Thanks for the continued support everyone! This chapter will feature a few years time skip so please enjoy.
Chapter 4: Meeting Sensei
-Class #250, October 9th-
It's been a little over a month since Kurotsuchi's birthday and ever since then the two of them have gotten quite close. There wouldn't be a second where you'd see Naruto without Kurotsuchi or Kurotsuchi without Naruto. Those two had become the best of friends in the short time they've known each other. ''Partners in crime'' Iruka would put it as their pranks and antics have grown on him but yet were annoying as all hell.
And now here we are in the ninja academy and it's just another day in Iruka's class enduring another one of his boring lectures and this time we see him teaching Konoha History to the class. So to past the time what better way to do it then mess with Iruka? He was supposed to give a lesson on the battle of Kanabi bridge but since he had an Iwa native in here he decided to talk about the initial first battle between Konoha and Kumo.
''Okay, so during the initial Kumo offensive into Yugakure they managed to break through the defenses of the local military forces before nearly pushing into the northeastern border of our country. In response we sent two divisions to deal with the threat and when both forces met the first battle for control of Yu began. Does anyone know what happened in the very first battle we had with Kumo there? It involved the Fourth Hokage and...''
Seeing his class doze off with some students just sleeping while some were doodling on their papers he just sighed before continuing. ''Anyway...let's move on to the next lesson...''
4 hours later...
After a another stressful day of teaching his class Iruka now brought them to the outside field where the final class which consisted of sparring matches and PT was always held. If the previous five classes didn't catch his student's attention then maybe this would!
''Everyone take a seat now, I have something that may catch your attention!'' Iruka ordered. Watching the students all take seats orderly in front of him he nods knowing that he had gotten their attention. ''Great, I want to say that instead of normal sparring matches that we normally do I've decided to have a tournament for today!''
''Oooooo.''
''That's fun!''
''Hn.''
''Yahoo!''
''Chya!''
''What a drag...''
Hearing the various reactions from his students he then proceeds to read through the clipboard he was carrying which contained the match-ups. ''Settle down everyone! Now, here is the list of who will be fighting who in this tournament and the first fight is...Naruto Uzumaki vs. Genma Shiranui!''
Naruto was jumping joyously, finally he can show how good he was to the class!
''Go beat him Naruto.'' Kurotsuchi said patting him on the back.
''You know I will! We've been training for a month now so I should be good!" He said before walking off to the ring. ''Yeah! Watch me show you who's boss!'' Naruto declared to the class.
Then from the crowd emerged Genma who had a smug expression on his face. ''Psh, I gotta fight that blonde nuisance? Oh well, this should be easy.''
Genma then walks up to the ring and the two students stare each other down.
''So, you ready to lose senbon mouth guy?!'' Naruto exclaimed.
''I think you're the one going down blondie. Gonna try and get me back for insulting your Iwa girlfriend?''
''Hey! She's not my girlfriend! She's my friend and that's all!''
''Whatever, you gonna keep stalling this fight to avoid getting embarrassed or are we gonna start?'' Genma quipped.
Iruka however was getting annoyed at their exchange. ''Hey! The only reason you haven't started fighting yet is because you both keep talking which means I can't give the go to start!'' The irritated Chunin yelled.
''Sorry sensei.'' The two boys apologized bowing.
Acknowledging their apologies he goes to continue explaining. ''Apology accepted you two, now moving on. There are a few rules I want you to be aware of. Number one is no weapons allowed, this is a strictly taijutsu match and only the school taijutsu we've been teaching you or any taijutsu style you have can be used. Rule number two is that the matches will be won by either landing three consecutive hits or knock out. Those are pretty much the only rules actually so are you two ready to begin?''
The two boys nod and Iruka begins giving the countdown to begin.
''Then on 3...2...1...Fight!'' Iruka shouted
Genma would be the first to attack and he lunged forward to try and land a punch aimed at Naruto's face. The attack would fail however when Naruto just caught the punch with his palm. Taken by surprise Genma tries to go in for a swing with his free hand trying to get Naruto dead in the face and like his first attack it misses as Naruto just moves his head to the side completely avoiding it.
''Tch, you're pretty good for a blonde punk.'' Genma said.
He would try to perform a kick but again, Naruto just effortlessly catches the foot and goes to get Genma into a maneuver that sends him tumbling to the ground landing on his knees. ''What the hell?''
Naruto goes to deliver a shove that sends Genma falling backwards. Following suit Naruto quickly mounts the long haired boy. Putting his weight on Genma's body and pinning his arms against his chest Naruto goes in for a sleeve choke to try and choke the boy unconscious but Genma shoots his elbow upwards and strikes Naruto dead on in the chin.
''One point for Genma!'' Iruka called out.
''Damn!'' Naruto grunted before going in for a combination attack hoping to land some hits on Genma. Shooting his leg out he goes in for a roundhouse kick. His attack would fall short when the brown-haired boy catches the the attack with his palm and before Naruto can try to get his leg free Genma twists his leg and puts him on the ground and delivers an elbow strike to Naruto's chest. The force of the attack making the blonde boy cry out in pain.
''Two points for Genma!"
Growling in anger Naruto gets back up and gets back into the starting position. The two boys face each other once again.
''You should just give up blondie, you're not winning this.'' Genma said rudely.
''I'm gonna win, just you watch.'' Naruto declared.
''Naruto you can do it!'' Kurotsuchi called out from the bleachers.
Turning to face his best friend Naruto gives her a smile, looking back at Genma he gets into a taekwondo stance that had Genma guessing.
''Great, a stance I've never seen before.'' He thought.
''Are you two ready?'' Iruka asked receiving a nod from the two boys, ''Fight!''
