The Tale of the Cursed Namikaze

by Datura7

Jinchuuriki, scapegoats of the village and society. And the jinchuriki of Konoha, a dumb blonde with an optimistic view on life. But what if, that boy was not dumb? What if he was our normal average intellect guy, with some curses or rather gifts? What if his parents were alive? What if he was still alone? How would he proceed? PS: The story will be a bit slower than average.

3. Chapter 3 - Academy, Training & Identity

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or any other characters, Masashi Kishimoto and studio pierrot does.

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Chapter 3:Academy,Training & Identity

The next morning Shisui went to Naruto's apartment so he could take him for training. After reaching his destination he knocked on the door. It opened at the site of the little blonde having instant ramen for breakfast. 'H...He is eating ramen even now.' Shisui's eyes started to twitch at the thought of having instant ramen for breakfast. "Oh, hi Shisui-nii. How are you?", at the same time while he was slurping the ramen.

"I am fine but you are not. Who the hell eats this for breakfast? You squirt!" said an irritated Uchiha.

"Hey, ramen is the king of all foods and can be eaten at any time, every time." Naruto said being offended about being called out on eating ramen.

"You little idiot if you only eat this you will be a squirt for all life!"

At this Naruto paled a bit. "And also, you do want to be a great shinobi moreover a Hokage, don't you? Greatness is not achieved overnight Naruto, it is the summation of the effort you put in all day, every day in all things just training won't make you great, you need to eat properly, think properly, and never leave morals."

"Ahhhhhh…ok I will do all those things Shisui-nii, you have my word, and I never go back on my word." said the blonde.

Shisui ruffles Naruto's hair much to his annoyance. Naruto took a glance at the barely used part of the house. 'I guess the kitchen will finally be used to its full capacity now and that cooking book also.' Thought Naruto.

"Now squirt finish your breakfast so we can go and train a bit I have a thing or two for you today."

"Hai!"

---

After finishing his breakfast, both Shisui and he went to training ground 31 where they saw Itachi already practicing his shuriken throwing. "Hello Shisui, Naruto." he greeted both of them.

"Hello, Itachi-nii."

"Hey Shisui-nii when are you gonna help me unlock my chakra?" Asked Naruto eager to have his chakra unlocked.

"Not until you join the academy. I ain't gonna go through what is a chakra and all. And don't behave like a brat." Said Shisui not really tell why he was waiting for the boy to go to the academy.

"Hey no fair just because you are lazy, you are doing this." Said Naruto in an accusing tone while pointing a finger at his elder brother.

"Hymn partial yes...", said Shisui with no shame in his voice. At this, Itachi had a sweat drop and Naruto had a purple depression cloud, 'The heck, why did I have to get the lazy one…', he thought.

Shisui then continued, "...and also because I want you to start learning three things before you unlock your chakra as you will most likely only focus on chakra-centered things afterward and not even consider these other three which can be a great asset if you are well versed with them."

"Okay, what are these three things?" Asked Naruto.

"First we will do the same as yesterday and continue with shurikenjutsu then after some time when you are well versed with shurikenjutsu I will start your kenjutsu training as it isn't taught in the academy." At this Naruto's eyes widened with stars as he always thought tantos and swords were so badass.

"But the most important one is a thing I cannot help you but want you to learn it on your own. And believe me when I say this can be one of your main strengths. It is a rarely studied ninja art and very less people master it." told Shisui in a stern tone.

"What is it, what is it? I will master it, believe it." said an excited Naruto with spot jogging in excitement.

Shisui took out a scroll and opened it suddenly a big book came out of it. He handed the book to Naruto, who took it much to his confusion. Itachi who was witnessing everything at first was skeptical as no 5-year-old would want to read such a big book like the one Shisui unsealed and handed out. At taking a good look at it he just thought, 'Well Shisui you did think about his training it seems. And yes, Naruto might be able to master this.'

"What The Hell! I am not reading such a big book. No Way!" Said Naruto while violently shaking his head left to right.

"Listen up brat, this book is about fuinjutsu, The art of sealing. It is a rarity even amongst the strongest ninja to find a seal master. And there are only two in Konoha right now. One being the Hokage himself. Moreover, this book is given to me by the Hokage from his library for you. Do you want to disappoint him?"

"NO! I don't want to disappoint Jiji...I will master fuinjutsu I am telling you."

"Good now just as an intro, fuinjutsu is one of the most versatile areas of the Ninja arts with no limits. And one of the most difficult too, so don't stress much if you don't get it right away, ok."

"OK!", Naruto exclaimed with a big smile and thumps up at the idea of trying to do something only the Hokage can do.

"Ok now let's continue with kunai and shuriken throwing. But before that, we will start your physical training and start by running five rounds of the field." Said Shisui.

Naruto obediently followed the order. After completing he was only panting. It was surprising for a 5-year-old. As both the Uchihas had expected he would be lying down on the ground. The kid had one hell of a stamina both thought. They then started his shurikenjutsu practice. After an hour of practice, Naruto had improved quite a bit, but due to his company, he was unable to enjoy it. He had seen how Shisui and Itachi had always hit a bullseye every single time and was getting frustrated as his kunais wouldn't even embed in the target.

Now Shisui and Itachi both were having their spars. Naruto now was left to his own devices for a while and had started studying the fuinjutsu book given to him. 'Shisui made it sound very difficult. But it is understandable. Well, maybe practice must be harder.'

Removing his calligraphy kit given to him he started brushing some kanji on the paper after a few strokes he examined it and thought it was a ten-on-ten and was about to celebrate then a voice in full lecture mode came. "The right-side stroke is too long and thin. While the left is short and thick. Do it again."

---

The Hokage from his crystal ball, with which he could see locations in the village in real-time. In it, now he was seeing how Naruto's training was going. After a while, he saw the boy starting with his fuinjutsu. He then thought, 'It would be better if I go there and give him guidance in the initial stages.' With that, he left his office telling his secretary that he was going for a stroll. He arrived at the training ground where Naruto was examining his work and said, "The right side ..."

---

Naruto was startled by the sudden voice and yelped. He then recognized the voice and said, "JIJI! Don't do that, you scared me!"

"Oh, sorry for that Naruto...", said the Hokage while chuckling a bit at the startled boy.

"But as I said there are problems in this kanji. In fuinjutsu every stroke should be perfect. Nothing less than perfection can be accepted. So do it again."

Naruto grumbled at the lecture mode of his Jiji. He did the calligraphy again and again. His Jiji would always point out something wrong every single time. After many attempts, the old Hokage said, "Hymn now it is good enough…Now do it similarly for the rest of the kanji and symbols. I will drop by regularly to check your fuinjutsu progress. Bye Naruto, bye Itachi, and bye Shisui."

"Bye Hokage-sama." said both the Uchiha said in unison.

"Okay Jiji, bye." Mentally he was trying to find an ultimate prank, as he thought he needed to get back on the old man. According to him, the old man made him do the calligraphy too many times and he wanted some payback.

Naruto continued his calligraphy and both the Uchihas were now refining their kenjutsu. That's when in unison all of their stomachs grumbled indicating the need for lunch.

"Ramen?" Naruto asked hopefully.

"No, you squirt notevery time of the day,you brat." Yelled Shisui. Naruto had a big depression cloud due to ramen being rejected.

"Ok then what do you suggest?", asked Itachi.

"Well, I can solve this problem of yours." said a feminine voice.

"Oba-san!" Naruto chimed at the lady who had brought 3 bento boxes.

"I guess my timings couldn't have been anymore flawless.", said Mikoto with a giggle. She then handed a bento to each of them. She had her doubts that it would be too much food for Naruto. But was surprised when he was able to finish it. He just gulped the food down. 'These two must have made him do too much training' she thought with a bit of annoyance due to training of a child too hard from now was an idea she didn't like. But she was unaware of the fact that Naruto was an avid fan of food.

"Thank you, Oba-san! The food was very delicious." He said.

Mikoto smiled and said, "Glad you liked it." She then took out a napkin and started to clean Naruto's areas near his mouth to clean some residue that stuck there. Much to Naruto's protest and embarrassment. Itachi and Shisui too had finished their lunch and watched fondly to the mother-son-like interaction with small smiles on their faces.

Mikoto after finishing with it saw Naruto all red and adorable and couldn't help but squeak, "Kawaii !", and gave Naruto a bear hug. While Naruto was trying to get out of the embrace to be able to breathe again. Both the boys were laughing and when Mikoto left Naruto he was fully red now due to breathlessness and embarrassment, but mostly embarrassment.

"Itachi why don't you bring Sasuke also with you here?" asked Mikoto thinking Sasuke and Naruto could be friends.

"Who is Sasuke?" asked Naruto.

"He is my little brother. He is of your age Naruto. And why I don't bring him Kaa-san, is because he refuses to come here. He wants Tou-san to train him sometimes and sometimes he wants me. But mostly Tou-san as he wants some aspects of him as a mystery to me and challenge me. So that's why he only trains with tou-san mostly for now, or by himself and sometimes with me. But I have to say he works pretty hard." said Itachi.

