Hello all Storm here with chapter two! As we get a big timeskip to just before Naruto graduates from the Academy, as we also will be seeing some very big and unexpected changes here. So, without further ado.
I own nothing
"Now, can anyone tell me how the Third Shinobi World War came to an end?" Iruka Umino asked, looking at his students while seeing several of them raise their hands, only to narrow his eyes as he saw one student in particular sitting alone in the back.
Seeing that they weren't even paying attention to anything he's saying.
The student being a twelve-year-old boy with spiky sunny blonde hair, lightly tanned skin, bright blue eyes and three whisker-like marks on his cheeks. With him wearing baggy black pants tucked into reddish-brown Ninja sandals, a dark red shirt and a blue-grey jacket with grey trimming.
'This kid.' Iruka thought, not surprised that he wasn't paying attention, it wasn't the first time yet it still managed to annoy him.
"Naruto, why don't you tell us how the Third Shinobi War ended?" Questioned Iruka, making everyone look back at the whiskered Uzumaki, with Naruto merely glancing at the teacher boredly.
"The Third War ended when the Sandaime Hokage killed the Sandaime Raikage at the cost of his own life, forcing Kumo to surrender with the loss of their Kage. And when Minato Namikaze, the Yellow Flash, made the Tsuchikage surrender after single-handedly killing over a thousand Iwa Ninja, decimating Iwagakure's forces." Naruto replied, making the Chūnin frown at his answer.
"Yes…the actions of Sandaime-sama and the Yellow Flash did help bring an end to the war. But it was thanks to Yondaime-sama's leadership that peace was formed between the villages, putting an end to the fighting." Iruka said, only to frown when Naruto scoffed lowly.
"You don't agree?" Iruka asked, feeling his annoyance grow at his attitude.
"Uh, actually Iruka-sensei, Naruto isn't wrong." Someone said, making Iruka turn to see it was Miu who spoke.
Over the years Miu had grown into a beautiful girl, with fair skin, her long blonde hair having grown down to her hips with short bangs, bright blue eyes and a beauty mark under her left eye. Though one thing that made her particularly popular, mostly among the boys at the Academy and even a few girls is the fact that she's shown to be an early bloomer. Having begun developing curves and a toned figure from her training, along with already having high CC-cup breasts. With it being made only more apparent with her clothing, which consisted of a mesh armor shirt underneath a purple kimono with green trimming held closed by reddish-pink sash, black spandex shorts that went down to her knees, reddish-pink fingerless gloves and dark red Kunoichi sandals that went partway up her calves.
Her beauty and clothing had gotten Miu plenty of attention and made her very popular in the Academy, on top of her being the daughter of the Hokage and a Sannin as well as part of the Senju Clan and viewed as a prodigy. Though it also made many keep their distance due to her status along with fear of getting on the bad side of her parents, especially her mother with her infamous strength. Strength that Miu had shown early on to have inherited, while also showing to have an affinity for her mother's Chakra Enhanced Strength as well, with her even needing to hold back during sparring matches to avoid seriously hurting her opponents. Granted she's nowhere near her mother's level of strength yet, but still more than strong enough to send someone flying through a wall. Something that really kept the boys from trying anything, none of them wanting to find out what happens when she doesn't hold back.
"It was because of Sandaime-sama and the Yellow Flash that the war ended. If not for their actions then Kumo and Iwa would've just kept fighting, leading to more Ninja dying. Even with Tou-sama advocating for a ceasefire, they wouldn't listen until after suffering such heavy losses with Kumo losing their Kage and Iwa losing over a thousand Ninja. Tou-sama just helped smooth over what was already finished." Miu said, making Iruka frown slightly.
"Be that as it may, Miu, it was due to Yondaime-sama that further fighting was avoided." Iruka stated, the Senju merely shrugged in response.
Before she looked back at Naruto when Iruka turned away, smiling at the whiskered blonde only for it to turn into a frown as she sighed when he simply glared at her. Not surprised at his reaction to her attempt to stick up for him, having gotten similar responses to all her past attempts to try and help him. Whether it's agreeing with on answer he gives, cheering for him during sparring matches, complimenting his abilities, sticking up for him, even just trying to sit next to him or talk to him. No matter what, Naruto would act like she'd just insulted him in the worst way possible.
Though that's never stopped her from trying to befriend him, no matter how many times he's rebuked her attempts, Miu's nothing if not stubborn.
'Maybe if we're on the same team, I'll get the chance.' Miu thought since tomorrow's the Graduation Exam and she was confident she and Naruto would both pass, which means there's a chance they'll be teammates.
"Okay everyone, class is almost over. But before that we'll be reviewing the Transformation Jutsu." Iruka announced chuckling slightly when he heard several groans.
"I know, we've done this before plenty of times. But it's the last time, I promise. Now everyone line up and when your name is called, step forward and perform a transformation." Said Iruka as the students got up and walked to the front of the class.
"Okay, first up, Sakura Haruno." Iruka said with the pinkette stepping forward.
"Alright, here I go! Transform!" Said Sakura, making a handsign as she was engulfed in a cloud of smoke, with it fading to reveal that she turned into a perfect replica of Iruka.
"You turned into me, very good." Said Iruka, checking for any flaws but saw none, like he was looking in a mirror.
"Yes! I did it!" Sakura said, smiling happily at her success.
"Hell yeah! I kicked butt!" Said Inner Sakura.
"Next up, Miu Senju." Iruka said, with Miu stepping forward while smiling at Sakura as she passed her.
"Good job, Sakura." Said Miu as Sakura returned the smile.
"Thanks Miu, good luck." Sakura said as she returned to her spot.
"Okay, watch this. Transform!" Miu said as she was engulfed in a cloud of smoke, when it cleared everyone saw Miu had turned into the Shodai Hokage, Hashirama Senju.
"Very impressive Miu, turning into Shodai-sama. And from the looks of it…you have it down perfectly." Said Iruka, smiling proudly as Miu undid the transformation.
"I've seen enough of his pictures to get it just right!" Said Miu, having wanted to do something different than just turning into Iruka like most of her classmates chose to do.
"It's certainly paid off. Next…Naruto Uzumaki." Iruka said, with his smile vanishing as Naruto stepped forward.
"Good luck, Naruto." Said Miu, smiling in encouragingly at the Uzumaki, only for him narrow his eyes at her.
"Save it for someone that cares, princess." Naruto hissed lowly, wondering how many times it'll take for her to leave him alone.
He already made it clear the first time she tried talking to him that he wasn't interested in being her charity case.
Sighing at his words, Miu returned to her spot and watched the whiskered blonde to see what he'll do, unaware she wasn't the only one watching Naruto.
"Transform!" Said Naruto, making a handsign as he was engulfed in a cloud of smoke, though once it faded no one was prepared to see who he turned into.
A tall, intimidating man with a long mane of spiky, blue-tinted black hair that partially covered the right side of his face, wearing red plated armor over a black bodysuit. And crimson red eyes with three tomoe spinning around the pupil.
With several students unable to help but flinch away when he looked at them with cold, dark eyes, even more so when they felt a strange sensation wash over them. Feeling like they were paralyzed and unable to move, like any moment they would be killed before they even realized it happened.
