It's a Matter of Perspective

By

LigerJager

Naruto © Masashi Kishimoto

Chapter 3: Until A Skilled Hand Took It...

"Are you sure you about this request?"

The unexpected question caught Ebisu off guard. He stared at the disbelief in the desk nin's face as he looked back at the teacher.

"Yes." Ebisu drawled as if he were talking to a slow civilian. He gave the man a hard stare. The Chūnin took the hint and skittered away to retrieve the requested file leaving Ebisu to his racing thoughts.

What was going on here? He should not have had to repeat his request, it did not take a genius to understand them and he knew he had filed the correct forms for the second set of files. However, he was becoming uneasy with the blatant disbelief sent his way. Was it because of Naruto-san then? That was the only plausible reason he could come up with in such a short about of time.

Ebisu straightened up and pushed up his glasses out of habit. That was no excuse though.

This was the academy. The files he requested should be easily available. He knew for a fact that this was one of the easier locations to infiltrate and that is was a purposefully left open weak-point, a manufactured flaw in their security system for the other villages. Nothing vital was left here and students in training were nothing really worth mentioning until they were officially granted the status of Genin. Moreover since he was filing the correct paperwork, it shouldn't be that hard to get to the real files, the ones that were incredibly detailed and had psych profiles along with other notes made by the instructors.

It was not that uncommon for sensei and Jounin-sensei to request files on an academy student, right? After all it was the responsible thing to do. It made sense to him at least. Ebisu resisted the urge to drum his fingers on the counter in irritation. The nin was taking too long.

Obviously the teen had just been recently promoted. Ebisu could just smell it. The stench of a new promotee was rather overpowering. To some of the more sadistic in the ranks it was like blood in the water for the sharks, which was probably why the nin was assigned to the academy. For his safety.

And it was also very blatant that he was new to the staff. The way the carried himself bespoke of uncertainty. And the fact that he didn't know how to address Ebisu was a big clue

A cough brought the tutor back to the present. It seemed his request had been fulfilled.

Finally.

Unfortunately, the nin seemed rather skittish as he stood before the Jounin giving off the air of a naughty child expecting punishment. Ebisu almost frowned, he knew for a fact that he was not that intimidating. The almost sheepish expression on the young man's face clued him in that it was not himself that was causing the guilty behavior. That observation did nothing to raise his confidence in the bureaucratic skills of the academy staff though.

And then he noticed what the nin was holding…

What was that?

Before he could voice his bewilderment, the…bundle…was quickly shoved in his hands and desk nin sketched a quick bow before diving for his desk. Ebisu paid the cowering shinobi no mind as he seemed to literally run for cover in favor of gaping at his…request. For a second the Jounin just stared at the…lump…in his hands. This could not possibly be considered paperwork. He glanced up to ask if this truly was the file and found himself in a deserted office.

Well, there was nothing for it.

More than a little annoyed, Ebisu flipped open the folder. The Jounin absently noted rather than the standard issue scrolls with the seals to hold the paperwork, the Jinchūriki's secondary folder was more of a packet full of…mess.

An almost deadpan expression crossed his face when bits of what looked like a coffee stained scrap paper fluttered down to the floor in a very good impression of an escape attempt.

The Jounin frowned as he skimmed a few sheets. Most of the notes looked like complaints in one form or another. Even the Official Evaluation papers looked crinkled and haphazardly done. It seemed he would learn nothing from the boy's academy days. Still, he gave the bundle a look of distaste. He ought to at least have a look, if nothing else. He snapped the folder shut trying, and failing, to ignore the little bits of paper that burst out of the bundle and fluttered to the floor in a mockery of Konoha's signature leaf-shunshin.

With a sigh he bent down to pick up the errant pieces of paper. His obsessive-compulsive tendencies demanded nothing less of him.

The teacher tucked the massive missive away and looked towards the Hokage tower. The genin team records were stored there. Surely, the boy's team mission reports would be more insightful than this.

With a quick shunshin he was off to gather some more information. He hoped he did not just jinx himself.

What a weird day.

Naruto meandered through Konoha's streets for a bit while making his way in the general direction of his apartment complex. For the first time in a long time, he contemplated everything that happened from the moment he woke up in the forest to the present.

First there was the final tournament. Then there was his confrontation with Kakashi-sensei at the hospital. Then he had his breakdown, something he only ever remembered doing once when he was way too little to do anything about that.

Then there was the Closet Pervert.

Naruto didn't know what to make of his apparent ally, and possible substitute teacher, in this mess. The man he distinctly remembered was a stuffy, holier-than-thou, ninja who was defeated by his Harem-no-Jutsu. He had also been one of those people who looked at him with cold eyes.

And now he was helping him?

A weary sigh inaudibly escaped the young boy. Naruto sullenly stiffed his hands in his pockets. He wasn't even sure if the Closet Pervert was the real deal in his offer to help.

One thing he had latched onto with their brief interactions though was the fact he had been acknowledged. He had been acknowledged by someone who had looked at him with cold eyes. That someone else had seen Naruto instead of the damn kitsune.

That was a start.

Well at least he thought he'd been acknowledged. Why else would the Closet Pervert say that he saw a Hokage in him? He'd find out tomorrow anyways. If the guy turned out to be a fake, he'd ditch, pure and simple.

Maybe Iruka-sensei would be willing to help him?

Already that thought cheered up the boy more than he realized. Duh, why didn't he think of that before? Iruka-sensei was a Chūnin after all. He had to know what it took to make the rank. And he had also proven that he would do just about anything for Naruto.

The boy dallied in front of his apartment for a few moments slightly reluctant to end his day just yet. Feeling beyond exhausted, the genin pondered how his apartment suddenly looked like it was a world away rather than its normal fourth floor height.

Naruto would be the first, and last, too ever admit that he was tired. At least in front of his peers. Nevertheless, as he trudged up the stairs towards his empty apartment far earlier than he would have had on a regular day, he couldn't keep the bone deep weariness for sinking in.

He was not even hungry. Which was saying something for a boy who had an appetite large enough to eat his weight in ramen. He had always been able to eat an enormous amount and to him that was normal.

The cup ramen he ate at academy was always little more than a snack.

With a grunt, the orphan slouched even further and trudged up the stairs. Even as he ascended, his mind inevitably descended right back into his former thoughts. And kept him preoccupied through letting himself into his apartment and all the while he showered away the day's dirt and grime.

He was still reeling from all the upheavals of the day. The preliminary matches. The brutality of the one on one matches drove home the fact that his chosen life would be no easier than the one he had lived before and yet it hardened his determination to keep the idea of heroes alive in his heart.

