NARUTO : BORN TO LOVE AND LEAD

by happylove123

Naruto Uzumaki Namikaze is a genius who pranks all 5 nations to do what he wants, to achieve peace. He brings hope for people drowning in darkness. His burdens are heavy. So, his sensei Kakashi, helps his future hokage as dutiful shinobi and helps himself in return and Shikamaru is the advisor & brother. Strong Naruto, Strong Kakashi, Grey Kyubi, Good Itachi. Kakanaru. No underage.

6. FIRST CONTACT

Summary:

Kakashi is finally here. He is intrigued by the different Naruto. Naruto is ready with his games to make Kakashi into an ally.

Author's note:

For the first few chapters, Kakashi's character is going to be grey. He is caught between his guilt, old ghosts and his duties as a sensei. Sasuke and Sakura will be in their own world. There is no major bashing of Sasuke and Sakura, but Sakura will be portrayed as irritating until Sasuke's defection arc because she was in the canon. Sasuke's internal struggle between revenge and bonds will be there as well. Some non-anime/manga storyline of Naruto will be there.

Bold inside double quotes: "Brat" - Kyubi talking.

Bold no quotes: Kage bunshin no jutsu - Jutsu

Italics inside single quotes: 'Yeah right'- Internal musings/thoughts/talking mentally.

Italics no quotes: Kenjutsu- Important things.

Bold Italics: Chakra sensing Technique – Weapons or Chakra techniques that are not jutsus.

CHAPTER 5 - FIRST CONTACT

Two days after the Mizuki incident, Naruto was getting ready for the academy. He felt his furry companion rumble in him. They sort of had a love-hate relationship, love or friendship on Naruto's part and hate or irritation on Kyubi's part. He made an agreement with Kyubi to share his senses most of the times and it helped them both.

'Good morning, fluffy.'

"Don't call me that, you orange brat."

'You are awake early.'

"Are you going to continue to act stupid? I know you are an idiot, but you don't have to showcase it to the world all the time you know."

Naruto rolled his eyes at the unnecessary comment.

'I have to know it is safe, Kyubi. I have to know my team first. I want my team to be amicable to my changes. I must be sure my sensei will not backstab me. Knowing the hokage, he will find someone harmless but capable of keeping an eye on me.'

"I thought there will be something entertaining to watch. You became interesting when you decided to be sly. Now you are overcautious."

'I cannot remove my mask yet. But I am not going to act like a klutz though.'

"What is the point of wearing a mask if you don't take it off? It is almost as being stupid is your real face. You can't play stupid all the time and magically appear powerful one day and say 'Tada! I always was powerful!' Most people will think I took over you completely."

Naruto was walking to the academy when he thought about what Kyubi said. Kyubi was right. He could not just become quiet and refuse ramen to show that he had changed. He should act less silly and start acting more responsible. He had to show some of his skills to high genin or low chunin level, a bit above the Rookie of the Year, Uchiha Sasuke, to garner recognition.

He could say that he was changed because he wanted to become a serious shinobi after Mizuki incident, and he could say that because the Yondaime believed in him, and he didn't want to disappoint his hero.

'A son can blame his father, can he not? He is my father. He loves me and would gladly take the blame. Moreover, it is a good change and people will appreciate my father more for my change. But how much different I should act entirely depends on my team.'

Naruto remembered meeting his father, the Yondaime hokage, Namikaze Minato. It was a bittersweet experience.

When Naruto entered the academy, there were questions from Inuzaka Kiba as to why he was here when he failed. He called him a fool and pointed to his leaf hitaite (forehead protector with leaf symbol Konoha ninjas wear). Inuzaka Kiba, boisterous than fake persona Naruto, accompanied by his cute white ninken dog, Akamaru, always wanting to prove to be an alpha male of the class, was on good terms with Naruto. Naruto hung out with Kiba, but Kiba was immature for him to let him on his secrets and show his skills. He went to the back of the class and sat down on the chair near Shikamaru.

"You passed."

Naruto gave a nod to Shino sitting in front of them who reciprocated his greeting.

"Lazy Nara, did you think I won't?"

Naruto gave a smile to Choji and Choji smiled back. Naruto, Choji, Shikamaru and Kiba cut classes to hang out but Naruto, Choji, Shikamaru and Shino were closer and often spar together on their camping spot away from other's eyes.

"How did you pass?" Shikamaru asked while Choji and Shino was interested in the same and listened to their conversation.

"What do you think I did?" Naruto raised his single eyebrow knowing full well, his friend/future advisor's mind gears were turning.

"You didn't pass on graduation day. But you are a ninja now. You must have done something that showcased your ninja skills. Finally, you decided to drop the mask huh, Naruto?"

Shikamaru wanted to know what Naruto did. He was worried when Naruto failed the graduation test. He knew Naruto well and understood Naruto had his own plans when he decided to fail. Shikamaru thought Naruto failed the exam because he wanted to join ANBU since the hokage would definitely want him to be a ninja. Guess, he was wrong in his assumptions and Naruto was unpredictable as ever.

"Yes, partially."

"Mom and dad would be happy. They never liked when people called you dumb. Us too, you know. Shino, Choji and me hated when Sasuke called you dead-last and Sakura hit you, even Akamaru wanted to nip them sometimes. Kiba doesn't like Sasuke's arrogance and Sakura's voice hurt his sensitive ears."

Choji and Shino nodded. Naruto knew those things. "Don't worry. I won't pretend to get their attention anymore, no more pretend-rivalry or pretend-crush."

"Troublesome. What brought this change?"

"Things happened and I also gained many experiences in the past year." Naruto smiled cryptically and continued to advise his friend goods naturedly. "I woke up Shika. You guys should wake up too. We should stretch our muscles and warm up for C-ranks."

Naruto stopped talking and turned to the Uchiha entering the class. Shino and Choji turned to front and concentrated on food, respectively. Shikamaru though, knew better and arched an eyebrow in question. Naruto discreetly smiled at his friend knowing him well. Not taking the eyes of Uchiha, Naruto flicked his finger hidden from Choji and Shino sitting near them and Shikamaru pretend to lay on the desk but secretly opened a note with a message.

"Do you remember our deal to talk after becoming a genin? Meet me at our camping spot near the Naka River on the outskirts of Nara Forest after meeting your team. Bring food, it will take a long time to explain."

"Troublesome blonde." mumbled Shikamaru and sighed.

Choji and Shino gave him a look at his catchphrase but ignored him when he continued sleeping. Choji and Shino befriended Naruto later than Shikamaru. They knew the blonde was holding back and believed his reason that because he was an orphan with no support and did not want to stand too much and attract enmity from others, at first. Later, Naruto with improving friendship, explained that he was not liked by adults, and he did not know the reason.

Choji and Shino asked their parents for Naruto's mishaps and did not get any satisfactory answers, but their fathers Akimichi Choza and Aburame Shibi advised them to be kind to Naruto. Choji accepted and treated Naruto as usual and supported his friend's decision of holding back his strength without much thought.

But Shino observed quietly. He had assumptions when Naruto was accused by people for killing their friends or family members. But he had his former assumptions broken after finding out Naruto's birthday was on October 10, the day of Kyubi festival and Naruto was called a demon brat and treated worse on those weeks prior to Kyubi festival in October. He could deduce the reason logically, when his Kikaichu told him that they were scared of Naruto's chakra, when the blonde got angry or irritated at times. He formed new assumptions.

Keeping emotions in check using logic was his clan's trait and, think logically he did. Shino confirmed his assumptions after asking Shikamaru who was smarter than him but liked the blonde as much as the kind Choji. Shikamaru advised him to observe Naruto before making a judgement, just like his father. It was a logical statement. So, Shino observed the blonde some more and decided that Naruto was just a child who was Kyubi's jailor and not the Kyubi.

Shino expressed his explicit acceptance to Naruto and told him that he did not have to guess and worry about their bond due to his secrets and rest assured that Shino knew him and accepted his friendship. Later, Shino apologised saying he was used to think logically, so he made an earlier assumption when Naruto was hated and blamed for killing others, that Naruto's parents were some sort of traitors and the people blamed Naruto for their actions.

Shikamaru spluttered at that comment. 'Well, if I think about it, Naruto is blamed and disliked because of his parent's actions, just not in a way one would expect. Naruto's life is full of Oxymorons.' Shikamaru knew Naruto thought the same, from the knowing chuckle thrown at his way. Naruto first thanked Shino for accepting him and then proceeded to explain that he did not mind as he had heard worse things, someone once told him that his parents were dead by committing suicide because he was their son, and not because they died of Kyubi's attack.

Shino was visibly upset at those words, which was a big thing for an Aburame. Naruto was unbothered and promised Shino that he would become a great shinobi in a future to make his parents proud and the people would bless his parents for giving birth to such a great child. Shino respected Naruto more for that and supported the blonde's actions whole heartedly. It was not hard when Naruto treated him the same.

Naruto helped Shino to improve his chakra reserves, which was constantly being emptied by his hive, by providing him chakra control exercises, physical exercises and gave him a scroll on simplified chakra transfer method explaining how a ninja could reabsorb chakra from Kikaichu. Shino in turn taught him about poisons. He asked him not to say anything to his clan about the method until Naruto became a genin ang give 'ok'.

Choji was brought in next as Naruto did not want him to be left out and Shikamaru did not want to lie to Choji when he spent time with Shino and Naruto alone. Shikamaru explained Naruto's jinchuriki status and as expected, it did not change Choji's view on Naruto. Choji was upset with adults for a while and had a deep conversation with Shino and Shikamaru. Shikamaru explained some things his father talked about the council but accepted that the adults could have done more to support Naruto.

