So many reviews! Thanks for all the pointers on how to make this thing better. Now, to reward my faithful reviewers, it's time for the fourth chapter! Sasuke, Ino, Sakura, and the rest of the rookie nine join the story as Naruto heads off to the Academy! Since so many new characters are being added, please, please, please, allow me more time to update. It may start taking me a few days per update since I have other work to do(read-stupid college research papers)). Also, since I have to write a early Mizuki, I'm going to take some liberties with his character. It's not like he was power crazy his whole life and this is 4 years before he tricks Naruto. Oh, and this is not a crossover fiction. Another thing, this is before Itachi goes crazy and kills all of Sasuke's clan, so he's not an ass yet so don't yell at me about Sasuke being out of character, he'll get to the angst-y, emo, Sasuke soon enough. Anyway, enjoy this fine chapter and ,as always, read and review!

Disclaimer no Jutsu: No, I do not own Naruto or any of the other characters, I do own Sugi, however!

Now, to give some credit were credit is due: BIG thanks go out to Underdark Ranger for correcting me on Kendo/Kenjutsu. I've corrected that huge mistake in all of the previous chapters and will use Kenjutsu from now on. Again, you really helped man, thanks a lot.

Chapter 4: Red Hot Rivalries

Umino Iruka: beloved teacher, chonin-class ninja, Kyuubi survivor and orphan. Ashiya Mizuki: co-teacher and chonin-class ninja. Both men were now shifting through the pile of paperwork on the new students that would be joining their classes today.

"Ugh, these ANBU reports are too drawn-out. Why the heck didn't they get these too us sooner!" Mizuki said as he rubbed his blood-shot eyes. The two had been up all night looking through the files of their newest charges.

"It could be worse, Mizuki. We could have had to gather all this info first-hand ourselves. The ANBU were good enough to write summaries for the larger one's so at least we don't have to read through these last few files completely." Said an equally-tired Iruka. "Now, who's next?"

"Yeah, yeah. Hmm...that Uchiha kid." Mizuki said as he pulled out a inch-thick file. "Ok, lemme read this..."

Sasuke Uchiha, 6

Clan Specialty: Fire Jutsu and Taijutsu

Bloodline: Sharingan(dormant)

Weapon Preference: Kunai and Shuriken

The newest Uchiha to enter the Academy. Brother of Itachi Uchiha and son of Mishiranu Uchiha. Good chakra control for his age, the newest Uchiha shows particular talent for Ninjutsu. Already knows several low-level jutsu's and is working on the higher level ones in his spare time.

Finishing up with the summary, Mizuki hands it over to Iruka who in turn studies it. "Pretty good. He's gonna be a hit with the other kids, it's always good to have a role-model to look up to. I do get the feeling we're going to have a problem with him and the girls, it's going to be like the old Itachi fan club." Iruka said as he rubs his temple. How could he forget the Uchiha fan clubs? Such was the Uchiha legend! Somehow I think this is going to be a very...unique class...

"Yeah, nothing worse than dealing with a bunch of hormone-driven konoichi." Mizuki laughed as he pulled out the last file. "Woohoo! We're almost...done..." He trailed off as he read the last files' summary. He glanced over at Iruka who grabbed it for himself.

"You knew he was coming, it's our job to teach him. It's the Hokage's orders and he ordered me directly." Iruka said as he read the name on the profile.

"I know, I was just hoping it was some sort of bad dream though." Mizuki said as he took a long drink from his coffee mug. "But, why is that kid's file so big? I know about...that...but there seems to be a lot of new stuff, especially during the last month or so."

"Yeah, some of this stuff is pretty out there, but I guess he's ok. He does have good taste in food." Iruka looked over the file as he finished reading, laughing at the last part. "Anyway, lets get on to class, the kids should be here soon." Iruka picked up the stack of papers and handed the summaries to Mizuki. On their way to the classroom, Mizuki glanced over the summary for Naruto Uzumaki.

