How to be a ninja?
AN: So after the great success of the first chapter- who am i kidding aint nobody gonna read my shit. But hey, if you're here right now just now deep down i wish to confess my feelings to you. And if your a girl ages 16-17 or hell even above that is in London and is willing to date me, a sixteen year old schmuck in A Levels. Hit me up, i wanna be the Naruto to your Hinata ;)
Anyway, thanks again for the support. While it may seem little to other stories on this website that fact that 30+ followed this means a lot to me. Like truly, this is my first fic which im serious about.
So thank YOU!
Massive thanks to PK!
I'm going to try and update every week on a Thursday, so either it will be a day early, on the day or maybe a day late. No promises as life can be a Pein (See what I did? heheh)
Also some have asked as to why last chapter i used some Bleach names as Oc's. Well it's fun! I'll use other names from other series as well for OC's, as it's just a small nod to those who have read or seen some series. No crossover lol just little parodies that i'm sure some will find funny. They make me laugh at least.
Thanks again to Common Sense by Stone Elbow, a great story that inspired me to write this! Go check them out of you haven't, and if you have check them out again! And Better Left Unsaid by Kenchi618, which you should check out as well!
And I don't own Naruto. But you already knew that :)
Chapter 2 - I hate trees
"MMMMMMMMMHHHHHHHH! What a splendid meal. This is a fine establishment, don't you think Lord Third?" A personal member of Hiruzen's guard said, rubbing his stomach in delight.
Hiruzen sighed. They were eating at Ichiraku's, not a five star restaurant. Although, for a diner, it was quite good and lived up to the expectations a certain blonde boy had said it had.
"I suppose. Although, I wish there was less broth and more noodles." Hiruzen said quietly, however it was loud enough for ANBU ninja to hear, causing him to put down the bowl and brush his clothing.
The ANBU ninja nodded at Hiruzen, as he drew out his blade and ran into the kitchen demanding more noodles for the Hokage. Hiruzen tried to hide himself from the embarrassment as his ANBU ninja went off, threatening to shut this place down for not being to the Third Hokage's taste's, and for having a poor establishment for not immediately rectifying the mistake. Deciding to step in, he went inside to the kitchen to see a bright red haired chef on the floor ready to cry.
He had a sticker on his apron that said 'TRAINEE'. "Step back at once ANBU ninja, I'll take over from here." Hiruzen said with a sharp voice. The ANBU ninja immediately withdrew, bowing down to the Third and leaving the kitchen, embarrassed beneath their mask.
Hiruzen turned to the young boy on the floor and helped him up. "I'm sorry for all the commotion son, what's your name?" Hiruzen asked politely.
The teenager stood up as he bowed and sheepishly rubbed the back of his head, continuously apologising for making a terrible meal. Hiruzen shook his head as he said "Nonsense. It was a... splendid meal. Only thing I wish was that it had less broth and more noodles, but there's nothing to apologise for. It's just my personal preference. Now have a good day young man."
As Hiruzen left the diner he saw a small blonde child with whiskers rush past him into the diner he just left. As he sat down he heard as the blonde boy sat down in excitement, a wide grin on his face as he bellowed loudly "ONE MISO CHASHU PORK RAMEN PLEASE!"
'I guess some things never change,' Hiruzen thought to himself, smiling as he watched the young boy in baggy clothes grinning at the trainee chef.
"Wow Tanjro! You really outdid yourself this time!" Said Naruto, tapping his belly and next to him were ten empty bowls of ramen, all stacked up neatly on top of each other. Tanjiro, the trainee chef grinned proudly. "Well Naruto, as the trickiest customer I have ever served, you sure are helping me train. Soon I'll be able to- Wait, why are you reading a children's story book?"
Naruto turned the page as he calmly replied, "Training"
Tanjiro's eyebrows rose as he peeked over the counter and saw that inside was... just ordinary pages about a talking elephant. "Ho-How is that training? I thought you wanted to be Hokage Naruto?" He asked the younger boy, confused.
Naruto shut his book as he proudly stood up on his seat and declared that he would be Hokage for what seemed like the tenth time that day. Tanjiro looked at him, his eyes wide open as he watched the six year old boy wobble on the chair, eventually causing it to collapse, with Naruto thrown on the floor violently. That was, if he wasn't caught by a Jounin.
The Jounin had spiky silver hair and covered half his face with a face-mask, and his Leaf headband covered his left eye. "You should always be careful of your surroundings." The Jounin said to Naruto, who turned to stare at the man who was holding him, and grinned at him. "Thanks mister! Hey Tanjiro, make some ramen for me and him, oh and for you as well." Naruto said as he was dropped to the ground gently.
Jonnin's eyebrows rose as he sat next to him, his eye showing amusement and a grin underneath his mask. "Thank you Naruto. But I insist that I pay. For both of us," as he brought out his wallet but Tanjiro refused to accept his money.
"No, no sir." Tanjiro said, shaking his head at the man. "Naruto here has a special lifetime free ramen coupon, up to fifteen bowls per day for helping the boss recover something important. Naruto, that brings this up to twelve, you have three left for today. Two Miso Chashu Pork Ramen, coming right up!" The Jonnin nodded as he turned to Naruto, who was still reading his book.
'Interesting' , The Jounin thought.
"So Naruto, do you always read?" the Jounin asked and Naruto nodded. "This is my favourite book. It's going to make me become Hokage! Say mister, what's your name? You didn't tell me?" Naruto asked him.
The Jonnin sheepishly grinned as he replied "Ah my bad. I must have forgotten being caught up in all this excitement. Well, my name is... Kakashi." Naruto smiled at him as he replied "Well Kakashi, as I said this book is going to help me become Hokage. Believe it!"
