Chapter 1

The Dynamic Duo

Deep within the land of fire there is a place where many people reside and call home. This place is called The Hidden leaf Village, in this village it is home for two rambunctious little boys Hiccup Uchiha and Naruto Uzumaki.

"Hey Hiccup check this out, what do you think of my masterpiece?" Naruto Uzumaki, or just Naruto by those who know him is an energetic young lad who sports a bright orange, blue and white jumpsuit mirrored by his bright blond hair and blue eyes as well as always walking around with his signature grin signified with his whisker like birthmarks on his face.

"Naruto be careful you can't keep pulling these pranks and expect no one to get mad at you, and why of all things did you choose the Hokage monument this time." Hiccup Uchiha a boy the same age as Naruto but a few key differences one being his looks. Hiccup as brown hair that falls past his ears and wears a long sleeve green Uchiha turtleneck with brown pants. Second is that at first glance Hiccup doesn't look like he is from the village and looking closer some features seem to prove this, starting with his eyes. Unlike most Uchiha his eyes are a striking blue as if you were looking at a crystal glacier. But his stature and bodily appearance matched kids his age.

"What do you mean, how else is everyone going to notice me and my work of art." What Naruto is referring to is the Hokage monument. This monument consists of four heads carved into a mountain that overlooks the village and now thanks to Naruto have now been graced with bright red paint and adorned with various graphite plastered on each face.

"Theres a difference between art and vandalism Naruto."

Naruto and Hiccup looked up to the top of the fourth Hokages head to see a very angry face. Which caused both boys to scream. "AHHH its Iruka sensei."

The boys stood in front of Iruka Sensei. Well Hiccup stood; Naruto was sat with his arms tied behind him with rope. "I hope you boys now know how much trouble you're in right now. You Hiccup have done well throughout this class however that doesn't excuse you going along with these pranks, speaking of which. You Naruto have flunked every test or demonstration this class has done, Tomorrow all your classmates will pass the final and graduate the academy what do you two have to say for yourselves?"

Hiccup looked sheepishly and rubbed the back of his neck "Forgive me Iruka Sensei."

Naruto Huffed "Yeah yeah."

Everyone in the room could hear Iruka's blood pressure just about burst like steam from a tea kettle. "THAT'S IT. Every one line up we are going to rehearse the transformation jutsu again."

Sounds of jeers and complaints came from the other students. "Way to go Naruto." "Ya why you got to drag us into your pranks?"

"Hmph like I care." Naruto took his place and weaved his hands signs "Transform." In a big puff of smoke was revealed to be an erotic female figure. "What do you think sensei?" Iruka eyes bulged, and his nose began to bleed profusely "HAHAHA got you; did you see that Hiccup? Iruka sensei totally fell for it." Naruto laughed was abruptly stopped by Iruka punching the top of his head

"DON'T INVENT STUPID SKILLS LIKE THAT YOU DUMBASS. Hiccup your next."

Hiccup stood before the class "Transform." Hiccup became enveloped in a cloud of smoke to reveal a perfect transformation of Iruka before returning to himself.

"Well done, Hiccup, at least one of you bothers to pay attention to my lessons." Iruka made sure Naruto heard by holding him up by his collar and looking at him in the eye. While Naruto looked back at him with a sly grin. "Sigh, anyhow class will be dismissed early on account of exams tomorrow. You're all free to go." Iruka's command was met with cheers from the students and the two boys were about to join them when each felt a firm hand clasp their shoulders "Just where do you think you're going."

Naruto and Hiccup laughed awkwardly while their sweat dropped.

"Almost done boys, but don't get carried away neither of you are going home until this monument is completely clean."

Hiccup was silent but hung his head slightly hiding his eyes behind his bangs. But Naruto decided otherwise "Ya whatever it's not like we got anyone waiting at home for us anyway."

The only sound between the three was the sound of brushes scrubbing stone, and Iruka could feel the sadness shared between the two. "Say boys."

"Ya." Naruto and Hiccup looked up to see Iruka looking away bashfully. "If you two clean this up, then I'll take you both out for some ramen."

Naruto and Hiccup both looked at each other and smiled "I bet I can clean faster than you Hiccup." "In your dreams Naruto."

After cleaning the monument Iruka took them to Ichiraku's as promised where they all began to dine on some ramen. Where Naruto didn't hold back on his appetite on already devouring two bowls. SLUUURRP "Man this stuff really hit the spot; can I get another bowl please?"

Iruka really began to wonder where Naruto puts all that stuff. Sigh "Go ahead and eat up boys, although I hope now you two won't try to pull anything like that again. Especially you Naruto, why of all places did you choose to deface that spot? I mean you do know who Lord Hokage is right?"

Naruto guzzled down a dose of noodles. "Mrph mmrph."

Hiccup sighed tiredly from having to remind him again, "Don't talk with your mouthful Naruto."

Gulp. "Sorry, but ya of course. To inherit the title of Hokage, he'd had to have been the best shinobi in the village, it was the Fourth Hokage who found a way to defeat the demons that almost destroyed the village."

"Ok then why did you do it?"

SLUURRP gulp. "Because one of these days there going to be calling ME Lord Hokage, believe it." Naruto looked like he was about to shout it from the roof tops. "And when I do, I won't be just the best but I'm going to surpass everyone who came before me Believe it. And when that day comes everyone in the village will finally respect me."

'There he goes again.' Content on simply enjoying a well-cooked meal, a rare staple in the Uchiha household considering Hiccups living situation, he was perfectly happy with Naruto boasting about his dreams. Still every now and then Hiccup would wonder to himself what his dreams were. 'Do I have a dream? Most of my life I lived with what my dad and Naruto do… Maybe… Maybe I could find some adventure outside the village or maybe- '.

"What do you think Hiccup."

