97Despite it All
Chapter One: Different Yet Similar
AN (Rewrite Started 4/18)
You should know what this is if you read the note above or the one posted for the newer chapter. DiA is my favorite child, yet a problem child and some love and attention are needed. So this is my first rewrite, my attempt at making DiA my best work possible… Hopefully this works!
Most of this chapter will likely be rewritten entirely. I like this chapter a lot, but if we're doing this, it's a chance to be clearer in intention and build up for later chapters. Make every scene more impactful (early on, some of these POVs are too brief or lack content.) And ensure every scene has a consistent level of quality and time put into it.
The ending AN will have a list of changes so that old readers can see what's addressed. As this is a period of growth for DiA, new and old readers alike, please offer feedback, both good and bad. I doubt this will fix everything, of course, but this is my best effort! Enjoy~!
Hiruzen's POV (Hokage Manor - Hidden Leaf Village)
An old legend of a man sat at his desk, pondering over a pile of important looking paperwork. This old man was the current Hokage of the Hidden Leaf Village. He ran the entire village with utmost loyalty, was responsible for the safety and growth of his home, and was often considered the second God of Shinobi.
The office around him was covered with paintings and statues of accomplishments and legends of the past. A large oval desk was emblematic with the insignia of the Leaf. The desk itself was covered in stacks of paperwork, showing just how much work was done within this office. A room was dedicated to the leaders of this village and the legends, present and past.
In truth, the old man sat at the table, knew he should already be among those on the wall, but he needed longer and so serve he would. His sensei's older brother had created his home and forged the system it had thrived off; his sensei had taken over after and refined it to ensure it would work even more efficiently. Then it was his first run, a bloody run full of desperate days and nights, but he had done it as asked and kept his home safe and strong. The old man had even hand-selected his replacement, a replacement that died in his youth… leaving him to once again take the mantle, the first Hokage to serve twice.
Hiruzen was the current and third Hokage, the current and only prospect for their village leader. A man decorated for his service, wisdom, and power. One nearly as decorated as his own infamous sensei…
However, these days, Hiruzen barely felt like any of those things. He was still heralded as the strongest, but in truth, Hiruzen doubted the claim these days. They called him wise and knowing beyond his years. But nowadays, all Hiruzen saw from the past were the ugly mistakes that haunted him to this very day. And the future he feared may very well be more of the same.
All the same, Hiruzen had been severed for literal decades now. The Hidden Leaf Village was one of the Five Great Villages of the Elemental Nations, often rumored to be the strongest of the five in fact. A little factoid Hiurzen often took comfort in. Rightfully so, for it was due in no small part to Hiruzen's efforts. Through years of his life, and every ounce of will power and wisdom within him had Hiruzen kept the Leaf safe and growing these past few years.
The other four Great Villages however were not to be overlooked or forgotten. The five of them had been the major players of the Elemental Nations for decades now, all due to the quality of shinobi they produce. But that laid the problem; all nations would eventually create a military, and because of this, all countries would seek to have the strongest military, for being weaker made one less safe or grand. This would breed more and more tension, which of course led to bloodshed. This turbulent cycle leads to constant war and bloodshed. One that even now the four threatened the Leaf with.
Though Hiruzen could not degrade them for it. They all sought the same thing in truth and would commit all manner of sins to achieve it. It was unfortunate they couldn't be united by their similarities and instead warred based on differences. But he had learned long ago that was simply how the world worked. Those wars…
The wars had changed Hiruzen; he had grown to fear those harsh, relentless days of the past. The pressure it placed upon his shoulders, the death it always soaked him in. Hurzen simply could not stand to watch another generation of the latest and greatest ground up for another pointless bloodfest.
