Is it the same story if I rewrite everything? Hi everyone, it's been a very long time. One of the reasons I started this story was that I felt like I had very few options to a well written Naruto Ino story compared to other relationships based in a long form story. I always try to make my own, but end up hating my own writing. Hopefully this time is different.

That being said, expect some changes to the story! That Mokuten storyline won't happen, at least not as early as originally planned (Currently making a draft of the storyline until Shippuden starts). That decision was influenced by me reading a TON of Mokuten style Naruto fanfictions in 2020.

I started this story when I was in high school, hated it and took it down, rewrote it in college, took it down. Now I'm a good old 9-5 employee and hey maybe the third time's the charm?

So… for the third time, welcome to Changes!

(Konoha)

Everything was fine in Konoha, the shinobi village within the Land of Fire, one of the five biggest Elemental Nations. It was a nice day out, the sun shone brightly over the city. The clouds were big and calming. The villagers were out and about. Nothing out of the ordinar—

"NARUTO!"

Ah, yes. That too. How could anyone forget? The shouts of people screaming at a young Naruto racing through the streets. How nice. How peaceful.

"Naruto! Get back here this instant!" yelled the man with a large scar across his nose.

The blonde's grin widened as he darted through the streets, eyes gleaming with mischief. His laughter bubbled up, slipping past his lips as he weaved between startled villagers, too fast to be caught. He knew that he'd probably be in trouble for this. Hell, probably some major trouble, but it didn't matter to him.

Despite the chaos, Naruto couldn't wait to talk to Jiji—it had been far too long. After all, the current greatest ninja of the village had a lot on his plate. It was nice to be able to drop by and say hi, even if it meant causing trouble to do so. He couldn't contain his excitement to see him.

"You can't just deface the Hokage monument like that!"

Oh. Right. That. He had almost forgotten while in his monologue. Maybe the Hokage wouldn't be that happy to see him after seeing what he'd done to his statue's face. But then again, the man had always liked a good laugh. Oh well. If the ANBU caught him, well... he'd deal with that then. For now, the thrill of the chase was all that mattered.

But I sure as hell can't let Iruka-sensei catch me.

He could feel Iruka-sensei's anger from his voice. It wasn't like the rage that the villagers seemed to have—it was more of a "I can't believe you did this" kind of rage. He knew he'd get hell if he got caught by sensei. There was no way he was going to deal with that sort of anger right now. That rage usually meant he'd have to help grade papers. Or even worse, clean the toilets.

Naruto glanced back at Iruka, his brow furrowing for a brief moment as he saw Iruka catching up. He couldn't slow down now. Naruto turned on the jets, leaving Iruka in the dust as the people around him began reacting to the graffitied monument.

The Shodaime's cheeks were painted bright red as if to make it seem like he was deeply blushing. The Nidaime was given giant fake eyelashes and a dash of red on his lips. The Sandaime had a giant stick... sticking out of his mouth, much like the pipe that was regularly found with the Sandaime. His eyes were also painted slightly red, as if he hadn't gotten any sleep... Or something like that.

The great Yondaime, personally Naruto's favorite, had been left untouched. He couldn't imagine the great Kage like that. The villagers apparently had mixed feelings. He could hear them talking as he ran by.

"I can't believe he did that."

"That might be the funniest thing I've ever seen! Haha!"

(Hokage Tower)

Hiruzen Sarutobi ran a hand through white beard, the weight of his years pressing down on his shoulders. Few shinobi ever lived as long as he had, but even in all his decades, no one had ever pulled a stunt like this. Standing atop the Hokage tower, he gazed up at the graffitied mountain, a sigh escaping his lips, though a small smile lingered.

'Always full of surprises, aren't you, Naruto-kun?' Hiruzen thought with a soft chuckle. He paused for a moment before calling out, "Neko-san, Boar-san. Could you bring Naruto-kun to my office?" His voice was calm, but there was a glint of amusement in his eyes.

Two masked shinobi materialized at his side. "Hai, Hokage-sama." Both froze for a brief second, their eyes inevitably drawn to the mountain.

"Do you think he'll ever stop Hokage-sama?" Boar asked, knowing that if he wasn't on duty he would be cracking the hell up.

"As much as I wish to say yes... Naruto, I believe, will always be Naruto," Hiruzen replied, not taking his eyes off the mountain.

