A/N: Sorry for the wait! Life got in the way and I couldn't figure out what to do with this chapter, but now I'm happy to post the next chapter of Naruto: Sword God! Enjoy!

Naruto concluded as he sucked on the sweet treat given to him, that this man was odd. He carried himself differently than the people of his village- even then the Shinobi! It was odd yet interesting to the blond youth as he studied the strange man through squinted eyes. The suddenly awkward silence continued to dampen the mood as glances were spared but nothing more was said. Finally after an half an hour of deciding Naruto spoke up.

"Who are you?" Mifune blinked slowly at the child's simple question, finding it odd how quickly the boy warmed up to him. Then again- said boy was only a child… He smiled softly before leaning forward a bit. "I'm Mifune, a Samurai." He spoke as he watched the boy's eyes widen in understanding.

This guy was a warrior! A strong man who didn't let anyone talk bad about him! This was SO cool! Mifune smirked seeing the boy's eyes light up at the notion of his status. The boy seemed to radiate with excitement now! "And what of you?" Naruto seemed to calm down a bit to process the information before speaking a chipper sound to his voice. "I'm Uzumaki Naruto! And one day I'm gonna be Hokage!" Exclaimed the four year old as Mifune blinked slowly once more before chuckling. Not unnoticed by Naruto of course.

"What's so funny?" Mifune smirked as he leaned back. "Nothing- you just remind me of someone that's all." Spoke the now calm sounding Samurai as Naruto stared at the man before pouting. "I thought you were making fun of my dream…" Mumbled the youth as Mifune raised an eyebrow in interest. "Really? Why would I do that?" Calmly questioned the man as Naruto blinked before scowling. "Because… everyone else does! They don't think I can become as strong as the Old man!" Old man? Who was this old man Naruto spoke of?

"Old-man?" Naruto grinned before explaining- "Yeah the old man Hokage! He's the one I'm going to surpass and become the greatest Hokage ever!" Exclaimed Naruto as his voice gained volume. Mifune gave a small smile as he watched the youth's antics. "Hokage huh? Well you have a lot of proving to do to gain that title." Spoke the Samurai a tone of mirth yet seriousness in his voice. Naruto stopped his tirade as he sat back down pouting. "I can do it… I know I can!"

Mifune nodded, he gave the boy praise for his enthusiasm, however he knew that guts and determination alone was not enough… He needed skill- training something that Mifune doubted Naruto had yet. A thought suddenly crossed the strong soul's mind as he began mauling over the idea. It was a stretch, but no way impossible- in fact Mifune had been thinking of passing on his skills one way or another- however did not feel anyone was worthy of learning his sword style- the Mugen Ittōryū… Naruto however…. Naruto reminded Mifune of a similar boy- one who became a man in his eyes, a young ninja known as Black Star… That spark and determination that burned in Naruto's eyes- were the same as Black Star's. And it was that determination that compelled Mifune to teach Naruto… That was- if Naruto was interested.

"Ne, Naruto?" Naruto looked up with sleepy eyes; the poor boy must have been through a lot… "Huh... What is Mifune-san?" Questioned the sleepy child as Mifune shook his head softly, deciding to ask Naruto when he was awake… "Nothing Naruto- Go back to sleep…" Not understanding what was going on, the blond haired youth fell back into a slumber, dreaming of his goal as Hokage… 'Rest Naruto- you'll need it…' Thought Mifune as he watched the small fire flicker. "You're gonna go far kid."

The sun was shining and the sky was blue- clouds hung lazily in the air, drifting at a sedate pace. Among the throngs of people in the village walked a young blond haired boy and an older sand blond haired man. They were given a wide berth as people watched pointing and whispering noticing the sword wielding man with the demon vessel. The duo's destination? The Hokage Tower, where Mifune would confront the leader of the Village and hopefully Naruto would gain a new home in the process. Mifune thought over his goals over the night thinking about what he wanted to do.

In truth Mifune was pretty tired of traveling constantly- he wanted to settle somewhere, and take a breather for once in his life. Unlike his past life where he was always doing something for someone- in this one he had more freedom. So with that in mind he decided he would train Naruto- the vessel had a lot of potential that was just waiting to be shown, a diamond in the rough so to speak. With a little polishing and refining Naruto could become a rare gem, strong and shining. Yes- Uzumaki Naruto would become Mifune's first ever apprentice of the Mugen Ittōryū…

Stopping short in front of the reception desk, Mifune frowned as he looked around seeing how empty the waiting room was. You'd expect the leader's schedule to be booked. Holding Naruto's shoulder he told him to wait as he went up to the receptionist- a young brown haired woman who looked bored reading over a magazine no doubt. "How may I help you?" Came her uninterested voice as she didn't even glance up at the Samurai. "I'm here to see the hokage." The woman glanced up as she blinked noticing the tall, handsome man before her.

