A/N: Hello once again my fellow reader with another installment to my story. Please enjoy this chapter and be sure to read my authors note at the end.
True Colors
1 week later...
XXX
Both Root members had arrived promptly at their masters main base. He didn't realize at first just how far he had managed to travel in the past year alone. Considering he had misplaced his map almost from the very beginning. When you think about it though, it really wasn't that hard to believe. Nonetheless it had taken them quite some time to return to base, but after a whole week had passed they had arrived back home. As expected there was no such thing as a celebratory welcoming home thing among the Root members. Honestly, almost all of them belonging to Root were beyond pissed that he had somehow survived his year long journey and made it back in one piece.
Even the man responsible for bringing him back to base held a grudge on him. What was his reason for hating him so much? Well it might have had something to do with the killing of his best friend when he first participated in a battle. Did he blame them? Not really, but it becomes very apparent that most of the Root members detested him when he's constantly greeted with scowls full of disdain towards him. They wholeheartedly believed that he was given too much free will and perks just because he was Danzo's little 'pet' as they so kindly put it. Could he blame them? Once again, No, but why? Well if he were in their position he would probably feel the same way.
He had become accustomed to this kind of treatment long before he had joined Root. So all those glares and scowls they threw at him might as well not even be there. Their glares were nothing compared to the villagers since they don't have the training to mask most of their emotion like they do. In the end it couldn't be helped and he didn't feel like even trying to make amends and become at least civil towards each other. They were only co-workers to him, both physically and emotionally and he was okay with that setup. In his calculating mind he didn't need them to become strong. No, the only people that mattered in his growth and support was Danzo and Izumi. Those two individuals alone had given him the necessary tools to survive in his pathetic life.
He had no friends to speak of, no loved ones by blood, at least not that he knew of. But he could say he was satisfied enough with these two people. Danzo was responsible for a large chunk of his power and Izumi was always there if he needed to talk. He would even go so far as to say that she was sort of a mother figure. Her soft voice and tone went well with that description.
Dropping down the discrete trap door he landed gracefully in a room devoid of any light. His superior eyes could easily see through the darkness, but even without them he would still be able to see. After the year had passed his eyes had adapted towards the darkness making it seem almost like it was daylight to his eyes. This adaption was also present with a majority of the Root members. Being instructed to continue forwards he walked past the main lounge area where members would just relax after long bouts of training happened.
Stopping for a moment a monotone voice instructed him further. "Danzo-sama instructed that you meet him in your living quarters as soon as you arrived. With that I leave you." The man's presence disappeared leaving him alone as he stared at the long hallway ahead.
Thankfully the dark hallway was at least partially lit with few torches hanging every twelve feet along the wall. Knowing exactly where to go he arrived at his room and passed the open door as he was greeted with both his special people, Danzo and the always smiling and graceful Izumi carrying around her clipboard firmly against her bosom. A small smile graced his mouth under his white mask at seeing them for the first time in almost a year. Bowing his head and kneeling he greeted both of them with a warmth lingering in his words. "Danzo-sama, Izumi-chan. It's nice to see you both again...the year has been long."
The war-hawks mug remained as calm and daunting as ever. Even though he was known as a very cruel and calculating man under his tough exterior he too was feeling a tinge of happiness at seeing his young pupil safe and sound. His young assistant Izumi was in the same boat, but instead of hiding her emotions, the woman expressed them physically, bringing him into a huge bear hug that threatened to break him.
"It's so good to finally see you again Naruto-kun." Hearing nothing but silence she loosened her grip a bit only to realize that the skillful boy was about to pass into blissful unconsciousness if she didn't release him. Quickly loosening her iron grip on the boy she apologized. "Sorry about that Naruto-kun, it's just I've been waiting for this day to come ever since you left and seeing you here safely is just so surreal."
As he struggled to regain his steady breathing he thought. "Izumi-chan might look weak on the outside, but I know she hides her true strength. Same as Danzo-sama. Thank Kami their with me." He waved her apology off as his breathe finally returned. "It's okay Izumi-chan, I too have missed you." His masked visage turned towards his old master. "Same goes for you Danzo-sama."
