Chapter One.
Heyo! Welcome to "Naruto: Son of Two Heroes" my very first fanfic and pretty much my first attempt at writing. I tried to polish this as well as possible to make it a good read so please enjoy and let me know what you think!
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, Masashi Kishimoto does. If I did Naruto would have been slightly smarter.
Summary: AU. Iruka acknowledges and takes a bigger interest in Naruto much earlier and helps shape Naruto's basic shinobi skills. He unknowingly changes the ninja world forever.
My attempt at preserving the world we had up to the end of the Pain arc. No biggest jutsu wins battles here. Rated M for Thirteen year olds killing people, adult themes, and strong language.
Smart, strong and eventual seal master Naruto.
"Naruto!"
"Heh, found you Iruka-Sensei!" A Nine year old Naruto said to the scarred chunin.
With a swift firm smack to the back of the head, Iruka shouted back, "I found you, you idiot!"
"..." eyes to the ground Naruto didn't say a word.
"Naruto...when are you going to take your studies seriously?" Frowning, Iruka continued, "At this rate you'll fail the academy, Naruto."
With a faint mumble Naruto responded, "...it's not like they listen to me."
"Say again?"
"They don't listen to me! They look down on me and ignore me and go out of their way to make my life hard...I've tried Sensei, I really have!" Naruto frowned and sighed, "I can't learn when they won't teach me."
"Naruto..." Iruka sighed.
Flashback
"Iruka...""Yes Lord Third?""Naruto.. is a very special boy, a boy who I have no doubt has the potential to be the most gifted Shinobi ever produced by the hidden leaf. However talent, like using water for power, must be tapped and cultivated to be molded into something greater.""T-the... most gifted Lord Third?" Iruka replied, eyes wide."Iruka, what I'm about to tell you is an S class secret, known only to six people in this village. I tell you because you have shown to me you care for the boy.""..L-lord Hokage are yo-" With a stern tone, Hiruzen cut him off. Iruka's eyes shot wide and his mouth would have dropped open, were it not for his restraint as a Shinobi. "The son of Lord Fourth...and all this time we've..."
"Indeed it was Minato's wish for Naruto to be seen as a hero..." Hiruzen sighed, "I may have failed Minato, but I will not fail young Naruto. Please Iruka instruct him to the greatest of your ability and lay the foundation for him to become a splendid Shinobi."
Flashback end
"Alright then!" Iruka suddenly shouted.
"Uh Sensei?"
"Naruto do you wish to learn, and become a splendid Shinobi?"
"Of course! I really do wanna learn, Sensei! But do you... do you really think I can be a good ninja?"
Iruka smiled down at the boy, ruffled his hair, and replied, "Naruto, I believe you have what it takes to not only become a wonderful Shinobi, but also the greatest Hokage."
Naruto's eyes widened at that statement, and for the first time, he felt the determination and resolve in him harden into something he knew that was completely unbreakable. Little did Iruka know, he had just placed Uzumaki Naruto on a path that would later become one of legend.
"Alright Naruto, meet me outside the academy an hour after classes are out every day. Got it?"
"Yes, Sensei!"
Three year time skip...
Over the next three years, Iruka gave extra training and lessons to Naruto to help him catch up on what he had been missing because of the bias academy teachers. Iruka taught the basics of Shinobi to Naruto: Tai, Nin, and Genjutsu. Although, as it turns out, Naruto is terrible at Genjutsu, and it seems he may actually be incapable of it.
However, Iruka learned many things about the once thought dead last. By now, he had raised to number two in the class, just behind Uchiha Sasuke. Naruto, as it turns out was quite a bit more like his father than Iruka ever could have originally thought. It seemed now that he was no longer desperate for attention or any sort of acknowledgement. He had put aside his exuberant, brash, and inattentive actions, and began to lose his lack of formality or social standings.
Naruto's true personality with a proper adult influence in his life had become something quite akin to his father's. He seemed to be more perceptive and collected. For the most part, he was respectful, but could still be overly excitable and quick tempered. He still possessed his indomitable spirit and fierce ambition that drove him through all his choices in life. He is of unwavering loyalty to Konoha and his precious people. The young Uzumaki proved to be mature and very serious. He had also shown to have a sharp wit, carefully thinking before acting and able to see the underlying nature of the situation at hand, while, for the most part, remaining calm and collected. He had since changed his clothing styles and upgraded his gear. Along with these changes, he had let his hair grow to the point that it had started to imitate Minato's. It was a wonder why the villagers never noticed the uncanny resemblance.
One of his greatest strengths was when it came to close range combat. He had surprised his faithful instructor with his talent. The most impressive part was his seem-less mastery over the substitution. The scarred chunin had never seen someone use the technique in such a way before. Naruto's style of combat has become truly unique in a way completely unexpected. Through the use of lighting fast substitution with Kunais he'd found a way to almost instantaneously close a gap in close quarters as well as get behind his foe in seconds. The only problem Naruto had with his new technique was replacing himself with something so small was extremely taxing on his stamina and his chakra reserves. If he didn't focus enough during the execution, an unnecessary amount of residual chakra would slam back into his chakra coils, putting immense strain on them. Effectively semi-handicapping his super trump-card.
