Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto the anime or manga. This story is based off the world of Naruto. All rights go to Masashi Kishimoto.
Chapter 7 - Revelations
"Why won't this work!?" Naruto yelled in frustration. Stomping his feet onto the dirt ground, Naruto was muttering curse words under his breath. Eventually, he calmed down and sighed deeply. "Why can't I do this jutsu? It should be the easiest," Naruto complained as he sat on the ground.
Naruto heard the noise of a turned handle and looked at his house. Naruto saw the glass sliding door that lead into his house slide open. His older brother strolled out with his hands in his pockets, "Naruto, is there something wrong?" Kotaro asked as he stood in front of Naruto.
Naruto got off the floor and started to explain his terrible problem with hand gestures and over-dramatic action poses. Kotaro was nodding along with the story.
"So, tomorrow is your graduation, you can do everything on the exam. Except you need to pass the ninjutsu section of the exam or you fail, which includes the clone technique, but you can't do it correctly as they're always sick looking. Am I correct?" Kotaro asked Naruto after Naruto finished his piece.
"Yes Nii-chan. Iruka-sensei told me that it was an essential part of the exam and I'll fail if I don't perform it correctly," Naruto told his older brother.
Kotaro sighed and rubbed his face with his hands. He had to tell Naruto the truth. "Naruto, it is virtually impossible for you to perform that technique, even if we improved your chakra control," he told Naruto bluntly.
Shock was coursing through Naruto's face, "What! WHY!?" Naruto demanded with a loud voice.
Kotaro covered his ears from the sound increase, 'Still so loud!' he thought.
"Naruto what did I tell about the Uzumaki clan when we first met two years ago," Kotaro asked with a raised eyebrow.
Naruto only needed a second to answer. "Usually have red hair, super strong lifeforce, huge chakra reserves," he stated out proudly.
Kotaro smiled. "Good, now think of your last answer. Why can't you perform this specific technique?" Kotaro asked if he was a teacher.
Naruto thought for a few seconds, his face was focused on finding the answer, then suddenly it softened and then he smiled, "Too much chakra!" he said out loud.
Kotaro started to clap his hands. "And we got a winner! Yes Naruto, you can't control so little chakra from your huge reserves. That's why your clones look dead. The output is too much, and the images can't handle the overload, so they appear sick," he said with a happy face.
Naruto was happy until he realised something. "Wait! If I can't perform this then I can't graduate!" he cried out fearing the worst.
"Jeez Naruto. Calm the hell down! We have a solution for this," Kotaro said reassuringly to Naruto.
"Solution? I can pass without it?"
"Sure you can! I'll teach you a better clone technique. One that I think you will love!"
"Really! Teach me, teach me, teach me!"
"I was planning on doing that Naruto! Now shut up and let me tell you about the Shadow clone technique."
"Shadow clones? What do they do?"
"These clones are different from the clones from that technique you learnt in the academy. Instead of projections, these are solid copies of your chakra system and body. Meaning they can control themselves and they all act and think like you. You can think of it as making an identical twin in every single way with just chakra. Pretty amazing huh?"
"Amazing! That sounds so much better than the normal one."
"I know, it's a great jutsu. The Nidaime Hokage made the technique. He was good friends with our great-great grandfather and gave him the technique in exchange for some help with fuinjutsu and space-time ninjutsu,"
"Woah… So, when can I learn it?"
"You better learn it now, we don't want you to fail. Now you must make unique hand seal. Bend both the pinkie and ring finger on both hands like this. Then you make a plus sign with the left hand behind the right hand like this. The left hand's finger should be horizontal and the right hand's fingers are vertical. Now try it out," Kotaro ordered with a calm voice.
Naruto did exactly what his older brother said and tried it many times, trying to let be natural to him. "Now what do I do?" Naruto asked.
"Well you can't just make a hand seal and expect a clone to appear. We must manipulate our chakra even further to make the clone. When making the sign, it helps condense the chakra. With this condensed chakra, we have to try and push it out through our chakra system. You must think of it being forced out. It's a difficult concept to grasp I know. But you will get the hang of it. Now watch me," Kotaro said as he made the hand seal and produced four Koteros, two on each side of the original.
"Wow! I can do that!?"
"You will, now practice here and I'll give you tips. Go on!" Kotaro encouraged Naruto as he sat in front of the blond.
Naruto then practiced for about three hours and his chakra was beginning to ween. He was sweating bullets. Kotaro knew Naruto would have difficulty but he wanted to test something. A month ago, they tested Naruto's chakra affinity and found that he was a wind type.
When Kotaro told him that it was a rare affinity type and the way the paper cut in half with a sharp noise, it meant that it was naturally strong, especially for someone young like him. Naruto was overjoyed and felt like the king of the world. Kotaro made Naruto do the first step in mastering the element by cutting a leaf with just his chakra.
After he gave him tips on how he should imagine his chakra to be thin, sharp and sleek, it only took Naruto two weeks to split the leaf in half. Kotaro was awestricken at the skill and made sure it was legit by making Naruto do it five times in a row. Kotaro was so proud that he taught Naruto a C-rank wind jutsu, Wind release: Great breakthrough.
Naruto constantly practiced the technique after the academy for hours on end and got it to a great standard. Kotaro was so impressed he treated Naruto to an all-you-can-eat Ramen marathon.
Kotaro believed that Naruto was able to succeed was because he put his heart and soul into it, dedicating himself to the goal. Kotaro thought that if Naruto could learn the shadow clone technique in less than a day then it just confirms again how the village wasted a great potential before he came.
Naruto took a break and sat on the ground facing his older brother, "Nii-chan, it's really hard ttebayo!" he grunted out.
"Well if it was easy then everyone would learn it. It uses a lot of chakra so take five minutes. If you were any other academy student, you would die."
"Did you just say… DIE!?"
"Yep, don't worry though. You have so much chakra you can make hundreds of these clones and only feel slightly winded, if even. That's the Multi-shadow clone technique. It's the same technique but you condense more chakra and produce lot's more clones."
"So, I can have my own one-man army then?"
"Yes, you can Naruto. Smart thinking, but I wouldn't want to rely on it in combat. One direct hit and it puffs away. Its main purpose was for spying."
"Still, it'll be great for distractions and overwhelming your enemies dattebayo."
"Yeah, I can see you using it like that. Hopefully and with the training you did over the last two years will help you survive out in the field."
"Hm. It will. You know it."
Kotaro did know it. If Kotaro had to say, Naruto is the strongest twelve-year old he knew. If he had to put him on the ninja ladder, he would have him at Chūnin already. He only needs experience with a team and get some missions under his belt. His shurikenjutsu has been perfect for months even when Naruto is running around and moving in different directions, his accuracy was unbelievable, but he went through so much blood, sweat and tears to get it that good. Naruto's taijutsu was superb.
However, he couldn't fully utilise the Uzuken because of his short limbs, standing tall at four foot and eight-and-a-half inches, Naruto had a short reach and struggled to grapple. But when he did, he was deadly.
Because of his short height, Kotaro focused on reflex and dodge training for Naruto. Ultimately it was Kotaro using Naruto as a training dummy when he practised his punches, kicks and chops to improve his own taijutsu, Naruto had to dodge every strike, or he would get badly hurt. This lead to a lot of broken noses, cut lips and big dark bruises. Naruto was never so thankful that he had a great healing factor and Kotaro knew medical ninjutsu.
With that training, Naruto was quick in close-combat and was able to manoeuvre around the area well. Naruto didn't do any more advanced chakra control exercises, Kotaro suggested using the ones he knows and make challenges out of them, he reassured him that he had more, but he wanted a purpose for Naruto to give him those exercises.
Naruto's physical fitness was sublime. His natural strength could snap a normal man in half and he had high speeds, something you would expect from an experienced and serious Chūnin. The thing that stroke Kotaro the most was that Naruto will be only starting puberty soon.
Ninjas grow exponentially in skill, strength and speed during and after puberty. Naruto was already better than all his classmates and he's one of the youngest and shortest. It's been two years since Kotaro has come to Konoha and united with Naruto. And both are much different people from when they first met. They know it, but both have helped each other out so much, emotionally and physically that their bond of love is unbreakable.
"Naruto get back to work. You can't fail tomorrows exam," Kotaro ordered.
"Fine… you treat like a slave ttebayo," Naruto said with only a hint of irritation.
"You asked for good training and I give it to you. What the hell am I supposed to do? Give you massages and tell you how great you are?"
"No… but that would be nice occasionally," Naruto giggled out as he stood up and went back to practising.
Kotaro groaned at Naruto's response but stopped himself from slapping the blond for being cheeky. He watched intently at Naruto, seeing that he was struggling. Naruto practised for half an hour until suddenly.
