HEY GUYS!
THIS IS KINGNIKEN WITH A NARUTO STORY THAT HAS BEEN ON MY MIND LATELY.
I WANTED TO SHARE IT WITH YOU TO SEE
YOUR HONEST OPINION.
IF YOU THINK I SHOULD CONTINUE, LET ME
KNOW.
STILL WORKING ON UPDATES FOR POCKET
CHANGE AND DISHONORABLE BUT I HAD TO
GET THIS OUT OF MY SYSTEM FIRST.
%%%
Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Sandaime Hokage of the mighty Konohakagure could scarcely recall the last time someone had shocked him into silence with a declaration.
Perhaps when the Nidaime had named him as his successor?
Or when Biwako told him she was pregnant with their first child?
It was of little consequence now, what was important was the young man before him.
An academy student who had just recently failed his graduation exam for the second time.
An infamous prankster, troublemaker and self proclaimed 'Best ever ninja since the Yondaime'.
The jinchuriki of the Nine-Tailed Fox.
Naruto Uzumaki.
Hiruzen softly exhaled before speaking, eyeing the three large brown bags that Naruto had just dropped on to the desk in front of him.
"What...did you just say, Naruto?"
The child grinned toothily, folding his arms to maintain a stance of dominance.
"I'm here to hire a super strong ninja to help make me the greatest Hokage in history! Believe it!"
The Sandaime blinked.
"May I ask who inspired you with such an idea?"
Naruto scratched his cheek.
"There was this kid in class who kept bragging about his parents hiring a ninja to help train him in his Chakra control.He wasn't lying, right?!"
The elderly shinobi shook his head, he wouldn't lie to Naruto about this, not when he had kept so many other truths hidden from him.
"It is true, Naruto. Wealthier civilian families often hire tutors to give their children a chance to stand on equal footing with those from shinobi backgrounds...but this is rather costly."
Naruto deflated a bit.
"Costly?...you mean it's expensive?"
Hiruzen nodded.
"It classifies as a C-rank mission, there is a preliminary fee of fifty thousand Ryo and then an amount that can be discussed between the client and the tutor. I'm not sure you could afford it."
A large chunk of Naruto's earlier confidence returned.
"Just fifty-thousand Ryo? Well I have at least double that here!"
Hiruzen's left eye twitched, he discretly flashed a few hand signs too quick for Naruto to recognize. A pair of Anbu appeared at the Hokage's side before disappearing with the bags.
Naruto's mouth fell half open.
"Hey! What's the big deal?!"
The Hokage raised a hand to calm the Yondaime's son.
"Relax, Naruto. They'll just be counting the money. It'll only take a minute."
Naruto sheepishly scratched the back of his head.
"Oh...I guess that makes sense."
True to Hiruzen's words, the pair of Anbu returned with Naruto's money. One of them handed a small slip of paper to the Hokage before turning to Naruto.
A male voice spoke from behind the porcelain mask.
"We took the liberty of organizing and repackaging your money so it's easier to carry."
Naruto nodded nervously.
"Uh, thanks Anbu-san."
The Anbu dismissed themselves leaving the Sandaime to stare at the small paper card in front of him.
One hundred and twenty-five thousand Ryo.
The Hokage lifted his gaze once more to the boy before him.
"Naruto, where did you get this money?"
The blue eyed prankster raised a hand as he started to count things off on his fingers.
"Well, I saved from my monthly allowance,and the money from all those birthday cards over the years...plus the other stuff."
Hiruzen groaned.
He was well aware that Kakashi, Jiraiya and a few others would often leave extra money for Naruto in his birthday cards but how much had they been leaving him?
Wait a minute...
The Sandaime narrowed his eyes.
"What other stuff, Naruto?"
Naruto blushed, suddenly finding something outside of the office window rather interesting.
"Uh, you know...it was...prize money."
Hiruzen pressed further.
"Prize money from...?"
Naruto sighed.
"I kind of...won it in poker."
The Hokage's gaze intensified.
"You...what?"
Naruto started to squirm a bit.
"Iruka-sensei gave us an assignment to write about the dangers of gambling, but I'd never tried it before so I went to this shady place in the red town district and gave it a go."
The Sandaime facepalmed.
"I believe he meant for you to rent a book from the library on shinobi discipline and prohibitions."
Naruto grinned nervously.
"Yeah, he kinda mentioned that after I told him about my victory."
Hiruzen leaned forward.
"They just...allowed you to play?"
Naruto nodded.
"Well they seemed a little against the idea at first until they saw how much money I had."
Hiruzen sighed.
"Of course...and you won a game?"
"Well more like...I won the whole tournament."
Hiruzen pinched the bridge of his nose. He could never allow Tsunade and Naruto to meet.
She would kidnap the child.
Naruto continued.
"You think that's why they banned me from coming back?"