Naruto had undergone almost brutal training on chakra control from his instructor to try to get the clone jutsu down. In the end after finally being able to do the leaf sticking exercise, the boy was able to make the clone if done in sets of four.
Among the many accomplishments Naruto had made in the past three years, one was very special to him. His first real friend. And the second person to acknowledge him. Even though the bastard would never admit it. Sasuke acknowledged Naruto's skill, not that Naruto gave him much of a choice. They met up for spars or jutsu practice almost every day before or after the academy.
Together they had honed their taijutsu to near perfection, along with drilling chakra control into their skulls. Unless at the training grounds they never talked very much. It had also been pretty difficult for the rest of the students of the academy to accept that the one person Sasuke talked to was Naruto.
A dull thunk was heard as a small male academy student landed in the dirt. "Winner Inuzuka Kiba!" Came the loud and authoritative voice of Umino Iruka.
A loud laugh rang out for the victorious boy, "Yeah anyone else want some!?" Kiba stood in the fight circle with a feral grin on his face.
"I'll happily take my chances" a calm voice called out, belonging to one Uzumaki Naruto. Walking out toward the fighting mat, standing at a solid five foot two inches tall Naruto, was about equal in height with his classmates and in some cases he was physically taller than some students. A long overdue change up in his diet was practically forced upon him by Iruka, although he still managed to put down at least three bowls of ramen each day.
Dressed in a black T-shirt with orange stripes in the middle of the sleeves, metal arm protectors, leather straps around his back and chest, and dark pants, Naruto really did look the part of a shinobi.
"Do you have the energy to run another match Kiba?" Asked the scarred chunin, with a slightly concerned look.
"For a scrub like Naruto?" Kiba laughed, "Of course I do, Sensei." Kiba cracked his knuckles with a predatory grin.
"Act cocky all you want Kiba, I respect your skill but you and I both know it's been a year and a half since you've beat me in a spar. I'm no scrub." Naruto countered with a half smile.
"Alright Naruto vs Kiba" Iruka announced and held up his hand, "ready?"
A resounding "yes" from both boys was heard.
"Begin!"
Instantly Naruto was on Kiba, charging in with a burst of speed to send a right hook at the dog whisperer. Kiba was put on the defensive, but the boy was no push over. Considering his training in his family's Taijutsu, he was one of the best in the academy, but Naruto's hard work and inherently prodigal mind had turned him into a polished and effective neutralizer. Kiba threw a hard right cross at Naruto who let it hit, but only to grab Kiba's arm and slam him to the ground. Two quick consecutive hits to the back of the head on the way down sent Kiba's head reeling with stars in his eyes. Managing to right himself and continue fighting, he charged in at Naruto, connecting his fist to his targets abdomen. Taking the hit he launched back observing the feral boy. Naruto waited for him to re-initiate. The marked boy rushed in low and attempted to sweep out the blonds legs. The attack was dodged and he immediately made space, but in a burst of speed Naruto was at his side with a spin kick to his left hip. The sound of Naruto's foot connecting resounded and the feral Inuzuka was sent flying out of the fight area.
"Winner Uzumaki Naruto!" The instructor announced. "Alright make the unison sign." Kiba and Naruto met in the middle and smiled at one another. Quickly making the sign and then letting go, they broke apart. Sliding his hands into his pockets and slowly walking away, Naruto smiled, considering his progress in the last three years.
"I will be Hokage one day, and I'm just one step closer everyday." thought the blonde. As other students began to duke it out, Naruto stood unmoving, staring at the Hokage mountain.
"Oi Naruto what are you doing?" asked a rather large boy crunching on a bag of chips as he spoke. Naruto spun around to face the voice and immediately saw who was speaking.
"Oh, sorry Choji I was just thinking about how hard I had to work to get here and how much harder I'm going to have to work in a week after we graduate." The golden haired boy said with a smile.
"Man, you're so troublesome, Naruto. Working so hard is a drag, I don't understand how you can go at it like that." A spiky ponytailed boy in his trademark lazy and irritated tone.
"Of course you wouldn't understand Shika, your goal in life is to be mediocre. But, me, I'm aiming for the top!" Naruto called out to him with a ear to ear grin.
"Hn, dead last, as if you'll ever hit the top" rang the voice of one Uchiha Sasuke.
"It's been a long time since I've been the dead last Sasu-chan" called Naruto.
"You're still loser though" the black haired boy replied with a glare at the subtle insult.
"Alright, enough you two. Class is over, everyone head home" called out the chunin instructor.
"Later guys!" Naruto called out as he took off down the street.
The blond academy student made his way toward training ground fourteen, one that wasn't often used by anyone in Konoha's shinobi forces. Made up of a medium sized clearing with a small stream running through it, it was a quiet and secluded space. Naruto approached the water and slowly stepped onto it to continue practicing water walking. With his high chakra reserves, the Hokage and Iruka-Sensei had deemed it best that he learn tree climbing due to his high need for chakra control. Later down the line he had seen a few Leaf nin sparing in another training ground and had watched as they ran across water. Logically he deduced that the tree climbing exercise would be practical for use of walking across water.
