Summary: The time of the Tarnished has long passed. However, relics of a forgotten land still exist. A curious young redhead happens upon such relics, and in doing so, is given the mantle as the heir of a legacy. The legacy of the Conqueror of the Stars. OP/Godlike Naruto
The thing about people doing their damnedest to ignore you means that it's easier to elude their sight. For Naruto, that means that he can go where he wants to go, for the most part, without rousing suspicion. So, the curious young redhead prefers to spend much of his time exploring the forest surrounding Konoha, his home.
For the past three months, Naruto had been attending the Konoha Shinobi Academy. Due to his inquisitive nature, Naruto had a higher than average amount of knowledge and intelligence so the academy had little to offer Naruto in the form of lessons. While being a shinobi did interest him, he didn't care much for the lack of freedom in entailed. The young redhead enjoyed taking life at his own pace and spending it with his friends and loved ones.
Although shunned by much of the village, he had many friends like Teuchi and Ayame Ichiraku, Tenten Higurashi and her parents, Anko and Ibiki even if they had their creepy interests, Ino and her family, Shikamaru and the Nara clan, Choji and the Akamichis, Shino, Hinata, the arrogant teme's mother, Mikoto, Hokage-jiji, and even Iruka. That's a lot.
So, he's not alone. It's mostly the civilians who hate him. Well, maybe hate is a strong word. They dislike him, or at the least are wary of him. It roused his curiosity, of course, and after seeing the seal on his stomach while training one day, he confronted the Hokage about it and the old man came clean. He had a fox in his stomach. A big ass fox. It made sense now.
It didn't bother him as much to be ignored now, if anything, it made his life a bit easier. They leave him alone, he doesn't make things difficult for them. Although, the old man clamming up about his parents annoyed him, but he claimed it was for his own safety. Apparently, Naruto can't keep a secret. The redhead calls bullshit on that.
As Naruto was lost in thought, he failed to realize how dark it was getting. His eyesight in the dark was great and all, but he still didn't like being in the forest at night. So he turns to head back home. And then he turns again because he was going the wrong way. He makes another turn because he remembers going right at that tree. Or was it left? Shit.
'I'm lost.'
Ok, so it's not the worst situation in the world for the 8 year old boy. At least he's still inside Konoha. But he failed to understand how he got lost in a forest he's explored for much of his life. He decides that the best thing to do is find shelter for the night. Wandering around in the dark might find him face to face with the dangerous creatures that roam the forest.
After a bit of searching, he comes across a cave. 'Huh? I don't remember seeing this before.' Naruto had made a point to explore any cave he came across while in the forest. Entering inside, he notes that it's pretty deep.
His curiosity getting the better of him, he ventures deeper inside. After traveling further and further down, he sees a wide clearing in the cavern and an opening that allows the moon to shine down inside. The moonlight illuminates what appears to be a woman with a beautiful shade of blue skin and, strangely enough, four arms. She's wearing a white blouse with a fur cloak and a pointed round brim hat that matches her outfit. Upon closer inspection, Naruto notes that she only has one eye. Nevertheless, she's one of the most beautiful women Naruto has ever seen.
But, she is motionless. Naruto, unfortunately, assumes she is dead. He approaches her slowly and as he nears her, her eye opens, causing Naruto to recoil in surprise. He let's out a shocked cry and falls to the ground.
The woman eyes him with suspicion before saying, "Why hast thou roused me from mine slumber?"
Naruto's shock is now replaced by confusion. The woman's way of speaking is by far the strangest he's ever heard. She continues, "Is it thine intention to simply stare at me? State your business, little one."
Naruto gathers himself and answers, "My name is Naruto. I was exploring the forest when it became dark and I got lost and ended up here, looking for shelter."
The woman nods her head slowly. "Naruto... Hast thou a family name?"
Naruto slowly shakes his head, having to struggle to understand the strange words the woman is saying. "No... the old man told me I didn't have a family name on my birth certificate so everyone calls me Naruto. He didn't give me one either. He said he'll tell me who my parents are when I'm 'ready'."
She nods again. "I see... thou mayst refer to me as Ranni, the Eternal Witch who has conquered life and death."
Naruto's eyes widen at the claims she has made. An idea occurred to him. "Eternal Witch... so you have lived a long time?"