Hiccup was broken from his thoughts by Naruto again. "Huh what did you a say?"

grooown, "I was saying wouldn't it be pretty cool if Iruka sensei let me wear his headband." Hiccup could see what Naruto was doing. He was trying to back him up so Iruka sensei would be outnumbered.

"That sounds like a good idea but instead of asking for his headband shouldn't we try and make sure you get your own?" 'Sluuurrp'

"Awww what? You're not going to have my back."

Iruka found the banter between the two refreshing compared to always trying to keep the two in line "Hahaha. Hiccup is right Naruto this headband." Iruka gestured with his thumb to his forehead. "Isn't just something we wear for appearances, it's a badge of adulthood you don't get one until you graduate."

Naruto huffed in defeat and finished the rest of his ramen. After everyone finished and parted ways the boys walked home. Where Hiccup lived in a family home while Naruto had his own apartment. "Hey Hiccup."

"Hm ya Naruto what's up?"

Naruto seemed to keep his eyes glued to the road ahead of him "Do… do you think I could stay over at you place again?" There was a hint of something in Naruto's voice that bothered Hiccup a little. Naruto was always the brash and boastful type so seeing him in these moments always unsettled Hiccup.

"Ya Naruto of course we can." The feeling surrounding Naruto changed immediately back to a bright aura.

"Alright. Race ya there." Naruto immediately bolted off to Hiccups home.

"Hey no fair."

When the boys got to Hiccup's home it was like any other Uchiha house but with a few other luxuries like a plot for a garden and large shed behind his house. "It's getting pretty late Naruto maybe we should already pack it in?"

"What you're tired already, come one let's stay up read some comics like last time."

"Normally I would agree, but tomorrow is the final exam and if we are both going to pass, we need to be well rested, after all not all of use class time to sleep you know."

"Hmph please the reason I sleep in class is because it's all so easy. I mean it's all practically second nature to me anyway."

Hiccup finished rolling out the sleeping mats to the two as they slept in the living room. "Well in that case mister expert ninja then sleeping should be just as easy." Hiccup handed Naruto some blankets and both boys made their beds in the living room and got ready to sleep the night away. As the two got ready for bed and Naruto still found himself restless.

"Hey Hiccup, where is your dad at?"

Hiccup was a little hesitant to answer him because deep down he didn't really know. All he did know was that his dad was gone again. "He told me he was being sent on another mission again, he didn't say where to, but he said it was far away."

A few more minutes passed before Naruto spoke up again. "I wonder what my parents were like. Do you think they were shinobi?"

"… Ya I bet they were probably pretty strong to."

"Ya…. Do you think they would be upset with me if I failed the graduation exam, I mean … I screw around sometimes, but do you think they would be mad at me for that?"

Hiccup was silent for a while. 'So that's what was bothering you.' "I don't think they would be too mad. I'm sure even if you failed, they would still care about you a lot, I don't doubt it."

"Well… it's just… I don't know I just can't help but wonder ya know."

"Ya I know what you mean but hey we just got to try our best right? Well get those headbands and well officially be shinobi right."

"Ya you bet."

The next day at graduation Naruto sat with his head on his desk looking frustrated or what Hiccup called his 'thinking face' "Ok everyone listens carefully, when your name is called, please step forward and when you do, you must perform the shadow clone jutsu perfectly. If you successfully create a perfect shadow clone, then you may take a head band. If you fail, then you will have to retake the academy over again."

'WHAT SHADOW CLONES! Oh man that's my worst technique oh what am I going to do?'.

Tap tap tap. Naruto felt a tapping his shoulder trying to grab his attention "Listen Naruto, just remember to stay focused, you can do it." Hiccup gave a smile and a thumbs up.

Sigh "Thanks Hiccup, don't worry about me I'll get that headband no problem believe it." The boys shared a fist bump and turned back to Iruka sensei who just finished giving Shino his head band.

"Hiccup Uchiha please step forward."

Hiccup took his position and began to channel his chakra that began to swirl around him like a dome "Shadow clown jutsue." Poof. There beside him was a perfect recreation of himself. "Wow, this is cool." Hiccup examen his shadow clone up and down "Hmm I wonder what kind of gear I can make for myself." Cough cough. Hiccup dispersed his shadow clone and turned to Iruka and Mizuki sensei.

"Well done, Hiccup, a perfect shadow clone. Here is your head band. Mizuki if you please."

Mizuki sensei grabbed a headband and both he and Hiccup reached for each other. But before Hiccup could take his headband, he felt a cold feeling rush down his arm, and he instinctively brought his hand back to his waist.

"Oh, is something wrong Hiccup you look like somethings bothering you." Mizuki asked concerned but when Hiccup looked in his eyes, he felt that same cold feeling come back.

"O…Oh its nothing my hand was just sweaty is all."

Iruka cracked a smile "That's perfectly normal Hiccup this is a great accomplishment you should be proud of yourself." Hiccup took his headband from Mizuki but still couldn't shake that cold feeling. When he sat down that thought was pushed out of his head by Naruto's energetic self.

"Wow Hiccup that was cool, you nailed it on your first try. Hey, let me wear your headband quick."

"No way Naruto this one's mine. Common you can earn yours when your name is called."

"Naruto Uzumaki step forward."

"See, now's your chance Naruto good luck." Hiccup and Naruto gave each other a high five before Naruto stood before Iruka and Mizuki.

When Naruto stood before them, he channeled his chakra. 'All right here it goes nothing.' "Behold a perfect body double." Poof Just like before a cloud of smoke enveloped Naruto and when it cleared there stood Naruto and a version of him that looked like paper that came out of fax machine that ran out of toner.

Hiccup looked shocked, Iruka looked pissed, and Mizuki looked unimpressed. Iruka stood up slowly "Naruto." Iruka took a deep breath and shouted. "YOU FAIL." The amount of force behind Iruka's shout had thrown Naruto on his butt leaving him devastated.

