A/N: Sorry for the delay. Writers block and laziness had a hand in this. I decided to do a couple more chapters of their academy days before going into the main canon story.

One thing to note: any character bashing in this fic will be minimal at best. One thing about bashing a character is that if you do it too much it may actually become more annoying than funny to some readers. I would know because I've read fics that bash characters, like Sakura, way too much, and, while funny at first, it got old really fast. So don't expect too much bashing in this fic.

Now I've been told that some fanfic writers have the Uzumaki clan descended from Hamura. One problem with that: If they were descendants of Hamura then Naruto would NOT be a reincarnation of Asura. Only a descendant of Asura could've inherited Asura's chakra. And it has been stated before that the Senju and Uzumaki were directly related. Therefore, the Uzumaki, like the Senju, are descendants of Asura, and by extension Hagoromo, not Hamura. So, NO, Hamura's second chosen is NOT an Uzumaki.

Also I want to clear something up for a skeptical reviewer. Hinata is NOT going to be the ONLY character this story will focus on. This story is going to primarily focus on four characters: 1) Hinata, obviously. 2) Naruto, as Hinata is going to play a big part of his development in this story. 3) Sasuke, partially thanks to the poll results below. And 4) An OC I made for this story to fill an important slot in the big puzzle. These four are the key characters of this story.

Lastly, some new information pertaining to Hamura and the Ōtsutsuki clan has recently come to light since my last post. Since I'm only just beginning with this story, I'll be sure to take the info into account later on. And seeing as this story will eventually make Naruto and Hinata a couple and render the purpose of The Last -Naruto the Movie- null and void, I MAY have Toneri involved during the Shippūden Era in this fic. Though he MAY have a slight change in character depending on what I decide to do with him. I have an idea already, but I won't spoil it.

With all that said, let's continue.

Friends and Training Partners

Young Naruto was looking out the window in his hospital room the morning after the attack, when he heard the door open behind him. He looked to see who it was and was surprised to see that girl who had come to his rescue. "O-oh! I-It's you!" Naruto stuttered. "Um, Hi-Hinata, right?"

Hinata blushed as she nodded. "I...um...wanted to see if you were okay," she said.

"Um, a little sore, but I'm fine." the boy said. "Thanks. Um, are you okay?"

"Um, other than a slight headache, I'm alright," the girl answered. She closed the door and slowly approached the boy.

It was a little awkward for the both of them. Hinata had been crushing on Naruto for a few months, but never actually spoke with him before due to her shyness. She was afraid to even step into the room, until this faint voice at the back of her head strongly urged her to stop hesitating and talk to him. Naruto had never really talked with anyone his own age before. Usually they would just follow their parents' example and just avoid him like he's a walking plague. Neither were sure what to say to the other.

After a few minutes of awkward silence, Naruto finally decided to just ask the question that's been plaguing his mind. "Wh-Why did you do that?"

Hinata slightly jumped at the question and start pressing her index fingers together. "W-Well,...I c-couldn't just let them hurt you like that. "

"Y-You didn't have to do that. I didn't want a c-cute girl like you getting hurt for me."

Hinata blushed at being called cute. "B-But, I wanted to," she said. "I-I didn't want to make the same mistake I made when you s-saved me from those bullies and just s-stand by and w-watch."

So that was her, Naruto thought.

"I just d-don't understand why everyone hates you so much."

"Me neither!" Naruto looked out the window. "For a long time now, I've wondered why people treat me like I'm nobody. Sure I've pulled a few pranks, but nothing major. They always ignore and disrespect me for no reason. I've ask Hokage-jiji about it, but he only says that they don't see me for me, which I don't get. But Geez Louis! This is the first time people have attacked me!" He sighed. "Why doesn't anyone like me?"

"If it makes you feel any better, I like you," Hinata said suddenly, surprising both Naruto and herself. She had covered her mouth for a second. Did I really just say that? she thought.

"R-Really?" asked Naruto.

The girl's face turned red. "I mean, you seem like such a good person to me. It's not fair how everybody ignores you and calls you names behind your back." She was mentally surprised she had said that with stuttering.