Neko tilted her head slightly, a soft chuckle escaping her despite the mask, "We wouldn't want it any other way though would we?"

"That we don't, Naruto-kun brings life to the village that no one else can. It seems that if he doesn't make things interesting, something will always make things interesting for him."

The Anbu both nodded and quickly disappeared with a shunshin.

(Elsewhere in Konoha)

"Shikamaru!"

Shikamaru blinked against the bright light filtering through his half-closed eyelids. As his vision cleared, two familiar shadows loomed over him. He groaned, noticing Choji's wide grin and Ino's impatient frown staring down at him.

"Troublesome," he mumbled before turning his back to them.

"Hey, Lazy Bones! Get up!" Ino prodded Shikamaru with her shoe.

Shikamaru reluctantly sat up, rubbing his eyes. "This was such a nice spot, why do you have to be so troublesome, Ino?

"Graduation's coming up and since we're likely to be stuck together when we pass our final exam, I figured we might as well talk about it!" Ino replied.

Shikamaru sighed, his eyes drifting toward the sky. Shika-Ino-Cho were renowned across the Elemental Nations—a prime example of synergy. A true example of the whole being greater than the sum of its parts. For generations, the three clans had worked together, and this year would likely be no different.

"What is there to talk about?" Shikamaru replied, "If it happens. It happens, if it doesn't, it doesn't. You're stressing over something you can't control."

"Look, if I'm stuck with you two instead of Sasuke-kun, I need us to be in sync. HEY, ARE YOU GOING BACK TO SLEEP?"

Shikamaru sighed deeply as he stared into the distance, 'The Monument looks different… So troublesome…'

(Hokage Tower)

Hey Jiji! You called?" Naruto grinned as Boar held him up by the back of his shirt like a misbehaving kitten.

With a flick of his wrist, Hiruzen gave the signal, and Boar unceremoniously dropped Naruto to the floor. "OOF!" Naruto yelped, rubbing the back of his head. "Could've given me a warning, you know!" he muttered. He scrambled to his feet, looking back just in time to see a swirl of leaves flutter to the ground, the ANBU already gone. He sighed, "You have to teach me how to do that."

Hiruzen's lips curved into a small smile, but the twinkle in his eye dimmed as he straightened his posture. "In due time, Naruto, in due time. Now..." He paused, his expression turning serious. "Why don't you tell me about your day?"

"First, you have to tell me how they keep catching me," Naruto mused, "I don't understand it. It's only those two and Inu!"

The Hokage chuckled, "ANBU has their ways Naruto. Maybe if you ever get to join them you'll figure it out." He turned his gaze towards his window once again, "So Naruto, once again. How has your day been?"

Naruto put on an exaggeratedly thoughtful expression, furrowing his brow and tapping his chin as if the answer were hidden in the air. Well, let's see… I went to school today! But then Iruka-sensei started droning on about some country's politics. Oh, and I had a cup of ramen—Spicy Donkatsu!"

"Anything else?" Hiruzen asked, his tone gentle but expectant.

Naruto's face brightened. "I don't think so!"

The Kage nodded at the blonde boy, "If that's the case you may go, have a good day Naruto. Thank you for stopping by."

Naruto wasn't one to question a gift horse and turned, "Bye Jiji! I'll catch you next time!" He turned to see the entrance blocked off by the Neko masked Anbu.

"... Yea I figured that would happen…"

"Very much so Naruto-kun," replied the old man, "You were never getting out of here that easily. So please do tell your story."

For the next hour, Naruto animatedly recounted his day's adventures, his hands waving wildly as the old man listened with a mix of amusement and patience. Today was a good day.

(Days later at The Academy)

"Naruto. I'm sorry… but you failed."

Today was NOT a good day. Those cursed bunshin, Naruto could never get them right. Despite his efforts, clones were never his strong suit. They always came out looking sickly and pale.

Naruto's shoulders slumped as he stared at the floor. Iruka's expression was a mix of sympathy and regret, but the decision still stood.

"There's always next year, Naruto. Don't worry about it," consoled Iruka.

Naruto tried to muster up a confident comeback, but at this time, it just didn't feel possible. He was tired of failing, tired of not being good enough. As he shuffled out of the classroom, Naruto's heart sank with every step.

