{Land of Fire, Konohagakure, Naruto's apartment.}
The next day after Jiraiya's visit, the blonde woke up to find himself alone as usual. He got up, got dressed, and wrote off Jiraiya's visit as another one of his cruel dreams.
He dragged his feet towards his bathroom and got to brush his teeth, take a bath, change into a white hidden leaf logo shirt with orange pants, and grab his bag for school, only to freeze when he saw his calendar and realized.
"Today is Saturday. What the heck am I doing?!
The blonde slumped his shoulders in relief before deciding that he might as well go for a run in the village to maybe check out for any passing caravans strolling through Konoha since this is the spring season, and they happen to be the only one willing to sell to him at a fair price.
He went to get a quick bite, opened his fridge to get something to eat, and froze. New food.
"It wasn't a dream. The Toad Sage is my Godfather." the boy whispered.
Joy filled his chest, but he remembered how that night ended. He slapped the man out of his chair and rushed to his room to ball his eyes out.
In truth, he didn't mean to react that way; it was just a knee-jerk reaction. His feelings got the better of him. The man even looked sad.
He looked down to feel his fist clenching. No. He was still angry. In fact, he shouldn't have held back. He should have caved that bastard's face in, showing up so late to finally do his job. What kind of Godfather shows up ten years after their ward's birth and tries to waltz in and claim a familial connection?
But then again, the man knows his parents; he knows who he is.
The boy suddenly clasped his ears and shook his head, a habit he developed to rid his mind of his intrusive thoughts.
'he's your Godfather! That's all you've been wishing for since you learned you were an orphan! What were you thinking, scaring him away, Uzumaki?! ugh!'
He slammed his fridge closed and decided to sleep in instead. Some extra rest couldn't hurt, right?
A knock on the door put a stop to that, and Naruto went sliding down his wooden floor, rushing to his door to peek through the peephole.
"Who is it?!" he called out, trying to get a good look at who it was.
A voice answered from the other side. "it's me... from yesterday... Jir-
Naruto swung the door open, trying to look irritated as much as possible, but his eyes betrayed him. "what do you want?" he said in an even voice.
Jiraiya glanced at the boy before holding up his hand that had a breakfast bento in it. "a truce? i...i only want to talk.
Naruto looked at the Bento and snatched it from him before hopping on the counter.
"Jiraiya had half a mind to make a snarky remark, but one thing Naruto seemed to share with his mother was that if the offering was taken then a chance was given. he won't screw this up.
He closed the door and sat next to the boy as Naruto opened the Bento and marveled at the way it was prepared.
He watched as he peeled off the wrapping only moments after taking the lid off and dug in: deviled eggs, tomato slices, toast with brown sugar, and shaven oranges. It was nice.
The boy ate silently, and Jiraiya tried to think of some kind of apology. But three minutes went by, and he decided that he didn't have the luxury to think and decided to just go for it.
"Naruto. I didn't properly apologize the last time we met. I did, but it was full of excuses that made no actual sense.
Naruto simply chewed, and Jiraiya continued.
"Naruto... I'm sorry. I was and still am a selfish man, and I don't deserve your forgiveness. Leaving you alone without knowing that there was someone out there who cared for you... who wanted you safe. It was a horrible thing to do, and it is something I regret. It's my fault for not showing up, for not saying hi, or for not sending you anything, but I promise that from here on out, I will be better. I will be a better man for you and honor those who came before.
Naruto glanced at him as he cleaned himself up and planted the chopsticks back in their holder, and gave Jiraiya a look, as if he thought of what to say. "I'll accept on one condition. You need to tell me who my parents are. You say you knew them, and it makes me curious. You are the Toad Sage, the teacher of the greatest 4th Hokage, and the student of the 3rd. Why would someone as great as you want anything to do with me? It doesn't make sense.
Jiraiya understood that it was a rather daunting thing and had a feeling this would come up.
"I was waiting for you to ask. That question will be answered in a sense, but we'll need Hiruzen present.
Naruto furrowed his brows as that. "why?
Jiraiya stood up and stretched his back. "you are a bigger deal than you know, kid. follow me."
Naruto blinked and looked down at his once-white shirt, which now had ketchup, egg yolk, and bits of sugar on it.
"I'm going to need to change," he said dryly, and Jiraiya nodded. Well, make sure it's a decent shirt.
Naruto rushed into his bedroom and threw on his white long-sleeved shirt with his village's symbol on the back and some new pants, the same color as before.
Naruto met Jiraiya outside his door, and the door strolled down the hallway in silence, Naruto riddled with anxious thoughts, but Jiraiya remained cool, his own mind calm now that he finally took a step forward and got it out there. Now, he could move forward, but there was one last step before he could consider himself on the path to forgiveness.
Line break.
{the Hokage Tower}
they entered the building, people making way as they did so, seeing the legendary Sannin with a serious expression on his face, it made people take him serious.
Naruto didn't like the attention and wanted to rush into the office as soon as possible, but he could only imagine how he must look to the village with this guy walking him into the Hokage's office. The looks he received on the way here were strange, and some had a look of glee. He probably thought he got himself in trouble at the hands of Konoha's second-strongest shinobi.
The receptionist held her hand out to stop them. "Lord Hokage is busy right now. He's...
She stopped when seeing the unusually serious expression on Jiraiya's features and put her hand down, motioning him ahead instead.
