Disclaimer: This is a work of fanfiction, I own none of it.

Summary: A wife's plea answered, Their son would not be raised alone. Raised by the Toads Naruto is bound to become a fearsome Toad Warrior

Chapter 3 - Meet the Leaf

Note: Writing for children is hard, but I'll do my best

There were many names for Mt. Myoboku. The Land of Toads, The Great Sage Land, but more pertinently to a four year old child it was the Land of Bewilderment. Every day he could set out to explore with his toad guardians, and every day he would find new wonders. Mountain messa's, tropical forests, groves, and oh so many waterfalls.

Of course there were plenty of dangers on the mountain. But the various toads that took after him would teach him of the dangers. What plants were good to eat and which ones weren't. Some toads were more playful like Gamarza, the quirky kung-fu master of the Sage Lands. As opposed to Fukusaku himself who would lecture, quiz and tease the child for most of the day.

Now though? Now he wasn't running around anywhere. Fukasaku and Shima, the toads that he referred to as "Ma" and "Pa" respectively, had him sit down for an important chat.

"Now Naruto-boy there are some things you need to understand about Konoha." The elder toad pasused to make sure he had his attention. "While we raised you without any secrets, the world of ninja is full of them, and you have many." Shima nodded along with him. "You see Naruto-boy, most people can't know about your family, or your burden. So Lord Hokage and your uncles have prepared a story for you. Think of it like playing a prank on the whole village, see?" He croaked a little in laughter to keep the mood light.

Naruto was enraptured. "I get to prank a whole VILLAGE! That's awesome dattebayo!" His bright blue eyes sparkled with excitement.

"Yes yes, Naruto-boy. Shimura-san will explain." The elder sage gestured as Danzo appeared from the shadows.

At the display of super cool ninja skills Naruto jumped up for joy. "Uncle 'Zo! That was so cool, it was like you weren't even there and then you were totally there! Awesome!"

Danzo just chuckled at the boy's contagious enthusiasm, and endearing title he didn't feel he earned. "Yes, Naruto. As you train to be a shinobi you will learn to be unseen, though I understand from tales of your exploits that you're already ready to fool and surprise many of your elders. A valuable trait for a ninja." He cleared his throat before continuing. "While in Konoha few will know the details of the story we've fabricated for you. The clan heads and the jonin council mostly. But what they will be told is that you were given the name Uzumaki as a tribute to Kushina, and that all future Jinchuriki will bear the name. Coinciding with this it has been decided that the Toad Clan will be the stewards and caregivers of Konoha's Jinchuriki. As such you will continue to refer to the elder toads as "Ma", and "Pa", and will make no mention of your birth parents as being your parents whatsoever. "He could tell he was losing Naruto so he wrapped it up. "And finally, while some people will know, you are not to discuss Kyuubi with anyone but a pre-approved list of jonin or the Hokage. If you are successful in pulling your "prank"" He all but sighed "You will be able to reveal your secrets upon making chunin. To the shock and awe of everyone." While he was almost gritting his teeth at motivating a child this way, he got through. Even if his eyes were extra dead.

Naruto exploded! "What!? But that's not even funny!?" He burst out arms waving at his side.

Shima just chuckled "Naruto-boy, it's grown up humour. You'll understand by the time it's time. Besides, one of us will still be with you in Konoha, and you'll be able to return here when not attending." She waves her hands, seemingly trying to dismiss his worries.

Naruto pouted. "Grown up jokes are dumb but okay. I get to play regular pranks on people too, right?" All in attendance nodded. "And what about Uncle 'Raiya? Will he still come visit me?"

Fukasaku nodded. "Jiraiya-boy will most likely visit here, he usually only checks into the village every year or so. But we can use messenger toads to make sure you still meet up."

Naruto smiled at that. "Okay! That doesn't seem too bad. When do we leave?"

Shima waved him down. "Calm down Naruto-chan. There's still one more thing." Shima stopped as Fukasaku continued.

"Yes yes, it's also important you be careful with your summoning tattoo Naruto-boy. It's linked to Kyuubi so folks sensitive to that will feel it's chakra if you summon too many or too large a toad. This is part of keeping your secret" The toads nodded in sync as Naruto pouted.

