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 5 - Team 8
Author's Note: Another 4 year time skip to graduation. Enjoy
Naruto sat on Mt. Myoboku as he listened to Gamarza speak. "Now Naruto–chan… It is important once you're no longer spending weekends here to find a suitable sparring partner. Taijutsu grows rusty quicker than the other ninja arts, and must be kept sharp. You understand, yes?"
Naruto bowed his head, still exhausted from the rigorous training session he'd just been put through.
"Good." The Rza nodded. "Then you are ready for this." He rolled out his tongue, revealing a beautiful curved blade. "This is for you then, young Naruto" Naruto marvelled at the blade a dancing toad painted on the black lacquered sheath, paper lanterns floating around it, handle bound in red with white toadscale under it. Brass fittings and decorations emblazoned with more toads, the guard taking the form of the Kanji for Oil.
Naruto looked up from the beautiful blade to Gamarza. "But sensei. I don't know how to use a sword?" He asked, confusion dawning on his face.
Gamarza just croaked in laughter and smiled. "Ah, Naruto-chan. The sword style of Mt. Myoboku is the toad kata. You've already learned your footwork, simply incorporate the blade in your explosive attacks. All you need to learn is edge alignment, which will come by itself with time." He puts a webbed foot on Naruto's shoulder. "All that is left to complete your toad kata is experience. You have done well my student. And so you must also take this." He offered Naruto a bottle. "This Sake was made here, in the sage lands. It is the very sake that was used to quench your blade, and when you win your first battle against another bearer of the blade, you will drink to their honour. Or you will be dead." Gamarza bowed. "GO now my student. Go to Fukasaku and Shima for your final departure."
Naruto returned the bow, and set off for Ma and Pa's shack, his new katana held by his side. When he arrived they were waiting out front, one holding a fairly large box and the other holding a fairly large scroll.
"Naruto-boy" they croaked in unison before Pa continued. "Tomorrow you will graduate from the academy. And thus your time at Mt. Myoboku will end until you are ready to become a sage. Much have you learned here, but much more you will learn during your career as a shinobi. And so we have gifts for you." Pa presents his box to Naruto.
Naruto bows to Fukasaku as he takes the box, opening it to reveal a new pair of sandals, Orange hakama pants, a white shirt and an orange and blue jacket with the Uzumaki spiral adorning its back. Also included were a red obi and forehead protector, the protector bearing the mark for Oil and two small horns on it. Looking up to Pa in askance he quickly received an answer. "The headband is for later of course, and the jacket is made to match Gamakichi."
Naruto bowed to Fukasaku and Shima offered him the scroll. "This Naruto-chan, is an everything scroll. Jiraiya carries a similar one. It's full of food and everything you could need in day to day life. Tents, furniture, even a lit fire. Just think of what you need and summon it." She chuckled at his amazed look. "Just remember to seal it back away. It can also carry most things you find on your adventures, just open it to a new sealing array."
Naruto's face lit up at the amazing gifts he'd received. He bowed deeply to the toads as tears streamed from his eyes. "Ma, Pa. Thank you so much. Thank you for raising me. Thank you for making me into a ninja." He wiped the tears out of his eyes. "I'm gonna make the toad clan so proud, you'll see… Dattebayo!"
The elder toads smiled and croaked softly as Naruto was reverse summoned for one of the last times. Once he became a genin he would no longer be spending his weekends on Mt. Myoboku, he'd be fulfilling his duties as Jinchuuriki full time. "I believe it, Naruto-boy." Pa whispered softly as the smoke faded.
Back in his apartment in the village, Naruto cried a few lonely tears as his time living with Ma and Pa ended. From then on, it would just be him and "Kichi. Well,, and his team he supposed.
He was pretty confident in the exam, even if his written grades were only middle of the pack his practical grades were a perfect hundred percent, same as Sasuke. Taijutsu? In the bag, a few of them had perfect grades there. Ninjutsu? The toads had been teaching him control since he was four, the academy three were down pat. Tools? Okay maybe Sasuke had him beat there, but only because he was faster.