The Jonnin stared intently at the book. 'A children's story book huh? Wait... did he finish it?' He thought to himself, allowing his face to show surprise for the briefest of moments.
"Well, I found that hard to believe, Naruto. A children's book can't be a remarkable source of information, especially on how to become a Hokage. Say, what has it taught you?" Kakashi asked as he began to stare at the chef working in the kitchen.
Naruto smiled as he got out of his seat and walked three steps on the wall closest to them before sliding back down on the ground, resulting in a heavy thud. '... So, he completed it.' Kakashi thought to himself, as he clapped for the young boy.
The Jounin smiled as he replied "Remarkable! Especially for someone so young! How old are you again, Naruto?" Naruto raised six fingers and the Jounin nodded. 'I need to speak to the Third about this. Naruto might have learned some secrets, and if he's not careful it could put him in potential danger...' He thought to himself.
The Jonnin raised his hand to his head as he looked at a watch on his wrist. "Oh? Would you look at the time! Sorry Naruto, I have something very important to do. Please eat the ramen for me. Toodles!" he said before he disappeared in a flash of smoke startling Naruto who fell on the floor, this time no one caught him.
"But mister, you don't even have a watch?!" Naruto said loudly as he rubbed his head.
"Bon Appeti- Why are you on the floor Naruto?" Tanjiro shouted, confused..
"Walking on surfaces you say? Are you completely sure Kakashi?" Hiruzen asked. The Jounin nodded. 'I wonder, how far did Minato-sensei go?' He thought to himself.
Hiruzen dragged his pipe as he smiled. "Well, as long as the boy is doing well I suppose he can train. Although Kakashi, you should supervise him. It would not do well if he found out about the Nine Tails chakra, especially so if he doesn't know what happened." Hiruzen said.
Kakashi nodded. "But Lord Third, I introduced myself as Kakashi, if that book really does contain valuable information, the boy may very well know who I Am. Wouldn't it be beneficial to come clean?" Kakashi asked.
Hiruzen sat down on his seat as he overlooked the whole village. "Do as you wish, but make no mention of Minato. If the boy knows of his parentage only then shall you reveal yourself. The boy would probably have questions that would need to be answered, and if he knows about the Kyuubi as well, inform me right away. Understand?" Hiruzen cleared up, and Kakashi nodded at his instructions.
"Yes Lord Third. However, if I may ask. The only place the book could have been found in, was in here, no?" Kakashi asked, pointing at the bookshelf that had not been touched in years.
Hiruzen nodded as he responded with a grin "What of it?"
'He must have known about the book. Is this a test?' Kakashi thought to himself. He then nodded as he bowed politely, and turned to leave the room, his mind clear with only one goal.
Help Naruto.
However he first needed to see the book himself, to confirm that it was Minato's doing, not the Kyuubi's. As he jumped from roof to roof to reach Naruto's flat. In a matter of minutes he reached Naruto's home and saw that his window was wide open. 'Rookie mistake number one, seems like Naruto hasn't read deep enough. He's probably stuck on Chakra Control. Well, having one of the largest Chakra reserves would be quite hard to control, I suppose...' Kakashi thought to himself.
Stepping inside he immediately scoured the room but did not find the book. Although the room was a mess, rubbish everywhere. 'Window open, room like a pigsty. Maybe I should pretend to be a maid and clean this up for him?' Kakashi laughed internally, knowing that if he did so at least Kushina would have been grateful for him.
Moving silently, Kakashi swept through each room but still could not find the book. Eventually he found Naruto, sleeping on a single bed clutching the book tightly. 'So he sleeps with it, holding it like a teddy bear? He must know some truth then...' Kakashi thought to himself, while smiling.
This was his sensei's son, sleeping happily. And while not the happiest he could be, Kakashi knew it was all he could do. He was twenty, a part of ANBU as well, not to mention having… his own personal problems, mainly his inability to look after himself first and foremost. If it wasn't for Gai, constantly checking up on him…
He shuddered at what could have been, and took the chance to look again at the book he had come here for.
Deciding it was too much effort, not to mention outright dangerous to take, he covered the sleeping boy with a blanket and tucked him in gently, before he fled, not without cleaning some stuff up. 'Kushina would come out of her grave if I allowed her son to live like this, not to mention Minato's wrath.'
Taking a last glance at Naruto, he smiled. It was good to know that his teacher's son was safe and sound. Not to mention learning, and while he was not an Itachi nor himself, it was enough to feel proud of him.
'I'll make you into a Hokage. Just wait, Naruto!' Kakashi thought to himself, slowly walking away from the apartment, not before closing the window/
Naruto woke up with drool all over his cushion. Sighing, he stood up and with a yawn started to stretch and do some push-ups and sit-ups. After doing twenty five of each three times he went to brush his teeth and wash his face with cold water. Smelling himself, he decided to have a shower, and after that he finally got ready for school.
Today was the day the new instructor would come in and teach them. 'I hope they don't hate me as well...'
Eating his cereal he brought out his book as he opened it up. However instead of reading further ahead, or even the Chakra control section, he remained on the introductory page, written by his father.
I believe in you
'But-But why? I'm not smart, not a genius. Why?' Naruto thought to himself. 'I can't even walk up walls, or trees using only bu Chakra,'
I believe in you
"Why?" Naruto asked, sounding even more confused the more he thought about it.
I believe in you
"BUT WHY?" he screamed, dashing his cereal bowl across the room. He shut the book as he tried to clean it up but cut himself while picking up the pieces of the bowl. Wrapping it up in tissue, he grabbed his bag, and left for school. Unaware of the Jounin that was waiting outside his window.
