Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Naruto flew across rooftops as he avoided the two Jonin and Iruka-sensei, who had been chasing Naruto for the better part of an hour. He always made sure that it would be Iruka-sensei who found him, even if the older ninja would make him clean up his pranks while giving a lecture on why he shouldn't pull pranks like that.

Naruto and Iruka disappeared before the older ninja could catch him.

A blur passed through the now still, timeless village as they ninja-napped people close to Naruto - whether that was now or later on- and contemplated grabbing the Akatsuki too. They decided - that they would get the Akatsuki but would put them under a smaller version of the timeless spell they were using now - as they grabbed Gaara, Kankuro, and Temari. Orochimaru was a no-go and would remain behind in the timeless bubble.

As Ash reappeared in a side room and they looked at the still frozen people. They had promised themselves not to kill or seriously maim anybody but they were prepared to do so if the need arose. They moved back from the window to see to the necessary preparations to keep the Akatsuki in a dreamless and timeless bubble, at least until they needed them.

While they did that everyone slowly woke up.

Naruto jumped awake first, unease spreading through his body like it did anytime he stayed away from his safe places to long. He noticed academy kids and several others laying around, unmoving and as he rushed over to Iruka-sensei he was panicky until he felt his sensei's chakra, a firm almost comforting presence.

He checked on other kids as they remain unmoving, just to make sure they weren't dead. As they woke up he found solace in the shadows, in this situation it was better for them to assume he wasn't here than for them to assume it was because of him that they were here.

besides, he thought as Sakura was helped up by Ino, at least Shikamaru will sense me before anyone else can!

Soon enough the Nara heir stalked towards him before plopping down and resting his head against the wall. The two stayed silent, staring at the chaos that the others had created.

Iruka and Tsunade were trying to calm everyone down and a guy with silver-ish gray hair was reading, clearly enjoying the chaos. The other kids were panicking, Naruto pointed out to Shikamaru that there were three that didn't belong to Konoha and that they were entirely too calm for the situation.

An tiny explosion of thin smoke was what shocked everyone back to silence. Iruka now holding something that he hadn't been before, panicked before shoving the emotion down.

"Quiet down!" He shouted and was relieved when it worked this time, "whoever captured us wrote a note"

"What does it say?" Was mixed with "who captured us?" And voices began shouting over each other.

Iruka sighed as he went back to trying to calm everyone down again.

Naruto looked at Shikamaru who sighed with a mutter of "troublesome" but had proceeded to make the hand seals necessary for 'Kagemane no jutsu'.

He muttered the phrase as he completed the hand seals and felt Naruto's chakra flow steadily into his own so it would reach everyone. He didn't know how the blond did it but he was going to figure it out someday. Further more he focused on his now still classmates and several adults.

"Thank you Shikamaru" Iruka said evidently noticing he was the only able to move or talk.

The Nara heir muttered again about "troublesome classmates" and "no problem but being captured is a drag"

Iruka unrolled the note and began reading it as Shikamaru let the shadow release everyone.

Dear people,

                   You've been brought here to see your future. Some of you are from different time stamps and might already know what's going on in the videos but I ask that you don't give information away to those that don't know. I brought you here to watch videos of your future and in some cases your past. Passing comments will be ignored and the videos will continue but anything beyond a few sentences will activate the screen’s ability to pause the videos. Be warned secrets will be revealed that may hurt or damage your images of those around you. When you're done reading this note say “nine” and seats will appear with your names on them, any attempt to sit in the wrong seat will result in you getting flung into your own seat. 

               Good luck, Ash

Atleast we know the name of our caputurer now, the adults thought.

"Nine" Iruka said his voice barely containing to worry he had that it wouldn't work. A few minutes later and there were seats with names and almost everyone sat in their respective seat. 

The only commotion that had occurred was Sakura and Ino fight and complaining about not getting to sit by Sasuke. But the two sat in their seat with three people between them to stop any conflict.

It took a minute of them settling down for the T.V to turn on.

Chapter Text

A massive red fox, with nine tails lashing out in every direction, on the night of a full moon. The fox is looking around , growling.

Almost everyone flinches back their eyes hinting at their fear of the beast on the screen. Naruto is reminded of the looks the villagers gave him.

