PLEASE READ FIRST:
At the suggestion of ViperineVampire I am adding this Author's Note to address the preserved OC-centric nature of this story. While it is a fair to assume that this story is OC-centric I wish to assure you all that that was not my intention. This story is above all else a Naruto fanfic although the rest of the Konoha Twelve will have their moments in the sun. However, in order for the changes I wanted to make to the characters and the Cannon Storyline to be believable and not appear instantaneous or unrealistic I created Raven as a means of setting those changes into motion. I wish to assure everyone that once Naruto and his friends Graduate from the Academy which will be at the end of this chapter that Raven will be regulated to his intended role as a supporting character while Naruto and the others step into the Limelight.
I wish to thank you all for your understanding and hope that I haven't alienated too many of you with the preserved OC-centric nature of this story. I also wish to thank everyone that's both read this story as well as shown their support thus far and hope that you continue to do so in the future.
Now back to our regularly scheduled program already in progress… LOL
0o0o0o0o0
The years seemed to pass by quickly as Naruto and his classmates now enter their fourth and final year of the Academy. In that time the Academy's graduation rate had drop from twenty-seven a year down to only nine a year. However all nine students from each of the previous graduating classes had all gone on to pass their Jounin Senseis' Tests and were proving themselves to be competent shinobi of Konoha.
As Raven stands before the remaining twenty-seven students returning for their final year under his tutelage he can't help the sense of pride he feels as he remembers how every one of the eighteen graduates from his first two Graduating Classes had been promoted to the Rank of Chunnin by the time Neji, Ten-Ten and their Teammate Rock Lee graduated the Academy with the rest of their Class only a couple of months ago. On top of that the Hokage had sent him a message only a few minutes ago to let him know that ever one of Rookie Genin had all returned from successfully completed their first C-Ranked Missions as of that morning.
"All right everyone listen up," he begins getting their undivided attention. "As most of you already know thanks to a certain blond that can't keep his mouth shut," he says glaring at Naruto who only rubs the back of his head while giving a foxy grin. "This year you will focus on simulated Missions," he tells them earning many cheers from the students. "However," he adds as they begin to quiet down again, "You will also be given monthly physiological evaluations as well as weekly Counseling sessions to help prepare you mentally for your life as Shinobi."
Most of the students groan at the thought of wasting time with a shrink while Sasuke stares at the top of his desk hoping no one notices. Raven only gives him a quick glance recalling how, until only three months ago, the young Uchiha Heir would have almost weekly sessions with Inoichi to help him cope with the nightmares and depression he suffered from following the death of most of his Clan. Naruto as well as the rest of his friends had been instrumental in Sasuke's recovery, mostly by chasing away his Fan Club, but the process was still a difficult one.
Shaking off his thoughts Raven returns to the task at hand as he addresses the Kunoichis-in-training. "The girls will also finally begin their Kunoichi Training Classes as well as regular meetings with the active and retired Kunoichi of the Village," he informs them, "While the boys will have more…shall we say male oriented lectures and discussions."
The looks of confusion on their faces would have been priceless if the subject wasn't something he himself wasn't too keen on discussing. It had been decided by the staff that since the girls would be learning about contraception, Seduction and the dangers of being a Kunoichi in a Shinobi dominated world that the boys should also be given a generalized form of Sex Education. Naturally since none of the other teachers actually wanted to handle the class they had nominated Raven to do it while he was in a meeting with the Hokage. Even after three years of teaching Sex Ed to the would-be Shinobi Raven still felt a tad uncomfortable discussing such things with his students.
"Your first 'Mission'," he tells them bringing his thoughts back to the present, "Will begin later this afternoon. Until then I leave you in Iruka-san's capable hands." After bidding them good-bye he leaves the room on his way to deliver what has become his 'Annual Speech' to the rest the other classes before his first actual class of the day that afternoon.
0o0o0o0o0
Sitting in his office Raven looks over the files of each of his fourth year students and begins the semi-painful process of evaluating which of the twenty-seven fourth year students is fine at their current level and which so the proper aptitude for more specialized training. Of those twenty-seven he knows which nine are the most likely to actually graduate and while it may be possible that he's wrong (and he honestly hopes he is) his current track record and knack for predicting the most probable outcomes makes it highly unlikely.
Making a few quick notations on a blank sheet of paper be looks over each file carefully before jotting down a few recommendations for the Hokage about getting certain students additional training for the rest of the year.
