A/N: Chapter 4 is here. Ok, so I still haven't gotten many reviews on what to do with Naruto's outfit. All I've got is to keep some orange, which I will if I change it, but no details as to what kinds of clothes he should wear. Also, I've created a poll to decide whether Haku lives or dies in the Land of Waves. Finally, thank you all for following and favoriting! Now enjoy.
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.
Chapter 4 Teams
After calming him down, Iruka brought Naruto to the Hokage's office. Or rather, Naruto brought Iruka. Because of his injuries, Naruto had to support Iruka. However Iruka had asked him to close his eyes and keep them that way until told other wise, so Iruka acted as his eyes. The ANBU found them shortly after leaving the forest and attempted to arrest Naruto and take Iruka to the hospital, but Iruka refused and stopped them. He explained what happen with Mizuki, leaving out Naruto new 'condition.' He then requested to see the Hokage despite the ANBU captain's plea to take him to the hospital, saying it was urgent. Reluctently, the captain argeed, but on the condition that they go with him.
As they entered the office, Iruka spoke up. "Lord Hokage, I need to speak with you privately."
The Hokage nodded and dismissed the ANBU. "Iruka, tell me what happened and why your not in the hospital for you injuries."
While Naruto, eyes still closed, seated him in a chair, Iruka started telling the story of what happened, from Naruto performing the Shadow Clone Jutsu to Mizuki's betrayal to Naruto learning he was the Jinchūriki of the 9-Tails. "Then Mizuki went to kill Naruto when... Well, I'll let see for yourself. Naruto, you can open your eyes now."
Naruto did as he was told, revealing his ripple-patterned eyes. Hiruzen's own eyes widened. Naruto grew worried, unsure of what was going on. "W-why are you s-staring at me, L-lord Third?" The Hokage opened his drawer and pulled out a small mirror and handed it to Naruto. Naruto took a look and saw the change in his eyes. He started to panic. "W-what happened to m-my eyes?! D-does this have s-something to do w-with the fox?" Naruto worried this was a sign that he was changing because of the demon within him.
The Hokage shook his head. "No, Naruto. This has nothing to do with the 9-Tails. This is a rare kekkei genkai. In fact, it is not passed down like the other kekkei genkai."
W-what do you m-mean it's not, not p-passed down?
"Your parents did not possess those eyes, and neither will any children or grandchildren you may have in the future," Naruto nearly fainted at the thought of him and Hinata with children but then remembered the situation, "This kekkei genkai is known as the Rinnegan."
"R-rinnegan?"
"Yes. It is said that it is the very same kekkei genkai that the Sage of the Six Paths possessed." Naruto was stunned. He heard that the Sage of the Six Paths was the father of all shinobi and a god among shinobi. However, he always believed the Sage to be a myth.
"Lord Hokage, have you ever encountered someone with the Rinnegan before?" Iruka asked.
"No, but one of my students has. My student took the boy as his student along with two others. However, he did not give me many details on its abilities. I imagine it was a mystery even to him." He paused, giving Naruto and Iruka time to process this information before continuing. "Naruto, I know the possiblities are quite tempting, but I'm afraid I must seal this power away for the time being."
"Huh, w-why?" Naruto said, a little disappointed.
"I'm worried about how your Rinnegan will affect the Fourth's seal. Also, I fear it will attract unwanted attention." 'Especially from Danzo. It was difficult to keep Naruto out of Root because of the fox spirit. If he found out Naruto had the Rinnegan, he would be relentless, as would the rest of the Council.' Hiruzen though. The Hidden Leaf Council had gained much power over the years, to his regret. They wanted to turn the boy into mindless drone, a weapon. It took all day to prevent the Council from doing so. Thankfully, his allies in the Council were able to support him. "This will only be a temporary measure until you're older. Until then, don't tell anyone, even your friends. Do you understand?" Naruto nodded. The last thing he wanted was unwelcomed attention. "Good. Iruka, I'll have one of the guards take you to the hospital so you can get your injuries treated. By the time your back, I will have finished the seal. Naruto, close your eyes until the guard I call in leaves with Iruka."
Naruto did as he was told and waited for Iruka and the guard to leave. The Hokage placed his hand on Naruto forehead and started the sealing process. Kushina taught him and a number of shinobi this seal on members of the Uchiha or Hyūga clans who turned rouge. During the process, Naruto thought, 'So, I have the 9-Tails inside me. That's why everyone hates. It's crazy, but I actually feel better knowing. I'm still scared of what the 9-Tails may do to me in the future, or how my friends will react when they find out. I don't want them to and I not ready to tell them, but I know the truth will eventually come out. Still, at least I know I didn't actually do anything to anything. And one day, I make them see the real me, not the fox.'
