(Chapter five's here and ready.)
The night before the Genin selections, various clan heads and Jonin were waiting to hear how it'll go but more importantly they were to discuss Naruto.
"Sarutobi this armor Naruto now wears along with the crest, has he truly discovered the secret of Oroku Saki?" Homura asked the Hokage.
"Yes Homura, Naruto has indeed discovered the abilities and ancient art of the Foot Clan." Sarutobi nodded.
"And why didn't you confiscate it from him?" Danzo the war hawk demanded.
"Because it wasn't my place to do so." Sarutobi replied calmly.
"You're the Hokage it was most certainly your place!" Danzo shouted.
"Danzo!" Sarutobi barked and the old one armed man sat back down.
"Well Saru what do you intend on doing about it?" Koharu asked.
"Naruto has learned the ways of the Foot Clan very well. In fact he just may be better than Saki himself," Sarutobi answered. Danzo huffed refusing to accept that, "Anyway like the other Genin he too will be placed in a squad with the other Genin of the academy."
Three Jonin senseis known as Kakashi Hatake, Asuma Sarutobi, and Kurenai Yuhi approach the Hokage, "Kakashi, Asuma, and Kurenai. You three are selected as this years new squad senseis, therefore you three are allowed to select first."
The three Jonin's look over the academy student's profiles studying them carefully. "I've reached my decision," Kakashi started, "Aside from Uchiha Sasuke, I shall be taking Yamanaka Ino, as well as Uzumaki Naruto."
Everyone looked at his choice, "You really want the new Shredder on your team badly don't you?" Asuma asked.
"I owe it to someone." Kakashi said as an image of his sensei appeared in his thoughts.
"Very well then, Yamanaka Inoichi, have you any problems with this?" Sarutobi asked Ino's father.
"Not at all Hokage-sama. I'm actually proud to see my daughter put on a team with a modeled shinobi." Inoichi answered.
"Yes the Uchiha is one of the best." Danzo said with a smirk.
"Not him!" Inoichi interrupted, "I'm talking about Naruto."
"Why would you not have a problem with your own daughter on the same team as that de…" Danzo started but couldn't finish his sentence due to a glare from Sarutobi.
"Danzo, you will watch your tongue in this building." Sarutobi said and Danzo zipped the lip.
"Anyway Kurenai, Asuma have you made your decision?" Sarutobi asked.
"Hai." They answered.
"I'll be taking Nara Shikamaru, Haruno Sakura, and Akimichi Chouji." Asuma said.
The heads of the Nara and Akimichi clans had no problem, while the Haruno which was actually a civilian family preferred to have their daughter put with Sasuke thinking that would grant them special privileges if they were with the last of the Uchiha clan.
"And I Kurenai will take Hyuga Hinata, Aburame Shino, and Inuzuka Kiba." The Inuzuka and Aburame heads had no problem with it while Hyuga Hiashi didn't care.
"Very well tomorrow you will meet with your assigned teams." Sarutobi said and dismissed everyone.
The very next morning Naruto woke up and stretched, "Today's the big day," He said as he headed for the shower, and minutes later came out clean. After he had breakfast he dawned his Foot kimono and sandals and stood looking at his Shredder armor and the new leaf plate on the chest. "Time to go." He smirked.
He was then seeing running across the rooftops in his Shredder outfit making his way to the academy. He soon landed outside looking up at the academy building, "Well this may be the last time I come here for awhile." Shredder Naruto said. He walked inside and when he entered the room the students looked to him.
"Naruto what're you doing here, weren't you banned from taking the exam this year?" Shikamaru asked.
"Change in plans Shikamaru, Iruka-sensei saw it was a misunderstanding," Shredder Naruto began, "And I stopped Mizuki from betraying the village and learning a Jonin technique in the process."
"Seriously?" Shikamaru asked.
"Wow, which one?" Ino asked interested.
"The Shadow Clone Jutsu, a clone Jutsu more advanced than the regular one." Shredder explained.
Sasuke huffed, "Like we're supposed to believe that coming from you?" he asked until he looked up seeing Shredder Naruto Helmet to Face with him.
"I don't expect you to believe anything Teme, but I want you to know that if you ever insult Master Saki or the Foot clan again, I'll make certain that you never make it to adulthood." Shredder Naruto warned him.
"Naruto, stop glaring at Sasuke-kun!" Sakura shouted at Naruto with the other fan girls behind her.
Naruto turned to face them glaring, "You dare order the one true Shredder?" he shouted forcing them to back away in fright. Naruto knew not to threaten anyone with death on this day for it'll probably make him immediately disqualified. So he just sat down next to Ino.
