A/N: I don't own Naruto. Rewrite of Tails of Difference going in a completely new direction, hope you all enjoy.

Chapter 1

Hiruzen Sarutobi sat at his desk at the top of the Hokage tower. The paperwork stood stacked up along the desk and he was steadily being buried behind it. A knock sounded from the door and Sarutobi looked up briefly before breathing a sigh of relief. "You may enter." The allowance was brief but the power of it was still resounding off of the walls.

"My old friend, I believe you would know why I am here." An old man uttered as he limped into the room, the cane in his hand clacking occasionally along the floor.

"Indeed, if my guess should be proven right it regards to the want of you to recruit a shinobi from the graduating class for the, if memory serves, the now defunct Anbu branch codenamed Root." The smirk on his face broadened at the jibe against one of his oldest acquaintances in the world. The other old man's sole eye showed some irritation at the reminder of his secret operations for the village weren't always as secret as he had hoped.

"I, Shimura Danzo, would like to not recruit a single shinobi but propose to the venerable Hokage an interesting idea that I think he would find very enticing." Danzo's face had been devoid of emotion as soon as he had started to speak but a brief flare of victory and smugness was visible to Sarutobi's aged eye.

Sarutobi leaned back into his chair for a brief second before pushing away from his desk and standing. His aged hands quickly found the old carved pipe that rested on the right hand side of his desk. It was lit quickly as he took a deep puff off of it and stood facing the window highlighting the village but most importantly the Hokage monument. Danzo quickly found his way next to Sarutobi and gazed out at the village they both had sacrificed so much for. "Danzo, what are you planning? I don't believe any of the up and coming shinobi of this class really personifies anything that would make Root beneficial to them or the village."

Danzo cut his left eye over to Sarutobi and he took a deep breath. "I know. That is why I am not seeking that one of them being left for a Root agent to pick up and have them indoctrinated. They all possess too much of the flare for the dramatic or not enough battlefield intelligence to make them worthwhile. I do have an idea, shall we say, that should appeal to you Hiruzen. What if the Yami no shinobi and Kami no shinobi came together one last time upon the battlefield? An exquisite fight to a glorious death ensuring Konoha makes it through to the next age. We are too old to do the front line fighting, but we are not too old to pass down the techniques and the wills of our senseis."

"It is interesting indeed, but you know the council would call favoritism if either of us, let alone both, took a team on at this stage. Most of the up and coming students of this class are clan heirs or second-in-lines for the clan."

"That is why we still assign the pupils I have a hunch about to the great Kakashi no Sharigan. He will act as the sensei throughout the village whiles he, as well as us, will train the children in secret in Tobirama-sensei's old private grounds. Think of it, it could be the answer to the problem of their being an odd number of students. A four-man cell that will receive the good and the bad in training form creating the perfect rounded front-line enemy demolitions team. It will be a team of talented shinobi that could be the first and only line of defense in certain areas that free up other teams that aren't necessarily front-line fighters to be in their proper support roles. The fourth member could be one that is entered into training so that Tsunade-hime's idea from before the incident that drove her away would raise the team's chances of survival.

Sarutobi puffed on his pipe in silence for a few more moments. "Who would you suggest would be on this team?" He glanced sideways at Danzo as he took another drag of tobacco smoke and blew the smoke out through his nose. "Also, what are the qualifications that each would have for their roles in the team?'

Danzo smirked again as he produced a sheet of paper from the inside of his kimono's overcoat. "I would like to request that each member be as presented: Haruno Sakura, Uchiha Sasuke, Koguma Chiisai, and Uzumaki Naruto." He took a deep breath and noted the mint-like smell from the pipe in Sarutobi's hand, and realized the relaxing type sensation that it gave to the atmosphere. 'Well played, old friend, I doubt many would realize that their senses were being dulled and guards lowered so easily by just having a refreshing, soothing smell coming from the office of the Kami no Shinobi.' He nodded at Sarutobi as he continued, "Haruno-san is the interesting one in shinobi potential. She has the book-smarts that many ninjas lack, but needs to be rebuilt from the ground up in the physical conditioning side of things. I could have her train as the team medic and support role so that her overall development would enhance the development of the team. Otherwise, I see her as a third-wheel type on any of the other possible team combinations that would stagnate until her sensei wised up and sent her into the medic or genjutsu departments."