At the very same time something within him rebelled at the Sabaku no Gaara versus Rock Lee match as well as the ugliness of the Hyuuga family feud. While he refused to openly acknowledged it, Naruto knew that the facts of their matches revealed about the world he lived in. They forced him to acknowledge a part of his profession that he had been studiously ignoring.

And the brutal matches also reflected his very private fears right back at him. They shone light on the parts of him that were still very real and still dogged his footsteps and whispered to him seductively that he should just give in to his hatred and give up his dream.

That very same part of him that was very close to winning that afternoon. The part that said all the vile and poisonous slander and cold, cold eyes were right about him.

The partially false bravado he wore like a shield to ward off the loneliness of his existence had cracked irreparably today. Just a small fracture. Like the beginning of a crack in a glass window.

The cold water jarred Naruto from his mien and had him shut off his shower with a fierce frown. His brooding was successfully derailed. Such thoughts weren't befitting of a future Hokage and Konoha's soon to be newest Chūnin. Besides, he needed to be rested up for his meeting with the Closet Pervert tomorrow.

Naruto shook himself, rather like a wet dog, and sent droplets of water all over his bathroom. It seemed to work as he dislodged the remains of his melancholy and welcomed the return of his determination.

Nothing was going to keep him down. He would just have to work a little harder than everyone else is all. Feeling infinitely better than he had remembered feeling since Iruka-sensei rewarded his hard work with a hitai-ate and with a backup plan to harass the man he thought of as family if everything fell through, the lonely orphan went to bed with the germ of real hope in his heart the size of a mustard seed.

"Are yours sure about this request, Ebisu-san?"

The Jounin just stared at the desk Chūnin, a strong sense of déjà vu and foreboding nearly had him snarling at the man. As it was he gave the ninja a cold look that had him scurrying away to do his bidding. Was what he was doing so unusual? It was standard procedure for Jounin-sensei to request the files of their students, right?

Protocol and procedures appeared on his ever-growing mental list entitled 'Things to Teach Naruto' and were annotated with an Urgency Mark. Right next to tact and manners.

Don't even get him started on etiquette either.

That same strong sense of foreboding descended upon the man like an oracle's prophetic vision and it was all he could do to keep from fidgeting. He felt his stomach tighten with anxiety. Almost on a whim he grabbed the attention of the second desk nin and tacked on one more request. Just in case.

"I would also like to add a request for the preliminary exam video as well."

At the desk Chūnin's blank look, Ebisu felt the knots in his gut tighten. He growled as the rather daft looking nin just simply sat there, "Now."

The Jounin was somewhat aware that he'd been leaking a small amount of killing intent. However, his irritation and every increasing anxiety stamped down any concern for propriety that might have reared its head.

He almost sighed with relief when the first Hokage Tower Chūnin brought back out a real actual mission records folder. A quick glance at his watch told him that he had several hours still to review Naruto's ninja history before venturing in to the predator-infested community of the Konoha's nightlife.

The moment the videotape from the preliminary matches was delivered to him, Ebisu made for his apartment in a credible impression of Madam Shijimi's cat, Tora, escaping the genin teams sent to retrieve him. It was probably for the best, because if he stayed around those sorry excuses for Chūnin any longer, he wouldn't have been responsible for his actions.

Ebisu had little tolerance for dimwittedness and wasteful actions from those on duty. It led to sloppiness and unprofessionalism.

Once he was safely ensconced in his apartment, tiny as it was, the Jounin allowed himself a modicum of relaxation before setting about to prepare for an evening of information gathering. Both tea and coffee were set to be made, some leftovers were heated up, and he dragged in a small television to play the video on. Somehow he made his cramped kitchen into functioning work space.

He then plopped down to catch his breath. Ebisu pulled off his hitai-ate and dropped it on his kitchen table before setting his sunglasses down right next to it. His obsessive-compulsive tendencies didn't allow him to do as he truly wished and chuck them across the room.

Running a hand down his face before ruffling his hair, the teacher let out a sigh. He hadn't expected his impulsive decision to be nearly as tumultuous as it had been. Volunteering in the Jounin Lounge had been nerve wracking, witnessing the fraying seems of Hatake-san's Team Seven was confusing, watching as Naruto-san literally fell apart had him slightly panicking, and then the annoying fiascos with obtaining the boy's paperwork left him highly irritated.

The whistling of the teakettle brought the man's attention to the present and gave him a moment to pause. He had to go about this carefully. He'd be a fool to believe that Naruto would accept him just because he volunteered to help. And even then that was tainted because of Jounin Hatake's wanton actions.

He only had a month.

That was the crux of the matter. Starting tomorrow he had a thirty-day countdown to bring a possibly Academy-level Genin to a functioning Chūnin level status. On top of which it looked like he would have to teach the boy social conventions as well.

No matter which way Ebisu inspected the situations, it truly was daunting if not monumental. With that thought he grabbed the Academy mess and started the arduous task of sifting through years of scraps.

It didn't take Ebsiu long to realize that teaching Naruto meant that he would have to hurdle quite a few obstacles. The first being, of course, getting an accurate picture of his abilities, intelligence and other vital statistics.

He had first rooted through the mess that had been Naruto-san's academy file and had scarcely made it two scraps in before realizing that fact. He had been hoping against hope that regardless of looks, the academy folder would yield at least something. Most of what he got was complaints about Naruto's pranks. Some information he filed mentally for later.

Ebisu finally noticed the name on the bottom of most of official (and clean) transcripts and evaluations.

A Chūnin ranked ninja named Mizuki. No clan name. Which meant he was more likely than not an orphan.

The Jounin frowned for a moment. He recalled hearing that name somewhere before, but where? And in what specific context?

He glanced at the papers again. Every graduation and performance evaluation written by the man had been scathing and unflattering towards Naruto's abilities and performance at the Academy. The graduation ones were the worst. Right then it clicked.

The Academy.

Naruto.

The Sealing Scroll.

The traitor who deliberately broke the Sandaime's law regarding the Kyuubi and what truly happened the night of October tenth. The Jounin was sure there was a lot more that went on but like most of those not involved directly, details were sparse at best. Which spawned the question in Ebisu's mind if the Sandaime had had the incident filed as confidential and was Naruto restricted form telling someone about it?

If he wasn't restricted and was one of the primary principles involved in the incident, the Ebisu could probably get firsthand information right from the source. Like most, he just knew the bare minimum of what had be briefed.

More importantly though this meant that he had little to no relevant information that wasn't skewed. The best evaluations were the most compromised. That also meant he had just wasted his time reading biased trash. Out of that entire pile there was nothing even remotely substantial except, maybe, the strangely sporadic insights of one Umino Iruka. Those almost made this endeavor worth it. Almost.

But not quite.

