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

Chapter 6:Brothers

Naruto woke up to the noise of his alarm clock. He still felt full from the dinner his oba-chan had made yesterday. Just thinking of it watered his mouth again. Regardless of how comfy his mattress felt, he got off his bed and went and did his morning rituals of light warm-ups and then refreshing himself. He then headed to the fridge to get some fruits out for breakfast. He settled for a bunch of grapes, an apple, and a pear.

After his breakfast, he brought out a notebook where he had written down his ideas for new seals. He had also written down many improvised versions of established seals in it. Amongst his original ideas, the nearest to completion was a seal that enabled long-distance message sending.

But now he was not interested in any of his ideas. He took a pencil and drew the Gojo Kibaku Fuda (Tandem Paper Bombs). He couldn't find or think anyway of tampering with the Shiki Fūjin (The Death Reaper Seal) since it was only hand signs and then the seal would appear. But Gojo Kibaku Fuda (Tandem Paper Bombs) was just like an explosive seal, a seal drawn on a piece of paper and then chakra sent to activate it. Just way more complex and better. He was gonna improvise the forbidden jutsu. He never promised not to use an improvised version. Did he now?

For nearly the next four hours he worked on studying Nidaime's seal. It was simply incredible Naruto breathed out. He still had to figure out the limitations and how to add more or siphon out parts of the seal, like the multiplying part. It would take up a good amount of his time for quite a while but he didn't mind it.

He then dressed up in his full shinobi get up with the bandages at the ankles, forearm, just below the elbow, and wrist. He wore his fingerless gloves and the tanto and its special strapping vest. He had a slightly longer tanto, a half foot longer than the usual one feet. He then tied his Hitai-ate around his forehead. He looked himself at in the mirror and smiled soulfully. For a long time, he had to leave half of his gear. Now fully geared and with the Hitai-ate. He felt complete.

He was now heading to the Hokage tower to take his ninja registration photo. He knew there would be no one doing this work immediately the next day of graduation itself, so it was the best time for him to go and get the work done. He never minded the people's glares or whispers nowadays. But if there was an opportunity to escape them, then why not?

He locked his apartment and kept the keys behind a storage seal with a security lock only accepting his and a few people's chakra. He then climbed to the roof and he again stretched his legs and arms a bit. Released his resistance seals and took off for the Hokage's tower jumping roof to roof at a great speed and an even more astounding display of his gymnastics ability. He was happy and felt free so he just did what came to his mind, without a second thought, performing various types of flips mid-air, somersaulting, landing on his hands many times, and taking large leaps, roof to roof.

Many on the ground just looked agape at the display, both civilians and shinobi. Most of the time all the shinobis only took simple jumps to avoid any injuries as landing on a slanting surface was quite hard. But here the blonde was doing various things mid-air and landing each time elegantly and repeating the process.

He touched the ground for the first time and he was in front of the Hokage tower. He formed a half ram seal and the resistance seal reactivated on him. He went inside and told the secretary why he was here for the picture. After a minute he was asked to go on the roof for the photo. He took the photo given to him and he went to another room where his Jiji was sitting waiting for him. Both smiled at each other. Hiruzen knew why Naruto selected to come immediately the next day so he didn't comment on it.

He just said, "Hope you didn't do any mischief with the photo now."

"Nahh Jiji, I didn't do any. Though I won't deny the thought did cross my mind." Said Naruto while both chuckled at how well the Sandaime knew Naruto.

Naruto handed the photo to his Jiji. Hiruzen saw the photo and was both relieved and unnerved by the picture. He was relieved as the boy had taken the registration photo seriously. He was unnerved because the boy had taken the photo too seriously. The boy had kept a completely serious and stern face, usually warm blue eyes now, icy cold and piercing the person's soul that looked at it. The mouth in an intimidating smile slightly tilted more to the right side. The mess of blonde hair swayed to the right marginally due to the breeze. The handle of his tanto is visible, with his strapping vest similar to his elder brother's.

If it were not for details like Naruto's whiskers, relatively shorter hair, and eye shape, one could mistake the picture for his father's. The two even dressed in a similar fashion. He was always quite glad as most of the civilians were too stupid to spot it. And the majority of shinobi forces not caring to use their brains to think about Naruto other than a troublemaker and not trying to figure out his roots, helped in hiding the fact of the blonde's linkage. And Naruto trusted his decision and stopped pondering about his parents' identity. But take this picture of Naruto and hold a picture of Minato next to each other. Even the biggest dumb-ass would figure it out.

For this reason, he had also chosen a different room from his normal office for ninja registration paperwork. This was one of the only rooms where the pictures of the Hokage were not hanging on the walls.

"So how is it Jiji?" asked Naruto.

"It looks great. You portrayed yourself to look serious and intimidating to make to person who sees look carefully. Didn't you?" He said, signalling Naruto to sit on a chair in the middle of the room while he took his place behind the desk and started to fill out Naruto's form.

Naruto sheepishly chuckled a bit and said, "Yeah."

Hiruzen filled the form with all the true information, some of which even the boy didn't know, but also left one thing on purpose. Then stamped it and verified it. He then smiled at Naruto and said, "It's all done...Your file will be under the classified section for obvious reasons. If you want to see it you will come to me. Do not do a fiasco like you did yesterday. Do you understand that?"

"I won't Jiji. And I don't need to look at my information which I know in my opinion." He said like a five-year-old promising he won't do anything bad.

"I hope you left out the kekkei genkai section." Asked Naruto seriously.

"Yes, I did." Said Hiruzen.

"Finally, an official shinobi!" Said in joy with a big smile. Hiruzen too shared a smile and then started to prepare his pipe.

Both were sharing their joy when the sliding doors immediately, slid open. A boy about five years younger than Naruto entered the room. The boy held a shuriken in his hand and was running towards his target. The boy had spiky brown hair, blue eyes, and a small chipped tooth. He wore grey shorts and a yellow shirt, with a red Konoha symbol printed on it. He also had a grey helmet on him, which had a hole at the top for some of his hair to stick out. He also had a long blue scarf around his neck, the free end going nearly all the way to his ankles.