Following that, Choji showed his support to Naruto openly and expressed his disappointment for the adults in Konoha. He felt that he was being useless and unable to help his friend who he was suffering. Naruto took that opportunity and said some words that changed Choji's ninja life for better. Naruto explained that his words of concern were of no use to change Naruto's life. If Choji wanted to do something and stop feeling useless, he should become a powerful ninja at least enough to be placed in bingo book.

"Ninjas did not become powerful because they were just physically strong or flashy jutsus, they were called it, because they used their skills to kill enemy ninjas and eliminate threats. Yondaime was just a genius when he invented Hirashin no jutsu (Flying Thunder God Technique), but he became dangerous, because he used it to kill thousands of shinobis. A shinobi needs kindness to protect what they must but remember Choji, kindness towards the enemy meant being cruel to yourself or worse, you could put your friends in danger, like Hashirama's kindness to Madara almost destroyed Konoha. You should not hesitate when dealing with enemies, a split-second indecision could cost your teammate's life in the field."

Choji agreed with Naruto but unable to change immediately, he still hesitated during their spars as it was ingrained muscle memory for him to not hurt the opponent in spars. Choji was disappointed with himself, but Naruto did not chide him. Naruto made him spar with his clones and told him to dispel them with one hit after which Naruto, with the help of henged clones, came up with mockup scenarios for Choji to save fake Shikamaru and Shino from foreign ninjas. Choji improved day by day and he also taught Naruto how to make basic soldier pills. Naruto gave Choji a scroll detailing Bukijutsu: Nanchaku (Weapon techniques: Nunchucks) and told him the same he said to Shino about not letting anyone know.

Naruto made all four of them to go through mock scenarios to help them combine their skills and learn leadership qualities. Choji and Shino knew what they could provide for Naruto in return was very little and except their sincere friendship anything was totally unnecessary according to Naruto's words. Naruto told them he needed his friends up there with him when he became the Hokage. Choji and Shino understood Naruto was heads and shoulders above them in strength and intelligence, but he was not arrogant and trained with them to improve their skills.

But Shikamaru's understanding of Naruto was deeper. At first when he took his father, jonin commander, Nara Shikaku's advice and played shogi to solve the puzzle that was Naruto and subsequently lost, he suspected Naruto was an undercover ANBU. But later he deduced that Naruto was a jinchuriki, son of Yondaime and the last Uzumaki, which made him apparently the heir of two clans.

If a person became the hokage, his family was given clan status because the family was capable of producing strong ninjas and contributed significantly to the village by producing a hokage. So, Naruto was the clan heir of Namikaze and Uzumaki clans and his status was even better than Uchiha Sasuke, the last loyal Uchiha.

Shikamaru knew out of all the people in his generation, the blonde was the strongest, Naruto could take down multiples chunins together. Shikamaru was aware that Naruto was still holding back his full strength from them, and he had other skills he did not display to anyone. If only Shikamaru knew.

Shikamaru believed that Naruto would become the hokage. According to Shikamaru's assessment, Naruto was already low jonin level at age 12 and his intelligence was on the brackets with geniuses like his father Yondaime Minato Namikaze, Shikamaru's father Shikaku Nara, Hatake Kakashi and Itachi Uchiha. Naruto's heart was in good place and his ideologies were precise, pragmatic and built on camaraderie. Naruto's loyalty to friends and Konoha surprised him and with ever-blasting Will of fire, Shikamaru had no doubt that Naruto would command their generation of ninjas to a more stable era. 'Just look at how Choji and Shino listen to Naruto's words obediently and became stronger.'

Shikamaru himself was aware that sometimes he treated Naruto as a hokage already and defer to his words unknowingly. It did not help that Naruto was adamant that Shikamaru was going to be his advisor, that did not bother Shikamaru as much as he expected it to be. Even his father did not react much when he once slipped up during their Naruto Talk Time over shogi.

"Sorry tousan (dad). I am late because hokage-sama was talking about raising ninja academy standards and streamlining the paperwork process reaching the hokage's desk to improve efficiency and we lost track of time."

His fatherraised his eyebrows at the words. "Learn from your hokage-sama about switching masks immaculately and not slip up outside when there are other ears, who could listen to you calling someone else 'hokage-sama' when there was still one sitting on the chair. Now, let's play a game when you share existing ninja academy standards first. Also, will you be kind and tell your hokage to send his other idea to me as soon as possible so I can implement it in my division as a trial run first, damn paperwork, very troublesome."

Shikamaru was not aware that he was calling Naruto hokage-sama unconsciously before that. He must be used to call Naruto as hokage in his mind subconsciously, often, for that word to slip out of his mouth involuntarily, in his home where he need not be careful. Sure, he thought Naruto could become the hokage, but it seemed that he already accepted Naruto would be his future hokage and to call sama so casually, he must respect Naruto a lot more than he estimated.

Shikamaru analysed everything on his mind that night. The more he understood the blonde, the more Shikamaru did not mind being his advisor as Naruto dearly dubbed him and Shikamaru and Naruto friendship became tighter after that.

One day, Shikamaru found Naruto camping near the Nara's forest after sunset. Naruto explained that there was a hostile group near his house, and he was not in a mood to play with them. Shikamaru saw something in his eyes he never saw before, grief. He did not know who Naruto was grieving and did not want to upset him more by asking.

Naruto was always smiling, be it real or fake. Shikamaru had seen him confident, angry, devious, sarcastic, serious and a little sad but the Naruto in front of him was so small, fragile and made a heart-breaking picture. Shikamaru, for first time, felt Naruto's real age and not the one Naruto projected. As strong as Naruto was, he was a child who needed some caring too.

Shikamaru squashed all the protests and invited Naruto over to his house. He prayed that his troublesome mother saw a child that Naruto was and not a demon that others portrayed him to be. Nara Yoshino, his feisty mother, had no problem with his friendship to Naruto but he did not know how she would react for inviting Naruto to their house without talking to her first. He knew Kiba's mom did not stop his friendship with Naruto but anything more than that was no-go for her.

Shikamaru need not bothered because his mother took to Naruto pretty easily. She cast one look at Naruto, ushered him inside and gave him hot cocoa without any words. She asked him to stay for dinner and praised his pranks. Naruto played shogi with his father in a closed room when his mother whacked Shikamaru to help with the dishes. Later he found out his mother was close friends with Naruto's mother, and she was the reason his mother learned 'whack- men- with-pan jutsu.'

Naruto occasionally stayed over at Shikamaru's house after that. Naruto and his mother bonded over cooking. Naruto made Shikamaru do chakra control exercises. Naruto drew 'Gravity seals' for him and sparred with him. He point blank told Shikamaru that if his body could not keep up with his mind, he would lose his life and teammate's life on the field. He explained to Shikamaru that he was Naruto's advisor and if he did not train physically, he would either die before Naruto become the hokage or he would become a liability for the hokage in future as he weak.

Shikamaru knew he could not protect Naruto in battles as Naruto was already strong, but he could protect Naruto on other aspects. Naruto was too kind and immediately offered loyalty when people treated him a bit favourably like he did with Iruka sensei, or someone apologised, like he did with Shino. Not everyone would be decent like Iruka and Shino. Naruto was equipped to decimate platoons of enemies without help and protect himself and them, but Shikamaru also could protect him by not letting anyone take advantage of his kindness as weakness, because he knew Naruto needed protection too.

But Naruto's advice on physical training was right because all those thoughts about protecting Naruto would be for naught if Shikamaru died before that. Shikamaru could wield his mind, but he should know how to wield other weapons as well. Shikamaru did not want to be left behind by Naruto and watch his back moving further and further away from his reach. Shikamaru wanted to walk alongside Naruto, like his shadow.

He remembered the words he said to his father. "When I'm with Naruto, he makes me want to follow him, to walk by his side...no matter what."

His father smiled at that and shared he felt the same when he saw Minato. His father then became serious and asked how sure Shikamaru was about his decision on being Naruto's advisor. Shikamaru showed his level 30 gravity seals which was a rare effort for any non-genin Nara.

Shikaku started to cultivate Shikamaru seriously after that. Nothing serious, few clan jutsu like Kagemane no Jutsu (Shadow Possession Jutsu) and Kageshibari no Jutsu (Shadow Bind Technique). They did watch clouds but no more than couple hours but no more cloud watching for hours at a time. They mostly concentrated on politics and strategy.

Many hours were spent on Shikaku talking to his son in detail about other important things. He explained that Minato was an orphan like Naruto too, but his genius attracted good teachers and his kindness attracted many friends. Minato might have been poor and lonely, but he was never homeless and experienced starvation like Naruto, not to mentions some people trying to maim Naruto occasionally for being a jinchuriki.

Shikamaru gaped and looked furious at the mistreatment of Naruto, as he did not know any of those things about Naruto before that. Shikamaru was angry at the villagers, the shinobis and the hokage. Shikamaru saw a never-before-seen look on his father's face that day, a shameful look when explaining about violence on Naruto.

Shikaku delved further. He explained Minato was recognized by many shinobis like his sensei Jiraya, Sandaime Hiruzen Sarutobi and most of the clan children of his age. He found love in Kushina, and he was highly skilled that other Kages recognize and feared him.

Minato became the hokage, and he was becoming a father too and then Kyubi attack happened. Kushina died saving Naruto and Minato was injured too. Minato lost his life sealing Kyubi but not before sacrificing Naruto's life and asked Konoha to treat his son a like a hero.

Shikamaru listened as his father explained his theory. According to Shikaku, Minato believed in Konoha too much to the point of naivety. Minato might have thought, though Naruto's life would be lonely as an orphan like Minato's was and a little hard as a jinchuriki like Kushina's was, Naruto would be still supported and cared, just like Konoha cared and supported them.