Narrator: 12 years ago, a Nine-Tailed Fox suddenly appeared. Its tails lashed out smashing mountains and sending tidal waves crashing to the shores. 

The Leaf kids all remember the story, could probably recite it in their sleep.

(The Fox jumps, its tails hitting the ground, destroying trees and bringing up dust) 

Narrator: The Ninja rose up to defend their villages.

[The scene changes to a group of Ninja’s on the ground. Some are exhausted. Some knocked out. Some attacking.]

Ninja #1: Hold the attack and wait for the fourth Hokage! (Jumps off)

Ninja #2: (Looks up) It’s getting closer! Don’t let it near the village!

(A gigantic toad appears. On top of the toads head, is a Ninja)

Narrator: One Shinobi faced the Nine-Tailed Fox in mortal combat.

 (Close up of the toad, moving up to the top of its head. Its tongue comes out) 

Narrator: He sacrificed his life to capture the beast, and seal it in a human body.

 (The Ninja gets into a stance, and from his hands, he produces a bright blue light.)

Narrator: This Ninja, was known as the Fourth Hokage. 

(The bright light fans out, covering everything. The screen goes white.)

[The scene opens up on a newborn baby crying, with a black mark on his stomach. Then it goes to a young boy, Naruto, running and carrying a bucket of paint, laughing. Behind him, are two Ninja’s chasing him.]

Gaara stiffened even more than he already was, so there are more like me?

Naruto looks from the screen down to his stomach where an identical black mark was. He knew logically that freaking out wouldn't help him, so he focused on keeping his breaths even, calm. 

I'll freak out later, he thought.

Ninja: Naruto! Come back here! When I get my hands on you...!

Ninja: You crossed the line this time, Naruto!

(With Naruto still laughing, they race off, blinking in and out of sight, bouncing off walls of houses. Then Naruto comes down, holding the paint bucket.)

Naruto: (Laughing) Give it up. 

(Shows the stone faces drawn on with different coloured paints.) 

Now Kiba knew why Naruto had asked if he wanted to skip class. Akamaru yipped at him disapprovingly, Kiba knew that his ninken liked Naruto.

Naruto: You’re just bent, because you didn’t have the guts to do what I do. Do ya!? Losers! Wanabees! You’ll never catch me! (Laughs)

[The scene changes to an old man, Hiruzen Sarutobi, sitting down, in front of a canvas]

Ninja #1: Lord Hokage! It’s an emergency!

Hiruzen: (Turns away from his writing) I hope you’re not bothering me with some trivia, and don’t tell me its Naruto again.

Ninja #2: It is Naruto again! He climbed onto the great stone faces.

Ninja #1: He put graffiti all over the Hokage.

“Stupid Naruto!” Sakura shouted from where she sat, “I bet Sasuke wouldn't even think about doing something so stupid!”

Naruto looked down at his lap and gritted his teeth. Whatever he didn't need or want her opinion on it.

[Hiruzen sighs, smoke coming out from his mouth. The scene changes back to Naruto, who’s still running from the 2 Ninja’s, flickering in and out of sight. Naruto lands on the street, then takes off. The 2 Ninja’s land in the same spot, and take off as well]

Ninja: Naruto!

Ninja: Hold on!

[Naruto, who was standing up against the fence in that spot, drops the sheet that hid him, and laughs, hand behind his head]

“If he was there, then who or what were they chasing?” Shikamaru muttered under his breath. He knew the blond was terrible at the Clone jutsu, and was okay-ish with Transformation and Substitute jutsu's, but there was no way that his classmate had used any of them.

Naruto who heard Shikamaru, smirked slightly, but didn't answer.

Naruto: That was too easy...!

[A Ninja suddenly appears behind Naruto; Iruka Umino]

Iruka: (In Naruto’s ear) Oh yeah, Naruto!?

[Naruto jumps up, crying out, shocked. He lands on his butt facing Iruka]

Naruto: Where’d you come from, Iruka Sensei!? What are you doing here?

Iruka: (Points at Naruto) No, what are you doing here? You’re supposed to be in class.

[Scene changes to a building. The Academy. Naruto’s sitting on the floor in front of Iruka, tied up in front of the class]

Iruka: (Arms folded) I’m at the end of my rope, Naruto. You failed the graduation test last time, and the time before that. Tomorrow you’ve got another chance, and you’re messing up again! 

