**Chapter 1 - Seeking a Mentor**
I don't own Naruto or its characters. This is the start of a fixing up of this old story.
Today marked a significant and memorable day for a group of Konoha shinobi. The preliminary rounds of the chunin exams had concluded, and the victors now had a month to prepare. For these winners, this was a momentous step toward achieving the rank of Chunin. It signified their ascent up the hierarchical ladder of shinobi careers. No longer mere team members, they would assume leadership positions and gain greater access to new missions. The occasion was a source of pride for these young shinobi.
One particular shinobi was brimming with excitement beyond compare. Clad in vibrant orange, the bearer of the nine-tailed fox was practically bouncing with energy. Naruto's exuberance surpassed that of anyone else, if such a thing were even possible. Becoming a Chunin held more significance for Naruto than for any other leaf shinobi. It marked the initial stride towards Naruto's ultimate goal – becoming the Hokage of the Leaf Village. However, he acknowledged that his victory over Kiba had been rather fortuitous, resulting from a well-timed release of gas, an improbable occurrence. Now, he was set to face Neji, and he understood that relying on luck a second time was not a viable strategy. He recognized that his current state rendered him unprepared and vulnerable against formidable opponents like Neji and Gaara. He even harbored a private doubt about his chances against Sasuke, though he would never openly admit such uncertainty.
Naruto needed to locate Kakashi immediately and embark on training without delay. He believed that intensive training over the next month would grant him the strength to overcome any obstacle standing between him and the title of Chunin. And so, Naruto scoured the entire village in search of his mentor. However, Kakashi's elusiveness remained a recurring challenge. It took Naruto a full two hours to glean a lead, indicating Kakashi's presence at the hospital. Naruto dashed across town to reach him.
Inside the hospital, Naruto scanned the surroundings before turning to the attendant stationed behind the desk. Meeting her gaze, he flashed a warm, friendly smile and began, "Um, have you seen..."
"Naruto, what brings you here? Are you visiting Sasuke?" Kakashi's voice resonated as he approached.
"Hey, Kakashi! When can we start training for the prelims? I'm eager to get started right away. It'll take lots of practice, but I know I can handle it," Naruto exclaimed, closing the gap between them.
Kakashi's response was direct and devoid of hesitation. "I'm sorry, but I won't be your instructor. I have other obligations."
Naruto stared at Kakashi, momentarily taken aback. Could this be real? His mentor refusing to train him? How could Kakashi possibly have something more pressing than guiding his training? It felt wrong, inconceivable.
"I'm guessing you're focused on training Sasuke, right?" Naruto retorted, his voice laced with bitterness.
Kakashi's response remained unwavering. "It's none of your concern. But, truth be told, that is indeed my intention. As for your training, I've arranged for you to work with Ebisu. Convincing him wasn't an easy feat."
Naruto blinked, his mind racing. It was true, his mentor deemed him unworthy of instruction, reserving his guidance exclusively for Sasuke. Naruto realized this pattern had persisted since their days on Team 7, save for a few instances like the tree-climbing exercise. Kakashi had predominantly devoted his time to training Sasuke, leaving Naruto and Sakura in the shadows. The irony of it all left Naruto bewildered. Kakashi was now pushing him to train under the watch of the self-proclaimed "closet pervert." No, Naruto wouldn't accept that fate. He refused to be trained by anyone but Kakashi.
"Why him? He's a pervert, and he's weak. I already took him down when we fought," Naruto protested vehemently.
"Naruto, you need to understand your weaknesses as a shinobi," Kakashi's words struck like a hammer. "Your grasp of chakra control is lacking, and you expend energy carelessly. Ebisu can help you address those shortcomings."
Naruto's determination only grew stronger. "No, I won't train with someone I can easily defeat."
"Fine. If Ebisu isn't suitable, find another mentor. But mark my words, if you don't, you'll be defeated by Neji."
"Whatever. Go tend to your precious Sasuke," Naruto fumed, storming out of the hospital.
After a few moments, Naruto's mind cleared, and he resolved to find a mentor who could prove Kakashi wrong. He needed someone capable of honing his skills to overcome Neji. He made a vow to demonstrate his strength to Kakashi, to show he was on par with Sasuke. Ideas swirled in Naruto's mind as he contemplated potential mentors among Konoha's Jonin. Kurenai's fighting style didn't align, and the parents of the Ino-Shika-Cho trio had distinct expertise. Asuma was busy with Shikamaru, and the rest were likely to decline. This left Naruto with one last option: Maito Gai, Lee's mentor. While Neji was Gai's student, he had pursued separate training due to differing taijutsu styles. Naruto was confident Gai could assist him, and he was determined to try.
Surprisingly, locating Gai proved effortless. Within mere seconds, Naruto spotted Gai making his way toward the hospital, likely to see Lee.
"Um, Gai, I need to ask you for a favor," Naruto stammered, his gaze fixed on Gai.
"Why, if it isn't the embodiment of youth, Naruto! What can I do for you today?" Gai responded, his enthusiasm evident as always.
"Well, Gai, I require assistance preparing for the next stage of the exam. Would you consider training me?" Naruto's approach was straightforward, believing honesty was key.
"I regret to decline. Isn't my youthful rival, Kakashi, your instructor? Moreover, you'll be facing one of my students. It wouldn't be fair for me to aid you in defeating him," Gai reasoned.
"Firstly, Kakashi refuses to train me. Secondly, your student hardly receives your guidance, and losing might teach him not to rely solely on his innate talent. It could be beneficial."
Gai pondered Naruto's words, visibly considering the proposition. This was the first step in convincing him, and Naruto was ready to deliver the final persuasive blow.
"Gai, think of it this way: There are two compelling reasons for you to mentor me. Firstly, by training me, you'd demonstrate that dedication and effort can triumph over innate genius, thus proving Lee's perspective. Secondly, view this as a challenge to establish your teaching prowess over Kakashi. Guiding me to victory in the exam tournament would cement your superiority as an instructor, allowing you to revel in that victory over Kakashi."
"Naruto, your youthful ardor has swayed me. I shall train you. We'll illustrate that Lee's beliefs hold true. However, be warned, my training regimen is arduous, far more demanding than my rival's."
"No problem. I can handle whatever you throw at me."
"We will see about that won't we."
