A True Godfather

Ch 6 – A New Life: Shinobi Academy: Graduation

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

Disclaimor: When Life gave me lemons, I made lemonade. Now if Life would only give me the rights to Naruto.

"Now go, and make interesting mistakes, make amazing mistakes, make glorious and fantastic mistakes. Break rules. Leave the world more interesting for your being here. Make good art." - Neil Gaiman

Last time on: A True Godfather

Naruto had been worried. When it came to stealth, taijutsu, tactics etc. he was either the best, or near enough; however when it came to written tests, he was barely above average, and for the life of him, he still couldn't do the basic bunshin. Eventually he'd gone to Jiraiya, who had explained first to him, then the Iruka, that he simply had too much chakra. To that end, he had been given a high level kinjutsu, the Kage Bunshin as a replacement. He was easily able to use the technique, and with it his hopes of passing increased. Now he just had to get home and sleep. Tomorrow held the Academy Graduation Test, and all his hopes and dreams of being a ninja. He couldn't wait.

Graduation Day

As the sun once more rose above the Hokage monument, illuminating Konohagakure with its warmth giving light, children all over the village awoke and rushed to get ready. The reason? Today was the day that decided the fate of many of them. Today, at the Konoha Ninja Academy, the graduation test was to be held.

In the Aburame Clan, Shino quietly dressed himself, strapping on his kunai holster, followed by his commonly worn cloak. Finally he reverently picked up his newest set of dark glasses, a traditional Aburame gift to those about to become genin. Most non-clansmen had theories about the significance regarding the dark glasses. Some say it is for hiding the clan's compound eyes, others believed it allowed the naturally stoic members another barrier to hide their emotions. None of this was true however. The reason was simple. It made them look badass.

Akimichi Choji was enjoying a small breakfast of cereal, toast, fruit, pancakes, bacon and eggs, different meats, soups and other assorted dishes. When he had finished he thanked his mother and proceeded to head to the Academy, excited for the day. Quickly making sure he had everything, he counted what he had. "Snacks, check! Kunai holster, check! Backup snacks, check! Hyōrōgan and Zōketsugan capsules, check! Emergency snacks, Check! Alright looks like I'm already!" and with that the big-boned child was off, ready to ace the exam, but first he needed to meet his eternally late friend.

Haruno Sakura decided to once again skip her meal in favour of her figure. Rushing out the door, she was quick to meet up with her best friend and rival, and together they made a mad dash for the Academy, a silent bet between the two that the first there would get to sit next to Sasuke-kun.

Hyuga Hiashi looked down on his eldest, a face full of pride as his eldest daughter prepared herself for the days' events. It was extraordinarily different from five years ago where he would look down at her in contempt in an attempt to make her stronger and, if Hiashi was honest with himself, out of anger at the death of his brother. Fortunately, one boy had been all that was needed to change that. By improving Hinata's confidence in herself, Naruto had helped in more ways than he would probably ever realise. He only prayed that his wife would be able to forgive him for his earlier mistakes. As his heir left the compound, accompanied by her Jounin guard, the newest member to the Jounin club, he smiled, happy in the knowledge that his child would now grow strong.

Inuzuka Kiba was excited. Not only was today the day of graduation, it was also the day he could show off his newest partner. Akimaru was one of the latest Inuzuka pups and had been given to him four months ago, but he was only now being allowed to bring him to the Academy.

Placing the pup in his favourite place atop his head and the covering him a bit with the hood of his jacket, Kiba began his jog to the Academy, saying goodbye to his mother on the way out. His sister had already wished him luck but couldn't stay to see him off as she had duties at the Inuzuka Vetinary Clinic.

Nara Shikamaru was busy watching the clouds drift pass when his best friend showed up and together the two left for the Academy. Shikamaru turned his head to look back at the spot he had just occupied, a sighed "troublesome" leaving his mouth.