Iruka began to sit down again. "Master Iruka… This is why don't we let this slide? He did manage to create a shadow clone. Even if it was a little flawed after all I'm not the greatest at the shadow clone jutsu myself what do you think?" Naruto's face lit up at the hope of barely making the cut to graduate.

Sigh "The answer is no Mitzuki; every student is supposed to generate a shadow clone and Naruto only produced one. And a very bad one at that." Naruto's face morphed from hopeful to angered in with Iruka's statement. "With all due respect his performance does not merit a passing grade and that's final."

After the graduation ceremony many of the kids in the class stood together talking, laughing and congratulating each other. With all their parents beside them. "Great job son, your old man is proud." Said on parent "So now your all adults now." Cheered another "Congratulations graduate, tonight you moms going to cook up a whole feast." All from the crowd came these statements but there were no kind words for Naruto who sat downtrodden on the wooden swing. Hiccup stood beside him still holding his headband and leaning against a tree feeling concerned for his friend. "Hey, arent those kids apart of the class?" "Ya looks like one of them passed, can't believe they let both attend the academy, imagine if they both became shinobi." Naruto took his goggles and put them back on his head "I mean think about what they are…" "Don't even go there."

As Naruto and Hiccup left the grounds and the crowd behind. But unknown to them Iruka and the third Hokage were watching them the whole time. "Iruka, could I have a word later…?" "Of course, Lord Hokage."

Hiccup and Naruto walked down the road that led to nowhere but neither cared as they walked in silence "Hey Naruto why don't we head over to my house, and we can read some manga? I just got this new one called One Piece I haven't even read it yet, what do you say?"

Narto stopped and looked like considering it for a moment. "No thanks, I think I'm just going to go home."

Taken back by this Hiccup tried to sway his decision. "W… What? Come on Naruto we can at le…"

"Please." Before hiccup try Naruto stopped him again. "Please Hiccup. I just want to be alone for a little bit. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Oh, sure thing buddy. I'll... I'll see you tomorrow." Naruto continued to hang his head. Hiccup seeing no better thing to comfort his friend than to give him, his space walked away. But spared a glace to look back at Naruto who hadn't moved.

Naruto continued his trek to his apartment lost in his thoughts of all the things he did wrong and of all the tasks he shorted, believing at the time they served little purpose. Looking up he could see he was just a few blocks away. "Hiccup I told you I want to be alone."

"But I'm not Hiccup, Naruto."

"Huh." Naruto recognized that voice. "Mizuki sensei."

Now both Naruto and Mizuki sat away from each other overlooking the village. "Listen Naruto, Iruka sensei is a really serios guy… His parents died when they were young, so everything he has accomplished so far, he has done it with a lot of hard work and discipline."

"But what does that got to do with me?"

"Hmph He thinks he is trying to help you out. Believe it or not you remind him a lot of himself. So, do you think you can cut him a break at least? From one orphan to another."

Naruto remained silent for a moment, letting Mizukis words sink in as the wind blew past them. "… But… I really wanted to graduate."

Mizuki looked at Naruto "Heh then I guess there is no choice."

"Huh what do you mean Mizuki sensei?"

"I'm going to tell you a little secret I have been keeping for a long time. One not a lot of jonin know about."

Night had crept over the village with the moon shining above. However, there was one lone shadow that creeped from rooftop to rooftop. Avoiding the lights from windows and streetlights this shadow creeping through a window into the home and office of the third Hokage. Making sure not to make a sound and being wary of any traps it seemed like this mission was almost too easy until. Click. "Just what exactly are you doing in my office at this hour Naruto?"

Naruto only responded with "Transform."

"AAAAAGGGHHH"

When the smoke cleared the third Hokage was sprawled on the ground with blood flowing from his nose and a very odd grin on his face. When Naruto found the various scrolls that lined the walls he searched franticly for one specific scroll. "Gotcha."

Naruto hurriedly escaped the building. Unbeknown to him there was a figure watching him escape with a menacing glair. This figure was none other than Mizuki who happily watched 'Finaly my plan is almost complete.'

After Naruto fled to a safe place far enough away from the village and he unfolded the scroll "Okay let's see, the first technique is the multi- shadow clone jutsue! Man, my worst technique and it's the first one. Urg it's like tutoring all over again."

Back at the village Iruka sensei was lying in bed to lost in thought to feel the urge to sleep. 'Iruka, may I speak with you for a moment?' 'Yes, lord Hokage?' 'I understand how you feel about the boy, growing up without a parent's love is a difficult thing indeed.

Flashback

The full moon shown over the battlefield that was once part of the hidden leaf village. Where in the mist stood two behemoths one a red fox with eyes that glowed with hatred so deep it filled thousands with despair and nine thrashing tails that lad waist to what ever encountered them. The other beast many thought to be only from legend. It was a scaled beast as white is the freshest snowfall, with pearl white tusks that protruded from its face and that stood on all fours but what shocked those who managed to notice were the eight tails that swayed hypnotically in the moonlight. The creature that would come to be known after that night was the eight tailed dragon.

While the beasts fought each other countless shinobi rushed to evacuate everyone they could "We have got to hold on until Lord fourth gets here." Amid this chaos a young Iruka was being carried away to safety. "Wait let me go! My mom and dad are still back there fighting the demon. Wait…" The eyes of the nine tails shown though the night before it let out and attack. RRRAAAAOOOORRRRRRRR.

Flashback ends

Knock Knock Knock. Iruka was brought back from his nightmare by a frantic call at his door. When he opened it. "Oh, Mizuki what's up?"

Catching his breath "Iruka I'm afraid its Naruto. Somehow, he managed to steel the forbidden scroll."

"What!"

At the Hokage tower, lord third had summoned some shinobi for an emergency such as this. However, when Iruka arrived many were already calling for Naruto and even Hiccups' head. "That boy has gone too far this time." I bet the other set him up to steal it so they can both betray the village." "I say we finish them off and get them out of our hair." Iruka stood in the crowd biting his tongue waiting for directions from the Hokage.

