All According to Plan
Disclaimer: This is a work of fanfiction. "Naruto" and all related characters, settings, and concepts are the property of Masashi Kishimoto and respective companies. This story is written by a fan, for fans, with no financial gain
Story Summary: In a world where darkness and light dance a delicate waltz, the Hokage's gambit unfolds. A tale of hidden alliances, emotional manipulation, and the relentless pursuit of power. Naruto Uzumaki, a boy burdened by a demon and scarred by isolation, finds himself at the center of a grand scheme, his destiny intertwined with the fate of Konoha itself. Will he rise above the shadows that haunt him, or will he succumb to the darkness that threatens to consume him?
Chapter 1: The Crucible of Change
"Blurb"
The morning sun, a golden orb piercing through the paper-thin walls of Naruto's attic room, roused him from a dream of ramen and laughter. A familiar weight suddenly crashed onto his chest, a whirlwind of energy and a shrill voice jolting him fully awake.
"Naruto, wake up!" Konohamaru's gleeful shout echoed in the small space. Naruto blinked sleepily, catching sight of the whirlwind in question: Konohamaru, his spiky brown hair sticking up at all angles, his cheeks flushed with excitement, and his dark eyes practically glowing with anticipation. He was a bundle of unbridled energy, his small frame practically vibrating with eagerness.
"Today's the day! You're finally gonna be a genin!" Konohamaru declared, his voice barely containing his excitement.
Naruto, his own blond hair a tad shorter than usual, tousled and sleep-mussed, mumbled, "Konohamaru, you little knucklehead," while rubbing the sleep from his eyes. "Can't a guy get a little more shut-eye before his big day?"
Naruto rose, stretching languidly, his movements revealing the simple yet meticulously crafted outfit he wore. An orange high-collared tunic, a subtle nod to his Uzumaki heritage, was cinched at the waist with a deep crimson sash, a tribute to the Sarutobi clan. The tunic's edges were adorned with a swirling black trim, reminiscent of the spirals found on Uzumaki clan symbols. Black pants, tapered at the ankles, completed the ensemble, allowing for unrestricted movement and agility.
Konohamaru giggled, his boundless enthusiasm undeterred. "Come on, Naruto! This is a big day! You've worked so hard, and now you're gonna be a real ninja, just like Jiji!" His eyes sparkled with admiration for their shared grandfather, the Hokage.
The two brothers made their way downstairs, the aroma of miso soup and grilled fish wafting from the kitchen. Hiruzen sat at the head of the table, a serene smile gracing his weathered face.
"Good morning, my boys," he greeted them warmly. "Ready for the big day?"
"You bet, Jiji!" Konohamaru exclaimed, practically vibrating with excitement.
Naruto nodded, his expression more reserved but no less determined. "I'm ready, Jiji."
Hiruzen's smile softened as he watched the two brothers interact. Naruto had blossomed under his care, shedding the emotional shackles that had once held him back. But a shadow of guilt still lingered in the Hokage's heart.
"I allowed Naruto to suffer, to be ostracized and manipulated, all in the name of a greater good." The thought gnawed at him, a constant reminder of the sacrifices he had made. But today, he vowed, would mark a turning point. Naruto would finally receive the recognition and respect he deserved.
He pushed the guilt aside, focusing instead on the task at hand. The future of Konoha, the Will of Fire, rested on the shoulders of these young shinobi. And he would do everything in his power to ensure they were ready.
As the sun climbed higher in the sky, Naruto and Konohamaru made their way towards the academy. The village streets were bustling with activity, merchants hawking their wares, children chasing each other through alleyways, and shinobi patrolling the perimeter. But amidst the vibrant tapestry of everyday life, a sense of unease lingered in the air.
Konoha had changed in the 4 years since Orochimaru's ascension to power. The village had grown stronger, more technologically advanced, but also more ruthless and pragmatic. The old ways, the values that Hiruzen held dear, seemed to be fading away. But today, a new generation of shinobi would graduate, and with them, a glimmer of hope for the future.
The familiar stone façade of the academy loomed before them, a silent sentinel guarding the secrets and traditions of the shinobi world. Naruto and Konohamaru paused at the entrance, a palpable shift in the atmosphere as the weight of the day settled upon them.
