Birth of an Assassin: Heir to the Namikaze
Chapter 2
Initiation into a Brotherhood
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Assassin's Creed or Naruto.
"Speaking"
'Thinking'
"Jutsu"
"Tailed Beast Speak"
Pairing: NaruxSaku
Assassin!Naruto
Its gonna skip through the beginnings and cut straight to meat of the story as it follows the manga. A few moments within his years of training will be shown and then we will get straight to the meeting of Team 7. And another thing, Naruto is a year older than Sasuke and Sakura so when they are 13 he is 14. Just try and follow along and leave questions in a review if you get confused.
Now onto the show!
000
The Creed
Stay your blade from innocents
See but be unseen
Never compromise the Assassins
Nothing is true, everything is permitted.
000
Namikaze Compound
One Year Since Arrival
Naruto awoke in his room, feeling a bit sluggish. It still felt as though the sores of yesterday's training were on him even after he rested. The spartan room he slept in didn't help assuage him either with the straw cot and a single dresser. Nonetheless, Naruto's father assured him that eventually his body would get used to the daily regime and would make him stronger.
"Naruto, time to get up." The boy complied and got dressed in his training garments, a gray-white robe that reached down to his thighs along with gray pants and ninja sandals.
He followed his father through the bedroom door and out to the main hall of the building. Minato pointed up and indicated for Naruto to observe the multiple bird cages that hung from the ceiling, rusted over from years of disuse.
"Do you know what those are, Naruto?" He looked them over, the cages were quite well made and very large indicating a strong bird lived in them.
"Some type of bird cage right?" Minato nodded and pointed at his hood where it met above his head to form a sort of beak.
"Our clan..no, all assassins have been likened to birds of prey. We view the masses from high above and select our target.." Minato caught a feather that had been fluttering down, holding his hand in front of Naruto to see. "Then we swoop in and take them before leaving just as quickly as we came. This is who we are. This is what the Namikaze were before they disappeared." Naruto had figured that the clan had been gone for quite some time, considering how wrecked the compound was.
'Vines cover everything, wood in some places has begun to rot through, and its been more than once that I almost fell through the floor. This place is in need of an upgrade.'
"What happened to the Namikaze, father? I mean, for them all to just up and vanish seems unlikely.." Minato walked over to the front door to stare out into the compound, thinking.
"To tell you the truth Naruto, I don't know what happened to them. I agree, I doubt they all just decided to leave, no matter how much they despised Konoha's rules they had grown accustomed to living under the yoke of the Hokage. But then again, it is impossible to rule out..other possibilities." Naruto heard his father hesitate a bit and looked on confused.
"What do you mean dad?" Minato took another look at the compound's main grounds before turning back to Naruto.
"Its possible they were destroyed, by someone or something." Naruto's eyes widened, not expecting his father to say such a thing so casually.
"But..but I thought you said the assassins were-" Minato closed the doors and walked back over to his son.
"I never said we were invincible Naruto, and we definitely had and still have many enemies. I wouldn't be surprised if someone decided that we had grown too strong or took revenge against us..even then though, its hard to believe they could get all of us. Either way, I'm going to train you to prevent that from happening." Naruto gulped and nodded, following his father into another room that held many books and scrolls.
Naruto entered and found the entire room to be very well kept even with the decay setting in around the rest of the building. All the books were neatly shelved with many rows of books each well organized and scrolls laid out neatly on tables or stands. His father had migrated over to a particular shelf and was looking at labels when he noticed his son standing still at the door in surprise.
"Knowledge is power Naruto. When we know everything about our opponent and they know nothing of us, it is a victory. All of these books are somehow useful to you and your training not only in the assassin but ninja arts as well. I'm looking for a book right at this moment that should jump start your chakra lessons. You already have the books on the Assassin Order, correct?" Naruto had been studying ferociously to learn as much as he could in a short period of time.
"Yes, I have made it through them all already. It spoke of many things I haven't heard of, like hidden blades, free-running, and some jutsu I haven't even imagined." Minato chuckled, his son was only seven after all and there was no way he could comprehend some things so quickly.
"That's okay Naruto, we will get to it all in time. Now to refresh your memory, tell me the Creed and what it symbolizes." The apprentice assassin shifted uneasily, struggling a bit to remember.
"The first tenant says to stay our blade from innocents. It means that we are not to attack or harm a person who is not corrupted or a threat to peace, like civilians. However, there have been many exceptions to this rule added over the years.." Minato continued to search as he spoke.
"What kind of exceptions?"