Lord third interrupted them before things got further out of hand. "Enough all of you. Now the scroll Naruto has taken isn't just any scroll it is a scroll so dangerous the first and second Hokage's sealed it to prevent it from falling into the wrong hands. It was stolen only half a day ago so he couldn't have gotten fare. But every second counts and we must find him now GO." Everyone present disappeared in a cloud of smoke. With Iruka already having an idea where to look "I'll check the first place I cand think of it's the best option right now."

With Mizuki 'Once word of this spread that will be it for the nine tails brat and if I am lucky even that little eight tailed know it all.'

But back with the Hokage, Lord third hadn't moved from his spot but stood and took a long drag from his pipe before blowing out a large puff of smoke. "I know your there so come out… Hiccup."

Hiccup slowly stepped out from one of the pillars and hesitantly walked up to lord third. "L-Lo-Lord H-Hokage is what you said true, Di-Did Naruto really steal the scroll?"

Taking another drag the Hokage solemnly replied. "Yes… I am afraid Naruto has taken the scroll. And soon if they aren't stopped the shinobi of our village will find him and whatever happens after that I cannot say."

"But lord Hokage please none of this sound like Naruto's doing. I mean sure he can be an idiot at times with his pranks, but Naruto would never do this, this must be a mistake."

"I highly doubt this as a prank Hiccup but unless you can convince me what I saw was an illusion then I have no choice but to send out a search party for his capture."

"Wha-What surely there is a way to stop them? Can't you call them back?"

Hiruzen took another long puff from his pipe. "No, I am afraid it is up to Iruka or even Nartuo himself to bring the scroll back before something were to happen. Because unless these circumstances were to happen, I cannot guarantee Naruto's safety. He has committed a serious offence so if another shinobi were to find him, I cannot grantee his safety."

These words echoed in Hiccups head. Naruto had always been reckless but something about all of this didn't seem like something he would do out of spite. "No, my lord there must be a way to stop them from harming Naruto. I know him, Naruto is a lot of things but a traitor he is not."

Hiruzen turned his head and glared at Hiccup with a stone-faced expression. "Hiccup Uchiha are you saying that I am wrong for ensuring the secrets of this village remain safe in our hands? Or are you insinuating that we should just let our most closely regarded secrets and Jutsus be known to our enemies? Is That what you are saying?"

"N-no m-m-my lord what I am saying is that I-I can't."

"What. What do you mean you can't?"

Hiccup stood looking down at his own feet but shaking in place with knuckles white and his teeth barring he muttered on. "I mean I won't… I won't let them hunt down Naruto like some kind of animal. I know him and Naruto would never do something as betray the village."

Hiruzen turned and faced Hiccup with a glare that made it feel like the third Hokage could see into his own soul. "Then tell me Hiccup, what makes you think Naruto is innocent? What makes you think he hasn't decided to betray us?" Hiccup clenched his jaw trying to find the words "Well, tell me boy!"

"Because." Hiccup looked at Hiruzen with eyes that burned with pride. "Because I believe in Naruto, and I believe one day Naruto will one day lead this village. The village hidden in the leaves as the new Lord Hokage and when that day comes everyone will know the name Naruto Uzumake of the Hidden Leaf Village."

Hiruzen remained stoic but behind his demeanor he could see the conviction behind Hiccups' eyes. A sight so rare if he told his father, Stoick wouldn't believe him. "I see, if you truly believe Naruto is innocent then answer me. Are you willing to defend Naruto with your life if it comes to that. Even if it means defending him from members of your own village?"

Hiccup still feeling determined responded in kind. "Yes, I will."

"Will you not only protect Naruto, but will you protect anyone who you hold dear with the same conviction even if it means death by the hands of your own?"

"I will."

"Will you ever hold it against anyone who seeks to strike you down by the orders of those they follow?"

"I will not."

Hiruzen looked Hiccup up and down with that same piercing glare. But he stopped and took another breath from his pipe. "Then Hiccup Uchiha step forward." Feeling his nervous coming back Hiccup took a few shaky steps. Before gestured to neal. "Hiccup Uchiha. You have stated to me that you would defend Naruto Uzumaki and anyone you care for with your life, and should you be or almost struck down you will not hold it against that person or people. But words can only prove so much. That is why I Hiruzen Sarutobi the third Hokage am giving you your first top secret mission. Do you accept"

Hiccup was beyond surprised, was downright awestruck. "Y-Yes my lord."

"Humph. Then here is your mission. You are to protect Naruto from the search parties until Iruka can bring him back safely. Use whatever methods you can, but you cannot use lethal force. This mission is between you and I only. You are to not tell a soul about this to anyone not even to Naruto. Do you understand?"

"Yes, I understand Lord Hokage."

"Good now go. You know Naruto better than anyone you must have a better idea of where he fled. Find him and divert or slow down anyone who is not Iruka. Now go there is no time to lose."

"Yes Lord Hokage." Waisting no time in his search for Naruto, Hiruzen remained atop the Hokage tower looking out over the village. 'Go Hiccup find Iruka and protect Naruto. Because I believe you are right this couldn't have been his doing. I fear there is a traitor in our ranks, and it is someone who had to be close to the both of you. Sigh I'm getting too old for this.'

The forest surrounding the village was nothing short of vast, but Naruto and Hiccup knew these woods like the back of their hand. Amid this bark covered skyscrapers where they learned to hunt and fish as well as play, and in worst instances this is where they would come to hide when a mob of villagers happen to form before they could be stopped. So, if there was anywhere Naruto would flee, Hiccup would know where he went. "Almost there, I just need to keep an eye out for patrols… Huh oh crap." Hiccup stopped and not a second sooner because just ahead of him was a squad of Jonin.

