Author note. The disclaimer and any author noted going forwards, with the exception of this this chapter will be at the end of the chapter.
The Longer Road. Chapter one.
Sunday April 10th. The night before the genin test.
Naruto smiles, as he lay on the grass of the Hyuga clan's garden. On his left, lying next to him was his best friend Hinata, and on his right was their little sister Hanabi...Well adopted little sister in his case. As he looked over at the Hyuga sisters, Naruto's smile widened as he remembered how he and Hinata first met, the day he made his first friend.
Four years ago, the day the academy starts.
Naruto was excited, as he ran through the Konoha forest.
'Hokage jiji said I'm going to Ninja school.' Naruto thought happily to himself.
The blond boy had heard of the cool jutsu, that ninja could use. And he was eager to learn them, only to be broken from his daydreams of being a ninja hero, when he heard the sounds of someone crying nearby. It was faint but he could hear it.
"I'd better check this out." Naruto said to himself, as he ran in the direction he heard the sound.
When he arrived on the scene, he was glad he followed his gut; seeing as a little girl with midnight blue hair, was currently surrounded by three angry boys. The little girl was sobbing, and looked very afraid, as tears fell down her face. Due largest boy, holding her painfully by her hair. And was about to give her a knuckle sandwich.
.
"HEY, YOU BASTARDS, LEAVE HER ALONE." The blond shouted, as he leapt forward without thinking, and drawing all the attention towards himself.
And Hinata looked at her would be savior in confusion.
' would he help me?' The blue haired girl questioned.
"Uzumaki… What the hell are you doing here?" lackey number one said.
'Yes, why would anyone go to the trouble to help me.' The little girl thought to herself sadly.
"You had better get lost brat before we do to you what we're going to do to this bastard Hyuga here." The leader, the one in the center of his two friends, said menacingly. As he tightened his hold on the girl' hair.
The girl flinched and yelps in pain.
"IF YOU DON'T LEAVE HER ALONE I'LL BEAT THE CRAP OUT OF ALL OF YOU… DATTEBAYO!" The blond boy loudly exclaimed.
The three older boys laughed.
"And I'd like to see you try Uzumaki." The leader chuckles, as he dropped the Hyuga girl roughly to the ground causing the girl to yelp in pain again.
Naruto gritted his teeth in anger, and got into a very sloppy taijutsu stance, which caused the three bullies to laugh harder.
"What kind of taijutsu stance is that?" The leader mocked and to add insult to injury the bully didn't even adopting a fighting stance.
"Man you must really want to get your ass kicked, coming into a fight with such shitty taijutsu. Lackey one laughed.
"Your guard is wide open." Lackey two mocked.
Hinata looked on in fear, not for herself but for her blond, blue eyes savior. She knew from how poor the blond haired boy's stance that he had no fighting experience and he was about to get beaten up.
Naruto charged in with a yell and threw a wild punch at the lead bully, but the older boy easily dodged and then buried his fist into Naruto's gut, causing the blond haired boy to double over in pain.
Hinata watched in horror. As the lead bully's two friends joined in, and surrounded the blond haired boy. But her horror soon turned into determination. As the small, midnight haired girl felt the determination, to not let someone else get hurt for her sake well up inside her. So with a confidence, she didn't know she had. Hinata stood up, and in that moment she had finally found her fighting spirit.
"I told you it was a bad idea, to get involved Uzumaki and you didn't listen... Now we're going to beat the living shit out of you. "The lead bully said with a smirk on his face as his friends laughed cruelly.
"Byakugan!" The four boys heard the Hyuga girl shout.
The three bullies turned to see the blue haired girl was in taijutsu stance.
The lead bully laughed at the sight.
"So the weak little Hyuga suddenly grew a spine."The lead bully mocked, while laughing.
And his two friends laughed with him.
Hinata's face was a stoic mask that would make her father proud, as she gave the bullies a Byakugan glare.
"Leave him alone, and walk away… This is the only warning I will give you." Hinata said with only a slight stutter.
"Oh, and what will you do if we don't?" The lead bully asked as he backhanded the blond boy.
"Gah" Naruto grunted in pain, as he was knocked to the ground due to the strength of the hit. This caused another round of laughter from lead bully and his lackeys.
"That does it." Hinata exclaimed softly, as she made her move.
An instant later she dashed at the lead bully, moving too fast for the older boy to react. Hinata then hit him once with a palm strike to the stomach and he dropped like a sack of potatoes.
He was out like a light before he even hit the ground.