"Well, this is it," Naruto said, his voice barely a whisper.
Konohamaru grinned, his eyes shining with youthful bravado. "Go get 'em, Naruto! Show them what you're made of!"
Naruto nodded, a silent understanding passing between them. With a final pat on Konohamaru's shoulder, he turned and entered the academy, leaving the bustling world outside behind.
Inside, the air crackled with anticipation. The graduating class, a diverse group of young shinobi, had already gathered in the main hall. Naruto's gaze swept across the familiar faces, each one etched with a mixture of nerves and excitement.
There was Sasuke Uchiha, his dark eyes burning with an intensity that both intimidated and intrigued Naruto. The two had been rivals since their first day at the academy, their contrasting personalities and backgrounds fueling a silent competition.
"Look at him, all brooding and mysterious," Ino Yamanaka's voice chimed in from behind Naruto, her tone laced with a playful tease. "Thinks he's so much better than the rest of us."
"He's not wrong, though," Kiba Inuzuka added, his canine companion Akamaru barking in agreement. "Sasuke's a natural. He's mastered every jutsu we've been taught, and he's got that Sharingan to boot."
Naruto shrugged, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "Yeah, he's good. But so are we."
His eyes fell upon Hinata Hyuga, who stood a short distance away, her lavender eyes fixed on the floor. A pang of sympathy tugged at his heart. He knew all too well the sting of isolation and the burden of unspoken feelings.
"Hinata's always been so shy," Ino whispered, nudging Naruto playfully. "But I bet she's secretly hoping to be on your team, Naruto."
Naruto blushed, his mind flashing back to a training session where Hinata had stumbled and fallen into his arms. The warmth of her touch and the sincerity in her eyes had left an impression on him, a fleeting moment of connection in a world that often felt cold and distant.
Shino Aburame, shrouded in his customary cloak of insects, stood apart from the crowd, his enigmatic presence both unsettling and fascinating.
"Creepy," Ino muttered, shivering slightly. "I still don't understand how he can stand having all those bugs crawling all over him."
"He's got a unique skill set, that's for sure," Naruto remarked, recalling a sparring match where Shino's insects had overwhelmed his shadow clones. "But I wouldn't underestimate him."
As Naruto continued to survey the room, his eyes fell upon Sakura Haruno, her pink hair pulled back in a high ponytail, her green eyes sparkling with determination. She had always been a diligent student, but a recent surge in her abilities had caught everyone by surprise.
"Did you see Sakura during the last training exercise?" Kiba whispered to Naruto. "She totally wiped the floor with her sparring partner! I heard she's been volunteering for some of Lord Orochimaru's experiments."
Naruto nodded, a sense of unease settling in his stomach. He had heard rumors of the experimental enhancements offered to promising students, but the thought of altering one's body and abilities felt unnatural to him.
Beside Sakura stood Karin Uzumaki, her fiery red hair cascading down her back, her eyes narrowed in a perpetual scowl. She and Sakfew's interactions had been marked by a tense rivalry, fueled by their mutual affection for Sasuke.
"Karin's always been a loner," Ino remarked, her voice laced with a hint of disdain. "But I've heard she's got some serious healing skills. Maybe that's why Sasuke's always hanging around her."
Naruto's jaw clenched at the mention of Karin, as another Uzumaki he'd tried to reach out multiple times but was always shot down, hard.
Lastly, his gaze fell upon Suigetsu Hozuki, his pale skin and languid movements belying a surprising agility and power.
"Suigetsu's another one who's been experimenting," Kiba whispered. "I heard he can turn his body into water. Freaky, right?"
Naruto nodded, his mind swirling with questions and doubts. But before he could dwell on them further, the lead sensei, Mizuki, stepped forward, his voice booming through the hall, signaling the start of a new chapter in their lives.
Mizuki, his voice amplified by a subtle sound jutsu, addressed the assembled genin hopefuls, his words echoing through the examination hall.
"Today, you stand at the threshold of a new era," Mizuki proclaimed, his voice dripping with reverence for their current Hokage. "Lord Orochimaru's visionary leadership has propelled Konoha to unprecedented heights of power and innovation."