Just as Iruka gave the signal Genma attempted to go in for a hay-maker with his fist coming mere inches away from colliding with Naruto's and to his surprise, Naruto just moved his head sideways at a very fast speed. Genma did not anticipate what happened next when Naruto jumped forward and performs a double turn kick hitting Genma twice in the thigh.
''DAMN IT!'' Genma shouted out and before he could do anything Naruto followed up with a reverse hook kick that connects with his jawline. The force of the kick knocking the senbon out of his mouth and sending him spinning to the ground in pain.
''Stop stop!'' Iruka called out running over to the grounded Genma. ''Genma can you get up?''
''Urgh, yeah sensei, just took a hit to my jaw is all.'' Genma said rubbing his sore jaw.
Helping Genma up Iruka walks over to Naruto and takes his hand raising it into the air. ''The winner of this match is Naruto Uzumaki! An incredible display of a three combo attack! Good job Naruto!''
''Yeah! Yeah! I did it!'' Naruto shouted in joy. His joyful jumping would be interrupted when Genma walked over to him still rubbing his sore chin. ''Yo, blondie.''
Turning to face the brown-haired boy Naruto just gave him his trademark grin. ''Pretty awesome huh?''
''Oh yeah, I've never seen that taijutsu style before, totally caught me off guard. Mind teaching that to me sometime?''
''Sure! I'd be happy to teach it to you!''
''Cool, cool.''
Genma then reaches his hand out, knowing what he was doing Naruto reached out with his own hand and the two boys shook. Genma now had some new-found respect for the blonde kid he gave a hard time to the past month. He walks over to where his senbon landed on the ground and after wiping it off puts it back in his mouth.
''Heh, maybe that guy isn't so bad.''
The sportsmanship shown with the two boys had the other students applauding. Well most of them.
''That was awesome!"
''Hn.''
''Chya! Sasuke-kun can take that ugly blonde!"
''...''
''Yahoo! Can't wait for our turn Akamaru!''
''What a drag..''
''Alright you guys, settle down now. We are going to begin the next match. So please, can Kurotsuchi Kamizuru and Sasuke Uchiha step up to the ring?'' Iruka instructed.
''Hn.''
''This'll be a piece of cake.''
''Chya! Kick her ass Sasuke-kun!''
''Rip his heart out Kurotsuchi!''
Kurotsuchi and Sasuke make their way to the ring and stand facing each other and Sasuke, being the Uchi-ass he is was feeling quite cocky and before Iruka could tell them to start he lunged forward and tried to land a punch to Kurotsuchi's throat only for the Iwa girl to catch the fist with no problem. ''What the heck are you doing Uchiha?'' Kurotsuchi growled annoyed.
''Sasuke! I did not tell you to start!'' An aggravated Iruka shouted. ''Get back to your side of the ring now!''
''Hn..'' Was all the dark-haired boy said as he stepped back to his side of the ring.
''Next unauthorized attack will get you disqualified Sasuke, now are you ready?''
Sasuke only nods. Turning to Kurotsuchi she nods as well. ''Alright, fight!''
Sasuke lunges forward to deliver a right hook at Kurotsuchi but the girl effortlessly grabs his arm and proceeds to shoulder throw him. With her opponent on the ground Kurotsuchi then proceeds to straddle him pinning his arms against his chest with one knee. With the Uchiha pinned and hopeless Kurotsuchi then performs a cross collar choke.
''SASUKE-KUN!" A pink-haired circus freak called out in dismay.
''Urgh! Get off me!'' Sasuke grunted.
Kurotsuchi only applies more pressure into the choke and in about ten seconds Sasuke is choked into unconsciousness.
''Kurotsuchi get off!'' Iruka ordered.
Doing as she was told the girl releases the Uchiha from her grasp. Standing up beside Iruka she just smirks in satisfaction, oh how good it felt to beat someone that was an Uchiha.
''The winner of this match is Kurotsuchi, our exchange student from Iwagakure!'' Iruka announced.
''She cheated!'' The pink-haired monkey called out.
''Not even Sakura, Kurotsuchi was just better in every way.'' Naruto corrected earning a glare from the girl.
''SAKURA! Settle down will you?'' Iruka ordered sternly.
''Y-yes sensei.''
Sasuke was infuriated, he not only lost, but he lost to a girl! And an Iwa exchange student at that! Getting up and dusting himself off he just walks back to the bleachers in pure frustration.
One hour later..
An hour had passed and the tournament saw various wins, handshakes and an angry pink-haired girl. A fat kid named Choji Akimichi went up against a girl with platinum blonde hair named Ino Yamanaka and the chubby boy won when Ino tried to punch him in the stomach only for said body part to absorb the blow and sent the girl's fist flying back at her face hitting it and knocking herself out instantly. Another fight saw a shy girl named Hinata Hyuga go up against a boy named Shikamaru Nara and it was no surprise that the Shikamaru kid just complained about what a drag it was to fight before quitting and going back to the bleachers. The last fight of the first round saw Yukari Nishizumi fight against Sakura Haruno the pink-haired girl and the match ended just as it started when Yukari took Sakura with a leg sweep and the pinkette somehow knocked out from the landing.
The semi-finals saw Yukari, Naruto, Kurotsuchi and Hinata fighting it out with Yukari taking on Kurotsuchi and Hinata taking Naruto. Long story short, Yukari lost three to one while Hinata just stuttered and fainted. Now we move on to the final fight of the tournament.
Iruka walks in the middle of the ring with a big smile on his face. ''So far students this tournament has been fun, we've seen all kinds of matches and whether it was close or one-sided they were all excellent to watch. I'm happy to see my taijutsu lessons be implemented perfectly. Now on to the final match today, Naruto Uzumaki and Kurotsuchi Kamizuru, will you two please step forward? The two students in question get off from their seats on the bleachers and walk up to the ring, both sporting big grins on their faces.
