Twelve years ago, chaos erupted as a legendary nine-tailed fox emerged from the shadows of history, its massive tails lashing out and causing mountains to crumble and tidal waves to crash upon the shores. As panic swept across the land, the brave shinobi rose up, ready to defend their villages against the impending doom.

"Hold the attack and wait for the Fourth Hokage!" one resolute figure shouted, his voice cutting through the chaos. But with the beast drawing closer, a sense of urgency hung in the air. Suddenly, a giant toad appeared, a beacon of hope amidst the turmoil, with a man standing resolutely atop its head.

"One shinobi faced the nine-tailed fox in mortal combat. He sacrificed his life to capture the beast and seal it in a human body. This ninja was known as the Fourth Hokage," the narrator intoned solemnly, as the scene shifted to two cradled infants, each adorned with seals on their bellies—an echo of the sacrifice made to protect them. Cut to the present, where the sun shone brightly over the Hidden Leaf Village, and chaos was still very much alive, albeit in a different form.

A blonde-haired boy named Naruto sprinted through the streets, paint bucket in hand, as two angry shinobi chased after him. "Naruto, come back here! When I get my hands on you!" one of them shouted, frustration evident in his voice. "You crossed the line this time, Naruto!" the other added, determination in their tone.

Just then, a shadow darted across the rooftops—a boy with ash-colored hair. "Nice try!" Kenji laughed, having successfully tripped one of their pursuers with a cleverly laid wire. "Where were you, Kenji?" Naruto asked breathlessly, adrenaline pumping through him. "Just finished the final touches on the masterpiece," Kenji replied, a mischievous glint in his eyes as they leaped from one building to another.

"Give it up! You're just bent because you don't have the guts to do what we do! Do you? Losers!" Naruto shouted, filled with mischief. "Idiot! You'll never catch us!" Kenji yelled back as they darted away, their laughter echoing through the streets. "Lord Hokage, it's an emergency!" The Hokage, deep in his painting, frowned.

"I hope you're not bothering me with some trivia. And don't tell me it's Naruto and Kenji again." "It is them again! They've climbed onto the great stone faces!" one of the shinobi exclaimed. The Hokage sighed, smoke escaping his pipe in frustration. Back with Naruto and Kenji, they continued their playful escape, laughter ringing in the air.

"Get back here, you two!" shouted one of the shinobi, but they were too quick. Just as they thought they were in the clear, Iruka-sensei appeared, catching them off guard. "Where'd you come from, Iruka-sensei?" Naruto stammered, surprise etched on his face. "What are you two doing here? Both of you are supposed to be in class," Iruka said sternly, his patience wearing thin.

The scene shifted to the academy, where Naruto and Kenji sat on the floor, bound in ropes. "I'm at the end of my rope with you boys," Iruka lamented. "You failed the graduation test last time and the time before that! Tomorrow you have another chance, and you're messing up again." "Hmph!" the boys responded in unison, prompting Iruka to twitch with frustration.

"Fine! Because you boys missed it, everyone will review the transformation jutsu!" "Aw!" the class groaned in unison. As the lesson continued, the students took turns showcasing their skills. Sakura transformed flawlessly into Iruka, followed by Sasuke, who attempted the same.

Finally, it was Kenji's turn. He transformed into Iruka as well, earning reluctant praise. The moment of truth arrived as Iruka called, "Next, Naruto Uzumaki." "This is a total waste of time, Naruto," one boy muttered. "We always pay for your screw-ups," chimed in a girl. "Oh, shut up and wait for your turn!" Kenji shot back, fist-bumping Naruto as they exchanged devious smiles.

With determination, Naruto stepped forward. "Transform!" he declared, morphing into a stunningly beautiful woman, his exaggerated features causing a collective gasp. Iruka's eyes widened, and he was comically knocked back by a sudden nosebleed. "Gotcha! That's my sexy jutsu!" Naruto laughed, gleefully.

"Transform!" In an instant, he morphed into a stunningly beautiful woman. His transformation emphasized every curve, with a figure that would turn heads—a delicate waist and ample figure that made even the most stoic of shinobi do a double take.

"Heh?" was all he managed to say before he was knocked back by an overwhelming nosebleed, a comical exaggeration of his shock. "Cut the stupid tricks! This is your last warning!" Iruka yelled, his voice a mix of frustration and exasperation.

In the shadow of the Hokage stone faces, Kenji and Naruto found themselves in a predicament. Armed with sponges and buckets, they were tasked with cleaning off the bright paint that had been splattered over the revered monuments. The sun had set, and the moon illuminated their frustration.