Hiruzen smiled and nodded as well. "Yes, she does seem to fit quite well into the role of Tsunade's desire for a fourth team member that would be a battle-field medic. Also, the last few student evaluations have noted her extreme chakra control."

Danzo conceded the point and continued on. "Koguma is a natural at the arts of taijutsu and weapon usage. While the other two boys have a potential in the mid-range category, he is destined to excel at the close-range front. He would bring balance to the others propensity for longer attacks. I would have seen him as a perfect pupil candidate for Maito Gai if Gai-san didn't already have a team." Danzo paused and readied himself mentally and physically for the proverbial plunge he was about to take considering the last two potential students for the team he was lobbying towards creating. "Uchiha would lean towards the arts of his clan which, while formidable taijutsu practitioners, lie heavily in the gen- and ninjutsu departments. I would believe that he would be good for the team in that he could hit the enemy leaders with directed genjutsu and then he as well as the others would then be able to strike first with blanket area ninjutsus that would devastate moral. I would also suggest that he go through a basic psychological evaluation and some emotional conditioning to weed out disloyalty to the village and detrimental mindsets to himself."

Hiruzen grunted in agreement to the two evaluations he had just heard. "I agree with Koguma-kun. He has been diverse in his studies and relationships with all those in the academy, but has yet to find his notch to fit into because there are no heavily-reliant taijutsu users at the academy. Uchiha Sasuke could also be very formidable if we build him in this way instead of just a ninjutsu tank that most of the Uchiha tended to favor. Now, what about Uzumaki-kun?"

"Uzumaki is the, for lack of better wording, chakra battery of the team. He already has an excessive amount of chakra that he can throw around like it was nothing. He would be the team's pure ninjutsu specialist that would be fortified through the use of some weapons and taijutsu training. Also, with his heritage, we could mold him in the fuinjutsu department that would stay with his unpredictable nature. A true Uzumaki in just about every sense of the word while also still hiding his jinchuriki status and lineage on his father's side. His loyalty, despite some lesser treatment by general populace, is outstanding. He could outdo many of the active shinobi in the dedication that he shows towards this village." Danzo stopped when Sarutobi opened his mouth to speak and lowered his eyes slightly to show his obeisance to Sarutobi's desire to speak.

"Would it be wise for him to not know about his status? I believe it is time for him to be told. It would also help team cohesion if they were all made aware of the stance that Naruto is the jinchuriki and that while all are important to this village, Naruto-kun is not to be lost."

"Exactly, Hiruzen, in that the team should know Uzumaki is not to be lost, but I as a counselor can only advise the honorable Hokage about whether or not they should all know about his jinchuriki status. It might be smart to break the news to him after his upcoming graduation."

"Go on, then, about what all you think the team could handle."

"All of them will be made at least proficient in the three main styles of shinobi fighting, and would all be allowed to test, under Root supervision, the use of several different types of personalized weapons and see what holds the best fit for their styles of fighting and allow them to incorporate them into daily use." Danzo stopped here and made to turn around. "I will be available at the Hokage's call when the decision is made on whether this humble shinobi's request is approved or denied. Thank you for your time Hokage-sama."

"Thank you, Danzo, for your interesting insight and I will let you know by the end of graduation on what will be done according to these students that you have brought to my attention." Sarutobi continued to gaze out the window towards the monument until he heard the door shut to his office. He turned his head slightly and confirmed Danzo's departure before heaving a sigh and moving back to his desk. "A shinobi team with the Will of Fire and the bloodied hands of an Iron Heart. That will be something to see."

At the Academy

Iruka stood in front of his students as the day was winding down. "Alright, kids, it's time to test on your knowledge of the Henge technique." A groan greeted his statement but everyone in the class started to file into the line to test as they all knew the routine for Academy classroom procedure. It all seemed to go fine until a slightly smaller boy with blonde hair made his way to the front of the line.

"Henge!" His shout was accompanied by a puff of smoke that concealed him for a moment. When he emerged it was in the form of an older teenage girl that had blonde pigtails and shining blue eyes. She was naked except for puffs of cloud that obscured her chest and groin areas. Iruka shot back from a nosebleed before hitting his head against the chalkboard. The blonde turned back into his normal form before chuckling and saying, "Ha! I got you Iruka-sensei. The mighty Sexy Jutsu that cannot be defeated has claimed another victim from the veteran shinobi forces."

