{Land of Fire, Konohagakure, Commercial district}
March 3rd.
It was a beautiful morning. The trees were young and green again, and the cold of winter was finally over, and the flowers were beginning to bloom. Children were being woken up by their parents for school, whereas others who had no families were getting ready to start their days.
Overall, Komuro, a well-known shopkeeper in Konoha who sells various kinds of tools and supplies for any kind of project, thought today would be a good day.
That was until he stepped outside and saw his shop was vandalized mercilessly.
From paint to eggs and to paint, his day was ruined before it could even begin.
But the sheer vastness of the prank was shocking. This kind of mess would take all day to clean up. He'd need to write this off on his business account and file in for a D-rank.
The man took a breath and tried to calm down. Then blew up as he started punching the air in rage, screaming profanities and all kinds of nonsense that didn't even make sense.
It wasn't long before others heard the commotion and came to investigate, and his neighbors/rivals saw the mess and laughed at his expense.
"Damn, Komuro. Today's not your day, huh?
Komuro growled and pointed a finger at them. "shut it, Kurei! I know you hired someone to mess with my shop! I'll have you report your friend!
Kurei put his hands up and looked offended. "hey now, I did no such thing!
Komuro was not amused, and the neighbor to his right chimed in, " All of this can be washed off. Just relax before you have a heart attack, old man."
"SHUT THE FU-!" The man broke out into a coughing fit before finishing yelling out his profanities, and Kurei and his neighbors snickered at the old man's expense. All the while, one person was watching in the distance, smirking to himself.
Naruto sat on the highest point of the roof of a nearby building, watching on from a distance. The vandalism was nothing to him; the man deserved it. He and the man never got along, but one day, he took it too far by insulting him.
The insult in question? Calling his mother a whore.
Ok, he didn't directly call him that, but he said the son of a whore in their argument.
The shopkeeper refused to sell to him even though he had more than enough money, trying to raise the price only for Naruto to somehow have the right amount.
He called the boy a thief for having an absurd amount and refused to sell at all. When asked why, he called him a prankster.
'I haven't pranked anyone or anything in a year now, but it seems that will always follow me around now.
He shrugged and sighed in boredom, his feet kicking back and forth on the edge. 'I shouldn't have stayed to watch for his reaction. Now I'm going to be late for the final exams. '
Naruto shook his head. it was worth it to see the man flail his arms like that. he got the last laugh, and that's all he wanted.
Naruto stood up and stretched his limbs, having camped there early in the morning to see the man's reaction. The reaction was so worth it.
Now it's time for him to take his written exam, and it wasn't something he was looking forward to.
Naruto jumped from roof to roof, running as fast as he could towards the academy. He hoped he wasn't late, but he was pretty sure he would be. He took his time to watch the man have his little hissy fit, after all.
Naruto burst through the doors, the noise catching everyone's attention.
Everyone stared, and Iruka sighed. "how can you be late for your final exams? You're lucky we only just started. Take a seat.
Naruto grinned, walking towards the back of the class to find an empty seat.
He looked and saw one next to Shino, so he made his way over to him and plopped down, putting his bag under his desk.
"Hey, there, Shino. What's up?" he asked the quiet boy.
"Naruto." the boy stated before looking back up to the front.
Naruto then handed his test, and then they started on their tests.
Naruto stared at his sheet, feeling kind of stupid. he studied, but not as much as he should have. He didn't even notice, as he was working on a separate project related to a personal issue, but it was no excuse.
'the sooner you start, the sooner you finish. You know you just need a decent score, so focus on this.'
Naruto took a breath, then looked at the questions in front of him. 'now or never.
After an hour of testing, the timer went off, and anyone who hadn't turned in their paper had to give them in.
Naruto did as soon as the timer went off, having finished in the nick of time.
Iruka organized the sheets, and Naruto couldn't help but feel nervous at the results.
Those feelings were disrupted when Kiba roughly wrapped his arm over his shoulder and brought him in. "what's with the face, Uzumaki? Nervous about coming in last to me?
Naruto turned and scoffed, pushing him away. "yeah, keep on dreaming dog breath.
Kiba growled. "Who's dreamin'? You're the one who's still lagging behind me, class clown!
Naruto just smiled and shook his head. "That's only because I failed the first year, Mutt. Besides, if I come out with a higher score, it'll show that, though close, I'm still a step ahead of you in terms of skill.
"That's it, Uzumaki, I'm kicking your ass after the exams!
"Fine! Bring it on! I'll wipe the floor with you, Inuzuka!
"Will you two give it a rest already," groaned Sakura.
Naruto was startled at the sound of his crush and turned around to see an annoyed Sakura and an amused Ino.
"Why are you two always arguing? You guys are virtually equally dumb. I figured that would bring you two losers closer together, "said Ino in a matter-of-fact tone, and Kiba instantly took offense.
"don't compare me to the knucklehead, you banshee!
Ino and Sakura both rolled their eyes, and Sakura walked up to the silent and frozen Naruto, standing rather close.
She seemed to glare, but he saw it as a playful one.
It was not.
"You're in the way," she said in an annoyed tone.
Naruto blinked at that. "huh?-
immediately, Sakura's hand shoved Naruto's face out of the way, sending him on his side and hurling down the stairs, and Kiba hollered in laughter as both Sakura and Ino assaulted Sasuke with questions, complements, and anything they could to get the boy's attention.
Naruto rolled to the bottom of the stairs and stayed there, feeling embarrassed and angry. 'damn that pink-haired succubus! Why does she have to be so cruel?!' he cried in his head.
Line break.
Naruto, Kiba, and Shino walked down to the barbecue spot after classes ended for the day. Naruto was paying of course.
