I guess it's time to give you guys some hope. I did a reread of the story and YALL LIKED THAT?! ain't no way. There were multiple spelling errors and grammar issues which I'm resolving with this, Naruto: The Darkness Within ReWrite/ Fix. I will be going through and fixing chapters, so if you've read everything up until Ch14, I don't think you'll need to reread this, unless you want to!

I DO NOT OWN NARUTO OR ITS CHARACTERS ALL RIGHTS BELONG WITH KISHIMOTO, VIZ MEDIA, AND SHONEN JUMP. PLEASE SUPPORT THE ORIGINAL RELEASE!

Arc 1: The Introduction

Chapter 1: Decisive Loss, New Gains

Our tale begins in Konohagakure no Sato, a village renowned as the "Village hidden in the Leaves" or "The Leaf Village." This is where our beloved protagonist, a spirited and determined blonde known as Naruto Uzumaki, resides. He yearns for recognition, love, respect, and to shed the label of being treated as nothing more than trash. With these aspirations in mind, he took the bold step of enrolling in Konoha's Ninja Academy, where he could learn the ways of the shinobi and strive towards his dreams.

It has been two years and several months since he embarked on this journey. However, instead of focusing on his studies, Naruto spent his time sleeping, joking, pranking, and causing disruptions, neglecting the majority of his subjects. As a result, he barely managed to scrape by in the academy. Amidst this chaotic routine, he found himself harboring unrequited affection for a girl named Sakura Haruno, a pink-haired beauty who he believed to be the most captivating girl in his class. Unfortunately, Sakura held a deep disdain for Naruto, much like their fellow classmates and villagers. Her animosity stemmed from the stark contrast between Naruto and her crush, Sasuke Uchiha.

Sasuke Uchiha, the sole contender for the prestigious Rookie of the Year title, possessed an air of mystery and allure that captivated the female students. To his male peers, however, he was seen as rude, unfriendly, and overly proud. Naruto, on the other hand, considered Sasuke his number one rival, admiring the respect, attention, and affection he effortlessly garnered from others. Naruto couldn't fathom what made Sasuke so "cool." He longed for the day he could knock Sasuke off his high pedestal, believing that in doing so, he would finally gain the recognition he craved from everyone, including the villagers. Yet, achieving this feat seemed daunting, with Naruto's record standing at an overwhelming 49-0 in Sasuke's favor.

Now, as our story unfolds, Naruto finds himself running late for class, racing against time to make it on time.

Naruto bolted through the vibrant streets of Konohagakure, his determination to avoid another scolding from his teacher, Iruka Umino, propelling him forward. The morning sun bathed the village in a warm golden glow, casting playful shadows across the bustling market stalls and casting a sense of anticipation in the air. The aroma of freshly baked pastries mingled with the scent of blooming cherry blossoms, creating a sensory symphony that enveloped Naruto's senses.

As he sprinted, his heart pounding in his chest, Naruto's ears caught the faint sound of footsteps drawing nearer. Before he could react, a sudden collision sent him sprawling to the ground.

"Oof!" Naruto exclaimed, his voice filled with a mixture of surprise and irritation. He scrambled to his feet, his cerulean eyes locking with the silver-haired man who had bumped into him. Anger flickered across Naruto's face, and he couldn't help but voice his frustration. "You should watch where you're going, man!" he yelled, his voice echoing through the busy streets.

The silver-haired man regarded Naruto with a calm demeanor, his expression hinting at a hint of amusement. 'So, this is it. Finally face to face with Minato-sensei's son,' he thought, a wry smile tugging at the corner of his lips. 'After watching over him for Lord Third every now and again, I already know he's going to say something loud and obnoxious.'

"Well, I believe it was actually you who ran into me and made me drop my favorite book," the man calmly retorted, his voice laced with a hint of sarcasm.

"What? No way! It was totally your fault!" Naruto fired back, his frustration not yet subsiding. His eyes shifted to the man's attire, noticing the distinctive garb of an Anbu member. "Wait, are you an Anbu member?" he questioned, a mix of curiosity and awe coloring his voice.

"Hmm? Oh, I forgot I was still wearing this. Well, I guess I am then," the Anbu Operative responded, a touch of nonchalance in his tone. "It seems I'm not going to get an apology from you, so anyways, why are you running into people?" he inquired, his gaze fixed on Naruto.

"OH NO! I'm late for the academy! I'll see you later, Anbu-san! Sorry about bumping into you!" Naruto exclaimed, his voice filled with a sense of urgency as he darted off towards his destination.

