To Become Hokage

Chapter 3 – A new leaf on a rotted tree

Chapter 3 let's do this! As always I own nothing. Naruto is not mine. Do not sue me. And thank you for everyone that has followed/favorited and commented so far, I appreciate it.

Naruto pov:

'Life was weird' Naruto thought to himself as he sat in front of the Hokage at the dining table of the Sarutobi clan leaders' house. It had only been a couple of hours earlier that Naruto had agreed to become a ninja. Right after he agreed the Hokage took his shoulder muttering the word 'Shunshin' under his breath, Naruto felt a swirling energy inside him and saw the fluttering of vibrant green leaves just entering his eye line before he was teleported to the entrance of a building that he was soon informed of as the Sarutobi clan leaders house. The old man had led him to an older clanswoman and asked her to take care of him until he returned.

The old lady named Satomi san took a long look at Naruto and told him to follow her into a large bathing area. After filling the wooden tub with warm water Naruto stripped and slowly eased himself into the water, a long sigh leaving his lips as the warm water melted into his muscles. Satomi san scrubbed him until he was pink all over making sure his skin was free from the grime that had collected over time and his blond hair shinned, no longer filled with grease and dirt.

Naruto had never felt so clean before, he could feel his clean hands touch his grit-free hair and it felt amazing. Next, he was presented with loose black clothing and although they didn't really fit him it was a stark difference from his previous ripped thin clothing. Satomi san steered him to a chair and told him to sit while she went to get a first aid kit, Naruto sat in silence as he watched the old woman disinfect his cut-up feet realizing this was the first time in his short life that he had been helped by someone who knew who he was. As the old woman finished bandaging his wounds Naruto thanked her and was told to sit and wait on the Hokage to return which led to his current predicament, tapping an unsteady rhythm on his clothed knee while avoiding eye contact with the old man who had been staring at him for an unbearably long time seemingly lost in thought.

Collecting his courage Naruto was the first to speak, "So … what is going to happen to me?" he questioned bring the old man out of his thoughts.

The Hokage didn't make him wait long and replied," You're going to become my apprentice. You will live here with my family, you will have your own room and clothes and anything you require to train under me. In two days time, you will start to join me in the Hokage's tower where I will overlook your academic studies. How does that sound son?"

"Why? Why would you do that for me? You don't even know me old man" said Naruto shocked in disbelief trying to shake out the impossible temptations of actually owning something and having a place to call home. 'My own room…' Naruto thought to himself 'would someone actually do this for him? An orphan no less?' Naruto eyed the Hokage in mild suspicion.

The old man smiled at him his eyes crinkling, "You look like someone I used to know, he was an orphan too and with some help from those who respected him and a lot of hard work he became an incredibly strong shinobi. Sadly he is no longer on this earth… but he sacrificed himself to save the people of this village and to protect those he treasured. I see the same will of fire in you young Naruto, I believe you will become someone truly great and protect those you cherish too."

"Will of fire? What's that?" asked Naruto with a shaky voice.

"It's the overwhelming strength and determination of a ninja who will do anything to protect this village and the people who live in it, you might not feel that way right now and I don't blame you but together we will change this village. Like a new leaf on a rotted tree, we will never give up and will always find a way to overcome those who would wish us harm." Answered the Hokage.

And for a second Naruto could see it, he could see the flames of passion and resolve flicker in the old man's eyes as they stared into his own.

He would do it he decided.

He would become an apprentice, he would train hard, study harder and he would become a shinobi that carried the will of fire stronger than anyone else. He would do it all for this man who believed in him, he would make him proud.

Naruto was brought out of his thoughts by the smell of something delicious wafting up to his nose, his mouth salivating as he watched Satomi san come out the kitchen holding two plates of hot steaming food. His stomach rumbled in need as he eyed the golden curry and fluffy white rice in front of him, picking up his ladle he shakily spooned some of the rich curry onto his utensil slowly raising it to his mouth not even stopping to spit out a quick 'itadakimasu' before he began his meal.

Fireworks exploded on Naruto's tongue as he was gifted his first meal in over three days. God, It felt so good to eat. At that moment Naruto realized his whole life was going to change for the better, he had been fed, washed, given new clothes and a new home where they cared for him, he was given a future by a man who believed in him and wanted to invest his time and resources into making Naruto the best he could be.

No longer was he alone. And for the first time in years Naruto felt happy.

If you like this story please follow/favorite or review so I know not to give up. Week 3 and staying strong! I will be uploading this story to Ao3 as well under the name AbsentSun, I know someone of you like their format better so feel free to read from whatever site floats your Naruto fic boats. Hope to see you all in week 4!