Yamanaka Ino was racing down the street with her best friend in attempt to decide who would sit next to their dream boyfriend. Ino had long since realised that no matter how fast they were, they still wouldn't sit next to Sasuke-kun. Still she did these kinds of things, if only to motivate herself and her best friend to improve themselves. With a crash, the two entered the Academy door at the same time, momentarily getting themselves stuck before falling to the floor in a heap. As the two stood up and began to argue about who one, she inwardly congratulated Sakura. She had improved! Just last week she was always losing their little challenges and now they were tied!

Uchiha Sasuke smiled as he waved goodbye to his mother, a small bento in his hand. Outside he was greeted by his elder brother, Itachi. Casually reaching across, Itachi poked Sasuke's forehead, wishing him luck before Shunshining away before he could retaliate. Sasuke grumbled to himself about stupid brothers before making his way towards his and Naruto's meeting spot.

Uzumaki Naruto, the number one prank king, and most unpredictable Konoha citizen, was scared. Why you ask? The answer is a simple one. There were currently four jounin and about six Chunin searching all over for him. The reason? His greatest prank to date, the one that would put him down in the History books for sure! One just needed to look at the city's great monument to find out. He had managed to deface the village's proudest landmark, in broad daylight, wearing such a bright shade of orange as to hurt a blind man's eyes.

As three of the pursuers ran right past him, Naruto lowered down the camouflage sheet he had found inside Jiraiya's room and laughed until… "NARUTO!" Jumping about three feet in the air, Naruto clung to the overhanging wooden beams of the house. Below him stood Iruka-sensei and before he could react, Naruto found himself hogtied and slung over the back of the Chunin sensei. Behind him, he spotted Sasuke, who gave him his signature smirk. Glaring Naruto grumbled about traitorous best friends as Iruka moved off towards the Academy.

"Alright class, seeing as some of you…" glares at a hogtied Naruto. "seem to think you are more than ready for the exam, how about we have a quick refresher." At this the whole class groaned, most glaring at the bound Uzumaki. "As I call your name, please step up and show me your henge no jutsu, and no, you can't use that 'Oiroke no jutsu' of yours, Naruto! Now, first up Abadame Ziko." As one by one, the students each came up and performed the jutsu. Most transformed into Iruka or Mizuki, others into the Hokage. When it came time for Naruto however…

Without any movement or sign of the jutsu, Naruto began to change. Where Naruto once stood, sat a stray dog, begging for food. At first most of the class thought that Naruto had instead pulled off a kawarimi, however that quickly changed as the dog smirked in a way only a dog can, before jumping on top of Sasuke, knocking him down and then sitting obediently next to Hinata before ending the transformation.

Iruka just sighed, having forgotten that when it comes to the henge, no one was better than Naruto. Many an after prank chase had ended simply because Naruto would henge into either someone else, an animal or some other object common in the streets. To this day, no one, not even Jiraiya, was able to tell Naruto's henge apart from that of the real thing.

Congratulating everyone, he continued with the revision for the exam, going through the other basic jutsu, as well as giving the students a pop quiz. All too soon the bell rang.

"Alright everyone, you can head out for a twenty minute recess. When the bell rings again, you will all head in side and complete the written portion of the exam; I will be the proctor for the duration of that exam. From there you will meet Iruka-sensei outside where he will hold the physical aspect of the exam. Lastly we will call you inside one by one to perform the jutsu exam. The marking of the tests will be as follows. The written section will be out of 100 marks. The next test will be divided into three categories, First, Shuriken and Kunai throwing, with each being marked out of 50 for a total of 100. Next will be Taijutsu which will be marked out of 40. Lastly, you'll receive a mark out of 20 for each of the Jutsu you perform, for a total of 60 marks. The total marks for the entire exam is 300. To pass you will need to get 60% or 180 marks."

Iruka smiled before speaking. "Take this time to relax, and don't worry. I have confidence in each and everyone one of you being able to pass and move on to become strong Genin of our wonderful village. I know that the 'Will of Fire' burns strongly in each and every one of you. Remember, no matter what happens, I am proud of all of you!"

With that said, the two Chunin released the children and moved on to placing the tests at each of the desks. "You really believe what you said, huh?" asked Mizuki "Yes. I have every bit of confidence that they will pass this test, but I'm not sure about the actual one. It does have a 33% fail rate so…" Mizuki nodded before speaking again. "It'll be interesting to see who passes and who will be in whose team. My money is on another Ino-Shika-Cho team, it can't be coincidence that the children of the original are all the same age." Laughing Iruka nodded at his best friend.

