Chapter 1: Naruto Uzumaki

Disclaimer: Naruto does not belong to me.

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It was early morning in Konoha, the village hidden among the leaves. The sun was just beginning to rise, tinting the sky in oranges and yellows. People slowly began to wake up and begin their day; merchants were setting up their shops, parents were making breakfast for their children, and children were getting ready to go to school. As always, it was a normal day.

As the sun entered his apartment, an Uzumaki Naruto groaned, rolling over so the light wouldn't hit his eyes and he could stay asleep and dream of Sakura feeding him ramen while calling him Hokage-sama.

Sadly, this was not to be, as the alarm clock Naruto had set began to ring loudly.

BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!

― AAAAH! ― Naruto screamed as he fell out of bed. Blinking, he looked around as his vision began to clear. He stood up and turned off the alarm, yawning loudly as he stretched. He looked back at the alarm clock; it was quite old and worn from use. Naruto had found it in a trash can and fixed it.

He had never used it before, though. For a moment, Naruto tried to remember why he had set the alarm clock in the first place. He scratched his belly for a moment, thinking, before his eyes settled on his calendar, more specifically the date with the big red circle.

― Right, it's the final exam before I become a ninja! ― Naruto shouted in a frantic voice as his eyes widened.

He ran to the bathroom, turning on the shower faucet as he stripped off his pajamas and stepped into the shower. The water was cold—freezing cold in fact—but Naruto had long since learned to ignore it. The owner of the complex was a rather grumpy old lady who, like most of the villagers—meaning around ninety-eight percent of the population—hated him. She had long since turned off all the hot water coming into his apartment, forcing him to take cold showers.

Naruto finished washing up, turned off the water, grabbed a towel, and dried himself off. Returning to his room, Naruto made his way to the closet. Opening it, he revealed his entire collection of clothes; they were all bright orange tracksuits that he had managed to get his hands on. He hadn't even actually bought them; they had been way too expensive, as he had been charged triple the price of what most people would pay for regular clothes. Naruto had actually been forced to wait until the shop owner finally got rid of them, which was what the man was going to do anyway when Naruto wanted to buy them, and then snatched them from the trash can. He grabbed one of them and walked over to the dresser, opening a drawer and grabbing some underwear. He soon put on his clothes and headed to the kitchen.

He opened his closet and grabbed one of his ramen cups, opening it and pouring some water into it. He walked over to his microwave and opened it, placing the ramen in it and setting the timer to go off after three minutes. Like every appliance he owned, the microwave was beat up and battered, having been found and repaired by Naruto after someone had thrown it away. The microwave parts were some of the most expensive expenses of his life.

As soon as the beep sounded, Naruto opened the microwave, grabbed the ramen and a pair of chopsticks, and walked out of the apartment. Not bothering to lock the door on his way out; after all, no one bothered to come here anyway.

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Naruto opened the door to the room where he had spent the last six years training to become a ninja. He searched for a seat and was displeased when the only free seat he could find was the one next to Uchiha Sasuke, brooding extraordinaire and his ultimate rival.

Naruto had never understood the brooding king of Emo. Everyone loved Sasuke, the girls in his class, the teachers in his class, the civilians and other Shinobi in the village, everyone. The boy was handed everything on a silver platter, the golden boy of Konoha. But for some reason Sasuke was still a cold and distant bastard. That annoyed Naruto, who would do anything for the kind of love and attention the black-haired boy had.

Not being able to find anywhere else to sit, Naruto moved to sit next to the last Uchiha.

― Teme. ― Naruto said in greeting.

― Hmm.

Naruto simply rolled his eyes at the response he received, having grown accustomed to that kind of response. Hell, that was the only answer Sasuke would give anyone; even teachers had trouble getting more out of him. The only one calmer than Sasuke was Aburame Shino, a member of the famous Aburame clan, and Naruto was convinced that boy was mute.

― I hope you're ready to enjoy my awesomeness as I kick some ass today, teme! ― Naruto said, seeing if he could get any kind of reaction out of the boy.

― Hmm.

Naruto clenched his teeth in frustration. He was about to start yelling when Haruno Sakura walked through the door.

