Okay, holy shit. I did NOT expect this story to gain the follows and favorites it has so far. As I'm typing this it's sitting at 20 and 19 respectively and that's just on the first day. I seriously can't thank you all enough for that, and I saw no reason to just get this chapter cranked out for you all.

Chapter 2: To the academy

-13 Years Later-

The time spent following the attack of the nine-tailed fox was one of constant fluctuations between chaotic events and strained, almost eerily calm peace. A couple years after the initial attack, Shisui Uchiha acted on his promise to Hiruzen. In the dead of night, he killed the five clan elders who were pushing for the coup against the leaf as well as any immediate threats that tried to halt his progress. Among the prominent ones were the parents of Itachi and Sasuke Uchiha. Sasuke had been too young to be aware of what was happening, but Itachi had taken it horribly, as was to be expected. Though Hiruzen felt guilt for this, he kept his own end of the arrangement and nobody other than himself and Commander Jiro knew the real reason behind the massacre. If it got out, it would sow further hatred amongst the clan's surviving leaders and the families of the slain. As it was, the best of a bad situation had been undertaken and for now that would have to be enough. For the most part, things settled down for a while after this, save for a couple encounters with rogue ninja that were of differing nations, some individuals others in small groups. He was thankful for the calmer times, given the responsibility that he had taken on himself, ensuring Naruto was properly cared for.

As he aged, Naruto began to be tutored in basic ninja techniques by Hiruzen himself as well as several of the advisory shinobi in his employ, particularly Iruka Umino, a pleasant surprise given the mans background with the fox and what it had done to his family. Asuma had also been invaluable and had come to view Naruto as a nephew of sorts. The young boy was a quick study, and while they didn't teach him anything too over the top, the small exercises that they did grant him to do went over rather well. Whether it was because of the fox spirit or not, it was discovered that he had a massive chakra reserve for someone so young. If he could harness it, he would truly be a strong shinobi one day. As the days wound down towards his thirteenth birthday and the enrollment of Naruto into the academy, Hiruzen felt a sense of sadness, but also pride. He knew that he'd done his upmost to prepare Naruto for what he may be facing once he was out from under the wing of his controlled environment. And in a way it was just as well. Naruto's antics of late had been tiring him out even more. Using that infernal 'Sexy Jutsu' of his just the latest pain to explain to others. He knew most of it was just a boy becoming a teenager, but he'd be glad to not have to be directly responsible anymore. He looked up from his papers, his assistant, Sasami peeking her head in.

"Forgive me for interrupting, my lord. But Naruto asked me to tell you he'll be waiting by the apartments. He said you'd know what that meant," she said scratching the top of her head in confusion at the message she'd been entrusted with. Hiruzen chuckled and nodded.

"That boy. Eager as ever, isn't he? Very well, I suppose I should get going then. If not, he may very well send a couple of his clones to drag me out to him," he said. He stood and placed the cap carrying the seal of the land of fire on his head before making his way out of the offices. The destination was a modest apartment complex in the central district of the village. He knew Naruto was eager about today, but still he wished the boy had waited just one more hour, the early morning position of the sun made it so he had to tuck his head a little to keep the rays from bothering him as he walked. When he turned the final corner, he saw Naruto and he smiled proudly. The boy was practically bouncing on the heels of his shoes, twitching a little bit in excitement like when he was told that they'd be learning a new technique or when Iruka offered to take him to Ichiraku Ramen after a long day of training. When his bright blue eyes saw him, he ran forward and threw his arms around him tightly. Hiruzen let out a grunt before laughing softly. "Easy there, my boy. I'm hardly going to vanish if you don't hold on so tightly," he said.

"I can't help it, old man! I've been looking forward to this for weeks now!" he practically yelled before taking a breath and slowly letting go. "It just took a little while to get used to the idea, but I'm excited now. But…you know you didn't have to tell me about this. Right? I would've been fine just staying in the compound with you and Uncle Asuma for a little while longer…you aren't trying to get rid of me…. right?" he asked, his tone lowering just a bit. Hiruzen's eyes widened a little bit and he shook his head.