Danzo remained calm as he gave him some new information relating to his name. "Yami-kun, from this day forward that name is no longer viable. If we are to integrate you into Konoha you need to go back to your old name. So you will be called Naruto once again both in here and on the outside, is that clear?
Naruto simply nodded with his masters instructions. He had some doubts on whether he would keep his codename when he returned. Hearing this his thoughts were true and he needed get used to being called by his real name from this point onwards. If he wanted to fulfill his masters wishes of being entered into Konoha's forces that is.
Seeing him nod with understanding, the old war-hawk waved him towards his bed. "Take a seat for me Naruto-kun. We need to see if adjustments are necessary. It all depends on how you answer our questions."
Naruto followed his masters orders and took his seat on his surprisingly comfortable bed. As his feet dangled over the tall bed, is eyes focused on him.
Izumi slowly came from behind him and stood beside him. Her tender eyes had long been replaced by cunning ones only seeking for errors. "Naruto-kun please if you would remove your mask for me." She immediately noticed him pause at her seemingly easy order. His hesitation quickly dispersed resulting on the removal of his white mask.
Both of them noticed just how much older the boy seemed after the past year. But it was obvious that time wasn't the only factor in his transformation. The boy clearly had seen some disturbing images on his travels and they were reflected nicely on his eyes and face. Writing those changes on her clipboard for documentation she asked another question, this time pertaining to his sharingan eye code-named Project X. "Naruto-kun, I want you to be completely honest with me on this one. Did you experience any sort of side-effect while you used your eye. It can be anything no matter how minor. I need to know it's extremely important, understand."
His 3 tomoed sharingan spun slowly as the reflection of his surrogate mother appeared. Blinking he answered. " Understood Izumi-chan. First of all if I use it consecutively or for a long time, afterwords my vision goes dark. My body also suffers from extreme pain centered around my sharingan eye."
Izumi quickly jotted down the critical information. Adjusting her thin glasses she continued. "How long does the blindness last Naruto-kun?
Naruto rested his head against the cold concrete wall and raised a single finger. "About a day if I'm lucky. The most I've gone without my vision was a total of three days, but that only happened to me once. I wanted to see just how much it took for the blindness to take effect. My testing resulted in me discovering the longest I could go without my vision. Let's just say it was not a pleasant experience."
Izumi jotted down the rest of the information. Her cunning eyes drifted towards her master waiting for further instructions.
Danzo's eyes never left the boy's own. Everything he had been told he had taken to heart. After all the eye that he had given the boy was his own creation and if anything went wrong it was on him. "Naruto, I have one last question to ask you. Where did you go and was it worth it?
Naruto simply looked at his white mask, sitting on his bed. "Izumi-chan...may I put the mask back on?
Izumi looked at Danzo, getting a nod from the man she granted his request. "Certainly Naruto-kun."
Naruto gently retrieved it and carefully put it back on becoming one with the mask again. His now masked visage traveled back to his masters figure and answered his question. "Actually not even I know where exactly I went. Early on I somehow lost the only map that you had given me at the beginning. I can say that I didn't enter the major villages of Iwagakure, Kumogakure, Kirigakure and Sunagakure." Pausing for a moment he gazed at his hand as if something were there. "I experienced many failures that resulted in deaths. I saw pain and misery alongside poverty and oppression. I did my best to thwart those scum, but I'm only one person. This journey was a real eye opener to say the least. It made me realize just how hard someone can have it. My pain is nothing compared to them. That is something that was made painfully clear to me."
Danzo nodded with everything the boy was saying to him. "Then I proclaim this mission a success." He saw the boy's body tense a bit from his proclamation. " Naruto, this mission was exactly done to make you see just how much injustice there is in the world. Fairy-tales do not exist in reality. No doubt you have learned that in the past year and because of it you are way ahead of the others kids which you will undoubtedly meet. Don't you feel stronger because of it Naruto-kun? Wasn't your passion rekindled?