He was a failure, no doubt about it. But he always worked hard, so how did his dad believe in him if he had died the day he was born? Not to mention, sticking the Kyuubi within him, as if it was a parting gift of sorts. He scowled as he saw some civilians shoot silent glares at him, as if he was as blind as a bat.
Walking to school was sometimes difficult, the older kids thought it was funny to prank him, or make him late, but since Zangetsu, their ring leader was stopped, he was having no problems anymore. Since then, no one had challenged him for the swing right, which made him happy but sad at the same time. Even though Zangetsu was a bully, it was nice that someone went out of their way to speak to him.
Even if it was for the wrong reasons, and made him feel constantly sad and angry.
Now, as he walked the streets everyone was staring at him afraid. Parents stopped their children from going as they waited for the 'demon boy' to walk by and be at a safe distance. All for one boy.
He had black hair and onyx eyes. Wearing a blue t-shirt and white shorts he walked past Naruto as if he didn't see him. Naruto recognised him, a student in his class.
'Uchiha Sasuke. Everyone loves him... why can't I be like him?' He thought to himself, Sasuke had everything. Power, knowledge and even a family that lived.
"You don't want to be an Uchiha..." A voice suddenly said.
Naruto turned around, but was greeted with looks of scorn by the public, meaning it didn't come from them, or at least he didn't think it did.
Deciding it was a prank played by his mind he walked faster in order not to anger the civilians even more. Eventually he passed Sasuke who looked at him weirdly, but decided to match his pace eventually overtaking him as he grinned confidently at him.
'Is he challenging me...?' Naruto thought to himself. He… he couldn't challenge Sasuke, could he?
I believe in you, he remembered his fathers words from this morning.
IbeliveinyouIbelieveinyouIbelieveinyouIbelieveinyou
Deciding not to be one upped, Naruto matched the Uchiha's grin and walked faster than Sasuke, something he was more than pleased to see as he tried to catch up to Naruto. Eventually, the two boys started to sprint after one another and they were both grinning as they reached their classroom.
Sasuke was out of breath and sweating profoundly, while Naruto seemed to be fine. "Nice race, Naruto. I didn't know you were that fast and had so much stamina" Sasuke said, offering his hand to Naruto.
Naruto nodded as he replied "Wow Sasuke! You sure are incredible, I didn't even know if I could catch up to you!"
Naruto raised his hand to shake his, but was promptly pushed out of the way by a blonde girl with long hair, and her pink haired friend. The blonde haired girl sent Naruto a sorry look as she helped him back up. "Sorry about that Naruto-kun, Sakura is quite excited today."
Naruto shook his head as he replied happily "No, no it's okay Ino-chan! I'm excited as well!"
Ino smiled at him, as she led Sakura away, who was trying to jump back to Sasuke who had a red face. He looked back to Naruto and waved at him. Naruto went over to him and Sasuke asked if they could sit next to each other for the lessons today, which stunned Naruto.
'He-He's asking me? To sit next to him? He doesn't hate me, does he?' Naruto thought to himself.
Naruto nodded as they took the second to last row on the right side and they stood behind their chairs. Next to Naruto, Shikimaru and Choji they were discussing about the best flavours in ice-cream, and in front of them were Sakura and Ino, the former staring at Sasuke when he was looking away, causing Ino to roll her eyes.
After a minute or two of standing, Naruto started to get bored as he noticed Sasuke was practising hand signs below the table. "Horse, serpent, ram, monkey, boar, horse and tiger?" He asked the boy, confused as to what Jutsu he was trying to achieve.
One of the first things Naruto had been forced to learn in the book was to know all the basic hand seals, as early on they were an important part for drawing Chakra for Jutsu and other things.
Sasuke looked at him and went red as he nodded. Naruto grinned and tried to practice with him but he got stuck on the boar hand sign, leading Sasuke to teach him a shortcut. "When you're doing the boar hand sign, the previous hand sign, monkey, makes at least one hand sign close enough to the position Boar is in, so it's easier to connect. Understand?"
Naruto nodded as he took a deep breath and closed his eyes.
I believe in you
'Horse, serpent, ram, monkey, boar, horse and Tiger!' Naruto thought to himself, as he practised it with his hands.
Sasuke's eyes were wide open as Naruto opened his left eye. "You-you did it! With your eyes closed as well, that's so cool!" Sasuke said going to high five Naruto who paused before reaching his hand out to him leading to a clap to be heard throughout the classroom. Before Naruto could ask what Jutsu it was, their new instructor entered the room. He had long brown hair, tied up and had a scar across his nose. He wore a Chunin uniform, and had a big grin on his face as he looked around the class.
"Hello class! I'm your new instructor from today, taking over from Uryuu. My name is Iruka, and you can call me Iruka-sensei. Please sit down once I've said your name on the register." Iruka said, still smiling brightly at them all/
One by one, the class began to sit down and once it got to Naruto's turn he gulped. 'He's probably going to miss my name, or tell me to get lost. Right when I've almost found a friend.' He thought to himself.
He closed his eyes and hoped for the best of luck.
"Uzumaki, Naruto?"
Naruto opened his eyes, shocked. 'He-He didn't skip me?' Naruto thought to himself, surprised. 'Maybe,- Maybe, I'll have an actual teacher this time?'
"Is Uzumaki Naruto here?" Iruka said once again, looking around the class.
Naruto put his hand up as he loudly replied "Yes sir, Iruka-sensei, I'm here!"
Iruku nodded and Naruto sat down.
'Maybe school isn't so bad after all' He thought to himself, a grin starting to come on his face. After finishing registering the class, he turned to them all excitedly.
