Disclaimer: I still do not own naruto…damn

"Normal speech"

"Toughs and flashbacks"

"Kyuubi"

"Inner Sakura"

"Kyuubi's thoughts"

(AN): authors note

AN: it seems I made a mistake in Kiba's mother; her name is Tsume not Nidaho so from this chapter on I'll use the name correctly.

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Chapter 2: school life, graduation and discoveries

Naruto was returning from the academy, a week has passed since he begun to attend and it has been boring and weird to say the least, first he find out that most of the teachers hated him like the rest of the town but thankfully he was put in a class with was probably the only teacher that seemed to see him as a human, Umino Iruka, that and the fact that he was in the same class with Hinata was the highlights of the first day, after that everything went to hell, first his childhood friend Ino decided that she didn't like him around her and became a really mean person towards him but oddly enough not towards his partner, but Senkou being such good friend of Naruto decided to stay clear of the blonde female, of course this caused that Ino blamed Naruto so the rest of the week she spend it glaring at him and yelling him that "how was possible that he was so selfish that he didn't let poor Senkou be with her" completely sure and unaware that it was the tiger's decision in the first place, and when he tried to explain it to her only caused to infuriate the blonde more.

Next there was his friends Shikamaru and Chouji, he knew both of them since he could remember thanks to the fact that he needed to go trough training from such an early age they became more like acquaintances, hopefully the won't be like the villagers, following was Shino who just creep him out not because of his bugs no, because Naruto understood that they were Shino's partners, it was because the guy barely said a word.

And don't let him get started on Sakura who was in many ways like the rest of the villagers and in other ways a lot like Ino in the fact that she wanted to pet his partner and squeeze it like some plushy not caring if the tiger is interested, and again with the same results as Ino.

And finally he was put with the two persons he never wanted to be with Inuzuka Kiba and Uchiha Sasuke, with the first he doesn't know what the hell was wrong with him he just insults him, glare at him or even growls at him, and his dog partner is no better, Naruto just don't know what did he do to deserve such hate he had only see the boy 3 times in his whole life.

The second is no better, just different he saw him as if dirt was better than him and to some degree he understands it, after all his family was murdered not too long ago, but still that kid just rubs him in the wrong way.

Basically his week has been nothing but boring lectures, scolding from all the teachers, glares, nearly-impossible questions and if it hasn't been for Hinata, loneliness, the good thing is that her mother promised him to teach him a basic clan jutsu at the end of the week.

After arriving the compound the blond go with his mother to learn the jutsu.

"Aright come here Naruto this is one, if not the most basic jutsu for any member of the clan, and is one of the few things we share with the Inuzukas" after saying that Sumire did a tiger seal and said the name of the jutsu: Shikyaku no Jutsu (Quadruped technique) after her nails got larger, her teeth elongated and she got down on all fours in the floor like an animal.

To Naruto this was a great thing, not only because the jutsu but the fact that he got to spend time with his mother, lately he haven't seen much of her due to the fact that she returned to being a jounin, she's training a genin team and on top of that she's the branch head.

"Now Naruto you must be careful when you use these jutsu because while using it will be difficult to make hand seals but you will gain a strength and speed boost, is that clear" the blond just nodded, after practicing the jutsu a couple of times until he felt comfortable with it then remembering his week in the school decided to ask his mother something.

"Mom"

"Yes dear"

"In my class there is a kid who just hate for no reason"

"What did you do to him?" "Nothing mom, he just glare and growls at me" at this comment Sumire caught a special interest, and even if she was pretty sure who was the kid she decided to not take any chances "tell Naruto this boy had a dog with him" "yes mom" "so the story repeats itself again, I seriously thought Tsume knew to put things in perspective" then she gave her son a small smile and said "the problem Naruto is not with you, is with the fact that you're a Uzumaki and he's a Inuzuka" "why" "because practically from the foundation of the village its been like that, nobody really remembers the reason for it, some say is for the way each clan bonds with their partners, at this point nobody knows or cares anymore, but son if that kid ever bothers you again just ignore it, let it go, because it not either you or that kid's fault" "but that's just stupid" "and why is that?" "Because we are hating each other for something that happened in the past and we don't even remember we should all get along we're konoha shinobi after all" at this Sumire looked surprised, his seven year old son was being in an infantile way, more mature and level-headed than most of the adults of both clans, after a second she gave him a smile and said "yeah it's stupid, but what are you going to do about it" "when I'm the hokage I'll change that, besides I'm sure I can kick his ass" "I'm sure you can, but what good will that do" "ergh, show him who's the best" at this Sumire give him a smile and a small laugh "one moment he's wise and the other is naïve, seriously he's your son Arashi" "I'm sure you will Naru-chan" saying the last part in an obviously teasing manner and succeeding "mom! Stop calling me that, I'm not a baby" "okay Naru-chan" "mom, stop it" "aright, aright, I'll stop Naru-chan"