"Yeah, but that's why I'm going to be Hokage someday!" he said with a confident smile. "I'll show them all that I'm not some nobody! I'm Naruto Uzumaki, the next Hokage, a ninja legend, Dattebayo!"

Hinata smiled at his enthusiasm. "I believe you, Naruto-kun." The boy was slightly taken aback by what she said. "If anyone could become Hokage, it's you."

Naruto was surprised that someone actually believed in him for once. "Th-thanks, H-Hinata. No one's ever said that to me before." He then rubbed the back of his head. "Ya know. I think I kinda like you, too."

He...he thinks he kinda likes me? thought Hinata.

"Um...do you..." Naruto hesitated. In front of him was someone who actually liked him, and not only that, believed in him. It was almost too good to be true. Naruto didn't want this chance to slip by him. He bowed and rapidly asked, "Doyouwannabemyfriend?"

Hinata was stunned. He...he wants to be friends...with me? she thought. Don't faint!...Don't faint! She resisted the urge to pass out as she blurted out, "Of course!" Naruto raised his head in surprise. Hinata surprised herself with that outburst. "Um...I-I mean...I would very much...like to be your friend...Naruto-kun."

Naruto was stunned for a few seconds. He tried to find any signs of lying but he couldn't. Something about that smile on Hinata's face just warmed him up inside. He gave her a wide foxy grin. This was happiest moment in his entire life. He just made his first friend. Excitement was overflowing with him, and he couldn't contain it. "YAAAHOOOO!" he shouted loudly, startling the young heiress. "I FINALLY HAVE A FRIEND, -TTEBAYO! THIS IS THE BEST DAY OF MY LIFE!"

"Keep it down!" Naruto and Hinata turned to the corner of the room and saw the silver-haired, dog-masked Anbu. He had been so quiet, Naruto forgot he was there, nor did Hinata notice him. "As exciting as making a new friend is," the Anbu said, "you're in a hospital, you'll wake up the patients who are trying to rest."

"S-sorry," Naruto apologized. He turned back to the girl. "So, uh, you're in the ninja academy too, right?"

"Y-yes," answered Hinata.

"Cool! Maybe we could hang out hang out and eat lunch together. I gotta introduce you Teuchi-oji-san and Ayame-nē-chan at Ichiraku's, they make the best ramen in the village. And maybe we could...you know...train together."

Hinata was happy that Naruto wanted to spend time with her. And the idea of helping her crush get stronger made her feel special. There was one thing plaguing her mind though. Would tō-sama allow this? What if he's like the others and doesn't like him?

Just then Kō entered the room. "Hinata-sama. There you are. You shouldn't sneak out of the room like that." He glanced at Naruto for a second, then back at the heiress. "Are you hurt? Did he do something to you?"

"Of course not," Dog quickly answered for Hinata, startling Kō. "Why would he?" he said subtly daring him to answer. When Kō gave no reply, Dog said in a somewhat bored tone, "The only thing Naruto did here was officially become Hinata's friend. I see nothing wrong with that, considering these two desperately need one. They were actually just talking about helping each other train."

The Hyūga bodyguard looked nervous as he looked at the new duo. He then turned back the the Anbu. "Could I talk to you for a sec?" Dog nodded as they both exited the room. They closed the door behind them as Kō said, "Anbu-san, are you sure this is a good idea? I mean that boy is-" but he was cut off mid sentence.

"Naruto has known nothing but this village's prejudice for far too long," Dog said firmly. "The Fourth's seal is a lot stronger than most shinobi give it credit for. He won't be a danger to anyone. If anything, the real danger here is everyone's hatred of him. If they continue treating him the way they do, who's to say he won't eventually snap? A friend his own age is exactly what he needs right now."

Kō looked down. He couldn't deny, the Anbu was right. He didn't hate the boy personally, he just feared what might happen if Hinata got involved with him.

"And let's be honest," Dog continued, "Hinata also needs a friend her own age, outside her clan. Given both her status and her shy demeanor, making friends in the Academy would be easier said than done for her. She should count herself fortunate the she managed to make friends with the village pariah. And who knows? Maybe this is exactly what they both need to become stronger."