"Where the hell is that kid? He could be anywhere by now?"

"Don't worry he couldn't have gotten far."

"Do you think Lord Hokage will finally banish that kid for good?"

"Who knows maybe he will put him to death. Finally get him out of our hair."

"Alright that's enough you two." A Jonin with chin length brown hair and he seemed to be chewing on a toothpick. Stopped the two from continuing further. "What we need to do now is get are bearings this may be our village but that doesn't mean we shouldn't overlook anything."

On a far-off branch Hiccup could hear them and knowing time was running short devised his own plan. 'Ok if I can't attack them head on, which wouldn't work anyway for me then maybe I can lure them away but how… Wait that's it.' "Shadow clone jutsue." In a small puff of smoke, a second Hiccup appeared "Transform." That second Hiccup now turned into a spitting image of Naruto Uzumaki. "Alright let me run my plan by you. I am going to confuse them with a smoke bomb when I do I want you to start leading them on a chase away from here got it?"
"Right!"

Hiccup through a small pellet at the group and Jonin with the toothpick was the first to respond. "What the?!" Poof "Smoke bomb!" "Where did it come from?!"

When the smoke cleared a Jonin from the group saw a flash of orange dart from the trees. "Over there, It's that kid get him before he gets away." The group of three quickly followed Naruto through the trees but as the three gave chase, Jonin with the toothpick saw from the corner of his eye, another figure hiding. 'Hmm something doesn't seem right about this. But this shouldn't be too much of a problem.'

Hiccup looked at the group run through the trees and away from where they would have found Naruto. "There that should by me more time."

"More time for what kid?"

"More time to find … wait?" Hiccup sweat dropped and slowly turned to see Jonin standing right behind him. Hiccup immediately backed up to the tree and began to rub the back of his neck out of nervousness "Genma sensei w-what are you doing here."

"I could ask you the same thing kid. You know pulling a stunt like that, in this kind of situation were in could be considered treason. You know that right?"

"I don't know what you're talking about sensei I was just playing a little prank is all."

"Don't play dumb kid I have sat down with some of your teachers including Iruka and they all say you're smart, but you also can't tell a lie to save your life. So, answer me what are you doing out here and why are purposely leading your fellow ninjas on a goose chase."

"I am sorry Genma sensei but a I can't tell you."

"Listen kid I am not in the mood for this if you're not going to tell me now I will have to treat you as a threat. So, tell me." Genma reached for Hiccup and grabbed his arm

"Let go of me, I told you I can't tell you."

"Then you are leaving me now choice."

"I… I said LET GO!" Hiccup shot his head up to look at Genma in the eye and instead of seeing two blue orbs Genma saw two bright red eyes that looked like they could burn with the intensity of magma and each with one Tomoe "Sharingan"

When Genma met Hiccups' gaze his whole body became stiff and heavy like he was carrying bricks on his back and the sheer feeling brought him to his knees then he fell facing down still unable to move and barely speak. "What the hell did you do kid?"

"Pant… pant… sorry sensei but you left me now choice. But don't worry you won't feel any pain." Without another word Hiccup hurried away toward where he hoped Naruto was.

Genma tried to utter and order but what came out was only a whisper. "Wait… kid." His world faded to black.

Naruto stood shakingly in the middle of a clearing amidst the vast forest with the scroll still tied to his back "Whew man I am beat. I need to sit down." Unbeknownst to Naruto, after his crime was discovered and reported and the village was put on alert, he had been here the whole time. "Man waits till Iruka sensei get of load of me know. I can't wait to show him what I learned."

"And what did you learn Naruto?" Iruka appeared in front of Naruto in a puff of smoke and with a very large anger tick on his forehead. "Gotcha"

"Hey nosebleed it's about time I found you. Hahaha."

"NO, YOU IDIOT I FOUND YOU!" Before Iruka could scold him any further he took a good look at him and realized something 'Naruto you covered in dirt and scuff marks ha-have you been training out here the whole time, why?' "Sigh. Naruto, do you have any idea what you have done and what exactly have you been doing out here this whole time?"

"Heh you got me sensei, to bad I was only able to master one technique to."

'Wait Naruto you came here to practice you ninjutsu… you practically worked yourself to death.' "Naruto did you really steal the scroll so you could master ninjutsu why?"

"Because Mizuki sensei said that if I bring him the scroll and master a technique or two then you would have to let me graduate…!" Before Naruto could ramble on Iruka stopped him.

"Wait Naruto did you say, Mizuki told you to steel the scroll?"

"Ya he said if I did then you would have to let me graduate, then I would become a full fledge shinobi."

Realizing the truth, Iruka couldn't believe it. 'Mizuki…why?'. Before Iruka could ponder the meaning behind this betrayal he sensed a feeling of danger. "Naruto get out of the way." Iruka shoved Naruto to the side just in time to save from a volley of kunis but taking the brunt of the attack himself. "So that's what really going on." Iruka pulled a kuna out form his side luckily it wasn't fatal wound "I should have known; Naruto wouldn't have been capable of stealing the scroll by himself not without someone who knew where it was. Am I right Mizuki?"

From a wisp of smoke and leaves Mizuki appeared, the kindness that once was visible in his expression faded to reveal his true face. A face of malice and envy. "Heh glad you figured it out and thank you for helping me find the brat. It will make this mess a lot easier to clean up." Mizuki glared at Naruto with an uncaring expression. "Naruto quick give me the scroll we don't have much time."

Naruto, now fully confused, could wrap his mind around just what was happening "W-wait what going on here? Mizuki sensei what are you doing and why did you hurt Iruka sensei?"

Gritting his teeth though the pain Iruka pulled out another kunai and stood on his feet. "Naruto don't listen to him. Mizuke used you. There was no other way to pass graduation he just used that as an excuse to trick you into believing him. To get you to do the dirty work and incriminate yourself for stealing the scroll. You mustn't give it to him. That scroll has thousands of secrets that in the wrong hands could destroy the village and everyone in it that you care for."