Ranni answers. "Indeed. Over several millennia I have lived. Although... I hazard to say how long it has been since I have opened my eyes from mine slumber."
Naruto nods in awe. "Then... maybe you can teach me?"
This evokes Ranni's curiosity. "Oh? And why wouldst I hearken to indulge thine desire for mine knowledge?"
Naruto takes a moment to process what Ranni said. "Well... you'd get bored easily since you've lived for a really long time, right? Wouldn't teaching me give you something to do?"
Ranni wasn't expecting such a simple but true answer. She blinked in surprise for a moment before giving a light laugh. Naruto was surprised to hear this. Even more surprising to him was that it was the most beautiful sound he'd ever heard.
Ranni answers, "Well, I suppose thou hast a point. Tell me, young Naruto, what wouldst be thine intentions once thou hast learned from me?"
Naruto takes a moment to think about her question. "I'd use it to protect my home and the people I love."
Ranni's eye widens. Something about Naruto's words stirred something from her past. 'Protecting one's home... one's people...'
Yes... her brother, Radahn. He would give his life to save his people without hesitation. He fought with Melania, tooth and nail, and battle her accursed blood rot until he met his end at the hands of the Tarnished. He loved his people, his home, and he died a warrior's death. Yes... this boy shall carry his legacy.
A smile grace's Ranni's face. The most beautiful, gentle smile Naruto had seen. "Very well. I shall give thee a piece of mine knowledge. I find it most... suitable for thee."
Naruto smiles happily. "Great! So... what'll you be teaching me?"
Ranni smiles. "The specialty of mine own brother: gravity magic."
Naruto turns his head slightly in confusion. "Gravity... magic?"
Ranni nods. "Indeed. Prepare thyself, young one. For this training will be unlike any thou hadst partaken in before."
Difficult was not the word Naruto would use to describe the training Ranni had put him through. It was brutal, torturous, and borderline inhumane. Using the surrounding forest to mask their training, Ranni had pushed Naruto's body beyond it's breaking point. While not actually sparring with him on her own, she'd use her summons to do it. Massive giants, feral knights, wolves, and even dragons. Yes, a fucking dragon.
Worse still, she made sure he's do the training right. Otherwise, she'd use her magic to punish him. Once, she froze him solid for an entire day. Naruto had learned that, while she wasn't an egotistical maniac or power hungry psychopath, Ranni was extremely powerful. So much so, that she could command death at will. She literally commanded a pack of giant dire wolves to die, and they obeyed. They literally fell to the ground dead from her wishing it upon them. Naruto swore to never piss her off.
Once, when Naruto had very nearly came close to death, Naruto and Ranni had encountered the kyuubi that was sealed inside him. He was far less than welcoming to either of them and before it could explode into a battle between Ranni and the fox, Naruto intervened, not wanting two godlike beings battling inside him. He knows that would most certainly lead to his death.
So the two parties agreed not to bother each other. Though Naruto feels that, while the nine tailed fox of legend was very powerful, he would never bet against Ranni in a fight. There's a reason she's lived as long as she has.
While not training with Ranni, Naruto continued with his normal routine, albeit, he attended the academy far less, only enough to not fail. This change had garnered a lot of suspicion from Iruka and Hiruzen, but when confronted about it, he merely stated he wanted to focus more on his own training than wasting his time on stuff he already knows, to which they couldn't refute since Naruto did actually know everything they covered in the academy. Three basic jutsu, one of which is completely useless, and the same history subjects all 6 years. Waste of fucking time.
But the things Naruto had been learning from Ranni were what mattered most. Using her astral projections, she allowed Naruto to study the fighting techniques of Radahn himself. The man was mesmerized by his power and ability. Naruto wondered if any of the Hokages could ever match him in battle.
To complete Radahn's legacy, Ranni gifted Naruto the twin greatswords Radahn wielded. She had taken them when the great Tarnished had passed on and had kept them throughout the ages. Using her astral records of Radahn's battles, she had Naruto learn to wield them with great skill.
Throughout all these years, Naruto had mastered all Ranni could teach him of Radahn's powers and skill. The only thing that could allow him to improve would be experience. Knowing this, Ranni pulled him aside and told him her plans for the future.
