Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, or anything associated with the manga, or anime. I only own this story.

Hey all, thanks for reading. I can't believe how well this story has done after 8 chapters. I finally broke 100 favorites which is a big deal for me. Thanks for the support on the last chapter, you guys make my day. Yay another update. 52 reviews, 111 favorites, 154 followers, and 9,502 views. I was also placed into my first community, "Cool Bloodlimit Crossover Naruto" Thanks for all of the support, it really means a lot to me. Never thought this story would take off the way it has.

Shinobi of Life: Naru Ten Ten is a pairing up for voting right now, so thanks. I'm not yet sure who I want to be paired with Sasuke, which will be one of my next polls. As for the team, I already have started the next few chapters involving the team so IT might not be the original team members as I went with the poll winner. Thanks for the review.

Hinote Snidget: Pairing wise, won't really affect anything until later on in the story. I want to have things set up for then. Romance will not be a huge part of the story, more like a sub plot point. The main idea of this story will stay family/friends. I chose these choices because I never see them really used and I wanted to do a different pairing than normal.

Chinesboy: I don't really like the idea of harems, so I apologize that this won't be one.

Michu-92: Yamato did have a hard time last chapter Thanks for the continued support.

Sorry That Username Is Taken: I apologize but NaruIno is not one of the pairing options. Thanks for the review, and I have to say that I love your name.

I'm sorry that it took so long for this update. I have been crazy busy with work and one of my best friends coming home on leave from the marines before he gets deployed so I spent allot of time with him. Then next update will come faster I promise.

This chapter has a time skip, though I will probably do flashbacks at some points to what happened in the interval time. Thanks for reading and please review, I really appreciate the feedback.

The poll for Who will be Naruto's Pairing in this story is going well. I have 27 voters so far. Warning! There will be no NaruSaku, NaruSasu, or NaruHina as they are all so overdone. As much as I enjoy the NaruHina pair, I have another story that has it already and I want to do something new, that I do not see often. The poll is now open and is on my profile.

Ryuuzetsu: 11

Ten Ten: 6

Kin: 4

Yakumo: 4

OC: 2

If you don't like who is in the lead place your vote.

A Hero's DNA

Chapter 8: Graduation day. The Genin Exams Commence.

"Where am I?"

He opened his eyes and looked around. He was on top of a cold metal table and he wasn't wearing clothes. A bright light was on above him and the rest of the room was dark.

"Good you are awake. Now we can begin."

"My lord, are you sure? He is so young."

"You will obey me, now begin the operation!"

The child was frightened at the voices behind him. He saw a man walk up to the table wearing a facemask and a doctor's uniform.

"Daddy?" He cried.

"Don't worry my boy, it is simply time to advance yourself." The man said before he laughed.

He watched as the doctor's hands began to glow green. As his hands moved closer to the boy's skin the doctor looked at him with saddened eyes.

"Forgive me child."

He felt his skin being spliced open and he cried out in hysterical pain.

…

Naruto awoke and sat up in his bed covered in sweat. He felt the pain in his arm from the dream. They had been plaguing his sleep for the past four years, ever since the day of the Uchiha Massacre. They didn't come every night but they frequently thwarted his attempts at a good night's rest. No one knew about them though, except for Sasuke. Even after all the young Uchiha had gone through he still managed to keep his friendship alive.

Naruto looked over to his clock and saw that it was close to four in the morning. He contemplated trying to go back to sleep, but figured it wasn't worth the risk of oversleeping again. Iruka sensei had already spoken to him about his lateness tendency enough times to know that it wasn't a good habit to get into. Naruto got out of bed and looked at his calendar, it was the day of the Genin Exams, and he was finally ready to graduate and become a real ninja. He walked over to his mirror and looked at his reflection. His hair was slightly longer than normal, not the usual short spikey look he went with. He had decided to grow it out like his father had. He looked at his muscles and noted that they had always been slightly more defined than the other kids his age, and he didn't have to actively work to keep it that way, though he still worked as hard as he could. He knew that it was because of whatever Orochimaru had done to him and he didn't want that to be an excuse to not work hard.

