Chapter 6: First School Days

AN: A few questions I've encountered different ways to spell different things so help me out here? (I've looked online and I found both spellings so heck, colour me confused). Surprisingly at least 'genin' seems to be the same everywhere... Jōnin or jounin, chūnin, chuunin, or chūnin and finally Hyūga or Hyuuga. I've gone with one version right now but this may change in the future.

Furthermore, I want to dedicate this chapter to HjLostDreams, due to the wonderful advice for the school system. (Of course, all reviewers are appreciated!) Also I do not own Hiro's character name – that was all HJLostDreams.

Anyway, enough babbling on my side and onto the story.

Their first school day.

As it was a sunny morning they were assembled outside the school, as it was inside the gymnasium it was too stuffy.

Both the headmaster and Hokage were presently standing on the platform. Many of the kids had never seen the Hokage appear at school so they were surprised, yet, at the same time very motivated too. After all, they wanted to make a good impression to their leader.

The Hokage welcomed the returning students and the new ones and wished everyone the best of luck. Then he gave the floor to newly appointed headmaster Hiro Masaki, and sushined away. Hiro was a fairly large man with brown hair and a cute goatee. He was one of the middle-aged teachers and seemed to be friendly. However, he didn't seem to stand out too much with the standard uniform and bandanna style forehead protector. Then again ninja's were supposed to be deceptive. If his name, generous flourishing tree (Hiro Masaki), was anything to go by it would be something special.

During the assembly he explained the newly implemented system. The first week would be the hardest, with intensive psychological training. They were told they could give up any moment they wished and that there was no shame in giving up now, rather than costing lives later on. Furthermore, all older students had three hours extra a day for remedial lessons. In the second week they would be taught survival skills and were expected to fend for themselves for two days in the newly appointed academy training forest (A certain ANBU sneezed at that moment, laying in the hospital bed from chakra exhausting).

Furthermore, Hiro continued to talk about the changes in the system. No longer did a student have to pass based on the standardized tests like last year, which was in the twins' case a huge plus. However, this also meant that passing was much harder. Anko, and other Jōnin sensei, could thank their lucky stars that they would have to do less of remedial training with new genin teams.

Something that was also new, were the areas of study. Including fields such as; medical training, battle tactics, survival training, diplomacy and formalities (several students blanched at this), ninjustu (a few cheers here and there at that point), genjutsu (one of the older students was banging his head at that moment) and kenjutsu. The moment kenjutsu was mentioned a girl with two identical buns on her head was screaming in excitement, undisturbed by the looks she received from fellow students.

What they didn't know was that their reactions were watched by the fellow teachers there. The moment a student seemed overwhelmed they would be taken aside and talked to. Of course they would not be kicked out immediately after messing up once, but they would get the psychological support they would all need in the coming years. Something that had been neglected in previous years. It was good that the 'god of shinobi' had finally acted.

In their second year, they all would also receive a pet hamster; it would have to be with them at all times during school time. They would be in charge of keeping it alive and protecting it as if they were protecting the life of a comrade. This would only be for the last two years at the ninja academy. Questions were heard everywhere, why on earth did they need a hamster? What was the new headmaster thinking? One particular girl with green tipped black hair did not want to hold any pet that resembled a freaking hairy rat and protested loudly.

"Now onto the new criteria to graduate" Hiro shouted over the talks that had broken out. Everyone was silent at this point.

"First off, no longer is it allowed to graduate early. The three years are in place for a reason and each year more is added to get you to a point of a well-rounded basis."

Again whispers broke out. In particular some older students seemed frustrated at this.

"Silence!" a Chūnin with a scar over his nose yelled.

"Thank you, Iruka. Moving on... Secondly, with the new subjects there will also be talks from seasoned professionals. Guests from all ninja departments will make an appearance to teach you about their respective fields. Moreover, should a student show promise in any particular field they may get a chance to obtain an apprenticeship." Knowing that many students were excited at hearing this Hiro quickly carried on, not wanting to get interrupted again.