A voice broke through his thoughts. Mizuki, leaning against the wall with a smirk. "Hey, Naruto. Looking a bit down there, huh?"

Naruto looked up, "What do you want?" he snapped, too sad to care about manners.

Mizuki's smile widened. This was the perfect chance. "Sorry about that Naruto. I really wanted you to pass this year."

Naruto mumbled back a thank you and nodded in weak appreciation.

Mizuki pretended to think, scratching his head, "You know, there might be another way you can pass."

Naruto's eyes widened with a flicker of hope. "What do you mean?" I can still pass?"

'Hook, Line, and Sinker.' Mizuki's grin was almost too big. "There's a secret way to pass. It's not official, but it could get you what you want. The Forbidden Scroll of Seals holds all the secret jutsu of the nation. If you manage to learn just one technique from it, you'll be a ninja. I know you've got what it takes, Naruto. Don't let this one failure keep you from your dreams."

Naruto hesitated, something about this just didn't feel right. However, he couldn't give up the chance at becoming a ninja.

"Okay," Naruto said, his voice filled with determination, "I'll do it."

Mizuki's grin widened, this was too easy, "Good. You'll find the scroll in the Hokage's office. It's not going to be easy, but I know you can do it. Good luck, Naruto."

With that, Mizuki turned and walked away, leaving Naruto alone with his thoughts and a new, dangerous mission ahead of him.

(Later that night, Hokage Tower)

Knock Knock*

The door creaked open, and Hiruzen Sarutobi came out with a welcoming smile. "Ah, Naruto! What brings you here this evening? Another fun adventure?"

"Sorry, Jiji! I've got to pass this exam! Dattebayo!" Without waiting for a response, Naruto performed a hand sign. "Oiroke no Jutsu!"

The Hokage's eyes widened in shock as he was confronted with an unexpected and rather inappropriate sight. He staggered back, knocked out by the sudden encounter.

Naruto glanced down at the unconscious Hokage with a mix of confusion and embarrassment. "This… This is embarrassing Jiji," he said, "I didn't think this would work so easily."

Just as quickly he had come in, he acquired the scroll and snuck out. He was well on his way to becoming a ninja.

(The Forbidden Forest)

Naruto found a clearing in the woods near where Mizuki had told him to go. He scanned the scroll until he found something he was interested in. Shadow Clone Jutsu—He had failed the bunshins earlier, maybe this could make up for it. Determined, Naruto got to work.

*A few hours later*

Iruka thought he knew Naruto very well. He was impulsive, a prankster, and an all around good kid if he was honest. He also knew Naruto well enough to understand his motivations for doing what he did. Desperation, and a need to prove himself. But this was dangerous. He hoped he wasn't too late.

As Iruka pushed deeper into the forest, he heard distant sounds of excitement. Following the noise, he quickened his pace. Finally, he saw the flicker of movement through the trees and approached cautiously. He stepped into the clearing.

"Naruto!" Iruka called out, "What are you doing out here?"

Naruto excitedly replied, "I just wanted to pass the exam, Iruka-sensei! And I DID IT!"

Iruka looked at him quizzically, "What do you mean by that?"

Naruto laughed happily, "Mizuki-sensei told me that if I learned a jutsu from this scroll I would pass! It took me a little time but I learned one!" The slew of information raised Iruka's eyebrows a little bit. Naruto learned something from the scroll already? And what was this about Mizuki? He couldn't detect a lie in the little boy's voice and if he was honest Naruto was a terrible liar anyway.

"I can graduate with everyone now, right?" Naruto's eyes were full of hopeful expectations.

Iruka opened his mouth to respond but had to cut himself off, "DUCK!"

Iruka tackled Naruto, pulling him to the ground just as a Fuma Shuriken whizzed past them, embedding itself into a nearby tree.

"Well, Well, Well. Looks like you beat me to him Iruka," Mizuki's voice rang out from the trees nearby, "I guess that means I have to deal with you first."

"Stay down!" Iruka ordered, pulling Naruto behind a large tree, "Mizuki… why would you do this?"

Mizuki's grin widened, "I'm just here to clean up a little mess. Thank you Naruto, for bringing me the scroll," He pulled out kunai as he revealed himself, "Now it's time to tie up loose ends."

