*IMPORTANT!: Alright so, last chapter inspiration struck at three in the morning and I didn't want to lose it so I grabbed my rough drafts of said chapter and started writing and completely and TOTALLY forgot to write an important scene at the end of the chap that CAN"T fit in this one cause, as you might notice, all but the end is nothing but a series of time-skips…so for those of you who have not just started reading this story for the first time, I sincerely apologize, but go back to last chap and read the added chapters please. Trust me when I say I won't be writing when I'm dead tired again in an attempt to never repeat this mistake. This will be deleted when I release the next chap.*
(A/N Hello folks, I realized that I forgot to put the link to Star Bus's art on my profile and it is now on top for those who want to check it out! I am disappointed to say the few people who were generous enough to give me ideas for the Namikaze and Uzumaki clan swords either only gave a basic physical description on the type of blade….or gave me a full description of WAY too OP powers and little to no physical description, or a physical description I don't like….So unfortunately what I had to do is make up my own swords while taking bits and pieces from the descriptions I got that I like, so if you guys don't like that.…I apologize. Though I still sincerely thank those who contributed and hope you like the fact I might have at least taken a little bit of your descriptions. In other news, there will be constructive bashing in this chap, constructive cause it's meant to help said bashed characters improve, so it's not nor will it ever be me doing as BackwardsHazard says in his story "Sage of the Elements" (Ch 8) "Turning a possibly good character into a below average IQ, OOC dart board to throw insults and misfortunes at," just because I may not like said characters. If you guys can't see I'm bashing them for good reasons….I apologize that you are so trapped in fairy tale lala land that you don't realize stuff exactly like this sometimes NEEDS to happen not only in stories but in real life in order for people to improve themselves. Also I've also gotten a lot of requests about pairings, most pairings like Asahi's and Yui's will be minor to the actual story. Naruto's pairing itself I'd like to keep secret but if I get ten more requests to tell I'll reveal my pairing to Naruto. If not make sure your request can be replied to and I'll tell you the pairing in reply. As always CONSTRUCTIVE criticism and advice is always welcome and please continue to enjoy my story.)
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto nor the character from Detective Conan I have in this chapter.
Chapter 7 - Two Steps Forward, No Steps Back….hopefully
One Week Later - Hokage's office
Inoichi stood in front of the Hokage with a serious expression on his face, other than those two and the Anbu guard no one else was present in the room. What he was about to tell his Hokage was extremely important and could, possibly, have a strong affect on someone's life.
"Well, Inoichi, you stated the reason for this appointment was extremely important, so please begin," Hiruzen stated calmly.
"Hai, Hokage-sama," Inoichi stated respectfully before getting down to business. "I wanted to make this appointment about something that has been bugging me about Naruto's mental evaluation. While I'm confident there is no tampering and that he is not a sleeper agent, I'm concerned about the seeming lack of trauma and scaring caused by the horrors he's had to go through in his life."
Hiruzen raised a brow in question, after all, lack of things like that was usually a good thing.
Inoichi continued, "Someone who's gone through what he's gone through, especially at such a young age, should have much more mental trauma and problems than the few small ones I found. The only answer that could possibly be correct for this is that he's repressed these problems and emotions so deeply into his psyche that I would cause him harm to pull it out. While this may seem fine at first as it gives him a chance to live life without things like that constantly hanging over his head it could cause MAJOR psychological issues in the future if not addressed now. He could end up continuously building up on those problems by repressing any problems he has in the future because it has worked for him before until the "dam" holding those emotions and memories literally bursts and breaks his entire mind. Or a number of triggers could cause the "dam" to "release pressure" and make him snap in any number of unknown ways that could cause harm to himself or others. This problem is most likely exacerbated by the fact that he'll be having to deal with the corruptive influence of the Kyūbi and its chakra."
Hiruzen leaned back in his chair, deeply contemplative, staring at Inoichi while letting his mind go through all the information given and all the problems it could case before finally stating/asking, "You wouldn't have brought this problem to me if you hadn't already come up with a viable solution, so what do you propose?"
"Weekly sessions with me or, if I'm unavailable, one of two other Yamanaka I've chosen but not yet informed. The first things we'd work on would be getting him used to expressing his emotions in controlled ways rather than repressing them. Then we'd get him to start working on special types of meditation meant to help someone control and access their mindscape better so that Naruto can enter his mind (though the fact that he mentioned talking to the Kyūbi means he might already be able to), find the physical representation of the "dam" in his mind, and start working on slowly and carefully "emptying" it so that we no longer have to worry about it. I also think at the same time this training will also help if he ever ends up using the Kyūbi's chakra or running into Orochimaru again so that he's better at controlling his emotions and will have already accepted or even overcome any sort of mental problems Orochimaru might try to use against him," Inoichi said.
Hiruzen closed his eyes and carefully though over Inoichi's proposition from a number of angles so as to not miss any kind of political or mental impact something like this might have if it became known to the general public. Finally after ten minutes of contemplation he opened his eyes and called out, "Taka."
An Anbu with a hawk mask dropped down from his hiding place and asked, "Hai, Hokage-sama?"
"Please go to Naruto's home and inform him I'd like to see him in my office, he may bring Asahi and Yui if he wishes," he ordered. The Anbu shunshined off to do as ordered.
"Does that mean you approve Hokage-sama," Inoichi asked.
Hiruzen nodded in response and replied, "Yes, and we may as well start as soon as possible."
When Naruto and family arrived a few minutes later and was re-told everything they had discussed he understood their reasons and accepted the new training.
Two Months Later - Academy
Naruto and his friends were sitting at "their" spot under the tree eating lunch and happily chatting about various subjects like training, gardening, games, and food. The training with Inoichi had seriously helped Naruto open up, he was still rather stoic and reserved most of the time but no longer tried to hide and suppress his emotions (much) when he felt them.
He also found himself proud of the academy as while it had very little to teach him personally it did an excellent job teaching the other students what they needed to know. The first week of the academy had been different from the rest as it was spent reviewing to both help and check the retention of returning students while making sure transfers like Naruto were at the right level for the class.