Naruto Uzumaki, 6

Clan Specialty: None

Bloodline: None

Weapon Preference: Katana/Bokuden

The only member of the Uzumaki clan, he is the vassal for --censored-- and was an orphan after the Fourth --censored-- Has recently taken up Bushido/Kenjutsu training under a ronin teacher. Skill level of both student and teacher are unknown, but the man is Chonin-level at best. Naruto has a loud personality, is a known prankster, and loves ramen. 'Censored by the office of the Hokage'

Mizuki slapped his head. Ramen...of all the things the kid liked. After teaching with Iruka for several years, the man had gotten quite tired of the stuff. And what the heck is with this kid? Learning Bushido in a ninja village? He's going to be a joke with skills like that. Mizuki shook all this away, however, as he followed Iruka through the door of the classroom. Both teachers blinked at the sight that awaited them in their classroom. There was Konohas' blonde menace was grinning at a very surprised/amused Uchiha prodigy while two small girls glared at the blonde boy. The two teachers looked at each other and sighed. Iruka was right, it was going to be one interesting class...

Earlier in the Day...

"YEAH!" A blonde blur raced through the streets of Konoha, the sneers and glares he was receiving not having one effect on him. He could see it, the Ninja Academy, off in the distance. Just below the Hokage monument, it was build there specifically so that the past Hokage's could watch over the new recruits of the village. It's a huge, multi-story complex with many different teachers and classrooms. Over two hundred children study here, from age six to ten. Once they hit ten, they take a final exam and, if they pass, get promoted to Genin. Right now, Naruto was at the bottom of ninja society, a first year student with no experience under his belt. Heh, that's what they think, I've got a month's worth of Kenjutsu training from Gramps! Naruto adopted his confident fox-grin as he strolled through the Academy gates.

"Wow..." He looked around the courtyard. Several older students were practicing Taijutsu while others were listening to lectures. He watched the complex moves as a older boy with shaggy hair spared with a tall man with weird eyebrows. He was so focused on them, that he ran into someone and fell over.

"Hey! Watch were you're going!" Naruto propped himself up on his elbows too look at the roadblock. There in an equally fallen state, was a blonde girl about his age, her hair done up in a ponytail. There's something about her...have I seen her before? While in his famous 'Foxy Thinking Pose' he didn't notice the angry blonde glaring at him...well, until her fist connected with his head.

"Baka! What do you mean 'watch where you're going'! You're the one who ran into me!" She yelled. Naruto rubbed his head, all thoughts about remembering where he knew her from forgotten.

"I did not! You were just standing there, you should have been paying more attention!" The argument went back and forth, neither actually aiming to hurt the other's feelings. After a few more insults were thrown, they both started to loose interest and a silence set in, the blonde girl broke the calmness.

"You're...that boy from the park, right? The one Shikamaru hit with the ball?" She said quietly.

"Oh...now I remember..." He wondered how he could have forgotten. It was the best and worst day of his life. He had been run out of the park by all the adults, but had also met his only friend. It was with a bitter/sweet tone that he continued. "Yeah, I'm him. Uh, thanks for being so nice to me then." He bowed quickly. He had wanted to thank her for weeks, but had never found the time between training sessions to look for her. At least, that's what he told himself, in reality he wanted to avoid that scary woman who had yelled at him so much.

"Yeah, well, it was nothing. Shikamaru did hit you with that ball and all. So, you're here to start your ninja training too?" She said in a pleasant tone.

"Yeah! You're going to be a ninja too?" Naruto replied with a grin which the other blonde returned.

"Well, neither of us will be ninjas if we don't get to class. Since you were kinda late, you missed the official ceremony. I'm gonna go on ahead, see you there!" She said as she started to walk off. Naruto bit his lip nervously before calling out to her and waved.

"Uh, I'm Naruto Uzumaki by the way. I hope we're in the same class!" She turned to look at him before nodding back.

"I'm Ino Yamanaka, and yeah, it would be nice to be in the same class, you seem like a lot of fun." Naruto watched as she disappeared inside the tall building in front of him. He didn't know why, but suddenly he felt even better about the day. A real, honest, smile graced his face as the blue-clad blonde headed off into the building himself, looking for his classroom.

Several minutes and one helpful set of directions later...