"I guess… But the toads are my friends!" The kind hearted boy pleaded.

Shima patted the boy on the head. "You'll still be here plenty Naruto-chan. You'll make new friends in the leaf too."

Naruto smiled a little at the thought. "I guess new friends could be nice…" He trailed off. "When do we leave?"

Fukasaku smiled. "Gamasamona is already there waiting for you to be ready, we'll resign the contract with your now developed coils and it will allow you to be reverse summoned."

So they did just that, and with a poof of smoke Naruto and Fuksaku appeared in the Hokage's office.

For Hiruzen Sarutobi, today was a mostly normal day. He knew Danzo had departed nearly a month prior to prime Naruto for entering Konoha, but he didn't know exactly when he would arrive. Though the small toad minding its own business in the corner of his office suggested today.

The old man set aside his oversized hat and packed his pipe, reminiscing as he puffed at the fine grass country tobacco. He hoped Naruto would be everything he heard, having not been able to make the two way month long journey to Mt. Myoboku himself as Hokage. A joyfull child, full of energy and tricks. His fathers brilliant mind with Kushina's playful attitude and fire. Already he heard stories of intricate pranks the boy pulled, able to break down situations and figure out the best way to exploit them even at his age.

But most of all, he hoped the boy would still have room in his heart for an old man he had never met. An old man that was taking him away from the only home he'd ever known, for the boy's own good or not. He coughed on his pipe smoke as his mind betrayed him, he knew it was what was best for the village that drove him. Even still, he tried to hold close to his heart Minato's last wishes. But certainly his successor would want what was best for the village, why else entrust the boy with Kyuubi?

Only his musing's were interrupted as Gamasamona (he had of course asked the toads name and offered refreshments when they arrived.) perked up and began to use the reverse summoning jutsu. With a small plumb of smoke two figures appeared in the room, one little over a foot tall yet with a presence that filled the room with both authority and the calm serene of nature. The other was a bright haired, wide eyed child bouncing from one foot to the other before sprinting to the large window behind Hiruzen's desk to press his face at the glass and gaze upon the village.

"So cool dattabayo! There's so many houses! There must be a million people here!" He began doing a little dance, surely inspired by Jiriaya. "I'm gonna prank a million people, I'm gonna prank a million people!" He chanted and giggled as he danced. Hiruzen felt his heart warm even as Fukusaku's eyes narrowed

"Naruto-boy!" The old toad exclaimed sharply with a click of his cane. "You're disrespecting the Lord Hokage! Apologise at once!"

Naruto looked suitably chastened before returning to the front of the desk in a flash, bowing before the elder Kage. "Sorry, sorry Lord Hokage, sorry Pa. I just got excited." He chuckled as he rubbed the back of his head.

Hiruzen couldn't help but smile fondly at the energetic boy. Remembering Kushina's face when she first saw the village from this view. "Not to worry Naruto-chan. Konohagakure is the inspiration for the will of fire that drives all our Shinobi. A will of fire I believe you inherited from your parents, and hope to see it stoked into a flame that will brighten the whole village." He looked out the window wistfully even as Naruto stared at him wide coughed before continuing. "But that's not for a child to bear, welcome to your new home Naruto-chan. My name is Sarutobi Hiruzen, and as you know I'm the Third Hokage of the village you're so excited to prank." He smirked before smiling sadly. "However, before that, you'll need a place to live, and to start attending the academy. I've already found an apartment for you to stay in, near the woods the village hidden in the leaves is famous for so you'd feel more at home. As for the academy, you'll start tomorrow. It's an 8 year course that will prepare you for life as a shinobi and genin rank. Though it may be difficult, I encourage you to enjoy your time and make friends along the way. The luxury of the academy wasn't enjoyed in my day and I hope you'll make the most of it." He smiles and nods. "Any questions?"

Naruto was wide-eyed at the overflow of information, brain seemingly shorting out as Fukusaku chuckled and stepped forward. "Very good Hiruzen. We'll of course need some money to live day to day in the village. But Shima or I will stay with Naruto at all times when he's not in the academy."

"Of course." The old kage hands the toad a small folder. "Inside you'll find the details of the apartment and the accounts I've set up for you. Minato and Kushina didn't have much but it should last until he starts earning his own."

