Chapter-11
Note- So, this is last chapter before start of canon timeline. And I have made some changes i.e. to change Kakashi's and Itachi's graduation age to 10. I never really understood how a 6- and 7-year-old became a shinobi. I am pretty sure there is no scene of them as a genin especially in the manga. Earliest we see them were in Team Minato and ANBU respectively. And besides it actually feels a little real like although 12 is a little too soon in my opinion. But it's still acceptable as both even Percy and Harry start their journeys at the age of 12-11. So, its fine that's why I made Kakashi and Itachi's age to 10 it still keeps their prodigious status while being a little more realistic than a 6-year-old trying to fight adults and even killing them. Enjoy!
Naruto Uzumaki sat in his class with the same bored look on his face, they were revising battle strategies one of the subjects Naruto actually liked and aced. It was a surprise for everyone since many thought Shikamaru would be the best and Nara was in contention same with Sasuke as both of them were very good strategists combing what they learnt with their own prodigious minds definitely made them good contenders. Just ahead of likes of Sakura who was in Class A now, Shino Aburame and Hinata Hyuga whose answers were perfect for textbook. But for some reason Naruto always aced this exam. Like he didn't even study the textbook always going with something he concurs on seeing the question. But his strategies were so unpredictable and damn good that it even stunned the teachers.
Speaking of teachers Naruto actually liked this one, Iruka-sensei took over their class at the start of year 4. Since from this hardly any shuffling happens amongst classes. And unlike most teachers who didn't even bother to hide their hate Iruka actually treated him fairly. Which in even improved in their last year after he impressed the man with his scores. So, he has to say Naruto would be missing him once he graduates in the next week. He just hopes his jonin sensei and teammates doesn't have it out for him. Well, most jonin were neutral but there still some who hated him.
Naruto dodged the chalk Iruka threw. "If you awake enough to dodge than you are awake enough to pay attention" The teacher chided. "Oh, come on sensei you know I am good at this" Naruto replied cheekily. Iruka had a tick mark "Oh so you wouldn't mind explaining it to the class" Iruka said with a smile. Naruto gulped what was the scenario here. Ok maybe he shouldn't have said it out loud as then he and others have to bear Iruka's lecture on paying attention and overconfidence. He may like the man more than any other teacher but sometimes he wished Iruka just sent him out like others.
"Thanks, Naruto, for another good lecture" Ami said sarcastically "Oh fuck off Ami" He replied like he cares. Ignoring him "Would you like to hand out with me instead of that blond idiot Sasuke-kun" Ami asked the Uchiha who groaned. It has become something like that since the fourth year. He doesn't know why since the puberty started every girl in their year had it out for Sasuke. The Uchiha was still popular before but now he was the prince charming of most girls with his own fan-girl army.
"Don't you know Ami, Sasuke doesn't hang with gold diggers" Ino arrived in between and the Uchiha thanked to God. He really doesn't know how to deal with fangirls. His family always had admirers but nobody could advise him on it. Itachi graduated at the age of ten so he didn't have to deal with it in Academy that much. His father's fangirls were too scared of him to talk, so that was out to. And he didn't want his mom's advise he was pretty sure his mom had the most admirers in their family and she even had some now.
But the Uchiha really don't want to talk about this with his mother. 'The Talk' was awkward and embarrassing enough. It was good thing Naruto was with him to suffer. Mikoto was hell bent on making sure she and Fugaku were the one's to give Naruto 'The Talk' because she didn't trust any other role model of Naruto's life.
So, whenever one of his fangirls makes a move Sasuke becomes stuck don't understanding what to do. At these times Ino was godsend, the Yamanaka was one of few who didn't has it out for him. Maybe even she has then also she hides it well. Maybe it's because she spent a lot of time with him because of them being friends due to Naruto.
"Shut up Ino, you are not girlfriend" Ami spat back. "Nah that title goes to Naruto. Or is it the other way around" Ino commented with a mischievous smile. "I am not gay" "Shut up dumb blonde" came Naruto and Sasuke's reply. "Hey!" "The other dumb blonde" "Mention it then, Hey!" Ino and Sasuke laughed at Naruto. Ami knowing her chance was over left.