"However, this is only once you have graduated. Thus, it will mean that you will have to spend extra time next to your normal genin teams' duties. Do not take duties as an apprentice lightly, it often means gruelling hours and you will be kicked out if you're not capable at keeping up with your genin team-members."

"Also the genin teams will no longer be constructed the way they were before. So being the 'last' will not guarantee you a place with the 'rookie' of the class. The final parts of your graduation will be that you will have two surprise elements and have to show proficiency in all fields."

What Hiro didn't tell them was that as part of their graduation they were ordered to kill their hamster. Those who did, failed, no new chances were given. After all, missions would come and go, but your comrades would only live once. The will of fire was the most vital part of a ninja. Kakashi had learned this lesson the hardest way, so when the Hokage consulted him and other ninjas, he insisted on working this into the curriculum.

Another, part of graduation which was kept secret, was performing their first kill. The Third did not want to add this part, thinking that they were too young. However, several black-ops had insisted, knowing how many froze up during their first kill and often were killed themselves as a result. A hefty discussion between all ninja's involved followed. Arguments ranged from Danzo saying how they needed to kill their emotions to others who did not just want mindless killing machines. Just about when things started to get out of hand Kurenai spoke up. Emphasizing that she was not a genjutsu mistress for nothing. Kurenai was sure that she could produce a genjutsu that would be realistic enough to pass for their actual first kill. It was decided that a genjutsu was indeed the most humane way of doing it. Konoha did not want any practises like the hidden mist once had before the blood bath caused by Zabuza.

Hiro carried on, "For now you will notice the system as you go, if there are questions feel free to ask me or any other teacher at any time. This meeting is dismissed and the new students will be assigned to their classes. When you hear your name being called, remember the room number and go there once all the other names have been called. The older students will have the same rooms as last year. However, please remain seated as there is more information for you all concerning the extra remedial lessons."

Hiro Masaki smiled and sat back down.

The Third had been watching through his glass ball and smiled too, it seemed that things were getting back on track in Konoha. Perhaps it was time to call back his students, starting with the easiest one first.

With Jiraiya In some unknown little village

Jiraiya's spy network had picked up on something interesting and he would have to check this out for himself immediately. But at the same time he had to go back to Konoha, his sensei said that he had a task for him that was important. However, first he had something very important to finish up. His eye pressed up on the hole in the fence, trying to have a last peek at the gorgeous ladies in the baths. Just as one was about to drop her towel he was discovered. A loud scream of pervert rang through the air and before he knew it he was lying in a puddle of his own blood. But oh boy, the ideas he got from them, his next novel was sure to be a success. A perverted grin making its way to his face.

Time to head back home.

Back at the ninja academy

A short hour later and all the new students were sorted.

Naruto, Naruko and Hinata couldn't believe their luck, they all were in the same class. Looking around it seemed that most of their class consisted of clan children with a few civilians in between. A group of girls had already formed around the 'Last Uchiha' fawning away, arguing who could sit next to the 'dark prince'.

However, this quickly was stopped the moment their teacher walked in. It was the same guy who had yelled at everyone before to be quiet.

"Good afternoon class, I am Iruka Umino and will be your teacher for the next three years. Now everyone let's start with introductions. If I call your name please tell me something about yourself and the reason why you want to become a ninja."

He looked at his list and said the first name. "Shino Aburame."

"Good afternoon sensei, fellow students. I am Shino, clan heir from the Aburame clan and specialize, just like most of my clan, in insect species. I want to become a ninja as I believe in the colony." A boy wearing a grey jacket and sunglasses spoke in a rather stoic voice. Keeping to bare facts and not expanding beyond the two questions.

Iruka nodded, knowing what he meant with the colony. He also was curious if Shino was stoic or actually smart enough not to immediately shout out everything, he would have to see. The other students however seemed slightly disturbed at him and a few of the girls moved to sit away from him, deeming him rather creepy. Iruka noticed and knew he had to put a halt to those things as soon as possible. He would have specific seating arrangements ready first thing in the morning.

