Sorry it took awhile. Other than my new laptop breaking, I actually had a good reason this time. I was debating on where I wanted this story to go. Now that I mostly figured out key pointers for this story, I once again have motivation. I didn't want to get ahead of myself and then lose interest because I have no idea on what I should do next. And I was trying to come up with ideas so that this story differs from cannon.

Also, you guys may not like who I chose to be Naruto's team sensei. I actually had the teams figured out, but a review by a guest made me rethink it. I actually loved their suggestion and I've been trying to think out how that would affect the plot, and honestly I think it does more good. Plus, It's not a very common idea. Though most of you will probably figure it out before teams are even announced. Thank you to the guest review, Yuu101cutie, that gave me this idea.

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.

'Roar' Kurama talking to Naruto

'Believe it!' Naruto talking to Kurama/thinking

"Go ninja, go ninja, go" Regular talking

"I'm better than you" Kurama talking in Naruto's body

'Fear me' Kurama's thoughts

"Once upon a time" Flashback

"Lightning Style: False Darkness" Jutsu

Chapter 9

Recap:

When Naruto dispersed his clones, it was already sunrise and Mizuki was beaten into unconsciousness. Naruto stood above the traitor and chuckled at him.

"Sorry, I kind of got carried away." He said and looked over at Iruka, "You okay Iruka-sensei?"

"Yeah." Iruka replied with a smile, "Naruto, come here a minute. I got something I want to give you."

Naruto walked over to his sensei who stood up with some difficulty.

"Close your eyes." He told the blonde.

Naruto hesitate a moment, but complied. He heard cloth being shuffled and felt his goggles being removed and replaced by something else.

"You can open your eyes now." Iruka said and Naruto slowly opened his eyes.

The first thing he noticed was that Iruka was missing his headband and he had the goggles in his hand. His eyes widened when he realized what Iruka did.

"Congratulations, you graduate." Iruka told him with a kind smile, "And to celebrate I have a surprise. We're going out to ramen tonight."

Naruto stared in shock before a grin slowly formed on his face.

"Iruka-sensei!" He exclaimed and tackled the man in a hug.

'Congratulations kit. You've earned it. I couldn't be more proud.' Kurama's voice sounded in his head.

Naruto's grin widened when he heard the voice of his tenant.

'Thanks, nii-san.'

End recap:

Naruto sighed as he walked through the village. It was morning now and people were starting to leave their houses and venture around the village.

'That fight with Mizuki took longer than I thought, I wasn't able to go hang out with Hinata-chan and her family. I might as well go now. They should be awake.' Naruto thought as he turned down a street and headed towards the Hyuuga compound.

'Though it didn't go as planned. At least you graduated.' Kurama spoke up.

'Yeah that's true. By the way, why did you go silent during the fight? I was really worried when you wouldn't reply back to me. What happened?' Naruto asked his tenant who sighed.

'Mizuki just got to me, that's all.' The fox replied.

'Care to explain?' Naruto questioned.

'He's right. I killed Iruka's parents and yours. I destroyed so many families, father would be very disappointed in me.' Kurama admitted.

'But, you were being controlled. It wasn't like you did it on purpose.' Naruto told him.

'Maybe so, but it doesn't matter. It was still me. I can still remember doing it. If I wasn't so angry, then maybe I could've had better control of myself. Maybe I could've resisted.'

'Kurama, it's in the past. You made a mistake and now you're doing everything in your power to fix it.' Naruto reasoned.

'I guess you're right. Thank you, Naruto.' Kurama replied with a genuine smile, even though the blonde couldn't see it.

'Anytime nii-san.' Naruto told him.

'By the way, can you let me out? I have an appointment with the hokage.' Kurama asked as silence descended the two.

'Sure. But why do you have an appointment with jii-jii?' Naruto asked curiously.

'I have no idea. He just told me to come by his office today.' Kurama shrugged.

Naruto walked into an alleyway and looked around to make sure no one was near him. He then made a couple hand signs while channeling Kurama's chakra into the jutsu.

"Bijuu Bushin no Jutsu"

A cloud of smoke appeared and when it dispersed, a man stood in its place.

