Ninja of the Void

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or any characters associated with it.

"Talking"

Thoughts

Inauguration Day

~ Konoha Village ~

"I promise, I promise I'll get stronger so that you will never cry again. I swear on my dream of Hokage that I will always protect your smile, OK!"

"Naruto-kun . . . ." She found herself enveloped in a hug to which she began to blush furiously. Soon a soft smile began to form as she gently hugged him back. "Thank you, and I promise that I will get stronger too so that I can protect you as well".

"It's a promise then" said Naruto to which the pair then shared a warm smile as they then progressed from there.

So they did as it has been five years since they made their promise. Through these five years a few things did change quite a bit as anyone who was paying attention would have noticed.

If by a fourth dimensional perspective, Naruto and Hinata had grown up relatively close to how they were supposed to be. However in this half decade the young pair did indeed gain much from their time together. Although Naruto was still the hyperactive blond everyone knew, he was much more focused now as Hinata's better manners and study habits rubbed off on him. Likewise Naruto's confidence and undying will power rubbed off onto her.

Through each other's support they both grew exceptionally within their respective styles.

Hinata now had a better aptitude for the Jyuken style. Her precision, accuracy, and chakra concentration were much improved to which even some members of her clan was beginning to recognize. Incredibly, she was now capable of using Kaiten the signature defensive technique of their style. However due to her kind nature, she was not capable of fully learning the eight trigram sixty-four palm. As she disliked hurting people, it was difficult for her to learn an offensive technique.

Naruto on the other hand managed to learn more from Hinata in five years then he did from any of his senseis in his entire life. For the most part, he now had a better understanding of the ninja basics such as chakra control and simple techniques. In addition, his understanding of his father's watch increased bit by bit as his control over it bettered. Along the way he even invented few new techniques with Hinata's assistance to which even jounin level ninjas would describe as impossible to do.

Although their progress was impressive, they kept much of what they learned a secret only at times revealing what they knew when they had too. Even though they liked the attention, they didn't like it in swarms. It was fine that everyone saw them as better than average, but not interested as phenomenal. At their current level they were already pretty impressive for their age. But concerning their time-space knowledge and advanced techniques, that was something they wanted to keep to themselves and only reveal when the time came that they had too.

Now onto their daily lives, they attended ninja academy like any other kid as they were supposed to. During the five years that they went, they met a very huge array of people. Some of the people they came to know were Shikamaru and Chouji. The pair was from a very well known clan in Konoha as well as the best of friends as it appeared. However one appeared to be extremely lazy while the other enjoyed eating far more then they had too.

Shino and Kiba was another pair they came to know. Just like the previous they too were from some well known clans. But for the most part the Aburame kept mostly to himself while the Inuzuka liked causing pranks alongside Naruto.

Ino and Sakura were also some people they came to know. The blond female was also from a well known clan. However the other girl was not from any distinguishable heritage. Arguably, she was the smartest kid of their generation. Curiously neither Naruto nor Hinata understood why they were friends if they argued most of the time when they were together.

Some other people they knew were Tenten and Lee. They were one year their senior and already on a ninja team with Neji as their third member. Concerning Hinata's cousin, he was now a lot more withdrawn from the world as anyone who knew him could clearly see how much torment was inside him. This greatly concerned both Naruto and Hinata, but at this time there wasn't anything they could do at the immediate moment.

Lastly was the star of their generation, Sasuke Uchiha. By outer appearance, he was the strongest genin of their class as he excelled both mentally and physically. For this particular reason he had the attention of almost every teacher and fan girl after him. Furthermore, he was also the last of his clan. But in the few times that Naruto and Hinata had encountered him, they felt something . . . . off about him. In the best they could describe, there was a darkness inside of him that could scare anyone who starred for too long at it. Even against Hinata's advice, Naruto wanted to befriend him as some part of him wanted to try and understand what was eating Sasuke up inside. However it was easier said than done as the emo boy was extremely introverted and antagonistic towards anyone who approached him. But nevertheless, it didn't stop Naruto from trying as it started a strange rivalry between them.