Naruto looked down at his new katana in reverence before donning his new attire, besides his Oil headband he tucked into his tool pouch. His new sword, which he named Hikigaerudansu or Toad Dancer, tied firmly to his side as he examined himself in the mirror. His hair was getting long so he tied the length back, unknowingly similar to his late father.
Knowing what was missing he summoned Gamakichi, now the size of a small cat or a rabbit he took his place on Naruto's head as the boy, without prompting offered the toad a stick of pocky, which he took. "Morning 'Ruto. All ready for today?"
Naruto nodded firmly, Kichi anchored to his head with chakra. "You know it, dattebayo!"
So the duo set off for the academy. Full of good feelings imparted by the toads and the vigour of youth. As he arrived at the academy he quickly fell in with his posse, even as he gave Sasuke a respectful nod. Kiba was the first one to comment.
"Sick threads dude, is that a new sword too?" Kiba nodded at the new blade.
Naruto smirked back, slipping out the bare steel to show off a little. "You know, dog-breath, steel forged in the sage lands."
It's at this point Shino chimes in. "Showboating in showy clothes, unwise. Why? A shinobi should not draw extra attention to themselves." He adjusts his shades as Naruto replies.
"Nah, it's all part of the illusion. No one expects the loudmouth in orange to be sneaky, even when you prank them twice a week." He snickered at Iruka's expense.
KIba just shook his head as Hinata giggled to herself. "Naruto, it's not good to brag about something you got away with."
Naruto rubs the back of his head in embarrassment. "Eh, I guess you're right, Hinata. My bad-" He was cut off by the bell. 'Well, I guess let's do this guys!" He puts his fist in between them all. "Let's kick this test ass and make genin! Dattebayo! He exclaimed as everyone bumped fists, cheering in agreement.
There was no way they'd fail, this time tomorrow? They'd be real ninja.
The Test was easy enough. A written portion Naruto held his own on, even if he didn't ace anything. Ninja tools he was better at, scoring just under Sasuke. Taijutsu though, taijutsu he scored just higher. It was a first to five point match with Iruka, in which Sasuke did really well, scoring all five points while only one was scored against him.
However when it was Naruto's turn it was no contest. Right when the match started Naruto sprouted a shit eating grin, holding up a picture of Iruka getting shot down by the Ramen waitress. Iruka's fury made him sloppy, leaving lots of openings for Naruto's opportunist style. And every time Naruto would land a hit he would brag about something else he'd done to make Iruka's life hell.
Only when he was knocked out of the ring by a spartan kick to the ass after Naruto side stepped him, did he realise he'd already been hit 4 times before that. He'd been swept by an academy student. An academy student that had been playing with him all year. Maybe, maybe he had picked on the boy after all. He owed him an apology.
But that would be later, for now it was time for the ninjutsu test. Calling everyone to the front to display their academy three jutsu, which almost everyone met just as expected.
The only really notable acts during the ninjutsu test were Sasuke's single seal replacement technique, Naruto's exceptional transformation in Jiraiya, and Sakura's astoundingly real looking clones. Naruto of course made far too many clones but they were acceptable.
Everyone taking their seats, Konoha headbands were handed out to the students who all promptly tied their own, except Naruto who donned his Oil Headband.
"Congratulations everyone!" A mildly bruised Iruka began. "I've had the great pleasure of watching over you these past eight years. The joy of watching you grow from children, into young shinobi. As you are assigned teams tomorrow, and are assigned jonin sensei, try not to forget that the academy and it's resources will always be here for you. Take responsibility for your new duties, and bring pride to the village hidden in the leaves. The WIll of FIre burns within all of you!" He finished with a flourish. "Come back tomorrow to get your team assignments."
Everyone cheered as their time in the academy came to a close, and everyone headed out to celebrate before team assignment the next day. Sasuke of course, went off alone, while Ino and Sakura paired off, Shikamaru and Choji paired off, and Naruto and his friends went for ramen.
While the new genin were out celebrating, a select group of Jonin eligible for genin teams crowded around a briefing desk with the Hokage. His viewing orb fading to clarity once more as a scene of the academy faded away. Those present having watched the entire graduation exam.
The collected jonin included such notable faces as Kakashi Hatake, Asuma Sarutobi, Anko Mitarashi, Kurenai Yuhi, and Yugao Uzuki, along with a smattering of rank and file jonin hoping for a pay bump.