Both lackeys looked on in shock and fear at what the girl just did to their leader.
"Take your friend and get out of here." Hinata said softly, again with only a slight stutter.
To anyone else the little girl's meek declaration, yet being so forceful at the same time might've been funny, but to the two bullies she no longer looked so meek or soft. What with the fierce Byakugan glare she was currently giving them.
Both boys nodded rapidly and took their friend and made a run for it.
Naruto eyed widened in shock at seeing the little girl lay out a guy that was bigger and stronger than her and she did it with just one blow. So he excitedly ran up to her, with a wide smile now on his face.
"WOW THAT WAS SO AWESOME… WHATEVER IT WAS YOU DID. DATTEBAYO!" Naruto yelled loudly causing Hinata to flinch and bringing her back to reality.
"Did I just do that?" The girl asked herself in a whisper, as she blushed at the praise the boy gave her. Praise she wasn't used to getting.
The blond boy smiled widely, apparently having heard her.
"YOU SURE DID!" The boy said in a loud voice, before his voice lowered somewhat, "Thank you, no one has ever stood up for me before!" The boy said in a sad tone with his eyes downcast. The girl seeing the sad look on the blond haired boy's face, it made her want to comfort him somehow. But his sadness disappeared quickly and the light returned to the blond haired boy's eyes, as he asked a question that would change her life.
Naruto smiled widely," MY NAME IS UZUMAKI NARUTO, FUTURE HOKAGE WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE FRIENDS WITH ME umm…" Naruto trailed off.
The little girl giggled cutely, "My name is H..Hyuga H..Hinata and I would love to be your friend Naruto...kun." Hinata stuttered out shyly, with a gentle smile and a blush on her face.
It seems her shyness was coming back now that all the action was over.
"YAY, I GOT MY FIRST FIREND…DATTABAYO!" Naruto shouted for joy, as he jumped high into the air and pumped his fist skywards in celebration.
Naruto's smile widened, it was one of his happiest memories in his short life, even if it hadn't been one of his best moments. And meek Hinata had surprised him with how strong she could be, when she had saved him instead of it being the other way around. He had thought she would've run away and left him to get his ass kicked... Instead, she took out the lead bully in one blow. The blond haired boy also remembered when Hinata introduced him to her adorable little sister Hanabi the very next day.
Four years ago.
The day after Naruto met Hinata the blond haired boy went looking for her…He didn't have to search for long because he soon saw Hinata walking down the road hand in hand with a black haired little girl, who wore a black kimono in contrast to Hinata's white one.
"Hi, Naruto-kun." Hinata stuttered out with a smile, but Hanabi hid a bit behind her sister because she was shy when it came to meeting new people.
Naruto smiled and waved," Hi, Hinata-chan I've been looking everywhere for you; were you looking for me too?" Naruto asked.
Hinata blushed, "Yes I was Naruto- kun. I wanted to introduce you to my little sister Hanabi-chan… Hanabi-chan say hello to Naruto-kun …Don't worry he won't hurt you." Hinata said softly.
Hanabi stepped away from her sister and walked forward a few stepped towards the blond haired boy, "Hello, it nice to me you Naruto-san...My Nee-san told me what you did for her and I would like to thank you for helping her." Hanabi said with a small bow.
"Wow, you sure are smart." Naruto thought out loud while scratching the back of his head; before a wide smile came onto his face," It was no problem and it's nice to meet you to Hanabi-chan, I hope we can be friends as well." Naruto said as he stepped forward and shook the little girl's hand.
Hanabi smiled and blushed at the compliment, as she shook the blond boy's hand, "I would like that Naruto-san."
It didn't take long for Hanabi to warm up to him and before long she started calling him Naruto nii-chan and he came to consider her his little sister as well. Every time he heard her call him Nii-chan it would bring great warmth to the blond haired boy's heart.
"Naruto-kun?" Naruto heard Hinata's voice call out.
"Yes, Hinata-chan."
"Do you think we'll pass the test we have tomorrow?" Hinata asked with uncertainty.
Hanabi at this point piped up, "of course you and Naruto nii-chan will pass have some faith Nee-chan."
"Yeah, I'm sure we'll be able to pass Hinata-chan. "The blond boy agreed, but little did Naruto know how wrong he was.
The next day, Monday April 11th. Just after Noontime
Kakashi watched as Sasuke and Sakura ate and how they completely ignored Naruto's whining for them to share; Sasuke having told her not to share anything with their blond idiot for a teammate when she nearly caved.
