A/N: After giving it some thought I decided to continue this story based on what I had already planned and will just have plot as I go. I have actually been working on another story I've thought of but it's still in its infant state.

Okay I've kept you guys waiting long enough, on to next chapter! (I don't own Naruto in any way shape or form.)

Chapter Six Shisui's Mission

Shisui was surprised when he was roughly pushed into an ally way and slammed into the wall. He prepared to defend himself but gulped when he saw who his attacker was. He started to sweat when he looked into the angry eyes of Mikoto Uchiha. This was one kunochi you defiantly didn't want to piss off.

"What ever you think I did, I didn't do it I swear!" Shisui cried out. Why was he always getting into trouble with women?

Mikoto glared at him. "I been hearing others in the clan talking about seeing you accompanying a young boy with blond hair and blue eyes around the compound. I wonder who that could be?" Mikoto asked, the sarcasm evident in her voice.

Shisui sighed, he knew sooner or later he would have to answer to Mikoto. Nothing that happened in the clan escaped her.

"Look it's not what you think..."

"Oh? what am I thinking? You know it's not safe to bring him anywhere near the clan, especially now!" Mikoto said angrily.

"I know, I know, this wasn't my idea," Shisui said seriously.

Mikoto eyebrow rose questionably. "Then who?" she asked although she already had a pretty good idea who it was.

"Looks like I'll have to tell her everything from the start" he thought.

"After the last clan meeting Fugaku asked to speak to me in private..."

Flash Back

Everyone left the room leaving only Shisui and Fugaku. Shisui quickly gave a small bow in a show of respect to his clan head. "Fugaku-sama is this about Itachi?" asked Shisui. Fugaku closed his eyes and was silent for a moment. Shisui calmly waited for him to respond.

Fugaku opened his eyes and spoke, "No, this isn't about Itachi."

Shisui looked surprised, this wasn't about Itachi?

"Tell me, what do you know about Naruto Uzumaki?"

Shisui narrowed his eyes. "So this is about Naruto" he thought.

"Naruto Uzumaki, he's the host of the nine tails," Shisui said simply.

"Right, but have you heard any news about him recently?" Fugaku asked.

Shisui shook his head, "no, I hear he keeps to himself, I haven't seen him at all," Shisui replied smoothly.

Fugaku became silent for a moment, making Shisui tensed, but he still managed to keep his composure.

"I've learned that the Hokage has enrolled him in the academy and that he has shown to be very skilled. Fugaku informed.

"Is that right? Well it should come to no surprise considering who parents were" Shisui replied.

Fugaku nodded. "Yes, Minato Namikaze and Kushina Uzumaki were definitely two powerful shinobi. I have been watching their son for some time now, he's an interesting child. He has the potential to be a powerful shinobi but more importantly, he poses a great power within him that can be very beneficial to the Uchiha."

Shisui's blood ran cold as soon as those words left Fugaku's lips.

Fugaku's gaze hardened. "Shisui, your one of the people I trust the most so I'm going to be forthright with you. The direction were heading... can most likely only lead to war. As you know the clans strength has been dwindling... and I have to question if we have the strength and numbers to combat the village," Fugaku said truthfully.

Shisui eyes widen slightly in surprise. It was not his declaration of battle with the village that surprised him rather his questioning of the Uchiha's strength.

Fugaku was one of the most conceited members of the Uchiha. The man's entire philosophy was based on the superiority of the clan to the point, that his better judgment caved to his pride. He guessed even the most prideful of people had to give into some form of reality at some point. And the tired look in his eyes and his solemn tone, showed that this game of cloak and daggers the Uchiha were playing with village was wearing on him.

He wasn't sure what to make of this. Perhaps there was hope that this could still end peacefully no matter how bleak it seemed.

"The power of the Kyubi...we all saw what it could do during the attack on the village. It's inconceivable" Fugaku said.

Shisui mentally winced. He didn't need to be reminded of that horrible day. He saw firsthand the amount of destruction the Kyubi could cause. Konoha was never the same after that. It was fairly obvious what Fugaku was suggesting. But this was madness!

"Fugaku-sama, such power is destructive and difficult to control and if it were to back fire... it could cause more harm than good" Shisui reasoned.

