Pre-word: Welcome back.

I've said it before, but I'm winging this whole thing and basically plotting it out as I write it. Which is pretty unusual for me. I tend to like to have every little detail figured out before I even start writing. I will say doing it this way has contributed quite nicely to speedy writing, but I can't help but wonder how long it is until I write myself into a corner, haha.

Until such a time as that happens, I hope you'll continue to enjoy this.


Heart Under Shadow

Knowledge and Ignorance


The power to destroy Konohagakure no Sato.

That was what Kaguya had said, but Naruto could hardly bring himself to believe it. After all, there was no way he was suddenly that powerful. Certainly, what he had been able to do- pushing and pulling large boulders was already pretty amazing… but not nearly on the same level as being able to wipe out a village.

The worst part though… was that he considered testing it out anyways.

What had the village ever done for him? Nothing except cause him pain and anguish. Even then, he had never actually believed that he wanted to destroy it. Yet for that brief moment after learning he probably could, the temptation had been there. It was gone almost as fast as it had come.

However, the fact that he had even for a split second considered it; That terrified Naruto.

So much so that it had kept him awake nearly all night. Just when he had finally started nodding off to sleep and his alarm clock had gone off, having been set to wake him up in time to make it to the Academy.

He considered skipping school for today. What was even the point? It's not like they were going to be able to teach him to control his new powers. Kaguya had been pretty clear that he had to keep his Rinnegan eyes a secret for the time being as well. Apparently they were pretty famous eyes or something, although it seemed kind of like they came from a vague point in history, making them more of a legend than anything people truly believed in.

So he didn't see the big deal in showing them off.

Kaguya was the one saying it however, so he would respect her wishes for the time being. She was his first real friend, after all. So he wasn't about to run the risk of screwing that up so soon after finally getting her to come out of his shadow.

That said, but he couldn't afford to skip classes either, least of all this close to finally graduating. So against all odds, he managed to drag himself from bed and haul himself off to the academy.

This time Kaguya didn't come out from his shadow, preferring to hide inside it as she had always done up until last night. While Naruto would have liked her to come out, even he knew she couldn't just walk into class with him.

So he went to school much like he always did: Alone.

Entering the classroom moments before the bell rang, Naruto let out a loud yawn. "Hey, Uzumaki…" His homeroom teacher, a Chunin known as Mizuki, warned him with a sneer. Whether it was about his near tardiness or clear lack of sleep, Naruto didn't care and promptly ignored him, taking the stairs up to the back of the class where he planned to resume his nap.

"What's with the new get-up Naruto? Some fatty die and you take this clothes?" One of the students called, noticing the new white shorts several sizes too big. A chorus of guffaws and laughter rang out from the class, several others conspicuously pointing at him as he walked by.

"Shut your stupid mouth, Kiba." Naruto growled, not even turning to look at the one who made the snide remark. One of the biggest bullies in his class and the apparent heir to the Inuzuka clan as the eldest son, Inuzuka Kiba, was an arrogant loud-mouth with the fighting prowess to back it up. His beast-like movements made him number two in terms of their class spars, only one other able to best him.

Naruto, for the record, was the dead-last. Meaning he had never won a single round against anyone to date. With only about a month left now too. So yeah, he really wanted to unleash the power of his Rinnegan eyes. If only to see the look on Kiba's face as he was sent flying.

Finally reaching the back of the classroom, Naruto plopped down at his unusual spot between the two people he could say he got along with best in the class. Of course, to get along with was mostly a relative term in this regard. Neither of them were someone he could call a friend. For that matter, they never even really talked at all. Which was the way he preferred it.

Nara Shikamaru was to his left, already dozing away just as Naruto planned to do. Possibly the closest thing Naruto had to a friend, Shikamaru never made fun of Naruto, but mostly because he was just too lazy to be bothered. Knowing him, he would say it was a pain to get involved. So while he never stuck up for him, he never joined in on the other's teasing either.