Naruto listened to the man's preaching with open ears, taking everything like it was something divine. There was no doubt that he had become stronger from all his experiences in the past year. He felt that he had seen it all when talking about the horrible things in this world. He had seen also kindness and goodness in his travels, but those were too few to really make an impact on him.
Danzo saw the boy's fists tightened as he no undoubtedly thought on what he had just said. His unfazed expression grew into a smirk, before his very eyes was a mold of clay, waiting to be sculpted. His eyes turned towards his assistant who was watching the boy with worried eyes. "Izumi, is that all that needed to be checked?
Izumi adjusted her glasses and looked down at her notes. Nodding to herself she turned back to her master. "Yes, we checked what needed to be checked already. All Naruto needs to do is rest now. No doubt he's exhausted from the non-stop traveling to get here."
Danzo agreed with her in that regard. He motioned for her to begin their exit before turning back once more. "Naruto I know you want to get stronger. Believe me I want you to get stronger. That is the sole reason I brought you in. To make you strong and capable of surviving on your own. However, power comes in due time so try and endure it a while longer. I want you to try and embrace the team you will receive in the coming weeks. Make friends, enemies and cement your legacy as a fine shinobi. I will always be here so do not worry about being abandoned."
Naruto soaked it all on like a sponge. Seeing them head out he rested his head against the soft pillow before his eyes finally allowed themselves to drift into blissful sleep.
(With Danzo and Izumi)
Both master and assistant stood as they watched Naruto sleep. Izumi's warm eyes were non-existent as she gazed towards her similar looking master. "Did you really mean what you said about him not worrying about being abandoned?
Danzo merely smirked. "Of course not. Naruto's true objective is for him to become strong and capable of defeating whatever foe comes Konoha's way. He will become the strongest living weapon imaginable. No one will even dare to trifle with us if someone like Naruto is with us."
The woman's eyes became even darker behind her glasses hearing what her master was saying. "Why give him false hope then? Pretty cruel of you."
Danzo scoffed at his assistants narrow mindset. "Izumi, you must understand that Naruto is still a child. He is still in development and will cling to whatever you tell him no matter what. Give him a bit of hope and he will obey. Tell him you are his family and .obey."
Izumi turned her back from her master and gazed at the screen with hardened eyes. She didn't know exactly what it was but she felt pity for the boy. She could see that he honestly cared for the both of them. They were his only family after all. Now she knew why Danzo had given him the eye. She only hoped that he somehow broke from this. Only time would tell.
(Naruto's Mind Scape)
Naruto awoke with the sensation of being soaked. His eyes behind his mask darted from left to right and quickly bolted up into a crouch feeling an extremely powerful chakra around him. Never in his life had he felt something so powerful and evil. Pure darkness surrounded him leaving him with only a large gate in front of him. His sharingan made him see that the chakra was being released from inside the enormous gate. Cautiously he approached the gate. The closer he got the more he could see into it until finally there ahead of him stood an enormous Fox with both eyes closed.
He approached the gate even further not believing his eyes. "Kyuubi..." He whispered with a tinge of uncertainty finding it hard to believe that something that was supposed to be inside him was right before his very eyes. His sharingan predicted a huge claw coming straight for him. On cue he jumped back just enough for the razor sharp claws of the Kyuubi to miss him.
Both eyes of the Kyuubi were now open. Both slitted between the middle as they gazed at him with murderous intentions. "Boy...why do you stain my home with your putrid presence?!
Naruto stared at him with a mixture of awe and caution. He couldn't believe that the Kyuubi was right in front of him and that he was talking. "...Honestly I don't even know what to tell you. Where am I?
The gargantuan Kyuubi snorted as his 9 tails swished ominously behind him stirring incredible hurricane like winds as a result. "You have the audacity to tell me where exactly you are?! Do you even realize who you are speaking with brat!
Naruto merely nodded feeling the Kyuubi's anger rise dramatically. "Your the Kyuubi right. I already know that. What I don't know is how I got here."