So he had made a desperate ploy; the constant struggle between the villages was often held on the information level. And Hiruzen had a crucial secret. For each of them, he held a fact they could not dare allow to see the light of day, his own student had found it all. Deep secrets which Hiruzen threatened each of them with. The risk was massive; they could've decided to destroy him for the blatant blackmail, but it had worked…
Each of them had bowed to the threat in time, The Sand first, of course, as their neighbors and often distant allies they had little to gain from fighting the Leaf in the first place. The Mist next, as they apparently had some unknown but intense internal problem, and the Stone and Cloud last, his true bitter enemies, he supposed. Nearly each of the Great Ninja Wars had contained bloodshed between the three. The last one had had been the worst for relations between the two and the Leaf. For it had left the Cloud humiliated, and the Stone seemingly crippled. But even they had seen his gambit as a credible threat, for both soon agreed as well. Now for the last decade, all five villages had been held to an official truce… Hiruzen had initially thought this his most significant accomplishment… that this would surely lead to the end of the bloody days of the past.
But time had passed since then, and so much subtle background work from each village had made things unstable. The truce had been forced in hopes of improving relations between villages. Hiruzen had been certain time spent without battle would surely lead to hostilities fade. But in truth, he hadn't achieved much more than pausing things. And soon, Hiruzen was sure they'd boil over again.
However, Hiruzen felt some level of comfort as his second gambit during this treaty was soon to be tested. With the threat of warfare for the first time in Hiruzen's life, not a threat, he had deemed it appropriate to change the Academy…
The curriculum was longer now, more theory—and intelligence-based than before. They were trained for longer but at a much slower pace. In fact, while most students began the Academy at ten or eleven, they now stayed until they were seventeen or eighteen. Hiruzen had hoped that taking a safe and long-term approach to training would keep his newest crop of Genin safe and sound.
In truth, it was only now that Hiruzen saw the kinks of his plan. The Genin were older and more experienced than ever, but that experience was sheltered, and they often showed their lack of real-world experience. The fear this ploy of his had failed as well occurred to him, but only time would show.
The ploy in question was tied to Hiruzen's latest task in an ever-growing list. The Genin were set to graduate soon and be put into three-man teams led by a Jounin for active duty. They would go through training and the approval of their sensei, of course. But assuming they passed the Academy's final test, Hiruzen was now preparing them for team selection.
Spread out among him were files labeled with a picture containing the Genin. There were twenty-four candidates this year; nine were certain to fail, usually those without a clan or much support; of the remaining fifteen, twelve were certain locks, various clan heirs, and impressive young men and women. But the remaining three were questionable;
Rock Lee was a unique case, one Hiruzen in all his time hadn't encountered in years. The young man was a talented and dedicated potential shinobi; he had physical conditioning that put most Chunin to shame and was arguably the most skilled hand-to-hand combatant out of his class, yet… Rock Lee was hampered in a truly crippling way. The young man's body had developed a mutation that caused his chakra nodes to be small and undeveloped; this made the man incapable of using almost all Ninjutsu or Genjutsu. Jutsu theory and practice were considered core guidelines in the Academy, so Rock Lee was dead last in the rankings. However, his Taijutsu was at a level unheard of for someone so inexperienced, and his spar records made a case for him steadily improving; recently, the young man had bested most of his practice foes. And his pure theory work was on par with his peers. But with his disability, it was almost a certainty he would technically fail.
Choji Akimichi was a different and much more internal problem. The Akimichi was skilled in both theory and most jutsu practice, tested average, and had the support of his whole clan at his call. However, Hiruzen detected a lack of confidence in the man; Choji doubted his strength and intelligence and, by doing so, was crippled in both. Hiruzen suspected Choji could shine among his peers if he was motivated. But with his current attitude, there was simply no way.
Naruto Uzumaki was the final one and a problem in itself. For he was no normal young man but one of two vessels for the most significant "weapon," the Leaf had… the Kyuubi. A large, strange fox-like being was one of nine other strange beings that used to roam the Elemental Nations. Until they had been captured by Hashirama Senju. The man used the creatures as for all of the biggest players of the Elemental Nations.
Naruto was the latest of vessels and, as such, was considered a valuable resource for the Leaf. The boy due to his unique status had several problems ailing him. Jinchuriki were known for their poor chakra control, which likely affected his jutsu practice; in fact, Hiruzen knew the blonde could not achieve one of the three jutsu to pass the final test, the Clone Jutsu. Naruto needed to pass but wouldn't without that jutsu…
This is why Hiruzen made one last change to the Academy during this truce. The Remedial Exam was one of his own design, one that would allow those cropped out of the Genin of this class another chance. One to ensure Naruto, in particular, made it through. Hiruzen would have Mizuki hold it; the man had trained them for years, and surely they'd manage to pass a practical course…
With that decision made, Hiruzen began to sort the files into piles. Starting by removing the nine who knew wouldn't make it and, from there, assembling them into piles of three.