(Naruto humps, looking away. Iruka, angry, points at the class)

Iruka: Fine! Because you missed it, Naruto, everyone will review the Transformation Jutsu!

The Leaf kids groaned and some shot Naruto glares but he just huffed and puffed out his cheeks in retaliation.

[The class lets out a groan, then the scene changes to the class all lined up. Sakura Haruno is up)

Sakura: Alright, Sakura here. Let’s do it. Transform! (Smoke comes up around her, then disappears, revealing her transformation into Iruka.)

Iruka: Transformed into me. Good.

Sakura: (Transforms back, excited) Yes! I did it! Yes!

Inner Sakura: Yeah, I kicked butt!!

people blink, then shake their heads, It makes so much more sense.

Sakura: Yes!

Sakura: (Turns) Sasuke, did you see that? (Walks down the line)

Iruka: Next. Sasuke Uchiha.

[Sasuke steps forward then transforms into Iruka]

Iruka: Uh, good.

[Sasuke transforms back, then walks off]

Iruka: Next. Naruto Uzumaki.

[Naruto’s standing there with his arms crossed, not happy. On either side of him is Shikamaru Nara and Ino Yamanaka.]

Shikamaru: This is a total waste of time, Naruto.

 Shikamaru leaned towards the blond slightly as if to let him know that he wasn't actually mad or anything. More irritated really, at not getting to sleep for as long as he usually did.

Ino: We always pay for your screw ups.

Ino huffed, Sasuke was better than Naruto, he never caused problems, he also never hung out with you, Shikamaru,and choji. He never made all of you flowers crowns because you whined about those two not understanding flowers, her brain unhelpfully supplied.

Naruto: Like I care.

He did care but they'd never know that, not with my training, Naruto thought. He'd had years of escaping ANBU shadows and angry villagers. He'd had years of pretending he was fine in front of the old man.

[Naruto steps forward. Hinata Hyūga is down in the line, blushing, and pressing her fingers together]

Hinata: (Thinking) Naruto. Do your best.

"Thanks Hinata!" He said loud enough for her to hear him up front, "You gotta do your best too, you know!"

"H-hai" she whispered, her face red, but Naruto heard her and smiled brightly.

Naruto: (Puts his hands together) Transform! (Smoke goes up around Naruto, then goes down a little, revealing a naked girl, the smoke covering certain spots, and blows a kiss)

 Naruto cackled internally, I love messing with people!

Iruka: Huh!? (Staring, shocked, knocked back)

[Naruto transforms back, laughing and pointing at Iruka]

Naruto: Gotcha! That’s my Sexy Jutsu!

That would imply that he created it, the thought crossed several people's minds before they dismissed it, there's no way he could create a jutsu

Iruka: (Yelling) Cut the stupid tricks! This is your last warning!

[The scene changes to the village, then to the stone faces that Naruto had desecrated. Naruto is down in front of one, scrubbing away]

Naruto: This sucks. Loser.

Iruka:(Arms crossed, sitting on top of the stone faces) You’re not going home till you’ve cleaned off every single drop of paint.

Naruto: (Stops scrubbing, looks up) So what? It’s not like there’s anyone waiting at home for me. (Goes back to scrubbing)

 The adult's looks clouded over with sorrow, Iruka winced.

Tsunade despite it grew angry, What does he mean 'no one's waiting for him at home'!

Iruka: (Iruka looks down at Naruto) Naruto?

Naruto: (Looks up, eyes narrow and a pout on his face) What do you want now, Sensei?

 Kakashi took a moment to adore his would-be Otōto behind his old ANBU mask before his gaze shifted back to neutral. He didn't know what would happen when he met the kid officially but he hoped he could be someone that the kid could rely on eventually.

Iruka: Well, I was just thinking. Maybe after you clean this all up I can take you out for some ramen. The good stuff. What do you think? (Looks down at Naruto)

Naruto: (Has a huge smile on his face. Beyond happy with that) Now that’s some serious motivation! I’ll have this clean in no time!

[The scene changes to the ramen shop. It’s night time. Naruto and Iruka are sitting down. Naruto slurps up a bunch of ramen]

 "I still don't know were he puts all that ramen" Iruka said, shaking his head softly.

