{Land of Fire, Konohagakure, the Academy grounds.}
"Ok, kids, line up in two separate groups. Boys over here, and girls over there, please," spoke Mizuki as he looked over his checklist.
In response, the class of kids began to form two lines in front of their teacher and just outside the little sparring arena border.
"back up some, please... Perfect, right there." spoke the chunin as he waved his hands for them to stop moving.
The two lines of kids, boys in the first and girls in the second, stood back to back. Mizuki had them. He glanced at his temporary partner, Koga, and gave him a knowing smirk. They were going to have fun with this.
"Okay. First off, this is a taijutsu session to see how well you've all been training, so there is no ninjutsu, just taijutsu."
The kids nodded at him, the boys seeming eager to prove themselves and the girls looking as though they'd rather be anywhere but here.
"Great, now. Sasuke Uchiha, since you have some combat experience, why don't you come up and demonstrate how it's done? Your opponent..." Mizuki stopped speaking to scan the class as Sasuke walked into the ring and found his intended target, secretly grateful that Iruka was out sick today. "Naruto Uzumaki."
The boy in question leaped up, obviously having beef with the Uchiha boy, and ran up to the arena to square off against Sasuke, who just stood there looking unimpressed.
Mizuki smirked as he looked between the two, and the girls went from uninterested to on the edge of their seats, "metaphorically speaking." Naruto did his stretches before getting into some kind of stance.
"Okay. Now remember, no ninjutsu, and I'm talking to you, Sasuke. Don't burn your opponent."
The girls snickered, and the boys looked on in amusement, already knowing the results.
" This is overkill, " Shikamaru thought. "Using Naruto? I figured Kiba would make for a proper demonstration against Sasuke, not the class clown. I can't watch."
Choji nodded vigorously while aggressively eating his chips. He didn't want to miss a thing.
Mizuki stood between and raised his hand. "All right. ready?"
the boys nodded, and Mizuki smirked. "begin.
Naruto bolted at Sasuke to immediately begin throwing punches at Sasuke. A right hook to be weaved around, a jab to the side blocked, an elbow caught by the Ravenhead, and then a swift uppercut colliding Naruto's chin as Sasuke launched him away and on his back.
"Go, Sasuke!" cheered Ino, with Sakura and the other girls agreeing. ' Basically, Sasuke's fan club. '
The rest of the kids cheered Sasuke on while Kiba began to mock Naruto from afar, and the boy was on his feet in an instant, rubbing his chin with an angry scowl. "is that the best you got!?" yelled Naruto in retaliation, "because if so, then i feel so-
Naruto was cut off when he found himself on his back in an instant, Sasuke's knee on his chest, a fist inches from his face, and a smug look from the Uchiha. "I have better things to do than play around with the dead-last."
Sasuke got up and walked out as Mizuki called Sasuke the winner.
Naruto lay on the ground, shocked out of his mind. It was so effortless. He moved faster than he thought he would there.
Naruto turned his head to the cheering fangirls and the boys congratulating Sasuke, the Uchiha ignoring them to stand back in line with his arms crossed.
Koga sighed and hoisted Naruto onto his feet and patted his back. "go on kid, get back in line, you're fine.
Naruto blushed and scowled as he returned to the line, and the kids continued to joke about how quickly the match ended.
"damn Uzumaki, I expected you to at least last longer than a minute with all the tough guy talk you give, haha." laughed Kiba.
Naruto grimaced. "S-shut up! i-... I was just going easy on him!" he said, which made some laugh even more.
"yeah, sure. Whatever makes you feel better dead last." japed a random student.
Naruto clenched his fists and had half a mind to abandon class and hide. His reputation has been tarnished with one match against Sasuke. Next time, he won't lose. This, he vowed.
Line break.
Naruto sulked his way home, brushing past kids who were retelling their day to them.
He glanced at Sakura not far from the gates and flinched at how she told her mom about Sasuke beating him in their spar today. He has feelings for Sakura, but she doesn't like him one bit and makes sure to say so. His chance at impressing her was ruined today.
