'Finally, it's time...' Doffy thought. A month passed since the birthday, and Doffy now is preparing for the first day of the school year. He walked out of his new home, an apartment he bought with the help of Old Man Third, and went to the Academy. He is wearing a white, long-sleeved shirt, black pants with red stripes and black pointed shoes. Of course his orange tinted sunglasses always makes an appearance.

He arrived at the school and went to the bulletin board, finding his name, and went straight to the designated room.

There are a few students already, mostly from civilian families. He chose his seat in the highest seat, right beside the window. 10 minutes passed and the room now was full. He looked around and he saw most of them belong to a ninja clans, as well as his former siblings.

A minute later, their teacher, Umino Iruka, entered and starts a roll-call of names. The class started with a sparring session between students.

The matches were boring, only a few were entertaining, like the match with Mito against Satsuki Uchiha and Menma's match against the kid from the Inuzuka clan, Kiba.

"Sasuke Uchiha, you are next." Doffy heard the instructor. He was slightly curious about this kid. He heard from Shisui that they're both in the same boat, though not on the same extent with Doffy.

"Your opponent will Naruto Uzumaki." Not bothered by the whispers and jeers to him, he walked towards the stage, hands in his pockets and grinning along the way.

*LINE BREAK*

Sasuke took the time to observe Naruto while waiting for him at the stage. He was odd. He was raising his feet too high than normal, hands in the pockets and his grin was a bit unnerving. He thought that he might some few screws loose. No, scratch that. Might be a few screws missing.' Sasuke thought flatly.

Of course he knew Naruto. Not personally but he heard him nonetheless, especially after that disastrous event a month ago. He understand Naruto's feeling a bit. Sasuke didn't get an acknoledgement from his father, always Satsuki. Though he was getting emotional support from his mother, it still felt frustrating that his father didn't even glance at him.

He shook his head as the match was about to start. Bowing to each other, the teacher begin the match. Sasuke moved to his clan's taijutsu style's stance.

Naruto just stood there, slightly hunched, hands still in pockets, like he was not worthy of his hands, and that grin, aimed at him like he was mocking him.

Seeing no movement from Naruto, Sasuke surged forward, aiming a kick to his head. Naruto evaded, weaving through the follow-ups of punches and kicks.

Sasuke stopped his assault as Naruto leaped backwards, hands and that grin still in their respective places. He caught the sight of his twin looking at him slightly disappointed at the performance. Sasuke saw red. He attacked with a battle-cry aiming to land a punch on that damned smile, when he felt pain.

The next thing he felt was pain in his stomach. He was cluthing his stomach, and looked up seeing Naruto lowering his leg, 'a knee to my stomach...' Sasuke thought. '...only one hit and I'm done.'

"Winner, Naruto Uzumaki!" Iruka declared. Sasuke went back to his seat, contemplating on how fast it happened.

He heard her sister commenting on how pathetic his performance, claiming that he'll never reach her level, let alone being acknowledged as an Uchiha.

He clenched his fist, burning holes at the desk with his glare. 'Someday, you'll regret that and acknowledge me worthy of the name Uchiha.' He thought imagining his father looking at him disappointingly.

*LINE BREAK*

Doffy made his way to his former hunting grounds where usually eat his kills. He decided to pass the time there as both the Old Man and Shisui were busy right now.1

He arrive after 10 minutes of walking only to find the place occupied. He found a boy doing some taijutsu katas. He was older by a year or two from his estimation. A bowl-cut hair, large catterpillar-like eyebrows and black perfectly round eyes. Though his choice of clothing was a little odd. He decided to focus on other things than his clothes as the boy noticed his presence.

"Ah hello, my friend, may I ask what is it that you need?" The boy asked politely.

"Oh nothing, just wandering around. Don't let me stop you from your training." Replied Doffy. "Ah where are my manners. My name's Naruto by the way, and you are...?" Doffy trailed off.

"My name is Rock Lee. So, what are you doing here?" The boy named Rock Lee asked.

"Hm, just passing some time. What are you doing here, anyways?" Doffy replied.

"I am training." Lee said with such passion. "I am aiming to perfect the Goken taijutsu style and become the best ninja I can be!" Lee exclaimed. His eyes literally on fire.

"Hoh? That's admirable. But what do you mean 'as you can be'?"

"That, well, doctors said that I have somethig wrong in my chakra coils, that I can't use any ninjutsu or genjutsu. But I still want to be a ninja!" He clenched his fist. "I will become a great ninja someday! Even if Taijutsu is the only way I can manage, then so be it! I'll show them the fruits of my hard work!"

Doffy was silent, looking at Lee intensely through his sunglasses.

"What do you say about a spar?" Doffy almost regretted asking as he could see Lee's eyes literally sparkled at the thought as he accepted his proposal.