Minato was wrong. He forgot that while Minato was an orphan, he was not a human sacrifice, a powerful military weapon who held attention of many parties and even though she was one, Kushina had Mito-sama's support when she was little and there was no Kyubi hatred before that in the village. He underestimated human's ugliness and did not realise that people were not always understanding, forgiving and compassionate. Not even a day passed since his passing, Naruto became the most hated and abandoned child in Konoha.

At that time, all the ninja clans were licking their wounds from Kyubi attack. Shikaku and other clan heirs at that time, were busy with clan affairs and taking over their fathers' role as clan head. No one had time for little Naruto and the elders and council made use of that and imposed many unfavourable restrictions. The hokage accepted them to appease the emotions of villagers, to enforce those restrictions on Naruto, new jinchuriki, a newborn baby who could not defend himself, with minimal protective measures, 'the village over one life' he said.

If Minato was not naïve and chose appropriate actions and guardians, at least, Naruto would have been adopted. Minato did not even assign more than one godparent. Minato did not make a Will. Not many knew Naruto's heritage except the hokage, elders and few ninjas guessed it and when things settled, few ninjas who wanted to adopt Naruto did not have a legal standing for custody. Naruto's godparent turned his back on him and left Konoha immediately.

Minato's only living student and unofficial family member, was asked to keep his distance from Naruto and it was not as if he offered to be more. Unlike one would expect from the adult official godparent who was irresponsible, wallowing in grief and tumbling women, it would have been wrong to expect more of Minato's student, as he was fourteen and a child himself at that time. He was also an orphan who lost his teammates and second family altogether again, not to mention, he was needed for missions, and he became a formidable ninja who proved to five nations Konoha was not weak and not to be underestimated after Kyubi attack.

Naruto's life in orphanage was not a good one either and he was not allowed to be adopted. People like Shikaku wanted to help Naruto in other ways if adoption was not an option, but they were warned against that by the council and the hokage.

Shikaku shamefully admitted that after that warning, few ninjas who knew Naruto's heritage, took a neutral stand and no one including him, wanted to stick their necks out for Naruto, Minato's son and they collectively failed Konoha's saviours.

They did not have to break the rules, but dropping food occasionally, letting him shop groceries and clothes in ninja district, proper care in hospitals and offering one of their property for rent to house him in a decent place, as he has stipend and it will not be considered clan's support, at least not letting him rot in the district full of criminals, would have made Naruto's life easier. But Konoha's heart was not big enough even for that to happen. Minato's naivety was at fault as much as Konoha's fault.

When Naruto started on the academy, he looked like carbon copy of his father with blonde hair and blue eyes and pranked people like Kushina. Though he got many ninjas' attention with his behaviour, they turned blind eye to the similarities Naruto shared with the Yondaime and his wife. It was not hard to see but no one wanted to see.

Minato was a genius who could see weakness of others at a glance; he did recognize people's flaws like he did with council elders and only took reasonable advice from the council when he was the hokage and he preferred peace treaties, even though he had flee on sight order on bounty book.

But he has a character flaw too. Shikamaru's father theorised that since Minato did not have familial affection growing up, so his life-sacrificing undeserved loyalty was earned cheaply by minimal affections from the people in his life. When it came to his allies and friends, he was too optimistic and was willing to overlook their bad behaviours and overestimated their mental acumen like he did with his sensei.

Shikaku explained the Sandaime made the same mistakes and now the elders with the help of civilian council took over most of the village and made the hokage, the highest authority of Konoha, helpless against them in some decisions. Sandaime had absolute faith in his friends and was willing to overlook many things because of that, even his student turned traitor.

Minato was confident in his bonds with the people that he thought when it mattered though those people who could be childish and irresponsible, they would do anything for him as he would do for them. Minato's absolute faith, in his sensei being a good godfather for his child, in Sandaime's protection of the jinchuriki from the council for his boy, in his friends' heart to care for his son, in his student's loyalty to guard his heir and in Konoha people's kindness to support his descendant, to the point of naivety, doomed Naruto's life to hell.

Shikaku could see, like Minato, Naruto truly loved Konoha and wanted to make it better despite it being undeserving of his forgiveness. Naruto was too optimistic and kind, kinder to a fault than his father. He was loyal like his father too and did not give up, like his mother.

Shikaku advised Shikamaru that if he were to become Naruto's advisor, he should keep Naruto from making the same mistakes of his father. Naruto was an orphan who was disliked by many. Naruto did not experience many kindnesses and even less affections. He did not have many bonds but what little he had, he cherished them deeply. People could always use that to betray him and take advantage of his forgiving nature.

Shikaku suggested that Shikamaru should be the voice of reason for Naruto. Naruto was like a Sun and there will be many people gravitating towards him and depending on him. His burdens would be heavy. Naruto needed protection on many aspects away from the battlefield and if Shikamaru was not ready for the responsibility, he should quit now, and he would not fault his son or think less of him for that.

Shikamaru told his father that Naruto was his friend, and he would not abandon Naruto. Naruto treated him wholeheartedly and shared his some of his mother's seals, divulged his father's tips on ninja training and shared some of his other techniques. Naruto had larger-than-life dream, skills enough to back up it, willing to work hard for it and was ready to put his life-on-line for that. But above all, Naruto was not willing to sacrifice his friends' life for his dream.

Naruto was ready to take it all on himself alone. He just wanted his friends to train hard to survive ninja life. He did not expect anything else from them. But Naruto always wanted Shikamaru to be his advisor. Shikamaru already decided to become Naruto's advisor and even called him hokage behind his back but until his father explained the role, he did not know what that entailed.

Shikamaru spent another night sacrificing sleep, which was a big sacrifice for a Nara, and thought about his father's words, Naruto and his own responsibilities. Shikamaru decided that day, he would become Naruto's advisor, not like ordinary advisors who were friends to their Kages, but more like Nidaime was to Shodaime, as much as brain as strength.

Shikamaru shared his exact thoughts to Naruto the next day and asked him not to do everything on his own. Naruto gave him a blinding smile and promised not to let him down. Naruto exclaimed as Shikamaru wanted to be Nidaime to Naruto's Shodaime, then that would make Naruto and Shikamaru brothers and he always wanted siblings.

"Shika, we are like fraternal twins, different from each other but close. I am hyperactive you are lazy. I lack Yin Chakra, but you use Yin (Shadow) release. You are yin to my yang, just not romantically. See, we make perfect pair of hokage and shadow hokage, you do shadows literally."

"Yin to your Yang huh?" 'Yeah, it is an irrefutable logic that the shadows follow the sun.'

That's how Shikamaru got an unexpected and but not unwelcome brother. When Shikamaru asked for more training from his father instead of usual shogi, Shikaku and Yoshino were so shocked, they checked it was a genjutsu. Shikamaru rolled eyes at his troublesome parents and when they heard about Naruto's words, Nara Yoshina was very happy with that development and invited Naruto for dinner twice a month to their house. 'Well mom did say he and Naruto would have been brought up like cousins if Naruto's parents were alive.'

After that, Naruto was more forthcoming about his skills, his shadow clones, and discussed in detail about political situation of Konoha with him. He taught Shikamaru many lifesaving skills like hunting, camping and made him take an interest on his clan's medicine making. Naruto helped with his weapon throwing, taijutsu, chakra control and some basic chakra theory. He gave him chakra channelling technique and said the same as he said to Shino and Chouji.

Shikamaru was not idle either. He introduced many classics to Naruto on medicinal herbs and medicine making process that were not clan secrets. With his family's permission, he took Naruto to their forest and introduced him to his clan deer herd. Naruto and Nara deers became chummy with each other pretty soon. Shikamaru was not amused when his mother asked him to join Naruto when Naruto used the herd for speed training.

Nara clan was tight lipped about Naruto's presence in their compound as the clan was smart enough to understand Naruto was not Kyubi. Moreover, Naruto preferred to appear in Nara clan through the Nara Forest, not main entrance, in henge as a Nara clan member because he did not want to get the clan in trouble with the council by his frequent appearance. Usually, a clone Naruto would be wreaking havoc in the village by bigger pranks by that time he appeared in Nara clan compound, and no one would think the dead-last who could not do a normal clone would fool them with a shadow clone.

Shikamaru knew Naruto had many secrets that he did not share with him, but it was okay. Shikamaru was not an entitled person to think his friend should share all his secrets with him. Naruto claimed Shikamaru as his non-blood brother and he wanted to protect him from serious things until at least he became a genin. He said no one should sacrifice their childhood for problems that were not their own. How ironic. Naruto could not tell him about many things for Shikamaru's safety and not to get his father in trouble. Naruto did tell him he was already working on making the hokage recognize him and asked him to wait until become a genin to know more about him.

Team assignment time:

Sakura and Ino entered the classroom with high pitched voices attracting the attention of whole class. Sasuke was being bothered by the fangirls but showed nothing on his face. Naruto jumped in front of Sasuke and looked at him intently. 'It is six years already and this guy did not make a single bond. How can I keep my promise to Itachi?'

Naruto was thinking hard ignoring Sakura and Ino yelling at him to give way for them to sit near Sasuke. During this fiasco, some guy tripped Naruto and he was about to contact Sasuke's face with his face. Naruto promptly replaced himself with the chair he was sitting earlier, near Shikamaru at the last minute. 'Great save. Hurray for sending chakra constantly to feet.'

"You kiss an Uchiha, I will burn your face and fry your brain to erase your memories."

Iruka entered the classroom silencing them for team assignment. He looked for Naruto and found him in the last row sitting quietly. Ignoring his uneasiness at Naruto was not late as usual, Iruka gave a speech congratulating them, explained the responsibilities of ninja life and announced the teams.