Over the course of the next four months, he had practiced to the point he could steadily walk on water but still needed to concentrate fairly hard in keeping his chakra in check. His goal now was to do it subconsciously.
He began throwing kunai at targets he had set up, simultaneously moving across the water, but halted when he sensed a chakra signature appear behind him.
"Can I help you Neko-san?" He asked to said ANBU agent as she appeared seemingly out of thin air. They had long since stopped being surprised at his ability to sense them.
Flashback The Hokage chuckled and look down at Naruto "No, no, my dear boy. It's just uncommon. It seems you have a fairly rare ability among shinobi." Naruto's facial expression went from concerned to shocked and then to excitement. "A rare ability? No way! Do I have a sweet awesome bloodline technique or something!? I knew I was the best ya know!" Chuckling again with a grin of his own but speaking in his professor voice, Sarutobi started, "No, no, young man. Not a bloodline, but you do seem to be a sensor. This is quite a convenient ability to have for a shinobi, you can sense chakra signatures of others around you. Try stretching your chakra ou-.." Clearing her throat rather loudly and interrupting Neko announced her leader, "Hokage-sama please, you are needed urgently by the council, I apologize for my interruption but this is very important."
Naruto sat at the stall in Ichiraku with the Hokage as they chatted about Naruto's schooling. "So Naruto how is your tr-..""Oh hey Neko!" Naruto interrupted the aged shinobi. As a ANBU with a cat mask suddenly appeared behind them."...Naruto, how did you know Neko was here?" Asked the slightly surprised leader."Whaaa? Ohhh, I'm not sure I guess I just kind of.. well knew? I felt her I suppose? Why? Is that strange?" Dawning a look of slight concern the boy asked, "Wait did I do something wrong?"
Flashback end
The ANBU agent looked at the blond and responded, "Lord Third Hokage has requested your presence in the tower. Please, come with me."
"Right. Let's get going then." Naruto said, gaining a serious look on his face as the agent used the body flicker to take them both to the office of the Kage.
"Lord Third, sir." Naruto stated as they entered.
"Ah hello Naruto, I trust you're workin hard in your training? Walk with me, boy." Hiruzen began to walk out the door and head up the stairs to the roof of the tower.
"I am, Hokage-sama. I'm working on my water walking right now. If you don't mind my asking, why am I here?" Naruto asked while rushing to catch up to the elder.
They arrived on the roof overlooking the village. It was sunny and warm with a cool breeze floating through the air. The Hokage passed his gaze over the village and then behind him and up at the Hokage mountain. "Naruto, my boy, you'll be a ninja soon if you pass your test at the academy. Assuming you will and I do believe you are capable, there are many things you need to be informed of."
Naruto dawning a look of confusion and suspicion on his face then asked, "What do you mean by that, sir?"
"There are things you need to know to help with your development as a shinobi and your service to the village. I also intend to, upon your reaching the rank of Genin, inform you of the identity of your mother, my boy." Hiruzen said gaining a softer look and a sad tone in remembrance of Kushina as he finished his statement.
Eyes widening and tears slightly appearing in the corners of his eyes as he began to slightly shake, Naruto peered up at old Sarutobi. "M-my mother Old Man? Y-you knew her? My real mother? You never told me." Taking a deep breath to calm himself he continued, "I'm sure you had your reasons sir, but why did you never tell me?"
"That I did. I knew her quite well in that right. I couldn't tell you because your mother had many enemies. But after you graduate, you will know, my boy." Hiruzen sighed, saddened by the way the boy completely controlled his almost break down, but inwardly gained a new respect for the boy's discipline in his emotions, a key necessity in the life of a shinobi.
Only a week was left before the genin graduation exams. Naruto was slightly excited, but still kept himself well composed. He had finished his water walking training and now had a much better grasp on his chakra control.
He had also gained better mastery of his most prized and favorite technique, the substitution with his kunai. He was now able to do it a total of eight times during spars with Sasuke or training sessions without tearing apart his chakra coils.
He could still use the substitution in its usual implications, like substituting a log with no problems, even after using his kunai substitution. Still, substituting the kunai was very strenuous. He needed to let himself rest afterwards so his coils could expand and cushion themselves for more of the extreme stress the technique would cause.
Honing his taijutsu and ninjutsu skills, Naruto knew that he was ready to take on the exam. He practiced his bunshin and substitution along with his transformation, which he had managed to make entirely solid. The blond decided to spend his week studying, as well as practicing his techniques. It was going to be a long week no matter what, and he had to be at his peak.
A/N: Hey there! I hope you enjoyed. It's my first fanfiction and I'm working on ironing out the wrinkles, but I think I'll get there. I plan for this to probably be a pretty long story. I've got so much thought up already! Any way have a good one! Lemme know what you think in the comments!