Just as the last of the scrolls were placed down and their conversation ended, the bell rang, signalling the end of recess, and the beginning of the exams. Once all of the students had returned to their seats, Iruka left the class to prepare the next set of tests.

"Alright everyone, as I just explained, this test will be out of 100. You have an hour to complete the test. When I call time, you will place your pens down. If anyone is still writing when I say this, you will fail this test. Should I catch anyone cheating, you will also fail this test. If you have any questions, now is the time to ask." When no one spoke, he continued.

"Alright, you may all begin…Now!" and with that, each student unravelled their scrolls' and began to read through the test, before beginning to answer.

Naruto was sweating. Not from any workout or such thing, but from fear, fear that he would fail the test, all because of some lousy written test. As he opened his scroll and looked at the first question, he began to panic. He didn't know the answer! Nor the next nor the next. The answers just wouldn't come to him. The Worst part was that he knew, he KNEW that he knew the answers, but he just couldn't recall them. Just as he thought he was about to pass out from fear, something his father once told him came to mind.

"Naruto, remember this. If ever you are in a situation that seems hopeless, that there is nothing you can do, just breathe. In through the nose, out through the mouth, in through the nose and out through the mouth. Do this and LOOK. You will find a way. I guarantee it!"

Taking his father's advice he began to breathe, and as he began the rhythmic breathing exercises, he began to notice things that he missed before, and with those things he began to piece together the puzzle that was his test.

By the time Mizuki had called time, Naruto was finished. By the skin of his teeth, but finished. As he left the room, Sasuke and Hinata move in to either side of him and the trio began to discuss the test.

"So, how'd you do, dobe?" "Better then you Teme!" Hinata just rolled her eyes as the two best friends and rivals once again began to butt heads. With two quick jabs she silenced both of them, a skill she was quite adapt at. "Quiet you two, Iruka is about to begin explaining his portion of the exam."

"Now, as Mizuki already explained, the next test will be divided into three categories, first will be the Shuriken and Kunai throwing tests and each will be marked out of 50 for a total out of 100, based on accuracy. The same rules apply as throughout the rest of your academy days. Non-vital area's count as one point. They are scratches, hitting the hand, arm, foot or leg. Hitting the stomach or chest will award you three points, and the heads and heart, five. Missing a target will cost you two points. You only get ten shurikan and ten kunai for this test, so use them wisely. Next on the list are the Taijutsu spars, where you will face me in five minute matches. You will be awarded marks for both your skill and adaptability, to a total out of 40. Lastly, you'll receive a mark out of 20 for each of the Jutsu you perform, for a total of 60 marks."

As Iruka's lengthy speech came to an end, all of the hopeful academy students began to murmur between each other, nervous about the tests.

"Alright, as I call your name, please step up to the range. We shall begin this exam as most shinobi fights begin, from a distance"

And so, one by one each student took their positions and began the test. Most did fairly well, having trained for many years in these arts, some however did abysmal. These were the trainees who didn't put in any extra effort into their training, instead gloating to the civilian children of their greatness as shinobis.

When it was her turn, Hinata got an almost perfect score, having missed the heart of one of the three training dummies due to Naruto's exuberant motivation when she began. With a score of 98 she stepped down, allowing the next person whose name was called to step up.

After a long wait, Sasuke stepped up to the challenge, his usual smirk in place. With his heritage as an Uchiha and his eldest brothers training, Sasuke managed to get an impressive score of 94, having hit the chest of one of the further and quicker dummies three times. As he passed Naruto who was on his way up, he smirked and said "Beat that dobe"

Naruto replied with a quick "Just watch me Teme, and you may learn something". When he got to the stand he looked at Sasuke and Hinata, the latter giving him two thumbs up. Taking aim, Naruto began to throw his shurikan, followed by his kunai. He got an impressive score of… 94, having missed the same throws as Sasuke.