"What the?" a new Naruto said.
Naruto was shocked that he did it and Kotaro smiled. "You did it Naruto! And look he's a perfect copy," Kotaro said as he looked over the new Naruto. Naruto couldn't say a word, amazed he could do it after being told how dangerous and difficult the jutsu is.
Kotaro then punched the new Naruto in the face and he flew back and hit the tree, the Naruto then puffed into smoke, leaving a crack mark on the tree he crashed into. Naruto's face slightly scrunched from some discomfort. "What the hell?" he said as he rubbed his face.
Kotaro smiled, "Any pain your clone gets, goes back to you in memory. A phantom sensation. The only real downfall of this jutsu. But... If he was the real you, you would have a bloody nose and broken cheekbones."
"Jeez Nii-chan. You're a great brother," Naruto said sarcastically.
Kotaro ignored the jab, "How do you feel? Chakra wise?" he asked.
"Fine, I'm tired for trying it so much but the clone didn't take much."
"Good. Make five more please," Kotaro asked, looking down at his brother.
"Yosh! Five Narutos coming dattebayo!" Naruto shouted. He put his fingers together in the cross hand seal. "Shadow Clone Jutsu," he said. Four Narutos puffed into existence.
Kotaro chuckled slightly, "Seems like you aren't used to it. That's understandable. We'll keep practicing until you have a really good grasp on it," Kotaro said encouragingly.
Naruto just nodded and got into position. Naruto practised and practised, it wasn't that hard with the smaller numbers but as they got larger it was getting more troublesome. After his first success, he tried to make five again and got it right. He then tried ten clones and made eleven. He eventually got it on his fourth go.
Then he had to make twenty clones, he struggled, he was always making nineteen or twenty-one. It was never the exact twenty.
Of course, with patience Naruto accomplished it. Kotaro was pleased with twenty being the benchmark of maximum clones to make at once for this exercise. Kotaro then asked for random numbers between five and twenty like seven or was a total pain in the ass for the aspiring ninja.
Naruto was steadily improving, but then collapsed on one knee from the lack of chakra.
"Great work Naruto, mastering a B-rank jutsu in less than one day is very impressive. Even if have a brilliant teacher much like myself," Kotaro said with a smile and his head nodding.
"Thanks Nii-chan... Means a lot!" Naruto tiredly said, there were a few huffs and puffs inbetween words. He then sat on the ground to catch his breath. with instinct, Naruto caught an energy protein bar and a bottle of water that were thrown straight at him.
"So, how are Chōji and Shikamaru holding up? Might as well tell me the other clan kids while you're at it," Kotaro asked Naruto.
"Chōji is nervous and Shikamaru doesn't care but we both know they'll pass. The other kids I don't really know, but they'll pass. They all think I'm going to fail with my acting dattebayo!"
"Hm, they all have the surprise of their life. I still can't believe Iruka found out it was all an act. That guy is wasting his potential teaching you… no offense."
"None taken Nii-chan. Iruka-sensei is good, he can be boring but he when he insisted on giving me extra lessons, I didn't think all my training would come so naturally like that and blow his mind. At least he agreed to keep it a secret."
"Why wouldn't he? He understands where you're coming from and you're his favourite pupil."
"He never admits it though, but he treats me to ramen and none the others. Best teacher ever!"
"Whatever… So, who're you hoping to be on your team."
"You."
"Hehe Naruto, don't be stupid and answer me."
"Who do you think? Shikamaru and Chōji."
"You know Genin teams always have at least one kunoichi."
"Really!? Damn… Well I don't want any of the girls in my class."
"Because they're fangirls to Sasuke? Maybe if you hang around them, they might become your fangirls."
"I don't want fangirls Nii-chan! They're annoying dattebayo."
"Well maybe if you had some, you would think differently," Kotaro said with a cheeky grin.
"If you had some fangirls, you would think the same thing!" Naruto said quietly at the end, looking down to the ground. "Girls are stupid! Who needs them?" Naruto added after with some disgust. He looked at his brother's face to see it was sad and dejected.
'Me and my big mouth,' Naruto thought whilst biting his lower lip. "Sorry Nii-chan… I didn't mean to say it like that," he said afterwards, he was genuinely sorry.
Kotaro smiled softly and wrapped his arm around Naruto, sitting right beside him. "Naruto, don't worry. That was in the moment. And you're the only one I would ever talk about Kumi-chan with. It's been over two and a half years. I shouldn't still get depressed over it," Kotaro said with some sadness to his voice. "It's not like that landslide and fire was ever supposed to happen when I was gone from that town."
"You still miss her?" Naruto asked, looking up to him.
"Of course, I miss her. But she… needed to rest in peace, she was the one who asked me to do it as well. If she was still alive, she would have loved you."
"You say that every time."
Kotaro turned his head and looked into Naruto's eyes directly "Because it's true. She would have used you like a teddy bear when she goes for naps," He said with a cheerful smile.
"You may think that's cute, but it's really disturbing…" Naruto groaned out.
Kotaro ignored the jab, "And Kumi-chan and Mum wouldn't want me to wallow in depression. They would have wanted me to move on, find you and find another woman."
"How come the women in your life are so much more understanding than the girls in my class."
"Because, they suffered great pains and they could see the positivity in things. The girls in your class never had to kill, survive in the wild, thinking about food or water or if they're safe all the time."
"I suppose, but you said everyone suffers in some shape or form from something in their life or something like that."
"I know but I was really talking about Sasuke's clan's massacre or Neji's father's death. Both have suffered a lot in their own ways. What have the girls in your class suffered, I can't stop hearing about Inoichi complaining how his daughter Ino, complains how she didn't get Sasuke-kun's attention. You had to live on the streets for months, Sasuke lost his clan and Neji lost his father through political bullshit," Kotaro said a little heatedly.
Naruto stayed quiet after Kotaro explained his point and Kotaro was getting worried. "Yo Naruto, what's wrong?" he asked.
Naruto stayed quiet for three more seconds, then his head popped up with a beaming smile on it, "I was just thinking how much pain you saved me from when you came and found me!" Naruto said happily.
"Now Naruto, it wasn't just me. You helped me through my… many emotional breakdowns during our first year together. If I didn't have you, I might not be here today."
"Nii-chan! Don't talk like that, it's depressing."
"Fine... Oh yeah, I almost forgot. Someone has a good luck present for you," Kotaro said while standing up and dusting himself off.
Kotaro walked over to Naruto as he took his blue scaled necklace off. He kneeled in front of Naruto and tied it behind his neck, "There. Damn, I think it looks better on you then it did on me," Kotaro said with a smile.
Naruto was taken aback, "Nii-chan, you love this necklace, why are you giving it to me?" Naruto asked, it truly baffled him.
Kotaro shrugged his shoulders but his smile never faded, "I don't know why... It just felt right to do so. Hopefully it'll bring you good luck. I hope you keep it safe, I had to trudge through a lot of crap just to get," Kotaro said as he stood back up and rested his hands on his hips.
"Will do Nii-chan!" Naruto shouted with a mock salute.
"Now let's go to bed. I have a Jōnin meeting after your graduation, so you will have to make your own dinner or eat with your boys alright?"
"Yeah! Shikamaru and Chōji are treating me to barbeque ttebayo!"
Naruto and Kotaro went back in the house, cleaned themselves up and slept like logs for the day to come.
The Next Morning
RING! RING! RING! CLUNK!
"Ahhhhh, stupid alarm clock! Just let me sleep." Naruto complained as he got out of bed with a yawn. He did the routine of cracking and popping his bones to unstiffen them. He walked to the bathroom and washed his face and fix his usually messy hair.
Another yawn, he goes back to his bedroom and the morning sun wasn't that high as it was just eight o'clock. He quickly got dressed in his usual kit in a flash, seeing that he was fitting into the jacket that he received from the Hokage very well.
Naruto then checked his shuriken and kunai needed for the exam. Thankfully his older brother wanted everything to go perfect for him, so he sharpened them for Naruto. Naruto could see his own reflection in the kunai, they were dull before Kotaro got his hands on them. He put the ninja pouches around his waist and he looked in the mirror.
'You have everything you need. You're ready ttebayo! Nii-chan and Jiji believe in me, I can pass no problem,' Naruto mentally encouraged himself. He sighed deeply and went down the stairs to find his brother just drinking black tea but in front of him a light and balanced breakfast for Naruto.
"Nii-chan you didn't have to make me breakfast today," Naruto said as he took his seat.
"Nonsense, today is an important dayand you need to be good at the get go. No way in hell I'm leaving this house with you unprepared," Kotaro said looking at Naruto.