"This sucks, loser," Naruto muttered, scrubbing vigorously. "Both of you are not going home until you've cleaned off every single drop of paint," came the stern voice of Iruka, their sensei, who had arrived to supervise. "So what? It's not like there's anyone waiting at home for us," Kenji replied, his voice laced with boredom.

"Kenji, Naruto?" Iruka called, and both boys looked up, curious despite themselves. "Well, I was thinking maybe after you clean this all up, I could take you both out for some ramen. The good stuff. What do you think?" Instantly, a spark of excitement lit up their faces.

"Huh? Now that's what I'm talking about! Come on, Naruto, let's hurry this up!" Kenji exclaimed, their previous annoyance forgotten as they scrubbed with newfound energy. Later that night, the warm glow of Ramen Ichiraku enveloped them as they sat at the counter, bowls of steaming ramen in front of them.

Iruka watched with a smile, enjoying the sight of his students relishing the reward of their hard work. "Hey, Naruto, Kenji?" Iruka asked, breaking the comfortable silence. "Huh?" they both replied in unison, slurping their noodles. "Why did you two do that to the Hokage faces? I mean, you both know who the Hokage are, don't you?" Iruka questioned, his tone a mix of curiosity and concern.

"Of course we do!" Naruto replied, a mouthful of ramen in his cheeks. "Everybody knows. They were the greatest shinobi of their time, right? The best of the best. Undefeated ninja champs!" "And the Fourth Hokage?" Kenji chimed in, his eyes sparkling with admiration. "He saved the village from the Nine-Tailed Fox. He was the most amazing!" Iruka nodded, but confusion still lingered in his expression. "Then why did you both—"

"Because we're going to be greater than any of them! Us! Naruto, the next Hokage!" Naruto declared, his voice brimming with determination. "And I'm going to become the strongest in the world so I can achieve peace for everyone," Kenji added, his passion matching Naruto's. Iruka smiled at their ambition, but just as he was about to respond, Naruto interrupted once more.

"Uh, by the way, I kind of want to ask a little favor, sensei." "You want another bowl?" Iruka asked, raising an eyebrow. "No, I want to try on your headband! Come on, please!" Naruto pleaded, eyes wide and hopeful. "No way. You can only wear the Leaf headband when both of you finally graduate from the academy and become ninjas. You boys have to pass the test tomorrow," Iruka reminded them, his tone firm yet playful. Kenji, not to be left behind, chimed in, "Can I get another bowl, sensei?" As laughter echoed through the cozy ramen shop.

The next day at the academy buzzed with anticipation, but for Naruto and Kenji, the atmosphere felt heavier than usual. As Iruka stood at the front of the classroom, his voice echoed with authority. "We will now start the final exam. When your name is called, proceed to the testing room. The final test will be on the clone jutsu." Naruto's heart sank.

"That's my worst technique. Great! I'm never gonna pass!" he thought bitterly. Kenji, standing beside him, felt the same dismay wash over him. "I can't believe this," he silently lamented, anxiety tightening around his chest. "Alright, get it together, Naruto. You can do this. Believe it," Naruto reminded himself, determination igniting a flicker of hope within.

As he approached the front, Kenji offered silent encouragement, though he too was a bundle of nerves waiting for his turn. "Clone jutsu!" Naruto yelled, palms pressed together in concentration. A puff of smoke erupted, revealing a single, lifeless clone that slumped to the ground.

"You failed!" Iruka's voice rang out, sharp and unyielding. The words felt like a punch to Naruto's gut. As the disappointment settled, Mizuki, one of the teachers, chimed in, trying to defend Naruto. "Iruka sensei, he's off, but his moves weren't bad. He did hang in there and replicate. This is his third try, and you know he wants to become a ninja. We could cut him a break and pass him." Iruka shook his head, frustration evident.

"The other students created at least three effective replications. Naruto could only create one, and look at it. It's pitiful. I can't pass him." After the test, Naruto and Kenji found solace at the tree swing, watching their classmates celebrate their passes.

"I can't believe I messed that up," Kenji sighed, memories of his headless clone flashing through his mind. Just then, Mizuki approached them, his expression serious. "Iruka, there's something we need to talk about," the Hokage said, glancing at Naruto and Kenji.