"Man, this place was hard to find." Naruto grumbled as he walked into the correct classroom. He had gotten lost several times before a scary lady with purple hair had pointed out the room to him. He looked around the room at the thirty or so children. One might confuse this classroom with a regular school if all the kids weren't armed to the teeth. As it stood, Naruto seemed to be the least-armed of the group. Heh, all I need is my bokuden. Near the middle of the room, he spotted Ino and a pink-haired girl staring at a black-haired boy dressed in a shirt that was waaaay to big for him sitting a few rows further down the line. He walked down the steps and called out to his classmate.

"Hey, Ino!" Naruto greeted the girl as he stood by the row of desks she was at. Turing away from the pink-haired girl she smiled and motioned for him to sit.

"Hello Naruto. I was wondering where you were, didja get lost?" He started to sweat. Bingo... She giggled and pointed to the girl she had been talking too. "This is my best friend, Sakura Haruno." Sakura gave a polite wave before turning back to stare at the boy a few rows down. Ino glared at Sakura before she too started staring at the boy. What the heck is wrong with them? It's just some kid.

"Who is that guy and why is everyone staring at him?" Naruto asked. It was annoying that one kid should get so much attention when they are all more-or-less equal in skills. Both girls were shaken out of their daydreams with twin blushes.

"He's Sasuke-kun!" Cooed Sakura. "He's the newest Uchiha to enter the Academy. They say he already know a few jutsu's! Can you believe that? He's probably the most powerful student here!" Naruto face-faulted then looked over at Ino who had the same look of admiration plastered on her face. Aw crap, not Ino too! That was it, he had had enough. Before either of the girls could say anything more, Naruto took off towards the Uchiha. With a surprised look, Sasuke looked over at the blue-clad boy who was now sizing him up from the aisle.

"Uh, hi?" Sasuke said timidly. Brother told me that the other kids would be after me because I'm an Uchiha, he doesn't look that tough though. Sasuke did notice the long, wrapped, object strapped to the blonde boys back, though. Before he could ask about it the boy snorted and squinted his eyes.

"He doesn't look so tough! I don't see what you girls think is so great about him." Sasuke smiled weakly. He doesn't even know what I can do and he's already making assumptions? Before either boy could say more, the definite foreboding of killing intent swept over them both. The blonde boy was soon overshadowed by two irate, demon-like, girls. One with light blonde, almost white, hair and the other with pink hair.

"DON'T SAY THAT ABOUT SASUKE-KUN!" Both called out in unison. This made both boys take a step back. Whoa, scary...and why did they call me 'kun'? I haven't even met them yet!

"Uh...well, you two were going on about him so much, I thought I'd see if he'd like to spar some! Yeah, that's it, spar!" Naruto said after gaining some courage to talk back to the two girls-turned-demons. I'm not jealous! This answer seemed to be enough for them to return to normal. Sakura scoffed and nudged Ino.

"Like you would stand a chance against Sasuke-kun. Right, Ino?" Ino had a similar expression but it had hints of worry laced in her voice.

"Yeah, you would get hurt Naruto, he's on another level completely." This, however, served to flame the fires of Naruto's determination. He turned his back, slowly, on the two konoichi-in-training and grinned at Sasuke who was now felling left out of the conversation. What the heck? Stop talking like I'm not here!

"Alright! I'll beat you to prove I'm the best there is! Come one Sasuke, lets have a match!" Naruto winked and help up a 'v' for victory.

"Uh, if you really want to." Sasuke answered. He could use a target to practice the new kunai moves his brother had shown him. Ino and Sakura stared blankly at him. Before either of them could say anything, Naruto had placed his hands on the wrapped object tied to his back. Before either of the girl or Sasuke could ask what he was doing, they were cut short by two tall men calling to them.

"None of that!" Said the one with a scar that ran over the bridge of his nose. "This is a classroom, not a practice area." From his side, the other man stifled a laugh.

"Iruka, kids will be kids. We were the same way our fist day of the Academy, remember?" The silver-haired man chided. Iruka sighed and turned back to the class.

"Fine, but lets wait until we actually can get them outside where the classroom won't get wrecked." After a whoop of joy from Naruto, Iruka continued. "Now, we'll let you have your match ONLY when we get to taijutsu training today." Iruka smiled, sometimes it was nice to play the 'mean' teacher. After a collective moan from the class, most of the other students had wanted to see the Uchiha fight, Iruka began with introductions.

