A/N - Hmm, bet you're thinking, 'Wait what's this. This guy's already did a chapter ten, hell he hasn't updated in like three months so why do we have another completely different chapter ten?'

Well my friend, the plain, short and simple way to look at it is... I fucked up.

Longer version is as followed; I tried integrating something into the story last minute because I thought it fitted perfectly, I thought it gelled together well and ultimately believed it would make the story better in the long run. I was wrong and all it ended up doing was creating plot holes.

My reasoning for this is I had actually had up to chapter 14 complete, I was planning to release the next Arc in bulk, which some of you may know contained completely unrelated characters until I came across a mammoth plot hole. Having done so much work already I tried to fix it and so I continued on writing however it burnt me out. I had to double back so much to fix stuff, change things to avoid confusion and then when my Arc was finished, my final product ready to be released was nothing compared to what it originally was meant to be.

I thought it overlapped well and transitioned nicely but it didn't however that doesn't mean it was a total loss. It was a learning experience, one that I don't regret and it's given me ideas for latter parts of this story as a lot of the content I wrote can still be used... but not for a very long time, if even.

With my explanation complete, I present to you the original chapter ten. Enjoy!

I do not own Naruto

Chapter Ten - Reality Check

A dull grey tilled floor with equally dull grey walls were the most interesting thing about the small room he was confided in. Well there was the steel chair that he was sitting on and it was pretty uncomfortable but that was beside the point; the room was generally bland and right now he was bored. His half lidded drowsy eyes threatened to close before he knew it and despite his resistance his head slowly lowered onto the only other object, a plain steel table with a soft clunk providing a cold relief on his forehead.

He released a contempt sigh of bliss for what felt like the first time in years. With all the interrogating he never got any time to himself and now... silence. It was harmony.

"YOOOOO!" The opening and slamming of a large metal door caused an ear deafening clang that knocked him out of that bliss.

Now completely awake he looked up to see the cause of his despair, he already had a fair idea who it was though, that purple haired snake lady would do something like that which brought a chill to his spine. He didn't know if he could take another one of her torture sessions.

"Oh sorry, did I wake you. I can leave if you want." His head snapped up at the pitch of the voice, eyes widening at his appearance.

Naruto took the silence as a, 'No please, take a seat.' So he did. "Hey nice to meet you, the names Naruto."

Before he knew it the blonde haired boy had his hand in a firm, verging on painful handshake. This was strange for two reasons. One being that interrogators weren't usually this... friendly, and two was that his hands (which were previously bound together by fifty millimetre chakra conductive Anbu graded steel handcuffs) where now not and partaking in an exuberant shake with his.

He stumbled on his words, voice shaking, "When... how did you?"

Naruto leaned back letting the chair swing before his legs were thrown up on the table with a loud clang in a nonchalant manner, "You wouldn't believe me if I told you so don't worry about it."

The kid's mannerisms where making him uneasy.

Naruto started fidgeting, "Say it's pretty warm in here, can we get some air conditioning on."

The convict only shook his head with a small chuckle, "You must be new to Konoha's Torture & Interrogation. They let their prisoner's heat up and dehydrate so that they can break into their mind with a little more ease. Only a fool would think they'd even have air conditionin-"

The low hum associated with air conditioning turned on and sure enough the cold relief followed. Naruto wiggled his eyebrows.

"Okay, work time!" He pulled his legs off the table and rubbed his hands, "I'm gonah tell you this straight because...well I can; It probably won't make my superiors very happy but, eh, I don't really care to be honest. Now ,you see the thing is, you're a convict charged with crimes against the people and state and I don't really know what that means but Kaka-Sensei says you're a bad person so that's that. You have information that are most experienced interrogators couldn't get out of you and for whatever reason they thought they'd give me a try. Well that's what they told me."

