A True Godfather

Ch4 – A New Life: Shinobi Academy : Coup

"Naruto!" Normal speech
'What is he doing?!' Thought
"Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!" Techniques
"KILL,KILL,KILL!" Demons

Disclaimor: I don't own Naruto, Naruto owns me

The difference between school and life? In school, you're taught a lesson and then given a test. In life, you're given a test that teaches you a lesson. Tom Bodett

Last time on: A True Godfather

The sun had set, and all was quite in the village of Konoha, when two white spectres exited the Ninja Academy. As the spooks wondered through the streets of Konoha, citizens were tormented by the moaning wail and dreadful coughs of the undead. As the civilians trembled in their beds, the ghostly duo separated, one heading for the Uchiha district, the other for the nearby forested estate belonging to Jiraiya and the Demon Child.

For the next few days, the Hokage would be plagued by terrified civilians, all the while being terrified himself, by the growing stacks of paperwork.

Naruto: Age 7

As Naruto's first day progressed, Jiraiya of the Densetsu no Sannin arrived at the Hokage Tower. Jumping through the window into the old man's office, Jiraiya was surprised to see four other faces, excluding the old Hokage's

Danzo, Homura, Koharu and Itachi were all seated around a table that had recently been added to the office, with the Hokage's desk pushed to one side. All five of the people in the room had varying levels of concern on their faces, with Itachi's being the worst.

"Ah, Jiraiya, thanks for coming on such short notice" There was a visible not of tiredness in the Hokage's voice. "We have some… distressing news. Please, take a seat." At this, Hiruzen pointed to an open seat

As soon as he was seated, the old Sarutobi continued. "Itachi, please tell them what you just told me." "Hai, Hokage"

"As you all likely know, the Uchiha clan has become concerned with its place in this village. The clan has felt for some time now, that it has not received the proper level of respect and status that they deserve. Furthermore, many feel that since Madara, many in this village would see them further reduced in power. With the recent attack of the Kyubi, and the rumour that it was a man that commanded the Kyubi, many of those in the village have become further afraid of them, because they believe the man was an Uchiha, as Madara was rumoured to have used the Kyubi in his clash with the Shodai Hokage. Because of all these factors, there are those in the clan that feel a change of… leadership, is in order."

At this, Homura and Koharu both screamed "What?!" at the same time. Unfazed by the outburst, Itachi continued. "I only discovered this because my father is the leader in this scheme. He thought to use me as a spy in the Hokage's office. However, my loyalties lie with my village first. My best friend, Shisui Uchiha shares these loyalties, and has agreed to help. Our plan is to use Shisui's Mangekyou sharingan to influence my father into changing his mind." As Itachi said this, Jiraiya noticed a peculiar gleam in Danzo's eye, before it disappeared and decided to keep an eye on Shisui.

"Shisui plans to use it at the next meeting, next week. Hopefully this will solve the issue before it even becomes one."

As Itachi sat back down, Danzo stood up. "This is very disturbing news, Itachi-san. But how sure are you that a simple genjutsu will stop a clan wide coups d'état?" Calmly, Itachi replied "Because of Shisui's Mangekyou ability, the Kotoamatsukami. This technique allows him to enter a person's mind and manipulate them by giving them false experiences, making it seem as if they were doing things on their own free will. Because of this, the victim never realises that he or she is being manipulated."

At this, the gleam in Danzo's eye returned with a vengeance. "This technique sounds incredibly dangerous, what is stopping him from using it on us?" Itachi calmly replied. "Two things, Danzo-sama. The first thing I have already mentioned. His love and loyalty to the village. Secondly, this technique can only be used once a decade."

At this, the others in the room visibly relaxed. "If this technique can only be used once a decade," continued Danzo, "How can we be certain that by using it on Fukaku, the coup will be ended?" Itachi began to reply, before quieting. "We… we can't, but we have tried to persuade them to stop, this is the only way to prevent the coup without bloodshed." "Sometimes, Itachi-san, the only way is through bloodshed. Not all battles can be won through speech and deception. Sometimes blood must be spilled to protect our loved ones" Jiraiya was shocked by that. Was Danzo implying they murder the Uchiha clan?!

"What are you implying, Danzo-sama? That the Uchiha clan must be killed?" Itachi was cool and collected, the only thing betraying his true feeling's, was a pair of blazing red sharingan eyes

"I am saying that we need a plan B in the event that Shisui fails. We cannot allow a civil war to occur. We are still recovering from the Kyubi's attack, not to mention the Third Great Shinobi War. If the Uchiha's rebel, no matter who wins we all will suffer, as the other villages will see an opportunity to crush us. We cannot allow this to happen. Better to lose one clan, then to have all of us killed."