"Team 10: Akimichi Choji, Yamanaka Ino and Nara Shikamaru. Your sensei will be Sarutobi Asuma.

Team 9 (Team Gai) is still in circulation.

Team 8: Aburame Shino, Hyuga Hinata and Inuzaka Kiba. Your sensei will be Yuhi Kurenai.

Team 7: Uzumaki Naruto, Haruno Sakura and Uchiha Sasuke. Your sensei will be Hatake Kakashi."

All had varying expressions.

Choji and Shikamaru was content to be on team with each other, Shino was happy he got at least one silent teammate and hoped his sensei trained them well. He did not want to be left in the dust by Naruto.

Kiba was happy that he had a female jonin sensei and could easily show up to be an alpha to Shino and Hinata. Hinata was sad that she would not be in a team with Naruto but okay with Shino and Kurenai.

Ino was complaining about not being with Sasuke and having to put up with Shikamaru's laziness and Choji's eating habits.

Sakura was talking about true love and ecstatic about being on a team with Sasuke but thought Naruto was a headache to deal with.

Sasuke was angry that he got a dead-last and fangirl in his team. He hoped that at least his sensei was silent to spare his ears and strong.

Naruto was experiencing myriads of emotions for different reasons.

He was irritated about Sakura. No, he didn't have crush on Sakura, he had for a month or so, after that he realised that she was an obsessive fangirl and Kyubi threatened to let him die of injuries if he went after that girl. Kyubi hated her voice and Naruto did too, but he kept up the pretence anyway, because of her mother.

Sakura's mother was in civilian council who was responsible for Sakura's obsession with Sasuke and Naruto's hard life. He decided to paint a picture of himself as an irresponsible dead-last to the council. What better way than showing up in front of council member's daughter and letting her berate him constantly? The council reacted as expected, he was so close to them they could not see beyond what he projected.

Naruto was content to be with Sasuke. It would be easy to keep an eye on him. That way, he could update a particular Weaselif the village elders tried to influence the last Uchiha. Not to be mistaken, he personally didn't like Sasuke and he thought that he was an arrogant prick even before the massacre. To Naruto, Sasuke reminded him of bad times. Kyubi never liked an Uchiha, neither Sasuke nor anyone. But a ninja never let emotions cloud his conscience. No matter what, the boy didn't deserve what happened to him and he would repay his debt to a certain Weasel, by watching over his younger brother.

He was happy that he got Kakashi Hatake as his sensei though. Naruto perked up at Kakashi's name but hid his reaction easily because of his seven years of training living many lives with different masks. Naruto's intense happiness woke Kyubi up. He saw Naruto's memories and went to sleep again. 'The dog brat would be late anyway. Things are going to be interesting.'

Naruto was immersed in his own thoughts. 'So, I am right.' It seemed his plan to play to dead-last had paid off. Kakashi was really ordered to be the last Uchiha's sensei, and his dead-last self was put up on rookie of the year and kunoichi of the year team. He, being a jinchuriki didn't hurt at times either, as only ninjas of Kakashi's level could handle him if he lost control.

At Hokage's office that morning:

Before the jonins collected their teams, Kakashi was invited by the Hokage. He, as usual, arrived through the window, late by an hour.

"Yo", Kakashi, an elite jonin, Yondaime's living pupil, ex-ANBU captain, had silver hair, black face mask and left eye covered with a hitaite, greeted the hokage with a raised right hand and an open orange book on his left hand, in his signature style.

"Come on, Kakashi, I have something to talk to you", the hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, started seriously, ignoring the tardiness of the elite jonin. Kakashi understanding it must be something important, closed his precious book and gave his full attention.

Hiruzen gave a rundown of Mizuki incident. Kakashi already heard the story from some other ninjas but listened carefully anyway.

"After the incident, I talked to Naruto. I explained that he is not a monster and he asked about his parents. He was wondering why his parents let the Yondaime seal the demon fox within him. I did not reveal the truth about his parents and told him that the Yondaime believed in him, Lord fourth is his hero, I thought he will cheer up, but he is not."

Kakashi stiffened at Naruto's parents bit.

"Being quiet, staying still, refusing ramen is not in his nature. But what bothers me more is that Naruto did not want to be a hokage anymore. It is like Jiraya stopped his perverting habits; it just does not happen. The boy might have been affected more about the lies as he did not even see me and dropped his ninja registration form with my secretary. No boisterous pose on his ID and he wore a dark orange T-shirt instead of his neon orange jumpsuit for the photograph."

"This is really concerning. Maybe the boy is depressed. Why can't we tell him about his parents hokage-sama? That can help him."

"His father had enemies, Kakashi. You know this already", Hiruzen defended his actions.

"We can ask him to keep it secret, hokage-sama. He is keeping his jinchuriki status secret. At least tell him his mother's name."

"That could lead to his father, and it would be too much for the boy." Hiruzen stated.

"But-"

"No buts Kakashi. You will not tell the boy his lineage. It is an SS class secret and punishable by death. Understood?" Hiruzen warned Kakashi.

Kakashi didn't want to be the one to tell the boy his lineage. He didn't want to form an attachment to a boy who reminded him of his failures. Kakashi's didn't want to be his sensei either, or anybody's sensei for that matter. He wasn't given a choice, and he had some debts to repay. At the same time, he definitely didn't want his sensei's son to suffer. He just thought telling where he came from, might help Naruto.

Moreover, Kakashi knew very well he was the only one who would take Naruto as a student voluntarily, even if the whole sensei business was involuntary on his part. Naruto deserved a shot at his dreams, others would just take a shot at him. Naruto would be sent to reserves or worse, 'Worse, definitely worse.' and Kakashi was the only one equipped to deal with a jinchuriki if he lost control, that thought left Kakashi eat glass because it was definitely ripping his intestines.

"Hai hokage-sama. Why did you want to meet me?"

"Naruto changed after that incident. He looks disengaged. He needs to form more bonds to stay in the village. I made mistakes and let the council get away with many things and now Naruto has no connections with anyone except Ichiraku ramen people. Please do something for the boy Kakashi. Don't ignore him. I can't ask this of anyone except you. Keep an eye on him and report to me regularly." Hokage sighed and smoked his pipe after explaining.

"What about the council?"

"If Naruto had not changed, I would have agreed with their decisions, but plans can't keep up with changes. Sasuke don't have sharinghan yet. We still have time, and you don't have to ignore Naruto to focus on Sasuke. I am sure you are more than capable of handling two genins at the same time, the kunoichi is well adjusted and does not need you outside training. I want Naruto to understand that not entire Konoha is out to get him, and he can still trust some people. I don't want you to pretend Kakashi. This is not a mission. I want you to be truly there for him as you always should have, despite your inhibitions. That was my fault too. I kept you away from the boy too long and ignoring him became easier for you after that. Not just the past twelve years of mistreatment, we are still failing the boy and I want to do one thing right by him."

"I will try my best, hokage-sama." Kakashi agreed and left.

Kakashi went to the memorial stone and sighed. His job just got tougher. He told his regrets and expressed his apologies to his dead comrades. He spent few hours there and decided it was time to greet his genin team.

In the classroom:

All the teams were gathered by their jonin senseis except team 7 who were waiting in the classroom.

Sasuke was looking through the window. Sakura was trying to get Sasuke's attention.

Naruto was looking at the ceiling contemplating what to do, how he should act and how much of his true self he should show. He decided to do what he always did, form a primary character profile, wait for his audience to react and act accordingly. 'Yes, that is a great profile for my genin career.'

It had been two and a half hours. After Sasuke thwarted Sakura's attempts to secure a date for the tenth time, she went on a rant about her sensei's tardiness in louder voice than before much to the ire of the boy.

Naruto knew Kakashi would show up shortly. During one of his sneaking adventures, he went to ANBU headquarters to find about his Inu. He couldn't find him, but he did find a file of shinobis, who were on long-term missions. After some digging, he found his Inu's name was Kakashi Hatake. He had years to gather information. He also had inside information from Konoha's Green Beast Gai and his pupil Lee.

Naruto sensed Kakashi before he arrived. He memorized Kakashi's chakra signature when Iruka changed his opinion of him on Hatake's advice. He didn't have a good grasp of chakra when Kakashi was in ANBU.

Kakashi settled on the nearby tree, hid himself and observed the three wannabe genins quietly. 'Sasuke and Sakura is behaving as expected. Naruto though, is uncharacteristically sitting still, wearing faded-orange jumpsuit, not his signature kill-me-orange jumpsuit. He is waiting quietly for the sensei to arrive. Maybe, finally understanding why he is hated by the villagers gave him closure.'

Naruto smiled when Kakashi settled on the tree."What are you smiling at, Naruto-baka?" Sakura screeched.

"Nothing Sakura-san. I am thinking what ramen to eat." Naruto replied in his newly normal voice.

Sakura called him stupid and did not notice chan changing to san and Sasuke was too relieved to notice because for once Sakura was not focusing on him.

Kakashi noticed. 'As Sandaime said, he is not irritated by my tardiness. He doesn't shout along with the pinkie and his voice is safe for my ears. He is calling Sakura-san and not chan anymore.'

"Oi Naruto, how come you are not angry that our sensei is late? Normally you would be jumping up and down by now." Sakura voiced her doubts and looked at Naruto suspiciously.

"Oh, I am. I am just trying to act like a ninja now I became a genin." Naruto gave a sheepish grin scratching the back head with his hand.

Naruto gave an inaudible sigh unheard by those without sensitive ears and went for the duster.