While running to his target, which apparently was the Hokage, the boy yelled, "JIJI! YOU ARE GOING DOWN TODAY!"

Then the boy tripped his face first. He held his face, which hurt a lot now. Resulting in the boy squirming on the ground while saying, "Ouch-Ouch-Ouch!"

The Hokage immediately recognized his grandson and pressed the bridge of his nose while most of his face was hidden by his Hokage hat. He just thought, 'As if one was not enough! Now both are there together.'

Naruto squinted his eyes and, in a deadpan manner thought, 'Who is this shrimp?'

The boy got up still rubbing his face and then declared, "Ahhh... Something tripped me! There must be a trap here!"

Then at the doorstep came another person. The person wore a standard Konoha shinobi outfit without his flank jacket. He also had sunglasses on and wore his Hitai-ate as a bandana. Both Naruto and Hiruzen recognized the man. It was Ebisu, a tokubetsu (special) jonin. Naruto knew the man considered him as nothing but a nuisance. Naruto was never able to find that Ebisu hated him due to the Kyuubi, so he held nothing against the tokubetsu jonin.

This was actually the general trend amongst most of the shinobi of the leaf village. They didn't hate him due to the Kyuubi but since they didn't like his tenant, they chose to stay away and consider him a nuisance and actively showed he wasn't wanted. Since they didn't hate him due to his tenant, he didn't hate the other shinobi. But it didn't mean liked those shinobi either.

Ebisu in a concerned tone first said, "Are you okay Honourable Grandson?"

Naruto raised an eyebrow at the respectful title. In a calm manner then Ebisu said, "By the way, there is nothing here for you to trip on. The floor is perfectly flat and no traps around." Ebisu then saw Naruto and in a slightly stunned state thought, 'It's him. The worst nuisance in the world! Need to keep honourable grandson away from him. He is nothing but trouble!'

The little boy too had taken notice of Naruto and marched up towards him. He brought out an accusing finger front and in an angry tone said, "Alright you are the one that tripped me, aren't you?"

Naruto did know why but he wanted to give the boy a piece of his mind. He wasn't gonna let a little boy disrespect him. He got up from his seat and also took hold of the boy by his left hand, clinching the boy's collar under the scarf. In an angry voice said, "You tripped over your own feet. And if you don't want to trip then stop wearing this long scarf...You Squirt!"

Ebisu was ridiculed by what was happening and said, "Oi, you take your hands off the honorable grandson of Hokage-sama."

Naruto had stopped his right fist from colliding with the little brat. He had heard what the jonin said. But what really made him stop was his own choice of words. Why had he chosen them? It was just an impromptu selection that came out from his heart, without thinking. But he couldn't get over the fact that he had used the words that his nii-chan would use on him. This tangled his mind.

The honorable grandson at Naruto's halt of action, in a smug but also annoyed manner thought, 'That stopped him...Just like all the rest...Now he knows who I am, he won't dare lay a finger on me.'

Though being a bit annoyed internally, due to the fact his heritage saving him. Outwardly he just showed smugness. In an arrogant tone, the boy said, "What's the matter tough guy? I thought you were gonna hit me...Afraid cause the Sandaime Hokage is my grandfather?"

Naruto left all of his thoughts on hearing the words and in a high tone replied back, "I don't care if he is your grandmother!" With that, he slammed his fist at the boy's protected head and released his hold on the collar.

While falling down the boy just thought, 'This guy is different!' And he then touched the ground with a very audible thud.

Ebisu was just openly gawking at what had happened. Shocked at the audacity of the jinchuuriki, he was unable to say anything. Hiruzen just internally sighed and in a heavy tone said to himself, 'This is not looking good...Well, at least it stopped.'

The honorable grandson was again squirming on the floor but holding his head now. Naruto took a small glance at the boy, still not able to get on the fact why he chose the word squirt. He then looked at his Jiji and said, "Neh Jiji, this is your grandson?"

Hiruzen just sheepishly nodded. The boy still squirming on the floor but was offended by someone else also calling his grandfather Jiji said, "Oiii, he is my Jiji!"

Naruto in a bored manner said, "Shut it! I have been calling him Jiji even before you were born." Naruto then asked, "Why didn't you ever introduce us? And why is he trying to hit you?"

"Naruto, the reason I didn't introduce both of you is because I never thought a formal introduction between kids would be of any good or use. And honestly, I had a feeling you both as a duo would be too...What all the Naras usually say...Ahhh yes... 'troublesome'. Handling one of you one at a time is quite a job if both of you join forces...Let the sentence rather be incomplete…And he thinks by defeating me he would become the Hokage." Said Hiruzen truthfully.

Naruto just nodded and said, "Fair enough." He did trouble his Jiji to quite an extreme extent sometimes, he wouldn't deny that. And if there was someone else also doing the same as him. He felt a bit of pity for the old man, but enough to stop or decrease his troubling actions. He commented on the answer to his second question with a scoff and then said, "In that case, I should already be the Hokage because I have defeated you."

The Hokage's eyes were twitching now. He didn't need to be reminded how he had fallen unconscious yesterday. In a childish annoyed tone, the old man said, "You didn't defeat me. We didn't even fight."

"Yeah, yeah, say that to yourself." Said Naruto with a smirk on his face. He knew he was successful in annoying his Jiji.

"Hey wait a minute! You defeated Jiji!" exclaimed the boy who now stood up after hearing the latest conversation.

"Yes, I did." said Naruto while at the same time Hiruzen said, "No, he didn't!"

The boy looked with a bit of disbelief in his eyes. But the manner in which his grandfather was acting. He knew his grandfather was defeated by the blonde that was near him. Before he could say anything, he heard.

"I think I will take my leave now Jiji. Bye...And yeah you had definitely lost." Said Naruto.

"No, I didn't...Bye and enjoy your day." Said Hiruzen.

With that Naruto left the room. The boy noticing this yelled out, "Hey wait up, I wanna talk with you!"