He walked over to his closet and pit on some training clothes and went outside to his personal training field. He started working out with his warm up routine of pushups, sit-ups, pull ups, and other exercises. Then he ran a few miles to keep up his stamina, which again he found that he almost never seemed to run out of it. He continued with his Taijutsu form training, which was a combination of a style his mother taught him favoring chakra enhanced blows, Jiraiya's toad style, and his own personal twist he threw in. It came out to a fairly strong and unpredictable style that on the surface seemed extremely flawed and unbalanced but he always said that it would just confuse his opponents.

After about an hour of physical training Naruto decided to sit and practice concentrating on his chakra control. He had begun studying with Tsunade on Medical Ninjutsu, and while we wasn't the best in the class he found that it was uniquely calming for him. He focused chakra into his hands and began to rub his burning muscles and felt the pain begin to slowly fade away. HE was glad that Tsunade taught them that trick.

Knowing that he only had about an hour left to train before he had to get ready for the exams he decided to meditate. Even to this day it still seemed to center him into the world around him and alleviate all of his pent up stress. As he meditated he began to notice the familiar feeling of connecting with the nature around him. He loved being able to feel the grass in the wind and the rustling leaves of the trees. Lately he had also been able to sense other forms of life due to their Chakra. He didn't tell anyone about it because he didn't know what they would think about it. As he meditated he felt someone approaching his and he opened his eyes.

"Hey Yamato."

"Naruto what are you doing out here so early?"

"I couldn't sleep." He answered simply.

"Are you too excited for today?"

"Yeah." HE lied.

Yamato sat down next to the blonde and placed a hand on his shoulder.

"I know your lying to me, I know that you have been having nightmares about Orochimaru."

Naruto's eyes opened quickly and he turned to his brother. Yamato wasn't meeting his gaze and Naruto could swear that he saw his brothers green eyes moisten.

"How do you know that?"

"Because I have them too Naruto."

"You do?"

"Yeah, their terrifying aren't they?" Yamato asked.

"I still can't believe that he actually did those things to me." Naruto answered.

"Naruto, I'm sorry."

"For what Yamato?"

"I know that the past few years I have been rather distant from you. From everyone actually."

"It's ok, I understand." Naruto tried to assure him.

"No it's not ok Naruto. When we were first met in Orochimaru's lab I promised to protect you, however I could. And then Tsunade adopted us and I knew that I had found my way of doing that. But after what I did to the Uchiha clan…"

"You didn't, Danzo was controlling you Yamato." Naruto stood up and said quickly trying not to break in front of Yamato.

"I know that Naruto, but I still saw everything. My body taking the lives of the villagers I had sworn to protect, I haven't been able to face Itachi, Sasuke, or any of their clan since then. But worst of all I couldn't face you, my brother. And for the past four years I have been taking every long term mission that I could in Anbu so that I could just stay behind that mask and not have to. And Naruto that was wrong of me. I'm sorry." Yamato pulled Naruto into a hug and the two brothers cried together, from sadness, anger, and finally a slight happiness of knowing that they would be closer.

"Naruto look at me. If you ever need to talk about your dreams, let me know. I will be here to help you now. You don't have to face it alone anymore."

"Ok Yamato, I will." Naruto said smiling back to his brother.

"Now go shower and get ready, the exams will be starting soon." Yamato said as Naruto smiled and turned away. As he turned Yamato could have sworn he saw a strange flicker in his brother's eyes, but he pushed the thought away.

…

Naruto headed out his front door dressed and ready for the test. He wore pair of black shinobi pants with the leg cut off after the knee on the right side, a pair of black combat boots, a dark orange sleeveless shirt with a forest green sleeveless jacket zipped up halfway over top of it. His right leg had bandages on it below the knee, shuriken, and kunai holsters on both legs and he had scrolls lining his green jackets front. Finally he had Black finger less gloves on both hands and small seal like tattoos on his wrists. He remembered trying to purchase a bright orange jumpsuit and having his mother almost kill him for his stupidity in her eyes.