"What are you doing, Naruto baka?" Sakura questioned with a usual condescending tone when she spoke to Naruto.

"Punishing the sensei for being late."

"He won't fall for that." Sasuke stated mildly interested.

Anyone who was watching except Kakashi could not see it was a half-hearted prank. 'Naruto may be more affected than I imagined. His prank is not up to his usual standards if ANBU are right. They dubbed Naruto as 'Konoha's Orange Hellion', and Ibiki praised his trap making skills generously. It seems that he set up the duster just so, the other two would leave him alone and not ask more questions. He looks even tired to be here if his sigh and fake grin is anything to go by. I must do something, or Naruto will fall into depression.'

Naruto decided on a harmless punishment for Kakashi, for being late today and for being late eight years. He decided to drop a duster on his Inu's head. Kakashi's hair was silver, so the white powder would not stand out. Was he biased to prank by pouring orange paint in ANBU laundry, painting the hokage mountain in broad daylight colorfully, but a white powder for his Inu? Naruto would shamelessly accept, yes, he was. Inu was his first precious person even before Crow, though he left for a long-term mission later.

Kakashi opened the door and the duster fell on his head. Naruto smirked at him knowingly. 'Interesting. He found out I fell for his prank purposely.' Naruto woke up the furball aka demon fox for the incoming incidents. Kakashi looked at his three students leisurely without any remorse for being late.

"You are late." Sakura shrieked and Naruto noticed the wince Kakashi gave. Hatake clan had sensitive ears and noses just as Inuzaka and jinchuriki.

Kakashi gave them iconic eye smile with an orange book in place. "Yo! my first impression of you, you guys are boring. Meet me on the roof in five minutes."

After the three midgets settled down, Kakashi started with a lazy drawl. "Why don't you introduce yourselves?"

"Why don't you start sensei, to show us how to do?" Sakura asked much to Naruto's internal amusement and rolling eyes. 'Does she not know what an introduction is? Just tell essential information related for the team and what you want from this career, not details for dating profile, no one wants to know how much you want Sasuke. Sensei will ask if he wants to know any other details and really, does she think any ninja worth a salt will divulge their personal information?'

"Stay away from her. I heard stupidity is contagious."

'I am sure every jonin sensei have same format of introduction prepared and they will only let us know what we could gather about them during our candidature as a genin under them. I will bet thousand ryo Kakashi would not reveal his sharinghan, Asuma would not reveal he was one of the twelve guardians and Kurenai will not reveal she is very good at phasing through the surface unless someone else clues in. Kakashi will be the worst if I have to say.'

"My name is Hatake Kakashi. I have my likes and I have dislikes too. My hobbies … my dreams…you are too young for that."

Sasuke and Sakura sweatdropped though Sasuke hid it well. 'All we got was his name.' Naruto was more amused than anything but feigned indifference. Kakashi was observing the reactions of his genins. Sasuke and Sakura reacted as expected. Naruto looked unconcerned.

Kakashi was discomfited by Naruto's response. He thought his introduction would irate the blonde or at least spark curiosity, but he got nothing. 'Does he not care about everyone, or he hate senseis because of Mizuki? Naruto is not talking to Iruka anymore, so the second option could be the case but the first cannot be discarded either. Maa, what a mess! I will have to show him I am not like his other senseis, and he can always depend on me.'

Naruto was actually playing with Kakashi's head. Kakashi was feigning disinterest by acting aloof. So, Naruto decided to go with the personality of depressed-but I am playing along not to raise suspicions-better leave me alone behaviour with a splash of righteous anger and dash of paranoia stemming from the detachment issues caused by the betrayal, instead of his usual curious one. 'You know what they say, attract fire with fire, or something. Wait, that's not right. I am exposed to Uchiha a lot, now I am taking on their pyromaniac tendencies.'

Kakashi decided to continue with the introductions. "You first, Ms. Pink pinky."

"I'm Haruno Sakura. I like..." She glanced at Sasuke. "My hobbies are..." Again, she glanced to the Uchiha "My dreams for the future..." She blushed and squealed.

"Is she really kunoichi of the year? I am ashamed that I am being contained in the village who produced ninja of this standard. What has the ninja world come to? Brat, you are not the worst. I could have had worse." Kyubi said in irritation.

'Thanks for the compliment, though I don't feel happy you compared me to her.' Naruto replied mentally.

Kakashi sighed. "And your dislikes?"

"I hate Ino-pig and Naruto-baka!" The pink-haired girl growled, and Naruto gave her a calculating look which Kakashi noticed.

"You next, Blue blacky."

"I am Uchiha Sasuke, I hate many things, like very few things, my hobby is training, and what I have is not a dream, I will make it a reality, it is to restore my clan and destroy a certain man."

'Yeah. The day you defeat Itachi is the day Kyubi will love Uchiha, that is, never.'

"Slap that pigmy duckbutt's face with a dictionary, will you? No matter which meaning one takes, be it his fantasy or contemplating the possibility of doing something, it would mean the same thing and his reality would remain as he refuses to call it, a dream."

'Did you just recite a dictionary?' Kyubi ignored Naruto's teasing and asked him to introduce himself.

"You next Orange blondie"

"What kind of introduction you want Mr. Masky Silver sensei?" Naruto arched his eyebrows.

'He sure got into the program fast. Well, I would have preferred Blacky Silver, hey at least, the child cared enough to notice. He might not have fallen deep down the rabbit hole. It is a comforting thought.'

Kakashi hid his amusement at his nickname and intrigued by Naruto's question.

"What kind of introductions you can give?'

"A ninja one and a civilian one."

"Maa, since you are a baby genin now, why don't you give us ninja introduction?"

"Name: Uzumaki Naruto

Rank: Genin

Chakra reserves: High

Chakra control: Adequate

Skills: Two academy and one B-rank ninjutsu, academy level taijutsu, able to get out of low level genjutsu and academy level weapon throwing skills.

Strength: Stealth and trap making.

Weakness: Theory and written exams.

Reasons for my presence and my role in this frontal assault team: Reconnaissance, information gathering, mid to long range support.

What I hope to achieve at the end of my term this team: Lay a solid foundation to become a chunin."

Kakashi was impressed and Naruto was spot on when he said ninja introduction. 'There is nothing irrelevant, all truth but he did not give away any specific information. Adequate does not specify adequate to what level. Uzumaki part covers his high reserves if one bothers to look. His skills and chakra control are already covered by 'genin' part except B-rank jutsu, which is suspicious for a genin, but he did not mention which one, though we are all Konoha ninjas here. His goal, duh, to become a chunin after genin.'

Kakashi was still assessing Naruto's speech. 'Stealth and trap making implies it is for ambush and cannot be detected even if others know his strength, utmost they will be careful, but that information is not useful to fight him in face-to-face confrontations. His weakness is the most impressive part. Everyone here knows his weakness, heck everyone in Konoha knows, it is absolutely true. But it cannot be used against him. What are they going to do knowing that, beat him in a verbal spar by quoting chakra theories at him? Oh Kakashi, if only you knew at this time. Maybe throwing physical books at him will help but I am sure Naruto will easily dodge them if his wild goose ninjas chase, for hours around Konoha is anything to point.'

Kakashi could not help but appreciate Naruto's understanding on the purpose of team seven and his expected role in it. 'He was right, this is a frontal assault team, Sasuke for close combat, short to mid-range, Naruto for stealth, mid to long range and Sakura for support.'

"That is good. You have grown up in an interesting way." Kakashi was sure positive reinforcements helped to encourage children. 'I am sure genin baby-nins are like pups. I can make them obedient by being strict and give them treats if they do something good. Yes, I got this.' No, Kakashi, bad boy.

Sasuke and Sakura looked at the blonde like someone from a different planet replaced him. Their mind came to a halt that they even forget to berate the blonde about his skills and strength. Kakashi decided to let them have their time.

"How about a civilian introduction too?"

"Uzumaki Naruto"

…..

…..

"And?"

Naruto shrugged and started to watch clouds.

Sasuke and Sakura woke up from their shock. Sasuke was looking at Naruto with a barely hidden interest and Sakura was irritated since Naruto showed them up.

"Stop trying to act cool Naruto."

Naruto ignored her.

"You are always looking for attention. You will never be cool like Sasuke-kun."

Naruto did not acknowledge that with a response.

"Stop ignoring me."

Still there was no response from Naruto.

"Don't think you can attract my attention acting like that."

Naruto did not even turn to look at her.

"Maa Sakura, leave him be. Naruto will share his information with us when he is comfortable in the future."

"I can introduce him sensei. He is Uzumaki Naruto. He likes to be annoying, loud and dead last. His hobby is to pester me for dates and annoy Sasuke-kun. His dream is to become hokage even though he has as much as chance as a monkey."

"Do you know what our Sandaime hokage's full name is?" Naruto asked her in a flat tone and Kakashi almost laughed aloud at the question.

"Of course, I know. The Third Hokage, dubbed as Shinobi no Kami (God of Shinobi), is Sarutobi-"

Naruto raised his palm in stopping motion interrupting her exactly at that point. "Now think." Naruto's words made Sakura blink. Sakura finally realised Saru means 'monkey' and remembered her words. Sasuke who reached the same conclusion gasped internally at the show of genius from the blonde. Sakura was angry and delusionally blamed Naruto for humiliating her by many times that day by acting with common sense.

"Thanks for saying I will make hokage twice. Why don't you continue? Do you know my dislikes?"

Sakura wanted to punch him, but Naruto's response stumped her.

"Pink. I dislike pink."

"What?..." Sakura stammered. 'He is acting out to get our attention, shannaro' Inner Sakura snarled, and Sakura agreed that there was no way what Naruto said was true. "Don't think I would go on a date with you by playing hard to get. I won't fall for that, Naruto."