Iruka: Naruto?

Naruto: (Mouthful of noodles.) Mmmm...

Iruka: Why would you do that to the Hokage faces? I mean, you know who the Hokage are, don’t you?

Naruto: Course I do.

(He slurps more ramen. Then finishes the whole bowl, letting out a sigh afterwards.)

Naruto: Everybody knows. They were the greatest Shinobi of their time, right? The best of the best. Undefeated Ninja champs.

(Naruto pictures the stone face of the Fourth Hokage, that he’d painted on)

Naruto: And the Fourth Hokage’s the one who saved the village from the Nine-Tailed Fox. He was the most amazing.

Iruka: Then why did you...?

Naruto: Cause I’m going to be greater than any of them. Me. Naruto. The next Hokage!

Most people just sighed, after all they'd heard the same thing for years.

(He points his chopsticks at Iruka)

Naruto: A Ninja legend! Then everyone will have to stop disrespecting me, and look up to me. Believe it!

(There's a pause and Iruka sucks up the noodle hanging out of the corner of his mouth.)

Naruto: Uh, by the way, I kinda wanna ask a little favour, Sensei.

Iruka: You want another bowl?

Naruto: (Shakes his head) Uh-uh. I... want to try on your headband. Come on, Please!?

(Bows his head; begging)

 Shikamaru sighed, glad that he wasn't in their sensei's position, he knew he would've let the blond try on the headband.

Iruka: Uh... (Motions to his headband)

Iruka: Oh this? No way. You can only wear the Leaf Headband when you finally graduate from the academy and become a Ninja. You’ve gotta pass the test tomorrow.

Naruto: That is so uncool! (Pouts)

 "That's so uncool" Naruto said in sync with his on-screen self. He pouted, crossing his arms lightly.

[The scene moves to outside the ramen shop]

Iruka: (Laughs) Hey? Is that why you took off your goggles?

Naruto: Ugh...! I want another bowl!

[Iruka laughs]

[The scene changes to the next day, at the Academy. Iruka stands at the front of the class.]

Iruka: 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 groaned, The Clone jutsu was the worst, the way the academy taught it didn't feel right.

Naruto: (Hands to his head; Thinking) Ugh! That’s my worst technique! Great. I’m never gonna pass!

[On the table sits a bunch of leaf headbands. Naruto walks up, gets into a stance.]

Naruto: (Thinking) Alright. Get it together, Naruto. You can do this. (Puts his fingers together) Believe it.

(Wind picks up around Naruto.)

Naruto: Clone Jutsu! 

[The smoke disappears, revealing Naruto, and he looks over to his right. Lying belly down on the floor, with its tongue out, is a Clone of Naruto. It’s a little... pathetic. Naruto laughs nervously. Iruka has one of those looks on his face]

Most of the kids laugh and Naruto hangs his head feeling tears well up but refusing to let them fall.

Damn it!, he thought as the laughter was quieted down but it still echoed in his ears, I really wanted to pass this time!

Shikamaru reached a hand the couple of inches between him and Naruto and secured his hand around the blond's wrist gently with a muttered "troublesome", but Naruto didn't remove his hand so he supposed it was alright. He didn't think Naruto would hurt him, no matter how angry he was.

Iruka: You fail!! (Naruto flips out) Hmm...

Mizuki: Iruka Sensei? (Iruka looks at him)

Mizuki: He’s off, but his moves weren’t bad and he did hang in there and replicate. This is his third try, so you know he really wants to become a Ninja. We could cut him a break. (Naruto looks hopeful) And pass him.

Iruka: Mizuki Sensei. The other students created at least three effective replications. But Naruto could only create one. (Shot goes to Naruto’s clone) And look at it. It’s pitiful. (Naruto is shaking with anger) I can’t pass him.

Similar to his on-screen self, Naruto was shaking with barely restrained anger, but he focused on his breathing and on not wanting to hurt Shikamaru who's hand was still around his wrist. He shoved the anger down, nearly to the point of numbness.

(The scene changes to outside the Academy. Kids are bunched up, wearing their leaf headbands, happy)

Kid: You see that? They called me first.

Kid: I passed with flying colours.

[Naruto is sitting off to the side, on a swing in the shade of the tree, looking over depressed]

Father; (Off camera) I’m proud of you son. We all are.