He'd been given small portions of his mother's inheritance money. Even the little bit that he's received has made him as wealthy as an upper-class family household, and he hasn't even been given a real sum, just the change.
It put into perspective just how wealthy his mother truly was, and it only made him giddy at being rich. Technically speaking.
However, his goals have become more tunnel-visioned in getting the rest of the wealth. The reason for this is the spending the village is doing with it. Right now, the village is in possession of it, and it's only thanks to Hiruzen that a large portion has been set aside for Naruto's expenses.
On the bright side, he has managed to bribe his way into making friends. Kiba is an example, as is Choji. Especially Choji. An offering to take him out to eat and pay is enough for his friendship.
However, today, it's just Kiba and Shino.
"you embarrass yourself by chasing Sakura y'know." said Kiba out of the blue.
Naruto scowled and kicked his chair in irritation. "Shut up. She'll see how cool I am one day, believe it! And besides, your thing for Hinata isn't going anywhere either. We both know she's way out of everyone's league anyway, being from a bigshot clan and all.
Kiba's eye twitched. "I have a better chance with Hinata than you do with Sakura! You forget, I'm from a clan, too! Clanless bastards have no chance.
Naruto clenched his jaw. "you forget who's paying for your food, dog breath?"
Kiba went to say something, but Akamaru, who was on Kiba's lap, barked at them, and the boy looked down.
He clenched his jaw, and Naruto laughed. "Is your partner speaking some sense into you?! Wow! So he's the master, and you're the pet!
Kiba stood on his feet, fist raised. "why you little!-
"food is here. "spoke Shino calmly.
Both boys sat down, took their plates, and ate, arguing with one another in between bites and gulps.
"I don't understand why you two get so upset when comparing yourselves. you're not rivals, and don't consider yourselves such." Shino said calmly. "isn't it pointless?
Naruto shrugged and kept eating, but Kiba just had to put his two cents in. " of course, we're not rivals. He's beneath me in every sense of the word. The only one worthy of my attention in that respect is Sasuke.
Naruto's brow twitched. "I was about to say the exact same thing.
Shino sighed as the two started up again, and decided to just enjoy the food since it was free of charge, courtesy of Naruto.
The three finished up and went their separate ways afterward, and Naruto took the opportunity to train since there were only four of them in the afternoon.
Line break.
The next day, March 4th.
{the academy}
Once again, the class from yesterday was in the academy, with the results of their written exams displayed for all to see.
Naruto stared at his results, shocked to see he got a solid score in the middle range. it wasn't perfect, but it was definitely enough to pass. some looked nervous at having failed it, which meant that the finale practical exam is their only hope for passing.
Iruka and Mizuki had set up a separate room specifically for testing the students in this regard, but for the first portion, they figured the classroom would be fine.
"Okay, class. You can collect those results at the end of the day. Line up so we can begin the practical exam. The first test will be the transformation jutsu. "ordered Iruka.
Everyone did as asked.
"Ok. First up, Sakura Haruno. "called Mizuki.
The pink-haired student walked up to the front and smirked at Sasuke before focusing and performing the technique, changing her form into Iruka perfectly.
Iruka and Mizuki nodded in approval, with Iruka speaking first. "good job. a perfect score.
Sakura changed back and cheered. "yes! Thank you sir!"
Of course, it was followed by her asking Sasuke if he saw her efforts, to which the Uchiha only replied with his infamous 'hn.'
Sasuke was called up next and did his seamlessly. Afterward, it was Naruto's turn.
Everyone expected a joke transformation, and Naruto had half a mind to do his sexy jutsu. But he knew better. After all, he only used it to trip up Jiraiya.
"Ok, Naruto, we're ready.
Naruto smirked and transformed into the third Hokage.
Mizuki squinted his eyes for any possible screw-up, any little imperfection that would signify an automatic fail. But Iruka already beat him to announcing his success before he could make any sort of gripe.
"Good job, Naruto, you pass.
Naruto changed back and did a bow before getting back in line.
"Did you see that, Sakura? Did you?
Sakura glared at him for interrupting her silent conversation with Ino and turned to ignore him.
Naruto simply deflated, and Kiba snickered at his expense.
After everyone was done testing with this part of the exam, Iruka then cleared his throat and turned back to his students. "ok. Next is the clone Jutsu. We'll be testing in a separate room. We'll come and grab you when it's your turn. For now, everyone save for Sasuke is to stay.
The kids all complied, and when the two chuunin left with Sasuke, they all broke into conversation. As kids usually do when not kept in check.
Ino and Sakura began gushing over Sasuke and how cool he was, commenting on how he'd pass with flying colors for sure. But the conversation changed its tune when Ino answered a fangirl's question on how team placements and an argument on who would be on Sasuke's team broke out.
Naruto decided to take a nap instead of eavesdropping. His nerves are still frazzled, and he can't get rid of them. He knows he'll pass; thanks to Jiraiya, he knows the clone jutsu and the shadow clone jutsu. It only takes one mistake to mess everything up.
He rested his head on his hand and looked out the window. He did not pay any attention to his classmates and their bickering, only wanting to be in his own little world.
Meanwhile, Kiba was getting up the nerve to ask Hinata out. he knew her type of guy. and though he didn't consider himself a smooth guy, he felt he had the looks for it.
Hinata wasn't the most talkative person. In fact, she barely said a word unless spoken to. That is when she wasn't alone with her little circle. But that was to be expected from being the heiress of one of Konoha's biggest clans.
He steeled his breath and set Akamaru down on the floor. Then he went over to Hinata's side and tried his best to keep himself from sweating, knowing that Hinata hates sweat, or anything, really.
He tapped her on the shoulder to grab her attention, and Hinata turned to look at him in her usual manner, face neutral and calm.