The toad sage nodded as Hiruzen gestured that they could go. Tucking the folder into his robe he took Naruto by the hand and began the trek to their new apartment. Naruto upon realising they were leaving shot over his shoulder. "Thanks old-man Hokage! I can't wait for you to hear about one of my pranks!"

Hiruzen could only laugh as the pair left him. Hopes high for Naruto, and the village's future.

At Naruto's new apartment, Fukasaku sighed wearily as Naruto ran full speed from wall to wall of the small apartment. "This is all mine! Wow wow wow!." He paused suddenly as he looked around. "But there's nothing here! No plants, no bugs, no scrolls. What do we do here?"

The child's eyes filled with anxiety at the unfamiliar environment as the elder toad answered. "While Naruto-boy, we can certainly get some plants. Most human dwellings try to be free of bugs. But we'll get stuff as we stay here. As for what we do here, it will mostly be meals, sleep and studying. The life of most young students I imagine."

Naruto pouted. "What about pranks?"

"Yes, some pranks, within moderation." Fukasaku chuckled at the boy's antics before becoming more serious. "Now Naruto-boy, with you starting the academy I feel their are some things I should prepare you for. Your situation, your upbringing, and likely your mannerisms will not be easy to accept for many people. It may be difficult to connect with other students at first because of this, and even teachers may not treat you properly. But it's important not to lash out at these people, they don't know better." He winked as he continued. "Us toads though? We're sage's. And we know that if you just keep on being yourself they'll grow to love you."

Naruto nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah! I wanna make lots of friends here, like all my toad friends but more like me! And I'm gonna give it my all to be friends with everyone Dattabayo!"

Fukasaku laughed. "You'll find it difficult to be friends with everyone, but if anyone could it would be you Naruto-boy! Now let's say we go find some grub before we get settled for the night, none of ma's cooking tonight we're gonna have proper human food!" The elder toad exclaimed, secretly happy to eat out for a change.

They didn't make it far down the street before finding a small ramen vendor, just a middle aged man tending to a three stool bar. Taking a seat Naruto wiggles around excitedly, eyes taking in everything in this new alien experience, nose twitching at the unfamiliar aromas. The man bowed slightly to Fukasaku.

"Good evening, honoured elder, you bless my stand with the presence of a toad sage." Fukasaku giggled as Naruto stared at him.

"Pa! Are you famous?" The bewildered boy proffered.

"In a sense, Naruto-boy. You're Uncle Jiriya and the Fourth Hokage were toad summoners, so we garner some respect amongst those that pay attention." He turned his attention to the ramen vendor. "I feel as though we'll be here often being just down the street, you can call me Pa young man."

The man bowed again. "It's Teuchi honoured Pa." Fukasaku laughed at the half acquittal. What can I get the two of you?" This made Naruto strangely uncomfortable as he shrunk into himself somewhat. He'd never been to a restaurant, or had ramen. He didn't know what the options were, or how to order. Seeing this Teuchi interjected. "Ah, well, first timer I imagine, how 'bout I just whip up two house specials then."

With the easy out naruto nodded cautiously. "Yes please, thank you sir."

As they waited the duo made small talk about little things Naruto had noticed in their short time in the village. The boy was shockingly astute and noticed the puzzled look people had seeing the duo. Soon enough though, food arrived with a clatter as Teuchi set down two large bowls of ramen. The smell of which left Naruto drooling as he drifted towards the food.

"Smells…. So good Dattabayo…" He mumbled dreamily as the chopsticks were set in front of him.

"Well then dig in kid! Ichiraku Ramen is the best ramen in the whole world!"

Naruto nodded before quickly digging into the dish. Pausing only for a second after his first bite before exclaiming in joy and tearing through the bowl of ramen in record time. Finishing the bowl he slapped his chopsticks down on the counter before loudly proclaiming. "RAMEN IS THE MOST AMAZING THING I HAVE EVER TASTED AND EVER WILL TASTE AND IT IS ALL I WILL EAT FOR THE REST OF TIME DATTABAYO!" Jumping out of his seat for the fist pump on the finish.