Genin Squads were important. This group would foster their growth and shape the shinobi they'd become. The groups also needed to be balanced or specialized, usually a mix of the two. For this crop, Hiruzen wanted a mix of both, so he began to sort them.
Each team would need either a heavy hitter or a natural leader. They would need not only strength but also the ability to track, capture, interrogate, protect, and effectively perform espionage. The teams would need to vary in ability and personality. It was no simple matter…
It didn't take Hiruzen long from there. He was sure these teams would be considered a bit off-kilter, but Hiruzen just knew these groups would ensure the best for all their members. These Genin were different from their predecessors, so the teams should be as well…
Hiruzen sighed as they tossed Naruto's file onto another two, covering who they were. "It's time to see the newest flames of the Will of Fire…"
Naruto's POV (Leaf Academy - Hidden Leaf Village)
Today was the day he had spent years grinding for—quite possibly the most important day of his life. For Naruto Uzumaki, today defined who he was. It was the day that made him a man, for today, he would become a shinobi. A Genin of the great Hidden Leaf!
Just the idea sent a rush of energy through Naruto's body. The concept of finally beginning his journey to his dream, meeting the teammates he'd spent the next few years with, and even finally leaving the village filled Naruto with glee. It had been a long wait, and he was beyond ready.
Naruto was in a long, fully padded room. He wore his regular orange and black jumpsuit as he raced along the room's wall. This current exercise was the last of the Academy Finals. The room was designed to hold the very test he took, the Evasion Evaluation. How this particular part of the finals worked was simple: spend five minutes in the room dodging the rubber ball attacks of the proctors. If you were hit three times during such, you failed.
Easy enough, but the challenge was far from easy when both proctors were Chunin. The rubber balls were thrown with absurd speed, they whistled through the air with a terrifying sound. The power when thrown from a shinobi was enough to guarantee bruising, even bleeding.
While Naruto was unsure of his overall score, he was sure he needed to pass this part. He was well aware he needed the extra points. There were a couple of categories Naruto struggled in…
Naruto leaped over a low-flung ball, caught another in midair, and used it to block a third as he landed. Naruto abandoned the shield, jumped onto the wall, and ran along it. A line of incredibly fast-thrown rubber balls chased him up it. Naruto smoothly transitioned to the room's ceiling and caught another two with one hand each. Throwing them at two more coming his way, he scrambled while laughing as a massive barrage of balls flew around him, Naruto barely able to maneuver around the storm with a string of curses.
Since he had been nothing more than a runt, he had always known his dream in life—the goal he would work toward achieving, something he could put his all into. That goal was to become the leader of the Hidden Leaf Village—to become Hokage, a long and arduous road, one that would be made even more difficult with his status. But one Naruto was certain would fulfill him…
Naruto was different from his peers, after all. While the exact details were foggy to the blonde, somehow, he had been turned into something of a living jail cell for the Kyuubi of all things. A giant fox infamous for destruction, and it's supposed death when it attacked his home… if only.
Naruto flinched as a ball clipped his foot as he ran. It tripped out his feet and made him fall from the roof toward the floor. Naruto barely managed to right himself in midair to land on his feet with a grunt, only to dive bodily to the ground to dodge several more throws. Naruto rolled along desperately, barely managing to avoid the attacks. As he did, his mind drifted off again.
Otherwise known as the Nine-Tailed Fox, it was theorized to be a demon or spirit of some sort. Rumored to be the strongest of the Tailed Beast, the Nine-Tails had spent years rampaging against humans. However, his own clan had found a way to contain the seemingly unstoppable beast. His Uzumaki ancestors had created jinchuriki, human sacrifices. The beast lived within them, barely contained by Fuijutsu and their own flesh.
