Restart Part 2: Across Time

Chapter 1 Back to the Past!

Naruto woke the next morning, lonely. He missed waking up next to Hinata in the mornings, and he sure as hell missed Mizu.

"At least I'll see them both again. Hell, I'll be able to adopt Mizu again in two and a half years anyway. Hm...maybe I should start dating Hinata now. I mean, it couldn't hurt."

Naruto was just rolling over to check his alarm clock when...

"BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! BE-CRASH!"

Naruto looked at the pile of wreckage that used to be his alarm clock with triumph.

"HA! Beat you today!" Naruto yelled triumphantly until he realized something. "Ah, shit. I gotta buy a new one. Damn."

xxxxx

Naruto walked down the main street, seeing how clear it was in the morning. He looked around, seeing everything he had missed his first time around. He never noticed how beautiful a sun rise could look, or how fresh everything smelled in the morning. He blamed the ramen for that, but knew it was partially his fault. He sighed and headed to the academy before he remembered something. His face split into a grin as he rushed back to his house and retrived several cans of paint of multiple colors and dashed back out, headed for the Hokage monument. He was going to have a little fun this morning.

xxxxx

Naruto was just putting the finishing touches on when he heard a familar voice shout out.

"What the hell do you think your doing?!"

Naruto looked down grinning, and saw the awe expressions from everyone below and knew why. The first time he had done this, he had defaced the heads with water based paint that came off easy. This time, he gave the village a gift by painting the Hokages with life like colors. They each looked like they did when they had become Hokages, complete with eyes colored and all. He had them painted to be smiling warmly upon the village with kind gazes. Naruto knew they were shocked because they would figure the demon would rather deface than decorate the monument. He decided to answer his instructor.

"Giving the village a gift, Otuo-san! They should be able to see life like faces smiling upon them, not rock heads!" He shouted to him.

Iruka was taken aback by both Naruto's thinking and the fact that the boy had called him, 'Otuo-san'. Iruka smiled as the Third chuckled.

"I have to agree with Naruto on this one, Iruka. I think it looks better this way, don't you?" The Third asked him, smiling.

"Hai. I do. And by the stunned silence, I'd say that the villagers like it as well."

The Third nodded as he looked at the smiling faces behind him along with the shocked ones.

"Naruto! Come on down here so we can get to school! You have a test today!" Iruka called calmly.

"'Kay, Otuo-san! Give me a second!" Naruto called, lowering himself back to the ground.

He walked over to Iruka and straightened his googles, smiling. He looked over at the Hokage and grinned.

"Hey! Ojii-san! I made you look young again!" Naruto said, pointing at the monument.

"I see that, Naruto. And, good idea too. I'm sure the village appreciates it." The Third told him as a man covered in bandages stormed over to Naruto.

"You! I want that paint off of there this instant!" Danzo said angrily.

"Danzo. Calm yourself. Everyone else likes it. Why do you hate it?" The third asked in a cold tone.

Danzo blinked as he looked at the third.

"Because they were ment to be the way they were before. It was the will of the previous Hokages to be preserved in rock. By...coloring them, he has shown that he disrespects their immortal image." Danzo said.

"Stone isn't immortal. Like all this, time will wash it away. This montain? It'll be gone one day. This body." Naruto said, pointing at himself, "It'll be dust one day. Time, Danzo, is an excellent teacher, but it kills it's students. The only thing immortal is the soul and it's will of fire. You want them to be immortal? Then honor their memory. The past Hokages weren't stoned faced and unsmiling. That is disrespect if you think that is how they looked at the village. That," He said, pointing to the freshly colored montain, "Is how they truly looked upon the village. With love of it's people and what the Village stands for. That is the way they would want it if they were here today." He finished, leaving everyone is shock.

Iruka smiled proudly at Naruto as the Third nodded his head, smiling. Naruto had hit the nail on the head with that speech. Danzo stood momentairly stunned brefore he glared at Naruto.

"And how would you know what they would want?"

"Simple. It's the way I would want to be preserved. After all, I'll become Hokage someday so I can protect this village."