He turned and walked out, staying out of the path of the adults coming to collect their kids. He then went to the Hokage tower as instructed by the 3rd Hokage, his technical caretaker.
Upon reaching the tower, he got on his tiptoes and rang the bell in front of the desk.
"excuse me, I'm here to see the Hokage," he spoke softly.
The woman looked up from her papers and glanced around for a second, not knowing where the voice was coming from until she peered down to see a mop of messy blonde hair. "ah, hello Naruto-san." she said stoically.
The blonde peered up, revealing the rest of his face, which looked as though he'd just come out of a fight. "hi ma'am. can i see Hokage-Jiji?"
She went through her papers for a moment before opening her cabinet drawer and handing it to the boy. "go wait just by the lobby door. He's in the middle of an unexpected meeting with other people.
He nodded, thankful that it was Yui at the desk today and not... the other lady.
He hopped his way to the back to where the waiting area was. He took a seat and began to read the contents of the various books, with a few making his face burn in embarrassment, others making him feel so smart, and the rest making him feel very dumb.
The door to the Hokage's office opened up, and Naruto closed his book as he looked at the adults exiting. They looked to be from a prestigious clan.
The people in question leaving the office were Hiashi Hyuuga and Fugaku Uchiha, both of whom were there to settle an issue involving their clan members fighting in Hyuuga's Merchant district.
From the looks of it, Fugaku lost the argument.
Naruto was guided up the stairs after a trip down the hall and escorted into the Hokage's office where Hiruzen seemed to be getting ready for their session today, something about a surprise.
"Oh, you're early, good. That makes things easier. There are snacks over there for you, Naruto, and then you can tell me about your day once my meeting with a few clients is over.
Naruto nodded and went to sit.
It was an hour before the old man was ready to give his attention to him. When the two clients who placing a high-end mission left, Hiruzen ushered Naruto forward, and the boy told him everything, starting from how Mizuki purposefully singled him out in taijutsu, the students mocking him and laughing at him, and even how Sakura didn't want to sit next to him, not would she let him sit next to her.
All Hiruzen could hear was Naruto complaining about losing a spar, his reputation as a tough guy getting ruined, and his crush not returning his feelings—just academy stuff. Hiruzen laughed it off as such and gave him his reply: " It seems you've had an eventful day. I'm sure Mizuki chose you because he deemed you more worthy than Kiba to face off against Uchiha Sasuke."
'that, or he's trying to gain favor with the clan.' he thought to himself.
"I wouldn't rule out the day being terrible yet. here."
Hiruzen reached into his pocket and handed Naruto a set of keys, and the boy's eyes widened before he jumped for joy.
"Yata! You actually kept your promise!" yelled Naruto as he snatched the keys out of the old man's hands and did a rather sloppy cartwheel in victory, Hiruzen stood from his chair when he thought the boy would hit his desk, and he raised his hands in a 'relax, he's fine' fashion.
"ok Naruto, that's enough now, relax!"
Naruto didn't, though, and instead leaped into the old man's arms. "Thank you, thank you! You have no idea how much this helps! No more evil, cramped orphanage!"
Hiruzen simply patted the boy on the head and gave a sigh. Looking down, his heart dropped.
'His hair is growing too long again. He needs another haircut. I saw his father for a second.'
He put the boy down and stood from his seat. "I'll show you where you'll be staying from now on, okay?"
Naruto nodded eagerly, and Hiruzen knew that the next time he brought snacks to the office, adding candy to the mix would be off-limits.
The two left the building with Hiruzen in tow. Naruto got to explore more of the village this time around, not having visited this part of it before. It's closer to both the market and the commercial district.
Hiruzen decided that placing him in the outer layer of the residential district would be safer and affordable for him to pay off the necessary utilities, and with the academy being closer now, he found that it was indeed the perfect spot for Naruto.
However, there was an anxiety-inducing issue at hand. Debt.
You see, it was either give Naruto a more rundown location for free in return for the risk in numerous problems like rent, the people, possible health issues and diseases due to poor construction, the whole works. Or make an advanced purchase and put him in a higher-tier house in return for security, amenities like heat and hot water, and an overall safe, healthy place for Naruto to stay.