''Alright you two, congratulations on making it to the finals. Remember the rules, no foul play, no weapons and have fun!''
Nodding, the two kids get into their respective positions. Naruto taking a taekwondo stance while Kurotsuchi takes a jujutsu stance.
''If you're both ready, begin now!'' Iruka shouted.
Kurotsuchi attacked first with a low sweep that almost caught Naruto off guard, the blonde however just jumped and shot his fist out hoping to land a blow on Kurotsuchi but the Iwa girl just raised her hand up and caught the attack. Shoving Naruto away Kurotsuchi follows up with a hurricane kick which was something he didn't even learn from the girl. The unknown attack had Naruto jumping back and he narrowly avoided taking a kick to the face that most likely would've knocked him out of the fight. Raising his arm in defense of the final kick he manages to block it and pulls Kurotsuchi in taking her by surprise. Reaching for her hands he grabs both of them and pins them against the small of her back leaving her completely defenseless.
''Damn! He's got me pinned!"
Naruto then maneuvers himself behind Kurotsuchi and goes to apply a rear naked choke on his friend and succeeds in getting her into the move.
''Dammit!''
''Ha! Got her!''
Naruto then applies pressure into the choke and the girl can feel her neck being squeezed pretty hard. She struggles to break free only for Naruto to increase the pressure making everything more difficult for her. After about thirty seconds of struggling Kurotsuchi then catches Naruto by surprise by spinning her body in such a way that Naruto's chokehold is broken through.
''What the heck?''
Still surprised by the sudden spin Naruto failed to see Kurotsuchi go in for a double roundhouse kick hitting Naruto twice in the side.
''Aw man!''
''Gotcha Naruto!''
''Two points for Kurotsuchi!'' Iruka announced, ''Good move!''
''Oh man! Why are you good Kurotsuchi?!'' Naruto pouted as he gets into position to prepare for the next round.
''Because Naruto, I'm a natural.'' Kurotsuchi answered.
'Alright you two, two to zero right now. Fight!''
Naruto and Kurotsuchi then charge straight at each other with Naruto throwing a high speed punch while Kurotsuchi goes in for a speedy forward kick and both attacks intercept. The two of them are locked in a test of strength and thanks to Naruto being male. (No sexism intended because males usually have more muscle mass than females.) He was able to shove Kurotsuchi's foot away creating an opening. With that opening Naruto then launches a flurry of punches with most punches being dodged by the girl.
Naruto continues his assault and the amount of punches he was throwing eventually found it's way through Kurotsuchi's defense and he manages to land one hit.
''Okay Naruto stop!'' Iruka called out only for Naruto to continue throwing punches at his friend.
Kurotsuchi just kept her guard up as Naruto didn't seem to show signs on stopping his onslaught. She tries to go in for a punch to get the winning point but Naruto did a spinning hook kick and manages to score another hit on his friend striking her in the thigh.
''Alright two points for Naruto!"
''Yeah! I got you Kurotsuchi!'' Naruto said as they both go back into the starting position.
''You sure did Naruto, but I'm going to win this match.'' Kurotsuchi said in a sweet but intimidating voice. ''Dammit! He's getting the hang of taekwondo and jujutsu!''
The two of them get into the starting position and assume their respective fighting stances.
''I'm impressed you two, this is easily the best match in the tournament. Next point wins. You two ready?''
''Yes sensei.'' They answered in unison
''Then begin!''
Instead of charging each other like they normally do Naruto and Kurotsuchi just jumped back to create some distance in between them. Without any warning they both go running towards each other at full sprint and when they came within arm's reach of each other Naruto threw a punch while Kurotsuchi shot her foot in a jumping front kick that sends her flying straight.
[Slow motion sequence]
The two of them are slowly inching towards each other with high hopes that their respective moves would be able to hit the other first therefore earning them the point that was needed to win the match. Then Naruto and Kurotsuchi's fist and kick were coming closer, and closer about to impact each other in the face.
''I win!''
''Sorry Naruto, this match goes to me.''
[End slow motion sequence]
BAM!
Naruto and Kurotsuchi's faces were met by a punch and kick respectively and the attacks sends them both flying backwards from the attacks and they land on the ground with a thud. Their bodies remained motionless for a few minutes before Kurotsuchi stirs, she attempts to get up on her feet but the force of Naruto's punch had done a lot on her and she falls onto her knees. Naruto wasn't fairing any better at the kick connected with his nose giving him a nosebleed. He tries to get up but just couldn't. The two of them on their knees looking at each other with smirks plastering their faces.
''Wow!''
''Chya! If that was Sasuke he would've won!''
''What a drag...''
''Yahoo!''
They then try hard to get up again only for Iruka to step in between them. ''That's enough you two, you both hit each other at the same time.'' He said as he helps them both up and has them stand in front of him. They turn to each other with smirks that said ''I definitely kicked your ass.''
''This match is a draw!'' The Chunin exclaimed. ''Good match you two, seriously, that was good. You both earned a passing grade for the quarter for such a spectacular match.''
Smiling at the praise their sensei was giving them they bow in respect before turning to each other. They stare into each other's eyes for a moment before reaching their hands outward.
''Good match Kurotsuchi!''
''Pft, whatever you say Naruto.''
They then shake hands and the display of sportsmanship the other students were witnessing got them cheering accompanied with a round of applause.
''Wow that was cool!''
''...''
''Chya! If Sasuke was fighting it would've been better!"
''Well, I guess it wasn't that much of a drag..''