"Hey there. how's it going, Hinata?" Kiba greeted with a grin.
Hinata frowned. "fine. What brings you here, Inuzuka-san?
"call me Kiba, Hinata."
"Alright then, Kiba-san. Why are you here?
"Well... you see... I was... wondering if... "he trailed off, nervous and anxious. Hinata had an idea of what was bothering the boy and scowled.
"You know that's not allowed, Kiba-san," Hinata replied. I can't go around courting whom I want. I am an heiress, and as an heiress, I have a certain reputation to uphold and responsibilities to follow. "She looked at the boy sympathetically. "I'm sorry, but my father will not allow me to do such.
Kiba hung his head in shame and defeat and turned around with an upset expression, leaving the heiress to sigh in pity, but it wasn't directed at her situation, but his.
In the back, Shikamaru and Choji winced at seeing their friend get his hopes crushed.
"Well, she went easier on him than Sakura does, Naruto," Choji commented with his arms crossed.
Shikamaru nodded and gave Kiba a nudge on his passing form. "it could have been worse. She could have rejected you outright.
Kiba growled. "she did.
Shikamaru shrugged. "I don't know. It sounds like she simply said she isn't allowed to date, not that she wouldn't if given the chance.
Kiba's eyes widened, and he looked to Choji.
Choji gave him a thumbs up.
Kiba smirked and laughed, picking up Akamaru and sitting next to Choji. "you know, you're right! She's like a princess trapped by her clan's ways, and i'm her gruff but handsome future savior!"
Choji looked down at his chips and ate more of them while Shikamaru face-palmed, not feeling up to listening to him talk about this for the next couple of hours and feeling bad for having possibly given Hinata a permanent admirer.
Line break.
1 hour later.
Naruto was woken by someone pulling on his ear, and he glared at the kid who did it.
The glare dissolved when he saw why. Iruka was waving his hand for him to come. "let's go Naruto, you're up!
"C-crap. Coming!" yelled the blonde as he stumbled out of his seat, prompting laughter from the class. Of course, Kiba was the one to make a comment that made it worse.
Naruto ignored them and rushed out of the room.
Ino sighed at the scene. "he's hopeless.
Sakura nodded in agreement before they went right back to talking about Sasuke and his impending team placement.
Naruto was led to a classroom, where Mizuki and Iruka sat at a desk.
The chairs were put up since the room was repurposed. There were also a bunch of genin ninja headbands placed in front of the two instructors.
Naruto smirked and crossed his arms. "give me your best shot.
Iruka nodded. 'get ready Naruto. this is it.'
the test took ten minutes, with them testing his various jutsus and their intricacies to test his understanding. he went through with every E-rank jutsu flawlessly.
It all came down to the last one.
"ok. now. Perform the clone jutsu," spoke Mizuki.
Naruto nodded and went through a few hand signs before a poof of smoke filled the room, and there stood 20 Naruto's.
Mizuki stood up flabbergasted, whereas Iruka was only mildly shocked, having a far better understanding of Naruto's ability than Mizuki. but even he wasn't privy to Naruto already having the shadow clone technique.
Naruto chuckled in embarrassment. "surprise."
"how the hell did you get your hands on that jutsu?!
Iruka laughed at Mizuki's confusion, then clapped his hands to gather their attention. "well done, Naruto. However, I only asked for the clone jutsu.
Naruto nodded, dispelled the clones, and performed the weaker version of the jutsu, which they gave him flying colors.
"very good, Naruto, very good." complimented Mizuki. "Though, I must ask, how did you get your hands on a forbidden jutsu?
Naruto blinked. "f-forbidden?
Iruka looked a bit nervous for Naruto, and Mizuki looked extremely intrigued to know, leaning closer.
Naruto sighed. It was no use hiding it now. 'what was I thinking? Trying to show off like that, ugh!
"My Godfather taught me to use it.
Mizuki looked confused at that. "huh? You have a godfather?
Before Naruo could respond, Iruka cut in, having understood that he was talking about Jiraiya. "ah, yes. That. I was informed of his existence by Hokage-sama. Though, he shouldn't have taught you that jutsu, Naruto. I'll have a talk with Lord Hokage about it. For now, enjoy being genin. Here's your headband.
Naruto gave a stiff bow and snatched the headband before rushing out before Mizuki could ask questions. He'll leave Iruka to sort that bit out. People aren't supposed to know of Jiraiya's relation to him. Not yet.
He entered the classroom, and everyone turned to see that he indeed passed the exams.
They didn't make a fuss about it, which actually seemed to put some minds at ease. After all, if the class clown and former deadlast could pass it, how hard could it be, right?
Line break.
The day eventually came to an end, and Naruto allowed his excitement to show, exclaiming how he'd be the greatest ninja there ever was.
Parents were obviously worried that he'd become a ninja, but he paid them absolutely no mind whatsoever.
Mizuki was a bit disappointed that he couldn't use Naruto for his schemes. But it was fine. Naruto isn't the only potential target.
He looked around and saw a few kids with their disappointed parents, so he sought out the one under the most stress.
It didn't take long at all. There sat a boy named Haruta Satoshi. Mizuki knows his father as an annoying chuunin captain. He hated the man for various reasons. Hell, the man is the reason he changed branches to begin with. This would be good.
Meanwhile, Haruta stared at his 24% test score with fearful tears in his eyes.
'F-father will beat me for sure! There's no way I'll get off easy! How could I screw up so spectacularly after going over this with Mom for hours! And to fail at producing a clone?!
Haruta shook his head and paced around in a panic, tears falling. He felt his world crashing.
It wasn't long before Mizuki came over, a charming smirk on his face. "you okay there buddy?
Haruta looked up at the man, and the rest is history.
Line break.