"I am Iruka-sensei." The class nodded. By now, they had all found a seat. It was of little surprise that the two girls he had seen earlier had settled on the chairs on either side of the Uchiha. What was surprising is that Naruto had picked the seat beside the Yamanaka girl. He had figured Naruto would go sit beside the other boys in his class. And so it starts...

"And I'm Mizuki-sensei, we'll both be teaching you guys, so don't slack off!" Mizuki continued. Iruka took the time to look over his class. The kids from the usual clans where here: Inuzuka, Aburame, Yamanaka, Haruno, Nara, Akimichi, Uchiha...but, unlike past classes there were a few unique clans that he hadn't seen much of. It wasn't often that a Hyuuga was seen in the Academy, especially one from the main family. Her cousin is in my second-year class...wonder if she's as good as him? Looking over his students again, he also noticed the wrapped object on Naruto's back, but unlike his students, he knew what it was. So...he's going to use his Kenjutsu training here, eh? I have to give it to the kid, he's serious about this...should be a good match. It's been years since I've seen a samurai/ninja match. Sighing, he noted how the blue-clad blonde keep shooting glares at the Uchiha kid. A rivalry was forming, even if the two didn't know yet, and no work was going to get done until they had it out. Even the other students were anxious to see the great Uchiha clan in action. A small smile popped up on his face as he waved off Mizuki's opening statements.

"Mizuki, let's change the lesson plan for today. I think we can cut directly to Taijutsu and then circle back to Ninjutsu for today only." Mizuki smiled and sighed, he had been thinking of suggesting the same thing. Of course, the class erupted in whispers and cheers. Naruto was grinning ear-to-ear and was looking too much like the Kyuubi for Iruka's taste, but he didn't mention it. The Uchiha boy was also smiling, although not as brightly as Naruto. The little pink-haired Haruno girl was smiling at Sasuke, obviously confident of his abilities. The Yamanaka was more-the-less like the Haruno girl, only her attention was split between the other blonde and the Uchiha.

The class made it's way out into the courtyard where Naruto had seen the older kids practicing earlier. The weird eyebrow man and the little boy were still there, only they were talking to Iruka. He flinched when he saw the spandex-wearing one flash a grin that would blind the sun itself. Once they had cleared the area, they had walked over to the side to watch, Iruka came back over to his class.

"All right, this is a basic Taijutsu test. We'll set you all up with a partner while Mizuki and I watch your progress and see what level of skill you're at. It's important that you all fight your best, because we'll be helping you throughout your life at the Academy improving the weaknesses you show today. "Alright, we'll take these matches one at a time so you can all watch to see how your classmates fight. Some of you, in four years, will be put on teams together, so it's best if you learn how each other work now." Turning towards an anxious Naruto and Sasuke, Iruka smiled. Finally, Sasuke will go all out, looks like my delaying tactics worked. Now, lets see what he can really do. "Ok you two, when I say the match is over, you both stop. Other than that, go all out. I'll leave weapon choices up to you both. Begin when ready." With that, Iruka took out a notepad to record noted, Mizuki did the same.

"Heh, any weapons, huh?" Sasuke said, taking out a kunai knife from his pouch. Both teachers noticed his stance and noted accordingly. My brother finally taught me some things, I can't wait to try it out. That's when he noticed his opponent. "Uh, Naruto, what are you doing?" The crowds attention was then drawn to the little blue-clad boy. He had taken off the thing from his back and was in the middle of unwrapping it, even the spandex man was looking on with curiosity.

"Heh, you didn't think I was a normal kid, right Sasuke? I've been in training for the last month with Gramps!" Naruto declared as he lifted a wooden sword into a combat stance. After a collective blink, most of the students burst out laughing, even Sasuke couldn't help but smile. The sword was almost as long as Naruto was tall, it was quite a sight.

"Don't you think you should use a kunai? We aren't samurai's you know and this isn't a game." Sasuke said over the giggles. He didn't notice the shocked gaze from the green-clad man that was watching the fight nor the appraising looks from the two teachers. "I mean, I'm using a real kunai here, you could get hurt if your not serious."