"My name isn't Anbu-san, it's Kak- ah, whatever," the Anbu man muttered to himself as he stooped to pick up his fallen book, shaking his head in mild amusement before continuing his own journey.

Eventually, Naruto reached the Academy, his breath ragged and his heart still pounding from the mad dash. He entered the classroom, eight minutes past the designated time, only to be met with the disapproving gaze of his instructor, Iruka.

"Naruto! Why are you late?" Iruka demanded, his voice a blend of frustration and concern.

"I bumped into an Anbu man," Naruto replied, his words tinged with a hint of defiance.

"Yeah, right! The Anbu are the top shinobi in the village! There's no way you ran into someone like that, Naruto!" a voice from the back of the class interjected, skepticism lacing the words.

"Just take your seat!" Iruka bellowed, his patience wearing thin. Naruto lowered his head, feeling a mix of frustration and embarrassment as he made his way to his assigned seat.

Unbeknownst to him, a shy lavender-haired girl with striking white eyes observed his every move. Hinata Hyuga, her heart fluttering in her chest, had secretly harbored feelings for Naruto since he had stood up for her years ago. However, her crippling shyness prevented her from approaching him, leaving her yearning to express her admiration. Her younger sister, Hanabi, often taunted her for her lack of courage, adding to Hinata's internal struggle.

'Oh, Naruto-kun, why must you give Iruka-sensei a hard time?' Hinata's thoughts swirled with a mix of admiration and longing. 'I know it's your dream to be a splendid ninja. If only I had the courage to go up to you and ask if I could help.'

Fast forward a few hours

The atmosphere crackled with anticipation as the final spar of the day was about to commence. Iruka's voice reverberated through the training ground, commanding attention. "Ladies and gentlemen, brace yourselves for the ultimate showdown between Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha! Unison sign, please."

Grinning with determination, Naruto's eyes locked onto Sasuke. "This is my moment, the chance to prove that Sasuke-teme isn't as great as everyone believes. Today, I'll show them all that I am the superior ninja." A chorus of boos erupted from the Sasuke fan girl club, but Naruto dismissed their opinions with a dismissive wave. "Who cares what you fan girls think!"

Sasuke's voice dripped with nonchalance. "Let's just get this over with, dobe." The crowd swooned, their adoration pouring out in whispered praises of his talents. The adulation fueled Naruto's frustration. "I'll wipe that smug look off your face, just watch!"

The unison sign was exchanged, and the spar ignited with intensity. Naruto lunged forward with a furious punch, his fist aimed at Sasuke's jaw. But his strike found only air as Sasuke effortlessly evaded, countering with a swift elbow to Naruto's ribs. The impact expelled the air from Naruto's lungs, and he staggered backward from the force of Sasuke's follow-up kick.

Sasuke's taunting words stung Naruto. "What happened to all that bravado? Looks like you're all talk, no action." The Uchiha's arrogance in battle always got under Naruto's skin.

"It was just a lucky shot, that's all!" Naruto retorted, his resolve unwavering. He pressed on, launching a series of reckless attacks. Each swing and kick was met with Sasuke's agile evasion. Frustration burned within Naruto, his mind echoing the advice he had received at the Dango shop - aim for the temple.

Naruto's strikes grew more frenzied, fueled by determination. Yet Sasuke danced away from every blow, leaving Naruto grasping at air. Just as discouragement threatened to engulf him, Naruto gathered all his strength and charged once more. Miraculously, he connected, his knuckles colliding with Sasuke's jaw. A cheer erupted from the crowd, their disbelief evident.

"I did it! I actually hit him!" Naruto's triumphant cry resonated through the battlefield, drowning out the astonished murmurs of the fan girls. In that moment, even Sasuke's confidence wavered as doubt crept into his mind. "If someone like Naruto can land a hit on me, then maybe I stand no chance against him."

Sasuke swiftly regained his composure, going through a series of hand signs. "Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu!" Flames roared to life, gathering in a colossal fireball aimed directly at Naruto. Panic surged through Naruto's veins, but his body refused to respond quickly enough. The scorching fire engulfed him, leaving him sprawled on the ground, defeated.

Iruka's voice cut through the smoky aftermath. "Sasuke, that's enough. You're the winner." The girls erupted into cheers, their admiration showering Sasuke. He casually tucked his hands into his pockets and walked away, his victory secure. Meanwhile, Naruto lay on the ground, nursing his wounds, feeling the sting of defeat.

As the class hurried back inside, one figure remained. With spiky hair and a contemplative expression, Shikamaru approached Naruto. "Hey, Naruto-san. You fought hard out there. The gap between you and Sasuke is vast, yet you managed to land a hit on him. His reaction revealed a weakness, and he resorted to using ninjutsu. In my book, that's a win because putting in that much effort is just too troublesome for me." Shikamaru's words resonated with Naruto, filling him with a glimmer of hope.

