A/N - I made some changes because it felt like I was going to fast. Things will slowly proceed forward because I want to show how Naruto awakens his Mangekyou, loses his bond with Anko, and how he ends up being at the start of his career. I hope you guys are enjoying this and Indi want you to know that I like adding some drama for my own pleasure when I read. But I hope you continue reading the story to the end. I plan on going into the end of Shippuden.
The students inside the class were standing outside, waiting to begin their first taijutsu lesson. Since the year just started, they would be giving a demonstration of their current abilities.
Iruka was standing next to Anko as they were discussing the lesson plan for today. "Do you think it's wise to have them fight each other?" Iruka asked.
"Don't be a pussy. These brats need to feel what a punch feels like. Besides, it will be a good idea to feel how the class will do." Anko pointed out.
"I suppose. But how do we properly match up the students?" Iruka asked.
"Don't worry. I'll stick clan heirs with each other and civilians together. How does that sound?" Anko asked.
"Okay. I suppose that will work." Iruka said.
"Alright, maggots. Listen up, we're going to be doing some soaring. We don't know how your training has been outside the class, so today, you are all weaklings. If you want to change our minds, prove it to us." Anko called out.
"Weakling? I'll show you a weakling!" Kiba shouted and his ninja hound, Akamaru started barking.
"Oh really? Alright, Naruto Uzumaki will start with Kiba Inuzuka." Anko called out.
"Easy. This loser is going down." Kiba said as he walked to the center of the field.
Naruto sighed and proceeded to meet Kiba halfway. He gave a soft bow.
"Rules are simple. Win." Anko declared the march began. Without hesitation, Kiba charged at Naruto with the plan to deliver a barrage of punches.
Naruto's Sharingan activated and he was able to sidestep the Inuzuka and bring his fist upwards. The front of his knuckles connected to Kiba's face and it sent him backwards.
"You little shit. How did you do that?" Kiba asked.
"It's simple, you weren't fast enough." Naruto said. Kiba jumped up and charged while twisting his body.
"Inuzuka clan taijutsu, rotating fang!" Kiba shouted as his body appeared like a cyclone. This brough a smile to Naruto's face.
As Kiba's cyclone charged at the blond, he planted both hands into the ground. "Earth Release - Earth Style Wall." Naruto said and the wall had enough chakra that stopped Kiba's attack.
"Naruto, this is a taijutsu fight only!" Iruka called out. The blond turned and apologized while laughing sheepishly.
"Sorry, Iruka sensei. I got carried away." Naruto said.
"You little cheater! You didn't forget!" Kiba shouted.
Naruto sighed. "Alright, do you want me to go all out?" Naruto asked as he went into the snake taijutsu stance.
"Yes! But it won't matter because you're going down!" Kiba shouted. However, to his and everyone's surprise, the blond charged and delivered multiple punches and kicks without anyone being able to keep up. When Naruto finished, Kiba was knocked out.
Ino cheered while Shino nodded. Naruto smirked and walked over to his friends. "I think I went a little overboard." Naruto said.
"Um, Naruto? How did you do that?" Ino asked.
"Huh? Oh, I did a lot of push ups, sit ups, and I drank plenty of juice." Naruto declared. The class watched a few fights take place and when Kiba woke up, he proceeded to the blond.
"Hey, I don't know what you did, but don't think you're better than me!" Kiba roared.
Naruto smirk and extended his hand. "Hi, my name is Naruto Uzumaki. Your name is Kiba Inuzuka, right?" Naruto asked.
Kiba raised his eyebrows. "Huh? What are you doing?" Kiba asked.
"It was a friendly fight. No reason for us to be angry at each other. I'm properly introducing myself and asking if you'd like to be friends with me, Ino, and Shino." Naruto said.
Kiba looked at Naruto's hand before sighing in defeat. "Yeah. You know, you aren't too bad. Your punches hit like a boulder." Kiba said with a chuckle.
"Oh, that's just from training. You know, after class, you can join us in training. I'm sure you'll find some benefit from it." Naruto said.
"Yeah, I think I'll take you up on that offer." Kiba said as he saw the final fight end.