Haruno Sakura was to his right and was the complete opposite of Shikamaru. Her nose was already buried in some text book, preparing for today's lesson. If Naruto was the most hated boy in class, then she was the most hated among the girls. Unlike him, she was also the top student in the whole school academically speaking, which was the main source of the scorn she received from all the others. As a fellow victim of bullying, she left Naruto alone… provided he didn't try talking to her. The moment he did and it was likely a swift uppercut to the jaw.

Together, the three of them would collectively be known as the unsociables among the rest of the students. Despite the shared name, this didn't make them a group of any kind. They were just three separate individuals that preferred to be alone. Well, maybe in Shikamaru's case this was actually true. It wasn't like Naruto himself wanted to be this way. He wanted to have friends and hang out with the others like a normal kid. It was just impossible for him.

Now he finally knew why. Kaguya had told him about how he used to be the Kyubi Jinchuriki and how most of the adults mistakenly believed this meant he was the demon fox incarnate. This misconception led many of them to hate him and subsequently warn their children to stay away from him. So all the kids, including the vast majority of his class, had inherited that hate.

In the past, Naruto had tried to imitate what the other popular kids, like Kiba, would do. So he would be loud, mess up on purpose or do pranks in order to get attention. At first that had worked, but soon the parents had told their kids to ignore him… and so he once again became isolated. After that, he gave up trying to make friends at all and that was how he ended up as the third member of the unsociables.

"Alright class." Mizuki clapped his hands twice, getting everyone's attention. "Now that all of us are here," He gave Naruto a dirty look as he emphasized who specifically they had been waiting for. Naruto rolled his eyes and put his head down, not caring to bother with someone else that apparently only saw him as some demon fox. "Let's go over what we'll be doing today. I told you all last Friday before we broke for the weekend, but does anyone remember that can tell me what that was?"

Sakura closed her text book, leaning forward on her desk to give her full attention forward. It used to be she would sit in the front of the classroom. Back when she had friends. After she had foolishly declared a crush on the top overall student in the class, however, she lost any mutual friends she once had and instead made only rivals. From then on, sitting in the front was a nightmare, leaving her back vulnerable to all kinds of pranks. Which is how she ended up back here, stuck with the two who were already entering the land of dreams.

No one in front put their arm up to answer Mizuki's question, so seeing no other choice she decided to raise her own hand. "Yes, Sakura." He called on her. As Sakura stood to answer, several snickers from the other girls around the class reached her ears. She didn't pay them any attention, lifting her chin high as she proudly recited the information no one else seemed to know, or at the very least didn't care enough to say.

"Today we will be discussing the history of the Hokage. Starting from the Shodai, who helped found the village; up to the current." She said, projecting her voice with as much confidence as she could muster. Having given her answer, she brushed back several strands of her long pink hair as she retook her seat.

"Very good." Mizuki nodded, turning to write the word Hokage up on the board. "Most of you will be graduating next month, provided you pass the final exams. Once you do, you'll be official Genin. That means real Shinobi of Konohagakure no Sato." He pointed at the Hitai-ate with the curved leaf symbol carved into it on his forehead. "When you put this on, your life is no longer just your own. It is the express property of the Hokage. You will give your life for him… and for the village. Does everyone understand that?"

"Sir, yes sir!" A chorus of cries from nearly every single student called out in unison. Sakura's voice, of course, joined in with them. The only two who didn't were the two idiots next to her fast asleep.

"Excellent." Mizuki grinned in satisfaction, not even paying attention to Naruto or Shikamaru. He had long given up on either of them, it would seem. "Now then," He continued. "It was the plan today to jump right into the books, but instead we will begin by introducing a special visitor… one who has taken time out of his incredibly busy schedule to come and speak with you all about his responsibilities." Before he even finished his announcement there was a sudden buzz of excitement from the gathered students.

"That's right." Mizuki confirmed their suspicions. "Here to talk to you all today is the Godaime Hokage himself; Shimura Danzo-sama." The door to the classroom slid open and the Hokage walked in.