"Of course not. I simply believe that now that you are becoming of age to attend the academy and train as a ninja, you need a space all your own. And I could think of no better place than your father and mothers intended home." At the mention of his parents, Naruto's expression turned sullener than before. He didn't know the details of either of their deaths, or the fox spirit. Hiruzen had long debated how much he needed to be told and when. But Asuma had correctly pointed out that between the villagers that still held his past against him and the fact that he was viewed as an apprentice to a Kage, even in name only, he would already have a massive amount of pressure on him. To tell him of the burden he carried, or that said burden was the reason he didn't have Minato and Kushina in his life would possibly be the straw that broke the back. He'd tell him eventually, there was time for it. He placed a hand on Naruto's shoulder. "Come. Let's see your new home," he said softly. Naruto looked at him for a moment before he couldn't help himself and his face brightened just a bit as he nodded. The apartment, much like the surrounding district, wasn't anything extravagant but it was still nicer than some other potential homes in the village for those just starting out.

"This was going to be the place mom and dad used? It seems…. a little flat for people as great as you say they were," he said. The apartment had a kitchen with a basic cooking set, a moderate sized fridge, and a small table. The living room had a tv, one couch and a chair in the corner. Further back, there was a bathroom and two other rooms that Naruto could only assume was the bedrooms, or rather a nursery, he supposed given the time frame they supposedly bought this place in. He felt a pit in his stomach as he thought of what they must have been like. He'd heard all the stories, but even a child's imagination had its limitations and eventually even the best of dreams and wondering couldn't replace seeing them. It didn't seem fair to him, it never had. But he also knew he was lucky. A lesser man than Hiruzen very well could've left him to mostly fend for himself. He'd had a great childhood, and he wouldn't dwell on it if he could help it. It was just in moments such as this when that became hard. Some nights when he was alone with his thoughts were also difficult. After he finished the tour, such as it was, he met Hiruzen in the living room.

"It may not be fancy, but your father was never one for overindulgence. He wouldn't even take the offer to stay in the Kage's mansion. He insisted on a smaller setting for himself, your mother and eventually you. This was their place, and now I pass it on to you," he said as he dropped a small key into Naruto's hand. "For now, you'll return to the compound with me. We will have a large meal prepared later tonight to celebrate your move, and the following morning, we shall see you off one final time and then you'll have the place all to yourself. And before you ask, of course you may visit whenever you wish. So don't feel the need to even ask me," he said. Naruto nodded and they departed the apartment for now. As they walked, Naruto glanced up at him.

"Could…. could we skip the big meal and maybe just go to Ichiraku with Uncle Asuma and Iruka-Sensei? We've never gotten to all go as a group, since your always so busy. It'd be nice if we could do that at least once before I move out," he said with a slightly nervous laugh. Hiruzen had to admit, he hadn't thought about that in quite some time. He'd always meant to do that. Heaven knew that Naruto bragged about how good the ramen at the shop was, even Asuma had endorsed it. Which was something given that the man much preferred barbecue anything over just about any other food, so perhaps it WAS time that they remedied this.

"Why not? Your night, your choice," he said, patting the boy on his back as they shared a laugh

-Four days later-

Today was finally the day. Naruto had awoken early, ate a cup of instant ramen with a glass of milk and made his way in a hurry towards the academy. He could hardly contain his excitement as he went, saying hello to a couple of villagers as he ran by them. "This is it. First, I graduate the academy, then I become one of the best shinobi ever, then I take my spot as Hokage," he said with a wide grin. It had been his dream ever since he was old enough to come up with a goal for himself, and it never failed to amuse those he talked about it with. Some simply rolled their eyes, other laughed at him for getting ahead of himself, and a couple people had a rude reaction to it. He remembered one night at Ichiraku he'd been talking about it and someone a few stools down had scoffed, saying there was no way a 'monster' like him would ever sit in the Kage's chair. He didn't understand why he'd been called that, but Asuma's rection had been nearly instantaneous in shouting the man down. The kind man who ran Ichiraku, Teuchi, had not only comped their meal he'd banned the rude man from his shop.

Naruto shook his head as he turned towards the final stretch of streets that would lead him to the academy. He wouldn't let bad thoughts drag him down today. He couldn't. Had to stay optimistic. "Hey! Naruto, your actually early today?" Naruto smirked as he came to a stop. He knew that voice. Glancing to his right he saw Sasuke Uchiha approaching to stand beside him. "I mean don't get me wrong, it's refreshing to see you take something seriously for once, but it's still a shock," he said. Naruto scowled slightly before smirking himself.