"Mom!" she started laughing, sometimes it was just too easy to mess with him.

On a completely different location Kiba and his mother were training in the exact same jutsu.

The next week in school was supposed to be pretty uneventful, or it would have been if Kiba weren't trying to make Naruto fight, apparently his mother told him that his clan were nothing but a bunch of loosers that didn't deserve to be a ninja, that everybody in that clan are a bunch of backstabbing traitors, and that they hated dogs, by the end of the talk Kiba despised every last of the Uzumaki, and right now the Inuzuka was trying to make him fight so he can prove he was better, that and the fact that he wasn't comfortable with Naruto's closeness to Hinata.

"Come on looser!"

"Get lost"

"Hell no, now be a man and fight me"

"Or what" said the blonde clearly annoyed, Kiba was getting on his nerves and the yelling was attracting audience.

"Or I'll make you looser!" and with that he launched a punch with his left hand aimed to his head, Naruto moved slightly to his left and caught it with his right hand by the wrist and sweeping his foot with his right leg and pushing him with other arm towards the floor Kiba found himself kissing the floor with an annoyed blonde on top of him "drop it Kiba I mean it" an twisted a little more his arm to make his point after watching him nod Naruto released him and went to sit down next to Hinata.

Kiba frustrated started to yell to him "yeah that's right go away coward, looser, you're unable to finish what you started my mother was right about you and your kind you're nothing more than worthless failures each and every one of you so get out you don't even deserve to be a shinobi, maybe that's the reason you don't have a father, maybe he left you and your mother, because he was just another coward and a failure just like you"

At this comment the blonde raised of his seat trembling clearly suppressing the rage that was running trough his body, he really wanted to make the mutt eat those words of course Kiba being Kiba took this as a sign of fear, unaware that even his dog noticed the unavoidable outcome from the last comment, but before anything happened Iruka came and said that today were going to spar.

Reaching the training area Iruka broke everyone into groups; unlike normal spars there were three in every group. Watching his partners for the spar Naruto couldn't help but let out a rather Anko-ish smile, There standing next to him was Kiba, and next to the boy was a girl he really didn't like, Haruno Sakura, she had been on his last nerve since the beginning of their time in the academy and the drop that spilled the glass was that she actually said "idiots like you shouldn't even be allowed in the class, I don't know how someone like you could get in the academy or get something like Senkou" finishing with a really hurtful comment about the fact that he didn't have a father

This was specially hurtful because he really didn't know who his father was, by the time Sakura figured out it was to late to apologize, the damage was done and even Senkou had a grudge towards her, because with people like Ino he was grateful sometimes for the attention, others only tolerant to them but after the incident he just growls, roars, bears fangs and even launch the occasional warning swipe towards her, in short both of Naruto's practice dummies. Erg partners were in deep trouble.

"Aright first Naruto vs. Kiba, start!"

Not a second after Iruka said those words Naruto rushed towards his opponent determined to harm him as much as humanly possible for a seven year old and launched a right hook towards the right side of Kiba's face, the mentioned manage to barely dodge the punch but he was unable to avoid the backhand strike that the blonde launched with the same hand just after finishing the first punch making Kiba's head jerk to the right, then Naruto launched a reverse-high kick with his left foot connecting his left heel with his opponent's right cheek sending him flying for a couple of meters.

Sakura was terrified watching his classmate wipe the floor with Kiba and after send him flying he directed his gaze towards her, her green eyes met the sapphire of his but instead of finding the calming warmth that everybody he liked found comforting, she meet a pair of cold blue-steel eyes, that was fixed on her with a glare that was clearly saying "you're next!"