The two walked on, and she did a double take when she saw Naruto trailing behind.
Jiraiya and Naruto made it to the Hokage's office door, and they heard talking inside.
Jiraiya bristled at who it was on the other side. "Homura," he said lowly, and Naruto was surprised by the animosity. "who?
Jiraiya sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. "he's just a village elder. And a pain in the ass.
Naruto nodded and tried to listen in, but the way the rooms were structured here made eavesdropping difficult.
Jiraiya decided that whatever they were talking about could wait. "Naruto, go hide in that room tight over there."
Naruto gave him a strange look. "why?
The old man raised his hand to knock. "these old goats are just like the villagers, but worse. You don't want them to know you're here with me. Trust me.
Naruto sighed and dragged his feet into the other room, and Jiraiya did his signature knock, making the voices in the room cease.
There was a moment of silence before he heard the Hokage bellow for him to come in, which he did.
From there, Naruto wasn't sure what went on in the other room. Just that after a few minutes, an elderly man and woman walked out looking a bit pissed off, and soon after, Jiraiya motioned him in the room.
Naruto was confused at what happened, but when he walked in, he froze when the old man waved him over, a smile on his face.
Naruto gave the man a soft smile and walked in, closing the door behind him.
"Take a seat, young man," he said kindly, and Naruto nodded before sitting in a chair. You've been having quite the morning, haven't you?" he said with a knowing smile, and Jiraiya sighed.
Naruto looked between the two with a suspicious look before his eyes narrowed. "y-you knew he was my godfather?
Jiraiya spoke up before Hiruzen could say anything. "The old man is half the reason I'm here. He opened my eyes and helped me realize just how bad a mistake it was for me to abandon you.
Naruto looked at the man. "well... ok... but...
Hiruzen interjected, " Telling you wouldn't have been a good idea since Jiraiya wasn't around to assure me of his change in attitude. Knowing there was someone out there, yet this someone never showing up, would have harbored feelings of resentment—rightful feelings, but unhealthy as well. I apologize for not telling you sooner.
Naruto looked down in thought. This has been by far the most complex series of events he's ever had to deal with. he thought dealing with an apartment, rationing food, and keeping a budget together in the face of price-changing assholes was enough for him to deal with every day. But this has been an emotional rollercoaster he simply wasn't ready for. He figured the next time he'd be here was to receive a scolding for his behavior at the academy, not... this!
"Okay. Fair enough, "Naruto said in a slow and careful tone. But from what I was told, you know... you both know who my parents are. That is the only thing I need. I need a reason to live other than for myself. I need to know why I'm here, why I exist. Were they hated or something?
Hiruzen quickly shook his head. "No! No. They were wonderful people, more so than anybody else. they were-
Naruto looked at the old man curiously as he paused but then continued, "Naruto, I can't tell you everything."
Naruto leaned closer and glared, but Hiruzen raised his hand to stop anything from slipping past the boy's mouth. "Before you say anything, listen to me. Your parents had enemies—dangerous enemies. I will tell you about your mother and her heritage as well. But to know who your father was, there is a condition that must be met.
Naruto stood up, eager. "w-what is this condition? Tell me!
Hiruzen looked at Jiraiya, and they both gave each other knowing looks, the toad sage nodding in approval of whatever he had in mind.
He motioned the boy over and spoke. "your father was a dangerous and powerful shinobi. If I had told you who he was, you'd surely want to follow in his footsteps. i will never stop you from doing so, trust me. However, it will inevitably lead to you making enemies as well, and I fear you won't be strong enough to handle it, especially with how you are doing in the academy lately. So, my condition is that you must reach at least chuunin before I can divulge all there is to know about him so you can receive your heritage early rather than having to wait until you're 21.
Naruto's eyes widened at that. "become chuunin?" he whispered to himself, and the two men saw a spark in his eyes, one Hiruzen hadn't seen before.
"you mean, if I become chuunin, then you'll tell me who my father is? And what of my mother? And... hang on. i have an inheritance?!
Hiruzen nodded. "Indeed. It's waiting for you to claim when you either come of age or become strong enough to defend it. But you must meet this condition for either case to occur.
Naruto was excited now. "O-ok! Ok, I'll do it! Now tell me who my mother was!
Hiruzen chuckled and held his hands out placatingly. "of course, Naruto, have a seat.
The boy quickly took his seat, and Hiruzen cleared his throat.
"your mother's name was Kushina Uzumaki, also known as the Red Hot Habanero here in Konoha, but... also referred to as the scarlet demon to our enemies.
Naruto blinked at that, and his eyes widened in wonder. "Whoa! And how did she achieve such an awesome name?!
Hiruzen smirked and scratched his beard, recalling those dark days. "it was during the Third World War when she got the name. She felled about 112 chuunin and a handful of Jonin while protecting her squad mates. The last thing one would see before passing was her hair whipping in the wind as she dashed in and out of combat, slicing, disemboweling, and leaving a trail of blood wherever she went. She was a peerless swordswoman that few could match.
Naruto was a bit spooked but very intrigued. "she sounds... so strong.
Hiruzen nodded. "Up there with the White Fang of Konoha and the Sannin in terms of combat ability, yes. You haven't had a class on her yet because of the nature of her ascension to S-rank status, but if you want, you can jump ahead of her classmates and read up on her. She's actually well known. She was just another reason to fear her clan." Hiruzen added that last part on purpose, and Jiraiya knew it.