He was still at square one where Naruto was concerned. At this point he wasn't even sure what exactly the boy knew from his time at the academy. Which was disturbing because if the boy wanted to be Hokage, he at the very least had to be grounded in the basics.

He looked at the Team Seven reports. The stack seemed to loom over him forebodingly. He spared a look at the clock, noting the late time. Then glanced back at the large stack with a frown. Guess he had to bite the kunai on this one. It was for Naruto-san after all.

He got up to make a fresh batch of a coffee and warm the water for tea again. It was going to be a long couple of hours.

He wanted to kill something. Make that something silvered haired and heterochromatic-eyed. And make that something's death as slow and as incredibly painful as possible. His eyebrow ticked violently, Ebisu felt his willfully suppressed latent violent tendencies rise with a vengeance and increase his desire to throttle something.

Or someone.

The Jounin stared at the large stack of mission reports with no small amount of irritation and a healthy dose disbelief. He was angry. No, make that furious.

This was ridiculous! A waste of his now extremely limited time.

True to his predictions, it had been several long hours for him.

Ebisu cast his now empty coffee mug a mournful glance. He had run out of coffee too. The tea was studiously ignored in favor of the reports.

If there was two passions in his life outside of his shinobi profession, they were knowledge and coffee. He had neither. There had been a distinct lack of useful knowledge about Naruto and on top of that, he had just used the last coffee grounds.

Well spent, mind, to bolster his already flagging energy and determination when the research began to look more and more like a dead end but not helpful in quelling his frustration. Which meant he was in a spectacularly foul mood by the end of the mission stack.

By all accounts the former ANBU Taicho should have been beyond meticulous. His reports should have been insanely detailed and irritatingly analytical.

That was the problem.

The disparity between Ebisu's expectations and reality most definitely did not match. He truly didn't know how he should feel about this obviously disappointing development.

If Hatake Kakashi had not been such a senior member of the ninja force, Ebisu would have filed a complaint against him for negligence. One did not shirk on paperwork. One simply did not disrespect the paperwork. And one most definitely did not half-ass the paperwork. It was essential, vital even, to the lifeline of all civilized societies. To do anything less than one's best, especially when it comes to reports, was a dereliction of duty of incomprehensible proportions. In fact, he still might file one anyways to get the man back for his incompetence at writing reports. It was insulting and that one so elite would write something so…vague, so unhelpful, so…useless was beyond comprehension.

Hatake should know better!

In light of his sensei's deplorable paperwork skills, another item went smack dab right at the top of the 'Things to Teach Naruto' list. Horrible paperwork was an inexcusable skill and it is a must have skill requirement for anyone higher ranked than a genin. Even if he could beat nothing else into the gaki's thick skull, it would be his personal duty to make sure Konoha did not suffer another Hatake Kakashi of paperwork.

That was his promise as a teacher. And never let it be said that Ebisu, Elite Personal Tutor, turned in a bad report. If there was any bigger pet peeve than bad paperwork to make him want to commit immediate unsanctioned homicide then Ebisu had yet to find one.

When Ebisu was first handed the massive stack of mission reports, he had felt a bit of trepidation. After all this was a lot of information to have at one's disposal. On the flip side it was also good for information and first hand data. Unfortunately, as soon as he began reading, that trepidation quickly gave way to disbelief, then irritation, and finally outrage. And not just because of the jounin's poor paperwork skills.

There was absolutely, positively, nothing at all in any of the reports that was informative. Nothing about Naruto was noted with the exception that he and the Uchiha quarreled on their D-Rank missions.

And, what should have been, the most telling report turned out to be a dead end as well.

The last half of the wave mission was blacked out in the parts he was sure Naruto had played a role. Which meant it had something to do with the damn kitsune. He'd have to get the gaki to tell him about that mission. And that was the second to last one before the nominations for the Chūnin Exams were submitted.

Ebisu was beginning to think his suppositions on Naruto's skill levels were indeed worse than he imagined. The satisfaction in being right was eclipsed with an overwhelming helplessness. If the genin was so far behind, he didn't even know where to begin.

He picked up the last mission folder, glanced at it before slamming it shut in irritation and chucking it on the stack that comprised of Team Seven's mission history. The Demon Cat Tora? Really?

With little to no useful information for him to gauge the boy by, the teacher was racking his brains as to what his next actions should be. He was on borrowed time as it was. Staring blankly at the piles he'd just sifted through, the teacher pondered.

All that was left were the Preliminary Exams. Ebisu sent the tape a look of wariness. What exactly would he find on it? He wasn't sure he wanted to find out. Picking it up gingerly, Jounin quickly slipped the tape into the machine and prepared to watch.

The tea was still ignored.

Ebisu stared as the matches ended. He was suddenly glad he decided against more beverage because he would have spat it out at several points during the bouts.

What exactly did instructors teach these days?

He had wanted to accuse Jounin Hatake of gross negligence, he truly did, however it seemed that Jounin Sarutobi's genin were just as bad. The rookie, Jounin Yuuhi, had seemed to do right by her charges. But then again they were all clan ninja, which meant he couldn't gauge whether their performance was due to their clan training or if the kunoichi was truly that good of a teacher. At least Jounin Maito had also turned out some superb potentials. However, the attitude of one left much to be desired.

As for Naruto-san, well…

He got lucky. That was the bald truth of his situation. His opponent had underestimated him, which in turn allowed the boy several very interesting moments to be creative, but other than that, Naruto's performance was underwhelming at best.

Everything Naruto did spoke of nothing taught but rather learned through observations. There was a mishmash of styles and skills that culminated into an unorthodox brawler's technique and nothing else. One fact was certain. Naruto had an adept tactical mind.

Ebisu pondered that.

The boy obviously had to think on the fly and used what little skills he had to defeat a largely superior and well-trained opponent. The Inuzuka boy had underestimated the prankster in the beginning, keyword: had. The moment he pulled out the soldier pill it was no longer a friendly spar. And with a bit of luck the boy had prevailed.

But how to draw that mind out? That was the real question. Obviously when put under stress, Naruto's innate creativity surfaced, which if nurtured could be just as deadly on the field as any jutsu.

Ebisu whipped out his trusty pencil and handy-dandy notepad to assist in his brainstorming endeavors. When he was plo-er-planning it always helped him keep track of his thoughts. Because when he reviewed everything after his brainstorming session, he usually was inspired or wiped out mentally. And especially with Konohamaru he found the discarded suggestions of the list were actually the most effective. So through trial and error with his more esteemed pupil, Ebisu had learned to keep his training plans and notes, just in case.

Alright, approach Naruto and the Chūnin Exams as if he would a long term mission. First things first, analyze situation from all angles and related aspects. In this case a genin-ranked ninja named Naruto.

The objective: By the end of the month one Uzumaki Naruto will attain the rank of Chūnin-Select.

