kyubi, that demon will be the least of your worries next to me."
Kakashi was actually paying close attention to the warning despite his itch to read his favorite novel.
"Hyuga-sama, do you have any doubts now that your daughter will be safe with her selected team?" asked Sarutobi.
"I actually feel safer with her being teamed with that boy, Naruto, than I do with her being teamed with Kakashi or the Uchiha-Bastard," said Hiashi coolly.
"Naruto is the type that he would die to protect those important to him," said Sarutobi, "You should feel honored that he still feels this village is very important to him."
"And what about the inevitable confrontation between him and the Uchiha?" asked Kakashi, "Would Naruto really kill him?"
"I just gave Naruto an order not to kill him but to retrieve the Sharingan. If that boy ever tries to betray the village I have no doubt that Naruto will bring him back alive. However, I doubt that the Uchiha will ever be able to be shinobi again afterwards," said Sarutobi.
"I would agree with your appraisal," said Hiashi, "I would highly suggest you be very mindful of that boys request with regards to training the Uchiha."
"I still say that one of those girls would have been better for the Uchiha's temperament," said Kakashi.
"I might have agreed with you once upon a time, but the situation is how it is for a reason," said Sarutobi, "Now, you will go and collect your team. I would suggest you forget about that book of yours because I get the feeling that Naruto will not react too kindly to you being late."
Kakashi shrugged and strolled out of the room.
"Naruto will be most interesting to watch over the next few years," said Hiashi.
"Most interesting indeed," agreed Sarutobi.
BREAK
Naruto left that office with his mind reeling with new questions for all the answers he just received. So many things from the first time line were falling into place. So many of the questions that had been left unanswered when he came back were now all filled in. Kakashi didn't just ignore him in favor of the Uchiha-Bastard, he was ordered to in the hopes of preventing the Uchiha from becoming a missing-nin. But then did Sarutobi know that Naruto would have been able to recover Sasuke that first time too or was there something else involved?
Naruto was giving himself a severe migraine trying to sort through all the information so instead he just decided to play things by ear at this point.
Naruto returned to the classroom where only Hinata and Sasuke were left waiting. The chair was still stuck in the wall. Sasuke gave him the evil eye upon entering and Hinata just about ducked under desk in fright. Naruto could already tell this was going to be a long couple of months until the Chuunin exams.
Naruto took a seat as far away from the Uchiha-Bastard as possible when ended up with him sitting next to Hinata. Naruto could hear her heart beating rapidly just sitting next to her.
"Hinata, calm down," said Naruto in a calm soothing voice, "Just because hate that bastard down there doesn't mean I don't like you."
Hinata's heart fluttered for a moment but calm down noticeably afterward.
"Better," said Naruto with a friendly smile that made Hinata just about melt in her seat. "You know, I saw your father in the Hokage's office."
Hinata looked panicked.
"Don't worry, he was just worried that you team might hold you back," said Naruto with a minor lie, "I know he acts tough on the outside but he really does care about you."
Hinata couldn't believe what she was hearing from Naruto. It had to be a lie but then Naruto would never lie, it wasn't his nindo.
"Anyway, he was more concerned about that Uchiha-Bastard endangering your life," said Naruto a bit louder than necessary for Hinata to hear just to torment Sasuke. Naruto winked at Hinata in the hopes that she would play along.
"Tousan has always said that the Uchiha were more dangerous to there teammates than to the enemy," said Hinata stuttering slightly. That was actually true though she didn't really understand what that comment was about.
"He's right," said Naruto with a smirk, "You have to watch yourself around them Uchiha or they'll stick a knife in your back. Just look at what Sasuke's brother did. He was well respected in the village a bright star among shinobi and then he kills his very best friend, an Uchiha, to upgrade the Sharingan eyes to their ultimate level and the he goes and kills his entire clan, save for his weak little brother."
Hinata was in shock, she never knew that information. No one had ever told her, "Is that true Naruto-kun?" she asked timidly.