"You may be right," the Hyūga bodyguard admitted. "However, I am uncertain that Hiashi-sama will agree to this."

"I think he will," Dog said confidently. "Let's just say, Hiashi knows a few things about Naruto that few others are aware of."

Later that afternoon, Hiashi stopped by the Hospital to check on his elder daughter. He brought his younger daughter, Hanabi, as well. During the visit, the Hyūga clan head noticed there was something different about Hinata's chakra. He didn't know what it was though. He actually noticed it last night, but dismissed it as his imagination. Maybe it was nothing, maybe was something. Maybe it was a good sign, or a bad one. Hiashi decided to just wait it out and see if anything develops.

As the sisters began making conversation, Hiashi and Kō exited the room to discuss something.

"Hiashi-sama," Kō began, "I think that you should know that...this morning, Hinata-sama made friends with that Naruto boy."

"Truly?" asked Hiashi.

"Y-yes. They've...even talked about training together. I know you probably don't approve but-"

"Say no more, Kō." Hiashi closed his eyes for a moment. Then opened them back up as he said, "I will allow it."

Kō was surprised Hiashi accepted it so easier. "A-are you sure?" he asked. "You do know that boy is-"

"I'm fully aware who Naruto Uzumaki is," Hiashi said sternly. "Although I don't approve of his pranking antics, that boy has so much potential as a shinobi; potential that I'd hate to see go to waste. He may be lacking in natural talent, but perhaps with the right guidance, which he's been sorely lacking since the day he was born, he could become Konoha's greatest asset."

"How can you be sure, Hiashi-sama?" asked Kō. "Is it because he's a jinchūriki?"

"Oh there's more to him than just the fox." Hiashi explained. "There's a reason he was given the name Uzumaki. Most shinobi believed that it was just to pay homage to the near extinct clan, and hopefully the boy would be more respected. But few actually know that Naruto is, in fact, a descendant of that clan."

"Really?"

"Yes. A clan known for their strong life force, incredible stamina, great longevity, abnormally large chakra reserves, and, most of all, their skills in fūinjutsu, the art of sealing. Fox or no fox, Naruto has the potential to become a powerful shinobi. If he's to achieve that power, he may need the help of someone whose more than willing to help him, as well as someone he'll probably listen to."

"And you really think Hinata has what Naruto needs."

Hiashi looked to the door his daughters were currently in with a guilt ridden expression. "As you've probably realized by now, ever since Hikari passed away, I've been having trouble being the Head of the Hyūga and a father at the same time." He admitted. "Never doubted her potential as the clan heiress. It's her self-doubt and hesitation that's the problem. And she only got worse after her mother died. I've been hard on her, hoping to temper her confidence and decisiveness, but alas, my methods have had the opposite effect. Hinata's weakness...is more my fault than hers. Perhaps a new method of training is in order; one that, as the Hyūga Head, I cannot provide. If Hinata can give him the guidance he needs, maybe Naruto can provide her with the support she needs."

Kō had never seen this side of Hiashi before. It seems the clan head was softer on the inside than people thought. But Kō knew better than to call him out on it. Instead he said, "Hinata told me about a dream she had last night, about a mysterious voice telling her she can change the clan."

"Is that so?" Hiashi thought about the change in Hinata's chakra, and if that was more than a dream, he wondered if they were connected. One thing he had to admit though, he has wanted this clan to change ever since the incident that led to the death of his twin brother, Hizashi, and the thought of his daughter being the one to trigger that change peaked his interest. The clan head just smirked and said, "I'll believe that when I see it."

After a couple days, Hinata and Naruto were let out of the hospital, and the next day, they attended class again. Naruto sat in the back row next to the window. He had arrived much earlier than usual. Normally, he was either late or seconds away from being late. But today, he was so eager to start class with his new friend that he managed to wake up earlier and he just decided to come early.

While waiting for his friend to arrive, he looked around to the other students currently in the room. One face he recognized was a bored looking boy with dark brown hair tied in a pineapple style ponytail, Shikamaru Nara. He's one of those brilliant but lazy type of kids. He's incredibly smart but he doesn't like to do anything he deems 'troublesome' or 'such a drag'. Naruto wish that guy was better motivated. Sitting next to Shikamaru was a chubby boy with orange spiky hair and snacking on a bag of potato chips, Chōji Akimichi. He's always thinking with his stomach, but Naruto found out the hard way that you do NOT call an Akimichi 'fat' in front of their face.