The idea was to create a living weapon. A human with access to powers well beyond what most could hope to match. And while Naruto himself could attest to it being effective, it had an awkward trade-off.
Of course, Jinchuriki were known to civilians and shinobi alike. Due to this, they were routinely hated and discriminated against. Both saw the sacrifices as not a tool, but a threat. People were none to treat them like an active bomb, feared from a distance… Naruto was no different than the rest of course. The old generation was full of spite and hate toward him. The younger were slightly better but tended to follow the example of the old. Meaning Naruto Uzumaki had never been someone described as popular. Infamous would be more accurate.
In fact, as a child, Naruto had been shockingly lonely. It wasn't until he made some friends that the burden on him lessened, but it instilled a fear into Naruto. More than anything, he craved to be accepted and cared for as his peers were. In fact, the Hokage had long ago installed a law making it illegal to disclose Naruto's status and even sold a lie of the Kyuubi being dead. However, the old guard likely saw through the lie, and Naruto had spent his time alone despite the effort. That was why he would become Hokage-
Naruto rolled to his feet, spinning to avoid several throws. However, the last ball blasted him in the face and knocked him on his ass. 'I can't do anything if I fail here!' Naruto decided as he locked eyes with the proctors.
The two administering this exercise were familiar to Naruto and most other Genin candidates. Iruka and Muzuki were the head instructors of the Academy. Both were lifelong Chunin with a decent amount of experience and skill. More often than not, the two of them led their lessons. Iruka was known for being strict; by the book, Naruto had always found him more than fair. In fact, Iruka, upon discovering Naruto was struggling, had offered him extra lessons, during which the two had grown closer. Mizuki was known to be a kind and laid-back teacher, yet he and Naruto never got along. Naruto could just feel an odd tension.
"Keep your eye on the ball now, Naruto." Mizuki chided with a small smile.
"He means stop daydreaming, Naruto!" Iruka roared, annoyed to have caught the blonde zoning out. This was a recurring occurrence for Naruto regardless of teacher. He had never been good at focusing on certain activities; it was just the way Naruto was.
However, the blonde did. He weaved around a ball, ducked another, and rolled away from the next volley. Naruto zig-zagged as balls flew around him; catching one, Naruto suddenly turned and raced toward his two teachers. The Chunin, now able to aim with ease, attempted to pepper and overwhelm Naruto. However, the blonde batted back the barrage with his ball, and Naruto bowed through the two, knocking them to the ground as he raced across the room. When he bought it with his rough play, Naruto glanced at a giant clock above the room's exit. He had twenty seconds left!
"That was a dirty trick, Naruto…" Iruka growled as he climbed back to his feet. Naruto could tell by his tone that his technical cheating had been less than appreciated.
Mizuki glared at him, and he climbed to his feet, matching Iruka's quiet fury. "It's best we push him to his limits anyway!"
"I'm not sorry!" Naruto joked as he ran up the wall and onto a ceiling to dodge what seemed to be a wall of rubber balls. However, it barely bought him any time as the storm of projectiles followed him every step. It took every bit of his reaction speed, grace, and luck to dodge the rubber fury of the Chunin. Several times, Naruto had only scarcely avoided being blasted. Eventually, so severe was the storm that Naruto had no choice but to leap to the ground, barely threading his way through the balls as the clock had nearly struck zero.
He landed at the last second; however, as he did, Naruto felt a sudden dark intent; he whipped his head, seeing Mizuki had rushed to his blindspot and was halfway through a mighty wind up for a throw. Naruto blinked, and in that instant, the ball had been thrown; before it even landed, Naruto could feel the air it had disturbed. Naruto barely raised his hands to catch the rubber missile, the force of which ripped him off his feet and onto his ass.
"Arrogance comes before the fall." Mizuki teased as he relaxed.
"Mizuki!" Iruka roared as he stomped up to his partner. He shoved the man as he got into his face. "That was way too hard! Was that a chakra-amplified throw?"