"That's enough! Dispel the transformation, now!" Said Iruka, now glaring at Naruto, with the Uzumaki dispelling the transformation while giving the Chūnin the same cold look.
"Not only was that was uncalled for, but also highly inappropriate!" Iruka said, only for Naruto to scoff and turn around heading back to his seat.
"If they can't handle a transformation, they don't have any business being Ninja at all." Naruto stated, looking at his classmates, smirking slightly when a few still flinched away.
"I thought it was pretty good, Naruto. You looked just like Madara." Said Miu, smiling at Naruto, wanting to show she didn't mind his transformation.
"I'm sure you did, Senju." Retorted Naruto, brushing past her as he returned to his seat.
'He could at least say, thank you, rather than acting like that to Miu.' Thought Sakura, frowning slightly, as she stood close enough to hear what Naruto said.
Having seen and heard similar attempts from Miu trying to be nice to Naruto yet every time he either ignored her, glared at her, or rebuked her attempts. The pinkette honestly wasn't sure what Naruto's problem with Miu was, or honestly what his problem with everyone was. Before Sakura quickly looked away when Naruto glanced towards her, having felt someone looking at him. Though she did glance a few times at him, blushing slightly as she did so.
Despite his attitude, Sakura couldn't deny that she did have a thing for the dark, brooding, loner type. There was just something that she found so mysterious and intriguing about people like that.
"CHA! He's hot as hell!" Inner Sakura said, making Sakura's blush intensify at her own inner thoughts before quickly shaking her head.
Preferring to keep her attraction a secret as even if she was interested in the whiskered blonde, her parents didn't seem to like him. Sakura never asked why they didn't like Naruto or why they told her to stay away from him. But she didn't question them, figuring her parents must have a good reason and kept her distance like they wanted her to.
'Just who are you?' Thought another girl, looking at Naruto intently.
The girl in question having fair skin, short dark brown hair framing her face in an asymmetrical bob style with a lock of hair falling between her eyes, going down to her chin. With her eyes being her most noticeable feature, being pure white with a lilac tint and no pupils. With her wearing a sleeveless, dark blue V-neck shirt with mesh armour underneath, a tan vest jacket with white wristbands on both hands, dark blue shorts and black Ninja sandals with white bands around her ankles as well.
This is Hanabi Hyūga, the younger twin sister of Hinata Hyūga the Heiress of the Hyūga Clan. Known for their Kekkei Genkai Dōjutsu, the Byakugan.
Being the younger twin meant Hanabi didn't have as many expectations as Hinata did, giving her more freedom to do what she wants, outside of what's expected of a Hyūga. With her mostly spending time training and improving herself, whether her Jūken and Byakugan or other skills that'd suit her.
Only for her to gain a new interest not long after she and her sister enrolled in the Academy, that being figuring out just who is Naruto Uzumaki.
She knew who he was, having seen him a few times around the village but never really interacted with him. Yet she did notice a few things at said times.
The biggest being the way people either glared at him and began whispering as he walked by them while moving out of the way to avoid him or purposefully ignored him like he wasn't even there, like he was invisible or simply didn't exist. Hanabi had noticed how this used to make him sad and run off, but as time passed the sadness disappeared while being replaced by coldness and detachment. Now he barely acknowledged anyone, ignoring the whispers and looks, bumping into those who didn't get out of his way. Which seemed to make the villagers dislike him even more.
It confused Hanabi about why everyone seemed to dislike Naruto since, as far as she knew, he was another orphan; his parents likely victims of the Kyūbi Attack. She tried asking her father Hiashi, her caretaker Natsu, she even tried asking her uncle Hizashi. But no matter who she asked, no one would tell her why Naruto was disliked by everyone, only that she should just avoid him and nothing more.
Hanabi never was good at doing what she was told.
After she and Hinata entered the Academy, her interest only grew when they were put in the same class as Naruto and he proved to be more skilled than she expected. Not on the same level as the students from Ninja Clans, but much more than one would expect from a civilian. With his skill and talent only growing as time passed.
Yet even after years of being in the same class, she's still no closer to figuring him out than she was before. Which frustrated Hanabi like nothing else.
The only things she really learned were that the teachers treated him no better than the rest of the village, he always sat alone and seemed to barely pay attention yet always answered questions correctly. Along with seeming to have a personal grudge against Miu Senju, despite how she's done nothing but be nice and try to befriend him.
He's also shown to be rather brutal during sparring matches, seeming to have no qualms about severely injuring his opponents to the point some needed to be taken to the hospital.
"Enemy Ninja won't hold back, why should I?"
That was always his response when he was scolded for his behavior and Hanabi couldn't exactly fault the logic, enemy Ninja wouldn't have any problems trying to kill them out on the field. Though the brunette felt Naruto might actually enjoy hurting his opponents, using it as his own way to retaliate against how he's treated without worry of getting into too much trouble.
It did give him a dangerous reputation in the Academy, with some students hating him for Miu constantly tries to befriend him yet always rebukes her. Though no one is brave enough to actually try and confront the Uzumaki about it, since no one wanted to end up like many of his sparring partners.
But for the most part he just kept to himself, never acting out or causing trouble. Leaving Hanabi even more confused.
'Naruto Uzumaki.' Hanabi thought, not looking away when Naruto narrowed his eyes at her.
Even raising a challenging brow at him, daring him to do something. Showing him that she wasn't going to be scared off, so easily. Not when she still had answers to find and figure out who he really is.
"Okay, if you don't see a problem with your transformation then you won't see a problem with having detention after class either." Iruka said, narrowing his eyes at the Uzumaki, getting a grunt from Naruto as he sat down.
'I can't wait to be done with this place.' Naruto thought in annoyance, pleased that he only had one more day to deal with the Academy.
He could've even graduated early if he really wanted to, Naruto knew he was strong and skilled enough to be able to pass the Graduation Exam. The teachers probably would even let him, he knew none of them wanted him around in their class. The only reason he didn't is because he wanted to learn as much as he could both in and out of the Academy, getting as strong as he could before becoming a Genin.
'And the less I see her, the better.' Naruto thought while glaring at Miu, eager to never have to see the Senju ever again.
No matter where he went there was always someone talking about her, praising her, admiring her, saying how great she is.
"A prodigy just like Tsunade-sama!"
"Yondaime-sama must be proud to have such an amazing daughter!"
"Miu is so pretty!"
"I hope I can be as strong as Miu!"
"I bet she'll be Hokage too!"
"Maybe one day she'll awake Shodai-sama's Mokuton!"
"She's going to be an amazing Kunoichi!"
He couldn't stand Miu Senju!
Rationally, Naruto knew Miu herself has never actually done anything to make him hate her, she even went out of her way to be nice to him. But the more he heard people talking about her, the more he despised her. How she could just walk into a room and everyone would look at her, that she could walk down the street and people would always smile and compliment her.
But if he entered a room he'd be lucky if he was even acknowledged, if he walked through the village all he got was glares and whispers behind his back.
"Look at him, doing whatever he wants."
"Hokage-sama is too generous letting that thing be free."
"Don't go near that boy, he's nothing but trouble."
"Ignore him, he's not important."
"Should've gotten rid of him, like those damn Uchiha."
"I can't believe he's allowed to be a Ninja."
"Miu-sama really is too kind, trying to befriend someone like him."
