AN: I kinda like the idea of genius Naruto. I hate how Kishimoto handled Naruto. It felt like Sasuke was the main character till Hidan and Kakuzu arc. And seriously, I hate Sasuke, except for the Boruto version. (Don't worry, it's not a Sasuke-bashing story).

No need to say more.

The pairing is NaruKuro

P.S: Unlike Canon, Naruto inherited Minato's face.

Sometimes, he liked to stare at the sky, a blue sky full of clouds. Cloud makes him feel small; it reminds him of how little he is in comparison to the universe. If clouds were this big...then what about planets? Galaxies? all things behind stars. All those big things made him realize how little his problems were...

"Naruto!"

The Naruto guy had spikey red hair and blue eyes similar to the sky he was looking at. He was tall, towering over all his classmates at 5'7. he wore a simple black suit of clothing with orange trimmings and a hood. Naruto turned his eyes from the window and stared at his Sensei, who seemed annoyed for some reason. "Yes, Iruka sensei?"

"It's your turn!"

Naruto nodded, realizing why Iruka was calling him. He stood up from his chair and walked toward the examination room. Today was supposed to be graduation day, the day he had waited for six years because some old geezer refused to let him graduate early; something about peacetime and no need for early graduation, Annoying geezer. He brushed away all his thoughts as he entered the examination. In front of him sat both Iruka sensei and...Who? It doesn't matter. He simply stood there and waited for their orders.

Iruka eyed the red-haired with a smile, glad he got a chance to teach a student like Naruto. The boy had talent, intelligence, and most importantly, admirable dreams. Still, the boy lacked some social skills because of his bad childhood, but Iruka knew that such a thing would never burden Naruto. "Alright Naruto, you know the rules. Make a clone then you will graduate."

Naruto wondered why the exam was that easy but ignored his thoughts and nodded to his Sensei. Doing a weird cross sign, shocking both Chunin, Naruto announced his Jutsu.

"Shadow Clone Jutsu!"

Iruka and Mizuki gaped at the four Narutos, who stared back at them with deadpan looks. Why were they shocked? An academy student just used a forbidden high-level Ninjutsu and didn't seem to be bothered...

"Are we done?"

Iruka blinked as he got out of his daze while his assistant was still gaping as an idiot. Smiling at Naruto, he replied. "Y-Yes, Of course! Come and choose a headband" He motioned for Naruto to choose black or blue.

Naruto smiled, something he rarely did when he was in this place. Thinking for a moment, he decided to choose black. It would fit his uniform, and usually black cooperates amazingly with his favorite color, orange. Tieing his headband on his forehead, he bowed to both teachers and left the class and the whole academy. The last thing he wanted was to return to that classroom.

The Tea Shop Of Konoha was a very famous shop for a long time. A lot of people would spend the day in it with their friends since getting drunk wasn't an option for a Shinobi, especially in the middle of the morning. Three men and one woman sat together, eating Dango and drinking. They used to sit in the same place ever since they were children, so It was like a place full of memories.

"So you guys are getting your own teams! That's very youthful!" Gai exclaimed passionately.

Kurenai sweatdropped at the weird passion. "It seems you really like your team, Gai."

This seemed to fire up Gai even more. "You guys wouldn't understand till you get your own teams! I feel like we are family now!"

"Well, I hope they would be talented kids...Not everyone is as lucky as Kakashi" Asuma said as he eyed the grey-haired Jonin.

Kakashi took a sip of his tea and groaned in annoyance. "Give me a break, It's not like I asked for it!" Lord Third was mocking him! and he hated it. He asked for Naruto Uzumaki, his Sensei's legacy and the rookie of the year, but what Lord Third gave him? A little girl, some fucked up kid from Root, and the last Uchiha.

Gai frowned. "I hope you wouldn't fail them too. They are a special bunch, you know". Gai said seriously. Both Asuma and Kurenai nodded, agreeing with their energetic friend.

Kakashi said nothing as he ate his Dango. He wished to train Naruto and take care of the blond genius, just like Minato sensei took care of him, but it seems Lord Third had some other plans for Naruto. Still, something was bothering him. Who would be more trustable than him to take care of Naruto?

Naruto took a deep breath as he sat at the top of The Fourth's stone face. The view of the village from this place was fabulous and breathtaking, this view always made him feel relaxed; it reminded him of how beautiful the village was. He also liked to sit at the top of his father's statue. Having his father's face sculptured on a mountain was awesome.

"Tou san..." Naruto muttered sadly, knowing his father would never reply no matter what he said. At least he could speak with his father indirectly, unlike his mother, the woman he knew nothing about except her legendary status as Kunoichi and a photo.

He took the photo from his wallet and smiled sadly at it. It was his father, mother, and him...Well, technically him because he was still inside his mother's belly. Both were happy...both were grinning.

'It's the only one that has all three of us'

Naruto sighed as he returned the picture to his pocket. Crying over the past would never help, his parents were dead...but he was alive. He would live up to their legacy and honor their name; that's the reason he worked hard all those years. Too deeply indulged in his thoughts, he almost missed the man coming from behind him.