"Hahaha. Iruka you're so funny like there is even a soul that could care less for this boy." The amount of venom in Mizukies voice came out of him when he said that could be felt through Naruto's bones. "In fact, Naruto let me tell you why so many in the village could care less if your life and the life of that Uchiha brat were snuffed out. It all goes back to the night you were born where a secret was made about you where no one could know, not even you."

Iruka's blood was boiling "Mizuki don't utter one more word, I'm warning you."

Naruto was so lost he couldn't believe what he was hearing. "A secret. Why make a secret about me that I can't even know."

Mizuke face turned into a twisted grin. "That secret Naruto is twelve years ago the nine tailed fox was sealed away inside a child, and that child was YOU Naruto you are the container of the nine tailed fox and your friend is the also a container of the eight tailed dragon. You want to know why everyone in the village hates you two, it's because everyone sees you both for what you are. Demons."

"Wha…what." Naruto's view on the world seemed to almost fall apart, but at the same time a lot of things made sense now "So that's why everyone stares at me like that. That's why I can't make friends but wait…"

"That's right Demons! And you Naruto are probably the worst of them all, everyone knows the curse of the nine tailed fox and that only way to be safe from it is to seal it away. But doing so came at the cost of the village and that's why everyone hates you two. You're the reason so many are without parents and loved ones." Mizuki reached behind and readied his large shuriken. "You're the reasons Iruka's parents are dead and that's why everyone from the Hokage to the villagers hate you, especially Iruka. He hates you the most."

The sight before Iruka was something he thought he would never see; Naruto was standing still with a haunted almost expressionless look on his face. The only sign of life were the tear that flowed from his eyes. Naruto was about to fall apart. "ENOUGH, don't listen to him Naruto." Iruka pried himself from the wall he was pinned to. "Naruto he's wrong I don't hate you please you have to believe me!"

Mizuke kackled as he threw his weapon. "Die demon fox!" The weapon spun with tremendous force towards Naruto with the intent and power to sever him in half. CLANG Mizuki shuriken stopped dead from spinning and fell to the earth along with two other kunai. "What the hell!?"

"I knew there was something about you I didn't like."

"What?" Mizuki turned toward the voice to see his second most hated person. "Hiccup Uchiha! Just what are you doing here?"

"By the looks of it stopping you. But I don't know maybe I'm just seeing things." Mizuki looked closer and his blood ran cold. "Y-you have already unlocked the sharingan how? Hmph No matter just because you have the sharingan doesn't mean anything. Not after I take the scroll from the nine tailed brat." Mizuki through another Kunai right at Naruto

Even with the commotion going on Naruto hadn't moved but stood lost in his own mind. 'It's all my fault? But I didn't do anything, how can everyone think I'm some kind of monster, I didn't want to be like this.' CLANG. Mizukis' attack was thwarted again by Hiccup, but it didn't do anything to alleviate the danger they were in.

"NARUTO STOP WAISTING MY TIME AND GIVE ME THE SCROLL!" Mizuki shouted with a crazed expression on his face. "Come on, Naruto don't you want to get revenge on this village for what it has done to you, for what you are. Give me the scroll and you can be free. GIVE ME THE SCROLL!"

Iruka and Hiccup shouted just as loudly. "NO NARUTO DON'T DO IT." "NARUTO DON'T LISTEN TO HIM HE HAS BEEN LYING TO YOU" "DON'T GIVE HIM THE SCROLL!"

Naruto was at his wits end, and it felt like he was being torn apart he didn't know who to believe in anymore. Naruto looked at everyone but when he saw their faces he didn't recognize any of them. He took one step back; his whole body was shaking from everything he had heard.

"Enough of this" Mizuki reached for his last large shuriken and through it at Naruto "die demon fox!"

"Naruto look out!" Hiccup reached for his weapons but before he could he had to dodge a flurry of shuriken from Mizuki.

Naruto tried to run but fell over his own feet and could only brace himself. Shiiink…plit…plit. Naruto slowly opened his eyes and saw Iruka hunched over him with blood dripping from the side of his "Iruka sensei why? Why did you protect me?"

Iruka let out a shaky breath, trying to keep his composure but failing with blood and tears dripping from his face. "Because… Because I know what it's like to be alone like you Naruto. I was the class clown like you… I did everything I could to get the attention from everyone, I was scared because without anyone to praise or respect me… I was afraid, afraid to admit that I was lonely. I just wanted someone to see me and be proud of me, so I could prove to myself that people cared. Because being the class clown… was better than being a nobody." The sound of blood patting the grass beside them as Iruka tore the shuriken from his back. "But Naruto, I was wrong. I was so hard and scolded you more compared to everyone else because I wanted you to be better than I was. But all it did was make your pain worse I'm sorry I hope you can forgive me… Naruto."

Those words sunk so deep that Naruto's very bones felt heavier. But Naruto grabbed and held the scroll to his chest so tight his breath hitched. In the blink of an eye Naruto turned and ran further into the forest. Iruka cried out to try and reason with him. "Naruto wait." But it fell on deaf ears and instead was met with the kackling laughter from Mizuki.

"You see Iruka, he is only looking out for himself just like a fox would when it's trapped. He has become more animal than human. No time to waste talking anymore I'll take the scroll and his life, but don't worry I'll come for you next." Mizuki began to jump through the trees after Naruto, but Hiccup tried to stop him.

"You're not getting away with this."

"I'll save you for last." Mizuki turned midair and threw pellets at Hiccup and when they connected exploded with a concussive and bright light that anyone and anything in the forest heard it.

"AAAGH." Hiccup fell to the ground furiously rubbing his eyes to relieve the pain. When he could finally open his eyes again, he felt a hand on his shoulder. "Huh Iruka sensei you hurt, what are you doing?"