Ebisu looked over his notes from his information gathering session and almost chucked them aside. He stared at the depressingly short list of positive observations in the boy's favor. His performance in his records did not help any.

According to the bits and pieces he gleaned from the mission reports, it seemed that on the surface his self-proclaimed rivalry with the Uchiha was inspiring genin to work hard. Unfortunately in Ebisu's extensive teaching experience, that particular method only worked for short periods of time. Especially when someone like Naruto truly had nothing help him in growing his own skills. The short-term benefits of a competitive rivalry helped only so long as the opponents were equally matched in skills, which in this case they weren't. If what Ebisu assumed was true about the team dynamics then Naruto was being used to help Hatake gauge Uchiha's skill level, like a living yard stick. Not to mention the ego stroking that came with constantly 'beating' his sparring partner. For the Uchiha it was an allowed method. However with Naruto it was actually working in reverse by pigeonholing Uzumaki-san into a pattern of behavior that was detrimental to his career in the long run. Not only that, if Naruto suddenly began growing in terms of skill, then the Uchiha would feel threatened. Once that happened, the situation never ended well.

One of the universal truths the Jounin had learned in Konoha (especially with 'Noble Clans') was: when an egotistical and prideful ninja was threatened, drastic measure were taken. Mainly because the ninja feeling 'threatened' by the growth of his rival usually wondered why he didn't have such a growth spurt skill-wise and then set out to prove his dominance. That meant the growing ninja usually was put in their place.

Ebisu felt the ever growing mountain of work he had to do suddenly double and triple itself. Okay, so a mission that is severely handicapped. How does one push around the handicaps to have an advantage? Especially with a boy like Naruto. While he may have gotten to his current position on sheer guts alone, it would not be enough to advance him. That also meant he was stubborn to the point of distraction. And because of Jounin Hatake's ridiculously shortsighted training methods, the ninja would have only been exposed to bad training habits and redoubled frustrations, which in turn only made the boy even more stubborn. And if there was one thing almost as legendary as the blond's pranks, it was his notoriously hard head.

So how could he break bad habits from a poorly socialized and notoriously stubborn ninja?

Like having an anvil dropped on his head, Ebisu realized that his conventional ways of thinking would be useless in this instance. Which made him mentally note another item he would yell at Hatake-san for. The idiotic-tensai had literally been stunting the child's growth. Whether it was through ignorance or some other hidden agenda, Ebisu refused to speculate. And he was getting sidetracked.

So how to teach the boy…

Well to begin with, operational tactics. Naruto's small show in the preliminary rounds definitely had potential. In fact it was the only part that showed any promise at this point.

Unfortunately for Ebisu, tactics off the cuff like that were his weak point. They required outside of the box thinking. Prankster thinking. Which meant they played right into Naruto's hand in this instance. Also to add pressure to an already urgent situation, he needed to have Naruto at a level of competence where if he was sealed in a box, the genin could get out and leave a surprise behind without anyone ever figuring how. A tall order when the genin in question was very good at just beating the box into submission.

The Jounin laid aside his note pad. He needed suggestions. He also needed help. Neither of which were readily available. Those two facts also meant that he had to venture out in the nightlife to locate the one ninja who would do both for him in a pinch or at least point him in the right direction. And that was what had Ebisu hesitating. Because it was very much like volunteering to jump in shark-infested waters with an open wound and several sides of pork attached.

There was a very good reason why Ebisu hadn't tried very hard to climb higher in the ranks. It was also this same reason that had him watching his back while he was in the village and not anywhere near Konohamaru or the Sandaime Hokage.

There was always someone bigger in the food chain. And the very top was where the largest apex predators roamed. One of which had it in for him. A predator that was just waiting for him to make a move.

Ebisu shook his head. That was for another time. He couldn't allow his personal troubles to leak over onto his student. Naruto truly didn't need another problem to worry about. And then like the Devil's Advocate it was, the teacher in him reared his head. Perhaps he could use his own problems as an object lesson?

A sour expression crossed the Jounin's anxious features at the thought. He'd consider that idea for later.

Much later.

The teaching Jounin stood and shrugged on his flak jacket. He spared the clock a glance to check the time.

It was late and the bars were still open. Perhaps he could make one last outing before he turned in for the night. He glanced at the stack of papers again. An overwhelming sense of urgency about Naruto's situation engulfed him, sweeping away any thought of rest.

Just in case, Ebisu slipped in a few extra kunai into his holster with a pronounced grimace. Well, it looked like he had no choice in the matter.

This was going to be unpleasant.

The Flying Shuriken was a small, dingy joint that as popular amongst the shinobi newly returning from missions, partially because of its location and partially because it was almost guaranteed to be open at all times. Most ninja in attendance simply wanted to forget their mission's dirty work while others were attracted to the darker atmosphere that tended to cling to the place.

It was also where the Anbu and Elites, the crème de la crème of the ninja forces, usually gathered. The bar definitely played to a ninja's senses in the best of ways. Ebisu himself came rarely, but that was more out of self-preservation than actually disliking the place. Most casual acquaintances assumed the fastidious ninja frequented one of the fancier, nicer lounges located more towards the affluent districts. Those people could not have been more wrong.

Warily, the teaching Jounin stepped over the threshold with his senses on high alert. He was here for one reason and one reason only, to find help for Naruto-san from the one Jounin he knew would assist without question. His caution, though, seemed all for naught.

An unpleasant and unfortunately very familiar sneer had Ebisu tensing involuntarily, his nervousness jumping up a couple notches. Just the person he did not want to run into.

"Well, well, well, this is a surprise. What is an old stick in the mud like you doing here?"

Ebisu tilted his head in the direction of the one person he had been hoping to avoid the most. As luck would have it, that same person was sitting at a nearby table with a friendlier face he recognized and probably several Anbu compatriots as well. Hopefully, that meant he would come out of this meeting intact.

Kurasaki Riku, a slender, silver haired Anbu with a Bird's mask was not a ninja to be trifled with. He had not been back when he was a fresh Academy graduate and especially not at the present where he was one of the senior members in the Black Ops forces.

Unfortunately both he and Boar had been tasked with patrolling Training Area 44 during the second portion of the Chūnin Exam which was an exercise in frustration all its own. Added to the fact they most likely had to deal with the sadist Mitarashi Anko, meant that the Anbu's normally tightly controlled hair-trigger temper was just an irritation away from igniting and left him practically spoiling for a fight. And who better than the ninja with whom he held a grudge?

Had the ninja been simply alone, Ebisu would have cut his losses and flown from the cave like a bat out of hell. But he wasn't. Perched next to him in the group was one ninja Ebisu, luckily enough, had worked with extensively. He also did not share his friend's grudge.