They all started chattering away before the Hokage called to order.
"Easy pick, Ino-Shika-Cho. All they need is a push and a tune up and they'll be chunin before you know it." Asuma smirked at the assembled jonin.
Kakashi nodded. "Uzumaki, Uchiha, and Hyuuga." The crowd murmured at the absolutely stacked team.
Kurenai interjected. "I was actually hoping to take a team with Hinata." More murmurs at the rookie jonin wanting a team and picking a clan heiress.
"Whatever blowhards." Anko pushed herself off the wall. "The Uzumaki brat's mine, personal apprentice." Her fanged smile unnerved a few people as whispers about letting the Jinchuriki train under Orochimaru's student began.
Hiruzen let them debate amongst themselves as he flipped through Iruka's reports on the student's doodling out potential team setups with pros and cons list. Eventually close enough to settled he interjected, bringing the room to silence in honour of the god of shinobi. "Anko. Explain to me why you think Naruto would benefit from your teaching. Kakashi does afterall, have seniority in this matter."
The room stood shocked that he would even consider it as Anko's smirk grew wider. "Easy. He's a summoning specialist, like me. He's a psychological fighter, like me, he's got a seal that everyone judges him for, you guessed it, like me." She gestured at herself. "And to top it off, I know what it's like to have all you pricks." She gestured at the crowd. "Waiting for me to stab you in the back. Who else could understand and mould a loyal Jinchurki?"
The crowd shuffled anxiously, as Kakashi took the chance to speak up. "I was Lord Fourth's student." Gasps at the unexpected card Kakashi would play. "It is my duty to safeguard his legacy within the village. And unless one of you has a fully developed Sharingan capable of subduing Kyuubi I am the only suitable choice.:
The edge to his voice was palpable as Hiruzen tapped out his pipe, taking his time to light another bowl before revealing his decision. "I will announce the teams then." He coughed his throat as he moved through the bulk of the academy students. Mostly to rank and file jonin. The exceptional amongst the genin were a hotter topic however. "Team 7 will be Sasuke Uchiha, Sakura Haruno, and Hinata Hyuuga under Kakashi. Team 8 will be Naruto Uzumaki, Shino Aburame, and Kiba Inuzuka under Anko Mitarashi. Team 10 will be Ino Yamanaka, Chouji Akamichi, and Shikimaru Nara."
The room filled with chatter, as Kakashi's visible eye hardened and Kurenia's face fell. Anko, though, was stunned. "A whole team?" She muttered. "I just wanted the one brat, not a whole team of brats." She patted Kurenai on the shoulder as she walked out. "Them the breaks hun, we can drink about it later." She walked out of the room.
Only she didn't make it far. As suddenly Kakashi was blocking her path when she turned down the alley towards the dango stand. "What. The Fuck. Anko? You know what that boy means to me." He glared harshly.
Anko just scoffed. "Oh yeah, he means so much to you. Does he even know your name? Has he seen you without an Anbu mask on? Fuck of Kakashi you abandoned that boy as much as anyone did. He doesn't need another tie to his past trauma, or a minder for his burden, he needs a fresh start and someone who will believe in him for him." She shook her head. "That's not you, you'd always be in it for Minato." She all but spat at him.
His eye was almost closed at this point as his hand began to twitch towards his headband. "How dare you-"
Anko cut him off. "Oh I dare. And unless you think you've got what it takes to take me on here and now I suggest you back off." She bared her fangs. "I won, fair and square. He's my student. If you want him in your life, fucking introduce yourself." She spat literal venom at his feet before shouldering past.
Kakashi stood in the alley in shock for a good long while. Eventually he began to tremble before he shunshin'd away to track down Gai for a heated training session.
The next morning Nauto woke with excitement. This was it, this was the day he would get his genin team. He hoped it would be with his friends but he was sure they would make it work no matter who's team he wound up on.
Quickly getting his gear on, proudly tying his Oil headband around his forehead. He summoned Gamakichi to join him for a light breakfast of a rice omelette with veggies, a mini one made for the toad.