After that was entirely different. For the first hour of academy we warmed up, stretched, and did demanding (for the limits of our age) physical exercises and/or ran obstacle courses. After that we practice shuriken, kunai, and senbon throwing for another hour to cool down. Then we either practiced or sparred in Taijutsu for two hours. After that we enter the academy and learn about chakra control and either Ninjutsu or Genjutsu, mostly how to recognize and break out of one, but also some on how to cast them as well for an hour. We would then take a half hour lunch break. After that was biology, anatomy, and a very basic lecture on seduction and assassination (just to get students used to the idea of it) for an hour or a short half hour each lecture on mathematics and politics switching between each option every day. Then there was a two hour lecture on either history of all the elemental nations and their shinobi's specialties and tactics as well as stuff about the Bijū; stealth, advanced tactics, and trap making; tracking, capture and interrogation; poisons, field medicine, and treatment; geography and surviving in the wild with nothing or with supplies; or a split between basic fuinjutsu (which included stuff about jinchūriki) and medical jutsu for an hour each depending on the day. All in all an eight and a half hour class day every day except Sunday.
Naruto heard that the civilians had tried to have the academy changed to make the academy easier (for their children) to graduate, but got rejected (thank god.) He'd also heard from an academy student a year above him named Tenten he'd made acquaintances with that next year they'd have finished with history and instead made the anatomy, biology, ect., lessons daily for the hour and put the mathematics and politics lectures as hour each lectures in place of history. She also mentioned that every year till graduation (at 12 or 13 depending on birthdays) the physical part would become more demanding despite not becoming longer.
All in all while boring for him it was satisfying to know that no matter what team he got when he graduated he wouldn't have incompetent teammates that would get everyone killed for some reason or another because of bad training. Or at least most of them wouldn't. All of the girls in the class except Hinata were complete fan-girls of the Uchiha and because of that all of them with the exception of Ino (who couldn't afford to make her clan look bad) did the bare minimum or close to it of the physical requirements needed to pass. They were all in the bottom of the class and the only reason they weren't all tied for dead last was because of their varying academic levels and the fact that a couple actually tried slightly in the physicals to make up for academics.
Speaking of fan-girls, for some reason or another Ino approached them. They fell silent and stared at the Sasuke fan-girl, waiting for her to make her reasons for being there clear. For a short while all that sounded was the chirping of birds and the other kids noises while Ino looked over each person individually, before letting loose a small snort.
"I honestly don't get how all of you are in the middle of the class or at the bottom of the top. I mean we have a lazy ass who thinks everything is troublesome and sleeps through everything he can, a fat-ass that only cares and thinks about food, a shy little wall-flower too cowardly to spar, a dumb-ass that thinks he and his dog is all that, a creepy silent guy obsessed with bugs, and another silent guy that's probably mental. A group of people like you should be at the bottom of the class, not my friends," Ino said in contempt.
"And you're an annoying fan-girl of Sas-gay that only does well in class to look good and doesn't care about being a kunoichi at all," Kiba snapped back in anger before adding, "And there's a difference between fear and kindness that a Yamanaka like you should be able to see so you should be grateful Hinata's too kind to whoop your ass like you deserve Ino!"
Ino flushed red with rage at the insults to not only Sasuke but her motivation as a kunoichi and her skills as a Yamanaka. She opened her mouth to yell what would most likely be scathing insults but was interrupted by Naruto before she could, "You shouldn't get so mad when you're the one who started this little insult feast Yamanaka-san," the scathing way he said san clearly showing how much respect he truly has for the girl before asking, "What did you mean by 'most likely mental'?"
Ino calmed down from her near tirade at the distraction before the question actually registered in her brain and she started sneering before saying, "Of course you must be mental seeing as how you're seeking special counseling with my own father every week and have been for months!"
Naruto's friends were shocked, he'd never mentioned this to them before. Naruto on the other hand now had a dark look in his eyes, something Ino easily noticed and pounced upon by saying, "See what I mean, bring it up and your true colors automatically show, wonder how messed up you must be to need counseling from the best councilor in Konoha weekly you freak!"
At that Naruto's eyes went from dark to cold enough to make ice shiver, the emotions he was unconsciously radiating causing the humans to freeze and the dogs to growl at the human who caused their pack-mate to feel said emotions. Naruto stared at her for a few minutes before saying in a cold voice that could make glaciers jealous, "Yamanaka," no one missed the lack of honorific, though honestly enough with how frozen they felt they didn't think they'd be missing a single thing he said, "You do realize that you just released confidential client information and broken patient-therapist confidentiality laws so I can now demand recompense from you correct? And before you say you're status as a minor protects you please remember that academy students as shinobi-in-training while safe from the most harsh of laws, are still considered adults in the eyes of the law otherwise and are tried as such after their second year at the academy, which we're in our third."
Ino went dead white as the others silently went over their politics lessons only to realize he was right, the only things they were tried as minors for after their second year at the academy was murder and rape, meant as a means to protect civilians from unruly academy students that might want to try out new jutsus and lessons on them, like using the Henge no jutsu to get away with stealing.
Ino opened her mouth to say something however Naruto wasn't done yet and added, "Also as a clan head, despite the fact I have a guardian acting for me until I reach sixteen or Jōnin, to a near extinct clan the Hokage and Shinobi council has gone to great lengths to convince to settle here in Konoha I also have a right to demand recompense from your clan as well since it was their slight in not training you well enough and in letting you know this confidential information in the first place."
Ino somehow went even paler and Naruto could literally feel the fear coming off her in waves. He knew that she realized that if he did this he'd not only be putting a bad light on her clan and her especially but also that since the Yamanaka tended to specialize in helping shinobi and kunoichi in counseling that they'd never be trusted to hold said confidentiality with them and not only would they have pissed off ninja's on their hands but also a significant drop in important clan funds due to loss of clientele and political power due to lack of trust.
The others were silent, all of them were clan heirs, even Kiba, who should have simply been the son of the clan head, became heir when Hana gave up the title in order to remain a vet. They knew that what Ino did and the situation she'd gotten herself into because of it was dead serious. They could not interfere with such serious matters without very good reason, only act as witnesses. Chōji and Shikamaru, as former friends of hers before she became a fan-girl felt a small twinge of sympathy for her, but realized she'd done this to herself and deserved whatever she got because of it.