He was an elderly man, using a walking cane to supposedly support his balance. Yet despite that he walked straight and tall. Over the ceremonial Hokage Haori he had a special sling of some kind to hold his right arm. His right eye too was covered in bandages that concealed half of his face and his spiky black hair. The other most noticeable feature was the X-shaped scar on his chin, his overall appearance telling a story rife with combat.

"Thank you for the introduction, Mizuki-sensei." Danzo smiled at the Chunin who stood now at attention before him. "Why don't you take a seat while I take it from here?" His one eye began to scan the class, pausing as it fell on the two sleeping in the back.

Sakura felt a cold sweat break out, the power of his glare strong enough that she felt it despite not even being the target. Yet even in spite of this, neither Naruto or Shikamaru seemed to notice it at all. Either they were really that tired or just that stupidly brave. She suspected a bit of both.

Mizuki must have noticed too, because even though he hadn't cared about it earlier, he was taking measures now. "Hey, wake up you bastards!" He reached into a pouch strapped to his hip, pulling out two shuriken that he threw in their direction. Sakura bit her lower lip in an effort to stifle the startled cry she let out.

The shuriken hadn't been meant to hit them, just grazing the top of their hair and sending short strands falling. "...Uhh?" It had the desired effect, both boys picking their heads up, eyes blinking groggily as they attempted to figure out what was going on. In Naruto's case, he already had a string of drool sticking to his chin, that was how deep and instant his sleep had been.

"Ah… shit." Shikamaru seemed to realize their predicament first, sitting up straight for all of a second before slouching slightly back in his chair. It wasn't much, but it was probably the most respect he was going to be able to muster in the face of the Hokage.

Naruto took a couple seconds longer, looking at the Hokage as if trying to place his face. Even he wasn't ignorant enough to not know who the Hokage was. Or so Sakura thought. "Hey there, how's it going?" Naruto asked, voice completely devoid of respect of any kind. For a moment it looked like he was about to put his head back down, not even waiting for an answer.

"Na- Ru- To!" Mizuki wasn't going to have it, reaching for a second shuriken. Although this time with the intention of aiming it slightly more lethal than before. He only seemed to catch himself at the last second, taking a deep breath as he collected his nerves and slipped the partially drawn proceticle back into its pouch. "Since you seem to be on such good terms with Hokage-sama… why don't you do us the honors and give a brief history?"

Of course, what he was asking was impossible. He knew it and every single student here knew it. Naruto had the worst test grades of every single student in the class. History was also famously his worst subject, to the point it was actually a miracle if he scored any points at all on the tests.

No, Mizuki's only aim here could be to embarrass Naruto further in front of the Hokage. Sakura didn't understand why, but Naruto's unpopularity extended far beyond the limits of the classroom and went even to the staff and teachers. She would have assumed it was just because he was a problem child, but even this was too much for that.

"Why me!? Shikamaru was sleeping too!" Naruto jumped to his feet, slamming his now gloved hands on the desk in front of him.

"Hey! Don't get me involved, damn you!" Shikamaru, in contrast to Naruto's loud yell, only spoke to him in a hushed whisper, just loud enough for the three of them.

"Do you know the answer or not, Naruto? You're wasting Hokage-sama's time." Mizuki ignored his attempt at a redirect, pushing him to give out some kind of information. No, he was waiting for him to just say he had no idea. That was the only possible answer Naruto could give.

"Uhhh…" Naruto gaped like a fish out of water, eyes darting back and forth. It was almost painful to watch at this point, Sakura instinctively flipping open the textbook to the page necessary to help him. Yet she didn't know how she was possibly supposed to slide it over discreetly enough for him to be able to read it without giving them both away. Let alone while under the watchful eye of the strongest Shinobi in the village.

In the first place, why was she even trying to help him? She didn't owe Naruto anything. Getting involved with him would only make her more hated than she already was. It was just sad to watch him. That's right, nothing more than second-hand embarrassment. That was what she determined.