"Youngling, there is no more left to teach thee of Radahn's power. To truly master his legacy, thou must partake in great battles as he did. Only by tempering thine skills as he did so long ago wouldst thou truly have inherited his legacy."
Naruto nodded. "Then, what would you do, Ranni? You can't expect for me to leave you out here again, could you?" Indeed, over the years Ranni and Naruto had grown very close. Naruto cares deeply for Ranni and Ranni cares greatly for Naruto.
Ranni smiles at the young man. "Lend me thine arm for but a moment, Naruto." He does as she wishes, extending his right arm to her. Holding one of her hands over his forearm, a bright blue rune appears and forms a permanent tattoo, much to Naruto's amazement.
Naruto looks at Ranni, who smiles at him. "With this rune, I can travel with thee and exit at mine leisure. Thou mayst also hold thine greatswords in it whilst not fighting. Whilst inside the rune, I mayst also converse with thee."
Naruto smiles happily. "This is great Ranni. I can't thank you enough for everything you've done for me." He then stores the swords into the rune on his forearm.
Ranni returns his smile with one of her own. She then reaches inside the void which she kept the greatswords. Naruto also assumes it's where she holds most of her possessions. He was stunned once again when she presented him with a piece of chest armor, grieves, and gauntlets. They were massive in size and were heavy enough to leave imprints in the ground.
Ranni explains, "This armor was once worn by my brother, General Radahn. It was claimed by the Tarnished who defeated him. I now gift it to thee, to aid thee in shouldering his legacy."
Naruto is in awe, the armor is beautifully preserved. He walks over to it and takes it from the ground. The armor is heavy, but to Naruto it weighs next to nothing. Surprisingly, it fits his 6' frame quite well. Although he is only fourteen, constant exposure to magic had boosted his growth tremendously. Outfitted in Radahn's armor, Naruto was the spitting image of a conqueror.
Ranni then says, "The helm was unfortunately lost to time. I cannot recount where it is but the Tarnished did not have it with him during the time of his passing." Naruto nods. It did not matter to him. He liked how he looked without it. It fitted his figure nicely and he liked having his back length red hair flow freely and unrestricted.
To complete his outfit, however, Naruto unsealed his swords from his rune and placed them on his back, effortlessly holding them there with his gravity magic.
Ranni smiles at the imposing figure her student strikes. "A look befitting a true conqueror."
Naruto nods in thanks. "Thank you, Ranni-sensei."
Ranni appreciates his gratitude. She then says, "I wish to experience more of this new world. Mayst we venture it together, my student."
Naruto nods. "We may, Ranni-sensei. Let's experience it together."
With that, Ranni leans forward and places a pair of her hands on each of Naruto's cheeks. She then gives him a kiss on his forehead before being enveloped in a bright blue light and disappearing into the tattoo on Naruto's arm.
"Now..." Ranni speaks from inside the rune. "Let us venture forth from this forest." Naruto mentally agrees and leaves behind the section of forest that holds so many memories for them both.
While on their way, Ranni provides one more piece of advice for Naruto. "Naruto." she says.
'Hm? What's up, Ranni?'
"Thou hast yet to claim a family name."
Naruto wondered what point she was trying to make. 'I haven't because I'm waiting to find out who my parents were.'
"A choice I respect, but may I offer a suggestion?"
Naruto was intrigued. 'Sure. What's on your mind, Ranni?'
"I would suggest the name Redmane."
Now he was really intrigued. 'Redmane? I like it, but why do you suggest that?'
"Redmane was the name of the castle my brother lived in while he ruled. And since his legacy lives on within thee, it seemed only fitting."
Naruto debated for a moment. 'Naruto Redmane... I like it. I think I'll tell the old man when we get to the village.'
Ranni didn't voice her approval but Naruto could feel it, which only made him happier. Ranni was the most important person in his life. He still had his other friends and loved ones, but Naruto held Ranni dearest to him. She had changed his life for the better and he would happily spend the rest of it repaying this debt.
As Naruto finally reached the village, many villagers stopped to take note of his appearance. It was intimidating and awesome. Many of the villagers still flinched and cringed at the weight of the power he unconsciously released, something he paid no attention to. If he tried, he could fully suppress it, but Naruto didn't both to while inside the village. Only when he went on his blooding missions had Ranni stressed to him the importance of stealth when necessary.