He wouldn't fail Minato by throwing the boy to the wayside. He chose the obvious, but at the cost of his clan becoming upset with this needless purchase, something about "not wasting clan money on an outsider" and "favoritism towards the village weapon.
He clenched his jaw at the last comment.
With the entire clan in disagreement, he had to compromise. How was this done? The promise that Naruto would be able to pay them back when the time came.
They didn't believe him, naturally, and believed that the boy would be indebted to their clan for the small property. Little did they know that a good 40% of Minato's wealth that wasn't absorbed by the village is waiting to be claimed, as well as the man's many properties throughout the village, including physical assets left behind and unclaimed. Naruto is well off. He just doesn't know it. Not yet.
They walked into the lobby of the building so he could show the boy how to navigate, and the woman behind the desk nearly jumped in shock as her eyes met Hiruzen's.
She composed herself before bowing to the man. "Hokage-sama! a-are you here for an inspection of your property?"
Hiruzen shook his head. "no. I'm showing young Naruto here where he'll be staying. I'll be acting as his Tenant.
The woman glanced at the boy in surprise before realizing who it was and seemed to look nervous. But with the Hokage present, she didn't dare voice her concerns and simply nodded in acceptance. "v-very well. i suppose you don't require any assistance?
Hiruzen shook his head. "none at all.
She nodded and watched the two walk up the stairs. She shook her head, wondering how things had turned out this way.
Naruto, on the other hand, was marveling at everything, with Hiruzen walking right behind him and making sure the boy didn't go flying up the stairs in excitement and run into a fellow resident. He's obviously very excited and ready to move into his new home.
Hiruzen could only smile at the sight, feeling some sort of guilt and paternal need to care for the boy. 'If only I could do more,' he thought to himself.
They eventually made it to the proper floor, and Naruto's smile, if at all possible, grew upon seeing his new humble abode. It wasn't fancy or anything, but it was a welcome sight.
A nice living room with a terrace, a kitchen with a small laundry section, a bathroom, a bedroom, and an extra room to do with as he so pleases.
It was dim, though. The terrace was facing the sun that had already set, a dim glow being the only source of light to show off the room, so rushed in and felt around for the light switch, and it took a second to turn it on, but the light filled the place, and Naruto marveled at how different the home is. It was clean and well-kept, something the orphanage didn't bother doing to his old room, and there was an almost unnoticeable smell of what smelled like citrus.
It was furnished and everything.
Before Hiruzen could utter a word, the boy shot off through his apartment and ran around checking through every room he could, with Hiruzen hearing him yell things like "I get my own room now! This is awesome!" or "The water in the bathroom actually works! And it's hot!
He scowled at that comment. 'That's the last time I've allowed the council to dictate where the boy stays. Wasn't the hot watern't working where he was?'
Hiruzen went to confront Naruto about that comment, but the boy shrugged it off and told him that it was a building problem before he left, and that they were trying to fix it the week Naruto ran away.
This was a relief to Hiruzen, but he was still unhappy with the arrangements made for Naruto. he would not allow Minato to haunt him any longer.
"gGet used to the place and try and get some rest. I'll be back to show you how to properly take care of yourself and the place. Ok?
The blonde nodded in reply before Hiruzen took his leave and gave him the apartment key.
This was a much better day than expected, and Naruto's perspective on Hiruzen changed drastically that day.
Line break.
Hiruzen slumped in his office chair. Taking care to place Naruto in his apartment had put him behind on his work, and he had to hurry through it to catch up so he could finally go home.
He saw that his assistant had a new pile already awaiting his attention and sighed as he rubbed his eyes and put out his finished work from earlier, ready for a long night ahead.
It took about two hours to finish his work, and admittedly, he skimmed through anything unrelated to Ninja activity.
Hiruzen slumped back into his seat in utter relief when he finished up his work for the night and stretched his limbs.
"That, right there, is why I'm not cut out for being Hokage," a voice called out from behind him.
