1,823A Foxes Tale
Chapter 3
AN: Hello all and Happy New Year. With that out of the way I want to thank everyone who has been kind enough to review. Now I don't know if I've told you guys or not but you should have figured this would turn out a harem judging by my other fics. NO Kushina will not be with Naruto in this fic, she's going back to Minato however she is a main character in the first half of the story and thus her name is in the slot as the secondary character.
Now I don't know about you guys but I'm actually looking forward to the next few chapters in the manga, mostly because I'm dying to see what Naruto can really do during his fight with Pain. Regardless he better get a promotion to jounin after this fight. Anyway enough with my rambling here's the chapter.
Start Now:
Within the office of the Sandaime Hokage several shinobi could be seen standing around the Sandaime's desk. Each of the shinobi were of jounin rank as well while one, Umino Iruka was a mere chuunin. The reason for the gathering of powerful shinobi was to reveal which of them if any had passed their team.
"Now then we will begin this meeting beginning with the jounin for team one.
"Team one fails." Stated one of the jounin with a senbon in his mouth before he steeped back.
"Team two fails." Said another who coughed before stepping back.
"Team three fails."
On and on the jounin stepped back after announcing their teams. Seeing Kakashi was the next one Sarutobi sighed and prepared for the inevitable as he motioned to the man.
"Team seven, passes."
The results from this one brought everything to a halt as all eyes turned to the silver haired jounin in wonder. For the last seven years Kakashi had built a reputation as a hard ass failing every team he got and this time he actually passed one.
"Must have been because of the Uchiha." stated one of the previous jounin.
Sarutobi silenced this man with a glare before motioning to the next person to speak up.
"Team eight passes." Stated Kurenei before stepping back.
"Team ten passes." Stated Asuma finishing things off.
"Now then would you care to explain this rather surprising event Kakashi?" Said Hizuren getting a sigh from the man before he spoke.
Flashback no Jutsu:
Morning found the members of team seven gathered at their assigned training ground. From his position at the base of a tree Naruto sat in a meditative pose, beads of sweat trickling down his forehead. If one were to look they would be surprised at the sight that greeted them. Within the palms of his hand two leafs could be seen hovering and spinning at fast paces. On top of this he had leaves hovering vertically over each of his fingertips each one spinning just as quickly as those hovering over his palms. Suddenly the leaves stopped spinning and quickly shot off and away from him just as Kakashi arrived in a puff of smoke.
Looking at his students Kakashi very nearly sweat dropped upon seeing neither Sakura nor Sasuke noticed his presence. Naruto obviously had seeing as he'd been watching the group for the last ten minutes. He had really been watching Naruto as he spun the leaves and he could tell it was a chakra control exercise, one that he'd never heard of. Making a mental note to ask the blood haired boy about it later he moved into the center of them and cleared his throat smirking as the Haruno and Uchiha jumped in shock at his presence.
"YOU'RE LATE!"
All three males winced at the pink haired girls screech and judging by the barely suppressed killing intent he felt Naruto obviously hadn't liked it.
"Sorry I had to help a few people subdue a giant hell cat." Said the man with an eye smile.
"LIAR!" exclaimed Sakura once again causing all the males to wince.
"Ok here's how the test will go." Said Kakashi catching the attention of the gennin as he pulled out two silver bells.
"Your objective for you guys to get these bells from me within the next two hours, whoever fails to get one will fail." Said Kakashi causing the gennin to look up at him sharply.
"However the catch is I only have two bells. This means that no matter what one of you will be heading back to the academy. On top of this that person will be tied to one of those logs while I allow the others to eat these lunches." Said the masked man causing two stomachs to rumble.
'Wow they actually followed that stupid suggestion.' Thought Naruto his face not giving the slightest hint at his inner thoughts.
"Now then you guys are free to use any weapon or jutsu you can in order to get the bells."
"Are you sure about that sensei, we could hurt you." Said Sakura causing Naruto to snort.
"Anyway if any of you are hoping to get the bells from me than come at me with the intent to kill. Ready…Go."
Almost as soon as the word was said a cloud of dust was kicked up as the three gennin disappeared.
'For fresh graduates they at least know how to hide, just not very well.' Thought Kakashi while pulling out a small orange book.