Later on, Iruka came in with a smile, "Well class it's been fun teaching you, but now it's time you moved on and become full time ninja. And now I would like to award this year's Rookie of the Year." He said and Sasuke smirked confident it would be him. "And this year's Rookie of the Year award goes to… Naruto Uzumaki the New Shredder."
Sasuke's jaw dropped and the fan girls were shocked as well. Naruto stood up and walked to Iruka taking the award from Iruka, "Arigato sensei." Shredder Naruto bowed his head before returning to his seat.
"Naruto-kun," Ino began and he turned to her seeing her smiling, "Good job." She said and he smiled beneath his helmet.
"And now class I will read off the squad numbers and Jonin senseis," Iruka began and read off various names until he reached squad seven. "Squad Seven will be composed of Naruto Uzumaki, Ino Yamanaka, and Sasuke Uchiha, your squad leader will Kakashi Hatake."
Naruto felt glad that he was paired with someone who liked him, but not so thrilled about being with Sasuke, "Iruka-sensei!" Naruto got up, "Why must I be placed on a team with this selfish cretin?" he pointed to Sasuke who didn't even bother to face him.
"I'm sorry Naruto, but this is how it was sorted." Iruka explained and Naruto frowned beneath his helmet.
"Don't get in my way, dobe." Sasuke muttered but Naruto heard anyway and raised his bladed gauntlet at him.
"Mind your tongue, Teme." Naruto warned him until Ino held his arm and pulled him back into his seat so he wouldn't get into trouble.
"Continuing Squad eight under Kurenai Yuhi will be Kiba Inuzuka, Shino Aburame, and Hinata Hyuga." Iruka read off and the three students looked up and at each other.
Following squad nine he read off squad ten, "And finally squad ten shall consist of Sakura Haruno, Shikamaru Nara, and Chouji Akimichi."
Shikamaru sighed about it being troublesome, while Chouji ate from his bag of chips, and Sakura was complaining, "Well your senseis should arrive soon, so good luck and make Konoha proud." Iruka said as he left.
Hours have gone by and the only ones left in the room were Naruto, Ino, and Sasuke. Ino and Sasuke were just sitting at the desks while Naruto was practicing his ninjitsu while he waited.
Soon the door opened and in came Kakashi, "Well look who decided to show up." Naruto said.
Kakashi looked at Naruto and how he looked wearing the Shredder armor, but what really had him was the voice his helmet made it sound like.
"Yeah well I sorta lost track of time, anyway let's meet on the roof in ten," Kakashi said.
Soon in ten minutes Naruto, Ino, and Sasuke were on the roof with Kakashi. "Now then let's start with introductions."
"Introductions sensei?" Ino asked.
"Name, Likes, Dislikes, Hobbies, plans for the future." Kakashi read off some examples.
"Well why don't you go first?" Naruto suggested.
"Very well, my name's Kakashi Hatake," He began, "My likes I cannot share with you, I have many dislikes, I have lots of hobbies, and plans for the future… well I never really thought about it."
'All we got was his name.' the three thought.
"Ok, now for all of you starting with the armored one." Kakashi motioned to Naruto.
"Very well. My name's Naruto Uzumaki or now more commonly now known as the Shredder, I like ramen, herbal tea, training, and my friends," Naruto started. "My dislikes include when somebody mocks the Foot Clan or its founder, and people who judge others before they get to know them. My hobbies include training, relaxing, and exercising. My dream for the future is to one day surpass my predecessor Oroku Saki and be a better Shredder along with starting my own ninja land and train a new army of Foot Soldiers."
Kakashi thought, 'He sure has given this a lot of thought,' He turned to Ino, "Now you."
"Ino Yamanaka, I like flowers, Naruto-kun, my family. I dislike forehead girl, the other fan girls, and those who abuse flowers. My hobbies include flower arranging and shopping, my dream for the future is to probably take over the family business and become a wife and mother."
'Well, she's sure thought about her future,' Kakashi thought and looked to Sasuke, "And you on the end."
"My name is Sasuke Uchiha, I hate a lot of things, and I don't like anything," Sasuke started as he brooded, "My dream is more like an ambition. I'm going to restore my clan and destroy a certain someone.' He said firmly.
'As expected,' Kakashi thought and spoke up, "All right then starting tomorrow we'll put you three to a test."
"Hold on, didn't we already pass?" Ino asked.
"The Genin exams were just to see if you had what it takes to meet shinobi standards, my test will determine if you're ready to actually be one," Kakashi explained, "We will meet tomorrow at the old training ground. Oh and don't bother eating breakfast, you'll throw it up," He said earning cringes from Naruto and Ino, "Until tomorrow." He said vanishing in a Shunshin.