"Okay class, I understand you have done this exercise before however it is an important lesson. Therefore each and everyone of you shall take a leaf from this basket, and make it stick to your head using only chakra. Any volunteers?" Iruka asked.
Before anyone could even process the question Naruto's hand was already up. "Ok Naruto, come here and show the class." His new teacher said, happy that at least one person wasn't shy enough to stay still.
Grinning he stood up and walked down the aisle, some people were already whispering.
"The failure? What is he going to do?" One said
"As if Naruto can do it, he got the lowest scores last year." Another said.
Looking back at his seat, he saw Sasuke staring at him, and below him Ino was watching intently, all the while trying to rotate Sakura's head to face the front.
Grabbing the biggest leaf, he placed it on his forehead and breathed while closing his eyes. He had done this before, and while it may have been alone with only a book in the room. It was nothing to the pressure he was feeling at that moment.
'Control your Chakra... Control your Chakra! He thought to himself, concentrating as much as he could towards the leaf on his forehead.'
Silence. The whole class was silent.
As he opened his eyes he saw that everyone was staring at him in shock. Confused, Naruto looked at the floor but he didn't see the leaf on the floor. Even after searching around before he realised that he had done it. Not only that, but even after moving around for a minute the leaf was still attached to his forehead. That was longer than anyone in their class could do, well maybe apart from Sasuke.
"He... did it? One said.
"Wow! I didn't know he had it in him?" Another classmate said. "I always knew he would pull through, I've been his believer since day one-"
Iruka coughed as he looked at the students badmouthing him and gave them a glare. Sasuke was watching him, smiling as he gave him a thumbs up. Naruto returned the favour which sent the class into more shock.
"Sasuke... is friends with him?" One said confused.
"Maybe Naruto isn't so bad?" Another offered.
Naruto grinned as he addressed the whole class and shouted "Believe it!" He felt good for a few seconds before Iruka slapped the back of his head lightly for disturbing the class atmosphere. But the leaf still remained on his forehead despite that.
"Wow, class! Great work Naruto, keep up the great effort!" Iruka said while patting his back. Naruto put the leaf aside, as he walked back to his seat. More and more people were looking at him in awe.
But he remembered what his father had said.
Give them a false sense of illusion
While it pained him, he knew it had to be done. He had the Kyuubi in him, if he succeeded too much the civilians of Konohagakure might be wary of him, not to mention the Third and that would lead to him explaining himself.
If he said he found the book, others would demand they have a copy which would put him as the Fourth Hokage's son as wide as it could, and the secret that was potentially saving his life would have been undone.
And that means his dad's enemies would come and seek revenge. And even if he lied, that would lead to more distrust, and not even the Hokage could protect Naruto from everything, after all, he was only one man.
Sucking it up, he purposely tripped himself and made his finger break, leading to a sharp pain. Ignoring all the people laughing at him, or screaming for concern, Naruto was in his own world. With his own problems.
Just as things were starting to look good for him, he had to tear it down, for his safety, and for the safety of Konoha.
"Why?" Sasuke asked him after class.
'Hn?' Naruto responded, not listening to the boy as he was staring intently at his injury.
As Naruto looked up from his bandaged finger, which had healed very quickly, he saw Sasuke staring at him, confused.
"Why what?" Naruto asked.
Sasuke looked even more angry as he stepped closer and said "Why? Why did you purposely trip yourself? Now people think of you as the same boy as last year, but you're not. You improved a lot, so why?"
Naruto smiled as he stood up and replied "I don't know what you mean? I just tripped over, that's all.
Rolling his eyes, Sasuke slapped Naruto on his head lightly. "Oh come on, do you like being seen as a dobe?" He huffed out.
Naruto's smile faltered as he wondered the same thing. Did he?
"Someone told me that being a ninja is deceiving the people you don't trust." Naruto answered, wavering at the end. If he wanted to become Hokage, and surpass his father, he needed to stick to the book as if it was his gospel.
Sasuke looked lost in thought as he replied "Why did you tell me that?
Naruto gave the biggest smile as he pokes Sasuke forehead in response.
"Because I trust you, idiot!" Naruto said simply, as if it was always there. And to be fair, while he was sometimes jealous of the Uchiha, he did admit it was much cooler to be friends with him. Plus, he seemed like a fun person to hang out with.
And, he didn't know or care about his secret. One of them at least.
Sasuke's eyes widened as he looked at Naruto. "What? Did I say something wrong, Sasuke?" Naruto asked, worried that he might have pushed too hard, far too early.
Sasuke shook his head. No one had ever said that about him, not even his older brother or parents, not to mention the countless cousins he had. Before he could reply to the blonde boy, a familiar voice cut in "Hello Sasuke, how was school today?"
As Sasuke turned around he saw his older brother, Itachi standing there. "Itachi? What are you doing here?" Sasuke asked, gaping like a fish.
'Itachi? They look similar, maybe they are related?' Naruto thought to himself as he scratched his head.
Itachi smiled as he replied to his brother. "Well I had some free time in between my missions, and I thought it would be nice if I visited my younger brother. Is that a problem?"
Sasuke shook his head as he said "Nuh-uh! I was just surprised. You're never like this at home." Turning to Naruto he added "Itachi, meet my friend Naruto. Naruto, meet my brother, Itachi!"
Itachi stared at Naruto, it was as if he was calculating something within his eyes. "Sup, I'm Naruto!" Itachi's eyes widened a little as he waved at Naruto with a forced smile. "So, my little brother has finally gone and made friends. That's good, well don't allow me to interrupt you guys. See you at home, Sasuke! Goodbye, Naruto. Oh, and don't stay out too late."
