Chapter 14: Lessons, Reunions, and Teams, Oh My!

Greetings everyone, it's me again.

I would like to start by thanking yukicrewger2 and Azure Dragon of the East for correcting my translation of Naruto's jutsu last chapter; I went back and fixed it. The jutsu is now Yamiton: Munashiikage no Mai.

Those of you that have been following this story from the beginning have been waiting for a part of this chapter, or at least those that left reviews early on have. At least I hope they're still following this story, but if they got tired of me and the story I guess there is nothing I can do about it.

Anyway, enough of that, on with the story.

The day after Mizuki was taken into custody and Naruto was in a good mood. He no longer needed an escort wherever he went and he was glad he had some more freedom, but there was another reason for Naruto's mood. True to their word, Iruka and Anko would be staying in the Namikaze house. Given that the Namikaze home was large enough to accommodate two families, Iruka and Anko reassured Naruto that they would stay as long as he wanted them to. Naruto didn't doubt them when they told him they would stay, but up to this point Naruto had always been afraid that his new Nii-san and Nee-chan would leave him after Mizuki was caught. With those fears put to rest Naruto could focus his energies on other things.

"Should I have my hood up or down?" Naruto asked at the breakfast table.

"For what gaki?" Anko asked in between bites of food.

"For my registration photo," Naruto said as if it should be obvious.

"You need to keep your hood down Naruto; your face needs to be visible in the photo," Iruka explained.

"I never understood that, we're ninja, people shouldn't know what we look like," Anko stated.

"I once asked Hokage-sama about it, the short version is he doesn't know either," Iruka told his fiancé and little brother, both of whom laughed.

After Naruto had finished eating he got up and told his family (that word still felt so foreign to him), "Alright, I'm gonna go get Hinata-chan, you two 'plan your wedding' or whatever metaphor you two want to use."

Both Iruka and Anko knew what Naruto was insinuating, turned red, and yelled, "NARUTO!"

Once Naruto arrived at the Hyuga Compound he immediately felt that he was in danger; and for the life of him he couldn't fathom why. All he was going to do was pick up Hinata, like a good boyfriend should (he hoped), go get their registration photos, and try to spend some time together. While trying to think of why he felt like he was in danger, Naruto was pulled from his thoughts when Hinata appeared.

"Ano, Naruto-kun?" Hinata said, clearly nervous about something.

"What's up Hinata-chan," Naruto asked.

"Remember how we agreed that we should talk to Otou-sama after we became genin?" Hinata asked.

"I remember," Naruto said, knowing exactly why he was afraid now.

"Otou-sama apparently had the same idea and decided that there's no time like the present," Hinata told Naruto.

Oh shit, was all Naruto could think as Hinata lead him to Hiashi's office.

About a half-hour later Hinata and a seemingly catatonic Naruto emerged from Hiashi's office.

"Well that went well," Hinata said.

"…" was Naruto's response.

"I think he likes you," Hinata said trying to get a response.

That last comment did the trick because in response Naruto said, "Hinata-chan, I love you and I understand that it is important for us to communicate, but I don't think I will ever want to talk about what happened in there. I don't think I'll ever feel safe around your father ever again."

"Yes, I suppose he did go too far," Hinata said trying to sound sympathetic.

"Too far, Hinata-chan he threatened to neuter me if he even suspected I upset you," Naruto said, nearly hysterical.

"I wondered what he said that upset you so badly," Hinata said.

"I'm actually glad you weren't in the room when he made that threat, it got pretty bad," Naruto said.

"Well it's over now and we did get Otou-sama's approval," Hinata said, as the two finally reached the photographer's.

"Okay, so we just turn these into Jiji and we have the rest of the day to ourselves," Naruto said as soon as he and Hinata got their registration papers in order.

"Actually Naruto-kun, Otou-sama wants me to come home after I register, I think he wants to check my progress," Hinata said, upset that she couldn't spend time with Naruto.