Another boy he recognized was a spiky brunette with red fang marks on his cheeks and a small white puppy sitting on top of his head, Kiba Inuzuka and his dog Akamaru. Kiba was always full of himself, always going on about how he's the top dog, how he's the alpha. Whatever 'alpha' even means, Naruto thought. Needless to say, he annoyed Naruto a lot. Next to him was a boy who had his face covered up with a pair of dark shades, a high collar, and a hood, Shino Aburame. He hardly speaks, but when he does he always speaks logically and with a monotone voice. He once expressed his irritation at Naruto for swatting a fly that was buzzing around. Naruto could never understand him.

The boy that interested him the most was sitting in the row in front of him. He had raven hair spiked at the back of his head, onyx eyes, and a gloomy expression. He wore a high collared shirt with a red and white fan looking symbol on the back. His name was Sasuke Uchiha. Naruto didn't know all the details but he had heard that recently the Uchiha clan was slaughtered in a single night, and Sasuke was the only survivor. Naruto could always see the loneliness in his eyes. He knew what it felt like to be alone. Naruto had wanted to become friends with him, however he found himself jealous of the Uchiha because of how good he was at everything. Still, one thing he had to admit, he could feel a weird connection to Sasuke that he couldn't explain.

Soon, the door at the back of the room opened. Naruto turned towards the door and instantly rose up and shouted, "Hey, Hinata-chan!"

The girl blushed at the honorific. Naruto had started calling her that yesterday, she hadn't gotten use to being called cute yet. Still blushing, she walked up and sat next to her crush, something else she was gonna have to get use to. "G-good morning, N-Naruto-kun," she replied.

"You excited for our first day of training together today?" asked Naruto.

"Um, y-yes of course," Hinata replied. The last couple of day the two of them had discussed their training regimen. Every day after class, they would go to a training field, one Dog told Naruto that nobody used, and they would study or practice what they learned in the academy for an hour or two. Naruto also proposed that they if they would spar with each other at least once before their training ended. Hinata was reluctant to hurt Naruto, but with some encouraging words from him, she relented. Hinata was also surprised when Kō told her that her father was allowing her training with Naruto, so long as she got home for her Gentle Fist training.

"Move it, Ino-pig!"

"You move, Billboard Brow!"

In came the two screaming banshees of the class shoving each other at the door. One was had bubblegum pink hair and emerald green eyes, Sakura Haruno. The other had platinum blond hair and pupil-less blue eyes, Ino Yamanaka. These two were Sasuke's biggest fans, and bitter rivals for his affection. Many of their classmates, including Sasuke himself, consider these two annoying, and some even wonder if they're even fit to be ninja. However, Naruto has been crushing on Sakura for some time. While he did sometimes think she was annoying, that's only because of the attention she gives Sasuke. Why can't she ever give me attention? he thought.

Soon, Sakura managed to slip inside first, and rushed to the seat next to Sasuke. "SASUKE-KUN!" she screamed, causing the boy to grunt in annoyance. "Hey, Sasuke-kun! Want to have lunch with me this afternoon?!"

The Ino came over and started shoving Sakura. "NO WAY!" she screamed. "He should have lunch with me, Billboard Brow!"

"In your dreams, Ino-pig!"

The two kept shoving each other, trying to convince each other who Sasuke likes more. But then Sasuke said loudly but stoically, "Shut you stupid mouths!" This shut them both up intsantly. "I don't have time for weaklings like you. So just get lost."

Both girls dropped their heads and started sulking.

Geez, thought Naruto. Don't have to be such a jerk about it! But then Naruto grinned and leaned forward towards Sakura and said, "Hey, Sakura-chan! I'll have lunch with you if you want!"

Hinata felt a slight sting that Naruto still wanted to be with Sakura more than her. She would've started sulking had it not been for what happened next.