After the tournament Iruka dismissed his class for the day and to celebrate the tie they had Naruto and Kurotsuchi decided to get some BBQ and a lot of ramen. After that they went to the training field to try and out shoot each other in kunai throwing and to Kurotsuchi's surprise Naruto managed to match her throw for throw. Surprised nonetheless Kurotsuchi was glad that her teachings were having a strong and positive effect on her friend. They then spent the rest of the day at the field before heading home for the night.
-Naruto's apartment complex, October 10th-
So here we are with Naruto in his apartment gathering some things and putting them in a bag. Kurotsuchi had told him that she wanted to take him hiking to spend some time to themselves and he was super excited at experiencing something new he was quickly packing his bag when he heard some loud banging on the door. Spooked by the sudden noise Naruto walked up to the door.
''Who is it?'' He asked.
No response...
Shrugging, he goes to open it.
''Kurotsuchi?''
Just as he opened the door several people charge through it tackling him to the the floor. Before Naruto could assess the situation he is met with a flurry of punches to the face, being stomped on and kicked before he is picked up by the collar of his shirt and thrown across the living room. The throw sent him flying into the coffee table in his living room shattering the glass.
''AGH!'' He cried out as one hand holds his bleeding nose while the other clutches his stomach. Looking up he spots about five to ten people in his apartment, some villagers and some shinobi of the village.
''Today is a special day for you demon!'' One of the shinobi snarled.
''I hope you're ready because we so have the perfect present for you!''
The man walks up to the frightened boy who can only attempt to crawl away from him only to back up against the wall.
''L-leave me alone!" Naruto screamed out as he is dragged out of his apartment.
''K-KUROTSUCHI!''
Several hours later, that evening.
Kurotsuchi is seen walking through the streets heading straight to Naruto's apartment and in her hands were grocery bags which contained various ingredients that she wanted to try making for Naruto. After trying her hand at making her own ramen recipe that she was satisfied with she wanted to take him out hiking on the Hokage monument even though her most hated person's head was carved into the rock.
Several minutes later she makes her way to Naruto's building and ascends the stairs. Getting up to the floor where his apartment was she makes her way to his door only to find it open.
''What the hell?''
Walking into the apartment she finds the living room trashed. Setting her bag down she walks over to the living room the find the coffee table completely smashed. ''What the heck happened?''
She searched the rest of the house and found no sign of Naruto. ''It...it looks like there was as struggle here. Oh crap..''
Dashing out of the house she begins searching around the village in search of her friend. Hoping what she thought was happening wasn't true.
-Konoha Red Light District-
Despite searching for a her friend around the entire village for almost a few hours and coming up short she wasn't about to quit. She went through every district in the city except the cursed red light district. Being the only one she hadn't checked she was hoping that she'd find Naruto here. It was around eight at night now so the streets were mostly empty. A villager or shinobi would walk by her every now and then.
Running through the streets she checked every street corner, any alleyway she could find but still came up short. Stopping in front of an old liquor store to catch her breath she swore she hear what sounded like someone crying. Her heart beating hard she slowly followed the sounds of the noise and eventually it led her to an alleyway that she must've missed. She walks into the alley and the sounds of whoever it was crying was getting louder and when she reached the end of it and spotted a familiar head of spiky, blonde hair.
Her heart broke instantly recognizing who it is. It was Naruto, beaten to a pulp, one black eye, busted lips with the blood dried up making him look more grotesque and his shirt torn in places where she could see several bruises on his chest and a kunai still embedded in his gut.
''Naruto!'' She exclaimed.
''Get away from me!'' Naruto screamed out as he tried to crawl away.
Kurotsuchi caught a glimpse of his eyes. The look on them made her almost cry. They were full of fear. ''Naruto it's me! Your friend Kurotsuchi!'' She shouted trying to calm him down. ''There's nothing to be afraid of.''
Realizing who it was Naruto's fear dissipated and relief replaced it as he reached his arm out and embraced Kurotsuchi in a hug and began crying into her shoulder.
''I-it hurts Kurotsuchi...it hurts so much.'' He began to cry.
Placing a hand on in his hair she began to gently stroke it while speaking softly into his ear.
''There there, I'm here Naruto, you don't have to be scared, your best friend is here..'' She cooed.
''B-but Kurotsuchi...it hurts, I never did anything, no one wants me around...''
''Stop it! Don't ever say that Naruto! You're wanted do you know that? You know who wants you around? Me, I've enjoyed being around you since the beginning. We've been through a lot of things this past month. Just please don't cry.''
Looking up from her chest Naruto looks into her eyes and he saw tears in them. ''R-really? You really enjoy being around me?''
''Of course! If I didn't I wouldn't have been hanging out with you and training you everyday! You're my friend.'' She explained trying to fight back her tears, she didn't want to appear emotional when her friend, BEST friend needed her comfort. ''Those pricks...''
''K-Kurotsuchi..'' He whispered before crying into her chest again.
Kurotsuchi then pulled her friend closer to her and gave him another hug, a hug that showed that she truly care for him, a hug she had never given anyone before. Despite the fact that he was from a village that she hated in the beginning she made a choice. Be this boy's friend or be alone. She contemplated the decision because the last boy that she was very close to betrayed her village. When she got her surprise birthday present from Naruto the month before she decided right then and there that this boy, the one crying in her arms right now was worth it. The last boy she was so close too never did anything like that for her except bomb her village before abandoning her.
The two of them continue the embrace until Kurotsuchi heard Naruto's crying cease, moving herself back a little she looked down and saw that he had cried himself to sleep. Smiling she then carries him on her back and walks him out of the dreaded, dark alleyway and makes her way to her place.
Unknown to the two Genin a male Jonin was seen watching them head toward the hospital. He had two ninjatos on his person and his facial expression was one of anger.
''That fucking asshole Kakashi! She and I go on a mission and he doesn't even try to stop this from happening.''