Some villagers and shinobi took the time to appraise Naruto's appearance. 6' even, a well muscled 220lb, long, fiery red hair that reached his lower back, and his once bright cerulean eyes had changed to a golden yellow with a slit pupil, a result of his magic. He no longer had his three defining whisker marks on each cheek. Truly, the Naruto of once before had all but disappeared.
When Naruto entered the Hokage tower, the secretary spared him a glance but didn't bother to stop him. She knew that the Hokage would always give Naruto his attention, no matter what he was doing. Because she is a chuunin, she was more resistant to Naruto's aura. She's quite fond of the redheaded jinchuuriki, as are many of the other shinobi amongst Konoha's ranks. She usually let's Naruto come and go as he pleases, often exchanging the occasional banter when she isn't busy.
When Naruto enters into Hiruzen's office, he is surprised by Naruto's armor. It piques his curiosity. "Hello, Naruto-kun. I must say, that's quite an interest set of armor you have."
Naruto offers Hiruzen a kind smile. "Thank's, jiji. I like it too."
Hiruzen nods. "Where'd you get it from, if I may ask?"
Naruto shrugs. "A gift." he answers simply.
Hiruzen raises an eyebrow at this. "Oh? From who Naruto-kun?"
Naruto sighs. "Quite the nosy one, is he not?" Naruto nods mentally at Ranni's comment. "I'll be straight with you, old man. I want to take a family name."
Hiruzen's eyes soften at this. "Naruto-kun, I told you-"
"I'll choose my own name, old man." Naruto interrupts him.
Hiruzen wasn't expecting this. He wanted Naruto to either take the Uzumaki name or Namikaze name, but Naruto wasn't given either at his birth due to people drawing the connections. Should he have taken the Uzumaki name, he would have been targeted for the possibility of obtaining a potential full blooded Uzumaki, due to his red hair. And giving him the Namikaze family name would have been asking for trouble. He decides to hear him out. "Ok, Naruto-kun. What name would you like to take?"
Naruto smiles. "Redmane. My name will be Naruto Redmane."
Naruto blinks in surprise at his choice. 'Redmane... how fitting.' He also takes notice of the massive swords on his back, something one of his ANBU had taken interest in, too. "Ok, Naruto-kun. Your name shall, from this day forth, be known as Naruto Redmane."
Naruto nods in appreciation. "Thanks, Jiji. I appreciate it."
"I must say, there is no name more appropriate for thee." Ranni also adds.
Hiruzen nods. "Of course, Naruto-kun. Now, may I speak to you about the... items you now possess?"
Naruto chuckles in amusement. "Old man, you of all people know that a warrior will always be entitled to their secrets."
Hiruzen doesn't necessarily like it, but he has to agree with Naruto. Even some of his most trusted shinobi have secrets they keep from him, and Hiruzen respects that. Hiruzen nods with a chuckle. "Of course, Naruto-kun. I will trust you and respect your secrecy."
Naruto smiles. "Thanks old man."
Hiruzen waves him off. "Think nothing of it. Good luck on your graduation test tomorrow, Naruto-kun."
Naruto responds, "Thanks, Jiji. See ya later."
Naruto exits from the office, leaving Hiruzen to contend with the mounting pile of paperwork accumulating on his desk.
The next day, Naruto enters into the academy classroom adorned in Radahn's armor. As soon as he stepped into the room, he was treated to the stares of his classmates. One civilian had to make her opinion known.
"Naruto-baka, stop trying to be cool like Sasuke-kun!" a pink haired civilian born girl shouted. Naruto could feel Ranni's displeasure from inside the rune. "That thing is most incorrigible. I shall dispose of it at once."
Naruto flinched as he felt her gathering her magic to leave the rune. 'Wait, Ranni! You can't just kill her because she's annoying!'
"Naruto-baka! What are you doing! Go sit down, you idiot!"
'...You were saying?'
'...ok maybe you can, but doing so would cause us some trouble. And it would make our lives a bit more difficult.' he mentally conversed with his mentor/friend as he walked to his seat.
