NOTE: Hi there guys. Don't be so happy with fast updates. Knowing me, they won't last for too long. I'm glad you like Izumi. I thought Sasuke would make a good big brother. Plus a sweet, innocent child always seems funny in contrast with serious, hard headed family like Uchiha (well, the male part of the family at least).
I decided to try to put in some of manga plotline (the necessary ones, like Naruto learning Kage Bushin), but in a very different way. Drastic changes, like Naruto having Anko as his sister and adding Izumi to the Uchiha family are on the go. This chapter involves a change concerning the jounin teachers. Later on, I'm going to introduce the whole previous rookie 9 (or rather the 6 I add to Neji, Lee and Ten)(InnerGM: Or rather 5, since you already introduced Ino's uncle ,Trash") , and get Itachi involved in something big by his father(InnerGM: You are especially going to enjoy this one, Dragon-kun!). Certain Sand shinobi are also going to make an appearance.
Still, I'm free for suggestions. And now, enjoy my sick ideas .
,21st Century Shinobi" by GreatMarta
Episode 3- How do people get in trouble– Naruto! Come back here, you tramp!
– Heheh! I rule! –laughed happy Naruto, running away from the place of his crime. This was a quick and professional job. It took him less than 5 minutes to paint all four hokage figures, which were standing in front of the Ninja Education Centre. The figures were as tall, as a two floored building, but it was no problem for our hero. He tied his spray paint to a long stick, and with the help of another stick, pushed the button, to spray the paint. Genius plan. And his teachers say he's a dumbass.
Naruto ran to the tramway stop. The three ninjas after him. From a distance, he saw a tramway coming. Those always come on time. And he knew exactly, when and which tramway would come. The tramway time table was one of very few things Naruto could memorize. And thanks to that, was always able to get away from the place of his crime, just like now. With all his might, he jumped in, right before the door closed. He was safe. The vehicle moved on, leaving the pursuers behind. Naruto knew too well, they are not going to stop the traffic, just to get one prankster. They knew, he wouldn't leave the country or even the city. They knew, where he lives and were going to get him later. As always. But, until that ,later" comes, there is no need to worry.
XX
– Mitarashi! The lesson has already begun! –yelled an angry teacher at Naruto, who has just came into the classroom.
– I'm sorry! I forgot my school box keys, and had to find the janitor, and the box wouldn't open…
– Oh, forget it and sit.
– Okay. –Naruto went to take his usual sit, in a bank at the end of the classroom, but the teacher stopped him.
– Oh no, my boy. From now on, you're sitting in the first bank. –she said, pointing at the bank right in front of her desk.
– What! But, I am just five minutes late…
– It's not for being late, it's for talking, throwing paper balls, cheating during tests, pulling pranks, not doing homeworks, misbehaving during breaks, bringing weapons to school, and being late. And now, take your place. –accused for so many crimes, Naruto had no choice but to give up. He took one of not many free sits in the classroom.
Most of students hated front banks, since it was difficult to cheat or talk in such, right in front of the teacher. But Hinata, one of Naruto's friends, liked front banks since the start. When she was a little girl, on her first day at school, a group of elder children locked her in the bathroom. Since that event, she was afraid of other pupils and remained as close to the teachers as possible. So, she always sat at the first bank. The only bank she felt safe at. The one close to the teacher. Even now, when she was no longer afraid, she couldn't let go of the habit of sitting in first banks. She was just too used to them. The only problem was she sometimes felt sad, since nobody wanted to sit next to her. Now, she finally had a bankmate. And what a bankmate!
– Hi, Hinata. –Naruto said, sitting next to her. She blushed.
– Um… hi... Naruto-kun… –oh God. The boy she's been secretly admiring for God knows how long. Sitting right next to her. A miracle. Dear heavens, why do I blush so much? Don't let him see this, please, he can't know, not yet, I can't tell him…
Fortunately for Hinata, Naruto wouldn't suspect she likes him. He was far too much concentrated on their other classmate: Sakura. But in turn, Sakura could only think of Sasuke, the most popular guy of the class. And Sasuke was not interested in girls. His only goal was becoming stronger and stronger.
Conclusion? Paranoia.
,Gush, Sakura-chan looks so cute today… okay, today I need to try. Let's see, what speech should I make for her to agree to go out with me…"
,No chance, kid. You'd better forget that." –the voice in Naruto's head appeared again. Yet again. And it was getting him angry, as always.
,What do you mean forget that? You don't know me and you don't know Sakura-chan, so shoot up!" –angry Naruto yelled in his mind.