He had short crimson hair that reached a little below his ears while his bangs were swept to the right. He had crimson colored eyes with black slits in them. He was wearing a long sleeved reddish-orange shirt with two black, horizontal lines on the front. He had on black pants and was also wearing no shoes. The man then grinned, showing off his sharp fangs that went along with his thick, black whisker-like markings.

"Ahh that's much better." The man said as he did a few stretches.

"Have fun with your meeting Kurama, I have to see Hinata-chan and the others." Naruto said as he turned and walked away.

"Thanks brat. And see ya later." Kurama grinned as he jumped away towards the hokage monument.

Naruto and Kurama discovered this little trick a few weeks ago. If Naruto uses Kurama's chakra while making a clone and if the fox puts forth the effort, he can take the place of the clone. In this form, Kurama has access to all his chakra if Naruto allows him to, but he cannot revert to his fox form. And if the fox puts enough chakra into it then it will be near impossible for it to pop. It was only a few days ago that they showed the Sandaime this trick and he immediately arranged for a meeting with Kurama alone when an idea formed in his head.

Naruto shook his head as he walked to the Hyuga compound. The things jinchuuriki can learn if they'd only try. Most jinchuuriki either ignored their bijuu and takes their power, or they try and befriend or make a deal with them. They never think outside the box when using the bijuu chakra. In a way, it's like having a kekkai genkai. Not even Kurama knew about the things that were possible when using the bijuu chakra.

As Naruto continued his walk to the Hyuga's, he looked around at the village. It was weird to walk around without everyone glaring at him. There were still many, but not as many as before. It looks like the third knew what he was doing afterall. Naruto had his doubts about the old man being able to change his situation, but he did.

"Naruto-kun what are you doing here?" Naruto looked at the person who was talking to him.

It was Hinata.

"Hinata-chan? I must have gotten lost in thought again. I was on my way to come visit you and the others. If that's alright with you that is." Naruto told her.

"Of course Naruto-kun! You're always welcomed. Father said so himself. We were expecting you yesterday, did something happen?" She replied.

"Nothing I couldn't handle. Don't worry about it. I'll tell you later." He said and Hinata nodded.

They continued to walk down the road.

"So why are you out in the village?" Naruto asked and she shrugged.

"I just went out for a walk. Father was lecturing Hanabi about how to behave and Neji-nii-san was training."

"So what did Hanabi-chan do?" Naruto asked in curiousity.

"She thought it was a good idea to put bright pink hair dye in the Hyuga shampoo." She answered and Naruto burst with laughter.

"Oh man, that was genius!"

"Yeah, until she got caught. Then she had to clean up her mess and sit through a lecture. You're a bad influence on her, you know that." Hinata said in exasperation.

"It wasn't just me you know." Naruto said indignantly.

"I know, but it was still mostly you and Kurama-kun. I just help with the distractions."

"So what did you do anyway?" Naruto asked her curiously.

"I called a meeting to address my concern over the clans unhealthy obsession with fate." She shrugged.

"And how did that go?" Naruto snorted.

"Well, they said it was fate that dictates our lives and our goals."

"So you got nowheres?" Naruto asked.

"I wouldn't say that. In fact, father and a few of the elders have realised how ridiculous they were being and now there's a huge debate going on about it." Hinata answered.

"Hopefully the clan will change. I was seriously getting worried. Everyone was starting to treat fate like some kind of god that they worshipped and would judge them." Naruto said and Hinata laughed.

"I was thinking the same thing."

"So there was something you wanted to talk to me about?"

"Yes, but not here." Hinata replied as she looked at the people they passed nervously.

"Is something wrong?" Naruto asked in concern.

"No. Nothing like that. It's just personal and Hanabi-chan and Neji nii-san wanted to be there for it."

"Alright. Then let's hurry it up!"

Kurama shook his head as he walked to the hokage's tower. He looked around at the people he passed and the children playing in the streets. He never thought the humans would come this far. None of them did. He didn't realize it back then, but his views on them were very short-minded. He always thought humans were weak and fragile creatures. He looked down on them like insects. They fight over the smallest things, were greedy, and selfish. They looked out for themselves and didn't care what they did as long as they got what they wanted. Humans were despicable creatures that were constantly fighting.