"Of course not." Mizuki defended with a friendly smile. "I apologize, Naruto; I got into the game and got a tad bit overzealous… we can reattempt the exam if you'd like to try again…"
However, Naruto merely smiled as he stood, showing that he had managed to catch the ball that had been powerfully thrown. "Not needed, I'm pretty strong myself, ya know?" Naruto playfully tossed the ball to Mizuki, who lamely caught the ball, seeming shocked Naruto had managed such a thing. "Besides, I was into it too. Anyway, I gotta know Iruka-sensei; that was the final test, and I passed. So how the hell did I do?"
"Well Naruto…" Iruka hesitantly started as he began to leaf through the assorted scoring sheets relevant to Naruto passing. The blonde had memorized the grading metric of the Academy, which was branched off into seven categories.
1.) Physical Aptitude: The life of a shinobi is hard and often short. The only ones who could be accepted within the heralded ranks of the Leaf were those at peak human condition.
2.) Theory, the mental intelligence, creativity, and knowledge to ensure the mind was as primed as the body.
3.) Ninjutsu, a wide branching path that was best explained as using chakra to affect oneself, create chakra-based attacks and defenses, or affect one's surroundings. While it was impossible for anyone to truly master such a varied art, the Academy required them to master several basic techniques, including The Clone Jutsu, Henge, Substitution Jutsu, Body flicker, and advanced chakra control.
4.) Genjutsu, a more subtle variation of Ninjutsu. This was tailored to using illusions, psychological attacks, or just plain trickery with chakra to manipulate or even, in extreme cases, outright harm one's victim. They were required to, at the very least, be able to dispel C-rank Genjutsu somewhat consistently. Using it was much rarer, as it needed incredible chakra control.
5.) Taijutsu, the sacred and oldest art of shinobi. The Academy was stringent with their Taijutsu requirements, teaching the students a basic but well-rounded style.
6.) Basic mastery over the many tools of the craft, including kunai, shuriken, ninja wire, explosive tags, sealing tags, and even more.
7.) While Fuijutsu was a barely understood and rare art, the Leaf had always had access to high-level users. This meant the students had to be able to write in kanji and create and understand the theory of the most basic of seals.
Naruto knew his overall performance would be a bit off. But he felt certain he had done enough; surely, all his effort had meant something!
"Your performance in the Physical Aptitude, Taijutsu, and Weapon and Tool Mastery of the Finals was impressive. Downright better than the average student in each regard. Your scores in Fuijutsu were surprisingly high, considering your poor handwriting, and they were above average. You passed the theory, but it's a clear weak point; your score in that portion places you below average. However…" Iruka trailed off.
Mizuki stepped forward with a small smile. "Allow me, Iruka. I understand…" Muzuki offered. He scanned the list, and his expression was hard to read, but he locked eyes with Naruto with shocking intensity. "Your scores in both the Genjutsu and Ninjutsu portions of the Finals were a failing one, well below the average of your peers. While this is a minority compared to the sections where you scored well in their considered vital aspects of a Genin, Meaning failing them tanks your overall score… by grading metric alone, you've failed the Genin Finals…"
Naruto couldn't believe what he just heard. It was as if this was a nightmare, and this was the turn. But Naruto's tired body made it clear this was all too real. "I failed…"
"Not quite," Iruka sighed heavily. "With the updated procedure for the Academy, we have created a safety net for this experimental branch of Genin. For those who failed the Finals but scored relatively close to passing, you achieved a percentage of sixty-eight, seventy is considered the line to pass. Meaning you are within the threshold…"
Mizuki smirked openly at the blonde, continuing for Iruka. "The Remedial Exam. With their approval, we will be trying out a new concept for you and a couple of others. I have been elected to run this particular Exam. Would you like a second chance, Naruto Uzumaki… a chance to right this wrong?"
"Don't let him mislead you, Naruto…" Iruka replied grimly. "This is nothing close to ideal; this is a combat exam, unlike the Finals you just took. You and the others will face Mizuki in potentially lethal combat…"
"A second chance, huh…" Naruto replied, his heart and mind already set. "I've never been the type to give up; it's in my blood to fight back… besides I've been meaning to go a few rounds with Mizuki…" The blonde finished locking eyes with said Chunin.