"Thanks Nii-chan, I really appreciate it!" Naruto exclaimed as he dug into the rice, small soup and salmon tray. It vanished in an instant, "Nii-chan, you love salmon too much." Naruto pointed out.
"What!? It's the best fish meat, so tasty and full of the good fats. Now eat your fruit bowl"
"Yes Nii-chan," Naruto groaned as he ate the colourful fruit pieces.
"Naruto it's half eight, you better leave soon. It's better to be too early then too late."
"Nii-chan? I think you're making a bigger deal at this than I am."
"Of course I am! You're not making a big enough deal of it, so I have to pick up your slack!"
"Alright! I'll go now. Thanks for the breakfast."
"Thank me after you pass. I had new jackets ordered for you when you do missions. When I come home I'll show them to you."
"You really shouldn't have Nii-chan!"
"But it's a special occasion you brat! Now get going before I use my super-duper punch to send you flying to the academy now," Kotaro threatened with a raised fist.
Naruto gulped and ran out the door, he heard a good luck being shouted at him. He smiled at this. Naruto jumped to the roof tops and blurred his way to the academy. He arrived at a quarter to nine. He looked around and saw there was a cool breeze and the sun was partially covered by white clouds. "Hm, not the best day ever," Naruto said.
Naruto shook his head side to side and entered the academy for the last time as an academy student. He went to his classroom which was nearly full, Naruto saw Shikamaru and Chōji already sitting in their places. Naruto walked to the two which was at the front of the classroom and took his place. Naruto smelled the intense bacon flavour coming out of Chōji's potato chip/crisps bag and his favourite Nara having a nap.
"Oi Shika. Wake up, you have an exam today," Naruto said poking at Shikamaru's head. He gave a quick nod to Chōji who laughed at Shikamaru's groggy state as he got out of his morning nap.
"Sometimes, I really hate you Naruto," Shikamaru said with his bored voice.
"I know. Too bad your mother absolutely adores me," Naruto says with a cheeky grin.
Shikamaru didn't even respond to the comment. There was a companionable silence until Chōji broke the ice, "Are you guys nervous?" he asked while opening another bag.
"I don't care really. Naruto? What about that clone problem you've been having?" Shikamaru asked.
"Nii-chan gave me another clone jutsu that is a hundred times better. He said I can't perform the normal clone technique is because I have too much chakra," Naruto told his friends.
"Oh? That's a good thing then. You know a better jutsu now," Shikamaru deduced.
"Yeah. This will actually help out my ninja career," Naruto said. He heard the sliding of the door and saw his two teachers walk into the classroom.
"Good morning students!" Iruka said loudly to the bunch.
"Good morning Iruka-sensei, Mizuki-sensei!" The class said out in mixed voices.
Iruka walked in front of the class and clapped his hands to gather the attention of the pre-teens. "We are going to start your graduation exams today. We will start with the target practice outside. We'll be splitting up into two groups, with Mizuki and myself heading each group. The list is here," Iruka said as he pinned the large sheet onto the wall.
Naruto saw that were thirteen names on one side and fourteen on the other, thankfully he had Iruka as his head, 'Thank goodness, I think Mizuki-sensei hates me for some reason!' he thought. All the students apart from the trio couldn't see the sheet so they had to leave their seats to check what group they are in.
"Then you will have a taijutsu spar with one of us and you just have to last for five minutes. Then finally we will have our ninjutsu portion of the exam. So, let's go outside and test your skills!" Iruka cheered out. In response he got lots of groans.
All the students split off to the two groups, unfortunately for Naruto, Shikamaru and Chōji were in the other group. Group Iruka walked over to the target dummy and various targets. Iruka stood beside a white line. "This is where you will throw your ninja weapons. Please as this is an exam, think of the others and try not to throw at anything that isn't a target. Ok, Naruto how about you go first and throw your shuriken at the targets," Iruka asked with a smile.
Naruto smiled at Iruka but then soured when he heard comments being made about him behind his back. He ignored them, he didn't care for their negative opinions about him. Like before, the only opinions that matter to him are his brother's, the Hokage's, his friend's and now their families.
Naruto saw that there were ten targets, so he took out ten shuriken. He took a deep breath and relaxed, then he threw them at the same time. The shuriken flew and hit the bullseyes, dead in the centre.
"Perfect score Naruto. Now go for the dummy with your Kunai," Iruka asked.
"Sure thing Iruka-sensei," Naruto replied.
Unknown to Naruto, everyone behind were shocked to the skill he displayed, but most played it off as a fluke.
Naruto took out eight kunai, and got them ready in his hands. There was one target on the dummy's head, throat, heart, gut and there was a target on each shoulder and knee cap. Naruto focused and relaxed again, taking in all the training he endured for the two years. Again, he threw them at the same time and the same result happened again. The kunai were deeply embedded in the targets and there was nearly no split or crack from where it penetrated, indicating a perfect hit.
"Naruto perfect score again. I would add style points if there was such a thing," Iruka happily said as he gave full marks to Naruto. Naruto laughed at the joke and went back to his group.
The group was wondering how the blond got so good.
'Two years of having an insane training freak of a Nii-chan would get you this ladies and gentlemen,' Naruto thought while staring at the kids in his group. Naruto then noticed that all his group were civilian children and the other group had the seven clan kids with the remaining civilian children.
'I wonder why they did that?' Naruto thought.
After forty minutes, all the students were done, and it was the taijutsu round. "Alright students each of you will spar Mizuki, try to last five minutes. I'll be judging your skills so good luck!" Iruka said with his clipboard in the air.
It went in alphabetical order, girls first than boys. This meant Naruto was last and he had to wait for eons for the other students to do their spars. He observed every kid that did their spars, so he can follow Mizuki's patterns and fighting style.
For the girls, Naruto wasn't that impressed. The only girl that gave him a challenge was Hyūga Hinata. Naruto remembered Kotaro talking about the different clans in Konoha and the Hyūga have their own fighting style, the Gentle Fist.
Naruto could easily tell that it was vastly superior to the academy style. 'Too bad she has confidence issues, she can be a great kunoichi if she gained a bit of spunk ttebayo!' Naruto thought after he watched Hinata's fight.
Naruto didn't bother looking at Ino's fight, like Sakura's fight and the other girls he saw before, her defence was open everywhere and she didn't put her heart into the fight.
Then it was boys. Naruto saw that Shino didn't have much skill in hand-to-hand combat, but he already knew about his clan's specialty in bug ninjutsu. Then Chōji had his turn, for a guy his size, Naruto was surprised how nimble he truly was, but his weight slowed him down.
'If he could use his clan jutsu, he could clobber Mizuki-sensei in a second!' Naruto thought. There were a few civilian boys that had their go, but their fights bored the blond Uzumaki. They weren't his friends and their skills were not on the same level as the others.
Then came Kiba who had a feral grin on his face. In the fight, he did quite well, and he even got a few hits on the Chūnin instructor. At the end though, he was kicked out of the ring.
Then after another few minutes came Shikamaru. Lasted a minute before he declared giving up. This caused both Naruto and Iruka to facepalm at the Lazy Nara.
Then it was Sasuke's turn. All the girls apart from the Hyuuga heiress squealed loudly. Naruto had to admit, the Uchiha was doing a great job. 'He's dodging Mizuki-sensei easily and is pushing him back. He's already a high Genin level!' Naruto thought, watching all of Sasuke's moves.
Sasuke lasted the five minutes, Iruka congratulated him but all Iruka got was a "Hn," and Sasuke went off away from the ring, his fangirls following his every footstep.
"Naruto, you're up," Iruka called out.
Naruto nodded to his favourite teacher and entered the circle ring. He got ready in his Uzuken stance. He then noticed Mizuki had an evil grin on his face, 'What the hell is up with him?' Naruto wondered.
When Iruka initiated the spar, Mizuki flew at Naruto with full intent for a smackdown. Iruka was going to call Mizuki out, but saw Naruto dodge the strike with ease, even smacking the back of Mizuki's swing with his right palm. Naruto the swirled around Mizuki and readied himself.
'What training has Naruto's brother been putting him through? He wasn't even fazed by the speed increase and he's ready for more. Mizuki definitely is going harder now than he did with the other students,' Iruka thought with hints of anger and disappointment for his colleague.
Naruto also noticed the speed, power and aggression increase. 'What a bastard! I knew it! He had it out for me since I came into his class,' Naruto thought as he dodged a high kick. 'Would be embarrassing for an academy student to beat up a Chūnin! Let's do it!' Naruto thought, he didn't care about the ninja rules of keeping your skills hidden. He wanted to run wild now.
In his defence, everyone left to go back to the classroom apart from Shikamaru and Chōji. The classroom's window didn't show the fighting ring, so Naruto was safe.
After the second minute mark, Naruto grabbed Mizuki's arm as it strode over Naruto's right shoulder.