"Well as future Hokage, it wouldn't look very good on me if I decided to slack off too hard in school, right? Especially on my first day." Sasuke rolled his eyes but extended his hand and the two shared a fist bump and a laugh. Since his brother Itachi had been recruited for the ANBU, he and Sasuke had gotten to know each other a bit and had become fast friends. He was thankful. He didn't have many personal relationships not related to the old man outside of Teuchi and his daughter Ayame. The boys entered the academy grounds and saw a few students around their age milling around. "See? Were so early, classes haven't even gotten in session yet. Sasuke started to reply but frowned as he glanced towards the training area near the tree line.

"Hey, Naruto, check that out," he said, nudging his friend in the ribs. Naruto took in the scene quickly and frowned. A young girl with bright pink hair and a red ribbon in her hair was sitting down, wiping at her eyes as three slightly older boys stood over her. Listening closely, they could make out the teasing tone in their voices and with another exchanged look, Naruto and Sasuke both decided without a single word.

"Look at the crybaby now. She thought she could seriously just waltz on in and train without asking?"

"Ha! I know, right? Here's a lesson for you, girlie. People who have already been here for a little while have priority over you rookies," another one of them said. The tallest one, the ringleader it seemed, brushed them aside and folded his arms over his chest.

"Aw, come on guys. Maybe we could make an exception…. if she's willing to ask super nicely," he said. The girl sniffled loudly and tried to get some words out, but they came out as tiny sobs and choked breaths instead. "Oh brother. How in the hell are you going to ever become a shinobi if a little shove onto your butt puts you in such a state? If this is any sort of indication, you'd probably have a mental breakdown if you got nicked by a kunai or a shuriken. Stupid third rate losers-"the boys tirade was stopped dead by a small rock pinging off his forehead. "OW! Hey, what in the world?" he demanded as they turned to face the person who threw it.

Sasuke and Naruto approached, Sasuke tossing another rock up and down in his palm. "That's pretty tough talk. I suppose if were third rate, your probably fourth or lower, right?" he said before flicking the other rock with his thumb, again hitting his target. Naruto approached the girl and knelt beside her.

"Are you okay?" he asked softly. She looked at him, her green eyes full of tears still and nodded slowly. The boys growled and started to make a move, but they didn't get very far. In a flash, Sasuke had them dealt with and sent running. With that done, Naruto turned to the girl again. "Those guys were real charmers, weren't they?" he said. "Why were they hassling you in the first place?" he asked. She explained that she'd just wanted to get in some kunai training before their first class and those boys had shoved her and told her that she needed 'permission' to do that since she didn't even have one class under her belt yet. And when she'd protested, they had gotten angry and shoved her.

"What a pack of jerks," Sasuke said.

"T-They also, m-made fun of my forehead like everyone else does…." Naruto raised an eyebrow

"Your forehead? What's wrong with it exactly?"

"Well…everyone says it's too big. They call me stuff like 'billboard brow' and that's the nicer ones," she mumbled. Naruto grit his teeth but took a deep breath in to steady himself like Iruka-Sensei had taught him and his anger cooled enough. He looked to Sasuke and saw his friend had a similar look of contempt. Neither of them cared much for the bully tactics some people liked to employ just because they had some misplaced sense of superiority. Naruto offered her a warm smiled and reach up, brushing some of her hair aside to see her forehead and he chuckled.

"I don't know what their talking about. I think your forehead looks cute myself. You should keep it uncovered more often." He stood, offering his hand to her. She took it, her cheeks tinged pink from his compliment, and wiped the last of her tears away with a slight smile. "My name's Naruto Uzumaki and this is Sasuke Uchiha. Were first year students just like you. You want to just come hang around with us? If those jerks come back, we'll deal with them," he said. After a moment taking in his and Sasuke's reassuring smiles, she nodded.

"Okay…my name is Sakura Haruno," she said.

"Nice to meet you, Sakura. I'd say this year will be pretty interesting," Naruto said with a grin. Sasuke smirked and Sakura's smile grew as the three of them made their way back to the academy just as the bell sounded, and the students began to convene inside. If Naruto had known how accurate his prediction would wind up being, he might have surprised even himself.

Decided to make this chapter a tad longer as a thank you for all the support so far. I didn't think anyone would like it, so I'm over the moon, truly. If your one of the ones who are liking it, or even if you just found the story, please take a few minutes to leave a review if you enjoyed it, it's greatly appreciated and I would love to hear from you guys. I promise I'll keep getting these to you as fast as I can as long as you are reading

Till next time!

-Elise