Thank the kami for small favors!

Reike Ryuuta was the friendly face amongst the pack of apex predators that gave Ebisu hope for his near future. If nothing else, he could distract Kurasaki long enough for Ebisu to make his escape. The two ninja couldn't be more dissimilar. The reason such opposing forces were friends still escaped the teaching Jounin, the men were polar opposites of each other in many respects.

Fortunately both were friends with Ebisu's target, Yoshioka Kenji. With both Elite level ninja at the tavern, their third member usually wasn't very far behind. Unfortunately, Ebisu did a quick scan of the low lit room, he wasn't there. Jounin Yoshioka was a strange one, even by Konohagakure's standards. The absent Elite was Samurai-born and having grownup under his father's roof had quirks that could easily be traced back to his origins.

Despite his noble ancestry, the ninja had forgone his paternal heritage and embraced his maternal ninja roots. Both sides were rather prestigious in their own rights so the man had really had his choice. Yoshioka-san was genuinely a good person and a nice guy a rather curious mixture of personalities that should have clashed with the ninja lifestyle and mindset. In Ebisu's entire career he had only witnessed one other who had integrate both sides successfully. Of course, Maito Gai was another topic for another day.

Ebisu shivered. He was not spending even more time thinking about the eccentric taijutsu specialist.

Swallowing his apprehension, the Jounin headed straight for his target's two friends. He needed information and he was sure at least one of them would supply it. At his approach, Reike-san watched him with growing curiosity while Kurasaki-san's face went blank.

Ebisu's rigid posture betrayed his unease. Tradition dictated that his student's problems were his alone, however there was nothing traditional about Naruto's teaching arrangement. And there was also the all-important fact that he was bending his pride to do this. And his health at risk as well. Perhaps some of his soon-to-be student's luck would help him?

Sensing that Ebisu wanted a private conversation a few of the ninja at the table got up and migrated to the bar. Not that it would be terribly hard for them to eavesdrop, but Ebisu appreciated the gesture regardless. Some of the nosier Elite, though, stayed right where they were. No sense in moving when a goody-two-shoes Jounin voluntarily entered their territory. Most of the more 'respectable' ninja didn't venture into their stomping grounds. It pricked a bit of their curiosity.

Ebisu could literally see the mild interest in Reike-san's features sharpen into something dangerous. Kurasaki-san was as blank as ever, but he didn't bother to conceal the spike in his chakra. Whether it was from bloodlust or interest Ebisu wasn't sure, even though he stopped a few steps from their table.

Well, no going back now.

"Good evening." He executed a slight bow in greeting, even more nervous when it became apparent the ninja at the table weren't going to talk. His mind almost, almost drew a blank. If it wasn't for his constant exposure to the Sandaime and his counselors by proxy, then Ebisu was rather sure he would have lost all composure right then.

He resisted the urge to fidget. He could literally feel himself begin to break out in a cold sweat. It was like he was in front of the examiners for the Academy Graduation Exam all over again. His nerves made him overwrought which caused him to act impulsively.

"I need training help."

Ebisu bit his tongue. That was not what he wanted to say. At all.

Silence answered him as Ebisu's blurted out statement dropped between the ninja like a lead balloon. Even with the dull background noise, Ebisu paradoxically found himself in one of the quietest places he'd ever been. And it made him realize one crucial flaw in his plan.

This was a mistake.

He should have realized the folly of his plan before he ran off half-cocked and without thinking things through, especially when confronted with these ninja. They were part of the elite branch. Far more suited for wet-work than for public spectacles like the rank exams. Especially since Yoshioka-san was not there, Ebisu found his chances of assistance were depressingly low. How he could duck out of this embarrassing situa-

A laugh, if something so bitter and angry could be called that, cut into Ebisu's embarrassed thoughts.

"Oh, you wish to learn from one of us? We are a bit old fashioned after all."

Ebisu winced internally at the dig. Kurasaki-san's long memory was as sharp as ever. He would still be paying for those arrogant comments for a long time to come. He guessed there was nothing for it. He would have liked to have handled the situation more…eloquently…however his foot-in-mouth syndrome had only left him the option of brazening it out if he was to try and salvage anything from it.

Ebisu pushed his tinted glasses up on his nose.

"I ask, not for me but for my student."

The two Jounin shared a look that Ebisu could not decipher. Since both ninja had yet to move or offer anything else in the way of commentary, Ebisu took that as a sign, a very slim sign, that they were giving him a chance to explain. So he continued, all the while wondering if he hadn't just made the biggest mistake of his life.

"Will Yoshioka-san be attending tonight? I wish to consult him."

Jounin Kurasaki's features visibly darkened at the question, however Reike remained impassive if not a bit thoughtful. The rest of the ninja at the table shared whole non-verbal conversations with their own looks.

Ebisu stood there and tried not to look as awkward as he felt. Nothing about this situation was comfortable in the slightest.

Finally it was Jounin Reike who spoke, his words carefully measured, "What did you need him for?"

What can't we provide? Went unasked though they all heard it regardless.

This was going to be a tit-for-tat then. Ebisu answered them just as carefully, "I need his perspective as a teacher and some suggestions on unorthodox taijutsu options." He teaches, you do not. This is between sensei.

The Jounin were unimpressed. If anything, Ebisu just threw down the gauntlet. And it did not endear him any to the nin still seated at the table. Or did it? He caught a few flashes of approval in some of them. Ebisu always had a hard time deciphering the upper Echelons of the Jounin Corps.

"Since when were you interested in learning something from the old school of ninjutsu?" Ebisu winced. He had sneered at them in the past for their antiquated methods, genin especially were stupid and cocky after all. However if there was one thing he'd learned and been humbled by it was the basics don't change. And more often than not they'd saved his life.

"It's not for me. It's for my student." He stressed the 'student' as he reiterated his statement. Both high level ninja before him exchanged looks again. The Sandaime's grandson? He was barely starting academy and should be malleable enough. Jounin never gave up their students, ever, unless they were unable to teach them. Which begged the question why would a 'New School' ninja come to them for advice?

"I think Konohamaru-kun is a bit youn-" Reike, glancing at his friend's steadily darkening expression, spoke up before Kurasaki could make a cutting comment. One that would no doubt to slight Ebisu's teaching methods and actually provoke the ninja. They didn't need this to degenerate into a brawl. Ebisu may not have looked like much, but he could do some damage and Kurasaki, well, his self-control had its limits and at this time they were very, very, very low limits. Interestingly the Jounin-Teacher looked uncomfortable. Now what could cause the prideful man to squirm?

"It's not for Konohamaru." He took a breath because he honestly didn't know how these shinobi would react to the boy, "It's for Uzumaki Naruto."

His exclamation was met with raised brows all around. Oh, this had to be good.