"Is Sasuke being harassed again" Shikamaru said. "Seriously Naruto you should defend your girlfriend on your own" Kiba mocked. "How many times I have to tell we are straight as an arrow" Naruto growled back. "Yeah yeah but you two are fun to tease" Chouji said eating. "Why don't you tease yourself and Shika." Sasuke called out. "Because none of those two dorks are pretty boys unlike you two" Ino was the one who replied.
"We are not pretty boys" Naruto blanched. "Seriously just look at yourself, Sasuke looks like a male version of his mom and Naruto even if you took more after your dad, it doesn't help much when Lord Fourth himself was a pretty boy" Ino explained. "Oh yeah you are right. Do we need to protect you from bad men and women" Kiba hollered out. "Do we need to kick your ass Inuzuka" Naruto growled as he showed when fangs and Sasuke's eyes turned red. "Now now guys, there is no need to take light joke seriously" He replied putting his hands in surrender causing everyone to laugh.
Naruto Uzumaki was preparing since he is going to be a shinobi in the few days, he would be responsible for his own actions. So, that means no pranks or at least village wide pranks after that. So, Uzumaki Naruto was preparing his masterpiece his final artwork for this village to see before retirement.
The next it happened the people of Konoha woke up to see something that made them believe they have been attacked. Because in front of them was their fabled Hokage mountain defiled in a manner never before.
The Legendary Hokages who watched over them doesn't look like legends now. Lord First have branches coming out of his head in the form of long horns and even from his nose. On Lord Second there was nothing as severe at First for an outsider. But those who knew the man would say the man would have just revived himself to punish whoever did this. As his eyes were painted in the Uchiha's trademark Sharingan. Many Police Offers had a great laugh on this. The Third has blood coming out of his nose with a message of 'I Love Icha-Icha' on his head. If Naruto's godfather was here, he would have cried tears of joy for that publicity. The Fourth has gotten a complete makeover his hair has been painted Red and six whisker marks were drawn on him. And under that was sign or the artist. 'Naruto Uzumaki- Finale!' written in bold black letters.
Hiruzen looked at the monument at sighed Naruto seriously has outdone himself. The kid was Kushina on steroids even their last resident Uzumaki didn't come close to her son. Naruto in the last three years has done many extra vagrant pranks but nothing came close to this. He wasn't surprised with multiple shinobi and civilians complaining. But he soon pointed out especially to the shinobi that this happened under their nose. They blushed embarrassed on themselves that a child was able to do this without them noticing. But he soon sent chunin to get the boy. Naruto would need to clean this.
The blonde Uzumaki was running in full speed dodging multiple chunin here and there jumping around, "You losers are never gonna catch me" "How the hell is this kid so fast" One of the chunin questioned. "Forget that where does he learnt Shunshin" Another one said chasing the boy "I blame Hatake" First one responded. The second one nodded "It's gonna embarrassing when people found out we can't catch an Academy kid." "Then maybe you should just retire" The blonde yelled before flickering away.
Unfortunately for Naruto he flickered near the Police Headquarters where a very displeased Fugaku Uchiha saw hm. Seeing Fugaku Naruto flickered again by he wasn't fast enough to escape the Police Head. Fugaku appeared behind him lifting him by his collar. "What did I say about pranks" The Uchiha said in the same displeased tone. "Not do to that anymore" he replied sheepishly. "And what did you do" Fugaku asked rhetorically already expecting a rhetorical answer. "Did it again. But come on it's my last prank I can't do them after graduating" Naruto tried explain which didn't really helped. "I am taking you to the Hokage" The Uchiha said before flickering with him.
Naruto was cleaning his artwork when Sasuke approached him "Still at it huh" "Yep, you are here to help" Naruto asked. "Why would I help to clean your mess" Sasuke replied with a smirk. "First of all, it's not a mess it's art and second see if I help you with your fangirls" Naruto huffed. Sasuke gulped and finally conceded. Well Naruto has done the most part already only Fourth's hair needs to be cleaned. "I really wished one of us has water affinity" Sasuke muttered rubbing the red paint out. "You think I don't Wind and Fire is cool, especially together" The last part was a jab at Sasuke, Naruto can you use his wind to improve his Fire. "Whatever, Lightning is still better" Sasuke grumbled. "The element chart doesn't say so" Naruto retorted.