"I am not. What makes you so angry? You said you hate me, right?! If you are allowed to hate me, why am I not allowed to dislike you? Let's be clear, you play nice, I will play nice, if you can't, just leave me alone, and I will not bother you. I am only saying this since we are going to be on the same team, otherwise I would not have bothered. That's all."

'Ah, this is new Naruto huh. He acted nice when she was in the classroom because she did not cross a line. She openly admitted to hating Naruto later and he snapped back. This is bad, if nothing is done, Naruto will hate Konoha as most civilians hate him. But is he wrong? Why should he always lie down and take insults from people when he did nothing to deserve that? I should be careful not to take D-rank missions from hostile civilians.'

There was total silence on the rooftop. No one expected that from Naruto. Sasuke wanted to know whether Naruto's change extended to his skills too. Sakura could not contemplate how Naruto could say these words. She wanted to tell herself that he came with a different approach to attract her curiosity but something in his voice told her it was not the case. His tone was lower than usual when she thought about it but what bothered her was the indifference. There was no hate or any significant emotions behind his words as if he was not pestering for her dates until yesterday. His voice was smooth, impassionate as they come as if he was talking to a stranger.

Before it could become more awkward, Kakashi talked about their survival training the next day.

"What kind of survival training, Kakashi-sensei?" Sakura asked having recovered. "We had plenty of training at the academy."

"This is no ordinary training." Kakashi said mysteriously. He indolently eyed the three teens in front of him. "Out of the 27 graduates, only nine are going to become genin. The other 18 will be sent back to the academy. In other words, this training has dropout rate of 66%."

The jonin watched the reactions of the baby genin. Sakura was surprised and paled considerably. Sasuke looked like he didn't care, but he could see the worry in his eyes. Naruto' eyes narrowed for few seconds and then he returned to indifference. Confused by the blonde's reaction, he addressed the other two. "See, I knew you would be surprised!"

"Th-then, what was the graduating exam for?" Sakura stuttered out.

Naruto gave the answer stretching like a fox. "To scope for the potential genin."

The ex-ANBU hummed. "I am going to determine whether you pass or fail tomorrow. Bring your equipment and meet me at training ground 7 at 05:00 am sharp." Cue one iconic eye smile. "Oh, and I suggest you don't eat breakfast. You might throw up. Ja ne!" He poofed away but landed on the hidden spot looking at his students.

Kakashi sighed internally. He couldn't remember the last time he sighed this much. He got an avenger, fangirl and … Naruto.

"How will you handle this sensei? How can I ignite their Will of fire?"

Kakashi had some ideas about other two, but Naruto, he didn't know what to make of him. Naruto was certainly not the shy but happy child Kakashi used to guard when he was in ANBU. Naruto didn't fit the descriptions of his academy records. He was neither loud nor curious.

Kakashi expected that Mizuki incident would cause some changes, but the calmness of the child came out of left field. Using normal voice, being quiet, resignation of dealing with classmates who dislike him, he could understand all those things, but Naruto was composed, stoic and confident. Unlike his two future students, Kakashi did not think Naruto was lying when he mentioned his skills.

'It seems the hokage is wrong, Iruka is wrong, and all the academic reports are wrong. Naruto is calm, not silent. He is settled, not still, even I mistook his resignation as depression.' Naruto might be confused, fed up, resigned and sad but he had not given up, and Kakashi was not just sure about his ambitions. Kakashi had a feeling it was a calm before the storm, or in this case, a maelstrom.

On the rooftop before Sasuke and Sakura could do anything, Naruto took off.

"Sasuke-kun, do you want get to know me better now that we are a team?" Sakura clung to Sasuke. Sasuke didn't bother to reply and left, with Sakura in tow.

Naruto took off in the direction of Naka River to meet Shikamaru. Naruto could sense Kakashi following him. Naruto decided to play waiting game until he reached the forest away from the prying eyes. Naruto reached the forest and hopped from trees to trees. He closed his eyes and listened to his surroundings. He did that, at times, to calm down. The breeze with warm sunshine made him smile.

Kakashi was observing Naruto and was surprised that he could do tree walking. 'Impressive for genin. He must have been holding back in the academy or the other teachers messed with his academy records.' Naruto's serene smile almost stopped him, as it was very rare to see a true smile on the blonde even when he was little. He wanted to know what was going on Naruto's mind to cause that smile.

Kakashi was thinking whether or not to ask the blonde about the academy, but the option was already chosen for him when Naruto stopped and hung upside down from a branch with folded hands and raised an eyebrow, looking directly at the place he was hiding.

"Come out sensei. I know you are there."

Kakashi eyes widened in surprise but he poofed in front of Naruto.

"Yo. How did you know where I was?"

"Why are you following me?"

"Maa, Can't I care about my kawaii genin entering the forest alone and don't want him to get lost?"

"Try again." Naruto narrowed his eyes at him.

Suddenly, Kakashi found the perfect excuse thanks to a certain pinkie. "I didn't get your likes, hobbies and dreams like other two, you know."

"Nice save."

Kakashi gave a sheepish smile and Naruto dropped from the branch still upside down much to Kakashi's shock and before he could catch him, Naruto flipped and stood straight on the ground looking unruffled. 'Yup, he was definitely holding back in the academy.'

"Sit", Naruto nodded to the floor and spread out a blanket taken from storage scroll. 'Neat freak just like sensei. But his apartment says otherwise.' Naruto took some fruits from the storage scroll and offered few to Kakashi. Both of them started munching their fruit.

"So, Naruto, introduce yourself."

"I thought that was an excuse. You really want to know? Why do you want to know sensei?" Naruto asked siting straight.

"Maa maa, why wouldn't I want to know about my cute genin?" Kakashi gave an eye smile.

"You said we aren't genins yet. Why does it matter until we pass the test?"

Kakashi gave an amused smile behind his mask, which was true this time. 'This kid is definitely stubborn. At least, that didn't change in eight years.'

"I asked your teammates. As your sensei, it would be unfair not to ask you."

Naruto snorted sarcastically.

"Kakashi sensei, none of my teachers were ever fair. Iruka sensei was, maybe unbiased but he never listened to me. My other sensei tried to frame me for betrayal and kill me. So, spare me, will you?"

Kakashi winced at that.

"I am not them, Naruto. I will definitely not let my teammates down", Kakashi replied with his eye smile and tried to ruffle the blonde's hair ignoring his conscience calling him 'hypocrite'.

Naruto moved away from his hand and Kakashi did not force it. It was an unconscious action on Naruto's part, but it raised alarms in Kakashi's head.

"Why should I trust you?" Naruto knew Kakashi was telling the truth but decided to ask anyway.

Kakashi didn't know how to answer that. What proof did he have to show he will uphold his promises? He let his sensei's son down for twelve years. He was sitting near the living proof of his failure. When Naruto explained how Mizuki tried to kill him, that was other example of how he failed another one of his promises.

Seeing his solemn expression, Naruto knew he asked something that opened Kakashi's old wounds. Before he could change the topic, Kakashi answered him.

"You are right. You should not trust me, but everybody deserves a chance, right? I am sure you wanted somebody to give you a chance just like I am asking you now. If I come through, you will get an ally, but if you can't trust me then it is just another loss, nothing big for you. But I want you I will try by best and I will not let my teammates die. So, how about it?"

Naruto hummed thinking about it.

"Are you really here on your volition and not here because the hokage asked you to deceive me?"

"What?!" Kakashi was bewildered about how Naruto came to that conclusion, but it did not show in his face as he long perfected what emotion to show in his eyes. But it didn't seem to work on Naruto.

"Why are looking so shocked? Am I right? Did the hokage really ask you to befriend me to spy on me?"

Kakashi was not a great shinobi for nothing, and he recovered immediately. "The hokage asked me treat you better, keep an eye on you and report to him periodically, but he said the same thing about Sasuke and Sakura. I am pretty sure he said the same thing about other genins to all jonin senseis, as you know, it is in job description of a jonin sensei."

"Correct but not what I asked."

"Well, at least I have the decency to answer the asked question unlike someone?"

Naruto bit into another fruit. "You want my introduction that much?"

"Why don't you want to introduce yourself that much?"

"I am not opposed to it. But..?"

Kakashi waited for him to continue.

"Ano sensei, say how about we make an exchange deal?" Naruto proposed with new-found fake cheeriness not unlike his eye smile.

"Exchange?"

"Yup. Exchange of information. You introduce yourself properly. I will introduce myself."

Kakashi wasn't expecting Naruto to say that. Kakashi knew what the blue-eyed boy was doing. It was same as what he said to Sakura earlier, 'You need something from me, lead by example.'

"What kind of introduction you want Orange blondie?"

Naruto hid his amusement. Two can play the game.

"What kind of introductions you can give Mr. Masky Silver?'

"A ninja one and a personal one."

"Maa sensei, since I already know your ninja introduction, how about the personal one?"

"You know my ninja introduction?! Care to share?" Kakashi was surprised by Naruto many times today that he stopped counting.

"Name: Kakashi Hatake

Affiliation: Konoha

Rank: Anbu Captain, Jonin

Other Aliases: Silver Lightning, Copycat Ninja, Sharinghan no Kakashi, Kakashi of thousand jutsus.

Skills: S level ninjutsu, Sharinghan doujutsu, A level taijutsu, A level Bukijutsu, B level genjutsu.

Achievements: Took down a small army of Iwa-nin just after Kyubi attack. Multiple assassinations and wipeouts.

Remarks: Kill on sight.

Bounty: 15 million ryo.

