Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto.

Academy Day One:

A loud ringing noise woke four-year-old Naru from her sleep. It took her a minute to wake up, but once she was; she shot out of bed. Today was the day she'd been waiting for. Today she started the Ninja Academy, and this time she was determined to pass with top marks. Scratch that, she had to be the top kunoichi if she was going to be placed on Team Seven, and stay with Kakashi and keep Obito from turning psychotic. Yes, passing the academy was her number one priority.

Naru got out of bed and began her morning routine. First, she did her thirty seconds of meditation. Her mother had told her that because of her large chakra reserves that meditation was essential. Meditation would keep her chakra from over loading her senses and help her be able to concentrate. Man, she wished someone had told her that in her first life. During meditation, she could feel her chakra flow through her body. It was a relaxing feeling and she could feel her mind calm because of it. Once thirty-seconds had passed, she got herself ready for the day.

The outfit she chose was a practical one and perfect for training. It comprised a mesh undershirt with a blue top over it. For bottoms, she wore black shorts. She also had white ninja tape on her legs and feet. Her shoes were the standard shinobi sandals. On her hands, she put on black ninja gloves, and since her blond hair came down to her shoulders, she wore a black headband to keep her bangs out of her eyes. Once she was dressed, she was ready for breakfast. To finish her outfit, she strapped her kunai holster to her left leg. Before she walked out of her room, she grabbed her backpack, which she'd packed the night before.

Minato was sitting at the table reading the newspaper when Naru walked into the dining room. He glanced up and smiled at his daughter. "Good morning sunshine! Oh my, you look ready for the academy today," he said.

Naru smiled warmly at him. "Good morning, Daddy. You too Mama," she said, looking over to the kitchen where Kushina was cooking breakfast. Her mother shot her a smile over her shoulder.

As Naru took a seat at the table; her father took the time to talk to his daughter. He didn't need to lecture her again about how serious going to the academy was. Kushina and he had been doing that for the entire week. Studying his daughter's demeanor, he was pleased that she was dressed in appropriate training attire. Still, the father in him wanted to make sure she was ready. With the way the war was going right now, it was a possibility she could be forced onto the battlefield soon. He couldn't stand the thought of losing her because of poor training. Minato, still looking kind, spoke up. "Now Naru-chan. I want you to remember what we've talked about," he said.

The girl looked at her father and nodded. Last week, her parents had given her a lecture about how her academy years were important, and not to slack off. She remembered the lecture she received the night before.

The Namikaze-Uzumaki family was in the living room. The three people in the room, which consisted of two adults and a small child, were spending some much needing quality time together. Something that they weren't getting a lot of these days since the war was picking up. Naru was playing a game of Shogi with her father, while mother sewed. It was while they were in the middle of the game that Minato brought up the subject of the academy. "Now Naru-chan, tomorrow you start the academy. It's the place where you're going to be taking your first steps to becoming a kunoichi. Your mother and I expect you to take this seriously. With the way the war is going, you could be thrown onto the battlefield quicker than you'd expect," he said.

The little girl glanced up from the Shogi board and gave her father a nod of acknowledgment. "I understand Daddy. I won't fail and I promise you and mom right now that I will take this time at the academy seriously," she said.

Minato nodded at her, his held an unusually stern expression. "I'm trusting you to keep that promise, Naru. Please understand that I'm not saying this because I'm trying to be mean. The shinobi world is a dangerous and cruel place. I don't won't you going out their unprepared and get yourself killed," he said.

Naru winced. If only her parents knew just how aware she was of that fact. "Never again! She would never allow the Fourth War to happen and pointless bloodshed to reign through the world," she swore. This time she would be strong from the beginning, and Kurama by her side she would succeed. A serious expression adorned her cute face as she spoke. "I can't promise you I won't be killed, as no one knows the future. However, I can promise that it won't be because of inefficient training or me slacking off. I've been aware for a long time now that my academy years are crucial to determine my survival in this world riddle by war, and I've made a promise to myself to succeed," she said.

Kurama, who'd been silently listening from inside his cage, gave his two cents. "I also promise you I will help you in any way I can, Kit. I refuse to allow Kaguya to destroy the shinobi world," he said. Naru gave him a thanks in gratitude.