"Na-ru-to!" Iruka instantly shot to his feet and the blonde was already quickly on his way out of the door as the school-bell rang. "Class, be prepared for the graduation testing that will take place the day after tomorrow." The children sighed in relief as they started to file out of the doors. "Oh, and you have tomorrow off to practice anything that you have been desiring to improve for the test." This statement was greeted with cheers from the students as they started to sprint from the classroom, some not knowing that their futures were being discussed in the Hokage tower by their future military leader and one of his confidants.

Ichiraku Ramen Bar

Naruto sat on a stool as he waited Teuchi's bringing of his first bowl of ramen. The serenity of the ramen bar was soothing to the boy, a safe refuge in a dangerous village. His day was only looking up from here even as he heard Iruka-sensei sit down. He turned and immediately noticed that his sensei's scar that ran across his nose was pinched together at the ends slightly in exasperation. "Naruto, how do you always cause problems just in time for you to escape?" Naruto laughed in response as Teuchi put a miso-pork ramen in front of him.

"The best always have an escape route planned. I thought you were teaching us to be the kick-ass, super ninjas. Super ninjas can't be caught, Iruka-sensei." Naruto looked at the man he considered his older brother. Iruka had been strict as a sensei but was the only sensei that had reached out to him after classes to make sure that he was alright and developing as a good person.

"Touché, Naruto. Now, what does the little genius suggest by way of ramen?" Iruka smiled and ruffled Naruto's hair as they sat in silence. Naruto looked up to Iruka and smiled conveying as much respect for the man as he could. Dinner at the ramen bar continued in peace with a warm atmosphere that made both wonder if this is the family that they had been missing all these years.

Two Days Later- Hokage Tower

Naruto crept silently towards the Hokage's archive. The shadows played strongly to his prankster nature that had strengthened his stealth skills to high chunin-low jounin levels. The scroll he was looking for was very easy to spot from the doorway, almost too easy. Naruto slid along the wall as he circled the podium that had a large red scroll with the kanji for forbidden running along the middle of it. 'Too easy, that has to be a set up. Common misdirection for outside sources that aren't used to the tower's set-up.' Naruto looked left and saw a larger green scroll that was placed diagonally in a book case that was in the furthest back from any of the windows and the door. He made a bee-line for that bookcase and stooped down to pick it up. "Graduation here I come."

A creak echoed down the hallway outside the archive and Naruto shot ram-rod straight. He finished securing the scroll to his lower back and crept closer to exit in an effort to prepare for a quick escape. The Hokage walked through the door into the archive and immediately his eyes cut to where Naruto was trying to hide. "What are you doing, Naruto-kun?"

"Sexy Jutsu!" This yell was immediately greeted with the Hokage flying back from a nosebleed. He was stunned into the inability to respond as thoughts of naughty blonde secretaries that had been planted by a certain orange book that was plaguing the community of Konoha. "Yes! Even the Hokage cannot withstand the awesome that is personified by me, Naruto Uzumaki." Naruto rushed from the tower and headed straight for the clearing that had been designated by Mizuki-sensei to meet up at.

He opened the scroll along the ground that was being overshadowed by the little cabin-like structure that stood at the back of the clearing. The scroll opened to the first few jutsus immediately. "Ok, Mizuki-sensei said to pass I had to learn one of the techniques, but I bet if I learn two techniques that I could be put back on top as the Rookie of the Year." He immediately looked down and started to read. "Shadow Clone Jutsu sounds alright and I think this Wind Style: Vacuum Wave Jutsu sounds awesome." Naruto settled in to train and was unaware of the hours that passed.

Iruka came sprinting into the clearing. "Naruto! You have to return the scroll now!" He was breathing heavy as he tried to calm himself and keep Naruto from being in danger. "That scroll is forbidden and there are several people looking for you to beat you down and return the scroll."

"But Iruka-sensei, Mizuki-sensei said if I could steal the scroll and learn a jutsu then I get to pass the exam." Iruka's head snapped immediately up as chuckling broke out from the tree-tops around them. Mizuki came from the shadows at the top of the tree just above Naruto. He swung a large fuuma shuriken down at Naruto. The impact that was expected never came as Iruka appeared in front of Naruto and took the hit for him.