Naruto kept his now dead serious gaze trained on her, studying both her body language and emotions before releasing a small, barely existent sigh and asking, "Have you told anyone else, don't lie as trust me when I say I'll know and I won't be pleased."
Ino frantically shook her head no before, too scared to think straight, telling him, "I'd planned to after this but no not yet." Quite frankly she was damn glad she hadn't or she knew this situation would be MUCH worse.
Naruto could tell she wasn't lying about any of it through his sensory abilities, not that he thought she would with how terrified she was, but better safe than sorry. After confirming the truth of her words he gave a firm nod and decided to do something he's been wanting to since first discovering the fan-girl problem but hadn't found a way to do yet and better with one than none at all.
"Alright Ino I believe there's a way we can get through this without going beyond this group," Ino sagged in relief before stiffening again when Naruto continued, "However, you must swear on your honor as a clan heiress that you will not only listen to but think about what I'm going to say, do you understand?"
He got another frantic nod of confirmation from the girl before continuing, "First and foremost if I EVER hear of you breaking confidentiality of any kind again I will be reporting both cases, we are shinobi and kunoichi in training and by now we should at least be able to know how and when to keep secrets of importance. Next, I want you to formally apologize to each of my friends individually for your disparaging comments, they were not only unnecessary and cruel, but also petty. They are where they are because they put effort into being where they are, while those friends of yours only do the bare minimum to stay in the academy so they can continue to try and get in the Uchiha's pants."
Ino opened up her mouth most likely in protest to his comments about her friends but a stern look from him caused to shut said mouth with a click. Seeing her significantly cowed once more he continued, "I told you that you must think about what I say as well and you and I both know even someone with half a brain would see the truth in my statement. They'd also see you would be doing the same damn thing if it wasn't for the fact that you have your clan's honor and reputation to consider."
This time rather than trying to protest Ino simply slumped in defeat while the others stared at Naruto for cursing for the first time ever in front of them, they knew he was frustrated with the fan-girl situation, but they didn't realize how much until now.
Naruto took a breath before sighing and continuing, "I admit I am seeking counseling with your father. I went through some traumatic things in my life before my family adopted me and I therefore adopted them into my clan and Inoichi, being the one to do the standardized mind scan for new entrees and clans to make sure we harbored no ill will towards Konoha, offered to give me counseling to help me with my traumas before they became future larger problems because I'd never had any counseling before. Most likely as an attempt to start an alliance between our clans since we have things that could benefit the Yamanaka clan just like they do for the Uzumaki's. At least I can say I took advice when given and listened to it unlike you every time your parents scold you for your infatuation with the Uchiha, or should I say the Uchiha's looks and prestige since he shows the personality of a brick wall. I never knew a clan as in depth with their own emotions and minds could be so petty until I saw you panting after the Uchiha like a bitch in heat before we even hit puberty just because he's 'Hot, dark, and mysterious'," sneering the last part to show how he felt about that "fact".
Realizing he was letting his emotions control him rather than the other way around Naruto started some simple breathing exercises to not only calm down but also let Ino process everything he'd just said. He'd followed her emotions through his little tirade and had felt shock at his admittance to being counseled, guilt at the reason why, shock again and then deep worry when she realized her father was most likely trying for an alliance with his clan and that she might mess that up, and then settled on a mixture of shame and indignation at the last parts.
The part about an alliance was true too, Inoichi had gone to Naruto's house once and after seeing the extremely rare and even considered extinct plants there he had first asked how (a combination of special seals and a green thumb most Uzumaki's seemed to have) and had then promptly offered an alliance both politically and trade-wise between their clans.
The Yamanaka didn't run a flower shop just for some extra money, while counseling and T&I were the most well known traits of the Yamanaka clan, they were also one of two foremost creators and caretakers of medicinal plants working side by side with the Nara clan to make the best medicines and remedies in all of fire country. They were also the sole producers of plant related poisons and anti-toxins in Konoha (Anko and a specialized group of breeders not of a clan being the ones for animal related). The man hadn't even budged when Naruto told him he was keeping the "extinct" ones solely in the clan, especially the poisonous ones. He'd left his full trust in Yui (as acting clan head) to hash out all the details with the clan head after telling her what not to offer to him.
After giving both them and their listeners a few minutes he continued, "I understand the fact that we are young and still learning about things like non-family and friend related love but that doesn't excuse your demeaning of yourself with your actions both towards the Uchiha and towards your fellow classmates and eventual comrades. If you continue this mentality that all a kunoichi has to do is look pretty and act the damsel in distress you will get yourself and any kunoichi with you raped and killed with the shinobi either dead or forced to watch before being tortured for information."
A dead, horrified silence greeted his words, he knew they were harsh but he also knew they were true and better they realize through words than through consequences, this was the life they were signing up for after all.
He continued without regret, "As for your actions towards your fellow classmates while I can personally say I trust none of those here to do something like this I warn you now not everyone will be as tolerant and forgiving of your attitude towards others. There will always be the occasional rotten one who is willing to make accidents happen on missions, or ambushes where they conveniently couldn't get to you in time. They will be punished….if they're caught, but that won't bring you back now will it? There's a saying I honestly can't remember where I got it from that fits this situation perfectly 'Be careful what you think, for your thoughts become your words. Be careful what you say, for your words become your actions. Be careful what you do, for your actions become your habits. Be careful what becomes habitual, for your habits become your life.' Right now it is words, then it will be habit, then it will be you….and then you'll be dead." (A/N I honestly can't remember what to reference that quote from, but please don't copyright me for it, if you know please tell and I'll give credit where it's due.)
If the silence before was dead then the silence this time was suffocating as now everyone, even Naruto's two Anbu guards, was contemplating his words. Then the bell signifying the end to lunch rang making everyone but Naruto jump slightly. He stood up, dusted himself off, and walked off with one last parting comment, "Remember your vow Yamanaka-san, for I certainly will."
Ino formally apologized to each person for her words after class that day.
Oct. 10 - Naruto's House (10th B-day)
Naruto was up in his room listening with a mixture of amusement, happiness, and exasperation as all his friends, some of their parents, Iruka-sensei (whom he'd formed a surprisingly close bond with due to the many times he stayed after class, at first to ask questions about lessons that led to interesting discussions, then to simply discuss things, and then finally to talking about anything and everything and going out to lunch together at times), and his family (which now included all of his other sensei, even Kurenai, as honorary older siblings) bumbled about setting up the house for the "most awesome and heartfelt birthday party ever," their words, not mine.