"I know the feeling Uzumaki…" Mizuki said with a tone that set Naruto somewhat on edge. But Naruto wouldn't let anything distract him now…
"Give me the details," Naruto said with a small, somewhat fake smile as he walked toward the door, turning his back to the two Chunin. "I'll pass this time…"
"Training Ground 32, just after sunset…" Mizuki replied with ease, seemingly as ramped as Naruto. "The others will meet us there, and the exams will take place as soon as I arrive."
"I'll be there," Naruto said as he opened the doors. He allowed them to close behind him, ignoring Iruka's cries as he began to trek his way through the less traveled hall of the Academy.
The blonde needed a moment alone to think over this whole thing. An approach of informing "her" that wouldn't lead to any unnecessary grief. Truly, Naruto knew this was something less than an actual problem. Not passing the initial Finals off merit alone was a blow to his pride. However, Naruto was used to setbacks; they were a familiar theme in his life. He didn't mind the less-than-ideal passing as long as he did, in fact, pass.
But mostly, he didn't truly want to run into the others. While Naruto couldn't claim to be a popular guy in the Academy, a fact he suspected was due to the parents of his peers. He even found his place within a group. A strangely prestigious one at that.
Naruto was drafted into the Academy within a roster full of incredible talent and potential. The majority of the Academy and even more certain to the blonde, the majority that would pass, was tied to shinobi families. Either the kids of a shinobi couple or those born within major and minor clans alike. And Naruto had somehow found his way into an odd friendship with the same people. In fact, most of them were heirs to clans, meaning that, one day, they would likely rule over them.
It all started when Naruto met his first and potential best friend. A strange one for sure, but one that had proven one of his most reliable over the years. Shikamaru Nara, the heir of the famous genius Nara Clan. The young man had the same lazy expression, sharp eyes, and dark hair indicative of their clan and was twice as lazy and brilliant as any of their members. Such had the Nara regarded relatively well within the walls of the Academy. Even further so due to the connections it provided him. That would be his friendship between the clans of the Nara, Akimichi, and Yamanaka clans, displayed in the Academy with the trio of Ino, Choji, and Shikamaru. The three had known each other since they were young, and they were obviously close. The close-knit group had, in fact, been the ones to approach Naruto. And while Ino had always seemed somewhat distant from him, the men of the trio had hit it off with him.
This led to the outcast making a couple of friends if he could call Ino such. But the three as heirs had performed much better than he did in the Academy. So much so there was no doubt in his mind they had passed. And Naruto would rather not face the shame if he could. However, as he turned into an intersection of the halls, he turned face-first into the group he was hoping to avoid.
Shikamaru was walking with the duo he was usually with, but a couple more as well. Kiba Inuzuka, a man Naruto had heard of but scarcely encountered. Shino Aburame was a more relaxed man he had met and even somewhat got along with. Naruto cursed his luck inwardly but snorted as he stepped towards his friends.
"Guys! I wasn't expecting to run into you. I'd ask if you passed, but I'm certain you did, ya know!" Naruto replied with an energy that felt hollow. But he wouldn't allow his failure to get in the way of being happy for them. "Congratulations!"
"It was such a drag…" Shikamaru's tired voice complained. "I nearly gave up, but my dad warned me against it… so here I am, now a Genin… the excitement…"
"This bum has been like this all day!" Ino complained. "This is a big day for all of us. Would some energy kill you?"
"Don't ask him that. He'll just answer honestly." Naruto joked, matching eyes with Ino. "Suppose that means you passed as well?"
"Of course!" Ino smiled before flinching suddenly. However, before Naruto could question such, Kiba suddenly extended an arm over them both.
"Of course, we all passed!" Kiba assured the group. We're the next up-and-comers; years, for now, they'll remember this day!"
"I certainly will." Shino agreed with a sigh. He locked eyes with Naruto, as much as his shades allowed. "However, we shouldn't assume."
"It's certainly making an ass out of you, Kiba." Shikamaru agreed with a roll of his eyes and a small smile. "In fact, Choji here has to take the Remedial Exam."
Choji chuckled as Naruto gawked, shocked that one of them was in the same boat as himself. "Yeah, I didn't do well in Theory or Physical Aptitude. It turns out failing both is kind of a big deal."