After hitting the floor and whipping the blood of his mouth Kiba launched himself attempting to take him while he was busy glaring at Sakura, he threw a punch with his right fist followed by another punch with his left, Naruto took the first in his face and stumble backwards a little but manage to regain control in time to catch the second with his right hand by the wrist, spinning himself the delivered with his left elbow two strikes to Kiba's chest and launched a hard kick to his stomach followed by a kick with his other foot to his face, Kiba manage to block only the last and took some distance between them panting heavily both from tiredness and pain, because Naruto subconsciously have been powering up his punches and kicks with chakra and doing exactly what his mother told him not to, draw attention to himself:

Hinata was sparring with Ino when both made an unspoken agreement to watch Naruto's fight, to the Hyuuga heiress watch his friend and new found crush fight so fiercely was scary to her, even if he still had the same blue eyes that always mesmerized and make her feel safe they were now irradiating so much anger that the kid that give her his weights to train and become stronger (which she keeps under her bed as her treasure) and is always trying to cheer her up and gave her confidence and his friendship just for being her, seems so far off (AN: Naruto is not using Kyuubi's chakra).

To Ino was another thing she just whished she'll be able to at least apologize to the boy before he pisses him too much.

But others not only watched with some fear in their eyes others like Uchiha Sasuke were incredibly angry, he was after all supposed to be the best yet this kid seemed to be stronger than him, and for the way he was fighting Kiba he obviously was stronger than him, but the Uchiha won't let that stay like that for too long, he have to be the strongest if he wanted to kill him.

To the rest of the spectators was obvious something, they really didn't know the blonde and that he was always holding back before, all came to this conclusion, whether they were classmates, teachers, friends, enemies or just curious watchers something was clear, they will have to start taking this more seriously.

Iruka seen that everyone stopped and was looking at the now rapidly escalating spar and transforming in to an all-out war (AN: again as much damage as a pair of 7 year olds can do) decided to stop the spar the moment they started using their clan jutsus.

An hour later both kids and their respective mothers were in the teacher's office discussing the reason why Naruto exploded and gave Kiba a beating.

"He started it"

"If you weren't such a coward we wouldn't be on this situation" Kiba answered back, actually believing what he was saying.

"You idiot, if you could keep your shut we wouldn't be in this problem"

Watching the boys the boys argue both mothers had different reactions, Sumire just sighed, all it took his son was a week, Tsume was staring at hers while her left eye twitching slightly while a vein was throbbing in her forehead, finally she snapped, "SHUT UP BOTH OF YOU, KIBA I USUALLY DON'T CARE IF YOU FIGTH, BUT I CARE WHEN YOU GET IN TROUBLE, AND YOU" she said looking at the blond "WHAT COULD BE SO BAD TO END UP IN A FIGTH LIKE THAT ONE".

"She's right Naruto, I told you to just let it go whatever he did it can't be that bad"

Then the blonde explained what his opponent did going trough the taunting to his first attempts to strike him in order to make him fight to the things he said.

"Then he said everybody in my clan were worthless failures, then he said that's the reason I don't have a father, he said that he was a worthless failure".

The last comment shocked both mothers for different reasons, to Sumire this was unbelievable, her husband sacrificed too much, his life, his future and even his son to save this village and she was pissed and hurt, specially towards Tsume after all it was thanks to him that her husband and herself survived the war, but she was mostly hurt because she thought that even with their rivalry Tsume knew better to disrespect the memory of Arashi and the ones that died that day in that battlefield.

Tsume was shocked as well as angry to her son's actions towards the deceased hokage, granted, to his defense he really didn't know who Naruto's father was but still he should have known better than to mess with those memories.

Sumire just stared at the floor angry with her bangs hiding her eyes and the emotions they held spoke to Tsume without looking at her "Tsume I understand if you don't like me believe me its mutual, I can understand that you told all those lies to your son and manage just to spawn another generation of hatred, even if I thought you were better, I've tried to stop that cycle but doesn't matter know, I thought you were better than this, I really thought you wouldn't go as far as disrespect his memory just because he was my husband and his father, I thought you knew better than to taught your son to stain the memory of the people that have fallen that day, specially his" said while trembling in, a cold, barely restrained fury while silent tears rolled down from her concealed eyes.

Naruto for lack of a better word was shocked to see his mother cry, he only see her cry once when he was five and returned beat up to the compound from a walk, every time after that the only thing she ever showed was a sad look every time he asked who his father was or got to the verge of tears when he came beated up, but she never shed a single tear after that.