Naruto was once again on his feet, his eyes wide. "c-clan?! Like! as in Uchiha clan and Hyuuga clan clan?!
Hiruzen chuckled and nodded, but this was followed by a solemn expression. "Yes. Unfortunately, they were wiped out by a coalition of shinobi villages when she was very young. It's because of them that she left her homeland. She hid in the land of fire because it was Uzushio's alley."
Naruto was learning so much from just his mother's side. "so, she was a refugee then.
Hiruzen nodded. "She was a rather rich refugee. She was one of the daughters of Kaito Uzumaki, another figure you should read up on. She was sought out for the wealth she and her cousins brought with them when they came to Konoha. She was essentially a clan head, but of a foreign power.
Naruto's eyes widened. "cousin's? she brought family?!
Hiruzen realized he was moving too fast. "they were elderly, so unfortunately, they passed away before you were born.
Naruto slumped at that. "oh...
Hiruzen quickly reassured him, " But that doesn't mean there aren't others waiting to be discovered. Her goal was to restore her clan and bring together the lost members of her clan in Konoha. The war prevented her from doing so when she became strong enough to travel on her own, then became pregnant with you, and then the Ninetails attack happened. It was never to be.
Naruto's eyes changed at that. 'My mother's goal was to find more family.
He leaned in and was more focused than he'd ever been on anything in his life. "Tell me more," the boy whispered.
Hiruzen nodded. "Before I do, though, I need you to keep quiet about this, okay? Her wealth is unclaimable and was to be liquidated, but she went through a lot of hoops and loops to prevent that. Understand? There are many merchant nobles, major clans, and minor clans that want a piece of that wealth, and not just here in Konoha but throughout all of Fire country."
Naruto. "ok. I won't spill the beans.
Hiruzen nodded and proceeded to tell him all he could about his mother. It was a lot, but the boy never blinked or spoke up. He found himself talking about things he didn't want to recall for a long while, but he did it anyway because it was for Naruto. It was all for Naruto.
By the end, Naruto was wiping tears, and the two older men also felt emotions when recalling what they could about the woman.
Jiraiya cleared his voice to lighten the somber mood. "You take after her. You are just like her and think like her as well. So don't go calling yourself dumb, because she was far from that. She was unorthodox and a rather terrifying shinobi, but she never went back on her word. Her honor was everything to her, as it should be to you. You have a lot to live up to, understood?"
Naruto nodded and gave the Sannin a hug the older man wasn't expecting. He blinked down at him for a few moments before hugging back and patting the boy's head.
"I'll make them proud," Naruto said in a hushed tone. "I'll make all of you proud."
Hiruzen smiled at that. "I don't doubt it."
Jiraiya and the old Hokage looked at the young Uzumaki, and Hiruzen sighed. "I guess that leaves only one other thing. "I plan on handing the Uzumaki fortune over in bits and pieces, but I can't do so all at once. It's unrealistic until you become chuunin, because that is also when it will be handed over in full.
Naruto nodded, happy with that, but Hiruzen continued, " Another thing. Kushina held heirlooms in her possession that should be handed over immediately. One of which I can't because it's in the vault, but I can get away with giving you this." He pulled out a small book and slid it to Naruto. I trust you will read this when you can and that you'll take good care of it.
Naruto opened the book, and his eyes widened at what was in it. "t-this is her Diary!
He shook his head. "it's something else. It's a list of clan information meant for her eyes alone, as well as her thoughts on them. I am entrusting this to you.
He nodded and held onto it as though it were a precious treasure. He did this until he and Jiraiya went back home, and he locked his door to look at this thing, to learn as much as possible about her and about himself. He wouldn't be surprised if there were entries about his father as well.
Line break.
It was late into the day now, and Jiraiya was explaining to Naruto exactly what was in the book; the blonde sat on the couch listening intently. Why? Because the book contained a lot of fuinjutsu entries, kenjutsu abilities/techniques, and was altogether completely out of his depth. His mother was obviously a very intelligent woman and had her things down in a neat and understandable manner. It made it so much easier to read and understand than what was being taught, vaguely speaking. Yet it was simply too advanced for him.
"Fuinjutsu and kenjutsu were what the Uzumaki specialized in, but they were also bloodline carriers. This book must've been her trying to hold on to her clan's history and legacy.
Naruto nodded, but then something occurred to him. "I don't know anything about either."
Jiraiya nodded. "that's normal. I know fuinjutsu and can teach it to you in bits and pieces, but kenjutsu simply isn't my cup of tea. I mean, I know it, but I'm a bit of a brute compared to what she was.
Naruto nodded. "ok then. Can you show me fuinjutsu?
The Toad sage shook his head. "not today. It's a bit too advanced for you to swallow.
Naruto stood up. "oh, come on! I have to be as great as my mom if I'm ever to accomplish my dream! Please teach me, teach meee!
The older man shook his head. "I said no, and my answer is no. This is Uzumaki fuinjutsu, fuinjutsu that I would need time to understand. Your clan was a grade above myself in terms of proficiency at this stuff, and it isn't my right to decipher this stuff until you become the clan head of the Uzumaki clan."
Now, that was a daunting prospect. The clan head of the Uzumaki. Foreign clan or not, it's a huge thing for him.
"Can you teach me the basics at the very least? Please?