Straightening up a bit more her eyes didn't look so lifeless as she flashed a smile. "Oh? Well sir- he's busy right now- butt- if you're willing to pass the time with a date-" The sound of static came from a small wooden box as an elderly man's voice resounded from it, miffing the young woman at the interruption. "Mayumi-san please let them in." Frowning as she sighed she looked up to the dashing man only to see he was gone! Already opening the door to the Hokage's office, Naruto in tow as the receptionist sighed- there goes her potential date! "Stupid Hokage…"

The door opened silently as the pair of blonds entered the room, the elder blond looked stoically as the younger blond smiled with a large childish grin. The two were like night and day… "Hey old man!" Greeted Naruto in his usual loud tone as Sarutobi smiled. "Ah, Nartuo-kun it's good to see you again." Came the grandfatherly of the old Hokage Hizuren Sarutobi, his voice became more calm as he motioned over to Mifune as though slightly wary. "And who is this young man Naruto?" Naruto practically bounced on the balls of his feet as his grin remained. "This is Mifune-san! He found me when the old lady at the orphanage locked me out." Explained the boy his cheerful tone slowly fading into depression. Sarutobi's eyes widened as his eyebrows raised, a look of surprise on his face at the shocking truth- The orphanage owner kicked him out? He would have a word with that woman… "I see- and your okay Naruto-kun? Nothing bruised or broken I hope?" The infectious cheerful grin returned as Naruto flexed his arm-

"You know me old man! I'm great as always!" As Naruto gloated Sarutobi registered the fact that the nine-tailed fox no doubtly healed its vessel's wounds. "Hokage-sama-" The elderly Hokage's focus shifted the Samurai a questioning brow raised. "If I may ask…" Leaning back and lighting his pipe the Hokage took a drag letting the smoke flow out f his nose. "You may." Straightning up a little he looked calmly at the aged shinobi. "I'd like to take Naruto in as my apprentice."

The pipe in Sarutobi's hand faltered slightly spilling the black ash on the wooden desk. Straightening up the Hokage's gaze hardened as many thought flew through his head. What was this man's purpose? Was he an enemy? Did he want something what would he gain? Nothing came up as the wizened man looked questioning at the strong soul. "I have nothing much left to do…" That got the Hokage's and Naruto's attention. "I traveled the world as a warrior of the sword- only to give my skills to the person with the most money.

I was never really challenged, until I ran into a person who was able to defeat me… I ended up traveling around Fire Country still with no purpose, a feeling of longing…" He spoke after a second's breath. "Until I found Naruto- the one who reminds me of the one who defeated me… I feel that Naruto- will surpass me and many others Hokage-sama- he already has the desire he now just needs the training." Sarutobi stared with wise gray eyes into Mifune's chocolate brown ones. Several seconds passed until Sarutobi finally relented giving a tired sigh…

"I- will permit you to teach him Mifune- I too see Naruto's potential but was at a loss of what to do for him… Now that you are here he may have a chance…" Breathing he looked at the Samurai once more. "But- there is one thing I'd like as part of this deal…"

"Name it Hokage-sama."

"Make sure Naruto goes to the Shinobi academy, I wish for him to learn at least the basics of the shinobi arts." Mifune nodded as Naruto grinned also agreeing. With that the two men shaked hands on the agreement.

"You have a deal Hokage-sama."

On the way out of the Hokage Tower Mifune looked down at the four year old with curiosity- wondering where this event would take them… "Well then Naruto- we should start your training.." Naruto looked at his new sensei with wonder, "When Mifune-sensei?"

Mifune suddenly gained an almost kind expression that made shivers run up Naruto's spine… something told him he was in for a rough couple years…

"Now."

He gulped, Kami he hated when he was right…

A/N Annnd cut! I know short chapter... (I was sure it was longer in word!) Anyway once again I'm sorry for the wait- now next chapter shows Naruto's training! It goes over his first three years of training under Mifune and his entrance into the Academy where he meets new friends , Rivals, and enemies! Hope to see you there!

-Sora-Ume