'Well does sound like a silly character,like really, he is of my age and thinks can even touch Itachi. But if by Itachi's standards, he works hard…then he must be something.' Mused Naruto. Mikoto too had a sweat drop due to the reason. After a bit more time Mikoto left and the three after resting, resumed their training.

---

Timeskip-1 Year

Time had passed quickly and a year had gone by. Naruto, Itachi, and Shisui would train together when they had time. And when both the Uchihas would be on missions Naruto would spend his time with his pranks. Mikoto would drop by once in a while to meet Naruto and would constantly bring something to eat. His Jiji too would arrive at his apartment to check on his fuinjutsu. He had progressed very well at it and was at the finishing end of level 2 of fuinjutsu. His shurikenjutsu too had improved and could get bullseye by now. He was now improving it so he could hit multiple targets at once. Shisui had just recently given Naruto a tanto and started with the basics of , Naruto thought that kenjutsu would take a lot of effort to improve.

It had been 2 weeks since he joined the academy. His Jiji and Shisui both had advised him to hold back his skill and not show all of it to anyone. Naruto at first was not happy with the suggestion but something inside him, his instincts too told him to follow their advice. He made up his mind to do as they say but they advised him to do average, while he wanted something dramatic and ended up with the idea of being dead last. 'After all, deception is the way of a ninja,' he would justify. He also loved playing dumb as it allowed him to see other's true intentions. The academy could have been described only as boring as anything could get. But he would agree some parts were interesting like the part of Hokages.

The Shodaime, Senju Hashirama, also known as, the 'God of Shinobi' for his unmatched skills and power. He had a unique kekkei genkai, of wood release. He could make forests in seconds. He is one of the two founders of Konoha along with his friend turn enemy Uchiha Madara.

The Nidaime, Senju Tobirama was renowned for his seriousness and his high affinity for the water element. It was unparalleled to any water user. He could collect water out of thin air from the water vapors for his jutsus. He was the creator of an uncountable number of jutsus. He was a true genius.

He was most surprised about learning about his Jiji, the Sandaime, Sarutobi Hiruzen was also known as the 'God of Shinobi' for his unparalleled power in his generation. He was a shinobi who had mastered all the elemental affinities. He was also hailed as 'The professor' for his unrivaled knowledge. He was also one of the youngest to become a Kage and had the longest term of any kage in all of the elemental nations.

Then there was the Yondamine, Namikaze Minato, 'The Yellow Flash of the Leaf' for his heroics in the Third Great Shinobi War and also the hero who had 'sacrificed' his life and 'killed' the nine-tails fox that had attacked the village. He didn't know but he felt some resonance in him when he thought about the Yondamine. He had also noticed that the Yondamine suspiciously looked a lot like him. It wasn't the case that he didn't think that he was Minato's child, but he couldn't see how a child of Yondaime could end up like he was. So, for him being Yondaimae's child was out of question in his mind. He didn't think much of it and considered it just a mere coincidence.

In terms of making friends, he wasn't very lucky in it. Nobody would talk with him or even sit near him. He had also met Itachi's brother, Uchiha Sasuke and he tried to have a conversation but the boy turned him down by saying, "I don't associate with weaklings." He wasn't an associable person in Naruto's book. But what frustrated him the most was that even his teachers also gave him the cold glare. He didn't like the unprofessional behavior. Sometimes he would just feel fed up with all this and vent it out through his pranks.

The academy had done some lessons on chakra and now Naruto had really gone restless thinking when his nii-chan would unlock his chakra and teach him some jutsus. It was evening time and with all these thoughts the blonde made his way to his usual training spot with his gear. He kept his tanto strapped to the back just like how Shisui used to as both of them had similar strapping gear. He reached the training ground to the sight of both Itachi and Shisui clashing with their tanto.

On sensing Naruto, Shisui said, "Oho, how is the academy holding up?" Naruto just grumbled at the dig and then Itachi said, "Ahhh well I heard that you sleep in almost every class. Why is that Naruto?" Naruto looked like a kid caught stealing cookies.

"Ho…How did you know that?" stuttered Naruto, as he knew Itachi wouldn't appreciate his laziness.

"Well, I had asked Sasuke, if he had made any friends and he popped your name that you were trying to befriend him. He also said that he didn't accept the extended hand, and on his behalf sorry Naruto. He also told me that most of the time you sleep in classes." Said Itachi with sternness in his tone.

"I can't help it half of the lessons are so boring that I can't help but sleep during them." Trying to reason his actions.

"But still..."

"Come on Itachi, those classes are boring as hell I can't blame him.", interrupted Shisui.

"You are supporting him to sleep in class?", asked Itachi a bit ridiculed.

"Ahh…I, myself slept most of the academy class, and look at me I am a jonin for a year.", said Shisui in a proud manner.

"Yeah, and if you hadn't slept you might have been a jonin for two years, like me who is a jonin from 11, unlike you at 12.", retorted Itachi.

Shisui grumbled a bit, as he knew in terms of principles and dedication, he couldn't win the argument against Itachi. Dropping the matter, he looked at Naruto, he asked, "Did they teach about chakra yet?"

"Yeah, yeah Chakra is the essential life force for every living being. It is the driving force even for the most basicjutsu. Through various methods, the most common beinghand seals, chakra can be controlled and manipulated to create an effect that would not be possible otherwise, such aswalking on water,exhaling fire, orcreating illusions. And more blah, blah and blah." said Naruto showing that they indeed had learned about it.

"Now nii-chan help me unlock it I wanna learn some jutsus now." Whined Naruto.

Looking at his impatient little brother Shisui said, "Okay, okay, you brat we will unlock your chakra today."

Now Naruto was jumping with joy, "Tell me what I have to do. Tell me fast. Come on tell me."

"Hey shut up if you only talk, how will I tell?" said Shisui.

"Now, Naruto unlocking chakra may take time usually people don't get it in the first try so don't be disappointed if it takes time." Said Itachi in a monotone.

"Okay, brat now listen up. Sit down in a meditation pose and focus on your inner self. Try to find a source of energy inside yourself. It is just a feeling not an actual spot. Okay, give it a go." Said Shisui.

Naruto sat in a meditative pose and closed his eyes. He started to focus on his breath and control it. His focusbecamevery firm on his breathing. He now felt like he was floating. Curious about the floating feeling, he opened his eyes. He found himself in an endless black void. He also noted that he was floating. 'Must be my subconscious', he guessed. At the far end, he saw a blue glint. He just thought of going there and he was floating towards it. The glint grew bigger and bigger till he came near it. It was a giant dark blue orb. "Is this my chakra source?"

Naruto looked at the orb intently for a long while. He then went forward and touched it. It was the first interaction of his spiritual and physical energy. With a big burst immediately after the touch, the void started to be filled with a dark blue color. He had unlocked his chakra.

Naruto couldn't suppress his grin while the black void was being filled by the deep blue explosion. He also noticed a tint of orange in the core of the blast. But before he could have a better look, he was thrown out of this subconscious and opened his eyes to the real physical world. The sun was setting and the sky had a beautiful orangish-reddish tint. Then he saw himself surrounded by a dark blue aura he saw the ground beneath him cracking a bit, wind violently flowing around him. He moved his right hand and saw his palm being outlined by the dark blue aura. He couldn't help himself and said, "Cool!"

"Naruto You Brat!…Stop It…You Are Releasing Too Much Chakra!", yelled Shisui.

Naruto hearing it stopped the release but it was too late and he fell unconscious due to chakra exhaustion.

---

A few moments before, both Shisui and Itachi were watching Naruto intently. "Do you think he can unlock it on the first try?" asked Itachi.

"I have a feeling he will.", said Shisui.

After a while, both felt some energy stirring up. Both looked at each other. Amazed that Naruto was actually able to unlock his chakra. In unison, they said, "He actually did it."

And the next second they were forcefully holding their grip to the ground by sending chakra to their feet due to the burst of blue chakra emitting from Naruto. They had their hands up in a protective manner as the wind started to blow violently and the ground started cracking a bit just by the sheer force of the chakra being released.

Shisui yelled, "Naruto You Brat..."

---

Both of the Uchihas looked at the unconscious form of the boy. Shisui was the first to say, "This is way too much chakra for a six-year-old...He must have released almost all of it. That's why must have got chakra exhaustion and has fallen unconscious."

Itachi nodded and said, "The chakra was also very dense. And come on let's take him out of here before someone comes to inspect the spike in chakra. That amount is sure to gather attention."

"You are right. Let's go to Naruto's apartment as fast as possible." Said Shisui while picking up Naruto.

"Wait shouldn't we go to the Hokage's office he must have felt this?" Itachi countered on the idea of directly going to Naruto's apartment.

"No other people might be there. And I have no intention of revealing everyone or giving a bit of idea to guess that this burst of chakra was from Naruto…It will create problems for him." said Shisui.

Itachi nodded at the explanation and agreed. Both of them, with Naruto on Shisui's shoulder, paced toward the unconscious boy's apartment.

---

The Hokage was eyeing at the blasted paperwork in front of him. It was the bane of all the kages. 'Where the hell does this much paperwork come from?', thought the enraged old man.