Fugaku nodded. "I know, I'm well aware of the risk of collateral damage but don't underestimate power of the sharingan; the power to control the Kyubi. The seal is keeping the beast at bay and protected against outside influences like the sharingan. But if the boy starts accessing the power of the tailed beast, the seal weakness and the tailed beast becomes more susceptible to be controlled.

There is the other possibility of Naruto learning to access the Kyubi's chakra on his own and using it for our cause, but that is highly unlikely given the difficulty of controlling the chakra of tailed beast. Also we don't have much time" Fugaku explained.

"So you're counting on the sharingan's ability to control the Kyubi." Shisui stated.

"Yes, the sharingan...your sharingan." Gone was the drained look in Fugaku's eyes replaced with familiar stern eyes field with ambition.

"Shisui you possess the strongest eyes of the clan. With the visual prowess of your mangekyo sharingan, you can control the Kyubi, and with its power help the Uchiha regain what is rightfully theirs" he declared.

He bit his lip, he was in a tight spot. He didn't agree with any of this. And he didn't want Naruto to be a part of this. It was just as he feared could happen if Naruto had gotten closer to the clan. On the other hand he knew outright refusal would end badly.

He wondered if he revealed Naruto's Uchiha lineage, that he would reconsider using one of his own. No, he would be fooling himself if he believed that would change his mind. Fugaku at this point was willing to sacrifice his own. He still liked to believe that the Fugaku he knew was still there somewhere.

A leader that had honor, conceited yes, but still one who valued the life of each member of the clan as if it were his own. And even felt pride in protecting the people and values of the village their clan had helped create.

But the man before him was not said person. He was someone who lead by hatred and bitterness. Someone who wanted to regain the honor that he felt his clan had been wrongfully striped off. And perhaps he was right, their honor had been stripped by false accusations. But did the ends justify the mean? It was ironic really. Here they were plotting the very thing that they were accused of doing. He felt as if this made the whole thing less justifiable.

Fugaku seemed to sense Shisui's hesitance, his eyes narrowed dangerously. "Shisui I need you for this mission...the clan needs you. Do you not trust in my leadership? If you feel you can't complete this mission just say so, I will get someone else to do it" Fugaku said strictly. He needed to make sure he had someone who was fully committed to the mission. As much as he would have liked to have Shisui, he had other capable shinobi.

Shisui's eyes widen, someone else? No, he couldn't trust anyone else with Naruto. They wouldn't be able to connect with Naruto, which meant they would try unfavorable methods to get him to comply. It had to be him. His bond with Naruto actually made him the perfect choice for this. His best option was to comply that way he could at least watch over Naruto.

He quickly bowed "Forgive me Fugaku-sama, I merely want to consider all options, so we can do what's best for the clan" Shisui explained.

Fugaku observed Shisui for a moment before nodding. "I see...that's good. Your devotion to the clan is strong. I have always trusted your judgment...now I'm asking you to trust mine. I've thought this through Shisui. This will change the tide in our favor" Fugaku said confidently.

"Now I ask you, will you stand with me?"

Shisui felt a knot of dread in his stomach. He hated this. He wished he could have told him what he really felt about his plan but he couldn't...not now at least. Shisui raised his head his eyes meeting Fugaku's challenging gaze. "I trust you, please allow me to complete this mission for the clan."

Fugaku didn't smile but he could tell he was pleased with his answer.

"You made the right choice Shisui, you will do a great service to your clan"

"I'll do my best."

"Let me tell you the mission details. Ideally I would have you use that jutsu, as its ability to control another is full-proof. However it takes time to recuperate...time we don't have. Also were going to need it down the line for other matters so I don't want you using it from now on. Unfortunately that means you are going to need to be more hands on with this. You must study the boy and learn the best way to befriend him and earn his trust. The goal is to get him to want to join the clan, but it must be by his own will. If we try to force him the Hokage and the elders would immediately intervene for obvious reasons."

"I see, but don't you think they would try keep Naruto away from the clan anyway, whether it be by his own free will or not given that he is the Kyubi jinkuriki?" Shisui questioned. The last thing the village would want was to hand over their jinkuriki over to the Uchiha.