Naruto stopped for a deep breath, which earned him a sweat drop, "Now personally I've never interrogated anyone. I don't know how and I don't really want too but they wouldn't let me out of it. This then means that I have to kill half an hour in this room with you before I can go out and have a meal with Sasuke, Ino and the other Konoha rookies because I honestly don't remember the last time I saw them! I DON'T EVEN LIKE THEM THAT MUCH! You get the picture, mmm, capesh, comprendo!

The man looked at him blankly without reaction, "...ar- are... you okay ki-?"

He didn't even get to finish the sentence, "You know I'm glad you asked that I really am, and thank you by the way!" He turned his head towards the camera in the corner and shouted, "AT LEAST SOMEBODY CARES ABOUT MY WELL-BEING!"

He took a few moments to get his breath back before restarting the rant voice increasing in pitch, "And I'm not okay. No sireee, I am not okay, definitely not! In fact I'm pretty angry."

The man was starting to get scared, 'This guy's crazy.'

Naruto got up and started pacing, "Right get this, okay. Not two weeks ago I was away on some top secret mission shit that I thought was gonah be pretty simple, ya know getting my stripes and all because it was the first time I was even outside of Konoha... NOPE! A bomb, yeah, A FUCKING BOMB, blew up in the capital and it wasn't no pussy ass bitch either. It kicked the shit out of the," Naruto wiggled his fingers, "Impenetrable wall and then an army attacked us. A FUCKING ARMY AND I'VE NEVER EVEN BEEN IN A PROPER SHINOBI FIGHT!"

"Kid, I think you need to calm dow-" The man's voice was shaky.

"Oh I'm just getting started. That's not even the half it either. Some fucked up Ninja village, for all I know they could be a devil worshipping cult cause they looked funny, turned up and they could change form and make themselves look cooler which was awesome but turns out that made them tough as an amateur pornstar and fuck I need to stop swearing because it's becoming a fucking habit."

"Yeah kid I was gonah say. There's no need to-"

"Listen here I'll do whatever the fuck I wan-" Naruto placed both hands over his mouth but it was too late. "...Sorry, that was really aggressive wasn't it? Y'know I think I'll just sit down now."

Naruto stood still for a few moments awkwardly before the convict ushered him over, "I'm really sorry. I'm just stressed out, y'know."

The convict awkwardly put and arm around him trying to consolidate the obviously troubled kid, "Eh, it's okay kid. Everything will work itself out, I'm sure of it." It was even more awkward when Naruto leaned into the little amount of comfort he was giving. Not used to this he patted him weakly on the back, "I'm sure it'll work itself out. Look on the Brightside, it can't get any worse."

Naruto leaned back clear depression on his face, "But that's not even all of it. It gets worse."

He face palmed.

Naruto pulled his hair in frustration letting off a few growls at the memories, "I also met this really cool girl before all of this happened called Akiko and she was really nice. Like really nice, and pretty too. We would go out when we had free time and for the first time in my life I felt like I had a proper friend… well there is Sasuke, but he's a cunt! Fuck I'm not supposed to swear. Anyway, I promised her I'd talk to her before I leave and that I'd say my goodbyes and keep in touch too but I got no time because our team and the Daimyo were rushed straight back to Konoha after the battle because it was unsafe. I didn't even get any contact information and it's not like I can go and see her. I have responsibilities here.

There was silence, this time lasting more than a few seconds... "You done? Everything's out of your system?

"One more." Naruto pointed to his throat, "Breathing... need air." A few moments of haggard breaths passed where Naruto fake wiped off a brow of sweat, "Phew. Okay I'm good. Damn I can't remember the last time I talked this much, first anniversary of the Uchiha Clan massacre maybe. Ahh, that day in school was great, Sasuke got so angry he started crying."