"Wait one second." One of the seated Jounin protested, "You're telling us that Hatake Kakashi just up gave you one of his students? Just like that?"

"Well no, not exactly like that." Ebisu muttered.

"Well?" impatient and expectant stares forced Ebisu to reiterate the entire tale. He could not afford for his reputation to be marred with accusations as a student-poacher. That was the greatest anathema to Konoha ninja barely above being a traitor. Of course, he only spoke of the events in the Jounin Lounge and circumvented most of the painful interaction at the hospital between the Jinchūriki and his errant Jounin-sensei, fudging over the more delicate parts.

Ebisu had the distinct feeling that he was fooling no one with his omissions. Quite a few ninja had some incredibly virulent glares when he spoke of the hospital hand-off.

Speaking of the blond genin, Ebisu felt it was time for him to return to his original task. That was finding his Jounin counterpart and devising a working solution with possibly a few unorthodox flourishes. He wanted to leave his mark on the genin so that everyone one would know it was him, and not Hatake Kakashi, who trained the academy ranked dead-last ninja into a competent Chūnin.

Kurasaki-san spoke up and he was surprisingly neutral, "Uzumaki Naruto, huh? Guess that explains why you came to us." Ebisu almost growled at the implied slight. He hadn't come to them, he was searching for Yoshioka-san. However his self-preservations instincts curb stomped those sentiments into submission. He wanted to live to see thirty, thank you very much.

The silver haired Anbu paid him no mind as he seemed to mull over his next thoughts, "Unorthodox would suit him the best, assuming he's not been forced into a style of any kind."

The ninja looked at Ebisu expectantly, his way of telling the man to inform him of any relevant information on the boy. The teaching Jounin gave a small sigh. Might as well take advantage of what these ninja were willing to offer while he could.

"He is Academy Graduate at best." The Elite seated at the table sported varying looks from incredulous disbelief to calculatingly blank. "I have just finished reviewing his Academy Records, Mission Records and the tape from the Preliminary Exam Fights." Some of those looks became distinctly predatory. Ebisu's hackles raised at the sky-rocketing interest, it was never a good thing to draw the attention of the upper tiers of the Ninja Echelon at least until the ninja could protect themselves. Ebisu wasn't sure if he could shield Naruto from them completely.

Kurasaki-san surprisingly nodded in agreement. "I suspected as much," thankfully brought the attention back to situation and not the boy, though Ebisu noted more than a few flashes of surprise on the surrounding ninja. Good, "especially after witnessing his performance against the Inuzuka boy."

Ebisu's slight surprise must have shown at his admission because the Anbu continued, "I was there. Surprised the hell out of me and the rest of the teams that Hatake's team underperformed as much as it did. That sorry excuse of kunoichi should be cut from the ranks, she's a disgrace as is Yamanaka's girl. Never mind Anko had gone quiet after their match."

Ebisu barely suppressed his shudder. He had seen the tape of the matches and was disgusted, he couldn't imagine that torture in person. If Mitarashi ever got her hands on either Kunoichi-in-Training…

Shame to one's profession, especially on the kunoichi's side, brought harsh consequences. It didn't matter if the ninja were fresh out of Academy or from the Genin- Chūnin Corps. That both Hatake and Sarutobi exposed their students to the scrutiny of the ranks and to have them put a bad showing in front of the Hokage as well as one of the most terrifying female ninja in the ranks no less…

He might be pompous and a somewhat egotistical with his position as Konohamaru-kun's personal sensei, however he knew his place. He also knew to protect his students.

A small, niggling thought wormed its way into Ebisu's mind, what were their motivations? He knew the Jounin were not oblivious to the inner workings of the ninja corps. Ebisu could theorize that the Sarutobi Jounin wanted to have some extra pressure and motivation for his team. They seemed wholly unprepared and unmotivated to succeed in this harsh world. As Clan ninja, it was somewhat understandable. But what about Hatake's genin?

Ebisu frowned ever so slightly. The genin seemed motivated enough. He couldn't ignore the Uchiha even if he wanted to. That boy was talented and it showed. But what of the other two?

Naruto, he already aware of. Genin Haruno…had no excuses. She was civilian-born. Even with that disadvantage she was the top kunoichi according to the records and friends with clan ninja (that deplorable match revealed a disgusting amount of information about the two genin, and none of it flattering). She attended the Academy, a place where its entire curriculum was designed to level the playing fields. Purported to be intelligent, the only flimsy excuse he could even entertain was that infatuation with the Uchiha. And that was no defense.

At all.

As if realizing why Ebisu had been looking for Yoshioka-san in the first place, Kurasaki shot the teacher a shrewed glance. "Uzumaki, right? He's got that Hyuuga kid as his first round."

Ebisu nodded and then proceeded to open his mouth and put his foot in it. "How do you cancel out a doujutsu?" He backpedaled, fast. Asking a question like that could get him killed by the Hyuuga. "I mean neutralizing a doujutsu."

"You said exactly what you meant." Kurasaki's grin was a bit too toothy and predatory, "You want to even the playing field."

"Take it out." The practical answer came from one of the seated ninja around them. Once again Ebisu was reminded of how ninja didn't need to be from clans to be dangerous. Still, he hesitated.

"I don't know that's like-"

"Like kicking someone in the nads." Riku finished ruthlessly. "We're ninja, we use all advantages." He either didn't notice or didn't care that his colleagues were all inching away and discreetly protecting themselves. Even Jounin Reike.

That did not comfort Ebisu in the slightest.

The bird-mask Anbu shrugged, "Your student won't stand a chance otherwise. You asked for the old school answer, well there it is." Figure it out yourself. The sneer was more snarl than anything else.

"You best prepare the boy for more than a Chūnin Exam," he hinted at, "More's afoot than this farce of a peaceful diplomatic solution." He got up and threw a few Ryo on the table. Most of the Elite followed suit having decided they had their fill of gossip for the evening. One or two stayed, however migrated towards the bar where their earlier compatriots had gone.

Once the ninja disappeared through the doors and into the night, Ebisu let out a breath he didn't even know he was holding. However he would have to find the nearest training ground to work off his adrenaline. His senses were still battle ready and it would take a few hours for him to wind down.

"Excuse him." offering an apology for his friend's rudeness, Ryuuta broke his silence having listened up until then. And it was Ryuuta-san that was speaking to him rather than Jounin Reike. Ebisu quickly hid the wave of relief he felt.

Reike Ryuuta was a wild card at the best of times. Of the three, Ebisu could never tell where he fell in terms of association. When he did speak with Ryuuta-san, he could be counted as almost as dependable as Kenji-san. Jounin Reike though, it was better to tread with extreme caution and be on guard at all times. With eyes both forward, back and to the periphery.