"I'm surprised you would put yourself on the line for that demon, Iruka. He is the one that holds the nine-tailed demon fox that killed your parents." Mizuki's eyes held a crazed gleam as he readied his only remaining fuuma shuriken and prepared to throw at the incapacitated Iruka and shell-shocked Naruto.

"I know he holds the nine-tailed demo fox, but he is my little brother. I believe that he will be Hokage, and that he will be the greatest protector of the village of Konoha." Iruka's voice was strained and blood leaked lightly from the side of his mouth.

"You hurt Iruka-sensei, and for that I'll Kill You!" Naruto's eye flashed red for a brief second before his hands flew into the cross hand seal. "Shadow Clone Jutsu," about twenty copies of Naruto poofed into existence and immediately rushed Mizuki.

The beat-down only lasted for a few seconds before a pulp that resembled Mizuki emerged and collapsed into blessed unconsciousness. "Good job, Naruto. Now, close your eyes real quick." Naruto obeyed Iruka's request almost immediately and he felt his goggles leave but quickly return to his forehead. "Ok, open your eyes again, Naruto." The world was still heavily shadowed but something looked different.

"Iruka-sensei, why do you have my goggles on your forehead?" Naruto started to feel his forehead when Iruka answered.

"You passed, Naruto. You are now a genin of Konoha. Congratulations." Naruto beamed a smile at Iruka and tackled him into a hug before the two headed for the Hokage's office to clear up the incident.

Later that night- Hokage's office

Sarutobi sat back in his chair with the smoke quickly spiraled from his nostrils up above his head and hung in a halo around the ceiling. He sensed a presence approach his door just minutes after Iruka and Naruto had left. "Enter, Danzo." The door opened immediately and an emotionless Danzo entered into the office and sat across from him.

"Sake, Hiruzen?" At the nod of the Hokage, a small jug and two small saucers were produced from a scroll and the two older men settled into their seats after the drinks were poured and the silence stretched peacefully between them.

"Danzo, I have approved your proposal. We will have the children decided upon meet with Kakashi and undergo the regular genin test. They will be taught underneath Kakashi, you, and me with the head medic instructing Sakura every other day. Tobirama-sensei's old training ground will be their permanent abode so to speak. Shadow clones of Kakashi and the kids will conduct D-rank missions around the village and their whole training will be conducted in secret."

"I approve, Hiruzen, but why the sudden use of secrecy? If anything, this sounds like the beginning to a new Anbu branch."

"Oh, this is the beginning of a new Anbu branch. One-third in secret and two-thirds is above ground. Jiraiya just sent back a report that lists threats from Orochimaru and an organization seeking to collect jinchuriki as top-levels that might attack the village within the year. Looking at the students that are most likely to pass leaves the second generation Ino-Shika-Cho trio and the other a conglomeration of the Hyuga, Aburame, and Inuzuka students. This gives a good cover for our hidden team. Everyone expects great things from the other two teams and this team will be made to look like they are merely keeping pace but will be molded to have the knockout power of the Sanin as young teenagers."
Danzo nodded and smirked. "Very well, Hokage-sama, the training ground will be cleared out and I will await you and the team to be there in two days' time." Sarutobi nodded his acceptance and watched as Danzo exited the office.

Academy- Team Assignment Day

"Ok, kids, here's the teams you will be assigned. Serve well in your jobs and I look forward to one day serving in the field with you. Team 10 will be Nara Shikamaru, Akimichi Choji, and Yamanaka Ino under Sarutobi Asuma. Team 8 will be Hyuga Hinata, Aburame Shino, and Inuzuka Kiba under Yuhi Kurenai. Team 7 will be Uchiha Sasuke, Koguma Chiisai, Haruno Sakura, and Uzumaki Naruto under Hatake Kakashi. You are all dismissed to meet your senseis at these designated locations. Everyone else here are your assignments….."

A/N: Here is the beginning of the story as how I want to rewrite it. I think you will like the quirks I'm about to throw in. I have decided to keep it Naruto/Sakura, but they both are only 12 on the brink of 13 at this point. They both will have other relationships before they end up together. I will leave the transition relationships up in the air, but just so you know it will be rather entertaining. Also since I am changing everything from after the genin test on in the way that the team works I think it will be interesting to announce that Sasuke will have a pairing and it will be entertaining to write. Also the OC, Chiisai, will have a good pairing and I think I slightly hinted at it. So read, enjoy, review if you feel like it.