"Damn, well there's always tomorrow I guess," Naruto said unable to keep the disappointment out of his voice.

"I don't think it will take long Naruto-kun, we may still have the late-afternoon and early-evening for ourselves," Hinata said trying to cheer her boyfriend (she loved how that sounded) up.

"Well I'm sure we can find something to do then," Naruto said glad the two of them could spend some time together without having to worry about anything. He then said, "Let's hurry then, the sooner you get home, the sooner we can spend time together."

"Okay, but what will you do in the mean time?" Hinata asked, as Naruto led her by the hand to the Hokage Mansion.

"I'll find something to do, I need to give Nii-san and Nee-chan some alone time," Naruto said.

After arriving at the Hokage's Office, noticing that there was no line Naruto stood aside and said, "Ladies first," as he opened the door.

Giggling, Hinata went inside and closed the door behind her. About five minutes later she came back out and said, "Your turn, Naruto-kun."

"I thought we just handed the forms in, what happened in there?" Naruto asked.

"Nothing really, Hokage-sama just went over the registration forms while I sat in the middle of the room," Hinata explained.

"Alright I guess that doesn't sound too bad," Naruto said as he entered the office.

"Well everything seems to be in order," Hiruzen said to the boy in front of him.

"Jiji, will I have to fill out another registration form when I start using my dad's name?" Naruto asked.

"No just a name change form, but that won't be for a while Naruto, at least not until you're a jonin," Hiruzen told the blonde.

"Alright, so is everything in order?" Naruto asked.

"Yes, now don't forget to report back to the Academy for team assignments next week," the Sandaime reminded Naruto.

"Don't worry Jiji, I remem-," that was as far as Naruto got before his attention was drawn to the door and the small child that came through it.

"Jiji, today, I'll defeat you and become the Godaime," the boy said, not looking all that threatening with a cardboard shuriken in his hand. Even worse for the boy he tripped over his scarf and landed on his face, which ended his "surprise attack."

By my count this is my grandson's fifth surprise attack today, Hiruzen thought slightly amused.

Good thing the poor kid was wearing a helmet, Naruto thought.

"Honorable Grandson there you are," an unidentified Konoha shinobi said.

"Friends of yours, Hokage-sama?" Naruto asked, unable to contain his laughter as he went to help the boy up.

"Naruto, stay away from the Honorable Grandson of the Honorable Sandaime," the unidentified ninja said.

"Ebisu, manners," Hiruzen reprimanded.

"You okay kid?" Naruto asked as lifted the boy up and set him in a standing position.

"I didn't need your help, in fact I bet you were the one who tripped me," the boy said.

"Careful brat, you might be the Sandaime's grandson but don't think I that means I'll take crap from you," Naruto said.

"Go ahead, I dare you, make a move," the kid demanded. As soon as the words left his mouth Naruto hit him over the head with his fist. He's not like the others, the boy thought.

"Naruto!" the now scandalized Ebisu shouted.

"What? He said make a move," Naruto defended. Figuring it would be best to leave Naruto turned to Hiruzen and said, "I guess I better get going Jiji, ja ne."

After Naruto had left the room, Ebisu turned and said, "Now Honorable Grandson, let us return to our lessons, my teachings are the best shortcut to becoming H- hey where did he go?"

"I saw him follow Naruto but I have no idea why," Hiruzen said as though his grandson disappearing was a normal occurrence.

"So he's with Naruto then. Honorable Grandson come back, you should stay away from him," Ebisu shouted even though both Naruto and the young Sarutobi were long gone.

Well, I'm glad I didn't hit him too hard, Naruto thought when he noticed Hiruzen's grandson following him. Granted it wasn't hard to notice, Naruto wasn't sure what was below novice, but he knew that's what the kid was in terms of stealth.

"Now we know why he wears a helmet," Kurama said as the young Sarutobi tried, and failed, to disguise himself, as a large rock, in the middle of a main street.