"Fellow assassins are not to be fought against unless their motives are questionable or evil in nature; the same goes for ninja of an affiliated village, like Konoha. Just because they are considered allies does not leave them exempt from our possible targets."
"Very good Naruto, second tenant please." Naruto continued with less difficulty.
"To see but be unseen. It means to approach a target stealthily while in an obvious position and be able to kill them and still escape without detection. It has a psy-pcy.." Naruto had difficulty thinking of the right word until his father helped him.
"Psychological, meaning that it affects an opponent's will or mental state."
"Thanks, well anyway it has an effect that shows that a person of disruptive qualities to society is not safe from assassins, even amongst large groups of people."
"Right, and the third."
"Never compromise the clan. If an assassin should ever be captured or fail in their mission, they cannot in any way endanger the rest of the clan. This can be interpreted in many ways as well, depending on the situation an assassin is in." Minato seemed to have found what he was looking for and waved Naruto over.
"And explain such a circumstance for me Naruto."
"Well..if an assassin fails to finish his target, he cannot return to any assassin safe house until all his pursuers are killed. Or.." Naruto grabbed the book his father had pointed out and then looked back at him. "if they are captured, destroy themselves and anything that connects them to the clan." Minato placed his ghostly hand over Naruto's shoulder, patting it.
"Let's hope it never gets to that point, shall we?" Naruto nodded and then looked at the book he had been asked to pick up.
"Shogi: Beginners Guide? What is this.." Minato led him over to a table with a game already set up.
"Its a strategy game where observation and planning ahead is very key. An assassin must be prepared to alter their plan of attack at any time and think of any contingency. Since you are nowhere near the level of killing another, we will start small with a game. Read up on that Naruto, then you and I can play." Naruto looked at the book and flipped through a few pages, looking over what a few pieces meant.
"And you are sure this will help me in the future?" Minato laughed and began walking out of the room.
"I told you Naruto, everything in this room will one day be of use to you in some way. Trust me, I'm sure you will enjoy the game after you begin reading about it. Now come, today's physical training should begin now.." Naruto looked at the book again and his father before remembering something.
"Wait. Didn't you say you were looking for a chakra book?" Minato looked surprised and then slapped his head, distorting his image a bit.
"Ah, of course you're right. Well, let's see.." He walked back in and after a few minutes picked up a few books and piled them in Naruto's hands to form a nice stack.
"There ya go. Read up on these in your spare time to help with the lessons and speed their progress." Naruto looked at the big pile and sighed, it would take forever to get through them all.
"But dad, I never have any free time. Your training takes up half the day.." Minato snickered and started to lead a sulking Naruto in tow.
"An assassin's work is never done Naruto, always stay active and on your enemy's toes. Its either they or you who get the first move, make sure you are the one to make it. Now come, you can't delay the sweat for long."
000
Namikaze Compound
2 Years Since Arrival
"What is today's training, father?"
"Today Naruto..we will teach you how to free run. Its about time you learned, but I couldn't rush it until your body could take the physical requirements needed for it. Even though you are only eight years old, you are very strong, both mentally and physically. I think its time we stepped up the daily regime to include this with your physical strength training." Naruto and Minato stood on the main hall's roof and looked over what seemed to be a large playground in the area of the compound; ledges, grips, and other handholds were everywhere on the roofs and sidings of the buildings and walls.
"Whoa...where do we start?" Minato pointed to a nearby ledge and leaped over to it effortlessly, landing with both feet planted and not a even a hint of sound. He waved for Naruto to jump next and the boy edged over to a better spot.
"It might help to get a running start for your first try!" His father shouted in encouragement but Naruto barely heard, too engrossed in thinking of how he could make the jump.
'Assassins have been doing this for centuries..that means I can do it too!' Naruto leaped forward and landed on the piece of wood with both feet planted firmly.
He looked over his shoulder to prove to himself he had actually done it and was amazed at the distance he had jumped. His father had told him that even though ninja could easily jump or use chakra to enhance their movements, assassins continued to teach the free run to the next generation. Not only did it provide tougher training that hardened assassins to difficult movements but it also gave them the advantage when chakra was unusable.
"Nice job Naruto, now try and keep up." Minato ran over the roof and leaped to the next with Naruto close behind.
Each landing began to feel more and more natural as they moved around the entire compound. They scaled the walls, ran up walls, and explored every spot Minato had ever been to in his time of being there. In that time, Naruto felt more like a Namikaze than he ever had previously and felt ten times stronger than anyone his age should have. It didn't seem real that an eight year old could do such feats of acrobatics, but Naruto proved them wrong.