Naruto shook his head of the fond memories. Despite the joy they brought him he had to get something else off his chest. "Anyway, that girl I was talking about, Akiko. Yeah well me and her had this real touchy moment were we were looking up at the stars and we talked about real serious stuff which was pretty cute, excuse my feminine phrase, but it was. Now that may seem weird to you because I'm only twelve but we had a really close bond just for it to be ripped apart by those assholes," He pointed to the camera without breaking eye contact, "Because... wait for it. THEY KNEW ABOUT THE WHOLE THING. Yep, everything and it was all just a setup. I'm twelve and I had to kill a person, like physically kill some woman with a knife or be killed, and they said this whole thing was done in a way so as to 'ensure success for the greater good.' Like what the fuck man, I'm just a stressed out kid like I might snap and go full Itachi on them. And you know what the worst of it is, I'm probably gonah get shouted at by those very same assholes for telling you all this and using you as a therapist. Man this blows. "

The convict just nodded his head slowly in agreement, "The world's a fucked up place kid. Take it from me because I know better than anyone."

Everything out of his system Naruto sat in a daze, unfocused and red faced before boredom kicked in. Naruto picked up the handcuffs that he'd previously placed of the table and started spinning them on his finger in boredom, "Say, I never got your name did I."

The convict looked at him strangely, "The names Dylan. Wait, you don't even know who I am, why I'm here? You're supposed to interrogate me, didn't they make you read up on my file, my tendencies, what I enjoy, my history, any and all background on myself?" He was in disbelief that they'd let him interrogate him without doing so.

In the time he was talking Naruto had gotten one of the shackles over his hand and closed it, how it happened he didn't know however he did look up briefly to provide an answer, "Yeah they did but I never read it, I thought it be easier to ask you instead; strange name by the way."

He was used to getting his strange name made fun of so his response was a very unimpressed monotone, "Thanks kid. In all seriousness though Naruto, if you wanna make it far being a Ninja you need to put in the work. Don't get me wrong, I know nothing of the trade but I do know that it requires a lot of work and effort."

Naruto waved him off without looking up. All focus was still on removing the shackles, "Please, I'm the culmination of four billion years of evolutionary success. Every single one of my ancestors lived and had children who survived them, I don't need to waste time reading a sheet when I can just ask you. Annand shit."

Before he could ask what was wrong Naruto held out his hands in front of him, "I don't know how but I managed to get my hands stuck on these. Oh well." He kicked up his feet like before and started swinging, "I'd say that used up a good twenty minutes but I've still got ten to kill. I shared the last month of my life with you and will no doubt get into some very smelly bullshit by my superiors for doing so. Cough up yours."

Dylan looked at him blankly, "I've been in here you idiot. Where else would I have been."

Naruto got defensive, "Hey don't get smart with me. I'm just trying to be nice and make conversation. Tell me why you're in here anyway, what'd you do to wind up here because you don't seem like a bad guy to me.

Dylan just released a sigh in defeat, 'What did I do to deserve this kid,' to keep the peace... and the air conditioning he obliged, "I doubt you'll believe me but I'll tell you exactly what I told your superiors. You know of the Kiri war, right kid?"

Now that caught Naruto's interest, "I know of it. Nothing too detailed considering my rank but I know why it started if that's what you're asking?" His modern day history fetish was kicking in."

"Well, to put it simply I was a scout for the rebels. I'd be given an area or checkpoint to infiltrate and gather information on and I'd deliver it back. Simple and easy so it suited me just fine."

The inner historian in him kicked in causing a dry look to spurt forth, "For being a rebel you're not exactly the most patriotic one I've ever heard of. I thought you rebels were fighting that bloodline war to stop violence, to bring free of your Yondaime's rule? You don't sound very patriotic to me?" Last he heard the Kiri bloodline war had been one of the bloodiest in history, he expected a little more bitterness or vice at least.

The man just shook his head before tapping it with his finger, "Use your head kid, look at me. Dark skin tone, northern accent; even my name should give it away. I'm not from Kiri, I'm a foreign mercenary or at least I used to be; I was hired to do a very specific job and that jobs what landed me in here."

Naruto mentally slapped himself at his mistake but he didn't sit on it, "You must have been quite the Ninja if Kiri decided to spend resources bringing you in? Kami knows their struggling as it is?"