That's awful, Naruto thought, but couldn't help laughing, mentality at least, at what Kurama said. I guess I should see what he wants, Naruto thought as he made his way to where the small child was "hiding." Pulling the cover off of the boy Naruto asked, "Is there something I can help you with?"

"To see through my disguise like that, you're good," the Honorable Grandson said.

"Uh, yeah," Naruto said, not wanting to upset the poor kid.

"You're Uzumaki Naruto right?" the young Sarutobi asked.

"I am," Naruto asked, wondering where this was going.

"I heard that you had a technique that could defeat the Hokage, please teach it to me," the boy asked.

A technique that can beat the Hokage, hmm, Naruto thought, trying to think of what the boy could be talking about. Oh good lord, he heard about that? Naruto thought as he remembered his most infamous technique. "I think I know what you're talking about but I don't know if I should teach anyone that jutsu."

"Please Nii-san, I need to beat the Sandaime," the boy pleaded.

"Alright, I'd feel bad if I turned you down now, I'll teach you the Oiroke no Jutsu," Naruto said as he caved. He then said, "What's your name? I can't call you kid the whole time."

The small child looked shocked by the question but answered proudly, "My name is Sarutobi Konohamaru!"

"Alright Konohamaru, let's go somewhere out of the way," Naruto said as he led the way to the training grounds.

"Yeah," the now identified Konohamaru said as he followed Naruto.

Once they got to a secluded training ground, Naruto turned and asked, "Konohamaru, do you know the Henge no Jutsu?"

"Of course I do, what do you take me for?" Konohamaru asked, indignant.

"Okay, okay, so let's see it," Naruto said, raising his hands in front of him in an attempt to placate Konohamaru.

"Henge," Konohamaru said, as a cloud of smoke covered him.

Well, he transformed at least, Naruto thought. It was true, Konohamaru transformed but he hadn't really transformed into anyone or anything, he looked like a blob with a face on it. "Okay change back," Naruto commanded.

"How'd I do Nii-san?" Konohamaru asked.

"Well, I'd say you're about as good as I was when I was your age," Naruto said, his voice full of sincerity. After giving the matter some thought Naruto then said, "Alright, this technique is just the Henge no Jutsu, but I call this version the Oiroke no Jutsu, so just watch me and copy what I do."

"Got it Nii-san," Konohamaru responded.

"Here we go," Naruto said as he transformed. After the smoke had mostly cleared, in Naruto's place stood a busty, naked blonde woman. Her hair was done up in two pig-tails and she stood in a provocative pose. Even her voice was made to made men weak in the knees. Once Naruto had changed back he said, "That's about it, now you try."

"Right," Konohamaru said as he transformed again. There wasn't much difference between this transformation and the first.

"You need to be taller," Naruto instructed, hoping that focusing on one problem at a time would help Konohamaru.

"Taller, got it."

"Now curvier."

"Curvier, got it."

And it went on like that for some time.

After about an hour or so Naruto thought Konohamaru needed a break, so the two sat down in silence. Since meeting Konohamaru a question had been nagging Naruto and he figured that there was no harm in asking it.

"Konohamaru, why do you want to defeat the Sandaime?" Naruto asked.

"Oji-sama is the one who gave me my name, and since I'm named after the Village you would think it would be easy to remember. No one ever calls me by my name though; I'm always the Honorable Grandson of the Sandaime. That's why I want to defeat Oji-sama and become Hokage, everyone will have to remember my name if I do that," Konohamaru explained.

"Yeah, I once thought that way too," Naruto said, more to himself than to the boy next to him.

"What do mean?" Konohamaru asked.

"I was born during the Kyubi Attack so most people don't see me as Uzumaki Naruto," Naruto explained. He continued, "But it's different now, I have Iruka-nii, Anko-nee, Hinata-chan, and a bunch of other friends. When I was younger I believed that people would acknowledge me if I became Hokage, but I was wrong it's the other way around."