As the group proceeded to the classroom, Naruto hung back to see one of the larger kids with a frown on his face. "Hey, are you alright?" Naruto asked.
"Huh? Oh, yeah. I'm fine." The boy lied. Little did he know, Naruto could easily tell if a person was being honest.
"I don't believe you. What's up?" Naruto asked.
Choji looked down. "I don't like fighting. But a few of the kids were laughing at me and calling me names. It isn't that I'm weak, but I hate hurting others." Choji said.
"That's okay. Hurting others is never a good feeling. But you know, sometimes, you have to do what you don't want to do in order to protect those precious to you. Tell me, if someone killed your family, you'd do everything to stop them, right?" Naruto asked.
"Well, yeah. I would protect my family with my life." Choji said.
"There you go. You should come sit by us in class. We won't call you weak or look down on you. You can actually join us in our after school training if you want.@ Naruto said.
Choji smiled and gave a nod. "Okay." Said Choji.
"By the way, my name is Naruto Uzumaki. What's your name?" Asked the blond.
"Um, my name is Choji Akimichi." Responded the chubby kid. To his surprise, Naruto offered his hand out as a sign of friendship. Choji nodded and happily shook his hand.
Little did the kids know, one elderly man was watching from above with a soft smile on his face. "Naruto, my boy. If there is one thing you have, it's the ability to turn any stranger into a friend." Hiruzen said.
"Lord Hokage, we have some bad news." Said Kakashi as he entered.
Hiruzen turned to face Kakashi. "What is it?" Asked the elderly man.
"Shisui Uchiha has been killed by suicide. He ended his life by throwing himself into the river." Kakashi said.
Hiruzen sighed. "I see. That's all, Kakashi." Hiruzen said and the Anbu left. "Curse you, Danzo. Hopefully we can figure something out soon." Thought the Hokage as he took another breath from his pipe.
After all his friends said their goodbyes, Naruto went home and found Yugao on the kitchen. "Aunt Yugao!" Naruto called out.
"Oh, hi Naruto. I was wondering when you'd get home." The woman said.
"I'm sorry. My friends and I were training." Naruto declared.
"Who are your friends?" The woman asked curiously.
"Shino Aburame, Ino Yamanaka, Kiba Inuzuka, Choji Akimichi, and his friend, Shikamaru Nara. They're all in my class at the academy." Explained Naruto as he sat at the table.
"I see. That's good. I'm glad to hear that you're making friends with people your own age." Yugao said.
"Yeah, but there is one kid, Sasuke Uchiha. He isn't a jerk or anything but I noticed he acts like he's better than everyone." Naruto said.
Yugao sighed and smiled sadly. "That happens, Naruto. Some people think they're better than everyone." Yugao said.
"I know what you mean. But as the reincarnation of the sage of six paths, I expected a bit more respect." Naruto said in a joking tone to get an eye roll from Yugao.
"I'm kidding. But I wish I could become friends with him. We walked to school together this morning. But that was it." Naruto said.
"Well, give it some time. Things will get better and who knows, maybe he is just shy." Said the woman as she ruffled Naruto's hair.
"Yeah, maybe so." Said the blond. Yugao put down a plate of steak, beans, and carrots for Naruto to eat. As he chowed down, Yugao explained about her mission and how it's important to never lower your guard.
"I'm glad you're okay. I'd be really sad if you got hurt and I couldn't protect you." Naruto said.
"Naruto, you can't protect and save everyone. That's just life. But I appreciate your concern." Yugao said.
"Well, I'm going to go shower and get ready for bed. I'm pretty tired." Naruto said.
"Alright, good night. I love you." Yugao called out.
"Loce you too, mom." Naruto muttered as he proceeded to his room, not noticing the surprised look on Yugao's face.
As Naruto looked out at the full moon, he began reflecting on his life. Yeah, the whispers, the beatings, and the glares sucked. But he had friends that cared about him, along with a family of his own.
"I solemnly swear, I will protect you all with my life, including you, Shisui." Naruto said as he rolled over and fell into a deep sleep.