Kushina, who'd stopped sewing to listen to the conversation, chimed in. "Those are big worlds, Naru-chan. I hope you understand what you're saying," she said, her violet eyes were narrowed.

Naru looked at her mother. "I do, Mother, but I know words mean very little in this world. So please watch my actions from tomorrow forth and judge for yourself," she said.

Minato and Kushina looked at each other. Although they wouldn't admit it to their daughter, they were stunned by her words. Naru had always been mature for her age despite what her sunny attitude. Until now, they hadn't realized just how mature she was. It was an unsettling realization. Though it was also refreshing, and the couple decided they would take Naru's advice and watch her actions. Minato looked at his daughter. "Alright, Naru. We will hold you to those words," he said.

Naru nodded. Kushina then clapped her hands together. "Alright, I think we've lectured Naru-chan enough for tonight. It's eight o'clock already. Naru needs her beauty sleep as she has a busy day tomorrow," she said.

Right as Kushina finished speaking. Naru yawned. "Can't I stay up a few more minutes, Mama, please? Daddy and I haven't finished our game," she said.

Kushina laughed. "Oh no, young lady. Not tonight. Plus, judging from that giant yawn of yours, I'd say you're tired. Kakashi-kun will be disappointed if you show up at the academy tired tomorrow," she said.

At the mention of Kakashi, Naru changed her mind and rushed off to get ready for bed. Leaving her mother laughing and father grumbling about stupid boys behind her.

Minato studied her for a moment until he was satisfied. He could tell by looking at her that his daughter was in fact taking being a shinobi seriously. "Good, just so we're clear," he said.

Naru stared into her father's eyes. "I haven't forgotten Father and I plan to prove it to you," she said. She only called her Daddy Father when she was being serious.

Minato blinked in surprise. "So she was serious about what she said last night. Good," he thought. He took a sip of his coffee. "I'll be watching you then," he said.

Naru nodded right as Kushina walked into the dining room with two plates of omelets. "Here's your breakfast, dears," she said, placing down the plates.

Father and daughter smiled in sync,clasping their hands together. "Thank you for the food," they said. Kushina smiled as she came back with her own plate, taking a seat.

"You're welcome, dears." she said.

The three ate in silence until Kushina spoke up. "So, Naru-chan. Now that your Father and I have discussed what's expected of you. I think it's time I brought up another thing I expect of you," she said.

Naru looked at her mother curiously. What else did her mother need to discuss with her that hadn't already been talked about? Kushina had made it clear at the beginning of the year at the time of the entrance ceremony that she expected Naru to show her sensei the same amount of respect she showed her during training. She also expected her to pay attention in class, even if it was a subject she'd already been taught. "What is it Mama?" she asked.

Kushina looked seriously at her daughter. "Naru-chan, you're a strong, smart and beautiful girl. Since the day you were born, I could tell you differed from the other children. I mean that positively. So far, you've been in a positive environment. However, children are jealous creatures and they might not take you being ahead of them well, especially the boys," she said.

Naru's expression turned sour as she listened to her mother. She was all too aware of how cruel children could be to things that differed from them. Kushina, taking her daughter's silence as a cue to continue, finished her speech. "What I'm saying, darling, is this. Never change who you are for anybody and don't stunt yourself just to make someone feel better about themselves! Also, if any boys give you trouble for being awesome, give them a good smack down!" she said.

Minato also looked at his daughter sternly, although he had a small sweat drop at his wife's attitude remembering their genin days. "Your Mom is right Naru. As your dad, I hope you wouldn't stunt yourself to make anyone else feel better. You are a kind child," he said.

Naru sweat dropped. "Not that kind," she thought. "I would never do such a thing! If anybody picks on me, they're going to learn why that's not a wise idea," she said.

Kushina gave her a foxy smirk. "That's my girl," she said.

Minato just sighed, hoping his daughter wouldn't be in any fights.

Naru was about to respond, but before she could, there was a knock on the door. Her blue eyes lit up. "I bet that's Kakashi-kun!" she said, jumping out of her seat to go open the door. True to her thoughts, Kakashi was standing outside. Naru smiled happily at the boy. "Good morning Kakashi-kun," she said.

The boy gave her a board look. Naru, however, wasn't put off by it since she'd spent enough time with him both in the past and present to read his moods. Judging from the glint in his eyes, he was excited. "Yo, Naru-chan, are you ready to head out?" he asked.