Jiraiya sighed. He could do that well and see where the boy goes from there, so he nodded. "ok. Fine. But not today. I'll need to whip up a custom textbook for you that will suit your needs."
Naruto hopped off the couch and started running in place. "ok! That's good! We're getting somewhere!
Jiraiya nodded and thought to himself. "now, Naruto. You'll need to keep up your ninja training as well, understand?
Naruto deflated at that but nodded regardless. "sure, sure, fine. I can do that.
He looked back at the book, and his eyes widened. "Oh my god! There's so much stuff in here that isn't clan-related! Like recipes for food... locations of various things?"
Jiraiya perked up at that. She was probably searching for any lost artifacts that have been discovered that have the Uzumaki mon on them or are of value to their clan. There was a time before the warring states when they were extremely wealthy and owned a large portion of what is considered the land of Fire today. This was during the Shogun Era, though.
Naruto closed the book and nodded. The boy was developing a headache because of how much he was trying to take in. "So many things to take in.
Jiraiya chuckled. "How about we take a trip tomorrow, have some lunch, and relax? I can answer any questions you may have, at any rate."
Naruto nodded, and the two spent the rest of the night talking and reading.
Line break.
The next day was spent with him getting to know his Godfather more and more, and something he took notice of was how much of a pervert the man was.
Any time they had a deep conversation, the man would stop mid-sentence to drool and stare at a woman's butt or breasts, and it got on Naruto's nerves. How he didn't notice this before? he had no idea. But he understood that it was likely suppressed for Naruto's sake. He couldn't leave a bad impression on his Godson.
Still, the man's antics occasionally made him laugh, like his falling out with a waitress when Jiraiya took him out to eat. It was a good day, even if the man kept glancing at women whenever he thought he was being sneaky.
However, all good things must come to an end.
"you're leaving?! But for how long?!
Jiraiya was afraid of this part in particular. "I can't stay for long periods at a time. It would compromise the work I've put in to mislead anyone who may suspect that your parents had a child, along with a plethora of other things to keep in mind. i will show up to stick around for a few days after every month or two, and i will write. I promise.
Naruto nodded slowly and sighed. "fine, but don't let me find out that you're lying or snubbing me to go and peek on women!
The old man smiled and nodded. "I have too much to make up for, kiddo.
Naruto smiled softly and nodded.
Jiraiya departed, and Naruto waved him goodbye.
When he entered his apartment, he held the book in his hand, tears falling from his face as his high came down from meeting the man, the book held tightly in his grasp. "i won't let you down... mom.
Line break.
1 year later.
{Land of Fire, Konohagakure, the Academy.}
a lot has changed since the revelation of who his parents were... well, his mom at least. And how he was related to the Uzumaki clan.
As a result, Naruto's direction as a shinobi took a turn for the better. though, it was a strange turn.
Naruto was more obsessed with anything related to the Uzumaki clan and still had trouble with the Academy, save for this one test.
Fuinjutsu.
Naruto passed with flying colors in both the written and practical exams for this, the most difficult subject that Iruka didn't think of nor put past his students to get a low grade on. Naruto excelled well beyond the level he should have.
It made the teachers think he was cheating, so they demanded he reproduce the same results but with different answers in front of them.
The results spoke for themselves. Naruto had the understanding of a chuunin seal specialist at just eleven years old. Iruka was astonished and curious.
Besides that, Naruto was very average in practical tests, like taijutsu, shuriken throwing exercises, and other physical exams. His chakra control was horrid still, and his written score was extremely low. However, that's only because his failing his exam bumped him down to the D-class section of students, meaning all his current written tests, though much better than before, aren't enough to raise him from his low score compared to others. He's second to last with some kid named Jin. They still call him Dead last.
Today, though, he planned to change that. This would be the day he beats the Uchiha once and for all, with no more losses.
He had been practicing the katas he learned from that book for over a year. His movements were a little stiff and clunky at first, but the more he read about the benefits of proper body movements in swordplay, the more he realized the true beauty of the blade and its power.
Though this is taijutsu, he's sure he can apply some of that to his fighting style.
At least, that's what he thought.
Naruto found himself once again on the ground with his chest rising and falling rapidly, his legs burning in pain, and a nasty bruise forming on his cheek from where Kiba hit him. he didn't even get the opponent he wanted.
"Still getting the short end of the stick, huh, loser," Kiba said, his voice filled with sadistic glee. Just admit it; you aren't good at fighting.
He growled and struggled to get up, only to collapse again. "shut it, Kiba. I gave you a good lick, too!
"Okay, you two, back it up," said Mizuki as Iruka helped Naruto to his feet.
"you did well, Naruto," said Iruka, a proud smirk on his face.
Naruto scowled and glanced at the other kids who were praising Kiba for once again clowning the class clown. "I dug myself into a hole by acting out, and now everyone expects nothing from me and wants me to fail."
Iruka sighed but found a way to twist those words: " Good. You never want them to see your true strengths and talents until it's too late. Trust me. They only acknowledged the end results of the fight, but Kiba had to work for that victory. Hold your head high. You've improved."
Naruto nodded and couldn't help but agree with the man's words. But he's sure it won't matter in the eyes of his peers. He was the village jester, so nothing would ever change their perception of him.
He walked back to where the kids were and stood next to Shikamaru.
"you did ok this time," spoke Shikamaru.