"You too?!" Naruto replied earnestly.
"Hahaha!" Kiba roared. "Both of you… sorry." The dog owner realized its rudeness. "Seriously, no shame. Just caught me off guard."
"Forgive Kiba; he often speaks faster than he thinks," Shino explained, elbowing the apologetic Kiba.
"No worries," Naruto replied with a sigh. "Besides, we're both gonna pass this Remedial Exam with ease, then you'll see just how good we are!"
"I like the spirit, Uzumaki!" Kiba complimented. "Hope you're not all bark and no bite…"
"Unfunny." Ino broke the tension with ease. "Shikamaru?"
"Right. It feels like the only right thing to do now that most of us are Genin is celebrate," Shikamaru explained. I'm organizing a get-together with all the newly promoted Genin. There's no doubt in my mind that both you and Choji will pass after all. I'll let you know when. See you around Naruto."
The pieces said the group offered goodbyes as they walked away. Naruto smiled slightly, now uplifted by his peers. Just maybe things weren't so grim.
Naruto began his trek through the Academy and village streets with just a bit more bounce. Determined and now hopeful about the upcoming Remedial Exams. All he had to do was tell "her" and prepare…
X-X
Naruto slowly strolled into his home. While the meeting with Shikamaru and co lifted his spirits, he still dreaded what awaited him. "She" was probably already home. Undoubtedly discovering his earlier crime. "She" was sweet most of the time. She was fantastic as long as you stayed on her good side and followed the rules. But the blonde sometimes wondered if she intended to kill him when he was unlucky enough to cross her. No, he thought morosely; she likely would kill now, no matter what. As far as he knew, his sin was unforgivable. A lesser man would retreat lest they face her wrath, but Naruto would stand firm. Well, for a bit, anyway. He could leverage the test in his favor. The mix of good and bad news would throw her off.
As he entered his home, his eyes expertly darted about the room, looking for silent threats hidden within the dark. As far as he could tell, he should be fine—no traps, no genjutsu, and no murderous women. Now, Naruto was no fool and silently crept toward his room despite the apparent safety. Better safe than sorry with her.
Every step seemed to creak or thud or somehow attempt to give away his position. But with great skill, the blonde reached his bedroom door in one piece. He was so close! If he just got in, he could take a short nap before he had to get ready for the exam. Conveniently missing "her." He slowly opened the door a quarter, halfway, two thi-. He couldn't even finish the thought.
A shape flew towards the blonde from the darkness of his own room. He couldn't react and closed his eyes, assuming a kunai or shuriken would soon end him. Instead, he felt a painful crash on his nose, the sound of breaking plastic alerting him he was hit by some brush. He stumbled back, trying to regain balance, but this was not an issue. A woman emerged from the shadows, dashing forward, grabbing Naruto's shirt, and casually lifting him to her face. He flinched, knowing penance was coming shortly. He offered a short prayer to whoever was out there, knowing his time was soon.
"So… I forgot to do the dishes, huh?" the shadows shifted, revealing her face; dark blue eyes met his light blue, with vibrant red hair seemingly swirling around the woman. It was the reaper, death, the great dying; it was his… "I asked you to do them, ya know?" Kushina said with a sweet, false smile.
It was his mother.
AN
Rewrite 4/20/25: Okay, finally done. First, a list of changes;
Hiruzen's POV was changed to increase characterization, establish my version more clearly versus Canon, explain the current political state more clearly, and provide a better introduction to the story overall.
I changed Naruto's personalization to fit their current DiA status. It made him seem a tad more intelligent, less childish, and a bit more competent while maintaining his goofier side.
This made Naruto's intro longer and more detailed regarding the Academy setup, his struggles, and why he is considered behind the others.
We made Naruto's interaction with and previous history with others longer and more detailed. This hopes to establish the characters and Naruto's history with them better early on.
The ending was left relatively the same as I rather liked it.
So that's the first rewrite. This should be released on the date planned. I'm sorry for removing the first chapter initially; however, I felt it was a good way to force this to happen. I hope those who are rereading this notice the improvement and new readers enjoy it in general. Peace~!