They sparred for an hour and a half, spending the rest of time to rest just chat with each other, giving compliments and advices from the spar, and made some small talk.

Doffy suddenly brought a pencil and a paper, writing something. Lee looked confusedly as Doffy gave him the paper and he explained.

"You're strong, Lee. Your will to achieve your dreams is admirable. Those are some of my techniques that will be perfect for you. I know you'll master it in no time, with the way you train, I don't doubt it. It will give you the edge here being a ninja only using taijutsu."

Lee read what was written in the paper, Rankyaku and Tekkai, including the functions and how to train said techniques. Lee coudn't help but be amazed, especially when he saw the demonstration from Doffy.

"Thank you, Naruto-san! I promise I won't let you down! I will be forever grateful to you!" Lee exclaimed, tears comically falling from his eyes.

Doffy sweatdropped, then asked "just keep it a secret that you got it from me, alright?"

"Of course! You will not regret it!"

Lee and Doffy parted ways as the sun sets, agreeing to meet every weekends on the clearing to train.

Doffy was satisfied today. Sparring with Lee in pure taijutsu was fun. Lee has potential. He knew Lee would become one of the strongest ninja in the village, regardless of his handicap. Lee was loyal, easily giving his trust to someone. Though Doffy woudn't use that trust, he would return that trust in full because he thought that Lee was a bit like his friend, Vergo. A loud, boisterous Vergo, Doffy chuckled at the thought.

He arrived at his apartment, preparing to sleep. He coudn't wait to graduate to become a ninja, but he knew he would not rush it, he has plenty of time.

As he laid at his bed, Doffy thought about his goals. Thoughts of a monument and a hat appeared in his mind, and he grinned.

*LINE BREAK*

Six years passed. A lot has happened. Doffy thought about the things happened during that timeframe.

His frequent spars with Lee was productive, especially for Lee. He improved drastically since they met, but he also talked about Lee's team leader, Maito Gai. Doffy didn't know if he should be upset or happy. Happy because he helped Lee inspire to pursue his dream, but also upset that he influenced Lee with that horrendous outfit and screams and yells about youth.

Doffy also taught him the rest of the Rokushiki. Lee was happy, though not as enthusiastic about Shigan, though he persuaded him to learn it saying that killing will be a part of him the moment he donned his hitai-ate. Lee accepted it. Doffy coudn't care less about Lee's innocence. He prefers him alive than dead. He was his first friend and become a part of his family after all.

'Speaking of family...' Doffy thought sadly. 'Shisui.' He thought of his first friend. Shisui was killed by Danzo before the Uchiha massacre. Doffy was slightly upset as he didn't got a shot against Danzo, though he took comfort of him being brought to justice. Though it still didn't stop the massacre, as the Elders and the clan head of the Uchiha clan was locked in staging a coup against the current government power. Itachi volunteered for an S-ranked mission, the eradication of the his own clan, on the condition of sparing his twin siblings.

As he thought about the twins, he chuckled as he remembered Mito and Menma. The looks on their faces was downright amusing when he earned the top rankings in the Academy. Some of his classmates kept muttering about him cheating.

'They're just idiots. For a school producing assassins, the instructors were soft on these kids...' Doffy thought.

He was currently eating his breakfast when he felt the Old Man approaching. He quickly finished his breakfast, ready for the graduation later.

As he went outside, he saw Hiruzen approaching, and greeted him, "You really are getting old, you know. You kept me waiting here for ages. I really think you should get a cane or a wheelchair, old man. Heh heh heh." Doffy chuckled.

"Hmph, after all this time, you still lack manners. Maybe I should teach you a lesson or two, seeing that you've made zero improvements in that department." Hiruzen threatened jokingly. "So, are you nervous about your becoming a ninja, Naruto?"

"Tch, who do you think am I, old man? I'm more than ready, old man. You know that better than anyone else." Doffy replied, annoyed at the old man.

"Don't worry about me old man, worry 'bout yourself. Here, lemme buy you something that'll your old bones. Heh heh heh." Doffy quipped. "What do you need, anyway?" He asked.

"Ah, I'm one of the examiners for the graduation later." Hiruzen answered. "Say, who do you want as your teammates?"

"Hmm? Well, I don't have anyone I prefer, I can team-up with whoever the Hokage assigned me with. And I can adapt you know. Ninjas always adapt. If I can't, I'd be dead not even reaching the Chuunin exams." Doffy answered.

Hiruzen just hummed in approval. 15 minutes of walk, they arrived at the school and parted ways.

*LINE BREAK*

Mito and Menma arrived early at the Academy, quite excited for the graduation. As a mark of their first step to being ninjas, they got new style of clothing(A/N: Mito got the same clothes android 18 wore in ToP but black with red. Menma wore Naruto's shippuden outfit.). He saw his classmates excited as well, some of them are nervous mixed up.