2 hours later.
{Naruto's residence}
Naruto read the letter over again and again, anger seeping into him. But it faded with the wind. Jiraiya couldn't make it. it was unfortunate but out of his control.
He ran his hand through his hair, sighing in disappointment, and tossing the letter on the counter.
"Well, now my day has been completely cleared. I have no plans other than to sit down and listen to my neighbors celebrate their son's success.
He growled at the thought. He didn't want to hear anything from anybody. He's tired of watching other families enjoy themselves while he wallows alone. It's annoying and pitiful.
He decided to take in some fresh air instead, grabbing a pullout chair and going outside with it.
He set it out on his small balcony and sat, enjoying the breeze and watching the sunset, taking a moment to himself.
It wasn't long before he heard Iruka call out from beneath him.
"Hey! Naruto!
Naruto sat up and peered over the rail to see Iruka.
The man waved with a big smile. " Do you want to get some ramen?! My teat!
Naruto's eyes lit up, and Iruka was startled when Naruto launched off the railing and almost called out. But he reminded himself that Naruto's traversal skills are well beyond what most students have at his age, and calmed down.
Naruto slid down the wall and casually walked up to Iruka with a smirk. "lead the way.
Line break.
Naruto and Iruka sat and enjoyed their food, and to Iruka's pleasure, Naruto was eating better than before.
Mind you, he's still inherently messy, but nowhere near as messy as he once was.
"I see you learned some table manners.
Naruto went to say something, but Ayame beat him to the punch. "He can thank me for that. He talks about wanting to take his future girlfriend out on a date here, but with the way he eats, there's no way I'm letting him do so. He has a ways to go still.
Naruto glared at her with a mouth full and swallowed the bite to reply. "hey, I'm eating cleaner!
Ayame smirked. "not clean enough. And slow down, or you'll choke.
Teuchi came from around the corner, chuckling, and set Iruka's specially requested beef bowl in front of him.
"cut the kid some slack will ya, he's celebrating. the older man said. "oh, and Iruka, i put that seasoning you like so much in there. it was the last of what i had, so enjoy it.
Iruka licked his lips. "thanks. I appreciate it.
Iruka thanked the man before digging into his bowl, and Ayame turned to Naruto with a grin. "so. How does it feel to be an official ninja?
Naruto turned to her and gave a genuine grin. "It feels great, believe it! I'm a whole step closer to becoming chuunin!
Iruka almost choked on his ramen and had to take a breath. "Slow down there, Naruto, you've only just become genin.
Naruto shook his head. "No way! The first chance I get, I'm gunning for the position." The sooner I become Chuunin, the sooner I will learn who my father is.
Iruka sighed. Naruto sharing the same rank as him would make for some interesting times. 'well, you'll need to pass the secret finale test from your Jonin sensei.
The man shook his head. Naruto would be fine. He already knew so much and probably more. He could tell from looking at the boy that he wore a mask of cheerfulness to hide his intellect. Though it's not a strong mask, and he isn't much different without it, it's why it's effective. He's sharp and not someone to underestimate. Ever.
Line break.
After the meal, Iruka and Naruto went their separate ways, and since there wouldn't be school for the rest of the week, Naruto decided to go to the training ground to test his latest jutsu.
The jutsu in question is called barrier armament. It's designed to act as a sort of shield and should work against weak ninjutsu attacks and the like, but it was a failure in the sense that he can't make it permanent, and it requires him to redraw the seal on his forearm. An annoyance.
It's a variant of his Barrier art: personalized barrier jutsu, a similar jutsu that restricts movement and mobility when in use. It encompasses the user entirely.
'using fuinjutsu to perform barriers is cool, but only if the damn thing lasts. Let's see if any of the drafts I've come up with can make this work.
The boy performed the shadow clone jutsu, and the clone, already on the same page, gave Naruto some space and went through hand signs.
"Ok, me, get ready!
The real Naruto nodded and brought his arm out as though he were holding a Trojan shield, and a barrier flickered to life as his clone went through hand signs. "Water style: toad gun!
A blast of water slammed into the boy's shield hard enough to send him skidding back, and his shield cracked.
Naruto stared at the ink on his arm and noticed that it had faded a great deal, chakra within it having been used to keep the integrity of the barrier intact.
'interesting. But no, the results I'm looking for.
He wiped the ink off, walked over to the giant scroll he had placed down from afar, and copied the formula of another draft.
He returned to the clone and tried again, bringing up his jutsu and testing the results.
"Water style: toad bullet!
Naruto braced himself, but to his utter shock, the shield faded before the jutsu even reached him. As a result, the withering shield only muffled the impact, and he was slammed with his own jutsu hard enough to send him sprawling across the field.
"Gah! dammit, that hurts!" groaned Naruto, rolling around, having had the wind knocked out of him.
His clone burst out in laughter and rolled on his back.
"Oh man, you look stupid! You just got drenched like a cat that just got shoved into the bath!
Naruto growled, standing up and stomping towards the clone. "who are you laughing at you stupid-...
The clone looked smug. "hard to insult someone as good-looking as me, eh?
[poof!]
Naruto punched the clone and made another one to reset the personality.
'Ok. so this one acts on a time. Trash!
Naruto wiped off the seal and went back to his scroll.
Line break
2 hours later,
After a few hours of trial and error, the only viable one was the one he started with. Mission failure.
As a result, we find an annoyed Naruto lying on the ground, staring up at the stars.
"This is so stupid! Why is combining barrier ninjutsu so hard with fuinjutsu?! They should go hand in hand! How did you do this, Mom?! Ugh!
Naruto shot up when he sensed someone coming, but it wasn't anyone he knew. It was a kid.
He was on the run, a large scroll on his back, and he looked frantic.