But he was wrong. Sure some humans were like that, nobody's perfect. Humans were actually very complex creatures. They fight for their loved ones and would die for what they believed in. They are loyal, compassionate, and adventurous. They're constantly trying to better themselves, each generation better than the last. He's seen the good and the bad. They fear what they don't understand, but there are those who strive to figure out the unknown. Humans give themselves purpose, a reason to live. Something he himself had to find.

That's what his father tried to teach them. He tried so hard to teach him and his siblings to enjoy life and protect this world. But after his death they all split on their own beliefs.

Shukaku believed that the humans needed to be destroyed for dishonoring what their father stood for and Gyuki believed that the humans were still young and inexperienced. That they had a lot to learn. The others were either somewhere in the middle or believed in something else entirely different.

He himself didn't care. After their father died he didn't care what happened to the world. He thought his siblings were pathetic, constantly fighting about who was right and who was wrong, but he was the pathetic one. He had no purpose, no reason to live. They had something to fight for while he stood back and watched with amusement. His father would be so ashamed of him. Because of his arrogance so many innocents had died. People with families. And he'll never be able to forgive himself for that.

"Sir, do you have an appointment?"

Kurama blinked and was brought back to reality. He looked around in slight confusion.

'I guess I was so lost in thought that I hadn't realized that I reached the tower.' Kurama thought.

"Sir?" The receptionist repeated.

"Huh? Oh right. Yeah I have an appointment." Kurama replied.

"Hold on just a minute mister?"

"Kurama."

"Kurama-san. I'll let the hokage know you're here." She replied before she went up the stairs.

Kurama scratched his arm subconsciously as he waited.

'It's weird not having tails, or fur. Actually, it's weird not being a giant fox anymore.' Kurama sighed as he rubbed his temples. 'How did things become so difficult. Why did that blonde brat have to experiment with my chakra. Well, at least I'm not stuck inside that seal anymore.'

"Kurama-san, hokage-sama will see you now."

Kurama nodded a thanks and and went up the stairs to the hokage's office. He stopped outside and shifted in place. Was he supposed to knock or walk in? It's formal to knock first, but he did have an appointment. Humans were such a complicated species.

"You may enter." A voice said and Kurama opened the doors.

Kurama walked in and shut the doors behind him. The hokage looked at him in amusement and the fox felt his eye twitch.

"Please take a seat Kurama-san. I've already sent away the ANBU and put up privacy seals." Hiruzen said and Kurama did as told.

"You wanted to talk to me old man?" Kurama asked with boredom.

"Yes I did. This may take awhile so I hope you have nothing planned anytime soon."

When Kurama saw the smirk and the mischievous glint in those old eyes, he knew it was going to be a long day.

"Can someone please tell me what this is all about?" Naruto asked with a sweat drop.

As soon as he and Hinata walked into the main house Hanabi showed up and dragged them to a secret location. A room underneath her bedroom, with Neji already inside. Hanabi had blocked the entrance as Neji led him and Hinata to a table with fresh tea.

"We need to talk Naruto-nii-san." Hanabi said seriously.

"About?" Naruto asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Your obvious crush on Hinata-nee-chan of course!" She exclaimed.

"Huh?" Naruto stared at her dumbly.

"There's no use denying it Naruto. I've noticed it as well." Neji continued.

"Hold on you two." Hinata said.

"It's not that we don't like you or anything-"

"Quite the opposite in fact."

"Please stop for minute!"

"It's that you and nee-chan aren't right for each other."

"She likes someone else so you need to let her go."

"We're sorry you had to hear it this way, but-"

"You need to hear this for yourself and for Hinata-sama."

"YOU GUYS SHUT UP!"

Everything was silent as they stared at Hinata in surprise.

"Neji-nii-san, Hanabi-chan, it's not like that. Naruto doesn't have a crush on me." Hinata told them.

"What are you talking about? Of course he does! Why else would he come over here constantly just to see you?! Why would he sneak around the village just to make sure you're safe?! Why else would he blush and stutter whenever you get close or whisper in his ear!? WHY ELSE UNLESS HE HAS A CRUSH ON YOU?! IT'S THE ONLY EXPLANATION!" Hanabi yelled.

"Whoa. Whoa. Whoa. You think I like Hinata-chan?" Naruto asked, puzzled.

"Don't deny it Naruto." Neji replied.