He was about to sign another one of the wicked papers when he sensed a big burst of chakra. It also ended quickly. Immediately getting to his crystal ball he started to scout the village with it in the direction he felt the burst was from. In the crystal ball, he suddenly saw theboy, who had decided to increase his rate of aging, unconscious with his two companions Itachi and Shisui. He saw both of them heading towards Naruto's apartment. He had already signaled his Anbu to stand down and not do anything. He then started his way towards Naruto's apartment.

---

Mikoto was humming in her kitchen while preparing for dinner. Both Sasuke and Kiyomi had arrived home after the academy. She had not been happy when Sasuke had reasoned why he was not making friends at the academy. She and Itachi had tried to reason but his father, who at the moment out of the village on a mission, sided with Sasuke.

Her thoughts drifted to her favorite blonde. She had to admit that from that day, she felt better after that meeting with Naruto, as before she always had to hide her worrying and carrying feelings for the boy due to politics. Throughout the year she used to meet him and every time he would greet her, by calling her oba-chan with childish affection. It would always make her day. She was glad that her husband hadn't been able to pick up on it yet.

'He must be with Itachi and Shisui right now.', she thought. Suddenly she sensed a burst of chakra. 'It is sizable enough for anyone to detect and it is coming from...', panic gripping her when she realized the direction of the source was from the same direction as training ground 31 where Itachi, Shisui, and Naruto usually were present.

Immediately running towards the door she yelled, "Kiyomi and Sasuke I am going out a bit. Both of you behave, I will be back soon."

"Okay kaa-san.", was Sasuke's reply. "Sure kaa-chan. You don't need to worry I will take care of this baby." Said Kiyomi, teasing her little brother. "Shut up.", snarled Sasuke.

Mikoto didn't pay much attention to the siblings' banter as she had more pressing concerns to take care of. She reached the training area but no one was there her panic increased 20 folds every minute that went by. She saw cracks on the ground. 'What happened here? Where could those three be? Where should I search?' though the Uchiha. She doesn't know why but her instincts were saying to go to Naruto's apartment. Having gone there a few times she headed towards the apartment the fastest she could.

---

Both Shisui and Itachi ran as if they were in hot pursuit. They reached Naruto's apartment in a matter of moments. Shisui gave the keys which he had to Itachi to unlock the door. Opening the apartment Shisui laid Naruto on the couch and asked Itachi who just closed the door, "Should we go to the Hokage now or after a while?"

"I think...", Itachi suddenly tensed up when the sound of the door's lock started to open.

Seeing Itachi tense Shisui said, "Relax Itachi. It must be Hokage-sama. He is the only one besides me who has spare keys to the apartment…So at least we now know that we don't have to walk to Hokage's office."

The Hokage entered in. Closing the door as soon as he opened it. He saw Naruto laying in peace on the couch. Going through various hand seals, he then slammed the hand on a wall he was nearest to. He had just applied a sound barrier seal.

"Shisui, Itachi explanation.", was all the old Hokage said.

"So, we were...", Shisui was interrupted by a knock at the door. This time it was both the Hokage and Shisui who tensed and oddly Itachi wasn't. Itachi then just said, "It is Kaa-san. I can sense her chakra. She too must have felt the burst of chakra."

Shisui still a bit tensed opened the door and relaxed a bit when it was really Itachi's mother on the other side of the door. Though the woman wasn't relaxed, and immediately asked, "Shisui I sensed a large amount of chak...NARUTO!" she yelled looking at Naruto's unconscious form laying on the couch.

Immediately she went to the couch and scooped up Naruto to check for any injuries. She was relieved when she couldn't find any. Now sitting on the couch and holding Naruto tightly near her chest she asked in a calm voice, "What happened?"

Everyone in the room watched her reaction to the unconscious Naruto with different levels of amazement. At her question, Itachi stated, "I and Shisui were helping and observing Naruto while he was unlocking his chakra. The burst of chakra from a few minutes ago was his. He released too much chakra and fell unconscious."

Both the adults in disbelief had their eyes wide open at what Itachi said. "What? For real? Cause if I estimate I think that much chakra is too much for someone the age of Naruto." said Mikoto.

"Yes, it was only 'his' chakra, I can confirm this as the chakra color was blue…not orange and the chakra didn't give any evil feeling. It was calm yet violent like a storm to come if you want a description. He also unlocked it on his first try." Said Shisui ending with a pleased smile.

After the explanation, Naruto started stirring up with incoherent mumbles about ramen which made everyone sweat drop. He opened his eyes and saw that he was in his oba-chan's arms and everyone was looking at him. 'Come on now what? Is it because I unlocked my chakra are they looking at me? Time for 'I didn't do anything face.''

Giving a completely innocent and oblivious face, which he would show after every prank. Everyone looked at him and thought, 'How does he do that so flawlessly?'

"Okay, this time I really didn't do anything...intentionally." Said the boy.

The old Hokage then thought, 'I think it is a good thing that he was able to unlock his chakra. He needs to learn fast as I know the instructors at the academy too would be reluctant to teach him and can mistreating him behind my back. And his decision to act as dead last doesn't help. I guess I should put both Itachi and Shisui to train Naruto so if either is on a mission the other one can be there, and after the years of academy, if someone is surprised and asks if he was trained or got strong by himself, I can show some proof of him being trained. As many won't like learning Naruto got strong by himself as that would raise their fears, in the case of the civilian side, and jealously in the case of the shinobi side. And getting a regular report on Naruto won't be a bad thing either. Leaving him alone with chakra means only inviting more trouble. If the council gets to know this before they are supposed to, they will just eat my head but I will come up with some reasoning at that moment….and that is the case if they find out.' The Hokage grinned slightly getting the idea where to train Naruto so it could be out of anyone's vision.

After this thought process within a mere moment, he said, "It is fine Naruto there is no problem. But now you have unlocked your chakra. What do you plan to do?"

"Train." was the immediate response.

"Okay, then Itachi and Shisui I would like to appoint both of you, to officially train Naruto, as I need to have a check on his progress. And also leaving him alone with chakra would be the worst idea. God knows what he might come up with." said the Hokage.

"YATTA! Now you can't refuse to teach me the fireball jutsu Shisui-nii." Said Naruto.

Itachi and Shisui didn't have any problem with the order as they were training Naruto anyway, they just now had to report to the Hokage when requested. On the other hand, Mikoto not liking the idea of Naruto being officially trained so early said, "Hokage-sama does he really have to go through official training from now?"

"Mikoto, I understand your concern but Naruto needs to learn fast and he hasshown that he can. And he needs training. Have you heard the saying that people without training, lack knowledge. Without knowledge, they lack confidence, without confidence they lack victory…Moreover, if you are concerned if he would graduate early, then don't worry he will be spending the full six years in the academy. I assure you that." said the Hokage.

Naruto had a purple depression cloud on him due to the thought of spending the next six years in the academy. Mikoto was somewhat relieved that Naruto wouldn't be graduating early. She noticed the depression clouds on the boy still in her arms flicked his forehead and said, "Why do you have to be so reckless Naruto?"

Naruto grumbled at the gesture and rubbed his forehead. He never liked it and didn't know why his oba-chan would do it, or why Itachi would poke them with his index and middle finger. The old Hokage then said, "Okay now Itachi, Shisui, and Naruto I will be expecting you all at the training ground 0 behind the Hokage tower at morning 7 am."

All the other occupants in the room were shocked at the location as that ground was only reserved for the Hokage. Naruto suddenly spoke up, "Jiji why there? Isn't that your ground that no one is allowed to go to? Or even peaking is an offense?"

"Naruto I am telling you to train there because I don't want anyone to know or see your training." said the Hokage bluntly.

Getting off of Mikoto's lap and spreading his arms wide, showing his dissent, he again asked, "Why?...What will happen if someone sees me train? I know everybody hates me to the core for I have no idea why! But why do I have to do everything in hiding?"

The tension in the room was increasing second by second. "Naruto, I said so that you will train there so that means you will train there. Don't ask questions now." Said the Hokage in a commanding tone.

Getting a bit angry at the ordering tone and remembering how most of the time he was alone. He just couldn't hold himself, "Jiji, Today You Are Giving Me Answers. My whole life I have been glared at, hated, and secluded. Someone has quoted this right, when there is nobody to wake you up in the morning, nobody to wait for you in the night and you can do whatever you want. What do you call it, freedom or loneliness? What do you think the answer is?"

Seeing around a bit looking at everyone's downcast face, he knew he would be getting an answer if he pushed a bit more. After some angry deep breaths, he continued, "It Hurts When You Are Alone But It Hurts More When The People Surrounding You Intentionally Make You Feel Alone...The pain goes away when I am with any of you. But now I know you are hiding something, all of you…and It Hurts the Most When I Know You Are Hiding Something…Jiji Please Tell Me, I want to know why…why everyone hates me? please...", He ended just barely above a whisper. His eyes were just moments away from shedding a sea of tears held up from years of mistreatment, glares, and hatred.