He'd already spotted Sakura to his left hidden within some bushes her bright pink hair giving her away easily. Sasuke was hidden deeper within the forest in front of him but he could still since his chakra signature. It was only finely tuned instinct that had him jumping to the side barely dodging the sword that had very nearly ran him through.
Moving quickly he was able to tuck his book away and whip out a kunai in time to block the follow up. As the two blades locked Kakashi was surprised with the strength Naruto held behind his attack as even with one hand he was forcing him to use a full quarter of his full strength. Not only that but the kid obviously new the 'Silent Step', a technique only ANBU members and Hunter-nin were taught that allowed them to move without their feet making a sound.
Kakashi's eye widened as Naruto suddenly disappeared in a puff of smoke blinding him for a second. Still his ears easily caught the sound of weapons flying through the air allowing him to avoid it with a quick usage of Kawarimi no jutsu leaving a log to be pierced by the hail of weapons.
'Sending in a shadow clone to distract my while he made his escape. This kid definitely isn't the dobe his file says he is.' Thought Kakashi before once more pulling out his book.
From her position nearby Sakura stood shocked at what Naruto had done. Somehow he had learned how to make a solid clone instead of the illusionary clone taught within the academy. Quickly getting over her shock she turned away from the scene and dashed away to do what she always did, try to find Sasuke. Not two minutes later the pink haired girl slid to a halt as she stumbled across Kakashi leaning casually against a tree. For a few moments she just stood there before sigh9ing in relief when he didn't look up from his book and began trying to tip toe away.
'Who does she think she is, Bugs Bunny?' wondered the masked jounin idly as he watched her out of the corner of his eye.
"Psst Sakura."
Turning at the sound of her name she looked over only to see a swirl of leaves. A rustling in the bushes quickly caught her attention though and turning towards it she brightened immensely upon seeing Sasuke emerge from the bushes only to pale upon seeing multiple kunai embedded into his flesh. The sight of this caused her to do the first thing that came to her mind, scream and pass out.
Moving away from the unconscious Sakura, Kakashi giggled quietly as he once again leaned up against a tree with his nose buried within his book. It was only because of the presence of his mask that his blush remained hidden as well as the blood trickling from his nose. So engrossed was he in his book that he ignored the whistling sound that usually accompanied flying weapons, at least until they nailed him in the side.
From his position Sasuke smirked as his weapons pierced the flesh of the preoccupied jounin. That smirk however quickly died as he saw Kakashi turn into a skewered log. Seeing this he was quick to flee from his spot knowing he'd already given away his position.
"Going somewhere?"
Sasuke froze hearing the voice but quickly smirked as he turned to face the masked jounin.
"Hmph I'm different from those two."
"Say that after you manage to get a bell." Said Kakashi dismissively.
Almost immediately after he said this the raven haired youth launched himself forward throwing a punch that the jounin easily knocked aside. Undeterred the Uchiha threw a flurry of punches at the masked jounin only for each of them to be blocked. As his next punch was knocked away the boy swung with the momentum lashing out with a kick that forced the jounin to lean his upper body back to dodge. Seeing this and continuing with the momentum of his spin the Uchiha made a grab for the bells only to have his arm grabbed and be tossed away. Recovering quickly the Uchiha was quick to run through a chain of seals ending with the tiger.
'A fire jutsu, there's no way a gennin should have the chakra for that.' Thought Kakashi with his single eye going wide.
'Katon: Goukakyu no jutsu' thought Sasuke his chest swelling before he breathed out a large ball of fire.
Panting after the use of his jutsu Sasuke allowed a smirk to cross his face. At such close range he had no doubt that his attack had hit dead on. As the smoke cleared his smirk faded as he found nothing but scorched ground in front of him. Before he could do more than glance around him a pair of hands grasped his ankles and he was pulled into the ground until only his head remained visible and Kakashi appeared in front of him.
"It seems you are different than the others. However being different doesn't mean your better."
Sasuke simply smirked before he disappeared in a puff of smoke causing Kakashi's eye to widen. As this happened a spike of chakra had him turning only to see a single shuriken multiply into fifty just before they came down on him. From his position Naruto cursed, his newly enhanced eyes easily catching Kakashi as he disappeared in a puff of smoke. In less than a second he turned and drew his sword only to have his face caved in by Kakashi's fist. As he hit the ground Kakashi's eye widened as the boy turned into a pile of wood.
