In the heart of Konoha, the Village Hidden in the Leaves, a vibrant scene unfolded in the training fields where young Naruto Uzumaki darted with boundless energy, his eyes gleaming with determination. At just four years old, Naruto already bore the weight of lofty dreams—dreams of becoming the greatest ninja and achieving the title of Hokage someday.

This particular day held special significance, as it wasn't every day that both of his mentors, Kakashi Hatake and Yamato, were present to guide him. To Naruto, Kakashi was a legendary figure, the illustrious Copy Ninja of Konoha, who had already imparted upon him a wealth of knowledge ranging from nutrition, taijutsu, ninjutsu, to advanced chakra manipulation techniques. Yet, today's focus was the Wood Style techniques, taught by Yamato, an entirely new and captivating frontier for Naruto.

As the sun cast warm, golden rays over the training field, Naruto concentrated intently on mastering the Wood Style: Four Pillar House Technique. Beneath his small, outstretched hands, wood began to emerge, forming a structure that seemed as if it had sprouted naturally from the earth itself.

"You're doing great, Naruto!" Yamato called out, his voice carrying a tone of genuine encouragement. Watching the young boy summon a structure that resembled an enchanted cabin, Yamato couldn't help but appreciate Naruto's raw talent, despite the technique's complexity. "Remember to focus on shaping the wood into planks, not just logs."

Naruto pursed his lips, his forehead furrowed in concentration, as he tried once more to refine the structure, feeling the chakra flow through him like an extension of his will. Despite his efforts, the result was still a rustic cabin, its logs rough-hewn, yet brimming with personality.

Kakashi, who leaned casually against a nearby tree with his ever-present book in hand, observed with a keen eye. "Observe how Yamato does it, Naruto. His precision with Mokuton is something you can learn from. Maybe you need to read Yamato's architecture books to imagine how the house should look like."

"Um… I don't know how to read… or write. I can sign my name though." Naruto explained with embarrassment.

"Well, I guess Yamato has more to teach you." Kakashi said with a smile.

"Wait… what? Kakashi-senpai, please stop volunteering me for things without my consent!" Yamato yelled over.

"Are you saying you will not help? Yamato, I choose you because I believe you are the best teacher for this… Or am I mistaken?" Kakashi replied with a lazy tone. Naruto can obviously see Kakashi playing Yamato like a flute. Unfortunately for Yamato, he always gives in when Kakashi compliments his abilities. Naruto has seen it when Kakashi gets Yamato to pay for their meals at Ramen Ichiraku.

"No, no you aren't mistaken. I'll teach him how to read and write." Yamato replied.

Naruto nodded, a determined spark in his eyes as he glanced at his mentors. Their words were like a guiding force, moving him forward even when the path seemed difficult. It was this encouragement that fueled his unwavering spirit.

Taking a brief respite, Naruto flopped onto the grass, drawing in deep breaths as he wiped the sweat from his brow. Lying there, staring up at the canopy of leaves above, he felt a peacefulness that seemed to settle within him. Kakashi and Yamato exchanged a knowing glance, silently acknowledging the challenges of mastering such an advanced jutsu at a tender age, yet recognizing the potential Naruto held within. Kakashi can relate since he became a Genin at the age of five. He was glad the Academy changed policies and kids can stay be kids longer. Looking at Naruto, Kakashi felt sad that he was never given a choice due to his status.

As Naruto rested, a peculiar sensation crept over Naruto—a familiar tingling that prickled at the edge of his senses. It was the unmistakable feeling of being watched, a sensation he had felt before but had come to recognize as neither threatening nor alarming. His eyes flicked towards the dense line of trees bordering the training field.

Filled with curiosity, Naruto couldn't shake the feeling. "Hey, Kakashi-sensei, Yamato-sensei, I think someone's watching us," he announced, his voice carrying an odd mix of excitement and intrigue.