,I know you far too well, kid. I've been stuck inside you almost since you were born. And I know that pink haired girl just thinks of you as of an immature brat, which you in fact are. Plus, she can't get her eyes off that Uchiha, if you didn't notice." –insolence!
,Sasuke is a bastard, and I'm far stronger, smarter, more handsome and more cool than him! He doesn't deserve Sakura-chan, and one day she'll understand, that all!
,Yeah right. Why don't you choose another girl to chase after? The one here, next to you, she seems to be liking you."
,Who, Hinata? Man, we're just friends. Besides, she's a bit weird."
,And you aren't? Don't make me laugh."
,Don't make me hit you!"
,Buahahahah!"
,GRRRRR!"
– Naruto-kun? –Hinata's voice brought Naruto back to reality.
– Huh?
– Naruto-kun, is something wrong? You seem so… as if you had a headache. –the girl shyly expressed her concern.
– Neh, I'm fine. As fine as possible. –Naruto claimed.
– But… that is not the first time. Before, you seemed so too… a few times, I've seen you holding your head and clenching your teeth, and with absent sight… Naruto-kun, I'm worried about you. –Hinata whispered. This shocked Naruto. So she knew. She knew something was bothering him. She noticed. Geez. He wouldn't expect that. How? Nevermind. No need to worry her. But she already was. So maybe he should tell her? But will this change anything? She'll laugh at him and say he's crazy. No, she wouldn't, she was not the type of person to do so. She was a nice, cultural, not revealing somebody else's secrets girl. A good friend. Okay. It's safe to tell her. Besides, it surely won't make the matters worse.
– Hinata… I know you may not believe me… because it's crazy… but I… (takes breath, leans closer to Hinata) forsometimeI'vebeenhearingvoicesinmyhead.
– For Christ's sake! Mitarashi! Hyuuga! You two lovebirds stop cooing and get down to the exercises from page 38! –yelled the angry teacher. Naruto and Hinata grabbed their exercise books and opened them in rush hurry. Some of the people behind giggled.
,Lovebirds, lovebirds…" –teased the voice inside Naruto's head.
,Shoot up!"
XX
– So, what about those voices, Naruto-kun? –asked Hinata, when the break started. Could she believe him?
– Well it's one voice. Some man, criticizing what I do and saying unpleasant things about my friends. He appears in my dreams since about two weeks too and teases me. –Naruto explained, putting his stuff in the bag and closing it.
– Oh, Naruto-kun, it's so horrible. –the white eyed said with concern.
– You mean you believe me?
– Of course I do. You have no reason to lie, Naruto-kun. You wouldn't make this story up. –so she really believed him. What a relief.
– Right, I wouldn't. But I was afraid you're gonna think I went mad or something. –the boy smiled, as he and his friend entered the school corridor.
– Oh, I would never think that.
– Right, how could he go mad now, when he already has in him mom's belly. –somebody teased from behind. Naruto turned around and yelled at this person's face.
– Nobody asked for your opinion, Kiba! –the boy with red paintings on his cheeks laughed.
– If I was you, I'd go to the psychiatrist. He'd propably tell you, you shouldn't watch horrors, if you can't take them. And now sorry, but this break's short and we need to pee.
– Woof! –something barked inside Kiba's bag.
– But Kiba-kun! Animals are not allowed here! –Hinata reminded her friend.
– Chill out, nobody's gonna find out. Bye, lovebirds. –and Kiba disappeared in the door to boys' bathroom.
– I'm gonna kill him. –Naruto decided.
– Naruto-kun, he didn't mean to offend you. You know, maybe he's right, maybe you should see some doctor. It could help you. –Hinata defended Kiba.
– Geez, I don't like doctors. Oh, I know! I'm going to see the hokage! He knows everything!
– That's a wonderful idea, Naruto-kun.
– Right, I'm a genius! A true genius!
XX
Knock knock
– Come in. –the third hokage ordered. The door to his office opened and Anko walked in. Except for her, there was one more guest inside. A man, silver haired, with most of his face covered, leaning against the windowsill.
– Ohayo gozaimasu, hokage-sama. –Anko bowed to the old leader.
– Welcome, Anko. I'm glad you came so fast. I suspect you know Hatake Kakashi? –he pointed at the man by windowsill. The man turned to Anko, hearing his name mentioned. He looked, as if he was tired. But Anko knew it's just an impression.
– Of course. The famous sharingan Kakashi, who copied over 1000 jutsus. Chunin at 6, jounin at 13, he even was an ANBU squad leader at point. And, most of all, he was the subordinate of the fourth hokage. –Anko said. Kakashi didn't seem to be affected by his fame. He's gotten used to it.