"Wow, Shikamaru-san acknowledged me! Today may have been a defeat, but it wasn't a total loss. I'll have to talk to Jiji and work on a better training regimen," Naruto mused, determination gleaming in his eyes.

Later that day

Naruto's steps echoed through the Hokage's tower as he made his way to the towering office at its peak. Pushing open the ornate door, he spotted the Anbu Operative he'd collided with earlier.

"Hey, Anbu-san, remember me?" Naruto inquired, a hint of excitement in his voice.

The masked Anbu turned, revealing a friendly gaze. "Hello, Naruto-kun. Of course, I remember. What brings you here, and shouldn't you be drowning in academy homework?"

"Ah, forget the boring stuff. I'm here to bug Hokage-Jiji about a training regimen. And homework? I don't bother with that Iruka-sensei nonsense," Naruto replied with a grin.

Anbu-san chuckled beneath the mask. "Good luck with that, Naruto-kun."

As Naruto entered the Hokage's office, he found Hiruzen Sarutobi buried in a sea of paperwork. The aged leader looked up, warmth in his eyes at the sight of the young ninja.

"Hey, Naruto-kun, how's your day?" Sarutobi asked, sensing Naruto's nervousness.

"Uh, not bad. I was wondering if you could help me out, you know, create a training plan to be as strong as the Sannin?" Naruto asked, scratching his head.

Hiruzen, understanding the weight of the request, leaned back. "Shouldn't the academy handle that? What about Iruka and Mizuki?"

Naruto sighed, "They're not big fans of mine. And you're super strong, Jiji!"

The Hokage considered this and then proposed a challenge. "Alright, Naruto. Prove your commitment. Use this library pass, study history, ninja arts theories, taijutsu styles, and cooking. Show me what you've learned in two weeks, and I'll help you design a regimen."

Before Naruto could react, Sarutobi added, "Oh, and ramen? You can have it once a week, only two bowls."

"Noooo, Jiji! How could you?" Naruto protested dramatically.

Hiruzen explained the importance of balance, healthy living, and the responsibilities of a shinobi. "Life as a shinobi is tough, Naruto-kun. It's not just about being strong physically, but also mentally and emotionally. Only then can you truly embody the Will of Fire."

Naruto, contemplating the challenge, thought, 'Maybe I can kick Sasuke-teme's ass if I follow this.' With determination, he declared, "Okay, Jiji. I'll do it. I promise."

Two Weeks Later

Naruto immersed himself in the tasks assigned by Hiruzen. Each day brought new challenges, and the Hokage's prescribed regimen became a rhythm of exploration and learning.

As the scent of old parchment filled the air on Monday, Naruto delved into the history and layout of Konoha. His fingers traced the worn pages, absorbing the village's legacy.

Tuesday resonated with the sounds of rustling pages as Naruto dived into the intricate world of Ninjutsu. Chakra pulsated beneath his fingertips, creating a symphony of energy.

Wednesday brought the subtle aroma of freshly cooked, healthy foods. Naruto, clad in an apron, navigated the kitchen, embracing the scents of vegetables and herbs, determined to master the culinary arts.

The following day, the air buzzed with the thuds and swishes of Taijutsu and exercises. Naruto's body moved through the motions, muscles stretching and contracting with each precise movement.

Saturday's exploration of the history of other major villages filled Naruto's senses with tales of distant lands. The words on the pages painted vivid pictures, and his imagination soared.

Sunday, a day dedicated to fuinjutsu, engaged Naruto's tactile senses. The crisp feel of the pages and the intricate diagrams beneath his fingertips revealed the secrets of sealing techniques.

In the midst of his studies, Naruto stumbled upon a Fuinjutsu book by Kushina U. The simplicity of the guide intrigued him, and a spark of interest in seals ignited within him.

Determined to enhance his skills, Naruto sacrificed attending the academy to focus on his training. Armed with newfound knowledge, he arrived at the Hokage's Tower, a mixture of excitement and nerves palpable in the air.

"Come on in, Naruto-kun. I hope these last two weeks have been informative for you," Hiruzen greeted, his voice carrying a hint of curiosity.

Naruto beamed, eager to share his progress. "Yeah, Hokage-jiji. I did everything you said, and I also took an interest in fuinjutsu!"

Hiruzen's eyes gleamed with a mix of pride and contemplation. "Fuinjutsu is a difficult ninja art to master, Naruto. The Fourth Hokage excelled in it. Now, what brings you here?"