Status: High A level

Personally, I feel, you have potential for S-rank, but you became lazy after ANBU, sensei.".

Kakashi ignored the last comment and looked at Naruto in mild interest. "How did you know all that? Bounty book is not available for anyone below chunin level."

"I have spent fair share of my time in hokage's office after pranks and accidentally found a book full of famous ninjas." Naruto shrugged. "Decided might as get some inspiration."

"I see, just don't tell Sasuke about my sharinghan yet. I don't want him on my case already."

"Couldn't have bothered. Go on sensei, civilian introduction."

"Kakashi Hatake, I like my ninkens, miso eggplant with sayori, and reading. I dislike traitors and people who abandon their teammates. My hobby is reading, and my dream is, hmm…ah, I want to see my favourite books made into movies."

Naruto internally sweatdropped at how obsessed Kakashi was with his orange book.

"Uzumaki Naruto. I like ramen, animals, wind, trees, rain and water. Sunshine too. I dislike traitors as well, rapists and some other things which keeps changing everyday as the world reveal it's true-self, recently hypocrites. My dream is to my make parents proud."

"I thought you did not know your parents." Kakashi looked at Naruto suspiciously.

"They are mine even if there is no information. Dead parents does not mean no parents."

'Ah, that's what he means. I was worried for a minute' "I am sure you would make them proud Naruto." Kakashi gave him a real smile behind the mask.

"I know." Naruto affirmed.

Kakashi raised his eyebrows at the conviction behind those words.

"It is good that you are confident. Maa, want to tell me why you were holding back at the academy? Don't be surprised. You obviously know tree climbing and the 'flip and landing' earlier is not something a dead-last can do. It was precise, poise and with the speed you did that, I am sure you can make some chunins give a run for their money."

"I learned seeing someone."

"From the same person you copied shadow clone from?" Kakashi questioned.

"What?"

"I am wondering how a jonin sensei could not sense an academy student spying on him unless he wants to teach him indirectly."

"There it is. You are showing your true face." Naruto bristled. "You are here to spy on me for the hokage, are not you? Don't lie to me."

Kakashi expected Naruto to be difficult but the blow up, in response to the question blindsided him. Kakashi understood whatever fragile chance Naruto gave him was gone now because he could not keep quiet and wanted to satiate his curiosity but he could see, it would have happened later one way or other.

"I just asked casually Naruto. I was just curious. There is no such thing as spying."

"This is why you followed me." Naruto gasped.

"No Naruto. I made clones and followed your other teammates too."

"Then what is with the questions?"

"Seeing your performance earlier and Mizuki's framing of you, I thought he intentionally sabotaged you and falsified academy records. There was no other reason behind it."

"As if I would believe, you, who only know me for one day thought about that while the others who knew me for years didn't?"

"Well, not to brag, I am called a genius by some people."

"Don't care." Kakashi almost pouted at that, and Naruto continued. "I am sure you like to know who taught me and report to the hokage, so he could stop them and keep me stupid and uninformed."

"Why would I want that?"

"The hokage would. And did not they arrest Mizuki two days ago? It is a long time for confessing his crimes. If I what I said wasn't true, then why didn't the hokage and Iruka try to do something about the sabotage? They want me to be called stupid and that's why they did not offer remedial exams or classes."

"The hokage told me to teach you what you missed."

"So he could make me learn only what he wants me to learn and hold me back, through you?" Naruto frowned and stood up.

"Naruto, calm down. The hokage did no such thing."

"Liar. He has definitely done that before."

"Maa, I don't understand. Just explain to me what had happened before."

"The spying, the deceit and keeping me under-educated."

"It had?"

"Don't act like you are not aware. The hokage asked Iruka sensei to befriend me and got reports from him regularly to control my skills and knowledge."

"You must have misunderstood Naruto. The hokage might have asked him to give you a chance and Iruka should have really liked you. The hokage must have asked about your performance regularly because he cared for your studies."

"No. You just told me earlier you are not like my other senseis, but you dismiss me just like them."

"I am not dismissing you Naruto. I am hearing you and explaining to you. That's all."

"You don't understand. I am not misunderstanding. I heard from those two and they were not lying."

"Who are the two and what did they say?" Kakashi was highly suspicious about someone discrediting the hokage right after Mizuki revealed the truth about Kyubi.

"I don't know those two personally, but I have seen them during my pranks. Those two work for the people who visits the hokage occasionally. I have seen their bosses in the hokage tower before when I went to get my stipend last month."

'Damn council lackeys. It must be one of the elders or could be anybody in the council. Wait, I can check who came to hokage tower last month when Naruto was there. ANBU, guarding the hokage must know and I am sure Tenzo would help me. They must have intentionally spread the news to Naruto to isolate him and get their hands on him. Never, I will not let them.' Kakashi's heart tightened.

"I heard their servants talking about how the hokage would act disappointed with me for Iruka's accident, because you see sensei, I would be wrong for trusting the words of my superior, sensei of three years, as opposed to what we are taught in the academy about ninja chain of command."

The last part was said with so much sarcasm Kakashi suspected whether Naruto knew Anko.

"They said the hokage made Iruka get close to me on purpose and now that Iruka was hurt saving me, after this, to not disappoint them, I would listen to everything they say and do anything to gain the hokage's approval and affections back. They were not wrong, I would have, if I did not hear that and I was a complete dead-last."

'That's some irrefutable logic but the council has twisted the facts.'

Naruto knew what Kakashi was thinking and wanted him to redirect his thoughts to the hokage. So, he gained Kakashi's attention once more.

"I grew up among desperate criminals in a poor district Kakashi sensei. I know people like them. I will not be fooled by mere words. I only fell for the hokage's lies because I thought he had no reason to deceive me. So, I sneaked into Iruka's house. Even when I was doing that, I did not believe what they said but guess what I found? Monthly reports, on me to the hokage, account of money, sent by the hokage to Iruka, for buying me ramen."

'Shit. Has the hokage lost his mind? Reports, I understand. What is the shit about paying people to play house with Naruto when all Naruto wants is someone to care for him genuinely? Iruka from what I observed truly care for Naruto but if he thought Naruto eat too much ramen, he could have spent time with the blonde doing something else and declined the hokage's money.'

Kakashi internally shook his head in disappointment.

'A powerful old man paid someone money to be a fake friend with a lonely orphan. Makes a great headline, isn't?, no shit, you senile hokage. I can see how Naruto could consider this as an act of betrayal. Still, this situation is salvageable. But I can't lie to him openly and deny the truth about what happened. It will only make council take advantage of Naruto when they expose it to him.'

"Naruto, I can see why you are angry. From what I see, the hokage must have seen Iruka buying you ramen and he might have thought since he did not have much time for you, he could send money to Iruka and ask him to take you for ramen. As for reports, as I said earlier, it must be about your academics."

"Oh, I know he does not have much time, and for the academics, hmph, don't be naïve sensei." Kakashi wasn't called naïve in a long time and if he recalled correctly, it was by another Uzumaki who married his sensei, teasing him when he blushed seeing them kissing in the training ground. Naruto did not leave him much time to think about the past.

"If he read my academic reports, if Iruka spent some time to detail on those reports, why can't they think about why I couldn't do normal clone jutsu? Because of that jutsu, I failed spectacularly, twice. Tell me sensei, why can't I do that jutsu?"

"You have high chakra reserves." Kakashi swallowed invisibly, obviously understanding Naruto's line of questioning.

"Exactly. I need high level chakra control if I want to do a normal clone. It could take years and from what I know some people can't do normal bunshin in their lifetime. If they cared about my studies as you said, why didn't they spend few minutes to think about it? How would I pass if Mizuki incident did not happen? And given what I hold, not being a ninja is not an option. What will become of me then?"

Kakashi did not have answers for Naruto that would not damage hokage's reputation further.

"The hokage could have approved me learning any elemental clone and I would have passed the first time. If he did not want me to pass earlier, he could have at least taught me, the third and final time. But he didn't. It was like he set me up for failure so he could sweep in and act as my hero."

Naruto's voice suddenly took a soft tone twinged with sorrow.

"Do you know what hurts the most sensei? Mizuki knew that I was close to the hokage and used that fact to get me into hokage tower. He knew I was close to the hokage and proceeded to frame me because even he knew that hokage would not teach me a clone jutsu. He knew the hokage would not care enough and I would fail. So, he came up with a plan to frame me, weeks prior graduation, spend some time on that sensei."

Kakashi did think about that and did not like the conclusion he reached. 'I can see why Naruto dislike hypocrites. The hokage says he cares for Naruto like a surrogate grandson, but he did not care enough to teach a clone jutsu.' Naruto continued in normal tone after few breaths.

"I am scared to imagine if Mizuki was not a blabbermouth, no one would have believed my innocence without evidence, and even knowing otherwise, the hokage would have taken advantage of the situation and do something to keep me loyal to him by emotionally manipulating me. So, excuse me if I don't believe your hokage, because he has not done anything to make me believe him. And stop deceiving me."

"I am sorry for what happened Naruto. I can't speak for the hokage but he should have done better. I can't change what happened, but I truly want to get to know my future student and do right by him. I want you to give me a chance. Tell me, what do you want from me to prove that I am telling that truth. An information exchange, like before? I can't promise to deliver them all, but I will not lie. What will make you give us a chance?"

"Are you really serious about this?"

"Yes." 'Please don't ask about your parents.'

"Fine. I will give you a chance. But I want your word to not report anything of me to your leader." Naruto said in a no-nonsense tone.

"Maa, I am a jonin sensei and I have to report any recent developments of my genins to the hokage. Moreover, we will be assigned missions based on our skills, you know."