Fugaku nodded, "yes they would, however the Uchiha have the right of self govern and can accept any Konoha shinobi or citizen into the clan if they are willing. They have no say in clan affairs. That being said, it would foolish to believe that law alone would stop the elders, especially Danzo from trying to keep Naruto out of our hands" explained Fugaku.

"So what do you think is stopping them from doing just that?" Shisui questioned.

"Eventually nothing will, but all we need to do is sow the seeds of our vengeance within the boy, and it won't matter if they keep him away."

"Also we can expect a slow reaction out of the Hokage. You see I have been surveying Hiruzen's relationship with Naruto and it turns out he has been very lax with him, giving him lots of leeway. His inability to bond with the boy and his self guilt of being unable to save the Fourth has made him negligent. And it seems the boy does not hold the Hokage and his authority in high regard. We can use that to our advantage.

"You want to use his hatred for the villages leadership to help him turn towards the clan and our goals" Shisui stated.

"Naruto is a child with raging emotions. Someone who lost it all that that doesn't know where to turn, we must make the path clear to him. The Uchiha will become his family, and he will help us obtain what is rightfully ours.

Shisui face stayed neutral but mentally his mind was racing. How much did Fugaku know about Naruto? Where was he getting his information from? One thing was certain, it would do him well not to underestimate Fugaku. He had a daunting task ahead of him. But he had to stay strong not just for Naruto's sake but for the clan and the entire village.

Flashback end

"And that's how it went down" Shisui said dejectedly.

Mikoto clenched her fist. Ever since Fugaku learned that the third had enrolled Naruto into the academy he has been more on edge. Her fears of him setting his sights on Naruto coming true. His objective, the nine tails, was no surprise. The sharingan's ability control the Kyubi was well known. It wouldn't be long before someone would attempt such a feat again.

And Naruto, her heart sympathized for him. He couldn't catch a break. His burden once again tormenting him. She wished Kushina and Minato were still with them, she missed them dearly. Their son needed them the most right now. She wanted to be there for him. It's what Kushina would have wanted, it's what she wanted but unfortunately she didn't have that luxury. Fate was cruel.

The incident with the Kyubi immediately brought on accusations of their clans involvement which in turn drove Fugaku to plot his coup. All her attention had to be given to situation on hand. But not this time. This was something she couldn't put off. Kushina was family to her, like a sister. The thought of Fugaku trying to manipulate Kushina's son made her blood boil. She wouldn't allow it!

Shisui sensing her anger spoke up. "Believe me Mikoto, I know how you feel. When Fugaku initially told me his plans, I was livid. I wanted to stop him then and there but I had to be cautious" he explained.

Mikoto eyes narrowed. "Shisui I won't let this happen."

"I won't either, but I want you to let me handle this. Please just hear me out first" he said pleadingly.

Mikoto sighed but nodded.

"When Fugaku revealed his plan to me he said he was confiding with me because he trusted me. He needed someone he could trust, he stressed the importance of this. It was as if he feared there were those out to oppose him" Shisui explained.

"Oh Fugaku knows there are those who oppose his coup alright, and it makes him very cautious."

"But what Shisui doesn't know is that there are people he fears more than those who simply oppose his coup. People who wish to take his power for themselves" Mikoto thought gravely.

"Right, so even though Fugaku has placed his trust in me, I believe he has a backup plan, in the event I were to betray him. It's possible that he's confined plans with someone else, so they can ensure the coup goes as plan even if he's incapacitated. In any case I don't want to take any drastic measures until I gather more intel" Shisui explained calculatedly.

Mikoto thought over Shisui's reasoning and could see the logic behind it. She knew the importance of timing and the domino effect of their actions. She had been very cautious to mask her own movements. If Fugaku felt cornered he would likely take drastic actions. That would be the last thing they needed.

Looking at Shisui she could see the genuineness of his concern for Naruto. It seemed somehow he was able to bond with Kushina's son. She remembered that he was very fond of her and also held great admiration for the Fourth Hokage. Could that be what drove him to help Naruto?

She could also see why Fugaku chose Shisui for this mission. He was one the most talented members of the clan, but he also possessed a another talent. He was good at reading people and understanding them. That made is easier for him to connect with them.

Shisui was already hands on with this, she would trust him, but he couldn't do it all on his own; rather there were some things she rather handle personally.