'Nii-chan, this will make you jealous!' Naruto thought with an evil grin of his own. He then moved his left leg in between Mizuki's legs.
Now in position, Naruto flipped the Chūnin instructor on the ground. Mizuki yelped in pain as Naruto quickly rolled the instructor so his belly would be on the floor. Swiftly, he put Mizuki's dominant arm under the force of his shin, exerting his strength. He then arm-barred his left arm, twisting it so it would cause agonising pain.
"Yield or I'll break your danm arm off ya!" Naruto yelled out with a hint of steel in his voice, surprising his two friends and Iruka.
"I yield!" Mizuki said finally. Naruto quickly released him and moved beside Iruka. Naruto saw the disgusting snarl on the beaten instructor's face.
'Serves him right for trying something like that. But he's a snail compared to Nii-chan and I when we spar!' Naruto thought, he was pissed off by the actions of the Chūnin instructor.
Iruka didn't know what to say and gave Naruto full marks, 'Naruto is simply amazing. To defeat Mizuki even when Mizuki was trying to hurt Naruto at his full strength was great,' Iruka thought with a smile.
"Alright you three, let's go in and finish off this exam," Iruka said. The three students and Iruka went back to the classroom, leaving Mizuki to wallow by himself. They were walking in silence as they entered the classroom filled with the other students. Mizuki eventually came in, not looking happy in the slightest.
"Alright, Aburame Shino please come in," Iruka asked. Shino just nodded and himself, Iruka and Mizuki went to the small examination room at the back of the classroom.
The classroom was filled with chatter. However, Naruto and friends were as quiet as mice.
Chōji couldn't talk it anymore, "Naruto… that was so cool!" he said with a grin.
Shikamaru also looked at Naruto, "I didn't think you could handle him so well, serves him right for being an asshole about it though," Shikamaru said in his slightly interested voice.
Naruto blushed at the compliments and scratched the back of his head, "Ah, I wouldn't be able to do that kind of thing if it wasn't for all my hard work and Nii-chan's training," Naruto admitted.
"Still, you defeated a Chūnin. If people heard about that they would call you a prodigy," Shikamaru said while scratching his chin.
Naruto's face soured slightly "I'm no prodigy. No far from it. I just work hard every day. It all adds up. They've throwing the word "Genius" and "Prodigy" too much lately," Naruto said quietly.
The examinations room door opened, and Shino came out with a forehead protector in blue cloth wrapped around his head.
"That's expected. Now Chōji you're next," Shikamaru said.
In the next fifty minutes, every student went into the room and came out with a forehead protector. Uchiha Sasuke came out with his forehead protector worn on his forehead. "Naruto your turn," Iruka called out.
Naruto looked to his right and saw Shikamaru's forehead protector on his left arm and Chōji's was over his head with his hair sticking on both sides. Naruto didn't really care for appearances but he had to admit that Chōji looked pretty silly with his forehead protector like that. He'll have to try and convince him to wear it normally.
"Wish me luck boys," Naruto said as he moved to the examinations room. He entered inside and saw Iruka and Mizuki behind a desk. The room had dark wooden floors, the walls had wood reaching halfway up and the rest had white plaster. It was a dull room.
"Alright please transform into the Hokage Naruto," Iruka asked.
Naruto did the signs Dog-Boar-Ram and said "Transformation," and then transformed into the old man. Iruka inspected it and a smile grew on his face.
"Perfect job Naruto. I see that you practised hard. Now please use the substitution technique with that log by the wall," Iruka asked.
Naruto looked at the log and substituted it with himself with just the snake hand seal. Iruka and Mizuki were visibly shocked at the skill. "Great job Naruto… Now create five clones fro us please," Iruka finally asked.
"Shadow Clone Jutsu," Naruto said with the cross hand seal made. Five Narutos came into existence and each performed their own actions. Iruka and Mizuki had their eyes popping out of their heads.
"Naruto, how and where did you learn it?" Iruka asked with curiosity dripping from his voice.
"How? I practised. Where? Nii-chan taught me it since I couldn't do the normal clone technique," Naruto stated as if it was the simplest thing in the world.
Iruka was speechless, he picked up a forehead protector and wrapped it around Naruto's forehead himself. "Great job Naruto, now you're a Genin of the village. I'm so proud of you!" Iruka said with sincerity.
Naruto blushed at the compliment and felt overwhelming pride for finally getting his forehead protector. "Thanks sensei," Was all he could say as he left the room. He went over to Shikamaru and Chōji and each gave each other fist bumps. Yamanaka Ino was the last to go and she performed well enough to pass as well.
"Well done on everyone that passed which was the whole class. You will meet up in three days' time for team announcements and to find out who your Jōnin sensei is. Our rookie of the year is Uchiha Sasuke and our Kunoichi of the year is Haruno Sakura. Nara Shikamaru, you're our dead-last. Now, good luck on your future careers and it's been a pleasure to teach you all," Iruka said proudly to his now past students.
Everyone left while Naruto was thinking. 'She's our top kunoichi? I thought it would have been Ino or Hinata. Damn, Sakura is really smart,' he thought as he stood up from the chair and walked out of the building with Shikamaru and Chōji.
Shikamaru pulled on Naruto's arm, "Let's go. Our families are waiting outside for us," Shikamaru droned out.
Naruto shook his head like a wet dog and a smile came to his face. The three boys left the classroom and exited the academy. There Naruto saw all the parents congratulating their children for passing. Naruto saw in the distance that Sasuke was already far away, walking alone. Naruto's feelings dropped to pure sadness. He knows the pain of not having parents better than anyone.
"Naruto, don't be sad. I'm sure Aunt Kushina and your father are so proud of you. Just like I am!" Kotaro whispered behind Naruto's ear as he knelt behind him, putting his hands on Naruto's shoulders.
Naruto's saddened face softened and a small smile formed, "I know… I just wish… they were here with me ttebayo," He said holding back some tears.
Kotaro turned Naruto around and hugged him. "Me too. We both lost our parents, but now we have each other," he said while hugging Naruto a little tighter.
Naruto hugged his brother tightly, not willing to let go. Kotaro started to rub Naruto's back in a circle motion.
"The forehead protector looks really good on you know," Kotaro said softly and quietly.
"I think it makes me look more like you," Naruto told him.
"Is that a bad thing?" Kotaro asked in a light voice.
"No… it's a great thing!" Naruto beamed out as he pulled out of the hug.
Naruto, Kotaro, Shikamaru's parents and Chōji's parents talked for a bit. Mainly Kotaro with the parents and Naruto talking to his friends. The time was close to the Jōnin meeting so Chōza, Shikaku and Kotaro went off the meeting hall while the mothers lead the newly made Genin to the local barbeque restaurant.
Naruto and friends walked to the restaurant district of Konoha and finally found Yakiniku Q in the busy streets. The boys went inside and sat in the booth directly across the kitchen counter. Chōji went over to the kitchen food window and said his greetings to his grandfather and grandmother who own and run the shop.
"This place is packed Chōji!" Shikamaru complained, not a big fan of loud noises despite being best friends with the loudest boy in Konoha.
Chōji smiled hugely with saliva dripping out of the edge of his lips, "Of course it is! We make the best foods, I can't wait till the meat comes," Chōji gleefully said.
"Naruto, you've been quiet since we left the academy grounds. You ok?" Shikamaru asked with his bored tone.
Naruto focused Shikamaru instead of the small indent in the wall he was looking at before, "Yeah, I've thinking about what team we'll be on. Supposedly there's always one kunoichi," Naruto said to his friends.
"Makes sense… If that was true, then Ino will be on our team," Shikamaru said facing slightly to Chōji.
"Our? Wait Shika… You know what team you are on!?" Naruto asked loudly in a quick high-pitch voice.
Shikamaru had to cover his ears to stop them from ringing. "No, I don't. It's just speculation. Chōji's dad, Ino's dad and my Oyaji were a great team during the last great war. They were the Ino-Shika-Cho. I'd say there will be a Genin team like that and we would fill the spots," Shikamaru explained himself.
Naruto groaned and smacked his head on the table, his forehead protector protecting his forehead from a bruise. "Oh great. Now I won't have anyone on my team who will like me… well I hope my sensei is nice. I bet Nii-chan would know him or her," Naruto said to the duo.
The large plate filled with various meats such as sliced pork and beef came to the boys. As soon the plate landed on the table, Chōji with his chopsticks placed the meats all around the round grill. With speed greater than either Naruto or Shikamaru saw from the chubby boy.
"Hm, smells good. It would be cool if we got your brother as a Sensei, but Oyaji says that he's too valuable for a team right now," Shikamaru said as he took a cooked piece of pork.