With that, he took a standing running position. So, he could start catching up with Naruto. But before he could even begin his pursuit, he was halted by his trainer. Ebisu had held out his hand signalling honorable grandson to stop. He then said, "Listen carefully. You are the honorable grandson of the honorable Hokage-sama. You must not always pick up fights like this...And you are not to be associated with that boy. You see, he is far beneath you. You don't need to plunge yourself down there...I being an elite trainer, means that I am always right."

He turned a bit as if indicating to see at the Hokage hat. He continued, "Your goal is to become the next Hokage, the Godaime. Indeed, due to your heritage leverage and my great skill in teaching, we can achieve it. But for that, you have to stick with me and train...You understand me, right honourable grandson?"

Ebisu turned back to see no one in front. He looked around a bit. Now putting his hands on his head and in slight agony said, "Where did he go now?!"

Hiruzen had been observing silently. He saw the dislike Ebisu held towards Naruto. At least it was not hatred he told himself. But he had to talk to jonin about his behavior and belief about heritage being a leverage. Hiruzen calmly just said, "I think he has gone after Naruto." In his mind, he just thought, 'Just don't be too harsh on him Naruto...And Naruto won't teach him anything bad, would he?'

"What! This is a disaster! I have to go now!" Ebisu was about to sprint to find the honorable grandson when he was stopped.

"Ebisu wait...Have a seat...Let's have a small chat." said the Hokage seriously.

Ebisu just blinked his eyes under his glasses a bit and followed the order of his leader and sat at the seat where Naruto was sitting a few minutes ago. Hiruzen then started, "So Ebisu..."

Naruto was peaceful walking down a street. The street had all the back sides of the houses at its side. It was better, as there were no people around. Quiet and peaceful. He suddenly then caught some swishing sounds and some footsteps. He turned around to see one of the most pathetic attempts to hide.

'Seriously?! That's your disguise. To bend into the surroundings is an art!...And this is…I can't even think of an appropriate adjective!' thought Naruto. The boy who was following him had simply crouched down and put on a piece of cloth that matched the color of the street.

Naruto just grumbled a bit and went off ahead. The boy thinking, he had successfully hidden from Naruto grinned and followed again. Naruto could clearly hear the footsteps and was starting to get annoyed. He thought, 'He isn't even trying to silence his footsteps. What kind of spying and espionage is this? For heaven's sake at his age, I was evading Anbu, and did fairly well. If he can't hide his chakra yet. The least he could do is silence his movements a bit…at least a bit!'

Naruto then turned around to confront the boy. The boy immediately stuck to the wooden side fences, brought out a cloth, and tried to cover himself. The cloth had a similar color and slit dimensions as that of the fences behind. But the boy held the cloth as such that the slits between were horizontal. Instead of the vertical, the way it should have been.

Naruto just had an accusing finger out with a stretched arm. He had initially planned on directly yelling at the boy. But seeing the current attempt to blend into the surroundings. His eyes had widened to the size of a saucer. His mouth was open in disbelief. He then got out of his stunned state. Still the accusing finger out he said, "Oiiiiii! I know you are following me. And what kind of hiding is that?! This must be the worst mockery of spying and espionage!"

The boy dropped the cloth and gave out a small chuckle with a grin. He then said, "You saw through my brilliant disguise, huh? You are good." The boy walked up to Naruto, who by now had stopped pointing and was normally standing, with an absolutely surprised face at what the boy was saying. Now the honourable Grandson with a pointing gesture said, "Alright, I will be your apprentice and you will be my trainer."

Naruto just had blank irritated eyes that twitched furiously. He was still processing what the boy had said, 'Brilliant disguise! What the actual fuck!...Didn't he hear what I said?!..And it is the master who declares, who will be his apprentice, not the other way round! Damn! The audacity of this brat!' He thought.

In a happy tone now the boy said, "And then you will have to teach me that jutsu, by which you defeated Jiji."

'So, this is all it is about.' mused Naruto. Naruto simply said, "No."

"What! Come on! Please, Boss." Begged the boy.

"What did you call me?" asked Naruto.

"Boss. You are the boss. Boss, boss, boss." Said the boy enthusiastically.

"Don't call me that. It is weirding me out." Said Naruto.

"Okay then...'Nii-chan' please teach me. Please!" said the boy.

Naruto just stared at the boy. No emotions on the outside. But inside, a Storm of emotions consisting of a heavy shower of memories was running in his mind. Just one word, triggering moments that he cherished then and even now. He and Shisui, spending time together. Having snacks together. Training. Laughing. The care his elder brother always had for him. Shisui had given a lot of good memories, he kept them on the highest pedestal and dearest to him. But...At times remembering also hurt. It hurts the most when the person who gave you the best memories, ends up being a memory. But it was also followed by anger towards the war hawk.

After the short blast of past and clenching of fist in anger, Naruto calmed himself and shifted his attention to the boy in front of him. It was hard to explain. Naruto couldn't help but see the boy as his little brother. One of the initial words he said to the boy was the same as his Shisui-nii would use on him. He could have easily left the boy and escaped his spying. But for some reason, he hadn't. It seemed their bonding was inevitable.

Naruto just left out a good laugh. An actual laugh, not a small chuckle. It was a long time since he had actually laughed from his heart. At the same time, he was also thinking, 'God if one word is enough to change my mind, then I need help…Words truly are keys!...Aren't they Jiji?' On the other hand, Konohamaru was getting freaked out about Naruto, thinking if he was crazy due to laughing all of a sudden.

Naruto had few precious people on his list. They were his Jiji, Iruka-sensei, his oba-chan, Kiyomi, old man Teuchi, Ayame-nee-chan, and a friend from the academy. He also considered the Anbu-Inu also a close and precious person. But Naruto hadn't seen the particular Anbu for two years. He always asked his Jiji about the particular Anbu when he felt it was too long without a sighting of the masked man. He would always be answered that the person he was seeking was fine. He now, was standing in front maybe the newest person to the list.

