I DON'T OWN NARUTO

The next morning finds Naruto waiting at training ground 7 for Kakashi. Shockingly, Kakashi showed up five minutes after Naruto arrived.

"Yo"

Naruto bristled at the casual greeting, in no mood for Kakashi's usual antics. "No offense, sensei but this has been a shit month and given what you tried to do during the chunin exams I've been sitting on a deep need to punch you in the face."

"Understandable. So, let me get started. Sandaime-sama ordered me to not train you, after years of not allowing me to adopt you. The only way I saw to show him how absurd he was being was to heighten the contradiction. Did I think Sasuke could break you with the general information I gave him? No, not at all. Did I think the little psycho would try to kill you with my chidori? No. I only wanted to point out how careless he was being with your life in a way he'd understand. The thing neither of us predicted is the very thing none of us can, you. An explosive sealing array on a kunai? Who does that, you little maniac."

"Seemed like a good idea at the time." Naruto said with a shrug. "Why didn't he let you adopt me? You're nominally part of a clan but not a major one, no offense."

"Since when do you say things like nominally?"

"I'm smarter than I let on and I have a lot more of those exploding kunai so let's stay focused, ne?"

"Noted. As for why he didn't let me adopt you, do you recall those two worst attacks?"

"Yes."

"You ever see any of those people again?"

"...No?"

"Nor would you have. Sandaime was concerned about how I'd react to your mistreatment."

"How are you still a shinobi, then?"

"One, no one could prove a thing. Two, even if they could I'm a borderline S-ranked shinobi. Every village has special rules for shinobi like me. How do you think Tsunade and Jiraiya were allowed to be out of the village for so long?

Oh, and don't buy Jiraiya's bullshit about his spy network, no other major village's spymaster runs their network like that. The Hokage allowed it because it's better to do so than have them labeled as missing nin and turn on us."

"Ok, so a lot of my dissatisfaction can be placed on Sarutobi, as if I need more reason to hate the old monkey. I can accept this." Naruto replies before narrowing his eyes, "However, you tried to use Hinata against me. Even if Sasuke didn't know who or what he was referencing, I did and I don't appreciate you doing it, even to prove a point to Sarutobi."

"Eh, may have went too far but that play was meant for an audience of one. Had to press it because Sandaime-sama is hard headed."

"Ok but I'd request you never do that again."

"Shouldn't be a problem. By the way, what is up with you two."

"We're just friends pervert!"

"Sure, sure." Kakashi replies giving his trademark eye smile. "Anyway, I know Danzo trained you between the finals but I didn't get to see in what nor would he tell me. Mind showing me so I can get an idea on your skills?"

"Sure" Naruto said before creating a dozen shadow clones. Six surround Kakashi and start to blur through hand signs, shouting in unison, "Earth Style: Earth wall". Kakashi smirks as the walls reach 12 feet high. As soon as the jutsu is completed, four of the remaining clones appear on top of the walls, preparing their own jutsu, "Water Style: Wild Water Wave" overloading the technique with chakra until the clones dispersed.

'Two nature releases? Impressive' Kakashi thinks while dodging the brunt of the water attack.

Now the real Naruto and the two clones that hung back appear atop of the earwalls, "Wind Style: Drilling Air Bullets" all called out, forcing Kakashi to dodge and try to escape but when Kakashi starts to climb the mud wall he feels two hands start to pull him into the wall. 'Impressive' Kakashi thought, having never considered using the Double Suicide Decapitation technique in such a way. Just as Kakashi finished his thought he saw earth dragons emerge from the remaining walls, "Earth Style: Earth Dragon Bullet" could faintly be heard outside the walls. In the last second Kakashi pulls off a replacement with a log. Darting back to Naruto he sees him and two other clones running through an extended series of hand signs and immediately stops in disbelief, "Water Style: Water Dragon Jutsu" and Kakashi is again impressed with the three Water dragons headed in his direction. He performs another replacement and decides to up his level. Darting to the clones he dodges a Mudflow River and precedes to take out the clones before finally kicking the real Naruto off the earth wall trap. However when Kakashi looks down he sees a Kunai embedded in the wall and does another replacement right before it exploded.

The spar went on for another twenty minutes before it stopped. Naruto was left exhausted on the ground; panting, sweating and bruised. Kakashi looked no worse for ware but clearly impressed at how far Naruto managed to progress in a month's time with a dedicated sensei.

"I think we can call it for the day. Give me a few days to come up with a training regimen and we'll hit the ground running. But understand, I plan to train you into the ground. Endure it and you'll be a better ninja for it."