Sakura was a 12-year-old girl, like everyone else, with bubblegum pink hair and was wearing a red qipao-style dress with a white circle in the middle, tight black shorts that went up to mid-thigh, and blue shinobi sandals. Like the other girls in her class, she was a total fan of Sasuke. However, to Naruto, she was one of the three most beautiful girls in the class.

― Hey, Sakura-chan! ― Naruto shouted excitedly as he greeted the girl. ― Hey, hey, what's up after school? You and I...

―Shut up, Naruto Baka! ― Sakura shouted as she punched Naruto in the face, causing the boy to fall back into his seat. ― I don't want to hear your annoying voice today! And move so I can sit next to Sasuke-kun! ― Sakura, who had nothing to say, grabbed Naruto by the jacket and threw him off the seat. ― So, Sasuke-kun, I was thinking that maybe after school we could go on a date together. ― Sakura asked in a hopeful voice as she twirled her hair between her fingers and gave Sasuke a shy look.

Sasuke didn't even look at her as he continued to stare out the window.

― Hn.

Naruto winced as he stood up, sighing. He took a seat to Sasuke's left. He had gotten used to this over the years. He had lost count of the number of times Sakura had rejected him, as well as the number of times she had hit him for inviting him. Sometimes, after her particularly harsher rejections, he often wondered why she bothered.

Of course, those bouts of depression never seemed to last more than three seconds or so.

After a while, Iruka, the Chunin Academy instructor, walked in with Mizuki, his assistant teacher, following close behind.

― Alright class, time for the test to see who among you is ready to receive your headband and become a Konoha ninja. ― Iruka said.

Naruto smiled. ― I can do it. ― he thought confidently. Naruto had been training late the night before. He was confident that he could complete any test that was put before him.

― Now, when I call your name, I want you to go into the next room and perform the Bunshin No Jutsu. ― Iruka continued, looking at his list as he began calling out the names of the Genin hopefuls.

At those words, Naruto began to despair. ― Of all the things he could have asked us to do, why that one? ― Bunshin had always been Naruto's worst jutsu. For some reason, no matter how hard he tried, he just couldn't master it.

Naruto watched as the other children filed out, proudly sporting their headbands. That was almost enough to make him lose confidence. However, the blonde quickly steeled his resolve. He wasn't going to fail again! Damn it, he was Uzumaki Naruto!

― Uzumaki Naruto! ― Iruka shouted.

Naruto smiled, hiding his nervousness behind a confident smile as he walked into the other room. Iruka sat behind his desk next to Mizuki.

― Okay, Naruto, show us what you can do. ― Iruka said. He wasn't quite sure what to think about the blonde boy. He had only just started trying to understand Naruto yesterday, after having a conversation with the Hokage after Naruto pranked him by painting the Hokage Monument. The boy, in a way, reminded Iruka of himself when he was a student at the academy—the pranks, the constant noise to get attention.

In the end, he decided to just wish the boy luck in silence.

Naruto performed the hand seals needed for the jutsu as he began to channel his chakra.

Bunshin No Jutsu! He thought.

A large puff of smoke was created, and as it cleared, everyone's attention was drawn to the clone next to Naruto. The clone that looked completely dead was lying on the ground and writhing spasmodically.

Several marks appeared on Iruka's head as he looked at the clone.

― You failed!

Naruto's eyes widened. He couldn't figure it out. Had he failed? But he had tried really hard and he really wanted to pass this time.

― Come on Iruka, I think we can make an exception this time. ― Mizuki said, surprising Iruka and Naruto. ― Even though he didn't manage to create a clone, he tried really hard.

Iruka sighed. ― I can't do that. Everyone else in the class was able to create at least three clones. And Naruto only managed to create one, and look at him, he's pathetic, it's not like he has any disabilities like the kid from last year either. ― The chunin instructor looked at Naruto. ― I'm sorry Naruto, but I can't pass you.

Naruto felt his world shatter at those words; he dejectedly walked out of the room and took a seat.

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When class ended, the children ran to their parents to show them their new headbands and listen with joy as their parents praised them.

However, there was one person who did not participate in the joyful atmosphere.

Naruto sat on a small swing and looked at all the students and their parents with a look of longing. Having never met his parents, the blond had often wondered about them. The people at the orphanage had told him that they had left, because they did not want to be with a monster like him. The old man had told him that his parents had died during the Kyubi attack and no one knew who they were.