As he was walking towards the academy, Naruto noticed that he was coming up on the Uchiha compound and Sasuke was leaning against the wall waiting for him. Sasuke was wearing Black shorts and black sandals with bandages on his legs. His black shirt was one of his signature high color shirts with the Uchiha fan on the back. Sasuke also had his kunai, and shuriken holster in his right leg and a small pouch on his left.

"Hey Sasuke, you been waiting long."

"You take forever idiot, I almost left without you."

"Whatever you say Uchiha."

Sasuke just rolled his eyes and the two started walking. Ever since the attack on his clan, Sasuke had been slightly darker in Naruto's eyes. Right after it happened Naruto had to fight him to try and snap him out of a severe personality change. The last thing he wanted was for his best friend to turn into a revenge obsessed jerk.

"So you ready for the exams Sasuke?"

"Do you even have to ask?"

"Just trying ti start up a conversation."

"I just hope those annoying girls fail."

Naruto laughed at the mention of Sasuke's fan club. For some reason the Uchiha boy had quite a few girls who always chased after his affection, though it was never returned. Naruto also had a small following, though most people were afraid of him because of Yamato. Many of the civilians in the village hated the boy who was spared even though he murdered many Uchiha.

"So do you think Shikamaru will actually try to pass?"

"Knowing that lazy ass, he will probably do the minimal work he can."

"Not if I have anything to do will it." Naruto stated.

"Don't do anything stupid Naruto."

"Who said anything about being stupid, I was just gonna make sure he was not napping on the job." Naruto aid as he pulled out one of his Fuinjutsu books.

Sasuke just rolled his eyes and smirked as they approached the Ninja academy. The two friends entered their classroom to the sound of screeching girls.

"It's Sasuke!"

"Sasuke I love you!"

The Uchiha will be mine."

"Naruto please be mine!"

"Get away from my man you tramp!"

They walked passed the girls and sat in their seats. Naruto looked around and he saw his friends sitting down around the room. Kiba had his dog Akamaru with him of course. Shikamaru was sleeping in his corner seat. Shino as usual was sitting silently not moving and looking forward. And Choji was eating some barbeque chips.

Naruto looked around and saw Hinata sitting behind him and reading over a book on advanced chakra control. She had been in the medical class with Naruto and he knew she was one of the best. HE also saw two other girls from his medical classes. The first was Sakura Haruno a, pink haired girl with a slightly larger forehead, who was the top medic in his class. Tsunade had talked about even taking the girl as an apprentice, depending on her ability as a Genin first. The second was Ino Yamanaka, a blonde haired girl with green eyes, who was pretty good with medical jutsu, but better with her families mind jutsu. Finally there was Sai, a pale boy who always seemed to be watching him. The boy was still a mystery to Naruto even after all these years.

"All right class settle down." Iruka said as he walked in alongside Mizuki. "I would like to tell you all that I'm proud to have been your teacher and that I wish you all the best of luck on your exam. Your test will be split into four parts, each worth twenty-five percent of your final grade. You must pass with a sixty or better, though I would advise you not do that badly on these examinations as they will affect how you are seen by other ninja. We will start with the written portion of the exams."

Iruka and Mizuki went around the room and handed out the tests to everyone. They were given two hours to complete the fifty question test. Naruto was answering question after question rather fast, happy that Tsunade had pressured him to study so hard while growing in her care.

"Question 15: What are the five Chakra elements? Fire, Wind, Lightning, Earth, Water."

"Question 36: Who leads the Village Hidden in the Mist: The Mizukage."

"Question 50: What is the name of the shinobi art that uses calligraphy, and chakra to create powerful seals? Fuinjutsu."

When Naruto finished he stood up and brought his test to Iruka, who smiled at him as he left. Naruto was the fourth person to finish the test behind Sakura, Shikamaru, Shino, and Sai. When he made it outside he decided to it next to Shikamaru, who was currently performing his greatest pastime.