"Surely there must be other, peaceful ways of handling this, must we really resort to violence?" spoke up Hiruzen. At this, Itachi looked down. "Unfortunately, Shisui's plan was our last option to solve this peacefully. If it fails, then I don't think there will be any other choice then violence."

"Wait a moment!" For the first time since entering the tower, Jiraiya spoke. "While I hate to say it, Danzo is right, if the Uchiha's do rebel, we are all finished no matter the outcome." Itachi was shocked to hear Jiraiya of all people agree with Danzo, and looked away, hurt that someone he considered a friend, would say such things, even if he himself knew them to be true. Jiraiya continued.

"But we overlooked one small fact. Not all of the Uchiha's are guilty. No one can say that the children are a part of the coup!" At this, Itachi looked up, realising something else. "Yes! The only people who actually know about the coup, are the Uchiha Council of Elders! They were planning on telling the rest of the clan the plan the night of the coup! So if it does come down to bloodshed, the only deaths would be theirs!"

Danzo looked a little put out, which was strange as they had figured out a way that the coup could be stopped, without the whole clan being destroyed. Jiraiya, being the master spy of Konoha, noticed this.

"Then it is settled," The old war hawk spoke. "If Shisui's plan fails, then those in charge of the coup will be executed. But who will do the executing. I have some names in mind that coul…" "I will do it" Interrupted Itachi, to the shock of all in the room "If Shisui's plan fails, I will personally see to it that the deed is done." "Are you sure, Itachi? You must realise the consequences of your actions, you will be marked as a rogue nin. We cannot let the others know that the Uchiha's were planning a coup. If they do, they will forever hate them." Hiruzen asked concernedly

"If it means that the village will continue to live in peace, I would do anything" Itachi did not hesitate to answer, causing the 'Professor' to sigh

"Very well then, I declare today's discussion an S-ranked secret. No one is to know any of this. Dismissed."

Sarutobi sat down tiredly, wondering where he went so wrong. First Orochimaru, and now this, opening his desk draw, he pulled out an expensive looking Sake bottle and a small saucer and poured himself a drink. Looking next to him, he groaned at the paperwork that he was sure wasn't there before the meeting.

Jiraiya returned home at the same time as a certain blond haired ghost. Upon seeing the child, Jiraiya burst out laughing, causing the spectre no end of embarrassment. "N-Naruto, is that you?! Bwahahahaha. What happened to you?!"

Naruto glared at Jiraiya before answering. "Me and Sasuke got detention. We had to clean all of the dirty chalkboard erasers." Jiraiya laughed even harder at this. Eventually he calmed down. "Alright, go get cleaned up, dinner will be ready in an hours' time." Turning serious, he pointedly looked at Naruto. "And after dinner, we are gonna have a talk."

Naruto gulped, but did as his father told him too. After a quick shower, the boy came down to a simple dinner that was still enjoyable. Once the plates were cleaned, and the cutlery put away, Naruto and Jiraiya headed towards the lounge, where they proceeded to sit, facing one another.

"Alright Naruto, there are two things we are gonna discuss tonight. First, lets start off with how you got a detention on the first day." And so Naruto explained the days events, the tests, and his and Sasuke's little spat. At the end, Jiraiya was once again laughing.

"Well I see someone has had an exciting day. And it looks like you and Sasuke were punished enough, so you don't have to worry about that. Now, on to the second thing I wanted to talk to you about. Now that you have begun your shinobi career, I believe it is time to up your traing." As soon as those words left Jiraiya's mouth, Naruto's eyes shone like stars with his excitement "Don't get too excited just yet, brat. You may come to regret it." As he said this, an evil gleam shone brightly in his eyes, foretelling a pain and suffering unimaginable. This did however, went unnoticed by the resident Jinchuriki, who was too excited to actually pay attention anymore.

The next day, Naruto was awoken early by Jiraiya, who began his new routine. Every morning, Naruto would wake up, Run around the estate seven times as a warm up. Next, he would do a set regime of physical exercises that Jiraiya would guide him in. Once that was finished, he would sit by the small pond, and begin the most basic chakra control exercise, balancing a leaf on his forehead. This was the only exercise that Naruto truly struggled with, as he would lose his concentration often, or he would overpower the technique, thus causing the leaf to become shredded. After the leaf exercise, he would be taken through some more katas with Jiraiya, and after learning a new move, would have a light spar with he in which he had to effectively make use of the move.