As he was about to sit next to Ino, he was stopped by the most annoying person he's ever met. The black haired, duck-butt hairstyle-having boy had his infamous arrogant smirk on his face. His clan was mysteriously massacred several years ago by his older brother. They couldn't even find a motivation for such a tragedy. Naruto had felt sorry for the boy until he'd seen how his attitude changed. He shunned his mother, a woman whom Naruto held dear to him, because of her lack of desire for vengeance. This boy was a lot cause to Naruto. He did not appreciate the family he still had.
Mikoto was actually very fortunate to have survived. Itachi Uchiha had actually tried to kill her by stabbing her in her chest but she miraculously survived. When he heard she was in the hospital in ICU, he was furious. Seeing her on life support truly enraged him. He made a solemn vow to pay Itachi back for how he'd hurt the gentle and kind Uchiha matriarch.
Naruto turned his attention back to the indignant Uchiha. The boy sneered, "Dobe, give me your swords. They are of no use to a clanless orphan like you. They belong to an elite like me." Sasuke grew arrogant at the attention and catering he was receiving. While Naruto couldn't get the average civilian to look his way, Sasuke was getting his feet kissed day in and day out. Now he felt as though he was entitled to everything.
"Yeah! They belong to Sasuke-kun! Not you, Naruto-baka!"
Naruto sighs in exasperation, feeling the overwhelming annoyance coming from Ranni. He says nothing, instead lifting his hand and capturing Sasuke with his gravity magic. Sasuke is unable to do anything as he is lifted off the ground. He's suddenly flung backwards into the wall of the classroom and falls to the floor unconscious.
Sakura gasps in disbelief. She turns to Naruto. "Naruto-baka! How could you do that to Sasuke-kun! He was just stating facts! I'm gonna tell the instructors and they- AHHHhhhh!" She screams as she is flung out of the classroom via third story window.
Naruto says nothing as he goes and sits by Ino. He smiles, "Hey, Ino-chan."
Ino smiles back. "Hey Naruto-kun. Looking good."
He chuckles and notices Hinata smiling at him and waving. He waves back. 'She's so adorable.' Ranni says nothing but Naruto feels something coming from the rune.
After a few minutes, Sakura walks back in looking much worse for wear. She goes and sits back in her seat. Iruka and Mizuki walk in and ask what happened to make Naruto attack Sakura and Sasuke. He tells them what happened and Iruka understands and wakes Sasuke up. He was about to attack Naruto but was advised against it by Mizuki and Iruka. He goes back to his seat and the two chunin begin the genin exam.
Later on, Naruto can be seen leaving the academy with a black hitaiate in hand. He figures it won't match with his armor so he stores it into his rune to figure out how to incorporate it later. He heads towards the training grounds for now.
"Naruto."
'I know.'
Meanwhile, in the Hokage's office, the jounin sensei and potential sensei had all gathered to observe the genin prospects. Hiruzen had turned the attention to Naruto, as something interesting was going to happen to him.
As Naruto reached training ground 10, he stopped in the middle of the field. "Come out, now. Or I will make you."
Suddenly, he is surrounded by five ANBU with blank masks and the kanji for Ne on them. Naruto squints his eyes at his potential enemies. "What do you want with me?" he demands.
"Genin Naruto Redmane, you will come with us." one of them states.
Naruto doesn't hesitate in responding. "I refuse."
The ANBU answers, "Then we shall use force."
Two of the ANBU charged at Naruto while three stayed back to provide support. Naruto wisely broke up their formation by launching a wave of his gravity magic, throwing them all back. Unbeknownst to Naruto, Hiruzen and company were viewing the whole thing. Ranni knew this and would have disrupted it but chose not to by virtue of curiosity; she wanted to see how Hiruzen would react to Naruto's abilities.
Naruto proceeded to charge at one of the ANBU and attacked him faster than he could react. Wielding one of his swords, he bisected him instantly, not caring to drag the fight on. The other four, seeing the swift death of their comrade, charged at Naruto. Returning his sword to his back, he called upon his gravity magic to fling two of the ANBU into the forest behind them.
The other two, he would make a statement of. Flashing through handseals, the two ANBU launched a combo of attacks.
"Fire style! Great Fireball Jutsu!"
"Earth Style! Earth dragon bullet jutsu!"