The Kyuubi's eyes widened slightly at how nonchalant his container was acting. "Of course you know who I am already. You have used my power many times now. How does it feel when my great power courses through your veins!
Naruto rose both arms and squeezed. "It feels amazing when I use it, but its still not enough."
The Kyuubi quickly rose up and sprang for the gate making Naruto cloak flap from the wind. "Do not blame my power for your own failures! You're still an amateur when it comes to using my power! You have no idea how much locked potential you have when you actually learn to harness and control it! Having that detestable sharingan will be useful in controlling the enormous amount of chakra you posses courtesy of yours and my own combined."
The Kyuubi relaxed and continued. "That sharingan is also your crutch boy."
Naruto looked at him with curiosity. "How so?
The powerful Kyuubi chuckled at the boy's obliviousness. "I can sense a powerful seal inside that eye courtesy of that bastard Danzo. You think someone will give you something so powerful out of the kindness of their own heart? Don't be so naive boy."
The masked boy stood speechless. His logical part of his mind knew that what the fox was saying was very plausible. However, his attachment to them prevented him from seeing the truth of the matter. "What is the seal for?
They Kyuubi shook his head. "All I can say is that it's for the sole purpose of disabling. It's a form of control if you ever rebel. It's the usual safeguard nothing too complicated, but extremely effective."
Silence reigned supreme, making the powerful entity know as the Kyuubi smirk deviously. "I can take away that seal if you want me to."
The masked boy's eyes narrowed behind his mask. "What do you want?
The Kyuubi's smirk became even more feral. "Peel that seal off and we have deal."
Naruto's eyes followed the Kyuubi's. A wonderfully crafted seal adorned the enormous gate ahead of him. "Let me guess. This seal you want me to take off is the only thing holding you in here right."
The Kyuubi's smirk waned a bit as he mocked. "Very astute of you boy. Yes, like you so cleverly guessed this pathetic seal traps me inside you!
Naruto shook his head in disbelief. "If you honestly believed I would let you free then you're dumber than you look Kyuubi." He was met with another snarl from the fox as his intoxicating and powerful blood red chakra swirled around him, pouring out steadily from the gate. As soon as it tried though the powerful chakra came running right back into the cage, the seal glowing beautifully.
Turning his back on the Kyuubi he thought. "I must have fallen asleep and somehow wound up in my own head. Very bizarre indeed." He whispered.
The Kyuubi scoffed, hearing the boy begin to mumble to himself. "Don't think yourself special boy. All Jinchuriki eventually meet my brothers and sisters. Whether it happens early or at the end of their lives. They will meet."
Naruto turned his back towards the fox and continued. "So is this going to become a regular thing? You and me talking like this whenever I go to sleep?
The powerful Kyuubi shook his head once more. "Not quite boy. I have always watched your life from inside whether you noticed or not. I have seen everything that has happened. Every emotion that came along with it as well. Only now will you be able to talk with me whenever you feel like it. Whether I respond to your pathetic pleas or not is up to me. The link however will always be there until you die."
Naruto did something that managed to surprise even the great fox himself. He removed his white mask and gazed at him with serious eyes. "Kyuubi...you've been inside me ever since I was born correct? Receiving a nod he continued. "Then you knew my parents didn't you? Are they still alive by any chance?
The powerful Kyuubi had to turn his eyes away not wanting to witness his container act this way. Even though he would never say it, this boy had become someone he did not expect when first sealed in here. He was still young but he had so much potential and the power that was still dormant inside of him was any indicator he would become unstoppable. "Sorry boy this seal prevents me from telling you anything."
Letting out a deep sigh his eyes drifted towards his mask once more. "Kyuubi...what's your real name?
The Kyuubi's eyes visibly widened at his question. Never before had any of his previous hosts ask something so personal. His slitted eyes quickly regained their menacing shape as he answered his question with a brief response. "We are not close enough for you to know."