Seeing all those children with their parents, he felt hurt; he would never show it and would deny it if someone mentioned it, but he could not deny himself how much it hurt him.

― I'm so glad that boy did not end up graduating.

Naruto turned his head slightly upon hearing the voice. He had always been lucky enough to have enhanced senses; His hearing, vision, and sense of smell were far more formidable than most people's.

Sometimes that was more of a curse than a blessing.

― Yeah, I know. Can you imagine what would happen if he became a ninja? I mean he...

― Shhh! You know we're not allowed to talk about that.

Naruto frowned as he turned his attention away from the discussion that was going on. He had heard many conversations of a similar nature with other people when they talked about him and thought he couldn't hear. However, they always stopped, as if they had been about to say something taboo. He wished he knew what they were going to say. Maybe then he would understand why they hated him so much.

― Hello Naruto.

Naruto turned to see Mizuki looking at him. ― Come with me, I wanted to talk to you.

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― You know, Iruka hasn't failed you out of ill intent. ― Mizuki said as he and Naruto sat on the roof of the academy. ― He's just worried that you're not ready to face the responsibilities of being a ninja.

― I know. ― Naruto sighed, dejected. ― But this time he really wanted to get through...

A wicked glint appeared in Mizuki's eyes, but Naruto didn't see it. ― Then I guess I have to tell you.

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Naruto smiled as he entered the Hokage's office, having slipped through all the chunin on the ground floor unnoticed. He had found it notoriously easy to do so. In fact, a part of Naruto was surprised at how easy it was, but he attributed it to his incredible skills.

― Now let's see, where's that scroll? ― Naruto muttered as he looked around. Naruto had been to this office many times in the past, often coming in after a prank or sometimes just to visit the old Hokage.

The office was pretty standard; it had an oak wood desk in front of it that had a window overlooking Konoha behind it. To the left was a couch and behind it were the pictures of the four Hokage. On the other side was a bookshelf filled with books and scrolls.

Naruto walked over to the shelf and looked at the scrolls. When he didn't see what he wanted, he frowned. He was about to turn around when his eyes caught the stand that was right next to the shelf. Since Naruto had only given the room a quick glance every time he was there, he had never noticed it. The stand was really just that, a stand made out of wood that had a large scroll on it.

― This has to be it. ― Naruto said as he took the scroll. He tied the ends together with ninja wire before tying it behind his back.

He was about to leave when the door opened and Sarutobi walked in.

― Naruto. ― The old Hokage blinked as he looked at the blond. ― What are you doing here?

― Uh... I... well... hehe, you see... ― Naruto racked his brains for a way out. In his desperation he realized that there was only one chance. Naruto quickly made a hand sign and thought of the only original jutsu he had.

Oiroke No Jutsu!

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Naruto chuckled as he entered the forest. ― Ha! I showed Oji-san who's boss! With how easy it was for me to knock out the old man, he might as well name me Hokage!

Naruto removed the scroll from his back, sat up, and unrolled it. He looked at the first jutsu and groaned. ― Kage Bunshin! Noo, it's another Bunshin jutsu. ― The blond sighed. ― Well, I better get to work.

Deciding that it might be a good idea to read up on the jutsu so he could help him, Naruto first looked at the description of the jutsu.

Kage Bunshin No Jutsu: A B-rank Kinjutsu that can only be used by ninja with higher than normal chakra reserves. This jutsu takes a portion of the user's chakra and divides it evenly to create solid copies of the original. The more chakra the user has, the more clones they can create, and as any remaining chakra is dissipated, it will be returned to them. Keep in mind that this jutsu also provides memory feedback whenever a clone is dissipated and has been known to kill people who overused it due to this particular trait, right at the great cost of chakra.

Naruto gulped a little at the knowledge that this had killed someone, though a part of him wondered what that meant about memory feedback. He shook his head. ― It doesn't matter if this killed someone! I'm Uzumaki Naruto and I'm going to master this!

Naruto stood up and began to work with renewed determination. With a jutsu this powerful he would become Hokage in no time!

Less than an hour later, Naruto found himself looking at ten more copies of himself. The jutsu had been surprisingly easy. Blinking a few times, he reached out a finger and touched one of them.

