Some Review responses
Wolf FallenSerpent: I've been for a fic that's identical to the summary. Something where Naruto isn't Always Smart and successful because of who he's related to, (his dad specifically), and where he's Not being Compared to Minato all the time. I'd even go as far as to say a fic where Minito Never Existed.
Even after searching for weeks, I haven't been able to find one similar to what I wanted that has more than 2 chapters. But I digress.
Also, the part about Naruto Not being an Uzumaki isn't much of an issue. When the village was formed, the Senju clan was Disbanded and 'integrated' into the village. Meaning that the members of the Clan married into other clans, civilians, etc.
This was done in hopes that other clans would follow the example, making the village into one big, "melting pot," of the different clans. The Senju's High Chakra levels were passed down to their offspring, the civilians, other clans, etc. So it could be argued that One of Naruto's ancestors had been a Senju, giving him a higher Chakra level. Enough to hold the 9-tails? That's debatable. (this is From one of the Data Books by the way. I believe it was the first one but don't quote me on that lol.)
Anyway, it was all good, the only thing I didn't particularly like was How Stupid Naruto was demonstrated to be. I don't want him to be the, "Smartest person alive," but would like for him to have common sense and basic understanding at least. But, beggars can't be choosers.
Deadpan: I hear you, I like fics where Naruto has different parents or is raised by someone else in the village. I also don't really like fics where Naruto is Uber busted with the exception of fics that focus more on intrapersonal relationships than the fighting part but even then I kinda find overpowered characters to be boring.
About what you said about the Senju clan. Thats fair and Naruto in this does indeed have a larger chakra capacity but can't spam nearly as many clones as he does in canon.
Whether or not his chakra capacity is factually big enough to store the Kyuubi, I have no idea, and I don't really think it matters too much. I want him to work a little harder at being strong than just outlasting people.
Lastly, he's a little dumb right now, but Vanilla Naruto wasn't exactly sharp. (Konohamaru had to tell him how to even say chakra xD) As Kakashi tutors him he will gradually become more intelligent. Ty for reading and I hope the second chapter makes you stick around.
The ultimite deity : Oohhh! I like this already!
Deadpan: I'm pleased to know you like it, though I would get too excited just yet :0 You might not like what I have planned down the line. I hope that's not the case though xD
TigrezzTail: Don't think I've seen that outcome in that way before. Pretty neat.
Deadpan: I sure haven't found one yet ^^ glad you like it so far.
Guest :Great start.
You repeated a the paragraphs when Sasuke used the fireball technique.
You also missed a few proper spacing when it came to change speakers. Nice fic. Thanks for the read.
Deadpan: Good catch thank you, I fixed that, also, I'm glad you enjoyed it you are ver welcome.
Now to address some general concerns people might have.
There will be 3 main pairings that I can think of right now, however I won't yet say who they are as I don't wanna spoil it. Also, the Tag is Adventure but there is some humor, mystery, romance and some darker moments. I just didn't wanna as the Humor tag and then No one finds it funny and then they feel baited -_-
The story will start diverging from here on out and you might notice things that make you think, 'Wait that's not what happened,' or 'That's not even how that works!' just know that all will be revealed. Unless I somehow forget.
Lemme know if you guys have any guesses as to what the pairing are hint it's not Naru/Hina, as much as I love Hinata to death, she reminds me so much of my first girlfriend.
Anyhow you guys probably don't come here to read about me ^^'
Chapter 2: Ripples
"W-wait, what? But we got the bells, right? And we didn't even break any rules!" Sakura asked in shock. The thought that their clever solution might not be enough never crossed her mind. After all, as ninjas, they often found themselves navigating morally gray situations, and she expected Kakashi to recognize their resourcefulness.
"Because you're all brats who don't have what it takes to be on a genin team!" Kakashi responded matter-of-factly. The statement struck a nerve with Sasuke, compelling him to charge at Kakashi with the intent of proving him wrong. However, in the blink of an eye, Kakashi had Sasuke face down on the ground. "I'm really starting to lose my patience," Kakashi remarked, nonchalantly settling on Sasuke's back.
"You did well at first, despite being pitted against one another; you worked together to get the bells. I was going to pass you all right up until the last moment." Kakashi sighed, a hint of reminiscence in his gaze. "It's true that you didn't break any rules. It's also true that ninjas who break the rules are trash." He turned his gaze toward Sakura. "But those who turn their back on their comrades are worse than trash."