Mother: (Off camera) Congratulations. I’m going to make you all of your favourites tonight. We’ll have a feast!

Ibara: There, you see him?

Tsubaki: It’s that boy. I heard he’s the only one who failed.

Ibara: Hmph! Well it serves him right.

Tsubaki: Just imagine what would happen if he became a Ninja. (Naruto pulls his goggles down to cover his face.) I mean, he’s the boy who...

Ibara: Shh... We’re not allowed to talk about that.

This got the kids' attention - a secret that adults and likely their parents knew, but they didn't? - now they wanted to know.

At least I know why they hate me now, Naruto thought as he was reminded of the harsh whispers and scathing glares. He'd had his suspicions and had looked into things secretly, but he hadn't known until now, with all the facts laid bare. 

[There’s a noise beside Naruto, and he looks over. There is Mizuki. Over near the students, Iruka is with the third Hokage, Hiruzen, and they are watching Naruto and Mizuki.]

Hiruzen: Iruka. There is something we need to talk about.

[The shot returns to the swing, but Naruto and Mizuki are gone. The swing stops swinging.]

 "I've got a bad feeling about this" Temari muttered before catching Gaara's eyes and and looking away.

[It’s sunset, and Naruto is sitting on the ledge with Mizuki.]

Mizuki: Iruka Sensei is tough. But, he’s not against you.

Naruto: Then why? Why only me?

 It's not his fault, even without the Kyuubi he'd have too much chakra to do that Clone Jutsu, Tsunade thought as she eyed this Mizuki. She didn't have a good feeling about him.

Mizuki: He wants you to be strong. With all his heart. But that will never happen if he goes easy on you. He’s like you, you know. No parents. No family.

Naruto: (Sad. Glum) But... This time I really wanted to graduate.

Mizuki: (Chuckles quietly) Then I guess I’ll have to tell you.

Naruto: (Looks at him) Huh?

Mizuki: It’s a secret. But I’m gonna let you in on it.

Naruto: (Eyes wide, thinking) A secret?

 "Fuck" Iruka whispered. Kakashi barely resisting the urge to do the same thing.

Sasuke smirked, i'll just get Mizuki-sensei to tell me the secret too, maybe it'll help me with killing Itachi.

[The scene changes to Iruka laying down on his bed, the moon outside his window is full. Thinking back]

Hiruzen: Iruka.

Iruka: What is it, Lord Hokage?

Hiruzen: I know how you feel. You grew up just like Naruto. Without knowing the love of a Mother and Father. The warmth of a family.

[Iruka remembers back to the night the Nine-Tailed Fox attacked the village]

Ninja: It’s getting closer! Don’t let it near the village!

[A young Iruka is being carried away]

Young Iruka: Let me go! My Mom and Dad are still fighting back there! Ah!!!

Naruto flinched and Shikamaru tightened his grip just enough to let the blonde know he was still there.

[The scene changes to a close up of the Nine-Tailed Foxes eye. Then it goes back to Iruka in his room]

Mizuki: Iruka Sensei. Wake up!

[Mizuki’s outside Iruka’s door. Iruka opens the door]

Iruka: What? What is it?

Mizuki: You need to come to Lord Hokage’s right away. It’s Naruto. He stole the Sacred Scroll.

Iruka: (Shocked) You mean the Scroll of Sealing? No!

 "What's the Scroll of Sealing?" The kids muttered, more to themselves than to the adults.

Naruto had seen it once when Jiji thought he'd gone to sleep.

[The scene changes to Naruto sitting down in the woods, near an old hut, reading the scroll.]

Naruto: Let’s see... The first one is... Multi-Shadow Clone Jutsu. (Puts a hand to his head, frustrated) Ah! Not this again. It’s my worst Jutsu!

Despite everything Kiba snorted, leave it to dead-last to get a shortcut and it turns out to be harder than the original test!

[A bunch of Ninja are grouped together in front of Hiruzen)

Bekkō: Lord Hokage! This is not just a prank. This is a serious crime!

Iwana: The scroll contains secrets that were sealed by the first Hokage. Secrets known only to our village.

[Iruka and Mizuki run up, joining the group]

Yajirobee: If it falls into the wrong hands, they could destroy our entire way of life.