"And.." Minato and Naruto made one last jump and reached the top of the clan hall where they started. "We are done. That was great Naruto, you kept great pace for your first time..Naruto?" Minato looked to see his son had fallen asleep from exhaustion, it seemed even his body had limits.
Minato frowned, he couldn't interact very well with most objects and whenever he tried to touch Naruto his hand fell through. While he was glad he could see him, it hurt him to not be able to pat his son on the back or rub his head. Now he would have to wait for the boy to wake up before they could continue, and so he settled for just watching his son sleep peacefully on the rooftop.
'I want to keep that smile going..for as long as I can.'
000
Namikaze Compound
4 Years Since Arrival
"Go Naruto, charge him!" Naruto ran forward and sliced through the first straw dummy, opening up what would be the victim's stomach.
Another dummy came forward and Naruto then turned into an imaginary attack and stabbed through its neck with his hidden blade, attached to a leather arm guard. Both dummies were down while Naruto got back into a ready stance with his sword out. Minato stood on the sidelines, overseeing his son's weapon practice. He had allowed his son to start using weapons at age nine, beginning with simple throwing knives until he began to instruct him on the use of the hidden blade and other weapons within the Namikaze arsenal.
Naruto had taken to his hidden blade the most, preferring it over larger, bulkier weapons. However, even he knew he couldn't block all attacks with his hidden weapon nor did it have the reach a sword could afford, therefore he began using one supplied by his father. Even though Naruto's chakra training was still not completed, Minato knew that his son could eventually take advantage of that and add to the strength of all his bladed weapons.
"Very good, your speed and reflexes are getting better. Your hidden blade attack left your side defenseless though since you over extended, you don't go for style points in a battle." Naruto had slowly gotten used to his father's criticism of his tactics, however, he was known to butt heads on occasion.
"I'm sorry father, but my reaction time wouldn't have been fast enough with my sword and he showed up on my left side making it more convenient to use the blade. I couldn't have dropped my sword either or sheathe it in time, and its weight meant I couldn't back off or else I would be open for a frontal attack. I took the risk of being wounded in a non-vital area to hit both enemies in succession and succeeded." Minato stood there moment before sighing, he didn't like arguing with his son especially when he felt he was in the right.
"I won't argue Naruto, just remember to keep your guard up. As an assassin, you generally shouldn't be put in situations where you have such prolonged combat but since you will be a ninja as well, you will be forced into such situations that demand stamina as well as strategy. You can't always risk taking a hit, because one hit is all it might take." Naruto conceded on that point, there were way too many ifs as far as the situation of the incoming hit.
"Right, I understand." Minato began walking toward the stairs to lead them out of the basement that had served as their training pit.
"I hope so. Now then, I'd like you to follow me. I have something to show you." Naruto followed after his father as he led him through the halls and down a familiar path.
It was the passageway he used the first time arrived four years ago, where he first met his father. The marble flooring and bright light hadn't changed much since his arrival, belying Naruto's improvement since he first came. The room, unbeknown to Naruto at the time, was actually a tomb where the greatest and most renowned assassins were buried. His father was located in the center of the room as the most recent Master Assassin of the Namikaze to pass.
Arriving at the center of the room, Naruto and Minato stood in front of Minato's tomb. He patted the top, wiping away the few cobwebs to gather. Standing amongst them, Naruto felt a sense of unworthiness and shifted uneasily.
"Don't worry Naruto, this is right where you belong. I wanted to tell you a little more of our history..and tell you what you will do in the future to ensure the Namikaze continue. Please, walk with me." Naruto followed as his father went over to a statue of a faceless assassin in the ceremonial robes.
Inscribed at the foot of the statue was the person's name, and upon reading it caused Naruto to look back at the statue in awe.
Maki Namikaze
Founder of the Namikaze Clan, Fire Sect of Assassins
The man that led us in our beginnings, without chakra or a guide, he brought us life.
"Entombed here is Maki Namikaze, the founder of our clan. As you know, there are dozens and maybe even hundreds of clans of assassins. These are divided into Sects depending on their location in the world. For example, we are the a part of the Fire Sect because we live in the Fire Country. Our neighbors in Suna are considered the Sand Sect of Assassins as they live in the deserts of Wind Country." Naruto ran his hands over the nameplate to remove more dust as his father spoke, thinking over what his ancestor was like.