Both of them were at the Uchiha main house now and were greeted by a very angry Mikoto "Sasuke go inside" The Matriarch ordered and Sasuke instantly followed while muttering "Nice knowing you dude. Rest In Piece" Naruto gulped. "Hi Oba-chan" "Hello Naruto. Can you tell me why you weren't at the Academy today" she said in a sickly-sweet voice. "I was busy" He gulped. "Oh, really busy in what defiling the Hokage Monument" Naruto soon realised nodding was not right choice. "Seriously, what were you thinking doing that and then you have to sign it off too" she said rubbing her forehead. "Why do I have to explain it everyone. It was last work of genius Oba-chan. Besides, you liked what I did to Nidiame" Naruto said in a cheery voice. Mikoto tried to look angry but a small escaped through. "That was pretty good. Even Fugaku liked it" She admitted with a smile. "Wash your hands, dinner is ready you must be hungry" Naruto doesn't need to hear anything else beacuse he was as hungry as an Akimichi after a marathon.
Naruto Uzumaki was on his bed thinking because he couldn't sleep. Two days has passed since his final great prank, so tomorrow was his graduation and he was excited. Naruto could have graduated at ten with Sasuke like Itachi or Kakashi but he didn't more like he wasn't allowed by Jiji, Oba-chan and Pervy-godfather oh yeah, he found out Jiraya was his godparent. Crazy but cool back to the early graduation because of Madara Uchiha.
Thinking about the man, made Naruto think what all has happened in the last three years since the big reveal.
The day after he told his friends Jiraya came to his apartment with a training schedule for three years. The schedule consisted of Taijutsu, Fuinjutsu, Kenjutsu and Ninjutsu that he will be trained for three years. Naruto was overwhelmed thinking how he would manage all that with Academy but the super pervert actually made a good schedule. Kakashi was the in charge of it since Jiraya would mostly be out. When the sage would be in the town, they will practice some other thing that being controlling the power of the Bijuu King. Naruto shuddered he still remembers his first talk with the Fox.
"Brat you have been practicing meditation" Jiraya asked. "Good than meditate and try to pull the fox's chakra. It should much thicker and powerful than yours. Either you will pull the chakra or the fox will pull you in" Naruto gulped "Do you really think its safe"
"Don't worry I will take care of it if you get taken over and that's our best way. Either it is this or I put you in danger. And I am pretty that puts me in danger with lot of people" Jiraya grumbled and Naruto nodded with sweat.
Naruto tried but he only managed to pull his own blue chakra "Why doesn't it work I am only wasting my own chakra" Naruto screamed. Jiraya sighed "Kid are trying to pull out of seal or just pulling it out normally" Naruto blushed he is been doing the same way how Kakashi taught him from his heart. He tried again this time focusing on the seal on his stomach and after digging deeper he finally that all powerful burning chakra. He tried to pull on to be burnt and pushing it away. "It burns" he yelled. "Of course, it does it's the most volatile chakra in existence" Jiraya said as a matter of fact. "Then how am I supposed to use it" Naruto asked frustrated. "From what I know there are two ways either you get used to the pain or struck a deal with your bijuu." He explained. "What that's ridiculous? Are you sure we have to do that" Naruto asked. "You will need every edge you can Naruto against him" Jiraya advised. Naruto reluctantly nodded.
After a couple more attempts of failing due to pain he finally decides to heck it and this time when he didn't let go he was pulled in. Naruto was surprised as he saw himself standing in a dark forest. The forest really looked damp with very little greenery here and there. But Naruto could sense that same volatile chakra in air. He gulped and steeled himself, and followed it. Naruto was looking at the source a cave to be exact with its entrance be covered with multiple thick wines like bars and Paper with Kanji for seal was in between it.
"Don't be afraid, come closer" The voice which Naruto presumed was the Kyuubi called and the little Uzumaki in the moment was bravery or stupidity followed the voice. Naruto stumbled back when he saw a claw coming for him only to stopped at the vines. "Come closer ningen let me rip to shreds" The fox snarled his blood red eyes glowing. "Nope I am good" Naruto really tried to sound brave but he wasn't fooling anyone. "Where is that usual bravado or was it also fake like everything else" mocked the bijuu. "What are you talking about" Naruto asked but he doesn't know whether he wants the answer of not.