Next on his list was yet another clan heir. "Choji Akimichi"

A rather large boy was snacking away on his bag of chips and said a few muffled words in between bites. No-one really knew what he said but he seemed very nice. Naruto was hungrily staring at the bag of chips... he really should have eaten more this morning.

More names and introductions followed, some students were not sure why they wanted to be ninja's others had more interesting reasons... to say the least.

A couple of those really stood out.

It was no surprise that the Uchiha boy was seeking revenge, something else he had to report to the Yamanaka psychologist in the school. If he did not change his view from avenger to shinobi soon, he would be doomed to fail.

What Iruka did not know what that the civilian council would not ever allow this to happen and had been obstructing the new reforms fearing that clan-less ninja's would have disadvantages. Only once the Hokage promised that the Uchiha would become a ninja did they approve and stopped being a pain.

Another that stood out was the Nara kid, not because of what he said but his attitude. Slept right through the whole thing till his name was called out and all he said was troublesome before continuing his nap. To be honest, Iruka did not know what to do with him.

Then the twins surprised him. Naruto wanted to be Hokage and earn respect from the villagers. Iruka did not expect this nor did he expect his sister, Naruko, to be rather calm and preferring to keep to herself rather than talk abundantly. It seemed that when she did talk it was just with Naruto and Hinata. Thinking about Hinata, she was yet another odd case... she was, for such a prestigious clan, very shy. He would need to help her work on that.

At the end of all the names and introductions he had dismissed the class, telling them he would see them tomorrow morning at 8 am sharp. As instructed by Hiro, he had carefully observed the class and would present just like all other senseis his findings later in the staff meeting. So far, he had written down some crucial notes on all of his students:

YEAR ONE CLASS C

- Shino Aburame – As expected, serious, shows potential and will of fire.

- Chōji Akimichi – Seems friendly, bit too dependent on his chips, but this may be clan related.

- Tasuke Atsuko – Fan boy of Sasuke, shows no interest in being a ninja, only the medical aspect. Does not want to be a field ninja, refer for advice to hospital program?

- Sakura Haruno – Fan girl, however has some potential, when angry extremely strong. Note: Prone to violent outbursts against classmates, in particular to Naruto.

- Hinata Hyūga – Stutters too much, needs confidence, will of fire present.

- Chi Izanami – Fan girl, introduced herself as future wife of Sasuke.

- Kiba Inuzuka – Very focused on his nin-dog Akamaru, over confident, team orientated, friendly, good will of fire. Note: make sure Kiba knows that his nin-puppy should not mark territory in class! (Also apologize to cleaning staff)

- Shikamaru Nara – As expected. Note: talk to advisor about motivation.

- Ocha Ryokucha – Fan girl, has unhealthy obsession with brewing tea, might be adaptable for research program into poisons if she is as precise with poison as she is about tea brewing.

- Haruka Suzu – Fan girl, protested against having a pet next year. Saying that hairy rats were beneath her.

- Sasuke Uchiha – Dark, detached, avenger complex, superiority complex. Note: need to inform Yamanaka psychologist.

- Naruko Uzumaki – More mature then others, hard to read, does seem to have the will of fire.

- Naruto Uzumaki – Strong will of fire, wants to be Hokage. Shows natural dislike to those with superiority complex. Note: watch out for pranking nature which is great for future stealth missions. KEEP AWAY FROM PAINT! This seemed to be written with a bright red marker yet with some oddly out of place orange paint?! drops surrounding it – scrap apologizing to cleaning staff, buy them sake instead.

- Ino Yamanaka – Fan girl, does have interest in flowers, another potential for medic program or poisons? Note: she does not seem to be actually interested in Uchiha, but more as a manner of rivalry with the Sakura girl, need to observe more.

- Overall class note: Do further research to do with clans and their individual cultures/ backgrounds. Furthermore, see if Masaki-san has considered implementing a poison and/ or psychological training section.