Konohamaru wasn't sure how to respond to that.

"I might be young, but I know for a fact that there is no shortcut to becoming Hokage, you have to work towards that goal every single day; in how you represent the Village on missions; how you represent yourself in-between missions; and how hot your Will of Fire burns. If you still want to become Hokage knowing this, then you and I are rivals," Naruto finished.

"If you're my competition Nii-san, then it shouldn't be too hard," Konohamaru joked.

"Honorable Grandson," a voice called. Looking up the two boys saw Ebisu standing on a tree branch. When Ebisu spotted Naruto he started to glare.

So that's how it is huh, Ebisu? Naruto thought.

"Honorable Grandson, let's leave this riff-raff and resume the lesson, it is only through my teachings that you will become Hokage," Ebisu said, full of himself.

"Nii-san's teaching me just fine, so leave me alone!" Konohamaru yelled.

"You won't learn anything from this delinquent, a Hokage must know over 1,000 jutsu, you don't even know one jutsu," Ebisu told Konohamaru.

"Oh yeah, watch this," Konohamaru said as he transformed. In his place stood a very attractive, very naked, teenage girl who asked in a seductive voice, "Hi there, like my jutsu?"

Ebisu could only stand there, scandalized.

"What happened, it didn't defeat him," Konohamaru said, clearly confused.

"WHAT IS THAT DISGUSTING TECHNIQUE?!" Ebisu shouted.

Upon hearing that Naruto got annoyed. He would be the first to admit that the Oiroke no Jutsu was childish and perverted, but it was a jutsu, or rather a variant of a jutsu that he thought of, and it was effective. He was going to make Ebisu regret insulting one of his techniques, even if he didn't use it anymore. "Kage bunshin no Jutsu!" Naruto yelled as his clones filled the training ground.

"Kage bunshins? Do you really believe you can defeat an elite tokubetsu jōnin like me as easily as a chunin like Mizuki?" Ebisu asked.

"Konohamaru, I have another piece of advice for you," Naruto said ignoring Ebisu's question.

"What is it?" Konohamaru asked, curious.

"No Hokage, or ninja for that matter, should ever underestimate his opponent, any ninja who does should be ready to get burned," Naruto said as he transformed.

No amount of training could have prepared Ebisu for what happened next. Naruto and his bunshins had used the Oiroke no Jutsu and were rushing Ebisu, latching on to him; rubbing up against him and so on. For all of Ebisu's posturing, he was just a man, and there is only so much a man can take. Blood shot out of Ebisu's nose causing him to shoot off like a rocket.

"Gotcha, with my Hāremu no Jutsu," Naruto said.

I have mixed feelings about that technique, the Sandaime thought. He could certainly defeat me with it, but if I had to pick a way to lose I could think of worse ways, the Hokage thought.

"Please tell me you just got here," Naruto said to no one in particular.

"I saw that jutsu Naruto-kun, be thankful Anko-san or Kurenai-san weren't around," Hinata said as she walked into the clearing.

"Who's this Nii-san?" Konohamaru said.

"This is my girlfriend, Hyuga Hinata," Naruto told Konohamaru. Turning to Hinata he said, "Hinata-chan this is Sarutobi Konohamaru, the Sandaime's grandson."

"It's a pleasure to meet you Konohamaru-kun," Hinata greeted.

"Uh, likewise," Konohamaru said. Turning to Naruto he said, "Thanks for teaching me that jutsu Nii-san but you're right, we're rivals for the title of Hokage, so I guess I can't learn from you anymore."

"Oh I don't know about that, but I'll save the other techniques I could teach you for when you're older," Naruto said. He had grown very fond of the boy in the short time that they spent together.

"Don't forget what you said Nii-san, ja ne!" Konohamaru said as he ran off.

"Does he remind you of anyone?" Hinata asked her boyfriend.