Recommendations:
Sakura Haruno – Medical and Genjutsu Training
Reasons: Her high intelligence combined with her excellent chakra control makes her a perfect candidate for medical training.
Ino Yamanaka – Interrogation
Reasons: Her clan's techniques and understanding of the human psyche combined with her natural ability to understand human behavior makes her a perfect candidate for Interrogation training.
Shino Aburame – Interrogation
Reasons: His high intelligence and analytical mind combined with his clan's calm controlled nature and insects make him an ideal candidate for interrogation training.
Hinata Hyuuga – Medical Training
Reasons: Her gentle nature along with her existing knowledge of medicinal plants and herbs combined with her impressive chakra control even by Hyuuga standards would make her a perfect candidate for medical training. Also while she Byakugan may lack the range of many of the other Hyuugas her vision and attention to detail is far more refined then others of her clan which could prove to be a great benefit to the Medical Core.
Looking over his recommendations he can't help the grin of pride on his face from the knowledge that he is giving these potential Genin a far greater chance at a successful Shinobi career then they would have had without the changes he's made to the Academy's curriculum.
0o0o0o0o0
With only a few days left until the Graduation Exam Raven once again finds himself sitting in the Hokage's office giving a progress report on the students scheduled to graduate this year. Despite his calm outward appearance he is unable to completely avoid his slightly proud twinkle in his eyes as his adoptive father reads over the evaluations that he and his staff have prepared for each student's files. This particular class will always hold a special place in his heart, not because of who they are to him personally but because they are the first class to completely finish all four years under his new curriculum. While it is true that his three previous graduating classes have more then proven that his training regiment is far superior to the previous Academy standards this particular class will truly be his crowning achievement and would officially mark a new beginning for Konoha.
"I must say that you may actually have out done yourself this time Raven-kun," the Hokage comments as he closes the final file before turning his attention to the Head of the Academy. "This year's Graduating Class could truly turn out to be the finest crop of Genin that Konoha has produced since your Team's Graduation."
"I certainly hope so Tousan," he tells his father. "Although in all honesty this is actually only the beginning," he reminds the Hokage. "Remember that while the previous Graduates under my care had received an abridged version of the curriculum Naruto and his friends are only the first to complete the full four years of training I have out into place. As the Academy continues to evolve and grow each year's graduates will also evolve and grow as well."
"As things should be," father reminds son. "Each Generation continues to surpass the previous generation, thus is the nature of life," he says quoting his late Sensei.
"Hai," Raven agrees, "I remember Tousan. I only hope I live long enough to train the next generation to surpass the current generation." Both men chuckle at that before returning to the business at hand.
"Tell me about the additional training that you've had Sakura and the others undergoing this year," the elder Sarutobi says returning to the topic of their meeting.
"Currently Sakura-chan has been studying Genjutsus with Kurenai-chan and has already mastered most of Kurenai's lower level Genjutsus as well as several mid level Genjutsus. Given the limited time remaining combined with the fact that Kurenai-chan will be taking on a Team this year she has given Sakura-chan a few scrolls containing some of her higher level Genjutsus to study on her won.
"Also Sakura-chan and especially Hinata-chan have surpassed their Medical Senseis' expectations and if their progress in this field continues at its current rate they would have completed their initial training and should receive their field medic certifications by the time the next Chunnin Exams are slated to begin."
"That is most impressive," the Hokage says taking a puff from his pipe, "And what about Ino and Shino?"
"Ibiki wants to recruit them into his division as soon as they graduate," Raven chuckles causing the village leader to laugh. "According to him they are both naturals and handled their first interrogations far better then he would have ever thought possible for a pair of Academy students."
"Ibiki allowed Academy students to perform their own interrogations?" the Hokage asks in shock.
"Hai," Raven replies. "He let them interrogate a couple of low level art smugglers. According to him Shino just stood there staring at his prisoner while his bugs buzzed around the man. After about ten minutes the guy just broke and gave up everything he knew. Ino…" he trails off chuckling. "Ino actually talked her guy into passing out by boring with all her idle gossip and once he was out she used her family's Jutsu to enter his mind and get the information she needed."
"Most impressive," the elder man chuckles, "I can certainly see how those methods could prove effective." Taking another puff of his pipe he looks down at the files on his desk. "Do you have any recommendations on what the Teams should be?"