Naruto looked at Hinata seriously for a minute before he spoke, "Hinata, I wouldn't lie about something like that to you. That really happened. So, I'll warn you now. While Sasuke might have the potential to be a powerful shinobi he is too dangerous to befriend. His mind is sick with revenge and he will do anything to get it including killing his best friend. Now, I will protect you no matter what Hinata but don't risk your life unnecessarily, that's my job. You just worry about getting stronger and fighting for what you feel is right, okay?"
Hinata nodded vigorously, not trusting herself to speak. Naruto had just sworn to give his life if necessary to protect. But more than that, he had encouraged her to get stronger and follow her beliefs.
"So, Hinata, enough picking on the poor Uchiha-Bastard. Why do you want to be a shinobi?" In all the time Naruto had known Hinata he'd never talked to her much and figured now was as good a time as any.
"I want to change my clan and myself," stuttered the girl.
"That is a great dream Hinata," said Naruto with a fond smile, "I know too that someday you'll make that dream come true if you work hard for it."
Hinata smiled slightly before bowing her head in thanks.
"Hinata, no need to bow to me, I'm not an Uchiha-Bastard to be worshipped like a god. I'm just Naruto, future Hokage and all of that."
Hinata actually laughed a bit at that.
"You laughed," said Naruto in amazement, "You know, in all the years I've known you I've never heard you laugh before. It's nice, you should do that more often."
With that comment Hinata blushed furiously and couldn't or rather wouldn't dare meet Naruto's eyes.
Naruto checked his watch, "He should be here right about . . . . now." And with that the door opened to reveal a silver-haired man with one eye covered by his forehead protector and the other looked rather sleepy.
"Why don't we go up on the roof," he suggested before he vanished.
"Great, he's a pervert," said Naruto.
"How do you know that?" asked Hinata curiously as she followed Naruto out of the classroom.
"Did you see that orange book sticking out of his pouch?" asked Naruto.
"Yes?" said Hinata, "Why does that make him a pervert?"
"That book is the infamous 'Icha Icha Paradise' by the Super Pervert Jiraiya, also one of the Sannin," said Naruto, "If he has that book it means he's a pervert."
"Oh, how do you know about that book?"
"I caught the Hokage reading it once," said Naruto not wanting to go into too much detail.
"Oh," said Hinata.
"Your father reads it too. I saw him coming out of the adult book store once with nose in it. His face was a bit red," said Naruto, "I'm pretty sure that most of the male population in this village is perverted. Ninja really are lacking interpersonal skills if they have to really on a book for their kicks."
Hinata blushed horribly at Naruto's comment but she was mortified to find out that her father, her dignified, honorable, well-respected father, read that kind of smut. Then the thought struck her that she now had blackmail material, not that she would ever use such a thing.
Finally Naruto and Hinata arrived. Kakashi and Sasuke were already waiting.
"What took you so long?" demanded a very unhappy and very angry Sasuke.
"What's the rush, especially when this pervert was already three hours late?" asked Naruto jerking a thumb at their new sensei.
"Why don't we start with introductions? You know, what you like, don't like, hobbies, dreams for the future, that sort of things," said Kakashi.
"I'm Uzumaki Naruto, I like Ramen, Cup Ramen, training Taijutsu with Gai-sensei, reading technique scrolls, and pissing off the Uchiha-Bastard. I don't like the three minutes it takes to boil water for Cup Ramen, the Uchiha-Bastard, or people that would betray our village for a little more power. As a hobby I like to make special chakra weapons using my second Chakra source because they look damn cool when I'm finished with them. My dream is to be able to protect my precious people by becoming Hokage and to find out who my parents were," rattled off Naruto enthusiastically, looking pointedly at the Uchiha-Bastard at the right moments.
"Very good Naruto," said Kakashi even though he didn't quite understand the second chakra part, "Now you Hinata-san."
"I like . . ." then she blushed after glancing at Naruto, "I don't like mean people like Uchiha-san. My hobbies are flower arranging and singing. My dream is to change my clan and become a strong heir."
Kakashi smiled through his facemask at the girl, "Very Nice Hinata. Now you Sasuke."
"I don't like much. I hate a lot of things. My only hobby is to become stronger. Dreams are for weak people. My ambition is to kill a certain man and then rebuild my clan," said Sasuke coldly.