"Be quiet, you're not helping." Naruto suddenly whispered. She almost apologized out of reflex, but realized a second later she hadn't even said anything yet. "What? Slow down." He kept talking to himself, lips barely moving. Sakura glanced at Shikamaru who looked back at her, both of them shrugging as they had no idea who Naruto was suddenly talking to.

"Time's up, Naruto." Mizuki didn't appear to notice. Or if he did, he probably thought he was just trying to ask one of them for help. "Just admit you don't know anything already." At that last crack Naruto's blue eyes hardened into solid steel. He inhaled a deep breath, presumably about to admit defeat.

"History of the Hokage, right?" Only that wasn't what happened next at all. "The Shodai Hokage was Senju Hashirama who founded the village alongside his one-time rival, Uchiha Madara. They joined their clans together, forming the first ever Shinobi village and creating the title of Kage. Something which was later copied by the other four great nations. His death marked the opening act of the Daiichiji Ninkai Taisen. After being betrayed by Madara and the other villages, despite having given them Biju as a bargaining chip for peace."

Sakura blinked. What was happening right now? The information Naruto was saying wasn't just right… it was detailed. Far more-so than the summary page she had flipped open to. So he couldn't be reciting that. No, this was information he just knew. And he wasn't done.

"After his death, his brother Senju Tobirama became the Nidaime Hokage. He is most known for being the founder of this very Ninja Academy and even took on students of his own. Including the former Sandaime Hokage and the present Godaime. He met his death just before the end of the Daiichiji Ninkai Taisen while battling against Kumogakure's Kingin Kyodai. Just before his death, he named his student, Sarutobi Hiruzen, his successor."

Unable to take it anymore, Sakura began flipping through her textbook. Had they studied all of this? No, Naruto had to be making some of this up because even she didn't know some of what he was saying.

"The Sandaime Hokage served the longest of any Hokage up to date, living through both the Dainiji Ninkai Taisen and most of the Daisanji Ninkai Taisen. He trained the group considered to have been Konoha's strongest ever team, the Sannin, before Orochimaru betrayed him at the end of the Daisanji Ninkai Taisen. Thought to be conspiring with Iwagakure, Orochimaru attempted to assassinate the Sandaime and the battle ended in both their deaths."

Shikamaru flicked an eraser at Sakura, drawing her attention away from Naruto long enough to see him mouth out the words "What the heck is going on?" to which she could only shrug. She had been hoping he knew. Perhaps they had been studying together or something? Someone had to be teaching him, because there was no way he knew all of this stuff before now. Had he?

"After the war, Namikaze Minato, also known as Konoha's Kiiroi Senko, was chosen as Yondaime Hokage after being recognized as a hero of the war that was largely responsible for a Konoha victory. He died…" Naruto suddenly paused. There was a moment's hesitation where Sakura thought maybe he finally lost the train of thought. It only lasted for a second before he continued as if nothing ever happened.

"He died defeating the Kyubi no Yoko and saving the village from destruction. Having only served the village for a short time as its Hokage, the decision this time was made to elect someone who had survived numerous wars already. Thus Shimura Danzo was chosen, having been a student of the Nidaime and the Sandaime's former teammate."

Naruto finished by inhaling deeply, as if just catching back all the breath he just let out. He then smiled cockily down at Mizuki, as if daring him to say he made a mistake or didn't know what he was talking about. "I get all that right?"

Complete silence followed right after.

No one said anything. That wasn't quite right. No one could say anything. Least of all Mizuki, who just continued to stare at Naruto, eyes bulging so far out of his head it looked like they might fall from his sockets. He wasn't alone in his surprise, every single student looking at Naruto with varying levels of wonder. He seemed to bask in their stares, placing his hands on his hips as he continued to smile triumphantly.

The silence was finally ended by a slow, rhythmic clap. The noise drew everyone's attention from Naruto, looking once more to the Hokage. He had placed his cane against a nearby desk and slipped his right hand slightly from his sling. Not much, just enough to be able to clap into his hand with the left.