Naruto squinted his eyes to see that it was a classmate, and he had half a mind to leave it be, but he sensed that something terrible was happening.
'Well, curiosity killed the cat, but this cat has 7 out of 9 lives to use. Let's see what's going on.
Naruto decided to trail the boy, and after a few minutes, he found that he was, in fact, right to be curious.
The boy was frantically going through a giant scroll, trying to read it and quickly pass his 'secret test'.
Naruto landed in front of him, and the boy jumped. "gah! I haven't even!- wait. Naruto?
Naruto tilted his head at that. "Do I know you?
The boy gave a scowl. "It's Haruto! You're classmate!
Naruto snapped his finger. "Ah! Of course! You, that one kid!
Haruta glared. "you mean the dead last? Yeah, that's me, thanks to you!
"What's that supposed to mean? Asked Naruto, annoyed.
"Ever since you suddenly decided to get good in class, I've been getting terrible marks, and because of that, my father has decided to disown me. If I can't even keep a D in my class, then what hope do I have on the field? "replied a disgruntled Haruta.
Naruto wasn't impressed with that comment. "yeah, that has nothing to do with me. And you're still on the ground. Get up. What's with that giant scroll, and why are you out so late?
The boy scowled. "I could ask you the same thing.
Naruto scowled at thatm but looked back to see his own big scroll strapped to his back and looked a bit bashful. "well i asked first. Spill the beans. I can tell you're up to no good.
The boy stood up, angry at the accusation. "I am not! I'm in the middle of a secret test, and you are ruining it!
Naruto crossed his arms. "what are you talking about? There is no secret test.
Haruta shook his head. "yes, there is! Mizuki told me about it and everything!
Naruto made a face before shaking his head. "Mizuki wouldn't have put you up to this. Surely you were pranked by a classmate or something.
Haruto shook his head. "it was Mizuki for sure! He even helped me get into the Hokage tower to retrieve this!
Naruto's eyes widened at that. 'oh my god. This kid is so stupid!
Naruto was about to say something but stopped when he sensed Mizuki coming and calmed down. "well, whatever the case is, you're in trouble. i want nothing to do with this crap, so-
Before he could finish, shuriken came out from the bushes, and both Naruto and Haruta were forced to react, Haruto being unlucky and too slow.
Naruto barely dodged out of the way, rolling and bringing out some of his own kunai to defend himself with. he looked at the source of the attack and scowled. "Mizuki?!
The silver-haired chuunin gave a glare. 'what the hell? I was aiming to kill both of them.
He turned to the other student and smirked. 'Never mind. I was mostly aiming for that one anyway, ' thought Mizuki with glee. Naruto followed Mizuki's gaze and felt his heart drop.
Haruta was slumped over, his hands shaking as he stared at his own blood.
Naruto was at a loss for words and rushed to Haruta as Mizuki strolled up to the forbidden scroll, picking it up and smirking at the sight.
"H-hang in there Haruta! Don't move! I'll get someone!
Naruto pulled Haruta into his lap, and the boy tried to speak, but only blood came out of his mouth, and the sight sent Naruto into a panic.
The boy's chest is riddled with shuriken, one having scraped so deep past his neck that his throat was evidently slit in the process. His hands were shaking as he was obviously choking on his own blood. it was then that Naruto knew the seriousness of the situation and that the boy couldn't be helped.
Haruto's eyes rolled up as Naruto tried to put pressure on his neck, and just like that, he died, his body going slack in the blonde's arms, and Naruto's eyes widened.
He was at a complete loss, and for the first time, he felt real fear.
'Oh no. Oh god!
Naruto stood up in horror and stumbled back. This was too much for him, and Mizuki only chuckled, rolling his eyes at the scene. "You greenhorn genin are too emotional. You wouldn't have lasted a day on the field, demon. So long now."
Naruto turned to see a large shuriken headed his way and weaved out of the way, throwing his own shuriken at the slightly surprised Mizuki. 'What in the world? How did he see that coming?
Naruto felt tears run down his cheek, and he tried his best to calm himself down and think. But he was lost. This isn't like anything he's experienced before. He just witnessed a classmate die. he can't even think to perform jutsu.
Mizuki growled and took a step forward when Iruka landed behind him. "Mizuki! Did you find-... Haruta!
Naruto was in a state of shock. His entire mind was a jumbled mess of thoughts, and Iruka went to rush to his student, but Mizuki stopped him. "Hold it, Iruka! Naruto was in line with the boy! he killed him in cold blood for ratting him out, careful!
Iruka gave Mizuki a look, and Naruto yelled. "Iruka! Mizuki's lying!
Mizuki looked at Naruto with a glare, but Iruka kept his gaze on his fellow teacher.
Iruka was smart, but he also wanted to trust Mizuki. They were friends, after all. But the look on Naruto's face spoke volumes. He knew not to let his guard down the moment he saw his face.
Iruka looked at the scroll in Mizuki's hand and frowned. "We'll have Naruto questioned then. The scroll, please, " Iruka insisted, and Naruto gave a betrayed look. However, this was only to see if what Naruto said was true. He had an idea that Mizuki had something to do with this, but he had to confirm it for himself.
Mizuki narrowed his eyes. "I found it first, Iruka.
Iruka narrowed his eyes at his long-time colleague, then suddenly their hands blurred into action, and in an instant, the sound of kunai filled the area as they swung at one another, Mizuki on his backfoot, blocking Iruka's sudden flurry of slashes with his one free arm.
It wasn't long before Mizuki tossed down a smoke bomb to give himself some distance and strapped the scroll to his back. "I'm getting rid of two problems tonight!" the man exclaimed, and Iruka saw the hand signs and paled.
"Naruto, grab Haruta and get down!
