Jinchuriki? Not really

Disclaimer : I do not own Naruto.

Chapter - 1

Age 5

In his almost five years, young Naruto had gotten used to the way his caretakers mistreated him. Not that they harmed him, at least not directly, but no matter what he did people always seemed to blame him for something he had not done. No matter how hard he tried to please them, those eyes filled with hatred and fear kept staring down at him. He never got treated like the other kids. Never trusted. Never cared for. Never loved. He never once got a chance. And why?

Young Naruto did not know why. He had cried enough, and was sick of it. It didn't change anything about his life.

Today had been particularly frustrating. Today's caretaker took a sadistic pleasure from tormenting him with vicious insults not only about him but about his parents too. How they were some good for nothing drunks who killed themselves to be away from him. There were some more bad words about them that he did not understand. Fortunately Jiji is going to visit today. And finally, like all caretakers that he complained about, he would get rid of this one too.

There was even one caretaker earlier who taught him reading and writing wrong. Thankfully Jiji found out by chance when he visited and replaced her with someone who taught him correctly.

"JIJI!" Naruto ran towards the door and hugged Lord Third hard.

"Uff. You are getting big Naruto. How are you?"

When Naruto told him about the latest caretaker, Lord Third was angry but unsurprised. He sighed. He regretted every single mistake he made with Naruto. He remembered how he found Naruto after his parent's death. He could have handled the situation better but he was in too much grief when he found his wife Biwako too is no longer among the living. All that while dealing with his reinstatement as Hokage.

Danzo had been a thorn in Hiruzen's side for far too long. There had been a time when he had called the man his best friend and greatest rival but those days had ended long ago. He felt nothing but contempt for the man now. The only reason he hadn't had him assassinated was because of his ROOT program.

He allowed Danzo and his program because they were useful to the village. Sure, he had to occasionally turn a blind eye when they had technically committed treason a time or two, but that was because he knew that Danzo had Konoha's best interests in mind. He knew that Danzo would never betray Konoha and he was willing to do whatever it would take to defend it.

But Danzo went too far when he regardless of Hiruzen's orders spread the rumor of new Jinchuriki so that village would appear strong. And when Lord Hokage started caring for a nameless orphan that no one knew anything about, people assumed little Naruto to be new Jinchuriki. It is of course false because Minato successfully killed the Kyubi but no one is willing to accept the fact. Danzo's rumors proved to be too effective and more he denied it, more people accepted Naruto's Jinchuriki status as truth.

Hiruzen knew that he couldn't execute his one-time friend. Not only would he lose a devout ninja but he would also lose the program that dealt with the messier jobs that Konoha didn't want associated with them. Then there was the chance that ROOT might rebel or align themselves with an enemy village. That was something that could not be allowed to happen. But that is something for later.

Now what to do about this caretaker problem. After Danzo's rumor, it was impossible to leave Naruto in the orphanage. He could not afford to adopt him because that would be like painting a target on little baby and confirming every rumor as truth. When Jiraiya refused to take Naruto in, he could hardly ask a barely 14 year old Kakashi who was dealing with his own grief. So he bought a apartment for Naruto and appointed caretakers.

Who knew that finding a good caretaker who did not believe in false rumors could be so difficult. Barely a single caretaker stayed for a complete month. Some themselves quit after getting influenced by rumors, others have to be removed as they were actively harming Naruto. Maybe Naruto is now old enough to not need a caretaker. That is appearing to be best possible alternative.

Naruto of course happily agreed even if now he have to cook his own food, do his laundry, clean his home. He was given monthly stipend from which he has to buy clothes, groceries etc.

The first time Naruto left his apartment alone was a shocking experience. The few times Naruto had been out in public before, he had usually been with his caretaker, who always insisted on him covering his head and lower face with a scarf. She'd told him it was so that he wouldn't pick up any diseases, but now that he was exploring the streets of his village, he was beginning to have second thoughts.

Because wherever he went, inevitably, he was followed by an intense storm of heated whispering. They pointed him out with barely disguised grimaces, they ushered their children away from him, admonishing them for walking too close to him.

When he entered the nearest grocery shop, he was chased out.

Flashback

"You! How dare you enter my shop. Get out."

"But I just wanted to buy the milk and bread."

"We are out of stock. Leave."

"But its there on the shelf. Look."