As Naruto left the stage, Hinata began to laugh at the look of utter horror on his face. Sasuke just grunted as usual, but hid a small smirk himself.

"Now we come to the next part of the exam. After a shinobi has examined his opponent's reflexes and movements, he closes in for the attack. Thus we shall now begin the Taijutsu trails. As I call your name, please step into the ring and we will begin. Remember, the objective is not to defeat me, but to survive for five minutes however if you think you have what it takes to defeat me, feel free to do so. In a battle of survival you have three options. Retreat, stall for backup or retreating allies and defeating your opponent. All three of these tactics are viable in a battle for one's life. For the purpose of this exam however, only the latter two, stall or defeat, are optional. Let us begin."

As was to be expected, those trainees who hailed from clans or were born into shinobi families did the best. Each shinobi born child had been taught at the earliest age their families favoured Taijutsu style, while those who came from common backgrounds had to rely on the academy style Taijutsu. However this doesn't mean that a person not born into a shinobi family would fail. In fact there were one or two civilians who received higher scores then those born into the world of the Ninja.

Hinata managed to receive the highest score possible, having defeated Iruka within the first three minutes, thanks to her clan's deadly Taijutsu style. With a perfect score of 40, Hinata left the sparring ring, but not before undoing the damage done to the kind Chunin's chakra network.

When Sasuke's turn came he managed to be the second person to get the highest score, having defeated Iruka using the techniques that his older brother Itachi had taught him. By using these techniques he had managed to tie up Iruka with Ninja wire just as the clock reached the 4 minute mark, thus ending the match. As all the fangirls gushed over their Sasuke-kun, Sasuke just rolled his eyes and gave Naruto a cocky smile.

Seeing the smile, Naruto sent one right back, before entering the ring and facing his favourite Sensei. As soon as Iruka called for the match to start, Naruto was on him. Using everything his father had taught him about Gama-style Taijutsu, Naruto attacked Iruka. Due to not knowing about sage mode and its added benefits, the style wasn't as effective as it could be, however no one knew that and so whenever Naruto missed a punch or kick, everyone thought of it as a lack of skill on his part, everyone except Iruka. The instructor was quick to realise what was happening, having tested many a student before, and knowing when a missed kick or punch was purposeful or not.

Suddenly Naruto managed to grab a hold of Iruka, just as the clock rang, signalling the end of the spar. As Naruto released Iruka, the young Chunin congratulated Naruto on a good fight, awarding him 39 points, much to the confusion of most of the gathered students.

As Naruto left the ring, Iruka began to congratulate all of the students on their performance, before beginning the next and final part of the exams.

"Alright everyone, it's now time for the third and final part of these exams. Continuing with our battle theme, once a shinobi has faced his opponent, he may discover that he cannot win in hand to hand combat, and so he will switch to his Jutsu. The Academy Three, while basic, can also be the most powerful. Using kawarimi, a shinobi may avoid a lethal attack, he can then create a bunshin and then use the henge technique to hide in plain sight or escape unnoticed. As I call your names, please head to the exam room, where you shall be tested on your skills. For this part of the exam, both Mizuki and I will be proctoring so that we can spot any mistakes the other may have missed.

And so, one by one students would head inside of the building, most leaving with a hitai-ate but some without. As it came to be Hinata's turn, both Sasuke and Naruto wished her luck, and when she came out of the other side, a hitai-ate wrapped around her neck, both boys gave her a hug.

When Sasuke's turn came around he stoically marched into the room, and within minutes he exited, hitai-ate wrapped around his head and a small smile on his face.

Naruto's turn was next. Taking a deep breathe, he moved into the room, but not before receiving a hug and a good luck from Hinata. Sasuke just smirked and said; "You better pass dobe, I don't need a loser for a teammate." With that said, Naruto smirked back and replied; "You bet I will Dattebayo!"

Entering the classroom, the first thing Naruto saw was both Iruka and Mizuki sitting at the head desk. The next was the lone hitai-ate lying there. Taking a deep breathe, Naruto stood before the two sensei's.