Naruto waved goodbye at Itachi. "Wow! I wish I had a big brother like you. Instead I'm alone..." He said sadly, however he quickly rebounded it with a bright grin. 'Maybe Sasuke will be like my brother?' He thought to himself.
Sasuke's face scrunched up. as he replied "What about your parents? I don't think they would like you saying you're alone." Naruto shook his head and Sasuke looked confused. 'So not even Sasuke knows?' He thought to himself.
"Sasuke I... I don't have parents. They died protecting me, from the Kyuubi attack six years ago." After hearing this, Sasuke apologised for his rudeness. Even after Naruto said it was fine he kept on apologising saying it was his fault for being careless and most importantly, rude, to a fellow classmate no less.
"Honestly, It's fine. And now that you're my friend, you know. So don't worry about it!" Naruto said brightly, and Sasuke gave him a small smile.
After a few back and forth banter, both boys decided to go eat lunch and Naruto decided on the perfect place. "Ichiraku's ramen?" Sasuke asked, unsure of what it was. Naruto nodded and replied "Yeah, you're gonna love it!"
After reaching the diner Naruto ordered the usual, but for Sasuke as well. As Sasuke was about to reach out and pay the very tired Tanjiro declined saying it was on the house. "It's not everyday Naruto brings someone, especially a friend!" Tanjiro said with a soft smile.
As the ramen bowl was served, Sasuke looked uncertain. Whether it would be good, or whether it would be bad. He eyed Naruto who was slurping the broth already, and Tanjiro, the "Eccentric teenage chef" as he called himself was staring at him waiting for judgement as if it was life, or death
Taking the first bite, he chewed and chewed before swallowing.
"Well, Sasuke?" Naruto and Tanjiro asked, wanting to be met with another Ramen enthusiast.
"…" Sasuke responded as he quickly finished the entire bowl.
"Could I please have another?" Sasuke asked, his grin matching Naruto's and Tanjiro's.
Training was hard, Naruto decided. He was panting as he tried to walk up the tree. Sasuke was watching, and cheering him on. While he couldn't do it himself, he would ask his father and brother later on when he went home.
"Come on Naruto! You managed to do five steps, you can get to seven!" Sasuke shouted at his new friend.
While he had achieved five steps climbing up the tree, it was meaningless when compared to the whole size of the tree. 'Come on! I can do this, Believe it!' Naruto thought to himself, concentrating once again to draw Chakra at his feet.
Naruto ran up the tree's surface, clutching his pen. While he couldn't afford or buy a Kunai due to many reasons, one of which included a secret he wasn't supposed to know about yet, he decided on using a pen as it gripped his hands. 'One step, two step, three step, four step, five step, six st-'
His thoughts were lost as he immediately plunged into the ground with a loud thud.
"You're putting too much Chakra on your feet, Naruto!" said a familiar voice.
Naruto looked behind him to see a familiar covered up face. "Kakashi? What are you doing here?" He asked, surprised that the Jounin was talking to him once more.
Sasuke was standing near Naruto, almost as if it was protection and was eyeing Kakashi to gauge if he was a threat or not.
Kakashi thought it was cute. Well cute for them, if he really wanted to he could have killed them oh so very easily. "Well I noticed that two children were playing in the forest. And well as a Jounin, it wouldn't be good if something happened to either of you." Kakashi said simply.
Sasuke nodded as he stood down and went back to his seat, which was the tree opposite Naruto's. "Come on Naruto! You went to six that time!" Sasuke encouraged his friend. He simply couldn't wait to try and learn this- Yes, he could impress his father if Itachi taught it to him secretly! Or, even his mother could help him?
Kakashi observed as Naruto ran up the tree, this time he only made three steps before collapsing. 'With all his big Chakra reserves, no wonder he is having a hard time controlling it.' Kakashi thought to himself, thinking of a way to help the blonde boy.
Naruto gritted his teeth as this time he shouted at the tree "I'm going to climb you! Believe it!"
Kakashi sighed as his teacher's son didn't even make it to four steps this time. "Like I said Naruto, you're putting in too much Chakra, this pushed you away from the tree. However if you put too little you won't stick at all." Kakashi said once more.
Kakashi carefully walked to the tree closest to him, and he was then slowly walking up it surprising both Naruto and Sasuke with the ease he had managed to pull it off at.
"Naruto, Chakra uses spiritual energy so each time you fall and you get angry, it actually disrupts it. So relax, and only concentrate on the tree. Bring your Chakra directly to your feet and feel it. If you fall don't get angry. After all this is something not most Gennin can achieve let alone a six year old." Kakashi said flatly, hoping to encourage the boy not to give up. After all, if he wanted to be Hokage he needed to be better than Gennin at his age.
Kakashi then threw a weapon at Naruto. It was a three sided custom-made Kunai with special inscription written out at the bottom in a neat, straight line. "The Yondaime Hokage gave this to me as a gift. A gift to pass on to the next generation before he died six years ago, and so I entrust this to you, so use this instead of a pen Naruto." Kakashi said, suppressing his smile.
It wasn't strictly false, he had given it to Kakashi before his death, as a gift for when his son grew up. Naturally, he wasn't irresponsible enough to give it to a four year old, but he had graduated from the academy at sic, so this was the perfect time.
Naruto looked at him curiously. 'Does he know? Or is this a coincidence...' Naruto thought to himself, however he disregarded it very quickly. How would this man know, he looked no older than twenty.
Naruto picked it up, and while it felt heavy it also felt...right? They're wasn't a word that he knew of that could describe the way he was feeling right now. This was his fathers, and now he was using it, the only son he ever had. His legacy.