The attacks raced towards Naruto but he easily repelled them. The two attacked were dissipated by his magic. Naruto then captured the two ANBU and lifted them into the air. Naruto then brought his hands close together in a motion, slamming the two ANBU into one another. Naruto then moved his hands in a grinding motion, flesh and bones rending together. The two ANBU screamed in pain, regardless of their emotion-killing training.
The cracking of bones and tearing of flesh caused the jounin and even the Hokage to flinch and cringe in disgust. One of the jounin, a beautiful woman named Kurenai Yuuhi, ran out of the room lest she lose her lunch. One jounin spoke up. "Hokage-sama! This needs to stop! That kind of killing in unnatural!"
Hiruzen looked at the man, Kakashi Hatake, "I will wait and talk with Naruto-kun. I do not want to assume the worst so quickly. Perhaps you should go and comfort Kurenai, Kakashi." Kakashi nods. He understands Hiruzen's point. The remaining jounin turn their attention back to the scene.
Soon the screaming stopped and all that was left of the two unfortunate ANBU was a ball of meat resembling a large lump of hamburger. Even their bones had been ground together into the formless mass of flesh. Naruto finished emphatically by throwing the blob to the ground, splatting upon impact and causing the viewers to all flinch.
The other two ANBU charge out from the trees, having recovered from the impact of being thrown. Naruto acts immediately, restraining one to the ground with his magic and pulling the other to him. Neither could move as Naruto grabs the closest ANBU by the top of his head. A sickening snap echoes through the field and through the crystal viewing ball as Naruto breaks the man's neck, turning his head 180 degrees backwards and leaving him to fall forward lifelessly.
The last remaining ANBU was pulled up from the ground by Naruto's invisible magic. Wasting no time, Naruto plunged his hand into his torso. Some of the jounin actually began to retch and dry heave as the ANBU screamed in absolute horror when Naruto began pulling the man's spine through his abdomen. Naruto pulled again, taking more spine, and finally gave another tug and pulled out the man's spine with it's skull still attached. That was the final straw as some of the jounin actually began vomiting. Even Hiruzen felt sick at the display.
Ending the viewing, Hiruzen fell back into his chair, feeling his age. His son, Asuma, spoke up. "Dad... that kid is seriously fucked up."
One jounin wasn't actually bothered by the display, and she made it known. "Hell yeah. The kid's got style. I always knew I loved that gaki for a reason." While almost everyone was accustomed to Anko's outrageous persona, they still looked at her like she was crazy.
Hiruzen sighed. "And what do you think... Danzo?"
He turned and looked at his bandaged friend. Danzo was as stoic as ever. "I didn't expect him to... slaughter my operatives so effortlessly and with even less remorse. I recommend a psychological evaluation some time this week to confirm that he isn't a liability or a flight risk."
Hiruzen nods in agreement. "That sounds reasonable. I'll have to speak to him about it in the next few days. Those techniques of his... I've never seen anything like it. It was as though he was manipulating their bodies with his mind."
Asuma looked at Hiruzen for a moment. "You think we could get him to tell us where he learned them from?"
Hiruzen shook his head. "No, unless he's deemed a threat to Konoha, he doesn't have to divulge his secrets. He's be a very serious threat if he was our enemy, though." The other occupants of the room nodded in agreement. Hiruzen dismissed everyone, asking them to rest well after witnessing what Naruto was capable of.
Back in the training field, Naruto was busy investigating his handiwork. He found nothing of use or any clues as to why these ANBU had attacked him. He mentally asked Ranni what her opinion is.
"I haven't a clue how thou hadst provoked them. But, during thine battle, I felt as though we were being watched from far away."
Naruto nodded in understanding. 'The old man has a crystal ball he uses to watch people from his office. But if he knew I was being attacked, why didn't he send some ANBU to stop them?'
Ranni answered in response, "Perhaps he is the one who orchestrated this ambush?"
Naruto's eyes widen in surprise. 'You think he was testing me?'
"Or trying to end thine life. Though, I hazard to guess it is the first suggestion."
Naruto nods in agreement. 'Then, I suppose I can expect a visit soon. Or I'll be called to the old man's office.'
Naruto felt Ranni's agreement. He decided to head back home to eat some dinner and get some rest.