"Ha, good luck kit. You'll need it," a voice in his head said in disbelief.
'Huh, h-hello? W-who's there?' Naruto thought, but there was no response. 'What was that? Could that have been...'
"Done," the Hokage said as he handed Naruto the mirror. Naruto looked into the mirror and saw that his eyes were blue again. However he also noticed three small swirls on his forehead in the formation of a triangle (think _-_ but with swirls instead).
"Um, Lord Hokage? W-what about t-these marks on my f-forehead?"
"Hmm. Maybe Iruka could help with that. Why don't we talk a bit until then."
"A-actually, I, uh, w-want to ask you s-something?"
"Of course, what is it?"
"I, I wanted to asked a-about what it means t-to be Hokage."
That caught Hiruzen off guard. "Um, sure, but do you mind telling me what has you so curious?"
"W-well," Naruto took a deep breathe and focused hard on not stuttering, "I guess it's because of all the things I've heard about the you and the past Hokages. I know that you all were great ninja..."
"Were?" Hiruzen raised an eyebrow. Naruto started to panic when the Hokage added, "Relax, Naruto. I know it was for lack of better wording and that you meant no disrespect. Continue."
Naruto calmed down, but his stutter returned. "A-anyway, I, um, I'm p-pretty sure that's not the o-only r-requirement. T-there was something else, r-right?"
Hiruzen chuckled. "Yes, Naruto. There is more to being Hokage than being a strong shinobi. Many people overlook that fact. While being strong is important, there is one more thing that's even more important. Something that my predecessors and I possess, the Will of Fire."
"I, I r-remember Iruka-sensei m-mentioning it, but he d-didn't go into d-detail."
"Allow me to. The Will of Fire is the bond that ties the village together. It is the desire to protect the village, its people, and one's precious people at all cost. And though many have tried, it cannot be extinguished, only passed on. Only those whose Will of Fire burns brightly can become Hokage. Do you understand?"
Naruto thought for a moment, then nodded. 'I wonder, I know the villagers hate me, but for some reason, I can't bring myself to hate them back. And, I want to be able to protect my friends, to be strong.'
A few minutes passed when Iruka knocked on the door. With permission, Iruka came in, bandages covering parts of his arms, most of his left leg, and almost half his upper body. He had a crutch in his left arm for support. "I hope I'm not interupting anything," he said.
"Not at all Iruka. We had just finished our conversation. By the way, it looks like Naruto will need something to cover the seal on his forehead," the Hokage stated.
"I have just the thing. Close your eyes one last time Naruto." Naruto did as he was told, a little annoyed by how many times he'd been told that. He felt something get tied around his forehead and then heard Iruka say, "Now open them."
Naruto opened his eyes and looked at his sensei. He noticed something different. "Iruka-sensei, w-where's your h-headband?"
"Right where it belongs." he answered.
Naruto lifted his hand and touched his forehead. He felt metal and the Hidden Leaf symbol. "Y-you mean..."
"That's right. Congratulations Naruto, you pass. You're officially a genin."
Tears of joy formed in Naruto's eyes as he rushed to embrace his sensei. "Thank you, Iruka-sensei."
"You earned it." Iruka said softly. "Come on, I'll treat you to dinner."
Naruto wiped his eyes and looked at the clock. "I, I think Ichiraku is s-still open."
The Hokage smiled. "Go on now, you two. I have to finish making the teams for tomarrow." As they left, the Hokage groaned when he remembered the paperwork he had to do. 'Times like these, I wish I had just named another successor instead of coming out of retirement.'
-
The next morning, all the newly appointed genin were excited to be assigned their teams. All of them, that is except for Ino, Shikamaru, Choji, Shino, Kiba, and Hinata, who were still sad that their friend Naruto had not graduated with them. Sasuke wasn't excited either (but then again, when is Sasuke ever excited). The door opened and everyone took their seats, expecting Iruka. But imagine the look on everyone's face when instead of Iruka, Naruto walked in wearing a Leaf headband!
"Um, hi," he said meekly. He didn't like how all eyes were on him.
Just then, all his friends rushed at him. They were glad he was there but they were also confused. "Naruto, I thought you failed the test. Don't get me wrong, I glad you passed, but what happened?" Kiba inquired.
"Well, uh, Iruka-sensei l-let me try the cl-clone jutsu again. I m-managed c-create a s-solid clone and pass," Naruto lied. He hated to do it but was told by Iruka not to tell them about last night's events.