"Later." Sasuke said walking off.
"See you tomorrow." Ino waved bye.
"Well I better go to." Naruto said about to take off.
"Naruto-kun, wait." Ino stopped him.
"Yes?" Naruto asked.
"Would you like to join me for a bite?" Ino offered.
Naruto smiled beneath his helmet, "Sure."
Soon Naruto and Ino were at the Amaguriama Dango shop. They sat on a bench and ate some dango. Naruto of course had his helmet off in order to eat.
"Man this stuff is good." Naruto said taking a bite.
"Yeah it's my favorite place to go." Ino added.
"So you feel up for tomorrow's exam?" Naruto asked.
"I sure hope so, who knows what sensei will do to test us." Ino trembled.
Naruto smiled, "Well let's hope for the best. I mean we came this far didn't we?"
Ino nodded, "Yeah."
"I'm glad you're on my team Ino." Naruto smiled.
"Me to Naruto-kun." Ino smiled as the two moved closer.
"Ino." Naruto whispered.
"Naruto-kun." Ino whispered back.
Soon the two got close enough and kissed which lasted for a few minutes before they broke, "Wow, you're good." Naruto said.
Ino blushed from that comment, "Arigato, you're not so bad yourself Naruto-kun."
Naruto smiled from her compliment and suddenly a cat mask wearing Anbu appeared, "Naruto Uzumaki the Hokage requests your company."
Naruto sighed, "Ok I'm coming. Sorry Ino, but I guess I got to go."
Ino smiled and pecked him on the cheek, "Don't worry, I'll see you tomorrow." She hurried off for home.
Naruto put his helmet back on and headed for the Hokage administration building. When he arrived he removed his helmet and presented himself in front of the Hokage.
"What's the buzz, Jiji?" Naruto asked.
"Naruto, I feel it's time you knew the total truth about the Kyubi." Sarutobi said.
"Total truth, you mean the Yondaime sealed more than Kyubi in me?" Naruto asked.
"Not that, you see the Yondaime was your father."
Naruto stood in shock, "What the hell did you say?"
"Minato Namikaze is your father Naruto." Sarutobi repeated himself.
There was a brief pause until Naruto shouted, "What?!" which shook Konoha.
"Naruto calm yourself." Sarutobi tried to calm the new Shredder.
"How am I supposed to calm down when I find out not only was the Kyubi put in me, but by my own dad?"
"I know you have every right to be furious, but you must understand Minato couldn't ask any one else to sacrifice their child." Sarutobi explained, "He chose you because he felt you would be the one strong enough to contain it."
Naruto calmed down and listened, "He really believed that?"
Sarutobi nods, "Yes, in fact he left this scroll for you. He asked me to give it to you when the time was right." He handed Naruto a unraveled it and read it's content.
Dear Naruto:
My son, if you are reading this, then this means that the sealing went as I planned it and I perished. My name is Minato Namikaze, the Yondaime Hokage, and your father. I won't blame you if you feel hatred at me for what I caused you, but you must understand, as the Hokage, I couldn't ask someone else to sacrifice their child, not if I had my own. Your mother was Kushina Uzumaki; she came from the Whirlpool country that has been gone for many years due to war. It was unfortunate she died after giving birth to you. She always looked forward to being a mother.
I had hoped you'd be seen as a hero of this village for keeping the Kyubi locked away, but I'm certain I am wrong. This village and its people are too blind and self absorbed to see past anything. Anyway, I don't have much time left, the Kyubi is getting closer. I wish to let you know, my son, that I love you, and that no matter what, I will always love you and be proud of you.
Also, old man Sarutobi has the keys to my old home. I made him promise to keep it safe and not be demolished. I want you to live there from now on. Inside my home you'll also find all you'll need including my private study containing all knowledge of my Jutsus. But be warned about telling people your true last name. I had many enemies especially from Iwa. I'm truly sorry my son, but I must end this now. I love you Naruto, and I hope that you will understand why I did what I did, and hope that one day you'll be able to forgive me. And also son grow up to be a fine shinobi Naruto Namikaze.
With Love,
Minato Namikaze
Yondaime Hokage
"Oh Dad." Naruto gasped as he finished reading.
"Well Naruto shall we go to your new home?" Sarutobi asked the boy.
"Yeah, let's go," Naruto nodded and the Hokage stood beside him and in a Shunshin they reappeared outside a large mansion, "Whoa, this is dad's place?
.