Now to the present time . . . .

"Tomorrow is the academy's graduation exam so this isn't the time to be acting like an idiot!"

At this time Naruto sat tied up in front of the classroom as Iruka-sensei was yelling his ears off. Although he knew better not cause trouble, some old habits just die hard. "Whatever . . . ." was all Naruto cared to say.

Iruka infuriated by the blond's defiant behavior now had enough. "Time for a henge no jutsu test! Everyone line up!"

"What!"

"Transform perfectly into me!"

Obviously everyone was peeved at the hyperactive blond for causing this trouble. But it wasn't like he cared. Simply he enjoyed causing disorder and seeing how people would react. But as everyone organized themselves into a line Hinata stood next to Naruto. "Naruto-kun, you shouldn't anger Iruka-sensei like that".

"Ahh its fine. Besides I'm just having my fun".

The Hyuga heiress then looked a bit more concerned. "Naruto-kun, please do this test right for me then. I don't want you to get into anymore trouble then you already have".

Naruto looked to his pale friend as he started to notice her expression becoming sadder. "Alright alright" as he rubbed the back of his head, "I get it. I'll do this test right for you".

Hinata immediately brightened up to this as she smiled in relief.

"However . . . ." which got her somewhat concerned now. "I'll throw in some extra credit while I'm at it".

"Very good, next" as Sakura walked back to her desk.

Sasuke then walked up next and to no one's surprise he performed the henge to the definition of perfection. "Very good Sasuke, next" to which Naruto then stepped forward, "whenever you're ready".

The blond smirked mischievously to this which got Hinata worried. As he made his cross seal chakra began to form around him and in a puff of smoke he created his henge. Hinata sighed in relief at what she saw.

Iruka gave a grunt in approval. "Good Naruto, at least I know that you're paying attention in class".

Naruto as Iruka then gave a smirk as he then exploded in another puff of smoke. As the smoke cleared, everyone was dumbfounded at what they saw. "So how do you like my orioke no jutsu?" as he now appeared as a naked female teenage version of himself.

At what he saw Iruka's nose exploded into a massive nose bleed which sent the man flying back.

With this action some students laughed at this while others remarked the stupidity of Naruto's prank.

"Oh Naruto-kun . . . ." thought Hinata as she blushed in embarrassment while covering her eyes.

"How troublesome" thought Shikamaru.

"Umm, barbeque" thought Chouji.

"God that's hilarious" thought Kiba.

". . . . " thought Shino.

"What a pervert" thought Ino.

"What is that idiot thinking?" thought Sakura.

" . . . . dobe . . . ." thought Sasuke.

"Naruto!" fumed Iruka. "You're in big trouble now!"

But all the while Naruto was too busy laughing at the behavior of his teacher. Due to this, he was forced to go clean up his latest prank which was the desecration of the Hokage monument.

At this time the young blond was scrubbing the paint off with Iruka as his supervisor.

"Naruto-kun, you really should not have done that" said Hinata who was now visiting.

"I know and I know I deserve this. But you have to admit it was pretty funny".

Hinata looked away slightly in shame as she gave a slight nod. She then looked back. "Umm Naruto-kun, the big exam is tomorrow. Would you like to come over and study for it?"

"Nahh, I'm pretty sure it'll be fine. Besides how hard can it be?"

The Hyuga heiress nodded and she smiled at his usual over-confidence. "OK, I'll see you tomorrow then" to which she then left.

Afterwards when Naruto finished, Iruka treated him to a bowl of Ichiraku ramen. For the chunnin ninja was aware of the young blonds living arrangement. Knowing the special circumstances concerning him, he did have sympathy for the boy as he did what he could to improve his quality of life. "Naruto, why were you doing that to the monuments? Don't you know who the Hokage are?"

"Of course I know. Basically those who get the Hokage title are the strongest shinobi of the village right? And among them is the fourth Hokage who saved the village from the demon fox".

"Then why?"

