Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto
Thank you very much for all the reviews. They are greatly appreciated. For the childish people I have one thing to say though. If you feel the need to flame someone without including any constructive criticism, at least have the guts to use your log-in name so I know who you are. If you have nothing useful to say, go to bed and think sins over. The next morning you'll feel refreshed and you'll continue your life more dignified. I'm glad most of you seem to enjoy it though.
Chapter 7: Forming a team
"You want me to do WHAT?"
Naruto couldn't believe what he just heard. He never in a million years expected to be asked to become a Jounin instructor of a group of Genin who had the same age as him. The idea itself seemed preposterous already. He wouldn't even have a clue on where to start.
Tsunade carefully eyed her adopted son. He had expected his response and caught herself in slight amusement. She quickly recovered and prepared for the difficult task of convincing him to take up the job.
"Naruto-kun, I want you to do this because I'm sure that you'd be great as an instructor. Tell me, how did it go when you aught some of your friends some chakra control techniques?"
Naruto had to admit that he had done reasonably well as the others picked up on his instructions quickly. "Shit," he thought. "She's cornering me. I have to work my way around this mess."
"But those were just chakra control exercises, now there will be a lot more to it. Think about it kaasan, I'm too young for this."
"No Naru-kun," she replied. "In fact, you'll probably do better than most other Jounins. Your jutsu repertoire is much more diverse than that of most shinobi, you've got a talent for explaining things and with your natural enthusiasm they'll probably end up training harder."
She continued. "Besides that, to them you would be some sort of role model. They can look up to you as you are the living proof that it is possible to become very strong at young age."
Naruto took a couple of deep breaths. He could fell himself calming down again. He inwardly had to admit that there was an undeniable logic in his mother's reasoning, although he tried to ignore it with all his heart. In truth, he was just doubting whether or not was capable enough.
"If I…." he hesitated, "do this, what makes you think that they will listen to me and accept me as their superior?" Tsunade smiled as she knew she was winning this battle. "I'm sure you have your ways my son, you'll think of something," she said with a devious look on her face.
The young Jounin sighed in defeat. He knew he was a capable Jounin by now, although there still was a significant gap between him and the likes of Kakashi and Gai.
"Alright then, I accept," he spoke, earning himself a thankful look from the Hokage. "Do you already know who will be on my team?"
"Yes, but before I tell you I want to inform you that this year there will a big change in the way Genin squads are set up. As you of course know, up until now squads always consisted of three Genins. The Kages of the five most powerful Hidden Villages have decided to increase that to four. As a result, one member of each team shall be nominated for medical training so we can avoid unnecessary casualties in the future."
Naruto nodded. Although strange that this change only occurred after decades of having teams of three people, he couldn't disagree with the decision. He was sure that his mother was one of the initiators of this change, given her medical background and previous campaigns for more medical training.
"As for their names," she continued while trying desperately to repress a stubborn grin. "Yamanaka Ino, Nara Shikamaru, Hyuuga Hinata and…." She gave up on trying as she gave an amused chuckle much like the one from her former team mate. "… Uchiha Sasuke."
"…..eeeerrrrrrr…" was all her son could get out of his mouth, hearing the last name. He already regretted accepting. From his time with Itachi he had heard the stories about his younger brother. He was said to be power-hungry and hard to control. The Uchiha massacre had left deep scars to the boy.
"The sensei back at the academy and I believe that of all the instructors you are the best choice because of your age," the Fifth explained. "The kid is this year's rookie of the year, but he has a troubled mind. We hope that you could function as an example of how young people could become strong without losing control over their emotions. As a matter of fact, Itachi personally requested for you to be his instructor in his last update from Akatsuki. He shares our opinion."
"Kuso, this will be a pain," Naruto thought. "What does he know about the incident?"
"Don't worry, he knows the truth about Orochimaru. He has been told to keep it a secret to everyone else." She observed the boy for a few seconds as he contemplated the situation. "Stop worrying, you'll do fine. See it from this point of view, the sooner they all become Chuunin, the better it is for you since your job will be over."
Naruto sighed once more. "Whatever, do I know any of the other instructors?
Tsunade browsed through the papers. "Yes, you know Gai of course and I believe you've met Sarutobi Asuma right?"
The newfound Jounin instructor simply nodded as he stood up and walked towards the door. "You owe me for this HOKAGE-SAMA," he said, stressing her title. " I know where to find you next time when I need something big."