Menma was happy that he would finally graduate and leave this insane asylum called Academy. Don't get him wrong, he had fun through the six years he spent with his classmates. He made lots of friends he also executed lots of pranks with them.

Mito also was excited, though she hid it well. She was currently sitting with her female friends, with Ino, Sakura, Hinata, and Satsuki. Ino and Sakura was, as always, arguing about who have Sasuke in their team as he was currently one of the top students, as well as his handsome face, according to the two bickering girls. Seeing there is some time to kill before the graduation exam starts, she decided to talk with Satsuki.

"Ne, Satsuki, who do you think you want as your teammates?"

"Well, my brother, of course." Answered Satsuki coolly. Then she noticed the stare she got from Mito. "Don't look at me like that. And I know I'm not the best sister to him all the time, of course I love my brother but I also love my clan so it's disappointing to see him so weak. But now, after what...happened... I realized how to value family especially Sasuke is the only one I have now. So I'm concerned about his mentality. He's too obsessed about... you know..." she finished weakly, not wanting to remember that particular night.

"Ah... sorry about that, I didn't mean to-"

"It's okay." She murmured quietly. The abrupt opening of the doors jolted both of them at their seats as Naruto entered(He wore Doffy's cannon outfit but black top, plus a mesh undershirt).

"Tch." Mito muttered. She was annoyed, not at Naruto unlike the early years, but the reminder that she failed to achieve being the top student.

Satsuki looked at Mito, "you really hate him huh?" Satsuki said. "Your brother, I mean."

Mito was silent for a moment, "no, I'm just annoyed U didn't get the Rookie award. I mean I hate weakness, but I didn't know Naruto is this strong." Mito said quietly. "I guess... I guess he gave up on Mom and Dad about the training stuff, and he didn't bother showing us his strength. I think he hates our parents that he came to a conclusion that they will only claim that Naruto grew powerful due to their training."

"I see. I'd be upset too, you know. Your strength you gained by yourself and I'm not the one acknowledged, that was upsetting, really." Satsuki replied. "Just be glad he didn't turn like my brother right now, though Mito."

"What do you mean?" Mito asked.

"She means that Naruto didn't let his hatred fuel him. I'm sure he has it held within him, but he didn't give in. He's strong, and I'm not talking about his abilities. Though Mom and Dad didn't show it, but I know that they feel proud and sad about Naruto." Menma said as he approached the two.

"Well, why don't you say sorry?" Satsuki asked innocently.

"We'll see. If he proved that he's stronger than me, I may consider that." Menma said, quite sure of his strength.

Iruka entered a moment later, stating to them about the exams and wishing them luck.

*LINE BREAK*

Today is the team placements. Mito just dozed off, as Iruka congratulated them and gave them a long drawl of speech about what to expect as a ninja and carrying the hitai-ate proudly. Mito didn't bother to listen, waiting for their team placements.

"...team 7: Mito Uzumaki-Namikaze, Menma Namikaze and Satsuki Uchiha." Mito perked up. "Your team sensei will be Jounin Kushina Namikaze." Mito was happy she was with her brother and her mother as their sensei. She was also happy that she was with Satsuki.

"Team 8: Shino Aburame, Hinata Hyuuga and Kiba Inuzuka. Your sensei will be Jounin Kurenai Yuuhi. Team 9 is still active. Team 10: Choji Akimichi, Ino Yamanaka and Shikamaru Nara. Your sensei will be Jounin Asuma Sarurobi."

Iruka ignored Ino's outburst of complaints, as he continued, though his eye is twitching slightly. "Team 11: Sasuke Uchiha, Sakura Haruno," again he ignored another outburst, this time something about love, as he continued."...and Naruto Uzumaki. Your sensei will be Jounin Kakashi Hatake. You all will wait for your senseis here. Again congratulations to all of you and good luck." Iruka finished as he walked of the classroom.

*LINE BREAK*

Kakashi was amused, if not a bit tired, as he listened to Kushina, who was currently muttering about how fun it will be with her children in her team as they walked towards the Academy.

He looked at her, hearing bits and pieces of her mumblings and sweatdropping slightly at her childish attitude.

"Kushina-san, how's the twins'progress in their training?" Kakashi asked.

"They're doing great you know, they already know the rasengan! Though it's a bit slow when they create it, but it still packs power, 'ttebane!" She exclaimed, unconsciously blurting out her verbal tic.

Kakashi slightly widened his eyes. He knew the twins inherited their father's smarts, but he didn't expect they can already create the rasengan.

"Sounds like you've got great ninjas in the making, especially when Satsuki manage to awaken her Sharingan." Kakashi commented.

"Of course! How can you doubt them?!" Kushina exclaimed. Then she continued lightly. "I just wished Naruto was part of it. But I guess it doesn't matter now. He made his decision. I'm just trying to explain the gravity his siblings carry,. It's the world that was at stake! How can he be so selfish like that when all he did was give us shame and disappointment!"