"Well, one day I'm going to get the Hokage title and then I'll surpass all the previous Hokages" to which he said his last part with great conviction. "And then I'll make the village acknowledge my strength!"

Iruka internally chuckled at the boys dream.

"Umm Iruka-sensei, I have a little request . . . ."

"What? You want a second bowl?"

"No, can I borrow your forehead protector?"

"This?" as Iruka touched his protector. "You can have your own when you graduate. This is a symbol you've come of age. If you've been studying then tomorrow you'll probably get one".

"Bummer!"

Just like that the next day came to see if they would pass or fail. On this particular test it just happened to be the very jutsu he couldn't get right after five years.

"Why the bunshin?" thought Naruto as he smacked his face in disbelief.

One after another students walked in and out either as ninjas or repeat students. Looking at group, the people he knew passed. Watching as Hinata walked out, she had her protector tied around her neck.

Although he was freaking out, he was still happy for his friend. "Way da go Hinata-chan" as he gave her a thumb up.

Hinata gave a soft smile. "Thank you Naruto-kun" she whispered out.

Finally it was his turn as he walked into the exam room. There in front of him was Iruka and his colleague Mizuki. Just like five years ago, his bunshin was still as bad as it appeared colorless and practically half dead on the floor. Even though Mizuki tried to argue on his behalf, Iruka had no choice but to fail him.

Just like that Naruto felt at his lowest as he sat alone on his swing watching the other kids as they celebrated with their friends and family about their achievements. However he was not alone as Hinata was by his side.

"I'm sorry that you didn't pass Naruto-kun" as Hinata tried to be as sympathetic as she could.

"It's fine" as the young blond attempted to put on a brave face. "Besides shouldn't your dad be here to congratulate you?"

The Hyuga heiress shook her head sadly to this. "No, tousan is currently busy with state affairs. So he wasn't able to come. But Ko-san came in his place instead".

"Well it happens I guess" as Naruto attempted to chuckle. "Well don't let me bring you down. You should feel proud that you graduated. So go out and have fun OK".

"But Naruto-kun . . . ."

"It's . . . . It's fine. I . . . . I just want to be left alone for a while".

"But Naruto-kun . . . ." without another word he ran away. "Naruto-kun . . . ."

~ Konoha ~ (residential district)

After some mindless wondering Naruto was approached by the last person he expected. Feeling desperate Naruto was offered another chance to pass by Mizuki. In this arrangement all he had to do was infiltrate the Hokage's tower and steal the sacred scroll of sealing. If successful he would become a genin. "So how hard could it be?"

Although he could use the watch to stop time and take a look around, it wasn't exactly the smartest option. Even though he could use the watch with higher proficiency it still didn't change how much chakra it took just to stop the clock. Simply just to stop time for five minutes easily consumed all his chakra. He could use Hiraishin, but it didn't do him any good if he didn't know where he was going. Of course within five years he had some other techniques he could use to sneak in. But they were untested for actual use. Since this concerned him graduating he didn't want to mess up based on him using an untested jutsu.

So quietly sneaking in, he tip-toed around attempting to find the storage room where the sacred scroll was kept. But he would not remain unnoticed for long.

"Naruto, what are you doing in my house?" asked the third Hokage as he stood behind the blond.

Out of instinct, "orioke no jutsu!" which instantly incapacitated the elderly man. "Sorry jii-san, but I really want to pass this test". So after finding the room and the scroll he teleported away to the deepest part of Konoha's forest that he was shown.

Upon arrival, "Well while I'm waiting, I might as well take a peek inside . . . . Kage bushin! Why did the first page have to be the thing I'm worst at?"

~ Konoha village ~ (twelve hours later)

"Yes, that is a dangerous scroll forbidden by the previous Hokage" as the third was addressing his tracker team. "If used in certain ways it could cause incredible danger. It has been half a day since the scroll was taken. We must hurry and find Naruto".

"Yes sir" to which the team immediately dispersed.