"First of all, we are genins, our team is frontal assault team, our skills are low to non-existent, the maximum we can do is wipe out some bandits or drop some valuables, we are not your ANBU team to pick up missions according to skills. And second, I don't have a bloodline limit or anything to develop and other skills can be measured without reports, every six months on chunin exams."

"You are well informed Naruto. But chunin exams requires a report and verbal agreement from the jonin sensei, and how can you guarantee that you will show all your developments in the exams and not purposely fail. I can't go on without making reports throughout your genin career just to appease you."

"Whether I make a chunin or not, I will show skills enough to make a name for myself in the chunin exams, the very first time you nominate. I told you I want to make my parents proud."

"Ok. But what you ask is not that easy, Naruto. Many people are watching the genin teams this time as most of the clan heirs are in your class. And not just the clan heirs, they are watching you too, and I don't have to explain to you why, as you know the S-class secret already. They want to make sure you are loyal to Konoha."

'I am a clan heir too, in fact three clans' heir, you dimwit.' "I am absolutely loyal to Konoha. If I am not, half of Konoha will not be standing now. Think what I could have done with poisons, acids, sleeping pills, or worse, aphrodisiacs, explosive tags, gun powder, instead of orange paint on my pranks and worst of all Kyubi."

Kakashi shuddered at the mental picture already, but then Kyubi was mentioned, his heart lodged in his throat. "You are right."

"No, I am not."

"Huh?"

"I should not and would not do all that. You want to know why I won't betray Konoha? Because I want to be better, better than most of the people of Konoha, and definitely better than your hokage. Isn't his motto, village over one person? Well, if I say that he is wrong for sacrificing one person, then if I want to be better how can I become someone who will put one person above an entire village. I don't want to be a sacrifice and I don't want to sacrifice a village just so I could be momentarily happy. I know hatred cannot be appeased with hatred and revenge only gives short-term relief. I don't want to become a monster, like most Konoha dearly dubbed me. Moreover, if I hate and betray the village my parents once lived and died in, it will make them feel ashamed. That is the opposite of what I want to do."

Kakashi was intently listening to Naruto's words and the wisdom shown by the little blonde reminded him of another blonde. 'He has definitely got him in you, sensei.'

"That's great Naruto. I know you can be better than all of us one day because you are already better than the most of us in maturity."

"I did not even have to try." Naruto snorted and Kakashi let out a chuckle.

"Maa maa, I can tell the hokage I will not be reporting to him about you but even the hokage has to answer some people. I know you don't like that, but you are too young to understand politics involved in our village."

"I am not too young to understand that the council hates me."

"I am not going to ask how you know." Kakashi exasperated.

"Then you will save yourself some face." Naruto retorted. "I am not asking you not to report to the hokage. I just want him not to stump my growth and ninja career."

"Maa. again, I don't think he means to do that on purpose."

"So the hokage won't stop others from teaching me and ask them to ignore me?"

Kakashi internally sweatdropped. 'It is as if he was there in the council meeting. He is not right?!'

Naruto did not know Kakashi's thoughts. "Please don't say he won't, I just told you otherwise. That's why I won't reveal my true self."

"Naruto, you have to use your skills when you are teammates in danger. It is petty not to and you just said you want to be better."

"You mean I have to save them with the skills, I am not supposed to have no thanks to your hokage, which I learned by my efforts from a kind person, I am sure who the hokage will reprimand when you report back."

Kakashi patiently advised Naruto. "Naruto, I don't care about the hokage. I am really glad you trained despite the bad hand dealt to you. But I want to know that person who taught you because he can have hidden motives."

"He is a good person, very kind to me."

"I know you are good at judging people because of the way you grew up, but I have experience, in years over you."

"I don't want him to get in trouble."

"He won't if you are right about him. I will be rest assured after knowing that person and if they are good, I will allow them to teach you outside our team and even talk to the hokage about it or just forget to tell the hokage about it."

"Even if you say so, you can't lie to the hokage and get in trouble too. Nobody who helps me ends well."

The last sentence was said in a low voice, it was hard for even Kakashi's trained ear to hear. "Thanks for the consideration, Naruto but I can manage."

"I don't know if I believe all you said yet."

"How can I assure you?"

Naruto's eyes twinkled and Kakashi could sense a disturbance in force. "I assume you already have something in mind."

"You assume right sensei. I have a way, if you and the hokage agree, I will show my skills gradually if required." Naruto pulled out a sealed envelope from his storage scroll. "Tell him everything I said and give this to the hokage. Get a written agreement from him signed that he will not stop others from teaching me, reprimand them for helping me, tell them to hold back, manipulate them to teach me what he thinks I want and not what I want or punish them for teaching me more, in short, ask him not to meddle, directly or otherwise. Tell your hokage if he betrays me, I will use this envelope. Also, get yourself a copy so the council cannot question you later."

Kakashi wondered how much of this conversation was random and how much was it orchestrated by the blonde. "The hokage can't order more people to teach you when you have a jonin sensei like all genins do."

"I can demand that from him after the bullshit he pulled but he does not have to order people to teach me. They won't teach properly under compulsion. I can get help with my own efforts. He just has to keep silent and not scare people who want to help me but can't because they are afraid of his disciplining."

"Ano, you are quite confident people will help you."

"Yes." Naruto attested.

"I think there will be some restrictions from hokage side like people who help you can't tell classified secrets like locations, code words etc, or the hokage have to punish them."

"Agreed."

"From my side, obviously you can't miss team training and from both of us, they can't train you in Kyubi's chakra."

"The amount is negotiable after you see the envelope."

Kakashi's curiosity sparked as he knew only handful of people who can handle Kyubi's chakra. "If you are so sure. What if the hokage asked for terms if you betray Konoha?"

"The most he could do is take away my cup ramen."

"I am serious Naruto. How can he agree to your terms without any leverage?"

"Too bad. He had to take a shot."

Kakashi raised an eyebrow at his statement in question.

"Sensei. why don't you entertain me and come up with something?"

Kakashi flinched inwardly as he had nothing to think about. "What a pain!"

"I agree. Whose fault do you think it is I got nothing to lose?"

Kakashi knew very well who to blame as one of the accused.

"What if the hokage want to use forceful methods?" Kakashi's mind was already coming with hundred scenarios to get what Naruto wanted without causing hokage's anger but he also wanted to know what Naruto had cooked because he had been doing well so far.

"That's why the envelope. I will wait for you here to come back sensei. Go and return soon."

"Final question."

"What?"

"What is in the envelope and am I allowed to see it?"

"A copy of a summons scroll signed by that kind person. When the hokage sees the name on it, he will understand, and you will too. Be careful not to let even the ANBU see because he wants to make a grand entrance of his own. Do not ask more."

Kakashi's curiosity peaked but his face was as lethargic as ever.

"Sensei, I am not waiting for you more than an hour."

"Maa maa, pushy, pity your poor sensei."

"If you don't make it within time, our deal is off, and I will never trust you. So, don't be late if what you said is true."

"Me? Late? Never." Kakashi gasped dramatically. Naruto turned to walk away, and Kakshi stopped him. Kakashi made a placating motion and shunshinned away with the envelope.

'Getting the Hatake brat's attention, hokage's attention, framing the council, proving loyalty to Konoha eliminating any and all doubts, guilt-tripping the hokage to get what he wants and most importantly, putting that pinkie in place after all these years, well played, devious blonde, worthy of a Kitsune's host.' Kyubi inwardly praised Naruto.

Kakashi returned with ten minutes to spare having recovered from the shock of finding out who was helping Naruto. He had lot of questions but knew Naruto did not trust him enough to answer that. When he returned, he saw Nara clan's heir from Naruto's graduation class, one of Sarutobi Asuma's genins, standing near Naruto. Kakashi did not react outwardly but wondered inside as he handed over the written agreement to Naruto, signed by one Sandaime hokage, accepting all Naruto's conditions as long as he did not betray Konoha.

Kakashi watched quietly as Naruto looked through the agreement for loopholes. When Naruto did not find anything, he gave his sensei a nod of acknowledgement. Naruto looked at Kakashi for few seconds seemingly contemplating something and squared his shoulders.

"This is Nara Shikamaru, my friend. We spar sometimes and I was on my way to meet him when you followed me."

Kakashi got the message. Naruto was telling him, 'Thanks for your efforts, for talking to the hokage on behalf me and your sincerity, for not letting him get away with any loopholes in the agreement. I will treat you the same way as you treat me. I don't trust you yet, but I am giving you a chance. Prove me right.'

"Yo, it is good to train together. But I have to go now. Don't tire yourself too much before survival training tomorrow. Let's meet at 5 a.m. on training ground 7."

"You mean, the infamous teamwork test tested by bells aka The Bell Test at 8 a.m.? Got it, see you, sensei."

Kakashi's eyes widened like saucers as he shunshinned away. He knew his future as a sensei was going to be interesting and Naruto would be the significant reason for that. He wondered how Naruto knew about the bell test and hoped that he could find more about the blonde the next day. But for now, he was satisfied. Naruto was safe for Konoha and Konoha was safe for Naruto. Kakashi decided to keep it that way.

Meanwhile Shikamaru was not having a good time. "Why did you invite me here?"

"To test something."

"Troublesome. What is in the scroll your sensei gave?"

"An agreement from the hokage stating he will keep his nose out of my business."

Shikamaru could feel the headache forming behind his skull. He pinched the bridge oh his nose and asked resignedly. "Naruto, what have you been doing in the little time between your team assignment and our meeting?"

"Ah that, I framed an elder and got few civilian council members dismissed. Why?"

"What the hell, you troublesome blonde?!" Shikamaru wailed, Kyubi laughed, and Naruto resumed eating.