Hiruzen almost jumped, but the voice was of his only remaining and loyal student. Jiraiya.
The old man turned in his seat and glared at the toad sage for sneaking up on him. "One day, you're going to scare the life out of me with how you enter rooms without making a sound. There are doors for a reason."
Jiraiya walked over and sat in the chair opposite the Hokage, the old man staring at him intently. "You look exhausted, old man. Is something going on?
The old man sighed, took out a cigar, lit it up, and blew smoke. "The usual, except my schedule was changed today when I had to put in some more time with my little guardian.
Jiraiya frowned. "Naruto.
The old man nodded. "You should see him, Jiraiya. He... looks so much like him. I need to cut his hair soon. It's getting too long. At that length, it'll look just like Minato's.
Jiraiya gave a nod and planted a document on the old man's desk. It was why he was here. To deliver special intel meant for Hiruzen alone. He couldn't trust a messenger. But the Hokage ignored it to stare at Minato's portrait.
"Jiraiya, I know the excuse is always the same: You have a spy network to run. I get it, but I'm not stupid. Not once have you introduced yourself to the lad.
Jiraiya went to speak, but Hiruzen put his hand up to silence him. "Let me finish. The boy... he holds so much potential that I can just feel it. He's his son. His son Jiraiya!" the old man yelled, the frustration of losing the most powerful Hokage since the first getting to him.
The old man took a breath. "You don't have to stick around. I'm not asking you to. But he has no one. People complain to me every day that I show far too much favor for the boy, and people are starting to theorize as to why. I can't afford to care for him and simultaneously keep my seat as Hokage. I can't. I need help. A little help is all I ask from you. After all."
Hiruzen turned to him with a look Jiraiya had never liked from him. "you are his Godfather.
Jiraiya clenched his fist and stood up to say something, but it died in his throat as the words sunk in.
It's been almost eight years, and he still can't bear to look the boy in the face and say anything to him.
His first interaction with him was a mess.
He had been back in Konoha for a few years, working to distract himself from the loss of someone he considered a son. He decided that it would be the perfect time to rekindle the bonds that he had with the boy, who was three at the time, but instead, he froze up, unable to approach.
All he could see was Minato. The resemblance was too uncanny, so much so that he couldn't understand how people didn't notice. It was too painful.
The last time he'd seen Minato, he was alive and well. Not a day over twenty-two years old. He should have been there for Minato, but where was he? Certainly not here. Still chasing after the damn snake.
He turned and began to leave the office to go brood at his favorite pub.
The old man sighed at the sight and picked up the document before opening it up to read through its contents. of course, what was in them meant he had to stay in his office for longer than he wanted, and it also justified a counsel meeting tomorrow.
Line break.
3 years later.
{the academy}
"WAKE UP, NARUTO!" bellowed Iruka, and Naruto jumped from his seat.
"here!
Everyone in the class laughed at the blonde, and Iruka just shook his head and crossed the boy off his list of absentees.
Naruto yawned and stretched in his seat before getting into his usual bored pose and resting his head on his hand, mirroring Shikamaru as Iruka began his lecture.
He glanced at Sakura, who was taking notes, before looking at his neighbor, Sasuke, who was brooding and staring out the window as usual.
He wasn't as mad at him now. The Uchiha had mellowed out in his arrogance, and Naruto had come to realize that Sasuke wasn't a bad person—just arrogant and used to getting his way. That, and he lost his entire clan a few years back.
He still beat him in everything they did, and it pissed him off to no end, but aside from that, deep down, he wants to befriend the boy, but his pride won't let him make the first move.
He turned his head to the right again, and Kiba was there with Akamaru on his head, and the two were listening to Iruka intently, or at least pretending to.
It was just another boring day.
Naruto found himself once again sleeping in class, and a slap on the back of the head jolted him up once again, with the class once again laughing at him.
He gave Iruka a nervous laugh before slouching when he gave the (detention at my office) sign.
The class laughed at that as well because, of course, they did. And he could only give an unenthusiastic, 'yes sir'.