"Gotcha sensei." And with that Kakashi shunshin's away. Grumbling about bastard senseis, Naruto gets up and leaves the training ground.

Kakashi emerges in the Hokage's office and greets Tsunade.

"Kakashi, I won't waste your time so let's get to it, do you think you could get him ready in six month's time?"

"Tsunade-sama, I believe I could have him more than ready by then. Three elemental releases in a genin, especially one without a bloodline limit is unheard of. Considering he did it in a month with virtually no one knowing and I'd say making him ANBU ready won't be difficult at all. I should be able to iron out his taijutsu and start on some rudimentary kenjutsu training."

"Good. And what about your other student?"

'What about her,' Kakashi thinks. "I don't know Tsunade-sama. I've tried to get her interested in training. I hoped after the chunin exams and the invasion she'd be ready to go but she does the bare minimum and I get annoyed because I know there is a pupil out there that would love to have a focused sensei so I leave her to it. And if she can't find her motivation she might be a decent mednin but honestly I don't know. She's taken the death of Sasuke hard, which was expected but she's essentially given up."

"Ok, I'll get her into the mednin program and we'll go from there. That means it'll mostly be you and Naruto. I'll assigned ex-ANBU to run missions with you guys. We need to get him as strong and experienced as fast as possible. Kakashi, do not fail me."

"Hai, Hokage-sama" Kakashi says and then exits the office.

Meanwhile we find Naruto at his home away from home, whispering sweet nothings to his first love.

"Oh, how I have missed you."

"Thanks, Naruto, we've missed you as well."

"I'm talking to the ramen, Ayame-chan."

"So, you want that to be your last bowl?"

Sputtering, Naruto tries to recover but fails miserably, leaving Ayame to laugh at the poor knucklehead. As Naruto dives a fellow ninja sits in the seat next to him.

"Whiskers" the girl says

"Buns" he replies

"Shrimp"

"Panda"

The two remain silent for several moments, eyeing each other incredulously before both start laughing.

"Where have you been? I haven't seen you since before the invasion."

"I know, I'm sorry. Jiraiya took me on a mission the next day. Speaking of which, you should be nice to me given you're about to fall madly in love with me and forget all about that tightass Neji."

"Pfft, first of all I'd never fall in love with someone shorter than me. Secondly, who says I have a thing for Neji. Besides, I'm not your type" she said in a huff

"It's just so obvious. You're all like, "Neji-kun can't be beat. His unnaturally tight ass makes his jyuken more powerful than anyone's." It's a shame, you'd really want to know. I was even considering introducing you two."

Choosing to ignore Naruto implying she was a fangirl, Tenten asks "Oh, and who is this mystery person?"

"Oh, just Tsunade Senju, the Godaime Hokage."

"Naruto… if this is a prank you know I'll hurt you, right? Like, I'll just hurt you, it'll be my new job."

"I know and I'm not. She's who we had to bring back and she's pretty cool."

The two old friends continued to discuss Naruto's mission and what Tenten had been up to since the invasion until they parted ways agreeing to meet up sometime soon for a training session. Naruto made his way back to his apartment for a much deserved nap.

A few hours later, Naruto was awoken by a knock at his door. Scurrying to the door he was greeted by an ANBU, "Uzumaki-san, the Hokage has requested your presence."

"Ok, I'll be there as soon as I freshen up, thank you Neko-san" and with a curt nod the ANBU officer shushined away. Quickly hopping into the shower, Naruto wonders what Tsunade-sama could want. After exiting the shower, Naruto used a lower power wind jutsu to dry himself off, got changed into a black shirt with a red Uzumaki spiral at the center of the front, some black shinobi pants and black shinobi sandals then ran to Hokage Tower. Ten minutes and one knock on a door later and Naruto found himself standing in front of the newly appointed Hokage, along with Kakashi, Danzo and Jiraiya.

"Hello, Hokage-sama, you summoned me?"

"Yes, Naruto, I wanted to discuss a few things with you. First, would be your actions during the invasion. Sarutobi-sama did a thorough review of the actions taken by every chunin hopeful since the exam was ruined. According to reports, you provided dozens of shadow clones, mostly focused on getting civilians and academy students to shelter. One report stated that while you were concerned you would be a target for friendly fire, you followed the orders of your superiors and helped one in direct combat, killing ten combatants and injuring many more. She also states that you demonstrated a proficiency with Wind, Water, and Earth style ninjutsu. Due to these reports and actions above and beyond the responsibilities of a Genin, Uzumaki Naruto I, Tsunade Senju the Godaime Hokage award you the rank of Chunin."

Naruto was speechless. Of all the reasons he thought he could be called here, gaining a promotion was not one of them. Everyone in the room sees his surprise and all smile.