Nodding, he closed his eyes and donned the white mask once again. "Fair enough Kyuubi." Turning his back he began to walk towards the direction he had awoken from. Before he reached that place the fox gave him a last piece of advise.
"Naruto the only thing you do have is great power. You have been blessed with such incredible power you don't even realize it yet. Strength will always be a constant in your life. However, that alone will not bring you the happiness you are desperately seeking. That struggle will be up to you whether you accept companionship or not."
Smiling under his mask he continued forward before pausing. "Thank you Kyuubi. Honestly didn't expect something so deep to come from you." He chuckled when he heard a snarl before leaving his own mind.
This left only the powerful Kyuubi alone behind his gate. His slitted eyes never leaving the place where the boy had come from. "Old man...I feel you strongly in this boy it's peculiar. Only time will tell when he awakens and really changes the world."
The next morning...
(Hokage Mansion)
Naruto was currently inside the office belonging to the wise and powerful Hokage of Konoha known as Sarutobi Hiruzen. Danzo had instructed him to meet the Hokage as soon as he was able, meaning the very next morning. The 4 year long Academy would be ending very soon, so he needed to do all the necessary paper work in order to be admitted into the Academy. To him though all this was just a huge waste of time and was only a hindrance when the big picture came into view. Thankfully he had managed to skip all those years of boring lectures and had gotten the real treatment with Danzo. If the Academy offered real world experiences then he wouldn't have anything bad to say. However, knowing how to fight and actually doing it were two entirely different things.
Of course Danzo viewed it completely the same way as he did. One thing the old war-hawk gave credit to was that being in the Academy allowed you to build relations with the other shinobi. All those years being together would undoubtedly result in that. Same went with being in a squad in which teamwork was a critical point to succeed. He wondered who his future 'partners' would be but one thing he hoped for out of them would be that they were strong.
Sarutobi meanwhile was completely elated at seeing his would be grandson for the first time since he was taken in by his former friend Danzo. Bringing his arms up he welcomed the boy with a smile. "Naruto, my boy, how have you been these past 2 years? Its been far too long hasn't it."
Naruto remained passive as he gazed back at the old Hokage through his white mask. Leaning against the wooden wall he answered. "Same as usual Hokage-sama. Extremely dark I might add...very dark."
The wise Hokage didn't miss the sarcasm plaguing the boy's tone. "I see you've acquired a new accessory. Courtesy of Danzo no doubt."
Naruto tapped it showing him that it was more than just a colorful accessory like he was thinking. "Capable of taking even the harshest of blows and withstanding them with ease. This outfit is not bad either wouldn't you say Sarutobi-san."
The Hokage chuckled and interlocked his aging fingers together. "Well to each his own I guess." His expression quickly turned a bit more serious. "Naruto can you do me a favor and remove that mask. I like to see the face of whoever I speak with. Also I want to see how much you've grown, not just in height."
Naruto remained still seemingly contemplating on what he should do. After a few short moments he answered. "Is that an order Hokage-sama."
The Hokage's eyes widened a bit seeing how formal the boy was acting. "No Naruto-kun. I just wished to see your face again."
The masked boy nodded and responded. "Then I'm afraid I will have to decline."
Sarutobi reclined on his chair and asked. "Care to indulge me as to why. It's a very simple order Naruto-kun."
Naruto didn't wait to answer the man's suspicion. Knowing fully well that if he displayed even a sliver of hesitation his suspicion would only increase. His top priority was to hide his sharingan from everyone no matter what the circumstance. If somehow someone did find out then he/she would have to be eliminated immediately. He absolutely detested unwarranted murder so he would do his best from that happening. "I still haven't recovered from that incident. This mask is the only thing that makes me comfortable speaking to anyone. You understand how hard this is on me right."
His reasoning wasn't the best but it was enough for this situation. "Very well Naruto-kun. You may keep your mask on if that's what makes you comfortable. Now shall we get to business."