"Alright Naruto, you're the last one. In order, you need to perform the kawarimi, followed by the henge, and usually the last would be the bunshin, but due to your unique circumstances, and by order of the Hokage, the Kage Bunshin no Jutsu will suffice. You may begin."

Looking around, Naruto spotted a random log lying in the classroom. With a two hand signs, Naruto swapped places with the log and then again, so that he was once again standing before the two Chunin instructors. Without any hand signs or smoke, Naruto began to change and in seconds before the two instructors stood the previous Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen.

What really shocked the two senior shinobi wasn't the sealess, smokeless henge, but rather what they felt. While neither of the two where sensors, every shinobi was trained to be able to sense to a degree someone's chakra, and what these to felt wasn't Naruto's chakra, but the old Hokage's himself. When Naruto turned back, the feeling of his chakra did so as well and so the two put it off as a type of genjutsu he had Naruto formed the seal for the Kage Bunshin no Jutsu and with three poofs of smoke, appeared three more blond pranksters.

Iruka smiled at his favourite student, never noticing the quick frown of Mizuki. "Congratulations Naruto! You pass!" Naruto began to jump for joy. He was a ninja! A shinobi of Konohagakure, one step closer to being Hokage! Iruka's smile widened at the boys exuberance "Ok Naruto, calm down. You need to head outside and wait with the rest of those that passed; we need to explain what happens next." "Ok Iruka-Sensei, Mizuki-sensei"

With that the blond ball of energy left the classroom and caught up with his two best friends, proudly wearing his hitai-ate.

Iruka and Mizuki stepped out into the courtyard where all the soon to be Genin stood. Iruka stepped forward to speak, however the noise of all the gathered children prevented that. Eye twitching, he performed a few seals all teachers knew. Using the dreaded Big Head no Jutsu, he quickly and loudly got the class to settle down. Once that was done, he took a deep breathe before continuing.

"Alright everyone, now that I have your attention, congratulations! You have passed the academy trials! However don't think that life is going to get easier from here on! You still have many more trials ahead, so prepare yourselves as best you can! Starting today, you become Genin of Konoha. You can no longer expect someone to hold your hand and guide you through life. It is now up too you! Tomorrow you will be told the members of your team, so don't be late. Now, go out and celebrate. You all deserve it!"

With that, the class resounded with cheers as everyone started celebrating. Only when the last student left did Mizuki speak up. "You didn't tell them about the next part of the exam, why not?" "Mizuki, you know as well as I do, the second stage of the Genin trials is a secret. As a shinobi, we aren't always privy to all the information, and must act on any new information discovered as quickly as possible." Mizuki smiled before replying. "That is true. It'll be interesting to see who passes the next stage. I cant wait!" Iruka missed the glint in Mizuki's' eyes as the two walked away.

It was a cold and cloudy evening, the only lights visible in the village was those of the Hokage tower and of the patrols moving throughout the village.

In the Uchiha district, Uchiha Sasuke returned to his room after a small dinner with his mother. His brother hadn't been able to join them as he was busy sorting out the teams for the new Genin and so the two had eaten together, discussing the day's events. Now he was in his room, preparing for bed when he noticed a letter on his desk. Opening he read it before smirking.

'Yo Teme, let's celebrate passing with a spar. If you think you can take me, meet me by the Training forest at 11! Naruto!'

Seeing that there wasn't much time left, He jumped out the window and raced towards the park, never noticing the eyes in the dark, or the evil smile on the persons face, before the shadow disappeared into smoke.

Hinata had just finished her meal with her parents and sister and was heading up stairs. After the excitement of the day, all she wanted to do was sleep. After finishing up her bedtime rituals, she was about to get into bed when she noticed the letter on her bedside stand. After reading it, she blushed before getting redressed and heading out.

'Dear Hinata-chan, wanna go out for a walk in the forest? There's something I need to tell you. Alone. Please meet my there at 11. See you then. Dattebayo!'

As Hinata snuck out of the clan compound, she never noticed the shadow in her haste, nor the smoke it left behind.

Naruto sighed. After coming home with the good news, his father had decided to celebrate. Unfortunately Jiraiya's celebrating constituted getting drunk and so he was currently passed out on the couch. As Naruto made his way to his room he laughed in joy at how great today had gone, and for the excitement of tomorrow's team setups.