"Alright, Shisui I'll trust you in watching over Naruto, but I want you to let me handle monitoring the others in the clan" Mikoto said flatly

Shisui rose an eyebrow at Mikoto's request/demand. He knew Mikoto was more than capable and he could use as much help as he could get. But something told him there were something more she wasn't telling him. In any case he would trust her.

He nodded his head in agreement. "No problem."

"Oh and Shisui, if Naruto ever learns about this he might get the wrong idea, so be careful" Mikoto warned.

Shisui tensed at that. The last thing he wanted was Naruto to believe he was being used. That would cut deeper than any kunai could. But he had no intention of telling Naruto about any of this. It was better that way, he didn't need to be involved. He just had to keep Fugaku at bay until it was time to act.

"Don't worry I can handle it. We should get out this ally now, looks to suspicious; that is unless there was another reason why you brought me here he said suggestively," while wiggling his brow. Mikoto was quite a beauty after all.

Mikoto eye twitched.

"I'm going to pretend you never said that"

Naruto laid back on the soft green grass a calm look on his face. A shaggy tree shading him from the suns heat. A large blue lake encircled the field. A soft wind blew in making small waves in the lake. He enjoyed calm scenery like this. He remembered Musashi telling him about the Uzumaki village that he grew up in, and how it stood on one the most beautiful islands in the elemental nations.

He wanted to see it for himself one day, even if the village no longer stood. Noticing a stone on the ground he picked it up. He sat up and threw the stone into the lake and watched as it skidded across the water, skipping once, twice, three times before sinking into the depths below.

Hearing a swoosh next to him, he watched another stone skip across the lake but unlike his, it managed to skip a fourth time.

Turning his head he looked annoyed at the amusing look on Itachi's face.

"Hm"

A small smile formed on Itachi face. He took a seat next to the blond. They didn't say anything and simply enjoyed the peace. That was something they had in common they both enjoyed quiet environments.

After a few minutes the silence was broken by Itachi. "Looks to me like your enjoying yourself. Are you slacking on your training" he said teasingly.

Naruto chuckled "Well, wasn't it you that said a good shinobi knows not to wear themselves out and when to rest?"

"True, but since when did you start listening to anything I say" Itachi countered

"Hm"

They continued to look over the lake in silence. Looking at Naruto of the corner of his eye Itachi noticed that Naruto seemed to be lost in thought.

"Something on your mind?" he asked curiously.

Naruto continued to stare out at the lake but answered.

"The Uchiha in the district, they still have that look in their eyes when they stare at you as if you were the enemy"

"Oh your still concerned with that? It's like I said, don't worry how they look at you, there just not accustom to you yet."

Naruto shook his head. "I wasn't talking about me, I was talking about everyone else, the rest of the village. It's as if there alienated from the rest of the village. Itachi frowned Shisui told Naruto was asking more questions and getting more curious. It was to be expected but, he wished he wouldn't pry deeper.

"The clan has been having some political disputes with the council, it happens all time, not just with the Uchiha but with other clans too. Its natural when clan ideals interject with the villages. As a result people start feel resentment." Itachi said.

He knew Naruto was very intelligent despite his young age. He would have to at least tell him some of the truth, anything other than that and he would know he was not being honest and would ask more questions.

Naruto frowned, he understood the logic of the complexity of village politics, but Itachi was still vague with his answer and didn't truly tell him what exactly was the problem. But there was something else he discovered. Something that he wouldn't except a vague answer.

"Itachi, why are members of the Anbu BlackOps watching the Uchiha district?"

Itachi eyes widen. "To think that he could actually detect the hidden Anbu" he thought. That was very impressive perception. Naruto was also part Uzumaki and he knew some members of the clan had great sensory abilities. He wondered if perhaps Naruto had gained some of that talent.

The serious look on Naruto's face told him he wanted the real answer and wouldn't stand for a half-assed one. But he would not tell him truth. At the same time he wanted to put Naruto's prying to rest so he needed to come up with a believable answer.

Lucky for him he was quite the quick thinker.

"The Uchiha Police force is being under investigation."

"For what?" Naruto asked now intrigued.