Seeing him nod, the Hokage retrieved some paper work and instructed for the boy to come. Giving him a pen he commanded. "Here Naruto, take this pen and put your name on each of these documents. Do not worry about signing something that does you any harm. These are only the documents necessary in order to be admitted into the Academy even though the entrance exam has long been over."
Agreeing with his explanation he went forward and signed every individual paper given to him. It took a whole 3 minutes to finish which surprised even the Hokage himself at how quick the boy was in writing his name.
After making sure the documents were sufficient he went on and stored them within a folder before turning his focus back on the masked boy. "Now listen carefully Naruto-kun. I know that whatever training you've been doing with Danzo over the past 2 years has made you stronger. Far stronger than the Academy students are right now. So with that said, I want you to promise me you will not harm your future team in any way." Standing from his chair he walked towards the open window, crossing his arms behind his back. "Naruto I trust you, but I don't trust Danzo. You can understand that considering all the past of the man. That mask you wear only further implies that Danzo's little group is still active and you are no doubt somehow part of."
Turning his back towards the masked boy, his cunning eyes peered straight at him making the boy feel like he could see everything he was hiding. "Naruto, once you are integrated into the Academy and get yourself a squad. You are no longer part of Root understand. You are part of the Konoha forces and you will advance like any other genin. Whatever bond you have with Danzo will end and new bonds will be formed with your team. Understand it and accept it."
Naruto didn't give any indication whether he understood what he was being told. He simply nodded and asked. "Are we done Hokage-sama."
Sarutobi nodded. "Yes Naruto-kun we're done for now. Don't forget to report to the Academy early tomorrow morning for team placements and for you to introduce yourself at least."
Before departing through the door the boy's masked visage focused on the very corner of the office. He knew that the man known as Kakashi Hatake was there. Instead of calling him out on it he decided he wouldn't knowing fully well it would only bring even more unwanted attention towards him. With just a look he departed through the door leaving both of them alone.
As soon as the boy had left the man known as Kakashi left his disguise and appeared from the wall. He wore the standard Jounin outfit while his head band covered his left eye. "He knew I was here Hokage-sama."
The old man had long since taken a seat in his comfortable chair. He agreed with his most trusted Jounin. "As much as I hate to admit it. That old war-hawk has trained him well these past two years. Who knows what else he's hiding under that mask."
A couple minutes later...
(Village Streets)
The first thing he noticed while he traveled to his apartment was the absence of glares and scowls from the villagers that always seemed to make their way directly for him. This time they just moved out of his way like he was some high ranking official or something. He guessed that it had been a whole 2 years since they had seen him walking the village streets that they had simply forgotten about him. Add the fact that his current attire looked very much like an Anbu uniform helped in masquerading like them.
The other thing that was obvious were the eyes under the old man, watching his every move. Clearly his first impression with the old man was not a favorable one if he felt he needed to watch him like this. Letting those thoughts drift away he continued towards his objective in reaching his previous home which he would be staying again from now on.
The distance from the Hokage mansion and his apartment complex were not too far in between. He reached his apartment fairly quickly, ascending up the stairs until he reached his room. Entering his key into the hole he turned it and with a click the door creaked open revealing to him his previous home with all it's dusty glory. Flicking on the lights he was presented with his modestly sized room in all it's glory. It hadn't changed one bit since that incident. "Home sweet home huh." Those words fell on deaf ears in the empty apartment.
Closing the door shut he made his way towards the fridge only to discover it was still the same like before. Meaning the food that he had left was spoiled rotten after the years and the smell was strong. Quickly shutting it tight he made his way towards the bathroom. Flicking on the lights, the reflection of his masked visage appeared before the large mirror. "I look pretty damn scary with this mask on. I wonder how the Academy kids will react when I introduce myself. My guess not very well." Doing his business he turned the light off and made his way to the biggest room in the whole apartment, his room.
Blankets and old clothes were scattered throughout the floor and bed just like he had left them that night. Having no need for this room right now he left and headed for the living room. "I should go and meet some of the students before tomorrow comes. It's been a while since I've seen them. I wonder if they will recognize me like this. If not then so be it, but still, meeting them would be beneficial."