― Stop, that tickles. ― His clone said as he slapped his hand away.

Naruto blinked again before a large grin spread across his face. ― I DID IT! I DID IT! ― Naruto shouted as he raised his fist in the air.

― WE DID IT! ― All of his clones shouted, emulating his actions.

Naruto dispelled the clones as he didn't need them. However, when he did, Naruto found himself getting images of himself and his clones from ten other perspectives.

― What the hell? Was that what the scroll meant when it said memory or whatever? ― Naruto wondered. He shrugged; in the end, all he cared about was that he had mastered the jutsu.

He was about to go over more jutsu from the scroll when a familiar voice shouted at him.

― There you are!

Naruto looked up and saw Iruka approaching him. The blond smiled as he jumped up and pointed at him with his finger. ― Ha! I found you, Iruka-sensei!

― Baka! ― Iruka shouted as he stopped in front of his blond student. ― I found you!

― Hehe, I guess so, sensei. ― Naruto replied as he rubbed the back of his neck. ― You were pretty fast! I only had time to learn one jutsu!

Iruka was startled as he looked around the ruined clearing. ― You can tell he's been training hard.

Naruto jumped on the balls of his feet as he spoke to his sensei in an excited manner. ― Hey, but listen, Iruka, now that you're here I can show you this totally awesome jutsu and you can let me graduate! That's how it all works, right?

Iruka, who was about to scold Naruto again, blinked. ― What? Graduate?

Naruto nodded. ― Yeah, that's how it works, right? I learn a jutsu from this scroll and you let me graduate.

Iruka eyed Naruto warily; while he certainly looked like he had been training, Iruka had no idea where Naruto had gotten this idea to graduate this way. ― Naruto, who told you that you can graduate this way? ― Iruka asked.

Naruto tilted his head to the side. ― Mizuki-sensei did. She told me where to find this scroll and about this place…

Iruka's eyes widened as he realized what was going on. He was about to say something when he heard a buzzing sound and pushed Naruto away. ― Get down!

Several kunai shot out from the trees and pierced Iruka in the leg and arms. The chunin instructor looked up and frowned. ― I see, that's how it is.

― Wow! You got here pretty fast!

Naruto, who had been staring at Iruka in shock, looked up and saw Mizuki with a big grin on his face. ― Mizuki-sensei, what's going on here? Why are you attacking Iruka-sensei? ― Naruto muttered.

Hearing his voice, the two chunin turned their attention to Naruto.

― Give me the scroll, Naruto. ― Mizuki ordered, holding out his hand.

― No Naruto, don't give it to him! ― Iruka shouted.

― W-what's going on? ― Naruto asked, not knowing what he should do.

― Mizuki used you to get the scroll! ― Iruka said. ― That scroll contains Konoha's secret and the forbidden jutsu! He lied to you so you would obey his orders!

― Oh, I'll tell you who's lying, Naruto. ― Mizuki said with a smile.

Iruka looked at Mizuki and saw the smirk on his face; it was then that he realized what the white-haired traitor was going to say and his eyes widened. ― No, Mizuki, don't say it, you know it's forbidden!

Naruto looked back and forth between his two sensei, confused. ― What do you mean? Who's lying?

― They've been lying to you your entire life, for twelve years now. ― Mizuki looked at Naruto with a crazy smile.

― Twelve years ago? ― Naruto shook his head. ― I don't understand.

― No! Mizuki, no!

― Have you ever wondered why they hated you? ― Mizuki asked, making the blonde's eyes widen. ― Why did they ignore you? Because people treated you like you were worthless! Like you were less than trash!

― Mizuki, stop now! ― Iruka shouted in vain.

― I'll tell you why, Naruto. ― Mizuki scoffed. ― What they don't want you to know is that the Yondaime didn't actually kill the Kyubi. Instead, he sealed it inside a newborn baby...

Naruto began to shiver; while he never paid attention and didn't like to study, he had never been dumb. Stupid? Maybe a little. But living alone since he was five had forced him to develop a little faster than most. He wasn't the brightest person, but he had a fair amount of common sense and a great ability to read others, at least civilians, something that had helped him greatly in the past when he had run into several drunken villagers.