The prisoner had to correct him again, "I'm no Ninja kid, like I said, I'm a mercenary and I'm not a fighter either. I was however adept at what I did do, so much so that I was worth the pretty penny my allegiance demanded." His small smirk dropped with what he said next, "I had been doing well, completing everything asked of me until one rather tricky one came up. Infiltrate Kirigakure under the guise of... you guessed it, a scout. I would be a double agent and that's where everything started to go wrong."

Naruto chose not to say anything; he could sense the darker tone in the older man's voice and the way he stuttered slightly towards the end. One thing he was certain of was that this wasn't the ordinary run of the mill crime either, something abnormal or drastic had to have happened if he wound up in Konoha's possession.

He scratched his chin in thought before continuing, "I wasn't sure whether to take the job or not. It was practically a suicide mission, one mistake, one slip up and that was it but I got greedy, the money was too good and if I did what I was asked I'd have been set for life." He shook his head to clear the thoughts that served him no use now and pressed on, "Anyway, I took it and managed to work my way in. I did what I always did, built fake friendships and worked myself in too situations so I'd make important contacts, giving them pieces of information about the rebels when I had too and ultimately doing my job. Within a few years I had risen to the top, I was trusted and confided in by Kiri's top men which is what I wanted, right until I stumbled into something I shouldn't have."

As expected Naruto asked the question that would naturally spring to mind, "Well what was it that you saw." His mind was already going into overdrive as he thought of Dylan's incident to where he was now. Obviously he saw something that made him stop what he was doing and flee from the war, however what he saw must of made him dangerous... or valuable hence why Konoha where trying to get it out of him.

Dylan just gave a dry smile that very much looked forced, "That's where I and your people have a problem kid, I know what I saw and I'm not willing to share it with anyone else. It was wrong, it was unethical and it was breed from war; your superiors can resort to whatever they like but its best that sort of knowledge gets kept a secret..."

Just as the sentence finished the bell signalling for his exit rang out and whilst not showing it he was ripping. All the built up intensity shattered just like that. 'Well I suppose it didn't matter anyway, what use would that sort of information ever provide to me anyway.' It was time Naruto was off anyway.

It was no shock to him that something wrong was happening in Kiri, something unethical and frightening, after all it was war. Things like that happened although he'd be lying if he said he wasn't interested in finding out what it was; that was the big question and if he was correct in guessing somebody in Konoha managed to get a tip off that this guy knew something, hence why he was taken in and questioned.

Why they asked him he'll never know, not that he cared either.

With a shakedown and a yawn to break the silence Naruto stood up from the chair, "Well it's been fun and all Dylan but I better get going or Ino will beat me up again. See I would fight back but she's a girl and it just feels wrong. Anyway, that doesn't matter." He received a goodbye that he politely returned but whilst heading to the door he remembered one small problem. He was handcuffed. Dylan was not.

Naruto looked from the closed door to Dylan a few times signalling his predicament, "Say buddy, would you be a real gem and let me out? I'll put in a good word for you." It was one of those moments were he would scratch the back of his head if he could.

A disbelieving sweat-drop and a moment of unparalleled trust between a convict and a pre-teen left Naruto in the position to leave, although the whole handcuff problem would have to be fixed at some point between now and when he ate. "Thanks, I'll be sure to put in a good word for you, they'll probably let you out soon anyway once they figure out you don't have any information. Just make sure not to make anything up during torture or spill the beans if there is any or the council will use it as an excuse to send you away from life. And they'll probably shout at me for that to but like I said, I'm already in deep shit."

'Does this guy ever stop talking?' He, the convict was holding the door open for his captor and right now all he wanted to do was go back to the unbearable hot conditions. "Yes Naruto, very good now is there anything else."

"No- yes actually! Just out of interest what was the name of your commander in Kiri. It serves me no purpose but you never know, I might get bored some time and need something to research."

The convict grimaced but complied rather reluctantly, "Yamori Alonton... And one final parting advice, don't do any research on him kid."