"Humph. We'll see." Danzo said, storming away.

Nartuo looked back at Iruka as the man smiled at him.

"Hey, Otuo-san? We going or not?"

"Sure." Iruka said, walking with him to the academy.

They were almost there when Iruka asked Naruto something that had been bothering him.

"Naruto. Why did you call me 'Otuo-san'?" Iruka really didn't mind. Naruto was always kinda like a son to him.

"Cause your the closet thing to one I have." He said simply, walking into the room.

It took Iruka a moment to realize that Naruto wasn't wearing bright orange today, but a black tee shirt and dark blue pants. Iruka shook his head and entered the room, seeing the glares that were shot to Naruto. But Iruka noticed that he moved and sat next to Hinata Hyuuga. She always sat alone and Iruka could tell she really liked Naruto. Iruka was about to sit down when he saw something that made him rub his eyes. Naruto was smiling at her! She just looked at him wide eyed, and beet red. Naruto grinned as he looked back to the front of the class.

"Okay. Today's final will be the Bushin jutsu. When I call your name, I want you to come forward and create three bushins."

Iruka sat down next to Mizuki and began calling names. Naruto was haveing an internal struggle. He could pass this test no problem, but the only clone jutsu that worked for him is the Shadow Clone Jutsu. He'd then have to explain how he had learned it, and he didn't want to have to spin a really big lie. He settled on just creating one weak bushin again, even though he can do hundreds with no problem. He looked over and saw Mizuki staring in his direction, smiling. Naruto returned the smile.

"Keep smiling you arogant bastard. I've got no problem killing a traitor like you now. Maybe I'll even show you a rasengan or two. I can always say the fox taught me that one." Naruto thought darkly as Mizuki looked away.

Naruto watched as Hinata created three perfect bushins and recived her forehead protector. She got back to her seat and smiled, blushing. Naruto gave her a grin.

"That's great Hinata-chan! You passed!"

"T-t-thank you Naruto-kun. I-I-I hope y-y-you p-p-pass too." She said as she started to bring her protector up to tie it around her neck.

"Here. Let me help you." Naruto said, taking the protector.

Hinata blushed red as he got up and tied the headband snugly around her neck. He placed his hands on her shoulders and leaned down to whisper in her ear as he continued to watch the others.

"It's perfect, Hina-chan." He said.

Hinata's eyes went wide as she went redder. She had to fight to remain concious.

"T-t-thank you, Naruto-kun."

"Don't mention it." He said as he sat back down.

He was in his seat less than a second before his name was called. He walked to the desk and nodded.

"Okay Naruto. Give me three bushins please." Iruka said.

Naruto nodded and concentrated. He had a great idea on how to make his preformance even better.

"Bushin no jutsu!" He yelled.

A cloud of smoke appeared and next to Naruto stood a completely identical bushin. A second one however, was lying on the ground, sickly looking. Naruto faked dissappointment as he looked at the clone.

"Always the second one that does that." He said sadly.

He looked back at Iruka and shook his head.

"Well, Naruto. It is an improvement. Normally, you can't get one good one. But I'm afraid I asked for three. You produced two, one in good shape." Iruka said, marking his board.

"Iruka. Maybe you can let him pass. After all, he did make improvement. If he keeps this up, he'll be able to create three good ones with in a few months." Mizuki suggested.

"No. I'm sorry Naruto. I can't pass you. But you keep this up, and you'll have it next time."

"I understand, sensei. You want us to be the best." Naruto said, smiling sadly.

He walked back up tp his seat and faked dissappointment. Hinata looked at him sadly.

"Ano...I'm s-s-sure you'll d-d-do great n-n-next time."

Naruto gave her a warm smile.

"Well, at least I got you. That's better than some metal plate."

"N-n-naruto? W-w-what are you a-a-asking me?"

Naruto cocked his head to the side and smiled.

"What am I asking you I wonder."

"D-d-don't m-m-make fun of m-m-me." She pouted.

Naruto grinned.

"I was wondering if you'd like to spar some time." He said.