They'd initially thought to throw a surprise party for him but by then he'd told all of them of his Emotion Sensing ability (he'd long since trained in it enough to become able to sense all emotions instinctually in a six foot radius [he could stretch that by a lot but that would drive him mad to do it all the time] and therefore removed the Negative from the front) so they promptly threw that out the window and told him to "sit and wait so they can at least surprise him this way" which he did without complaint.
He couldn't help but lean back in his seat and remember all that had happened in his life since coming here to Konoha. Meeting so many new people, the councils' reactions to him, the general populaces reactions to him, his first day at the academy. Making his now dear friends, meeting his godfather, his sessions with Inoichi that led to a clan alliance with the Yamanaka and, through them, the Nara and Akimichi that led to a serious increase in knowledge in medicine, poisons, tactics, and (unsurprisingly) a major trade in various recipes and tricks in cooking. The scolding of Ino, which unfortunately didn't affect any of the other fan-girls but helped Ino if not get over her crush than at least focus on herself first (though they'd likely never be more than comrades due to that confrontation.) Getting close enough to his friends to tell them some of his more secret skills and abilities (like bloodlines) though he's considering telling them more soon. Getting closer to his various sensei and godfather (when he was in town). Improving in his emotional training enough that Inoichi says that they'll be starting mindscape work soon.
He'd even completed a special order for Tsume and the rest of the Inuzuka clan a couple months ago. When he was held captive by the Snake he'd managed to capture a man named Samizu Kichiemon, a man extremely skilled in mechanics that he used in making elaborate traps, architecture, and even self-propelling puppets and dolls. He'd had the man mentor a number of his soldiers, Naruto, and even a couple of times himself in his skills. Only Naruto and two others (one of which he knows is dead from the raid on the lab and the other he doesn't know the fate of) showed any real talent and Kichiemon, realizing he'd be killed the second he lost his use, spent every minute of free time he had writing a journal (more like a large book) with every single skill, technique, and the blueprints of every idea he's ever had or built and secretly gave it to Naruto to hold and study. He was killed just two months later.
Naruto had overheard Tsume complain about the dogs constantly damaging the doors by banging on them whenever they were locked out and her lack of desire to either leave the doors open at all times or have a human sized dog door installed in each, too much of a security risk. So he had offered to build special mechanized doors that would open the bottom "panel" of a door only when a certain part of the door or frame was pushed set with seals to only react to set chakra signatures and make enough for the entire clan (while deciding to make some for his own house as he knew his hounds would someday outgrow the dog door) and she happily accepted. Installing the doors and setting the seals to each person was actually harder and more time consuming then making them was. Thank god for Kage Bunshin.
And finally his progress, or lack thereof, in all other training. While he was constantly and steadily improving his knowledge and skills in most things, he seemed to have hit the limits of his physical capabilities in Taijutsu, Kenjutsu, and general physical abilities until he hits puberty and is therefore stuck doing the same drills repeatedly to stay at that peak, and while he understood why it didn't make things any less frustrating.
As for Genjutsu it was nearly as frustrating in the fact that while he had improved the one's he knew and learned some new ones he still needed the Mamagen to use them despite his very slowly but steadily increasing chakra control. He hated the fact that he had to use a crutch to use this area of shinobi skills but understood the fact that his highly dense chakra may very well leave him using it always and that it would be stupid of him to give up on a good tool because of his own pride.
Ninjutsu he'd managed to complete one more level each with elemental training and learn at least one new jutsu for each of his elements and bloodlines, though most were D-ranks. His hounds had finally become old enough for all of him to learn Shikyaku no Jutsu (Four Legs Jutsu) and them to learn Jūjin Bunshin (Beast Human Clone.) We also learned the Gatsūga (Fang Passing Fang), and begin soldier pill training. When an Inuzuka hound is exposed to the effects of a soldier pill their fur changes colors and his were no exception. Their changes were actually rather simple and the same for each, the parts of their fur that was black and white inverted. What they hadn't expected, however, was for the soldier pill to unlock the Mamagen in them, though it only seemed to happen while under the effects of a soldier pill.
"Alright Naruto, hurry up and come down," he heard the excited voice of Kiba shout.
Not wanting to waste their time and efforts Naruto headed out of his room and down the stairs at a reasonable pace towards the living they said they'd set up at, and froze at the entrance. "They really outdid themselves," he couldn't help but think, and it was true too. Banners in reds, blues, greens, and oranges were draped everywhere, some saying "Happy B-day" others blank. Presents from everyone were stacked up knee high for an adult on the coffee table, a beautiful two tear blue and orange icing cake (obviously Akimichi made) sat on the other table in the room with ten red candles and "Happy Tenth Naruto!" written out in black. But what was most shocking to him were the many smiling faces directed at him after having just shouted out "Happy Birthday" to him. Since he'd promised not to direct his sensory abilities towards them he hadn't realized they'd been secretly sneaking in the parents that hadn't been there before, his godfather Jiraiya, and the Hokage into their home.
He was honestly so touched so many people cared about him he couldn't help but shed a few happy tears and let loose a beaming smile. With the smile still on his face he walked fully into the room and spent the rest of the celebrating his first real birthday celebrating with those precious to him.
Five and a Half Months Later - Near End of Summer Break - Naruto's House
Naruto and his friends were spending their summer vacation in numerous ways from playing, swimming, talking, cloud watching, and simply enjoying their childhood to training. Today was one of those days that they decided to train and Naruto once again volunteered his rather impressive training grounds for it. However, with school fast approaching two of the group were less than enthusiastic about it, those two being Kiba and Shikamaru. Kiba was being vocal about it and Shika doing a form of silent protest by simply not doing anything.
"But why are we wasting our last couple days of freedom from that boring prison called the academy," Kiba whined once again.
Naruto frowned at his hyper friend before saying, "Because we need the training, and you really shouldn't insult the academy like that because everything they're teaching is important."
"How," Kiba asked, disbelieving, Naruto could tell even the others had their doubts about some of the academy material, so he decided to explain.
