Chapter 4 – New Outlook

Ibiki made the long walk to the council room. He was ordered to arrive to speak about his actions two days ago. Apparently, several of the students at the academy complained to their parents about his use of killing intent and his harsh words. A few of those parents had friends who had friends. Now, he was making his way to explain himself to them, including the clan heads and the Hokage.

He arrived to the doors of the room and knocked.

"Ibiki Morino, reporting as requested." He said.

"Enter." Came the Hokage's voice. Ibiki entered the room and made his way into the center of the room. He stood in front of the council, clan heads and the Hokage. While the clan heads and the Hokage looked like they could be doing better things, the civilians looked at him with seriousness.

"You summoned me?" Ibiki asked.

"Yes, you were. We want an explanation as to your actions two days ago. Several parents have complained about what you did. How can you just throw around killing intent like that to a bunch of children?" asked one council man.

"They were acting like spoiled brats. They did not agree with my decision to give one team full mark for a job well done. I don't like being questioned by children who don't know any better." Ibiki replied.

"What are you talking about? Why were you teaching a class in the first place?" another asked.

"I was helping instructor Iruka Umino with completing a bet he made with one of his students. In fact, it was that same student who along with the team he was assigned to who got my approval." Ibiki said.

"Obviously they cheated." One of the council members muttered angrily. This got the attention of the people around the table. Hiruzen was curious and looked at Ibiki.

"Go into a bit more detail Ibiki." Hiruzen ordered.

"Iruka made a bet with one Naruto Uzumaki that if he passed a test then he would make the class a bit more interesting. He was having trouble coming up with an idea so I offered my assistance. All they had to do was get information about me. Depending on what kind of information they got, I graded them base on that. Ninety percent of the class went straight to the archive building to get basic information about me. That isn't truly information gathering. Naruto Uzumaki, Kiba Inuzuka, Choji Akimichi and Shikamaru Nara went the extra mile that everyone did not. When the class began to complain, I got annoyed and hit them with my intent." Ibiki explained. Inoichi looked at Ibiki with surprise as did an ANBU captain.

"Do you know something about this?" Hiruzen asked.

"Choji and Shikamaru came to me about Ibiki, telling me that it was a report that they were doing." Inoichi explained.

"It was the same with me. They told me that it was a report. I had no reason to believe that this was an exercise Ibiki. Sorry about telling them about that mission." the ANBU said.

"I'm not sorry. They came to you as academy students and used that against you. Those four showed that they are somewhat ready for ninja life. No offense Lord Hokage but the current curriculum is a joke." Ibiki said.

"They reason that the curriculum is the way it is, is because we are at peace." Stated one council member.

"That's a poor excuse. Just because we are at peace does not mean that we get complacent. The class that I tested was unprepared for the ninja world as we know it. Instead of your valued Uchiha being ready, it was the school's four slackers that did the best." Ibiki said.

"So you think that an overhaul of the curriculum is in order Ibiki?" Hiruzen asked.

"I believe that you add to it. Despite the 'children' making complaints about what I did, I do believe that the academy can benefit from exercises like that. It might help save these children survive when they finally get their symbols." Ibiki said with seriousness. There was a murmur around the room. Ibiki could see that the civilians would not be moved. He did however have the attention of the Hokage. Hiruzen looked interested in what he was saying.

"I would like to see just exactly how good this class is. I have an idea and I will be watching." Hiruzen said.

XXX

When Naruto entered the class, he was shocked to see an ANBU member inside the room. He was about to run off, thinking that they were after him but he was stopped by Iruka. The instructor explained that they were here to administer another exercise, just like Ibiki. Naruto was surprised but excited. He was once again teamed up with Kiba, Choji and Shikamaru. When everyone was settled down, the ANBU pulled out an outline of a castle.

"In front of you, there is this outline. This castle does exist and it is very well fortified. Your exercise today, is to show me how you would infiltrate this castle." The ANBU said. One student raised his hand.

"What do we know about the castle?" the boy asked.

"It is three stories tall of stone and wood. The open area is about the size of this class room. The halls are about two and a half feet wide and eleven feet tall. There is a rotating patrol of samurai going through the area in five minute intervals." The ANBU said.

"What type of opposition should we account for?" asked Shino.

"Mostly samurai, master class skill. The Lord of this castle does not trust shinobi." He answered.

"What can you tell us about the Lord?" asked Naruto.

"He is a man of great wealth and power. He converts all his money and will never share with anyone. He detests the poor and is quite cruel. He subjugates the people of his providence and does despicable things to them. Are there any more questions?" The ANBU asked. There were none. "Each team has forty-five minutes to find a way to infiltrate the castle. Your time begins now." Everyone looked at their outlines and began to discuss. In the back, the four read the outline.

"So what do you think? A simple sneak in mission under a Transformation?" Kiba asked.

"Nah, by how the ANBU description, this prick probably has only a hand full of people he allows into his home. My guess would be his co-conspirators. It would take time to infiltrate their homes and get down their routine. Then, we don't know if this guy even does the walk-in type of thing." Naruto said.

"Yeah, that was something I saw too. Scaling up the side of the wall is out too. If the patrols are that mobile, then we are not climbing anything without getting caught." Shikamaru said.

"Frontal assault is out too. With how wide the open area is, any frontal assault will be bogged down there. Master class samurai are no joke. My dad has always talked about how good they are. They would cut us down in seconds." Choji said. Kiba frowned and looked at the outline. What else could they do? That's when he saw something.

"What about the roof tops? Could we use the roof tops? I seriously doubt there is any type of security there." Kiba said and pointed at the section of the map. They all saw it and couldn't see a problem.