"Naruto! Listen to him, you've got to be more careful!" This yell came from Ino. She had been watching the production from the sidelines with Sakura. Naruto shifted his eyes over to her and smiled.

"Don't worry about it, Ino-chan." She blushed a bit at her new nickname. "I'm a lot more serious than they all think I am." He said to her with a smile before shifting his ice cold gaze over to Sasuke. "Do not underestimate Kenjutsu or Bushido. If you do, you'll pay dearly." Ok Gramps, I'm doing like I promised! I'll show them the honor of our way! Now, I better stick to the stuff I have down, I don't wanna mess-up in the middle of this thing...

"Tch, fine. Let's see what you can do!" Sasuke said before flinging his kunai at the blonde boy. Not even trying to move, Naruto shifted his bokuden faster than Sasuke could see and deflected the projectile which went sailing into the side of the building. Iruka's eyes almost bugged out of his skull and Mizuki dropped his pencil. The crowd, for their part, uttered a collective gasp. Even Sasuke was shocked.

"See? what did I tell you, you have your hands full now Sasuke!" Naruto exclaimed, shaking a bit. Holy crap, I can't believe that worked! Thank you Gramps! Now, lets see how he likes being on the defensive!

Quickly following up his block, Naruto ran at Sasuke and leveled his sword for a thrust. At the last moment, Sasuke dodged to the side. Although he had avoided the brunt of the thrust, the shaft still hit his torso as it sailed by, causing quite a bit of pain. Wincing, Sasuke crouched and lashed a foot out at the over-committed Naruto, catching him in the stomach. Grunting, Naruto shifted to the side and tried to bring the hilt of his bokuden into the back of his crouched opponents skull. Sasuke caught this movement at the last moment and quickly rolled away. Now separated, both fighters re-assessed each other with critical eyes. As if on queue, the crowd erupted into whistles and cheers for the Uchiha once the initial shock was over, none had noticed that Naruto had connected, however slightly, with his initial attack.

"Hn. You're better than I thought." Grunted Sasuke as he pulled out another Kunai.

"Same to you, I can't believe I missed, guess I need to add more weight to improve my speed..." Naruto replied, fingering the bracers around his wrists. "But for now, I'll just have to settle for beating you." He undid the clasp holding them on. 20lbs of iron slid off the blondes' arms and hit the ground with a 'thud', much to the astonishment of both teachers and students. Off to the side, no one caught the conversation between shaggy-haired youth and spandex-wearing teacher.

"Sensei! He wears weights too!" Said the little boy.

"Hmmm...looks to be about ten pounds on each arm, impressive for one so young." He looked down at the boy and gave him a thumbs up. "Not as impressive as your twenty pounds on each limb, though!"

"Hai, Gai-sensei! I will raise my weights another ten pounds on each arm to keep up with this new boy! If I can't, I'll run two hundred laps around the village!" The boy exclaimed to his happy sensei.

"And if you can't do that, I'll challenge Kakashi to a foot race to Water Country! On my hands!" Gai yelled, adopting his famous 'nice guy pose'.

"Gai-sensei!"

"Lee!"

"Gai-sensei!"

"Lee!"

...Meanwhile, back at the match...

"Wow! Sasuke nailed him good!" The crowd had been too shocked during the fight to cheer, but now that the shock was over, they were making up for it. "I know! I'm shocked that blonde kid is still standing." "Think he's really a samurai?" "No way, he couldn't even counter-attack." "Doesn't matter if he was, a ninja can't lose to one of them anyway." "Yeah, but those weights look heavy..." Sasuke was done listening to them. The only thing on his mind now was defeating the blonde that he had underestimated.

"So Naruto, I don't see you using any other Taijutsu other than your sword skills." Sasuke said, formulating a plan.

"So? A samurai's life is his weapon, it's an extension of myself." Naruto called back, smirking. Off to the side, Ino and Sakura were starting to get a bit nervous.

"Hey, Ino. I can't believe he thinks he can still win! Even if he does wear weights, he can't beat Sasuke-kun." Whispered Sakura in a cheery voice.