A sense of foreboding followed them as Mizuki led them to a rooftop away from prying eyes. "Iruka sensei's tough, but he's not against you two," Mizuki began, sensing their despair. "Then why us?" Kenji asked, frustration evident in his voice.

"He wants you both to be strong with all his heart, but that will never happen if he goes easy on you. He's like you boys, you know? No parents, no family," Mizuki explained, his gaze penetrating their doubts. "But this time we really wanted to graduate," Naruto interjected, his voice heavy with determination. Mizuki smirked knowingly.

"Heh. Then I guess I have to tell you both something important." Naruto and Kenji exchanged glances, intrigued yet wary. "It's a secret, but I'm going to let you both in on it," Mizuki added, leaning closer. "A secret?" they echoed in unison, their curiosity piqued.

Iruka sensei jolted awake at the sound of frantic knocks on his door. "Iruka sensei, wake up!" Mizuki's voice cut through his morning haze, urgency lacing every word. Rubbing the sleep from his eyes, Iruka opened the door to find Mizuki's face flushed with anxiety. "What? What is it?"

"You need to come to Lord Hokage's right away. It's Naruto and Kenji. They stole the sacred scroll!" Mizuki exclaimed, his voice rising with panic. Iruka's heart sank. "You mean the scroll of sealing? No!" Meanwhile, deep in the woods, Naruto and Kenji sat cross-legged on the ground.

"Hey Naruto, how about this one—the Multi Shadow Clone Jutsu?" Kenji suggested, his enthusiasm infectious. "But that's one of our worst jutsus," Naruto replied, an exasperated sigh escaping his lips. "Yeah, but if we master it, we'll show everyone just how strong we are!" Kenji declared, standing triumphantly with his fists clenched in the air, his spirit unshaken by the scroll's daunting history.

Back in the village, the atmosphere was tense. "Lord Hokage, this is not just a prank! This is a serious crime," one shinobi insisted, his brow furrowed in concern. "That scroll contains secrets sealed by the First Hokage—knowledge known only to our village!" another shinobi chimed in, urgency in his tone.

"If it falls into the wrong hands, they could destroy our entire way of life," a third warned gravely. The Hokage nodded, his expression stern. "Then bring Naruto and Kenji here at once." The shinobi vanished in a blur, urgency propelling their every move. Meanwhile, Iruka leaped from rooftop to rooftop, his mind racing with worry.

"Where would they go?" he wondered, the weight of the situation pressing heavily on his shoulders. In the shadows, Mizuki's thoughts twisted with malice. "Now that I've told everyone what Naruto and Kenji did, I can eliminate them. They'll be glad they're finally gone. And of course, I'll keep the scroll for myself." A wicked grin spread across his face as he sprinted through the trees.

Naruto and Kenji lay on the ground, panting heavily after an intense training session. Their hearts raced not just from fatigue, but from the thrill of the challenge they had overcome together. As they gathered themselves, they suddenly noticed a shadow looming above them.

"It's all over," came the familiar voice of their teacher, Iruka. Both boys looked up, their laughter bubbling up unexpectedly. "Huh?" Iruka raised an eyebrow, his confusion palpable. "We got you already! Not bad, your quickness has surprised us, Sensei," Naruto chuckled, nudging Kenji. "I didn't expect we'd only learn one technique. We can never outsmart you, Sensei," Kenji added, brushing dirt off his clothes as he stood up.

Iruka looked at them, pride swelling in his chest. "They've been out here practicing. I can tell how hard they've been working." His thoughts were interrupted by Naruto's voice. "Listen, Iruka-sensei! We're going to show you this amazing jutsu, then let us graduate. Then everything will be okay! That's how it works, right? Anyone who learns a jutsu from this scroll passes!" Naruto exclaimed, a wide grin on his face.

"Huh? Where'd you get that idea?" Iruka questioned, curiosity piquing his interest. "Mizuki-sensei told us," Kenji replied, excitement glinting in his eyes. "He told us where to find the scroll and this place." The shock on Iruka's face hit like a thunderclap. "Huh? Mizuki? Huh?" His thoughts raced, and just as he turned around, a flurry of kunai flew at him.

"Look out!" Iruka yelled instinctively, pushing Naruto and Kenji aside just in time. One kunai grazed his leg, a sharp pain piercing through his determination. "I see you found our little hideaway," Mizuki sneered, stepping out from the shadows with a menacing grin. "So that's the way it is, huh? I should have known," Iruka seethed, his protective instincts flaring. "Naruto, give me the scroll now!" Mizuki commanded, his eyes locked on the prized possession.