With that the door was closed rather forcefully in Naruto's face but he didn't think anything of it. Whistling a jaunty tune he walked on with little care at the information he just heard. The information that was apparently no use to him; however more important questions had to be answered, would he go for the typical Miso Ramen today or maybe a steak stir fry? It'd definitely be a tough call.

Naruto sat meditating in his room after carrying out his most unproductive day since returning from the Capital. He could only spend so much time hanging out with the other Genin before he had to get back doing something, Sasuke was very much the same in that aspect.

The reason he needed to steady and settle himself this time was self-explanatory if anyone knew what his life had been like recently. He had a lot going on at the moment, he had been non-stop since his return to Konoha and now finally getting time to himself everything was settling in to place and realisation was starting to hit.

He had to admit that spending the day catching up and chatting to the other Rookies was fun but it just wasn't him, he liked to be doing things when conversing not just spending the day for the sake of it.

It wasn't to say that he was going through a tough time, or that he was troubled. No not at all; He had resorted to meditation this time as more of a period of reflection and a very welcome one at that. He was the son of a Kage, he was a Jinchuriki and the sole surviving member of the Namikaze bloodline.

He scrunched his eyes at that. 'Guess there was more to the rejected orphan than everyone thought.' The people knew of his curse, what he held but he couldn't imagine how they would react if they knew his lineage...

When these thoughts coursing through him a strange pang of dread and loath burst forth. He didn't know why he felt this way but did he want to have connections to these people? Yes they were great, yes they were idols and heroes and people to respect but that didn't change who he was, how he lived. Despite all the great deeds, their reputation and fame that didn't set aside the fact that their sole living heir sat alone in a cheap apartment block situated in the corner of a village that hated him.

As far as Naruto was concerned this revelation changed nothing. He was still Naruto Uzumaki and his life was his own. What his parents did, who his relatives were didn't matter to him and he wouldn't change his views and attitude because of it; his mission in the Capital was a harsh way of being broken into the Ninja world and it opened his eyes to the fact he wasn't invincible, nor was he unbeatable.

Hell, if he wasn't a Jinchuriki he'd be already dead, the Sound Four would've seen to that with little remorse and he still couldn't get the look in Sakon's face out of his mind when he opened his eyes. He had been knocked out, he had lost and when he woke he felt the cold steel that could only be a blade at his throat.

That thought made him shiver; he was nine out of ten steps to being dead and somehow he got out of it, he supposed he had the Kyuubi to thank for that.

As for his usage of Kyubi's chakra during the defence of the palace, it had become quite the talk among his superiors although none of them really knew what happened. Of course like everything else in his life it kept as one big S-Class secret but the fact that Naruto Uzumaki now knew about his 'curse' and had been forced to use it had caused shockwaves.

Thankfully that S-Class secret was getting abolished tomorrow.

(Flashback - Mission Briefing - Hokage's Office)

Keshi and his team wasted no time once on their journey back to Konoha, nor did they waste time once they reached the village. The travel had been done in a rush, an organised mess at best and security measures were rolled back in favour of speed. After Anbu moved in and did what they do best they took over just like you'd expect, twenty four hour surveillance over the palace and the protection of the Daimyo was all but guaranteed for the foreseeable future so there presence in the Capital was unneeded especially after what just happened.

It was at that time he'd expect things too cool down but Keshi was adamant they return to Konoha as quickly as possible so they did just that. The sun was setting when they managed to get clear of the Capital as most of the day had been spent in communication with the Anbu and decisions being made, not that he got much involvement in either due to his rank.

With Koharu in no shape to travel she stayed with the Anbu meaning their trip back was fast but surprisingly quiet. Izumo and Kotetsu were keeping to themselves seemingly deep in thought, Keshi was his quiet calculative self and he was giving it everything he had just to keep up with the other Ninja. His exposure to his Demon's chakra had broken him in a sense, since he used it he hadn't been able to get his breath back, he was constantly tired but that wasn't the most worrying thing.