"There have been complaints about the use of excessive force and false arrest. Also the village is evaluating the efficiency of how they use their resources because there are those who wish to cut the size of the force in favor of the villages own patrols" Itachi explained. He actually told him some of the truth.

Naruto thought over what Itachi said.

"And where do you stand on the issue" he asked

Itachi was silent for a moment before speaking. "I think the Uchiha have the right to govern what was assigned to them" Itachi said simply.

"I have seen Shisui walking in town with Aimi, have you met her?" Itachi asked. The question was meant to change the subject. Naruto sensed that Itachi no longer wanted to talk about serious issues.

"Yes I have, she seems nice. Shisui is usually around trying to woo her. Speaking of girls why don't you have a girlfriend. The prodigy of the Uchiha, surely there are a lot of girls seeking your affections" Naruto asked teasingly.

Itachi sighed and shook his head, "No...I can't." The possibility of having a lover had crossed his mind, but would be impossible given his obligations to the clan. He would never be able to drag anyone else down his path. It was his alone.

"Cant huh? Oh, you mean that you are..." Naruto said suggestively, a smirk on his face. He loved getting under Itachi's skin something he picked up from Shisui.

Itachi's eye twitched in annoyance. This must be a side of Naruto he picked up from his mother. He enjoyed pissing people off. Something only him and Shisui could do. Curse Shisui for rubbing off on him.

Itachi sighed. "No, I just don't have the time for something like that. I'd best be going now, I have to prepare for a mission."

Naruto frowned as he watched Itachi begin to leave. Suddenly he remembered something he wanted to ask Itachi.

"Hey Itachi, you never told me why you decided to join the Anbu"

Itachi rose an eyebrow. "You sure are asking a lot of questions today" he said amusingly.

Naruto shrugged. "I spent a lot of time with Shisui but I don't get to spend much time with you because you're always running off, kind of like right now."

Itachi ignored the jab and though over his question mulling over how to answer it.

"Self-sacrifice...a nameless shinobi who protects peace from within its shadow.. that was the true mark of a shinobi." Shisui taught me that he said before disappearing in a body flicker.

Naruto stood thinking over Itachi's words.

1 Year latter

The room was tensed as everyone present knew what was at stake. Hiruzen scratched his goatee, a small sigh leaving his lips. It was times like this when he wished he wasn't the Hokage. He was seated in one of the meeting rooms at the Hokage Tower.

Also present were the elders, Homura and Koharu along with Danzo Shimarua. He had lost count of the number of times they had met here in the week alone. The situation was crucial and could change the future of Konoha forever.

"Our Anbu have kept he Uchiha under surveillance for some time now. They have reported a highly alert and tensed atmosphere among them. They also confirmed that they have been conducting secrete meetings. But they have yet to uncover any validation of their involvement in the Kyubi accident," Hurizen said.

Danzo scuffed at the word "accident." Why must he continue to use such naive terms? It angered him to no end. There was nothing accidental about this. It was not the work of nature but a well planned event by the Uchiha. He was sure of it.

"Be that as it may, We can't ignore the amount of distrust and loathing the Uchiha have shown towards the Village," Homura argued.

Koharu frowned. "The Uchiha have discovered that we are spying on them," she stated flatly.

"It seems we have underestimated them," Homura mused.

Danzo wasn't surprised. You couldn't deceive a clan like the Uchiha for long, they would find out eventually. It didn't matter though...he didn't expect the Anbu to uncover anything significant. Once they got word that they were being spied on they would become more cautious in their activities.

That is why they recruited Itachi, he was the key. As long as they had him in the inside they had the advantage. The Uchiha were such a resolute and loyal clan. The fact that Itachi's loyalty to the village was greater than his loyalty to the clan was truly a blessing for Konoha and curse to the Uchiha.

"We can't afford to be lenient now Hiruzen, too much is at stake. The way they have been speaking about Konoha, can already be considered treason," Danzo said harshly. Homura and Koharu nodded their heads agreement.

Hiruzen sighed. "They have yet to make any direct threats against the village so I can't see it as such," he reasoned. He wasn't naive enough to think that the Uchiha wouldn't try to make a move to gain power but he still believed that the dispute could be solved diplomacy. He wanted to avoid bloodshed at all cost.