Naruto gave him a look, but Shikamaru ignored it. "I'm not being sarcastic. i can see what's going on. You're obviously not the same class clown from a year ago. so what changed?
Naruto crossed his arms. "what's it to ya?
"It's a drag to answer, but I've seen you on a daily basis. And even I can say with absolute certainty, as the only other guy here with a lick of sense, that you haven't been the same. You used to be more... explosive? I don't know. But it's not hard to see something changed.
Naruto was taken aback by the Nara's words. Shikamaru, the laziest and most nonchalant kid in their class was paying attention to him? an interesting turn. "i had some words of encouragement from Iruka-sensei.
"Yeah, you are a terrible liar. But I'll leave it at that. I'm not that curious.
Naruto sighed at his luck. Well, he has to give it to him; he's a perceptive guy. It would help to have somebody he can actually have a civilized conversation with in the classroom, save for Shino.
The bug boy, as they call him, is probably his closest friend since they are both isolated for their own reasons. They get along.
Naruto shrugged it off and walked over to Shino to watch the rest of the matches. And of course, the MVP was Sasuke.
He glanced at the girls, cheering for the boy to beat his opponent to a pulp, and rolled his eyes.
Shino didn't share the same sentiment, though. " They are fools. They cheer on someone to beat another so harshly for no real reason. It's barbaric."
Naruto chuckled at Shino's blunt analysis. "Yeah, well, they all like the guy, so. What can I say? Besides, Sasuke never goes that far—as far as I've seen, anyway.
After the sparring matches were over, the uninjured kids left to get some lunch, while a select few went to get checked out and were given leave to enjoy their meals at a separate time.
Once lunch was finished, they were right back in the classroom to finish the day, and when that ended, Naruto was the first out the door and into the street to get some fresh air.
Ignoring the parent's coming to collect their kids, Naruto rushed home to go into his mail. surely Jiraiya left something for him to work with.
Sure enough, he wasn't met with disappointment. Another scroll to learn from.
Naruto smirked and unraveled it, an to his surprise, it wasn't fuinjutsu. it was chakra exersized.
"Wha!? Are you kidding?! I don't need this crap?! Where's the glyphs?! The language of our very plain existence?! Where is the Fuinjutsu?!
He went through the papers and scrolls to try and find anything related to fuinjutsu, but it seemed his godfather wasn't done toying with him. There was nothing to work with!
"This is not funny!
After a little temper tantrum, he saw a note at the very end of the scroll.
'I know what you're probably thinking right now. How could you? Where are my seals? Why have you done this? Simple. You need to focus on the fundamentals if you wanna control high-level fuinjutsu and ninjutsu. There are things i want to teach you but can't because you are lacking in the basics. You've improved, but I know you can do better with the right motivation. I've seen it. So, to motivate you, I've set a goal for you. if you can complete the three exercises in at least four months, I'll teach you ninjutsu to give you a leg up on your classmates.
Naruto read it over and over again to make sure it said what he thought it said.
Ninjutsu. the very essence of a shinobi. He could already imagine pumping out ninjutsu to upstage Sasuke.
The boy jumped around, giggling like a schoolgirl, before going over to his table to reorganize the notes within the scroll. He had a new goal, and this time, he was excited about it. He'll be so good that it would make Sasuke look stupid. He'll prove everyone wrong. He's a future Hokage after all! He can do this!
Line break.
{three weeks later}
{Iruka's residence}
a knock on his door startled the man awake, and he groggily got to his feet to see who was disturbing his nap. He'd had a long day at the academy.
To his surprise, it was Naruto of all people.
"N-Naruto? Is there something you need?
Naruto nodded. "can you help me with the chakra control?
Iruka blinked at that. "huh?!
Naruto made his way in, and Iruka could only sputter as he did so. "I did the leaf concentration exercise and got to the point where doing so without breaking concentration wasn't that big a deal, but now I'm stumped on tree climbing! How are you supposed to climb trees without the use of your hands?! That's ridiculous!
Iruka held his hands out. "hang on Naruto! What is going on?! Tree climbing?! That's an exercise you learn as a genin!
Naruto proceeded to wave his hands about frantically. " Well, apparently, in order for someone with such large chakra reserves to get a better grasp of it, they need a more advanced exercise to control it! Or so Lord Hokage told me."
'please buy the lie and help me!' Naruto thought to himself.
Iruka couldn't believe what he was hearing, but the more he thought about it, it made sense. he himself has below average chakra reserves, so controlling chakra wasn't an issue for him. to see Naruto putting such effort into his training though is surprising.
"if that's the case, give me a minute to get into something proper, and I'll take you to training ground four.
Naruto nodded and rushed out the door while Iruka went into his room to get some ninja gear on.
'Lord Hokage?' Iruka thought to himself, 'that's weird. Lord Hokage wouldn't bother himself with a simple training exercise. would he?
Iruka thought about it some more before shrugging. 'then again, the two are close. And if anyone can figure out a way to further motivate Naruto, it's him.
Line break.
{the fourth training ground}
the fourth training ground is a location used by chuunin and Genin alike to hone their skills. The area is usually divided into sections for different types and purposes.
Iruka guided Naruto to an open and less damaged part of the training field, the place where others would go to meditate or hone their skills in less destructive methods.
"Alright, so tell me exactly what's been giving you trouble.