Hiruzen: Alright. Bring Naruto here at once!

All Ninja’s: Sir!

[All Ninja’s disappear with a rush of wind in front of Hiruzen. The scene changes to the village. Iruka stops on a building, panting and looking around.]

Iruka: (Thinking) Where would he go?

[The scene changes to another part of the village, where Mizuki is running]

Mizuki: (Thinking) Now that I told everyone what Naruto did, I can eliminate him. They’ll be glad he’s gone. (Smiling evilly) And of course I keep the scroll for myself.

 Gasps rang out as if they couldn't believe a teacher would do or say something like that but Naruto just laughed, low and bitter, because he'd known something hadn't been right with Mizuki. Not with the way he hated Naruto more than most people.

[The scene returns back to the forest. Naruto is in front of the small hut, sitting on the ground panting. Iruka walks up to him, and Naruto looks up.]

Iruka: It’s all over. (laughs)

[Naruto scratches his head, and laughs back. Iruka straightens up, confused]

Iruka: Huh?

Naruto: Got me already? Not bad. You’re quick, Sensei. I only had time to learn one technique.

 Suddenly people wondered, How long was he out there?

"Maa, thirty minutes, give or take, right Blondie?" Kakashi said loud enough for the room to hear.

"Practicing? Yes. For Mizuki to explain, get the scroll, and get to the clearing? An hour, tops?" Naruto replied having done the math already.

"Maa, your getting slower" Kakashi teased making pink dust the blond's cheeks in embarrassment.

"Not my fault Mizuki would have explained it four times" Naruto huffed.

Everyone looked baffled for a few moments, before the screen started again. Though they were still reeling from the conversation.

Iruka: (Thinking) He’s been out here practicing. I can tell how hard he’s been working.

Naruto: (Happy) Listen, Iruka Sensei! I’m going to show you this amazing Jutsu and you’re going to let me graduate and everything will be okay. That’s the way it works, right? Anyone who learns Jutsu from this scroll passes.

Iruka: Huh? Where’d you get that idea?

Naruto: Mizuki Sensei told me about it. Believe it. (Turns to show the scroll on his back) He told me where to find the scroll... (Turns back to Iruka) ... And this place... (Naruto stops, noticing Iruka’s shocked face)

Iruka: (Thinking) Huuh? Mizuki?

[Iruka senses the incoming attack, and looks over his shoulder at the incoming Kunai.]

Iruka: Look out!

[Iruka pushes Naruto back, taking the Kunai. It pushes Iruka back to the wall of the hut. Kunai are in the wall, some pinning Iruka there, and there’s one in his leg.]

More gasps rang out, most fearing for their teacher, others wondering how a fellow ninja could harm another so badly.

Mizuki: I see you’ve found our little hide away.

Iruka: (Looks up) So that’s the way it is, huh? I should’ve known.

[Mizuki is in the tree]

Mizuki: Naruto! Give me the scroll, now!

Naruto: Wait a minute... (looks over at Iruka, then back at Mizuki) What’s going on here? (Looks back at Iruka)

Iruka: (Panting, pulls out the Kunai in his leg and throws it aside.) Naruto! Don’t let Mizuki get the scroll! (Mizuki is standing, looking down) It contains forbidden Jutsu, that could put this village in grave danger. Mizuki used you to get the scroll for himself. For his own power.

[Naruto is standing now. He looks up at Mizuki, angry]

Mizuki: Naruto. (Holds out his hand) Iruka’s just trying to scare you cause he doesn’t want you to have the scroll.

Naruto: Huh? (Looks at Iruka)

Iruka: Stop lying, Mizuki. (Looks at Naruto) Don’t let him trick you, Naruto.

Mizuki: (Laughs) Oh, I’ll tell you who’s really lying.

Iruka: No, Mizuki!

Mizuki: They’ve been lying to you your whole life, Naruto. Since the decree 12 years ago.

The academy kids and the sand siblings perked up, though Gaara remained stoic and didn't show and outward signs of anticipation. The adults seized knowing that the fallout from this would and could be worse than anything that's ever happened to these kids.

Naruto: What decree?

Mizuki: Everyone knows except you. Iruka’s trying to hide it from you now. He’d do anything to shut me up.