'Looks like this has gone on long enough.' The silver haired Jounin thought to himself, as he decided to reveal him.
Kakashi appeared in a swirl of leaves completely scaring the crap out of Naruto and Sakura.
"GAH DON'T ..." Naruto was about to shout, but blond haired boy quickly shut up when he saw the glare the silver hair man was giving him, it stated shut up or else.-
"Be quiet Naruto." Kakashi said in a serious tone.
Naruto gulped with an expression of fear on his face and just nodded.
Kakashi sighed.
"Genin team seven failed... Miserably might I add." Kakashi drawled out in a bored tone. He didn't raise his voice, and his tone only held disappointment.
Sakura looked down at the news on the verge of tears.
' I lost my chance to be on Sasuke's team and it's all Naruto baka's fault.' The pink haired girl wailed in her mind.
Naruto, on the other hand was about to explode, but he didn't get the chance to voice his outrage.
"WHAT!" An enraged voice shouted.
'And I thought it would've been Naruto that'd be the one to have an outburst…Not usual calm and cool headed Sasuke.' Kakashi thought to himself.
Sasuke was on his feet and tense as killing intent rolled off of him in waves. Naruto and Sakura were taken aback and frightened, as they've never seen Sasuke act like this before or show such anger.
'Killing intent.' Sakura thought to herself, as she sweated.
Kakashi however was completely unaffected and he stared at the last loyal Uchiha with a bored expression on his face.
"You heard what I said, or have you gone deaf." Kakashi drawled.
Sasuke was now livid, "I bet it was these two losers that caused me to fail..." Sasuke's rant was cut short, as Kakashi vanished in a burst of speed and appeared in front of Sasuke. The silver haired Jounin then buried his fist into the Uchiha's gut.
Sasuke doubled over in pain and nearly vomited. Before he even had a chance to recover let alone retaliate, he was hit with an incredible amount of killing intent. It made him break out into a cold sweat and it completely paralyzed him in fear to the point he could barely breathe, as he saw his own death flash before his eyes.
Meanwhile, Naruto eye widened and had his jaw dropped in disbelieve at hearing the news that they had failed. The blond was, of course, devastated and enraged. Normally he would be protesting up a storm after hearing such a thing, but he didn't due to being in shock.
'After all that work.' Naruto thought bitterly as he let his head drop in defeat.
Sakura was even in worse shape as she struggled not to cry at the thought of Sasuke considering her a loser.
Suddenly Naruto and Sakura saw Kakashi disappear and punch Sasuke hard in the gut.
"Sasuke-kun!" Sakura shouted in worry
It was a moment later they were hit by killing intent that made what Sasuke did earlier look like a joke.
Naruto and Sakura's eye widened in terror and they started to sweat profusely, as breathing became very difficult for them; after a moment Sakura collapsed to her knees from the pressure with tears streaming down her face. Neither Naruto nor Sakura had to even look for the source because it was obvious who it was coming from. Both children saw the look in the silver haired man's eyes, and it nearly made them piss themselves in terror, but Sakura got the worst of it since she was now close to fainting from being so scared.
'Note to self, don't piss this guy off.' Naruto and Sakura each thought in a panic.
"No Sasuke. In the end it was you who was the most responsible for this team's failure; albeit neither Naruto nor Sakura were any better than you." Kakashi explained calmly, while glaring at Sasuke.
Kakashi longer looking bored, and had a serious look on his face, as he cut off his killing intent and the three genin aĺl breathed a sigh of relief at this. Though in Sasuke's case it was nearly inaudible.
"What do you mean?" was all Sasuke could say, with a defiant look his eyes.
Kakashi sighed, "This entire team was a mess from the beginning."
The silver haired Jounin let those words hang in the air for a few moments before speaking again.
"Naruto you were only interested in proving yourself and competing with Sasuke. What's worse is you're not taking the Shinobi path seriously by acting so recklessly. You will get yourself and your teammates killed if you continue to act like a child." Kakashi said matter of factly, as he fixated a glare on his sensei's son. The blond haired prankster looked down in shame at the assessment.
Sakura almost smiled at seeing Naruto get put down so harshly. In the back of her mind she knew it was wrong, but she was so mad at Naruto that she just didn't care.
Kakashi, having sensed a change in the pink haired girl's mood then focused his glare on her causing Sakura to flinch.
"And Sakura you're not any better than Naruto… You were only interested in following Sasuke's lead, not only that but like Naruto you're not taking your training, or the shinobi career seriously. So you're just as childish and immature as Naruto is in my eyes." Kakashi scolded.