"Yeah, but he's doing better than I thought he would." Ino said as she watched the two circle each other. She glanced over at Iruka and Mizuki who were now furiously writing in their notebooks. She giggled as she turned to Sakura. "I don't think our teachers expected it either...hey! There they go again!" She cried as all eyes turned to Sasuke who was now rushing towards Naruto.

"Since you can't fight without your sword, I'll just take it, it's your weakness!" He cried as he moved to grab the bokuden. Naruto slid his grip down to the base of the sword and crouched to execute a sweep, catching the Uchiha off-guard. Jumping to avoid it, he had to let go of the sword and leap on top of a near-by bench. Tch, he won't let me get a grip. How can I get that away from him...maybe that jutsu would work...but I've never been able to do it before. Looking back over his shoulder at the people cheering for him, Sasuke felt his confidence return. If I can do it, they'll tell dad! Yeah! Then he'll be proud of me! Smirking, Sasuke went through the seals for his attack, much to the astonishment of all, especially the two instructors.

"Damn! Mizuki, those are the seals for...!" Iruka started to yell as his voice was drowned out by Sasuke.

"Goukakyuu no Jutsu!" Sasuke shouted. Drawing in his breath, he summoned all the chakra he could manage without passing out. The effect was amazing. A line of hot fire shot out of the young Uchiha's mouth towards Naruto. At the last moment, the blonde had the sense to block his face as flames erupted all around him. The line of fire bloated out to a giant fireball that enveloped the young swordsman and scorched the earth around him. The blonde couldn't even be seen because of the blaze. Fortunately, Sasuke could only keep the flame alive for a few moments before he ran out of chakra. Dropping to his knees on the table, Sasuke was panting hard. He had put more force into it than he intended to, but it had worked...or so he thought. The crowd stood stock-still as they watched something in front of him. From the smoke, a shape could distinctly be made out. It was short...and blonde...Sasuke's eyes widened. Naruto! How can he be standing! It was then that a scream erupted from the crowd. Sasuke's eyes focused and he saw what was so frightening. Naruto, or something that looked like him, was standing bold upright. His hands had grown claws and the slash marks on his cheek had widened. He was glowing bright red and burns that were a result of the Grand Fire Ball were healing up on their own. What was most unsettling was his eyes. They were like an animals. The scream drew Naruto's attention. The crowd was starting to get antsy, some of the kids were even starting to run away. Naruto calmed down and looked at their faces. Even Iruka was shaking, looking like he had seen a ghost.

"N...no...not again..." Naruto muttered as he lost his animal-like characteristics as soon as he got them. No, they're all scared of me! Even Iruka-sensei...no...not again... The scared look on Ino's face was the last thing he saw before the world went blank from chakra depletion.

"...uka-sensei!" Iruka was shaking still, even after the boy had passed out. It...was that fox... He quickly shook himself out of it and searched for where the voice had come from. The little Yamanaka girl was tugging at his pants leg.

"Help Naruto! He's not moving!" She cried. Blinking, Iruka looked over to where the boy was laying. Mizuki was over by Sasuke, helping him. He too was suffering from chakra depletion, though not as bad as Naruto. He did notice a green-clad Jounin leaning down by the downed Naruto. Cursing himself for not doing his job, Iruka rushed over to the boy with Ino following. Sakura had opted to check on Sasuke.

"Gai, is he alright?" Iruka asked, leaning down by the passed-out blonde.

"Yeah, just chakra depletion. He should go to the hospital though. I could take him if you don't want...?" Gai asked. Of course he knew about Iruka's situation with the Kyuubi, but Iruka shook his head.

"No, I'll take him." He looked over at his shoulder at Mizuki who was checking Sasuke's wounds. "Mizuki, take over the class while I'm gone, I'm taking Naruto to the hospital." Mizuki only nodded as Iruka jumped to the rooftops, heading towards Kohona's hospital. Watching the two go, Ino walked over to where the boy had released the hold on his wooden sword. She picked it up, but dropped it immediately.