"Magnificent." He said, continuing to clap as he spoke. "You must be very proud, Mizuki." He nodded to their teacher, who still didn't seem to have any sense for what had just happened. Under normal circumstances someone would think this wasn't Naruto, but some impostor that had just transformed themselves to look like him. Except it was surely impossible that the Hokage of all people wouldn't notice such a deception.

"I… uhh…" Mizuki floundered lamely for words, unable to find any.

"I hope you all will take after Naruto's example." The Godaime already seemed to be ignoring him, speaking directly to the rest of the class. "Our history is of the utmost importance. If we do not learn from it, we are doomed to make the same mistakes over and over again. This is why I have managed to maintain the longest period of peace of any Hokage before me. I looked at their failures and resolved myself not to fall into the same trappings."

With that said, the Hokage picked up his cane and nodded to them all once more. "Now if you will excuse me. I believe Mizuki-sensei already told you but I am quite busy. Nevertheless, we shall meet again once you all become Genin and I assign you to your first missions as Shinobi of Konohagakure. Until then, continue your diligence. You will all make valuable assets to our military might."

After that, he turned and left. Yet the arrival and subsequent departure of the Hokage was not on a single person's mind. In fact, with him gone they were able to once again turn their attention back to Naruto. Only to find he had once again put his head down on the desk. Peaceful snores signaled he was not faking it, but had once again genuinely fallen back asleep.

Sakura considered for a moment slapping him back awake. Demand he tell her immediately how he knew all of that. Being the smartest one in the class… that had been her thing. Had he been bluffing this whole time? Lying to them about his intelligence? Or was there something else going on? Sakura had given up everything else. Her friends. The boy she once had a crush on. She threw away all those things and had carved out a single identity for herself. There was no test she couldn't ace and no question the teacher asked that she couldn't answer. Until now that is.

She thought maybe Shikamaru would agree with her. As the third member of the unsociables, he had to be somewhat curious himself, surely. Only she was disappointed to find he appeared to not care at all. In fact, he seemed more envious of the sudden manner in which Naruto had once again reclaimed sleep. For he too put his head back on the desk, having already put what had just happened behind him.

"Right… well, class. Let's open our textbooks." Not just Shikamaru, but Mizuki appeared to have given up on figuring it out. Although in his case it seemed more like he was just trying to pretend it hadn't happened. Of course, it was just some kind of fluke… or a group hallucination. If they pretended it never happened, it would be like it really hadn't.

As if everyone at once decided to start thinking the same thing, the rest of the class also returned to their forward facing positions, opening the textbooks as instructed. It was communal denial. What had just happened was so outside the realm of possibility that they all just agreed that it didn't happen.

Everyone except Sakura, who wasn't about to just let this go.

If Naruto thought he could get away with having deceived them all this time, then he had another thing coming. All that information he just sprouted? She had already memorized it. After school today she would go to the library and fact check every sentence. Down to the word, she would make sure he hadn't made a single mistake.

She wouldn't stop there. She would find out how he had gotten so smart. Then she would prove to him that she wasn't about to lose. If it was the last thing she did...

Haruno Sakura would find out the truth about Uzumaki Naruto.


Chapter End


Post-word: To give an idea of how much I'm winging this whole thing, the Danzo idea occurred to me halfway through writing this chapter.

I knew in this chapter I wanted Naruto to show up everyone by sounding smart only because Kaguya was feeding him information. But I had no idea what he was going to say until I got to it. Then I basically had to rewrite the first half to bring it all together.

It couldn't just all be stuff you already know, otherwise it would be boring. It also had to be relevant to the plot somehow. Then I have been needing to answer why things like the Kyubi attack happened without Madara. Making Danzo the Hokage, having obtained the role by being the one manipulating things, ended up solving those problems. Kind of an inspired move, if I do say so myself, haha. As it also allowed me to retroactively explain Naruto's worsened abuse. Classic three birds with one stone.

Just another little tidbit into my process, or in this case lack thereof, which I felt like sharing.