From what he had gathered Keshi had been all but sure they had lost him, his Chakra signature had all but vanished for the briefest of moments before being replaced by what he could only consider as their worst nightmares and he knew it. The difference was that he knew he was in control, they on the other hand weren't so sure, even the slightest possibility that a Jinchuriki went on a rampage in the Capital was frightening.

That's why it was the way it was now, once they seen that he was alright and normal they never mentioned anything, they treated him like normal and let nothing slip but Naruto knew he had a lot of questions to answer and he was next to certain he'd have a lot of explaining to do once he did get to Konoha.

If there was the slightest chance that he wasn't in control they weren't willing to take it, this explained the rush back to Konoha, the silence and the occasional worried glance that Izumo and Kotetsu desperately tried to hide.

Taking this all into account as he stood in the Hokage's office he supposed it was only right he was receiving weary glances when anyone bothered to look at him.

As Keshi ran through the mission report the Hokage just puffed on his pipe, occasionally nodding his head in acceptance or agreement before Keshi would go on, that was until it came to the battle, and "To be honest sir once the fighting started we didn't have much contact. As I said, Naruto was off duty at the time but was able to join the fight late... I think they can provide that information far better than I can."

Again, all that they received was a nod of the head before each Shinobi reported what happened. How Keshi commanded the troops and led them to victory; how Izumo and Kotetsu split off and took out any Shinobi that appeared to be more of a threat and then their duels with Kidomaru and Jirobo.

All of it was to the point and very formal just as he expected until all eyes rested on him, everyone wanted to know exactly what happened and so he obliged.

(Flashback End)

It didn't take him long to clear everything up. Any questions asked he answered truthfully, anything the Hokage or the others wanted to know he handled as best he could and he completed his report in detail however he didn't mention anything about his parents. For now, and for the foreseeable future that would be his knowledge only.

It was pretty clear to everyone present that Sarutobi wasn't best pleased with what went on during the mission, or as the old man had put it, "Too many lives had been put at risk." At the time Naruto thought he was being signalled out but he wasn't; looking back at things it seemed pretty clear that this mission had been something Sarutobi didn't want him to partake in but needed too.

Again, Naruto didn't think too much of it, it was above his paygrade and on that note he had a feeling it was above Keshi's too. Blind guesses signalled him towards a political move, maybe a display of strength to other villages but he didn't sit on it; at the end of the day blind guesses were just that.

The knowledge that the Jinchuriki of Konoha now knew about his 'curse' as they called it spread like wildfire but Sarutobi had been quick to ensure it didn't spill into the younger populace of the village, something that Naruto was thankful of. He was still coming to grips with it himself and didn't want more on his plate.

Naruto understood the seriousness of the situation and so he played his part. His short time spent in the office had been handled well, he dropped his personality and replaced it with the model Genin and responded like they wanted him too. He let go of any prejudice or anger he held, made it clear that he had been in control and that it was only in self-defence and that mentally he was okay. The performance was kept up, with each question he answered and with each doubt in their mind he erased the tension and turmoil dissipated.

It had been over a week now since his return back to Konoha and in hindsight he had come to a very acceptable conclusion; karma was real and he'd fucked over too many people too many times now to have a life worth living, 'Like how the hell do I manage to get in these interactions? I got a hot chick to like me when I was being my asshole-self only for it to get ripped right out of his hands.' That got him thinking, 'I can never get a girl to like me ever even when I try playing the nice guy.' In the Capital all he had to do was be his anti-social borderline psychopath self and boom, the hottest chick he'd ever seen had shown interest... so did her friends for that matter.

He scrunched his eyes and stretched in annoyance before getting up, "Damn it, the last week or so has really sucked." He could only sit around and think for so long, it was time to get going again and with his missions pay check just coming in the other day he had a fair idea on what he could blow it on.

Choosing to take a walk through the streets he was pleased to see the usual looks of distain and hate remained, 'Kami know something had to stay constant.' Needing to get some food in him his body turned on auto pilot so it wasn't look before he ended up taking a seat at Ichiraku Ramen.