Everyone was shocked by what they had witnessed as they never heard Naruto like that before. The boy had never shown frustration till now. But now he didn't hide it. The Hokage, now puzzled about what to do, thought, 'He deserves to know and it would be best if he hears it from me...But is now the right time?...My instincts are saying to tell him…but I am not sure. Anytime even afterward won't be easy either. I have to put faith that Naruto can handle the news and understand…It's a leap of faith now.'

Sighing the Hokage said, "Okay Naruto...I will tell but you have to be strong-hearted to hear it, are you sure?"

Itachi and Shisui were uncertain whether it was the right decision to say it. But they stayed still letting their leader decide what to do. On the other hand, Mikotothought, 'What is he thinking! Naruto will be completely broken after hearing this.' Attempting to raise her concern, "Hokage-sama, please don't..."

"Quiet!...This talk is between me and Naruto only. I don't want any of you saying a word now…Just witness." said the Hokage in a very serious tone. This quietened the Uchiha matriarch and forced her to swallow her protests.

"Jiji, yes, I want to hear and I promise I will try to accept it the best I can. You will not regret it." Said Naruto. Inside he was trembling but tried to hide in a calm facade. He actually didn't believe there was a real reason rather than just some odd stupid thing. But with the tone Sandaime was taking now, he realized there was some big secret being revealed.

"Okay...", said the Hokage, knowing that there is no turning back now. Sitting on one side of the other couch the Hokage signalled Naruto to sit beside him. Naruto followed and sat next to the old man.

"Naruto there are many things which are out of our control...We cannot decide them we cannot change them. There are times when some drastic events occur which pave paths for the future...some are smooth, but some are rough, very rough, and unpleasant...Naruto, tell me can chakra be completely destroyed?"

"No, it can be transformed or nullified to the surroundings but not destroyed." Said the blonde boy. The room other than those two talking and breathing sounds was completely silent. "Naruto how much do you know about the kyuubi?"

"I know it had attacked the village the day I was born and was kil..."

"Naruto...kyuubi and all the other Biju are large masses of chakra...so it can't be killed...It can only be sealed away in a human. These human beings are called 'jinchuuriki' meaning the power of human sacrifice…They are preferably a newborn so the chakra coils can become accustomed as the newborn's chakra coils are flexible. Though don't mistake between the kunai and the seal in which the kunai is sealed within." Said the Hokage in a rather calm tone.

His eyes widened with shock. It all made sense now. Why people hated him, why he was beaten, and why he had to keep enduring alone. Naruto sat like a status for few moments, not moving at all, when he realized his true identity. The news hit him like a mountain thrown on top of him. He didn't know what to think but calmed himself after a few moments and uneven deep breaths. "So...so that night the Yondamine sealed the Kyuubi in me...I-I-I can accept that, I will have to accept that. Just two last questions Jiji. Why me? And do you know about my parents, did they too leave me because of this, me being a jinchuuriki?" said in a bit quivering voice and while wiping his lone tear away.

Everyone was somewhat impressed as they had expected him to completely break down. But which reaction would have actually been better?

Hiruzen said, "Yes, Naruto he used a sealing technique which 'usually' causes death of the caster. Why you are the 'true jinchuuriki', Naruto I don't know. Yes, Naruto I knew your parents. And no Naruto your parents didn't leave you for the reason you are thinking. They used to be heroes of this village and died that night protecting it." 'They are dead to me anyways.' The last part was said in the mind.

Before any reply could come Hiruzen quickly said, "And before you say…don't ask their identity. I will reveal it when the time is right that truth needs more time to be revealed. Please trust me in this decision Naruto. I assure you that you will hear it from me when I deem you mature enough."

"Okay, Jiji." Was all he said, one boom was enough for the day for him. He was still a bit gloomy. He didn't know what he was. Was he a human or a monster? As if reading his mind the old Hokage said, "As I already said, don't mix yourself with the kyuubi. It is just sealed in you just like a kunai sealed in a sealing scroll. You are just its jailer…You have been saving and protecting us all this long Naruto...Thank you for keeping us safe. And I will always be by your side remember that. I will always be your Jiji."

"And I will always be your nii-chan." Said Shisui with a big smile.

"So will I." Said Itachi.

Mikoto went and hugged Naruto and said, "And I will always be your oba-chan. I will always love you no matter what." She was soothingly patting his back after finishing. Naruto now had tears but this time it was due to happiness.

"Thank you...thank you for everything...Thank you, all of you for being with me!" He said in a hoarse voice as some tears flowed out while hugging Mikoto tightly. She patted his back for a while and then everyone heard a snore. Everyone then noticed that Naruto had fallen asleep.

"I think we should let him sleep. It has been a very tiring day for him." Said Mikoto and with that she left, carrying Naruto to his bedroom. She removed his gear and gently laid him in bed. After ensuring everything was fine all the guests had left to their respective venues with relief due to the fact Naruto accepted the fact.

Though the Hokage was now still in his thoughts while walking back to the Hokage tower, 'Naruto I am proud of you for the maturity you showed today. I still wonder if I should ever tell him about his family.' Sighing, 'I did put them in exile but I won't last forever. As soon as I die, they are entitled to come back...I will have to tell him before that. Those three deciding prophecies as if they are the only people who can write them. Well, at least one is trying to change.'

---

Outskirts of the fire country

Meanwhile in a modest lone bungalow near a civilian settlement, far from any ninja activity, due to the lack of any valuable resources in the area. It didn't look like much, just an open area surrounding it and many tall evergreen trees after it. Perfect for secrecies for a nature lover. This place was the abode of a family of four.

A feminine voice said, "MITO…MENMA, go to your beds now. Both of you need all, tomorrow will be both of your first days of training." It was their mother Namikaze Kushina.

A male voice followed her, "Yes both of you rest well. Tomorrow you two will start your journey to become great shinobi." It was the Fourth Hokage, Namikaze Minato.

"Do we really need to sleep from now?" Grumbled a small red-haired boy with matching red pajamas and black pants. This was Namikaze Menma.

"Menma is right can't we stay awake a bit longer?" The question was asked by a fellow red-haired, wearing blue pajamas. This was Namikaze Mito.

"Now, now don't you two want to be shinobi, worthy of inspiring others? For that, you need to be disciplined in your training." Said Minato.

"You heard him now go to your beds." Interjected his wife.

Sighing in defeat both the brother-sister said goodnight and went to their rooms. Now both the adults sat in the drawing room, re-going through their plan on what to do tomorrow as for them it was a matter of the destiny of the world. They heard a knock at the door. Alerted but relaxed after a second there was onlyone man in the world who knew and could cross the barrier seals to this place.

Minato opening the door greeted the guest, "Sensei how are you doing? And what happened that you are here at this time? Not that I am complaining."

"Well, I was nearby so I came for a casual visit nothing more. I will be here only for a while." Said the toad sage.

"Have a sit I will make tea and don't talk too loud we just got those two to sleep." Said Kushina.

After bringing the tea the three sat and started discussing random stuff. Ultimately Minato said, "Sensei tomorrow we are starting Mito's and Menma's training."

Jiraiya had a grim face at this news, "Minato that is great but there is still time...you all should go back to the village I know sensei will accept you all back. He is a kind person. Moreover, you do have a son there..."

Minato's body shook a bit, and his eyes turned dull. It was as if something entered in him and altered him a bit on the sentence, was he being himself or a puppet o something bigger? Minato frowned at this since the past 2 years his sensei had been trying to convince them to go back. He didn't know why. Whenever they arrived at this discussion there was a voice in his mind telling him to continue down the path he had chosen. However, that voice was becoming more and more distant. And every time he inclination to that voice was shattering.

Kushina was always torn inside when Jiraiya would bring up this subject. One side of her would want to be her son, who she hadn't since his birth and the other side would be her husband and the fate of the world. At the end each time they would end at the latter trusting her husband's decision.

Minato spoke, "Why are you suggesting this again? What we are doing is for the greater good...And also, we are in exile if you have Hokage made it clear also not to come until he says. And I am also sure that Lord Third must be taking good care of Naruto. He must be fine I am sure of it...Sensei I want to know why are you suggesting this again and again over the past two years? We are right, aren't we?" The end was more like asking for confidence.

"Minato my suggestion comes from the fact that are we interpreting everything correctly? And if not then what? The safest way is to have backup is only possible by being in the village. I am starting to have doubts…that's the truth." 'And there is another reason which I am forbidden to speak of.' The last part was said in the mind.

Minato was a bit irritated by his sensei's doubt. He wanted confirmation, not uncertainty. He didn't want to come to the conclusion he threw away his son's life for nothing. In a moment when his teacher didn't believe, he tried to make himself believe by saying, "Sensei I don't know what has gotten you to doubt…but I believe that what is happening is needed. Believe in me and my children, in the children of prophecy, I assure you that all will be fine after a while."

Sighing in his thoughts with an unfulfilled mind he thought, 'Minato you have no idea what all I had to see to realize our mistake...I don't even know how to try to fix things...This is all my fault...I was unable to preach divine things like destiny. I used to talk about prophecy and destiny as if we were the weavers. That tone has brought us here. This is my mess. But I don't know how to clean it.'