Naruto then in a very calm and tranquil manner said, "Okay, I will. But there are few things you must follow."

"Hymn ok I will follow them. What is it?" Said the boy.

"First tell me your name and age I still don't know it. Mine is Uzumaki Naruto, and age twelve if you haven't caught it up." Said Naruto.

This request actually kind of stunned the boy a bit. No one usually cared about his name. This was actually his biggest problem. He was not seen for who he was. He was always seen as the honorable grandson. It pissed him off at times. The only thing he could think of was, 'You are really different and better from the others.'

"My name is Sarutobi Konohamaru. And I am eight years old." said the boy calmly who now identified himself as Konohamaru.

"Hymn it's a fine name...Now listen carefully. To be honest I should not be teaching you this jutsu. But my guts say to do it. So, I will...And the most important. Never ever do this in front of a woman!" said Naruto seriously.

"Huhhh?! Why is that Naruto-nii?!" Asked a confused Konohamaru.

In a sheepish expression and rubbing the back of the neck Naruto said, "Ahhh you will find it out."

With that Naruto put a hand on Konohamaru's shoulder and brought out a half ram seal in the other one. He had not been able to completely do the shunshin no jutsu as his elder brother us to do. That control was at a totally different level. But he was able to shunshin without any sound or residue behind. Most of the people used the original version, which had a puff sound and smoke production when you teleported. The village's variation would leave behind leaf residue and a swishing sound while doing the teleportation.

He was taught to shunshin without any sound or residue by his Shisui-nii. Ultimately, he did want Naruto to learn and use his own creation of the technique. It was Naruto's harshest failure, that he wasn't able to do it. But now maybe, what he wasn't able to do, the boy in front of him could do. Mastering his big brother's created jutsu.

With that Naruto shunshined them both to the doorsteps of his apartment. He directly didn't go into his apartment. Because shunshin no jutsu being a space-time ninjutsu, he could, but there would be fluctuations of chakra at the two spots of teleportation. To safeguard him from any intruder he had placed security seals inside his house, that would activate in such fluctuations of chakra and release lighting chakra on the newcomer. A great way to say hi in his opinion.

He sent chakra to the wall where the hidden storage seal was and brought his keys out. He opened the door and was indicating Konohamaru to enter. But the boy was mesmerized by the hidden storage seal. He just gaped looking at the spot on the wall, where the ink was, which now started disappearing. He had seen storage seals but never a hidden one, nor did he know it existed.

Naruto noticed this and said, "And yeah don't try to sneak into my apartment. You will get shocked, I mean literally. I have set various security seals for various purposes all around the apartment." And he had to. Once in a while every time a stupid or drunk civilian would come here and try to vandalize or throw rocks at windows or eggs. They thought they could get on him. Alas for them a shocking present always waited for them. Naruto had no mercy. He had packed and set the lighting shock to a degree where they would have to be in the hospital for at least a week.

His Jiji would send Anbu who would come and take them to the hospital. His Jiji and others who knew about this had also encouraged the idea of keeping the security system but did ask to decrease the intensity. But Naruto saw no problem in the intensity and didn't change it. And there was no one in the complex to complain about the seals. It was a two-story complex with two flats on each floor. All the other three families or single person, that occupied the other houses had moved out as soon as they could, he didn't know them, he didn't care.

"What! Isn't that a bit excess?" Asked Konohamaru.

"Trust me it isn't." Said Naruto. Even if people would get shocked. Some dumb-ass bastards would come for more. Sometimes people's actions truly amazed him.

Naruto opened the door and made a way so Konohamaru could enter. He then locked the door back. He then asked Konohamaru to sit and Naruto took a seat opposite the boy. He then asked, "So Konohamaru, tell me have you mastered your chakra to a good level? And can you do Henge no Jutsu flawlessly?"

"I think so I have them in control...Nii-chan what jutsu did you use? Come on show it to me now!" said Konohamaru.

Naruto just brought out a ram seal and the next instant, the sexualized older female version, with light mist covering the intimate parts was sitting instead of him. Naruto dropped the transformation just after a few seconds. Even if Konohamaru was a kid, he did have a heavy blush. Well, we can't blame him, can we?

Naruto then said, "Well Jiji's weakest point is his sweet fantasies. Which I exploited...And do you understand now why I said not to do it in front of a woman?"

Konohamaru nodded understanding the warning. Naruto then continued, "See you don't need to learn this, and actually shouldn't learn it. It doesn't..."

Whatever he was going to say was cut off. In a bit high voice Konohamaru said, "No I will learn it. If using this I can beat Jiji then I will obviously learn it and defeat him. Then I will claim the hat of the Hokage!"

"Why are you so adamant about beating Jiji? And what is your reason for becoming the Hokage?" Asked Naruto calmly.

Konohamaru stopped for a moment. No one has ever asked him this question. He would often declare of his wanting to become the Hokage aloud to people around him. Except for his grandfather, all would always pat and encourage him. Never question. Konohamaru knew why no one said anything.

He then truthfully said, "I want to become the Hokage to make people see who I am. Everyone just sees me as the grandson of the Hokage. I am always in his shadow. They always regard me as an 'honorable grandson'. Not Konohamaru. Jiji named me after village itself. It shouldn't be hard to remember it...I want to defeat Jiji and take the hat from him. I will learn this jutsu and use it as a shortcut to become the Hokage and then everyone will have to see and accept who I am!" the boy ranted the last part with fierce determination.

Naruto just listened to the boy. Naruto could empathize with the boy. As he too had a similar situation. But the boy didn't need empathy now. He could just say forget it and leave the preaching to another person. But he felt like he owned Hiruzen an attempt in directing his biological grandson. In a stern voice, he said, "You should drop the idea of becoming a Hokage!"

"Wh-what?!" said a stunned Konohamaru. No one had ever said that. He was never discouraged.

"You heard me. You are not fit to become a Hokage." Said Naruto still sternly.

Now Konohamaru was getting angry and said, "For what reason?! You don't understand a thing how it feels when someone looks at you as something else!"