"Now, Naruto you've earned this rank but things will only get more difficult from here. For the next six months you will be training and doing higher ranked missions with Kakashi and other shinobi of my choosing. Should I deem you ready, you may lead some missions unaccompanied by a Jounin. The reason for this focused training is not just to make up for what Sarutobi did but also to get you prepared. Should Kakashi, Danzo, and myself deem you ready you will be granted an invitation to join the ANBU. Should you pass their trial period you will be a full member of the ANBU for no less than three years. During that time you will have periodic training sessions with Jiraiya at Mt. Myoboku with your final year spent mostly there except for the occasional mission."

"I… I don't know what to say, thank you Tsunade-sama."

"Don't thank me yet, this is going to be hell, I won't lie to you but we need to get you as powerful as we can so we can face the Akatsuki. I don't plan on being passive where they are concerned, I'd like to use some time to gather information and then proceed to hunt them down. Allowing them to dictate the pace would be a mistake. Now, Naruto is there any part of this you have a problem with? Please be honest."

"Hai, I don't know how invested Jiraiya will be as a sensei. I don't believe his teaching style meshes with my learning style and would only frustrate me when that time could be better spent with someone that desires to teach me."

Before Tsunade can say anything Jiraiya speaks up, "Look, Naruto, I know you were less than happy about how I trained you during the chunin exams but I was trying to train you to think through problems, not baby you."

"Case in point, Hokage-sama. A sensei instructs, if my requesting more than the bare minimum in instruction is seen as babying then our time together won't be fruitful. If Jiraiya would like to curate for me a training program I would happily accept and find someone more suited to my, apparently, unreasonable preferences."

To this exchange, Tsunade can only sign and hold her palm to her face while thinking, 'Damnit Jiraiya. You claim you want to make it up to the kid and then openly insult him when he expects you to instruct.' "Naruto, we can decide on that later but for now take this," Tsunade hands him his chunin vest, "and go celebrate. I'm giving you the next two days off, after that meet Kakashi at your usual training ground at 7am."

"Hai, Hokage-sama and thank you again." Naruto says while making his exit.

"What is wrong with you, Jiraiya?"

"What do you mean?"

"Do you actually want to have a relationship with Naruto or do you just want to ease your guilty conscience? Tell me now because I won't stall his progress to make you feel better."

"I don't want to stall his progress but I have my way of doing things."

"Yes, I'm aware of your "way". It includes leaving him alone for hours so you can stare at asses and tits. That's not instruction."

"It worked with Minato."

"So? No, seriously, so what it worked with Minato? Minato was a genius and it allowed you to be lazy, congratulations. Naruto isn't Minato and since your first impulse is to bring up a man Naruto is conflicted about, at best, I'm inclined to rethink your role in his training."

"You can't do that!"

"Why can't I?"

"Because he's my godson and he'll need my knowledge."

"Knowledge you have little interest in imparting. I'm not going to even acknowledge him being your godson, that hasn't seemed to matter to you for most of his life."

"I've made mistakes but I'm not going to apologize for them to you. You've known him for five minutes and what, you're his defender?"

"Someone has to do it, might as well be me. Although I'm not entirely sure why we're having this discussion. I'm Hokage, you retrieved me for that very reason. I have to do what's best for the shinobi under my command and stunting Naruto to make you feel better isn't high on my list of concerns."

"So, what, you want me to just hover over him? He's an adult, he has to learn to think for himself and stand on his own two feet."

"Are you situationally deaf or stupid?"

"There is no need for insults, Tsunade."

"That boy became proficient in three elemental releases in a month without you knowing. That didn't happen by magic and even with proper guidance it is still something one must figure out for themselves. So, what is this insistence of yours that your way is right and true? Because of Minato? You ever been told to not judge a method by a single result? Because you'd probably survive if I punched you out this window but does that make flight by my fists a safe mode of travel?

Danzo, you trained him for the chunin finals, what can you tell me about Naruto and his learning style?"

"He's a natural kinesthetic learner, which could make him prone to trial and error to solve things. However, that doesn't make him incapable of learning or understanding theory, you just have to explain it in a different way than you would for most people. He has an incredibly creative and inventive mind that almost rejects convention by rote. If your explanations can manage to get on his wavelength then you'll find a sharp mind that can have an almost unnaturally intuitive grasp on subjects. Admittedly it took me a few days to get used to it but once I did he made incredible gains."

"Could you give us an example?"