Kiba and Choji were satisfied with that answer, but the others weren't convinced. They could tell he was hiding something but decided not to pressure him. Shikamaru in particular figured it'd be too troublesome.
The door opened once more, but this time, Iruka did come in. Everyone rushed to their seats as Iruka spoke. "Alright, first let me once again congratulate all of you for graduation. I am confident that each of you will become fine shinobi. Now, please remain quiet while I announce the teams."
Everyone waited in anticipation. Naruto was thinking, 'Please be with Hinata. Please be with Hinata.' Hinata was thinking, 'Please not with Sasuke. Please not with Sasuke.' and Sakura was thinking, 'Please be with Sasuke. Please be with Sasuke.'
"Team 7 will consist of Sasuke Uchiha, Sakura Haruno, and..."
"YEAH!" Sakura shouted. Meanwhile, all of Sasuke's other fangirl goaned, upset and jealous. Hinata let out a sigh of relief.
"Miss Haruno, I thought I asked that everyone remain quiet?" Sakura immediatly sat down, slightly embarrassed but happy none the less. "As I was saying your final teammate is..."
-
"Kakashi, glad to see you finally join us." Lord Third said as Kakashi walked in, late as usual.
Apologies, Lord Hokage. I misplaced my bike."
"Let me guess, you also saved a kitten from a tree." Asuma Sarutobi said sarcastically.
"Actually yes, I did in fact." Kakashi retorted.
"If you too are quite done, let us continue," Hiruzen said. "Kakashi Hatake, you will led Team 7 consisting of Sasuke Uchiha, Sakura Haruno, and Naruto Uzumake." Some of the jonin seemed disgusted when they heard Naruto's name, but the Hokage continued anyway, "Kurenai Yūhi, you will led Team 8 consisting of Shino Aburame, Kiba Inuzuka, and Hinata Hyūga. Asuma Sarutobi, you will led Team 10 consisting of Ino Yamanaka, Choji Akimichi, and Shikamaru Nara." The Hokage continued to assign the teams. "Alright, now that you've all assigned your teams, get ready to meet them. Dismissed." Most of the jonin cleared out. However, Kakashi and Kurenai stayed behind. "Is there something you wish to discuss?"
Kurenai spoke up. "Yes Lord Third. I respectfully request that Naruto be placed on my team."
The Hokage inhaled from his pipe. "Would to care to explain your reasoning?"
"Yes. Kakashi and I discussed this last night after the Mizuki Incident." Most jonin knew the details of Mizuki's betrayal. However, only Iruka and the Hokage knew of Naruto's Rinnegan. "We assumed you would arrange the teams this way and, no offence, but we believe this arrangement to be flawed."
"No offence taken. Please, explain."
Kakashi spoke up this time. "As you are aware, my Sharingan makes me the ideal sensei to teach Sasuke. However, while watching over Naruto, I have seen Sasuke belittle Naruto and as a result lowering his self-esteem. And since Sakura possesses strong feelings for the Uchiha, she would most likely assist him. This would make them an ineffective team. Hinata, on the other hand, has the opposite effect on him. This girl changed Naruto's life for the better. Because of her, he has friends and has grown stronger."
"So with your permission, Lord Third, we request that Naruto be placed in my squad and Shino be placed in Kakashi's," Kurenai finished.
"Hmm. Why exchange Shino?"
"Shino's calm atittude is less like to cause trouble in my team. Kiba, on the hand, would most likely start fights." Kakashi answered.
"Very well then. I approve of your request. I shall make the changes before handing the papers to Iruka. Dismissed."
The two jonin left. Once they were out the door, Kakashi commented, "That went well."
Kurenai looked at him and said, "You may have fooled the Hokage, but you can't fool me. I know the real reason you didn't want Naruto on your team."
"It's better this way. Bad things happen to those closest to me. My father, Obito, Rin, Minato-sensei, Kushina..."
"That doesn't mean Naruto would meet the same fate!"
"Maybe not. But better safe than sorry. I'll look after him from the shadows, but that's as close as I dare to get!" Kakashi said, nearly shouting. And with that, Kakashi disappeared.
Kurenai sighed. 'Kakashi, I know it hurts to lose people. I've lost friends and family as well, and so has Asuma. But that hasn't stopped us from forming bonds with others and each other.'
-
"Shino Aburame. Your jonin instructor will be Kakashi Hatake."
'Aw man, not Bug Boy. Still, he's better than that Naruto kid. He'd only drag Sasuke down.' Sakura thought. Shino wasn't thrilled about being on the same team as Sasuke, but he knew better than to let his personal feelings disrupt his ninja career, so he accepted it. As for Sasuke, he didn't care.