'That was…'
"Tajuu Kage Bunshin no jutsu."
Broken up from his thoughts Kakashi found himself surprised once more as he found himself surrounded on all sides by Naruto clones. Everywhere he looked a Naruto was standing whether on the ground in the trees and even on the trees. Suddenly Kakashi found himself thrown forward hard enough to see stars as he was shoulder tackled from behind and as if that was some signal the rest of the clones surged forward. Three more Naruto's quickly raced forward each sliding under him before giving him a rising kicks the combined might launching him into the air.
In the trees Sakura and Sasuke could only watch on in shock as Kakashi was knocked around like a pinball before he was sent slamming into the ground with enough force to make a crater five feet deep. Naruto smirked at his handy work only for it to die as Kakashi fell into a pile of mud. Before he could even begin to look for the one eyed jounin the sound of the alarm ringing caught his attention just before Kakashi landed in front of him panting heavily.
Five minutes later found Kakashi eyeing the three would be gennin as they leaned against the training logs in the center of the training ground. In the center Sakura sat glaring at the silver haired man who'd tied her to the training post.
"It seems Naruto will be the only one to return to the academy…" Started Kakashi causing the former blonde to narrow his eyes at the man.
"Sasuke and Sakura you two…should quit altogether." Finished the man.
"WHAT WHY SHOULD WE QUIT." Exclaimed Sakura only the ropes tying her down keeping her from jumping the silver haired jounin.
"Because you two are just punks that don't deserve to be ninja's."
Before he could say another word Sasuke had charged towards him only to be swiftly pinned to the ground with Kakashi sitting on him while steeping on his head and holding his left arm behind his back.
"That's why you're a punk."
"HEY YOU CAN'T DO THAT TO SASUKE-KUN!"
"Shut up." Snarled the jounin his single eye glaring at the girl icily.
"You two are underestimating what it means to be a ninja. Tell me why do you think you were divided into teams and are doing this training. Have you even grasped the answer to this test?"
"Teamwork." Said Naruto as he leaned against his training post bringing all attention to himself.
"The purpose of this test was to see if we could exhibit the teamwork necessary to become gennin." Sakura scoffed at the words only for her eyes to widen at Kakashi's answer.
"Correct. How did you figure it out?" said Kakashi as he released Sasuke who moved back to his post to brood.
"There were a few points in your briefing that made no since. The first was your suggestion of not eating breakfast under the guise of loosing it. However yesterday you arrived three hours late and if your reputation is anything to go by you are always at least three hours late for anything unless it is a meeting with the Hokage. This means that you told us that with the intention of weakening us to the point that we allowed our hunger to affect our thinking." Stated the red head causing the eyes of his fellow students to widen while Kakashi's narrowed.
"Secondly was your statement that regardless one person would fail this test. This contradicts everything we've already been taught in the academy however as since the founding of this village no gennin squad has had less than four members, the gennin and their jounin instructor. Once again this was done purposely most likely so that you could see if we had what it took to complete the mission regardless of the circumstances. In this case that would mean one of us returning to the academy." Finished the boy with a sigh.
"Are you sure you are Uzumaki Naruto, according to the file I have Uzumaki Naruto would have never thought this out so thoroughly." Stated Kakashi with narrowed eyes.
"Of course it says that. After all I'm the kid everybody loves to hate. Aside from that I've had two weeks to fix the problems caused by the teachers at the academy a chakra reserve to put most jounin to shame and a kinjutsu to make great use of it. All I had to do was lock myself in the library for two weeks." Finished the boy with a smirk.
"Back to the subject at hand Naruto is the only one who exhibited any kind of teamwork. By this I mean breaking the genjutsu I placed on Sakura and saving Sasuke from the head hunter jutsu. Using a combination of henge and Kage Bunshin like that was impressive." Stated the scarecrow causing Sakura's eyes to widen while Sasuke's narrowed.
"Still because you failed to get the bells and only Naruto exhibited the teamwork needed you guys fail." Stated Kakashi only for Naruto to chuckle.
"I don't think so." Said the red head holding up a pair of bells much to Kakashi's surprise. As he looked down his eyes widened finding the bells on his hips turn into acorns.