Naruto was chewing a pork piece as well and was thinking over what Shikamaru said. "Nii-chan completes missions left, right and centre. For the first six months, he was only home for a day before going on another mission. Ever since he became a Jōnin, he's gotten a lot more higher rank missions but at least his breaks in between have improved ttebayo," he said while grabbing more meat pieces.
"He's always busy. At least he's there for you. I can imagine it would be so much easier for him to live and be alone," Shikamaru pointed out.
"I don't know. He loves family. Nii-chan is emotionally fragile, if you know what I mean. I say he would struggle if he didn't know how I was doing, despite his short temper," Naruto said with a grin.
"Well he is your big brother. Chōji, lighten up on the eating, we barely got any pieces," Shikamaru said.
Chōji stopped and just stared at Shikamaru with his mouth filled with meat.
Shikamaru's face had disgust written all over it. "You know what. Forget I said anything," he said before the vacuum they call a friend said anything himself.
Naruto was twiddling his thumbs, "So, who do you think would be on my team?" Naruto asked.
Both Chōji and Shikamaru had thinking faces before they spoke anything, "No idea," they both said.
Naruto ate a piece of beef with a mighty crunch. He was scowling at his friends. "You guys are really troublesome."
Jōnin Meeting
'This is so boring, jeez they're just talking about the recently made Genin. Every year this happens. You would think they would know how to do it quick but no, Jiji and those damn councillors love to take their time. At least Naruto is in the bunch this time,' Kotaro thought with a sour face.
Kotaro was currently sitting in the large meeting hall in Konoha used for Jōnin meetings and ninja announcements. Kotaro was sitting on a mat cross legged, on his left and right are Asuma and Kakashi respectively. It's been two hours and Kotaro was bored stiff.
'At least there's good ventilation. If this room was stuffy, I would destroy Konoha,' he thought with a hint of anger.
The Hokage stood up from his makeshift desk, "That concludes our meeting. All Jōnin who will become sensei for the incoming Genin teams, you will find out your teams tomorrow at twelve in my office," The Hokage said in his weary voice.
Asuma, Kakashi and Kotaro stood from their pillows and stretched. "Thank God that's over. I didn't think I would ever get to leave," Kotaro complained as he cracked his back.
The two others chuckled and stood in front of the redhead. "I don't know why you're complaining. You got to find out how well the new Genin performed in the graduation. I know you saw the smile that the Hokage had when he said Naruto passed," Kakashi said with an eye-smile.
Kotaro smiled at the statement, "Yeah, but too bad there were quite a few complaints about his graduation. Either of you will be lucky to have him on your teams," Kotaro said with a fat grin.
Asuma and Kakashi nodded at that, "That's because we would never have to train him," Asuma said with a cheeky grin. That got him a light punch by Kotaro.
"Don't think I would pick up your slack," Kotaro said before sighing.
All of a sudden, the main doors to the hall slammed open and a sweating Chūnin who usually guards the Hokage tower runs in. "HOKAGE-SAMA! HOKAGE-SAMA!" the Chūnin cried out as he ran to the Hokage.
"What is it?" the Hokage asked worryingly.
"THE SCROLL… THE FORBIDDEN SCROLL OF SEALS HAS BEEN STOLEN!" the Chūnin screamed out.
All the ninja in the room paled at the news. "Who stole it?" The Hokage asked in a completely serious, no bullshit voice.
The Chūnin gulped but answered, "We didn't verify the criminal, but he wore a bandanna and wore a Chūnin flak jacket," The guard said, spilling the details.
The Hokage jumped on his desk in a blur, "Everyone! Search for the criminal. Don't disturb the village. We don't need panic. You have my authorisation to kill him if he doesn't co-operate to come back. Now GO!" The Hokage ordered out in a booming voice.
All the Jōnin flew out of the hall and started their search. Kotaro flew to buildings and tried to sense any chakra signatures near him. "Shit, where's the bastard!?" he angrily bit out as he continued his search.
West sector of Konoha
"AH, that was soooooooooo good, no wonder Chōji goes there all the time," Naruto said as he rubbed his enlarged belly.
Naruto was walking home after his dinner with his friends, he was taking the long way around to help digest his food. It was also a more scenic route as well since a forest was nearby. Naruto was going to take a left but saw a flicker in the corner of his right eye. He looked to it and saw a green and black man jumping, having light coloured hair with a large item under his arm.
"Who is that? Is that Mizuki-sensei?" Naruto wondered as he quickly began to tail the mystery man, squinting his eyes to see who it was better.
He kept his distance, remembering the lessons from the academy and his older brother for spying and espionage. He got close enough though to see the man. 'It is Mizuki-sensei! Why is he running to the wall? And what is that scroll?' Naruto thought as he jumped from tree to tree.
Naruto had a feeling of dread as time passed on, he didn't know the reason for this eerie feeling. However, he knew he had to confront Mizuki, his actions made no sense. Naruto took out three kunai and waited until he landed on the next tree trunk. His feet stuck to the bark and he threw the kunai in front of the Chūnin instructor.
Mizuki had to stop and jump a bit back, dodging the incoming kunai that stuck deep into the grassy ground. Mizuki looked from where the trajectory was thrown and saw Naruto focusing on him with his piercing blue eyes. "Oh great! The demon brat has to be the one to find me!" Mizuki snarled as he put the scroll behind him.
Naruto winced at the comment, still never going to get used to one of the names the villagers called him. "Mizuki," Naruto called out, losing the little respect he had for him. "What are you doing, you seem to be running away?" Naruto asked in a serious voice.
"Wouldn't you like to know you piece of scum. How about I do this wretched village a favour and kill you before you leave. I always wanted to gut you up since I laid my eyes on you!" Mizuki said evilly and creepily.
Naruto was very confused, 'Kill me!? What the hell is wrong with him?' Naruto thought. He never took his eyes off Mizuki after that threat. "Mizuki… what's with that scroll?" Naruto asked, hoping to buy time so someone can come by.
Mizuki laughed as he held the scroll tighter. "This you brat is the forbidden scroll of seals. I'm deserting Konoha and you're not going to stop me!" Mizuki yelled out with an evil glint in his eyes.
Naruto didn't know what the scroll was, but it sounded important, and Mizuki declared himself he was now a deserter. 'He talks way too much…' Naruto internally thought. "Mizuki, I can't let you leave with that scroll," Naruto stated with steel in his voice.
At that moment, another man entered the scene. "Mizuki!? What the hell are you doing here with the scroll? You know how important it is to the village," the man said quickly as he appeared in front of Mizuki.
"Iruka?" Mizuki said a bit shocked. "Damnit why did you have to find me as well?" he cried out.
"As well?" Iruka said, wondering what he meant. He turned his head and saw a yellow mop of hair on a young boy wearing black and orange. "Naruto!? What are you doing here!?" Iruka yelled out, his face growing in worry.
Naruto didn't hesitate to answer, "I live nearby and saw Mizuki moving at high speeds into the forest with that scroll, I tailed him to investigate and found out now that he's a traitor," Naruto said with disgust dripping from his voice.
"Shut up demon! You have no right to speak to me like that. You know what fuck you! Naruto, do you know why the whole village hates your guts?" Mizuki shouted out angrily to the blond.
Iruka freaked out, "Mizuki stop it! He can't know!" Iruka pleaded.
Mizuki laughed at Iruka, "You hated him too Iruka! Don't you lie! Naruto, twelve years ago, our beloved Yondaime Hokage fought against the Kyūbi and died as well, with many of the villagers. Iruka's parents were killed on that night as well.
However, there was a law passed on that terrible day, one person couldn't know about the law. You… were that person. It turned out that you were the Kyūbi Naruto! And you killed Iruka's parents and many others. How do you feel about that ya fox bastard?
Your 'Nii-chan' probably has some sick fetish taking care of you. What a fucking creep! And now I have the chance to kill you, the piece of shit you ARE!" Mizuki shouted at the end. He took off the large fuma shuriken and threw it at Naruto at high speeds.
Iruka didn't react fast enough and just saw the shuriken fly towards the blond. 'Oh no! Naruto!' Iruka thought desperately.
Naruto was thinking a mile a second. 'That's why they all hate me, they all think I'm the Kyūbi. They all think I killed their loved ones. All that loneliness. It all makes sense now… does this make me a… demon?' Naruto thought depressingly, not holding back tears as they formed under his eyes. Naruto was in such emotional turmoil that he didn't notice the large metal shuriken reaching closer to his body.
The fuma shuriken was about to slice into Naruto, then it stopped completely. Everyone looked up and saw a tall redhead with a face full of pure, unbridled rage. "HOW DARE YOU!" the redhead yelled in a voice filled with such anger that it sounded demonic. Piercing amethyst eyes looking coldly at the traitor, veins throbbing and his teeth grinding against each other.