Dear Kami, was it him or did he have the clan heirs? He supposed it balanced out the number of fan girls present in his class. Iruka shuddered. His instincts told him that he would have his hands full with these kids.

With Naruto, Naruko and Hinata: Outside school.

"Yatta! Freaking first day is over, jeez who knew that the academy could be so stuffy... did you see Irkua-sensei's face when I exploded that paint bomb when I said I loved to prank people? Haha that was the best part of the day" Naruto trailed off not sure if it was just him. Then again that Nara kid seemed to snooze through most of the day too. Though he wasn't too sure about the coming days, it sounded like they were in for a harsh first week, with intensive psychological training. They were told they could give up any moment they wished and that there was no shame in giving up now. Rather give up now and save your own life than be a coward in battle and cost the lives of your comrades.

"Hai, Naruto-kun, we saw..." Hinata seemed to pause, not sure if she was amused or appalled at her friend's pranking nature. Then again it did make him smile, so that was a huge plus in her eyes. With that she decided that she liked seeing him smile, so the pranks were amusing too. However, she was slightly worried about Naruko, who seemed to be lost in thoughts.

Naruko could only shake her head at her brother's antics and offered a small smile. Secretly, she was slightly depressed. She had noticed how the other kids had seemed to avoid them. Normally she would be used to this behaviour but being friends with Hinata had opened her eyes more and more. Why were they treated like this? Her thoughts were interrupted by a familiar voice.

"Hello you three, how was your first day?" the kind voice of Kurenai came with a much welcomed warmth.

Three voices came answering at ones, all telling about their excitement and that they were looking forward to tomorrow. Kurenai laughed at their enthusiasm, glad that they were not put off by the much harder program.

"Hinata-sama, there you are! Hiashi-sama is expecting you" a side-branch Hyūga was picking her up. He took one look at the blond and red kids, recognizing them he stiffened. As he was about to say something he noticed Kurenai standing next to them. Having heard that she tended to take it personal when anyone insulted the two kids, even going as far as attacking someone, he kept his remark to himself. Instead, he grabbed Hinata and walked off without another word.

"Bye" was all Hinata got to say before she was pulled away.

Kurenai was seething at the behaviour she just witnessed, but she didn't want to see the kids down and held her tongue.

"Who is up for some ramen?"

All she saw was the streaks of orange and red running past her towards home, a faint scream that sounded suspiciously as a 'yatta' and 'hai', was left in the trail.

'Well I guess that answers that question...' Kurenai shrugged and started to sprint after them.

At the staff meeting:

"Welcome to our very first staff meeting of another school year and new program. I hope that you all have found no difficulties on the first day?" Hiro Masaki asked around.

Some general questions were fired back about some new lessons, overtime and if their salary could be increased. The last question was answered by a healthy laugh all around, knowing that their earnings wouldn't improve soon. Yet, even here Hiro managed to surprise them.

"Well, that was actually something I wanted to present to you as a final conclusion to our meeting but I guess I can spoil the secret now." He paused, for effect. "It seems that the Hokage has added new funds to the academy not only for the extensive changes but also a nice little bonus. That is, if we manage to pull it off with positive results at the end of the year."

A cheer was sounded throughout the staff. Most of them were there because they loved teaching, others were assigned to it but everyone had one thing in common, they all had to take odd side jobs or missions during their free time as it never was enough salary to go on.

Once the ruckus was settled down Hiro continued on. "Back to the actual point of this meeting, shall we? In order would you please present your class findings? Starting with year 1 class C, then 2-B, and finally class 3-C. The remedial classes will not start until tomorrow after the regular classes, so we will have an additional meeting then. Iruka-san, the floor is yours."

"Thank you, Hiro-san. Since I have started with the new batch of students I've spend most of the time observing their actions and interactions with each other today..." Iruka shuddered at the particular memory of paint in unmentionable places. A few wondered why he suddenly seemed so freaked out. "I have a few direct issues that should be dealt with as well as a few questions about the program."

Hiro nodded, seeing this Iruka continued.