"Well ok I can only try to convince you of a decision not make you do one." said the toad sage accepting his defeat.

"So, what all have you two decided to teach them?" Trying to change the topic.

Both the parents started reciting their plan about training plans about taijutsu, ninjutsu, fuinjutsu, and all. "...so yeah, we roughly have thought this much. And yes, sensei I would also like both of them to sign the toad contract it will be a big plus point for them." Said Minato.

"I don't think that will be possible. Not at least now. The toads have decided that they will accept suggestions from me only not anybody else, not even you Minato though you are a summoner but not a sage. And they will decide if that person is deserving of the contract or not by the toads. If the person deserves then only, he will become a permanent summoner, or else the name will be removed. Moreover, they will give only one chance. So, it would be better if they took the test afterward. Moreover, they have kept three as a maximum number of summoners, due to their limited numbers. So doing the math...Only one more can be included, or none." Said the toad sage.

But the truth is the toads were absolutely livid at them for their decision on the day of the triplet's birth. When Jiraiya had gone to convey and explain their decision, they had threatened to terminate both of their contracts and were about to do it until the senile Gamamaru had stopped the termination for unknown reasons at the end, but he did forbade the inclusion of anyone without their consent which was allowed before. That day had been very nerve-racking for Jiraiya but the exemption had only fueled his idea of the prophecy. He hadn't told this to Minato because he didn't want to be depressed at the thought of the toads not agreeing with their decision.

He was an avid follower of the decision taken by them only until one faithful day which brought him to the ground and ever since has been trying to reason with his student too. But was unsuccessful till date.

"What do you mean this?! It's their birthright to have the toad contract." Said Kushina a bit scandalized at what she heard. Minato had a frown at the news but didn't say anything.

"Birthright? How? Minato is not the toad sage…I am the toad sage it is my decision who gets the contract. Besides toads are not pets or something that you own. Summons are your comrade. Don't objectify them as a birthright. Moreover, now it is not complete even in my power. I can only make a person sign the contract then the toads will decide if to keep the new summoner or not." Said Jiraiya.

"Well, I was hoping for both of them to receive the contract now but it appears it isn't possible...", said Minato in a low tone.

After a while of a bit more random talk Jiraiya said, "Okay thank you for the tea and having me I will be taking my leave now."

"No need to mention, Sensei. Come by again, and as soon as you can." Said Minato.

"Yeah, come back soon to meet the kids and also stop being a pervert." Said Kushina.

Jiraiya snorted at the last sentence and said, "Yeah like that is ever possible."

Walking in the thick forest at night he could not help but think about the recent conversations and the day his views changed. 'Naruto…I am sorry...This is all my fault. I will try until the end to fix it and give you the happiness you deserve. I still remember being a douchebag thinking the way I did that night. I could have, no should have stopped it...but I didn't.' Looking up at the star-filled sky with a full moon he just sighs with a sad expression gripping his face. This would always happen when he used to think about the encounter that happened 2 years ago and which changed his perspective.

Flashback (Few weeks after Naruto started to live in his apartment)

It was a peaceful night. Jiraiya had just arrived at Konoha for his yearly spy report to the Hokage. The night was cold with no moon lighting up the land. Nevertheless, Jiraiya was happy to see his sensei. Since the incident, their meetings and talks were very short and only work-related. He then too held hope to have a good conversation with his master. Jiraiya arrived at the Hokage tower and jumped in the office via the window as always.

The Hokage was with his usual partner...paperwork. He had easily guessed the newcomer by the way of entrance. Only one man in all of the elemental nations had the audacity to enter the Hokage's office in such a manner.

"You don't seem to gain any liking for the door ever it seems." Said the old Kage.

"Nah sensei you know me too well." Said Jiraiya with a grin.

"Okay, let's not do all this worthless chat…Give your report and make it quick." Said Hiruzen, while also signaling his hidden Anbu out of the room. Jiraiya had a frown, as his sensei had grown cold towards him for four years now. Before that, they would have a bit more friendly chat and then go down to business. Nevertheless, he gave his report and discussed the important findings and actions to be taken for half an hour.

"Well thank you Jiraiya, you may take your leave now." Said Hiruzen to his student.

"Sensei...I know we are not on the same page in that decision but there is no need for you to act so cold. It hurts when you act like this." said Jiraiya unable to hide his sadness.

"We are on completely different books on that matter, Jiraiya...I don't want to talk with you on that matter you won't understand. You all can go play your 'I am the savior of the world game' as much as you want with your companions." Replied Hiruzen coldly while also giving a shooing action.

Getting a bit irritated, Jiraiya said, "It's Not A Game...They are really destined for it I kno..."

"You don't know. None of you know. All of you have assumed. Know is the wrong word here."

"Dammit sensei why don't you have even a bit of belief in us?"

"Cause you all don't have the right mentality. You all are lusted by self-importance that you all think you are the only ones who are important and can bring a revolution, complete a prophecy, find your destiny…Destiny is not something that you find…it's something that latches onto you when it is the right time."

"It is not that...we are doing it for everyone. They will save the world from a great danger."

"Jiraiya, tell me what was the prophecy?"

"The Great Toad Sage had prophesied that I will mentor a child who will either save the world or destroy it."

"So, tell me first, how are you sure that they will save the world instead of destroying it?"

Shocked by the kind of interpretation Jiraiya said, "Sensei none of my students would ever destroy the world."

"Well neither did I ever think one of my students would be Konoha's biggest threat and traitor. But Orochimaru is that now."

Jiraiya didn't have a reply to this, and just said, "Okay I get it you are not happy with what we did to Naruto. But sometimes sacrifices are needed Sensei. They wouldn't have time for him with the training of Mito and Menma going. In the end, it would make him feel outcasted, there are many examples in siblings where one goes the right path and the other one goes down the wrong one. This decision was made to avoid that. In the end, we are doing it for him too so he could live in a world without any danger. He would be proud of his parents and siblings when he gets to know he is related to the saviors of the world. He will get all the benefits without any sweat, struggle, or suffering..."

The next second Jiraiya only knew the pain of being pinned against a wall and a kunai ready to embed his jugular vein by his own sensei, who had a glare that could pierce a soul.

Hiruzen was a calm man and rarely lost his temper but when he did it was never a pleasant sight. And now was one of the times his anger was at the highest. In a low growling voice he said, "You talk like you know everything about Naruto…Do you think he is happy, living in a paradise, having an easy life?...You know nothing about him, about his life, nothing about his suffering, his struggle. Your hardest day when you were a child is nothing compared to what he goes through every day. The pain he feels cannot be comprehended by you or me...He has no friends, no guardians, no one to talk, laugh or cry to...He is despised, and hated by nearly everyone in the village for something he had no choice over. He is chased after senselessly at times and for what?...For something that another person decided for him to contain...You have no right to speak about him, even less about judging whether he is suffering or not. You and your student are the reason he is living through hell...I am ashamed to call you as my student."

Jiraiya was surprised by the actions of his Sensei. He was shocked to say the least. But the last sentence had ripped his heart apart. Still pinned he just said in a sad tone, "Okay he must not have the comfort of a parent but...his life could not be that bad. You have got to be over-exaggerating."

Hiruzen stopped his pinning of Jiraiya. He didn't know why but he wanted to show how wrong Jiraiya's words were. The tension, still in the air. He just said, "How long are you planning on staying this time?"

"Three days I think." said the toad sage still dazzled by his sensei's action.

"Hymn, I have an assignment for you. Spy on Naruto for the whole three days. You are not allowed to go near him, just observe his days from afar. No kind of interactions direct or indirect is permitted. You will report to me after three days at this same time. You cannot reject this assignment. Now go we will be meeting in three days."

"Ahhh... ok I will not ask why and do as you say Sensei, so which direction is his orphanage?"

"He doesn't live in an orphanage."

"Why? He must have just turned four if I am not wrong. Has he gotten adopted?"

"Yes, he is just four. No, he is not adopted as you know the council won't let anyone adopt him and only two people are there besides me, who would adopt him if it was allowed. The orphanage kicked him out on his birthday. I gave him an apartment as he didn't want to go back due to the matron and caretakers there too used to hate, mistreat, and punish him for small or no causes. He didn't wish to go back as he felt safer alone in an apartment than in an orphanage."

Jiraiya was shocked, would be an understatement. He never heard of a kid being kicked out of an orphanage. And living alone at four too was something unheard of.

"What? Shocked already? You have only heard for now. Go and see the results of the decision you three took that night." said Hiruzen as if reading Jiraiya's mind.

Jiraiya just left the office without speaking a word.

After three days

A tall figure entered the Hokage's office from the window. The old Hokage had already signaled his Anbu to go. The man in front of him was the same as he was three days ago but had been exceptionally quiet to his usual self.

"I was expecting you...I assume you are here to talk about your findings and hopefully understandings." said the old kage.

"Yes Sensei..." said Jiraiya in a low tone.

Waiting for a while Hiruzen then said, "So tell...why are you hesitant now?" He wanted to rub as much salt on hiz student's wound as he could to teach him and make him feel even more guilty.