"I want that training regimen you promised!" Naruto exclaimed, his enthusiasm echoing through the room.

The Hokage chuckled. "What would you do differently from these past two weeks? Understand, Genjutsu might not be your forte due to your immense chakra. But fuinjutsu could be a unique path for you."

Naruto absorbed the information, determination burning in his eyes. "I'll be even better than the Fourth Hokage!"

Hiruzen nodded, recognizing the spark within Naruto. "Very well. With this knowledge, you could indeed become the rookie of the year."

The bustling streets of Konoha were abuzz as Naruto, fueled by determination, hurried home to refine his training regimen. In his haste, he accidentally collided with a mysterious figure exuding an ominous aura.

"Sorry, sir," Naruto stammered, his usual bravado momentarily replaced by surprise.

The enigmatic man, seemingly unfazed by the collision, responded with a calm demeanor. "That's alright. Just be more careful. What's the rush?"

Naruto, still taken aback, decided to share his ambitious goals. "I'm trying to get home to redesign my training regimen. I want to become a well-respected and loved ninja, maybe even Rookie of the Year."

The man raised an eyebrow, his tone skeptical. "Rookie of the Year? A meaningless title. A real ninja thrives on deception and sneakiness. Why reveal all your cards so soon?"

Undeterred, Naruto probed further. "You seem to know a lot about this. Are you a ninja?"

"I was once a strong ninja, trained by Nidaime-sama Tobirama Senju. I was teammates with Hiruzen," the bandaged man revealed, his presence suddenly carrying an air of authority. "What are you studying to improve your strength, boy?"

Naruto listed his pursuits, "Taijutsu, ninjutsu, dispelling Genjutsu, and even some Fuinjutsu."

"Fuinjutsu, you say?" The man, now identified as Danzō-sama, nodded thoughtfully. "Alright, I just got this scroll from the Jonin section of the library. Consider it a sign of trust in your abilities and the future of Konoha."

Grateful, Naruto hesitated. "Thanks, erm…"

"You may call me Danzō-sama. I've kept tabs on you, young Naruto. You have great potential," Danzō acknowledged, his eyes betraying a hidden agenda. "In a matter of years, you could surpass everyone here. Perhaps you'll find me in the future for training."

As Naruto left, Danzō, shrouded in mystery, contemplated his manipulative plans. "I've planted my seeds. In the near future, I will train the boy for the Chunin Exams. He will become Chunin, and I'll use the Nine Tails as my personal minion." With that unsettling thought, Danzō went his own way, leaving an air of intrigue in his wake.

And that's how a first chapter looks for a great story! To compare and contrast look at my wattspad version as that one won't be updated for about a month or two. Anyways I guess I'll put the poll in this chapter now. Here's the current voting poll results, whatever two kunoichi has the lowest number of votes by the next chapter will be eliminated.

Naruto X Haku (female)-32

Naruto X Hinata-30

Naruto X Ino-39

Naruto X Sakura-26

Naruto X Tayuya-29

Naruto X Temari-33

Remember the way to vote on this is to drop a review or Pm me. I see each review and Pm.

Post Credit Scene

In the dimly lit Uchiha Compound, Sasuke immersed himself in the ancestral library, his raven hair cascading over his determined expression. The weight of unresolved emotions hung heavily in the air as he sought out jutsu to fuel his vengeful ambitions, consumed by the memory of Naruto's unexpected punch from two weeks prior.

Frustration fueled his every move, every page turned, as he grappled with the notion that the so-called "dead last" had landed a hit on him. It shouldn't have happened. Determination etched across his features, Sasuke's intense gaze scanned the shelves, searching for techniques that would elevate him beyond the perceived indignity.

His growing discontent reached a boiling point, and in a fit of irritation, a book slipped from his grasp, crashing to the floor. As the tome landed, Sasuke's keen eyes caught an anomaly—an absence of a wall behind the bookshelf. Seizing the opportunity, he shoved the furniture aside, revealing a concealed stairwell leading downward.

Curiosity mingled with determination, propelling Sasuke to descend into the depths below the Uchiha Compound. The staircase unveiled a hidden world, shrouded in shadows and secrecy. His eyes fell upon a door adorned with a mysterious seal, a puzzle waiting to be unraveled.

Taking mental note of the enigmatic seal, Sasuke pledged to return once he acquired the knowledge to breach its defenses. With a resolute mindset, he envisioned a future where strength and understanding would converge, arming him to confront the elusive figure that haunted his thoughts—Naruto. The journey ahead held the promise of both power and enlightenment as Sasuke delved into the clandestine depths beneath his own clan's legacy.