Sakura glared at Naruto, making him flinch. "LIKE HELL I WOULD GO OUT WITH A LOSER LIKE YOU!" she screamed as she pulled her fist back a threw a punch at Naruto. It was the same routine: Naruto asked Sakura out, then Sakura gets mad and punched Naruto in the face. This time, however, it didn't hit its mark as Sakura's fist was caught by a palm.

Surprisingly, the owner of that palm was Hinata. And even more surprising was the angry look on her face. "Don't you dare hurt Naruto-kun again!" she yelled as she slapped Sakura in the face. "Why do you gotta be so mean to him when he was just being nice to you!?"

Everyone in the classroom was stupefied. Even Sasuke raised an eyebrow at what just happened. The shyest girl in the class had just yelled at someone, never mind the fact that she just defended the village pariah. Most everyone thought the same thing, Did that REALLY just happen? When did Hinata get so bold!

Naruto was too dumbfounded to care that Sakura just got slapped. Note to self, he thought sheepishly, Do NOT make Hinata-chan angry. She gets REALLY scary when she's angry. Scarier than Sakura-chan.

Sakura was so stunned, she couldn't even respond.

It took a moment for Hinata to realize what she just did, and when she did, she was blushing intensely. She had no idea she had it in her to do something like that, and was beyond embarrassed.

A moment of silence was broken by a clearing throat noise from the front of the room. The class looked to the front and saw their teacher, a young man with brown hair tied in a ponytail, dark eyes, and a scar that ran horizontally across the bridge of his nose, Iruka Umino. He had walked in from the front door just as Sakura was about to punch Naruto. He too was shocked at the Hinata's reaction. But he had regain his composure and decide to get the class's attention. "Okay, that's enough you two." he said firmly. "Now take your seats before I give both of you detention."

Everyone did as they were told. Today's lesson was history, a lesson Naruto usually slept through, as he wasn't interested. But he felt that he owed it to Hinata to at least try to pay attention. Fortunately today's subject was the past Hokage, something the boy thought would be a good idea to listen to.

He learned about the First, Hashirama Senju, who had founded Konohagakure along with Madara Uchiha after making peace between the two clans. The First had a rare kekkei genkai, bloodline limit, that allowed him to merge the elemental natures water and earth to make wood style ninjutsu. Naruto didn't know what the whole bloodline thing was about, but hearing all the things he could do with wood style got the boy psyched. In his time, Hashirama was revered by all as the God of Shinobi, the Supreme Shinobi. He's was also the creator of the philosophy of the village known as the Will of Fire.

The Second, Tobirama Senju happened to be the First's younger brother. He didn't have the wood style but was unmatched in water style ninjutsu. It is known that Tobirama had invented a lot of technique, some of which were labeled as kinjutsu, forbidden art. Not as strong as his brother, but was a gifted sensor, and highly intelligent. Naruto didn't think much of him, but was curious about the what techniques he invented, wonder if any of them were good.

The Third, Hiruzen Sarutobi, was the part of the Second's genin squad, but was also taught by the First as well. Hiruzen is believed to be the strongest Hokage that Konoha has ever had. He was known as the Professor, due to his vast knowledge of ninjutsu and mastery in all forms of combat. It is said the no one has the Will of Fire burning as brightly as Hiruzen. After the Fourth's sacrifice, the third came out of retirement and took the mantle again, despite his age. Naruto had to give his Hokage-jiji credit, he's tough for an old man.

The Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, was the student of one of the Sannin, legendary three ninja, were happened to be students of the Third. Minato was know for his incredible speed and quick wit. He was so fast the all you could see was the flash of his yellow hair, hence his moniker, the Yellow Flash. He sacrificed himself to defeat the Nine-tailed Fox. His reign may have been the shortest of all the Hokage, but he was the most famous nonetheless. Naruto's idolized the Fourth, and wanted to be a great Hokage just like him.

Iruka was impressed that Naruto seemed to actually be paying attention. He wondered if Hinata had something to do with it. He had been informed by the Hokage about what happened the other night, and to say he was outraged would've been an understatement. He didn't like Naruto when he first entered the Academy, but after coaxing from the Third, and a bit of observation, the chūnin found himself able to relate to the boy problems. What with being orphaned and craving attention through pranks. And hearing adults beating on a little boy for something he couldn't comprehend, Iruka thought that was going too far, especially when they hurt an innocent girl just for defending him. The teacher had decided that he would do something for the two, and he knew just the thing.