However his laughter died when he got to his room. Sitting on his study table was a letter, and next to that letter were two items that immediately made him worry.

The first was a small bracelet that he knew belonged to Hinata and had been given to her by her mother. The other was an Uchiha ceremonial dagger that had been recently given to Sasuke by his brother, marking him as next in line as heir to the Uchiha Clan.

There was no way either would ever part with said objects. Unrolling the scroll, Naruto paled even further.

'Naruto-kun, if you ever want to see your friends alive again, meet me by the central clearing in the forest by 11:30 or else. You know the one I'm talking about.'

Naruto didn't know what to do. There was only a few minutes remaining, not enough time to rouse Jiraiya or seek help. With a hunted look he ran outside, sprinting as fast as he could into the forest, praying with all his heart that he would get there in time and that his friends wouldn't be hurt.

It was quite as Naruto entered the clearing. Tied to the biggest tree were his two friends. Both were trying to say something, but were gagged. Running to them, he pulled of their gags. Before he could do anything else they both screamed "BEHIND YOU!". With a resounding clash, something hit him from behind. Dazed he looked up but all he could see was a blurry figure and hear evil laughter.

As the laughter died down the man began to speak, and as he did Naruto's vision cleared. In front of him stood Mizuki, one of his Academy instructors.

"Hahaha, I've finally got you, and now… It's time to end you." Before Naruto could react, Mizuki pulled out a Fūma Shuriken and threw it at him. Naruto closed his eyes and awaited the pain, but all he felt was a small splash on his face. Opening his eyes, he came face to face with his other sensei, Iruka.

His eyes widened when he saw the blood coming out of Iruka's mouth, and when he collapsed, the giant shurikan sticking out of his back.

"Iruka, what the fuck are you doing out here, you should have been waiting for me at the shinobi bar!" "Heh, something felt wrong, and when I saw Naruto making a mad dash for the forest I followed. What are you doing Mizuki?! Why are you attacking your allies?!" "That Demon is no ally of mine, and neither is it an ally of this village. You saw what it did! It killed your parents! And yet you treat it as if it's one of us!"

At this point Naruto spoke up. "Demon!? What the hell are you talking about!? I didn't' kill Iruka-sensei's parents! Why are you doing this you bastard!?"

"Don't play dumb with me you monster, you know exactly what you are. You're the Kyu…" "No! Mizuki it's forbidden!" "Shut up you idiot! I don't care!" at this point, Naruto's voice again reached the two Chunin. "What am I?" He asked it in such a small voice that Iruka never heard, but Mizuki did.

With an evil smile he finished what he had begun saying earlier. "You're The Kyuubi, the Nine Tailed Demon Fox that almost destroyed my village and killed Iruka's parents!" A look of utter horror appeared on Naruto's face. "No! that's not true! My father would have said something!"

"Please, you don't have a father. That deluded old fool you call a father adopted you so that he could keep an eye on that seal that keeps you in human form!" As soon as Mizuki saw the clouded look on Naruto's face he attacked. "NOW DIE!"

Once again Mizuki's attack was foiled, and one again it was due to Iruka receiving the attack. "Fine! You want to die protecting the Demon? So be it, LET ME HELP YOU!"

As Mizuki spun to deliver the fatal blow, he was once again blocked. This time it was due to a rather tenacious Uchiha who had managed to burn the ropes with a small Katon Jutsu. However in doing so he had also burned himself. Naruto meanwhile was being helped up by a trembling Hinata.

"I'm the Kyuubi? I'm a Demon? I'm a Monster?" Over and over he repeated these questions to himself, with more and more conviction until. SLAP! Looking over and rubbing his now red cheek, he saw Hinata and she was crying.

"Don't you ever say that again! You're not a monster! Evan if you are the Kyuubi, you're the kindest, sweetest, bravest boy in the world. The only real monster is Mizuki!" "Yeah dobe, get a hold of yourself. Kyuubi or not I'll still kick your ass if you act like that ever again! Now come on, we've got a traitors ass to kick!"