Naruto could have easily lost his cool at the latter statement. But he didn't. Naruto just calmly asked, "Does it really matter what other people think about you?"

In an irate manner, Konohamaru said, "Of course it does…That's what defines you."

Naruto hearing this just got up and said, "Come me with."

The boy adamantly said, "No! I am not going anywhere till you teach me that jutsu!" He crossed his arms and legs on the couch now and again stubbornly said, "I am not going anywhere!"

Naruto looked at the boy and sighed while thinking, 'Was I ever this stubborn?' Naruto had been able to see parts of himself in the boy, he would rather say he could see his older version of himself. He won't admit it but when he knew he was very stubborn. It was no use in explaining to the boy if he didn't want to hear. He then said, "Fine...I will teach you Oiroke no jutsu. Then you will have to listen to everything that I say." He felt like trying to fix the boy's views as he owed Hiruzen a lot.

"Now you are talking." Beamed Konohamaru.

"I hope you have a good grip on henge no Jutsu? If yes then transform into me." Said Naruto.

The boy got off the couch and with a ram seal transformed into Naruto. Naruto inspected the transformation. It was passable and nodded. Konohamaru dropped the henge and intently waited for the next step.

"Your henge was pretty good...Well now it is not much, just imagine a sexualized older female version of yourself and henge into that." Said Naruto.

Konohamaru gave it a try. But instead, a very disfigured transformation of a girl was done. The boy then in that state, thinking he had got it right, asked, "So Nii-chan how is it?"

Naruto couldn't say a word. He had no good adjectives or any plus points to say. He then said, "Pathetic...the figure is completely...disfigured."

"What?! It's that bad? Where is a mirror? I wanna see to improve." said transformed Konohamaru.

"NO! Don't see it. You won't be able to remove it from your mind! You just keep trying." said Naruto. He then again took his seat and kept assessing the boy's transformation.

After a few more attempts at the transformations, the boy was getting better. But nowhere near to even what a real girl would look like. He just facepalmed his face trying to hide it, but still looking at Konohamaru through the gaps between the fingers. He thought about the current idea he had, 'This idea is so stupid and inappropriate. But to end this fast I am not able to figure out anything else…And fixing his thinking needs to be done fast…Jiji literally speaks gold out of his mouth. How did this shrimp end up with this mentality?'

He then proceeded to go through a set of hand signs. His apartment was now under his cloaking seal. This would prevent people from looking outside the window. It would also prevent his Jiji from seeing what was going on via the old man's crystal ball. All the Kage would be able to see, him reading a storybook or any other educational book.

"Konohamaru stop!" said Naruto still having his hand on his face.

Konohamaru dropped the henge and fearing he won't get any assistance anymore he said, "Just wait a bit more. Within a few more times it will happen correctly. I guarantee you that!"

"You may but to end this quicker I think..." Naruto now had a heavy embarrassed blush on him, which was hidden by his hand, continued, "I think you need some...visuals."

"Huh?!" Said the confused little boy.

Naruto didn't wait to explain. He just got up with his hand still on his flustered face. He went to his bedroom and stood on his bed and the highest point where he could reach. There he had another hidden storage seal. He sent chakra to it. Then out came a dozen magazines and a set of books. This was his hidden stack of...study material. Yeah, study material. He studied this and invented his jutsu.

Well on the question of how he got hold of such things. It is because one day he as always had henged in one random person to enter a shop. That day he went to buy an interesting thriller novel. But apparently, the person he had henged into had an agreement with the shopkeeper. When he entered the shop. Immediately the shopkeeper in a very strange manner gave him the stack of books and magazines. It was as if the shopkeeper wanted to make sure no one saw them. As Naruto didn't want to drop his henge as it would create problems and he might not be able to come back again, played along.

He was curious about what was in there that got the man acting in such a way. So, when he returned home and dropped his henge. And the first thing he did was to see the magazines. Seeing the nude and semi-nude images in it had got his whole face red. He then read the book, which is apparently part of the Icha-Icha series. His face was even more red, if it was possible, just after reading a few initial pages. He now knew the reason for the strange behavior. He knew he should have dumped the new collection he had...but he didn't. He wouldn't accept it to anyone, but he knew he was a bit of a closet pervert.

To hide this part of himself he had made a cloaking seal to hide it from his Jiji. He didn't fear the old man and maybe the old man had already suspected it, due to his current invention and almost figuring out the storage seal during a visit. He knew the man had a copy of the Icha-Icha book under his robes. He feared if Jiji told Oba-chan…He just shivered thinking what would happen. He would most likely be dead-meat if it happened.

He went back to the living room and handed a magazine to the boy. He then said, "Have a quick look at this. It will help in the imagery in your mind...And if you tell anyone about me owning this...You don't wanna go through the consequences. Trust me."

Konohamaru vigorously nodded, taking the heat of the warning. Naruto then said, "It's almost lunchtime. Keep practicing, while I am making lunch."

Naruto went to the open kitchen and started preparing lunch. He did keep an eye on the boy. Naruto took out a bowl of leftover rice, along with some chicken meat, two fish, and various vegetables and sauces. He gutted the fish and started to fill them back with some vegetables and rice. He then put them on a grill he had on the kitchen platform and brushed some soy sauce on it while the meat was grilling. He then took the chicken with some vegetables and stir-fried it. He then added rice and sauces to the stir fry. He completed preparing lunch. He then said, "Konohamaru lunch is prepared. Hope you are done."

Naruto was by the dining table setting the plates, when Konohamaru came in front of him and said, "Yeah, I have got it down. Look at my OIROKE NO JUTSU!"

Konohamaru turned into an older sexualized female version of himself. Now Naruto stood in front of a very beautiful, curvaceous brunette, with open hair and standing in a stance picked from the magazine, with mist hiding the intimate parts.

Naruto was now getting a taste of his own medicine. Since he had quite some control over his reactions, he was able to contain his nosebleed to just light streams and a heavy blush. He immediately rubbed the stream off with his sleeve.