Naruto looked at him. 'Nii-chan?' was all he could think as he witnessed the shuriken in Kotaro's hand crumble apart. Kotaro using chakra enhanced strength to utterly destroy the piece of equipment and turning it into metallic dust.
Kotaro jumped down from the branch where Naruto was residing and landed in front of the traitor Mizuki. "How dare you say those words to my brother you piece of filth! I am so angry right now, my whole-body hurts!" Kotaro angrily hissed out. "I WILL TEAR YOU TO SHREDS!" he cried out as he bent forward and screamed out in pain.
Everyone was confused by the action until golden chains came out of Kotaro's back and flew at the traitor, impaling Mizuki in the gut. The chains skewered through and carried him to a large oak tree.
Mizuki was in excruciating pain as his body was being moved at high speeds. His back hit the tree and the chains continued going through him, reaching the other side of the large oak tree, bark and the wood flesh flying everywhere. Blood was being coughed up by the white-haired man, his body couldn't handle the stress. 'FUCK!' Mizuki thought in outright agony.
Kotaro didn't know how to turn off the chains so he kept them as they are, "Mizuki..." he said, power and killing intent behind his voice that would make others flinch. "Who are you working for?" He didn't ask but demanded.
Mizuki surprised the three others by laughing, "As if I would tell you! Fucking demons the pair of you. I hope you fucking die Naruto. It would do us all a favour," Mizuki chuckled out creepily before his eyes dulled and his head hanged.
Kotaro calmed down and his chains vanished. As the chains left, the oak tree collapsed, causing a shake in the ground. 'Naruto!' Kotaro thought as he went over to Naruto, only to see him being hugged by Iruka, who was reassuring him. Kotaro's face soured,
Naruto looked completely broken and dejected. Kotaro wanted to kill Mizuki all over again because of this. He went over to where the scroll was and picked up the corpse and sealed the bloody body away.
Kotaro quietly strolled over to Iruka and Naruto and bent down, "We need to go to the Hokage. Would you walk with me and carry Naruto?" Kotaro asked. Iruka didn't answer verbally, he just nodded shakily, after seeing a supposedly good friend die in front of your eyes would shake anybody's emotions.
Kotaro and Iruka walked out of the large dark forest and walked all the way to the Hokage tower. Naruto was silent all the way through. Kotaro felt awful, he never wanted Naruto to find out that he was the Jinchūriki like that. Naruto's face was void of any positive emotion, Kotaro felt his heart weighing heavier at every passing moment.
'And with that bastard Mizuki twisting the truth! AH God I wouldn't even feed his body to dogs!' Kotaro frustratingly thought.
The three saw the Hokage tower in the distance and now briskly walked to it. Thankfully, the villagers were now inside their homes so there was no traffic. Kotaro opened the door to the tower and Iruka followed through, they climbed the stairs to reach the office. Kotaro immediately opened the door and entered to find the Hokage behind his desk, with two saucers of sake and an instant ramen cup ready.
Hiruzen saw them coming when he was looking out of his window, so he prepared for his ninja.
Iruka put Naruto on the couch and looked at the Hokage and the Jōnin. "Thank you Iruka. Please go home and get some rest. I'm sure you need it," Hiruzen said with a tired voice. Iruka bowed and looked at Naruto once more. He gave Naruto a final smile and pat. Satisfied, he nodded at both other men and left the office.
Kotaro picked up the ramen cup and gave it to Naruto, Naruto took it and ate one piece and then played with the noodles. 'What a terrible day!' Kotaro thought as he went back to the desk to get his drink.
"Here's the scroll and Mizuki was the traitor, his body is sealed. We got no information of the man he is working with," Kotaro said as he laid down the large and small scroll. Kotaro drank his large saucer of alcohol in one gulp as well as the Hokage.
"That's a shame. I can't believe something like this would happen today. So, what else happened? I didn't get to see what was going on with my crystal ball, too many other ninja to deal with."
"Mizuki twisted the truth but… Naruto knows he holds the Kyūbi," Kotaro spat out quietly, barely holding in his rage.
Hiruzen's face immediately went dark with fury, Kotaro was surprised on how quickly the huge amount of anger radiated from his leader. "Well, it seems you did the right thing in killing him. He broke the law and punishment was execution. Is that why Naruto is so quiet?" the old man asked.
"Yeah… Mizuki said that he was the one who killed all the villagers loved ones. Bastard! I wish to kill him all over again," Kotaro admitted heatedly.
"Hm, let's give Naruto some space for now. We'll talk to him in a bit. Now I need to know how Mizuki died."
"Oh… the Uzumaki Adamantine Sealing Chains," Kotaro said quietly.
"What!? When did you get that ability?" Hiruzen asked.
"Just there, it must have just woken up in my anger. And the chains just directed themselves at Mizuki and killed him. I wasn't thinking, I was so furious after what he did. They just came… I can't really explain it," Kotaro admitted.
The Hokage smoked his pipe and sighed deeply, "What a mess!" he groaned out.
Kotaro looked at Naruto and saw that he finished the cup, 'Can't resist those noodles! Can you Naruto?' He thought with a soft smile.
"How are you feeling Naruto?" he asked, he then walked over to the couch and sat beside Naruto.
Naruto shuffled slightly and kept his eyes on the floor, "I feel like crap," He stated bluntly.
"Yeah, I know the feeling. Do you want to talk about it?" Kotaro asked.
"Why me?" Naruto asked solemnly.
"What do you mean Naruto?" Hiruzen asked entering the conversation.
"Why did the Yondaime pick me to be its… jailer."
'Jailer, that's actually a good word for it,' Kotaro thought.
"I don't know why he picked you. I wasn't here but he must of saw something in you," Kotaro answered.
"Huh? In me?" Naruto said with confusion.
"I think what Kotaro is trying to say that he saw greatness in you and knew you were the only one to be able to hold back the Kyūbi from destroying the village," the Hokage said as he came over to the Uzumaki brothers.
"How would he know that? I was only a baby ttebayo," Naruto pointed out.
"Well, he was a great man Naruto. I say trust him on this one," Hiruzen said as he patted Naruto's shoulder.
Naruto turned his head to Kotaro "You knew and didn't care that I held… it," he said in a shaky voice, still not comfortable about holding a massive fox in his body.
Kotaro nodded. "Yeah I knew, ever since we first met," Kotaro said, telling the truth.
Naruto kept quiet for a minute before opening his mouth again, "Is that why Kaa-chan was brought over here?" he asked quietly.
'How did he connect those dots!' Hiruzen thought as he sat down beside Naruto's other side.
"Yes, Kushina was brought over to be the Jinchūriki of the Kyūbi. Your relative, Uzumaki Mito was near the end of her age and we needed a new vessel for the Kyūbi," The Hokage told Naruto.
"So, I'm the third then," Naruto said glumly.
"You could say it runs in the family," Kotaro said with a small grin.
Naruto and the Hokage gave him a deadpan look and Kotaro frowned at this, "It was funny. You guys have no sense of humour!" Kotaro retorted with a quiet voice.
"There's a time and a place for everything. You should have kept your mouth shut there!" Hiruzen lectured to Kotaro.
"What does this mean then?" Naruto asked with an innocent look.
"It means nothing. You will still be one of my ninja, you will still do missions and hopefully you will become Hokage like you always wanted," The Hokage said with a happy smile.
"Hehe, thanks Jiji," Naruto chuckled out quietly while scratching the back of his head.
Kotaro got off the couch and looked down to his little brother. "Now Naruto, since you became a Genin, I have something special to show you before we head to bed. I say Jiji needs to go home and check-up on his grandson," he said as he stretched his arms out.
"Yes, but Asuma would have checked up on Konohamaru-kun by now before he went home. But I need my sleep," Hiruzen said as he sucked on his pipe.
The Uzumaki brothers said their departures and left the office, thanking the Hokage with his help during this whole fiasco with Mizuki. Once they were outside, Kotaro picked Naruto up and put him on his shoulders.
"Nii-chan what are you doing?" Naruto asked, not co-operating.
"Calm down and let me carry you home. You had a tough day, you need the luxury package," Kotaro answered.
"Fine, but don't run, last time I nearly fell and cracked my skull!" Naruto told him.
Kotaro laughed, "I know, your reaction was hilarious. But don't worry, I want to go slow this time," Kotaro said with fake joy.
Naruto balanced himself and placed his hands on Kotaro's head for extra support. They were walking for a few minutes in silence, enjoying the peace and quiet together. This lasted until a question popped into Naruto's head, "What do I tell Shikamaru and Chōji about my… resident?" he asked.