"Idiot," said Naruto, "An ambition is the same a dream. They are both simply goals for the future."
Sasuke glared hard at Naruto and radiated a fair amount of killer intent toward the blond.
"Well, that's good everyone, I'm Hatake Kakashi, I like a lot of things. My hobbies are . . . I have dreams."
"In other words, you like to read porn and make money to buy more porn which is also your hobby. Most of your dreams are probably perverted as well," said Naruto.
Kakashi frowned under his mask. He'd never had a student that was so hostile toward him. Not even Sasuke was so hostile toward him. "Anyway, meet me tomorrow at five on training field seven for a survival exercise."
"You mean final test," said Naruto coolly.
"Exactly, now don't eat or you'll puke. See you then, later," said Kakashi slightly irked. How was it possible for Naruto to know so much? Kakashi just shrugged it off, he'd missed a lot of reading time that morning and need to catch up, so he just disappeared in a puff of smoke.
"Pervert," mumbled Naruto.
"I'd be better off on my own," said Sasuke as he stalked off.
"You'd be dead on your own," said Naruto.
"And I'm supposed to be able to learn from that pervert," said Sasuke.
Naruto was slightly annoyed that he didn't fully appreciate the situation. "He was Yondaime Hokage's prized student. He might be a pervert but he is probably the strongest Ninjutsu user in the village other than the Hokage."
"What would you know?" question Sasuke clearly pissed off that he'd been out done by someone average yet again.
"Obviously more than you. Now I'm leaving," said Naruto, "Want to come Hinata?"
Hinata was shocked that Naruto invited her along so she just nodded and followed along next to him.
"What do you want to do? We have the rest of the day off," said Naruto with a smile on his face. The cold exterior he was presenting to Sasuke simply vanished.
"I don't know," stuttered Hinata.
"Hmm, I know, let's go see Ikugachi-san," said Naruto excitedly, "I haven't visited him for a while now."
Hinata nodded though she didn't know who Ikugachi-san was.
Naruto led her through town until they arrived at a small weapon smith. Naruto entered the shop and signaled Hinata to follow him in.
"Hello Naruto," said the old smithy, "I haven't seen you for a long time."
"I've been busy. Anyway, how's business?"
"Not bad, I've had several ANBU in recently asking about that sword you made way back when. I guess Hayate-san has been bragging about the quality quite a bit," said Ikugachi, "They want to know if you've made other weapons like it."
"Nah, I don't make my weapon to sell. They are just for fun. That reminds me, I was hoping I could make another one if that's okay?"
"Of course, what do you plan to make this time?" asked Ikugachi excitedly.
"Well, you once told me that Kakashi-sensei used a fang. I was thinking I'd make one for him as a present," said Naruto with a grin.
"Certainly, but if I'm going to give you the materials you'll have to make something for the shop to sell as well," said Ikugachi.
"Alright," said Naruto, "Do you want to help me Hinata?"
"I couldn't . . ." she began to mumble.
"Sure you can," said Naruto, "It is hard work, but it will help you get stronger quickly."
Hinata was doubtful of her ability.
"Don't worry Hyuga-san," said Ikugachi, "Naruto-kun will be doing the hardest part."
Hinata then nodded, albeit reluctantly.
"Great, let's get to it. Fang's aren't that difficult to make as they are small. The difficult part is the chakra seals," said Naruto with a grin as he pealed off his black long sleeve shirt revealing only a black sleeveless undershirt. He had very well toned armed from what Hinata could see, not that she was staring or anything. "Anyway, Ikugachi-sensei will get you started."
Ikugachi nodded and showed Hinata how to work the bellows and what to look for with the fire while Naruto set to work folding the good steel into a blade. Hinata was amazed at how tough the work was and she knew that she'd be sore the next day but it all seemed worthwhile to her, especially if she was going to get stronger.
Just as Naruto said, it didn't take very long to make the blade but then he started with the seals. Hinata had never seen anything so complicated in her life than the sealing pattern that Naruto was using.