Iruka's mind raced. He had to protect Naruto at all costs. He pulled out his own kunai, "Naruto, listen to me. You need to get out of here, but you need to protect the scroll at all costs. No one but you or the Hokage is to be in possession of the scroll. Do you understand?"

Naruto quickly nodded as Iruka dashed at Mizuki. Their blades clashed in a flurry of metal. The sharp clangs ringing around the forest. Iruka ducked under a sweeping slash, his eyes locked on Mizuki's with a fierce intensity. Mizuki's kunai sliced through the air, barely missing Iruka's shoulder, and a low growl of frustration escaped Mizuki's lips.

Mizuki sneered, "Why are you even protecting the brat, I know what he did to your family." In that brief moment of distraction, Iruka's grip faltered. Mizuki seized the opportunity with a powerful shove. Mizuki's blade forced Iruka off balance, sending him sprawling to the forest floor. He menacingly walked toward the downed Chunin. "Looks like the years of teaching got to you Iruka-sensei," he said mockingly, "Protecting anyone, even the Kyu-"

"No!" Iruka shouted as he threw a new kunai at the traitor's neck while getting back up, "We're done talking, you're going down!"

Mizuki effortlessly dodged the blade, letting it sail harmlessly past him. Sweat streamed down Iruka's face as he gritted his teeth, Mizuki was on the attack again. Each clash of their blades was sending vibrations up his arms. Mizuki was relentless, his attacks coming faster and more furiously. If Iruka stumbled, he would be a dead man.

(Very close by)

Naruto watched in amazement at the two shinobi going at it. He couldn't fully understand what was going on. Why had Mizuki-sensei lie to him? By Naruto's standards Mizuki had been good to him over the years. He wasn't very nice to him, but wasn't out right mean either.

Naruto shook his head. This wasn't the time for questions. The only thing that mattered right now was the present. Iruka-sensei was fighting for his life against the asshole. Naruto knew he wasn't anywhere near their level. But, he couldn't just leave Iruka-sensei out to dry. The only reason he was even in this mess was because of him. No. Naruto decided he needed to do something.

"Taju Kage Bunshin No Jutsu!"

Naruto's voice rang out clearly throughout the forest. Hundreds of clones surrounding the little clearing the woods.

"W-what?" Mizuki stammered, his eyes wide with disbelief. The confident smirk he had just second ago gone in an instant.

"I won't let you hurt Iruka-sensei!" the clones shouted in unison, "Take this!"

Hundreds if not thousands of clones swarmed Mizuki and beat the absolute living hell out of him. A ninja of his caliber was no match.

Iruka was stunned. Naruto had struggled making regular old bunshin just a few hours ago, now he had more functional clones than what Iruka thought was humanly possible. 'Ah right. He's more than human, forgot about that for a second.'

The clones eventually cleared, leaving just the real Naruto and a broken but alive Mizuki in their place. "Are you okay Iruka-sensei?"

Iruka smiled as he stretched his body, "I should be asking you that you little bastard. I told you to run away."

Naruto laughed sheepishly knowing he had directly ignored his sensei's orders, "Well I was close by and I saw what was going on. There was no way I was going to leave you alone out here."

Iruka pondered that last statement for a moment, a quote ringing out to him from a certain white haired jonin. He broke out into a soft smile, "No way you were going to leave me out here indeed. Thank you, Naruto. I appreciated your help a lot."

He motioned Naruto to close his eyes. "You know Naruto, a wise man once told me. In the Ninja World, those who break the rules are scum, and that's true...but those who abandon their friends are worse than scum!" As he spoke, he carefully tied something around Naruto's forehead, "You can open your eyes now Naruto."

He blinked. Iruka was standing in front of him, noticeably headbandless. The older man gently tapped the blonde's head with two fingers with a soft clang. "Not only do you now have the basics of being a ninja, but I can see the Will of Fire burning in you," Iruka warmly smiled, "Congratulations. You pass!"

Naruto's eyes widened, "THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT! DATTEBAYO!"

End! I kept a lot of the first chapter similar. I think the first 500 or so words have about the same premise as it did before. I hope my writing has improved in the last 3-4 years haha. Any opinions on battle length? I really never wrote those and tbh I'm the type to scan those super quickly instead of actually reading it. If it isn't up to par though I'll try to dedicate some more time to it.

Does anyone actually read these author notes? Anyways I hope you're having a good day!