The pink haired girl mood dropped like a stone again at hearing Kakashi's brutal assessment. She might've been in a worst condition than Naruto, as she cried at being lumped into the same category as Naruto.
Sasuke at this point spoke out as he looked up at the silver haired man.
"And what about me, I displayed the most skill of anyone on this team?"
Kakashi sighed again as he focused on Sasuke again, who was still kneeling in front of him, "And that's just it Sasuke, your arrogance and selfishness is your greatest flaw; just like how it is for Naruto and it's what makes you equally unimpressive as Naruto and Sakura."
Sasuke silently fumed in anger at being considered on the same level as his two losers for former teammates.
Naruto gritted his teeth in anger as well at begin considered as bad as Sasuke.
And Sakura looked even more upset that her crush was being treated so unfairly.
"But that's not fair to Sauke-kun Kakashi-sensei!" Sakura protested loudly
However Kakashi didn't give one damn about their feelings or even about what was fair. Future shinobi didn't have the luxury of being coddled and life was both cruel and unfair. So Kakashi continued his lecture and ignored Sakura's outburst.
"Just like Naruto you thought you could go it alone. But unlike Naruto who at least didn't know any better, you should've had the intelligence and maturity to put aside your personal issues and work together, with your team. Instead, you've developed a belief that your teammates will slow you down, thus you were unwilling to work with them. This behavior shows me that you're not ready to be a shinobi, just like Naruto and Sakura aren't ready."
Kakashi sighed, "I could go on, but the real reason for this team's failure is that you refused to share with Naruto the food I gave you and forced Sakura to do the same... if you had shared your food with Naruto I would've passed team seven… In the long run your lack of trust will get you and your team killed if you continue going down the path you're walking Sasuke."
Sasuke looked down as he thought about what Kakashi had just said to him. The only sign of him being humbled was the flicker of shame that flashed in his eyes, but it disappeared just as quickly; replaced by his anger and a renewed look of contempt he shot his former teammates.
Kakashi shook his head; the jounin could clearly see that his words didn't get through,
'He still doesn't get it.' The silver haired Jounin thought sadly.
"WHAT! Sakura screeched, "But you told us not to give any food to the blond haired baka, so why did you say that if you expected us to do the opposite?" Sakura yelled as she finally had enough and spoke her mind.
Kakashi, however ignored her question and said, "If the three of you want to continue the path of shinobi you will have to take a remedial summer course before trying again next year."
Naruto began to struggle against his bonds as his anger from before suddenly burst out, "YOU BASTARD… WHO ARE YOU TO JUDGE US FOR OUR MISTAKES AND JUST DROP US BECAUSE WE DON'T MEASURE UP RIGHT NOW?" Naruto yelled furiously as he struggled against his ropes.
Kakashi just shook his head in disgust and left in a leaf Shunshin.
Naruto grumbled," That bastard just ignored me."
Sasuke looked at his former teammates with contempt. "Make no mistake regardless of what Kakashi said you two losers were the reason I failed." This shocked his former teammates. With his piece said Sasuke walked away with his hands in his pockets.
Sakura just stood there wide eyed and her mind couldn't handle it, so she spun around to face Naruto, with tears streaming down her face.
"NARUTO YOU IDIOT THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT. I WILL NEVER FORGIVE YOU FOR THIS!" Normally Sakura would have hit the blond haired baka, but in her current state, she just ran away.
And leaving Naruto still tied to the training post.
Naruto gritted his teeth at his failure and at the fact he was abandoned by what should've been his team. His rage surged and his chakra answered his called. In an explosion of blue power the ropes holding him were broken. The blond boy shot to his feet, as he roared in anger to the heavens.
"TO HELL WITH YOU!" I'll SHOW YOU…YOU ONE EYED BASTARD THAT I WILL BECOME A SHINOBI AND THAT I CAN CHANGE MYSELF!" Naruto screamed in frustration as his chakra whipped around wildly.
Naruto eyes widened, as he realized the way he was behaving which threw cold ice on his rage. His chakra dispersed, as he tried to calm himself by closing his eyes and thinking of the blue haired Hyuga girl that is his best friend. He realized that he needed to see Hinata, so with that in mind, Naruto ran towards the Hyuga compound.
'I hope you and your team passed Hinata-chan.' Naruto thought to himself, as he roofed hoped towards the Hyuga compound.
Chapter end.
Post chapter scene
Monday April 11th after 2200 hours. Konohagure, Mist refugee district.