"What is it means it that I know everything about you Naruto Uzumaki. The things that you hide and that you buried" The fox chuckled as for the first time Naruto saw it fully. The fox was easily as tall as the Hokage Monument. With its dark orange fur and large paws and the most distinct and definite those large Nine-Tails truly made it terrifying. "You are not as uncaring or forgiving as show to the world. You act like the village's opinion doesn't matter but deep down you want them to acknowledge you, praise you just like they did your accursed father" Kyuubi added. "That's a lie, I don't care about the village opinions" Naruto screamed in denial. "Deny as much you want but you can't hide anything here after all its your mind" Kyuubi explained in dark amusement. Naruto gasped as he looked around "Yes, this dark damp forest contains everything about you. Even your hate" Naruto widened in fear. "Scared that somebody would find out that in some place you hate everyone. The villagers for hating you, your guardians for not doing anything about it. Your father for sealing me and even your dear mother for not stopping him" "You're lying I don't hate them, especially my mom" Naruto screamed back, the fox just chuckled darkly.
"What do I get from lying you foolish child?" The fox asked. "Freedom, Pervy-Sage told me you will manipulate me to be free and I shouldn't trust you" Naruto replied. The fox let out a laughter "The same Jiraya who hid your heritage till you were nine and only told you when it became a necessity. Had the threat of masked man be over do you think he would have told you now or anytime at all" Kyuubi countered. Naruto was now silent of course Jiraya would tell him wouldn't he after all he took care of him but would he had told him now like he did if not Madara's threat. Jiji admitted they wanted to wait for longer. The fox interrupted the boy's thoughts. "And as for my freedom I would have it when your weak hide would require my power" Naruto was going to protest before the fox dismissed him. "Now be gone I have enough your wretched presence"
Naruto startled as he came back to his senses. Jiraya allowed to boy to process before asking "So, how did it go" "He is jerk Dattebayo" Naruto bellowed out. "He" sage's eyebrow rose. "What I am not gonna call him it and he sound like a guy to me" Naruto replied. "Whatever, so you didn't get him to agree" Jiraya asked. "Yup, he told me using his power would grant him freedom" Naruto explained with frustration and little fear. "Well hard way it is then" Jiraya sighed. "Are you sure we have to do this" Naruto whined "Isn't there any other way"
"Unless you have a way suddenly become an S-Rank nope" Seeing the confused look. "Leave it don't worry brat I am not gonna push too much with this and as the for fox we have ways to deal with it. So, don't worry about the large furball" Jiraya calmed the boy down
From then on Naruto rarely talked to the fox they a couple of conversations but all of them ended in the fox dismissing him from his own mind. Like even when Naruto tried negotiate using Madara's threat. Kyuubi just denied by saying he wouldn't need his help to take revenge on Madara. When Naruto helpfully mentioned this wasn't the case the last two times. The fox raged and threw him out. Other than this there was only one other interesting thing which happened. It happened with Sasuke but Naruto was involved and was the reason for it.
Sasuke groaned of pain. He grabbed his rib as he saw his opponent/ best friend flicker away. It's been a year since Naruto started his new training regimen and Sasuke has joined him after two weeks of losing their weekly spars. He pestered him mother and Itachi for a schedule and since elder Uchiha spent more time home so they gave in. Once Sasuke's own regimen begun normalcy resumed again. Most draws with a win here and there.
That was until last two weeks, two weeks since Naruto completed his new taijutsu style. Hatake was teaching Naruto orthodox fighting with in-fighting pressure style. Completely opposite of blonde southpaw's out-fighting counter-attacking style. He has seen Naruto trying that in Academy against weaker opponents. He didn't give much thought that was until two weeks ago. When the Uzumaki asshole combined both of them creating a nasty taijutsu style especially with his body flickers. Naruto hasn't got it down completely yet as the blonde in moments of heat completely uses his original style instead of switching but even half-complete it was dangerous.
Sasuke seethed if he lost now, it would be the first time the one would lose three weekly spars continuously, they started them since Academy. And in the last three years three continuous wins has never happened. Sasuke doesn't wanna be the one to lose as it will Naruto an unmatched bragging right.