"That's already sold. Now get out. And never enter here again."

Flashback end

This scared Naruto and he immediately went home. He was really scared and confused. Next day, he went to a different shop but experience was the same. He tried another one but there he was chased out even more badly.

"We don't serve your kind here. Get out monster. You can't trick me."

That experience shook Naruto to the core. He was scared but was starting to get angry. Why was he chased out and called a monster? He never even met the man before. And all those glares and whispering. What have he ever done to deserve this? He asked his Jiji about this.

"Jiji! Why does everyone hate me?"

"What happened Naruto?"

"I went to buy a few groceries but was chased out. I was called a monster and everyone was glaring at me. What is wrong with me?" Naruto sniffed lightly

"Oh Naruto. Come here give me a hug."

"Those are some stupid people who believed in some silly rumors. There is absolutely nothing wrong about you. Don't you worry about anything. As for groceries, you won't have go shopping for them again. I will have someone deliver it."

"But why does everyone hate me?"

"They don't hate you Naruto. They just don't know you because if they did, they will love you. Now how about some Ramen?"

There were many assassination attempt on Naruto. Naruto never noticed of course because his ANBU guards took care of the problem discretely. But the problem is that continuous ANBU guard for Naruto is waste of his very limited resources. The council and the advisors were making a nuisance about the issue. As a Hokage, he could of course ignore them like earlier but now that the Jonin commander Nara Shikaku also commented on this, he had to take it seriously.

Most attempts on Naruto were from grieving ninjas who wanted to avenge their loved ones that died in Kyubi attack. It was found that Naruto's caretakers always leaked his location. Now that the caretaker problem was over, Naruto could be shifted to another location which should not be leaked. But the question is where? Suddenly he remembered Kushina's childhood home in Senju clan compound that Mito sama left for her. The whole compound is now empty and secured by Mito sama's intent seals. No one intending harm to any resident can enter there.

Naruto was very happy by the move. His new house has two floors and a very large backyard where he could play to his heart's desire. There were many trees and even a small fish pond. Now if only he could have someone to play with, he would me most happy. The ninja with dog mask and white hair who delivered his groceries every week sometimes plays with him but its very rare.

Age 6

With time Naruto realized that Jiji lied and he is indeed hated by the villagers. Most act like he did not exist and ignore him but some are actively antagonistic towards him. In the park, forget about playing, no one was even willing to talk to him. He was refused service in most of the shops (except Ichiroku's) and if not, then overcharged for almost trash. At least they don't often harm him physically. He realized that world is not fair. This one year on his own forced him to mature in a way he never thought possible. He recognized his earlier naivety and hope that if he is good, he won't be hated anymore.

But all his efforts resulted in nothing. For every bit of politeness and kindness he was given nothing but scorn and hatred in return. Eventually he become apathetic to abuse he was forced to endure. He decided to ignore everything which caused them to be even more riled up. He learned the hard way that whenever someone tries to physically harm him, he should escape and not try to fight. Sometimes he is saved by the dog masked guy but more often then not, he had to escape on his own.

One day when he woke up in the morning, he found something hard on his chest. It was a Book.

'Huh. How did it get here. I am sure I have never seen it before.' Naruto thought.

When he opened the curious Yellow and Red covered book, he felt a prick on the finger and a letter fell out of it. When he read the letter he was shocked.

Dear Naruto

My name is Minato Namikaze and I am your father. I am so sorry my son that you will only be reading this letter if the worst happened and your mother and me are dead. Your mother's name is Kushina Uzumaki. Your mother is an incredible woman Naruto. She is caring, kind, and the most beautiful woman I had ever met. My dear son you are not yet born but we still love you so much. There is a chance if the worst happened, your heritage will be hidden to protect you from our enemies. Your mother and I made a lot of enemies in the war so be very careful to whom you tell the truth about us. Now I am writing this letter because I have a feeling that something could go wrong. Your mother does not know about this but if she did, she will whack me on the head and tell me to 'stop being negative'. But I have come to trust my feelings for they have saved my life quite a few times.

Your mother is a Jinchuriki of Nine tails. To understand what it means, you need to know about Tailed Beasts. Tailed Beasts are the nine titanic living forms of chakra. They are differentiated by the number of tails they have, ranging from one to nine. Jinchuriki are humans that have a tailed beast sealed within them. The bad feeling I got is from the fact that the seal holding back the tailed beast is weakest when a female Jinchuriki gave birth. I fear that despite all the precautions that we are taking, your mother's seal could be sabotaged at the moment.