"Yes, it's yours now Naruto." The old man says as he leads Naruto inside the house.
When Naruto looks around him he first saw a garden that showed off life and wonder that you'd only find in a regular forest. The garden was neat and filled with all kinds of flowers some regular, exotic, and some that don't grow anywhere else.
Sarutobi led Naruto inside his mansion and the inside was big and tall, with the lobby painted yellow, on the wall were pictures of his mother and father, his dad's old squad, and him with an old white haired man and the Hokage. There were stairwells leading to upstairs, and on the first floor were hallways leading to several other rooms.
"Well Naruto welcome to your new home." Sarutobi said as Naruto looked around marveled by the layout of the lobby alone.
"Whoa!" Naruto gasped as he stood in the center of the lobby and threw his arms up in the air cheering, "Oh I'm gonna love this!" He cheered wildly as he looked around the place marveling at it. As he went into some nearby rooms, "Oh yeah, all this is really mine now?" Naruto stopped running and asked the old man who nodded with a smile.
"Excellent. Well time to get the layout of this place," He formed some hand signs, "Kage-Bunshin no Jutsu!" he shouted summoning a dozen of clones, "Ok fellas split up and get to know the layout of the place, and once you do dispel yourselves." He ordered his clones that nodded and took off into the building with each of them going in separate directions.
Within minutes he felt the clones dispel and all their knowledge transferred back to the real him. With that he now knew the layout of the whole mansion, "Good I got it all memorized."
"I hope you enjoy your stay here Naruto." Sarutobi said.
"I sure will Jiji, because I'm going to add a little Foot Clan touch to this place." Naruto smirked.
Later that evening at the Yamanaka residence, Ino was having dinner with her family.
"So Ino, how was the squad selections?" Inoichi asked.
"Well I got paired up with Sasuke Uchiha and Naruto Uzumaki." Ino answered.
"You don't say?" her mother said.
"I hope that's not a problem with you two." Ino said worried.
"No problem at all, in fact we couldn't ask for anyone better." Inoichi said.
"Well Sasuke's ok, but I'm glad I have Naruto on my team." Ino said.
"You seem fond of him." Ino's mom noted in a teasing manner.
"Well I-uh." Ino blushed.
"Oh how cute, sweetie you're growing up so fast." Her father teased her.
"I need to be excused." Ino said bolting from the table to avoid her teasing parents.
Back at the Namikaze mansion, Naruto had already moved everything from his apartment to the mansion. He added the Foot Clan designs in numerous rooms so that when people entered they'd know that this was the sanctity of the Shredder. And in the lobby he set up two replicated statues of Oroku Saki without his armor, and wearing the Shredder armor standing by the stairwell like guards.
Naruto was in his new bedroom once belonging to his father. It had a huge king sized bed with tall bed knobs, the bed sheets were silk with red and black design like fire, it had about five pillows with the same design as the sheets. The walls of the bedroom were colored in red orange color. There were a wooden bedside table on the right side of the bed with a golden handle while the top was covered in crystal clear glass; on the left side was a mini-bar. There was a couch on the opposite wall of the one the bed was against, with a coffee table with wooden coasters on it. There were multiple red rugs in flame design set up on the floor, tapestries hanging on the walls one with the Symbol of the Fire nation, and another with the Foot clan on it.
There was another door on the other side of his room which led to his private bathroom that had black and white marble floor tiles. A huge Jacuzzi tub, a toilet with a cushioned seat cover, a huge sink with a vanity mirror, and a huge shower stall which seemed big enough to be a steam room with 4 golden shower heads that hung on the walls from all four corners.
Naruto was wearing a robe as he walked to his bed and plopped on it getting a better look seeing as how big it really was. He slide under the covers and laid his head back on the pillows, "Well time for sleep. This has been a wild day let me tell ya." He said to himself as he fell asleep.
When morning came, Naruto had got up, showered, changed, and ate before slipping into his Shredder armor, grabbing the Sword of Tengu and headed off to the training ground.
When he arrived he saw Sasuke and Ino there but no sign of Kakashi, "He isn't here yet?" he asked. They shook their heads and Naruto sighed, "Why did I see this coming?"
Soon after three hours of waiting Kakashi suddenly appeared, "Yo!"
"You're late!" Naruto shouted glaring at him through his helmet.
"Sorry about that, I met an old lady who needed help carrying her groceries." Kakashi cringes.
"Yeah right." Ino could see through the lie.
"Anyway," Kakashi cleared his throat, "The test shall begin. Your mission is to take these bells from me," He held up two bells, "Should you get the bells from me you will be acknowledged by me as being part of my squad." Kakashi answered.