Tsume was taken back from those words, she knew that even if she didn't actually told his son to say those words it was, in some level, still her fault and it was something she will correct.

Kiba seeing the reaction was about to say something when his mother's hand in his shoulder and her glare told him not to after a couple of seconds Tsume said in a serious tone "this won't go unpunished Sumire, don't worry about it, you have my word" "I know Tsume, and I thank you for that"

The young Inuzuka just couldn't believe what he was hearing, there he was listening that he will be punished just for disrespecting the memory of some guy who was still (at least in his mind) a failure, so he decided to try and get himself out of the mess.

"But mom why do I have to…"

"Shut up Kiba, you did enough already"

"Aright come on Naruto let's go home"

Sometime later that day in the uzumaki compound a lonely figure was practicing, no more like destroying the sparring logs in the training area, trying to vent out some of the anger and despair he was feeling he was so focused in the task that he didn't noticed that it was pouring or that he was starting to hurt his hands.

He was just trying to relieve all the feelings he was having right now, he was feeling angry towards Kiba for his words, feeling frustrated for his inability to control himself, and frustrated to no end for his inability to help his mother so he was doing he only thing he could. He was so focused that he didn't notice him standing behind him a few steps away until he spoke.

"You should stop Naruto and come inside before you catch a cold"

Without turning back he spoke back "what do you want old man"

(AN: from this point on the hokage will be known as Ojiisan and Iroh will be known as old man)

"I already said it"

"Then leave me alone will ya", Naruto was not in the mood for lectures.

"You should come inside and have some tea, calm down and wait until the rain stops training is better if you're calm you know"

"I don't need any tea! What I need is that you leave me alone"

"Then I hope you don't mind if an old man stays here to keep you company"

"Suit yourself"

After a couple of minutes in silence the old man spoke up "you have to stop that"

"What are you talking about" but the blond knew what he meant and it never ceased to amaze him how an old man that always looked so care-free and easy going can be full of wisdom and seemed to read him like a book.

"You need to stop blaming yourself, this wasn't your fault as it's not your fault the treatment of the villagers, you should remember that there are things that cannot be controlled or justified, there are things that you can't do, after all you're just seven years old"

At this comment the blond stopped hitting the log an answered back without turning "then what am I supposed to do, they must have a reason to hate me, what good could I be if I can't stop them from hurting those who are precious to me"

"Again you're seven and your mother or us don't need to be protected, but you're right fighting for someone makes you strong, stronger that you could ever think. But that's besides the point, the idea is that if you keep those feelings inside you they'll end up consuming you, and I doubt any of your parents wants that for you."

Naruto more calm now, went to the old man and thanked him, after all he did manage to ease his insecurities and then both went back to the house.

In the house of the Inuzukas, Kiba was receiving his punishment, right now he was in the floor courtesy of his mother's right hook (AN: the idea for these scene I got it from the anime).

"Hey what was that for!" yelled the kid from the floor while whipping the blood of his mouth.

"For disrespecting the memory of the fallen ones"

He was about to retort but the glare of his mother and the crackle of her knuckles persuaded him.

"You should know better Kiba than to stain the memories of the one that died that day, tell me how would you feel if Naruto disrespected your father's memory, tell me what will you do in his place"

This comment shocked Kiba to his very essence, because now he realized what he was doing and he really didn't want to be exposed to that.

Seeing that her son was troubled Tsume sighed, she just wanted to make a point not give her son a reason to brood, so she said as final comment "look I'm not saying that you have to like the brat or anything like that, I'm saying that there are things that are best left unmentioned, basically think a little before speak, now go with your sister to get that treated" she said pointing at her son's bleeding lip.

Kiba wanting to know why he was punched in the face decided to ask his mother an obvious question " hey mom tell who was his father is he really that important or powerful"

"You don't need to know who he was it's a secret but yes he was a powerful shinobi and he was one who sacrificed the most in that battle"

After that incident the rest of his school life was pretty much passive after that the subject was never touched again, but that didn't stop Kiba or Naruto to fight with each other whenever they had the chance to do so, pulling every time new techniques, first Naruto defeated him with an Inuzuka technique, the Tsuuga much to his mother'sshock and amusement, the next time Kiba surprised him with a branch-jutsu from Naruto's clan, the Tora Tsume no jutsu (tiger claw technique) which made chakra claws in his fingers, the match was called a draw mostly because Kiba didn't realized how much chakra that technique used, which was a lot for a 9-year old kid, that and an encounter with Hinata's cousin Neji were the worst memories of his school life.