"I can see you've studied up on Fang designs and their chakra patterns," said Ikugachi studying the seal before he saw an oddity, "What's this seal for?"
"Well, you know how I have two chakra's right? Well, the second chakra tends to be very violent, almost to the point of overwhelming the senses. So, I've got to put that control seal in to eliminate that feeling and still allow the second chakra's strengthening effect to work properly," explained Naruto as he began the final sealing process.
"Very interesting Naruto," said Ikugachi appreciatively. Naruto really did do excellent work. The blade was perfect and he made it so quickly, still nothing was lost in the power of the blade. It wasn't nearly as complex as the first sword Naruto ever made.
"Excellent work Naruto," said Ikugachi, "However, it has gotten rather late and I'm sure that Hiashi-sama will be worried about his daughter."
"Can I make the second weapon next week?" asked Naruto as he tested his now completed Chakra Fang.
"Of course, now run along you scamp," said Ikugachi with a broad smile at the thought of being able to sell another of Naruto's masterpieces.
Naruto walked Hinata home. He earned a rather scolding look from Hiashi, but Naruto could tell that it was out of worry for Hinata's safety and not for the fact that he was a demon vessel.
"See you tomorrow Naruto-kun," said Hinata without much of a stutter. At some point that day she'd become much more comfortable around Naruto without noticing it.
"Just remember to eat, you know that pervert is going to be late anyway," said Naruto with a grin.
Hinata nodded and smiled at Naruto's antics.
It was a smile that was not missed by Hiashi either.
Naruto arrived the next morning to the training grounds on time. Originally he planned to show up later than Kakashi but he forgot to tell Hinata to do the same thing. Besides, he was already up well before then training his Taijutsu with Gai.
"Morning Hinata," said Naruto stifling a yawn. He was tired from his workout, not from a lack of sleep.
"Morning Naruto-kun," replied Hinata. Naruto could see that she'd been up early training as well. Then he noticed a bit of soot on her coat.
"Did you go to Ikugachi's this morning?" asked Naruto.
Hinata looked slightly panicked, "I . . . um . . . thought that . . . but my father . . ."
"That's great Hinata, Ikugachi can teach you a lot and it is really good exercise," said Naruto proudly, "Don't worry, I won't tell your father. If you want, I'll even cover for you and say that you were training with me in the morning."
Hinata smile with a few tears in her eyes and bowed her head appreciatively. She knew that if her father ever found out she was learning such a thing that he'd be very cross with her.
"Hey now, what did I say about the being so formal stuff?" asked Naruto.
Hinata looked up with a slight blush, "I'm trying," she mumbled.
"Well, keep trying, you'll get there," said Naruto with a smile. Unfortunately that smile instantly vanished with the Uchiha-Bastard showed up.
Neither Naruto nor Hinata said anything to him when he arrived. Hinata was honestly scared of what Sasuke might do to her if she did befriend him. Naruto just hated him.
Unfortunately Naruto knew what was coming and sighed heavily. "Uchiha, I don't like you and you don't like me but we have a problem. Kakashi-sensei is going to test us and he is probably going to test us on teamwork somehow. But first I imagine he'll do something to divide us. So, I would like to propose an agreement. We work together this one time to become official Genin and then we can hate each other again as if nothing ever happened."
Sasuke was actually considering Naruto's words but then he remembered that Naruto hated him as was probably just saying that to pull another one over on him, "No."
Naruto sighed, "Fine. I guess Hinata and I will pass this test without you." Naruto knew that would irk Sasuke more than anything and yet he didn't react.
It was hours later before the pervert finally showed up, "Sorry I'm late, there was this old lady and she . . ."
"LIAR," yelled Naruto at the pervert.
"Anyway, today is your final Genin Exam."
"What are we doing?" asked Sasuke.
"You just need to get a bell from me to pass," said Kakashi with a shrug.
"But there are only two bells," stuttered Hinata.
"That's right, so one of you will definitely be going back to the academy," said Kakashi, "Oh, and you only have until noon." He then set an alarm clock on one of the stumps.
"Go," said Kakashi as he vanished.
The three disappeared from view.
Naruto and Hinata went to the same place.