"As it says there, Maki created the Namikaze during the Dark Times where war was rampant. Keep in mind this was before even the clans like the Uchiha or Senju were there, even before the Sage of the Six Paths. In an attempt to bring order, he led the original assassins that he commanded in a fight against evil and corruption. A losing battle considering the odds, but they did not falter in their duties." Minato spoke with pride in his voice as he continued with the history of their founder.
"It wasn't very long until the fabled Sage showed himself, bringing his own attempt at peace to the world's eye. In an attempt to unite people through religion, he spread the practice of chakra usage in hopes that people would use the power for the good of all. We both know it was a naive dream with the current state of affairs in the ninja world, but to our ancestors it was blasphemy!" Naruto turned to his father, surprised as his voice turned angry.
"Our ancestors saw the Sage as a chaotic being bringing only a new weapon to be used in the world, this chakra would upset the balance they worked so hard to create. It was then that the Namikaze started what would be our greatest failure.." Minato looked at his son with hard eyes. "We set out to kill the Sage of the Six Paths, owner of the Rinnegan."
Naruto's eyes widened, how could they even consider the attempt? Even if they had been strong before he had arrived, without the use of chakra and up against a kekkei genkai so powerful to create the Sharingan and Byakugan they stood little chance. Still, Naruto could see why they were inspired to go and kill the man in such a chaotic time of war and mystique.
"Our Grandmaster himself led the Namikaze into battle, defeating his closest followers who were just beginning to learn the start of ninjutsu before they arrived at the Sage's home. That was where Maki battled against him and in the end was forced to retreat, conceding defeat to the Sage and tipping the balance in favor of chakra users." Minato let his voice fall to a whisper as the light flickered in the room with uncertainty.
"It was at that point many began to question whether the old Order could continue to operate effectively against new enemies with powerful abilities. They couldn't just kill the chakra users who traveled to towns to teach others, it had grown too far and too fast. Once Maki died, our ancestors had to accept defeat and reorganize the assassins for the new world." Naruto knew what happened next, it was one of the most influential changes to their entire order.
"Chakra was introduced in assassin training." Naruto said receiving a bitter nod from his father.
"Yes..and throughout the generations of assassins, leaders fell and followers emerged with new ideas and innovations that kept the assassins surviving in the world. But.." Minato began to pace around the room, looking into the eyes of each statue with what looked like sorrow or pity. "We had lost our place, no longer did the population fear us. With countries and their governments ensuring protection through conscripted armies and ninja villages, the assassins were no longer as free to strike against those we saw as unjust. And that, is where we were thrust into the shadows." Minato stopped at the head of the room, the light dimmed as Naruto walked over to join him.
"This is where we stand today Naruto, kept as pets by Konoha and trinkets to the people of time much since forgotten. When the Uchiha and Senju united and forced us into submission or destruction, it was the lowest blow we have suffered since the defeat of Maki. Forced to fight for a village in ways we saw as heretical, the Namikaze grew angry with the council and all Konoha stood for. Our only sense of freedom was this compound.." Minato threw his arms out to his sides showing what they still owned.
"Outside of the bounds of Konoha, it gave our members little solace with the times of old long gone. I sacrificed my honor in the clan to try and become a ninja as much as an assassin, but I failed when I found myself losing faith in not only the village but the clan itself. At first I really thought I could change the way our clan was looked at, but I was wrong..then your mother came along and.." Naruto saw his father shift uncomfortably and balled his fists.
"Father..you never told me much of my mother. Who was she?" Minato turned to Naruto and he saw his indecision in speaking of her.
"She..was an odd one. Destined from the start to be opposites, she and I came together in the most strangest of ways. Would you believe me if I said the first thing I fell in love with was her red hair?" Minato smiled as Naruto broke into a smile and chuckled, it gave him time to remember those days.
"I still don't know how we got married, let alone had you but I can't say I regret it. Still, it made dealing with the clan very..difficult. They weren't very fond of her unfortunately, and they practically saw it as a betrayal when I married her. I don't even know how they kept talking to me when I became the Hokage, but somehow back then it didn't matter much to me. As long as I could see her smiling face..I guess love is a wonderful thing." Minato spoke more to himself now than Naruto, but the boy got an idea of his mother now.
"Was she nice?" Naruto asked only to hear his father break into laughter.
"Haha! She was nice if you deserved it! If you didn't well she could be quite the devil..and don't even get me started on her temper. But she was a lovely woman, if not a bit tomboyish, she was so happy when she found out she was pregnant. You should have seen the way her face sparkled with tears of joy. My only regret is that we couldn't survive to raise you, so that you could see us in our natural form instead of..instead of a ghost talking to you about things in the basement of a rotting compound." Naruto stepped forward to join his father in the light, illuminating his center coffin.
