Chapter 5

AN: Hey guys! I'm still working on the outlines for my other story, so…instead of working the outlines I am using my time to continue this story (should have another chapter of GK out by tomorrow though). I had a guest review show up in my mail today and it asked who Boar is. Honestly, I haven't decided yet! I have several canon characters he could be, but have no reason to decide yet! If you guys have a suggestion, please, by all means review or pm me!

One hour later…

Naruto was having a blast. He didn't know what Boar-sempai gave him that made him so happy and fast but the entire world slowed down. Naruto was currently jumping eight feet in the air and bouncing off one of his new sempai's stomach. The poor man-a Hyuga, who thought he was good enough to handle anything ANBU threw at him- was seriously considering quitting right there. But wait, he can't. That damn Hokage had them sign their contracts for the next three years barring death, before the "final test". All with a smile on his face!

"Yatta! That was fun, can we do it again, at this rate I'll be commander in no time, wow the world is spinning and now I need a nap." And with that ANBU'S mascot crashed mid jump, landing on the now passed out recruit's stomach. Kakashi-His Inu mask on his belt- and Boar appear, surveying the carnage and taking pictures.

The entire arena had holes, craters, and scorch marks, mostly from Naruto's bouncing and traps. All ten of the recruits were on the ground, most twitching and at least four were passed out.

"Well, Boar, it looks like our Mascot needs a nap after his "mission". I'll take him to his room." Kakashi scooped up the child and had to snort as he attempted to cling to the Hyuga recruit's armor.

"Thanks, sempai. Tell the brat that I'll teach him a new seal tomorrow for this." Boar chuckled darkly, causing Kakashi to shiver. Boar was always…eccentric by most standards, and he hoped the agent didn't doom them all by teaching the nine-year-old something volatile.

Later, with Naruto…

Naruto stirred in his fox print bed, feeling very refreshed and somewhat blurry on what he was doing before he took a nap. He knew it had something to do with explosions and meeting his new sempai's. Naruto sees Inu-sempai reading his book next to his bed. His room-painted blue and decorated since it would always be his room, was dark with just a lamp on to illuminate his visitor.

"Hey, Inu-sempai, what was I doing before my nap? I remember explosions." Thankfully for Kakashi his mask covered his face, thus hiding his nervousness. It wouldn't do for Naruto to remember that they essentially drugged him for a good laugh, mainly because they couldn't handle him trying to search out more coffee. So, a lie smoother than a slit throat slid out Kakashi's mouth, the same lie offered every six months after the "final test".

"Oh, you just met your new comrades and all of you played… hide and explode. You ran near one and the blast knocked you out." Naruto stared at him for a minute, and it almost seemed he caught on to the fact that practically the same lie was told every time. Then Naruto's stomach saved the day by growling.

"Okay! Let's eat!" Naruto zoomed out the room, ignoring Kakashi completely.

"Wait! Boar said he'd teach you a new seal…tomorrow" he trailed off, shaking his head. He'd tell him tomorrow.

Naruto made it into the cafeteria in record time, rushing through the line. He noticed some older ANBU were talking to the new ones who had their new masks on.

"And remember: the "missions" he gets are basically E or D rank, and you have to train him in payment."

"Don't forget: no ramen! And absolutely scary stories if you tuck him in or bringing to his attention that the "missions" are chores, or so help me." Naruto paused at the urgent whispers. If they were planning something he wanted in!

"Hey! What are you guys talking about?! I want in!" Naruto plopped his tray on the table before climbing into one of the new guy's lap, ignoring the shudder the guy gave when he leaned into his stomach (lol, guess which ANBU?).

"Ahh, Kitsune. We were just…explaining the rules about your identity to them! I see you and Flamengo are already best friends, eh?" Neko asked, sounding amused at the visible shudder.

"Oh yeah! I want Flamengo-sempai to train me sometime!" Naruto shouted as he dug into his meal. Boar sniggered, and decided to put fuel on the fire.

"I'm sure Flamengo-kohai would love to teach you his specialty: wire traps. Why, he'd probably enjoy it so much after he bragged to us about your skills from your game today." Flamengo, even with the pink outlined mask, somehow pulled off a Hyuga glare. The man hated his life currently, as the little devil-his mascot apparently- cheered and tried to hug him. Maybe he should try to attack Hiashi-sama tonight and go out by curse seal. It would certainly be less painful. He wanted to refuse but all the older agents seemed to aim their killing intent right at him.