– Your name also happened to reach my ears. –he simply said in reply. Anko was grateful for he didn't mention who her sensei was. It was a painful topic for her –So, hokage-sama, what is this special mission?
– Well, it's concerning the fox year. –sandaime said. That was how the adult ninja referred to the children born in the year of sealing the Kyuubi, meaning Naruto and his classmates.
– What about them, hokage-sama? –Anko asked. If it was concerning the fox year, then her as well. Naruto was her brother.
– This year, they're turning 13. It's the time to put them to serious trainings and missions. –the hokage decided. Basically, ninja education required 6 years of learning. After normal classes, ninja children would attend the Ninja Education Centre, and learn things like material arts, throwing shuriken, creating illusions, making traps. At age of 12 or 13, young ninja were allowed to participate in real missions, under the care of jounin. Such missions were usually lame. But, nobody would allow children under 18 to do anything too dangerous, unless they were really talented. There was no need to run examinations, which would pick the best students. Usually, there was no more than 9 ninja children at one year anyway. So far, the system was going well.
– And you want us to supervise their missions? –guessed Kakashi.
– Later on, yes. But as for now, I want you to prepare some hard trainings and survivals for them. Before they start to even walk dogs or peel the potatoes, they need to learn the military discipline. –announced the leader. The two jounins nodded. Anko was glad. She'll have Naruto under control. How good. She was so worried that his new teacher would be some prick.
– We'll make sure they do, hokage-sama. –guaranteed Anko. The old man pulled out some papers from his desk and placed them in front of Kakashi and Anko.
– Those are their portfolios. Nine children, six boys and three girls. Aburame Shino, Akimichi Choji, Haruno Sakura, Hyuuga Hinata, Inuzuka Kiba, Mitarashi Naruto, Nara Shikamaru, Uchiha Sasuke and Yamanaka Ino. I wish you good luck with them. –he explained, as the jounins checked the portfolios.
– Hmh. I have a feeling we've got a long way to go. –stated Kakashi. Anko, who knew Naruto and his friends, had to admit he was right.
– It's 21st of April. The school graduation is on 21st of June. You have two months. I'd recommend a full program survival holidays. Such a symbolical line between Academy and ninja work. Do you have any questions? –the hokage asked.
– Nope. Everything is clear. We just need to see how much those kids are capable of and make sure they don't kill themselves. –Kakashi summed the mission up.
– Fine then. You may leave.
– Excuse me, hokage-sama, but there is one more matter I would like to discuss with you. –Anko took one step forward and bowed her head. Sarutobi seemed to know exactly what she means.
– It's Naruto, isn't it?
– Yes. For some time, he's been having nightmares, involving a mysterious man, who turns into a fox later on. –Mitarashi reported. Concern appeared in old leader's eyes. So the demon has awakened. Not good. But he cannot break the seal. Certainly. If they keep an eye on Naruto, nothing bad is going to happen.
– That man hasn't told Naruto who he is?
– No, hokage-sama. Not yet.
– Hmh. Well… Naruto is 12 years old. If Kyuubi can contact him, then the best we can do is to make him aware of what kind of creature lives inside him.
– Are you sure he is old enough to understand? –Kakashi cut in.
– He will find out anyway. And we can't let the demon haunt him. I'll contact Jiraiya. We're going to have a talk with the demon.
XX
– You should take those. I know those kids and don't need their data. –Anko said giving the portfolios to Kakashi, as they were leaving.
– That's very kind of you. –he took them –Tell me, Anko. It's already been four years. Have you contacted him since then? –this all of a sudden question shocked Anko. Could he know? But how? She tried to remain steady.
– Umh, I'm not sure I know what you mean.
– He was the father of the child you lost, wasn't he? –oh no. He really knew. And was asking straight out. Oh God. What to say? I was so stupid. But it's past. Just past. Which was present. For my bad luck.
– I… he… he left the time I lost it. I wasn't even trying to contact him. I realized, what kind of devil he really is. I've put it behind. He is just an unpleasant past I'm trying to forget. I swear. –she explained, shivering. The man remained calm.
– I'm glad to hear that. Cause you know the penalty for betraying your nation. –he said simply. Anko nodded, feeling sweat on her body.
– Yes…
– Okay, since we're done with the business issues, we can allow ourselves to change the topic. Have you seen any good movie recently? –bums. Oh geez. This guy. Getting from seriousness to twaddle, as if there was no border between them. Scary.
Anko decided to be careful with him. If they were going to take care of those kids together, then she needed to work out good relations with him. Otherwise, she'll be doomed.
XX
– So, Sasuke-kun... do you have any plans for the weekend? –Sakura asked shyly, trying to keep up with Sasuke, who wanted to leave the school building as fast as possible.