"He should be thankful she'd even give him the time of day."
"He thinks he's too good to be Miu-sama's friend."
"The freak should be lucky to be around her at all."
'Lucky? LUCKY?! They should be lucky to still be breathing!' Naruto thought, glaring down at the desk.
Naruto absolutely hated it, hearing how he should be "thankful" for the Hokage's "kindness"! That he's so "lucky" Miu is so nice to him! That he's being "allowed" to become a Ninja!
That's why he hated Miu, why he refused to have anything to do with her, because he wasn't going to be her charity case. To let some spoiled princess feel good about herself for befriending the orphan nobody wants around and everybody hates.
'Soon.' Naruto thought, knowing soon he'll never have to deal with Miu or anyone else from the Academy ever again.
Later*
"Miu, over here!" Shizune said, smiling at her cousin as she came out of the Academy.
"Hey Shizune!" Said Miu, running over to her with a smile.
"Did you have fun at the Academy? Learn anything interesting?" Asked Shizune, taking Miu's hand before they began making their way home.
"Not really, Iruka-sensei just wanted to use today to review over everything we've learned, since tomorrow's the Graduation Exam." Miu replied with a shrug.
"Well that's still good, it never hurts to have a refresher course. Tsunade-sama does the same at the hospital, making sure all the staff are ready and prepared for anything. Whether it be a patient being brought in or needing to head out to retrieve injured Shinobi." Shizune said, with the Slug Princess having become the Hospital Director in addition to being head of the Medic Corps.
Something Tsunade took very seriously and made sure anyone that wanted to join were fully prepared and had what it takes to become Medic-Nin.
"I know, I know. But it gets pretty boring when I've already heard the history of Konoha and the Elemental Nations more times than I can count." Said Miu, rolling her eyes, knowing what she meant but even before entering the Academy her parents had educated her on Konoha's history.
Then hearing it all over again in the Academy, it actually made her envy Naruto that he was able to barely pay attention but still managed to answer any questions he was asked.
'How does he do that?' Miu thought, glancing back at the Academy, wondering how Naruto was able to always answer questions whenever the teacher would call on him without warning.
Only for the Senju's eyes to widen when she saw one of the windows open with Naruto climbing out, even more surprising was when he walked up the wall to the roof.
'He knows Surface Walking?!' Miu thought, having already learned Surface Walking and Water Walking herself, but she didn't expect anyone else in her class besides Hanabi and Hinata to know it since it wasn't taught at the Academy.
"What is it Miu?" Shizune asked, looking where she was, only for Miu to quickly pull her away before she could see Naruto.
"Nothing! Just…thinking of the Graduation Exam, tomorrow! It'll be the last day I'm at the Academy!" Said Miu, given how Naruto was supposed to be in detention and didn't want him getting into more trouble.
"Are Tou-sama and Kaa-sama going to be home soon?" Miu asked to distract Shizune.
"They should be back in time for dinner, Tsunade-sama is still busy as the hospital while Uncle is at his office finishing his paperwork." Shizune replied, smiling slightly in amusement, given how she's lost track of the times Dan has returned home exhausted and ready to collapse from all the paperwork he's required to fill out.
Miu nodded at this, though couldn't help but frown slightly at the mention of her father before quickly cover it up and smiled.
"Okay, then let's hurry and get back. We can surprise them by having dinner already cooked and ready for when they get home." Miu said, with Shizune nodded in agreement as they began making their way back home.
Hokage's Office*
"He's disrespectful, cold, distant, looks down on his classmates, does whatever he wants, acts like he knows better than anyone else. Hokage-sama, I just can't condone the idea of Naruto becoming a Ninja otherwise I actually worry what would happen to anyone on his team." Iruka said, standing in front of Dan's desk.
Having headed straight for the Hokage's Office after he found Naruto had snuck out of the classroom and couldn't find him anywhere. It wasn't even surprising, any time he tried giving Naruto detention he always snuck away. And now with the Graduation Exam coming tomorrow, there's a chance he could actually become a Ninja. With Iruka being genuinely concerned of what would happen to any teammates that Naruto had, the moment they were outside the village.
"Are you saying you think Naruto would kill his own team?" Dan asked with a frown, given what a serious accusation that was.
"Maybe not kill them, but I don't think Naruto would try to save them if they needed help. There's no sense of comradery, no attachment. He actively goes out of his way to not interact with anyone and even seem to enjoy it when they're scared of him. The only one that tries being nice to him is your daughter, yet he either ignores her or rebukes anything she says." Said Iruka, making Dan's frown deepen before he sighed pinching the bridge of his nose.
Though he wasn't truly surprised, he knew Miu seemed to be fond of Naruto for reasons only she knew, along with having gotten similar complaints from the other teachers that Naruto had at the Academy. With them either refusing to teach Naruto or practically begged him to put the Uzumaki in a different class until soon the only teacher left available was Iruka. Even then Dan couldn't tell him that Naruto was in his class until after he accepted and by then it was too late for him to change his mind.
"I understand where you're coming from, Iruka, I do. But I can't just force Naruto to be nice. Just like I can't force anyone to be nice to him." Dan said, giving Iruka a look, making the Chūnin frown.
Fully aware that he didn't even want have Naruto as his student at all, but no other teacher at the Academy would take him, leaving only Iruka. With him having been willing to tolerate having the Uzumaki in his class, simply doing what he could to pretend he was just another student. But it wasn't easy with the way he acted, which only seemed to get worse over the years.
"Still…something needs to be done about his behavior." Stated Iruka, knowing something needed to be done before someone got hurt.
"The best I could do was get him to stop pulling pranks." Dan said, remembering when Naruto had been brought to his office after he started pulling pranks.
Flashback*
"We found him Hokage-sama." Said an Anbu as two of them appeared in the Hokage's Office while holding Naruto.
"Hey come on! Let me go! I didn't do anything!" Naruto said, struggling to escape their hold.
"Thank you Bird, Bear. You're both dismissed." Said Dan, motioning they can leave, the Anbu bowed before they Shunshined away.
"What's the big idea?! I wasn't doing anything!" Said Naruto, looking at the Yondaime in annoyance for having him dragged here.
"You're currently covered in paint." Dan stated, seeing paint covering Naruto's face, hands and clothes.
"Yeah so? I was just…painting my apartment." Naruto said, looking anywhere but at Dan, making the Yondaime sigh while rubbing his temples.
"Naruto, come here for a moment." Said Dan, motioning to come closer as he pulled out some papers from his desk.
Frowning Naruto walked up to the desk as Dan put the papers in front of him, only for the whiskered blonde to blink in confusion at what they were.
"Those are complaints I've been getting. Complaints about you and your pranks. Along with the money I've had to spend to clean up the messes they've left behind, not to mention pay for any damages done to shops and homes." Dan said with a frown, having had to spend more money than he'd like to clean up after Naruto's pranks.
"But what's the problem? No one got hurt, and I was just making everything cooler looking with some drawings." Said Naruto, not seeing why it's such a big deal for him to pull some pranks.
"The problem, Naruto, is that you want to be a Ninja. Right?" Said Dan, with Naruto immediately nodding in response.
"Yeah! I'm gonna be the greatest Ninja!" Naruto said, knowing becoming a Ninja will make everyone have to acknowledge him.