"U-uh sure, Kitsune-kohai. I w-would love to help." Flamengo managed to say. Naruto cheered. Most of the new members had to wonder how they basically signed up for babysitting duty.

Five months later, class…

Naruto had to admit: the traitor was good. Even after months of him going over everything he said Naruto couldn't sniff him out. Boar-sempai even had him take the tests to check for codes or misinformation, but nothing turned up! It was frustrating, but he wouldn't give up! He had to protect Sasuke, make the traitor Iruka reveal himself, and pretend to look after the whole class! All the while keeping up with his other missions and training. The new ANBU were always giving him new missions and teaching him, along with his usual sempais.

"Sigh, ANBU really is troublesome" he muttered to himself in his current position, repeating the phrase his Nara charge would say when he played shogi with him sometimes. His charges were kind enough to put a perch for him on the ceiling as a late birthday present, such kindness!

"Kitsune, would you mind not muttering during my lectures? You sound like an old man!" Iruka said with a tick mark. So, the traitor wanted to play it that way. Boar-sempai had started teaching him the finer points of messing with people. Let's see how the lessons paid off.

"Oh, of course, Iruka! At least I'm not actually an old man like you!" Iruka gaped at that as the class busted out laughing at that. Iruka growled, no way was a kid younger than some of his students pulling one over him. He had to end this. The perfect revenge came to mind. His ANBU "watcher" was always sore about a certain subject…

"Humph, at least I'm not shorter than the first years." The class gasped as Iruka did a mental dance. That dance ended quickly though as Iruka was yanked into a desk, and Naruto stood in front of the class, somehow pulling a pair of glasses over his mask and holding a book titled "It's okay to be a midget".

"Let class begin. Today we will be discussing the finer points of midget-hood. Now, as many of you know, ninja are notorious for being slightly…less tall than others. However, what you may not know is that ninjas under five-feet two inches will live on average five years longer than their taller counterparts. This is due to being hard to hit. Additionally, most shorter ninjas have superior speed and can use their stature to get into their taller opponent's guard. Now, as most would think, midget-hood is a blessing in disguise and" On and on Naruto lectured from the book, much to the shock and horror of Iruka and amusement of the class.

Iruka Umino, esteemed teacher and academic, fell asleep for the first time during a lecture, and learned why height was not to be brought up around Naruto.

Sasuke Uchiha, supposed genius and "cool kid" found his eye twitching dangerously. If only he could hit the small basterd, but it was impossible. It was during this lecture that Itachi Uchiha took second place on Sasuke's hit list, to be replaced with the most annoying creature he'd ever met: Kitsune of ANBU. God, if he would just shut up and stop watching him! However, Sasuke soon calmed down. He was just paranoid, right? Kitsune wasn't stalking him, right?

Hokage's office…

Sarutobi facepalmed as his surrogate grandson and favorite ANBU was teaching the class about midget hood and ninjas. His ANBU guards shook silently with laughter.

"Tell me, who gave Kitsune that book?" His voice commanding. Boar appeared.

"I believe it was agent Mouse, sir. He saw a… kindred spirit in our mascot."

"Get me Mouse. I believe Kitsune would benefit from another…playdate." Everyone shivered at the vindictive smile their boss gave, fearing for their comrade. At least Kitsune would sleep well that night. After all, caffeine crashes worked wonders as sleep aids.

One week before Naruto's tenth birthday, weapon's class…

Sasuke Uchiha was officially weirded out. That ANBU-if you could call the idiot that, even if he was strong enough to beat him- was clearly watching him. During lessons Sasuke could feel Kitsune's eyes on him. During tests he couldn't concentrate, practically hearing Kitsune's eyes looking at him. And during practical classes, Sasuke was too worried about those eyes, even if it was two black holes, staring at him. He shuddered.

Naruto was impressed. His charge had begun using real weapons for the target practice and did very well. Naruto silently cheered as they hit 15/20. While not like he could do- Flamengo-sempai insisted he hit 30/30 with senbon when he trained him- it was a start. Now if only he could figure out why Sasuke shivered sometimes. It wasn't cold and no danger was around except the traitor, but Iruka was too good to be detected by Sasuke.

Oh well, he would worry about that later, after tonight. Anko-nee had a spy they caught and tortured for him to kill. His first kill…

End! Naruto's growing up, and Sasuke's growing paranoid. And poor Flamengo! First his "play date" with Naruto and then training! May God protect the ANBU headquarters.