"There may be a connection...even with your ill-gotten gains, It's not a guarantee that anyone will take on your request. I hope you're aware of that."
Naruto grunted.
"Just post the mission and you'll see them come running to train the future Hokage! By the time I'm done I'll be ready to take that hat from you!"
"I sincerely hope so." said the Hokage half-jokingly.
THE NEXT DAY
It had been only one day since Naruto's request had been posted on the local mission boards.
To Hiruzen's surprise there were more than a few applicants but not all of them were...suitable candidates.
A pair of Chuunin had come into his office, proudly accepting the 'opportunity to finish the Yondaime's work' as they had so eloquently put it.
They were both now under Ibiki's tender care.
Hiruzen paused his internal monologue to acknowledge his secretary opening the door to his office.
"Yes?"
"Elder Shimura is here to see you."
Of course.
"Send him in."
It was only a few moments later that the Hokage was joined by his former squadmate and friend.
"Hiruzen..."
"Danzo, How nice of you to drop by. Was there something I can do for you?"
Danzo narrowed his visible eye.
"Is it true? Has that boy submitted a request for a tutor?"
The Sandaime turned his attention back to his paperwork.
"Yes, Naruto has paid for a request to be submitted but I'm sure you already knew it was true. Please make your point, I have a lot of work to finish today."
Danzo smiled.
"This is good. It shows his intention to actually become a competent shinobi. I wish to nominate a candidate, an Agent of mine that specializes in instructing and Chakra theory. They would even be willing to work at a discounted rate and-"
The Hokage interjected.
"Allow me to stop you there, Danzo. I appreciate your assistance but I will not allow Naruto to be brought under your wings or to be taught by someone indoctrinated by your...ideologies. I did not hand him over to you when he was a baby, I will not hand him over to you now."
Danzo frowned.
"We are the only village not making use of the jinchuriki that we have in possession. Your decision may very well lead to our doom, Hiruzen."
"I honor the Yondaime's wish. My decision is final."
Danzo turned to leave but paused as the Hokage spoke up once more.
"Also, Danzo?"
"Hmm?"
The Hokage pointed to a small pile of folders.
"The other four former Root Agents that have applied have also been removed from the selection pool. I thought it would be prudent to inform you."
Danzo's eyes widened by a tiny margin before he smirked. It seemed the Sandaime hadn't lost much of his touch after all.
"As you see fit, Hokage-sama."
A FEW DAYS LATER
Naruto marched into the Hokage's office with a wide grin. Hiruzen greeted his adoptive grandson with a small smile.
"Good Morning, Naruto. You seem to be in a good mood."
Naruto's grin somehow grew even wider.
"Mornin'. Of course I'm in a good mood, I heard you found a teacher for me!"
Hiruzen chuckled.
"Yes, that is correct. I have a shinobi who has accepted your mission."
Naruto folded his arms in satisfaction.
"Great, let's get on with it then!"
The Sandaime called out to a nearby Chuunin assistant.
"Please send Naruto-kun's tutor in!"
The door to the Hokage's office opened once more, a shinobi dressed in the customary jonin flak jacket entered the room.
His dark brown hair was kept tucked under a dark blue head covering. The shinobi's face was pale with noticeable bags under each eye.
A few soft coughs slipped from his lips as he introduced himself.
"Good Morning...my name is Hayate Gekko...I will be your tutor for the...contract period."
Naruto stared at the shinobi for a solid silent minute before turning his head towards the Hokage.
"Do you hate me, Old Man?"
The Hokage perched an eyebrow.
"What are you talking about, Naruto?"
"I asked for a super-ninja! Someone strong! This guy looks half asleep and like he's coming down with the flu!"
Naruto quickly turned to Hayate.
"No offense, Hayate-san. I'm sure you're a cool ninja and all but you should go to a doctor and get some sleep too. Iruka-sensei says proper rest and health are just as important to a shinobi as his kunai and jutsu."
Hayate half coughed, half chuckled.
"Iruka is correct...but not every mission...you face as a shinobi...will always afford you...those opportunities."
Naruto shrugged.
"Well, I guess."
The Sandaime spoke up.
"Naruto, Hayate is one of our finest shinobi. He holds the rank of Tobetsku Jonin. He specializes in the areas of tracking, ninjutsu and kenjutsu."
Naruto narrowed his eyes.
"Kenjutsu?"
Hayate pointed a thumb to the sword strapped to his back.
"The way of the blade."
Naruto immediately fantasized of standing before a cheering Konoha as he accepted the role of Hokage. A cartoonishly large broadsword was strapped to his back.
An idiotic grin was plastered on the blond's face.
"...that would be soooo cool."
The Sandaime continued, rolling his eyes at Naruto's dazed expression.
" As I was saying before, Hayate truly is a specialist and I believe he would make a great tutor for you. I would admit that many persons often look down on him due to his...illness but I'm sure you know better than anyone that it is not fair to judge one's ability or competence before seeing for yourself."