Sakura felt a wave of shame wash over her, and she wished she could disappear under Kakashi's scrutiny. "Being a ninja isn't a game; there will be many moments where it's life or death. And if you don't trust or value your teammates, you will all end up dead." Kakashi stood up and released Sasuke, a burgeoning headache evident on his face. At least one good thing came from this, he thought as he regarded the disappointed trio of would-be 'Team Seven' members.
"Report to the academy Classroom 204 tomorrow morning at 9 AM for your new assignments. Naruto, you have to come with me; we are going to go talk with the third." With that, he started guiding a strangely docile Naruto to the Hokage tower, leaving behind two heartbroken children to find their ways home.
Internally, Naruto was freaking out. Why me? Did I do something bad? It's not like I wanted to give the bells to them! He thought, oblivious to the mirth in Kakashi's eye. The entire walk to the Hokage Tower remained in silence, intensifying Naruto's anxiety. By the time they arrived, Naruto was practically chewing his fingers off in trepidation. Kakashi waved to the secretary, who smiled and indicated that they could enter.
Naruto's anxiety reached its peak as he was guided into the office, only to find it filled with other shinobi. Some were recognizable as Jōnin Sensei from team assignments, and a man standing next to The Hokage whom he didn't recognize. The man, about Kakashi's height, sported standard Konoha shinobi attire, with a black bandana holding back some of his almond hair. His white, pupilless eyes scanned the clipboard he held.
All eyes in the room shifted to the newcomers, heightening Naruto's nervousness. Kakashi offered a curt wave and a quick greeting. "Yoh!"
"Ah! Kakashi-kun I did not expect to see you so early. We were just discussing the team tests. I trust you have conducted yours?" The Hokage shifted his gaze to a nervous looking Naruto and slightly raised a brow. While not forbidden, it is not common practice to bring one's genin to such a meeting, making the aged Hokage wonder if the boy was in trouble for some reason, if his demeanor was anything to go by, that was indeed the case.
"Yes Hokage-sama, I have conducted the exam, using the bell test method and regret to inform you that team seven has failed the test." Kakashi said, as some Jōnin shook their heads in amusement, every time it's the same.
The bandana wearing man sighed and made a note on his clipboard while muttering under his breath.
"This is quite unusual Kakashi-kun, I trust your judgment of course but not only did you squad have the top kunoichi but also the rookie of the year." The Hokage said eying the blonde boy who now seemed less nervous and more ashamed.
"During the test," Kakashi explained, "it became painfully clear that the dynamic within Team 7 was untenable. While both Sasuke Uchiha and Sakura Haruno showed considerable promise and managed to work together, forming a team with these members seemed impossible."
Naruto shifted uncomfortably, sensing the weight of Kakashi's words.
"As a teacher," Kakashi continued, "my responsibility is not just to train them in combat techniques but also to prepare them for the harsh realities they will face as ninja. Teamwork, trust, and comradeship are integral to survival in our world. Sakura and Sasuke showed willingness not only to compete with Naruto for the opportunity to be a ninja but to actively hinder his progress, leading me to believe that the hope of a cohesive team is unlikely."
The Hokage raised an eyebrow, acknowledging Kakashi's concerns.
"On the other hand, Naruto Uzumaki displayed resilience and determination during the test. Despite the challenges, he demonstrated adaptability and a willingness to collaborate, even when faced with resistance from his teammates. I see in him the potential for growth and the capacity to embrace the ideals of teamwork and camaraderie," Kakashi said with no shortage of pride.
Naruto looked at Kakashi in bewilderment.
"Considering these factors," Kakashi took a breath to steel his resolve, "I propose that Naruto Uzumaki be given the opportunity for individualized training as an apprentice under me. This decision is not a reflection of the potential of his teammates but rather an acknowledgment of the unique challenges they face as a unit. Naruto shows the promise of a Shinobi who carries the will of fire, and I believe it would be a shame to enroll him in the remedial program."
Kakashi's words hung in the air as he awaited the Hokage's response, his posture reflecting the gravity of the situation. The other Jōnin in the room looked at Kakashi in surprise, not used to seeing the man in this particular light.
Naruto looked like he was about to cry. He only met this man yesterday, but this man was not only willing to stand up for him but also said that he saw potential in him, it felt like another person who acknowledged him was just added to his list and he swiftly decided Kakashi was now one of his precious people.