Terumi Mei looked at the short list of candidates for the advanced training program, with all of them being in their 3rd year of the academy.
Kaguya Kimimaro
Terumi Meiko, (Mei's younger cousin)
Ryu
Hoshigaki Koufuu (Kisame's younger brother)
Ruka
Nekomata Suikari
Buff Isamu
Son Tsuyoshi
Hozuki Suigetsu
'These nine are the best of their year, and even beating out the 4th years. Konoha and Mist cadets included..' Mei thought to herself, with a smile. As she looked again, at the missive the Sandaime Hokage had sent her.
Meanwhile, the Academy students stood in a line and all at attention, before their direct commander. With only Sarutobi Hiruzen being above her.
Mei then focused her attention on the nine academy students and took in their demeaner.
Kimimaro and Ryu had stoic looks on their faces.
Ruka looked nervous.
Koufuu and Sugetsu looked annoyed at being here, and trying to hide it
Meiko and Sukari looked bored.
And Tsuyoshi, and Isamu looked happy for some reason or another.
"At ease cadets..." Mei began.
And the academy students relaxed immediately.
"I'm sure you're wondering, why I've summoned you all here. And so late no less." Mei continued.
Kimimaro the class rep. nods. He has long, straight white hair, green eyes and was wearing a gray kimono top, and kept closed by a blue sash. He also wore black pants and black sandals
"Yes Mei-sama. We were curious about that." Kimimaro agreed
"Yeah, so what's the deal Chief!" A large mountain of person asked bosteriously, and large smile on his face..
Isamu was well over seven feet tall boy, of solid muscle. He has fiery red hair, blue eyes and was wearing animal skin clothes and boots. He also had a massive great axe strapped to his back.
And Mei sighed at the way Isamu kept on addressing her. But she didn't have the heart to be mad at him, or even order him to stop.
"Isamu-kun please don't be rude to Mei-sama." A small girl named Ruka admonished the big man timidly.
Ruka's attire was a dark gray, long sleeved shirt, under a grey vest, a dark gray short skirt and black sandals on her feet. She was armed with a standard load of kunai and shuriken. And she has dark brown shoulder length and black colored eyes.
"Heh, sorry Ruka-chan! I'm just interested in what the Chief has in store for us, is all." Isamu laughed loudly.
A thought that all the cadet in the room shared.
And Ruka gave the big man a small smile.
"It's ok Isamu-kun." Ruka smiled and accepts his apology.
Mei smiled as well, " No need to scold him Ruka-chan, I've gotten used to it... As for why I've summoned you all here...It's because a proposal came across my desk a mere hour ago from the old monkey...Well, an invitation would be a more accurate description." Mei explained, and seeing she had everyone's full attention. "It's an invitation to join an advanced Shinobi program, where you'll be sorted into genin cells, and be given higher level training. Then graduate a year early." Mei explained.
Kimimaro and Ryu, had looks of calm interest
Suigetsu and Koufuu looked really excited and grinned ecstatically. As did Tsuyoshi, Meiko, and Suikari.
Ruka's eyes widened in shock and looked even more nervous.
'I don't know if I ready!' Ruka thought nervously to herself.
As for Isamu, he laughed loudly. And had a large smile on his face
"It' about time! Isamu bellowed bosteriously.
A sentiment most of the other Mist Academy students shared. Except for Ruka, Kimimaro, and Syu.
But Kimimaro's reaction was calmer, as was Ryu's.
"That's an interesting offer... May I ask why Hokage-sama's offering us this opportunity?" Kimimaro asks emotionlessly.
"An interesting offer indeed." Syu agreed, " And something bad must've happened for Hokage-sama to consider allowing us to graduate so early."
Koufuu gave a shark like grin.
"Ah come on Ryu, don't question it... The Hokage's finally acknowledging, that keeping us in the Academy is a waste of our time...And it's about time if you ask me!" Koufuu snarks loudly, with a shark-like grin on his face
Koufuu had fish-like appearance, and shark-like, and stood at well above 7 foot tall. He had blue skin, small black eyes, and white hair. He was bare chested and bare footed. He wote white pants and had a massive sword strapped to his back
Suigetsu now sported a grin similar to Koufuu.
"Heh...Old man Hokage's, finally realizing that sticking us in the regular academy classes, was stupid and insulting. Good foe him!" Sugetsu said mockingly, in an obnoxious tone of voice.