Naruto: (looking up at Mizuki, wide eyed) What is this decree? Why does everyone else know about it?

Iruka: Don’t tell him! It’s forbidden!

Mizuki: The decree is, no one can tell you the Nine-Tailed Fox is inside you! (Naruto stares, shocked) The Fox spirit that killed Iruka’s parents and destroyed our village has taken over your body. You are the Nine-Tailed Fox!

Gasps rang out again, horrified and some confused, they didn't know what to believe because some pieces clicked into place, their parents warnings not to play with the blond, the glares teachers and adults gave him.

Gaara's eyes widened slightly, this boy...this boy was the same as he was, bright and loud but still the same. He heard Kankuro's muttered "another one?" Before Temari smacked him upside the head. Now that he thought about it, Mother had been quiet, he was on edge now.

Iruka: (Yelling) Stop it!

Mizuki: They’ve all been sneaking around, hiding things from you your whole life. Didn’t you think it was strange how they treated you? Like dirt. Like they hated you for just being alive.

Naruto: (Tears in his eyes) No...! (Naruto’s hands are out at his sides, and wind has come up around him) No, no, no, no!

Iruka: Naruto...

Mizuki: That’s why you’ll never be accepted in this village. Even your beloved Sensei hates your guts!

Iruka looks back trying to find the blond, to tell him it wasn't true, that he didn't hate him. He saw Naruto, his head casted downward and the Nara heir's hand clamped around his wrist, his other hand trying to get the blond to look at him. He resolved to leave it to Shikamaru and confront his student after this.

[Iruka bends over in pain, hands above the wound in his leg. He remembers what Hiruzen said to him earlier]

Hiruzen: Iruka. Naruto never had a Mother or Father to care for him. He’s shut out of everything and doesn’t know why. Most people won’t even look at him. How would you feel if everywhere you went, people turned their backs on you? (Shows the desecrated stone faces) That’s why he gets in trouble. So people would notice him. It may not show, but he’s always thinking about the family he doesn’t have. He’s hurting inside.

A few understood, pushing through the disbelief and mild fear, that the pranks were a way to get attention, mostly because they never actually hurt anyone.

[Back to the forest. Mizuki is spinning a Shuriken above his head]

Mizuki: Die, Naruto! (Throws the Shuriken)

[Naruto falls back, then starts to crawl away]

Iruka: Naruto! Get Down!

[Naruto does, covering his head with his hands. Then, Naruto looks up. Iruka is above him, the Shuriken sticking out of his back. Iruka coughs a little, in pain. Naruto, with drops of blood on his cheek, looks up at Iruka shocked. So does Mizuki.]

Kiba looked at the screen, the look of horror and confusion on Naruto's face promoting him to look over at the blond he was seated beside, only for his mouth to fall open in shock again. Shikamaru was grasping Naruto's wrist the blond's face smashed against his shoulder, the older of the two whispering almost to quietly for Kiba to pick up on it.

"...not your fault..." Kiba heard before tuning them out again. He decided then that no matter what anyone said about the blond, he wouldn't listen because right now? Naruto looked like a puppy that's been kicked to many times. He steeled himself and his pride so he could silently grab Naruto's other hand, and interlock their fingers, because he wasn't big on words of comfort. So silent support it was. Naruto's hand twitched before relaxing, no longer balled into a fist.

Naruto: W-Why?

Iruka: Because we’re the same. (Iruka remembers back to when he was a kid, with no parents) When I lost my parents, no one seemed to care. They didn’t have time for me. They just forgot I was there. (You see a young Iruka, trying to cross water on a rope, but he’s acting stupid, losing his balance. The other kids are laughing) My grades dropped. I became the class clown. (Young Iruka falls into the water, then he comes back up) I just wanted them to see me... (The young Iruka laughs, scratching his head, and the rest of the kids laugh) ... And know my name. My school wasn’t good enough to get the attention, so I did crazy things (Young Iruka sitting in the corner of a room, by himself) And then I had to pay for it. It was hard. (Back to the forest. Naruto is looking up at Iruka. Tears fall down onto Naruto’s cheek) I know that’s how you feel, Naruto. (Iruka is crying) You feel lonely and it hurts inside. And I could’ve been there for you more. (Naruto sits up a little) I let you down. I’m sorry. No one should have to suffer that much. No one should be alone like that. (Naruto’s lip trembles)

The girls were crying now, Temari tried hiding it by turning her face away but it didn't work, Kankuro's hand landed on her arm, trying to comfort his older sister but not knowing exactly what was wrong. Gaara pursed his lips, his siblings were weak...but his eyes landed on the blond who's name he hadn't payed attention to, who was being comforted by his classmates, he didn't do physical or verbal communication, not unless it was an insult.