The elder toad and Teuchi simply laughed at the boy, Fukasaku whipping away a few stray tears as he interjected. "Naruto-boy. This is the first human food you've tried. Surely you'll want to try a few more before committing to a diet of noodles."

Naruto shook his head vigorously even as he began shovelling down another serving Teuchi had placed before him.

It would be the beginning of a beautiful relationship, between boy, and ramen.

The walk to the academy wasn't anything special. It was in the same building as the Hokage's office so they already knew the way, but Pa walked with Naruto anyway. Just to be sure.

As they approached the building, Naruto's demeanour slowly changed, becoming anxious and fidgety. He's never been to a class before, or around other kids even. He didn't know what it was gonna be like. Noticing his anxiety Pa assures him that if he just acts like himself, people will recognize him for the wonderful kid he was.

The academy was nothing special, a wing of the village administrative building. Classrooms, training fields and a library made up most of it. But there were kids of all ages pouring in. With all sorts of different clothes, and hair, and all talking to each other like they knew one another already.

There were a few outcasts loitering around the edges of the area waiting for the class bell, a girl with lavender eyes and a puffy coat, a boy wearing a high coat, and another boy seemingly doing pushups aside from everyone. But Naruto wasn't ready to approach anyone just yet. Saying goodbye to Pa he took a seat at the base of a tree to wait for the bell.

When it eventually came, Naruto made his way into the building where he was directed to his classroom. 21 kids in all made up Naruto's class, including the violet eyes girl and high coat boy. Naruto was one of the first students in so he took a seat by the window, eventually being joined by a blonde girl and a pinkette. He gave a little wave but they seemed to be busy talking to each other about a line of plush monsters, whatever those were. Naruto had never heard of a plush before.

Eventually a chunin with a scared nose called the class to order. "Good morning everyone, and welcome to the first year of the academy!" He paused for a moment. "My name is Iruka, and for the next 8 years I'll be teaching you everything you'll need to know. We'll start with basics like reading, writing and arithmetic, along with a little physical conditioning. And we'll work our way into the Ninja arts as we go. But first if everyone could introduce themselves, just your name and a little bit about you will do fine.

There were a few standouts amongst the crowd, most of the clans were represented, along with a few civilians. When it came to be his turn Naruto stood giving a small polite bow before speaking far too loudly. "My name is Naruto Uzumaki of the Toad Clan! And I'm gonna be the best toad summoner ever Dattabayo!"

The room murmured slightly, some of the clan kids knowing what the toads represented. Iruka made a strange face before continuing,

The rest of the class went on as normal, until lunch break. Naruto headed back for the same tree he'd sat at earlier, not yet being ready to approach other students. Luckily one did it for him. A boy with messy brown hair, sharp black eyes with vertical slit-like pupils, pronounced canine teeth and red tattoo like marking approached him. If he remembered right from introductions this way Kiba.

"Hey, you're not from around here right? You smell different than the village."

Naruto cocked his head slightly at the smell comment. "Yeah, I lived with the Toads on Mt, Myobuko until yesterday. The village seems nice though. Ramen is great."

Kiba chuckles. "If you think ramen is great, you should try the akamachi rotisserie fire pits. All the meat you can eat.

"I'll have to try that. The toads mostly eat bugs."

"Bug's? That's gross man, gotta get you some premium beef."

Naruto shrugged. "I don't know, ramens pretty great. But I guess if you go with me I'll try it. My Pa will pay!"

"Sweet!" The bell rang as Kiba continued. "But hey man, we'll get some grub later. Let's get back to class.

The rest of the day passed as you might expect. When they got to the last block of the day, physical conditioning. Kiba, Naruto, and a boy named Sasuke Uchiha dominated the field. Though Hinata Hyuuga, the violet-eyed girl, also held her own.

Eventually the day ended, and Naruto returned home to Ma, who had made a dinner of bugs much to Naruto's dismay. They talked about their days, and Shima started Naruto on his studies. Immediately it was apparent that his penmanship would excel while his arithmetic would suffer. But they would work to fix it.

And so, academy life, and life in the leaf would roll on. Laying the foundation for all that was to come.

AN: Stayed up late to get this finished today. Really happy with it so far, and looking forward to spending Academy Days with you folks. Feel free to review, hope you enjoyed it.