"I don't have a crush on Hinata-chan."

"Then why else would you be doing all that stuff?" Hanabi asked, frustrated.

"Guys please." Hinata begged.

"It's fine Hinata-chan. I mean, it's common sense really." Naruto said.

"What do you mean?" Neji asked.

"I come over here all the time because it's the only place I can go other than Ichiraku's and not feel judged by the village. I sneak around to make sure she's safe because I don't want to risk the village treating her badly because of me. I blush and stutter, as you put it, when she gets too close or whispers because I'm not used to close contact. That and she says the weirdest things in public that it's hard not to laugh."

"It's not that I have crush on her. I just don't want to see her get hurt because of me. And I bet you were so focused on me following her, that you didn't realize that I do the same with you two." Naruto explained and everybody was quiet as the realization sunk in.

"Oh, sorry Naruto-nii-san." Hanabi sighed.

"Yes, I'm sorry I jumped to conclusions." Neji agreed.

"It's alright guys. You didn't know. But what is this I hear about Hinata liking someone?" Naruto asked in curiosity and Hanabi's eyes lit up.

"Oh yeah, I almost forgot! Nee-chan likes someone in your class!"

"Hanabi-chan please stop! Naruto-kun doesn't need to know!" Hinata exclaimed in embarrassment.

"What was his name again?" Hanabi asked herself.

"The Inuzuka I believe." Neji answered with a smirk.

"Kiba?" Naruto questioned in shock before turning to Hinata. "Kiba, really?"

"Yes." Hinata mumbled as she held her head down as her face was beat red.

"How did that happen?" Naruto asked and she shrugged.

"I'm not sure. I just started to notice things about him. Little things, but they added up. And before I knew it, I developed feelings for him." She answered.

"That explains why you're constantly looking at him and why you perk up when you hear his name. Not to mention that you stutter a lot more around him." Naruto realized.

"That obvious huh?" Hinata sighed.

"So if Naruto doesn't have a crush on nee-chan, then who does he like?" Hanabi questioned.

"Nobody! I don't like anybody like that!" Naruto denied.

"Kind of defensive there Naruto." Neji pointed out with a smirk.

"No! I'm just sick of you two butting into my love life!" Naruto exclaimed.

"So you do like someone." Neji determined.

"What are you talking about?" Naruto asked.

"You told us to stop invading your love life, but according to you, you don't have one." Hanabi explained.

"So that means you do like someone, but you don't want to tell us." Neji continued.

"Now the question is who." Hanabi trailed off.

"Will you guys give it a rest?! I don't-"

"Shikamaru Nara." Hinata said suddenly.

"Huh?" Hanabi asked confused.

"Naruto-kun likes Shikamaru Nara, a guy in our class." Hinata elaborated.

"Really?! That's amazing! I never would've guessed Naruto would be gay!" Hanabi exclaimed happily.

"That explains why he doesn't like Hinata-sama and why he refused to tell us." Neji agreed.

"WILL YOU GUYS JUST STOP!" Naruto shouted. "I don't like Shikamaru like that! We're just friends! What is with everyone hounding me about that recently! Between you guys and Kurama, I never get a break!"

"Naruto-kun, we're only trying to help." Hinata told him gently.

"Well I don't need your help! There is nothing between us and there never will be! I should go now, before things get worse." Naruto said as he stood and walked towards the exit.

"You can say that all you want Naruto-kun, but I saw the way you looked at him and you can't change that. Deny it all you want, but you'll only make yourself feel worse." Hinata said and Naruto stopped.

"She's right you know. What I don't know, is why you can't accept it." Neji added.

Naruto walked out the door and didn't look back as he left the compound.

'Why did things have to become so complicated.'

Naruto walked in the direction of his compound, lost in thought. He gave the people he passed not even a glance as he walked along the dirt road. He turned a corner and bumped into someone. Instinctively, he grabbed the person he walked into and prevented them both from falling.

"Naruto?"

Naruto looked at the person he bumped into and let out a sigh.

"Sorry about that Shikamaru. I wasn't paying attention to where I was going." Naruto laughed nervously.

"I could tell. Troublesome blonde." Shikamaru sighed.

Naruto let the other go and rubbed the back of his head.

"So what are you doing out here?" Naruto asked.