The unknown Jonin then leaps away to bring word of this to his best friend.
-Kurotsuchi's apartment-
The lock to Kurotsuchi's apartment jiggles a bit and a second later the door is kicked open, Kurotsuchi then walks in with her friend riding on her back and walks into her room and gently places Naruto on her bed. While she had taken him to the hospital to get him patched up the receptionist refused to have him treated and kicked them both out since they didn't have any medical treatment for 'evil children' like him or so they claimed.
''Those assholes..'' She growled to herself as she walks over to her dresser mirror and opens one of the drawers. Reaching into it she pulls out a medical kit and quickly rushes over to grab the chair from the desk on the opposite end of the room and quickly places it next to her bed. She then sits down and opens the medical kit taking out several odorless field towels and begins cleaning his face which had dried blood on it. Gently pulling out the kunai she then takes off his torn shirt and spots the kunai wound had...already begun to...heal?
''What the..how is this happening? Is it some kekkei genkai are something?'' She thought in awe at how Naruto's wounds seemed to be healing at a superhuman rate. Ignoring it she cleans off the dried blood regardless before focusing on his black eye. She walks to her fridge and gets some ice from it and wraps them in a towel. Back in the room she gently, ever so gently places it on his eye making him wince in his sleep.
Before she finishes she takes one more field towel and begins wiping off the remainder of the dry blood that she had missed before he was completely cleaned off. Closing the med-kit she then sits back against her chair sighing.
''I'm glad he isn't in a life-threatening condition.'' She then reaches her hand out and caresses his cheek, inadvertently rubbing her finger against his whisker marks. Leaning forward and laying her head on the bed she then begins to slowly fall asleep.
''Naruto, I promise I won't let anything happen to you.'' She said to herself before falling asleep.
The next morning..
[Dream sequence]
''Kill the demon brat!''
''Yes! This time we will finally avenge our fallen comrades!''
''Hurry! Kill him before any ANBU arrive!''
Naruto was shoved against a wall with a hand on his throat choking the life out of him.
''L-let me go!'' The boy pleaded.
''Yeah right! You think we'll just let a demon brat like you roam freely through our village any longer huh?! You'll probably just bide your time planning a way to destroy our village in one blow right?! Am I right demon?'' A Chunin spat in pure disgust while holding a kunai knife at the boy's heart.
''W-what are you talking about? I have no idea what you're talking about!" Naruto shouted back.
''Aw, is the demon boy trying to play innocent? Well you know what? I've had enough of your shit!'' The Chunin growled before shoving his kunai straight through Naruto's heart ending the boy's life.
[End dream sequence]
''Agh!"
Naruto then sat up gasping in shock, a massive headache throbbing in his head.
''Wah!...'' Naruto looked around and saw that he wasn't in his room or...dead? ''Oh...it was just a dream..'' He said to himself when he noticed someone sleeping with their head on the bed beside him. ''Kurotsuchi..''
Naruto then remembered the event from the previous night..he had went home, packed his bag to go on a small hiking trip with his best friend, they attacked him, they took him from his house and brought him into an alleyway where they beat the ever living shit out of him.
''Why...why do they do this to me..'' He thought to himself. Feeling his lip and his eye he didn't feel pain or any bruises, they were gone! ''Woah, how did I heal so fast?''
Just then Kurotsuchi lifted her head up, rubbing her eyes she gasps when she sees that Naruto is awake and reaches out getting him in a hug. ''I'm glad you're okay!"
''You found me? How?''
''Of course I did blondie, I spent the whole evening looking for you after I saw your apartment.'' Explained Kurotsuchi as they separate. ''I swear, next time they try to attack my friend they're gonna deal with me, Kurotsuchi!'' She declared.
Naruto was so glad that Kurotsuchi had found him, what would've happened if he tried to go home on his own? Most likely another mob would've attacked him and might have even killed him this time considering he had already taken quite a beating.
''I tried to take you to the hospital but those jerks refused to take you in, they acted as if you're a demon or something that they hated and feared.'' Kurotsuchi said.
''Oh...well, I'm not surprised, everyone treats me like that except the Hokage and you.''
''I..I don't know why they do that to you Naruto, but don't let it get to you okay? Remember you always have me with you. I promise I'll never, under any circumstances leave your side because you're my friend and that's what friends do.'' She spoke in a sweet voice.
Naruto looked at her with a blush on his face. ''You're my most precious person Kurotsuchi, and I promise to protect you too.''
Hearing his words Kurotsuchi gave him a smile before noticing his black eye and busted lip healed. ''Wait a minute! How did those heal already?!''
''Huh? Oh, I don't know heh heh. Guess I'm just awesome like that!'' Naruto chuckled rubbing the back of his head.
''Huh, well, alright then I'll go and make you breakfast okay?''
''Okay!''
20 minutes later Kurotsuchi walked in with a tray filled with some of the most delicious looking breakfast Naruto had ever seen! She had made scrambled eggs, some bacon, pancakes with syrup, some hashbrowns completed with a bowl of Raisin Bran and a cup of pulp free orange juice.
''Wow! This looks really good Kurotsuchi!''
''Eat!''
''Fine!"
Naruto then devoured his breakfast at his normally inhumane speed much to Kurotsuchi's joy, in 2.5 seconds the whole tray was empty.
''Burp! Ah! That hit the spot!'' Naruto said.
Just then there was a knock on the door. ''I'll get it.'' Kurotsuchi got up from her chair and went to check who it was and to her surprise it was Hiruzen Sarutobi.
''Ah. Kurotsuchi, how are you this morning?'' The old man said with a warm smile.
''Oh! Um...Lord Hokage..I'm...good.'' The nervous girl replied. ''Damn!''