"Ouch..." She rubbed her palm. The hilt of the sword was burning up. She pulled off one of the bandages from her arms and wrapped up her hand before trying to pick it up again. It was light, but stable. She noticed the wood blade wasn't even charred from the fire jutsu. She looked back at Sasuke. He was being swarmed by all the girls in her class. A pang of anger shot through her at seeing Sakura hold onto his arm. Darn, she moves fast... She was brought out of her thoughts by the spandex-man's bellowing voice.

"Yosh! The fires of youth burn brightly in those two! That was a match to go down in Academy history! That Genjutsu at the end was a nice touch, right Lee?" The man smiled at the shaggy-haired boy standing beside him that was looking at Naruto's weights. Ino shuddered as she saw the shine the man's teeth had. That youth deserves this small favor I can grant him... Gai breathed easier as the students seemed to buy that excuse.

"Hai Gai-sensei! It was truly a masterful jutsu!" The boy known as Lee exclaimed.

"Yeah, it wasn't bad, but Sasuke-kun won the match." A voice behind Ino said. Sakura had led the boy over to where the odd group was standing. Sasuke sure had seen better days, the color had drained out of his face and he was panting still, but at least he could move. "That was an amazing jutsu Sasuke-kun! Where did you learn it?"

"It's one of my clan's jutsu's, this is the first time I've been able to do it." He said, smiling. "My dad's going to love this, I have to show it to him after class."

"Better rest up first, that's a Chuunin-level jutsu, if you're not careful you'll end up like Naruto." Mizuki said, coming up behind the group. So, that kid can actually control Kyuubi's chakra? Maybe, just maybe, I can use him...yes, it might take years though... A wicked smirk appeared on Mizuki's face, none of the others noticed as he began mentally working out a plan of massive planning and time. He had over four years to work it out, he thought, as he ushered the children back inside the building to begin the lesson.

Meanwhile, at the Hokage Tower...

"Well, well. That was quite a show." Mused the Sandaime Hokage as he poured him and his guest another cup of tea. They had seen the entire ordeal from start to finish on the crystal ball that was in his office.

"Yeah, I thought for sure Naruto would win. That was a fierce jutsu, I'm surprised he managed to stay upright as long as he did afterwards." Said his guest, one Shouyou Sugi. "Really wasn't expecting that ending though, anything you care to tell me about my student that I'm not privy to?" Sarutobi sighed. The man had shown up earlier in the day. The Hokage had expected it, just not so soon. He was planning on watching Naruto's first day when Sugi had knocked on his door, how he got past the ANBU on guard down the hall was a mystery to the old man. Not wanting to miss anything, he had invited Sugi in to watch just when the sparring match had started. Sarutobi had expected Sasuke to win, just not be as close a fight as it was. It was a pleasant surprise to the elderly Hokage. Of course, the Kyuubi raising it's head at the end was a quite a way to end the fight. He knew Sugi would know something was up, and he didn't quite think Gai's excuse of it being a type of Genjutsu would work here, although it was a good idea.

"I guess there's no point in lying to you, have you ever heard of the Kyuubi no Kitsune?" He noted the look Sugi shot at him as it when the words came out of his mouth. So, this man is more well-traveled than I had believed...

"You mean that demon fox that was raising hell around this area a few years ago? I've heard of him." Sugi said once he regained his composure.

"Yes, well, the fox had come here with the intention of destroying this village. Our Hokage at the time, my successor, thought it was necessary to seal the demon as we could not kill it. Of course, he had to use a live vassal to do it with..." Sugi rubbed his temple as it dawned on him.

"So that's it, you sealed it in that kid. That's why everyone hates him, eh?" Sarutobi nodded. "Ok, so that still doesn't explain that chakra the kid had, I thought a Ninjutsu seal would hold something like that, especially one that required a blood sacrifice." This did catch the Third off guard.

So, he's aware of such high-level seals...I'll have to watch him. "Quite right, normally it would, but the Fourth wanted to make sure the demon died when Naruto did, so he modified it so the beasts chakra would intermingle with Naruto's. If he left it sealed without bonding their souls, the demon would be free the moment Naruto dies. This is the first time I've ever seen the boy use the chakra though, I don't think he's in control of it."