Ebisu waved off the apology. He knew better than anyone else did why Kurasaki was so hostile towards him. That didn't make the situation any less tense or dangerous. Because, given the chance, the man really would kill him.

"Kenji won't be happy about missing any of this." A glimmer of humor peaked out from Ryuuta-san, "I dare say you would have had a warmer reception if he had been."

"Where is Yoshioka-san anyways?"

"I dunno," at Ebisu's looked of disbelief he chuckled.

"I truly don't. The guy's on a mission, he won't be here for a few weeks yet." Ryuuta shrugged carelessly though his tone was thoughtful, "he's a nice guy, he won't be too bummed out. He will be interested in your development. He called dibs on the gaki when he graduated Academy. Got denied though."

Ebisu frowned slightly, "is it because of his heritage? Regardless, Naruto-san is more like Kenji-san in that regard."

Ryuuta shrugged again, thought a flash of something dark and very, very dangerous in his eyes betrayed his thoughts.

It was a given fact that some honored counselors were too worried that the heritage of others would taint their perfect little Konoha fantasy. The same fantasy most Anbu overheard Honorable Shimura-san spouting.

The fact that a good portion of the forces were not born in the village put them under extra scrutiny and prejudice. Most of the most promising 'Unknowns' were blocked from promotions and positions that would have helped the village and instead relegated them into powerless anonymity. The fact they also weren't clan ninja made their rank advances that much more difficult. Those same honored counselors should be thankful for every breath they took because, unlike Ebisu, they had the Sandaime protecting them. If it wasn't for Hiruzen-sama's explicit orders, there would be quite a few less prestigious names in Konoha. They were safe.

For now.

That very fact made both Ryuuta respect the lithe ninja a tad bit more. Granted the man was a bit of a brown-noser and more than a little pompous, but that was waylaid by his lack of clan, his undeniable hard work, and his willingness to walk into danger no matter the cost, as evidenced this evening. Ryuuta himself could tell that despite his distaste for the glasses-wearing ninja, Riku had been intrigued enough to actually listen to the man.

It was an improvement. Ryuuta didn't think Riku would 'kill Ebisu first and ask questions later' for the time being.

Ebisu for his part was again reminded that while most ninja were not 'famous' like Hatake, they were deadly. A testament that the unknown made them far more of a threat. Uchiha Itachi had learned that the hard way when he entered ANBU. As had his Cousin Shisui. And both were forced to choose their loyalties. ANBU demanded nothing less.

While both were powerful in their own right, there were always larger predators in the food chain. To force ninja from one of the most prideful and one of the Four Noble Clans proved that .

"I'll let him know you wanted his help." Ebisu wasn't sure if he imagined the approval from the tall Jounin or not, "he might end up dropping by." Ebisu's eyebrows shot up to his hairline in surprise. Ryuuta-san gave the more junior Jounin a small grin, "Careful with your student. Kenji may even sue for the boy's apprenticeship if he does end up ranking. Oh, and he would also approve of Riku's suggestion." The tacked on comment had Ebisu frowning deeply.

"But still, going so far as to blinding a doujutsu? That was asking for some serious reprisals from the Hyuuga clan." Ebisu shifted uneasily. That was a can o' worms he didn't want to open. Everyone in Konoha had been witness to a similar tragedy years ago and used it as a cautionary tale.

When the Uchiha were still in power, he clearly remembered how ruthlessly the clan hounded a young Chūnin to death. It was during a Chūnin Exams, Ebisu forgot most of the details because it was five or six years prior and he had been distracted with his Tokubetsu Jounin nomination. The young civilian-born ninja had temporarily blinded one of the up and coming Uchiha 'prodigies' to win the rank exams and denied a clan ninja a promotion in the process. It was a major upset. Unfortunately the winner ended up paying for his short lived victory with his life.

There was no evidence of course, but the ninja had suffered a rather gruesome death on what should have been a relatively routine escort mission. And before that his life was literally a living hell with the way the Uchiha harassed him like a pack of hunting hounds. It was whispered that the arrogant clan had had their revenge though.

Ebisu remembered it so well because it not only the tragedy but more so the person associated with it. That year was also the same year young Itachi lost his first Chūnin rank promotion. And it took the young boy a full week of medical cleanses to his eyes and constant monitoring in the hospital and intensive healing sessions. The intensive recovery forced him to miss the second exam that year thus delaying his rise to stardom.

In hindsight, the heavy backlash should have been expected from the arrogant clan. The fear that someone had found a way to thwart their superior bloodline and publicly did so was probably part of the driving forces behind the heavy retaliation. They also wanted to discourage other Konoha ninja from using such methods.

The fact that someone dared step out of their naturally inferior station and assault the Uchiha instead of rolling over like good little commoners was not missed either. However, their actions only served to polarize and isolate the clan even more. And like the fools they were, the clan had reveled in the fear.

Ebisu sat back and began to think through Naruto's situation logically, now that he was forced to consider the taboo-method as a viable option. And to only made sense. Because as Kurasaki-san had pointed out, they were ninja and they used every advantage.

Ebisu completely missed the approving look he received from Ryuuta-san as he retreated into his thoughts and hashed out his problems, thinking them through.

Unlike Maito Gai and his Goken taijutsu which was the definition of mobility, Jyuuken was designed to be a heavily stationary offensive and defensive weapon. As prodigious and Hyuga Neji was in his arts, he was still classically Hyuuga. The Hyuuga's strongest stances were hard and immobile at best. That left the option of going for the legs too.

But, he knew of only one ninja who could possibly underneath the Jyuuken's reach and attack the legs. It was because he was so unorthodox. He grimaced, Yoshioka wouldn't be back for a few weeks yet, which meant he had to find another solution.

Damn.

"If you want my advice Ebisu, play to the boy's strengths." Before the younger Jounin panicked, Ryuuta cut in with his own suggestions, "search them out and then ground him in something solid while using them. Otherwise he will ditch that training the moment he's in real combat."

The tall ninja peered at his younger kouhai assessingly. "You will have to come emotionally involved and attached to the boy. Can you do that?"

Could he? Ebisu pondered that thought. He didn't know if he was to honestly admit.

"His opponent's from one of the noble clans, correct?" Ebisu nodded. "Then he already had the advantage. Regardless if they are of the Branch Family or not, they won't play 'dirty' ninja tricks. That will open up the field for a wide variety of strategies." With that the tall Jounin bid him a 'Good Night' before also disappearing into the shadows of the night as well.

Ebisu left the dingy bar a moment later with his mind alight and simply brimming with ideas. He might not have gotten exactly what he wanted nor straight answers, but perhaps the results were more beneficial than he thought.

He set off for his apartment. He had a training outline to put together and an evaluation to prepare for.