Hinata on the other hand didn't had a good school life, first her mother died, and when her sister Hanabi was old enough to be trained her father, pressured by the council, the fact that Hinata was the living image of his dead wife that was so painful to see her in the eyes and that she was unable to defeat Hanabi because again to her resemblance to her mother that Hinata couldn't bring herself to strike down her sister, as consequence she was labeled as weak and unable to be the heiress, Hiashi being raised as a normal hyuuga did what he though was the only way to help her become strong, he challenge her, stroked her pride trying to make her prove him the contrary, just like his father did many years ago with him and his brother, of course Hiashi forgot the detail that his daughter had a low self-esteem thanks to the rest of the clan, so the plan back fired, the only thing that kept her going with some shred of confidence was Naruto, who gave her his friendship, his blind confidence, but mostly and unknown to him, his determination and an example to follow, so while their friendship grew to Hinata another feeling was growing inside of her, it was beyond friendship, beyond a simple crush, it was love for her best friend, but she didn't knew if the object of her feelings felt the same and that scared her, thanks to that she became more withdrawn and more shy. To Naruto was a similar story he was starting to see his best friend in a different light, he was thinking it was maybe a crush, but he wasn't sure.

So the day of the exam finally came, Naruto thanks to his mother was no longer a midget, now he was as tall as Sasuke. That day was a sunny, clear day, in Naruto's opinion perfect to become a gennin and start his journey towards the hokage title, so after taking his breakfast he went to the academy.

In the classroom, the buzz of excitement and anticipation seemed to fill every nook and cranny of the class. The door to the room in the back, which was usually held for private lessons or detentions, was now opened and everyone could see a table that had shinny new headbands glistening in the suns light.

"Alright," said Iruka instantly gaining the attention of his class, "today is the gennin exam! You will be asked to perform several basic techniques that we went over these couple of years; also a written test will be required of you. This test will not influence you completion of this exam but it will be a factor, so please take it seriously."

The written test was pretty much a nap for Naruto and Shikamaru both only answered half the test before falling asleep, Shikamaru saying that these test were to troublesome and Naruto saying that he was better at practical things.

Next was the practical test, which in normal circumstances would be a problem to the blonde but he came ready.

So Iruka announced "This year's exam will consist of the Bunshin (Clone) and Kawarimi (Substitution) jutsus, when I call you name come and enter the room."

An every kid started entering the room leaving with a head-band an a happy face or a disappointed face soon enough, then it was Naruto's turn and instead of making three bunshins he filled the room with clones earning a gasp from Iruka and Mizuki after receiving a band he left the classroom.

When he was leaving the academy he saw the other parents congratulate their sons and daughters but no one was there to pick him or congratulate him because everybody he knew or cared about was busy or in a mission, when the rest of the parents saw that he actually passed started glaring at him and whispering.

"I can't believe they actually let him graduate"

"Yeah he should have been killed years ago"

"Hey isn't that the"

"Don't say it you know it's forbidden"

These comments make a dent in Naruto's good mood so instead of going home happy, he went to where he could be alone, unknown to him a figure he trusted was waiting to make his move if he did this right he'll got what he wanted and he will kill the demon, he will kill two birds with one stone.

(AN: I'm skipping to the part when Iruka found Naruto with the scroll and Mizuki tells him why everybody hates him, the only difference with the original scene is that Naruto looses his headband that ends cut in half on the grass before he ran off with the scroll.)

After hearing the reason of why everybody hates him he couldn't take it anymore and he and Senkou ran with the scroll followed by Mizuki.

Now the blonde was running through the treetops when Iruka appeared behind shouting.

"Naruto give the scroll, hurry, there isn't much time", the blonde answered turning around and punching him in the face sending him to the floor along with him.

"Why did you do that Naruto?"

"Because you're not Iruka" then the fake Iruka smirked and transformed back into Mizuki "so how did you find out" "because I'm Iruka" said the blonde before transforming back to his chunnin form.