When all of this was completed, he would get cleaned, dressed and have breakfast before heading to school. After school, he would repeat all of this besides the katas. Instead this time was spent on his mental studies, going through plans with Jiraiya. Whenever Naruto started to find the work easier, Jiraiya would up it. When Naruto mastered the leaf technique, Jiraiya moved on to the more advanced tree climbing technique.

This training regime would continue until Naruto passed the Academy, increasing in difficulty with Naruto's skill.

One Week later

In a quite part of the village, near the Uchiha District, stood two men facing each other. The first man was the one eyed Shimura Danzo. The other was a man with short, unkempt, dark-coloured hair, black eyes and a relatively broad nose. Uchiha Shisui, or as most know him, "Shunshin no Shisui" was rather surprised when Danzo appeared before him. 'Why is he here, the meeting doesn't begin for another hour!?' As Danzo moved closer, Shisui noticed other shadows, flickering in the dark. "What is the meaning of this, Danzo-sama? I am the only one meant to be present here tonight." Danzo stopped, and then spoke. "Unfortunately your plan will not work, Shisui-san." "What reason do you have to say that?" "Because…" At this Danzo began to charge. "I will not let it!"

The shock caused by Danzo's sudden betrayal allowed him to get in close. However, Shisui wasn't an elite Ninja for nothing, a quickly subdued the older man with a powerful genjutsu.

Knowing that that particular genjutsu would take at least an hour to wear off, he prepared to face Danzo's allies. However he was shocked when he noticed a movement in the corner of his eye. Turning around, he was witness to Danzo reaching out with his hand, moving to take Shisui's eye. Knowing that there was no time to react properly, he didn't try to avoid the attack, instead he made sure to Shunshin away before Danzo could get his other eye.

Appearing a few paces away, Shisui was expecting a great pain in his eye, along with blindness and the feeling of blood running down his face. So he was thoroughly shocked when he felt none of this, and could still see out of both eyes.

Looking towards the spot he had just stood at, he saw Jiraiya the toad sage holding on to Danzo's hand. He had managed to slow down Danzo enough that he was able to Shunshin away unharmed.

Danzo was angry. His plan had been fool proof. He would provoke the Uchiha into attempting the coup, and then send in his root to kill them all, collecting all of their eyes at the same time. Then he would use the following outbreak of shock and anger to take over the village and lead it as it was meant to be. But then that damn Uchiha had to rat the rest out. However he did give Danzo another great idea. With Shisui's Mangekyou, he would be unstoppable! And damn it, he was so close too! But now? Now this bumbling idiot who had been a thorn in his side even since he had tried to gain control of the Jinchuriki brat had ruined another great plan! Oh he would pay! Performing a specific signal, he summoned his ROOT agents. Or he tried to that is.

"I wouldn't count on your little underlings, Danzo-Sama; right now they're all dead." Jiraiya was angry. He knew that Danzo was a little obsessed with power, but this? This was going too far. "Surrender now and perhaps your punishment can be softened."

Danzo just screamed in rage, rushing the renowned toad sennin. Jiraiya blocked they attack, and pinned Danzo down. Clearly the man had lost it. Gone was the renowned 'Shinobi no Yami'. All that remained was a man driven by his power hungry ways. Motioning Shisui over, Jiraiya asked for a sleeping genjutsu to be placed on him.

They heard a noise and, looking up, were witness to the departing members of the council. The meeting was over.

"I am sorry, Hokage-dono. I have failed" Jiraiya and Shisui had made it back to the Hokage tower where they quickly informed the aging Hokage of the events of that night. "This was to be the final meeting. Soon the coup will take place. It is now too late" Shisui bowed his head as tears fell. Itachi, who had been called in soon after the arrival of the others, was also hiding a few tears.

"Then we have no choice. Itachi, please prepare yourself. Tonight what we feared has come to pass. Are there any final things that you want done?" "Hai, Hokage. Please protect my brother, that is all I ask." It will be done." "Thank you." With that, Itachi and Shisui prepared to leave.

"Wait one moment!" Jiraiya spoke. "I just thought of something…"

It was a cold, calm and peaceful night in the village The only sound was that of the Inuzuka dogs barking, and even that was muted. The only sight was that of the ANBU and Military police, doing their patrols.

The Uchiha district was also quite, as the patrols took place. The only hint of life was a light coming from inside one of the main house's windows. The reason being? Uchiha Fukaku was holding an emergency meeting.