"Morning boss! Thanks for the grub." The toad's tongue shot out and swallowed the omlet as Kichi glowed in delight. "That's great boss! Hinata really has shown you the way around the kitchen eh?" He hopped over and elbowed Naruto in the arm good naturedly.
"Ah Kichi, it's nothing like that. We're just friends and she's good at cooking. Like how I help her with taijutsu." Truly he had, after not landing a hit in their first spar Naruto badgered her into, she kept trying again. Holding back less and less each time they fought as Naruto built up the trust that she wouldn't hurt him sparring.
Of course she did block a few of his chakra points here and there, and leave some gnarly bruises. But that all cleared up overnight and he wasn't going to stress her out over nothing.
Taking his usual place on Naruto's head, Gamakichi croaked in excitement. "Alright Naruto! Let's hit the road, super cool missions await!"
Naruto just smirked, using a chakra enhanced toad jump to fly out his window towards the academy.
Arriving at the academy there was immediately a crowd around a scroll posted to the wall. "What is it Kichi?" Naruto couldn't quite see. The toad had good eyes though and only squinted slightly.
"Looks like class standings boss." The toad patted his head. "Sorry man, you got second."
Naruto cursed lighty, not super upset but he would have liked the top spot. He supposed nothing could overcome his just alright academic performance. Locating Sasuke in the crowd, making his way towards the classroom Naruto cuts him off. Giving him a good Natured clap on the shoulder. "Congrats man, rookie of the year. Hope I at least made it a good fight dattebayo!"
Sasuke looked unimpressed as he pushed Naruto's hand away. "Whatever toadie. Good luck on team assignment I guess." He huffed as he walked off, leaving a smiling Naruto.
"See Kichi? I think he's warming up to me." They both laughed as Naruto prompted the toad for a fist bump.
After meeting up with his friends Naruto was unsurprised to hear bellyaching from Kiba. "Sixth? I came in sixth? Come on guys, that's not fair."
Shino disagreed. "Actually it makes perfect sense. Why? Because your academics suffered, and you rely on taijutsu neglecting weapons and ninjutsu." The feral looking boy bristled and growled at the Aburame heir.
Luckily Hinata got between them. "Kiba, Shino's right." She giggled at the hurt look in his eyes. "But that doesn't matter anymore. You both made genin and you'll both get stronger with time."
Naruto chimed in. "Yeah guys, we're all gonna get super strong. I just hope some of us wind up on a team together!"
They all kept chatting away at their hopes and dreams for shinobi life as they headed into the classroom to await Iruka-sensei one last time. But on their way in, Naruto felt a hand on his shoulder, Iruka pulling him aside into another empty classroom. "Oh hey, Iruka-sensei. What up?" Naruto rubbed the back of his head anxiously.
"Nothing to be worried about Naruto." He took a breath. "I actually wanted to apologise for some of the way I've treated you over the past years. I was always ready to call you down for minor failures, always ready to pin wrongdoings on you even without evidence… And the truth is…" Another deep breath. "As your teacher I was informed of you burden, and my parents died in Kyuubi's attack. And I took that out on you. And I'm sorry." He looked ashamed as Naruto just gave a playful smile.
"Ah how can I stay mad at you Iruka-sensei. I really did do most of that stuff after all" He laughed. "No harm done Iruka, sure it was a little frustrating at times but I still learned a lot, and I'm still gonna be a super strong shinobi. So don't sweat it, just remember to give everyone a fair chance from here on out."
Iruka smiled at the good natured boy. "Thank you Naruto. Who knows, maybe we'll do missions together one day."
Naruto nodded. "I'd like that sensei."
Once everyone was seated Iruka called the class to order. "Good morning everyone! We're all excited so I'll get right to it." He started calling out teams, Naruto largely tuned it out until he heard one of his friends' names. "Team 7, led by Kakashi will be Sasuke Uchiha, Hinata Hyuga, and Sakura Haruno." Sakura squealed as Hinata looked at her fingers nervously. Kiba just gave her a pat on the back.
"Don't worry Hinata, he might be a prick but he's strong. You'll work together fine." The pale eyed girl sat up a little straighter, giving Kiba a thankful nod.