Due to this I am writing this letter and preparing a contingency so that even if the worst happened, you will not be the next Jinchuriki. The life of a Jinchuriki is not a easy life and they are often treated as if they were monsters themselves. Fortunately Your mother being a Jinchuriki is a very well kept secret that very few knew but I fear how you would be treated if you are the next to bear this burden. Because of this I am going to make sure that you are not going to be next Jinchuriki of Kyubi no matter what.

I have prepared this Book of Scrolls for you which would appear to you near your eighth birthday. It is stored in a seal and will appear in your hand as soon as you wish for it and disappear back into seal by your will. It is a guide on how to become a ninja along with some Uzumaki scrolls. Among other security features, there is a very powerful genjutsu on the book and it will appear as a old history book to everyone but you. I have taken every precaution to make sure that this book cannot be stolen from you but even then, just to be safe, you should keep it a secret. I hope you follow the given instructions and use it well. Be strong my son and live a long happy life.

With Love

Your Father

Minato Namikaze

Fourth Hokage of Konohagakure no Sato

Naruto found he have tears in the eyes that have no intention of stopping.

'My parents loved me. My father was the Fourth Hokage.' were two of the most prominent thoughts revolving in Naruto's head. After some time he calmed down and read the letter again. And again. And again with some help from a dictionary to understand a few words that he did not understand.

'Did he fail? Am I the Jinchuriki too? Is that why everyone hate me?' Naruto questioned himself. Till yesterday, he did not even know his last name and now this. Should he ask Jiji about this? He must know the truth. But he never even told him his last name much less about his parents even after bringing it up many times. He is the Hokage. Why did he never stop the villagers. The most powerful man in the village surely knows about the treatment he received from the villagers. And would he try to take the book if he knew about it?

Wasn't Kushina Uzumaki the name of the previous owner of this house? Was she his mother? He is living in his Mom's house. There were much more tears in his eyes.

Once he was calm enough, he opened the book.

Chakra

Chakra is the life energy that is possessed by every living thing in the world. It is made up of two parts, Physical and Spiritual. Physical energy is collected from each of the body's cells and can be increased through training, stimulants, and exercise. Spiritual energy is derived from the mind's consciousness and can be increased through studying, meditation, and experience. These two energies becoming more powerful will in turn make the created chakra more powerful. Chakra is essential to even the most basic jutsu. Through various methods, the most common of which is hand seals, chakra can be controlled and manipulated to create an effect that would not be possible otherwise.

Tenketsu are nodes from which chakra can be released. The human body has 361 tenketsu, each of which is located along the chakra pathway system. To unlock the chakra, meditation is necessary. To meditate, you have to clear your mind of all thoughts. This can be done by focusing on nothing or something specific. After successfully clearing the mind, focus inwards to the point in the middle of chest near the heart. This is the largest tenketsu point in the human body (see chapter 1). Chakra can be sensed easily here because of the large concentration on this point. Chakra is different for everyone. Some experience chakra as light and heat, others feel it as cold and dark and everything in between. There are eight major tenketsu that control the flow of chakra in human body known as eight gates (see chapter 2). Once you have successfully felt the chakra for the first time, feel the chakra individually in each of the eight gates and observe the flow of chakra between them. The third and final step in unlocking the chakra is to feel and observe the chakra in all 361 tenketsu points with open eyes while moving (see chapter 3-6).

When your chakra is fully unlocked, focus outwards to sense others chakra. Everything living has chakra, even plants. Learn to observe and recognize different chakra. Memorize and understand the different feeling chakra for it is chakra signature (see chapter 7-10). Next step is to start chakra control exercises (see chapter 11-15). After completing the exercise, learn 12 basic and 5 elemental hand seals and understand their effect on each tenketsu in your body (see chapter 16-32). Other chapters include Physical Enhancement, Jutsu creation, Elemental Manipulation, Yin-Yang manipulation (see chapter 33-100).