''Is young Naruto here? I went to check his apartment and found it unlocked and, well a bit messy.''
''Y-yes, he's here.''
''Ah, may I come in?''
''Of course, please come in, he's in my room.''
Hiruzen then walks into the room and spots our favorite blonde boy just laying there rubbing his fat belly.
''Good morning Naruto.'' Hiruzen greeted taking off his Hokage's hat.
''Why hello old man!'' The blonde greeted back. Kurotsuchi was shocked, Naruto talks to the Hokage like that?!
''Hey! I'm not old! I'm just super wise is all!'' Hiruzen protested.
''Sure you are! Old man!"
''Naruto!"
Kurotsuchi found their antics hilarious as she grabs another chair and places it next to hers for Hiruzen to sit on.
Together the three of them chat for the next hour and eventually the topic changed to..the dreadful events of last night. Naruto had explained what had happened from being abducted from his apartment and taken to an alleyway to get beaten to a bloody pulp to Kurotsuchi finding him and taking him to the hospital only to be denied before ending up at her apartment.
Hiruzen was furious at what his villagers and shinobi were doing, he knew the boy was disliked but this being a near death experience and hearing it from the boy himself only made his rage intensify. ''Damn! Those scum of all people. The fact that shinobi were apart of it makes me even angrier!"
''I-I really don't understand why they do this to him Lord Hokage. I really don't, but I have here a kunai which I hope contains the finger print of the one responsible.'' Kurotsuchi said handing the Hokage the weapon.
''Yeah old man, you should punish everyone who was involved! Kick them out of the village!'' Naruto ordered.
He places a hand on each their heads giving them a warm smile. ''Now now Naruto, no need to do such a thing, I'll get to the bottom of this so you leave it to me alright? And no bossing me around!''
''Hey! I'm so awesome that even the Hokage has to do what I say!''
''Naruto! Stop being so annoying!'' Kurotsuchi said giving him her nose pinch of death.
''Ow ow! Okay I'm sorry sheesh!''
''That's my knucklehead.'' Kurotsuchi said sweetly releasing him from her death pinch.
''Haha, you two are really quite the duo you know that?'' Hiruzen laughed. ''Now, don't you two have school today?''
''It's Saturday old man.'' The two said in unison.
''Oh right, I forgot.''
''See? You are old!''
''Am not!''
After that the Hokage left to head back to his office after wishing Naruto a late happy birthday to finish the dreaded paperwork of his. The two of them decided to head out and do that hiking trip that Kurotsuchi had originally planned. To Kurotsuchi's relief they made it to the the hiking area without incident and the day was fun for them. Despite hiking all the way up to Fourth's head that Kurotsuchi hated so much she let it go because she didn't want to upset her friend by bashing his hero.
''It's a beautiful view isn't Kurotsuchi?'' Naruto asked as they both look on from the Fourth's head.
''Yeah, it really is. Does this spot really put you at ease Naruto?''
''Honestly...it does. I don't know why.''
Feeling the animosity within her subside, she really decided that she couldn't say anything rude to kill the moment, her friendship with the blonde was just too precious for her to destroy and without him she would be lonely again. ''Well I'm glad you have a special spot, because if you like it then I like it.'' She said sincerely.
''That's great!''
The two of them then continue looking into the distance land, they spent the whole day just sitting there enjoying each other's company. Needless to say when they went home they did not encounter any hostility or were met with glares. Thank Kami.
''Happy birthday Naruto.''
Seven month time skip, conclusion of year one.
Naruto and Kurotsuchi are seen doing another sparring match at the third training field. Good news was that Hiruzen had found the culprit responsible for assembling that mob and the man was thrown in jail for the rest of life. The past seven months following that dreaded incident were some of the best in Naruto's life, not only had the villagers seem to not attack him even when he was alone his one-on-one training with Kurotsuchi saw huge progress thanks to Lord Hokage having the ANBU who did not hate Naruto watch over him 24/7. One particular female ANBU with long raven hair had a huge interest in the two of them, especially Naruto. Aside from that Naruto was getting superb in the arts of jujutsu and taekwondo to where he was nearly able to beat Kurotsuchi in very close matches.
In addition to the positives Genma had befriended to two and the three have grown quite close. Kurotsuchi however, was skeptical in the beginning but upon seeing that Genma was no longer a prick she figured he was cool.
''You're good Naruto..no you're getting excellent at jujutsu and taekwondo. I'm really proud of your progress.'' Kurotsuchi said with a smile.
''I'm only good because of you Kuro-chan.''
Kurotsuchi then pinches him on the nose and proceeds to pull it hard.
''Ow!''
''I said never call me that!" Kurotsuchi growled pretending to be angry.
''Sorry sorry!''
One year later, end of second year.
I'll hit the stupid target!'' Naruto shouted as he hurls several kunai and to his and Kurotsuchi's pleasure they all hit the target dead center. ''I did it! I did it!'' Naruto exclaimed jumping for joy.
''I'm proud! My lessons really do make a difference!" Kurotsuchi was patting him on the back.
''I bet I can outdo you in kunai throwing!'' Naruto said smugly.
''Oh yeah? Let's see you try!"
After spending the whole day throwing kunai to try and trying to outdo the other Naruto was able to match her throw for throw!
''Well look at that Naruto, your kunai throwing is easily good as mine, I'm glad, seriously without me you would suck!" She teased.
''I know that, I'm thankful for the training you've been putting me through.'' Naruto said putting his arm around her shoulder only for his arm to be swatted away.
''Hey! Don't do that!
''Why!?''
''Because I said so!''
''Fine!''
End of year three.
''Come on! Show me your inner warrior!'' Kurotsuchi shouted as she and Naruto dash towards each other. Kurotsuchi attempts to swing her katana hoping to get her friend but Naruto brings his sai up and catches the blade with one of the prongs.