"You were right Naruto-kun, he did try to divide us from the start," said Hinata with only the slightest stutter.
"So how do we get that Uchiha-Bastard to work with us?" asked Naruto.
"But, we don't need him to pass," said Hinata.
"Unfortunately we do," said Naruto, "All Genin teams are to be three man cells. Without that bastard we're only two."
"Oh," said Hinata slightly embarrassed for herself.
"Don't worry, not many can figure that out. Uchiha-Bastard is supposed to be a genius and yet hasn't figured it out. As you can see he's getting his ass handed to him by Kakashi-sensei," said Naruto pointing over his shoulder where Sasuke had just been buried up to his neck.
"So what do we do?" asked Hinata.
"We work together and hope for the best," said Naruto with a grimace.
"We should have a plan then," said Hinata.
"Yeah, you and I are both strongest in Taijutsu so we'll have to attack from that angle," said Naruto, "Do you think if I kept him busy you'd be able to close the Tenketsu in one arm and a leg?"
"I can try but I'm not very good," said Hinata.
"You're a Genin Hinata, you're not supposed to be very good yet. I'm not even that good yet and I've been training for a very long time. He's a Jounin for a reason Hinata. He doesn't expect us to win or even come close, but we've got to try," said Naruto encouragingly.
Hinata smiled slightly at Naruto's words, they weren't the most convincing but they did make her feel better about the situation. "Okay, then we'll do our best."
Naruto smiled at Hinata's words, "Now that's more like, let's go."
Naruto and Hinata both moved in quickly to attack.
Kakashi wasn't too surprised that these two worked together. He'd listened to their entire planning session and their discussion while they were waiting for him to arrive. He was however surprised when Naruto attacked using his old sensei's Taijutsu style. His moves were a bit sloppy but they were better than Genin level for Taijutsu. Hinata attacked predictably with the Gentle fist though she was very sloppy in her movements. Kakashi could see that skill wasn't her problem but more her confidence. Each of her strikes was slightly hesitant.
The pair attacked him with pretty good teamwork. However, their attacks were uncoordinated and didn't flow together the way most successful teams worked together. He knew though that if they trained together more often they would develop a very complimentary style of fighting.
While Hinata and Naruto were fighting to gain position and the right opportunity to grab the bells the sneaky Uchiha-Bastard came in and took a bell then retreated.
"Bastard," screamed Naruto after the retreating form of the Uchiha.
"Don't worry about him Naruto-kun," said Hinata as she continued to fight Kakashi, "I need your help here."
Naruto refocused his energy on Kakashi and helping Hinata.
"You two don't have to continue fighting me," said Kakashi as he continued to parry their attacks, "You've already passed."
"I know," said Naruto with a grin, "But this is kind of fun."
Hinata was shocked but then she realized she too was having fun. For the first time ever, she was having fun fighting. It wasn't training or trying to get stronger. It was just fighting for the sake of competition and it was fun. "Yeah, it is."
Kakashi smiled and continued to fight the pair even increasing the intensity with which he fought. "Naruto, who taught you this fighting style?"
"Gai-sensei has been training me in Taijutsu since I was six," said Naruto with a smile, "I'm not very good yet but I'm getting better."
"You're certainly not bad with the style," said Kakashi, "A few more years and you'll probably master it."
"I hope so," said Naruto, "Learning anything that was once the Yondaime's is so cool. It is kind of like honoring his sacrifice by carrying on his knowledge, you know?"
Kakashi smiled fondly at the boy, "You're absolutely right Naruto."
Hinata was amazed that Naruto and Kakashi were having a conversation while fighting so intensely at the same time. It took every last bit of her concentration just to stay in the fight. She suddenly realized what it meant to be a genius or rather as Naruto preferred to say, 'gifted'.
"You know that alarm went off about twenty minutes ago?" asked Kakashi as he ducked a particularly vicious kick to his head, "I'm sure Sasuke is wondering where we are."
"But I haven't even hit you yet," said Naruto with a slight pout.
"And you probably won't," said Kakashi, "I'm sure you can tell that I'm not trying very hard."