"Why do you defend it Iruka? Don't you hate the demon that killed your parents? Don't you hate that fox?"

"I do hate the fox! It has been nothing but a disgrace and a plague to this village"

Unknown to him Naruto and Senkou were listening to every word he was saying and was silently crying "so Iruka-sensei was lying to me as well, I can't believe I was so stupid to believe someone from outside my clan will ever care for me" the new gennin was thinking but then he heard the next part.

"But for Uzumaki Naruto, I hold nothing but respect! He's a proud citizen of Konoha!"

Mizuki sneered before saying "too bad you won't see me kill the demon, NOW DIE!"

Ready to deliver the final strike, but suddenly Naruto appeared and rammed his right knew in the traitor's face while his partner rammed its head in the chunnin's gut sending him flying a couple of feet.

"If you touch Iruka-sensei I'll kill you" the gennin said while his partner was watching his sensei

"What could you to me, I could kill you in a second"

"Then go ahead and try it, I can do more damage than you, kage bunshin no jutsu"

Then the whole forest was filled with Narutos, Mizuki just stood there speechless when the clones spoke in unison "oi! Weren't you going to kill me, if you don't come then I'll go to you" and with that all the clones charged intending to beat the crap out of the chunnin.

In Konoha a loud, really unmanly, long, screeching, rather stereotyped girly scream could be heard. (AN: I'm not trying to insult anybody but I couldn't think of anything else so please don't take it the offensive way)

The next thing the brown-haired chunnin saw was his attacker beaten to a pulp in the floor twitching.

"Hehehe I guess I overdid it"

"Naruto are you okay"

"Of course sensei, never better, to bad about my headband though"

"Come here and close your eyes" Naruto did as told and when he opened them he had his sensei's headband in his forehead, both were so happy that didn't saw that Mizuki was moving.

With his last batch of strength and a shout of "die demon" he launched a kunai that only scratched the scroll but he got tree claw marks across his face courtesy of the blonde's partner, after that Mizuki passed out from the pain.

From the scratched part of the scroll a folded paper fell addressed to one person: Uzumaki Naruto, the kid immediately took it and began to read.

Dear Naruto:

How are you? Hopefully well I'm sure it's a surprise reading this but you'll see I'm your father and I'm sure you know me or at least heard about me (if not damn what does anyone have to do to be remembered) but know that my name is Kazama Arashi or the yondaime I write this because what I'm about to do, the Kyuubi is attacking and there is only one way to stop him, I'm sorry for putting this burden on you son and even if it is my wish that you are to be treated like the hero you're about to become, I fear that maybe that won't happen but please don't blame the hokage, your mother or the villagers, it just happened that way, I'm not asking for your forgiveness, just a little understanding, the fact is that you were the only one that could save konoha in that time, so I'm sorry I know is not much but everything I own including the clan techniques and my own are left to you, along with this jutsu I created for the clan and more importantly to you, your mother knows it, ask her about the juu-jin kage bunshin no jutsu (man-beast shadow clone) and show her this letter, remember son doesn't matter what anybody said you're not a monster or a demon, you're someone with a burden that you didn't ask for, so be free, be strong, live happy and fulfill your dreams don't let fear, anger or hatred consume you, and for everything that's good in the world don't became a self-centered prick.

From a father who loves you with all his heart and wishes with every fiber of his being be with you.

Naruto finished the letter pocketed in his jacket and ran off followed by Senkou, he just couldn't take it anymore, leaving a confused Iruka with the scroll.

When the news came to the clan everybody started looking for him, they didn't knew the reason but it was obvious that he wouldn't do it just because of it, soon Hinata joined the search.

"Ano.. Sumire-san why did Naruto-kun disappeared"

"I don't know Hinata, but I intend to find out, I just wish to know where he is"

Hinata then remembered something lost into her memory, where her friend goes when he needed to think.

Flashback starts:

A ten-year-old Naruto was leading by the hand a blushing Hinata towards the hokage monument and when they arrived they sat in the head of the yondaime and looked towards the village admiring the beauty of the view they got, after 20 minutes Hinata spoke up.

"A-ano.. Naruto-kun why are we here"

"I wanted to show you this, is my thinking spot, this is where I come when I need to be alone"

"The-then why are you showing it to me"

"Because you're my best friend that's why" said Naruto as if it was the most obvious thing in the world making Hinata blush severely, after a few minutes he spoke again.