'It's the silver-haired fellow' Naruto thought with narrowed eyes as he kept gazing at the village.

"Congratulations on passing, Naruto!" Mizuki said in a sweet tone, very sweet.

Naruto stared at the chunin for a moment before returning his gaze to the village. "Thanks" He simply muttered. This guy was displaying bad vibes, and that crappy smile annoyed him. "What do you want?"

Mizuki scowled inwardly, he hated this arrogant brat and the idea of relying on him, but he had no choice. No other kid was as talented as Naruto.

"I have a mission for you...Only you can accomplish" Mizuki said mysteriously with a fake smile.

It was midnight as moonlight illuminated the village. Sneaking would be simple. In a series of fast Shunshin, he found himself standing in front of the vault's door; opening the door, he found the Forbidden Scroll in the middle of the room. Finding his objective, he took it and slung it around him. He turned to leave but was surprised at the sight of the Third Hokage, standing in front of him.

"Sandaime, I thought you sleep early, you know, old people thing."

Hiruzen replied, ignoring Naruto's tease about his age. "The night strolls are often important; just keep the scroll safe, alright?"

Naruto simply nodded, disappearing in a Shunshin, leaving no trace behind him except for impressed Hiruzen. 'His Shunshin speed is remarkable...' Hiruzen mused.

"Disappearing like that...Not as fast as space-time Jutsu, but quite close" A voice full of amusement came from behind Hiruzen, who nodded in agreement.

Hiruzen smiled at his student, who stood beside him. "You're right...Jiraiya," he added. "His skills will be honed further under your tutelage...Now, let's go and watch Naruto."

Jiraiya nodded as he followed his Sensei, a grin spread on his face. He planned to take care of Naruto later but knowing the latest updates he decided it was time to take Minato's son as an apprentice. The kid wouldn't have a team, but that didn't matter, the situation was way serious.

Mizuki felt nervous. The plan wasn't going well. Naruto was supposed to steal the scroll then the whole Shinobi populate would go after the kid, but nothing happened. Did Naruto fail? No, there was no way such an easy task would be an obstacle for the rookie of the year. Arriving at the spot he told Naruto to meet in, he found the red-haired sitting at the top of the scroll, looking bored.

"Oh, you are here"

Mizuki felt like he would explode with happiness as he saw the scroll. He ordered hurriedly. "Naruto! Give me the scroll!"

"Mizuki..." Lord Third told him the fool's name. "You think you are capable of fooling me?" Naruto scoffed at the shocked Chunin. People underestimating him was something he got used to a long time ago, but it didn't bother him, it gave him an advantage over his enemy. He raised an eyebrow when he saw the traitor smirking.

"So you wouldn't give me the scroll?" It seems he should go for plan B.

"No"

"I see...Say Naruto, do you know why the villagers hate you?" Naruto just kept his deadpan look, further annoying the Chunin, who took a large shuriken from his back and yelled hysterically. "YOU ARROGANT BASTARD! BECAUSE YOU ARE THE KYUU-" Before he could continue his outburst, a chop on the neck knocked him out.

Staring at the unconscious Chunin, Naruto said. "Shadow Clone, fool" Sighing, he motioned for the shadow clone to take the scroll and Mizuki to Lord Third. Now he would go home, have dinner, then sleep.

"Hmm...The picture is good, and everything else is alright." Hiruzen mumbled as he checked Naruto's registration. Staring at Naruto, Hiruzen swore he could see Minato standing there instead of Naruto. How much he wished Minato and Kushina could see Naruto...

"Naruto, I didn't thank you for yesterday. You did your first job as a Shinobi very well!" Hiruzen applauded.

Smiling at the old man, Naruto replied. "I just did my job, sir."

Hiruzen smiled too. "I see. You can leave Naruto" Naruto gave the Hokage a short bow and turned to leave, but he stopped when he felt someone behind the door. It all happened fast. A short brown-haired kid suddenly burst through the door, holding a shuriken. The boy ran toward the Hokage, who had a suffering look.

'Will it ever end...'

"Jiji! I'm going to defeat you tod-" Before the boy could continue his assault, he was tripped by his ridiculously long scarf. "That hurts!" The boy cried as he rubbed his forehead. "Damn it! Who set a trap?!"

Followed by the brat, an adult who wore the Jonin black attire and sunglasses entered the room and exclaimed. "Are you alright, Honorable grandson?! I assure you there are no traps set!"

Naruto stared at the scene in front of him with the most unimpressed look. How come delivering his registration turned out to be this? He raised an eyebrow when the brat stood and pointed at him accusingly. "You! I know you are the one who set up the trap!"

Ebisu stared at the red-haired boy with wide eyes, if he ain't wrong...'This is Naruto Uzumaki, The Rookie Of The Year...' Ebisu thought as he adjusted his sunglasses.

Naruto's eyebrows twitched in annoyance. "Brat, You only tripped because you wear a scarf longer than you."

"Don't call me a brat!"