"Well being a Ninja is serious business. That means you can't go around painting buildings, throwing stink bombs at people, or pulling pranks on everyone. How do you think that will reflect on the village as a whole if mission clients think Konoha Ninja act like children?" Dan said sternly, the Uzumaki frowned as he looked down.
"They're just some pranks." Muttered Naruto.
"To you perhaps, but for those affected by them, they're a problem, a mess that needs to be cleaned up. Which is why they need to stop, now." Dan said, making Naruto's head snap up with wide eyes.
"What?! But-" Said Naruto, not wanting to stop pulling pranks, not when it's the only way he can actually get anyone to acknowledge him rather than acting like he didn't exist.
"No!" Said Dan sternly, with Naruto flinching at the shout.
"If you wish to be a Ninja, then it's time you started acting like one. That means no more acting like a child, believing you can get away with anything. If you truly want to be a Ninja, then the pranks will stop now and you'll use your time more productively. Train, study, focus on your classes. Otherwise if you can't prove you have what it takes to be a Ninja, then I'm afraid I'll have to pull you from the Academy." Dan said since he can't have a Ninja that acts like a child or can't take anything seriously.
"No! I…I'll…I'll stop pulling pranks." Naruto muttered while looking down, seeing he didn't have a choice.
"Good. You'll also be expected to clean up this latest one. Since being a Ninja also means accepting the consequences of your actions." Said Dan, with the whiskered blonde unable to help but clench his fists.
"…Fine. Is that all?" Naruto asked, now wanting to just get out of here.
"Yes. I'm sorry for this Naruto, but you'll see it's for your own good." Dan said, knowing it'll be a good lesson for Naruto to learn now rather than later.
Only for Naruto to not say anything as he simply stalked out of the office, the Yondaime sighing when the door was slammed shut behind him.
Unaware that in forcing Naruto to stop his pranks, he had just robbed him of his only a means of coping with his isolation within the village by giving him some form of attention and acknowledgement of his existence, even if it was in a negative form. Something that will cause Naruto to become all the more isolated by the village. While also denying him a much needed outlet that allowed him to vent his anger, sadness and frustrations as well as any vengeful thoughts he may've had towards to the village and those living in it.
End Flashback*
And Naruto did clean up the mess of his last prank, along with taking his training and time in the Academy much more seriously. Though perhaps a little too seriously, given one of the complaints Dan has gotten was how brutal Naruto was during sparring matches and his excuse for it. It did concern Dan how Naruto was acting, but even so he couldn't really punish Naruto as it technically was true.
Even if he didn't like it, the Yondaime knew that the students would experience much worse when they became Genin and went out on missions. And at least, so far, no one has been permanently injured.
Dan has also tried before to interact with Naruto, given he couldn't ignore his own part in the life he's been forced to live because of his choices the night of the Kyūbi Attack. But there's only so much he could do, not wanting to appear to be showing favoritism or giving him special treatment. Not to mention all his duties to the rest of the village and his own family, leaving Dan barely any time to interact with Naruto. Beyond getting him an apartment and sending a monthly stipend for the necessities he'd need until he became a Ninja and started getting paid for missions.
While the few times he interacted with him, Dan did try telling him about how important the village is. How everyone in it is a family. Telling Naruto about how he dreamed of becoming Hokage and why, how much he loved Konoha and the people in it. Hoping for the Uzumaki to develop his own love for the village and desire to protect it.
But…Dan couldn't deny that whenever he's tried, Naruto never even seemed to be listening and if he was it never seemed to reach him. The most Dan ever got was Naruto simply nodding at his words before he simply left on his own to train some more. Leaving him to simply hope Naruto would at least think over everything he's told him.
"Iruka, just give it a little more time. Tomorrow is the Graduation Exam, which means Naruto will be a Genin and you won't need to worry anymore. You have my word that nothing will happen." Dan assured, with Iruka only able to sigh and nod.
"I hope you're right Hokage-sama, for all our sakes." Iruka said as he left the office.
With Naruto*
Meanwhile, after leaving the Academy, Naruto had headed out to continue his training but rather than going to a regular training ground he went to a more…special one.
Training Ground Forty-Four, also known as The Forest of Death.
While most Ninja steer clear of it given how dangerous it was, even for Jōnin and Anbu, Naruto was one of the few that entered it frequently. Knowing it's where he could get his best training done because of how dangerous it is, along with being where he can train without worry of anyone watching or spying on him.
Jumping over the fence, the Uzumaki went deep enough into the forest to where he was sure no one would be able to see him or sense him, unless they were already in the forest themselves.
Once he was sure he was far enough in, Naruto stopped and picked up a rock before he began tossing it up in the air and catching it. Doing this for a few moments, the whiskered blonde soon dropped his hand as the rock came falling down. But rather than hit the ground, the rock suddenly stopped midair as it began floating.
Smirking at the sight, Naruto poked the rock causing it to begin floating away from him until suddenly it shot forward slamming right into a tree where it imbedded itself in it. With Naruto gritting his teeth for a moment as the rock was forced downwards through the tree. Before soon it smashed right through and into the ground.
'I'm getting better at this.' Naruto thought, looking at the deep hole the rock made.
It was something he learned he could do during his training, gravity manipulation or Jūryokuton as he called it, whether it be his own personal gravity or that of an objects. He could make a boulder as light as a feather or a leaf as heavy as a tree, repel any objects coming at him or pull objects towards him. But that wasn't all he could do when he began experimenting with it.
He could change the direction in which gravity pulls things, making it so that gravity is pushing something towards a wall, the ceiling or increase it to slam them into the ground. Along with being able to negate gravity on something to make it float and fly around, including himself. Though the heavier an object the harder it was for him to manipulate its gravity, while using it on himself left Naruto tired if he did it for too long. So he had to work his way up to heavier things, along with using it on himself passively to increase his control.
It also helped his training by increasing his personal gravity. Making it harder for him to move as well as making it so he needed to adapt, which in turn also helped improve his control. As while he could simply negate the effects of gravity on himself to allow him to move much faster, Naruto would rather not rely on it for everything.
'Besides there's probably still a lot more I can do with it.' Naruto thought, eager to find out just how far his control of gravity went.
Before the whiskered blonde tensed and quickly turned around while throwing his hand in front of him, stopping multiple kunai in midair before they could impale him.
"Very good. You've certainly improved since last time, Naruto." Said a serpentine-like voice as Orochimaru jumped down from a tree, while Naruto let the kunai drop to the ground.
The Snake Sannin merely smirked when "Naruto" vanished in a puff of smoke before he turned grabbing Naruto's wrist, stopping a kunai from stabbing into his back. With him then twisting Naruto's wrist, forcing him to drop the kunai before catching and holding it against his throat.
"You aren't quite there yet, though." Orochimaru stated, his smirk not dropping even when he felt another kunai on the back of his neck.
"How about now?" Questioned Naruto, standing upside down on a branch, only to grunt when a sword burst through his chest from a second Orochimaru behind him only for "Naruto" to then explode.
Engulfing all of them in an explosion, with Orochimaru quickly jumping out of it. Grunting when he was suddenly slammed into the ground, feeling gravity bearing down on him. Before the Snake Sannin burst into a pile of mud, showing it was just an Earth Style: Shadow Clone.