"I don't mind the rotting wood so much anymore, I don't know if I could fall asleep without the sound of snapping wood and creaky boards." Minato put his arm around Naruto and chuckled sharing a laugh of their pitiful surroundings.
"But what I wanted to say was that..I'm glad you brought me here dad. To learn all of this, to experience the things I wouldn't have if you hadn't have done all this. After being here for four years and learning all of this stuff about assassins..I really am proud to be a Namikaze, and I want to bring us back to what we were." Minato looked surprised at his son, he hadn't expected such a confession.
"Naruto, be careful with your words. You are only ten years old and yet you are considering bearing the shame of dozens of generations before you..that is a lot to handle for just one Namikaze. I don't want you to think that I did all this so you would avenge us..your ancestors and I would be glad just to see you get a wife and child, let alone fix this place up. What I am saying is..you don't have any obligation to do that." Naruto's face scrunched in stubborn determination, surprising his father.
"I know and I don't care, I'll do whatever it takes to make sure the Namikaze are remembered for the right reasons." Minato sighed and smiled, that was definitely something he inherited from his mother.
"Alright, I concede. It is your decision after all, I am only here to give you the power to do so. Now there is one last thing I need to show you for the day, step over here by my tomb." Naruto stood before the tomb and watched as his father knelt down and pressed a piece of stone in on the side, revealing a keypad.
"This is technology long since forgotten how to replicate, however, it is still serviceable to those with the knowledge to use them. On this keypad, you must input a certain code and upon doing so will reveal an area below this one that will help you further your training to the highest level." Naruto leaned in and observed the piece of technology, it had the numbers one through nine with a small bar above to display text.
"Where did this technology come from father?" Minato ran his hands over the console, a hard face settling in on his visage.
"Oh..from a variety of caches and secure locations. We've had many enemies and many allies, but when the ability to replicate became lost to time the only thing left to do was stockpile it. This is one of the few things the Namikaze were able to procure, but it may be the most important. When you feel ready Naruto, you will input the code and enter the Lower Sanctuary to ascend to the level of Master Assassin, just as I did and the previous ones did as well." Naruto looked at his father in confusion.
"How long have we had this? It looks brand new.." Minato chuckled and stood up.
"Many generations, but its been kept in great care because of its importance. Be sure to come down once in a while and clean it when you visit me." Naruto stood up as well and waited for his father to say something.
"Are you ready for the code?" Naruto nodded.
"Every time a new Master takes the journey into the depths, he is allowed to change the code. I changed it to your birthday, the 10th of October and to the age you would be when you finished your assassin training, 14. Remember it wisely since I doubt it will be any time soon you decide to take the test." Naruto took a moment to remember the numbers while his father began to walk toward the exit.
"1014..." Naruto whispered in thought before realizing he meant to ask Minato something. "But father, when will I be ready for the test?" Minato stopped and turned around to face his son, his serious tone returned.
"Every Master Assassin goes through his own share of revelations and scars in life, its when they realize they aren't adequate for the task at hand with their current body they then realize what is needed to be done. You will have to answer that question yourself, but you will know when the right time is. Now.." Minato began to smile as he waved his son over. "Its time for your daily shogi game, come."
Naruto began walking toward his father, his mind filled with excitement of his future.
000
Namikaze Compound
8 Years Since Arrival
Minato walked through the newly refurbished clan hall, the fresh new wood left a tingling scent in his nose..or at least that's how his son described it. It had taken some work but with Minato's teaching and an unknown source of bottomless stamina, Naruto had rebuilt the central hall of the Namikaze. He didn't know if it was because of his son's determination to revive the clan or if he had just gotten tired of the damaged and desperate building but either way, it was good to have it back to the way it once was.
The old Grandmaster was heading toward the Inner Sanctuary where his son had preferred to stay for his meditations. It was a very quiet place and well illuminated thanks to age old devices few knew still existed; it also gave his son a sense of belonging to stand amongst the greatest assassins to ever live. The meditation also served to help Naruto with his chakra exercises which were especially important since he had begun exploring the possibilities of his nature affinities.
Minato had made a name for himself with his own Wind chakra, having created a jutsu that had helped Konoha win the Third Shinobi War and that multi-tasked as an assassin's perfect weapon.
'Its been so long since I used that jutsu..or any for that matter. Its finally time for me to pass the torch to Naruto..and its time for him to go outside of the compound.'
"Naruto, are you here?" Minato stepped into the room to see his son sitting in front of his coffin, meditating with a slight aura of blue chakra emanating around his body.