Naruto was shocked to learn how complex and difficult this training is. He noticed that book is divided in many parts. First is Chakra, other parts include Fuinjutsu (Art of Seals), Taijutsu, Iryoninjutsu, Genjutsu, Senjutsu. Also only first chapter of each part was visible and not even that for Senjutsu. On the last page was written 'JUTSU SCROLLS' along with S,A,B,C,D,E. These scrolls were locked for now and according to instructions, they would unlock once he have sufficient chakra control. He was surprised how a library worth of knowledge is stored inside a single book, but assumed the answer is seals.

That day changed his life.

Now he was no longer worried about how others treated him. He even stopped leaving his home because if no one is willing to talk to him then why bother. He completely focused on the book and was determined to master everything inside it. When Jiji visited he asked for a last time about his parents and why everyone hated him. On receiving the same response and change of topic, he was heartbroken.

Yes it may be dangerous to reveal the knowledge about his parents to public but its not like if he was told the truth, he was going to scream it from rooftop. Did Jiji not trust him even that much. As for his Jinchuriki status, Jiji always claimed that hate is because of false rumors. Did that mean he is not a Jinchuriki? He is not sure but decided that answer does not matter. Everyone hates him already and its not like anyone is gonna believe him if he said he did not have Kyubi inside him.

Shinobi Academy starts at age 8. Earlier when he asked Jiji for early admission, he was refused. It did not hurt that much because he almost expected it.

He decided to start training from the Book and focused on first part of the Book : Chakra

Meditation was not easy for him. It was really difficult to sit still for a long time and even more difficult to stop his thoughts. It took him a week to learn to focus on his breathing and to clear the mind.

Once he learned meditation, it was remarkably easy for him to sense chakra near his heart. He could not define it in words properly but the closest two words would be Bright and Dense. He could so easily feel chakra that now he could not ignore it even if he wish to. Even when not meditating and his eyes open, he could still feel the chakra.

He also started physical exercises like running, push ups, squats etc. as given in Taijutsu section. At first he would be out of breath within few minutes. But slowly his stamina started improving. He also started eating healthy because of the book.

He really wanted to learn a cool jutsu first but according to the Book by completing leaf sticking exercise, everything else would be really easy. His dad wrote this book for him. He would obey it.

Within a week, he successfully sensed chakra flow in other 7 gates. If he focused really hard then he could direct the chakra a little. Once he was confident that he could consciously direct the chakra from at least one chakra point at a time, he started the leaf sticking exercise.

He took a leaf and placed it on his forehead. He directed the chakra from tenketsu in his head and willed the leaf to stick. It was difficult at first as leaf would only stick for a second or two before falling off. But little by little as his focus increased he could keep the leaf on his forehead for more and more time. After some time he could keep the leaf for a hour before getting exhausted and have to leave it for rest of the day. The warnings about chakra exhaustion were very clear.

Rest of the day would be spent learning from books that Jiji gave him for Home tutored kids on subjects including math, science, reading, writing etc. Days turned into weeks and he improved and chakra available to him increased.

Once he could keep a leaf on his forehead for 3 hours without meditation, he started with two leaves. It become really difficult to divide his focus like that but because of his stubbornness, he never gave up. Then 2 leaves become 3 and so on so forth. As a outcast, there was nothing else for him to do but to train. And training he did, be it physical training or chakra training.

Focusing outwards and sensing others chakra was difficult but not that difficult. He could soon recognize the Chakra of plants and trees and even bugs. It was really amazing experience to sense everything with his eyes closed. His range was really small for now, but its increasing day by day.

Whenever someone visited, he quickly hide the Book and any evidence of training. Usually he can sense his visitors as Jiji never bothered to completely shield his presence and genins that delivered groceries every week couldn't. He attempted to talk with them in the beginning but after getting the same mocking and sneering in response, he don't bother anymore. The ones he can't sense are the shadows that arrive with Jiji. For now.

After almost a year of hard work and sheer stubbornness, he successfully covered himself in leaves from head to toe and carefully memorized and directed chakra from all 361 tenketsu. Even if it exhausted him within a minute, he was really proud of his achievement. This was no small feat considering the sheer focus and multitasking skill required to keep track of all 361 tenketsu and manipulate chakra through them all at the same time. But this gave him perfect chakra control.

Suddenly The Book glowed. Naruto was surprised but on inspection, he found many of the previously bank pages are no longer blank. New techniques and exercises were unlocked.