"I snagged these at the end when I bombarded you with the clones. If you remember three Naruto's slid under you but only two feet hit you. I had used that moment to swap the bells while you were distracted." Finished Naruto as he tossed one to Sasuke and the other onto Sakura's head.
"Of course I also took into account my own situation and decided to get a little extra insurance."
As he said this the boy pulled an orange book from his pouch. Quickly digging into his own pouch Kakashi's eye widened in horror upon finding his book missing.
"I figured I could convince you to let us all pass." Said the boy.
"That's cheating." Said Kakashi.
"I'm a shinobi." Kakashi sighed hearing this, he had to admit the boy got him on this one, that book was brand new and a limited edition.
"Very well Team seven passes. However Sasuke, Sakura you two should know it is only because of Naruto that you pass." With that said Naruto tossed the man his book causing him to sigh in relief.
'That boy's as devious as his mother.' Thought Kakashi.
Flashback no jutsu: Kai.
The room was silent as the gathered shinobi tried to absorb what they had just been told. As jounin each of them was aware of exactly how it was Naruto had earned his hitae-tae. As such they each knew the boy's rightful place was as the dead last of his class. Yet hearing this had each of them questioning that and if what they heard was true then several members of the academy's staff was to blame. After a few more minutes of silence the Sandaime spoke causing all eyes to turn onto him.
"Kakashi I want you to have Naruto report to me immediately after you leave here." Started the old Kage his tone having no room for any nonsense.
"As for the rest of you what you just heard will be classified as a double S class secret. Iruka I want you to investigate the matter concerning Naruto's time during the academy. I want to know who has played a part in sabotaging the boy's education and I want to know yesterday. With the exception of Kakashi any of you are free to help Iruka with his assignment.
Those of you who have not passed a team will have the rest of the week off. Following this however you will be allowed to return to your previous duties. Dismissed."
Ten minutes later found Kakashi and Asuma closing in on a small stand by the name of 'Ichiraku's Ramen.' Apparently Asuma's gennin team had gone there after their test, as had Naruto who Kakashi had sent a Kage Bunshin to follow. It was only as they closed in on the shop that the two could hear the sounds of an argument taking place.
"Stop lying baka there's no way that you're the reason your team passed if anything you guys passed because of Sasuke-kun."
Naruto sighed at hearing Ino's words. She had started up almost as soon as Naruto had finished telling her team how his exam went. Shikamaru and Choji had wisely paid their bills and backed out of the restaurant. Naruto would have followed suit if he didn't have more ramen coming. Since her awakening Kushina was not allowing him to gorge as he used to so he was taking the opportunity as she was allowing him to do so due to passing his exam.
Still the boy said nothing to the girl who had been ranting for the last ten minutes. Instead he silently motioned his adopted sister Ayame to bring him another bowl. Due to the scent of the noodles that had supported him all his life clouding his sense's he was also unaware of the arrival of Kakashi and Asuma. Sitting down his empty bowl he turned to the girl his words halting her ranting.
"Ino what do I have to do to get you to stop?" Asked the exasperated boy.
"Just admit you lied and that Sasuke-kun really did all the work." Said Ino causing the boy to sigh.
"That right there would be a lie though. How about you just ask my sensei when you see him." Said the boy.
Ino paused at that and thought about it before grinning. After all Naruto couldn't have done it so was a pretty sure bet that his sensei would admit that the boy only passed due to Sasuke.
"Fine I'll ask him even though I already know what he'll say. In fact I'm so sure of it I'll be your slave for the rest of my life if, on the very unlikely chance he says otherwise. However when I'm proven right you'll have to be mine." Finished the blonde with a devious glint in her eye.
'With this I'll be sure to win Sasuke-kun, as I can use the baka to keep Sakura away.' Thought the blonde.
"Don't say things like that Ino, especially when you know that you have no plans on following what you say."
"Your just saying that because you'll know you'll lose baka. I on the other hand swear on my hitae-tae that I'll do as I said if I'm wrong."
"You do realize swearing on your hitae-tae is like swearing on your life to the Daimyou. Doing so and not following your word is considered treason, the consequences of which will result in either execution or time in prison." Said Naruto as he eyed the blonde out of the corner of his eye.
"Of course I know that baka unlike some people I actually did my work at the academy! Of course you would be held to the same terms."stated the blonde.