"Yes father, I was just exercising my chakra usage. What is it you need?" Naruto spoke with a level, confident tone of a fourteen year old assassin.
"I have news for you Naruto..its finally time for you to spread your wings." Naruto's eyes widened from under his hood, did that mean it was time for him to leave? "I will administer your final test today, and should you pass, you will receive the mark of the Namikaze and receive your new outfit befitting of a Novice Assassin." Naruto stood up and walked to his father, confusion etched on his features.
"Father..is there really nothing left for you to teach me? I know its been just about eight years now but, it feels as though there is so much more to do." Minato smiled and clasped his son's shoulder, his chakra had grown weaker over the days until he was barely visible in bright areas.
"You are right, there is much for you to still learn. However, they are things you must learn on your own and definitely outside this compound. I hate to say it son but..it seems my time is running short. My chakra was only designed to last this long, until the time I could let you go with all my teachings. By the time you return from the test, I will most likely be gone." Naruto was saddened by this fact, he had come to find his father be great company in the quiet house.
"I see.." Naruto looked down, something his father had not wanted to see.
"You will do fine without me Naruto, I've taught you everything you need to know. Its now time to begin training as a ninja, just like I did. After your test is completed, go see the Hokage in his mansion and request to be placed on a team. The old man always had a soft spot for the assassins and he should be quite welcoming." Minato stopped talking when he realized his son was shaking a bit.
"I don't want to become a ninja..look what has become of this place! I have to stay and restore it to its former glory, I don't have time to be the village's new plaything." Minato frowned but realized his son had a point, he would be seen as a tool by the council and feared by the people.
"Naruto, you must learn from the village to become stronger. Remember the failure of Maki and the early assassins, they did not embrace the use of chakra and it cost them dearly. You now refuse to take the path that will lead to future strength, you need the village but they need you even more. There are other assassin groups that are still strong in Fire, with you here they will hesitate before striking. You need only to act like a tool long enough to gather enough allies..friends so that you can forge your own way." Minato began to ascend the staircase to the main level with Naruto quick to follow as his father seemed to be talking fast now.
"I have left a scroll for you in my bedroom to be opened after your test. It will detail some important information for you, including many of my old contacts and hideouts scattered across the continent. The Namikaze name will still hold some power where you go, but you must be the one to seek them if you want their help. This compound is yours to do with as you please, restore it or leave it to rot for a new home it does not matter. Many ghosts remain here, not all pleasant memories to be seen. But still, it has been home to our clan since Konoha's founding, don't throw away its use so readily." Minato now stood before the compound's gate, not opened since Kakashi dropped Naruto off.
"Now, your final mission is to take a leap of faith off of the Hokage monument. Directly below my head will be your safe haven, ensuring you survive. I might also advise you to keep out of sight for the most part, the people are not yet ready for the return of the Namikaze and may not take your clothing very comforting." Naruto nodded and stood there awkwardly, not sure of what to say.
Minato realized his hesitations source and placed both hands over his son's shoulders. It made Naruto look into his eyes and see his father smile one last time.
"Good luck Naruto, do your best! You've already made me and the clan proud for sticking through the training and accepting it without fuss, without you, we would be lost to the ages." Naruto smiled and placed his gloved hand over his father's own.
"I'll restore the Namikaze..and I will lead a happy life just like you said to, I promise." Minato watched as his son disappeared into a blur in the direction of the village and felt the wind blow a strong gust.
'Goodbye Naruto..I was glad I could see you one last time.' Just like sand in the desert, Minato's apparition blew away with the gust of wind, guiding itself back to the tomb where Minato's seal glowed a bit before darkening for the final time.
000
Konohagakure
Hokage Monument
Minato's Head
Naruto found his footing on one of his father's spikes of hair and peered over the edge. Just as his father said, there was a small zone of safety that would see him fall safely to the ground. Being the tallest monument within Konoha, Naruto did not doubt the reasoning behind making the final test a leap of faith from his position. With no further hesitation and with little second thought, Naruto leaped off of the head and went straight into a dive towards the area below.
The few seconds of flight gave Naruto a chance to realize the true splendor behind Konoha. It was magnificent, at least at the distance he was at. Before he could finish, Naruto impacted the wet, protective area that led to his safe return to land. He slowly made his way back to the surface of the well that was in front of the Hokage's mansion, specifically put in place during Minato's time as Hokage.
'Geez dad, you could have at least made it a bit more inconspicuous..but looks like I made it regardless.'