The Uchiha dodged Naruto's flicker as the blonde continued his assault pressuring him to make a mistake so he can counter. Sasuke wasn't gonna do it as he flickered away, he knew Naruto is gonna follow the Uchiha unleashed a point-blank Fireball with a single seal. Naruto flickered in front only to see a Fireball near his face the blonde Uzumaki reflex screamed to get away and he did. "Are you trying to kill me jerk" Naruto screamed. Sasuke replied "Shut up you big baby I have more in faith in your running away skills" Uchiha jabbed. "Running away, this running away has given you two straight loses and is gonna give you the third" Naruto jabbed back and continued his assault. Sasuke cursed that was the reason for his loses, Naruto was a stamina and chakra monster so he can advance without any worry. Sasuke on the other hand has to conserve his chakra and pick his moments. Now he was running out he readied himself.
There again the Uchiha saw an opportunity between the Uzumaki continuous assault, punches, kicks, jabs, chops why did this guy doesn't slow down. He cursed Hatake as he dodged another fury of jabs. Naruto's in-fighting has a problem according to Sasuke since he was natural southpaw when in-fighting orthodox his jabs sometimes automatically turn into a hook and that's was what Uchiha gonna capitalize.
There right now. Naruto jab again become a hook and Uchiha capitalized going in downward for right gut. Naruto smirked he wanted Sasuke to take, Kakashi already told Naruto and Naruto tried to rectify but it didn't happen. So, he came up with this leaning back he interlocked Sasuke's hand with his own. Sasuke's eyes widen before he saw a counter coming towards. "Fuck no, it's too fast I can't dodge. No, I have to, I can't lose three" Uchiha screamed internally before everything slowed.
Sasuke was stunned as he saw the punch near his head slowing didn't understanding much the Uchiha took his chance and leaned away pulling his arm back. Naruto was surprised before he saw Sasuke's eyes. His own widened in surprise but before he could speak Sasuke advanced.
The Uchiha was on cloud nine, he could see Naruto's movements in slow motion and now Naruto's incomplete fighting style which was menace became an open book. Sasuke easily avoided Naruto's fast based assault and replied with his own sharp attacks of the Interceptor fist. Naruto tried to dodge but Sasuke was relentless coming after Naruto again and again the moment Naruto dodges.
Sasuke saw Naruto reverting back to his original style and continued his assault, he saw through blonde's dodges, feints, jabs, kicks etc before he saw the chance of victory. The Uchiha saw Naruto's counter for his jaw kick in slow motion dodging it by moving inside he landed an uppercut to jaw blonde's jaw knocking blonde on his ass.
"I win" Sasuke declared huffing. "Yeah yeah" Naruto admitted with a hand on hi jawbone. Damn that hurt. "You alright" Sasuke asked. "Yup, by the way congrats"
"For what winning" Sasuke taunted. "No jerk for this" Naruto took out a kunai before showing Sasuke his reflection in it. Sasuke was flabbergasted before jumping in the air. "Holy shit I got" Sasuke breathed out. "No wonder I could see everything in slow motion, its awesome" "Yeah yeah and at same age as Itachi" Naruto pointed out happily. Sasuke's smile increased ten fold.
Sasuke's family celebrated Sasuke's achievement by throwing a party even Fugaku was smiling proudly. Naruto happy for his friend felt jealous a little. Don't get him wrong he love Jiji's, his godfather's, Kakashi's and Oba-chan's praises but he wished his parents were there to compliment him sometimes.
Naruto stopped those thoughts they weren't gonna help anyone but the fox. The fox feeds off his negative emotions after all. After Sasuke unlocked his Sharingan trouble increased for Naruto till he Kakashi told him the secret that Sasuke might see his attacks in slow motion but if body can't react as fast its useless. So, they worked on Naruto's speed.
Naruto will always have the advantage against not only Sasuke but almost anyone when it comes to raw physical stats. Due to fox and his Uzumaki heritage he can train longer giving his muscles more strain while being a fast healer so giving them appropriate rest in less time.
Of course, it wasn't instant as he lost next week it was after that week that normalcy resumed. Which would have changed again when Sasuke's sharingan evolved to its final stage in a year. Now the Uchiha was dangerous especially in close combat. He could predict Naruto's attacks and also cast a minor genjutsu by just looking. But unfortunately, Naruto was training to be the anti-Uchiha. Cough Madara cough after him and all. So, he was taught to fight without looking in the Sharingan.
It's been 5 years since their spars started and the score was 41-139-40 in Sasuke's favour. The Uchiha had a good initial lead of 5 by the end of their year due to his early start but Naruto has turned it down to just one.
Naruto tried to stop himself to be lost in his thoughts anymore. He has to sleep he was gonna graduate tomorrow.