"Y-you didn't have to d-do this for us, Iruka-s-sensei," said Hinata as she and Naruto approached Ichiraku's with their teacher.

"Oh, I insist," said Iruka. "After what you two went through, you deserve to be treated to ramen."

"Well, whatever the reason," said Naruto, "if you buy us ramen then I'll accept it any day!"

Hinata couldn't help but giggle at Naruto's antics.

They walked in to the ramen shop and were greeted by a middle aged man with gray hair and squinted eyes on the other side of the bar. "Ah Iruka!" he said happily. "Welcome!"

"Good afternoon, Teuchi," said Iruka.

"And Naruto! Where have you been? Haven't seen for a few days."

"Sorry Oji-san," Naruto said sheepishly. "I was kinda in the hospital."

"Hospital?!" Teuchi was shocked to hear this. "What happened?"

A teenaged girl with brunette hair and dark eyes came out from behind the door. "Naruto-kun was in the hospital?"

"These two were attacked by an angry mob for something that wasn't their fault," answered Iruka.

"What?!" Teuchi exclaimed angrily. "How dare they harm a couple of innocent children!"

"How awful!" said the girl as she rushed around the bar and glomped Naruto. "I can't they would do such a thing to you! Are you alright?"

"I-I'm fine, Nē-chan," Naruto said feeling a bit dizzy from the shaking.

The brunette then stopped when she notice the younger girl next to Naruto. She released the boy as she smiled. "Oh, and who's this cute girl?"

"Um, I-I'm Hinata Hyūga, m-miss," Hinata answer nervously.

Naruto shook himself out of his daze. "Hinata-chan here is my new friend, Nē-chan."

The brunette squealed with excitement. "Oh my gosh! You finally made a friend! That's wonderful!"

"She actually came to my rescue when the mob was chasing me."

"Wow, really?"

"Um, yeah, b-but, I only got h-hit in the head and kn-knocked out," Hinata clarified.

"Oh, don't be so modest," said Iruka. "You stood up for him, that's all that counts in my book."

The teenaged girl shook Hinata's hand. "It's really nice to meet you! My name is Ayame! Thank you for looking out for my little bro!"

"Um, y-you're welcome."

"Anyway," said Iruka, "with the pleasantries out of the way, how about cooking us some ramen?"

"Ah, I'll get right on it." Wasting no time, Teuchi proceeded to prepare the noodles. "What'll it be? The usual?" Iruka and Naruto nodded. He then looked to the girl. "And how about you, Hyūga-san?"

"Um, I guess I'll have what Naruto-kun's having," answered Hinata.

"Alright! Miso pork ramen for three, coming right up!"

As they ate their meal Naruto told everyone about how he and Hinata were planning to do some serious training together after class. Teuchi and Ayame were both happy for Naruto getting a new friend and training partner. Iruka couldn't help but feel proud of him. Despite what the boy just went through, he wasn't letting it get him down. He also hoped the with Hinata's helped Naruto will be able to improve. He lent them support, and even gave them a few training tips to help them. The chūnin wished them both the best of luck. I know these two will become fine shinobi someday. he thought

I really am getting too old for this, the Third Hokage sighed to himself. I should pick our Fifth Hokage, but the only two candidates worthy enough at the moment are away from the village right now. And I'm NOT giving it to Danzō; I know how that war hawk operates. If only Shishui Uchiha was still alive. I would've made him the Fifth by now had he been able to complete his Hokage training.

After publicly executing those morons who hurt Naruto and Hinata, sending a clear message that such cruelty will NOT happen again, Hiruzen decided that he needed to get his head back on track as Hokage by going over things in this village that he might've missed due to his age. First thing was the Academy Curriculum. He spent the last couple days going over the books and tests that they've been using, and he was not pleased. The history books were downplaying the Great Ninja Wars. It focused more on the victories rather than the defeats. This would make naïve students believe that Konoha and its shinobi are invincible, which is far from the truth.