"Honestly given the fact that any of those nine would be considered 'Rookie of the Year' under the previous curriculum the usual Team formations won't work," he informs the older man. "Basically it breaks down to Specialized Units. Of course if you don't want to go that route you can always mix things up for more Generalized Squads but then that may prove problematic depending on their Jounin-Sensei. Kakashi would be perfect for either a Combat Unit or a Tracking Team giving his capabilities while Kurenai could handle either a Tracking or Infiltration Squad and of course Asuma would be capable of leading a Combat Unit or a Capture and Retrieval Team."
"I see what you mean," the Hokage replies as he ponders the different possible Teams he could create simply based on the training that the soon to be Genin have received over the past four years. "Let's assume for a moment that Kakashi was given a Tracking Team," he says before snuffing out his pipe before refilling it with more tobacco. "Which Genin would you suggest be placed on his team?"
"If they were to only locate and observe a target then I'd go with Shino, Kiba and Hinata," Raven answers without a second thought. "But given how rare those types of missions actually are for Tracking Squads you'll need trackers that could double as fighters so naturally you'd need an Inuzuka. Also with the training I've been giving Naruto on using the Kyuubi's abilities along with Tsume's training on using his heightened senses I could also see him on this team. Since they'll probably be in combat most of the time and those two are prone to getting themselves hurt while fighting and aren't necessarily the sharpest tools in the shed I'd suggest Sakura for their team's medic."
"Sounds reasonable," the senior Sarutobi agrees, "And Asuma's Combat Unit?"
"Sasuke, Choji and Hinata," the younger man answers after only a moment's thought. "Akimichi are natural tanks, Hinata's medical training and Byakugan would suit a Combat Unit perfectly and Sasuke's ideal for mid to long-ranged Ninjutsu and Weapons support as well as tactical support."
"So that leaves only Shino, Ino and Shikamaru for Kurenai's Infiltration Unit," the Hokage reasons.
"Hai," Raven says, "They had the highest scores on stealth, cryptography, information gathering and problem solving. Ideally they'd make a perfect Infiltration and Intelligence Unit."
"I must say that giving their training and their Teams I am looking forward to seeing what they'll accomplish in the future,' the Hokage tells his son.
"As am I," Raven replies, "As am I."
0o0o0o0o0
The Graduation Exam had been both exhausting and extremely satisfying for the now newly designated Genin. The Exam itself had been a simulated Mission in an ANBU training Field with Chunnin Henged into the bandits for the purpose of realism. The objective of their joint Mission in which they were divided into what they later learned would be their actual Genin Teams had been to locate and infiltrate an abandoned fortress being occupied by "bandits" and to both retrieve a stolen scroll from the village while freeing the prisoners inside the fortress.
Under the watchful eyes of the Hokage, Raven, their Academy Instructors, a team of medic-nins and their future Jounin-Senseis the Genin hopefuls had performed far better then any one could have ever imagined. Naruto's Team had successfully tracked the Bandits to their base and scouted the area locating and disabling traps while Ino's Team carefully scouted the interior using both Shino's bugs and her family's Jutsu. Once they had gathered the necessary information Shikamaru was able to formulate their battle plan which Sasuke's Team executed with Naruto's Team providing back-up. Once the Mission was completed Sakura and Hinata helped patch up the wounded which consisted primarily of the "bandits" as their group and suffered little more then a few scraps and bruises.
"Damn,' Asuma says as he and the other observers walk over towards the now full-fledged Genin. "If this had been for real you kids would have already completed a B-Ranked Mission right off the bat."
"I think we can forgo the usual Survival Test," Kakashi adds surveying the damage they had caused to fortress as well as the 'bandits' themselves.
"I agree," Kurenai smiles proudly at the Genin that they had all had a hand in training over the last few years. "I am most impressed with not only their abilities but also their Teamwork."
"Okay you guys," Raven tells them as Iruka happily hands out their shiny new hitai-ates. "You are all to report at noon tomorrow for your first official day as Shinobi," he informs them. "Sasuke, Hinata and Choji at training field twelve, Shikamaru, Ino and Shino at training field five and Naruto, Sakura and Kiba at training field seven." He can't help but chuckle at the excited cheers and boisterous yells of "We're finally Ninjas" coming from both Naruto and Kiba.
"Now I believe there's a party waiting for you all to celebrate your graduation," he grins causing the kids to smile brightly. "Go on," he tells them before he and the other adults laugh at the preteens racing toward the Uchiha Compound to show off their new hitai-ates.
"They grow up so fast," the Hokage muses with a smile while taking a puff from his pipe. "You've done well Raven-kun."