The Hokage's expression betrayed nothing as he looked at the silver haired Jōnin, thinking, He seems quite determined, if he were anyone else I would suspect that he only wants to take Naruto on as a form of honoring Minato, however Kakashi is a true professional. Perhaps Naruto is exactly what Kakashi needs to heal from his past.
"And what of Sasuke? I'm sure you are aware that you are uniquely suited towards being his teacher, it is vital that Sasuke learn to harness his power." Hizuren asked, the stillness in the room showing the importance of the question.
"I understand your concern, Hokage-sama, and, for the good of the village, will train Sasuke in his Sharingan should the time come when he unlocks it. Given the responsibility that comes with unlocking such power, I feel it is even more prudent for Sasuke to address his shortcomings first. This will not only lay a foundation for his overall growth but also ensure that when he does unlock the Sharingan, he is equipped with the necessary temperament to utilize such power in a way that benefits not only himself but the village as a whole." Kakashi answered.
Hiruzen seemed contemplative for another few seconds before he said. "Very well, I'll allow it!"
Naruto was about to cheer but Hirzen held up his hand to interrupt.
"I should add that this arrangement is only temporary, I will continue to look for members to fill team 7, as there are a number of candidates that are available." he took a moment before continuing "I will of course allow you to vet the candidates yourself, however if Sasuke and Sakura finish the remedial courses before any candidates are accepted, they will be reassigned to team 7." Hizuren finished with finality.
"I understand Hokage-sama," Kakashi answered, "thank you." he finished with a bow.
"In the meantime team 7 will also be joining other teams on missions, as it is essential for Naruto to gain the necessary experience in working with others." Hiruzen added before finally addressing Naruto. "Well done Naruto my boy! You make this old man proud." Hiruzen said with a smile.
Naruto grinned at the aged Hokage. "Heh don't sweat it Jiji, it's only a matter of time now before I take that hat!" The other occupants of the room were surprised by his disrespect. Hiruzen merely chuckled in response.
"Please do! It gets heavier every day; I'm not a young man anymore, you know!" Forgetting for a moment the other occupants of the room, the two shared a moment before Hiruzen cleared his throat. "Ahem! Now, Naruto-kun, if you would please excuse us, we still have some matters to discuss." Hiruzen ordered politely.
"I'll come find you after, Naruto," Kakashi said as he showed Naruto out.
"Now, if you would please continue, Yosuke-kun," Hiruzen said as he turned to the man holding the clipboard.
The man, now revealed to be named Yosuke, nodded before addressing the room. "Considering the high number of failed graduates this year, I propose a special program involving-" the rest of what he said was lost as the door closed, leaving Naruto standing in the Hokage's reception area.
He wondered for a moment what he would do now until his stomach loudly reminded him that he had not eaten today. He grinned, knowing there was only one thing that could fill the pit in his stomach right now.
Ramen.
The trek to Ichiraku Ramen stand felt shorter than usual, maybe it was just his eagerness to indulge in noodly goodness that made him run faster than normal.
When he got to Ichiraku's, the stand only had one other customer, a cloaked man wearing a sugegasa.
Naruto took a seat next to the man and yelled into the back. "Hey, old man! I need some pork ramen! And keep them coming!"
The man stiffened a bit when Teuchi called from the back. "Naruto? It's been a while! I was starting to get worried!"
Naruto noticed the man next to him stiffen and worried that the man might be a hater, but relaxed when the man went back to eating his noodles. He couldn't really tell much about the guy based on what he was wearing, but from his perspective, he did get a good look at the man's face.
"Those are some crazy-looking eyes you have, mister," Naruto said, making the man lock eyes with him.
Blue irises stared back into purple sclera with concentric circles going out from a dot pupil, making them look like someone dropped a stone in a pond. Neither of them said anything as they stared at one another until Ayame interrupted.
"Naruto! You shouldn't talk about people's looks like that!" Ayame admonished as she smiled apologetically at the cloaked man.
"It's quite alright," the man assured her as he explained. "People usually react strangely to seeing them, so to answer any questions you might have, no, it doesn't hurt, no, I don't know why they look this way, yes, it does make me popular with the ladies."
Nobody was gonna ask that. Both Naruto and Ayame thought.
"Anyway… Naruto-kun! Where have you been?" Ayame asked, trying to change the subject.