"Well, I don't know your name...What should I call you?" Naruto asked.

Konohamaru beamed in happiness. Someone is asking about his name! And this guy seemed like a cool guy. "It's Konohamaru Sarutobi! Future Hokage of Konoha!"

Naruto raised both eyebrows at the name "Sarutobi?" He turned to Lord Third, who cleared up everything.

"He's my grandson."

"I see," Naruto said in understanding. He noticed how Konohamaru's face darkened the moment Lord Third mentioned their consanguinity. Well, he had better things to deal with. "I will excuse myself, Lord Third. Nice to see you, Konohamaru" Bowing to Lord Third, he disappeared in a Shunshin, missing Konohamaru's wide-eyed stare.

"That was a very fast Shunshin" Ebisu commented, his tone showing how impressed he was.

Still wide-eyed, Konohamaru turned to his grandpa "Jiji! Who is that cool guy?!" Konohamaru demanded.

Hiruzen chuckled at his energetic grandson. "That was Naruto Uzumaki. The Rookie of the year and a genius ninja." He sweatdropped at the stars in his grandson's eyes.

"WHOA! That's amazing!"

Naruto doesn't know how his day turned to this. Leaving the Hokage tower, he was surprised to see Lord Third's grandson following him. No matter what he did, the boy would appear again. Seeing he couldn't escape forever, he decided to entertain the kid. Now they both sat at a tree branch.

"Well, You are quite persistent, I give you that." Naruto complimented while drinking the cold coffee he had bought for both himself and Konohamaru.

Konohamru grinned. "So you are taking me as a subordinate!?"

"Eh...No, I wouldn't. I don't have time for you."

Konohamaru groaned in annoyance. "Damn it! How would I be able to defeat grandpa then?!"

"Why would you want to defeat your grandpa?" Naruto asked in wonder.

Konohamaru sighed in sadness, staring at the ground. He explained everything. "You see, Grandpa named me Konohamaru after the village."

"Well, it's a cliche name but unique and nice..."

"No! I don't hate my name! It's just...Everyone keeps calling me 'Honorable Grandson', I'm nothing but my grandfather's shell...That's why I will defeat grandpa and become the Hokage!" Konohamaru explained as he clenched his fists.

Naruto nodded in understanding. Everything became very clear, so Konohamaru hated how everyone treated him as Sandaime's grandson. He wondered if he would be like this if his father was alive. "Well, attacking and disturbing your grandpa would never make you a Hokage let alone a Shinobi. A Ninja should be patient and study his opponent's weaknesses and strengths. Attacking someone head-on would never accomplish a thing."

Konohamru gulped and nodded. He didn't understand entirely though he could tell that it was serious. Naruto noticed the boy was giving full attention; he continued. "While I'm glad we share the same dream, you should take things slowly. First, focus on the academy and your studies, then become a Shinobi...A great one. Maybe then, you would be able to become Hokage."

Konohamaru nodded with wide eyes. Thinking about it, Ebisu sensei had always told him that under his tutelage, he would be able to become a Hokage in a shortcut, but now Naruto Nii-chan said a whole other thing. Naruto was way cooler than his four-eyed teacher. Grandpa told him that Naruto was a genius Ninja while his Sensei was a normal Ninja, he knew who he should listen to.

"Humph! Acting all smart and mighty." Konohamaru huffed and stood. "I'm not your subordinate anymore!"

'You never were'

"From now on, we are rivals for Hokage seat!" Konohamaru declared passionately.

Naruto chuckled in amusement. "I'm already Shinobi" This got Konohamaru depressed, he added. "I'm five years older as well" Konohamaru's depression increased even further. "But..." Konohamaru's eyes widened at what Naruto said next.

"I will be waiting for you, Konohamaru" Naruto waved goodbye and teleported away, leaving a new determined Konohamaru.

Naruto sighed in annoyance as he walked toward the hot springs. First, he went to the academy for the graduation ceremony, but Iruka sensei dismissed him.

"Lord Third ordered me to send you to his office"

So Naruto went to the Hokage office, but Lord Third dismissed him. His Sensei wasn't in the Hokage office. That's why he was heading to the hot springs.

"A huge man with long white hair, very noticeable"

Arriving at the hot springs, he activated his sensory abilities and gasped in shock when he felt a huge sign. Following it, he reached a man who was...peeping on women. The man was tall and had long white hair...

'That guy!'

How he wouldn't know him! One of the Legendary Sannin and his father's sensei. The man was known for his legendary achievements during the second and third wars. Naruto never expected Jiraiya of the Sannin to be...

"Jiraiya of the Sannin is a shameless pervert?" Naruto exclaimed. He ignored the fact that his Sensei was Jiraiya himself, his disappointment was overwhelming.

Jiraiya blinked and turned to see red-haired mini-Minato staring at him with disgust. Oh boy, what a first impression. He chuckled sheepishly as he rubbed the back of his head. "Naruto, right?"

AN: That's it. I almost had a stroke writing this. Prologues are always tiresome to write. I like Jiraiya so yeah, no team seven.