"Let's use an analogy to make things simple, ok," getting nods in return he continued with another question, "You guys know at least the basics of how to build a bridge? Placing and building your foundation, choosing and buying the materials, making, mixing, and preparing your "cement," and then putting them all together to build the bridge, right?"
He got confused nods in return before continuing, "If you build a bad foundation it doesn't matter how good your bridge is it will collapse and possibly kill people. If you pick the wrong material, for example wood in salt water that will quickly corrode it, your bridge will once again fail and most likely kill people. If you mix or prepare your cement wrong the bridge will, once again, fail and most likely kill people. And finally, even if you build and amazing, sturdy, long-lasting bridge but you don't build it the way you were paid by your contractor to build it he or she will be angry and demand you build it properly without paying you anymore than they already paid because it's your mistake and now you have to pay out of your own pocket to build a new one."
The others were silent, Shikamaru and Shino were seeing where this was going but the others were simply confused. Realizing this, he once again continued, "The "foundation" of the bridge is the equivalent of the math, science, history, physical exercises, and other basic stuff you find "boring" Kiba, and just like a bridge without a solid foundation you will fail and get not only yourself but others killed, it's just like how you need to learn how to take care of your hound despite it being boring to you. The "materials" are the knowledge about different elemental ninjutsu, genjutsu, taijutsu and other physical things. Without knowing when to use a move or how you will end up making mistakes like trying to use a weak fire jutsu against a strong water jutsu that could get you and others killed. Without knowing how to mix and use your "cement" or chakra properly again you will, once again, get others killed. And finally as ninja we will be contracted out for money and we better damn well do what those contracts tell us to do as close to the letter as possible or we lose both clients and money, which is also politics."
The others all now had "oh" looks on their faces, now understanding at least somewhat better why the academy taught what it did. With that all of them, even Shikamaru (though unenthusiastically) went back to training with just a little more fire than before while also silently promising themselves to pay at least slightly better attention in class.
Another six months later - basic review of events
The next six months have passed almost uneventfully. A couple of the bigoted, blind villagers who'd "somehow" had the location of his house leaked to them (he suspected the elders) had the "brilliant" idea of forming a small mob and burning the house down…..obviously Kakashi and Yamato (in their Anbu personas) quickly intercepted and imprisoned them. They were trialed and punished on charges of attempted arson on a clan head's home and the second they heard the "clan head" bit not even the politicos that dislike or hate him would touch their case.
Asahi was making a number of friends in the ranks but was definitely closest to Naruto's other honorary siblings. He and Yui had finally stopped beating around the bush and had now been happily dating for nearly four months now. When he wasn't off on missions they'd usually be seen together, with or without friends. Yui herself had also grown close to not only Naruto's new honorary siblings but also Iruka and the clan heirs he'd befriended. The group she'd been going to for tea had now made it an official and regularly growing in size club.
Naruto and Iruka had grown closer still since his b-day party and they now regularly spent time with each other simply talking about anything that came to their minds. He was considering making him an honorary sibling to him as well but knowing Iruka's thoughts on favoritism thought he should hold off until he graduates.
The "Middle Six," as the academy started calling them for consistently keeping the same rank for at least a year and a half and the fact that they were always together, became even more inseparable to the point Naruto was thinking about telling them the last three secrets he was keeping from them, his father's identity, him containing Kurama (and maybe his actual relation with him rather than the lie he told the council), and just how and why he has so many bloodlines and abilities. Though he suspected Shino and Shikamaru had already guessed the first two.
Kimi, Jun, and Ryuu had grown much bigger and had nearly caught up to Akamaru in size. He also learned that Kimi had the Hyoton, Fūton, and Suiton elements, Jun had Shikotsumyaku and Doton, and Ryuu had Jinton, Fūton, and Raiton elements. They were now working on using them alongside the Mamagen and the usual Inuzuka ninken abilities.
Naruto's own training had hit a kind of roadblock, being unable to increase his chakra reserves or physical abilities any more until puberty had set in for a while without risking permanent damage to his body. He was sticking with practicing and improving what he already knew and also trying to master a number of his jutsu without hand signs and if possible without vocalizing them. The only things he could truly improve though were his chakra control (which is a constant uphill battle), things that didn't take chakra and physical work like poisons, medicine, and animal care (he'd become interested enough to at least want to learn more vet skills, if not practice them) and his book learning.
Everyone else had actually grown quite a bit, Hinata and Shino even seemed to have recently hit puberty, and it looked like Chōji and Kiba weren't too far behind. It made sense since most of them were now eleven and that was a pretty typical age for it. They had improved in leaps and bounds not only skill and (to a limited extent for Kiba, it's just not his cup of tea) intelligence wise, but also personality wise.
Kiba had learned the value of when to be quiet through stealth training….and pranks. He was also able to control his emotions better than any other Inuzuka with the exception of his sister due to the daily meditation Naruto made each of his friends go thorough for just this reason. All of them asked their parents to let them learn and work with their chakra natures after hearing Naruto both knew and trained in his and had done so for a while.
Because of this he and Akamaru were beginning to become a dangerous combo due to the fact that they both added their Katon chakra natures to their teeth and claws to make them more lethal. The only elemental manipulation Kiba knew beyond that (and some of the Inuzuka clan's Yang release jutsus) were a couple E, D, and C-rank Katon jutsus, and one E, D, and C-rank each Fūton jutsu due to it being Kiba's other, though almost equally as powerful, element (that he didn't share with Akamaru, which is why he's less interested in it for now.) Other than that he just wasn't the type for intellectual stuff, it went too much against the Inuzukas' nature to fight and act through instinct, so while he now had a more well rounded education to "keep his foundation good" he didn't plan on going any further, which was fine, everyone is good at some things and bad at others.
Shikamaru was still rather lazy but he'd improved somewhat as well. Mostly in taijutsu as he now had decent stamina and a good taijutsu style that focused on dodging and hitting when possible that suited his mind, skills, and stamina (while better it was still the second worst after Shino's.) Other than that he had learned two clan jutsus other than Shadow Imitation called the Shadow Bind (which was a more complex version of Imitation) and Shadow-Neck Binding (1) jutsus. He also learned he had the elements Doton and Katon with Doton being the stronger of the two (and of course the Yin release jutsus related to the Nara.) He'd learned one E and D-rank for each and was satisfied with that for now.