"First of all, there is a problem with the psychological states of most of my students" before he could continue Mizuki, a back-up teacher, interrupted him.

"Wait, does your class not consist mostly of clan heirs?" He was shocked at hearing this. However, he couldn't help but think a certain snake would find this information very interesting. Those with a frail mind, often made for easy pickings.

"Ah- hai, they are indeed, regardless I will not treat them any different. The Aburame, Akimichi, Inuzuka, Yamanaka, and most civilian students all seem to have little issues. However, there is a problem with the Hyūga, Nara, Uchiha and Uzumaki, Naruto. Surprisingly, I have not been able to get much of a read on Uzumaki Naruko yet."

"So what were the problems?" Hiro Masaki asked, he himself was curious like the rest he had not expected this many clan heirs to have issues.

Iruka hesitated. He knew that often things would get back to parents and he did not want this yet as he was not aware how clans reacted to it. It was as if Ryoho Yamanaka* had read his mind when he said: "No worries Iruka, all these meetings will be kept between staff and not shared unless you wish otherwise."

Iruka sighed, glad that was out of the way. Iruka took a deep breath as he prepared to start.

"Shikamaru Nara, needs desperate motivation or he may be sick, seeing as he was sleeping all the time."

At this point Ryoho snickered, knowing all too well about the famous laziness of the current clan head. He told Iruka not to worry in this case and continue his findings.

"Hinata Hyūga, needs confidence, as I am afraid it will stun her growth and might freeze up in battle or with her first kill, this could be a potential disaster. And Sasuke Uchiha, he is extremely focused on revenge, has a superiority complex, and does not seem to care for those around him."

This did cause for more concern with Ryoho, the two most recognized and prestigious clans seemed to have the worst problems.

"But that is not even the biggest problem."

At this there were several gasps of surprise.

"Fan girls and boy..." he trailed off

"Welcome to teaching" someone quipped.

More laughter followed at that point.

Ryoho and Hiro especially were less amused. It seemed that fan girls and even some boys were getting more and more of an issue. Especially with the 'last Uchiha' attending the ninja academy. It seemed that immediate action would have to be taken.

A discussion followed on what they should do. Iruka should also go and talk with the fan boy if he wanted to skip ninja school after passing the first year and go into a medical training program instead.

Soon class 2B and 3C followed, each with their own report and findings. It was interesting to note that another Hyūga, named Neji, had the opposite problem of Hinata. You could barely believe they were cousins.

Another point that came up was possible expansions in the program such as poison and intel divisions. Ultimately it was decided that Hiro would discuss it with the Hokage but it wouldn't be until the third year that students were allowed to deal with poisons. Moreover, intel-gathering and the Torture & Interrogation department would only be taught to those who seemed to have a knack for it, without other students being allowed to be aware of it. The last part was added to teach them secrecy as it was very delicate matter later on for the village.

Soon the meeting was concluded and everyone involved was chatting and catching up with each other.

As Iruka excused himself, he walked out of the meeting room he heard snickers of laughter. Thinking nothing of it, he continued walking to the Hokage tower for his administrative duties.

Hiro turned around: "Are we sure we didn't want to tell him he has a huge yellow mark on his head? Not to mention, that his uniform on the back is completely orange?"

At this more laughter followed.

Day number 2: Ninja-Academy

"Good morning class"

"Ohayō gozaimasu sensei" the class voices back. A class full with curious faces looked back at him.

Once again he saw that the girls had been fighting over the seat next to Sasuke. He sighed this had to stop but last night he simply didn't have the time to

"As you can all see, today we will start off with survival skills." Iruka pointed to the Kanji written on the blackboard behind him. "生存者"

Both Naruko and Naruto were glad for their reading lessons, they could clearly see that it says 'seizon-sha' (survivor).

"Today's word is Seizon-sha. As of now, over half of you would have been dead."

"Nani?!" came the unanimous reply.

Iruka used his big-head jutsu to shout at them to be quiet.