After three sessions of psych evaluations, Naruto was cleared for duty, although, he could tell the Hokage was still suspicious of him. Likewise, Naruto was still skeptical of the old man for hiding so much from him. It didn't bother him as much since life was going so well for him thus far. He still had friends, still had people who cared for him, and still was able to walk down the street without people messing with him. And Ranni. She was with him every step of the way.
Today was the day, though, that Naruto was to be assigned to a genin team. He wasn't too excited though, as he felt being teamed with anyone from his class would only serve to slow him down. Naruto was well aware of his power. If he wanted to, killing the old man would be no issue.
Entering into the classroom, Naruto took his seat beside Ino, who was happily chatting away with him. He noted that Sakura and Sasuke had no desire to annoy him, a detail he was happy for. The two didn't even look his way. Looking around, Naruto also noticed one of the stranger members of his class, a boy who was severely lacking in emotions by the name of Sai. He wore a very empty smile on his face when conversing with others. He had delicate features and flawless pale skin. He also liked to wear shirts that exposed his midriff. If Naruto were to guess, the boy was probably gay. He certainly looked the part.
As the chunin instructors walked into the room, the class quieted down quickly, paying close attention to whom they were partnered with. Finishing his speech, Iruka began to call off the teams.
"...Team 7 will be Sasuke Uchiha, Sakura Haruno-" he was briefly interrupted by squeals of triumph and shouts of 'love conquers all', "and Sai Shimura. Your jounin sensei will be Kakashi Hatake."This intrigued Naruto. He knew that by him missing so many days of the academy, his averages would place him at the lowest spectrum. He was also aware that the two highest scoring students would usually be teamed with the lowest.
"It seems that old monkey has different plans for thee."
Naruto mentally agreed with Ranni. 'That much is obvious. He may be planning to have someone monitor me under the guise of a teacher.'
Ranni also agreed. They knew that the old man was aware of Naruto's power now. Though they had only seen a fraction of it, what they had witnessed was far beyond that of a genin, and even most jounin. Should Naruto so desire, he could leave the entire village a smoldering crater in the Earth.
Iruka continued listing the genin teams. "Team 8 will be Hinata Hyuuga, Kiba Inuzuka, and Shino Aburame. Your jounin sensei will be Kurenai Yuuhi. Team 9 is still in circulation under Maito Gai. And Team 10 will be Ino Yamanaka, Shikamaru Nara, and Choji Akamichi. Your jounin sensei will be Asuma Sarutobi."
He then paused to look directly at Naruto. "Naruto Redmane, you will undertake an apprenticeship under Elite Jounin Mikoto Uchiha. Congratulations to you all."
As he turned to leave, Sasuke growled and jumped up from his chair to his feet. "What the hell do you mean he gets an apprenticeship under my mother?! That right should be mine! She is my mother and she should be training me!"
Iruka sighed and turned to face Sasuke. "I'm not the one who made the genin teams, Uchiha. If you have an issue with your team placement, talk to Hokage-sama." He was about to leave out the door before Sasuke turned his anger on Naruto.
The youngest living Uchiha leapt at Naruto with a kunai in hand. Naruto didn't even flinch. Raising his hand, he captures Sasuke in mid air with his gravity magic. Naruto turns his head and stares the Uchiha in his coal black eyes with his own golden yellow gaze. He speaks in a low, menacing tone. "Normally, I'd have no qualms about killing you, Uchiha. But I know how much it would hurt your mother, Mikoto-obachan, if I were responsible for her last remaining son's death. But if you give me a reason, not even she, as much as I love her, would be able to stop me. Are we clear?"
Struggling, Sasuke manages to choke out a response. "Y-Yes!"
"Good. Bother me again and I will begin with breaking your bones." Naruto releases his magic, allowing Sasuke to fall to the floor gracelessly. The class and chunin instructors watched the entire event in amazement at how Naruto didn't even break a sweat with how he handled the supposed Rookie of the Year.
Overcoming their initial shock, Iruka kindly asked Naruto not to harm any of his classmates, to which Naruto replied, "If they don't give me a reason to." Satisfied with that at least, the instructors left. Naruto chatted with his friends while they all waited for the jounin instructors to arrive.
A few minutes later, the door opens and the jounin walked in. Seeing his mother, Sasuke once again let his temper get the better of him. "Mother! How dare you choose to apprentice an outsider of our clan! You should be training me!"