"I was taking a walk to get away from my mom. She's been nagging me all day." He answered.

"Oh. What about your father?" Naruto asked curiously.

"He got out of the house as soon as my mom came downstairs this morning. What a drag." The Nara groaned and Naruto snickered.

"So how happy was she when you graduated?" Naruto asked curiously and he snorted.

"She made my favorite food for dinner and let me do whatever I wanted for the rest of the day. Looks like she's making that up today though, troublesome woman."

"Well at least she cares."

"Yeah I guess. By the way, how did your exam go? Did you pass?"

Naruto blinked in surprise at how the Nara's stance changed from relaxed and uncaring, to attentive and moderately serious.

"Well, no. But, I did make it up another way! So in a way, I did pass. I mean I'm graduating, so I did pass, but not in the traditional way." Naruto rambled and he cursed himself mentally.

"I see." Naruto watched as the other boy relaxed again. "Well congratulations I guess. I won't bother asking how you managed it."

"But aren't you curious?" Naruto asked him.

"It would probably be too troublesome. Besides, as long as you passed I don't really care." Shikamaru told him and Naruto felt his face turn red.

"T-Thanks Shikamaru. I-I better g-go. I n-need to go take care of s-something." The blonde stuttered and he took off down the road.

"Troublesome blonde." Shikamaru sighed as he continued on his way, a small smile on his face.

"Why was I stuttering like that? And why did my face heat up? I felt like my heart was going to beat out of my chest!" Naruto continued pacing his living room.

He turned and fell back on his couch with a sigh.

'Why do I feel so weird when I'm around him? Why is it that I notice even the smallest of things about him. Why do I always find myself lost in those dark eyes of his. Are the others right?'

"Do I like Shikamaru?"

"So you'll do it then?"

"Alright fine. It's not like I have anything better to do."

"That's good to hear Kurama-kun." Hiruzen said in delight.

"So what do I have to do?" Kurama sighed.

"We're going to have to test your abilities, but seeing as you have no shinobi training, we'll have to schedule that later so you can be taught. So let's start with which team you'll be getting." The old kage replied.

"I'll take on a genin team, but I get to pick who's on it." Kurama told him.

"We do have the teams set up according to their skills and their personalities. What's wrong with how they're set up." Hiruzen asked curiously.

"It's too predictable! Most enemy ninja will know how to get around teams like these! Especially the Ino-Shika-Cho. And be honest, how well do you know their personalities?" Kurama asked.

"Everything I got was from the academy files." Hiruzen admitted. "I've been too busy fixing this village to see for myself."

"And that's your problem. Ino Yamanaka doesn't like either of them. She's constantly calling the Nara lazy and calls the Akimichi fat. She's all about fashion, good looks, and girly stuff. She's a fangirl for the Uchiha and would rather chase boys than fight. Though there is potential for her. She listens to her betters and keeps to her word. She needs to have an instructor who can beat her flaws out of her and she'll be fine. And the other two are no better. While they work well together and are best friends, they're too lenient on each other as well."

"Shikamaru Nara is lazy and does minimal effort. Yes he's smart, probably the smartest from his clan in a few years, but that won't do any good if he won't put it to good use. He refuses to fight the Akimichi and doesn't want to be hard on the boy. The Nara needs a sensei who can teach him to be serious on missions and not be lazy with how he does things."

"As for Choji Akimichi, the boy is a kind and gentle soul. More so than Naruto, but it clouds his judgement at times. Unless you make him angry, he won't fight, not with his all at least. He's sensitive to how others see him and is ashamed of his physique. He lets the Nara be lazy and doesn't want to upset his friend, or anyone for that matter. He needs someone to teach him how to fight with his heart in it and when it's time to not fight."

"As for the others, they need special help as well that others don't see. Take a look at the tracking team for example. What happens if they get into a situation where they aren't diverse enough to handle?"

"Shino Aburame is intelligent and strategic. He's calm and isn't quick to anger. His emotions don't cloud his judgement and he knows when it's time to retreat. That said, he's so anti-social he can't work well with anybody but his hive. He doesn't want to take the time to explain things to others and doesn't know what is and what isn't accepted by social standards. He likes to be in control and he doesn't know how to improvise well. Someone needs to teach him to act like a teammate and learn to be more social with others."