The sight made Naruto frown from his hiding spot; having been sure it was the real Orochimaru before look around for where the real one could be.
"Hidden Shadow Snake Hands!"
But before Naruto react, he was suddenly ensnared by multiple snakes. Yanking him out of his hiding spot in front of Orochimaru, with snakes emerging from his sleeves.
"Like I said, not yet." Said Orochimaru as the snakes receded, allowing the Uzumaki to drop to the floor with an annoyed expression.
"But I was close, wasn't I?" Naruto said, not liking how he's yet to actually lay a hand on the Sannin no matter how hard he tried, making him feel like he's not getting any better.
"Hm…perhaps, perhaps not. You'll simply need to try harder if you wish to actually hit me." Orochimaru replied, annoying the Uzumaki even further.
"I'm going to one day." Retorted Naruto, refusing to give up until he can force the Snake Sannin to fight him seriously.
"I'm sure you will, but that day isn't today." Said Orochimaru, with Naruto merely grunting in response.
It was the same every time, ever since he first met the Snake Sannin. The Uzumaki knowing he couldn't forget something like that.
Flashback*
"Damnit!" Naruto said, gritting his teeth as he fell from the tree after another failed attempt to walk up it.
He'd been training all day trying to learn Surface Walking, having already succeeded in doing the Leaf Exercise with more than one leaf. With him moving on to a more advanced Chakra Control Exercise, but so far he hasn't made any progress in the past week.
"You're not using enough Chakra."
Tensing at the sudden voice, Naruto quickly turned only to be shocked when he saw Orochimaru, one of The Legendary Sannin, standing at the entrance of the training ground. Only to soon scowl that someone was watching him train, but also at his words.
"I know I'm not using enough Chakra! And I know if I use too much I'll just be blown back! See!" Naruto said, pointing at some others trees that were damaged from his previous attempts.
"Yes, they're hard to miss. It's also easy to see your frustration, which won't help you learn anything. Only those with the best Chakra Control are able to learn Surface Walking without effort." Orochimaru said, walking forward past Naruto, before casually walking up the tree.
"But of course once you do master it, it soon becomes second nature after a time." Continued Orochimaru as he soon stood upside down on a branch, much to Naruto's annoyance.
"You're also a Sannin, of course you can do it." Naruto retorted, not seeing what point he's trying to make.
"I was also once a child like you. Do you think I mastered every exercise and Jutsu I learned on the first try? No, only a fool would think such things. Are you a fool?" Orochimaru asked, detaching from the tree and flipping in the air before landing in front of Naruto, looking down at him
"No." Said Naruto, glaring at him, not liking being called a fool.
"Then focus. Getting angry and frustrated at your failures will only make it harder to learn anything. Use them as a learning opportunity, if you fail then find out what you did wrong and try again. Keep doing so until you finally get it and if you get angry then don't lash out, instead focus and channel that anger and frustration towards succeeding in your goal. Otherwise the only thing you'll succeed in doing is looking like a spoiled brat that gets angry at every minor inconvenience." Said Orochimaru, which only made Naruto's glare intensify.
Though after a few moments he closed his eyes, taking a few deep breaths before opening them again, feeling more calm while making the Snake Sannin nod.
"Good, now do it again and don't lose focus." Orochimaru said, pointing at the tree.
End Flashback*
Since then Orochimaru would sometimes show up when he was training, offering advice and tips on how to improve, correcting any mistakes or any explaining new Jutsu or exercises he was learning. The Sannin is also the one that showed Naruto the Shadow Clone Jutsu. A more advanced Clone Jutsu that created real, solid clones, not just afterimages like the one taught in the Academy.
Which Naruto would be willing to admit he's thankful for, since no matter how hard he worked on improving his Chakra Control, he still couldn't make even a single clone. Not only that, but the other bonus of Shadow Clones is they transfer anything they learn back to the original. Something that really helped improve his training and studies.
Orochimaru was also the only one that knew about his ability to manipulate gravity, though only because he'd seen Naruto practicing with it. The whiskered blonde was at least thankful he hasn't told anyone, not wanting his Jūryokuton to become known to the village just yet. Not until he had much better control over it.
But aside from that, Naruto wasn't really sure what to think of the snake-like man or why he went out of his way to try and help him. The only reason he even accepted his presence is because he wasn't going to say no to getting help from a Sannin. And that Orochimaru didn't constantly go on about seeing the village as family, like the Hokage did during their few interactions.
"Now tell me, how was your final day in the Academy before graduating?" Orochimaru asked while looking at him.
"Like any other day, Iruka ignored me unless it was to ask a sudden question, then didn't like the answer I gave. The only good thing is that it'll be the last day after tomorrow." Naruto replied as Orochimaru merely hummed in thought.
"Yes. Tell me, what will you do once you become a Ninja?" Said Orochimaru, making Naruto frown at him.
"Go one missions, keep training, advance in rank. What else would I do?" Said Naruto, wondering what kind of question that was.
"You really have no other goals you wish to do after becoming a Ninja? Nothing you wish to accomplish?" Orochimaru asked, Naruto's frown deepened at this as he thought about it.
He…actually wasn't really sure what to do after becoming a Ninja. Maybe at one point he wanted nothing more than anything to be acknowledged by everyone. Maybe even become Hokage, so that he'd finally be seen as Naruto Uzumaki and not some freak or monster like everyone saw him as.
But that time is over, now he didn't even care if anyone in Konoha acknowledged him and he had no desire to be the leader of a village that wanted nothing to do with him. Let alone a village like Konoha, after everything it's done.
Honestly, part of Naruto wouldn't even care if the entire village was burned to the ground, it'd probably be an improvement as far as he's concerned. He's sure there'd even be those that'd thank him if he destroyed Konoha.
"I…don't know." Said Naruto, honestly not sure what to do after becoming a Ninja.
"Then I'm sure you will find something, in time. After all, it is a very big world filled with all kinds of opportunities, mysteries and new things to discover. Perhaps you will help to set things in motion." Orochimaru said, smirking darkly.
"Set what in motion?" Naruto asked with a confused frown, wondering what he meant by that.
"Hmm, let me see if I can explain it, myself. I find it very interesting to watch things in motion. I get no pleasure when the world is still. Like a windmill that isn't turn, I suppose some might find it beautiful even if it's immobile. But to me, such a thing is truly boring." Said Orochimaru, having come to miss the chaos and bloodshed of the Shinobi World Wars after having fought in two of them.
It was honestly tiring to go about the same thing every day with no changes, no excitement, merely living a monotone life. The Snake Sannin had found that he was most alive when chaos reigned. But in peacetimes, there was nothing to do, nothing to entertain himself with beyond his experiments and studying new Jutsu. Even then he's had to do the former more secretly now, with suspicions growing of what he's been doing in the shadows.
He even had the majority of his work and experiments to more out-of-the-way bases to avoid being discovered. While the few experiments that he still did in the village were ones that were approved by the Hokage, with Dan unfortunately being too soft to approve of anything that truly interested the Snake Sannin.
"So perhaps you will set things in motion, Naruto. Maybe you will keep the windmill moving, no matter who tries to stop it. Either way, I'm sure it will be interesting to see what you will do. What you will be capable of." Orochimaru said, with Naruto unable to help but look at him warily.