Plopping down in his usual seat Naruto could only release a sigh, "Can I get some ramen you guys... I really need something to binge on." If it weren't for this stand he'd have taken up drinking long ago.

He heard a giggle before Ayame came into view from out back, "Naruto-kun I haven't seen you for so long, how've you been."

Naruto just scratched the back of his head, "Ehh, I can't really complain." That right there, lie of the century. Pulling out a full wallet a predatory grin fell into place, "I'll take one of everything to start with Ayame-chan, I have some money to blow today so make sure you come back and let me order seconds."

"One of everything..." A large sweat drop appeared until she remembered just who she was dealing with. In the past the only reason Naruto ever stopped eating their ramen was lack of money, at the minute that didn't seem to be a problem. Nodding dumbly and writing down the order she was on her way,

Not two minutes later Teuchi came from the back chuckling to himself, "I didn't have to ask who it was when I saw the size of the order, how's life as a Ninja treating you? Nothing too strenuous I hope!"

Naruto grinned at him, "Nothing I can't handle, although I'm sure you heard about the attack on the Capital. I was actually a part of a team stationed there so there was that."

Teuchi looked genuinely concerned, "What? No way, I heard it was pretty violent. You didn't get hurt did you, I was gonah say you look worn out."

Naruto just continued too grin, "Like I said Teuchi-san, nothing I can't handle. I've been busy lately and haven't been getting much sleep but something like that can't keep me down." He'd been getting plenty of sleep, what had an effect on his was using that damn Kyuubi chakra. He supposed he couldn't be too butt hurt about it, without it he would be dead but damn did it ware him out. He still wasn't back to his full hundred percent.

Teuchi just laughed in response, "Well kid I may get back to it; don't be a stranger."

Naruto's eyes shone as they placed a bowl of ramen in front of him, "Enjoy kid." As Teuchi back to continue cooking Ayame was busy taking orders which suited him just fine. It'd been too long since he sat down and enjoyed a dose of the good stuff.

The troubled blonde dug in with vigour and just like he thought it would his mind started to ease. But alas, nothing in life ever went perfect and after making it too fourteen bowls his hectic life came back in the form on an interruption.

"Hello Naruto-kun, you seem to be enjoying yourself."

Naruto turned around with a face full of noddle's to see who wanted him, 'of all people, why you.' Getting his priorities straight he slurped up the remainder of his bowl without breaking eye contact and as he set it down with a sigh he wiped his face clean, "Fifteen! Now Kakashi, you only ever come and find me when you want something, what is it?"

The older man just gave the usual eye smile as he slid into a seat beside him, "Glad to see you've still got those usual mannerisms of yours, Lord Hokage had complemented on training you. He couldn't understand how I'd made you so formal and polite in such short time." Kakashi understood that Naruto was like a switch, he could turn his formality off and on when needed.

Naruto just gave him a scowl, "You know damn well why I acted like that. There was four people in the room besides myself and the Anbu, now I'm not saying they would but if any of them had the slightest thought that I wasn't in control do you know what that'd mean for me?"

Kakashi just nodded in agreement, "No you did that right thing. Obviously the Hokage's on your side so you have nothing to worry about there, it's one of those Anbu that I'd be worried about." He knew the question was about to be asked so he answered it prematurely, "As for the others, Izumo and Kotetsu have nothing but praise for you, and while Keshi is his usual quiet self, everyone can tell he likes you," He gave Naruto a light did in the shoulder, "Isn't that good Naruto, a few more people who know you for who you really are, the more people who see that the better right?"

Naruto shock his head, "I've told you once and I'll tell you again Kakashi, I don't care what people think of me. Love me or hate me, either way suits fine."

There wasn't very many people who could lie to the Jonin but Naruto was one of them, whether it was a lie or not he didn't know. "I saw earlier that you used honorifics when speaking to the owners of this stand?"

"Hmm, what of it?" If Kakashi had interrupted his snack to small talk he wouldn't be best pleased, "I'm not a total asshole Kakashi!"