He pulled himself out of the deep well and took a minute to let the water out of his clothes before setting his sights for the mansion. He had to grab his new clothing and head back to see the Hokage for a meeting. And as the new head of the Namikaze clan, he wouldn't take no for an answer.
000
Konohagakure
Hokage Mansion
Hiruzen was having a slow day, since he had taken care of the squad selections of the year there was little for him to do other than the daily load of mission reports. It was then that his day got a surprising and well needed arrival to breathe some excitement into his old lungs. When he first heard the door open, he had expected a jonin or his secretary to enter, he was disappointed to see it must have been the wind.
"Hokage, I have come to have a word with you." A deep voice close by made him whirl around to his side to see an assassin in full robes and face covered with a beaked hood, standing before him.
"Oh dear, you startled me a bit there." He quickly regained his composure, he wasn't used to seeing assassins anymore but still discouraged his jumpy nature.
"Per my father's request, I am requesting to be placed on an active genin team this year. He left this behind for you to read in case you had questions." Hiruzen took the small note the boy had and soon realized just how special this particular assassin was, it was Naruto!
"Naruto! I couldn't recognize you with how much you have grown and your new..attire. How are you? Did your training go well?" Naruto shifted and moved to stand in front of the Hokage's desk.
"I am feeling well and my training has finished on a good note, so good that my father decided it was time for me to begin integrating into the village's ninja system. I wasn't necessarily fond of the idea but I realized it would benefit me more if I received teaching and went on missions with a Jonin." Hiruzen nodded and could hear the usual logical tone he remembered from Minato, it seemed they both planned his future out well.
"I can understand that, it must have been terribly lonely in the compound alone. Being on a team with others your age will do you plenty of good I'm sure." Naruto shrugged.
"I had my father there to keep me company..but I agree that it will be good to meet others my age and hopefully make some friends." The Hokage could tell the boy had definitely had some emotional training from his methodical method of speaking, however, he could hear a slight hint of anxiousness at the prospect of meeting other genin.
"Well Naruto, you are in luck. One squad has had some difficulty finding a match with its two other members and I think you would do perfect. Now, before we get to specific papers and your ninja ID, let's first get you a headband." He reached into his desk, specifically waiting for this day to come by gathering a few headbands for him to look at.
"I have a few colors for you to choose from, and you may wear it in any fashion you see fit. The traditional way is across the forehead but I have seen many wear it as a bandanna or around their necks too. Whatever fits your preference." Naruto looked at the three colors, red, black, and blue for a moment before selecting the red one.
"I think I'll tie this around my leather band." Naruto mumbled as he quickly tied it over the wide brown band that covered the front of his white robes, it held together the sheathe on his back for his smaller sword and other equipment he had not yet purchased.
"If you wish I can have someone weave into the leather-" Naruto held up a hand and did final tightening on the headband.
"No, I can do that myself. My father didn't just teach me assassin arts while we trained." Hiruzen just nodded, he didn't want to argue with the boy.
"Will I have any particular duties as the head of the Namikaze? I know we aren't considered a clan anymore due to having no members but..I want to make sure that I take care of any existing duties." Hiruzen hummed in thought a bit before clasping his hands together.
"I don't believe so. All your land taxes and such for having a compound were waived in the original agreement at the founding of Konoha, so no need to worry about that. For the rest, well you don't have to worry about any of that until your clan reaches a sufficient size. For now, enjoy the freedom of your age and worry about your missions." Naruto nodded in assent, glad to have a few less responsibilities.
"Is there anything else I should know? I would like to meet my new team as soon as possible." Hiruzen huffed and pulled out a scroll with the graduating class of that year.
Naruto leaned over the desk and watched as Hiruzen found an empty spot and pointed at it with a pen.
"Just sign your name and this will make you an official academy graduate, its just standard procedure for all genin. Even your father had to do it even though he too remained in the compound for some of his training." Naruto quickly signed his name and then received a small piece of paper.
"Last thing I need is your info for your ninja ID card, usually you get a picture taken too but from a sense of urgency it isn't necessary. I don't think you would be fond of the idea either, right?" Naruto shook his head and quickly filled it out with his simple info, it was mainly used to identify him to medics should he be unable to respond or to legitimize his ties with Konoha if asked by another nation.
"Perfect." Hiruzen said as Naruto gave him back the paper and he leaned back in his chair.
Naruto began to grow impatient with the man as all he did was stare at him for a few moments.
"You know, you really do look just like your father.." Hiruzen muttered before sighing, those days were over now. It was his son standing before him, not the young Minato he remembered.