"I'll say,' Asuma adds, "They're going to make excellent shinobi."
"And to think we had a hand in shaping their futures," Kurenai says with an almost maternal pride to her smile.
"They've come along way I'll give them that," Kakashi tells them as he pulls out his famous orange book. "But let's wait till after their first real taste of actually being a shinobi before we start planning the parade."
"Agreed," raven chuckles. "How about we get going before the Akimichi clean out the buffet," he adds moving in the direction of the party with the others following right behind him.
0o0o0o0o0
As the party begins to get into full swing inside the main house Sasuke, Naruto and Neji find themselves literally dragged out onto the dance floor that's been set up for the occasion by Sakura, Ino and Ten-Ten. At first the boys try to fight the kunoichi off but a few softly whispered threats involving the removal of their male organs quickly has the boys' full cooperation. Choji happily munches away on a plate of barbeque listening to Kiba's exaggerated description of their "Mission to a group of young Uchiha children hanging on his every word.
Shino and Shikamaru quietly play a game of shoji as their fathers silently watch on enjoying the slow yet intense battle of wits and strategy between the two young geniuses. Hanabi listens intently to her older sister actually talking somewhat excitedly with Kiba's older sister Hana about the differences between treating human and animal patients while Himaro tries his best not to laugh at Clan Heiresses.
Outside Hiashi and Tsume watch on with the Hokage, Asuma and Kurenai as Gai referees a Taijutsu only sparing match between Lee and the newly appointed Jounin Siefer Uchiha. Off to the side Raven and Mikoto share a drink Inoichi and Chouza as they talk about old times and how far the new Genin have come since they started the Academy while Kakashi sits in the tree above them reflecting on his own Teammates especially his Sensei wondering what the man would think about his new Team.
0o0o0o0o0
Two weeks after their graduation the Rookie Nine gather in Ichiraku Ramen to compare notes on their Teams' progress. "I swear that damn cat's getting smarter," Kiba growls after telling the others about his Team's numerous Tora Retrieval Missions.
"You're exaggerating again," Hinata tells him. Over the years she's known all of them she's lost her stutter as her confidence as gradually increased. While she might not be as out going or as bold as Ino or Sakura are she's comfortable enough around them to participate in most conversations and offer her opinions when required.
"Actually Hinata-chan," Sakura says coming to her Teammate's defense. "I believe that Tora may be adapting. It is actually starting to take five to ten minutes more to catch each time."
"Still," Naruto chimes in, "It does make for Tracking Practice."
"You should try baby-sitting Elder Biyo's grandson," Sasuke grumbles, "The brat won't listen to anyone but Hinata and takes off as soon as she leaves the room."
"He's not that bad," Hinata chides him, "He's just a bit energetic is all."
"The kid's a holy terror," Sasuke tells her. "I know you like him," he adds gently so as not to upset her. "But when you're not around he's impossible to deal with."
"Troublesome D-Ranked Missions," Shikamaru sighs. "Kurenai-Sensei has us doing two to three of them a day either before or after Team Practice."
"Asuma-Sensei's the same way," Choji tells his best friend.
"Ditto for Kakashi-Sensei," Naruto adds as a light bulb suddenly goes off in his head. "You don't think they're conspiring so you?"
"Not likely," Sasuke snorts, "Siefer-san says two to three D-Ranked Missions is about average for most Genin Teams."
"Yeah Hana-neechan says the same thing," Kiba adds.
"As do Neji-niisan and Himaro-kun," Hinata tells them.
"Raven-niisan say they're to help build Teamwork and that some D-Ranked Missions like with Tora can even double as training exercises.
"Yeah well the brat's more like an exercise in futility if you're not Hinata-chan," Sasuke grumbles but everyone notices the slight mirth behind his eyes.
0o0o0o0o0
A/N: And that's that… I know it's a bit short and I probably could have gone into more detail about the Graduation Exam Mission but honestly I really didn't have anything more then a general idea of how I wanted things to play out. I hope you all like the new Team Line-ups cause honestly I think giving everyone's training and new abilities that they will work out the best for what I'm trying to do with this story.
While I am going to do the Wave Arch since I believe that it's one of those things that happens regardless of who gets the mission request. There will of course be more then a few changes to how things happen but I'm fairly certain that you'll all enjoy it.
That's enough rambling for now. As always remember to review and let me know what you think and I'll catch you all next time.
Later,
Raven