Hinata looked at him, stunned for a moment, before she nodded her head, mouth shut in case she said something stupid.Of course. He just wanted to spar with her, but it was a step up from their previous relationship. At least she had become his friend. Naruto grinned and looked back to Iruka as he finished up the exam.

"Alright. Your all dissmissed. I'll see you here again tomorrow for those of you that passed."

xxxxx

Naruto sat peacefully on the swing by the academy, smiling as he enjoyed the breeze and the sound of rustling leaves. To most of his classmates, he was taking it rather well that he had failed. Sakura had even said he was acting matrue about it instead of pouting. So, he just sat in the swing for awahile listening to others as their parents congratulated them He was just leaving when a familar voice called out behind him.

"Hey! Naruto! Wait!"

Naruto turned and smiled. Sakura was walking over to him with both her parents. Both of them looked at him uneasily.

"Hello, Sakura-chan. Congratulations on passing. I'm sure you'll become a great shinobi."

Sakura blinked at him in confusion before smiling.

"Thank you. I'm sorry you didn't pass. You'd proabaly make a good shinobi too."

Naruto shook his head, grinning.

"Nah. I can't think about what can be until after I pass. I got it next time, though."

"Hey, Naruto? Would you like to come with us tonight? I'm inviting all my friends to come over for a few hours."

Naruto saw her parents process shock on their faces momentarily, but didn't let them know he saw it.

"Ano...I have alot of practicing to do tonight. Maybe some other time."

Sakura looked at him uneasily.

"Umm...sure. Well, catch you later Naruto."

"You too, Sakura-chan!" He said, parting with a wave.

"I hope he'll be okay." Sakura said worriedly.

xxxxx

"You see, he sees himself when he looks at you."

Naruto just nodded and smiled. It was taking all of his self control to stop himself from ripping the bastard apart.

"I see. But I was still hoping to graduate." Nartuo said, faking sadness.

Naruto saw a triumphant look cross Mizuki's face before it changed into kindness.

"Well, I do know of a secret test you can take to graduate. It is a make up test for those who fail, but have the potential to be great shinobi."

Naruto looked at him curiously. He knew what was going to happen next.

"Really? What do I have to do?"

xxxxx

Iruka was just thinking over what the Hokage had told him when a loud banging filled his apartment. Getting up, he hurried over to the door. He opend it and saw a distressed Mizuki.

"Mizuki. What's wrong?"

"It's Naruto. He's stolen the forbidan scroll."

xxxxx

Iruka was hurrying through the woods, looking for Naruto. How had the boy gotten a hold of the scroll when it was guarded by the most powerful man in the village? As to that, Iruka had no idea. But he had an idea as to where the kid was. He hurried and came to a clearing on top of the Hokage montain. He landed on a nearby tree branch and saw Naruto sitting against a tree, the scroll beside him, unopened. He was just about to move in when he heard Naruto's sad voice fill the clearing.

"It's down to this
I've got to make this life make sense
Can anyone tell what I've done?
I miss the life
I miss the colors of the world
Can anyone tell where I am?"

"'Cause now again I've found myself
So far down, away from the sun
That shines into the darkest place
I'm so far down, away from the sun again
Away from the sun again

Away from the sun again,"

"I'm over this
I'm tired of living in the dark
Can anyone see me down here?
The feeling's gone
There's nothing left to lift me up
Back into the world I know,"

"And now again I've found myself
So far down, away from the sun
That shines into the darkest place
I'm so far down, away from the sun
That shines to light the way for me
To find my way back into the arms
That care about the ones like me
I'm so far down, away from the sun again,
"Oh no...
Yeah...
Oh no..."

"It's down to this
I've got to make this life make sense
And now I can't tell what I've done
And now again I've found myself
So far down, away from the sun
That shines to light the way for me,"

"'Cause now again I've found myself
So far down, away from the sun
That shines into the darkest place
I'm so far down, away from the sun
That shines to light the way for me
To find my way back into the arms
That care about the ones like me
I'm so far down, away from the sun again,

"Oh no...
Yeah..."

"I'm gone..."

Iruka sat in stunned silence after Naruto finished. It was a few minutes before he moved. He dropped down and took in a deep breath when Naruto turned and smiled at him.