"Your platoon is Team 7. I believe they are currently waiting at the academy for their Jonin instructor, if you hurry you can catch them for introductions." Hiruzen smiled as Naruto nodded and disappeared to go find the academy, it was then that the door opened.
"That was him, wasn't it Hokage-sama?" The Sarutobi welcomed the new arrival with a nod, Kakashi Hatake had been waiting for the day for a long time now to see his young charge.
"Yes, he is now headed for the academy to meet his team-mates..and you. Best to get moving and not be too late lest they get the wrong impression of you." Kakashi nodded and turned to leave. "And Kakashi..remember this isn't the Naruto you raised. He is an assassin now, a damn well trained one from what I can tell. He won't be as affectionate as you might think."
Kakashi hesitated for a moment before nodding in assent. He had waited this long, he wasn't about to mess it up a second time.
"I'll take it slow Hokage-sama, I will only open up to him if he is willing. Until then.." Kakashi stepped out of the office. "I'll be a lazy Jonin teacher, just like usual."
000
Konohagakure
Academy Room
Sakura and Sasuke had been sitting there for the past half hour waiting for their jonin teacher, and it was really starting to wear on them. All the other instructors had been there as soon as the teams had been named and everyone else filed out leaving them to remain embarrassingly behind. Sakura wanted to speak to Sasuke now more than ever that they were alone, but as usual he was off in his own world and ignored any inkling she gave of wanting his attention.
'Sometimes I wonder why I bother..' She thought to herself but quickly refreshed her memory about why she wanted Sasuke, to rub it in her rival's face and because everything he did was just..so cool.
"How much longer will this idiot make us wait." Sasuke wondered aloud, startling the pink haired girl.
"I..I'm not sure Sasuke-kun, surely not much longer. He is a Jonin after all, getting here quick shouldn't be a problem, he probably just got hung up on in an important meeting or something." Sasuke accepted her answer with a huff and went back to staring at the wall much to Sakura's disappointment.
Suddenly, the door opened and then a man with silver hair and one black eye entered with standard jonin apparel. It looked to them like their teacher finally decided to show himself, but the excuse Sakura gave didn't seem very apparent as he walked in casually with a book of questionable material in his hands. With one eye, he appraised the two before putting the book away for both hands in his pockets.
"Yo." He gave a quick wave to introduce himself, surprising the genin with his casual attitude of tardiness. "I'm Kakashi Hatake, and I'll be your Jonin instructor. From what I can tell..you two look pretty disappointing for graduates of the academy."
Sasuke's eyes went wide and then narrowed in anger over the insult. Sakura gulped as she looked back and forth between her team-mate and her teacher, wondering whether she should feel insulted or nervous. Kakashi didn't seem to be very forgiving as he shrugged and paced back and forth a bit in front of them as he continued to speak.
"Its my understanding that your squad didn't have a third member yet, do you have any news of him?" Sakura raised her hand spiritedly, she always loved to be of help with the teachers with her smarts.
Kakashi lazily pointed at her to indicate she could speak before she said her answer proudly.
"Iruka-sensei said that the Hokage would send him over as soon as possible sir." Kakashi shrugged and looked over to the classroom's balcony, feeling the sun intensify a bit.
"Well, looks like we won't have to wait so long after all. He's been here the entire time." Sakura and Sasuke followed his eyes to see a person standing there with their arms crossed, watching them.
'How long has that guy been there..' Sasuke cursed himself for not noticing sooner.
'Whoa...his white robes let him blend in perfectly, I couldn't see him at all at first. I wonder if he is from a particular clan or something, I've never seen that kind of clothing before.' Sakura looked him over, impressed with what she saw.
Kakashi appraised him lazily as well, but instead of insulting him shrugged. The headband was enough to tell them that he was the real deal for their third member.
"You'll do. I think we should go ahead introduce ourselves since none of you know me and you especially don't know our new arrival. Meet me on the roof." Kakashi disappeared in a puff of smoke leaving the three alone in the quiet classroom.
"Well shall we go-" Sakura stood up and got ready to invite the other when he was already gone from his place on the balcony; Naruto had already started to climb up the wall when Kakashi disappeared.
She scratched her head, surprised at the new guy's ability. First he snuck up on them while they were in the classroom and then he had the ability and speed to scale the roof quicker than they could get up from their seats.
"Let's go then Sas-" Sakura turned to see the boy was already leaving the room, and her, behind. "Hey wait for me!"
000
And we shall stop it there, hope you enjoy. Be sure to review and ask questions, I will release this now and get to work on White Flame's next chapter.
Peace out!
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