The beautiful woman frowned at her son's outburst. Calmly, she replied, "I do not answer to you, genin. Moreover, why should I justify to you when I am the current clan head?"
Sasuke growled in frustration. Mikoto was becoming quite embarrassed at her son's immaturity, throwing a tantrum like he is a spoiled brat with no home training. He speaks up again, "Regardless! You should-"
"Fool. It isn't your mother who you should be voicing your unsatisfaction to, Uchiha. It was the Sandaime who ultimately has the final say. So, instead of causing a scene and disrupting everyone else, go to him if you wish to challenge his decision."
Naruto's tone sent chills down the spines of many people in the room. His voice held a chilling fury in it that immediately curbed the young Uchiha's rage. Not out of respect, not out of reason, but because he knew that if he pressed the matter any further, it would only lead to more pain and humiliation. Wisely, Sasuke chose to sit back down in his seat, arms folded with his patented scowl on his face.
One by one, each jounin sensei began to call out their genin teams in numerical order. Lastly, Mikoto called Naruto to join her in training ground 14 and, due to his notorious tardy streak, Kakashi Hatake's Team 7 was all that was left in the classroom.
Arriving at training ground 14 in her shunshin, Mikoto Uchiha picked a spot next to the training posts to wait for her apprentice. Mere seconds later, Naruto arrived, but not by shunshin or by tree hopping, but instead by what appears to be flight. Mikoto watches in awe as Naruto descends gracefully, arms folded across his chest and a knowing smirk on his face.
He hadn't taken the time in the classroom since he was upset at Sasuke's outburst, but bow that he has the chance, he slowly takes in Mikoto's appearance. She's as beautiful as ever, with her slender figures and generous curves. Her long silky back hair flows gently in the light breeze of the training field. Her clothes are the traditional jounin outfit wither her hitaiate worn on her arm. She is as gorgeous as she's ever been
"It's good to see you again, Mikoto-obachan. I'm sorry that I haven't been by to visit you in a while."
Mikoto offers him a warm smile. "It's fine, Naruto-kun. We'll be spending much more time together now, anyways."
Naruto nods. "Indeed. So what is our plan for today?"
Mikoto chuckles. "Well, traditionally, we'd give our introductions. But since we know each other so wel, why don't we simply share what we specialize in?"
Naruto narrows his eyes lightly at the woman. He is suspicious of the Hokage's decision to apprentice him to this woman who everyone knows he's close to, but Naruto doesn't detect even a hint of deceit from her, just the same love and care she's always held for him.
"I detect the same, Naruto. This woman cares greatly for you and her intentions are pure and true."
Naruto nods internally at his mentor. Naruto starts, "I specialize in heavy assault. My... powers... allow me to launch devastating surprise attacks with little chance of survival or evasion."
Mikoto nods, not bothering to ask him to elaborate. "I see. I, on the other hand, specialize in infiltration, diversion, and subterfuge. I can cast powerful genjutsu but I do not lack in attack power. In combat, I specialize in ninjutsu but I am also proficient in taijutsu."
Naruto nods but is inwardly surprised. He did not know that this woman who cared for him so greatly over the years was as powerful as she is. But everything now screams 'warrior' to him. Her gait, her confidence, her demeanor. Naruto can tell that this was a woman who had not shied from the battlefield. He loves it.
Deciding that this was all that was needed to be covered today, Mikoto spoke up, "Well, normally we'd do a combat test to see your level but I can tell that would be unnecessary."
Naruto smiles at Mikoto's wording. He knows that translates to 'I stand no chance in a fight against you, so I will save myself the embarrassment.' Naruto wouldn't dare bring shame to this woman.
Mikoto continues, "Would you like to join me for dinner, Naruto-kun? I assure you it wouldn't be a problem since Sasuke never eats with me anymore."
Naruto flinches slightly as he caught the wistfulness in her eyes. If he could kill that boy he would for causing her so much pain, but he knows that doing so would only hurt her even worse. So, Naruto settled for simply answering, "I'd love to, Mikoto-obaachan."
She nodded happily and the two walked back to her house in the Uchiha clan compound, finding more family in each other than the two have had in the past several years.