"Fine, fine. Just make sure you're on time tomorrow morning," Tsunade replied, sending a blow kiss his way. Naruto returned the gesture and gave her one of his foxy grins before leaving the room.
The following morning, he found himself in the teachers' room of the ninja academy. As expected, all of his prospective students had graduated. He now sat with Gai and Asuma, waiting for his name to be called out.
"This year will be quite interesting, I've heard a lot about these kids," Asuma while taking a long drag from his cigarette. "Let have a bet on who will deliver the most Chuunin during the next exams."
Gai clenched his fists and stood up with his fiery passion. "YOSH! I, MATO GAI WILL UNLEASH THE BURNING YOUTHFUL SPIRIT IN MY STUDENTS AND PROVE THAT HARD WORK CAN OVERCOME ANYTHING!"
Naruto sighed at his former sensei's antics. "Let's see if they can overcome the Genin test tomorrow. Than still it remains to be seen if they possess the qualities to take the Chuunin exams so soon."
"Ah, what do you know. You're just like Kakashi, you're just looking for a way out by failing them," Asuma teased his young colleague. "Who's on your team anyway?"
"Yamanaka Ino, Nara Shikamaru, Hyuuga Hinata and Uchiha Sasuke," Naruto revealed, groaning at the last name. Asuma snickered at the same name. "Good luck kid, from what I've heard he's a real hand full. How about you Gai?"
Again, the green clad taijutsu master stood up and raised his arm. "OUR BELOVED HOKAGE HAS BLESSED ME WITH THE OPPORTUNITY TO PRESENT MY PEARLS OF WISDOM TO YUKIMURA TENTEN, ABURAME SHINO, HYUUGA NEJI AND MY PRECIOUS ROCK LEE!"
"Wait, didn't Hyuuga Neji, Yukimura Tenten and Rock Lee graduate last year?" Asuma asked.
"Yes, but all three asked to train for one year before starting their duties a Genin. Except for rock Lee, who trained under Gai, the others received extensive training from their families," Naruto explained. He of course knew already since he had heard from Neji the year before.
"I've got Inuzuka Kiba, Akimichi Chouji, Haruno Sakura and the Third's grandson Konohamaru," Asuma said, taking another puff from his cigarette.
"The Third's grandson graduated already?" Naruto asked surprised. "Hai Naruto-kun. He's by far the youngest but didn't quite get the marks you would expect from someone from a Hokage lineage," the bearded Jounin said. He obviously wasn't happy with the job.
"Uzumaki Hitomi Naruto," a voice called.
"My turn," he said as he stood up. " You're on for that bet guys, start saving for me, hehe," he said confidently before heading off.
A twelve year old Jounin sensei strolled through the corridors of the Konoha Ninja Academy, looking for his designated room. When he entered the room, four Genin turned around to see who their sensei was. Three of them immediately jaw dropped when they recognised their friend.
"Are YOU our sensei Naruto-kun?" Ino asked in disbelief.
"Yes, I know. I think my kaasan has gone delirious or something," he answered. "Anyway, follow me outside," said to his students as he walked out of the room.
"How troublesome…" Shikamaru muttered while following the others outside.
The group of five got outside and headed for a nearby park where Naruto told them to sit down on the grass. Almost instantly, Shikamaru let himself fall backwards and started to gaze at the clouds. It didn't take the others long to follow his example.
It was a beautiful spring afternoon. The sun provided a comfortable temperature. Birds were busy building their nests. Not far away from the group, some children were playing tag.
Naruto positioned himself in front of the group. "Alright, most of us know each other already but I still want everyone to introduce themselves to their team mates and to me. Just tell us something about yourself, I'll start."
He smiled for a second as he introduced himself. "My name is Uzumaki Hitomi Naruto. I like ramen and training. I dislike people without respect for each other and people who give up. My dream is to become Hokage and to protect all my precious people. Also, I want to make a certain person pay for what he has done to my family," he finished. "Ino-san, your turn."
Ino stood up and straightened her hair and gave the others, in particular Sasuke, her most beautiful smile. "I'm Yamanaka Ino. I like flowers and Sasuke-kun. I hate people who don't take me seriously and Forehead-Girl!" she snarled, stressing her rival's nickname. "My dreams for the future are to become the strongest and prettiest kunoichi in the world and to be with Sasuke-kun," she finished as she sent a loving sigh towards the young Uchiha.