Suigetsu has white, blue tinted hair, almond shaped purple color eyes and also had shark like teeth. He sported a violet short sleeved shirt, gray pants and black also had a large sword strapped to his back
And Ryu gave Sugetsu a glare
Ryu has blue eyes and long, dark blue hair done in a pony tail. His outfit consisted of a blue kimono. He also had a blue hilted katana at his hip, that was sheathed in a blue Sabbard
"While I'll admit that being stuck in the academy classes was...Annoying. "Ryu began, but was cut off by Suigetsu
"Heh, and even a by the book guy like you, agrees that us being stuck in the academy was bullshit! Suigetsu smirks widely.
"However." Ryu continued, as if Suigetsu hadn't said anything, " Hokage-sama couldn't show us an special treatment. So we had to earn our way to greater things, thus attending the Shinobi academy was a must. The fact he gave us asylum in Konoha, and that we're treated well should more than enough. " Ryu finishes.
Suigetsu was no longer grinning and looked annoyed again. As did Koufuu.
And Mei was also glaring at Suigetsu now, and causing said boy to flinch.
"Suigetsu shut up." Mei said.
And Suigetsu wisely kept his mouth shut. As did Koufuu.
But Tsuyoshi grinned widely. He has black hair, spiky hair, brown eyes. And his attire consisted of a short sleeved, white Chinese shirt, black pants and black sandals. He also wore chain mail armor underneath his outfit and had a staff strapped around his back.
"Hehehe... Finally a way to get out of the boring academy. Please sign me up Mei-sama." Tsuyoshi said happily and carefree..
"That's one. Anyone else?" Mei smiled
And Sukari, A girl with short blond hair, and golden cat- like eyes and grinning ferally. And raised her hand
Her attire consisted of a white tank top, underneath a black mini coat, she also wore black shorts and black sandals. She also had the standard load of Shuriken and kunai.
"I think this is awesome! ... So of course I'd like to sign up!" The grinning blond haired girl said loudly.
And Mei smiles, "That's two."
Suikari grins and look at her fellow girls, "Well, how about you Ruka, Meiko! Whadda ya say...Are you in or out!"
Meiko gave an alluring smile. Her attire consisted of short blue combat dress, with fishnet underneath. She had blue sandals on her feet.
"I'm game...And the advanced class sounds like it'll be way more fun then basic academy classes.
And Ruka nodded.
"I'm signing up too...Since I want to get stronger to." Ruka declared, before looking at Isamu, "What about you Isamu-kun, will you take this offer?" The brunette asked.
"Hahaha" Isamu laughed boisterously, "Of course I'm joining! Why wouldn't I Ruka-chan!" Isamu said loudly.
And Mei nods with a smile, " So that just leaves Kimimaro, Koufuu, Ryu and Suigetsu."
Koufuu grinned his shark like grin.
"I'm in." Koufuu stated with a shark-like grin.
"It's a no brainer. I'm in of course " Suigetsu smirks.
Kimimaro nodded, "I'm interested in seeing what this advanced training has to offer, so I'll sign up as well."
Ryu on the other hand stayed quiet, as he thought it over his options. But Ryu soon nods
"I'm in as well." Ryu finally said.
And Mei smiled widened..
"Good, now that you've all accepted. I will fill you in on the finer details." Mei said with a smile.
end post chapter scene
Author note. I don't own Naruto or any other series that I may take inspiration from, it belongs to Kishimoto or to their prospective creators.
As shown in the post chapter scene there will be OC's in this story. They and the rest of the Mist fast track students won't be seen again for quite some time.
This is a challenge from Solvdrage so I want to give a shout out to the creator of this challenge. This is my first fanfiction so it probably won't be any good, however I hope with time I can improve any reviews are welcome here. Update: this fic is more based on the genin failed challenge by Solvdrage, because Iruka was supposed to have a bigger role in the story.
I had thought of having Sakura changing her perception of both Naruto and Sasuke. Sakura would have seen Naruto in a better light, while seeing the flaws in Sasuke's for the first time. But I decided against doing that because team seven had to be unsalvageable. That said Sakura won't see Naruto as a demon, monster or whatever, however she will dislike him more than she did in canon. As for Naruto, while it looks like he'll remain canon right now. He won't remain that way for long, neither in his abilities nor in his personality. That said I'm going to try not to completely do away with his canon personality either.
I'm looking for a beta. Not only to help me edit, but to be someone to discuss the story with as well.
'Regular. ' Human thoughts.
"Regular. "Human speech.
'Bold.' Bijuu/Summons/second personality thoughts.
"Bold." Bijuu/Summons /Possessed individual.
Italics flashback