Kakashi's visible eye crinkled with amusement, reflecting a sort of proud acknowledgment of Naruto's developing sensor abilities. "You have quite the intuition, Naruto. Why don't you go see what it is?"

With a burst of eagerness, Naruto nodded and took off towards the trees. His footsteps were light and swift. Then, he used the Body Flicker Technique he had learned from Kakashi. He moved with a stealth beyond his years, arriving quietly at the base of a large oak tree. It was here, nestled in the shadows of the underbrush, that he found the source of his intrigue—a striking salamander.

The creature was unlike any Naruto had ever encountered, its size akin to that of a small dog. Its skin was sleek and black, adorned with vibrant blue spots that seemed to mimic a starry night under the dappling sunlight. The salamander's large amber eyes met Naruto's, exuding a youthful seriousness that belied a wisdom acquired through experience.

"Whoa," Naruto breathed, captivated by the sight. A mixture of awe and excitement filled his voice. "You're not a scary monster, are you?"

The salamander blinked slowly, its demeanor serious yet gentle. Surprisingly, it spoke in a voice that was young but tinged with a somber depth. "No, I'm not a monster. I've been watching you for months."

Naruto grinned, feeling an extreme curiosity with the creature. Despite its otherworldly appearance, there was a sense of connection with the salamander. "I'm Naruto Uzumaki. I knew you were there—I've been sensing your chakra the whole time."

The salamander's eyes widened slightly, as if impressed by the boy's perceptiveness. "Naruto Uzumaki... It's nice to finally meet you. My name is Osa, from the realm of salamanders."

Intrigued by this revelation, Naruto tilted his head. There was a story behind the salamander's actions, and he wanted to know it. "Why have you been watching me, Osa?"

Osa's eyes, though youthful, held a depth that seemed to span ages. "Because you have a spirit that shines. There's something about you that draws others in. But also, my people… there aren't many of us left. We've been fighting the toads, snakes, and slugs for decades."

Naruto's heart ached with empathy at Osa's words. The burdensome reality of the salamanders' plight weighed heavily on him. "That's terrible. What happened?"

Osa sighed softly, a reflection of the gravity of its words. "Long ago, our previous leader, Ibuse, initiated wars by the orders of his master against the other summons—the toads, snakes, and slugs. Those conflicts took their toll on us."

As Osa spoke, Naruto could sense the weight of history carried in its voice. It was a tale of hardship and loss, yet also one of resilience and hope.

"But when things became dire," Osa continued, "I stepped in. Despite being young, I was the oldest remaining salamander, so it fell to me to make peace. I negotiated a treaty to prevent further bloodshed. It was difficult, but necessary to save my people."

Naruto listened intently, his admiration for Osa growing with each word. Here was a creature that had not only witnessed hardship but had fought to change its course. "Wow, Osa. You're amazing! You did all that to protect your friends."

Osa nodded, the responsibility it carried evident in its eyes. "Yes, but we still need a new summoner—someone like you, Naruto. Will you help us?"

Moved by Osa's story and the trust it extended, Naruto felt a deep sense of purpose. "I'd love to help! We can be friends, and I'll do my best to make sure the salamanders have a good ally in me!"

The connection formed between them was palpable, a bond grounded in mutual understanding and respect. Osa seemed to brighten, the burden it carried lifting slightly. "Thank you, Naruto. We believe you can make a difference."

With a decisive flick of its tail, Osa summoned a giant scroll, which unfurled before Naruto's eager eyes. Osa described to Naruto how he is supposed to use his blood to sign his name on the contract. After signing his name, Naruto looked at the names of past summoners. One name, right before his own, caught Naruto's attention: Hanzo.

"Who's Hanzo?" Naruto asked, his curiosity piqued by the unfamiliar name that seemed to carry an air of mystery.

Osa's expression shifted slightly, a shadow passing over its features as it replied. "Hanzo was the previous summoner. Not all the salamanders were sure about him."

Sensing a deeper story, Naruto pressed on, "Why's that?"