"In any case, we must wait for Itachi to gather more intel before me make any hasty decisions," Homura said. The others nodded in agreement. Danzo did not object. Making a move now would be counterproductive to their undercover intelligence mission. But he was not like Hiruzen...he was no fool. The Uchiha were to brazen of a clan to stand still, diplomacy was futile. It was not a question of if but when. He would be prepared... even Hiruzen wasn't.

"And what shall we tell the clan heads? They're beginning to get suspicious," Koharu asked.

"Nothing, they must not be told anything" Hiruzen said strictly.

"As of now they sense some tension growing between the Uchiha and the council but they do not know about our spying, or anything else we discussed here. Informing them would only increase tensions."

"Hiruzen is right, we must keep them in the dark to maintain stability in Konoha," Danzo said in a rare showing of agreement with his long time rival.

A knock on the door interrupted their conversation.

"You may enter," Hiruzen said.

The door opened and in came Iruka. He took notice of the Hokage and the elders in the room, the latter giving him blank looks. The young chunin gulped feeling out of place. He could sense the tensions and assumed they were discussing something important. He quickly bowed, "forgive me for my intrusion Hokage-sama, you weren't in your office so I looked here. I wasn't aware you were in a meeting" he said apologetically.

Hiruzen waved off his apology. "It's alright Iruka, what is that you need?" he asked inwardly not minding a break from the tension.

"I was scheduled to give you a report on my students in the academy today, but I can come back another time."

"No, there's no need, we were just about finished here anyway" he said giving the others a look.

Koharu and Homura simply stood up and left without a fuss but the look on their faces showed that were not pleased at being interrupted. Looking at Danzo, Hiruzen frowned. He was still here.

"I too wish to hear Iruka's report. I want to make sure Konoha's next generation is up to par" Danzo said.

The Hokage's eyes narrowed. He knew Danzo to well to think that was the only reason he wanted to listen in. He most likely wanted to know more about Naruto, but it didn't matter he would keep an eye on him.

"Very well, Iruka take a seat," Hiruzen said motioning to the seat across from him. Iruka nodded and sat down. He placed a file on the table in front of him. The file contained the names of all of his students in the academy.

"As you know, I've been assigned a large amount of students from clans this year."

The Hokage nodded remembering when he and his advisers assigned Iruka his roster of students. He also remembered how overwhelmed the young chunin felt when he learned that many of his students were clan heirs. Iruka knew he would be observed closely by the clans to see if they approved of his teaching abilities. He assured him that he could handle it and that he trusted his teaching abilities.

"Just give us a brief report on the top students, we don't have time right now to go through all of them," Danzo said curtly. Iruka looked at Danzo then to the Hokage who simply nodded.

"Very well."

Iruka shuffled through a stack of profiles. He took nine of them and placed them on top of the stack."Let's start with Shikamaru Nara," he said placing his profile on top of the others. "His stats are actually not that high. His test scores in written tests are especially low, but it isn't because of a lack of ability. He is actually very intelligent when he is motivated. I estimate that his written test scores might be the highest if he were to put in the effort. His ninjutsu and taijutsu would be about average."

Hiruzen nodded expecting as much thinking of another lazy Nara that was his jonin commander. Danzo simply listened on quietly. "Next we have Shino Aburame. His scores are overall pretty good. His written test scores are about the same as his taijutsu and ninjutsu. I expect good things out of him," Iruka praised.

Pulling out another profile Iruka continued. "Kiba Inzuka's written scores are decent, but his best attribute is his taijutsu which ranked amongst one of the highest. Although he is easily distracted and could learn to have more patience" Iruka explained.

"Sakura Haruno is one the highest ranked kunoichi's when it comes to academics, which is her greatest strength. She also showed good chakra control when performing the academy jutsus. Her physical abilities though could use much improvement. Her greatest weakness is her lack of interest in improving her skills in favor of other trivial things" Iruka said dejectedly.

Hirzen sighed, you just couldn't expect everyone to have greater maturity at that age. Danzo inwardly scowled. This is why he thought that proper shinobi values should be hammered into the young as earlier as possible.

"Ino Yamanka has similar abilities to Sakura, although her academic scores aren't as high as hers. We are hoping that her clan techniques will eventually make up for the difference though. Sadly like Sakura, she to shows a lack of maturity that impedes her growth as a ninja."