As Mizuki spoke, Naruto found himself whisked away to a training ground, his lithe form weaving through a complex obstacle course with practiced ease. He scaled towering walls, navigated treacherous rope bridges, and evaded hidden traps, his movements a testament to the academy's rigorous physical training.
Meanwhile, in a dimly lit chamber, Hiruzen observed Naruto's progress through a shimmering crystal ball. Beside him, Orochimaru's serpentine eyes gleamed with a predatory interest.
"The boy has certainly improved," Orochimaru remarked, his voice a sibilant hiss. "The emotional conditioning seems to have had the desired effect."
Hiruzen nodded, a flicker of remorse crossing his face. "Indeed. He has become a model shinobi, obedient and focused. But at what cost?"
Mizuki's voice continued to fill the examination hall, his words painting a picture of a thriving Konoha, bolstered by a new generation of enhanced shinobi.
"The return of the legendary Sannin, Jiraiya and Tsunade, has brought invaluable knowledge and experience to our village," Mizuki declared. "Their contributions, alongside Lord Orochimaru's groundbreaking research, have revolutionized our shinobi forces."
In a sterile laboratory, Sakura Haruno, her pink hair pulled back in a tight bun, meticulously analyzed a complex chemical formula. Her hands, enhanced by experimental procedures, moved with a deftness and precision that belied her young age. A satisfied smirk curled on her lips as she successfully synthesized a potent new antidote.
Tsunade, observing Sakura's work from afar, couldn't help but feel a surge of pride. "The girl has a natural talent for medical ninjutsu," she remarked to Jiraiya, who stood beside her.
"Indeed," Jiraiya replied, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "She reminds me of a certain slug princess I once knew."
Mizuki's voice droned on, extolling the virtues of Konoha's experimental programs, which had propelled countless mid-tier shinobi to new heights of power.
In a shadowy training ground, Kiba Inuzuka and his canine companion Akamaru, their bodies augmented by a shared Seal of Earth, moved as one, their movements a blur of fangs and claws. Their enhanced strength and heightened senses made them a formidable duo, capable of tracking and taking down even the most elusive prey.
Kakashi, observing the pair's synchronized movements, couldn't help but be impressed. "Their bond is truly remarkable," he commented to Hiruzen, who nodded in agreement.
As the exams continued, each student was subjected to a series of grueling tests, designed to assess their physical prowess, tactical acumen, and mastery of ninjutsu. They sparred against seasoned chunin, deciphered complex codes, and navigated treacherous terrain, their every move scrutinized by the watchful eyes of their potential sensei.
The atmosphere in the examination hall was thick with tension and anticipation. The future of these young shinobi hung in the balance, their dreams and aspirations intertwined with the fate of Konoha itself.
Mizuki's voice droned on, his words a carefully crafted tapestry of propaganda designed to inspire awe and loyalty in the hearts of the young shinobi. Yet, in the Hokage's office, the atmosphere was far from harmonious.
Hiruzen, Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Kakashi watched the unfolding exam through the crystal ball, their expressions a mix of anticipation and apprehension. But beneath the surface, a silent tension simmered between Hiruzen and Jiraiya.
"That boy," Jiraiya muttered, his eyes fixed on Naruto as he deftly navigated a treacherous obstacle course. "He's got the makings of a fine shinobi."
"Indeed," Hiruzen replied, a hint of pride in his voice. "He's come a long way since I took him under my wing."
Jiraiya's brow furrowed, a storm brewing in his eyes. "Took him under your wing? You left him to rot in that orphanage for years, Hiruzen! You failed him."
Hiruzen's jaw tightened, his gaze hardening. "I did what I had to do, Jiraiya. The village was not ready for him. But now, the time is right. I will personally guide him towards his destiny."
Jiraiya scoffed, his voice laced with bitterness. "You've already molded him into a puppet, Hiruzen. A hollow shell of a boy, devoid of emotions and individuality. Is this the legacy you want to leave behind?"
Hiruzen's eyes narrowed, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "Do not question my methods, Jiraiya. I have always acted in the best interests of Konoha, even when it meant making difficult choices."