Taking a deep breath Jiraiya started, "I did spy him as you said. Well, let's go with the good first. He has an unrivalled love for ramen similar to his mother's. In that ramen shop, he was very lively and cheerful which I take as his natural character. He is very independent. He also tries to train at times I saw him throw rocks at some targets I think he has set up in the forest..." He paused for a long moment.

"I think your positive observations are over, aren't they? Now continue don't stop, go on similarly like you didn't stop four years ago." said his sensei.

"...H-He tries very hard to make friends but their parents' fear and hatred have also made the upcoming generation avoid him. He has no friends. The people glare and whisper rubbish about him, sometimes loud enough so he can hear...Some people even go as far as to hit him and throw glass bottles at him. They hurt him physically and mentally by insulting him in the face. When someone would advance to beat him the Anbu Inu always used to come to save him...He feels lonely and sad at times as I..I...saw him cry alone in his apartment after hateful encounters or when he was rejected by anyone his age...He just sheds tears silently..." He ended while having a downcast expression on him, and realizing the effects on the boy due to the mistake he had committed.

The Hokage too had a deep frown. As it was never good to witness or hear about it. He still was driven by the thought of making his student realize by exploding him with guilt. He said, "So tell me Jiraiya…weren't you telling me sacrifices is necessary? Why are you sad now?..."

He waited for a moment then said again, "You think that he would like to know that he has a family who just abandoned him for some fucking prophecy which doesn't even have a proper interpretation…He often asks me who are his parents. At times he is desperate to know. What am I supposed to tell him Jiraiya? Tell me!...You think he will be proud or happy even if they somehow do something great deed of heroics and come back to him. You said that, didn't you? Now I want to hear you say those things again…Tell me he is happy. tell me he is not struggling, tell me he is not suffering..." there was a small silence after he stopped waiting for the other occupant to speak.

Standing from his seat and banging the desk in front of him Sandaime yelled, "Tell me Jiraiya, tell me those things again...TEELLLL MEEEE!"

Jiraiya was barely holding himself from re-seeing his memories from the last three days in his brain. His head was held down. At times in his three days of spying, he had felt mortified when he would see men and women mistreat or cruelly assault the boy verbally. He always wanted to jump in but for some reason, his muscles would freeze every single time. Unknown to him his sensei had put him in a seal so that Jiraiya wouldn't interfere and see the truth.

Jiraiya had never expected this would be the result of their decision. No child deserves that kind of treatment. He finally spoke up, "It...it is all my fault. I should have been a better teacher to Minato and shouldn't have let all my decisions be clouded by thoughts of interlinking it to the prophecy instead I should have just let it happen. I...I should have been there for Naruto as his godfather...He got his name from my first book after all...I..I want to fix things Sensei, and yes I now understand that I was wrong. Naruto doesn't deserve what he is going through." He ended, determined to fix things.

"How do you intend to fix this?" Hiruzen asked. 'Well, whatever he will say I have a feeling that I won't agree to it.' He mused

"I made a mistake, a big and foolish one. I will either bring all of them back to Konoha or take Naruto to them..." Jiraiya stopped when he felt a palm slam his chest not hard enough to trip him but not light either.

Hiruzen didn't like the idea a bit. He didn't want Naruto's heart to be filled with fake love due to a pity party. People needed real unconditional love, fake love is worse than no love. Immediately he went through hand seals and slapped his hand on Jiraiya's chest.

"What was that for, Sensei?" asked Jiraiya who had no clue what just happened and why.

"It is a seal. It will stop you from ever saying what you saw the past 3 days to anyone. And as for your ways of fixing this, I don't agree with it. I would never allow you to take Naruto where they are. Neither do I want them back. They will be in exile till I die." said Hiruzen.

"WHAT?! WHY?!" Jiraiya's yelled at his attempt to fix things being brushed off in an instant.

"I have put the seal because I know even if I forbid, you will tell what you saw to Minato and Kushina. And similar to your case just saying did nothing until you saw it by yourself, they too won't agree with saying. And I know you will somehow even show them, to make them realize. I don't trust any of you three yet that you all could take care of Naruto. That's why I don't want any of you near him. Moreover, Naruto needs real love and compassion which is unconditional. Not some feeling originated from a pity party."

'Sensei knows me too well.' Thought Jiraiya. He wanted to argue about many things but what his sensei was saying was right he couldn't really say anything or rather didn't have much say due to his previous decisions. Still, he wanted to try, "But Sensei..."

"Jiraiya no. I won't follow it. And I don't want you too near Naruto until I say. You still have a lot of trust to be earned back. In some years, maybe Naruto can meet his godfather and that will happen only when I am able to see that you really care for him not some pity show it won't do him any good." Said Hiruzen.

"...I can't change your decision, can I?" asked Jiraiya in a low tone. He really wanted to make up for his mistake and see Naruto happy. He had seen the bright and contagious smile of the boy at times when he laughed at trivial things. He once saw Naruto in the forest with a bunny that had snuggled to him. The peace and calmness that radiated out was very soothing. That site was very heartwarming. He wanted that smile to always adore the boy's face. The smile just suited and looked great on him.

"No Jiraiya, not in this matter, I believe you have a spy network to handle. Don't make your stay too lengthy. And don't think making up to Naruto will be easy. You all have disrespected him to an immeasurable level. And people tend to think everything will be forgotten. But there is no expiration date for disrespect." said the Sandaime in a stern voice.

Jiraiya just nodded at the warning and said, "...Okay Sensei, I will trust you...Keep him safe...and forgive me for my stupidity...And also hasten a bit in trusting me please I really do want to make up to him and bond with him. Bye Sensei, and also thank you for scolding me, even when you didn't trust me. You still believed that I could understand. Thank you for having that trust in me...I will be taking my leave."

Hiruzen nodded and just said, "Bye Jiraiya."

With that, he left via the window. The Hokage just shook his head and thought, 'Some things just never change.'

Flashback End

Jiraiya wiped a lone tear that had trickled down his cheek. He couldn't help but compare the three children and thought of the three siblings, 'Let's start with the eldest itself. Well, Menma is kind of more like his mother than his father. He makes sudden decisions without much thought and is driven by emotions, but they are kids now, I shouldn't say that they aren't supposed to be driven by emotions. He will be a good shinobi in time I suppose. Then Mito, who has a legendary name to live up to. She too is an exact mini version of her mother. Well, it seems hard to beat the Uzumaki genes, I guess. She too will go far with a good mindset…Now Naruto... Well, he has a name that is dear to me. I guess Minato's genes kind of beat Kushina's in here. He is an exact carbon copy of his father. Well, it was good to see those two Uchiha spending time with Naruto he looked happy. Well, spying and looking after what the boy is doing has taken a toll on my research material from Konoha.'

He chuckled a bit as his research had taken a hit by quite a degree as whenever he would go back to Konoha he would hide his chakra to undetectable levels and spy and look after Naruto as much he could. 'He understands what a shinobi is from now...well that is kind of thanks to Sensei and also him for remembering it. He will go far…he has a strong mentality with which he has to always gets up even with how much everyone pushes him down. He has had and will have the toughest path for my foolishness...Well, I will have to wait for the time when Sensei lets me near him... can't wait for it…I think, for now, I should continue down this lone visible path…No more prophecy-derived thinking. A path to be remembered foreons, I hope.'

He walked off on his path hoping for the end to be happy for everyone especially his godson...Uzumaki Naruto.

---

Naruto woke up at 5:30 am to the sound of the alarm ringing. He took a look at his clock and saw the time. 'I never set the alarm this early...Oh right. One of them must have set it.' He then remembered what had happened yesterday. 'It was one hell of a day. To know that someone is inside you and never noticing.' He just unconsciously brought his hand to his stomach and rubbed it. At first, it was involuntarily and after a while, it was because of hunger due to sleeping without having dinner.

He made himself a heavy breakfast of grilled fish, miso soup, and some rice. He had started eating healthy ever since Shisui had mentioned it. Also, as he was caught eating instant ramen in the mornings or at unusual timings by his oba-chan, he would always get an earful lecture for it. The blonde shuddered at the memories of his oba-chan giving him lectures and punishments after pranks or eating too much unhealthy. The woman could be sweet one second and downright scary the other.

It was only 6 and had an hour to kill time so he took out the test his Jiji had given him on level 2 of fuinjutsu. He completed the test and had still 15 minutes to spare so he decided to head for the training ground 0.

He arrived at the Hokage tower there within 10 minutes and using a note he had found in his apartment. He navigated his way through a tunnel to reach the out-of-limits training ground. He reached the destination and just whistled in appreciation of the beautiful ground. The ground was a beauty just like their usual training ground 31. It had the Hokage mountain just within a distance of 500 meters and had a natural stream, with crystal clear water flowing, fish in it dancing up and down the stream at one side of it. The rest of the side areas were again filled with trees of many kinds.

"It seems you like the place." said an old voice from behind.

"Yeah, it is beautiful…Jiji here is the test for level 2 fuinjutsu you gave." Said Naruto while he unsealed the test from a storage scroll.

"Okay Naruto I will check it and tell you if you can progress to level 3." said Hiruzen.