The blonde nodded. "Yep, just give me a sec to grab my backpack," she said, racing back inside to grab her schoolbag. She said goodbye to her parents before hurrying out the front door.

The two friends made their way to the academy. As they made the mile walk to the building, Naru took the time to quiz Kakashi about his thoughts on their upcoming training. "So, Kakashi-kun. What do you think the academy is going to be like?" she asked.

Kakashi glanced at her a moment before putting on a thinking pose. "Well, I expect it to be strict. The institution has to be since there's a war going on," he said.

Naru nodded. "I think so too, but you never know," she said.

Kakashi nodded in agreement. "I suppose you're right. Now that I really think about it, they can't be too strict if they allow people like Obito and Gai in," he said.

Naru gave him an annoyed look. She couldn't get over how quick to judge people Kakashi was sometimes, but then she had to remind herself that he was a genius and had trouble relating to people. That's why he had her to remind him not to judge people. "You shouldn't judge people too quickly, Kakashi-kun. Gai is a strong boy and I bet you he'll be something great someday," she said. It shocked her how Might Gai was treated and looked down upon by others. In her previous life, Bushy Brow sensei had been a well respected Jonin.

Kakashi looked at her, exasperated. "You and my dad must have talked because he told me the same thing. I'll concede that Gai is a strong person and has earned his spot in the academy, but Obito?" he said.

Naru shook her head at him. She honestly couldn't believe how much alike Kakashi and Obito's relationship was compared to her and Sasuke's. It freaked her out frankly. "Kakashi-kun, Obito has the potential to be a great shinobi someday; however, he needs to stop relying on his heritage so much, and quit trying to impress Rin-chan if he ever hopes to succeed," she said.

Kakashi looked unconvinced. "Good luck getting him to stop trying to get Rin-chan's attention. I think he believes he's gonna marry her someday," he said.

The blond rolled her eyes. "I know, it's kinda sad. I mean, we're four-years-old, how does he know Rin's the one for him yet?" she said.

Kakashi looked suddenly worried. "You don't like him like that, do you?" he asked. The idea his best friend might have a crush on the Dobe annoyed him for reasons unknown to him.

Naru froze as she processed what Kakashi had asked. Her liking Obito in any way other than a friend turned her off. She didn't like Obito in that way, plus she already had a crush on Kakashi. Yes, she admitted it! She liked Kakashi. Not that she would ever be a fan girl or anything like that. "I'll say this once, Kakashi-kun. I don't have any romantic feelings towards Obito Uchiha what so ever," she said, her voice serious.

Kurama growled from inside his cage. "The two of us have dealt with enough Uchiha's for one lifetime. You don't need to be in a relationship with one," he said. Naru couldn't agree more.

The boy nodded, relieved to hear that. Just then, the two approached the Academy gates and their conversation ceased. As they passed through the gates, their attention was shifted to someone calling out to Naru. The two turned around and Naru's blue eyes sparkled when she saw who it was. "Naru-chan, you made it!" Anko said, running up to the two friends.

The friendship that Naru had struck up with Anko Mitarashi had come as a surprise to the girl, but not an unpleasant one. Anko was a nice but strong girl, and she was serious about becoming a kunoichi. The blond smiled as she remembered how the two met.

It was five o'clock in the morning in Konoha, and most people were still asleep. Not Naru though, no her day was just getting started. Her father had recently begun having her run laps around the village as part of her training regime. She started her route at the far end of Konoha, near a certain forest. It was while she was on her third lap that she heard someone kicking something. Curious as to else was up right now, she went and checked it out.

Making her way into the forest, she followed the noise until she found herself in a small clearing. Once she was there, she was stunned to see a familiar, albeit younger, version of the snake mistress of Konoha, Anko Mitarashi. The purple-haired girl didn't seem to notice her as she kept punching at a tree trunk. Naru debated if she should interrupt her, or not, but she really wanted to introduce herself to the girl. "Um, excuse me. Kunoichi-san. who might you be?" she asked.

The question startled the girl, and she swirled around to face the intruder who'd scared her. To her surprise, however, she found a small blond girl standing off to the side of the clearing. Anko studied the girl and noticed that she was wearing clothing appropriate for a kunoichi in training. Now she was curious since besides her friend Kurenai Yuhi, she didn't know any other girls planning to attend the academy. "Um, hello? Who are you?" she asked.