Age 7

After a year of physical exercise only he wanted to start learning katas for a Taijutsu style but Book very clearly cautioned against it. According to book, there is a major risk of developing wrong habits while practicing katas incorrectly without proper supervision. Better to focus on simple exercises for now and increasing stamina. He is also strictly following the given diet plan except for occasional Ichiroku's Ramen.

For Chakra training, the tree climbing and water walking exercises were really easy for him and he mastered them in a single day each. After dividing his focus to 361 points for leaf sticking exercise, it was trivial to focus on foot tenketsu only. Water walking was a little different because now he had to repel water using chakra but after the sheer focus and chakra required for 361 leaves, it still felt like nothing.

He soon managed to learn all hand seals and their effects on each tenketsu in his body. With some practice, he can soon mimic the effect of hand seals and eventually would be able to do jutsus without them. At least, now according to the book, he can easily learn the Jutsus.

Then he did what he wanted to do since the first day. He opened the Jutsu scrolls.

E rank Ninjutsu

1. Clone Technique

2. Transformation Technique

3. Body Replacement Technique

He soon memorized the seals for them. On his first attempt, he was successful in all three jutsu. Next he tried them silently and he found the he can do it easily. Naming the jutsu out loud is supposed to help in focus and if its one thing that he did not lack, it is focus. Doing the Jutsu seal less was much more difficult. He of course memorized the effect of a hand seal on all tenketsu. But he found that effect of chained hand seals was different.

And a single mistake in a single tenketsu or even in order or timing of their activation would result in failure. Given that there are 361 tenketsu, this is going to be really difficult. He could of course activate them all at a time but selectively activating them and then another set and then next sets consequently, all within seconds is out of his skillset. For now.

After achieving perfect chakra control, Physical Enhancement section was partly unlocked. As the name suggests it can be used to enhance the body using chakra. Most of the section was still locked and required a detailed knowledge on human anatomy first. He wondered how can the book sense even his knowledge too along with chakra and chakra control. The answer most likely would be seals from what he can get in introduction of Fuinjutsu.

He wanted to start learning Fuinjutsu since Jiji told him about security seals in the clan compound even before getting The Book but it was recommended to start only after mastering memory enhancement Jutsu that is locked in Physical Enhancement section requiring Brain Anatomy knowledge and perfect chakra control.

The Basics and Level one are unlocked but on viewing it, he was perfectly fine with leaving it alone for now.

The first step to learn fuinjutsu is to completely memorize all 10000 of kanji symbols along with their meanings and each of multiple interpretations. And it was only the first step. Its like 361 leaf exercise all over again. This is not going to be possible without that Jutsu. So he started on Anatomy study which too is not easy. But he is not going to shy away from hard work.

For now, the only technique unlocked in this section isThe Body Flicker technique. This is most simple Physical Enhancement technique and it involves enhancing the leg muscles for a short time to run really fast to give the illusion that user teleported. For this Jutsu, the anatomy knowledge is not necessary and it was unlocked by having perfect chakra control. At such speeds the peripheral vision is reduced and even that brain can not process fast enough. So only focus is given to what is in front and hence the Tunnel vision. Another disadvantage was that using this technique, user can move only in straight line and have to use multiple consecutive Body Flicker which due to Tunnel vision is very difficult especially under combat.

For the rest of the year, he practiced it and Academy three Jutsu and worked on mastering them seallessly and soundlessly. There were many mishaps including but not limited to running headlong in a tree or a wall after using too much chakra for Body Flicker but he was never seriously injured.

After too many hours of study, finally his knowledge was deemed sufficient and the technique was unlocked.

There are six parts of brain that deal with memories i.e. Neocortex, Prefrontal cortex, Amygdla, Basal Gamgla, Hippocampus, Cerebellum. All information that we receive from our senses at first become short term memories in Prefrontal cortex. Then these memories are sorted and moved to other parts of brain, Neocortex - General knowledge, Amygdla - Emotional memories, Basal Gamgla - Motor functions, Hippocampus - Long term memories and finally, Cerebellum - Fine motor control.

This technique involve using barest amount of chakra to transfer information from neurons in Prefrontal cortex to Neocortex. On using this successfully, all 10000 kanji will become his general knowledge. Using Inkless sealing Jutsu, the seals can be written directly.

