Author's Note: I'm planning on working on this to the end, it's a little rough around the edges in this chapter because it's my first fanfiction in years. I appreciate any feedback and hope you all enjoy it.

NARUTO: ANOTHER VERSE.

Chapter 1.

The class was silent.

Not even the slightest sound could be heard, save for the occasional whisper. It evoked an overwhelming ominous atmosphere, which few dared to shatter. It was a rather unusual sight, considering the loud and rowdy history of the students. At least, that's what Naruto Uzumaki believed.

He casually glanced at his surroundings. The large classroom was impressively majestic in it's own right, priceless paper scrolls, antique weapons and oil paintings hung onto the gray stone walls and high ceiling. Marble tiles were constructed across the bottom floor towards the edge of the wooden stairs within the top right center of the room, with more than two dozen seats bordering to the right and left of the staircase.

He noticed to his surprise that over half of the seats were empty, only a meager nine remained occupied. It wasn't what he'd expected, but then again, it was a Ninja Academy after all. Not everyone would be up to the challenge.

As with some educational systems available, they were taught a variety of subjects including reading, history, writing, science, and mathematics over the span of twelve years. The difference was these lessons were only given at the academy to advance their ninja training.

Once he heard the teacher begin to speak, he returned his attention to the front.

'' You have all done well to pass the graduation exam,'' Iruka said loudly, a tinge of pride evident in his voice. '' However, this is only the beginning.''

The students looked at each other then back at Iruka. Some wore confident smiles, whilst others still showed confusion at the meaning of his words.

'' What do you mean sensei?'' A young pink haired girl questioned him.

Iruka sighed.

How is it not obvious, he wondered voicelessly.

Breaking away from his silent thoughts, he turned to look at the student. Her name was Sakura Haruno if he recalled correctly, a rather popular and strikingly beautiful young woman who ranked as one of his top students. Yet it seemed even she had her limits, if such a simple answer eluded her.

'' You're future as Shinobi, of course.''

She went red with embarrassment, internally slapping herself for asking such a foolish question. Ignoring the constant snickers she heard behind her, a nod was all she could manage.

Naruto felt bad for her. He knew all too well what it was like to endure shame, not to mention the ridicule of others. He'd experienced that his entire life. Being who he was, he supposed he understood.

'' Alright, quiet down.'' Iruka commanded sternly.

The seasoned teacher watched with some satisfaction as the class grew quiet again. He let his gaze fall on each and every student, concern flooding into him.

He didn't know if they were fully prepared for the path they'd chosen to embark on, the road of the ninja was difficult and polluted with peril.

'' As of today, you have all become full fledged ninjas,'' Iruka finally said, forcing a brief smile which quickly vanished.'' Everyone of you has faced many hardships to get here, but that's nothing. You're still Genin, first level ninjas, the next part will be much harder.''

Another uncomfortable silence fell.

The students attempted to appear brave in front of their instructor, yet his words had made them question not only the future, but themselves as well.

Except for Naruto that is.

In a world of ninja, war, and uncertainty, the prosperous Leaf Village also called Konoha, had been created nearly sixty six years prior. It was the central hidden shinobi village of the ever increasingly powerful Land of Fire, one of five such regions across the central eastern continent. Naruto knew this, as did anyone with any basic knowledge of history.

However, the past wasn't his concern nor was the worried looks he saw forming over his peers faces. He couldn't begin to fathom how they still held doubts after coming so far, it seemed rather absurd to him.

He absolutely knew this was where he was meant to be, doubt didn't enter into the equation whatsoever. After all the training he'd underwent, he wouldn't allow it.

Naruto yawned and rubbed his spiky blonde hair, mutedly hoping he could leave soon.

Iruka took a pause then continued. '' From this point on, everyone will be grouped into a squad of three. These squads will be led by a Jonin, an elite ninja warrior.''

'' Squads?'' Sakura asked on impulse, noticing the others panicked expressions.

'' Yes. Don't worry this will make sense when the time is right.'' Iruka assured her.

Clearing his throat, he resumed his explanation.'' I will now announce the squads. Squad 7 will be Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha and Sakura Haruno…Squad 8 shall be Hinata Hyuga, Kiba Inuzuka and Shino Aburame… Squad 10 is Ino Yamanaka, Shikimaru Nara and Choji Akimichi.''

What happened next was predictable. Half of the shocked students were in a uproar, either out of confusion or the fact they were displeased with their teams. Either way, The once noiseless environment was gone.

Ino Yamanaka was not happy.

She'd been looking forward to the day she became a proper kunoichi ever since she was a little girl lounging around her mother's flower garden, but she hadn't predicted the joy of her graduation day to be soured by disappointment. The news regarding different squads had taken her by surprise, simply assuming they would set out alone. Perhaps it wouldn't have been so bad if she hadn't ended up with who she did.

How wonderful, she thought bitterly, Shikimaru and food boy, I'm doomed.

'' Something wrong?'' Shikimaru asked, leaning up in his seat next to her.

'' No, why would there be? I'm only assigned to the most useless team EVER.'' She snapped.

Placing a hand under his chin, the 18 year old heir to the Nara clan merely chuckled.'' Sucks to be you.''

She sighed.

Naruto smiled. He didn't care one little bit about Sasuke, but he was glad Sakura was on his team, although the reason was more than a little complicated.

Whatever the case, he was a ninja now, and that is all that mattered.