"You know for some reason I just feel safe in this place, more in this specific head"

Flashback ends.

After the realization she went alone towards the hokage monument hoping to find him, and as she suspected there he was over his father's head, in the company of his partner, he seemed to be talking to someone while Senkou was staring to the front, Naruto was so absorbed that he didn't notice her approaching, soon enough she was at hearing range.

"Isn't it ironic that every time I'm in need of comfort or inspiration I come to you seeking it"

"Whom is he talking to"?

"Even if I didn't knew I still came, just like any other kid does with its family, I turn to you dad"

At this Hinata gasped silently "what did he say? Is this the truth Naruto-kun" but the shocked was soon replaced with joy, now no one, not even the council will be able to oppose for them to be together.

"I wonder how different things would had been if you were still around, I wonder if the village despised me, I wonder if my life would had been different, but I wonder what besides the looks I got from you, don't misunderstand me, I'm still royally pissed with you but still you can't blame me, what would you do in my place, I understand the reason in a way, heh I guess we do have that in common"

Hinata thinking that she heard enough called for him before she hear something private

"A-a-no Naruto-kun I- I've been looking for you"

"Hinata-chan what are you doing here" asked Naruto emotionlessly

"Everybody is looking for you" "okay let's go" and with that the trio left the monument with the blonde and the tiger unaware of the revelation of his secret.

Back in the hokage office Sumire was both relieved and furious with her son and she was going to give him a piece of her mind when they returned to their home.

Back in the compound Sumire was speaking so fast that her words where almost impossible to understand

"whatwhereyouthinkingdissapearinglikethatandyoualsostolethescrollofsealings!thescrollofsealings!whatthehellpossesedyoutodosomethinglikethatseriouslynowwhatdoyouhavetosayinyourdefenseyoungman" she finally said and stopped to regain her breath.

"why" said the blonde looking at the floor while his bangs hid his eyes.

Sumire seeing her son behavior sensed that something was wrong and it was frustrating that she didn't know what "why what Naruto"

"why did you tell me who he was, after all these years and you didn't tell" he said lifting his head and meeting her amber eyes with a steeled glare in his usually warm blue eyes.

"all these years, all those times I asked you and I had to find out from a letter that he left me so why? What's the reason you feel that you need to hide the truth from me" he was doing anything but shouting.

At this the branch head was taken back understanding what happened, her son found out who his father was "calm down and listen to me okay"

after he calmed down (which took quite a while) she started explaining "Naruto during the last war your father made a lot of enemies and we agreed that until you could fend for yourself and for the family you will probably have one day you will go by the name of Uzumaki"

after a few seconds Naruto nodded in understanding but it was obvious that it will take some days to get past the subject but his mother was sure he will eventually get over it.

Naruto wanted to ask her mother about his father, how he was like, what he ate, what was his thoughts in some things like the funny feeling he was having towards Hinata, get to know him in a way, but he was tired and the next day the were the sorting of the teams so he went to bed.

Sumire just watched her son, she knew he was hurt but she also knew that he will pull out of this one.

And with that Naruto's school life ended and his journey, his real journey towards his goal was starting the next day.

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AN: this was by far the longest chapter of both stories I ever wrote and I seriously hope it was good enough so please review, now for the other stuff:

First: if anyone is wondering how Naruto (or more likely Sumire) ended up with the Tsuuga or why Kiba have a jutsu from the tiger branch I'll explain it in two chapters exactly.

Second: the team is officially with Kakashi and Sasuke.

Third: the pairing is officially Naru/Hina, but don't worry everyone that wanted Sasame I'll post the prologue of a story for that pairing soon enough, also I hope that you don't stop reading this story just for this reason because in my opinion it's better made than my other one, also this will not stop Sasame from trying.

Finally a challenge of some sort, the last chapter I mentioned two members of the uzumaki that had a blood line or were element masters( Shinta and Tatsuki) there is another two( one obvious and the other not so much) that had the same qualities so who are they? The hint: look for the fur color and/or the name of the partner, so can you guess or not.

In the chapter I'll be giving a reason to Hinata to faint( evil laughs) I know its rather predictable but still.

So please review Flames are not accepted but constructive criticism is.

That's all, hope you like it, ja ne.