After some time Iruka was gasping for breath as he had practically checked every stone in the village for Naruto. "I should check the forest". Knowing Naruto's favorite spots it took him no time at all to find the blond as he looked exhausted on the ground next to the sacred scroll of sealing. " . . . . I've found you . . . ." as the scarred man attempted to keep his temper in check.

Naruto then looked up with his usual overconfident grin. "Hey! I found the nose bleeder!"

"Idiot! I found you!"

But after a moment to calm down, Naruto stood up with glee. "I wish I had more time, but I learned what I needed. So I can graduate now right?"

"Was he practicing here this whole time?" But then something struck him as odd. "Naruto, where did you get that scroll?"

"Oh this? Mizuki-sensei told me about it and this place too. He said if I showed you this skill you'd definitely let me graduate".

"Mizuki!" but in the blink of an eye he pushed Naruto away as a barrage of kunais rained on him.

"Nice job in finding the moron" sneered Mizuki for the tree above.

"I see" Iruka heavily breathed out. "So that's what's going on" as he pulled one of the kunais from his chest.

"Huh? What? What's going on here?" Naruto exclaimed as he looked back and forth between his senseis.

"Naruto! Whatever happens, don't give him the scroll! That scroll has dangerous ninjutsu written in it. Mizuki used you to get his hands on it!"

The albino haired man chuckled at this. "There's no point in Naruto having it since there is . . . . the truth . . . ."

"No don't!"

"Twelve years ago" Mizuki continued. "You know about the demon fox being sealed right? Since that day a special rule was created for this village".

" . . . . A rule?" Naruto asked curiously.

"But this rule was never meant to be told to you".

"Not to me? What is this rule? Tell me!" He then watched as Mizuki could barely contain his laughter. "What is it . . . . ?"

"The rule is nobody is allowed to talk about the fact that you're the nine tailed demon fox!"

"What . . . . ? What do you mean?" as the young blond felt his legs weaken beneath him.

"Stop it!" screamed Iruka as he attempted to stop this transgression.

Mizuki simply smirked with glee. "Simply, you're the demon fox that kill Iruka's parents and nearly destroyed the entire village". He then took out his massive shuriken as he began to spin it. "You were sealed up by the Hokage you admired and you've been lied to by everyone". He then threw his weapon. "Iruka is also the same, he also hates you!"

As Naruto stood paralyzed on the ground from what he learned, he was snapped back to his senses at what happened next. "Why?" as Iruka stood over him shielding him for the attack.

". . . . You must have been in a lot of pain. I'm sorry Naruto, if only I did a better job you wouldn't have had to suffer like you did".

Unable to cope with everything he had learned, he did the only thing he could think of. Simply that was just to run. With that he kept running deeper into the forest uncertain of what he was doing anymore. But finally running out of breath, he hid behind a tree as it quickly became apparent that both Iruka and Mizuki had caught up with him.

"You even transformed into him, the person responsible for your parents death".

"I won't hand the scroll over to someone like you".

"You idiot! Naruto and I are the same. If you use the skills in that scroll you can do whatever you want".

"There's no way that demon fox wouldn't try to use the power of the scroll".

" . . . . Yeah . . . ."

Naruto heart clenched at hearing this. Even Iruka looked down on him.

"The demon fox would do that. But Naruto is different. I've already acknowledged him as a human being long ago". Iruka then exhaled a sigh. "He maybe a troublemaker, but he knows what it feels like to have pain inside your heart. He isn't the demon fox. He is a member of the hidden leaf. He's Uzumaki Naruto".

At those words, the young blond felt his world brighten. Somewhere inside him he knew people were treating him differently for some reason. Truthfully, if he never got to know Hinata in his youth then Mizuki's predictions about him would be rather accurate. But in learning something more from Iruka, something about his life now felt even lighter now.

"Well whatever" as Mizuki was now past his point of patience. "I said I was going to deal with you later. But I changed my mind" as he started spinning his second kunai. "Hurry up and die!"

In that instant Naruto flew in kneeing their attacker away sending him quite a distance.