I believe in you
Naruto grinned as he stared at the tree. 'Concentrate, focus all the Chakra at my feet.' He thought to himself, focusing all he could in that one moment.
After what felt like a lifetime, Naruto sprinted towards the tree, his face as determined as it would ever be. While his parents are not in the land of the living, while he may have the Kyuubi stuck within him one thing he knew for sure was that people believed in him.
The Third Hokage.
The owner of Ichiraku's.
Iruka-sensei.
Sasuke.
Kakashi.
And most importantly, his dad and mum.
The first step he took on the tree was perfect, and as he took the second he was perfectly balanced. His third and fourth step were perfect as well, and as he got to the fifth he found himself continuing even past the measly seven steps he had wanted to achieve. Naruto laughed as he ran up the full length of the tree, with very minimal problems.
At the very top of the tree he could see most of the Hidden Leaf, basking in all of its glory. The clouds didn't seem to be as high as they once were to Naruto, and it was all going well.
Until Naruto realised that he was falling.
And he was falling fast.
As he braced himself for impact, he suddenly stopped as he saw Kakashi reach out to catch his left arm, suspending him in the air. "Well done Naruto, consider me highly impressed. If you keep up working like this, maybe you might become Hokage." Kakashi said with a grin.
Naruto twirled around to see Kakashi smiling at him, well if that's what Naruto assumed he was doing behind the mask."Yeah! You better believe it Kakashi, and uhm... can you please put me down?"
Kakashi grinned underneath his mask. "Oh alright, whatever you say, Naruto." He said, amused.
And with that he let Naruto fall who was flailing around in mid air, his eyes suddenly rolled back and he threw his father's custom Kunai on to a strong tree branch. Naruto quickly performed a hand seal, which was a mix between a half tiger and ram as he suddenly vanished out of thin air.
'What?' Kakashi thought. The only other person who he had seen do that was...
He suddenly turned around to see Naruto, in one piece on top of the branch, seemingly knocked out.
'How in the hell did he manage to achieve the Hiraishin no Jutsu (Flying Thunder God Technique)? Not only was it improbable that a six year old could do it, but he didn't even make a marker... the Kunai!' Kakashi realised.
'Minato gave me this Kunai, after Naruto was born. I didn't think much of it, especially since he left soon after to fight somebody who attacked Kushina. Not to mention soon after he...' Kakashi thought, his mind spiraling to many theories that could explain this… this phenomenon.
As Naruto began to stir he quickly panicked as he realised he was on a branch, all alone with no way to get down.
"Help! Help, please, somebody help! I don't know where I Am!" The six year old boy said frantically, tears were starting to be formed in his eyes as he looked around confused.
'Interesting' Kakashi thought. 'So he has no recollection of what happened, and from what I can tell that last Jutsu took a lot out of him, even for someone with large Chakra reserves.' Kakashi thought to himself.
After getting Naruto down, he told Naruto to never try running on surfaces without him again and he bid farewell to both Naruto and his friend, but before that he turned to Naruto and asked him a question.
"Naruto, have you ever heard of the Hiraishin no Jutsu (Flying Thunder God Technique)? It's a technique used by the Fourth Hokage?" Kakashi asked, hoping for a no.
Naruto shook his head, as he replied "No. Is it cool?"
Kakashi ruffled the boy's head and promptly left in a hurry. That ruled out the boy using the book dangerously, which led to one thing that could have possibly made as much sense, not that it was clear as well.
'The Third must know about this!' Kakashi thought instantly as he rushed to his superiors office.
Entering Hokage's office was an honour for all Shinobi.
Entering without needing to clear the Third's timetable was even more of an honour which Sarutobi Asuma did not always have the pleasure of having, even while being the current Hokage's son. So when Hatake Kakashi interrupted their weekly father-son bonding session, Asuma was beyond confused.
'Did something happen?' Asuma thought to himself, his cigarette still lit.
Panting, Kakashi took a moment before speaking erratically "Lord Third. Naruto. Minato Jutsu. How?"
Hiruzen told him to breathe as Asuma asked "Naruto? What's wrong with him? And what does the Fourth have to do with him?"
Hiruzen gained a serious look as he ordered Asuma to leave, despite his best protests.
'How is Naruto and the Fourth linked? Maybe I should do some research...' Asuma pondered as he left the office.
Hiruzen placed down his cup of tea and put his pipe in his mouth, awaiting the news from Kakashi. "Well?"
Kakashi explained everything, from the climbing of trees, the custom Kunai that Minato gave to him years ago and more importantly the fact that Naruto used the Flying Thunder God Technique and do not remember a single thing.
"I see Kakashi. And I suppose you believe that Naruto read ahead in this book that you say he has?"
Kakashi shook his head, as he responded "No Lord Third, I don't think that is it. When I asked Naruto about the technique he told me he had no clue about what it was, let alone would he have used it. No, it seemed like Naruto lost control of his body for a split second, and became someone else."
Hiruzen's eyes rose at this. 'A different person, don't tell me…' Hiruzen thought as he looked back at the picture he had on his desk. That was the only way, however Kakashi might have gone to a different conclusion.
"So you believe that the Kyuubi did this? To save his life? I find that hard to believe, even for myself." Hiruzen said.
But Kakashi shook his head even more violently. "I think whatever seal Minato put in Naruto, actually took a little bit of Chakra from him with it. In case the seal loosened to the point of the Kyuubi breaking free. But maybe, and I mean maybe when Naruto himself feels like there is no hope of survival and he is certain of his death, Minato's skills and reactions take over Naruto's mind."