He knew Mizuki was telling him this for a reason, that the child the Kyubi was sealed in and him were tied together somehow.

Mizuki confirmed his theory a few seconds later. ― You are the child the Kyubi was sealed in! You are the nine-tailed fox!

Naruto collapsed to his knees. It all made sense to him now. The stares, the hatred, the people muttering behind his back, telling his children to stay away from him. A part of him was actually angry that he hadn't realized this. His birthday was the day of the Kyubi's defeat; people hated him passionately. The one time he went out during the Kyubi festival because he wanted to celebrate his birthday, a group of drunken villagers had beaten him up.

It all made sense.

― So I'm a demon…?

Naruto was so wrapped up in his confusion that he didn't even see the giant Fūma Shuriken heading his way. A second later, Naruto found himself staring at Iruka's tear-stained face; he looked up to see a giant shuriken sticking out of his sensei's back.

― Why? ― Naruto asked, his voice cracking with emotion.

― Because we're the same. ― Iruka said with a hint of guilt in his words. ― I was just like you; when I was in the academy I was very lonely, so I played dumb. I know what it's like to feel that kind of pain; it hurts, doesn't it? I'm so sorry, Naruto, I should have done more to help you.

― Hahahaha! ― Mizuki laughed behind them. ― That's a good one, Iruka! But we both know that you hate him more than anyone! After all, it was the demon who took your parents!

Naruto's eyes widened when he heard that. Naruto did the only thing he could do given what he was being told: he grabbed the scroll and ran.

― Naruto! ― Iruka's voice sounded behind him.

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Naruto continued to jump through the trees as fast as he could to get away from the two chunin.

― Naruto!

Turning around, the blond saw Iruka approaching him. ― Naruto! Mizuki was lying! He was just saying those things to confuse you! ― The chunin academy teacher held out his hand.― Give me the scroll so we can stop Mizuki from getting it!

However, Naruto simply turned and launched himself at Iruka, slamming his head into the chunin's stomach.

The two of them fell from the trees to the ground.

― How? ― Iruka asked as he clutched his stomach. ― How did you know? ― A puff of smoke rose up. ― That I wasn't Iruka? ― Mizuki asked.

Naruto smiled. ― Because I… ― There was a puff of smoke; when it cleared, it revealed Iruka. ― I am Iruka.

Mizuki frowned. ― Why are you protecting that demon anyway? You already know what he'll do now that he has the scroll in his hands. Naruto is just like me. He'll use the power that's inside the scroll to destroy Konoha! That's how demons are.

― You're right. ― Iruka said, surprising Mizuki. ― That's what a demon would do...

Naruto, who had hidden behind a tree while listening, froze at those words. ― I see... ― he thought sadly. ― Then Iruka also only sees me as a demon...

― But that's not what Naruto would do. ― Iruka's words made Naruto and Mizuki turn their attention back to him. ― Naruto isn't the devil. He's my student and a proud Konoha ninja! Sure he doesn't always do things right and he's a little... well, he's very clumsy and doesn't act all that smart. But he's nothing like you! Naruto is a unique person and I believe in him!

Naruto went from being depressed to being elated. Iruka believed in him. As far as he could remember, only the old man and the nice father-daughter pair of Ichiraku Ramen believed in him. Having another person who believed he could succeed was a euphoric feeling.

― You know, Iruka, I was going to save you for later, but I changed my mind. ― Mizuki scoffed as he began to spin his shuriken on his arm as he prepared to throw it. ― Die! ―

Just as Mizuki was about to throw his Fuuma shuriken at Iruka, a blonde and orange streak crashed into him, sending a foot flying into his face. The traitorous Chunin scowled as he landed several meters back, staring at the person who had struck him.

― If you lay a hand on my sensei, I will kill you! ― Naruto declared, giving his opponent a challenging glare.

― Ha! I'd like to see you try, demon! ― Mizuki shouted with a crazy grin.

Naruto put his hands in a ram seal and began to build up his chakra for another jutsu he had seen in the scroll.

Tajuu Kage Bunshin No Jutsu!

Both Iruka and Mizuki gasped as hundreds, if not thousands, of Naruto appeared in the forest. They were everywhere, a literal sea of ​​orange that almost covered all the green of the forest.