"Most of you have inappropriate clothes, too flashy, this will make you get noticed all the faster. For example, Naruto, you are wearing a kill-me-orange jumpsuit." A snicker broke out. However, despite his own feelings of dislike towards the Kyuubi containers he did not tolerate bad behaviour. "Oh this is no laughing matter, because despite his clothes he is the only one here who would be stealthy enough to get away with it." At this the class seemed extremely surprised but none of them were as surprised as Naruto himself. He stared straight at Iruka in wonder. Iruka noticed this, and could not help but think that he perhaps did not have to fear the container. He would hold his judgement for later. For now, it was still too painful to think about it too much. Having lost both his parents to the nine-tailed demon fox, he did not know if he could ever treat the twins as normal, but he try.

Hinata out of all people voiced their confusion first. "W-what do you mean sensei?" she slightly stuttered when talking to others that were not one of the Uzumaki twins, her sister or Kurenai. She poked her fingers together, in an unsure manner.

"I'm glad that you asked that Hinata. Do you all recall the prank from yesterday?"

The whole class nodded, who could forget? They still had some yellow and orange paint behind their ears.

"Did any of you actually seem him doing that?"

This seemed to have the desired effect, everyone was silent and it slowly dawned on them that indeed no one had noticed.

"Exactly, this also brings us to our next part of survival. Never underestimate your opponent." Again Iruka could see his students nod slowly. "Good, now does anyone know what other aspect is important to surviving?"

Choji's free hand shot up in the air. However, before Iruka could say his name Sakura had screamed out the answer "Food, fire making, and shelter sensei! Did you see me answer that answer correctly Sasuke? Did you?"

"Sakura! You will wait till your turn, also this is not some juvenile thing we are doing here, this is training to become ninjas and not being some silly fan girl. That goes for each of you here. Take this as a last warning. MINDLESS FAN GIRLS OR BOYS WILL NOT BE TOLERATED!" He then continued on in a softer tone of voice. "I understand that some of you will have crushes, and I have nothing against that. However, I do want you all to grow up into the ninjas I and the whole village can be proud of."

Iruka saw the nods and slightly disappointed faces from some of the students. Nevertheless, he continued on.

He knew what he was going to say next was surely going to bite him in the ass. "Survival means more than just basic food, shelter, stealth... an element of surprise will be vital too." There he said it and as suspected Naruto's eyes lit up. Fuck Iruka, you are in for it now... I am sure to be surprised by the boy, if his face was anything to go by. What he didn't notice was Naruko. She, like her brother, had the same mischievous twinkle in her eyes... he was a doomed man.

AN: NAMES EXPLANATION

*Ryoho – means therapy, and if I'm not mistaken Yamanaka means 'among the mountains'(according to google translate) so with some research I found there is this research in Japan with mental health and a forest path. 'Shinrin' which means forest, seeing as the head masters name has something to do with trees I thought it was a suitable name fitting in the overall theme.

Ocha Ryokucha – Her name has to do with tea brewing.

Chi Izanami - Izanami refers to a myth name of the wife of Izanagi, it means "the female who invites".

Tasuke Atsuko – 'Helping warmth', due to him wanting to be a medic, as for his fan boy for Sasuke, I just thought it was fun that Sasuke had a male after him... the kid always made me wonder if he was into girls at all.

Haruka Suzu– Fan girl, protested against having a pet next year. Saying that hairy rats were beneath her. Hence Haruka means being far off, distant. Suzu means bell. Like a bell, you can hear her from far off. Also she is 'far off' from being a ninja at the moment.

Furthermore, it seems that Iruka does not like Naruto or Naruko that much. Which would be logical, in my eyes, as he lost his parents to the Kyuubi. However, I will let him warm up towards them in no time after all Iruka is the best teacher there and honourable too. Also I did not include sealing as a subject due to the secrecy and that in essence that there is only one seal master, Jiraiya. I am not counting the caged bird seal but that is Hyūga and does not imply they are seal masters – just bastards.

Ps: if I got some translations wrong let me know ^-^