"I know," said Naruto with a pout before jumping away effectively ending the fight.
Hinata breathed a sigh of relief. She didn't know how much longer she could keep up. As it was she'd stopped trying to hit tenketsu because she would have completely depleted all of her chakra reserves.
"Come on, let's go meet Sasuke so I can officially graduate you all," said Kakashi.
"Why are they still here?" asked Sasuke, "They don't the bells so they fail right?"
"No, they are the only ones that understood the real purpose of the test, teamwork. However, I did say that if you got a bell you would pass. So, congratulations, you've all passed my test," said Kakashi, "Meet me by the aqueduct tomorrow at 9:00 to start our real missions."
"Wait a second Kakashi-sensei," said Naruto stopping the pervert from disappearing.
"Yes Naruto," said Kakashi.
"Hinata and I have a gift for you," said Naruto taking out small bundle of red silk, "Ikugachi-sensei once told me that you used to use a Chakra Fang but it broke on a mission. He didn't tell me much about it. Anyway, I made this for you." Naruto then held out the red silk bundle.
Kakashi looked curiously at the bundle and took it from Naruto to reveal a crimson red tube. It was a fang and sheath.
"I give you the 'Kyubi's Fang'," said Naruto with a smile, "Hinata help me make it so it's from the both of us."
Kakashi grasped the hand and pulled free the blade. He was in awe. This was even higher quality than his father's old Chakra Fang. It was perfectly balanced and it received Chakra perfectly. "Naruto, this is . . ."
"Anyway, Hinata and I have some celebrating to do," said Naruto grabbing her hand and disappearing with her.
Kakashi was now staring at the empty field. He never believed he would wield a chakra fang again but he knew now that would not be the case. He was truly blessed with outstanding students.
BREAK
"Naruto-kun," said Hinata, "Why did you say it was from me too?"
"You helped me make it," said Naruto, "So it was from both of us."
Hinata smiled and nodded, "Thank you Naruto-kun."
"No problem," said Naruto with a grin, "Want to get some Ramen?"
Hinata nodded and followed Naruto through town to his favorite Ramen stand. Together they ate Ramen noodles and talked a bit.
"I've always been interested in healing but father would never approve," said Hinata with only a slight stutter.
"Why does your father have to approve? If you want to become stronger you should do what ever you feel is right. If learning healing will make you stronger than learn healing," said Naruto confidently.
"But I don't even know where to begin," said Hinata defeated.
"Okay then, next stop is Konoha Hospital," said Naruto, "We'll go to the Hospital Library. They have hundreds of scroll on healing and the human body. If you want to learn healing that is the best place to start. Besides, I doubt your father would be bothered much he saw you studying anatomy at home. You could just say that you were learning better ways to use the Gentle Fist. Any scroll with Healing Jutsu you could just stash in my apartment and study them after daily training or something."
"You really think that would work?" asked Hinata shyly.
"Of course it would," said Naruto, "Your father is smart enough that he would let you learn whatever you want as long as you maintain your image for the clan and the clan elders."
Hinata was shocked that Naruto could say such a thing about her father. It was unbelievable, and more than that she thought he might be correct.
"Anyway, let's go," said Naruto paying for their noodles and leading the way to the hospital library. Once inside Naruto found a medic-nin to recommend some good scrolls for Hinata to begin studying. He didn't really like Naruto and at first he didn't want to help until he learned that it was for a Hyuga.
Hinata thought it was odd that the medic-nin wanted nothing to do with Naruto but was only too happy to help Hinata. But then no many people were ever very nice to Naruto and she couldn't understand why. Even so, he never once let it bother him.
Once they were on their way to Naruto's apartment to drop of the Jutsu scrolls, Hinata decided to ask him about it.
"Naruto-kun, how can you stand the way people treat you?" she asked timidly.
"Precious people," Naruto answered with a giant smile before continuing on.
"What do you mean?" she asked curiously.
"Who really cares what everyone else thinks? I've got my precious people and that is enough to make me happy," said Naruto.
Hinata didn't quite understand but followed behind nonetheless. However, her mind was a whirl with this new information.