"Hm, I wouldn't say anything now. It would complicate everything. Tell them once you or they become Chūnin. They would be mature enough by that stage. Also, don't worry too much about it. Shikaku and Chōza know that you hold it. I say your friends won't care and just see you as Naruto. If they treat you like an outcast, then they're just discriminating you for a horrible reason. I would have a good talk with them afterwards as well," Kotaro said with no hesitation.
"Nii-chan, that's just lingo for you killing them in their sleep!" Naruto joked.
"I know!" Kotaro replied with a cheeky smile.
"Jeez, you really are a sadistic bastard aren't you!" Naruto pointed out with his own smile.
"Hell no. Don't take these threats too seriously little man," Kotaro said defending himself.
The conversation continued all the way back to their house, Kotaro opened the door after he put Naruto down and went inside, Naruto following his every footstep. Kotaro went out to the back and followed the path to their personal forest. They walked for about fifteen minutes until they reached a spot that had a stream with a pool of water beside it. In the distance were a collection of large white rocks.
"Naruto, let's go," Kotaro said as he hurried to the stones. Naruto was directly on his tail.
Kotaro saw the engraved Uzumaki symbol, he cut his finger and made a vertical line going through the swirl with his blood. He quickly did the signs Horse-Tiger-Snake and put his palm on the bloodied symbol. "Kai!" he shouted out.
A blue light was emitted from the swirl and it made a complete rotation until the 'CLICK' was heard. A square shape from the rock in front of the brothers slid its way down to the ground. Naruto peeked inside and saw a descending staircase that lead to darkness.
"Follow me Naruto. Don't be scared," Kotaro said as he walked down the steps. Naruto followed his brother once again, trusting in his words to heart.
As the went down and down, the touches lit as they descended, lighting their journey to the deep underground. After three minutes of constant descending the finally reached the bottom, a large space in front of both Uzumaki. "Woah… what is this place?" Naruto asked as he walked around the bookshelves filled with scrolls and books.
Kotaro smiled at his brother's curiosity, "This is the Uzumaki bunker, library and armoury I built. It took the first few months living here to get this large space with some earth landscape ninjutsu I learnt from the jutsu archive and the use of hundreds, if not thousands of shadow clones over a long time. Now there's a special room through the middle of the back wall. I haven't given it a purpose, but it'll be good for sealing or medical techniques and experiments," Kotaro answered Naruto.
"Wow… wait, why didn't you show me this place before?" Naruto asked.
"I wanted you to be a Genin first. I thought you deserved to know this place once you've had proof that you're a capable ninja,"
"Fair enough. This place is huge. What are the bookshelves filled with?"
"Clan jutsu, history, medial ninjutsu and other things that were given to my mother when she escaped the destruction of our village, then to me. My research and my own jutsu. Hopefully you'll add you own things to this. We will need to go to our clan grounds back in Uzushiogakure and recover all of our clan's possessions that were left behind back in the Uzumaki vault."
"We can make a field trip out of it hehe."
"Yeah a field trip. Great thinking there Naruto. We'll wait till you're a Chūnin or something till we go there. Then the Hokage wouldn't worry about us leaving for a long time."
"Long time? How far is it?"
"Well it's not that far away, it's just that I would like to spend my time when we go. No point rushing it… Oh yeah! I have my present for you," Kotaro cheered out as he moved to the armoury of the Uzumaki bunker, Naruto was following him.
Kotaro picked up a wooden box in front of the Uzumaki forged swords and Uzumaki clan armour. and brought it over to Naruto, he then opened the lid. Naruto looked inside and saw new clothes, "Jackets?" he asked, remembering one of their pervious conversations.
"Yeah. Thought a new wardrobe would be fitting since you're starting your ninja career," Kotaro said with a grin, he took out thin sleeveless jackets which were nearly identical to his own but instead of being red, they were orange, the black swirls were replaced by a thick black border. The Uzumaki swirl was on the back of each one. There was a short high-collar. There were also black shinobi shirts in the wooden box, all fitted to Naruto's measurements. "They're similar to my own but I thought I get a Naruto twist with them," Kotaro told him.
Naruto was speechless, he took and felt the jacket's material. "They're amazing!" Was all he could say.
"They are some seals in each jacket, they are fire resistant, so you don't have to worry about any nasty fire jutsu burning up your clothes," Kotaro explained.
"So, I can look good, wherever I go ttebayo!" Naruto replied with a smile.
"Exactly, now let's get this to your room. It's getting late," Kotaro said as he picked up the wooden box and left for the exit. The Uzumaki brothers climbed the stairs and left the bunker. The stone went back up to its original position and closed the bunker. The boys walked back to the house, on the way they were star gazing, looking at the clear night sky.
They entered the house and went up the stairs to Naruto's room, Kotaro dumped the box near Naruto's wardrobe. "There we go!" he said.
"Thanks Nii-chan."
"Yeah no problem. Now get some shut-eye. You need to get your ninja registration picture and forms completed for Jiji in the morning. I made an appointment with Genzō-san, so we can take a picture together as well."
"Cool."
"Alright, I'm going to sleep Naruto."
"Goodnight Nii-chan," Naruto said as he took off his sandals and jumped into bed still in his clothes.
'Still not very talkative. That bastard Mizuki! I just hope Naruto is back to his normal self tomorrow,' Kotaro thought sadly as he went into his own room.
The Next Morning
SNAP!
"Lovely picture you two. Just like last time!" Genzō said as he took his head away from the camera.
It was early afternoon in Konoha, the sun was shining and there were only a few fluffy clouds in the sky. Naruto and Kotaro were on the roof on the Hokage tower getting their picture taken together after Naruto took his ninja registration photo.
Kotaro went over to the short man and looked at the recently developed photos, "They look great. You always do the best Genzō-san," Kotaro thankfully said as he threw a small bag full of ryó to Genzō.
Genzō caught the bag, felt the weight and smiled deeply, "And you pay too much Kotaro-san, but I'm not complaining," Genzō said, making both men laugh a bit.
Nara Shikamaru climbed up the stairs and stepped onto the roof. "Oh Naruto? Kotaro? I didn't know you were up here?" he said in his usual bored tone and walked over towards Naruto.
Naruto chuckled slightly, "Only looking out for your name? I thought we were friends!"
"We are. It's just too troublesome to find your name," Shikamaru replied.
Kotaro walked over to the boys and grabbed Naruto's shoulder, "Sorry guys, Genzō-san has a tight schedule, we don't want the man to get angry with us. Shikamaru come by our house anytime for a chat if you want," Kotaro said as he body-flickered both himself and Naruto to the entrance to the Hokage tower.
Naruto was a bit dazed from the sudden movement, "God!" he said loudly.
Kotaro laughed and entered the tower, he then took a left towards the mission administrations room, Naruto following his every footstep. The brothers walked through the corridor and opened the wooden door ahead of them. They saw the Hokage with some Chūnin assistants behind a large table. "Ah Naruto, you finally came to give me your forms?" the old man asked.
Naruto walked up and put down the sheets of paper and his photograph which was clipped on the top right corner. "Yeah Jiji, here it is. The photo could have been better though," Naruto complained as he crossed his arms.
Hiruzen looked at the photo and had no idea what his newest ninja was complaining about, "I don't know Naruto, with your new clothes, you look very professional," The old man said, putting the form into a brown folder.
Naruto groaned, which made Kotaro scoff. Hiruzen looked at his red-haired Jōnin, waiting for him to say his piece. "Naruto wanted to use war paint in his photo. He said, and I quote 'It'll strike fear into the hearts of all my enemies dattebayo!'. I had to pull him away from his make-up kit. Where he got it, I have no idea," he said as he walked over and stood beside the Hokage.
Hiruzen and Kotaro laughed as Naruto complained that it was war paint not make-up. They were disturbed by a small child who entered the room with speed, wearing a yellow t-shirt, grey shorts, small blue sandals. He also wore a strange grey helmet and a long blue scarf was wrapped his neck, the scarf being at least five times his height.
"Ji-chan, give up the hat or you will be put under my wrath!" the small child said as he ran in with a wooden shuriken.
Naruto, Kotaro and Hiruzen's faces cringed when the boy tripped on his own scarf and fell flat on his face. "Owowowow. That really hurt!" the young boy said as he stood up. He looked at Naruto and stuck out his finger at him. "You! You tripped me up!" he shouted out.
Naruto was so confused at the moment, his brain stopped functioning. "Excuse me?" he said, his face in a daze of confusion.
"You, you tripped me up!" The young boy protested out.
"No, I didn't, you tripped yourself up you… silly boy" Naruto said as he held back from swearing.
The young boy got into Naruto's space, "No I didn't, own up for your crime!" he kept shouting.
'Crime?' Naruto, Kotaro and the Hokage thought.
