I really, really adore this story.

I tweaked the og chapters to make it make more sense, but after this chapter it's all original to this version.

Hiruzen Sarutobi was alive and well, so that told Michael quite a bit as he stood in the man's office. 'So I am in Naruto, and this is real. I could never dream people this vividly, and actually real instead of cartoon characters. Hiruzen looks old, far older than I realized...' All of this happened in his head, and so after he finished thinking, Michael smiled at the man. "I am not sure how to act around a Hokage... it is nice to meet you, sir."

The man smiled at him. "And it is nice to meet you too, Young Michael. I am glad we found you when we did, when they told me a young boy was found outside of village, very near death with a headwound... I feared the worst."

"I am glad to be saved, I rather like living."

They both chuckled then Hiruzen smiled at him. "I like you, you seem like a kind child. I hear you wish to become ninja, a worthy goal and one I will support. I know it might seem weird, but we already had you examined for treachery. You have an inactive chakra network, so no mental jutsu could be placed on you to make you a traitor, just being touched by one would have forcibly activated your chakra network. Welcome to the Village Hidden in the Leaves, if you come with me, I will introduce you to your new neighbor. We have decided to, since you wish to become a ninja, grant you an apartment and give you a six month stipend just to get you on your feet."

Beaming, Mika said. "I cannot tell you how grateful I am."

"Prove it by serving the village well... now, follow me, and we will go to your apartment. I am in need of stretching my limbs, I have been in the office since five." And just like that, they were walking through the village Michael had only ever seen via the Naruto Anime. Hiruzen pointed out the monument, which looked far more life like than in the TV, then various shops and stores before finally after fifteen minutes of walking later they stopped a very, very familiar apartment... where Michael literally walked into a familiar face

"Watch where you are going, Ya know!" The voice was shrill and scratchy, and the owner of the voice was blonde with pretty blue eyes and adorable whiskers.

This was Naruto Uzumaki and they were neighbors. 'This is perfect, it is like someone is writing a story!' Shaking off his shock, Michael stood up. "Hello there, my name is Michael. I am sorry for that, but I was sort of stunned. I have never seen a village like this, the Hokage was leading me to my apartment. Do you live here too?"

The boy nodded. "Yeah, top floor... um... I'm Naruto, Naruto Uzumaki, Believe it!"

Michael smiled. "It is nice to meet you... hey, I am looking for a place to eat tonight, since I have no food in the house yet. Do you know any places I could go?"

Hiruzen sighed as Naruto screamed out. "Ichiraku's Ramen!"

"I like Ramen, that I remember. After I check out my apartment, will you take me? I'll buy you some."

The boy beamed. " I would like that."

"You are more than welcome to see my apartment if you want, I wouldn't mind my new friend seeing it."

Naruto stopped and Hiruzen looked at him with hesitance. "Friend?"

"Yeah, why not? You seem likeable, and I need friends, even if they are like... seven?" He guessed, hoping to get Naruto's age right and gauge how long he had to make waves.

Naruto shouted. "I'm eight! I'm in the ninja academy and everything!"

Laughing, Michael patted Naruto's blond head. "Well, I'm the same age! I am going to be a ninja, as well! Maybe we can be study buddies, I can show you to study so you can pass your exams, and you can quiz me when I use my flashcards! Sound fair?"

Naruto froze again, this time tears in his eyes. "Really, you'd do that?"

"Why not?"

Naruto threw himself into Michael, shivering just a little. "I would really like that. Just please don't hate me like everyone else."

Michael held Naruto, his heart breaking as he realized fully that not only was Naruto a real boy, he was a real boy that had been profoundly abused and neglected... and in that moment he vowed to protect as much as humanly possible. "I won't, I promise. Now, let's go see my apartment and then to this Ichiraku place. Tomorrow we'll start studying."

Naruto grabbed his hand and they shot up the stairs, with an oddly quiet Hiruzen behind them.

"""

'Please be a good person, do not be a monster. Naruto has already bonded with you, do not let him down.' Hiruzen thought, hopeful. 'Maybe a study buddy is all Naruto needs, a real ally to help him. I failed to help Naruto... but maybe this, this can be his salvation...'

Hiruzen watched as Naruto led Michael to his new apartment, leading him inside where they oohed and awed at the furniture and stuff. Michael asked. " Where can I buy a bookshelf, I love to read, that I remember."

Hiruzen smiled, breaking out of his thoughts. "I will write you a list of places. " He handed Michael both a wallet and an envelop with cash. "Here is your weeks stipend, do not spend it all at once. It is more than what you will normally get as to get yourself started. Groceries, clothes and so on. here is your key and here is your temporary Id. Now, if you will excuse me, I have to go back to work, but Naruto, please have a good day and be good."

"I will, Old man."

Said Old man laughed and left, his ANBU would be watching Michael for the time being... just to make sure he was safe...

Hiruzen prayed he was... he seemed compassionate and a good figure for Naruto to have in his life. A real friend to have, hopefully despite the darkness so invested in the rest of the village's hearts.

Chapter end, tell me what you think in the reviews.

This was a joy to write.

Love, your Ninja Overlord,

Mika.