''Gotcha!'' Naruto declared twisting his sai disarming her in the process.
''Dammit!" Kurotsuchi grunted in annoyance.
''Now I win this match!"
Naruto thrusts his sai forward hoping to land a hit on the girl only for her to move her hands around the sai and grabs both of his wrists. Twisting it she disarms him and shoulder throws him without trouble. With him on the ground she rushes over to pick up her katana. Turning back to face the downed Naruto she thrusted the sword downward aimed at his face only for him to unsheathe his ninjato and manages to intercept the blade.
''Nice move Naruto. But not nice enough!" Kurotsuchi said as she manages to swipe the blade away leaving him open once more.
Before the blade could hit him in the face Naruto rolls out of the way and gets on his knees causing her katana to embed into the ground. With Kurotsuchi's side exposed and her sword stuck in the dirt Naruto performs a roundhouse kick hitting Kurotsuchi in the side of the head making her stagger sideways.
He follows up by shoving her in to the ground leaving her defenseless.
''Dammit! I won't lose!''
''I win!'' Naruto exclaimed bringing his sword down once more.
Kurotsuchi however just rolled out of the way and delivered a hard uppercut sending Naruto flying backwards while inadvertently dropping his ninjato.
''Fuck!''
''You fell for the same old trick every time Naruto.'' Instead of going in for an attack Kurotsuchi decided to play nice and wait for Naruto to get up.
''Damn, that hurt.'' Naruto said getting back with his ninjato in hand. Standing up on his two feet Naruto and Kurotsuchi then give each other glares. The match so far had been dead even between them and they knew they had to finish it, right here, right now.
They both then charge towards each other in full springs with their swords ready to swing at the other.
''You're going down Kurotsuchi!''
''You lose Naruto!"
*Clang*
Several hours later the duo is seen laying on the grass, the match had dragged out for so long that they had become too exhausted to continue.
''Man, I didn't expect you to get this good.'' Kurotsuchi turned to face her friend.
''Hey, I did learn from the best right?'' Naruto said with a smile.
''You're right, I did teach you after all.''
''So I guess in sword fighting we are evenly matched?''
''I wouldn't say so, more like I'm a few feet ahead of you still.''
''Hey! I'm dead even with you c'mon!''
''Sorry Naruto, you have to actually beat me in a match!''
''Man!"
-Hokage Monument, after graduation-
''I'm great at kunai marksmanship, I am proficient in using my sai and sword fighting and most importantly, I can defend myself. I've graduated from the ninja academy and it's all thanks to you Kurotsuchi.''
Naruto and Kurotsuchi are seen sitting next to each other on atop the Hokage monument looking off into the beautiful sunset that plagued the sky. Orange and bright. Over the past year Kurotsuchi had learned that Naruto's parents had died during the Kyuubi's attack and felt her heart break, but seeing that he didn't let such a tragedy get to him and how he remained his usual, goofy self made her smile. As the days, weeks, months and years went by Naruto had fallen in love with his best friend though he never said anything because she'd probably pinch his nose and pull it off! Kurotsuchi however was in the same boat. His goofy, happy go lucky personality, his new found confidence and his caring attitudes towards her..well she liked him that's what she tells her self! She was a tough girl after all and she wanted to appear that way!
She had trained him, played with him, spent time with him every single day for the past four years. Something Kurotsuchi hadn't done for any boy she knew back home. The other positive things was that for Kurotsuchi, she graduated at the top of the class and was the only exchange student to do so while Naruto was second place, followed by Genma, Yukari and then Sasuke much to the Uchiha's chagrin and when they performed the clone technique for the final exam Naruto had accidentally created over one-hundred clones discovering the shadow clone jutsu much to Iruka's shock.
Now in regards to their appearances they changed too now at age fourteen Naruto was 5'6'' and had a slightly muscular body that was normal for boys his age. His outfit consisted of an orange and black combat jacket that had shoulder pockets with velcro on them. His left side had the kanji for fire while on his right arm-sleeve had the leaf symbol attached to it as a patch and orange cargo pants. He had his Konoha headband tied to his forehead and his hair appeared a bit wilder as well making him look more feral. Kurotsuchi now stood at 5'3'', her breasts had developed to Naruto's pleasure and she now dawned a Konoha headband as well. Her outfit that showed she was from Iwa remained the same.
They both would never admit it or even dare say anything at all about it but, they both found each other very attractive. Naruto found her now more womanly voice and slender but curvy figure sexy while Kurotsuchi found his new found deep voice bit of a turn on.
''Aside from all those things can protect you now Kurotsuchi as you've protected me.'' Naruto looked at her and gave his trademark foxy grin.
''I tell you, the past four years have been the best time of my life Naruto. I can't believe I was thinking about not being your friend in the beginning and I'm glad I did, I really mean that.'' Kurotsuchi said returning his smile.
Naruto then turns to face the Iwa girl and grabs both her hands. The look he was giving her made her blush furiously. ''Kurotsuchi, I really appreciate everything you've done, you're easily my most special person and..I have to tell you something really important.''
''W-what?'' She said nervously. ''Special? In...what way?''
''I...I...''
''Y-you what?''
Sparkles were appearing all around them. Butterflies in both their stomachs with massive blushes plastering their faces.
''I...''
''Yo! What's up love-birds!?'' A voice shouted completely killing the moment.
''Genma!'' Naruto shouted as the two separate.
Genma had jumped in between them and was seen laughing at their shyness especially Kurotsuchi's since she never acted like that. His appearance didn't change at all except he looked more mature and had his Konoha bandana backwards. That damn senbon still in his mouth.