"See that right there, that's what I'm talking about," He couldn't get his head around this, "I can count on one hand the times you've addressed me Kakashi-Sensei and I've never heard you use honorifics at all apart from there now."

Naruto returned his attention back to his food, "Generally I don't like honorifics, but I'll use them to people I like."

"But I've only ever seen you use them on the ramen store owners?"

"Well there's your answer," Naruto downed another full bowl of ramen like it was his first, "Sixteen!"

Kakashi just sweat dropped, this wasn't going like he planned. It was supposed to be a nice catch up with his student, not this. When he did this with Ino and Sasuke they were far more inviting; Ino had been at her family store and talked to him for a solid half hour, and Sasuke had even invited him in for some tea at his house.

Each of them had experienced a gruelling first mission and so when they saw their Sensei they were greeted and welcomed with open arms. Like always, Naruto was the anomaly. Breaking the silence Kakashi again started, "I was talking to Ino earlier and she wasn't a bit happy that you decided to ditch her and the rest of the rookies early."

Naruto waved him off, "What did they expect me to do. I mean it was fun catching up at the start but after that it got boring pretty fast. Shikamaru and Choji got something to eat at their favourite barbeque house, the girls got their trip to the clothes stores and of course Sasuke and Kiba got to stop in at their favourite dango shop; we even set aside time to go to this thing called the bug club for Shino. After that we were just hanging around at one of the training grounds talking and sky watching when I sneaked out.

Kakashi didn't react, "I'm not saying what you did is wrong, I probably would have did the same thing in my youth but you should try and enjoy it. I also brought it up because you should expect another beating from Ino."

Naruto just shivered at that, "It was still worth it." Setting his money on the counter he rose to his feet significantly fuller, "Well if that's all Kakashi I think I'll be on my way, training calls as so far I've been pretty lazy today." He did have a few dozen clones working on Fuinjutsu twenty-four-seven but he didn't count that.

Kakashi got up and walked with his as he left, "Actually I do have another reason for coming apart from our little catch-up, Lord-Hokage wants to see you regarding your council meeting tomorrow, he wants you prepped so you know what you're going into."

Although the blonde hid it well he could practically feel the dread roll off him, "Shit, I'd nearly managed to forget about that, thanks Kakashi."

That had to be the least thankful face he'd ever seen.

"I'm just passing on the message," Just as he was about to let him go the Jonin gave one last warning, "Oh and Naruto, try not to rub Hokage-sama up the wrong way, he's already rightly pissed at your interrogation this morning."

As he walked away Naruto just traced a tired hand through his hair... however there was a slight smirk that escaped his façade, contrary to popular belief the mouthy preteen had been itching for a chance like this and with his act earlier in the day he was sure to have them wound up and in a bad mood.

Tomorrow he would hold his tongue when he had too, but he'd also let the council know just what he thought of them. A wicked grin spread across his face, it was sure to be fun.

A/N - So this has sort of been like a chap to cover everything that's happened to Naruto in this past while; as you can tell, some of the knowledge he's learned has had an effect on his view of things and of himself but it's just the questioning phase.

Another point I'd like to mention is how Naruto is as a Ninja; I like to see his as a bit of a freak, eccentric and a 'do what he likes' kind of attitude, however he also knows that theirs one man in the village that needs his respect hence why when it's required he will be the perfect little Ninja everyone wants.

My opening to the chapter I think is something you'll appreciate in time rather than it's comical purposes now, the reasoning is because it's actually a shout out to a future Arc I have pretty well planned out, that being said a lot of stuff has to happen between then and now so I think it's best if that's all I say about that.

Next chap is the Council meeting which will be...eventful. It's basically just a way to get Naruto's Kyuubi development moving forward and a have a few other things planned to liven things up again. That's it from me so go outside, ride you bike or play some football... Or you could, y'know like play some Fallout... Call of Duty maybe; oh and contrary to popular belief, Destiny is a kickass game too.

Do one of them and then email me some budget, dirt cheap McDonald's. I'm so hungry now it's not even funny.