"Next we have Hinata Hyuga has shown to be a good all around kunoichi in the class. Her scores are good in all categories especially her taijutsu which not surprising given that she is a Hyuga. The only thing bringing her down is her lack of self confidence."

"I see... I would expect Hiashi has great expectations for her, being his daughter and a main branch member," Hiruzen mused.

"What of Sasuke Uchiha?"

Iruka pulled Sasuke's file out. "Sasuke Uchiha, his scores are the highest across the board. He has shown to have great talent in practically every area...and well, the numbers speak for themselves" he said showing them his file.

Danzo nodded, "as expected of one from the Uchiha clan, although he has ways to go if he is to catch up to his brothers level." Danzo said. Hiruzen nodded in agreement, "the son of Fugaku is skilled, he will have a bright future," Hiruzen mused.

"Most likely not" Danzo thought cunningly to himself.

"What about Naruto Uzumaki? Has he made the list?" Hiruzen asked.

"Yes he has. I was saving him for last because, well...you see he's a special case," Iruka said his face becoming slightly more serious.

"Yes, I'm well aware that Naruto is not like the other kids, what are you getting at?" Hiruzen asked curiously.

"Hokage-sama, I think you misunderstand. I'm not referring to that," Iruka corrected thinking that he was referring to the Kyubi sealed within Naruto.

"Here take a look at his score sheet,"

Hiruzen took it and looked it over. There were high marks across the board in all categories, from taijutsu to ninjustu. Hmm, based on these scores it goes without question that Naruto is very talented, but his scores are pretty consistent there doesn't seem to be much improvement over the year."

"I thought so too. Naruto has always been a good student and with his talent I would expect him to improve significantly by now. But his scores for the most part stay the same."

Hiruzen frowned, "You think he's holding back his true abilities?" he asked.

Iruka nodded, "That is what I thought, so I started watching him closer, but to his credit It did seem like he was giving his best efforts. I asked him about it and he assured me that he was trying his best. He doesn't say much in class and is very reserved so it's difficult to get a good read on him. But I still can't help but feel like he is holding back" Iruka explained with a frown.

Danzo of course was not surprised, already knowing that Naruto was far stronger than he showed, but he had to give Naruto credit for masking his abilities. "It seems the boy knows the importance of deception in the shinobi world," he inwardly praised.

Hiruzen sighed. On one hand he was proud of Naruto for learning an important aspect of being a shinobi but this also meant that he didn't trust them. He realized now that he was under estimating Naruto. He had to keep a closer eye on him. Despite his efforts to befriend Naruto, it seemed that it was not possible. The boy was to guarded, and that would have been the best way to monitor him.

As much as he wanted to honor Minato's wish of helping his son, he was still the villages jinchuuriki...that was a fate he could not escape, thus he had to be restricted if need be. Still...he wouldn't give Naruto to Danzo, he didn't share the man's beliefs and stringent methods. As Hokage this was his responsibility.

"Iruka tell me, what do you think of Naruto?" Hiruzen asked curiously He knew that Iruka was reluctant to be Naruto's instructor given that the tailed beast that killed his parents lived inside Naruto. His presence caused memories he long wished to forget to come back and haunt him.

Iruka sighed, "yes admittedly, I thought Naruto would be too much of a hassle for me to teach because it would bring back unwanted memories. But I realized that I couldn't let that get in the way of my pledge to teach the next generation of Konoha shinobi to the best of my ability. And to treat each student equally" Iruka said passionately.

"I see, so you no longer hold resentment for Naruto?" asked Hiruzen.

Iruka shook his head, "no I realized that it was foolish on my part to hold a grudge against him for something that wasn't his fault. And given from what I've seen from him, he's done nothing to show that he's a bad person as some have claimed." Iruka said honestly. Hiruzen was pleased to hear that Iruka was able to understand what so many others in the village could not.

"Very well then, you both are dismissed" Hiruzen said.

Naruto stood in the center of a dark room, only a small beam of light originating from the ceiling kept the room from complete darkness. The light shined down on a small cylinder shaped platform at the center of the room. Attached to it were multiple wires that were in turn attached to numerous fully loaded kunai launchers stationed around the ceiling. He looked up and observed the launchers. The number of them were definitely intimidating.