"Nope, not at all," Naruto said with a smirk.

"I didn't think so," Hinata said, playing along.

Getting serious Naruto asked, "Did something happen Hinata-chan? I thought you'd be back sooner."

"Hanabi-chan wanted me to play Arpeggio for her, she loves that violin as much as I do," Hinata explained.

"I'm sorry I missed that, it's always a treat to hear you play," Naruto said.

"I'm sorry I ruined todays plans Naruto-kun," Hinata said.

"The plan was to wing it really, we haven't had any real freedom in months, but we can always try again tomorrow," Naruto said, noticing that his lesson with Konohamaru had lasted until sunset. With that thought in mind he escorted Hinata home.

Three days later and Naruto was getting excited. He was excited for team assignments; for missions; and for the opportunity to learn new jutsu. At the thought of new jutsu Naruto started to think of himself as lazy; he had practiced the ninjutsu he had learned from the Forbidden Scroll, with the exception of the Edo Tensei. He had also been practicing making the seals for the Hiraishin no Jutsu, but he had not been able to move forward with his mu, light, or dark jutsu since he fought Mizuki. He had told his entire class and Ichiro that he would create the Mu Release, but so far he had hit a wall. When he told Hinata this she wasn't sure what to say.

"I wish I could help Naruto-kun, but I don't know how," she said.

"Maybe I should meditate, I'm ashamed to admit it but I have been neglecting my meditation lately," Naruto said sheepishly.

"Well, a lot has been going on," Hinata said, thinking back on the school year and the possible threat that Mizuki had presented.

"Shall we head to Training Ground 7 then?" Naruto asked.

"Lead the way, Naruto-kun," Hinata said, as they two genin made their way to the Training Ground where it had all started.

When they arrived at the training ground, they found it deserted. Not that they were expecting anyone to be there to begin with, but months of looking over one's shoulder does things to a person, forces them to be aware of their surroundings. The two then sat in the lotus position and allowed themselves to block out all distractions, to ignore all that is. Neither Naruto nor Hinata was aware of how much time had passed when they stopped meditating but the first thing they allowed themselves to notice was a familiar voice.

"I wish Mifune-sama's samurai were half the students you two were," the voice said.

Turning the two saw a sight they had not seen in months, it was the head monk Ichiro.

"Ichiro-sama, hello," Hinata greeted.

"Ichiro-sensei!" Naruto shouted as he ran to embrace the wise, old monk.

"Ah Naruto-kun, Hinata-chan, I have missed you both," Ichiro said returning Naruto's hug.

"How was Iron Country Sensei?" Naruto asked.

"Now Naruto-kun, I haven't taught you or Hinata-chan anything in months, I'm more than happy to be Ichiro-jiji," Ichiro said chuckling.

"Sure thing Ichiro-jiji," Naruto said.

"Now to answer your question, Iron Country was the same as always: cold; full of samurai; but it was no substitute for Fire Country," Ichiro explained.

"Did you and the others help the trainees?" Naruto asked.

"Yes and no, Mifune-sama had some very young samurai trainees and unfortunately they did not grasp the Mu Training as well as the two of you. The most of them will be alright but the young ones still need to mature," Ichiro explained. Curious as to what he missed, Ichiro asked, "And how have the two of you been? I see that both of you managed to graduate."

With that Naruto told Ichiro everything that had happened in Ichiro's absence in great detail, with Hinata filling in any gaps.

"It seems I have missed quite a bit," Ichiro said after the two had finished.

"It's good to have you back Ichiro-jiji, for however long that may be," Naruto said a little depressed by the thought of Ichiro leaving again.

"About that, my colleagues and I have discussed it, and with the main monastery as crowded as it is, myself and the others think we will stay in Konoha. We will need the Hokage's approval of course," Ichiro explained.

"That's awesome!" Naruto shouted.

"How wonderful," Hinata said.