Kakashi frowned behind his mask. Though he didn't commented about it. "Well, I'm surprised Naruto claimed the Rookie of the Year title. I guess I have my own bundle of work too, I suppose." Kakashi said.

"What do you mean?" Asked Kushina confused.

"Well, I also have Sasuke, I heard he trains hard because of you-know-what, and then I have that girl Sakura. She's smart. She may lack in strength, for now, but according to her files, she possess great chakra control. She can be a genjutsu practitioner or a medic-nin. Lastly, and as I said, Naruto claimed the RotY title. I bet he'll show me some surprises at my bell exam."

"Hmph. I bet it's just a fluke!" Kushina exclaimed angrily, though she looked rather a child with her angry pout.

Kakashi sweatdropped again as she looked at her, and decided not to comment letting the silence reign.

They arrived a couple of minutes later and saw their respective students. Kakashi observed his assigned members to his team. The girl, Sakura, was chatting with the other girls while Sasuke was just looking at the window. Naruto, on the other hand, was looking at him grinning, hands behind his head and his feet on the desk.

He heard Kushina call her team and disappearing flickering out of existence. He observed his team a bit longer before he speak.

"You guys are... lame." He said, lamely as well. He looked at their reactions. The girl shrieked indignantly, Sasuke just glared at him and Naruto grinned, a bit wider this time. "Come meet me on the roof in ten."

*LINE BREAK*

They arrived in five at the rooftop, seeing Kakashi leaning on the rails. Sasuke sit beside Sakura, who was restraining herself to burst with proclamations of love, and to sit as far away from Naruto as possible.

Kakashi clapped his hands. "So, to start, how about some introductions."

"Uh... introductions?" Sakura started confusedly.

"You know, say something about yourself. Likes, dislikes, something like that." Kakashi said.

"I'll start. As you know by now, I'm Kakashi Hatake, currently serving as a jounin here. I have a few likes and dislikes. Hobbies, well... I don't think it's appropriate to you right now. For dreams, now that I think about it, I really didn't think about it." He eye-smiled, scratching his head. Sasuke and Sakura just sweatdropped, thinking about learning only his name while Naruto chuckled. "Why don't you start, pinky."

Sakura glared at the nickname before starting, "I'm Sakura Haruno. As for my likes..." she glanced at Sasuke, said boy rolled his eyes unnoticed. "My hobbies is reading. As for my dream, well..." glancing pointedly at Sasuke again, who shivered this time. "And I hate Ino-pig!"

"Ooookay..." Kakashi said, sweatdropping at the outburst. 'Great. A fangirl.' He groaned inside. "How about you, smiley?"

Naruto perked up then tilted his head on one side, grinning. "Me? I am Naruto Uzumaki, of course. I'm not sure about telling you my likes, I'm a bit shy you know, heh heh heh." Though his expression tells the opposite. "I have a few hobbies. Like watching Iruka-sensei drawl on his lectures, and how dangerous it is against enemies." He looked at his teammates. "You two should know how boring it is. Heh heh heh. Sakura laughed nervously, Sasuke just deadpanned at him and Kakashi sweatdropped.

"As for dislikes..." his smile disappeared, face void of emotion. A moment later his smile returned wider, accompanied by the bulging veins on his forehead.

Sasuke and Sakura both torn about knowing and not knowing what gained such hatred from the ever-smiling boy.

"Monkeys." Naruto hissed. Sasuke almost fell on his face, though Sakura did. Naruto's smile returned to normal.

"As for my dreams, that..." he said seriously, pausing for a moment. Sasuke, Sakura and even Kakashi leaned forward, to know his dream from the serious-looking blond right now.

Suddenly, Naruto wears his usual grin. "That's a secret! HAHAHAHAHA!" He cackled like a madman, falling on his back and his legs kicking the air as his teammates face-planted this time. Both of them looked ready to kill Naruto, visibly fuming at how red their faces as Kakashi laughed unsurely, though his twitched slightly.

After things calmed down a bit, Kakashi called Sasuke for his turn.

"Sasuke Uchiha, I don't many things I like and I have a lot of things I dislike. Training is my hobby. And I don't have a dream. I have an ambition. And that is to kill a certain man and restore my clan back into greatness." He said in a flat voice.

'So I have a fangirl, a slightly insane kid, and a broody whose obsessed in killing his brother. Great, really what I expected as a jounin sensei.' Kakashi thought sarcastically. He then explained their survival exam for tomorrow, explaining to Sakura that the purpose of the exam they took at the academy was to weed out the kids that has a less chance of becoming a ninja.

After that, Sasuke just up and left the rooftop, ignoring Sakura's usual attempt for asking dates and Naruto's stare. Though if he paid for a single second, he would have seen Naruto's blank face and gaze aimed at his head.