Truthfully though she hadn't known that little tidbit of information but she wouldn't let it sway her. After all she was guaranteed to be right about this.
"Stop trying to persuade her, if she wants to make an ass out of herself let her. besides this way I'm guaranteed grandchildren in the future." Said Kushina causing Naruto's eyes to widen.
'I honestly thought you would be against the idea.' Returned the boy.
"There is much I haven't told you about my son. For one I have had several slaves myself during my lifetime both human and demon alike. This includes pleasure slaves both male and female."
'That was too much information kaa-san, I'm trying to eat.' Returned the boy causing the vixen to laugh.
"I still have much to teach you it seems. That however is a conversation for another time for now accept her terms."
"Fine." Was the red head answer to both women just as Kakashi and Asuma entered the stand, the former giggling while the latter had a scowl on his face.
"Hello Kakashi-sensei." Said the boy his senses returning to him due to the absence of food.
"Hokage-sama wishes to see you immediately." Said Kakashi before bursting out into giggles again.
"Ino you and I are going to go and speak to your parents." Said Asuma catching the girls attention.
"After which your new master will be joining us." Finished Asuma causing the girl to pale.
"Y-you mean…" started the girl stuttering for the first time since Naruto had known her.
"Hai it was Naruto, not Sasuke that was the reason team seven passed." Stated Kakashi.
He didn't even have his book out but this was just too good to ignore. He couldn't help but giggle as Ino paled drastically before turning to glare at Naruto.
"None of that Ino, Naruto tried to convince you otherwise. It's not his fault if you don't know how to listen when people give you advice meant for your best interest." Said Asuma.
"Kakashi can you escort Naruto to Inoichi's when he finishes his meeting with the old man?" asked Asuma getting a nod from Kakashi before he left the stand with Ino dragging behind him.
Naruto meanwhile had finished his last bowl and stood handing Ayame her pay and a rather generous tip. Once he did he and Kakashi left the stand for the Hokage's office.
As always Naruto entered the Hokage's office uninterrupted. While it was true the villagers didn't really like him, he'd always had the support of the majority of the shinobi. While they didn't go out of their way to treat him like a hero they treated him like he was one of them, something he'd always been grateful for. Those who worked in the Hokage's office were especially friendly with him as he was a regular face he had even helped a few of them out with a few task in the past. It was a secret among them that Sarutobi had been teaching the boy the administrative duties of the Hokage for years so that he'd already be prepared the day that he took over as Hokage.
as he entered the office he was surprised to see a member of the ANBU standing inside. This was because the only time he was ever barred entry was when there was a briefing or debriefing going on. He'd even been inside when the man met with the Daimyou several times.
"Ah Naruto-kun I'm happy to see you put your lunch on hold to meet with me." Said Sarutobi though he was still not used to seeing the boy with red hair.
"Of course I came the only time you call for me when I'm eating is when its something important. I'm hoping this isn't about the closet pervert trying to hamper Ko-kun again." Said the red head.
Sarutobi smiled at the boys words. It had only been three days ago that Naruto had meet his grandson Konohamaru who he had quickly nicknamed Ko. There meeting had definitely been one to remember but that was a story for another time.
"No this is actually about what happened during your gennin exam. According to Kakashi you were able to create a type of clone that should have been impossible for you to create." Stated Sarutobi causing the boy to raise an eyebrow.
"Jiji you already knew about me being able to use Kage Bunshin." Stated the boy dryly causing the old man to sweatdrop seeing as Naruto still had his moments.
"I'm talking about a different kind of clone Naruto-kun." Said the Sandaime getting a thoughtful look from the blonde.
"Different clone. I don't remember using any Mizu or Tsuchi Bunshins. Mom won't let me use any Chi Bunshins so it has to be the Moku Bunshin." Mumbled the boy surprising all three shinobi in the room.
"Naruto." Called the Sandaime catching the boys attention only for the boy's eyes to widen as he saw the surprised look gracing his grandfathers face.
"I thought out loud didn't I." thought the boy scratching the back of his head with a sheepish expression.
From her place within her son Kushina was doing the same seeing her son had inherited one of her bad habits. As such both mother and son had the same thought at that time.
'Damn this is gonna take a while.'
AN: That's it for this chapter. Thanks for reading and please review. Until next time LATER.