"Team 8 will consist of Hinata Hyūga, Kiba Inuzuka, and Naruto Uzumaki. Your jonin instructor will be Kurenai Yūhi."
Hinata, who was sitting between the two boys, put her arms around her new teammates. "All right! Looks like we're team you guys!" Naruto silently thanked God for putting him on the same team as Hinata. Kiba was glad as well, though not as much as Naruto. Sasuke however, was pissed but didn't let it show. He didn't care if he wasn't in the same team as Hinata, but he didn't like Naruto being so close to her. 'The way things are progressing, by the time I kill Itachi, that loser will ruin any chance I have of making her mine!'
"Do I need to teach all of you the meaning of the word 'quiet'? sighs "Team 10 will consist of Ino Yamanaka, Choji Akimichi, and Shikamaru Nara. Your jonin instructor will be Asuma Sarutobi."
None of them were surprised. Their clans created the best ninja squad formation, the Ino-Shika-Cho. It was only natural that the would be teamed together.
Iruka continued to list the teams assigned, but as far as the others were concerned none of the other teams mattered. Once he finished, the seven friends got together. "Hey, you said you could make a solid clone, right? Not an illusion?" Shikamaru asked.
"Y-yeah," Naruto answered.
"Come on, show us!" Hinata commanded.
"Yeah, come on, you had us worried. You owe it to us," Choji added.
"Agreed," Shino said.
"Um, ok." Naruto formed a handsign. "Shadow Clone Jutsu!" Thirty Narutos popped up in puffs of smoke.
"Whoa. That's a lot of Narutos." Ino commented.
Shino poked two of the Narutos, in case one was the original. "The clones are solid."
"Impressive Naruto." Hinata said, causing Naruto to blush a bit as he dispelled the jutsu.
"By the way Shino, I feel sorry for you. You have to be on the same team as that lousy Uchiha." Kiba said.
"Kiba! Don't say that. Sure, Sasuke can be, um rude, but I'm sure under that rough exterior lies a true gentleman."
'I doubt it,' Hinata thought, remembering her encounter with Sasuke last night. She didn't have the heart to tell her what happened. After all, though indirectly, Sasuke played a major role in ending Ino's previous friendship with Sakura. Neither Ino nor Sakura thought clearly when he was involved. Hinata believed Ino needed to see for herself what kind of person Sasuke really is.
"Alright, lets get lunch! Oh, and before you say anything Naruto, this time we're getting BBQ." Choji said.
The others laughed while Naruto nodded. He decided he did make his friends eat ramen too often, so he went along with Choji's idea. When they arrived, they had some trouble with the establishment letting Naruto in, but they changed there tune when they realised he was friends with Choji. Every restaurant knew of the infamous Akimichi appetite, and someone would have to be crazy to drive one away. So the staff grudgingly served Naruto.
-
After lunch, everyone split up to meet their new sensei. Naruto, Hinata, and Kiba didn't have to wait long for their sensei to show up. "Good evening. I will be your jonin instructor. First I like to get to know you, so I'd like you to tell me your name, likes, dislikes, and any goal or dream you have. I'll go first. My name is Kurenai Yūhi. My likes include gardening, friends, and reading. My dislikes are drunks, traitors, and those that push others around. Right now my goal to make all of you fine shinobi."
After she finished, Hinata popped up. "My name is Hinata Hyūga. I like my friends, cinnamon rolls, and pranking. I hate arragant jerks like Uchiha, and shellfish. My dream is to change my clan for the better!"
'This girl has got a fire burning in her. Plus she doesn't seem as stuck up as the rest of her clan.'
Kiba spoke now. "I'm Kiba Inuzuka. I like beef jerky, my friends, and walking Akamaru." Akamaru barked in agreement. "My dislikes are cats and people who disrespect my friends. My goal is to become a strong shinobi and beat a really strong opponant."
'A lot of bark. I hope he has the bite to back it up. I guess it's my job to make sure.'
Naruto tapped his index fingers and was barely audiable. "Um, m-my name is Naruto Uzumaki. I, I like r-ramen, my friends, and um," he instinctivly glances at Hinata but turns back before she and Kiba notice and continues, "c-cooking. I d-dislike those who t-treat others p-poorly, e-especially with n-no v-valid reason. And my uh, my dream is..." Naruto stops talking.
'This kid is really shy. I'll have my work cut out for me breaking him out of his shell. And from that quick glance I caught, he like our little heiress friend. Interesting.' "Naruto, please tell us what your dream is. You've got me curious, and from the looks on your friends, they are too. Don't worry, none of us will make fun of you." Kurenai said reasuringly. Hinata nodded. Despite being friends for little over two years, she had no idea of the blond's goals for the future.