Naruto didn't need to be told twice, grabbed his deceased classmate, and ran behind a tree.
Fire style: flame bullet jutsu!" yelled Mizuki, the man bathing the path before him in flames to give himself some space to work with.
Iruka jumped into the trees in an attempt to flank him, and in response, Mizuki canceled the jutsu, having properly secured the scroll properly, and threw a demon wind shuriken, the giant shuriken curving in the air and forcing Iruka to flip his body around in midair to dodge.
Iruka landed awkwardly as a result of this, and Mizuki had anticipated this, locking blades with Iruka the moment the opportunity came, the chuunin grinning from ear to ear.
"you're rusty Iruka! All that desk work has made you slow!
Mizuki twisted their clash and swung with a powerful kick to Iruka's stomach, and Iruka stumbled back, weaving backward to avoid the follow-up heel kick before flipping away.
"why Mizuki?! Why would you do this?!
Mizuki gave Iruka a glare. "because I despise this village! I've been stuck in the same place for years, unable to progress, all thanks to that brat's father! Being forced as an academy instructor because he gave me faulty orders!
Iruka glared. "is that why you had the boy killed? Because of his father?
Mizuki shrugged. "nah. I wanted the Kyuubi brat to steal the scroll for me. But of course, that's not how things panned out. But things fell into place regardless. After all, the demon child is here as well. I'll offer his body up as a follow-up offering to Lord Orochimaru!
Iruka's eyes went wide in shock, Naruto's doing the same behind cover. 'Orochimaru?!' they both thought in unison.
Mizuki cracked his neck and smirked. "No more talk. Let's make his quick. I have places to be!
Iruka growled, and the sound of fighting continued from where Naruto sat.
All he could do was stare at the dead classmate as the reality of his profession hit him in full force.
'what have I gotten myself into?
The boy closed his eyes and shook his head. 'I should've shoved him out of the way! I should have been faster! I should have been faster! '
A pained yell from Iruka brought Naruto from his pitiful state and made the boy look from around the tree to see that Iruka had his back against a tree. He looked bruised, and his arm looked broken, a nasty slash running down it, making it useless.
Iruka spat up some blood, glaring at the smirking chuunin with rage. "you'll pay Mizuki. You'll be caught and killed for this.
Mizuki shook his head. "The trail I left has fooled most of the village. They're searching for the brat at the wrong location. I've been planning this for years, Iruka. Years! It is a shame, though. I actually liked you. If only you'd have stayed the same as before, I'd have brought you along. So long, demon lover.
Iruka clenched his teeth and waited for the end, but it never came. Instead, he witnessed Mizuki's head knocked to the side by a powerful kick from Naruto, the chuunin stumbling and skidding away, and Naruto standing before Mizuki with a fearful but determined expression.
Mizuki smirked, but it faded when he felt a trickle of blood seep from his headband and run down his temple.
He tapped it and stared at it, glaring, before he looked up at Naruto and sent killing intent his way, freezing the boy in place. "I'll kill you for that brat.
Iruka put a hand on Naruto's shoulder, a steel look on his features. "Naruto, fortify your mind. Fear is one of the greatest killers in history. Don't allow it to affect you now when you are currently the strongest present.
Naruto gave Iruka an unsure look, but Iruka had a confident expression on his face. "we'll take him down as ninjas of the hidden leaf. You aren't alone!
Naruto felt the words of Iruka and nodded, stepping forward. Mizuki laughed.
"It makes no difference to me whether I kill you separately or together. Come then, Ninetails, show me what you can do!
Naruto glared and got into a stance. "quit calling me names, punk! Shadow clone jutsu!" the boy yelled, and 50 Naruto clones appeared.
Mizuki smirked. Knowing Naruto had this jutsu made him uneasy when he first discovered this fact, but he was still a brat fresh out of the academy.
About 40 clones charged Mizuki while Naruto listened to Iruka.
"OK, listen. I need you to get me close to Mizuki and to give me an opening. I just need to get close enough to slit his throat with this.
Iruka showed Naruto the hidden kunai, and Naruto nodded in understanding, his perspective on Iruka changing as well. Not for better, but it was a needed reminder that the man has killed before. He's being trained to be a killer. This is what he signed up for—not the glorifying parts, but this right here—to protect his village from all enemies, without and within. That's the oath he took when he grabbed the headband.
Iruka saw Naruto's resolve become solid and nodded. "Now then. Let's show Mizuki why you don't mess with Konoha!
Naruto grinned, but it was quickly wiped from his face when Mizuki slaughtered all clones in his vicinity and made a beeline for them, the man running through hand signs. "fire style: flame bullet!
Mizuki fired a stream of fire out at the Naruto clones and Iruka, and Naruto went through hand signs of his own, surprising both chuunin present. "water style: toad gun!
A concentrated jet of water raced through the flames and smashed into Mizuki's chest hard enough to send him into a tree. His chuunin vest ruptured slightly, and the man let out a yell of shock. With the scroll at his back, it felt as though he got kneed from behind as well. 'Ninjutsu? How does a fresh out of the academy have access to nature transformation?!
Iruka was surprised, but he didn't let it last as he followed the clones and watched them perform an additional technique. "wind style: wind cyclone!" yelled one.
" Water style: water stream!" yelled another.
The two jutsu merged together to create a vortex of water and wind that raced toward the downed Mizuki. This forced the man back onto his feet and sent him running up the tree. However, the moment the jutsu hit the tree, he found that the vortex of water and wind was strong enough to rip him from the tree and send him into the air and hit the ground. 'Collaboration jutsu?! What the hell is this brat?!
Mizuki hit the ground hard, the scroll falling out of his grasp and landing before Naruto, who was glaring at the man.