Konohamaru seeing the nosebleed dropped the transformation and grinned. He said while laughing, "Hehe Nii-chan you should have looked at your stunned and flustered face...Now no one can stop me from becoming the Hokage!"

Naruto just grumbled a bit and then said, "Eat now. And then you will listen to me what I want to say after it."

"Okay." Said Konohamaru. He then looked at the food. It looked very good. Naruto had made chicken fried rice and a stuffed grilled fish at the side. Konohamaru sat and took a bit of the rice and exclaimed, "Nii-chan, this is quite good!" Naruto too sat down and had started his lunch. At hearing this he gave a gentle smile and said, "Glad you liked it."

They finished their lunch and Naruto took the plates to wash it. As he completed his chores and went back. Then he went to the opposite couch chair where Konohamaru was seated. Naruto started, "Okay so here is what I wanted to say is..."

He stopped himself from speaking as he heard snoring sounds. He then saw to boy fast asleep. In an irritated voice, he said, "Oi, oi, oiiiii...How the hell can you fall asleep, when I am saying?!"

The boy still didn't wake up. Naruto was about to yank the boy up. But he stopped seeing the peaceful face of the boy. And also, because he wanted the boy to listen to him with his whole mind at it. He just sighed and slumped back in his seat, while thinking, 'Ahhh...Very well, rest is also important.' With that, he too took a small nap.

After a few hours, Naruto woke up and also woke Konohamaru with him. Naruto had to shake the boy hard to wake him up. He was still sleeping after the violent shaking, so Naruto brought a glass of water and threw the water at the boy's face. This finally ended every ounce of sleep Konohamaru had. Naruto and Konohamaru went out of the apartment and Naruto locked it and kept its keys in its place.

Naruto placed his hand on Konohamaru's shoulder and he then shunshined them to one of his favorite places. They were now on top of the Yondamine's head on the Hokage mountain. The scenery from up there was very artistic at the moment. The sun would be setting down after a while so the sky was had a shade of orange and blue, merging at the horizon. The village with many homes and people buzzing around looking like ants from above. Both of them took a pleasant moment to take in the picture-perfect view in front of them.

Breaking the silence Naruto asked, "This is one of my most favorite places in the village. I always find tranquility and peace here. Do you like it?"

Konohamaru in a calm tone said, "Yeah the view is very beautiful."

"You wanted to know why I said you weren't fit to be the Hokage. I will tell you but I would like to know what do you think does a shinobi means?" asked Naruto.

Konohamaru didn't waste a breath and immediately said, "They are the strong guys with cool jutsus!"

Naruto in a bit disappointed tone said, "It seems you don't listen to Jiji when he talks about important things."

Konohamaru's excited state had immediately disappeared due to Naruto's tone. It kind of stung him on hearing the disappointment from the person, who he now considered his elder brother. Though when he thought about Naruto's last sentence. He concluded Naruto was right about that. He never gave attention to his Jiji when he was saying something important.

Naruto then calmly said, "Now listen carefully. Please do."

At the same time at the roof of the Hokage tower stood the Sandaime, looking at the hokage tower. Specifically, the Yodamine's head. He also saw two figures on the monument. He knew who they were. He just thought, 'It seems Konohamaru finally has someone who he will listen to…I think it is also your time to experience the other side of brotherhood, neh Naruto?'

His thoughts started to drift towards the person, whose head was carved into the mountain. 'Minato and Kushina...I acknowledge your regret and will to meet your son. I also acknowledge both of you willing to make things correct as soon as possible. The villagers, both civilians and shinobi will accept you and your family back with open arms, as you are the hero of the third war and the one who saved all from the kyuubi's attack...You may think that meeting and saying your apologizes and bearing some angry fists from your son will fix things. It can be true, but it is very unlikely though. For me, I have to take the worst case and look after Naruto's mental health. I can never prepare him for this bombshell. But I will have to ensure the damage is minimal.'

The letters of pleas hadn't stopped. Every month without fail, via a messenger toad he would receive a request letter, to revamp their exile or at least let them see their son and an envelope of money. The request always had a fixed answer. Hiruzen knew he was only prolonging a union that was bound to happen anyway, for the good or bad, he didn't know. He would give Naruto the money as it was his. He used to dub it as an increase in his stipend, due to being an orphan.

'Minato, your decision that night ripped you off a true gem. Your son has grown to be a fine boy. A little mischievous at times, but he is great. He is an absolute mixture of both you and your wife in personality. Maybe a bit more like you. And in looks, he goes mostly after his father.' He said this in his mind as if answering the always unanswered questions of the letter. How is Naruto? What is my son like? The parents didn't know the nature or how their boy looked.

This lack of knowledge was also partly because Jiraiya hadn't met the Namikazes for years now. After the information of Akatsuki broke out to them due to their insider. And getting the knowledge that Orochimaru was a member of the terrorist group. It had made the toad sanin run all around the corner to extract information, about anything that could be related to the group or the snake sanin. Though the snake had even betrayed the Akatsuki after Itachi had humbled him. This had happened as the snake sanin tried to take the Uchiha's body.

Hiruzen often wondered why Jiraiya still had to work too much to get hold of even very little things. I mean they did have Itachi as an insider, didn't they? Hiruzen thought maybe the group even amongst its members was very secretive. The spymaster now has to concentrate on two big threats. The Akatsuki and Orochimaru. Sometimes Jiraiya would go crazy because of it...though he was already crazy.

Hiruzen then heard footsteps coming towards the roof. He had sensed who it was. That was the reason he hadn't turned back and kept his eyes fixed where it was, at the two figures. He simply said, "Fancy seeing you here, Iruka!"

Iruka gave a small chuckle and then said, "It is nothing Hokage-sama just was dropping the signed final paper of the graduates. The atmosphere was nice so thought of coming at the roof. It does have a great view of the mountain."

"Hymn, that's true…Say Iruka, what do you think of the recent batch?" Asked Hiruzen genuinely.