Naruto sighed.
He was now playing perpetrator of a crime that he had been the victim of in previous times. He never understood the prejudice of those around him but he couldn't claim it didn't exist.
The unknowing jinchuriki of the Nine-Tailed Fox turned his attention to Hayate once more.
"Sorry about earlier. If the Old man thinks you're good then I'm willing to give you a shot."
"I won't disappoint."
The Sandaime spoke once more.
"Allow me to explain the village's guidelines for the tutelage program. Hayate can instruct you concerning any subject within the ninja academy syllabus. Anything above that must be cleared by me. You will be assigned the usage of Training Ground twenty-five for the duration of your contract."
The elderly shinobi turned to Naruto.
"Naruto-kun, you have the right to dismiss Hayate if you believe he's not treating you fairly or honoring your agreement. Any issues should be reported to me or anyone at the missions desk, understood?"
Naruto nodded.
Hiruzen then turned to Hayate.
"Hayate, as you would know, you have the right to cancel this contract if you believe that Naruto is asking for anything unreasonable or wishes to learn jutsu that world harm himself, his fellow shinobi or the village. You also have the right to report any issues here."
Hayate responded.
"I understand, Hokage-sama."
The Sandaime continued.
"You may conclude the terms of your agreement now."
Hayate spoke quickly.
"Fifteen thousand Ryo per week."
Naruto was quicker.
"Done. Five days a week, 6 hours per day, we break for lunch when I'm ready."
"Done. How long...will I be needed for?"
Naruto paused before looking over at the Hokage.
"How long until the Academy starts back?"
"Seven weeks."
Naruto nodded to Hayate.
"Seven weeks."
"Done."
Naruto smirked.
"When do I get a swor-"
The Sandaime wasted no time in shutting the idea down.
"Don't even think about it."
"Aw man."
A FEW MINUTES LATER
Naruto had excused himself to enjoy an evening at Ichiraku Ramen leaving Hayate and the Hokage to their own private conversation.
Hayate bowed his head in gratitude.
"Thank you for...providing this opportunity...Hokage-sama.
"You deserve it Hayate. You are a talented trusted shinobi. I can only ask that you guide Naruto faithfully under the Will of Fire."
"Yes."
"You are also aware of Naruto's...status. I want you to keep an eye on him from time to time and report anything interesting. I will compensate you as needed."
"As you...command, Hokage-sama."
"As you would have noticed, Naruto is brash, quick-tempered and often a troublemaker...but he is a good child with strong conviction. I'm sure you will see all of that for yourself."
Hayate posed a question.
"May I ask...why you chose me...among all the other applicants?"
Hiruzen chuckled as he reached for his smoking pipe.
"As I said before Hayate, you are a trusted honorable shinobi..."
The Sandaime paused to inspect the picture of his wife and children affixed to the corner of his desk.
"...and I was also once a young man in love. She should be returning from her mission soon. You should take her somewhere nice."
Hayate blushed a little before bowing.
"Thank you again...for the advice, Hokage-sama... Please excuse me."
THE NEXT MORNING
Naruto groaned softly as he slowly emerged from the realms of dreamland.
The blaring alarm clock on his bedside table proudly disrupted the blond's moment of rest with its incessant chirping.
Naruto pushed down on the snooze button while stretching his arms.
He didn't have school today so a few extra hours of sleep wouldn't hurt...
A moment of silence passed.
Something felt off.
Slowly, Naruto began to reach for the kunai he kept stashed under his pillow.
A familiar voice called out.
"There's no need for that...unless you wanted to start your...kunai training while in your pajamas."
Naruto sat up.
Seated at his tiny oval shaped dining table was his new tutor, Hayate.
"Uhhh Hayate-sensei?"
"Good Morning."
Naruto excused courtesy in favor of gathering information.
"What are you doing inside my apartment?"
"I knocked on your...front door, but you weren't answering. I wanted to get an...early start on our session."
Naruto frowned.
"So you broke in?"
"I did...your traps are decent...not good enough...to stop a shinobi though."
"They weren't meant for shinobi."
Hayate's eyes narrowed a bit.
"Oh?"
"Yup."
Hayate continued.
"I can wait until...you are dressed and ready."
Naruto sighed before hopping out of bed.
"I might as well. Hey, what are those books for?"
Hayate smiled.
"Today's reading material."
Naruto narrowed his eyes at the pile of books.
"I'm really starting to dislike you,Hayate-sensei."
"Good."
BAM!
THAT WAS CHAPTER 1 OF TUTELAGE!
PLEASE REVIEW/COMMENT.
TELL ME IF YOU THINK THIS STORY IS WORTH CONTINUING. I WILL ALSO TRY TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS WITHOUT SPOILING THE PLOT.
THIS WAS YOUR BOY, KINGNIKEN.
PEACE