He closed his eyes in concentration. This type of training was extremely dangerous even for the most skilled shinobi. He overheard Shisui reminding Itachi about the time when he recklessly attempted this type of training. Shisui had warned him not to get any ideas, but he should have known better to actually think he would listen.

Naruto open his eyes, his now fully developed sharingan active. He launched two kunai at the wires severing them and instantly, releasing a barrage of kunias down upon him. Naruto waited for them to get close before quickly back flipping into the air. The kunias struck the ground where he just stood in a large clang of metal.

The second wave of kunais rapidly approached him mid air. He quickly reached into his holster and grabbed a kunai between each of his fingers. This was not like the shuriken jutsu target training he did in the woods. One mistake here and it could be the end.

He released his kunais into the air clashing them with the incoming projectiles that came from all directions. He angled his descending body towards the rail of a small balcony. Landing on the rail he immediately pushed off of it avoiding the last remaining kunai that struck it.

He pulled his knees towards chest and spun in the air descending towards the platform. Suddenly he felt a swish of a kunai behind him. He cursed, a bonus one. There was one more that released late on purpose to catch him in a off guard position. He extended his arms and legs out and turned his body just the right time, as the kunai flew by him, inches from piercing his chest.

He landed on the platform in a crouched position. Naruto let out a small sigh of relief that was to close for comfort. He suddenly felt a presence behind and looked back and was surprised to see Iruka, his academy instructor looking at him with pure shock, his eyes wide.

Iruka just left the meeting with Hokage and made his way back to the academy to return the student files and lock up the building for the night. Once he entered the academy though he was alarmed to hear the sounds coming from the basement of the academy. He knew there was a training room down there meant to be used by highly skilled shinobi, but it was rarely ever used let alone this late at night. He went to investigate and couldn't believe what he saw.

Iruka stared at Naruto his mouth gaping. The only thing that shocked him more than the incredible display he never knew his student was capable of was, the sharingan eyes staring back at him.

"N-Na-Naruto, you...," Iruka stuttered not knowing what to say.

Naruto kept his composure and looked at Iruka impassively. He closed his eyes and then opened them, his sharingan spinning staring into Iruka's eyes.

Iruka felt his body go numb, and his body began to slump to the floor. Naruto quickly body flickered next to Iruka and caught him before he could hit the ground avoiding making any more noise. Just before Iruka eyes closed Naruto whispered into his ear.

"It just a dream."

"I should have been more aware" he inwardly scolded himself. Avoiding those kunai took all his concentration and he didn't sense Iruka's presence. He couldn't let anyone he didn't trust know about his sharingan, not yet anyway. He mused over what he should do with Iruka. He didn't know where the chunin lived and didn't feel like it was worth his effort in finding out.

Picking up the scar nosed chunin and placing him over his shoulder he carried him into their academy classroom. He placed him down in the chair in front of Iruka's desk, his head slumped down on the desk. Hopefully Iruka would wake up and just think he fell asleep grading papers or something.

He left the academy, his hands in his pockets as walked down the village streets. Thinking back to his training he was pleased that he was successful in first attempt. He was not only training in shruiken jutsu but also training with his now fully developed Sharingan.

He unlocked it during one of his training session with Shisui. Shisui had praised him for awakening it fully at a young age. He was age nine now, his skills increased greatly in a year. Shisui had taught him many of the Uchiha clans jutsu and techniques that he had adopted into his fighting style.

True to Shisui's word fire style came naturally to him as a testament to his Uchiha blood. He also aimed to improve his use of wind-style, but he had to rely on the few scrolls Musashi left him and his own experimenting as neither Shisui or Itachi had any affinity for the scarce element.

"You there stop for a moment!"

Turning around he was met by a brown haired shinobi that he recognized as a member of the police force by his flak jacket.

"Naruto Uzumaki?" the Uchiha asked.

"Yea"

"You have a message from the Uchiha clan" He reached into his vest pocket and handed him a scroll before vanishing in a body flicker.

Naruto accepted the scroll and opened it. His eyes widen slightly as he read over its contents.

"Well how about that."

A/N: Left you guys hanging there! What does Fugaku have in store for Naruto? Hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. Till next time.