"Hey, Otuo-san. You finally made it." He said with a smile.

"What do you mean?" Iruka asked confused.

"Oh. Mizuki-teme thinks he got me to steal this damn scroll for him. He said it was a make up test and I'd graduate if I got it here with out getting caught. Why does he think I'm that dense?" Naruto asked Iruka.

The man was about to answer when he heard applause. He looked over and saw a combat ready Mizuki smiling at them.

"Very good, gaki. You figured it out."

"Yeah. I did. Also. Would you care to explain why you reek of snakes?" Nartuo asked him.

"Snakes?" Iruka repeated looking back at Mizuki.

The other shinobi simply glared at him.

"You-"

"Demon brat. Ya, ya. I know all about Kyuubi and how he was sealed in me. I'm not stupid. You hate me 'cause he caused some one you cared for to die. Well, teme. I didn't kill anyone. Kyuubi did, and he's close to death as is. He'll be gone in a few years." Naruro said calmly, brushing dirt off his pants.

Mizuki began to shake with rage.

"You brat! You'll die here!" Mizuki said, reaching for the giant shiriken on his back.

He began to pull it back, ready to throw it when a hand gripped his forarm.Mizuki looked behind him to see Naruto grinning at him.

"I don't think so. You don't get to play with this." Nartuo said, breaking the mans arm by squeezing it, causing Mizuki to drop the weapon.

Iruka gasped when he saw Naruto vanish in a cloud of smoke.

"Shadow clones." He said as he watched Mizuki thrown in to the clearing by another clone

.

"ARGH!" Mizuki screamed as he was thrown into the clearing.

Iruka was amzed by the fact that he could see twenty different Naruto's in the clearing. Whats more, Naruto had the man pinned by his clones as they tied him to a tree. Naruto was grinning evily as he formulated another plan as he advanced on Mizuki, disspersing his clones.

"I'll give you one chance to live. Who do you work for?"

Mizuki spat at him.

"Like I'll tell some demon."

Naruto nodded.

"Fine. You want to see a demon? Good. Because I lied. I am Kyuubi."

Naruto slowly allowed his Hanyou chracteristics take form. Nine blonde tails burst from his rear as his eyes gained slit pupils and his ears elongated into fox ears. He let his nails grow and his canines elongate. His whisker marks deepened and his hair grew out. At the end of the transformation, Naruto looked truly demonic. Iruka thought that Naruto was just using a very advanced henge to fool the man. He watched as Naruto stepped foreward to the terrified man.

"Now. Tell me or I eat your soul, human." Naruto growled at him.

Mizuki started to scream until Naruto placed a hand over his mouth.

"Scream, and I'll gut you. Who. Do. You. Work. For? It's not a hard question to answer."

Mizuki gulped and began to tremble. A smell of urine reached Naruto's nose. He glanced down and saw that the man had wet himself.

"I didn't say piss yourself. I want information, Mizuki-teme. Not urine. Or do I have to pull it out of your head myself?"

"I work for Orochimaru! He wanted the scroll so he could attack the village! Please! Don't kill me!" Mizuki wailed.

"I'm terrrible sorry, but I never said I'd let you live in this world. Your soul can live in whatever hell awaits traitors though. Take comfort in that." Nartuo said as he pulled his hand back, preparing to plunge it through the man's chest.

Mizuki gave one last scream as he fainted. Naruto sighed and reverted back to his human appearnce. He'd bluffed the hell out of the man and it payed off. He could sense Iruka walking over to him. Naruto gave him a smile.

"Well. That worked better than I thought. Lets get him to the Hokage. You can take the scroll, I'll carry the teme." Naruto said, hoisting Mizuki onto his shoulder.