― What's wrong, Mizuki-teme? I thought you were going to kick my ass! ― One of the clones shouted.

Another cracked his knuckles. ― Well, if you're not coming to us, I guess we'll come to you.

All the clones jumped up and headed towards the terrified traitor.

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Naruto smiled as he looked at the mass of black and blue flesh that had once been Mizuki.

― Hehe, maybe I was a little harsh on him. ― The blond said with a shy smile.

― Incredible. ― Iruka thought in amazement. ― Being able to learn such a powerful jutsu in less than an hour... and the amount of clones. He said he wanted to surpass the Hokage and I'm starting to believe he could do it.

― Naruto. ― Iruka said, catching the blonde's attention. ― Come here, I have something I want to give you.

Naruto blinked before walking over to him. ― What's wrong, sensei?

― Close your eyes for a moment. ― Iruka said. Naruto did so and as he did, he felt a weight lift from his head before another weight took its place. ― Okay, you can open them now.

Naruto did so and put his hand to his head, feeling the cold metal and jagged grooves of a Konoha headband. Iruka had his glasses in his hand.

― Congratulations! You graduated! ― Iruka said proudly. ― And to celebrate, we're going out for ramen tonight! ― Naruto smiled and had a hard time not crying. He decided to hide his tears by jumping on Iruka and hugging him.

― Iruka-sensei!

― Ouch, Naruto, that hurts! ― Iruka said, although he was glad to see the boy so excited.

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― Thank you, Iruka-kun, you may leave for now. ― Sarutobi said as Iruka walked Naruto to his office. It was late and Iruka and Naruto had just gone out to eat ramen after a clone gave Sarutobi the forbidden scroll. However, he wanted to talk to Naruto and make sure he was okay.

― Um... sure, Hokage-sama. ― Iruka said. ― I'll see you in a week, Naruto.

As Iruka closed the door behind him, Sarutobi turned to look at Naruto.

― Naruto... ― Sarutobi started to say, but stopped when Naruto lunged at him, grabbing him as he cried. Sarutobi was genuinely surprised; in all the years he'd known the blond, he'd only seen him cry once. The one time he'd gone to the Kyubi festival, he'd been beaten by a group of drunken villagers.

― I guess what he learned today was too much for him. ― Sarutobi thought as he wrapped Naruto in a hug.

― Sorry... Jiji. ― Naruto said with a small hiccup.

― For what? ― Sarutobi asked amused. ― The scroll is back, you helped me eradicate a traitor and became a genin...

― I wet your robe. ― Naruto pointed at the small wet spot caused by his crying.

The Sandaime looked down to see that his robe was indeed wet from Naruto's tears. Sarutobi held back a snort of amusement; of all the things Naruto could apologize for, it was getting his robes wet.

― Jiji. ― Naruto said in an unnaturally calm voice. ― Is what Mizuki said true?

Sarutobi sighed. He knew this would happen at some point and hoped he would have some time to prepare. ― It's...

― So I'm a demon... ― Naruto said, looking at the ground, tears forming in his eyes.

Sarutobi grabbed Naruto by the shoulders, making the blond look at him. ― Naruto, I want you to listen to me carefully. You are not a demon. When the Yondaime sealed the Kyubi in you, his last wish was for you to be seen as a hero.

― A hero? ― Naruto asked, receiving a nod from Sarutobi. ― Why?

― Naruto, it is only thanks to you that the Kyubi is safely locked away. You are the reason Konoha is still standing today. ― Sarutobi said.

― Really? ― Naruto asked in a slightly hopeful voice.

― Yes. ― Sarutobi said. ― You are Konoha's hero.

― So why does everyone hate me? ― the blond asked.

Sarutobi sighed. ― They don't hate you, Naruto… They just don't understand; sealing, or fuinjutsu as it's called, is one of the least known ninja arts out there, and the hardest to master. Very few people understand it, and that's why when something like a demon is sealed into someone, they're not sure if the seal can actually hold something like that, a being of such power. You have to understand that when the Kyubi attacked, many good ninja died that day, and because of that they're not willing to accept you, fearing that you're actually just the Kyubi in human form.