"Kiba Inuzuka is determined, stubborn, and can be friendly when he wants to. He's kind when he wants to be, helpful, loyal, and will do anything for those he cares for. But he's also brash, hot-headed, and doesn't think before he acts. His emotions cloud his judgement and he needs to learn things he never bothered to pay attention to in class."

"Hinata Hyuga is a strange one. I'm not sure if you knew this already, but she hid her true self like Naruto did. She's confident, smart, kind, gentle, and scary when she's angered. She can also let emotions cloud her judgment though. She still gets nervous over certain things and she'll stutter again if she's in an intense situation. She hates violence and would rather negotiate than fight."

"As for the last team. It's the worst honestly. While I see what you were going for, their personalities clash with what's on paper."

"Sasuke Uchiha is an egotistical asshole who only cares about killing his brother. He's obsessed honestly. He doesn't believe in teamwork and thinks others will get in his way. He thinks the Uchiha are better than everyone by name alone. He actually believes that everyone will bend to his whim because he's an Uchiha. He's quick to anger, has no patience, and his emotions cloud his judgement. But he does have potential. If he can change his attitude. He's smart, determined, and is a quick learner. Whether he can change or not remains to be seen."

"Sakura Haruno is nothing but a fangirl for the Uchiha. She has no ninja abilities and solves everything with her fist. She's constantly out to get in the Uchiha's pants and to beat Ino at everything. There is potential, even if it is a small amount. She's book smart and can pack a punch. She'd be a good medical ninja and genjutsu specialist with her amazing chakra control. Sadly, I'm afraid she'll ignore her talents and continue to follow her 'precious Sasuke'."

"As for Naruto, he's loyal, keeps his word, kind in his own way, and helps anyone he can. He's intelligent and a quick learner. He's understanding and never lets people get to him. He believes in second chances and will give his life for those he cares for. That said, he's also cocky. Extremely so when it comes to those like Sasuke and Sakura, who he believes has no talent what so ever. He wants to save everyone which can cause bad judgement with certain opponents. He can be quick to anger if you push his buttons and tries to handle everything on his own. His heart is in the right place, but he doesn't go about it the right way. He needs an instructor who'll teach him when he can and can't save enemies, and someone who can beat the cockiness out of him."

The Sandaime stared at the bijuu in front of him in thought. The more he thought about it, the more the kitsune was right. All that information would in fact, clash with the teams he had decided upon.

"So how do you believe the teams should be set up?" Hiruzen asked curiously.

"I need to have Naruto on my team. Not because he's my host, but because I'm the only one strong enough to beat his cockiness out of him before it gets him killed. With that in mind. I'd also like to have Hinata and Shikamaru as well. Naruto and Hinata work extremely well together and the Nara would be easy to incorporate. Naruto and myself would make sure the Nara trains and takes missions seriously. As for the young Hyuga, she'd feel at ease. She knows me and Naruto, and Shikamaru isn't intimidating. I can make sure she stays calm in certain situations. Plus, with Naruto being so strong and the Nara's intelligence, I won't have to worry about my own inexperience as a shinobi as much. Naruto is mostly mid-long range with a few short ranged jutsus while Shikamaru is mid-long ranged with his Shadow Possession. Hinata is short ranged with Gentle Fist and can learn a couple things about medical ninjutsu." Kurama explained.

"I see. What about the others?" The Sandaime asked.

"Sasuke should be on a team with Sakura and Kiba. Kiba's pack mentality might rub off on the other two. And Sakura is too obsessed with the Uchiha that I'm afraid she'll be completely useless with anybody else. At least she'll have some motivation this way. As for Sasuke, he won't feel threatened by these two. He'll see them as lower than himself. Kakashi Hatake should lead this team. He can teach the Uchiha about that cursed sharingan and maybe teach them a thing or two about teamwork. Sasuke's a mid-long ranged fighter with some short-ranged taijutsu, Kiba is long ranged with his pup and some short ranged taijutsu, and Sakura is short ranged and could learn medical ninjutsu and genjutsu. Add in Kakashi's mostly mid-short ranged fighting and you have a good team."