It was shaping up to be one of those days.

The morning had started out to innocently that it was almost criminal. Of course that was not factoring in Ebisu's almost sleepless night nor one Uzumaki Naruto.

Ebisu could already feel the twinges of a tension headache threatening his health when Naruto sported a mulish expression at the suggestions on his list for the boy to learn. And this was only the preliminary outline too!

He hadn't been able to tailor the training without the necessary details he had yet to wrangle out of the boy. Once he had them, he would be able to set up a foundation. The Jounin felt his tension hike up a few more notches.

He had completely forgotten that the boy had yet to accept him as a sensei. Ebisu was going to answer for that slip he just knew it. Today was going to be painful.

Completely unaware and oblivious to his substitute-teacher's near brush with death the night before, Naruto subjected the already stressed man to his own brand of testing. After all he wasn't sure if the Closet-Pervert was for real yet.

"Why do I have to learn that? That's boooring!"

Ebisu's eyebrow twitched dangerously. Surely the boy jested. A quick look told him that, no, Naruto was not even pretending to pretend just to be irritating. He honest-to-the-kami thought chakra-control exercises would not help him. The Jounin twitched as Naruto, loudly, demanded to learn something useful.

The teaching Jounin had a horrifying feeling that his mantra for the foreseeable future was going to be something like, 'Fix now, throttle later.'

Ebisu pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. He would have to fight several motivational battle for exercises in all things Naruto didn't' deem 'Important' in the future.

Right. He needed to evaluate the boy's skills.

He mentally promised himself to put the brat through the ringer. Something must has shone through his body language because the boy tensed.

"Let's begin." Ebisu had a slightly sadistic glint in his eyes. Or so he thought.

Naruto gulped.

At the end of their day, Ebisu invited Naruto to sit beside him on the Fourth's head and to just relax. The sun set brilliantly as both just luxuriated in the silence and serenity of the setting sun. Neither spoke as their thoughts were elsewhere. Even as the stars blinked into existence one by one.

The evening star seemed to blaze triumphantly in the evening sky as it shone first and the brightest. Naruto found himself fascinated with the sight. It had been a long time since he stargazed. The last time he had was the week before he graduated from the Academy.

He had to hand it to the Closet Pervert. The man had run him ragged and Naruto couldn't remember ever being this tired, not even when he used Kage Bunshin to defend Iruka-Sensei after practicing for hours. It allowed him to hope a little more for his future.

They had tested everything. He wouldn't have pegged the Closet Pervert as being strong before, seeing the man literally fly when he defeated him, but he underestimated him. He, Uzumaki Naruto, underestimated the Closet Pervert!

He had thought the man was weak. Boy was he wrong.

Strangely the Closet Pervert had remained impassive through it all, aside from the slight twitch of annoyance when Naruto provoked him on purpose, especially when the genin was too frustrated.

Naruto had been supremely disappointed when the man had shone up that morning with the scroll that had a long list of boring-ass things for him to learn. There was no awesome jutsu or a mystical Taijutsu on that scroll that would help him. No, Naruto didn't see the point in learning the things on that list because they were not going to help him defeat the Hyuuga-Teme. And then he said he would have a Complete Training List for Naruto as he had gathered all the information he needed. What did he mean by that?

Something warm and smelled delicious tickled his senses interrupting his reverie. Naruto blinked and looked around before he looked down. Placed next near him was a cup of fresh steaming hot ocha, some packets of shoyu, and three medium sized, white pastries neatly piled on a swathe of wax paper.

"It's seven," Naruto's uncomprehending stare had Ebisu elaborating.

"I promised you dinner didn't I?"

Deciding to forgo etiquette for the moment (and studiously ignoring his screaming social-conscious at the impropriety of his actions), Ebisu picked up his own steam bun and took a larger than necessary bite. It was a calculated move, partially to still earn the boy's trust, but also to see if Naruto would eat something other than Ramen. Humming thoughtfully as he chewed, he opened one of the shoyu packets and dribbled the salty soy sauce all over it sweet pork center. The teacher swallowed, took a sip of his own hot tea and took another bite. This time the sweet pork center was balanced by the saltiness of the shoyu. Perfect.

The Jounin hid his smile when he finally heard Naruto chow down on one of his own steamed buns, apparently deciding that they weren't poisoned. He counted that a success. What the boy didn't know was that Ebisu laced them with vitamins and minerals enough for a week's worth of nutrition. If nothing else it would ensure the boy's fast metabolism would absorb the nutrients. That was one of the deficiencies he was determined to correct in genin, well that and his diminished height. He was hoping more than anything else that the boy's body would put them to good use. And he was also counting on the Kyuubi's pride to ensure the health of its vessel.

All in all, despite the headaches the boy presented him with throughout the day, he considered it a success. And as for Naruto…

It was the second best meal he had ever had.

::Tsuzuku::

A/N: Warning: UPDATES WILL BE INSANELY SLOW. I do have a job (and life) that is my priority. And unfortunately Fanfiction is not. Well, on to the important stuffs…

This was a damn beast to write. It was just supposed to be five or six pages at most. Guess not anymore. This is why I'm so leery of writing, my chapters simply morph. It's appalling. It's uncontrollable. And it's completely time consuming.

If only I got paid for this…

Two chapters in and I already have people railing at me (I dunno whether to be proud or laugh like a hyena). Guess I must be doing at least one thing right, maybe? Or, was it my prolonged absence?

…

Apparently, the no pairings is a point of contention. Understand that this is a character driven fict. I prefer the growth of a character as a person. That is where my interest lies.

Characters will have their biased points of view. They do not have the omniscient knowledge of the reader. What's more is that we are dealing with a young, competitive boy whose out to prove something, he doesn't have his mind on romance and quite frankly neither do I. Friendships, though…

…

To those that are concerned about the next coming of Sasuke Ball Z, this is a ninja fict. I did not write this with the intention of turning it into a fandom filled Marvel Comic like parody or some DBZ/Fairy Tail mage wannabe masquerading as a ninja. Let me reiterate; this is a ninjafict.

That said a word of caution: Kishimoto has made a world of super-powered ninja. Naruto will have to survive somehow if he's cornered by the heavyweight behemoths.

…

Like S'Tarkan had contemplated for his fict Team 8, I ask you this question: What would Naruto have been like with a solid mentor? S'Tarkan started at day one. My AUstarts at another crucial point in Naruto's career.

-Raise your hand if you thought the training Naruto got for the Chūnin Exams from Jiraiya was a bunch of BS? Yeah, I thought so too.

LJ 5/11/14, 5/12/14, 5/18/14, 9/16/14, 9/20/14, 9/21/14, 9/25/14, 9/28/14, 10/4/14