Naruto frowned; that made sense, in some sick, twisted way. But now that he knew why they hated him, he had to wonder what he should do. Would people be able to accept him? Could he get people to see past the Kyubi and see him as Naruto?

At the moment it didn't seem all that likely. After all, the people of Konoha had twelve years to get over their loss and see Naruto for himself. Then again, he hadn't helped much in that regard. He'd been so desperate for attention that he'd resorted to pranks, as even bad attention was better than no attention at all.

― But maybe if I show them how good a ninja I am and that I'm willing to protect the village, maybe I can change their minds. ― Naruto thought.

He looked at Sarutobi with determination. ― I'll show them that I'm not the Kyubi, that I'm Uzumaki Naruto! The future Hokage of Konoha! I won't let this get to me, ever! Dattebayo!

Sarutobi smiled as he saw the boy's will of fire returning. ― That's good, Naruto-kun. I have no doubt that you'll eventually get there. However, it will require a lot more hard work than you're used to. You won't be able to pull your pranks anymore, and you'll have to take the time to learn how to be a shinobi. After all, a Hokage isn't just the most powerful ninja in the village, he's also the smartest and most cunning.

― So you're pretty smart, huh, Oji-san? ― Naruto said.

Sarutobi laughed a little. ― Naruto-kun, do you know why I earned my nickname of teacher?

Naruto scratched the back of his neck. ― Uh… Why are you smart?

― In essence, yes. ― Sarutobi admitted. ― However, it's much more than that. I earned the title of professor for my ability to read people and react to any given situation, both on and off the battlefield. In the many years I've been alive, I've accumulated a lot of knowledge from reading books. Things that taught me about the basics of shinobi, all the way up to more advanced ninja skills and theories, as well as knowledge of civilian practices like politics, which has become essential for every Hokage to know now.

He took a minute to curse the Nidaime's decision to create the council, the main reason a Hokage needed to know about politics. His sensei, Senju Tobirama, had told him before the Second Shinobi War began that he was one hundred percent sure he'd been drunk when he came up with the idea. It looked good on paper to have a group of people dedicated to helping the Hokage deal with the day-to-day affairs of Konoha's civilians. However, the reality was very different. Sarutobi had spent more time fighting with the council than anything else, and many of the people on it, especially on the civilian side, were extraordinarily greedy; they always wanted more money and to line their pockets with more coins.

The old Hokage shook his head and dismissed that thought. ― Anyway, what I mean is that to be a good shinobi you need to not only be strong, but also smart.

― I guess that makes sense... ― Naruto tilted his head for a moment before remembering something. ― Ah, yes! Speaking of being strong, do you know that amazing jutsu I learned?

― The Kage Bunshin? Yes, I do. ― Sarutobi said, wondering where the blond was going with this.

― Yeah, well, I was reading the description and I was hoping you could help me understand something I read in it. The scroll said something about memory feedback and that it was really dangerous for some reason. But... I don't even know what that is. ― Naruto scratched the back of his head sheepishly.

Sarutobi looked at Naruto as he used his cunning mind, the mind that had given him his title as a teacher, to come up with a plan that should help the blond get stronger without actually helping him. ― Memory feedback is the memories of the clones' lives returning to the user. ― Sarutobi answered. ― Whenever a clone dissipates, whether on purpose, by accident, or by running out of chakra, all of their memories are given to the person who created them.

― Like when I created those ten in the forest and saw ten different sides of me and my clones. ― Naruto muttered to himself, though Sarutobi still heard him.

― Yes, the Kage Bunshin is a powerful technique in that regard. ― Sarutobi said.

Naruto looked up and tilted his head curiously. ― How so?

Sarutobi touched his chin. ― Well, clones were originally created because they were the perfect spy tools. You could have one of your clones infiltrate a base without any danger to the original and when they dissipated, they would give a complete layout of the base.

― So it's used to memorize things? ― Naruto asked, scratching the back of his neck.

Sarutobi nodded. ― Yes. However, the Kage Bunshin can be used for more than just memorizing, Naruto-kun. In fact, that jutsu is an excellent method for learning new things. You can learn almost anything with your clones, from chakra control and jutsu, to the books you read, write, and even taijutsu, as muscle memory is a mental faculty.