Hiruzen nodded. "I agree, that was my conclusion as well. The seal he put, not much was known about it, and even Jiraiya was lost for words. It seems like Minato had done the impossible, planting a memory, or an after image of sorts into him. Most likely to stop him, if Kyuubi tried to gain too much control." Hiruzen said.
Kakashi sat down, and replied "And Kushina? She was with him the entire time, no doubt she has something to do with this, especially since it's her son, and she was the previous Jinchuriki."
Hiruzen took a long drag, it seemed like that was all he was doing these days as he looked to the crystal ball next to him and started to concentrate on young Naruto, who had just arrived home and was reading his book.
"You may be right Kakashi, it certainly seems plausible. But more importantly, what in Kami's name were you doing in order for a reaction like this to even occur?" Hiruzen asked, confused.
Kakashi sweated profoundly as he rubbed the back of his neck and apologised for being so careless.
"Well, you see Lord Third-"
'Flying Thunder God Technique... that's what Kakashi said right?' Naruto thought while flipping through his book. It sounded like a cool technique.
'If dad really did use it, then it must be here... ah-ha!' Naruto grinned as he found the page he was looking for.
These next few pages will be detailing a technique which I've used greatly, one which even the Nidaime Hokage, Tobirama Senju used. This technique is the Hiraishin no Jutsu (Flying Thunder God Technique) and allows you to manipulate space and time by teleporting to a location which you have marked.
While to others it may seem like you are teleporting, in truth actually it is more akin to a Summoning Jutsu which you by no doubt have already learned and maybe even mastered with Jiraya's help.
This technique is achieved by making a Seal of Confrontation, which looks like a mix between the Tiger and Ram hand seal. Once you know this, proceed to making your mark.
I have done this by creating a custom Kunai, one where when I throw and it lands I can use it to teleport to that location. I should have already given you one, tailor made for you. If not please proceed with these steps...
Naruto stared at his new weapon, which was sitting right in the middle of his bed.
'Is this it?' He asked himself. It looked like a normal Kunai, just customised.
As Naruto picked it up, he threw it across the room, right next to his door as he did the hand seal and practically screamed "Hiraishin no Jutsu!"
One moment he was facing his door, and as soon as he blinked he was standing right in the middle of his door frame, the Kunai underneath his feet.
"Woah!" Naruto said, grinning like a child opening up presents for his birthday.
Naruto played around with it more, but after two other times he got really tired, something that did not happen often and he decided to read more of the book, lest not hurting himself and having to explain to the Hokage what occurred, he wasn't good at lying normally.
Much less so for this.
This Jutsu is very difficult, and you most likely won't get it first try even if I taught you. Hell, even if the Second Hokage taught you it would be a miracle if you would get it first try. So don't sweat it, instead be grateful as most Chunnin like you would never even dream about doing this.
'Ch-Chunnin? I was going to have to wait to become a Chunnin to have tried this? Well, look at that Kyuubi, maybe I'm not a weakling anymore!' Naruto thought to himself, hoping that he would get a reply.
Naruto got no reply as he started to make himself a sandwich filled with chicken and cheese.
'Say Kyuubi, what is your name? If you have one of course?' Naruto asked mentally.
"..."
'I can't hear you!'
"Kyuubi is fine brat..."
Naruto smiled as he mentally replied 'So no more weakling? Ha-ha even you know how awesome I Am!'
"Compared to the Fourth Hokage, your father you are nothing but a little pebble in a grand ocean. Don't test my patience brat, although you aren't as weak as I thought. If you could let me out, I could make you even stronger..."
Naruto shook his head as he responded 'No! If you get out, you will be a meanie again and you could hurt Sasuke!"
"Ah, the Uchiha boy. I would love to make him and his clan scream while I massacre them..."
'Why?' Naruto asked but he got no reply.
"The Uchihas cursed eyes are a plague, one that needs to be cured..."
'Ok, but why?'
"Listen brat, if you say 'Why?' one more time, when I escape from here not only will I kill everyone you have ever liked but I will relinquish each moment..."
Naruto rubbed his chin as he thought hard before asking;
'What does relinquish mean?'
"Father? How do you walk up a tree using only Chakra?" Sasuke asked.
It was a burning question he had since he had arrived at his home later that day. While Naruto did it and he was proud of his friend, Sasuke was waiting for the chance of his father noticing this and teaching him, or even Itachi!
"Waking up a tree... Surely you don't mean that Sasuke? I doubt any child in your class knows what that is, let alone has tried to even practise it." His father replied with a smirk.
Sasuke pouted. His friend did know about it, not only that but he succeeded in doing it.
"But father, Naruto did it!" Sasuke replied, standing up slightly.
Fugaku's smirk dropped as soon as he heard his son say that. "Naruto? Naruto who?"
Sasuke smiled as he stood up and responded "My friend, Uzumaki Naruto!"
His mother dropped her plate on the ground as she turned to him and his father sighed. 'Why are they both staring at me like that. Did I do something wrong?' He thought to himself.
"Father, mother what's wrong?" Sasuke asked, concerned.
His father merely stood up and walked out of the room but his mother, Mikito sat next to him and asked all about this 'Naruto'.
"Well not many people like him, and I don't know why. He's funny and really nice, he took me to a ramen place and let me have three bowls for free. But he also tried to teach me to walk on the trees but I decided to ask my father and Itachi for advice. And then mother, he did it! He walked up a tree without falling using only his feet!" Sasuke said.
Mikoto smiled as she patted her son's head causing him to pout, again.
"Well Sasuke, I'm very happy that you found a friend. Remember what I told you about them? She asked her second son.