"What is the matter, Fugaku-sama, I thought that last night's meeting was to be the final one! You said it yourself! Too many will draw suspicion unto us!"

"Silence! It has come to my attention, that we have a traitor in our midst" At this the room broke into a hushed debate, before the man who spoke up first, again spoke. "Who is it, and how have you come about this, information?" Curios, the others in the room faced their leader

"My son, Itachi has informed me, however, he did not tell me who the suspect was, instead he will reveal it tonight, once we are all here."

"Then who is missing, my Lord?" "Just Tajime." As he said this, the man entered, apologising for being late.

"Good, we are all here, Itachi. Now please explain." As soon as he began speaking, Itachi materialised from the shadows. He didn't say anything just yet, but waited for something. That something was Shisui appearing on the other side, Tanto already drawn.

"What is the meaning of this Shisui?! Itachi, is he the one you spoke of?! Itachi drew his tanto before replying "No, father" and with that, he took of the Uchiha heads', well, head.

Before the others could even react, Itachi and Shisui moved through the room, killing all of those involved in the coup. Because of the suddenness and shock, none of the rebel Uchiha could react and soon all inside lay dead. Next the two pulled out a scroll each and unsealed the bodies of the six root agents, gave the borrowed tantos back, while also blooding the others. They then proceeded about the room, making sure that it appeared as though the six root ninja had committed the crime. Once done, they left silently, heading straight for the rendezvous point that Jiraiya and the Hokage set up

As the sun broke the horizon, a slight breeze moved through the air, bringing the smell of flowers on the air. All was happy and peaceful in the village as men and women got up, smiling at such a beautiful day. All was joyful, all was happy, all was…"AAAHHHHHHHH"

It did not take long for the news to spread. The Uchiha clans' leaders had all been assassinated last night. The only clue as to the person who ordered the hit, were six, blank masked ANBU.

Obviously when it was revealed that the six were ANBU, the Uchiha clan was up in arms, demanding the Hokage's head. However, the outcry was soon turned around when Jiraiya arrived, and proclaimed for all to hear, that It was not Sarutobi Hiruzen who had commanded those men, But Shimura Danzo! The Traitor had secretly created his own version of ANBU that he called 'ROOT' and had ordered the attack for some unknown reason.

Jiraiya explained that he had become suspicious of Danzo when he noticed some odd occurrences. Using his spying techniques honed over years of practise. Jiraiya had discovered the plot, but had been too late in stopping it. He did however manage to corner Danzo as he was escaping the district. The man was awaiting trail, and would be punished accordingly

This explanation satisfied those involved, and the families left to mourn the loss of their loved ones. In the crowd, standing together, were Shisui, Itachi and his mother, Mikoto who was holding a sobbing Sasuke.

In a secret room in the Hokage tower, Jiraiya, Shisui, Hiruzen and his older teammates, held trail over Shimura Danzo. All the evidence pointed at Danzo, and he was found guilty of treason and sentenced to death. It was to be carried out publicly in several days' time

Three days later, the village square was cleared and a barricade set up. A raised platform was built so that all could witness the act.

As the ANBU brought Danzo towards the platform, those in the crowd, many of whom were Uchiha, hurled curses, insults and even some rocks at the man.

Finally he reached the platform, where he was met by the Hokage. Sarutobi spoke up once Danzo was forced to his knees in front of him. "Today you bear witness to the execution of the Traitor, Shimura Danzo. He has been found guilty of the murder of the leaders of our esteemed Uchiha clan, the attempted murder of Uchiha Shisui and Jiraiya. Danzo, what have you ta say for yourself?" Danzo glared at Hiruzen, but kept his mouth shut.

After a moments silence, The Hokage continued. "Then let us continue." Motioning to the nearby ANBU, he was handed a large, ornate odachi, meant for executions. Taking the blade in both hands, Sarutobi prepared to take the life of his once best friend. With a calm intake of breath, he brought the blade down, severing Danzo's head from his body.

As the crowd cheered, Sarutobi Hiruzen cleaned the blade with rice paper, and then gave it back to the ANBU member. The body was taken away to be buried in an unmarked grave. Sarutobi sighed as he stepped down of the platform. It had been a long week.

2 weeks later (class was on hold so that the Uchiha's could recover)

It took a while, but eventually the talk of the Uchiha Murder as it became known, died down. Life returned to the way it was before. Or at least it did for most people. For those who had lost family in the attack, life would never be the same again.