Chōji had also learned a new jutsu other than the Partial Multi-Size and Multi-Size jutsus called the Human Bullet Tank jutsu. He'd also learned he had Doton and Suiton natures and had learned three E-rank and two D and C-rank jutsu for each (as well as the Akimichi Yang release jutsu). He hadn't improved too much in taijutsu because he had already been tied with Kiba for the second best there (Naruto first) but had gotten slightly faster. The regular meditation sessions had also helped keep him from snapping when someone insulted his weight….as badly, but he was otherwise the same personality-wise.
Shino had also improved his stamina some but due to the way the Aburame housed their bugs he would never be good at taijutsu and had therefore picked up learning how to wield a kusarigama (chain-scythe) to help him both keep his opponents away and in close combat if that doesn't work. He was becoming quite skilled with it and was currently learning how to channel both his Katon and Doton natures through it rather than learning more than one E-rank technique each since his kikaichū meant he can't use much more yet due to the chakra cost (And the Aburame clan Yang release jutsu). He'd also learned the Mushi Bunshin no Jutsu (Insect Clone Jutsu) since that's all he could learn other than the Kikaichū no Jutsu (Parasitic Insects Jutsu) all Aburame have from birth for now until his hive and reserves become much larger.
Hinata had improved and changed the most personality-wise. While still very shy, especially with new people, she no longer stuttered and had the confidence to talk back when necessary. The greatest improvement, however, was in the fact that constant convincing from all her friends, her uncle, and her cousin had finally made her realize her inability to spar properly with others was actually hurting them by making them overestimate themselves and that the "no pain, no gain," belief was true as long as it was carefully controlled and regulated. The only reason she wasn't top kunoichi in class now was because she didn't want to change her current ranking in order to remain underestimated. She'd also learned the reason the Jūken was so hard for her was because the rigid and fierce stances were meant for one with a Doton and Katon affinity while she had her mother's Raiton and Katon instead. She had the fierceness but not the rigidity and was now working with her Uncle and cousin to mix the fast reflexes and fluidity of movement from both Raiton and Suiton into her style. Since it was considered "wrong" for a Hyūga to learn anything else that's it though.
All in all he would be proud and happy to be in a team with any of them and they most likely would since those in the middle were usually randomly paired together to make balanced teams.
Years Later - Graduation Day
Little had changed over the years. Everyone had hit puberty and grown both physically and mentally over the years. Most of them were wearing new outfits (regular pre-shippuden clothes) with Naruto being the only exception. They had learned some new things and grown stronger but that's about it for things involving them and their families directly. They had just gone through graduation and had, as usual, held back to get the rankings they needed for each of them to be put on a team together.
The only important thing Naruto had done was the fact that he fully finished his sessions with Inoichi just two months earlier. It turns out that the physical manifestation of the "dam" in his mind was a dead and rotting tree hidden in the forest of his mind. Over years of careful work and training he'd managed to completely release any and all trapped emotions and memories from the tree, and while he wasn't happy to have all of them, he understood they were just as much a part of him as the rest.
Kurama, after realizing he'd actually managed to not only release but also accept said emotions, admitted that if he hadn't done so those emotions would have eventually manifested as a negative (or nega for short) version of him that would feed off of Kurama's own in order to grow stronger to take control of his body and mind if he hadn't have done what he did. And that in doing what he'd done he'd actually completed an important step in fully controlling his chakra. When asked why he hadn't been warned before Kurama admitted that he honestly hadn't believed Naruto would be able to do what he did yet and didn't want him lose himself to it by trying too early. He then very reluctantly apologized for both not telling him and for underestimating his mental maturity and strength. He also warned that there was a chance nega Naruto would form anyway if he wasn't careful about his emotions, though, which was concerning.
Shino had become more open and willing to share his emotions with them as long as they were alone. They were the only ones to truly change something big over the years.
As for other people around them changing….the saying the more things change the more they stay the same definitely applies for most. Ino had taken the time to truly evaluate both her own emotions and Sasuke himself and had promptly dropped any and all infatuation for him. It had been more than early enough to change her tune and become a proper kunoichi worthy of her title as top. Even if Hinata hadn't of held back it would have been anyone's guess on who would have won it. Her only regret now is destroying her friendship with Sakura which she had been trying to fix….keyword trying.
Sakura had ended up dead last due to her pathetic physical abilities, chakra reserves, and her refusal to answer anything related to seduction on the written exam, trouble with tactics and trap making, and dislike of wilderness survival. The only reason she was barely able to pass was her skills in medical jutsu, poisons, and medicine, as well as her chakra control making the required basic three plus one ninjutsu and genjutsu of choice each easy for her.
Mizuki had been revealed as a traitor to the leaf working as a spy to Orochimaru just a couple days ago after finally getting sloppy in his acting by trying to kill Naruto for an interpreted slight. The thought that someone working for the Snake had been so close still sent shivers down Naruto's spine, he'd simply thought the man hated him until he'd been interrogated.
Everyone else was still the same with the exception of Asahi and Yui who were now happily engaged and soon to be married in a week's time.
Sasuke was smirking and bragging to everyone how he knew he'd be Rookie of the Year from the start….until Shino, of all people, "kindly" reminded him his title was always grouped with the Dead Last and Kunoichi of the year, which caused Sasuke to pale at the realization he'd be on a team with his most obsessed (and therefore terrifying) fan-girl and another girl who made her dislike of him since he insulted her skills as a kunoichi well known.
They had all received their hitai-ate and were told to return the day after tomorrow for team assignments and were dismissed after a reminder to get their registration photo taken tomorrow.
"The Middle Six" all started heading towards Naruto's home as he told them he had important things to tell them he'd been meaning to tell for a little over a year but had always chickened out on before doing. Enough was enough though and he'd given them permission to force it out of him if he didn't tell them today.
After reaching the house and settling in the living room Naruto looked at all of them and took a deep, shaky, breath. With the supportive feelings his friends and hounds pouring into him through his sensory abilities and Kurama's voice muttering in his head to "Get it over with brat" he managed to gather enough courage and tell them everything he was willing to share.