"But hold on why're there only two?" Ino asked and the boys noticed as well.
"That's the next part. The one who does not get a bell will be sent back to the academy," Kakashi answered which shocked everyone, "However you will be timed on this, and when time runs out and neither of you require a bell then you'll all be sent back to the academy."
"You gotta be kidding me." Naruto sighed.
"Terrific." Sasuke added in sarcasm.
"I don't like this." Ino sighed.
Kakashi sat a timer on a stump, "To get a bell you'll have to come at me with the intent to kill," He started the timer, "Go!"
The three genin went to hide their presence and watched from multiple angles. Naruto watched and pondered, 'Something isn't right, there's never been a two genin squad under a Jonin's care. So why would he do this to us?' he thought until he realized, 'That's it, he's diving us up so he can pick us off one by one. I gotta warn Ino and Sasuke.' He thought before going to them.
"Ino, Sasuke we haven't much time so listen up."
"What is it? You know we're being timed remember?" Sasuke asked.
"I figured out what's going on." Naruto said.
"What're you talking about?" Ino asked.
"Kakashi-sensei is trying to break us up." Naruto explained.
"Break us up?" Sasuke asked.
"Yes, he's using two bells to make us turn on each other," Naruto continued, "Think about it no squad can be less than three. If we wanna get through this we have to work together and by together I mean all three of us, including you Sasuke."
Sasuke raised a brow as Naruto continued, "I know you have a goal in mind but until then you're stuck with us so deal with that fact and help me and Ino. We need you."
Sasuke thought about this and finally gave in, "What should we do?"
"We'll need to distract him. You and I will take him head on," Naruto started explaining, "And Ino when we got him cornered use your mind transfer Jutsu."
Ino nodded, "Ok, but you'll have to make sure he's very still, because if I miss I won't be able to return to my body for awhile."
"Gotcha. Come on Sasuke." Naruto said as they took off.
They exposed themselves charging for Kakashi, "You're taking me head on?" Kakashi asked.
"Because we know with our efforts we can take you!" Naruto called as he grabbed the Tengu blade, "Let me show you the true might of the Shredder." He said firing a sonic blast from the weapon forcing Kakashi to evade and saw Sasuke blow fire at him.
Kakashi barely avoided the blast of fire and Naruto took him head on leading to them grappling, "Well seems you've learned a lot about Saki's style." Kakashi said.
"Arigato sensei." Naruto said as he and Sasuke went hand to hand with Kakashi.
'Their combined efforts are amazing. They truly do make quite a tag team,' Kakashi thought, 'Wait a minute where's Ino?' he suddenly realized what was going on but was too late.
"Ninpo; Shintenshin no Jutsu!" she said and her spirit left her body and Kakashi froze.
They looked at Kakashi who spoke with Ino's voice, "Mind transfer a success." She said and gives them the bells.
"We did it!" Naruto pumped his left arm up. Sasuke smirked having to admit he did enjoy fighting along side them.
"Well time to release sensei. Naruto-kun could you bring my body over here?" she asked.
Naruto goes and brought Ino's lifeless body over and sat it down. Ino released herself from Kakashi and woke up in her own body.
Kakashi rubbed his head, "So that's what it's like getting hit with the mind transfer jutsu," He said. He saw they had both bells and smiled, "Well you three got both bells. I guess you managed to see through what I had hoped would have tricked you."
"Well we almost did until we realized about how no squad can have less than three genin." Naruto said.
"I'm glad you've learned to look underneath the underneath," Kakashi smiled to them, "Congratulations on passing squad seven is now officially formed."
"Yeah!" Naruto and Ino cheer while Sasuke smirked.
"And before you leave I have a bit of advice to you that was passed on from an old friend of mine," Kakashi began, "Those who break the rules are trash, but those who abandon their comrades are worse than trash." He said before leaving.
"Very deep." Ino said.
"You said it." Naruto agreed.
"Well I'm off, see you two later." Sasuke said about to leave.
"Wait, Sasuke!" Naruto called and the Uchiha turned around. "We make a pretty good team don't we?"
Sasuke smirked, "Yeah." He agreed and continued on.
Naruto looked up to the sky, "I hope I made you proud dad. I really hope I did."
Meanwhile in the afterlife Minato's Namikaze watched his son until another figure approached him. It was the deceased spirit of Oroku Saki the Shredder.
"Your son is truly an outstanding individual Minato Namikaze." Saki said.
"He sure is Saki, he sure is." Minato nodded knowing his son's going to make something big of himself.
(And that's chapter five. Goodnight everybody.)