"Riiiiiight…" Naruto exclaimed as turned towards the next student. "Whenever you're ready Shikamaru."
"Jeez, why me," he said as he slowly got up. My name is Nara Shikamaru. I like playing shogi and watching the clouds. I dislike anything that involves moving. My dream is to retire at young age and spent the rest of my days looking at clouds."
The Jounin shrugged and motioned Hinata, who was nervously fiddling with her fingers, to start.
"I..I'm Hyuuga H-Hinata. I li……like cook-ing and fl…flowers. I dis…dislike m-mean p…pe…people. My dream is to be…become a w-worthy h…heir of my c…clan."
"That's a very good dream Hinata-san," her sensei tried to encourage her. Finally, he looked at the last member of his team, who was sitting at the side of the group being moody as usual.
"Hmph…" was all he said, not even getting up like the others. "I'm Uchiha Sasuke. I don't like much and I hate a lot of things. I have no dreams but two ambitions; to revive my clan and to kill a certain person," he mumbled.
Relieved that was finished, Naruto stood up. "We'll meet tomorrow at 10:00. If you're late you'll be punished", the last part mainly aimed at the snorting Nara. "Does everyone know how to get to the Uzumaki training grounds?" Everyone nodded. "Bring you're battle gear. You will undergo the Genin exam."
"Nani?" Ino yelled. "I thought we were Genin already?"
The blonde sensei looked annoyed. "No, you merely displayed the ability to become Genin. Tomorrow you'll have to prove that to me. If you fail, you have to return to the academy for another six months at least. You're dismissed for now, see you tomorrow morning," he finished, disappearing at once.
"How troublesome…" Shikamaru complained as the others left as well.
"So, how did it go?" Tsunade asked when she saw her adopted son coming into her office. "You couldn't have given me a stranger combination of personalities kaasan," the boy moaned as he sat down. "A shy one, a lazy one, an obnoxious one and a psychotic one," he summarised.
"And it's your job to turn them into a real team," the Hokage explained, pouring herself some sake. "Have you thought of a test already?"
"No, but I'll think of something tonight. See you at home," he said kissing his mother on the cheek before leaving through the window.
The next day arrived quickly. It was just before 10:00 when all had arrived. The group was now standing in a clearing of the Uzumaki training grounds. Around the clearing, high trees stood proudly, indicating the edge of a small forest. The sun was busy heating up the awakening village. Konoha was blossoming and not just in terms of its extensive flora. The village had just produced a new group of talented shinobi and kunoichi, who would one day take over from their elders and continue in the spirit of their birthplace.
Naruto inspected his students. The girls looked nervous, the Nara boy cultivated his trademark lazy pose. Uchiha Sasuke…. He just stood there, being overly confident and acting his broody self. He didn't know about Naruto's ability and therefore couldn't believe and accept the fact that a boy shorter and younger than him was his sensei. During the time when Naruto spent time with Itachi, he was never introduced to Sasuke, so there was no way he could know that Naruto has been training all his life.
"Why am I doing this again?" Naruto inwardly complained but quickly regained his composure.
"Listen carefully," he started. " If you want to become Genin, you'll have to get your forehead protectors back. Give them to me now."
Everyone reluctantly handed over their proof of graduation. When he had all four of them, he placed them on the grass, underneath a tree.
"If for whatever reason you fail to retrieve even one of them, everyone goes back."
"How the hell do you expect us to do that?" Ino asked in disbelief. "You're a Jounin!"
Naruto smiled. "Figure out a way, look underneath the underneath is all I will say now. Time starts now."
Everyone quickly sped off, except for Sasuke, who casually walked up to his sensei with an arrogant look on his face.
"I always thought that the Uchiha would understand the importance of stealth Sasuke." Naruto stated calmly. He was curious and annoyed at the same time.
I do know that 'sensei', but against you I don't have to," he sneered. "You're even younger and shorter than me. You can't be a Jounin you cheat. I'm superior to you."
It took the blonde a second to calm himself down before he spoke again. "All talk and no action Sasuke," he said. "Let me give you a fair chance. If you manage to simply lift me up, I will acknowledge you're stronger and superior to me." Sasuke wanted to say something but was cut off. "However, if you can't lift me up, you have to do the same."
"Yeah yeah, whatever," Sasuke said. He didn't care since there was no way he couldn't lift someone the same height as him. He could see that the boy in front of him had much more developed muscles than him, but still she should have no problem lifting him.