"Huh? Oh, uhm, well, I had my orientation meeting yesterday, and I had a test today!" Naruto's smile got even wider. "You should see my sensei, he's super strong!" Naruto's admiration for Kakashi was pretty much already cemented.
"Your first day as a ninja, huh? What are your teammates like?" The man asked, sounding genuinely interested.
"Oh! Uhm, well, it's only me and my sensei right now… Well, technically we were supposed to be a 4-man squad, but Kakashi-sensei failed the other two." Naruto said as Teuchi placed a bowl in front of him.
The boy was about to dig in when the man asked, "Isn't that a little unusual? What led to you being the only one who passed?"
Naruto started telling them the story of this morning's events with no shortage of enthusiasm; he didn't stop eating throughout his recount either.
By the end of his story, all the other occupants of the little Ramen shack were both impressed and disgusted.
Impressed by how much food Naruto could manage to cram into his mouth and by his apparent performance.
Disgusted by him talking with his mouth full and by his supposed teammates' behavior.
"Well, Naruto, sounds like you have something to celebrate; the first two bowls are on the house," Teuchi said as he ruffled the boy's hair.
This was slowly shaping up to be the best day ever.
"You're certainly a better person than me," the man said. "I don't think I would have let them get away with stealing my spot on the team, then again, I suppose that worked out in your favor."
Naruto hummed in response as he was slurping up his third bowl at this point.
The man twitched for a moment as if recalling something. "Well, this has been nice, but I'm afraid duty calls," he said before placing a stack of ryo on the counter.
"This is way too much," Ayame said, trying to give him the extra back.
The man simply waved her off saying, "He doesn't look like he's slowing down anytime soon so that's for his meal as well." Ayame nodded shyly as under the man's leveled stare.
Intense was all she thought.
"Whaa?! Really? Thanks, Mister!" Naruto had to stop himself from hugging the man and briefly wondered why he even had the urge.
"Don't mention it," the man said as he pushed apart the flaps of the stall and left.
Not even five seconds later did Kakashi come through the same flaps where the man left from.
"Good you're here," Kakashi said as he took a seat next to Naruto. "I wanted to inform you of the schedule I have planned for the coming weeks."Naruto looked back at him in rapt attention, even putting down his chopstick. "We will start with training in the morning, followed by a D-rank mission with another team, then depending on the day we could do some more exercises with them. Or continue on our own." Kakashi finished.
"Are we gonna train today, Kakashi-sensei?" Naruto asked excitedly; he couldn't wait to get cracking.
Kakashi seemed to think for a minute before saying. "We could do a little something; you would have to finish your meal first though."
Naruto practically inhaled his last bowl, thanking the Ichirakus for the meal and leaving Ayame a very generous tip.
Naruto was almost bouncing out of his shoes at the prospect of training.
"So normally we would be doing some teamwork exercises to get started but seeing as how we don't really have that option, we are going to instead focus on one of your weaknesses that became apparent during the test." Kakashi explained. "that weakness being, the ability to spot and avoid traps."
Naruto pouted a little, having hoped he would learn something cooler, like taijutsu, or the fire move Sasuke used. But he figured anything Kakashi taught him was gonna make him an awesome ninja.
And so Naruto's wonderful day started going south as he would be caught in trap after trap. From harmless things like paint bombs and rope traps to things like kunai being launched at him and pit traps, though the kunai were dulled and the pit trap just filled with freezing water.
By the end of it, Naruto was a thoroughly bruised and dirty mess, passed out in his clothes in his bed, oblivious to the waking world.
The cloaked man sat on his window sill, observing the sleeping form of Naruto. A slight smile on his face as he watched the boy twitch, wrestling with the creatures in his dream.
He must've worked hard today. He thought, jumping down to the street below. No sooner did his feet touch the ground than the feet of the Hokage in full battle attire.
"State your business,'' Hiruzen demanded as he stood off against the unknown shinobi.
"What? Am I not even allowed to visit my own son?" As he lifted his gaze Hiruzen saw the sight that always froze his blood.
The gray-purple glow of the Rinnegan piercing through the darkness.
"Does this mean you have returned?" Hiruzen asked, hoping it to be true.
"Yahiko?"
A/n: Well there's another chapter, I was pretty tired at the end, it looks good for me but might be a little short, I don't know.
The Hyuuga Name Yosuke is OC not based on anything. But serves a pretty major role in the story.
Hope you guys like the chapter, this probably gives you some questions, feel free to ask, see you guys next time.