"Fingers crossed children, now I must get back to the others, but we will see each other again soon I'm sure," Ichiro said, taking his leave.

"This is so awesome, Ichiro-jiji is back and I think I've gotten over my mental block," Naruto said.

"That's wonderful Naruto-kun," Hinata said.

"Thanks Hinata-chan, you've been my rock this past year," Naruto said, gratitude apparent in his voice.

Blushing, Hinata said, "It's nothing Naruto-kun."

"It means everything to me," Naruto said. The mood was broken when a low growl was heard, it was Naruto's stomach. "Heh heh, do you want to go get lunch?" Naruto asked.

"Let's," Hinata answered, laughing.

It was the day of team assignments and Naruto's excitement had turned to nervousness. Naruto had no way of knowing who would be on his team but he had a feeling he wouldn't be happy with the arrangement.

"I hope we're on the same team," Hinata said from her seat next to Naruto.

"I'd love that Hinata-chan, but I get the feeling that it won't happen," Naruto said.

"Since when are you so pessimistic?" Hinata asked.

"I'm not trying to be, but I just have a bad feeling," Naruto said.

"Well let's hope you're wrong," Hinata said, even though she knew Naruto was probably right.

"Alright class, listen up!" Iruka commanded. Going on he explained, "You will be divided into teams of three under one jonin instructor. Team One is-,"

"As long as you aren't on the Uchiha's team I'll be happy," Kurama said.

"That would be nice, but since things have been going my way lately I expect something bad to happen right about now, Naruto responded. He went on to explain, I wouldn't mind Sasuke if he would pull his head out of his ass.

"Well you tried to be his friend at least, that's more than the other kids did," Kurama said.

"Team Seven is Uzumaki Naruto, Haruno Sakura, and Uchiha Sasuke," Iruka said.

"Yay!" Sakura shouted as though she had won the lottery.

Shitballs, Naruto thought.

"Whiskers," Kurama cursed, at least Naruto thought it was a curse.

"Team Eight is Hyuga Hinata, Inuzuka Kiba, and Aburame Shino," Iruka said.

Well at least I don't have to worry about Hinata-chan's team, Naruto thought.

"Do you think those two can keep up with the little vixen?" Kurama asked.

I guess we're gonna find out, Naruto responded.

"Team Ten is Yamanaka Ino, Nara Shikamaru, and Akimichi Choji. Your jonin instructors should be here in an hour-and-a-half, until then, dismissed," Iruka finished.

Naruto just turned to Hinata and said, "Told you."

And done.

I hope everyone is happy that Ichiro is back, I know I am. I also know that most of you are less than pleased with me keeping the canon teams. Like I said before, I don't think I'm a good enough writer to mix-up the teams. Also, I don't want any reviews about how it was politically incorrect to make fun of Konohamaru's helmet, this is the Internet, and the Internet loves hate. In fact I'm actually surprised more people don't make jokes about it.

I don't know why but I've been in a "Mortal Kombat" kind of mood lately and got to thinking, "Would Noob Saibot's 2011 Fatalities be too much for Naruto?" Right now I'm on the fence about it, but if I put those in they won't appear for a while.

OfficerShadowcat raised an interesting point about Arpeggio: in KH2 Demyx was able to pull water out of the air, or possibly out of nothing. Let me know in your reviews if I should give Hinata that ability or just have her use Arpeggio around water. I will say this though; Hinata will only gain the ability after more training, and won't be able to do it until after the Chunin exams at least.

Now for something I don't normally do, and this contains spoilers so fair warning, does it bother anyone else that Madara is not bothered by having Hashirama's face as a man boob? With Danzo it was one thing with the arm, but this is just messed up, especially since he can use it for Sage Mode. That's even more fucked up than the "Bionic Commando" remake's, say it with me now, wife arm, and yes I know that's old news but I couldn't think of a better comparison.

Okay, the rant is over, please read and review. And suggest, your suggestions have pretty much made this story folks.