"Hold on! What's going on here? Why did Mizuki-sensei attack Iruka-sensei?" Kenji stammered, confusion clouding his mind. "Boys! Don't let Mizuki get the scroll! It contains forbidden jutsu that could put this village in grave danger. Mizuki used you both to get the scroll for himself— for his own power!" Iruka warned, urgency lacing his voice.

Naruto and Kenji stood frozen, shock washing over them. "Don't listen to him! Iruka's just trying to scare you two because he doesn't want you to have the scroll," Mizuki interjected, his tone smooth but filled with deceit. "What?" the boys echoed, their minds racing. "Stop lying, Mizuki! Don't let him trick you, boys!" Iruka shouted, his heart aching as he watched the conflict unfold in their eyes.

"Oh, I'll tell you who's really lying," Mizuki chuckled darkly, his voice dripping with malice. Iruka, their beloved teacher, rushed to silence him, desperation etched on his face. "No, Mizuki!" he yelled, fear coursing through him. "They've been lying to the both of you your whole lives. Since the decree 12 years ago." Naruto, puzzled, turned to Kenji, his brow furrowed. "What decree?" he asked. Kenji chimed in, "What are you talking about?" Mizuki smirked, relishing the moment.

"Everyone knows except you boys. Iruka's trying to hide it from you even now. He'd do anything to shut me up." As the tension escalated, Kenji pressed for answers. "Just answer the question. And why does everyone else know about it?" Mizuki's eyes gleamed with a twisted satisfaction as he revealed the horrific truth. "The decree is that no one can tell you both that you have half of the nine-tailed fox inside you." The words hung in the air like a death sentence.

"The Fox Spirit that killed Iruka's parents and destroyed our village has been split into two, with you boys holding each one. You both are the nine-tailed fox!" The revelation shattered the world as Naruto and Kenji knew it, their minds reeling from the implications.

"Stop it!" Iruka shouted, his voice a desperate plea. Mizuki's laughter echoed ominously as he continued, "They've all been sneaking around, hiding things from you your whole lives. Didn't you think it was strange how they treated you both? Like dirt, like they hated you for just being alive?"

"Shut up!" Kenji and Naruto yelled, a surge of chakra enveloping them, their emotions igniting like a wildfire. "Boys!" Iruka cried out, sensing the danger. Mizuki sneered, "That's why you two will never be accepted in this village. Even your beloved sensei hates you both!" His words dripped with venom as he hurled a giant shuriken toward them.

"Now die, you two!" "Naruto, Kenji, get down now!" Iruka shouted, instinctively stepping in front of his students. The shuriken struck him, blood spilling from his back and hitting the boys' faces like a harsh reminder of their grim reality. "No," they whispered in disbelief, their hearts crushed. "Why?" Naruto choked out, tears brimming in his eyes. Iruka, gasping for breath, shared his own painful truth.

"Because we're the same. When I lost my parents, no one seemed to care. They forgot I was there. I just wanted them to see me, to know my name." His voice trembled as he continued, "I know how you boys feel. You too feel lonely, and it hurts inside. No one should have to suffer that much. No one should be alone like that."

"Don't make me laugh! Iruka always hated you both!" Mizuki sneered, refusing to relent. "He was orphaned because of the nine-tailed fox that killed his parents, and that beast is inside both of you!"

In a moment of sheer panic, Naruto grabbed Kenji, pulling him away from the chaos. "Boys!" Iruka called, desperately trying to reach them. But as the boys ran, Mizuki's taunts echoed in their minds, planting seeds of doubt and anger. As they fled, Iruka struggled to pull the shuriken from his back, determination igniting within him.

"Those boys are nothing like that!" he yelled at Mizuki, who was already plotting his next move. "I'll be back for you," Mizuki hissed, leaping into the trees, ready to ignite the flames of chaos. Back at the Hokage mansion, the Third Hokage watched through a crystal ball, dread settling in his stomach.

"This is not good. Mizuki has a big mouth. He's made those boys feel worse than they ever have. If they keep tampering with the scroll, the seal that locks the fox spirit inside them could break, and if that happens... I fear for us all."

Naruto sprinted and leaped from tree to tree, his heart racing with excitement. Suddenly, a familiar voice echoed through the forest, urgency tinging every syllable. "Naruto, everything Mizuki said was a lie! Give me the scroll, hurry! He's coming after you both!" It was Iruka, his brow furrowed with concern. In a moment of confusion, Naruto punched Iruka to the ground, disbelief washing over him.