"Don't worry about me Hiccup I am going save Naruto."

"I'm coming to!"

"No, you can't."

"What why not?"

"Hiccup the noise and the blast from those bombs must have alerted others in our direction. I need you to divert them, don't worry about Naruto.

"But sensei!"

"Hiccup listen to me." Iruka kneeled and looked at Hiccup, eye to eye. "Hiccup you have been a great friend to Naruto and often his voice of reason. But I need to make right what I have done to him. I am going to be the teacher I should have been and protect my students. Now go I need you to buy us more time."

Hiccup didn't protest any further and left to do as he was told. Leaving Iruka to catch up to Naruto and Mizuki. "Hold on Naruto I'm on my way."

Meanwhile, in the village many shinobi began to grow frustrated and scared. Their emotions began to make most of them desperate. "This is taking too long; at this rate the boy will have already begun to tap into the demon's power. We should have killed him when we had the chance" Shouted a boulder of a man. "But we can still make it right if we act fast enough, he may have the scroll, but he is still a boy." Shouted another wearing a thick pair of glasses. "Don't make the mistake of thinking he is one of us. When we find him, he must die." With this declaration they cried out in unison "YEAH."

While this was happening the Hokage sat in his office looking through his crystal ball confident that Naruto wouldn't tap into on the nine tails. But confidence can only last so long before worry seeps into the cracks and makes it crumble. "Finally find you." Hiruzen looked closer and could see Naruto running away with the scroll in tow. "So, the truth comes to light. As soon as Iruka found him Mizuki wasted no time in boasting about his treachery. Even with help from Iruka and Hiccup, I feel the outcome rests solely on you Naruto Uzumaki." Hiruzen leaned back in his chair and took a breath from his pipe. 'Now with Mizukis meddling Naruto now knows the secret behind his suffering. Perhaps it is too late? All that awesome and terrible power has begun to tempt him to rely from its bonds, driving him over the edge. But right now, there is still a chance to stop this if Mizuki doesn't get his hands on the scroll.'

Naruto was jumping from tree to tree trying to get as far away as he could. "NARUTO." Iruka came up close behind him "Give me the scroll Naruto, it's what Mizuki is after." Naruto jumped to the next branch and turned to Iruka but jumped toward and punched Iruka hard enough he brock several branches when he plummeted to the ground. Naruto hmphed and fell back leaning against a tree with Iruka trying to get up from the punch. "HOW. What's wrong with you Naruto?" Poof. "How did you know I wasn't Iruka?" Mizuki appeared with anger in his eyes.

"Because." Poof. Naruto became enveloped in smoke. "I am."

"Heh I see." With these two focusing on each other neither knew the real Naruto was hiding behind a tree just a few feet away. "You know Iruka, it's admirable saving that murderer. The same one that killed your parents, but what's it all really for, imagen what he could do if we let him live?"

"Good then maybe the scroll is safer with him then with a scumbag like you."

"Ha you're a fool Iruka, Naruto and I are more alike than you know. Two of a kind in fact."

"Two of a kind, what are you talking about?"

"He doesn't realize it but he has almost limitless power, and with that scroll I too can achieve that kind of power. All I must do is set the demon free. Hahaha, admit it Iruka you afraid of it too, afraid of him you despise him like I do."

Naruto didn't move and only listened to everything Mizuki said, 'He is right, Iruka must hate me.'

Cough cough. "Maybe I do hate the fox, but not Naruto I could never hate that boy. For him I have nothing but respect because he is an excellent student. He works with all his might. Even if sometimes people make fun of him and Hiccup for being clumsy and screw ups and people even shun them for it. He has learned of a level of empathy not even monks can attain. That boy is not the demon from years ago, he is Naruto Uzumaki a citizen of the village hidden in the leaves."

Naruto could only quietly sob from behind the tree 'he really did care.'

Mizuki looked at Iruka with complete disgust "Aww isn't that just sweet, I could just cry with envy, if it wasn't so pathetic. Honestly Iruka I was going to save you for last but seeing as you won't just let me take what I want. Then you leave me know choice." Mizuki pulled out his last shuriken from his back and began to spin it violently. "Say goodbye Iruka."

'So, this is how it ends. I'm sorry Naruto.' Iruka closed his eyes and waited for death. "Die." Mizuki began to fling the weapon but suddenly…

SMACK.

Naruto came bursting from the trees and delivered a powerful hit, to Mizuki that was so hard it knocked him back a few feet away. The weapon he had spun and lodged itself above Iruka's head, missing him by a few inches. "Naruto you dumb kid what are you doing here? Quickly run while you still have chance."

Naruto didn't bother to turn to look at Iruka "Shut up." Iruka was shocked at this. His tone sounded menacing, nothing like he had ever heard before from him. Naruto pointed at Mizuki. "Stay away from Iruka sensei or I'll kill you."

Mizuki stood up with blood dripping from his nose with that twisted smirk on his face. "You little brat do you really you can fight a grown man like me. Ill kill you with one blow."

Naruto raised his hands and crossed his fingers. "Bring it on I dare you, anything you give to me I'll give it back a thousand times over."

Mizuke tried to run in for an attack. "YOU CAN TRY LITTLE FOX!"

"MULTI SHADOW CLONE JUTSU." In an instant Mizuki stopped in his tracks and realized quickly he was surrounded. Not by two or three but almost a hundred shadow clones.

"Wh-what the how did you master the jutsue so fast?"

Many clones began to speak at once while others began to jeer and laugh. "What's the matter tough guy come and get me.! You were going to knock me out with one punch, right? Come on then!"

Iruka was amazed the one technique Naruto could never do right, was just done flawlessly and in such great numbers. 'Amazing! He didn't just make over a hundred shadow clones he made them all flesh and blood, not just illusions this is amazing Naruto. I wouldn't be surprised if one day he does become greater than any of the Hokages that have come before.'