The class continued for the rest of the day before they were released. The boys had an off day in taijutsu to do chakra exercises instead, and then they would have weapons class tomorrow.
Now, Naruto finds himself dragging his feet toward Iruka's office to have another lecture about the importance of paying attention.
The sound of giggles caught his attention as he passed his classmates, and he simply sent them a glare in hopes that it would scare them. But the only thing he got was more giggles, so he simply huffed and pushed his way into Iruka's office, where the man had just sent someone out. A parent, from the looks of it. as well as the wary glare sent his way.
He slumped in the chair as Iruka graded work from someone else's class. Of course, he knew better than to grade his own class's work in front of Naruto. Never again.
Two minutes of silence made Naruto realize that Iruka wasn't talking. Ten minutes made him uneasy, and when it hit twenty, he couldn't keep quiet any longer.
"can't you just scold me already and be done with it?
Iruka shrugged. "why bother? Why should i repeat myself when i've told you the exact same thing over and over again, Naruto? Why?
Naruto frowned at the nonchalant tone used, and Iruka continued. "there is a saying y'know. You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make them drink. i've told you time and time again that if you wish to be Hokage, if you wish to be an exceptional shinobi, then you need to pay attention and engage. But you don't listen. Instead, you sleep through my class, you jape, you misbehave, and you run the risk of flunking the entire academy altogether. Why is it you keep coming back? you obviously don't want to learn and refuse to do anything to earn your grades."
Naruto went to speak, but Iruka cut him off. "ah, but I already know. It's to become Hokage, right?
Naruto stood up. "exactly! And I will!
Iruka shook his head. "Naruto, drop it. I know why you want this so bad, and it's not to become Hokage. You want attention.
Naruto's angry look regressed into something a little less hostile and a little more offended. "t-that's not true!
Iruka took out the blonde's most recent exam and tossed it to him, and he looked it over. 36%.
"Not true? I don't know, Naruto. Your results would speak for themselves. Tell me why you would attend class and not even try, especially when the Hokage is the one funding this.
Naruto looked away, obviously upset. "I...i-i just... I'm not as smart as everyone else. it takes me a bit more time to understand.
Iruka nodded at that. "that is what studying is for Naruto. Tell me, have you finished your homework from yesterday?
The blonde looked at his feet as he kicked around in embarrassment. "y-you mean the homework about chakra exercises and natures?
Iruka nodded, and the blonde shook his head. "hmm, interesting. I don't know what to say, Naruto. I really don't. This will be the last lecture i give you. The next exam is coming up, and if you fail this one then the only way you're graduating from the academy is the genin exam. There's a saying, y'know. You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make them drink.
Naruto just sighed and slumped in his chair, dejected. He didn't have the motivation to actually be Hokage, not really. He wanted attention, that's all. But the kind of attention he gets when excelling, the glares and whispers of parents.
'What was the Hokage thinking letting that thing in the academy?' they would say. 'it's nothing more than a waste of resources, ' others would say, ' what if he rises up the ranks and takes control of the village?'.
Now that last comment is what made him stop trying. They would never allow him to be Hokage.
However, this did, in fact, make him question why they all hated him. Other orphans were ignored, but this was something else altogether.
After another few hours of doing nothing in Iruka's office, Naruto was allowed to go home, and the only thing on Naruto's mind is getting ready to for bed to enjoy his weekend of doing absolutely nothing.
He climbed up the apartment stairs, brushing past other occupants before making it to the fifth floor, where he unlocked his door and stepped in.
It took him a while to adjust to his current lifestyle, but it's grown on him now. He's glad he's living in such a nice place—nice for someone like him, at least.
"i wonder if i left myself some ramen or not."
He took his shoes off and locked the door behind him before heading to his bathroom. He washed his face before going into his refrigerator, but he found that it was empty save for his ramen and take-out rice from the day before.
"w-wha? What the hell?! Where's all my food?!
"I threw it out. You had spoiling milk and cheese in there.
Naruto whirled at the sound of the voice to see Jiraiya standing in the doorway with groceries. "Hello there. My name is- WHOA!