Naru smiled at the girl. "I'm Naru Uzumaki-Namikaze. I'm training to be a kunoichi, what about you?" she asked.

Anko's eyes darkened, and she gave Naru a serious look. "A kunoichi uh? Do you mean that seriously, or are you really just a fan girl playing kunoichi?" she asked.

Naru scowled at the mention of fan girls. Fan girls went to the academy hoping to find a future husband without taking their training seriously. Most flunked out before graduation, but they still made the girls who went to the academy to kunoichi look bad. "I would rather die than lower myself to that level. I'm going to the academy so I can become a kunoichi worthy of serving my village," she said.

Anko blinked in surprise; she honestly hadn't been expecting that answer. A wide grin spread across the girl's face. "Well then Naru-chan. I'm Anko Mitarashi, and I also hope to become a strong kunoichi worthy of serving my village," she said.

Naru smirked. "Oh, yeah, she liked this girl," she thought.

Ever since that day, Anko and she started training together. The future snake mistress had also introduced her to several others that she had quickly befriended. One of which was Ibiki Morino. Apparently, the two were best friends, much like her and Kakashi were. The girl also introduced her to Kurenai Yuhi and Asuma Sarutobi. A shot of guilt had gone through Naru when she saw the future lovers together. Mainly because she'd been part of the reason Asuma had been killed in the first timeline. She vowed not to let that happen a second time.

Naru had introduced them to Kakashi, Rin, and Obito. Anko and Kurenai took to Rin fast, as they found another girl who wanted to be a real kunoichi as they called it. The girls had made special training dates with just them a few times. Naru used those dates to get Rin away from Obito, much to the Uchiha's annoyance. The funny thing was that he wasn't the only one annoyed. Kakashi apparently didn't like not having Naru to hang out with regularly. The girls had all had a good laugh over this.

Speaking of Kakashi, it was actually through him she was reintroduced to Might Gai. She'd been surprised to find that even in his youth, the boy wore a version of his green jumpsuit. What really surprised her about Might Gai was how he was treated by his peers. Might Gai like Rock Lee had a condition where he couldn't form chakra, making it impossible to perform Genjutsu or Ninjutsu. Because of this condition, the other children looked upon him as a failer. Naru, however, knew better. That was why she'd befriended the boy, much to Kakashi's annoyance.

Turning her attention back to Anko, she smiled. "Of course I did, Anko-chan. I wouldn't miss this for the world," she said.

Anko gave her a mischievous smirk. "So, are you ready to kick some butts?" she said.

Naru laughed before returning the smile. "If you know anything about me, then you should know the answer to that question," she said.

The snake mistress burst out laughing, knowing that meant yes. "I bet you're going to be the kunoichi of the year already. I bet you've been training behind everyone's back just so you can prove you're the best," she said.

Naru was about to rebuff her when a loud voice interrupted her. "No way! I'm going to be the best," Obito Uchiha shouted as he walked through the gates with Rin by his side.

Anko and Kakashi rolled their eyes simultaneously in annoyance. The Hatake was slightly surprised that the Uchiha was on time for once. Making his thoughts known, he spoke up. "Yo, Obito. You actually made it on time for once. Did you have anything to do with that Rin?" he asked.

The brunette blushed slightly. "I wanted to walk with him this morning, that's all. With all the training I've been doing with the girls, I haven't gotten to spend much time with him," she said.

Naru smiled at her. "That was very nice of you, Rin-chan. You're too good of a friend," she said.

Obito pouted. "Don't say things like that, Naru-chan! You make it sound like I'm taking advantage of her or something," he said.

Kakashi eyed him. "You do take advantage of her, Obito," he said.

Obito was about to shout out a rebuttal but was stopped by a dark force. Shivering, he looked over at Naru, who looked annoyed. "You're not fighting again, boys, are you? Because starting today we're shinobi/kunoichi in training and we should act like it, right?" she said.

Kakashi and Obito straighten up and gave her a salute. "No, Ma'am!" they shouted together. The two had learned a year ago not to tick off the blond.

Naru smirked. "Good, now let's get to class," she said. Oh, this was going to be a fun year, she could tell.

Author's note: So here's Academy Day One. Thank you for reading Nerdzone6.