Couple of hours later...
(Konoha Streets)
He had walked the village streets for who knows how long and things didn't get any better. His main objective of finding the few future genin he had known before being taken in by his master Danzo was a complete failure. It was only after he had wandered for hours that he realized that it was still early morning. Meaning they were still at class. He could have sworn he had heard the Kyuubi housed inside at him bust out laughing at how absent minded he had been even though he was supposed to be this genius level kid. Things only got worse from here.
Apparently news around here flew spread like wildfire. The stigma of being the jailor of the Kyuubi and the one responsible for massacring several villagers was once again brought into the lime light. This time though, he didn't know if it was his mask or his entire outfit, but this time they chose to stay far away from him. Completely opposite of what they would've done a couple of years ago. Apparently they had heard unpleasant things courtesy of the free forming rumors amongst the villagers. Those rumors were enough to keep them far away which he didn't mind in the least.
"Seems those puny villagers aren't too fond of you now that they have realized who you really are." The Kyuubi growled to him through there newly created link that allowed for them to communicate freely.
As Naruto continued to walk down the village streets he responded to the Kyuubi's observation. "This is nothing new to me Kyuubi. Never in my life have I felt a sort of warmth or connection to these people. The way I see it, they're afraid of you not me."
An ominous chuckle came from the malicious entity inside him. "You can't give me all the credit boy. Your actions have also played a part in the hatred thrown at you. I am only here to fuel your anger. You are the one that's chooses whether it controls you or not."
Naruto hummed at his response but didn't add to further they're conversation effectively ending it. Not wanting to look at the villagers faces he jumped into the air and landed on the roof. His senses became a bit sharper since the people around him became fewer. It gave him a better picture at the area around him and he didn't fail to sense various chakra sources around him. It was a fewer number than before but still they watched in the shadows. He knew exactly where they were but of course their identity's were a mystery to him. Not wanting to remain in their cross hairs for long, he brought both hands and formed a ram sign resulting in his immediate disappearance leaving no trace behind.
Hiding in the shadows near an abandoned alley way stood a mysterious masked Konoha Anbu. Being tasked to watch over the newly resurfaced Kyuubi Jinchuriki by his Hokage he stood here watching. Several others were also assigned the same task, he could feel them scattered but near the boy. He was puzzled as to why so many of them were assigned to watch over a single boy. He wasn't even a genin yet but of course no questions were asked when a direct order is given. Behind the mask was a surprised expression after witnessing the boy seemingly disappear in a body flicker. The technique wasn't particularly high level but for someone so young to not only be capable of using it to completely disappear was something impressive. "Hokage-sama will definitely appreciate some new information concerning the boy. Seems the boy has a few secrets like the Hokage had said. It wouldn't be crazy to think that he already knows that he's being watched."
A couple hours later...
A young Uchiha was lazily walking down a busy road, headed straight home after being released from the Academy for almost the final time before becoming a full fledged genin with a Jounin instructor. These past couple years have been hell ever since his entire family had been slaughtered by a man he worshiped the ground on called Itachi...his own brother. His eyes shadowed over as he whispered his name in a deadly tone. "Brother...why? Your own family. Our family..."
Dwelling on that thought longer he didn't notice he had arrived at his apartment already. Getting his keys from his pocket he inserted them into the key hole and walked in. In front of him stood his room, empty in all its glory. Various Uchiha emblems hanged on his wall but apart from the standard bed and couch everything was the same as every other room out there. Going into his single restroom and changing into some workout clothes and headed towards the training ground nearest to his home.
It didn't take him that long to reach said training ground. His charcoal eyes examined the area wanting to be sure that no one was using it. It wasn't like the place was for him only but in his mind he liked to think that this place was his own. Making sure that no one was there he went into it until he stood face to face with the various training dummies around the area. His training regime was pretty much the same since he had started the Academy all those years ago.