"Difficult choices?" Jiraiya spat, his voice rising in anger. "You abandoned him, Hiruzen! You left him to the mercy of a village that despised him. And now you dare to claim you're acting in his best interests?"
Tsunade, sensing the escalating tension, stepped between the two men. "Enough," she said, her voice firm and commanding. "This is not the time or place for this discussion. We have a duty to these young shinobi. Let us focus on their potential, not our past grievances."
Jiraiya and Hiruzen reluctantly turned their attention back to the crystal ball, their expressions masked in a veneer of civility. But the underlying animosity remained, a festering wound that threatened to rupture their fragile alliance.
In the examination hall, Mizuki's voice continued to extol the virtues of Konoha's experimental programs. But his words rang hollow in Naruto's ears. The boy's heart ached with a longing for acceptance, for a connection that transcended the cold logic of science and manipulation.
He glanced at Sasuke, who stood a short distance away, his face etched with a familiar scowl. The rivalry between them had always been a source of motivation for Naruto, pushing him to strive for greatness. But now, as he watched Sasuke's effortless mastery of jutsu, a pang of envy twisted in his gut.
Sasuke, unlike Naruto, had never been subjected to the emotional conditioning that had stunted his own growth before Lord Third stepped down and took over his care. He was free to express his anger, his frustration, his ambition. Naruto, on the other hand, had been taught to suppress his feelings, to become a weapon for the village, a tool to be wielded by those in power.
As the final stage of the exam began, Naruto steeled himself for the challenge ahead. He would prove his worth, not through obedience or conformity, but through his own strength and determination. He would show the world, and himself, that he was more than just a jinchuriki, more than just a pawn in someone else's game.
With the final echoes of battle fading, the students, their bodies weary but their spirits undimmed, reassembled in the examination hall. Mizuki, his composed demeanor returning, addressed the class once more.
"Congratulations," he announced, a hint of pride in his voice. "You have all demonstrated exceptional skill and resilience in today's trials. However, as I mentioned earlier, today's assessment served a dual purpose."nHe gestured towards a stack of neatly arranged folders on a nearby table. "These dossiers contain detailed evaluations of your performance, highlighting your strengths, weaknesses, and recommended areas for improvement. They also reveal your assigned teams and the specific mission types you are best suited for."
A wave of murmurs rippled through the class as the students eagerly retrieved their dossiers. Naruto, his heart pounding with anticipation, quickly scanned the pages, his eyes widening as he read the names of his teammates.
"Sasuke Uchiha... Yakumo Kurama..." he whispered to himself, a mixture of excitement and trepidation coursing through him.
Mizuki continued, his voice rising in volume. "But before you delve into the details of your assignments, I must inform you of a great honor bestowed upon this year's graduating class."
A hush fell over the room as the students leaned forward, their attention rapt.
"This year, you will have the privilege of being mentored by some of the most renowned shinobi in Konoha's history." Mizuki paused for dramatic effect, allowing the anticipation to build. "Your sensei will be none other than the legendary Sannin, Jiraiya and Tsunade, the esteemed Kakashi Hatake, and... the Third Hokage himself, Hiruzen Sarutobi!"
Gasps and whispers erupted from the students as they absorbed this shocking revelation. Even those who had already gleaned this information from their dossiers couldn't help but feel a surge of awe and excitement.
Mizuki cleared his throat, his voice regaining its composure. "Without further ado, I present to you the official team assignments for this year's graduating class."
He began to read out the names, each announcement met with a chorus of cheers and murmurs.
"Team 7: Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, Yakumo Kurama, led by Hiruzen Sarutobi."
"Team 8: Shikamaru Nara, Hinata Hyuga, Shino Aburame, led by Kakashi Hatake."
"Team 10: Sakura Haruno, Ino Yamanaka, Karin Uzumaki, led by Tsunade Senju."
"Team 11: Kiba Inuzuka and Akamaru, Choji Akimichi, Suigetsu Hozuki, led by Jiraiya."
As Mizuki finished reading the list, a wave of excitement washed over the room. The students, their hearts filled with dreams of glory and adventure, eagerly awaited the start of their new journey as genin.
AN: I know, I know. I haven't finished any of my other stories but inspirations are a funny thing.