Osa's voice grew more serious as it recounted the tale. "Hanzo became our summoner in a bizarre way. He became strong, but he eventually worried too much about his own life that his skills rusted away. To me, it just looks like his true character was shown and he was nothing but a corrupt coward. In the end, he showed us why he was never worthy."

Naruto absorbed Osa's cautionary tale, reflecting on its implications. It served as a reminder of the importance of integrity and courage. "I'll be different, Osa. I'll be someone you can trust and count on."

Osa's youthful eyes met Naruto's, and in that moment, there was a shared sense of hope and trust that transcended their differences. "I believe you will, Naruto. Your heart is true."

With the contract sealed by blood, Naruto felt a surge of connection with Osa and the salamanders. The bond was formed, and as the scroll rolled back up, Osa looked at Naruto with newfound camaraderie.

"Now that we're friends, I can show you something special," Osa said, a hint of excitement lacing its voice. "Do you want to learn the summoning technique hand signs?"

Naruto's eyes lit up with curiosity and enthusiasm, eager to learn more. "Yes, please! I'd love to learn!"

Osa nodded, its demeanor serious and focused, yet charged with an underlying excitement. "Okay, watch carefully. The hand signs are Boar, Dog, Bird, Monkey, and Ram."

Naruto watched intently as Osa demonstrated the hand signs, his small hands mirroring the salamander's movements. Osa patiently guided him, making him repeat the process until Naruto can do it with adequate speed.

"You're getting it!" Osa encouraged, its voice bright with youthful enthusiasm. "Once you master these signs, you can summon me whenever you need help."

Naruto practiced diligently, the determination on his face evident. The knowledge that he could call upon Osa and the salamanders filled him with a sense of responsibility and pride, knowing he now had allies he could rely on, but also relied on him.

In the weeks that followed, as he continued his training with Kakashi and Yamato, Naruto also dedicated time to mastering the summoning technique on his spare time. Osa would often appear, offering tips and encouragement, a constant presence that reassured Naruto even in moments of uncertainty. Sometimes, Naruto summoned a different salamander. He was more surprised when Osa told him he can summon creatures called axolotl. However, he has to summon them in a body of water or he will only summon salamanders.

One afternoon, as golden sunlight filtered through the lush trees, Naruto practiced a camouflage jutsu he is learning from Osa. Blending into his surroundings, guided by Osa's somber but encouraging voice. He closed his eyes, seeking the stillness within.

"Remember, Naruto," Osa's voice was calm and steady, a gentle guide in the process of learning, "it's not just about hiding your body but your presence too. Become one with everything around you."

He nodded, internalizing Osa's wisdom. As he opened his eyes, Naruto felt a newfound sense of peace and awareness, a state of being that reassured him he was on the right path.

"Wow," he whispered, glancing at Osa with amazement. "That felt amazing!"

Osa's tail flicked with a gentle resolve, its expression reflecting pride. "You're a natural, Naruto. Keep practicing, and you'll be the best ninja ever."

As the afternoon turned to evening, Naruto and Osa sat beside a small campfire, their bond strengthened with each passing day. Naruto felt a warmth in his heart, knowing that he wasn't alone. The salamanders were his friends, allies who understood him in ways he hadn't expected.

"You know, Osa," Naruto said softly, his voice full of gratitude, "I'm really glad we met. You're my first real friend."

Osa nodded, touched by Naruto's sincerity, its amber eyes shining with shared emotion. "And you, Naruto, are a friend I cherish deeply. My people are happy about my choice in summoner and all of us are fully behind you. Together, we'll walk the path toward our dreams."

With Osa and the salamanders by his side, Naruto's dreams of becoming Hokage seemed more attainable than ever. The adventures that awaited them were full of promise, and Naruto was ready to face them head-on, a courageous ninja in the making.

And so, a new chapter began in Naruto Uzumaki's life, filled with wonder, friendship, and the endless possibilities of a bright future.