Other application for this technique is using it in Basal Gamgla (Muscle memory) for learning Taijutsu, Kenjutsu etc. , Hippocampus to quickly memorize any specific information, Cerebellum for developing muscle memory for finer things like Writing, Kunai/Shuriken/Knife use etc.

Naruto was really nervous to try this Jutsu but if he wanted to learn Fuinjutsu then there is no other choice. So he swallowed his hesitation and did the memory enhancement jutsu using minimum amount of chakra he can.

He was successful.

He focused on the Kanji and it was memorized. And then he started the journey of 1000 mile with the first step.

For the rest of the year he focused on Fuinjutsu. But that does not mean that he neglected everything else. For Chakra control, he continued tree climbing by combining leaf sticking with it. For Ninjutsu he continued trying to master Basic 3 and Body Flicker seallessly. He also continued to increase his sensing range.

And soon, the year was over.

Age 8

He finally completed all 10000 of kanji. Normally, one is supposed to practice each of them on paper using ink and brush. It was supposed to help in memorization and developing the muscle memory necessary for writing flawless seals. But thanks to his dad, he has a shortcut for that.

Inkless sealing jutsu.

This Jutsu when mastered converts a user's chakra directly into a special chakra ink that can be applied directly without any sealing paper required. The applied seal can be removed using same jutsu. His dad developed this Jutsu for applying his Hirashin mark. After all it was not like he could use inkbrush and paper in the middle of high speed combat. Using this jutsu, he can apply any seal anywhere. The only condition is perfect visualization, which is no problem for him now.

Now he don't need to buy any expensive chakra paper or sealing ink. He is not sure that he could even if he wanted to. He also does not need any muscle memory for writing seals as they would be created directly by his mind.

Soon he could make simple seals that need only a few kanji chained together. Even a simplest seal require at least three kanji for power, control and effect. It should be simple but it is not because each kanji change its meaning when combined with another. Even the placement and change in direction by a single degree can change everything. Fuinjutsu is too complex and required multiple precise calculations of every change and its effect for the creation of a single seal.

It is due to this reason that to be called seal masters now, one only need to memorize a already created seal and copy it perfectly. But for true seal masters, possibilities are endless and reality itself become their playground. Naruto realized the potential of Fuinjutsu and was even more determined to master it.

Finally after all the hard work, he can call himself the Level 2 practitioner in art of Fuinjutsu.

He can now make heat, cold, soft, hard, lock, unlock, light seals which he used to make his life more comfortable. He used heat seal on winter clothes. The more chakra is injected in seal, the more hot it become. Using this seal he also made a always hot Mug, a hot plate and a basic oven. Similarly he used cold seal on summer clothes and also on a water bottle and Ice box. He placed both heat and cold on the shower and on the bed along with soft seals. He locked the door with lock seal and applied unlock seal on key. He even replaced a few light bulbs with light seal before removing them after realizing, Jiji may question about them if he visits.

A Jutsu that he was really interested in was chakra threads. It would be really cool to control shurikens and kunai by invisible threads controlled by his mind. This jutsu was really easy and the chakra threads acted like extension of his hands. The only limit for this jutsu usually is the number of threads a user can focus at a time but focus is really not a problem for him.

He was 8 since last October and more importantly, finally eligible for Academy. In these two years, Jiji really reduced his visits. His last visit was about 3 months ago. But he was supposed to visit this week.

"Hello Jiji" Naruto greeted politely

"Hello Naruto. How are you?"

"I am good. Would you like something."

"No no, I am good. Look how big you are getting. Anyway, earlier you have displayed interest to join the Shinobi Academy. Is that still the case?"

"Yes Jiji. I want to be a ninja."

"Naruto, to be a ninja is not a small commitment. Its a major life changing decision. Being a ninja is not a child's game. Its difficult and dangerous. So are sure?"

Naruto was silent for a few moments but then replied.

"Yes Jiji I am sure. I want to be a ninja."

"But why do you want to be a ninja?"

"Because I don't want to be weak. You know how I was attacked many times. I want to be strong enough to protect myself Jiji."

"To be a ninja does not only mean to be strong. Yes ninjas are strong but being a ninja means to be a protector. As a ninja, you will be required to take dangerous missions to kill others and may even have to sacrifice your very life for your village and loved ones. So answer me for a last time Naruto. Are you ready? Do you want to be a ninja?"