"How are the clouds today Shikamaru?"

"Same as everyday Naruto."

"So did you actually take the test or just walk out?"

"My mom threated me if I didn't take it and ace it."

"That's good, I almost thought I would have to do that."

Shikamaru just smiled as they waited for everyone to be finished. After the two hours had passed and the tests were all graded Iruka came outside and led them to a series sparring rings with Chunin standing in them.

"Your second test is a Taijutsu test. You will spar with a Chunin for five minutes as they try to knock you out of the ring. You will be graded on how long you stay in the ring. Your defense, your offense, and overall effectiveness."

All of the Genin walked to their respective Chunin instructor. Naruto stood in the ring across from his tester.

"Begin."

"Naruto stood as the Chunin rushed him. He knew that he couldn't match the Chunin's experience in combat or speed so he tried a different tactic. The ninja swung at his face and Naruto backed away and as he did he drew back his fist. The Chunin tried to kick Naruto in the stomach but he flipped over him and punched the ground hard causing a small crack and tripping up the attacker and giving Naruto an opening. Something about the fight seemed off so he began to analyze the situation.

"No academy student could hope to match a Chunin, and no Chunin would be so easily stumbled by a mere student. Even one with a great Taijutsu capacity. Iruka sensei always says to see underneath the underneath….I wonder." Naruto brought his hands into the tiger hand sign. "Release!"

The Chunin on the ground in front of him vanished from sight and as he looked around he saw that most of the students were fighting the air. Only a few others had dispelled the Genjustu, including Sasuke, a brown haired girl he didn't remember from class, Hinata, and Sakura. Iruka approached Naruto.

"Good job seeing through the Genjustu Naruto. It didn't take you that long at all. We had observed your Taijutsu form and we were impressed good job Naruto. Now head out with the others and wait for us."

"Ok Iruka sensei, thanks."

Naruto approached the brown haired girl. She wore a light pink bathrobe style kimono with a Navy blue ninja suit underneath it.

"Hello, who are you?"

"Um…I'm Yakumo. Yakumo Kurama."

"I'm Naruto Senju-Namikaze. How come I've never seen you around here before?"

"Oh…um…I just started today. I've had one on one training with my sensei before this."

"Cool, well glad to have you here Yakumo."

"Thank you Naruto." She said with a small smile.

The rest of the students began to filter through with scratches and bruises.

"Ok, as some of you figured out this test was also a Genjustu test, so congratulations to those of you who figured it out. Now on to the third test. Weapons throwing. You will be given five shuriken and five kunai. Each ring on the targets count in a point sequence. The bull's-eye is worth five and subtract one point per outside ring. How about you start Kiba."

Kiba went first and after a short bragging session he managed to score a 36, much to his dismay and everyone else's pleasure. Next went a boy Naruto had never actually spoken too named Akihiko. He scored a 47 and walked away with a smile. Eventually it was Sasuke's turn and the Uchiha managed to score a perfect fifty. Next was Naruto and when he picked up his kunai he noticed that they were only slightly off balance. He adjusted his throw and aim and tied Sasuke's perfect score.

"Good job everyone, now we have one more test. For your Ninjutsu test we will call you in one by one and you will perform the clone jutsu, the replacement jutsu, and the transformation jutsu, as well as one jutsu of your own choice. Afterwards we will tell you if you passed or failed. Good luck to each and every one of you, I am very happy with all of your performances so far."

Naruto sat and watched as each of his classmates went into the room and came out with their Leaf headband. He was nervous for passing this final test, and he wanted to make his mother and brother proud. He wondered if his real parents were watching him right now, proud of his trying to become a shinobi like they were.

"Sasuke Uchiha!"

Sasuke stood up and walked towards the door.

"Kick ass Sasuke."

"Sasuke just smirked at his friend and entered the room. After a few minutes Sasuke came back out with his headband around his forehead.

"Yay Sasuke did it!" His fan girls began to shout.

Naruto pushed passed them walked up to his friend.