With both of his friends encouraging him, Naruto smiled, before saying. "Thanks guys." Together the trio attacked Mizuki and before the Chunin had any time to react he had fireballs racing towards his head, chakra strikes aimed at his body and hundreds of clones dog piling him.

When all was said and done, it was a bruised and beaten Mizuki who was released from a sealing scroll the next day. Straight into the arms of the Hokage, And from there to T&I. It would later be revealed that he had planned to kill Naruto, sell Hinata of to the highest bidder in Kumo and present Sasuke as a piece offering to Orochimaru.

After the long night and numerous questioning, the three were released and led to the Hokage tower, where they met up with Jiraiya, Hiruzen and Itachi. There the truth was finally revealed. Naruto learnt that he wasn't the Kyuubi, only its container and that yes Jiraiya was his adopted father, but hadn't adopted him because of the Kyuubi, but because he was his godfather. When Naruto asked who his real parents were, the room became quite. It was Hiruzen that broke the silence. "Naruto-kun, I'm deeply sorry, but you cannot know who your parents are at this time. It is too dangerous, but I promise you, when you are ready you Will be told."

No amount of nagging or whining could get the three S-classed ninja to talk and so Naruto was forced to accept their decision. Lastly, Hinata and Sasuke were sworn to never speak about Naruto's status as the Kyuubi jinchūriki to anyone without his permission, as it was an S-ranked secret.

Due to his wounds, Iruka was giving leave for a week, but he refused to do so until the team lists had been called out and so it was a hurt and bandaged Iruka that appeared to the class the next morning.

When Iruka shuffled into the classroom that morning, he didn't need to use his Big Head no Jutsu, as all the bandages wrapped around his body quickly quieted the class.

"Good morning everyone!" When no one responded he sighed. When Akamichi Choji stood up, Iruka sighed again. "Uhm, Iruka-sensei? What happened to you?" From there on out, most of the class began asking the same question. What had happened to Iruka? The only students not asking that question, were the three students that witnessed it.

"All I can say is that there was an incident in the village last night and these are the results. Unfortunately that is all I can say regarding the incident, so please no more questions." When no one else spoke up, he continued. "Good, now as all of you know, today is the day that your chosen team groups are announced, along with the names of your Sensei's. First up, Team one…"

And so the teams were called out. As more and more students were assigned teams, Naruto became more and more excited. Finally, team seven was announced.

"Team seven, Uchiha Sasuke, Uzumaki Naruto and Haruno Sakura, your Jonin sensei is Hatake Kakashi."

Naruto was conflicted. On one hand, he was with his best friend, but on the other, he had Haruno Sakura, an annoying fangirl who never worked to her potential. Looking over at Hinata, he saw that her head was bowed, and that she was slightly shaking. Placing a hand on her back, he was about to tell her it was going to be alright, when a messenger bird arrived. Iruka took the message and read it before speaking again.

"There has been a slight change in the team lists. Team seven is now, Uchiha Sasuke, Uzumaki Naruto and Hyuga Hinata, and Hatake Kakashi is still their Jonin sensei."

As soon as Iruka finished speaking, both Naruto and Hinata jumped from their seats, shouting out in joy before hugging each other. Sasuke just sighed in relief before covering it up with a smirk. It didn't take long before Hinata realised what she was doing and, blushing a bright cherry red, let go of Naruto and sat down again, concentrating on staying conscious. Naruto just laughed and gave Sasuke a 'pat' on the back.

"Ok settle down you three, you're not the only ones on the list you know." As soon as Naruto sat back down, he continued. "Alright next up, team eight, Aburame Shino, Inuzuka Kiba and Haruno Sakura, your Jonin sensei will be Yuhi Kurenai. Team nine is still in rotation from last year, so the next team will be team ten. Akamichi Choji, Nara Shikamaru and Yamanaka Ino. your Jonin Sensei will be Sarutobi Asuma."

As the final teams were called, Iruka once again congratulated everyone on passing before opening the school door, allowing the gathered Sensei to retrieve their students. One by one the Jonin Sensei entered and left with their teams, until all that remained was team seven.