"It can't be! How did you know? Naruto, how did you know?" Iruka gasped, enveloped in a cloud of smoke that quickly dissipated to reveal Mizuki standing in his place. "How did you know it was me and not Iruka?" Mizuki sneered, but Naruto merely chuckled, transforming back into Iruka, who stood tall and defiant.

"Because I'm Iruka," he declared with conviction. Mizuki's laughter was cold and mocking. "You're a fool. Why are you protecting those freaks? They're the ones who wiped out your family." Iruka's expression hardened. "I don't care what you say. You're not getting your hands on that scroll." Hidden behind a sturdy tree, Naruto and Kenji eavesdropped, their hearts pounding.

"As if you could stop me. Don't you get it? Those two boys are just like me," Mizuki taunted, his voice dripping with disdain. "They want the scroll for their own power and vengeance. That's how beasts are. They'll pour all their rage into the scroll and destroy everything."

"That is true?" Iruka asked, his brows knitting together. Kenji's heart sank, his voice breaking as he muttered, "So we're just beasts in their eyes, huh? Monsters."

"That is how beasts are. But that's not who they are," Iruka countered passionately. "They're nothing like that. Naruto and Kenji are one of a kind. They work hard and put their whole hearts into everything they do. Sure, they mess up sometimes, and everyone jumps on them.

But they have each other to make them stronger. That's what separates them from being a beast. So you're wrong. They're nothing like the Nine-Tailed Fox. They're Naruto and Kenji Uzumaki of the Village Hidden in the Leaves." Tears welled in Naruto and Kenji's eyes.

Kenji covering his face as pain and confusion threatened to overwhelm him. Mizuki sneered, "You really believe that drivel? Iruka, I was going to save you for later, but I've changed my mind. You're finished!" He brandished his shuriken, charging at Iruka.

"Get away from him!" Kenji shouted, and together with Naruto, they kicked Mizuki back. "Boys," Iruka thought, feeling a surge of hope. "If you lay a hand on our sensei, we'll kill you!" Naruto declared fiercely. Kenji lifted his head, revealing his crimson-red eyes—one tome in each.

"Such big words. I can completely destroy you both with a single move," Mizuki threatened, though a flicker of unease crossed his face at the sight of Kenji's eyes. "I'd like to see you try!" Kenji retorted, and with a synchronized motion, they both formed hand signs.

"Shadow Clone Jutsu!" they yelled in unison, creating hundreds of clones that filled the woods. "Mizuki thought, *Huh? What's this?* Clones? Those aren't just illusions. They're solid clones. They mastered an extremely advanced jutsu!" Surrounded by a sea of clones, Mizuki's bravado wavered. "Let's beat him to a pulp, guys!" a clone of Kenji shouted, as the chorus of voices echoed, and the army of clones leaped at Mizuki.

Mizuki lay slumped on the ground, defeated and unconscious, while Naruto and Kenji stood nearby, their laughter echoing in the air. "I think we carried away Naruto," Kenji joked, playfully nudging his brother. Naruto grinned back, the thrill of the victory still buzzing in his veins. "Are you okay, Iruka-sensei?" Naruto asked, concern flashing across his face as he turned to their teacher, who was brushing off the remnants of their sparring match.

"Yeah," Iruka replied, a chuckle escaping him. His eyes twinkled with pride as he looked at his students. "Naruto, Kenji, come here for a minute. I've got something I want to give you both." Curiosity piqued, Naruto and Kenji hurried over, their excitement palpable as they closed their eyes tightly. The air was thick with anticipation, and Kenji couldn't help but ask.

"Sensei, how much longer?" "You both can open your eyes now," Iruka said, a wide smile on his face. As they opened their eyes, they felt the cool metal of headbands resting on their foreheads, the symbol of their hard work and dedication.

"Congratulations! You both have graduated!" Iruka announced, his voice booming with joy. The words sunk in, and the reality of their achievement hit them. "And to celebrate, I have a surprise: we're going out for ramen tonight!"

Tears of happiness glistened in Naruto's eyes, while Kenji's eyes faded back to its normal state as he processed the news. In that moment, overwhelmed with emotion, both boys shouted, "Iruka-sensei!" before launching into a heartfelt hug that knocked Iruka off his feet. As they tumbled to the ground in a heap of laughter and joy, Iruka couldn't help but laugh too. "That hurts! Come on, boys," he exclaimed, ruffling their hair affectionately.