"Great job Sasuke."

"Now it's your turn Naruto."

"Naruto Senju, Namikaze!"

His name was called. Naruto walked passed Sasuke to go into the room.

"You got this Naruto."

"See ya on the other side Uchiha."

The doors closed behind him and Naruto walked up to Iruka and Mizuki's desks.

"Ok Naruto, start with the Transformation Jutsu." Iruka told him.

"Transform!" Naruto turned into a carbon copy clone of Iruka, perfect even to the scar across his nose.

"Great job Naruto. Now the Replacement jutsu."

Naruto channeled chakra through his body and switched spots in the room with a nearby chair in time to dodge a blunt kunai thrown by Mizuki.

"Good Naruto, but a little bit of a close call." Iruka said. "Now let's see your clones."

"Iruka sensei is it alright if I do a different type of clone?"

"Why do you ask Naruto?"

He thought back to what Jiraiya had told him when he taught him this new technique.

"My chakra reserves are too high for me to form a proper clone, so I have a more advanced clone jutsu."

"Ok then go ahead Naruto."

"Shadow Clone Jutsu!"

Several copies of Naruto appeared in the room. Instead of being ethereal like clones these were actual solid copies of himself.

"Amazing Naruto, this is an extremely advanced jutsu."

"Ok then now we just need to see one other jutsu Naruto." Mizuki said to him.

"Ok." Naruto made a few hand signs and then shouted out. "Water Style: Drilling Water Bullet Jutsu!"

Naruto shot a burst of water out of his mouth towards a small training dummy that crashed into it and tore the dummy from its post.

"Very impressive Naruto, I didn't know you had a water affinity." Iruka said to him.

"Actually I don't know if I do. I've never tested it before."

"Well regardless, Naruto Senju-Namikaze, I am proud to say you passed at the top of the class alongside Sasuke Uchiha. Here is your headband. You are now a Genin of Konoha.

"Thank you Iruka sensei, Mizuki sensei."

Naruto walked out of the doors as he put on his new headband. Sasuke stood waiting for him and when he saw Naruto's headband he smiled. They waited for everyone else to finish the test before they started walking towards the exit.

"So everyone passed."

"It looks that way." Sasuke said.

"And we passed at the top." Naruto added.

"Did you ever think we wouldn't?" Sasuke asked with fake egocentrism.

"Shut up Uchiha."

"You first Namikaze."

The two friends walked together out of the school. They saw Itachi and Yamato standing together outside and both brothers had boxes in their hands.

"Itachi, what are you doing here?" Sasuke asked.

"You too Yamato?" Naruto asked as well.

"Well we had a sneaky feeling that you guys would pass with flying colors." Yamato started.

"And we got word from Iruka that you two passed at the top with near perfect scores." Itachi continued.

"193 out of 200 is amazing." Yamato said proudly.

"So we got you two a gift." Itachi finished.

"What is it?" Naruto asked.

Yamato and Itachi gave their respective brothers their boxes, the two boys opened them up to find Chokuto swords, with sheaths and belts.

"Wow, this is awesome!" Naruto exclaimed.

"Itachi this is great." Sasuke thanked his brother.

"They were made from special metal that allow you to channel your chakra into them." Yamato explained.

"It makes them very valuable and very deadly, so don't play with them like toys. These are real swords and now that I am no longer Anbu Captain I can train you with them." Itachi said.

"What do you mean Itachi?" Sasuke asked.

"I decided to step down from Anbu. I want a different challenge now." Itachi explained.

"And he made me the new Captain." Yamato said to Naruto who looked to his brother proudly.

"We had better get you two home so that our parents can congratulate you guys." Itachi said to Naruto and Sasuke.

"See ya Sasuke."

"Later Naruto."

And the two Genin went their separate ways with the same thoughts on their mind.

"Who will be on my team?"

…

Thanks everyone for reading. The poll for Naruto's pairing will continue for a while. Please vote and review. I will not be doing a NaruSaku, NaruSasu, or NaruHina for this story.