Jiraiya was forced to dodge a flurry of kunai, the kid's unexpected accuracy. The kid kept his distance as he launched more and more shurikens and kunai at him, and the old man caught every single one, save for the one embedded in the wall now.
Naruto ran out of shuriken to throw, and the sound of liquid spilling on the floor was the only sound echoing in the room.
Jiraiya looked down to see one of the shurikens had run through the milk carton, and he smirked. "you punctured your milk.
"What the hell are you doing in my apartment, you old fart?!
Jiraiya frowned. "Cool it. I'm sorry for intruding. I was told you should get off at three, but you happen to be three hours late.
Naruto growled, keeping his distance as Jiraiya put the groceries on the counter. "I had detention; now tell me who you are before I get the Hokage.
The toad sage simply held up his hands in defeat and pointed to his headband. "I am Jiraiya, one of the three legendary Sanin and a master of sealing jutsu. I'm also your Godfather.
Naruto leaned closer, noting that he looked a lot like the portrait on the Hokage's desk, the portrait containing the old man's genin team, that is.
"H-Holy cow! You're the Furth Hokage's teacher! No way! Why-... Godfather?
Naruto's excitement was halted by that word, and Jiraiya simply nodded. "That's right. I am. I've been away for some time, but I'm here now, so how about you have dinner with your godfather tonight? I'll explain everything.
Naruto was frozen. 'Godfather. Godfather.' "Wait. that means you're like family?
Jiraiya almost flinched at that. If they were family, then he's the worst at his job. "of a sort, yeah. Now go sit.
Naruto paced around, his hands on his head, gripping his hair. This was big, really big. A godfather meant so many things for him, and he finally had someone on his side. But what if the man was lying to him? He didn't know anyone else who would look like that. He had so many questions to ask that he didn't even know what to say. Where has he been? Who were his-!
Narut whirled in his direction suddenly. "if you're my Godfather, then only my parents could have appointed you as such, right?
Jiraiya paled at that. 'oh shit.'
"Can you tell me who they were? Please?!
Jiraiya held his hands up in a placating manner. "now, hold on, one thing at a time.
"This is one thing! This is the one thing that has haunted me since i could speak!
Jiraiya nodded. "I promise I'll explain everything, but over a meal would be preferred.
Naruto scowled and nodded. "ok, but if you try anything funny, i will cut you.
The two ate their chicken teriyaki dinner, with Naruto stuffing himself silly while Jiraiya ate slowly.
He grimaced at how Naruto was eating, but considering he's been growing up alone, it's no surprise that he has no table manners. He'll have to fix that whenever possible.
The boy wasn't expecting Jiraiya to be capable of fixing up something so delicious. He was against anything other than ramen, but it seems he may need to broaden his horizons. like Teryaki with Ramen. That sounds good.
He pulled himself together and slowed his eating, wiping his mouth and clearing his throat.
"Okay, first off, you claim to be my godfather, but you've been completely absent for eleven... well, technically, ten years of my life. Why?
Jiraiya felt that this was the question to get out of the way first. He'd done a lot of soul-searching, and he felt that this was his moment of truth.
"I wasn't in the village when you were born, and I wasn't present for the Ninetails attack either. I was chasing after a traitor.
The man sighed and ran his hand over his long hair. " I command a spy network that stretches across the elemental nations like a web and can't leave it unattended for a second. At least at the time, I couldn't. But as things are, I've found some trustworthy sleeper-nin and overseers to make this job easier on me. But this was done six years ago.
Jiraiya looked Naruto straight in the eyes. "I'm going to be straight with you. i couldn't take care of you, even if i tried my hardest. But I should have visited and at least let you know that you weren't alone and that there was a link to your loved ones. That there was a loved one who could have been there for you. I'm so sorry, Naruto. I'm sorry. I was mourning the loss of your parents. You look so much like them that it simply reminded me of how I failed to be there when it mattered the most. It's the greatest blunder of my life, save for not being there for you when-
Jiraiya cleared his voice, and Naruto choked up a bit. Tears ran down his face, his mouth clamped shut so as not to sob, his body shaking with grief and something he'd been feeling since he was little: hatred. But now that he knew this man was connected to his family, he was struggling with wanting to embrace the only thing he could possibly call family. But it was mostly anger.