"And the last team should consist of Ino, Choji, and Shino. Ino might be able to make Shino more social and Choji's gentle nature should put the other two at ease. Ino's bold personality should be able to cause Choji to work more. Shino could teach Ino respect and to not judge a book by its cover. Your son, Asuma, should lead this team. With his relaxed personality it'll put Choji at ease and might teach Shino to loosen up a little. He might even be able to help Ino enjoy life and teach her there's more than just boys and fashion. Choji is mostly short ranged, Shino is long ranged, and Ino is mid ranged. Add in Asuma who is short-mid range and you have a well balanced team."

Kurama looked at the Sandaime with boredom as he sat there, stunned.

"That actually makes sense. Hold on a minute. I need to write that down." Hiruzen took a pen and notepad and jotted down what Kurama told him.

"So, can I have my team?" Kurama asked once the old man finished.

"Yes, yes. After what you told me, I'd be senile not to." The Sandaime laughed.

"Right." Kurama sweatdropped.

A knock sounded on the door and the door opened.

"Ah, I was hoping you'd drop by today." Hiruzen said as he looked at person who entered.

"You said you wanted to see me?"

"Of course. Kurama meet my son Asuma Sarutobi. Asuma, meet Kurama. He's a new jounin and is going to be assigned a genin team." Hiruzen introduced.

"Hello." Asuma greeted as he walked into the room and Kurama gave a nod back.

"I looked over yours and the other jounin's preferences for genin teams." The Sandaime started.

"And?" Asuma asked.

"I'm sorry to say yours, Kakashi's, and Kurenai's teams have been denied." He answered.

"What why?" Asuma demanded.

"Kurama-kun and I have been discussing the teams and we think this would be better suited." Hiruzen said as he handed the notes to his son.

Asuma looked over the notes while Hiruzen smiled to himself, and Kurama looked on, bored.

"I see why you like this setup, but what about the Ino-Shika-Cho team? It's tradition isn't it? What would the clans think about you breaking it now?" Asuma asked.

"I'll talk to the them personally later. As for it being traditional, that has been causing problems lately."

"What do you mean?" Asuma asked.

"Our enemies have become more aware of the style. They know how to counter it effectively. Sticking to one strategy for too long gets repetitive. And that's dangerous." Hiruzen elaborated.

"What about Kurenai? She's been looking forward to having a genin team." Asuma demanded.

"To be blunt, she's not ready." Kurama intervened and Asuma rounded on him.

"What do you mean not ready?! She's has more experience than you! You just became a jounin!" Asuma said angrily.

"While she may have been a jounin longer than me, I still have far more experience than any of you. I may not be good at being a shinobi, but I am damn good at fighting." Kurama glared at the man." And that's not what I meant. I meant that all she's got going for her is genjutsu. And I'll admit that she's strong, but she's not genin sensei material. She can't teach her team everything they'd need to know."

"But it'll crush her." Asuma sighed.

"Asuma, I know this is difficult, but we are shinobi. The village must come first." Hiruzen reminded him.

"Yes I know." Asuma sighed again.

"Besides, I think she'd be more useful for something else." Kurama said suddenly.

"Oh, what's that?" Hiruzen asked curiously.

"Like I said before. She's the only one with enough genjutsu expertise to teach genin. Even more so than Kakashi. That's why instead of having her own team, she should teach each genin to at least be able to dispel genjutsu. In fact I wanted to talk to her about something later." Kurama explained.

"I see. That's a very good idea. I think Kakashi would agree especially. So Asuma, is this acceptable?" The Sandaime agreed.

"I guess. I still think she'd be a great sensei if given the chance. I'll talk to her about it." Asuma replied before he left the room.

"Nice kid you've got." Kurama said after a moment of silence.

"He has a lot to learn." Hiruzen said and Kurama agreed. "So do you think you can handle all of this?"

"Honestly, I have no idea. I have to try though. Too much is at stake and I can't just sit back in a cage and watch anymore." Kurama replied truthfully.

Thank you guys so much for sticking by this story even though I was bad with uploads and I'll try to get better at it, I just have bad luck.

I wasn't sure how to go about making Kurama form in the outside world, but I tried my best. I personally believe the bijuu can take on any form they want since they are beings made of chakra. The iffy part for me is having Kurama transfer out of the seal.

-akatsuki-espada10