He usually would pound the training dummies with all sorts of punching and kicking styles he could think of. Because of it his speed had gradually began to rise. He could proudly claim to be the fastest Academy student that he knew of because of it. After that was done he would practice his shuriken throwing trying to become as precise as possible. He wasn't anywhere near were his brother was at his age but he certainly wasn't a slouch either. He realized that he wasn't going to be anywhere near his brother's level if he hadn't even unlocked his own sharingan.
Flashback...
"Foolish little brother, if you wish to kill me, then hate me, detest me, and live a long unsightly life. Run and keep running...cling to your pitiful life. And one day when you have the same eyes as I, come before me!
Flashback end...
His eyes darkened once again as he methodically went through some hand signs. "Brother... just wait, I will get stronger and I will kill you." Finishing the needed hand signs he screamed, "Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu! An enormous ball of fire several times the size of the young raven haired Uchiha, came forth from his mouth, spiraling towards many test dummies until exploding on impact in a fiery display of power. Panting he withdrew his hand from his mouth and frowned. "Pathetic. Itachi's was much faster and bigger when he showed me." Turning his head he quickly jumped back in surprise when a white masked person was standing right in front of him. "Who are you?
Naruto had watched the young Uchiha during his little training exercise carefully. His initial impression was that he had potential to become someone strong but right now he was sorely behind his own power. He couldn't blame him since he had been stuck in the Academy for all those years when he, had been trained by a brutal Danzo. He had even lived on his own for an entire year. Meanwhile the young Uchiha was training himself while he attended the Academy, which in his mind taught you nothing. "Sasuke..."
The boy named Sasuke narrowed his eyes and commanded. "How do you know my name?! Answer!
Naruto chuckled and removed half of his mask revealing the boy's shining blue eye. "How could you forget about me after we bickered with each other for so long."
Sasuke's eyes widened at seeing the boy's face. "Naruto...? He couldn't believe his eyes. He hadn't seen him for years and now of all places he was here, right in front of him. "Where in the hell have you been all this time?! You realize the Academy is about to end tomorrow right?
Putting his mask entirely he answered the bewildered boy. "I could care less about the Academy. By now I know you've realized just how much time you've wasted on that place. As to where I've been, well, I've been training and that's all you need to know."
Sasuke's bewilderment quickly began to fade and in it's place developed a mocking smile. "I agree that the Academy, for the most part, is a waste of time, but don't lie about your training. You expect me to believe that someone who has the attention span of a child is disciplined enough to train himself for all these years? Don't paint yourself as someone you aren't Naruto."
Naruto remained still, absorbing his mocking like nothing. "Believe what you want Sasuke but that won't change the outcome." Turning his back he began to walk away before being beckoned by Sasuke's voice.
"Naruto! If your confidence is as good as your fighting skills then come and spar with me. Make me see just how much you've changed after all this time."
Naruto continued walking, "Perhaps another time Sasuke. I'm sure we'll be seeing each other a lot more."
Sasuke shook his head as he watched the blond haired boy walk away seemingly afraid of him. "I guess all that big talk was for nothing huh. You're full of hot air just like before dobe. Tell me one good reason why you won't fight me."
The masked boy stopped entirely in his tracks. Turning his head his blood red sharingan quivered behind his mask as he answered. "Because I'll kill you."
Sasuke's knees buckled as he began to have a small panic attack. He grabbed his chest and began to breath even harder. The amount of killing intent coming from Naruto was absurd. Never in his life had he felt this afraid besides the time Itachi had killed his entire clan. Dropping to one knee he saw the boy continue walking as he tried to calm himself. "What happened to you? Naruto..."
A/N: and scene. Well what did you think about the whole Danzo thing too sudden. Well I can't blame you but please bear with me. Next chapter Naruto gets a team and let's see who you think he'll get this time...its not that hard to guess trust me. Also give me some suggestions for Naruto's semi-harem since I only want two at max 3 for it. I just don't want him having the entire kunoichi in the world like other stories have. Thanks for reading and if you have any questions or suggestions I'll be happy to reply to you and maybe use them until next time Review!