Iruka threw smoke bombs quickly, and the area was engulfed immediately.
Mizuki could see the ten remaining clones zipping around like shadows, and he had two kunai at the ready.
One came from the smoke, and he effortlessly took it out with a jab of his kunai, disappointed that it wasn't the real deal.
Another two came from behind, but he whirled and slashed them both well before they could get the drop on him. "predictable!
Two more came, and it was the same result. Mizuki winced in pain, though. He's sure he fractured something in his back, but the adrenaline is still going, and to keep it going, he has a drug ready for use. he just needs time and space from this monster in human form.
His eyes widened when he heard what seemed to be the familiar sound of a jutsu about to be cast, and he chucked one of his kunai at the source, killing another clone.
Three more rushed in at the very moment, and he dodged, weaved, and expertly took them out without problem before whirling around and catching the Las clone. He smirked when he saw that it was the real Naruto.
"Well, well, well. Arrogant little shit! Finally showed yourself, Uzumaki. You should've run with that little corps over there. Had done that, you might've h-ack[gurgle].
Naruto's eyes widened as a kunai plunged through the man's throat, and he saw Iruka right behind him. "You shouldn't have counted me out, Mizuki. Your arrogance has cost you.
Mizuki released Naruto, the boy scrambling away, and the silver-haired Jonin clutched at his throat, seemingly trying to yell out insults and profanities, but all that came out was blood as he fell to his knees, coughing up the crimson liquid before finally falling onto his stomach, and Iruka stared down at his once friend.
'I never saw him as an enemy. 'thought Iruka sadly.
Naruto stood up, clutching his throat in discomfort, and anger came over him. "yeah, that's... that's poetic justice, you fiend! You killed an innocent child! Someone who would have done things with his life! fuck you!
Naruto yelled as angry tears ran down his cheeks, but he eventually settled down when Iruka placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.
"Naruto. Haruta's death is regretful and sad. But I promise you, it was not in vain. We'll inform the Hokage of this-
"Iruka! People are coming!
Iruka nodded quickly and got defensive, and after a good minute, masked shinobi surrounded them.
Iruka glanced around and relaxed. Anbu.
Yugao went to the corpse of Haruta immediately to check for a pulse, while crow landed before Iruka and Naruto, the blonde jumping a bit from the sudden moves, but Iruka kept a reassuring hand on his student.
Iruka went to explain, but Inu held his hand up and shook his head. "No need. The Hokage had his eyes on what was happening. It's why we're here. Though, it seems we're too late.
Iruka finally let himself sag from exhaustion, the adrenaline wearing off at that very moment, and both Naruto and Inu caught him. "leave him to me, Uzumaki-san.
Naruto nodded and let the man take him before rushing over to where Yugao and another Anbu member were inspecting Haruta's body. "c-can he be saved?
Yugao was silent for a moment before standing up and staring at Mizuki's corpse. "he's gone." she spoke coldly.
Line break.
The next day.
{Konoha hospital}
Naruto was leaving Iruka's room when he saw the Hokage waiting for him outside.
"Naruto. We need to talk.
Naruto scowled and shook his head. "I told you I'm fine. I'm over it.
Hiruzen shook his head and followed Naruto. "no, you're not. I can see that from just looking at you. You haven't slept.
Naruto scowled and went to sit in the hall, the Hokage standing over him.
"listen. What happened was not your fault.
Naruto sent him a glare, but it didn't hold up at all. "I was right there. I could have pushed him out of the way and-
"Gotten yourself killed. Mizuki was aiming to kill, and you'd never faced an opponent trying to do so.
Naruto looked away and clenched his teeth when remembering his classmate, the look of fear in his eyes. the desperate desire to live. "he was just like me. Mizuki singled him out because he failed his exam. It could have been me. Imagine if it was me. i would have been killed, no different from him.
Hiruzen sighed. Consoling a child who'd just been thrust into something so violent so suddenly wasn't something he had to do since doing so for both Orochimaru and Tsunade.
He frowned at that. Those two were the most sensitive on his team and were the most affected by loss and witnessing it. He didn't want to fail Naruto and ruin his perception of life as he had with Orochimaru, nor did he want to be heartless and do the bare minimum like he felt he did with Tsunade.
"Naruto, listen. This is the shinobi world, and unfortunately, you will see a lot of injustice. Instead of wallowing in the loss of one individual, use this as a moment. Never let the strong trample on the weak again. That's the purpose of being a Kage, after all—protecting your family. You didn't fail last night. I did.
Naruto looked to Hiruzen, and the old man knelt down and put his hand on the boy's head. " It is in these moments that we shinobi come to understand the complexity of being killers and are forced to decide who we are in this cruel world. This is light work compared to what is to come, and I need you to be ready. Use this moment to find your way, your ninja way.
Naruto nodded and looked down. "another thing. Am I the Ninetails?
Hiruzen's head tilted up, and his eyes widened. 'of course. Mizuki's comments. Damn that fiend.
Hiruzen shook his head. "no. We'll talk about that bit in private, but I assure you, you are not the Ninetails.
Naruto scowled. "it would put so much that I knew into question. Am I the Ninetail's offspring? Was my mom-
"we'll discuss that in my office. It involves your mother, but not in the way you may think.
Naruto nodded and stood up. "well, there's no better time than now, right?
Hiruzen nodded. "let's go then.
Line break.
{the Hokage's office.}
Hiruzen cleared his entire morning schedule so he could properly address the situation and sat at his desk as Naruto stood before him.
It took an hour to explain everything, from what Jinchuuriki were to his mother being one and how the 4th Hokage sealed the beast into him in order to stop the Ninetails.
Not once did Naruto speak. There were no questions like when he was younger and wished to know who his parents were. Just silence.