"Thanks, Jiji."

Just after a few more minutes the Uchiha duo too arrived at the destination. They too were mesmerized by the beauty of the ground. "I take you two also like the ground." Said the Hokage.

"Sure am, Hokage-sama it is quite a place you have here." Said Shisui and Itachi nodded at this.

"Jiji I just had one question about yesterday…What does it mean to me that the kyuubi is sealed in me? I mean like is there something I need to know?" asked honestly, as he still was trying to adjust to his true identity.

"It doesn't mean you are any different Naruto. You are the same as anyone of your age just with a big burden to carry. If in terms of power yes, your seal was designed such that you can siphon the chakra of the kyuubi when you want or need. But it is a double-edged sword. The chakra of a Biju is powerful, very powerful in fact. But it may cloud your mind in a deep bloodlust and there is a chance that you may lose yourself to it. And if you are in deep anger then unconsciously it's chakra may start flowing in your chakra coils. In these situations, there is a high chance that you will not realize what you are doing and can't differentiate between friend and foe. Its chakra also will heal you when injured so your healing rate will be very fast, but too much at a time can damage your body if you can't control it. You already must have noticed you heal way faster than normal rate." said his Jiji.

"Yeah, I have…So it is a curse and boon at the same time." Said Naruto.

"Naruto I would ask you one thing what do you think of all this? I would like to know." Asked Hiruzen. He was a bit restless since the time he had broken the news to Naruto. He needed to know how the boy was taking it.

"It is strange I will have to say…I can't blame the Yondamine, even if I want to, for the sealing, he must not have any other option. Though the question why me? Will always be there. I don't think I can help it or get an answer for it...And to know that you are bound with something of which you have no idea of what it thinks of? What is its goal? All is…uncertain...I will say now I know why people hate and stay away from me. But I still can't say I understand them as there are people like you three, the Anbu Inu, oba-chan, old man Teuchi, and Ayame-nee-chan, you all are near me, and I don't think anything bad has happened yet…Other people's decisions are driven by fear and see me as something that I am not. I don't particularly like it but can't do anything about it at the moment..."

Naruto took a deep breath and said, "I have read this in a book and always told myself when I am down, 'If you don't like the hand that fates dealt you with, fight for a new one.'…I guess I have no other option other than to fight. So, I will fight for what I and only I feel is right…I will get up as many times as I am thrown down...I guess that is it, I will do the tasks that I am destined for, and I won't run away. And I still aim for that hat Jiji, hold it tight for me." He ended with an determined tone and had a small smirk on his face and determination visible.

All the three in the field looked at the jinchuuriki with surprise and appreciation due to the fact even after having so many obstacles he has not given up or doesn't sound like will be giving up any soon. It was rare to see such spirit in anybody and even less in a six-year-old.

"Well, this spirit of yours Naruto is great...Never leave it. And you sound like a born frontrunner. I believe in you that you indeed will become the greatest Hokage." said Hiruzen while ruffling Naruto's hair, who had a wide smile and slight blush at the praise.

"Well, I will be taking my leave now. Train well. Bye Naruto, Itachi, and Shisui." said the Hokage and after everyone gave their goodbyes Hiruzen left for the Hokage's office.

"So ready to start your journey seriously from today?" asked Shisui.

"You bet." Replied Naruto.

"So, for the initial weeks, we will first put you in top physical condition along with shurikenjutsu and kenjutsu which we have been doing but nowmorerigorously as others will be touched up in your academy. You understand that?" told Shisui.

"Ahhh…yes that all is ok I will follow as you say but I unlocked my chakra when will I start using it Nii-chan?" Asked the boy impatient to learn ninjutsu.

"You will Naruto, but first these all will be done. We will then start your chakra control and then head to ninjutsu." Said Itachi.

"Ahh ok, Itachi-nii." Said Naruto a bit de-excited due to the fact of having to wait more for ninjutsu.

"Now start up with 15 rounds of the group then 20 sit ups." Said Shisui. Naruto followed obediently.

The next 6 weeks were spent on Naruto's physical training and shurikenjutsu. Kenjutsu was something Naruto was having a problem with and they had gone to the Hokage for advice on it while they were giving their monthly report. During that time Naruto had learnt more than he expected.

Flashback

"Hokage-sama, Naruto seems to not be able to grasp our kenjutsu style. So do you think there is a style that we should try or drop it?" Asked Shisui bluntly. Naruto was a bit deflated as not being able to get a good enough grasp of kenjutsu. He really wanted to be good at it.

"You are teaching Uchiha style kenjutsu right? Can you remind me the base of it?" asked the Hokage.

"It utilizes mainly the body strength and speed. It needs the user to be rigid most of the time and primarily offensive and aggressive like fire." Said Itachi.

"Hymn wait a minute I think I have something in my library." said the Hokage.

Went and came back with a few scrolls which had the same whirl design on them like on Naruto's shirt but white. This didn't go unnoticed by the blonde. He spoke up, "Oi, Jiji what are those whirl designs? They are like the ones on my shirt that you give me."

"Naruto that is the Uzumaki clan symbol." The old Kage knew that he was asking for trouble by bringing up this but he felt that this was the only style that may fit Naruto and also the time Naruto got to know about his clan.

"Uzumaki Clan?! I have a clan!" Naruto practically yelled while vigorously waving his arms in the air.

"Stop yelling you brat, and calm down." Said Shisui while holding the over-excited boy in place before the energy ball could prance on the Hokage and bombard him with questions.

"Both yes and no Naruto. The Uzumaki clan were our strongest and closest allies. They were distant relatives of the Senju clan, One of the two founding clans of Konohagakure no Sato along with the Uchiha clan. The Uzumakis were the ruling clan and founding clan of Uzushiogakure no Sato. They were very proficient water users and well versed at kenjutsutoo, but their main strength was fuinjutsu, that is why we indulged you in it." Said the professor.

Hiruzen immediately in a calm voice said, "But before you ask is there any more Uzumakis? The answer to that will be I don't know...You see Uzushio was attacked before the third war had started. In the aim to see Konoha fall. Our closest allies were annihilated by Iwa, Kumo, and Kiri so they could have a chance against Konoha. They knew they couldn't handle the combined forces of both villages. They did manage to annihilate Uzushio but at a hefty loss on their side. And since the attack was not anticipated by our forces, we didn't make it in time. There may be more Uzumaki or maybe I don't know. But the most probable case is that you are the last Uzumaki."

"Just great. I just find I have a clan and that had to be annihilated to the last member." Naruto grumbled not happy a bit at what Iwa, Kumo, and Kiri had done. For the first time, he was kind of filled with malice against the other three nations.

"Well, Naruto there is nothing that can be done other than you learning the ways of your ancestors. Take these shared scrolls given to us due to our treaty. These have instructions and guidance to the Uzumaki kenjutsu style. I think it will suit you." said the Hokage.

"Thanks. And yeah...Old man, can you tell me if we Uzumaki's had any cool kekkei genkai?...Or about my parents?" A bit of hope in his eyes but he knew the answer which was going to come.

"Naruto...I promise I will tell you about your parents when I feel it is the right time." He saw Naruto sigh and he too couldn't help but sigh at his own situation.

"And for kekkei genkai, yes, the Uzumaki had a kekkei genkai called Adamantine Chains. They are chains made out of pure chakra and cannot be broken by force. They usually come out of the back of a person. Though not considered as a kekkei genkai the Uzumaki had a longer life span and faster healing rate, though you being a jinchuuriki will have an even faster healing rate also Uzumakis had large chakra reserves like yours." said Hiruzen.

"Woah chakra chains sounds pretty cool. Wonder how cool I would loo..." Naruto was imagining himself with those cool chakra chains when he was stopped by a voice.

"It is pretty rare even amongst Uzumakis to unlock those chains. So don't get your hopes too high. And the chances are even lesser amongst male Uzumakis." Interrupted Hiruzen in a monotone.

"You just had to ruin it, didn't you?" Said Naruto with a depression cloud on him.

"Now, now Naruto no need to feel low because there is very little prospect of unlocking them. There are many things like these kenjutsu scrolls belonging to the Uzumaki there in the Hokage's library. If you do well, I will keep giving you some time to time." said Hiruzen trying to uplift Naruto's mood which seemed to work.

"Ok Jiji I will complete these as quick as I can and I will be back for the other for the other scrolls, so keep them ready." said Naruto beaming at the prospect of getting more Uzumaki scrolls.

All the three other occupants were chuckling at the sudden change in mood of the boy.

Flashback End

It had been two weeks since got to know about his clan and had got its kenjutsu scrolls. And his Jiji was right. The Uzumaki style fitted him perfectly. It was dependent on the speed and flexibility of the body. Unlike the Uchiha style which needed the person to be rigid, here in the Uzumaki style he had to be free-flowing like any fluid. He was able to grasp the basics of it pretty fast. He had got shurikenjutsu too to a great level that he could hit multiple targets at the same time accurately. He had also started level 3 of fuinjutsu and he could not stop himself from indulging in it whenever he had free time.