''What are you doing here? And we are just best friends!'' Kurotsuchi gave him a death glare.
''Fine, fine, you're best friends. I just came here to tell you that Iruka sensei wants us to come back to his class in a week because he's announcing our teams. Don't be late...love-birds.'' He explained before running off.
''Yeah, whatev..I SAID WE'RE JUST BEST FRIENDS!''
''Yeah! Best friends!'' Naruto added before they both take off after the brown-haired teen.
As they run off after Genma a figure emerges from bushes smoking a pipe. Hiruzen Sarutobi, our beloved Third Hokage was watching the entire exchange. ''Okay, that's honestly cute. I hope Onoki doesn't mind hehe, it's only a matter of time!''
-Classroom #250, a week later-
Our beloved Genin from class 250 are seen relaxing and having conversations about various topics, they had arrived an hour before but Iruka was still missing so they decided fuck it, let's just talk our happy Genin butts off until then.
In the back row we see Naruto, Kurotuschi, Genma and Yukari sitting together. They were discussing how their Jonin sensei would be like. Would he/she like them? Oh it was very nerve-wracking!
Just then Iruka walked in prompting the students to go silent. He had a very warm smile on his face and walking up to the desk he began speaking. ''Ahem, hello Genin!''
''Hello sensei!'' They class greeted.
''I bet you're all excited to get you're teams now huh?''
''Oh yeah!''
''Then here it is! The list of all the teams that have been assembled!'' Iruka exclaimed holding the piece of paper high for the class to see. ''If there isn't anything you wish to say then we shall begin!"
Iruka cracks his fingers and neck before continuing. ''Alright, the first team is...
''Sasuke Uchiha.''
''Hn.''
''Ino Yamanaka.''
''Yeeeeeessss!''
''And finally...Sakura Haruno!''
''Chya! True love conquers all!''
However, the platinum blonde and pinkette then glared at each other.
''Sasuke-kun is mine billboard brow!''
''Shut up pig! He has a thing for pinkettes!''
''Oh fuck me..'' Sasuke murmured in horror.
''BOTH OF YOU SHUT UP!'' Iruka screamed making everyone shiver in fear. ''Shut up and listen. You're team seven and your Jonin sensei will meet you in the cafeteria. Moving on! Next team is...
''Kiba Inuzuka.'
''Yahoo! Bark!''
''Hinata Hyuga.''
''And Choji Akimichi. You're sensei is one of our most experienced shinobi out there and you will meet him in the courtyard.''
''Yes sensei.'' Kiba and Hinata answered while Choji just kept stuffing his fat face.
Nodding, he continued on. ''Okay. the third team now is...''
''Yukari Nishizumi.''
''Shino Aburame.''
''...''
''And Shikamaru Nara!''
''What a drag...being a ninja is so troublesome..'' The pineapple shaped haired boy complained.
''You acting like that while on a mission and getting your teammates killed because of your superb laziness would be a drag and more so troublesome. Anyway, You're sensei is the top genjutsu user in our village and you will meet her at the tracks behind the school.'' Explained the Chunin.
Iruka announced the rest of the teams and after a half hour it all narrowed down to three particular Genin. Eyeing them with interest Iruka then proceeded to call out the final team.
''Finally, the final team assembled consists of the following three. Naruto Uzumaki.''
''Believe it!''
''Genma Shiranui.''
''Not bad, not bad.''
The two boys then fist bump.
''And finally...Kurotsuchi Kamizuru! Congratulations you three!'' Iruka declared with a thumbs up.
''Nice! We're together!'' Kurotsuchi declared.
''Since you're the top three students of this class you have been requested by easily the best Jonin we have. You will meet her here after class.'' Iruka explained, ''Now, dismissed!"
One hour later..
Naruto, Kurotsuchi and Genma have been waiting for quite some time. Every other team had already left to meet their senseis and are probably off doing bad ass missions except them.
''This is taking way too long, by the time sensei gets here we've been done with twenty A-ranked missions.'' Genma grumbled.
''I know right? This is boring..'' Naruto added.
''Well, Konoha shinobi are such losers. Hehehehe.'' Kurotsuchi snickered earning glares from her teammates.
''Uh uh! You're an Iwa girl in service to Konoha and by that logic you're a shinobi of this village therefore making you a loser too!'' Naruto laughed earning a nod from Genma. ''Burn!''
''Care to repeat that Naruto?'' Kurosuchi said in a sickeningly sweet voice. Reaching with her hand she then gets him in her infamous nose pinch of death.
''Ow ow! Sorry!'' The blonde cried out, ''Help me Genma!''
''I'd rather not.'' Genma then laid back against his chair.
''Take that back Naruto!''
As the two of them struggles for control of his nose the door to the class opened. In walked a young woman and spotting her students messing around she just smiles. ''Well, this is my team? How amusing.''
Hearing the voice the three Genin turn to face the person behind it. Standing before them was a very beautiful young woman who easily not a day older than 22 years old. She had long, raven hair that was kept untamed and fell past her shoulders with long parted bangs framing both sides of her face with a long one between her eyes. She was wearing the standard Konoha Jonin vest with a Konoha bandana similar to Genma's (except she was wearing it correctly showing off the leaf symbol), adding to the look she wore jet black ANBU cargo pants with a kunai holster on her left leg while her footwear consisted of black ANBU combat boots. Strapped to her belt was a wakizashi. Completing her look she wore a black t-shirt under her vest and had knee and elbow pads on and on her hands were gloves with steel plates on the dorsal sides of the hands. The three Genin thought she looked very experienced and well, just plain bad ass.
While Kurotsuchi and Genma were eyeing their sensei Naruto was staring at her, he swore he had seen her before.
''How's it going you three? I'm your Jonin sensei, Mako Uchiha.''