Iruka continued. "Team 8, led by Anko Mitarashi will be Naruto Uzumaki, Kiba Inuzuka, and Shino Aburame." Naruto and Kiba cheered as they high-fived. Shino just buzzed happily. "Team 10, led by Asuma Sarutobi will be Ino Yamanaka, Chouji Akamichi, and Shikamaru Nara." Iruka finished off the names and gave the class a chance to settle down. "Now all of your jonin sensei will collect you after lunch. Good luck, and may your will of fire burn bright. It's been a pleasure teaching you all." With that done, Iruka bowed and poofed away. A little display of ninja flourish just for fun.
The class erupted in cheers for a moment before people started heading off for lunch with their new teams. Sasuke seemingly vanished, much to Sakura's dismay. But eventually her and Hinata agreed on a tea shop to get to know each other a little. Team 10 went for barbeque of course, Chouji wouldn't have it any other way.
Team 8 though? Apparently Shino had a taste for sweets today and led them to a dango shop they'd been to before. They had a pleasant lunch and Shino even got a few sticks to go, much to his group's surprise.
After making it back to the academy, along with most of the other students, they didn't have to wait long for their sensei to arrive. Anko is a slim but fit woman with pupil-less eyes. Violet hair styled into a short, spiky, fanned-out ponytail. She was wearing a custom-made outfit that is crafted of thin metal mesh to fit the lines of her body, that covers her from neck to thigh with a tan overcoat, a dark orange mini-skirt, a dark blue belt, and pale grey shin guards. She also wears a pendant that looks like a snake fang.
"Sup brats? Team 8 come with me." She turned as quickly as she arrived, beckoning over one shoulder for the team to follow her as she jumped out the window.
Stunned for just a moment, Naruto and his team quickly said goodbye to Hinata before they launched out the window following their new sensei. Eventually they arrived at a training ground where Anko was waiting for them with a stopwatch, which she clicked as she arrived. "Eh, not bad for academy brats." She threw the stopwatch aside without revealing their time. She promptly threw herself to the ground, gesturing for them to do the same. "Alright brats. So I know you already know each other pretty well, and I've read your files so I'll just tell you a little about me. My name's Anko Mitarashi, as you know. I love dango, and the fine arts of torture and interrogation." She gave them a fanged smirk. "I'm also the top assassin in the hidden leaf, not that most people know it." She bragged, not getting much of a reaction. "Now, how about everyone tells me what kind of shinobi they want to be?"
The three share a mildly confused look before Kiba starts. "Tracking and ambush I guess. My attacks are really straightforward so they need a little set up to land a good hit, but me and Akamaru can track down most anything." The pup yipped in agreement.
"Good, lots of Inuzuka think they're gonna be frontline fighters. But they should be circling their opponents looking for openings. Blondie, you're up next."
Naruto thought about it long and hard. "I guess I'm kinda an all rounder? I'm not really sure. The only other toad ninja is Uncle Jiraiya, and he's a sannin so it's kinda hard to fight like him."
Anko nodded. "It's good of you to be honest about it. We'll go over your abilities and what techniques you're suited for developing and find you a specialisation." She gestured to Shino, who adjusted his glasses before starting.
"I will specialise in support and information. I believe my kikaichu will be potent in interrogation as well." Anko's fanged smirk returns.
"Perfect, of course I'll teach you the finer points of interrogation as we advance." Her stomach growled. "Right, now for your final geinin test-" The boys exchanged confused looks as she continued. "Find my favourite food and bring me some!"
She smirked at what she thought would be a difficult test for the boys, only for Shino to slide her a box. "I believe I have already succeeded. Why? You see years ago I observed Naruto and Kiba at a dango shop, and was going to join them. Only for a young chunin to be thrown across my path, thrown by you. You called him a bastard for wasting 'precious dango'. Therefore I brought you some as an introduction gift. Subsequently, I appear to have passed our final test."
Naruto and Kiba both clapped him on the back, the group all smiles, including Anko. "Well well, not bad bug-brat. Always good to be prepared. Well, welcome to Team 8 boys!"
AN: So in my au, Anko is a full jonin and a potent shinobi in her own right. It never made sense to me that one of Orochimaru's direct students peaked at tokubetsu.