– I promised my sister, that I'll take her to cinema. –he replied, without even looking in Sakura's direction.
– Oh. I see. –the girl frowned for a moment, but decided to give a try in keeping the conversation alive –What kind of movie are you going to see?
– Like if you care. –the boy reached his school box and opened it.
– I do care. You know, I think it's very cute and you are a very good big brother. Izumi is lucky to have you. –Sakura continued. With no good results.
– Get lost. –Sasuke said in an annoyed tone. He quickly changed from school shoes to his usual addidas trainers and closed the box, completely ignoring the girl.
Sakura cursed the fact her own box is so far from Sasuke's and went to change shoes as well. This darn alphabet. Why is ,H" so far away from ,U"? She got done as fast as possible and ran after the boy. She caught up with him outside.
– It's ,Bambi 2", right? I watched part one. It was beautiful. So simple and smart. It also features a strong ecological theme. A very good movie.
– In fact, I find it dull and boring. Even the book based upon the movie had more sense, more plot and better dialogs. Only such kids like my sister like such crap, and if you like it, that means you are about the same level of mental development as she is. –Sasuke's words cut deeply into Sakura's heart. The same level of mental development as his sister. The same as 3-year-old. He has just called her an idiot. Why? Why, for all she does? For all effort she puts into making him notice her? She loves him. How can he be so cruel? What is wrong with her? What, in the hell is it?
– Sasuke-kun! –meanwhile, Sasuke's mother parked the car nearby and noticed her son. Sasuke was glad she came. He was tired of his classmate's foolishness. She was so annoying –Oh, Sakura-chan! Do you need a lift? –Mikoto asked. Before Sakura could open her mouth, Sasuke cut in. Having that girl in the car was the last thing he needed.
– No, she doesn't. She lives right at the corner. Let's go home, I'm starving. –the boy jumped in. He was right to hurry. The usual normal classes at this level usually ended after 7 lessons, at 14.25. The classes at Ninja Education Centre started at 15.25., which was giving the students one hour to rest and have dinner. And Uchiha Sasuke wasn't the kind of guy who would waste his free hour on girls.
– Okay then. Goodbye, Sakura-chan. Sasuke-kun, today is your favourite tomato soup.
– How wonderful. –and so, the Uchihas drove away, leaving poor Sakura alone with her depression. At least she tried.
– Hey! Sakura-chan! –Sakura gasped. Oh no, not him again.
– Forget about that bastard! I'll gladly go out with you! I have time on weekend! –our blond friend appeared in front of the pink haired with hope in his eyes. He always was full of hope, especially in love case. He believed, that his Sakura-chan will one day notice him. Afterall, his putting his whole heart into getting hers. So far, with even worse results than Sakura has at getting Sasuke's.
– Go and drown yourself in the river! –the girl yelled into Naruto's face and pushed him aside. He was so annoying. Like a mosquito. And so foolish. An immature brat. Complete opposite of the cool, handsome, charming, intelligent Sasuke-kun.
– But, Sakura-chan! I was just trying to be nice! –Naruto protested.
– You're driving me mad! And now, outta my way! –miss Haruno made herself clear and left, with steam coming from her ears and nose. Poor Naruto was left alone. Sighs. Yet again. What to do? He had no idea.
– Looks like you've got problem, don't you? –huh? Naruto turned and saw a young, white haired man, leaning against the school wall. Oops.
– Mizuki-sensei! –Naruto panicked. Now it was the time he'd get for playing the stone stylist –You know, it was just a joke, just a joke! I thought they looked too sad, and wanted to put some joy into them, you know, heheheh!
– No, it's alright. I'm not like Iruka to take such simple things seriously. –the man calmed his student down. Relief. Or was it just a trick?
– Really?
– Really, really. Oh, and by the way… . –Mizuki came closer and put his hand on Naruto's shoulder –I know what to do, to make that girl see, what kind of man you are.
– What! Really? Really, Really! –Naruto got shiny eyes. So there was a solution? There was a way to make Sakura-chan love him back? Oh God, that would be more than he could ever dream of!
– Sure. Come, I'll treat you to dinner and explain everything.
– Sugoi! Oh thank you thank you thank you Mizuki-sensei! Oh, no matter how much I thank you, I'd never be able to thank you enough! –the teacher just smirked at the happy boy.
– I think you will, Naruto. You sure will. Hmhmh….
…………...
Marta: Short chapter again. Sorry. Next will be longer. Or at least I'm planning to make it so. Anyway, I'm going to shoot up for now and hope you enjoyed it.