"Yes, Tsunade-sama. He was having trouble with the first exercise for wind release manipulation but with his determination he would just try to power through. I asked him to stop and take a break so we can try to work through it a different way. So, we talked, for about ten minutes. Near the end he asked me how it felt to mold wind chakra. Admittedly I had no response, I'm an experienced wind user so I don't think about how it physically feels to do so, so he handed me a leaf to do the exercise. Once I described not how I thought about molding the chakra but what it physically felt like a lightbulb went off. He had the exercise completed no more than an hour later. He had the first exercises of both water and earth done within the next day. Once I likened the theory to something tangible, that each nature release feels differently he was able to take that idea and apply it to the needs of other exercises. Once he established a feel for the nature release, molding the chakra for the jutsu seemed almost too easy for him. The second exercises of each release, while more difficult were still completed by the end of the second week."

"Oh the horrors! You had to talk with your student, oh no! He'll never be self reliant!"

"Ok, Tsunade, I get your point. Look, I've always been laidback and believed you should allow a student to find their own way, just offering nudges to keep them on the right track."

"And how many students have you had that have actively been sabotaged? Also, Naruto created an exploding kunai. Kakashi didn't teach him that and no one made him do it. This idea that he isn't self-directed is you justifying negligence. We're going in circles, you're all dismissed while I think more on your involvement, Jiraiya. Just understand that it isn't your right but my permission that determines it."

"Oh, before we leave Hokage-sama, Naruto is quite the admirer of your Uncle, Tobirama-sama. I wouldn't be surprised if he eventually asked for any notes or works on his final water manipulation exercises."

To this, Tsunade could only smile. "Thank you, Danzo." And with that, all three parties exited.

As Naruto is taking a stroll through the village he notices that he isn't receiving as many glares as he normally does, and some are actually smiling at him. 'Weird' he thinks before his thoughts are interrupted.

"Wondering why they aren't glaring at you as much?"

"I actually was, Anko-san. How'd you know?"

"Because I've experienced it as well. When you're a social pariah but things start to change for you it can be disorienting, seeing near complete hate or indifference slightly shift to mostly hate and a little acceptance. Word got around about what you did."

"Yes, that's what I was afraid of."

"Oh, you mean the Uchiha? He was the golden boy during peacetime. Civilians may be many things, most of them no pleasant but that shortsighted self interest worked in your favor. Once the invasion started, caring about some clan they never actually interacted with became significantly less important. It doesn't mean some won't take issue with it but many more are concerned about their families, businesses and the like."

"So, that's all it took? If someone had only told me…"

"You're funny, kid."

"Oh, I almost forgot, thank you. It seems I got promoted mostly due to your post invasion report. I appreciate it."

"No problem, kid, I just told the truth. We kicked ass" Anko said with a fist pump.

Chuckling, Naruto replies, "All the same I'd like to do something as a show of gratitude so how about I buy you some dango sometime?"

"You sure you aren't trying to get a date out of me? It's not nice to try and trick Anko-chan."

Sputtering, Naruto tries to reassure her he's not asking her out but it comes out as a lot of gibberish, which makes Anko laugh. Seeing she's had her fun, she grabs Naruto and hugs him tightly, enveloping him in her boobs and accepts his offer. As she dashes off she faintly hears Naruto muttering, "ero snake lady" trying desperately to get his blush under control.

Naruto continues his walk as he sees two people he had really hoped to not have to deal with. Exiting Yakiniku Q was team 10 and most of team 8. She may not have been the first to notice him but she'd, of course, be the first to say something.

"Naruto, what are you doing with that chunin vest?"

Rolling his eyes, as he hates obvious questions, "Showing I can pull off anything, Ino."

"Dobe, did you get promoted?"

Sighing, "Yes, Kiba I did get promoted and how are you?"

"Why did you get promoted, the exam results were cancelled!"

"For my actions during the invasion, Ino."

"Congratulations Naruto-san"

"Thank you, Shino."

"I still can't believe you got promoted when no one else did. That's utter crap."

"You weren't even in the finals, Kiba. Why are you so emotionally invested in this."

"Because you're the deadlast!"

"God, you're fucking useless. Our academy rankings mean shit, we aren't in school anymore, dipshit so get over it, genin."

"You will not pull rank on me, I'll still kick your ass!"

"Troublesome, yes Kiba assault a superior officer. I'm sure that'll work out well for you."

"Shut it lazyass, Kiba has a point. You aren't better than us, Naruto. Especially not after what you did to Sasuke."

"Ino, I'd say you're an embarrassment to your clan but you're whole clan is trash. If you saw the fight between Sasuke and I then you know I did nothing wrong so I suggest you find a way to deal with it because I won't be apologizing nor discussing it with you. Your Prince is dead but can continue to ignore you from the afterlife so what changed really?"