He was as usual present in the training ground and waiting for instructions from the two Uchiha. Itachi suddenly flicked a leaf on Naruto's forehead. The blond was very confused by this and watched the leaf fall to the ground after slipping from his bare forehead. "Okay, what was this?" Asked the boy.

Shisui picked up a leaf and put it on his forehead and it stuck to it as if the leaf had glue. He then said, "Using your chakra you have to keep the leaf sticking to your forehead. This is the first chakra control exercise. We are starting your chakra control from today. So, start trying it. You have a big reserve and dense chakra so it might take a while."

Excited Naruto said, "Nahhh...I will get it down in 10 minutes." He started by picking up a leaf and tried to stick it to his forehead using chakra. Both the Uchiha knew what would happen. The leaf didn't stick and fell down. What followed next was Naruto trying to stick the leaf for the whole morning and afternoon. At times it would stick for a moment or two and fall under the effects of gravity. He was growing frustrated second by second of the exercise. He again picked up a leaf and calmed himself before repeating the exercise this time he had it stuck to his forehead and didn't even fall after a moment. "I did it!" Exclaimed Naruto.

Itachi who was refining his kunai throwing looked at Naruto's success and said, "Well done Naruto."

Shisui who had fallen asleep woke up at the loud success cheer of Naruto and in a sleepy tone, while rubbing his eyes said, "It was about time you do it." Internally he was impressed as he initially thought it would take all day due to the amount of chakra reserve Naruto had.

"So now what?" asked Naruto still with the leaf stuck.

Shisui got up and picked a rock and had an evil grin on his face. Naruto was not liking what was about to come. Itachi too had picked a rock and had a sly smile. Shisui then said, "Douge the rocks, and keep the leaf stuck."

"WHAT THE HE...", he didn't even get time to curse properly and a barrage of rocks came towards him. He dodged every rock barely. After 10 minutes of dodging Itachi said, "Well done you keep the leaf stuck on yourself while dodging the attacks. "Naruto wanted to yell at them but didn't have the energy to, he could only rage in his mind, 'Oh I will get back at you two with the ultimate prank, you bastards.'

---

More than three months had passed and Naruto had completed both tree climbing and water walking chakra control exercises to a degree that he could do them unconsciously. The Hokage was impressed by the standards he had reached and also at the teaching standard of both Shisui and Itachi. Naruto had to say they were both good senseis. He never called them sensei as their relationship was more brotherlike than teacher-student will ever be.

Things in the academy were going pretty boring. He never took his gear anywhere except the training ground 0 or sometimes training ground 31 he and Shisui would just do random time passes rather than serious training, while Itachi also trained his little sister and little brother.

But sometimes he really wished he had his tanto in the academy to slice the big history book. He always blamed his Jiji for the amount of info in it. 'Just because he is called the professor and knows almost everything, doesn't mean he needs to stack the books with everything he knows.' That was what he would always think. He was also able to make his first set of friends Akimichi Choji and Nara Shikamaru.

Akimichi Choji was from the Akimichi clan. He was a very generous boy and could always be seen with a bag of chips. He was very sensitive to someone calling him fat. Nevertheless, Naruto liked him and spent time with him.

Nara Shikamaru was from the Nara clan, known for their intellect. He was Choji's best friend. Shikamaru was a lazy boy and used to accompany Naruto in sleeping during classes. He too doesn't show his full potential in the academy, Naruto could easily tell it. Shikamaru's keyword was 'troublesome' or 'what a drag'. He liked to do cloud watching and sometimes Naruto would join him it was oddly relaxing Naruto could give that credit to the odd passion of his friend. Both of them were great friends. They had somehow understood each other without much effort.

Naruto also liked his class instructor, Umino Iruka. At first, Naruto thought he was no different. But after a while, Naruto was able to see Iruka cared for him. He found it out as only Iruka seemed to lecture him after a prank or for sleeping. Iruka would occasionally even take him to Ichiraku. He liked Iruka a lot. Naruto would always be punished by him after pranks and try to explain not to do it. Sometimes Naruto just did pranks to irritate Iruka. The two had more than just a teacher-student relationship.

It was early morning and he was excited for today's session as he would finally start with ninjutsu seriously. He already knew Henge no jutsu and Kawarimi he had got both the Jutsu within a day. He was a natural in ninjutsu it seemed to all as regular kids used up a week according to his Jiji.

But he had a big problem in performing Bunshin no jutsu. He was never able to get it right. The problem was taken to the Hokage who immediately was able to find the cause. Due to his large reserves, he could never perform the jutsu as it requires very little chakra. His Jiji then taught him Kage Bunshin no jutsu. It was a kinjutsu due to the high requirement of chakra. He got it within an hour as he was bit desperate to perform the technique due to his inability to perform a normal bushin. The number of clones he could make shocked the other three in the ground.

He was also able to figure out the secret to kage bunshin. The clones were able to transfer memory. He had asked his jiji if his observation and conclusion were correct. His jiji just smiled and said, "Well I was hoping when you would figure it out." He just stood there shocked at the possibility of using kage bunshins and had started to use them to learn fuinjutsu at his apartment with a clone while he would be with either of the Uchiha training. It was a real-life cheat code for him. His fuinjutsu progress just rocketed after that and was already done with level 3 and starting level 4.

He reached the training ground 0 and saw Itachi, Shisui, and also his Jiji there. "Hello everyone." Said Naruto.

"So excited to finally start elemental ninjutsu?" asked Shisui.

"Yeah, you bet. First, you will have to teach me the fireball Jutsu Shisui-nii. I have waited too long for it now." said Naruto complaining about the time taken to reach ninjutsu. The Hokage chuckled at Naruto's excitement. "Hold your horses Naruto. First, you have to check if you have the fire element in you." said the old Hokage.

"Ohh yeah forgot about the elemental affinities. If I don't have then I won't be able to do other element jutsus?" asked the boy.

"You can but it will take more chakra and longer time to learn. So, it will be unfavorable to use. We are gonna test which affinities you have today. That's why I am here" Said Hiruzen.

Then Itachi in his monotone spoke, "There are five basic nature transformations. Fire, wind, water, lightning, and earth. Each element is connected to each other in a way. Fire is weak against water but strong against the wind, wind is strong against lightning but weak against fire, lightning is strong against earth but weak against the wind, the earth is weak against lightning but strong against water, water is strong against fire but weak against the earth."

The Hokage then took out a piece of paper and said, "Thisis chakra paper. It will tell you your chakra affinity. If you have fire it will burn, tear in half with wind, shrink if lightning, crumble to dust if earth, and soak wet if water."

Naruto took the paper and started to send chakra to his palms. He was internally hoping for fire. Next what happened blew everyone's minds. The paper first silted into three parts. The first one damped heavily. The second one shrieked and the third one burned. It was astounding. He had 4 natural affinities, the wind being primarily flowed by water, lighting, and fire.

"Amazing!" Naruto said in awe. His instincts said to hide and he immediately hid behind his Jiji. Shisui was downright jealous at the fact that Naruto had four natural affinities. Here they had to work their asses off to get a second and third affinity. Shisui was being held back by Itachi from strangling Naruto. Itachi too had similar thoughts but not as aggressive as Shisui. "Damn your luck, you squirt." Said Shisui.

The Hokage chuckled at the childish display of one of his best jonin, Uchiha Shisui. That is also what he likes about Shisui too. He was not your average Uchiha, he showed who he truly was without fear, and the Hokage liked it a lot. Naruto was hardly stopping himself from rolling on the ground and laughing. After a while, Itachi left Shisui when he stopped struggling with his grip. Shisui was still pouting and thinking how unfair this was. Itachi was just slumping and had a sweat drop at Shisui's reaction. Naruto couldn't handle it anymore and burst out in laughter.

"Now, Naruto don't laugh too much this means you have to work on building up four elements. And I must say starting off nature transformation is not easy...so for you, it is four times more work than usual. This may cause slower progress than the average, due to subconscious conflict in nature change. So, if you get delays due to your more numbers of affinity it won't be taken as an excuse. And an appropriate punishment will be given to you by these two." said the Hokage and immediately Shisui and Naruto had a change in their expression. Naruto now had a depression cloud on him. While Shisui smirked at the display now, while also getting many punishment ideas. Itachi was still the same and the Hokage was having a good time watching the show in front of him.

---

AN: Okay so I agree Naruto at the end is a bit optimistic, and yes that his original characteristic. But people change, and that is what will happen to this blonde here. Now some heads up if you haven't caught it yet, Naruto will change and this is an angst / adventure stories. So there will be times Naruto when will feel fucked up and I will try to explore and write his state as well as I can. And people who are asking if Naruto will be like Jesus and forgive his parent or are hoping for that...I don't see him doing that. Overall my Naruto will be different form the generic outlook he has. And more over this will be a long and slow fanfic, so don't expect Naruto to meet or know his parents within 4-5 chapters. For romance, I guess I will pair him up with someone (either Hinata or Kiyomi) but that's not the main theme of the story and I don't think I can write romance well enough, but I will give it a go.

One thing more the updates will be irregular so sorry in advance.

And as always thanks for spending your time reading this and criticism is always welcomed.