"Well then if you're not going to attack me, then I'm just going to have to hit you first. Everyone charge." The army of clones rushed Mizuki who could only stand there in complete fear.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHGGGGGG."

When it was over Mizuki lay beaten to a pulp with Naruto triumphantly standing over him with proud smirk. "Sorry about that. I guess I got a little carried away."

Iruka chuckled at his quips "Naruto come here I got a present for you." Naruto approached Iruka excitedly. "Quick close your eyes and don't open them until it tell you."

"Oh ok." He did as he was told and a few minutes later "Sensei can I open my eyes now?"

"Sure, Naruto you can open your eyes now." When he opened his eyes Iruka's head band was gone and placed on his forehead. "Congratulations graduate and to celebrate Ill treat us to some Ichiraku ramen." Naruto couldn't contain his excitement and lept at Iruka, cheering and laughing. 'I was going to lecture him about how the hard part was just beginning, Oh well I'll do that later."

From the tree top Hiccup stood watching the whole thing with his own proud smile. "Congratulations Naruto, I knew you could do it." Hiccup reached into his back pocket at traced his fingers over the Konoha leaf headband before putting it on. 'I promised we would graduate together.' Turning back to the Hokages tower, ready to tell lord third what happened. But as he was running, he could have sworn he saw two figures in the distance, the only things he could see were one had brown hair and the other had grey hair, but they disappeared just as quickly as he saw them.

Arriving at the top of the tower Hiccup met Hiruzen again. "My lord I discovered who the traitor really is. It was Mizuki he tricked Naruto into retrieving the scroll so he could release the nine tails."

"Good but what of the scroll itself?"

"It's with Iruka and Naruto now they will be here to return it shortly."

"Excellent work Hiccup you mission is a success I trust there were no problems with you however?"

Hiccup stiffened at the question "Well there was one incident, but I didn't engage in direct combat my lord."

Hiruzen looked at Hiccup looking to see if he could detect a lie. It was just for show obviously considering Hiruzen saw everything. "Excellent then you are dismissed, I will go and ease the minds of our search parties."

"Thank you, my lord." Hiccup left and Hiruzen approached the shinobis who began to panic and bicker with one another.

"Did anyone find him?!"

"No!"

"Damn it this is bad; he could be far away by know."

"Everyone there is nothing to worry about." The search parties looked at Hiruzen like he was crazy. "They will be back soon."

After everyone was given a brief explanation of what happened Naruto's name was cleared and everyone returned home with a sigh of relief. Until a man approached the third Hokage. In his office

"May I speak with you, my lord?"

Hiruzen stopped his painting and turned his attention to one of his best shinobi. "Yes, by all means."

"Forgive me for speaking out of turn my lord but what happened yesterday shouldn't have been aloud to unfold like it did."

"Hmm I see and what is the reason for this concern?"

"Aside from the obvious in believing Naruto was capable of acting on his own and then sending a fresh genin to find him was something that almost would never turn out right."

"Heh I see. Well, you are right it would have been foolish of me to only send out a genin. But that's why I also sent Iruka, and if he failed I had the two of you. Act as my safety just in case."

"In case? In case of what?"

"In case I was wrong. I knew Naruto couldn't have been alone but sending Hiccup out by himself would have changed little for what I suspected."

"So, you knew all along."

"Yes and No. I knew there was a traitor among our ranks, but I did not know who. When Naruto tried to steal the scroll, I knew he would lead me to them. That is why I let him get as far as he did it's also why I sent Iruka after him and Hiccup."

"But what if that hadn't been enough what then?"

"That is why I had you two there as well. If things hadn't gone smoothly then I knew you two would have stepped in, that is why I had you focused on the scroll and your wife tend to any of there wounds had they proved dangerous."

"That all makes since my lord, but don't you think letting Naruto get away with the scroll so easily and to send Hiccup after them like that, was for the best. Forgive my lord but it sounds a little too reckless almost dangerous even for me".

Hiruzen sat down at his desk and drew a long drag from his pipe before turning back to answer. "Perhaps it was rash of me to do something like that with those two. However, while I had the chance I needed to know one thing."

The room became heavy with an air of trepidation. "And what is that exactly?"

"I had to know they could be trusted. I needed to know those two wouldn't just be loyal to the village or to their teacher and comrade but also to themselves. Naruto stole the scroll because he was tricked, but when Iruka was in danger he cast aside his want for graduating and his need for self-preservation to protect him. When Hiccup came to me to profess Naruto's innocence, he risked his own life to prove me right." Hiruzen smiled as he looked at the files of the recent graduates, Hiccup and Naruto were on the top of the pile. "Those are the traits I want every shinobi of our village to have. Traits that will ensure that no matter the threat, the shinobi of this village will do anything and everything to protect those they hold dear."

"Hmm I think I understand know."

"I know you do. But let me be clear, these are not just kids anymore they are genin and from this day forward almost every mission they undertake will be more dangerous than the last. As much as I hate to speculate, I fear we may not have peace for long in this land so we must make sure that every shinobi at our disposal must be capable and more importantly that they can be trusted."

Silance filled the room Hiruzens words sunk in and dampened the atmosphere yet again. "I see, sorry for questioning your judgement my lord."

"Heh, no need to apologize I know why you are so concerned for those two. Especially Naruto, But I assure I have already prepared for the formation of a special squad that I think you will be interested in."

"Huh how did you know I was going to ask?"

"Hehe when you live to be as old as me you learn to expect things like this."

The shinobis' eye's soften a little. "Thank you, my lord."

"No need to thank me, now if you excuse me, I will get to finishing this paperwork."

When the shinobi left with a puff of smoke Hiruzen set his headdress down on his desk and looked out his window 'I only wish I could sooth my own worries so easily. I fear your squad will play a critical role in the days to come. Good luck Kakashi."