Naruto turned opened a scroll of some kind and read it over for some time before nodding.
He then placed it down, singled out a tree, and ran up the tree with all his might, only for the bark to break apart when Naruto concentrated too much chakra into his foot, and he flew off the tree and into the shallow lake with a splash. "Gaaah! Darn it! The lake?!
Iruka looked at Naruto and the tree, then back at Naruto again, astonished. 'H-he made it pretty far up there!
Iruka cleared his throat and ushered Naruto closer. "Say, Naruto. How long have you been at this again?
Naruto looked up for a moment after shaking the water off, then looked at Iruka again. "since yesterday and the day before, so two days.
Iruka looked at Naruto for some time before sighing. "interesting. How long did you spend doing the leaf exercises?
Narutp scratched his head. "well, the scroll said that's it's good to do it every few hours out fof the day, and i skimmed it the first week because i couldn't sit still. But... two weeks. Why?
Iruka had to make a conscious effort not to look impressed and turned around to face the tree as it came full force. 'I don't know what you told him, Lord Hokage, but it's working! Naruto is actually taking the time to hone his skills instead of slacking off! It's a miracle!
But then he stopped and calmed himself. He turned around and sat on one of the nearby boulders.
"ok, Naruto, I want you to do the Leaf exercise right now.
Naruto looked incredulous at that. "huh?! Why?!
Iruka crossed his arms. "I need to see if you've been doing it correctly. The tree climbing exercise requires that you concentrate hard. if you aren't in the right head space, you'll never get it done.
Naruto huffed but sat down and got to work with the exercise, picking up a yellow leaf sitting next to him and placing it on his head.
Naruto closed his eyes, and Iruka watched, waiting for a twitch, a jerk, something.
Naruto sat like this for thirty minutes without complaining, and Iruka sat in front of him, surprised yet also at peace.
"Iruka. Someone is coming.
"wha-?
Moments later, another academy instructor appeared next to Iruka. "hey. i was looking for you earlier. You weren't at your house.
Iruka looked up at Kota, back at the still-meditating Naruto, and then back at Kota. 'did Naruto sense him coming?! I don't know how many more surprises from you I can take Naruto!
Iruka cleared his throat and nodded. "what is it?
Kota went to speak but only noticed Naruto sitting next to him. "Uh... what are you doing with the kid?
Naruto's eyes were open, and he was looking up at the man, clearly curious as to why he interrupted their little session, if not, a little annoyed. "can't concentrate with all the talking guys. Can i stop?
Iruka nodded and turned back to Kota. "what is it?
Kota sighed. "I was gonna ask if you can take my shift for Monday and Tuesday. The doctor say the baby may come earlier, and i don't want to miss it.
Iruka waved a hand. "sure, I don't mind.
Kota grinned. "thanks, Iruka, you're the best. I gotta run now, but I'll see you later. And good luck with Naruto.
And then the man was gone.
Naruto crossed his arms, looking up at the tree with a new mindset, and got ready to try again when Iruka stopped him.
"h-hold on there Naruto!
Naruto scowled. "what now?
Iruka turned to where Kota had just come from before walking closer to the blonde and kneeling down. "did you... sense him coming?
Naruto shrugged." yeah, why?
Iruka was shocked. "What did you feel? Like... what did you... how do I put this?" he asked, trying to articulate his question, and Naruto smirked.
"i felt his... huh... his chakra? Something of that nature. I have to be concentrating, though.
Iruka nodded. "Naruto, you're a sensor. That's a huge deal. There aren't a lot of people like you in the world.
Naruto smirked, "so, is it like a bloodline?
Iruka looked up and shook his head. "not all that now. It's just a rarity. People can sense chakra. You, however, can sense it to a degree that makes it viable for practical use. Sensing and pinpointing people on the battlefield is a valuable skill.
Naruto smiled widely at the news, and Iruka thought it best not to distract him further. "sorry. You just needed to know. That's another thing you can practice in your free time. Now go ahead and climb the tree.
Naruto turned and ran up the tree, this time making it way further up the tree than before. He lost his grip and slid down the bark, but this was a marked improvement from before. He didn't hit the ground hard like he normally did.
He walked over to Iruka, who nodded at the boy with pride and grinned. "You'll be able to get it in just a week, if not, just a few days.
Naruto nodded before looking back up the tree with determination in his eyes. He'll get it done before Jiraiya gets back. That is his goal.
Line break.
From there, Naruto and Iruka spent the after-school period training to run up the tree. After the third day, he could stand upside down on it, and he completed the exercise in full.
Then the boy tried to go further by getting into water walking, but that was far too advanced for him for sure. He needed to first get used to running on solid surfaces before even thinking about that.
Now, Naruto skipped his way to Ichiraku ramen's, Iruka having told him that he'd treat him for his hard work.
This was all Iruka wanted. He was truly worried that Naruto's score wasn't improving and that his written scores would affect his future.
The boy was clearly lacking, and though his chakra was amazing, he still needed to know the fundamentals. Now, he knew how to channel his chakra more effectively and was actually ahead of the class in this notion. But that isn't what they are being tested for. As a genin, Naruto would be fine now, but as an academy student, he was skipping a lot. He was growing in a really strange way.
He hoped he was making the right decisions for the boy.
As for Naruto, the boy couldn't be happier. He was one step closer to being an official ninja of the village, and one step closer to achieving his goal of proving himself, of proving to the village he could be great.