By the end, Naruto nodded in understanding. "where is the seal?
Hiruzen stood up and walked up to him. "May I?
Naruto nodded, and Hiruzen lifted Naruto's shirt and made a single-hand sign, revealing the ink on his abdomen. 'Genjutsu? Or illusionary ink? Whatever the case is, apparently, there's much more about myself that I'm not privy to.
Hiruzen noticed the angry expression on the boy's face and sighed. "I'm sorry, Naruto. i-
"Who else knows?
Hiruzen blinked and frowned. "Most of the adults know, as do our military personnel.
Naruto nodded and started pacing, walking around the room, running his hands through his hair. It was an obvious sign of stress. Naruto was trying not to blow up at the person who'd done so much for him, and was struggling.
Hiruzen let Naruto get whatever frustration he had out and waited for an outburst, but there was only silent panic before the boy turned to him. "w-why do they know? Why?! Is this not supposed to be a secret?
Hiruzen noddded. "it is.
"Then why? Why do people know? Is this why I'm hated so much? Why do parents pull their children from me even to this day? Why can't I buy groceries at a regular price? Why, everywhere I go, I'm not just ignored but hated?!
Hiruzen looked down, and Naruto kicked the chair into the wall and let out a yell of frustration. "I thought I was just unlikeable, a freak! But it's worse!
"Naruto! calm yourself.
Naruto whirled on him. "HOW?! HOW DO I DO THAT?! My life has been over since the day i was brought into this world!
Hiruzen shook his head. "No! If that were the case, I'd have left you in the orphanage! You have always been destined for greatness Naruto, don't let anyone-
"Fuck greatness! What about a regular life?! That's impossible for me! if i ever want to retire, i'd need to have this thing ripped from me! I'm a weapon of destruction!
Hiruzen put a hand on his forehead, realizing that doing this without Jiraiya was a huge blunder. Naruto's understanding of fuinjutsu didn't help this case. He knows he's not a monster but understands the implications of being Jinchuuriki.
"I want it out of me.
Hiruzen'd eyes widened at that. "I.. I can't just remove it-
"why not?!
Hiruzen held his hands out in a placating manner. "it would kill you Naruto!
The blond threw his hands in the air, tears of frustration flowing freely. "g-great! This was supposed to be a week to celebrate. Me becoming a genin. Now it's a horror story! I watched someone die and found out that my life had been a lie for the second time! Am I being overdramatic, Jiji? Am I?! I probably sound like a brat right now. Right? Right?!
Hiruzen embraced the Naruto, and the blonde broke down.
Line break.
Another hour passed, and Naruto was calm and willing to listen, his mind calm now.
"How did people find out?
Hiruzen sat with his arms crossed in his chair, thinking about how to help the boy get over these terrible events. "A counselor leaked the information to the public.
"Name?
Hiruzen wanted to deny him that much, not wanting him to know of Danzo, but it was probably best that he did. "Danzo Shimura. Avoid him at all cost.
Naruto nodded and thought of another question to ask since Hiruzen was in a quilt-like mood, but he was out of questions to ask.
"I'm going home now.
Hiruzen looked up and nodded. "don't hesitate to come and talk to me, no matter the time.
Naruto nodded and left the room.
He walked home. Only this time, as people avoided him like the plague and now understood why, and for the first time ever, he felt hate towards these people. He knew he shouldn't; they were clueless civilians. Hell, if there was a ticking time bomb running around in the village, the very one that destroyed his life years back, he'd be on guard constantly.
The boy let out an empty chuckle at the thought of his mere presence completely fucking up someone's day.
When he got to his apartment, he sat down to clear his mind.
The leaf training exercise taught him the importance of meditation. Though he would never, ever do it in his free time, it's times like this when it comes in handy. His ability to sense his surroundings becomes heightened when in this state of mind, and it even expands the range of his sensory capabilities when not meditating.
'like exercising the brain.
With his eyes closed, he could see everything happening around him for several miles out now, though the further out he goes, the fainter it gets.
He opened his eyes to find that the sun was far higher in the sky than before and stared at his headband. His resolve to become a ninja has been shaken but not broken.
Line break.
End chapter.
{Author's Note}
got some feedback on the Harem stuff, and advice from other fanfic writers. i'm not doing a harem. maybe various love interests over the course of Naruto's life, but no Harem.
Something i also wanted an opinion on was whether i'm doing Naruto's character justice, or whether butchering him. i want him to mature as a shinobi without destroying what makes him, him.
I feel that the canon version had a strong will but a very weak mind, so I'm trying to balance it out and have both attributes raised at the same time. His reactions should be based on what he knows, and he understands that a Jinchuuriki is a weapon. Hence, he's a weapon. I tried to imagine how I'd feel if I was a secret weapon with no right to have a life of my own. it'd make me question Hiruzen's insistence on Naruto becoming a shinobi, and his purpose to the village as a whole.
As for the Mizuki fight, I figured that since Mizuki knows that Naruto has the shadow clone jutsu due to him performing it in the test, he wouldn't be put off by it and would perform far better. He is a chuunin after all, and in the beginning of canon, he felt like a joke.
One more thing. This is a bit of an AU, but only in that Hinata didn't have Naruto as her savior and never had anyone to cling to. The reason for this was that Naruto wasn't as alone as he was in canon, so he never encountered Hinata when she was young.
He did save her from the bullies, but she saw it as an act of kindness. By that point, she could have handled it on her own. Because of these changes, I either had to make her crippling or a much more capable character and I chose the latter. she's more like Hanabi, but with key differences that will be explored later.
I won't ship Naruto with anyone until after the exams, so rest assured that he's going to be single for a while. i want him to get his shit together before then.
That's all.
Thanks for reading.