"Well, it is above the average I would say. There are many clan heirs in the batch, which may explain things to an extent. But there are ones with exceptional skill. The most exceptional is Naruto. I won't deny that I was worried for Naruto before. But he did show me he can take care of himself. And I must say he has been happy since he graduated." Said Iruka with a smile.

"Indeed, Naruto is a special child. Well, I should know about it, shouldn't I? After all, I have taken care of him since the day he was born. I just always hope that whatever I did was enough." Said Hiruzen.

"Sir I know you did your best. That's the reason even after his 'condition' he is always motivated." said Iruka sensing the doubt in his leader on his raising ability.

"Being honest Iruka. I can't take all the credit for Naruto's attitude of being motivated. It was natural. And there was another who was far more important in building up Naruto and raising him. Sadly, he is not with us now. He meant the world to the boy…It was not fair on him, that he lost his precious person. Though looking at his life...Naruto's road was filled with thorns and spikes since the day he was born."

"That's what makes him stronger than the others. His mentality of still serving the village is commendable." Said Iruka.

"True...The majority of the village still hates him. He has learned to ignore. But there is a limit. It wouldn't be hard to believe that Naruto dislikes the people here. And though I am the Hokage, I am also Naruto's Jiji. I will never say he is wrong if he says he doesn't like the village. I did make laws to ensure that the younger generation doesn't know the connection between the Kyuubi and Naruto. Leaving at least a ray of hope for bonding."

"It's true he is not well-liked amongst the general populous. But he has been able to make some friends in the academy. Though they are particularly the clan heirs."

"Ahhh I can reason that. The clan heads are logical thinkers. They have to be. That's why they never harbored any ill will against Naruto. While other people's ill will even by little did pass to their younger ones."

Iruka just hummed. Hiruzen then continued, "Naruto still has a very turbulent path in front of him. I can just hope I can be beside him to be with him and give him the strength when he needs it."

"I do feel the same. And I believe he will overcome any challenge in front of him."

"Yes, that he will. I think mine and his thinking match to quite an extent. I hope he values protecting his loved ones as the topmost priority and completing the promises he made. Also safeguarding the wishes and completing the wishes of the fallen ones…He has all that one needs to become the Hokage...And I hope I will be able to see his face on the mountain. I would love to see it." Hiruzen was not wrong when he said Naruto's and his thought process matches a bit, but for Naruto, his top priority was his promises to Shisui. He would give anything to do say and move forward with those promises.

Iruka didn't comment on this he just smiled. Hiruzen too just smiled. And he did wish Naruto to be in the position he currently was in. It seemed his two grandsons were about to start their conversation and he wanted to hear it. So, he excused himself from the roof and went to see it via his crystal ball.

Konohamaru nodded at the request of listening.

Naruto calmly said, "Shinobi are those who protect the weak, no matter what. A true shinobi isn't the one who just fights. It is the one who is able to show light to his compatriots, even when surrounded by darkness. The one who is ready to be slayed to keep their precious people safe. It is the one who protects everyone from the shadows."

"From the shadows?" asked Konohamaru.

"You want to be strong and powerful, don't you?" asked Naruto not answering Konohamaru's question.

Though Konohamaru still wanted the answer to the meaning of shadows, nevertheless he nodded yes to Naruto's recent question. Naruto seeing the nod, said, "Understand what I say now…Here 'shadows' means doing your duty, sacrificing all, without any whining to the outer world, and not expecting a fruit for their work…Remember, power is only given to those who are prepared to lower themselves to pick it up…And those who understand the true meaning of power, work in the shadows…These are those who don't show off."

"What is the true meaning of power?" Asked the boy now.

"To be honest, describing power…that's a tough one…I would say power is something that gives you confidence…power can be of many different kinds, power of your body, power of your mind, power of what not…Anything can be powerful." Said Naruto.

Naruto then made Konohamaru turn so both of them were now looking face to face. He then said, "I will tell you what is wrong with your thinking. You will not utter a word just listen and think." Konohamaru nodded again.

Naruto still in a calm tone said, "First your way of thinking is bullshit...feeble! A bottom-feeders mindset. You are being nothing but a brat who wants people to see him. You are only being a slave to other people's thoughts...And your happiness in finding shortcuts isn't a good thing. Remember when you use shortcuts, you reach a destination that is never worth going. So, stop thinking about shortcuts...Do you think you are the only one with such a problem? No! You are not. I myself am been seen as something else by all in the village. They don't like my existence. It angers me at times! I won't deny that. But I won't whine about it all the time...It is because there are few who love me. I have grown to accept them. You have your grandfather who sees you as you. Appreciate that first, instead of blaming him for being in his shadow…I have noted this important thing to myself now you note this in your brain what I will say."

Konohamaru was a bit shocked and saddened by the harsh words. But he could see the reasoning Naruto was giving. And was prepared to note the next thing Naruto was about to say.

Naruto a firm voice said, "You can't control how other people receive your energy...How they see you...Anything you do or say gets filtered through the lens of whatever personal shit they are going through or what shit they think at that moment. Which is not about you!...It is kind of unrealistic to expect people to see you as you see yourself. Just keep doing...your thing with as much integrity and love as possible! Or else in the end you will find yourself unpleasant…Don't let others decide your destiny. Stay strong and think what is the best for you and do it."

Naruto then shunshined both of them to training ground 31. Both of them standing at the edge. Naruto then pointed at the waterfall directing to look at it. Calmly he said, "Like a waterfall, life doesn't flow backward. Spend it on focusing on what others think, you will never be able to think what you want."

After a bit pause Naruto in total calmness said, "Look I will say your 'Never Give up' attitude is great. You need to understand that the post of the Hokage is not an easy one. A Hokage is someone who needs to stick to his own ideals not what other people want. He has to be strong, mentally more than physically. A Hokage must stick to his own path. A Hokage has to think about the good of all ahead of himself. A Hokage looks after everything in the village. It's a post of great responsibility, even the responsibility for others' lives...Now think are you ready to make decisions that can have a great effect on the lives of people?"