Naruto just about had enough, he grabbed the boy's t-shirt and pulled him up and looked him in the eyes. "Look here you little brat! I had one of the worst days yesterday, and now you come in and ruined today already!" Naruto gritted out.
The small child paled at the sudden aggression. At that moment, a man wearing standard Jōnin attire apart from the flak jacket, donning a pair of black sunglasses and using a bandanna forehead protector came in.
'The Kyūbi brat has the Honourable grandson, I must save him!' he thought as he ran in front of Naruto.
"Let go him and apologise, you filthy mongrel! he's Sandaime-sama's grandson!" he shouted at the blond with an angry voice.
The young boy smirked, it was aimed directly at Naruto.
Naruto's face scrunched up. "I don't care if he's the Hokage's mother!" he shouted back as he dropped the young boy onto the ground and walked out of the room.
The young boy rubbed his sore bum and the Jōnin looked at the Hokage. "Hokage-sama, he should be punished for what he did to the honourable grandson!" he shouted to his leader.
The Hokage sighed, "No Ebisu, I won't be punishing Naruto. Konohamaru-kun started the confrontation anyway, so if anyone should be punished, it should be him," He said as he sucked on his pipe.
"Hokage-sama, you can't be serious!" Ebisu protested.
"He is serious, and if I ever hear you call Naruto a mongrel or something along those lines again… I'll kill you!" Kotaro said behind Ebisu's ear, somehow going through all of his defences in a blink of an eye.
Ebisu gulped and paled, "Ah… Kotaro-san, I didn't see you here..." he shakily said, not moving his head to see the scary Uzumaki.
Kotaro stayed silent for only a moment, "Good. I wouldn't be a very good ninja if you noticed me," Kotaro said as he went back to the Hokage's side, removing his piercing gaze on the sunglasses wearing ninja.
Ebisu sighed a breath of relief, thankful that the scary moment has ended, he looked down to his right and the lack of one Konohamaru. "What the? Where did the honourable grandson go?" Ebisu asked with a worried voice.
The Hokage sighed once more, "It seemed my grandson has followed where Naruto was going," He said with a hint of amusement in his voice.
Ebisu sweated bullets and ran out of the door. "Is he always like that?" Kotaro asked as he sat beside the old man.
"Yes, it can get annoying at times. I didn't think you would threaten him though," The old man said.
"Really? You're surprised about that?" Kotaro asked.
"Not in the slightest. I know I told you to work on your temper and composure before… but considering what happened yesterday, I say the two of you are on edge," The Hokage said after puffing out some smoke.
"We are. Naruto just wants to be left alone now. But I think Konohamaru-kun will pester him today. Maybe it'll be for the best ya know. It'll distract him," Kotaro said with some hope.
"Agreed. You working in the hospital today? When I gave you this two-week break, I expected you to fully relax, not treat patients," The Hokage said with a small smile.
"I know but… I love wearing my doctor's coat, and treating people and making them happy feels amazing. Still breaks my heart when some patients refuse my treatment because I'm Naruto's brother though," Kotaro said as he rested his chin on his knuckles.
"I'm glad we have you working there, we still don't enough doctors."
"Not enough people are willing to learn the arts of medical ninjutsu. And I read the reports, a lot of doctors and nurses died during the Kyūbi attack."
"Hm, I know," The Hokage said. "Kotaro, not that I don't like your company, but I need to do work. You distract me too much."
"My shift starts soon anyway. See ya Jiji," Kotaro said leaving the old man to do his work.
Streets of Konoha
'Oh God! That disguise is terrible.' Naruto thought as he saw a paper sheet with a wooden fence face, the sheet's fence lines were going sideways instead of being vertical and there was a tuff of brown hair poking out.
Naruto grabbed the sheet and pulled it, scaring Konohamaru who was hiding behind it. "Pica boo!" Naruto said as he looked at Konohamaru.
"Wow, you saw through my disguise. I knew it, you are worthy to be my sensei!" Konohamaru beamed out.
"Wha…? Sensei? I don't even know who you are!" Naruto replied loudly. 'This kid is going is going to give me a headache!' Naruto internally screamed.
"My name is Konohamaru. Teach me! Teach me! Teach me!" Konohamaru repeated out.
Naruto rubbed his temples and grabbed the boys shoulder, earning him a yelp. Naruto then body-flickered himself and Konohamaru several times until they were in a clearing which was in the middle of a dense forest. 'Thank you Nii-chan! This jutsu is so handy!' Naruto internally thanked.
Naruto walked in front of Konohamaru and bent down slightly. "You're in the academy, aren't you?" he asked.
"Of course!"
"Then have you started chakra control exercises then."
"Chakra control? Like with the tiny leaves."
"Yes, we're going to do that until you can stick them on all your fingers."
"No! I need a super powerful jutsu to beat Ji-chan!"
"Super powerful eh? I have one that one that could do the job. An Uzumaki Naruto original!"
"OH!" Konohamaru shouted in excitement.
"Yep, it's called the Sexy Jutsu," Naruto said as he did the ram seal and transformed into a beautiful woman, she had long blond hair, busty breasts and a plump rear that were covered in clouds. Her face was luscious, and she had marble white skin.
Konohamaru was confused, "How will this help me? All you did was made yourself into a woman?" he asked despite being amazed by such a transformation.
The female Naruto smiled, "Don't worry about Konohamaru-kun. This jutsu will affect all men ninja, including Jiji," Naruto said as he transformed back to his normal state. "Now, form the ram hand seal and think of the most beautiful woman you can imagine, then wrap yourself in your chakra and then BOOM! You're a sexy lady!" Naruto beamed out.
Konohamaru was still confused on how it will work, but he got his serious face on and worked on the jutsu with Naruto's advice.
Many times he transformed into an ugly fat slob of a woman, or a skinny woman with dry skin and messy hair.
At about two hours in Konohamaru succeeded and transformed into a busty brown-haired woman. Just as well, he was getting tired and fell onto the ground, resting on a log.
Naruto was impressed, Konohamaru's determination was like his own. "Good work! I honestly didn't expect you to get it today," Naruto said as he got off the log he was sitting on.
"Finally found you honourable grandson!" Ebisu shouted as he made his appearance in front of the boys. "Now you blond brat, leave the honourable grandson alone!" he demanded.
Konohamaru felt some energy flow into him, stood suddenly and put his foot down, "No! He's a way better sensei than you! He's already teaching me jutsu!" Konohamaru shouted back. Performing the Oiroke jutsu to transform into a woman, trying to defeat Ebisu.
"I am a gentleman! That petty excuse for a jutsu won't work on me. Konohamaru-kun, you shouldn't associate yourself with a delinquent like him. You would only get stupider. He won't be able to teach you how to become a Hokage. If you stick with me, I'll teach you how to be passionate, and to lead the people. If you want the direct path to becoming Hokage, just listen to me!" Ebisu continued on his rant as he started to pull on Konohamaru's scarf.
Naruto grew a bulging vein on his forehead, being called a delinquent was a new one, but it still pissed him off. He made the cross seal, "Shadow Clone jutsu," he shouted as fifty Narutos appeared. Both Konohamaru and Ebisu were shocked from this. Konohamaru was in awe, while Ebisu was sweating bullets again.
'How does a newly made Genin know that jutsu? How the hell does he know?' he thought frantically.
All the Narutos smirked and stared at the Jōnin. "Harem technique," They all shouted while making the ram seal. Then all the Narutos transformed into the beautiful blond woman. Ebisu was frozen still, not able to close his hanging mouth that hit the floor. All the female Narutos flocked to Ebisu and started hugging and rubbing themselves on him.
"Ebisu-sama!" they were all saying. This was too much for Ebisu's system and he blacked out with a huge smile lastered on his face.
All the transformed clones dissipated, and Naruto looked at the unconscious Jōnin. "And he calls himself an elite instructor…" Naruto said with a small kick to the pervert's side.
Konohamaru was amazed by Naruto, "Wow, now I can beat Ji-chan with that!" he exclaimed excitingly.
"Beat him? Why do you want to beat Jiji up anyway?" Naruto had to ask.
"Duh, I want to be Hokage!" Konohamaru replied.
"Why though?" Naruto had to ask again, that was his dream as well.
"So, people can recognize me for me, not Ji-chan's grandson. I'm always called the honourable grandson. I don't want that, I want to be Konohamaru the Hokage!" Konohamaru yelled out.
'He has the same problem as me, but instead of being mistreated, he's treated too much!' Naruto thought sadly.
"Being Hokage is my dream. So, from now on, we're rivals. Konohamaru there's no shortcut to becoming Hokage!" Naruto said as he left the clearing with a cool departure and went back home.
~ 0 ~