"Yes Jiji. I am ready and I want to be a ninja." Naruto answered seriously.

"Very well. Here's the admission form. Fill it and from tomorrow, you start at the Konoha Shinobi Academy."

If he expected Academy to be different, he would have been disappointed. Thankfully, he is too jaded to expect something like that for he is treated same here as anywhere in the village.

Class was taught by two chunins, Umino Iruka and Mizuki. After a brief welcome, it was time for introductions. Naruto was surprised to learn that his class was filled with clan heirs. Nara, Akimichi, Yanamaka, Aburame, Inzuka, Hyuga heirs were all in his class. There was also Uchiha Sasuke and Haruno Sakura who was daughter of civilian councilor. Rest were all from normal civilian background.

There are six subjects. Two civilian subjects, History and Math and four shinobi subjects Chakra Theory, Taijutsu, Weapons, Tactics

Iruka taught Chakra Theory, History and Math while Mizuki taught Taijutsu, Weapons and Tactics

Iruka like majority of village just ignored him and acted like he did not exist. Mizuki on the other hand acted friendly but he can sense it in his chakra how much he hated him.

Iruka at least never bothered to directly sabotage him but the same can not be said of Mizuki. While learning katas for academy style Taijutsu, Mizuki corrected his form to wrong katas. For shuriken and kunai practice he was purposefully taught wrong way to handle the weapons, increasing the risk of injury. He wondered why Mizuki assumed him to be a idiot who can not tell that he was taught differently than his classmates.

Nevertheless, he never protested or corrected his assumption. He learned by watching his classmates and if ever called for a demonstration, he used Mizuki's techniques.

It is better to be underestimated like this. At least if Mizuki ever attacked him directly, he would have an advantage.

Age 9

One day Naruto was returning from academy when he witnessed a trio of boys surrounding a girl his age. The girl had short dark blue hair and very pale eyes. She was on the verge of tears. At first, he wanted to ignore this but he remembered how when he was cornered he wanted someone to save him. Of course no one did.

"Behold the mighty Hyuga, the white eyed princess, but you are not mighty, are you? You are just a freak." one of the boys said.

The girl couldn't take it anymore, and fell on her knees, crying. Enough was enough.

"Stop!" Naruto commanded as he rushed towards them.

"Uh, what do you want, dork?" one of the boys asked.

"Hey, I know this guy! He's the Demon boy!" another kid said.

"Of course, the Demon Boy would defend the Demon Girl, right?" teased the first kid.

"I'm not a demon, and neither is she! Leave her alone."

"You know, my parents said to stay away from you, that you're dangerous. But now that I see you, you don't look that dangerous. In fact, you look like a wimp!"

"Come on, let's teach this demon brat not to mess with much stronger people!" the first kid said as he reared his fist back.

The blue haired girl gasped when the kid's fist was about to connect with Naruto's face and he dodged. Suddenly all 3 bullies felt pain from a punch, a knee and a headbutt before they could even process the fact that Naruto dodged. His brief use of Body Flicker was successful.

Hinata was shocked at the speed.

"Now is there going to be a problem?" Naruto asked in a whisper.

Bullies were terrified and quickly left them alone. When he was sure that bullies were gone.

Naruto walked towards said girl, who didn't move from her spot since the fight broke out.

"Hey, are you okay?"

"Y-yes...thank you..." the blue haired girl said.

"Well, I gotta go! See ya!" Naruto said.

'Those kids called him the "Demon boy". Does that mean that he was the same blond kid she was warned about? She remembered some of the clan grownups telling her that if she ever crossed paths with him, to avoid him at all costs, that he was dangerous, and a monster. But he defended her from not one but three bullies. Even in class he remains quiet and minded his own business. How can somebody so kind and selfless could be dangerous or a monster?' thought Hinata

"W-wait...!" Hinata said as she saw him leaving.

Naruto stopped and turned around. "What?" He asked her curiously.

"W-What's your name?" Hinata asked

"Naruto. And yours?"

"I am Hinata Hyuga. I think we are in same class. M-may be we can sit together sometime?" She asked shyly.

Naruto smiled brightly "Of course."

'Huh. Maybe I made a friend' thought Naruto in wonder. At least the physical exercises he is doing for two years are good for something.

A/N - Rewrite in progress