Konohamaru dejectedly shook his head. Seeing the self-doubt in the boy now. Naruto with all the kindness that he could gather in his voice said, "My aim wasn't to break your dream of becoming the Hokage. It was shown what you needed to improve at. Everyone has a different path to glory. Whichever path you choose. Never. Ever. Forget Self-love, self-respect, and self-worth. There is a reason they all start with 'self'. You can't find them through anyone else…And also that there are no shortcuts...Be like that waterfall. Run wild and free. You just need to be yourself and keep improving the good things in you. You will do just fine and achieve great things. I believe it…Hymn what do you say, Konohamaru?"

Konohamaru was a lot more cheerful now and understood the flaws in his current manner. He in an uplifted voice said, "Hai, nii-chan. I won't disappoint. Never!"

Naruto gave a small chuckle and then in a happy tone said, "Though I won't make your path any easy. I too am aiming for that hat you see."

Konohamaru gladly took the challenge. He brought a fist up in the air and declared, "Fine then Nii-chan. I am no longer your apprentice. We both are rivals for that hat. I will give my all to surpass you and Jiji! And make both Jiji and you proud!"

Naruto tenderly placed his hand on Konohamaru's head. Konohamaru displayed the brightest smiles they could. Naruto saw the smile and cracked a small smile himself and thought, 'Someone had said it right, preaching is easier than practice. I say it as if I am the epitome of such policy. I tried for you Jiji, I have made my attempt to fix this boy's mentality...Nevertheless it would be great if I too could practice exactly what I said.' They stood there in the peace and serenity of nature.

Hiruzen in a room was looking and hearing all through his crystal ball. He too displayed one of the brightest smiles he had. He mused, 'Things turned out to go very well...Konohamaru finally is able to see the right way. And you Naruto knew the right way to do it. Though both of you just met. I think the bond you two share is far deeper and stronger than any other...Maybe they won't be a troublesome troublemaking duo as I initially thought.'

At the training ground, both the boys suddenly heard the sound of footsteps. Naruto took his hand off Konohamaru's head and looked in the direction. It was very strange for someone to come here, he mused. He saw the intruder and just internally sighed, and thought, 'Well all good things come to an end.'

Ebisu entered the ground and internally groaned, 'At last I find them!' He had been held back by the Hokage to have a chat on the matter of his belief of heritage being leverage and the dislike he held for Naruto. It was the Hokage who he had the talk with, if it was anyone else, he wouldn't think about it much and not pay attention. During the conversation, he did realize that his belief in heritage wasn't the best thing he had. And also, the disliking he held was not fully justifiable. However, it was still there and he believed both Naruto and Konohamaru shouldn't spend time together.

Ebisu just calmly said, "Pardon me Naruto. But honorable grandson has to leave now."

It was, Konohamaru in a bit irritated voice replied, "No I don't!"

"Yes, you do. I am your trainer and you will listen to me. If you want to become the Hokage we need to work properly." Said Ebisu sternly.

"I am not going." Konohamaru now having a mischievous smile said, "Now look carefully...Oiroke no jutsu." Konohamaru turned into the sexualized female version of himself, protected by the thin mist in certain areas, and said, "Hey there!"

Ebisu just gawked at the transformation. He just had a light blush on himself and it surprised the two boys. Ebisu only said, "Huhhh?"

Konohamaru dropped the transformation and in a bit disappointed tone said, "Hey! He isn't defeated."

Now irate Ebisu said, "What kind of scandalous jutsu is that?! Such vulgar and dishonorable things can never work on me. I am far above it."

Ebisu was about to pull Konohamaru away when Naruto spoke. He was silent for the time. He had to give it to Ebisu for having such control. He then said, "Look Konohamaru. Creativity is also important." With that, he just lifted a half ram seal and immediately there were about twenty-five kage bunshins in the ground.

Ebisu saw this and scoffed then grinned while saying, "I am not impressed. I am a special jonin. And I am not Mizuki you know. These kage bunshins can't defeat me." With full confidence, he went to the middle allowing Naruto to surround him.

Narutos grinned and all of them formed the ram hand seal and all said, "Oiroke no jutsu" Instantly all of them transformed.

Ebisu could handle one image in front of him. But twenty-five...that was overkill. In a snap blood blasted out from both of his nostrils. And there he was, lying unconscious on the ground now.

Naruto dropped the henge and the kage bunshins. He then in a teasing manner said, "Got ya...Harem no Jutsu, can't escape that!"

Both Naruto and Konohamaru burst into heavy laughs.

Here in the room Hiruzen just facepalmed after wiping off the blood that had come out of his nose. He just thought, 'He taught Konohamaru that jutsu! And now he combined the kage bunshin and his creation. I don't know whether to call this a brilliant or foolish jutsu. Though this technique would also have gotten me!...I stand corrected this duo is a troublesome troublemaking one. These two are a menace. Kami save me!'

"Now Konohamaru we actually really shouldn't use this jutsu apart sometimes for jokes." Said Naruto in between his laughs.

"Yeah, yeah, fine." Said Konohamaru.

"On a serious note, never forget what I said." Told Naruto.

"I won't. You have my word nii-chan." Said Konohamaru.

"Good. Would you like ramen as a treat? You listened well and this is a new start for you. I think we should start it with a small celebratory dinner. What do you say?" Asked Naruto.

"Of course! Why not!" Beamed Konohamaru.

Naruto indicated the boy to follow him, and Konohamaru did. Walking through the forest Naruto thought about his flipped side. He was now trying to guide a ignorant brat, which he was initially. He followed Shisui wherever possible and worked to be like him. He knew he could never be like Shisui, but he would still like to try. He just glanced back that the boy who was trying to ward away from a small snake that was in his path. He just shook his head and thought to himself, 'I always thought I won't open to anyone more, but this kid...I don't know why in just a few hours grew on me...Words you say, Jiji?...Magnificent indeed.'

AN: Okay this chapter was initially planned to be in previous chapter, but I decided otherwise. I know it is not much and is more of an interlude. From the next chapters major focus will be on the fighting scenes and action.

And as always thank you for reading and spending your time. Criticism is welcomed.