"This will be easy," he said smirking. He walked up the Naruto and put his arms tight around his waist and attempted to lift him. For some reason, Naruto didn't seem to move an inch though.
Confused, he stepped back and activated his recently awakened Sharingan.
"I can't detect any chakra activity, he must be wearing a weighted suit," he thought.
Naruto could easily guess his thoughts. "If you want me to, I can take off my shirt and jacket so you can see for yourself that I'm not wearing a weighted suit."
Sasuke nodded as the person in front of him undressed his torso. He immediately heard some noise in two bushes around the clearing when two girls tried to stop their noses from bleeding at the sight of his tanned and muscular upper body.
His arrogant adversary tried again, without any result. He gave Naruto a frustrated look. "How do you do that?" he asked angrily.
"I have no intention of telling you, why?" he replied. "Can't the mighty Uchiha Sasuke even lift a younger person like me? You must be really weak." He taunted. This infuriated the Uchiha, who suddenly attacked.
Seeing he was about to perform a Katon jutsu, Naruto warned him. If I step aside, you'll burn the forehead protectors, which means you all fail. Try and hit me instead."
At once, the raven-haired boy started his offensive. With all his might, he attempted to land a blow on Naruto, who was easily dodging every attack. After a couple of minutes, Sasuke paused to catch his breath. As on cue, his opponent vanished from sight and appeared behind him.
"Where is your stamina Sasuke, tired already?" he asked. He then grabbed the boy and threw him high into the air into a tree 10 metres further.
"I'm hungry, you guys continue to obtain the target while I go make some ramen. Anyone else want some?"
Not hearing any reply, he started to walk back to the manor.
The other three looked in disbelief from their hiding spots as they saw their team mate lying next to a tree and their opponent walking away from their forehead protectors towards his house.
They couldn't believe their luck. Trying to avoid making any noise and setting off possible traps, they slowly crawled towards the tree under which their Hitai-ate were lying, seemingly unguarded. Just as Ino was about to grab them, a small ape jumped out of the tree, snatched the target and ran away.
All of them were dumbfounded. Soon after, they saw their sensei returning with a large bowl of damping ramen.
"Expect the unexpected, sometimes things aren't what they seem to be," the Jounin lectured.
By the time Naruto had returned to the group, Sasuke had woken up again. "How did you do all of this?" he asked annoyed. He felt humiliated by the blonde. His question sounded more like a demand than a question.
"I'm a Jounin guys, what did you expect?" he retorted. "It's only natural that I'm a lot stronger than every single one of you. If you want to pass, you'll have to try a lot harder." Start thinking about something.
The next thing they saw shocked them. They noticed Naruto performing some one-handed seals as he calmly said: Suiton - Daibakufu no Jutsu (Water Element - Giant Waterfall Technique). Next thing they knew, all of them were washed away by a relative small amount of water engulfing them and pushing the four into the forest. Naruto made sure he didn't put too much chakra into the technique as he didn't wanted to kill his students on his first day.
When everyone had recovered and tried to stand again, Sasuke cursed himself for not having his Sharingan activated. He would have loved to be able to copy this impressive technique.
"Damn, that guy is strong!" Ino cursed while rubbing her sore head. "What can we do?"
"How troublesome," Shikamaru moaned. "It seems there is only one way we stand a chance against him, which is if we all work together." He brushed the dirt off his clothes before looking at the others. "We'll need each other if we want to pass this troublesome test."
"Alright!" Ino cheered. "Are we all in?"
Shikamaru and Hinata nodded. Everyone now looked at the still angry Sasuke. "Hmph… you better not hold me back," he snorted.
Shikamaru gave his umpteenth sigh as he started to explain his plan.
A/N That's it for now. Sorry for not updating for so long. I had my final exams, so I didn't have time to work on it. The chapter was supposed to be twice as long, but I didn't want to keep postponing my update further. I know this chapter is somewhat shorter than the other. The next one should be longer again. From now on you can expect more frequent updates though. Please don't forget to review, even if it's just a line. It keeps me going. I'll keep on writing for as long as you guys seem to like it and review. I'm starting to get the hang of it now, so hopefully the story will get better and better (it better be…).
I kind of need a Beta-reader to make sure that no mistakes remain in the story and that the quality stays good. If you're fluent in English and are interested in doing this, please let me know through a review. Thanks!