"Right…I should go now. Big day tomorrow and all that." Naruto said before jumping off to return to his apartment.
'Yes, do that. Because soon the true excitement will begin and my boredom will finally be relieved.' Orochimaru thought, bringing a hand up to his face as he grinned wickedly at what's to come, knowing his time in Konoha was coming to an end.
He could have left years ago when suspicions first started rising up of his activities, knowing Dan wouldn't hesitate to kill him if he found out what he's done. And while Orochimaru was confident he could kill the Yondaime if it came to the fight, he couldn't say the same against Dan and Tsunade.
If it was the two of them separately then perhaps he could. But the both of them together, Orochimaru knew the chance of him dying was too high. The only chance he had is if he used the Edo Tensei, but he hasn't perfected it yet so that wasn't an option.
Leaving him to continue acting like a loyal Ninja while moving his research to numerous bases that he had built across the Elemental Nation, with his main one being in the renamed Land of Sound. Having secretly formed a Hidden Village, Otogakure, over the years. Finding useful recruits and putting a figurehead in charge while he ruled from the shadows. Along with having perfected his Curse Seal, giving them to his most powerful and loyal followers as well as to his test subjects to continue finding ways to improve upon it.
'And I suppose having to stay in Konoha isn't so bad. It has provided me with additional opportunities for new recruits.' Orochimaru thought with a smirk.
"Are you going to come out now or continue hiding, Kakashi." Orochimaru said, not looking as the dog-masked Anbu appeared behind him.
"I just wanted to make sure Naruto was out of the forest, first. He's gotten good at sensing others, there've been a few times when I think he might've sensed me." Said Kakashi, impressed at how far his sensei's son has grown, knowing Minato and Kushina would be proud of how far he's come.
"Yes, in a few years he may even surpass you. It's just a shame no one here recognizes such potential, instead only seeing what he has sealed inside him. And Dan continues to prove his incompetence with how his love for the village and it's people has blinded him so much on the affect that his actions and inactions are having on Naruto." Orochimaru said as the Copy Ninja looked down, unable to help but clench his fists.
"Yeah…" Kakashi said, aware of how most of the village viewed Naruto because of the Kyūbi and how little Dan has done to help him, even when it's his fault in the first place.
Still remembering that night, everything that happened, how he wanted to go and help only to be stopped along with the other young Ninja. Only to then learn that Minato and Kushina had both died, that he failed to save more people that he cared about. That he was the last surviving member of Team Minato.
Then learning what had happened to their son, the burden he now had to carry after the memorial for those that died.
Flashback*
Kakashi looked at the cemetery statue meant to represent the Will of Fire with the kanji for the late Hokage carved at the base of it.
It had been a few years after the Kyūbi attack and Naruto's Jinchūriki had just been leaked to the entire village, with said leak even going as far as painting Naruto as being the one responsible for death of his parents. The fact that the village just accepted this without second thought only made Kakashi all the more angry and disgusted by what just happened.
Now needing time alone from everyone and everything to come to terms with how he's now lost both his teammates, his teacher, as well as someone he looked up to and admired as an older sister-figure, and now the son of said sensei and sister-figure was being made into a village pariah. The Copy Ninja could only take solace in the fact that Minato's and Kushina's child is still alive at all. But it was a small mercy with him also having Kyūbi sealed in him and now being turned into a pariah.
'Minato-sensei…Kushina-senpai…please forgive my failure.' Kakashi thought, wishing he'd had been there when they sealed the Kyūbi into Naruto.
Despite the more logical and rational side of himself telling him that he likely only would've been killed as well, while his sensei's and Kushina's attention would've been split between protecting him and sealing the Kyūbi. A much larger, more emotional side of him couldn't help but delve into the what ifs and believe that there was something, anything he could've done that would've ensured that at least one of them survived.
Before he was pulled from his thoughts when he heard footsteps behind him, making Kakashi look only to be surprised to see Orochimaru.
"Kakashi, correct? Minato's student." Orochimaru said, walking up to Kakashi, standing beside him while looking at the statue.
"Orochimaru-sama…" Said Kakashi, not expecting one of the Sannin to show up.
"It's a shame, isn't it. Not even in their prime, yet so cruelly ripped away in such a way. And so unnecessarily as well." Stated Orochimaru, making Kakashi clench his fists.
"Minato-sensei and Kushina-senpai both died protecting the village, protecting their child. They were heroes." Kakashi retorted, refusing to let anyone try dismissing their deaths, believing Orochimaru is saying they died for nothing.
"Of course, I meant no disrespect of course. I didn't know them personally, and while Minato was a rival for the position of Hokage until Dan was given it. I did respect them. They possessed a rare talent that so few have. It's merely a shame they're now gone, to not see how much stronger they would have become." Orochimaru said, with the Anbu relaxing and lowered his head.
"Yeah…" Muttered Kakashi.
"Though…I can't help but find it rather strange. Why is it Minato was the one to give his life stopping the Kyūbi?" Questioned Orochimaru, with Kakashi frowning at this.
"Because he…wanted to save the village? To stop its rampage?" Kakashi said, not really sure what he's getting at.
"Yes, there's that. But why Minato? Why are he and Kushina the ones who had to die? And why is it the Kyūbi was sealed away into his and Kushina's son?" Orochimaru said, confusing Kakashi further.
"The Kyūbi can only be sealed away in an Uzumaki, thanks to their powerful lifeforce. It's why Kushina-senpai was brought to Konoha, because she possessed a special Chakra that was unique even to members of the Uzumaki Clan. Their son is the only one who could've been chosen to contain it." Replied Kakashi, only for the Snake Sannin to smirk.
"No…there was another. The one who actually should have been made a Jinchūriki. Dan's and Tsunade's daughter. And yet…she wasn't." Revealed Orochimaru, causing Kakashi's eyes to widen.
"It's tradition that a village's Jinchūriki must have some connection to their respective Kage, ensuring they have an innate loyalty to the village. But what connection does Minato's and Kushina's son have to Dan beyond a very distant blood relation to Tsunade? There is no connection, and yet he's the one who must bear the burden. It was Minato and Kushina who gave their lives stopping it and sealing the Bijū away. Not the Hokage and his own wife, but instead two Jōnin, two incredibly talented and powerful Jōnin, but Jōnin, nonetheless. Not helped that Minato and Kushina were already weakened from Minato had to maintain the seal, while Kushina was suffering from the aftereffects of both childbirth and the loss of the Kyūbi. Even then it was only because of Kushina's powerful life-force as a member of the Uzumaki Clan that allowed her to survive what would've killed any other Jinchūriki on the spot, for as long as she did. The fact that Minato arrived as late as he did when the village was attacked meant that the Kyūbi's rampage wasn't the result of the seal failing, but rather someone had likely interfered when they attempted to restrengthen Kushina's seal after she gave birth. Someone that Minato likely had to fight off, forcing him to use even more Chakra on top of what he already had to use to keep the Kyūbi from breaking free when Kushina was giving birth. And where was the esteemed Yondaime Hokage during all this? While his own subordinates were giving their lives to save the village, which he himself had sworn to do, and were forced to turn their own son into a Jinchūriki? Dooming him to a life as an orphan, feared and isolated for what he contains. Where was the Hokage?" Orochimaru asked, with his smirk growing as he began circling Kakashi.