"Heh, I can't wait to show Sakura off. She'll see that I'm no loser! She'll be so impressed she won't know what hit her!
"That's good to hear. I look forward to seeing how that plays out, "Iruka said as they entered the stand. Iruka was startled to see a man with long white hair already sitting at the booth.
Naruto gasped and jumped at the man, startling the Toad sage as he was knocked off his seat. Luckily, he knew exactly who was assaulting him. He quickly opened his eyes and caught the boy. "You're back!" said Naruto, wrapping his arms around his godfather.
"Easy there, Naruto. Don't choke the life out of me.
Iruka stood frozen in complete and utter shock. The legendary Jiraiya of the sannin, was being grappled by his student, an they seem to know one another quite well.
"Wait," said Iruka, looking down at Jiraiya, the Sannin's identity unmistakable to him. "Lord Jiraiya? Do you know Naruto?
Naruto's eyes widened, and he looked over his shoulder to see Iruka, eyes wide and jaw slack.
Jiraiya groaned at Naruto's lack of tact. "Goddammit, Naruto," he whispered before looking back up at Iruka. Yep. You see... it's a long story, but let's eat first.
After their food was ready and they sat at the stand to eat, they began to explain their situation, with Jiraiya doing most of the heavy lifting.
Iruka simply listened on, unable to take a bite because of how astonishing this was.
Jiraiya didn't share details of Naruto's parentage, but he told him that he was close to them. Close enough to keep an eye out for Naruto, that is.
"So the one who gave you the scroll was Jiraiya?
Naruto nodded, and Iruka chuckled. "i don't know what to say. I thought you were full of surprises before, but this is amazing. Oh! You should tell him about the results of your training.
Naruto nodded and relayed everything to Jiraiya, who was, in all honesty, at a loss for words. not for the tree climbing, but for the sensory part. Naruto seems to have inherited Minat and Kushina's sensory abilities. it was another thing to add to the list of things to help Naruto with.
"Well now, it seems you've had a busy month. I suppose with your progress, I owe you the promise. So tomorrow, I'll tutor you personally, and we'll see what we're working with.
Naruto cheered at that and looked down at the empty bowl of ramen, then looked up at Jiraiya.
The man sighed and raised his hand for another bowl for Naruto, and the boy dug in.
The three went on to talk about anything that came up, with Iruka explaining the happenings around the academy and the village as a whole, with Naruto giving Jiraiya details on the kids he went to school with, with Iruka chiming in when the need arose.
Afterward, Iruka went home, and Jiraiya escorted Naruto to his apartment for the night.
Jiraiya spent a while cleaning up after Naruto and telling him how to clean up after himself. There was still much to get through to the blonde, but they had time.
Line break.
The next day.
{third Training ground}
Naruto sat in front of Jiraiya as the old man went through his things to get something, the blonde watching intently.
It wasn't long before he whipped out a piece of paper. "here, you can start with this.
Naruto grabbed it, looking confused. "it's a blank sheet of paper.
Jiraiya nodded. "channel chakra through it.
Naruto did, concentrating, and then, one side turned to shreds, another corner became shriveled and wet, the third corner burnt up, and the last bit, though unnoticeable, sparked up.
Naruto dropped the paper in shock, and Jiraiya stood there, stunned. "F-four chakra natures off the bat?! That's more than your father, kid!
Naruto beamed at that. "I have four chakra natures?!
Jiraiya nodded and was forced to calm the boy down to listen, grabbing his shoulders. "Relax. Calm down and listen. From the looks of it, you have wind as your primary, considering it was the most prominent. Water is your secondary, and it seems fire and lightning are your other options.
Naruto nodded, then stopped to think about something. "is that super rare, too?
Jiraiya nodded. "mind you, chakra natures can be learned regardless of whether you have an affinity for them. Hell, you could have an affinity for none and still learn the fireball jutsu. it would just take a lot longer than if you had the affinity to start with. The more you become in tune with it, the more naturally your chakra network will accept the change and strain on its network. Think of it as exercising a muscle until you build enough strength to make it as easy as lifting a feather.
Naruto nodded and looked up at him. "So, my chakra is already stimulated to and molded to the chakra affinities. That's pretty cool. It seems the only thing I would need to learn if I wanted to be like Jiji-san is the Earth release, right?
Jiraiya nodded, happy that Naruto is getting it. Precisely. you're keeping up well. now. since this will be your first jutsu, we'll start with your primary affinity for wind. we'll work out the other affinities when you make it to genin or something.
Naruto nodded. "I'm ready for anything!
Line break.
{5 hours later}
obviously, both parties bit off more than they could chew. Sure, Naruto is a prodigy, but he's of a different breed than Minato.
Minato didn't need stimulation to get ninjutsu down, just as Naruto doesn't need it for fuinjutsu.
The boy is exhausted, and though he was kicking up wind, it wasn't to the effect they wanted. He was working on a simple D-rank technique, yet he couldn't seem to understand it.
Jiraiya helped Naruto out of the training ground, carrying him piggyback, and began carrying him home. "I don't understand. This should be so easy.
Jiraiya shook his head. "actually, it shouldn't. You're an academy student, Naruto. Even a chuunin would struggle on the first day, so relax.