"Ugh, I'm getting too old for this shit. I really don't care if the kids a demon or not, nor does it effect his training. He hired me for a job and I'll keep teaching him no matter what. I'm here to get those ANBU off our ass so I can start teaching him more advanced lessons." The Third raised an eyebrow.

"What kind of lessons? You're going to have to give me a good reason to drop the guard, even if I do trust you." Sugi moaned. He ran his fingers through his white beard and thought about how much he should tell the elderly Hokage.

"Chakra skills. I am a samurai, you know that much." The Hokage nodded so Sugi continued, "Secret's that should never fall into the hands of enemies, even if the war ended centuries ago. I'll even write you up monthly reports on his progress if you give me this little bit of slack, will that do? I would like to go and check on the kid before he wakes up." Without waiting for an answer, Sugi got up from his seat and started walking towards the door. He heard the Third agree on his way out. Finally, the kid can really come into his own. Maybe having a super-powerful demon lurking inside you will help? He ran though the training regiment he would put Naruto though the next day as he hobbled off to the hospital.

At The Hospital...

"What...the hell hit me...?" Naruto rubbed his head. The last thing he remembered was thinking he was going to die... "Ah! That's right! Sasuke's jutsu, that bastard! He could have killed me with that!" Jumping to his feet, Naruto started cursing that 'Sasuke-teme' and shouting various threats of bodily harm on his family. So absorbed in this was he that he didn't notice the very large cage looming over him in the background...

"Will you kindly shut the hell up? I'm trying to sleep." Came a booming voice from the darkness around him. Wait...darkness! Where the heck am I? Naruto looked around. From what he could see, all around him was pitch-black darkness except for a large gate. It had a piece of paper on it with one word: 'Seal'. A large set of glowing eyes fluttered open from behind the gate.

"W-w-who are you! Where am I!" Stuttered Naruto. He watched in horror as a large head lit up inside the cage. It looked him over before grinning, showing hundreds of vicious-looking teeth.

"So, you've finally came. I was starting to wonder how long it would take for us to meet, kit." The creature said. Naruto noticed that it's mouth didn't move, but he could still hear it clearly. "So...how are you?"

"Um...I've been better." Naruto said, still scared half to death.

"Oh? I'm sure your wounds should have already healed. Nothing to be worried about." The massive fox said matter-of-factly.

"Well, right now I'm more worried about my head, I'm pretty sure I hit it somewhere along the line." Naruto said, looking around.

"You think? Why do you think so?" The fox said, now somewhat confused.

"BECAUSE I'M TALKING TO A GIANT WOODLAND ANIMAL!" Naruto yelled at the cage. Several moments pass before the fox narrows it gaze. The boy gulps and involuntarily takes a step back.

"I AM NOT A WOODLAND ANIMAL!" The fox growled back now thoroughly annoyed.

"Then what the heck are you? Am I dreaming?" Now it was Naruto's turn to be confused. "That's gotta be it, no way I'm in my right mind."

"In a way you are, but at the same time you are not. It's more like a inner vision sort of thing. I'm the thing sealed inside of you, and you're paying me a visit."

"Sealed...inside of me? What do you mean?" Naruto asked, now even more confused.

"Ugh, haven't you ever noticed that mark on your stomach? It looks like a spiral." When Naruto nodded, the fox continued, "That is a seal and I'm what's being sealed. Get it now?"

"So...you're inside of me?" Naruto asked. He didn't like the idea of something else being inside of him that he never knew about.

"Correct."

"So...who are you?" The blue-clad blonde asked with a bit of the original fear seeping back into his voice.

"Thought you'd never ask. I'm the Kyuubi. Kyuubi no Kitsune at your service, kit." Kyuubi said with a bit of pride.

"Oh...shit..." Naruto said as he promptly fainted, the lingering sound of booming laughter filtering through his senses before he was completely out...

Wow! I added a lot more than I intended to this chapter. Well, can't help it now. Anyway, yes I had Naruto meet Kyuubi. He's not going to have a huge part in Naruto's early development, so don't worry about Naruto turning into some uber-samurai/ninja when he's six. Oh, and also: Sasuke did know how to do the Grand Fireball when he was that little, so don't hit me! I'm going by the manga! See you guys next time! Yosh!