"You're going to regret doing that" he coughed as he picked himself up.

"Don't touch Iruka-sensei or I'll kill you!"

"You idiot! Why did you come out? Run away!"

"Ha ha, I'll kill someone like you in one shot!"

"Try it trash, I'll return the pain a thousand times over" as Naruto formed his cross seal. In his poetic justice he was going to beat him up with the very technique he told him to learn.

"Then do it demon fox!"

To everyone grand surprise, an uncountable number of Naruto's now surrounded them. "Kage bunshin no jutsu!"

"Wha! What's going on?" as Mizuki looked around in panic.

"What's wrong? Weren't you going to kill me in one shot?"

Iruka at this time still stood stun at what he was looking at. "Naruto . . . . you have . . . ."

"Well let's get this show on the road then" to which after a gruesome ten minute beating Mizuki was now reduced to a broken man on the ground.

"He really did divide into over a thousand copies each with a real body of their own. Maybe he really will surpass the Hokages someday" as Iruka was still impressed from the display earlier.

"Hehe, I guess I went a little too far" said Naruto rubbing the back of his head.

Iruka sighed, "Naruto . . . . Come over here. I want to give you something and close your eyes".

So doing what he was told he then felt something being wrapped around his head. "Now sensei?"

"OK you can open your eyes" smiled Iruka. "Congratulations on graduating. Let's celebrate, I'll buy you some of Ichiraku's finest ramen and oofffffff".

Being too caught up with emotion, he hugged Iruka as now everything was going to be alright.

In watching this from his crystal ball, Hiruzen was satisfied by the results as he called the tracker team off.

~ Konoha village ~ (two hours later)

After getting all the affairs straightened out such as putting Mizuki in prison, getting Iruka to a hospital, and putting the sacred scroll back in its place there was one place Naruto just had to be to share his news.

After body jumping all the way to the Hyuga compound, he climbed the wall and made his way to the other side of the estate. Looking for the right window, he then climbed up as he knocked on this particular window.

"Naruto-kun . . . .?" as the still wary Hyuga heiress wavered back and forth making her way to the window. She then rubbed her eyes as she opened her window. "What is it? It's still nighttime right now".

Naruto simply smiled with glee as he pointed to the source of his happiness. "Check it out Hinata-chan! I did it! I'm an official ninja now!"

Hinata smiled warmly to this. "Congratulations Naruto-kun, I'm happy for your success. But pardon my curiosity, how did you do it?"

"It's . . . . a very long story. I'll tell you about it later. But more importantly I managed to learn a ton of techniques. And I have to say that a lot of them are very powerful and cool stuff".

Hinata's eyes widened at that statement. "Did you use the time echo? Didn't we agree that method of learning was too dangerous for anyone to use? You could have actually died from the overload of information".

"Why do you think I look so banged up?" he then chuckled. "Besides it's not like I'll learn it all at one time. By sending my intentions to learn each technique into the watch it then sent back echoes of what I would possibly learn later. It just so happens that kage bunshin was the first echo to come back to me. So it'll take some time before the other echoes will reach me".

The pale girl sighed at how gutsy her blond friend tended to be. But what was she supposed to expect from an unpredictable boy like him. So soon she smiled this off as Naruto always had this way of making things work out. She then took his hand to invite him in. "Would you like me to make you something? Or are you sleeping over again?"

Naruto gave a soft chuckle. "After that hard battle, I could use some of Hinata-chan's good cooking" to which the pair then proceeded inside.

To be continued . . . .

Author's Notes: Looking over the reviews I am well aware that Naruto could have stopped time in the last chapter and kicked the Kumo nin in the nether region landing a super effective attack. But as noted there are a few plot devices to why I decided on this action.

Also I do apologize if I messed up the timeline. During the write-up of this story I had a difficult time mapping out when certain events occurred. Since there were so many perspectives between wikia and peoples knowledge, right.

In addition, the watch . . . . well that will be explained later.

So I thank everyone for taking the time in reading this fic and further extend my gratitude if you can review it as well.