His first nine years of life as Orochimaru's guinea pig with the exception of a few things, the way his hounds and adopted parents came into his life, and a list of each bloodline he had with a basic summary of them (even if he'd already told and showed some of them to them) were the first things he shared.
By the time he was done there wasn't a single dry eye in the room, even Shino was crying for the suffering he and his family went through. But what really gratified Naruto, more than their lack of negative emotions towards him for essentially being a lab rat, was he felt no pity from them. Sadness, sympathy, and a burning anger and disgust toward Orochimaru was all he got from them, and it was an amazingly gratifying feeling to know he picked the right friends to bond with and trust as pack-mates.
The next thing he told them was the truth about the Kyūbi and being it's jinchūriki. He told them everything from the truth about the attack to the truth about Kyūbi or Kurama, as they both asked them to call him, actually being rather decent as long as he wasn't treated as a mindless beast or worse, a weapon.
The others were stunned, no one, not even Shino and Shikamaru, who had managed to figure out he was a jinchūriki, saw that one coming. Naruto also told them that while he'd long ago come to trust the Hokage with the full truth everyone else still thought they didn't get along and asked them to keep it that way.
Before he told them the final thing he warned them that it was an S-rank secret that could get them killed if they revealed it and asked if any of them wanted to leave. None of them did so he told them the identities of his birth parents. Only Shino and Shikamaru weren't shocked. He was the son of two very well known and dangerous ninja, and no one guessed despite the similarities…..that fact was actually more shocking than their identities.
Naruto was happy to know that his friends both accepted him and said they would treat him no differently despite what they now knew. He was also grateful they were only slightly mad at him for keeping it from them for so long but understood why it was so hard for him to tell.
Next Day - Hokage Tower
Hiruzen was a proud and happy man today. Another batch of new genin were turning in their registration forms and photo's today and he saw a lot of raw talent. It was too bad most of them would go to the reserves or get shuffled into special forces like the cryptologists and non-field medics. They could only afford to let so many Jōnins divert from high ranking missions to become sensei though, so it was only understandable that it would happen and those who had stuck around had been given a warning about the chance of that happening to them a month before the final exams.
That all made him proud, but what also made him happy was the young boy...no, man….who was standing in front of his desk waiting for a stamp of approval for his registration. One Naruto Uzumaki, the young boy who'd he'd found in one of Orochimaru's labs had become an excellent young man that met and exceeded all of Hiruzen's expectations as the son of legends, a jinchūriki, and as a talented and intelligent young man in and of himself.
He noticed that Naruto was starting to get uncomfortable and thus decided to look over his registration. Everything checked out but he couldn't help but once again pause in order to admire the four photos attached to the registration. Naruto looked almost exactly the same with only three differences, he was now 5' 2'' (only one inch shorter than the tallest in class, Shino), he was now wearing a hitai-ate with a short black band around his neck, and he was looking at the camera with a small, but true smile.
His hounds were average size for an Inuzuka's hound around graduation time (they'd grown rapidly for the first couple of years but seem to have slowed to almost match a full blooded Inuzuka hounds development) with Kimi slightly smaller than the males. What he was admiring, though, was their new accessories. Ryuu now sported an all black bandana on his head with holes to let the ears through, the only color on it being the Konoha symbol in deep green in the center of the front with the Uzumaki symbol in deep red right next to it on the left (Hiruzen was saddened by the fact that they couldn't yet put the Namikaze symbol of a Yin-yang with a sunburst on the other side). Kimi was wearing a deep red scarf around her neck with the ends on her back, the Konoha symbol was in green on the front center and the Uzumaki was on one of the ends in white. Jun had a deep green vest on with the Konoha and Uzumaki symbol both on the back and in black and deep red respectively. Finally, all three were wearing goggles over their eyes, most likely to both protect them from debris and to at least partially hide the Mamagen.
Hiruzen gave the forms his stamp of approval and let Naruto dismiss himself after telling him he was proud of how far he'd come in the last (nearly) four years.
Same Day - Unknown Location
Silted ambers eyes were drawn up from documents by the sound of the only door in the room being knocked on. A hissing voice told whomever it was on the other side of the door to "Come in."
In walked a tall silver haired teenager with a ponytail and round-rimmed glasses. He adjusted said glasses once before speaking in a no nonsense reporting tone, "Our little spy has slipped up and been imprisoned, however he managed to send us all the information he gathered on both our targets and knows nothing of importance so he's fulfilled his purpose anyway. Suna has finally been worn down enough by the actions of their daimyo for their Kage to have agreed to meet with you. All in all things are moving as expected with few truly problematic speed bumps along the way. If this continues we will ready by the up and coming Chūnin Exams. "
The amber eyes gleamed with glee and malevolence before the hissing voice once again spoke to only to say one word, "Ex~celent."
Next Day - Naruto's House
Naruto was just about done preparing for team assignments with only one last thing to do. Wear his clan swords so he can walk around with them with pride for the first time. While he hadn't fully mastered either clans' kenjutsu style fully he believed he was good enough to do the blades honor and that was enough.
The first blade he picked up an looked over was the Uzumaki clan sword. It was a beautiful long-sword, the blade was made of chakra metal with a ripple design within it, the guard and hilt were deep black and made of polished ebony, instead of a pommel it had a single, soundless, silver bell attached by ninja wire. The sheath/scabbard was also made of ebony but rather than being black it was a deep crimson color with pictures of spirits from folklore like kitsune, tanuki, nekomata, and more carved into it and the Uzumaki clan symbol in white on both sides in the center at of the locket. Along the entire blade and sheath/scabbard were seals meant to make the blade and sheath/scabbard as close to indestructible as possible. It's name was Inari no Ikari (Inari's Wrath), which Kurama admitted had made him laugh the first time he heard it. The hilt had special storage seals built within it made to allow someone to extend the length of the bell's chakra conductive ninja wire to up to 100' in length (and hold it to the length where they want it at until they extend/shrink it again) and use said wire for a number of things such as turning the blade into a long ranged weapon similar to a kusarigama without the curve (the bell having seals on it to make it act like a weighted end). It's also designed to allow the sheathe and sword to connect in order to make a spear for mid-range mêlée. Finally it has seals on both its grip and sheath that it first recognizes only one living Uzumaki at a time as it's wielder. It then makes it so that anyone without Uzumaki blood that touches it without the wielders permission is attacked with all the base elements of the current wielder….which was all five right now. Those with Uzumaki blood that touch it without permission are simply repelled by a strong force where a force field then forms and protects the sword from being touched again until the current wielder willingly channels chakra into the shield, though it actually creates the force field for either instance of it being touched without permission. But even with permission it only allows itself to be touched and carried, not wielded.