He also noticed the lack of any mention of the Uzumaki, the sibling clan of the Senju. A clan that helped build the village foundation despite having a village of their own, Uzushiogakure, the Hidden Eddy Village. A clan whose symbol was use on Konoha ninja flack jackets as a tribute. The Uzumaki were so feared among the Five Great Nations that Uzushio was attacked by three of the major hidden villages, Kumo the Hidden Cloud, Iwa the Hidden Stone, and Kiri the Hidden Mist, during the Second Great Ninja War. By the time Konoha arrived the village was already decimated, and the few survivors were scattered in the wind. They were fortunate that they managed to find young Kushina and bring her back to Konoha. How could such an important clan to Konoha not be talked about in the history books? Was someone deliberately trying to remove the Uzumaki from history? Was someone deliberately trying to prevent Naruto from learning the origin of his name? That is something I really don't want to take from Naruto, thought the Hokage. He has a every right to know after all.

Also, the curriculum itself appeared to focus more on the academic stuff and less on the actual training. For example, shurikenjutsu class focused more on the math than the throwing practice. Taijutsu, was just knowledge of the different styles and not really practicing them, the only practice being spars. It's like they're neglecting they're students' training; expecting every one of them to train on their own time, which, yes, it is expected if the students come from shinobi families, especially major clans, but not really expected from civilian born students as they usually have no means of training on their own.

All in all, Academy's curriculum was flawed. It seems their standards have been lowered just to make it easier for civilian borns to pass. They were practically sheltering their students from the reality of the ninja world. Idiots, thought Hiruzen. All they're doing is spoiling the children, making them believe the life of a ninja is a lot easier than it actually is. If the students can't understand the hardships of the shinobi life or apply themselves properly, then they have no business being ninja. No wonder the quality of fresh genin have been sorely lacking lately. He sighed. How did this escape my notice? I'm gonna have to have a talk with the civilian council about this, and get this curriculum back to what it should be. We need good quality shinobi, not spoiled brats!

His thoughts were interrupted by a knock on his office door. "Enter!" he called.

In walked three Anbu ninja. In front was a kunoichi with long purple hair, and wore a cat-like mask. To her left was a shinobi with platinum blond hair tied to a long ponytail and wore a boar mask, and to her right was a shinobi with dark brown hair and wore a lion mask.

"Ah, Cat," said the Sarutobi, "you and your squad are back. How did your recon in the Land of Water go?"

The cat masked kunoichi said, "Kirigakure is still in the middle of the civil war. They won't be a direct problem anytime soon. But we also have some...interesting information to share with you."

"Do you now? Does that information have something to do with that child behind you?"

Cat stepped aside and gently pulled a little girl, around the same age as Naruto, forward from behind her. This girl had silver hair tied in two short ponytails and parted with a zigzag pattern in the middle, green eyes, and had two scarlet dots on her forehead along with matching colored markings under her eyes. Hiruzen took note of her expression, or rather lack thereof. She just stood there, her dull-looking eyes staring blankly towards the ground, seemingly not even acknowledging her surroundings. The Hokage also took note of her clothes, consisting of a gray kimono style shirt and shin length blue pant. These clothes were ragged, dirty, and even had blood stains on them. All in all, this girl looked like she had just been through something terrible, possibly traumatic given her lack of expression.

"Hello there, young one," Hiruzen said kindly. "Would you like to tell me your name?"

It took a moment for her to respond, but she looked up at the Hokage, still blank in expression, and slowly said in a monotone voice, "...Hime...maro..."

"Himemaro?"

A/N: And so we end this with an introduction to my OC for this fic, Himemaro. I was originally going to save her for later, but considering she's gonna have an important role in this story, I thought it better to introduce her sooner. So who here can guess who she is and what her role is?

Now here's the results of my poll about what to do with Sasuke:

-Keep him as he is in canon - 9

-Make him good - 6

-Make him good but pretend he's evil - 18 *

So the grand majority of my voters want me to have Sasuke spy on Orochimaru, and maybe Akatsuki, for the benefit of Konoha. I'll see what I can do for this. I do have a few ideas.