― That almost sounds like it could be used for training! ― Naruto exclaimed, excited at the prospect of what he could get his clones to do.

The old Hokage nodded. ― Indeed, it can be used for training. Though I suspect only you will be able to use this jutsu to its full potential.

― Why? ― Naruto asked, excited at the prospect that there was something only he could do.

― Because you are the only one who has enough chakra to summon enough clones to make the training truly worthwhile. Most ninja, even jonin, can only make five or maybe ten clones if they are lucky. ― Sarutobi replied. ― For my part, and thanks to my age, I can only make about twenty leaving me low on chakra.

― Ha! I created almost a hundred in the clearing when I beat the shit out of Mizuki-teme! ― Naruto said.

― That's right. ― Sarutobi laughed at the boy's enthusiasm. ― But it will take more than generating clones to become a great ninja... you will have to train hard and really take your profession seriously.

Naruto beat his chest. ― Don't worry, old man! I will train harder than everyone in Konoha! I will not only become the most powerful Hokage of all time, but the strongest shinobi in the elemental nations! That is my lifelong promise! Dattebayo!

― I'm sure you will, Naruto. ― Sarutobi laughed. ― And to help you out, I have a piece of advice for you. But before I tell you what it is, I want you to promise me that you will listen to everything I have to tell you and follow the advice I give you to the letter.

Naruto smiled as he beat his chest. ― Don't worry, Oji-san. I promise you on my honor as the future Hokage of Konoha that I will listen to what you have to say and follow your advice! Dattebayo!

Sarutobi smiled before beginning. ― Very well then. Now that you are a shinobi, you will have access to the ninja section of the library, there you will find scrolls on chakra theory and control, ninja basics, and I believe they even have some books on Fuinjutsu if you are interested. Although I would also suggest reading books on things like politics and other civil practices, if you are going to be Hokage you will need to know these things. I want you to start by finding books on basic chakra control and theory, as well as a taijutsu style that suits you if the basic style doesn't. I know you don't want to hear this, but the basics are the most important aspects of being a shinobi; without them you can't grow because you don't have the essential steps needed to advance in skill. ― Sarutobi looked at Naruto. ― Promise me you'll do this.

Naruto nodded, for once paying attention to what he was being told. ― You got it, Oji-san! I promise you that first thing tomorrow morning I'll go to the library and look that information up! ― Naruto frowned for a moment. ― I don't know if they'll let me in, though.

Sarutobi frowned; he knew that many places allowed Naruto in, such as many of the shops and restaurants. Fortunately, the library, unlike the shops and restaurants, was owned by the government, which meant that he was the only one who could ban someone from entering. ― If they try to ban you from entering, just tell them that banning a shinobi from entering is illegal and that if they try, they can discuss it with me. Also, may I suggest some new clothes?

― New clothes? What's wrong with these clothes? ― Naruto asked; he liked these clothes. They were orange, warm, comfortable, and orange.

― Naruto, your wardrobe hasn't changed for over half a year. ― Sarutobi said. ― Now that you're a ninja, you should take advantage and buy clothes from a ninja store.

That seemed to hook Naruto. ― I will, Oji-san! ― He frowned for a moment as he remembered when he had tried to buy other clothes a few times; However, he had always been kicked out of the shops before he could even take a look at the selection of clothes.

― Good. ― Sarutobi smiled. ― You now have nine days to get stronger before you are assigned to your Jonin-sensei. ― The Sandaime said. ― I suggest you use this time to catch up with the rest of your class; with Kage Bunshin you should be able to gain a decent level of knowledge and learn the basics. Though you will have to do some physical exercise yourself, as clones cannot do that for you.

Naruto blinked. ― Why not?

― Because a clone is merely a chakra construct, it is not your real body, therefore it cannot help you grow physically. ― Sarutobi replied. ― It is getting late now, so why don't you go to bed? That way, you can start getting stronger early tomorrow.

― Good! ― Naruto shouted excitedly. ― I'll see you later, Jiji!

Sarutobi watched as Naruto left; with the knowledge of that jutsu he should be able to become strong. Sarutobi looked at a picture of Minato. ― Your son is on his way to becoming a great shinobi, Minato.

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Notes:

* Kurama is complete.

* Hiruzen does not have the crystal ball to spy on the village.