The Namikaze blade was a scimitar. This blade was also made of chakra steel (which made sense, it is the best and most precious metal for weapons) without the ripples. Also, instead of a normal edge a scimitar usually had it was slightly serrated in places in order to rend and tear as well as cut and at the tip was a hooked end meant to catch and gouge. The guard and hilt were made out of rainbow obsidian while the pommel was nonexistent. The sheath/scabbard of the sword was made of black obsidian and had different depictions of each of the five elements carved into it. It, just like the other, had seals all over it meant to make the sword as indestructible as possible. It's name was Genso no Noroi (Elemental Curse.) The hook on the end of the blade had seals on it that allowed it to grow to large sizes or shrink to nonexistence depending on the users will, the sheath/scabbard was able to be launched like a rocket in the direction its aimed at using seals on the top of the guard, and just like the Uzumaki sword it would only let its wielder use it. However, instead of attacking anyone else that tries to wield it the sword makes itself heavier than the weight the person is able to carry and refuses to leave its sheath/scabbard until it's wielder touches it, it also won't let anyone else carry it, even with permission.
With Inari on his back and Genso in his sash Naruto and the hounds dashed off to the academy, eager to learn who would be on his team.
Short while later - academy
Iruka had just finished a short speech about how proud he was of them and a reminder of the dangers they faced in their chosen profession and was just about to start listing teams. "Team 1 is…Team 4 is still in circulation….Team 6 is…..Team 7 is Sasuke Uchiha, Ino Yamanaka, and Sakura Haruno under Kakashi Hatake," Iruka had to pause to clear the ringing in his ears from the shriek of joy Sakura let loose at this news and only barely picked up the groans of despair the other two released for their own reasons before continuing, "Team 8 is Chōji Akimichi, Shikamaru Nara, and Shino Aburame under Kurenai Yūhi."
The mentioned three nodded in appreciation of both teammates and the fact that they knew their sensei already. Iruka continued, "Team 9 is still in circulation, and finally
Team 10 is Naruto Uzumaki, Kiba Inuzuka, and Hinata Hyūga under Asuma Sarutobi."
The three, while happy to be on the same team, were at the same time curious to meet the man they'd heard about but not yet met because he only recently returned from his job as one of the Guardian 12 for the daimyo. The reason he'd most likely picked Naruto and Kiba is because he was the only one in Konoha whom could properly teach them to wield Fūton.
As for the purposes of the three teams Team 7 was obviously an interrogation and support team with an Uchiha that could (once he activated his sharingan) both cast genjutsu for distractions and escape, and taijutsu and ninjutsu skills to allow him to act as the frontline hitter, Sakura as the medic and support, and Ino as a mid-range hitter and interrogator.
Team 8 was a combined heavy-hitter, capture, and tracking team with Shikamaru as the strategist and mid to long-range support with his clan jutsus and elemental affinities, Shino as the tactician (there is a difference) long-range support with clan jutsus and weapon that can allow him to switch to close when necessary and medic with his skills in field medicine, and Chōji as the frontline heavy hitter that can switch to all ranges thanks to his taijutsu skills, clan jutsus, and elemental affinities.
Team 10 was a frontline protection and escort team with all three highly skilled in taijutsu and both Naruto and Kiba capable of switching between all three ranges and support thanks to clan jutsu and elemental affinities with Hinata as the medic, being nearly as good as Sakura in medical jutsu and good with field medicine as well.
"You all have an hour to eat lunch and get to know your team if you don't already, be back in class before then so your team sensei can pick you up," Iruka was telling them before the classroom door opened and a smoking man walked in.
He looked around for a second before saying, "I know that its usual for a team to get to know each other over lunch and then meet their sensei after but I'd rather we all have lunch together and get to know each other over that, so Team 10 with me."
The three people and four hounds followed Asuma to a restaurant Chōji (and therefore they) frequented called Yakiniku Q , sat at a booth and ordered (Naruto and Kiba ordering for their hounds as well.)
Asuma sat back in the booth and looked over each person individually before saying, "While we wait for out food why don't we introduce ourselves with our name, likes, dislikes, hobbies, elemental affinities if you know them, and dream(s) for the future. Since I know you guys know each other already I'll go first. My name is Asuma Sarutobi, I like smoking, my friends, and alcohol, I dislike people who complain about me smoking, traitors, and rapists. My hobbies are trying out new types of tobacco, spending time with friends, and training. My elemental affinities are katon and fūton. My dreams are to make you a great team and to get married someday. Your turn."
They looked at each other for minute before Naruto went first (same as last time only he adds his friends and siblings to likes and a list of his affinities). Hinata went next, "My name is Hinata Hyūga, my likes are flower pressing, my family, and my friends, my dislikes are bullies, the Caged Bird seal, and traitors. My elemental affinities are raiton and katon. My hobbies are gardening, flower pressing, spending time with friends and family, and training. My dreams are to become an excellent clan head to my clan, remove the Caged Bird seal, and to get married and have many kids."
Kiba finished, "My name is Kiba Inuzuka, and this is Akamaru *woof.* I like running, my pack (friends), my clan (including Naruto), and Akamaru, I dislike animal abusers, traitors, cats, and the pitches fan-girls can reach. My affinities are katon (Akamaru's too) and fūton. My hobbies are training, spending time with my pack and clan, and taking care of Akamaru. My dream is to become the best clan head ever and maybe someday get married."
Asuma nodded to all their introductions before saying/asking, "Are you all aware of the final genin test," getting nods in response he continued, "Good, then eat up, get a good night's sleep, and meet me at training ground 10 at 7:00 tomorrow."
They continued their meal with small talk before splitting up and getting ready for the next day.
(1) I said that I'd only write jutsu in English if it didn't sound stupid, obviously I find more stupid than not but for those that I do write in English I will bold them so you know what they are.