"W-well, my um, my dream," Naruto took a deep breathe and managed to spit out with stuttering, "is to be the greatest Hokage!" he finished, a little louder than he wanted. Naruto felt embarassed and quickly looked to the floor.
No one was expecting this (except you readers of course). They just looked at him, not sure of how to respond. Finally Kurenai asked the question on everyone's mind. "Naruto, do you truely understand what it means to be Hokage or what your job would be?"
A few moments passed before Naruto responded, "Y-yeah. As Hokage, it w-would be my job t-to protect the v-village and everyone in it, even at the cost of your own life."
Kurenai was shocked. She had heard of how the villages treated him, and yet right now he was saying he'd give his life to protect the village that hated him. 'I've seen people go through less and end up resenting the world. This boy truely is his father's son.' "That's a fine dream Naruto. And as your sensei, I'm going to help you all achieve your dreams." She said regarding everyone. "Lets meet up tomarrow at 8am so I can test you guys and see what your made of. Dismissed." 'This group has potentcial. They all seem to value their friendship, which is important in teamwork. Maybe I'll let them enter the Chunin Exams if they're strong enough, but the exams are months away, so they have time.'
As they got up, Hinata couldn't help but admire her blond friend. 'I've seen first-hand what the villagers have done to him, and what he almost did as a result.' she thought as the image of a broken Naruto holding a kunai to his chest enter her mind. She shuttered at the memory of that day. 'And yet, for some reason, he doesn't hate them. You truely are strong, Naruto. Any woman would be lucky to have you.' However, the idea of Naruto with another girl sickened her. 'No, not any woman. Me.' she though as she finally confessed to herself her feelings for the boy.
As everyone left, no one but Kurenai noticed the shadow near the building.
-
Kakashi had been eavesdropping on Team 8's, or more specifically Naruto, as he heard the blue-eyed boy's dream. 'Hokage eh. Just like his mother and father. They would be proud to hear this, I'm sure.' The one-eyed jonin then left and made his way toward his own team. 'Hm, I wonder what kind of potential Sasuke has? His Sharingan hasn't activated yet, but I'm sure once we start more strenuous missions, they'll show themselves. Then his real training will begin. Shino is an Aburame, so his jutsu and combat skills will be insect based. I'll have to talk to his father to get an idea on how to develop his skills. Still, some taijutsu lessions will keep him well-rounded and help him in close-combat. Sakura may be the most difficult to train. On paper she shows potential. However, her instructors tell me she spends more time fawning over Sasuke then developing her skills. That may prove to be a problem.'
When Kakashi reached the classroom, Sakura spoke up, "Sensei, your late," she said, trying to sound respectful but she couldn't hide the annoyance in her voice.
"I have to agree, sensei. I believe we were all suppose to start over an hour ago." Shino said in his emotionless voice.
"Hm." Sasuke grunted, clearly annoyed by how long this was taking.
"Sorry guys. I was helping a pregnant lady with her groceries." Kakashi responded.
His new students just looked at him in disbelief. 'This is going to be a recuring thing, I know it,' they all thought.
-
Naruto: Why'd you take away my Rinnegan?
Alpha: Did you really think I'd let you use something as powerful as the Rinnegan so early in the story?
Naruto: So what was the point in adding it?
Alpha: Rest assured, the Rinnegan will make a reappearence. How ever, you may have to wait until the end of the Chunin Exams or even later.
Naruto: Fine.
Kakashi: Hey, you finally finish his chapter.
Alpha: Yeah, by the Kakashi. I have a question.
Kakashi: Yes?
Alpha: What's under your mask? (Sasuke suddenly pops up out of nowhere)
Kakashi: What's under my mask? I'll show you. (Everyone leans closer) Behind this mask...
Naruto, Alpha, Sasuke: 'I'll finally see what's under his mask!'
Kakashi: (pulls down his mask) is another mask! Pretty cool, right? (Everyone drops comically)
Naruto: 'Ah man!'
Sasuke: 'Just like last time.'
Alpha: So, what's under that one? (Naruto and Sasuke jumped back up)
Kakashi: (Pulls down his mask) A third mask! (And down they go)
(Half an hour of mask removal later)
Alpha: HOW MANY MASK DO YOU WEAR?
Kakashi: Well, let me think. I know it was 15 less than yesterday, but 12 more than the day before... (All fall down again)
Alpha, Naruto, Sasuke: I give up.