"I'll tell you where, hiding. While Minato and Kushina gave their lives, Dan was away hiding with his own family, keeping them safe. It's not surprising really, he might be a powerful Shinobi but he was never good at making hard choices. And Tsunade…well she always was a little spoiled. It's not surprising if she'd refuse to let her daughter be turned into a Jinchūriki, not when there's a perfectly good replacement to use instead. They saw a chance to keep their own family together, not caring that they doomed another family while dooming an innocent child to grow up alone and hated. I wonder…do they even feel guilty that they might as well have killed Minato and Kushina, themselves. Or will they continue living their perfect little lives, uncaring of the ones they helped ruin." Said Orochimaru while glancing at Kakashi, being able to practically feel the anger radiating off of him.
Neither of them being aware of the fact that Kakashi's Sharingan transformed beneath his headband.
End Flashback*
Kakashi hadn't liked hearing it, but he also couldn't deny the points Orochimaru made.
By tradition, Miu is the one who should've had the Kyūbi sealed inside her, not Naruto. It should've been Dan as the Hokage who risked his life to protect the village, not Minato and Kushina.
Miu was even a better option with her being descended from Hashirama Senju and Mito Uzumaki, giving her the Uzumaki Clan's powerful lifeforce and the potential to awaken the Mokuton. Though she hasn't shown any signs of the latter over the years, no one could've known that when she was born. And at least if she was made the Jinchūriki, she would've still had Tsunade or maybe even both of her parents should Dan had managed to survive sealing the Kyūbi into her, while Naruto had no one.
Which only made Kakashi angrier that they didn't try taking Naruto in, despite how he and Tsunade were both descended from the Uzumaki Clan yet she and Dan did nothing to help.
It had only further added to Kakashi's cynical attitude at the time, that the Hokage let someone else die protecting the village while he hid away. But what had really turned the Copy Ninja away was what happened years later.
Flashback*
"You wished to see me Hokage-sama?" Kakashi asked kneeling before Dan, having been called to his office but not told why.
"Yes, I did. Please remove your mask, Kakashi." Said Dan, confusing Kakashi but he did so, regardless.
"Is…everything alright, Hokage-sama?" Questioned Kakashi, seeing how…tired he looked.
Despite the grudge he had against Dan for letting Minato take his place in stopping the Kyūbi and letting Naruto become a Jinchūriki rather than Miu. Kakashi was still a Konoha Ninja and had to make sure everything was alright with his leader.
"No…no, not really. We…have proof the Uchiha Clan are planning a coup, and I have no idea what to do about it." Dan said rubbing his eyes, while Kakashi's eyes widened at hearing this.
"A coup? You're sure?" Kakashi asked, knowing the Uchiha Clan are under suspicion, but he didn't think they'd really be planning a coup.
"Yes, Itachi and Shisui confirmed it. Some of them even wish to use the Kyūbi against the village." Said Dan, making Kakashi tense at the chance his teachers son could be in danger.
"Why is it you summoned me, Hokage-sama?" Questioned Kakashi, wanting to know the reason he's here.
"The Elders, particularly Danzō, they believe the best course of action is to simply wipe them out, every last Uchiha. I talked to Tsunade and even she agrees it'd be better to eliminate them before they can start their coup." Dan said, letting out a sigh.
He wasn't expecting his wife to actually agree with massacring the Uchiha Clan, but he supposed it's a reminder that while she's the Shodai's granddaughter she's also the Nidaime's grand-niece.
Dan had gotten the chance to read through some of Tobirama's notes after marrying Tsunade then more after becoming Hokage. Learning of his wariness of the Uchiha Clan, which is why he formed the Military Police Force, to keep them in the village and protect it from internal threats. As well as a means to prevent their Sharingan from growing too strong out in the field, to stop another Madara Uchiha from appearing.
Though he wasn't sure if the Nidaime actually viewed the Uchiha Clan as a threat or merely was trying to take precautions to make sure they couldn't become a threat. While Tsunade did see them as a threat to the village upon learning of their plans to stage a coup, one that simply needed to be eliminated before it's too late.
Either way, Dan was still having a hard time agreeing with the idea of simply wiping out an entire clan, but he's also starting to believe they were right if even Tsunade's in agreement. Knowing she's never agreed with the Elders on anything, especially Danzō.
"It's why I called you here, Kakashi. You have a unique perspective, one of your teammates was an Uchiha, you work closely with Itachi in Anbu, and you even have a Sharingan yourself. I want you to tell me, in your honest opinion, do you believe the Uchiha Clan is a threat?" Dan asked, resting his arms on his desk looking at the Copy Ninja.
While Kakashi was frozen at hearing that they were actually considering wiping out the entire Uchiha Clan. He knew that they were spying on them for signs of treason, but he didn't think it'd go far enough to consider killing them all.
"I can speak freely sir?" Kakashi asked, with Dan nodding in response.
"My teammate, Obito Uchiha, is someone you would never doubt was loyal to Konoha and those he cared about. It was his dream to become Hokage just as it was yours. When he died…he gave me his Sharingan, he called it a present for not getting me one when I was promoted to Jōnin. He didn't say it, but I know he wanted me to use it just like he would, to protect Konoha and our friends." Kakashi said while lowering his head, knowing he failed that after killing Rin, regardless if he meant to or not.
"When we returned to the village, many of the Uchiha Clan wanted to take the Sharingan back since I had no blood-ties to the clan. Fugaku's the one who stopped them, wanting to honor Obito's final wish. I also asked him myself why he'd let me keep the Sharingan, he said that he knew I'd use it for the good of the village. That was reason that I'd use the Sharingan for the good of the village." Said Kakashi while looking up at Dan.
"No…I don't believe the Uchiha Clan as a whole is a threat to Konoha, not unless they're turned into one." Kakashi said, understanding that perhaps some Uchiha were fully on board with the coup, but he couldn't believe all of them were.
For a few moments Dan remained silent, considering his words, before he simply nodded.
"Thank you Kakashi, you've given a lot to think about." Dan said, with the Copy Ninja relaxing slightly in relief.
"Of course Hokage-sama. I hope I was able to help." Said Kakashi before he was dismissed, hoping that his words would help sway the Yondaime's decision.
End Flashback*
They didn't.
Not even a week later, Dan had announced to the entire village what the Uchiha Clan was planning, that he'd already sent Anbu to stop them before they could attack the village.
It had been during a clan meeting, where the majority of the Uchiha Clan were all gathered together, like they were sheep to the slaughter. All of them were killed, men, women, children, hell not even their pets were spared, any living thing in the Uchiha Compound was marked for death.
But even with the surprise attack, the Uchiha had put up a fight, taking out plenty of Ninja, with this giving time for some of them to escape. Among them Kakashi knew that Shisui, Itachi, Mikoto and Itachi's little sister Satsuki managed to escape. Unfortunately, Fugaku died during the attack, but not without taking out plenty of Anbu while living up to his nickname of Wicked Eyes Fugaku.
It had been nothing short of a slaughter, no one was spared and it didn't stop there either. Teams had been sent out to hunt down those that escaped before receiving intel from an anonymous source that they were holed up in one of the Uchiha Clans old hideouts from the Warring States Period.