Three hours later, Naruto's eye began to twitch. Sighing Naruto spoke up. Kashi-niisan is always like this! He just has to be late, but this is just pushing it. You know what guys, I think it's time we get a little pay back, what do you say?" Smirking, Naruto stood up, followed by his new teammates and together the three began plotting, and then moving around the classroom.

It was another hour before Kakashi made his appearance and by then, all trace of guilt for what was about to occur had left the three pre-teens. The Trap was triggered when Kakashi opened the door. As the eraser fell, Kakashi sidestepped it. "Naruto, don't you think I know you by now?" Naruto just smirked as Kakashi's foot snagged the hidden tripwire, causing a bucket of ice cold water to fall down, drenching the Jonin Sensei. As he removed the bucket he triggered the next part of the trap, allowing a bottle of glitter to fall down and cover him in a layer of sparkling specks. Lastly a packet of catnip was released, covering the ex ANBU commander with the herb.

Kakashi just sighed. "Alright I guess I deserved that." Three Irate Genin responded to that with "YOU THINK!?" Laughing Kakashi just told them to meet him upstairs before disappearing. As the three teammates went upstairs, the snickered between themselves. If Kakashi thought he was off the hook so easily, he was dead wrong.

At the top the noticed Kakashi standing by one of the rooftop benches. "Alright everyone, let's start off with little introduction. Tell me your names, your likes, dislikes, dreams and hobbies." "But Kashi-niisan, you already know all of those things." "Well yes I do, but its still tradition. Here, let me start. My name is Hatake Kakashi. I like many things, I don't dislike much, my dreams? Don't have any. And my hobbies, well? You'll have to wait until you're older to find out. Your turn Hinata."

As the three teens glared at him, Kakashi just gave them his trademarked eye smile. Finally Hinata spoke up. "My name is Hyuga Hinata. I like Naruto-kun and Sasuke-kun, I dislike bullies and the clan elders. My dream is to one day unify my clan. My Hobbies are to press flowers and make medicines." "Very good, Sasuke, your next."

"My name is Uchiha Sasuke. I like hanging out with my friends and training. I dislike traitors and those that mock my clan. My dream is to one day surpass my elder brother. My hobbies include training and growing tomatoes." "Interesting, very interesting. Naruto you're up next."

"My name is Uzumaki Naruto! I like my friends, Ramen and training. I dislike the time it takes for instant Ramen to cook, and anyone who judges a person on something that's out of their control. My dream is to one day become the greatest Hokage ever! My Hobbies are gardening and eating Ramen."

"Ok, excellent! See, that wasn't so hard? Now I want you to meet up at the bridge tomorrow at 07:00 for survival training" With that, Kakashi disappeared, leaving behind his students to discuss the days' events while he went home to wash up.

As the three friends parted ways, each heading off to their houses/clan compounds, they never would have guessed the adventures waiting in store for them, nor the hardships that lay ahead.

NB

I'm Back! I'm sooooo sorry for the long wait. You wouldn't believe the amount of trouble I had writing this chapter. First my computer died and I lost all of my work, then I got it fixed after a long wait. (I live far from any major cities here in South Africa that can handle broken PC's) After that I took a while to get started on writing up this chapter. I was nearly finished with it when my hard drive crashed and so once again I had to start again, and I was only recently motivated. That is no excuse however and so if you guys hate me, I understand. As a peace offering I present to you this peace offering of a longer chapter.

I would like to thank the following reviewers for their motivation and help.

Hinatagirl0805

Rose Tiger

Drakenn

gwb620

Kamui5

Bigfan22

Bryanchaos3

Louis Romero

Gold Testament

Shadow-Shinobi666

Chewie Cookies

Kairan1979

And the guest speaker.

Thanks to all of you and thank you everyone who has favourite and followed this story!

Also I got my first flame XD pretty mild compared to other flames I've heard of XD

Now I leave you with this quote by Tom Brokaw:
"You are educated. Your certification is in your degree. You may think of it as the ticket to the good life. Let me ask you to think of an alternative. Think of it as your ticket to change the world."