Uchiha Sasuke was one of those people. In one night, he had lost his father, who he had seen moments before, and the only reason he was still alive was because he had been invited over by Naruto for a sleepover. Fortunately, his mother, Mikoto, had been out on a mission and so knew nothing of the coup

Heading to class, the boy kept his head bowed, an aura of depression surrounding him. He just lay his head down when he sat down, ignoring all those around him. He especially ignored all of the girls who spoke of him, gushing about how brave and cool he was, and how they would "mend his broken heart". Even when his best friend sat down next to him, he ignored everything. That was a mistake

One thing you learn early on with Uzumaki Naruto is, ignore him at your own peril.

Naruto started out by just talking to Sasuke. "Hey Sasuke, ah, how are you?" … "Ah, Sasuke?" … "Oi! Sasuke!". Nothing. Next plan. "Sasuke!" poke. "Oi!" poke "Answer me." Poke. This continued for a while, but still nothing. "If you don't answer me, then I'm going to do that thing you made me promise never to do again!" At this Sasuke just glared at him, as if saying "You wouldn't dare!"

"Alright, you asked for it!" Sasuke paled but refused to speak, not believing Naruto would actually do it. Another big mistake

With that, Naruto began his attack, going for Sasuke weakest point. His ribs. It wasn't long before the Uchiha heir's will weakened and he began… to Laugh?!

"Bwahahahaha! OK! OK! I GIVE! Just stop! Hahahaha" Naruto smirked. Sasuke's most embarrassing weakness? He couldn't handle being tickled. The rest of the class watched the two friends antics. Soon after Sasuke's laughter died down, Iruka-sensei entered the classroom.

"Alright kids, settle down. Welcome back after the short break. Today's lesson will be on…"

Naruto caught up to Sasuke on his way out, as Iruka –sensei had wanted to talk to him privately. "Hey" he asked "Hey" Sasuke's response was still not as energetic as it used to be, but it was improving. "Ah, you wanna come to Ichiraku's with me? I'll pay?"

Sasuke's first thought was to decline, but he knew that if Naruto was willing to actually pay for his Ramen, instead of mooching off of others, then he had best go. "Sure, why not?"

And so the due changed directions, heading towards the Ramen stand. On the way, the continued to talk about this and that, never broaching the Uchiha Murder. Slowly, Sasuke began to regain his former self, but it would take many months before he was back to normal.

When they entered the Ramen stand, the noticed that it was empty, except for one other person. A girl from their class with short, dark blue hair sat at one of the stools. She was the same girl that Naruto had recognised, but couldn't actually remember.

As they took their seats, Naruto began to try and discreetly look at the girl. The keyword being try, if the girls' blushing was anything to go by.

Elbowing him in the ribs, Sasuke told him to stop staring. Naruto tried to explain to him that he recognised her, but he just wouldn't listen. In fact he turned to the girl and introduced himself and Naruto. When she told them her name, something in the blonds head clicked, and a rush of memories came to him. Memories of playing in a park with a little, blue haired girls with white eyes.

His eyes widened as a name came to his lips, and before he could do anything, he spoke. "Hina-chan?" when those words left his lips, the girls' own eyes widened, and she blushed. Sasuke, realising that this girl was the heir of the Hyuga clan, was just about to hit Naruto on the back of the head, when she spoke again.

"N-Naru-chan? Y-y-you remember m-me?" Instead of replying he just leapt forward and hugged the girl, the first person to ever be his friend. This of course caused her to blush and then pass out, which in turn caused Naruto to laugh in remembrance. They spoke of many things after Hinata regained conciousness, what they had been up too since that fateful meeting a few years back.

While all of this was happening, Sasuke just sat there, bewildered. It took a while, but eventually he got the story out of them. As the three began to talk, Naruto loudly, Sasuke softer but just as strong and Hinata soft, stuttering and shy, they never noticed the little toad sitting just out of sight.

By the time the three left the stall, they had vowed to play together tomorrow, and from then on, the three students would be as thick as thieves.

AN

Hello one and all and thank you for reading this chapter. Was it good, bad, mediocre? Just send in a review telling me your thoughts!

Today I would like to thank the following reviewers!

Rose Tiger

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Luqie10

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And the two guest reviewers

Your support helps me quite a lot and it always makes me smile when I read your reviews. Thanks for the encouragement.

I would also like to thank my new Beta, Penguin Lord0029. Thank you for your hard work!

If you have any questions, or anything you wish to suggest, please feel free to send it in, and if it can work out, I'll definitely add it.

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Once again, Thank you to all of you who have reviewed, favourite and are followers. I leave you with this quote

"It's the job that's never started as takes longest to finish." J.R.R Tolkien