Sasuke looked at his food, thinking long and hard about this before replying confidently;
"Always keep an eye on them?"
His mother laughed as she shook her head. "I think you have been spending too much time with your father Sasuke."
"Then what is it mother?" Sasuke asked.
Mikoto pointed to her heart as she replied "To always protect them, and to always be with them if they make you happy!"
Before Sasuke could reply, his older brother walked into the dining room.
"Hello mother, brother. I trust you and your friend had a pleasant day?" He asked politely, as always.
Sasuke nodded at his brother when Itachi sat down opposite him, and began to dig into his rice balls while his mother stared at him in shock.
"What? I'm eating!" Itachi said with his mouth half full leading to their mother to smack him across the table.
Sasuke laughed as his mother scolded him for bad behaviour and Itachi grinned at Sasuke.
"So Itachi? Can you teach me how to uh- Climb up trees?" Sasuke asked, his hands fidgeting. His brother was probably going to say no, as always.
Itachi looked up from his food as he opened his mouth to reply, but instead their father spoke for him.
"I'll teach you myself. If this Naruto child can do it, then so can you Sasuke. We shall begin tomorrow, after school so be sure to get here nice and early for extra time. Understand?" His father said sternly.
Sasuke smiled brightly as he left the room, unaware of his brother's eyes lingering behind his back.
"Mikoto, did you warn him about that boy?" Fukuagu asked his wife.
Mikoto shook her head as he began to shout at her.
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN NO?!" He said, confused.
Itachi stood up in his mother's defence as he replied "Naruto is good for Sasuke. Not only does he genuinely care for him from what I have seen, but wishes the best for Sasuke. From afar I could see them having fun, so please father. Don't ruin this for him, he is only six, not a member of ANBU like I'am. He isn't like me."
Mikoto smiled secretly, it wasn't often her son showed emotion… well for anything, however he always had a soft spot for his brother. Something that made her happy as their parent.
Fukagu turned towards his firstborn as he coldly responded "Oh, and what would you know about that demon? He's caused far more problems for us and if Sasuke is seen with him, even more could arise-"
Itachi cut his father off as he said "It doesn't matter what is within him, or who his lineage is. Naruto is a good boy, a boy who is determined to be Hokage. And frankly, I believe one day he will. You will hurt Sasuke if you cut him off, even if they have been friends for a day. They are six, not at the age for becoming Chunin. Now if you shall excuse me I shall retire to my room. Thank you for the lovely meal mother."
As Itachi left the room, Fukagu was met by a furious stare coming from his wife.
"Mikoto I-" He started.
"Not. One. Word." She replied furiously, closing the door as she prepared herself for a serious conversation with her husband.
"Ok class, today we shall be learning more about the village. Shikamaru please tell me how many Hokage have there have been?" Iruka said, grinning at his new class.
Asleep, not even a nudge from his friend Choji could wake him up.
"Ok, Sakura?" Iruka asked.
The pink haired girl counted with her fingers as she held up three.
"Incorrect, anyone else with a different answer?" Iruka asked his class, hoping at least one would answer.
Naruto put his hand up.
"Yes, Naruto?" Iruka said, relieved. His lessons only worked when the class participated.
Four. There were four Hokage in total. Raising up the number four on his left hand, Iruka-sensei nodded as he asked "Can you name them?"
Naruto smiled as he replied "The Senju's, gramps and Namikaze Minato!"
Iruka smiled as he said "Good job Naruto... Wait gramps?"
Naruto nodded as he responded "Yeah gramps. The Third Hokage?"
The whole class moaned as Iruka facepalmed himself. Even Shikamaru woke up due to the sound being made.
"Honestly, he's so dumb." One said quietly.
"Gramps? Is he disrespecting the Third Hokage?" Another said, ready to fight.
Iruka quietened down the class as he spoke to them all calmly.
"While yes, Naruto is partially correct. The Senju brothers were the first and second Hokage respectively, Sarutobi Hiruzen is out Third Hokage. Not 'Gramps' Naruto. And you got the Fourth Hokage, Minato, right. Ok class, today that will be all until after lunch where we will be discussing the first and second Hokage. Remember, don't leave the building unless it's with your parents or guardian." Iruka said, going to the staff room to eat his lunch. A bento box today, with a small snack that he was looking forward to eating.
As most of the class cleared, only a few remained behind.
Sakura shouted at him as she tried to lecture him on the importance of treating the third Hokage with care. Ino looked bored as she tried to drag Sakura away but both stopped what they were doing once Sasuke walked by.
"Hey, Naruto. Want to come eat outside? Mother packed some ice-cream, but it's too much for me to eat alone. Want some?" Sasuke asked.
Naruto gave a toothy smile as he nodded.
Sakura complained why he was asked and Sasuke snapped at her "Because he is my friend! If you were, then I would invite you as well!"
Sakura was left gobsmacked, leaving Ino all alone to calm her down.
'Friends' Naruto thought.
'I like the sound of that!' He thought, following his friend, Uchiha Sasuke.
Oke chapter 2 done a little earlier then I expected.
So expect a new chapter next week Thursday, should everything go to plan.
Maybe Friday, and maybe it shall be Wednesday!
And yeah i'm trying to build a believable relationship between Naruto and Sasuke. Becuase well... why not?
They said they were friends but barring from a few moments, they didn't really feel like best friends.
And yes two references in this chapter, was meant to be three but i decided against it.
For those wondering, i'm planning on easing it all the way to the selection of the gennin teams.
But don't worry, i plan to arrive to that point by chapter 5 or 6 depending how long i can write.
This is by far the longest chapter i have written, hopefully there is little error an what not.
Thank you for reading!
Peace