Nartuo watched as Iruka walked over and retrieved the scroll. Together, they headed to the Hokage tower.

xxxxx

Naruto readjusted the goggles to keep his now longer hair out of his face. He hated the way it would fall into his eyes. And it didn't help that the transformation had burned away all his baby fat either. He knew he was now the spitting image of a young Yondaime. And he wasn't ready for that kind of attention yet. But here he sat in the Hokage's office, waiting for him and Iruka to return. Naruto sighed. He had been so close to this job before fate pressed the reset button on him again. And he was going to marry Hinata too. After all his hard work, fate just handed him shitty hands. He sighed, hoping that this time, things would play all the way out. He looked behind him as he heard a door open and saw Iruka and the Third enter the room. Iruka smiled at him and sat down in the chair beside his as the Third sat behind his desk.

"Well, Naruto. I must say. You've impressed quite a few people tonight. Ibiki the most. He's wanting to know if you'd like to become an ANBU interrigator for him."

"Umm...I'm not even a genin."

"Actually." Iruka spoke up, "I just talked to the Hokage. He's willing to start you off as a chunin immidately. That is, if you want to."

Naruto shook his head.

"No. I wanna start out like everybody else. In fact, Mizuki is lucky you showed up sensei, or I'd have killed him for treason on the spot."

"Yes. And you would be well with in the law to have done so. But, enough of that. I'll let you get home so you can rest. Tomorrow's a big day for you and your classmates."

Nartuo nodded and rose from his chair. He turned to the door when a smiling Iruka stopped him.

"Not so fast, Naruto. I want you to close your eyes."

Naruto was confused but did as he was told. He could feel something on his forehead and realized what it was, but he didn't let it show. Instead, he waited until he was allowed to open his eyes. Iruka gave him a warm smile.

"Congratulations, Naruto. You pass." he said.

Naruto smiled and hugged him.

"Thanks, Otuo-san! I'll make you proud."

Iruka patted the boy's head and smiled as he left the room. He turned to see a smiling Hokage.

"I always wondered why you never adopted him. But, I know it was with good reason. Now, we have to redo these lists for the genin teams to include our newest shinobi."

The night passed with the Third and Iruka rearaanging the teams. It was then that Iruka had an idea for a certain pair of students that had to be set up. He just hoped that it worked out.

xxxxx

Naruto entered the classroom and found a seat next to Hinata. She gave him a curious look until she saw his headband and smiled at him.

"I-I-Iruka-sensei p-p-passed you after all."

Nartuo gave her a warm smile.

"Yep. I'm here with you guys. But I bet they stick me with Teme." Naruto said cheerfully.

He knew they would stick him with him anyway, seeing as how he was last in the class and Sasuke was the best. Not that he minded. But he didn't want to have to go through the whole making frineds with him again process. So, he got up and walked over to Sasuke, not leaning on the desk on front of him. No need for a repeat of that particular incident. He stopped in front of him, giving the boy a warm smile while Sasuke just looked at him over folded hands, giving Naruto a cold look.

"Hey, Sasuke. You okay today?"

The classroom went silent as meveryone watched. Sasuke simply looked at Naruto who already knew how to read him.

"So your okay today, but your still mad a a certain someone who told you to hate them to become stronger."

Naruto watched as Sasuke's eyes went wide for a moment, before he stood up and looked Nartuo square in the eye.

"I want a word, Uzumaki." He said, heading to the hallway.

Naruto nodded and followed as the fan girls stood in shock. Naruto closed the door behind him and saw Sasuke leaning against the wall, giving him a caculating look.

"How do you know?" Sasuke asked.

"Simple. I can read body language and I know about Itachi. I realized the reason that you are always angry is because you want to be stronger and I figured that your brother told you anger and hate would help you. Your thinking the same way I used to think. That hate makes you stronger. It doesn't. It only makes you weaker."

Sasuke narrowed his eyes.

"How would you know?"

"Why don't we spar once a week when we're not on mission. Then you can test yourself against someone strong, and a friend." Naruto said, extending his hand.

Sasuke looked at him for a moment before smirking. He grasped Naruto's hand briefly.

"Whatever makes you happy, dobe."

"Teme."

The boys glared at each other before grinning. They walked back into the room and sat down just as Iruka was entering. The man looked around the room, noddding that everyone was presant.

"Well, I want to congratulate you guys once more. You'll all make outstanding shinobi. Now, for the teams..."