None of them were to be shown mercy, but once again the remaining Uchiha didn't go down without a fight with Shisui dying against the attackers. Using his Mangekyō Sharingan to place some of them under his control, forcing the Ninja to fight and kill each other, before eventually succumbing to his injuries. Destroying his eyes before his body eventually gave out, ensuring no one could get their hands on them.
Itachi, Mikoto and Satsuki had managed to escape again along with a handful of other Uchiha, but the deed was done. The Uchiha Clan had been wiped out and those that remained were scattered to the winds. No one knew where they were, if they were still alive and nearly everyone in Konoha was content to either just accept what happened or condemn the Uchiha as nothing but traitors.
Except Kakashi, who'd been horrified and disgusted at the slaughter.
While he'd admit he's done his share of dirty work while in Anbu, even helping spy on the Uchiha Clan when they were under suspicions. He'd never gone out to kill people in their own homes nor target defenseless civilians. And there were civilians in the Uchiha Clan, those that weren't Ninja or members of the Military Police Force. Children young enough to not even be in the Academy or elders that couldn't defend themselves.
But all of them were treated the same, as if they were fully capable Ninja and killed like any other. Many of them probably not even knowing the reason why they were killed. Only knowing that suddenly Konoha Ninja, those who were meant to protect them, had begun attacking and killing them.
That had been the last straw for Kakashi, he couldn't accept nor could he have assisted with something like that. It went against everything he stood for since Obito died. He had been prepared to turn in his mask and retire from being a Ninja, unable to fight for a village that was ready to kill their own allies the moment they were put under even the slightest suspicion of treachery. Only for Orochimaru to stop him and make the Copy Ninja an offer, one that Kakashi had accepted despite knowing it would make him a traitor.
Though as far as he's concerned, Konoha wasn't the same village his team fought and died to protect.
'Or maybe…it's always been like this and we were just too blind to see it.' Kakashi thought, thinking of how his father took his own life, just because he put the lives of his comrades over that of a mission only to be condemned and ostracized for it.
Regardless, after accepting Orochimaru's offer Kakashi remained in Anbu. Knowing it's where he'd be most useful. But it also gave him the chance to look after Naruto from the shadows, having already failed his parents, Kakashi wanted to do what he could to make sure their son was safe.
"You're going to request to take Naruto on as an apprentice, right." Kakashi stated while looking at the Snake Sannin, who nodded in response.
"Correct. Even with the suspicions that've been placed on me, it won't be difficult to convince Dan to let me take Naruto as my student. The students most likely to pass and become true Genin are the numerous Clan Heirs with the only set team being the next Ino-Shika-Cho Trio, likely under Asuma given the tradition of a Sarutobi being the one to train them. And I know Tsunade will most likely want Shizune to be Miu's sensei, with her having teammates that compliment her own skills. Leaving a third team made up of Clan Heirs under one of the other Jōnin. And there aren't enough students for Naruto to be put on a regular team, leaving him to either be placed in the reserves or made an apprentice." Orochimaru said while smirking, knowing that having Naruto as his student will align perfectly with his plans.
'And then in just a matter of months, the fun will truly begin.' Thought Orochimaru as he smirked wickedly.
So, what did you think, good. Yep we see Naruto in the Academy, where Iruka hasn't changed from disliking him for the Kyūbi, with them having never formed a bond. While the only one that seems to stick up for Naruto is Miu herself, despite him wanting nothing to do with her. Before the students review the Transformation Jutsu, with Naruto transforming into Madara Uchiha himself, getting some less-than-pleasant reactions.
With us also seeing what some of the students think of him, specifically Sakura and Hanabi, the latter being Hinata's younger twin rather than little sister along with not being Clan Heiress. While Sakura's shown to have some attraction to Naruto, given she does have a type for the dark, loner bad boys, but has kept her distance due to her parents dislike of Naruto. There's also a small part showing one change, with Hanabi mentioning her Uncle Hizashi, who's still alive, which will be explained later.
Then we see the Academy getting out, with Miu being picked up by Shizune sharing some details of their days. Before going to the Hokage's Office where Iruka's expressing his concerns of Naruto graduating, what would happen to anyone he's on a team with. Along with getting a flashback showing how Dan's taken a more stern approach with Naruto, forbidding him from pulling pranks if he wants to be a Ninja.
Something that's only caused Naruto's growing darkness to worsen, having lost the one outlet he had to getting attention, and acknowledgement, even if it was negative. Leaving him to grow more resentful and angry over everyone treating him like he doesn't exist. As well as not sharing the same ideals of everyone in Konoha being family from the few times Dan interacts with him. The Yondaime believing he couldn't show favoritism or special treatment to Naruto, affecting Naruto further.
We then see Naruto in the Forest of Death, displaying the unique ability of Gravity Manipulation, or Jūryokuton as he calls it, seeing what he's capable of already and eager to learn how else he can use it. Before Orochimaru then arrives leading to a short fight, leaving Naruto frustrated at how outmatched he is. As we then get a flashback of when they first met, with Orochimaru assisting Naruto in his training.
Along with seeing Orochimaru's interest in what Naruto will be capable of in the future, believing he'll be the one that will get the windmill moving, as it were, and bring some chaos back into the world. As we then get another shock when Kakashi arrives once Naruto leaves, showing he's joined the Snake Sannin.
Getting a flashback to when Naruto's Jinchūriki status was first leaked, where Orochimaru approaches Kakashi, sharing his "confusion" at why Minato and Kushina were the ones that died and Naruto made a Jinchūriki. When it should have been Dan, as Hokage, risking his life, sealing the Kyūbi away into Miu, who by tradition should've been chosen being the Hokage's daughter.
Finally, we get another flashback of Dan talking to Kakashi about the Uchiha's coup, how the Elders and even Tsunade are in agreement to simply wipe them all out.
Side note, Tsunade did view Mitsuki no different from Orochimaru, despite how he was innocent in any of Orochimaru's crimes. Plus she is Tobirama's grand-niece, along with still having her pride as a Konoha Kunoichi here as opposed to it shattering like in canon.. It wouldn't be surprising if she did have some prejudice against the Uchiha Clan and if they're a threat believe they should be eliminated.
With Kakashi trying to show not all of the Uchiha were a threat unless they were turned into one, hoping his words would get through to the Hokage. Only for it to be hopeless when Dan gives the order to wipe out the Uchiha Clan, with only a few escaping, among them including Itachi, Mikoto, Satsuki and Shisui, while Fugaku dies giving them time to get away. Only for the survivors to still be hunted down, with Shisui dying as well, making sure to destroy his eyes in the process. Leaving only a few Uchiha left, scattered to the winds, with them now forgotten or viewed as traitors.
This being the final straw for Kakashi, planning to even retire as a Ninja, unable to continue fighting for Konoha after everything. Until he's recruited by Orochimaru, remaining in Anbu to help look after Naruto, not wanting to fail him like he failed his parents. While Orochimaru plans to take Naruto as an apprentice, knowing their time in Konoha is coming to an end. So, for those that like the story, thanks for your support. For those that don't or at least don't like the direction taken, you're more than welcomed to drop the story. But thanks for giving the story a chance anyway.
Storm out