Before Jiraiya could utter another word, Naruto stood to his feet and slapped the man with enough force to make him topple out of the seat and fall to the floor. He held his red cheek as Naruto simply went to his room and slammed the door shut.
Jiraiya simply sighed at that, pulled himself up, took the empty dishes to the sink, and began washing them.
He sighed. 'I victimized myself. How foolish. I should have just told him I was a screw-up and begged him to forgive me. This is what I get for waiting too long, though. I just hope he'll at least talk to me tomorrow. I only have so much time here before I have to leave again.
Line break.
{Hokage's office.}
Meanwhile, the Hokage had received the report from Iruka about Naruto's recent behavior, and Hiruzen sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose as he skimmed through the words.
'Lazy.', 'lack of motivation.', 'attitude.', 'barely participates in the physical activities.', 'a distraction to the class.', and 'he can barely concentrate for more than a second.'
It was one thing after another with this kid. He felt frustrated with this as well and had half a mind to scold the boy, but it just seemed like it wasn't getting through to him. He knew it wasn't his fault entirely, though—not after all he'd been through. But still, he needs to understand that sacrifices were made to get him this far. He can't give up this far.
It was then that there was a knock on the door.
'There shouldn't be any visitors right now, not during the night, not that I know of.'
Then a signature knock came through, and Hiruzen's eyes widened. " come in!
And in came Jiraiya, looking an emotional wreck.
"I did as you asked. I met with the kid," said Jiraiya solemnly.
Hiruzen shook his head. "You waited two years after I told you to do so. The damage would have been less severe.
Jiraiya said nothing as he slumped in the chair in front of Hiruzen. "at the very least, he seemed to forget to ask who his parents are.
Hiruzen sighed and rubbed his temple. "I have a solution to that little problem. We'll tackle this issue tomorrow. I have an idea that will resolve his academic problems, your need to keep his parentage a secret, and a reason to keep you close to him.
Jiraiya perked up at this. "oh?
Hiruzen nodded and leaned back in his chair. "We use the information to our advantage. Use it to motivate him. You'll understand when I speak to you both tomorrow.
Jiraiya was perplexed for a moment but then had an idea of what his sensei was up to. "ah. i see. Well then. I'll leave everything to you.
Hiruzen nodded and shooed Jiraiya out of his office, the other man relenting, but not before stopping at the door. "ah, another thing. Think fast.
Hiruzen caught what seemed to be a book, and his eyes widened. "an early draft?
Jiraiya nodded. "Icha Icha Violence, the successor to Icha Icha paradise, is mostly done. There are some... you know what? I'll let you enjoy it.
Hiruzen waved the man away quickly while rummaging through his drawer. "close the door and put up the do not disturb sign! Let my assistant know to plant any paperwork for tomorrow outside my door!
Jiraiya chuckled and closed the door, flipping the off-limits tag on it before deciding to do some 'research' to cheer himself up a bit. Of course, not before letting the assistant know not to disturb his sensei and doing a bit of flirting—anything to get his mind off of the recent events.
Line break.
End chapter.
(author's Note)
Author's note.
Something that confused me about the education system was how Naruto could have failed the academy 3 times. I did some research and found that the education is based on Japanese middle-school education, where there are 3 exams that affect your score going into the next grade and your standing as a student.
In the Japanese system, Only the last exam for a particular section of school counts. For example, if you were in Middle School, which takes three years, then you could:- Fail your first-year exam - Still move on to the Second year. Fail your second-year exam - Still move on to the Third year. Pass your third-year exam - Still graduate high school. All the first and second exams do is pull down your class ranking. It's the Final Exam that counts. Fail the final exam, and you fail altogether.
Naruto is on has his second exam coming up, and his first one occurred when he was nine going on ten.