"Naruto, you bastard! How could you insult my clan and say that!"

"Easy, ask your dad his policy on forcibly altering the memories of children as they beg him to stop. Tell him Naruto told you to ask. Now, I'm done talking to you."

"I'm not finished yet." Kiba replied as he attempts to grab Naruto before being stopped by Choji

"Kiba if you don't shut your fucking mouth I'll shut it for you. I'm sick of you, mediocre talent but always running your mouth. You couldn't beat me when I had a seal suppressing my chakra on me what makes you think you'd be a challenge now?"

Just as things were about to escalate the Jounin sensei for both teams arrive.

"Enough!" barked Asuma. "What the hell is going on here?"

"Simple, someone needs to put a muzzle on that bitch. Oh, and Ino should talk less, too." Naruto replied.

"Uzumaki, since you've clearly been promoted you should do better."

"Are you fucking serious? Look, I was minding my business when Kiba insulted and threatened me and after being reminded to not assault a superior officer he attempted to attack me anyway! So, how am I now responsible for his actions? Also, Uzumaki? You refer to no one else by their last names but me. What's your problem with me, what have I ever do to you?"

"I'd like an answer to that as well." Everyone turns to see Kakashi, face in his orange book.

"I'll deal with Kiba but you should still walk away."

Now, the other two Jounin are looking at her like she's grown a second head. No, a superior officer does not walk away nor turn the other cheek. Subordinates stand down and everyone knows this. Seeing that her response wouldn't fly she relents.

"Ok, you're right, Kiba was in the wrong and will be punished as for the other thing can we talk over there," Kurenai says while pointing to an alley.

"Fine."

The two relocate to the alley and Kurenai takes a deep breath before speaking. "I do owe you an apology, Naruto-san, I'm sorry for my rudeness. While I know you are not the fox, I did lose some family that day and had never been more terrified before or since. I've let that affect how I treat you and I'm sorry. I hope you can forgive me."

"No."

"Excuse me?"

"I don't forgive you. I don't care what the fox did to you, if that's your reason for acting the way you have towards me I don't forgive you. You don't deserve it."

"Naruto, you have to understand…"

"I don't have to understand a damn thing. All of you are the same. You just put shit on a child endlessly and demand he understand you. Understand your pain and your experiences. Who bothers to understand me? Bothers to understand that you don't get to punish me for something that was forced on me? Do you think I was an orphan by accident. I lost people, too but I'll never get to know them. I'll never have memories of outings, of conversations around the dinner table. Of not feeling like I'm universally hated on my birthday. And yet most of you have all of that! And on top of it you get to take out your frustration and redirect your sense of loss onto a defenseless kid. So, no, no forgiveness for you you hateful bitch. You stay away from me and I'll do the same for you."

Before she can respond, Naruto runs off, leaving Kurenai speechless and shamed. As Kurenai walks back to the group she sees only Kakashi and Asuma still there.

"Kurenai, are you ok, what happened?"

"I tried to apologize for how I've treated him and he declined it. I tried to justify myself and… it didn't go over too well. He called me hateful and I can't even disagree. I've always been cold to him, telling myself I was being professional but that wasn't true. I acted like his mere presence was corruptive. Kakashi, I'm sorry. I never considered how I'm just one of many, how my actions don't occur in a vacuum. I hope he can forgive me one day as I will do better."

"Honestly, Kurenai, I don't know. He may have just been keyed up and let his temper get away from him but once he cools down things may change. There's a lot that's been revealed to him over the past month, so any hint of unfairness will set him off for the near future. We have the Sandaime to thank for that."

"What did my dad do? I thought he and Naruto were close."

Fighting back a scoff, Kakashi answers, "Asuma you should really talk to him about the decisions he's made. Naruto didn't have to be an orphan nor did his skills have to languish as they have. What Sasuke said at the exams was true, teachers did actively sabotage him at the academy but the rest was the doing of your father. If you ask and he won't tell you, I will. But in the meantime, you both need to get your genins in line. Trust me when I say none of them individually are a match for Naruto and the next time one attacks him he'll know he has my permission to zealously defend himself. Open season on Naruto Uzumaki is officially closed. Do with that as you may."

'Damnit!' He shouted internally. 'Why did I let them get to me. All that work to control my temper and I still fly off the handle like an idiot.' Naruto admonishes himself before attempting to meditate in a hidden cave inside the village. One he uses to get away from the villagers quite often. As Naruto slows his breathing he feels a familiar presence approach him and can't help but smile.

"Hinata-chan" he says barely above a whisper.

"Naruto-kun"