He felt the boy shake his head against his shoulder. "Sasuke is also-
"don't ever compare yourself to anyone, Naruto; never," Jiraiya interjected. " Sasuke had resources early on and was expected to learn whatever he was learning. You were not. You've come far, so don't insult yourself. You're above that.
Naruto fell silent after that, and Jiraiya could feel his guilt and regret. He sighed, knowing it would be a long few weeks. But when Naruto gets this down, he'll simply snowball. And when that happens, he'll be unstoppable.
"I'll drop you off and get some sweets or something. You deserve it. You are putting in the work like I asked of you, and it's showing.
Naruto gave a soft smile and nodded.
Line break.
Two months later.
{the academy}
needless to say, Jiraiya's assessment of Naruto was indeed correct. Naruto learned the wind pulse Jutsu after a couple of days of trial and error and the wind Cyclone Jutsu in the span of two weeks, Jiraiya having been absent the first half of the week of learning it.
Ninjutsu, Fuinjutsu understanding and application, and chakra control to mold it together. The hard part was over, and Naruto finally saw the results on the academy board.
Though his written exams were only improving bit by bit, with time to spend trying to improve his shuriken throwing skills and some taijutsu exercises gifted to him by Jiraiya, Naruto was steadily rising from being the dead last to simply being the class clown. It was much better than nothing.
No one knows what he knows, and Jiraiya told him to keep it that way. for his safety of course, the old man didn't want anyone in Naruto's way while he was gone.
That bit was truly frustrating. He can't show off his skills as he really wants to. However, it's not practical. At least not in the sense that what he's learned will help his grade.
Ninjutsu isn't to be tested because no one is supposed to know it, and while his wall-walking was impressive, it will come in handy later, not now.
That leaves Naruto with hand-to-hand, book smarts, and the basic three academy jutsus. All of which he used to be terrible at. Now he's just painfully average, just below Kiba.
Naruto scowled. 'speak of the devil.'
Kiba came over with Akamaru on his shoulder and peered over his shoulder. "what the hell?! How did we get the same score?!
Naruto smirked. "i guess we're tied for rock bottom, aye Kiba?" Naruto teased, elbowing the boy.
Kiba growled and gripped Naruto's collar. "Don't compare me to a loser! Unlike you, I'm a man who will become Hokage someday!"
Naruto shook his head. "Nah, I'll be the next Hokage. You mutt, you'll be lucky to be anything beyond being my personal pet dog."
Kiba roared at that. "You're asking for it, short stack!
Iruka intervened, slapping them both in the back of the heads with their final test papers. "take these and stop making a scene!
Both boys grumbled and took a look at their final scores, and Naruto gasped. "I GOT A B+! LET'S GO! WHO'S THE DEAD LAST NOW! HAHAHAHA-Ack!
Iruke whacked Naruto, and the class kept on laughing at his antics. But the smile on Iruka's face said it all. He's proud of how far Naruto has come so far. There's still a whole year ahead before he becomes genin, though, so there is more work to be done.
Ino and Sakura simply ignored the boys' antics and sat at their desks, proud of the marks they'd obtained. Sasuke's smirk spoke of his superiority, as if anyone should be impressed by a 98%.
Hinata stared at her 100% stoically and flinched at the noise the blonde was making. This caused her two annoying female classmates to laugh at her reaction to the boy, and she moved her long hair out of her face.
Choji and Shikamaru stood behind Naruto to read over his score and looked impressed. Choji gave the boy a thumbs-up, and Shikamaru smirked in amusement.
Shino just nodded at Naruto's accomplishment and went on his way to talk meet his parents outside.
It wasn't long before the class was all given leave, and they rushed out to show their parents their results. Some were excited for their parents' reactions, others unbothered, and for those who failed their exams, they were dreadful.
As for Naruto, he simply took his things and went on his way with no family to say hi to.
At least, that's what they all thought.
The sneers, the leers, the whispers, they didn't bother Naruto. Not anymore.
He told Kiba that he was going to be Hokage, but Naruto doesn't believe in that as much anymore. he doesn't know what it is to be Hokage. he just wanted attention, and at first he wanted it from these... people. but now, there's only a select few he feels the need to impress.
That person was waiting for him at their meet-up spot. Ichiraku's.
Naruto smiled at the sight of Jiraiya, Ichiraku, and his daughter, Ayame, all waiting for him.
He rushed over to show them his results, and they all spent the day celebrating Naruto's growth.
The day was over before he knew it, and as he walked home, he held his mother's book close, wondering if she was watching, if his dad was watching, if they were proud of what he was becoming. He can't help but wonder.
Line break.
End chapter.
{Authors note}
So, part of this chapter should have been in the first, but it was rushed because I thought I had school the very next day. I didn't, so I made this one to the length I initially wanted for the first chapter.
I have an idea of what i want for this story, but suggestions are very much welcome.
As for pairings, I'm not worried about it until after the chuunin exams because I will not stop writing when the exams come. It's one thing that has annoyed me about fics like this one.
I am open to pairing suggestions since I'm on the fence about a harem or not, but this is my first fanfic, and I wanted to focus on getting the brunt of the story out before stressing about pairing up Naruto.
Again, feel free to leave a review. I really need feedback since this is my first fanfic, and I'm still trying to figure out how to use the site.
One last thing. I'll try to post once or twice a week if possible. I won't make my chapters shorter than 5k if possible. I like delivering.
Thanks for reading.