"Yeah, but how do we get to that area? Any type of rope and hook we get to that area could be heard and seen." Shikamaru said.

"Not if you come by the air. We have two ways. The first is creating a huge man-sized kite. We can glide in the air using the kites. Another way is a flying summons. We use one to get close enough to jump off and get to the roof. The guards will only give it a brief look because it is just a bird." Choji explained.

"That's not a bad plan. Also, the Transformation thing my actually work if we use the people of his providence. I mean, if this guy is such a slime ball, maybe he's kind of a pervert as well. The ANBU did say that he did despicable things. What if he forces himself on women?" Naruto asked.

"Transform or use a pretty kunoichi around the town, he sees her and wants her. They act disgusted with him, forcing him to come and drag her away. Once they are alone, they take him out." Shikamaru muttered. "That's also a good plan." Kiba then grinned at Naruto.

"Tough lucky there buddy, looks like you drew the short straw. Maybe next time you won't use that stupid jutsu of yours." Kiba joked. Naruto gave him the middle finger. They continued to come up with plans, unaware of the hidden men and women within the room.

XXX

"Well now, this is very sad. Only two teams passed this exercise?" Hiruzen asked. His colleagues, Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane were also in his office looking over the results as well. They were also very shocked by the scores.

"The two teams that passed were the team of Uzumaki, Inuzuka, Nara and Akimichi and the team of Aburame, Hyūga, Watanabe and Iga. They were the only once to pass the exercise. Every other team had a plan but could not execute it. Every part of their plan came undone quickly. Of the two teams, the 'slackers' as the class called them came up with a two prong-attack using an agent to infiltrate inside the castle while two enter from the roof. The fourth was in over-watch, keeping his eyes on the castle guards and their movements. It was the best plan of the day." The ANBU said.

"Not even the Uchiha gave a better plan?" Koharu asked.

"He believed himself to be indestructible and decided to infiltrate alone with his team being the lookouts. He also believed that his Sharingan would overcome any Master class samurai. When we pointed out that his plan was a failure, he gave me the stink eye." The ANBU said.

"Perhaps Ibiki has a point. The truth is right in front of us. Despite their grades, when it comes to planning or any other activity that allows them to be hands on, they are the best." Homura said.

"We are too far into the term for that to happen. After this term, we will speak with the instructors about the change. I think that it will be a great change of pace." Hiruzen said with a smile.

XXX

Naruto was making his way home after hanging out with Kiba. The two were having a race up to a tree. Kiba had once again won but Naruto swore that one day that record would be his. After paying off his debt, a bag of candy, Naruto was on his way home. That's when he heard a commotion coming from the alley. He investigated and saw that Choji was being bullied by someone Naruto did not like. His name was Hibachi. He was with two of his friends and they were pushing and shoving Choji.

"You think that you and those losers are so smart huh? Why don't you show us just how smart you are?" Hibachi sneered. Choji looked around for a way out but could not find one.

"Hey Hibachi!" everyone turned to see Naruto coming toward them. He had a serious face on. "Why don't you back off Choji? Just because he got another high grade doesn't mean that you can bully him." He said.

"Well, if it isn't the dead last. You come to help your fellow loser?" Hibachi asked mockingly.

"The only loser I see is you and your boys. Are you really so pathetic that you would pick on someone because they did better? Now beat it or do I have to make you pee your pants again?" Naruto said with a smirk. Hibachi growled and made a move. He threw a punch but Naruto easily slipped in and landed a punch to his gut. Hibachi felt the wind leave him as he dropped to the ground. Naruto moved around and got in front of Choji. "You good Choji?"

"Y-Yeah. Thanks Naruto." Choji said. Naruto looked at the others and readied himself.

"You guys want some too?" Naruto threatened. The other two boys decided to retreat. They picked up hibachi and dragged him away. Naruto scoffed at the two and relaxed when they were out of sight. He looked at Choji for a second before speaking again. "You want some company home?"

XXX

The two arrived at Choji's home. As they walked they talked about what happened back there. Naruto asked why Choji did not defend himself and Choji replied that he was just scared. Naruto does not get on him and tells him that it's okay. As they near his house, the two were greeted by Choji's parents, Chōza and Chiharu. Both looked at their son and Naruto. Naruto noticed the looks and decided that it was time to leave. However, before he could leave, Chiharu noticed something about her son.

"Choji why are you clothes ruffled?" she asked.

"Oh, I didn't notice. These three guys were bullying me because I got another high grade. Naruto came and helped me out. He then walked home with me." Choji explained.

"Oh Choji, are you okay?" she asked with worry.

"Yeah, thanks to Naruto. He didn't have to but he stood up for me." Choji said. The two adults looked at Naruto with a critical eye. Naruto was starting to feel a little nervous about the look. Chōza was one of the few clan heads who did not particularly like Naruto. While it was not fair, he was not as confident in the Yondaime's seal as others. However, the way the Inuzuka allowed Naruto into their lives, he reconsidered his position about the blond.

Chōza gave Naruto a soft smile.

"Well then, how about we thank you by inviting you for dinner?" he asked.

"Oh, that's okay. You don't have to force yourself." Naruto said.

"It's no problem at all." Chōza said.

"Yes, let us thank you for defending our son." Chiharu said.

"Yeah Naruto, mom is the best cook ever!" Choji exclaimed. Naruto just scratched the back of his head. He did not want to rude to Chōji or his family. He nodded and joined the Akimichi for dinner. After the dinner, Naruto will have a new friend.

XXXXX

Authors' Notes – This was a reason that I decided to do a rewrite. I wanted to show just how the four boys became friends. The next chapter will include Shikamaru into the group. Well, I hope you like it.