Slowly sand trickled out of the gourd on his back and built a solid presence. The near identical sand person slowly crept up on his siblings, wrapping an arm loosely around his sister's shoulder and the other around his brother's shoulder. Pulling their tense forms towards the sand person's own, Gaara decided that just this once he'd give into the weakness that was the need to comfort them.

Temari and Kankuro were tense, knowing that their little brother could kill them, like he'd killed others, but this was different, concluding that their brother hadn't been taken over by anything or anyone, they sunk into the sand person's presence, it wasn't quite their little brother but it was identical, they just silently hoped he didn't plan on killing them.

Mizuki: (chuckles) Don’t make me laugh! Iruka always hated you. He was orphaned because the Nine-Tailed Fox killed his parents. And that beast is now inside you. He’d say anything to get the scroll from you.

[Naruto gets up, and runs]

Iruka cursed Mizuki, low and quiet with every dirty word he could think of, Kakashi stared at the fiery Chunin in disbelief.

Hinata looked behind her to see if the blond was okay, seeing Shikamaru and Kiba comforting him sent a pang of jealousy through her, but she took a deep breath and rationalized it.

Their the only ones close enough to provide comfort, she thought before determination set across her face, i'll see if he's okay after this!

Iruka: Naruto! (Reaches out) Naruto!!

Mizuki: (Jumps down, laughing) You know once he makes up his mind, nothing can change it. (Iruka’s hand drops. Naruto is still running) He’s going to use the scroll to take revenge on the village. (Stands up straight) You saw that look in his eye, didn’t you? Those are the eyes of a beast.

Iruka: (Pulls the Shuriken out of his back. Begins to stand) No. Naruto... (Begins to turn) Isn’t like that! (Throws the Shuriken)

Mizuki: (Dodges the Shuriken easily. It goes up into the trees) You’re a joke. As soon as I eliminate Naruto and get the scroll, I’ll be back for you. (Mizuki jumps away)

Iruka: (Thinking) I won’t let you.

[Back in the village. Hiruzen is sitting down, looking at a crystal ball]

Hiruzen: This is not good. Mizuki has a big mouth. (Naruto can be seen running through the trees in the crystal ball) He made Naruto feel so bad. Worse than he’s ever felt. It could unleash the power inside of him. If Naruto keeps tampering with the scroll, the seal that locks the Fox spirit inside of him could be broken, and the beast could come out. If that happens, I fear for us all.

Many people in the room filed that damn crystal ball way for late, when they were thinking better.

[Back to the forest. Iruka is running after Naruto, through the trees. Naruto is still running. Iruka comes up behind him]

Iruka: Naruto! (Naruto looks at him) Everything Mizuki said was a lie. Give me the scroll. Hurry! (Iruka comes up in front of Naruto) He’s coming after you to take it away.

[Naruto stops on a branch, then jumps, right into Iruka, sending Iruka flying back. Naruto lands on his feet, and slides to a stop. He’s panting, hard]

Iruka: (On his hands and knees) It can’t be... (Naruto takes the scroll off his back, and backs up to a tree, sliding down to the ground) How did you know, Naruto? (Iruka looks over his shoulder)

Mizuki: (Smoke goes up around him, then disappears, revealing Mizuki.) ... That it was me, and not Iruka?

[Naruto chuckles, then smoke goes up around him, revealing Iruka, and beside him is a small log]

Iruka: Because I’m Iruka.

Mizuki: (Stands up) You’re a fool. (Naruto is revealed, sitting behind a tree off to the side, holding the scroll.) Why are you protecting that freak? He’s the one who wiped out your family.

Iruka: I don’t care what you say, cause you’re not getting your hands on that scroll.

[Naruto leans forward, angry]

Mizuki: As if you could stop me. Don’t you get it? Naruto is just like me.

Iruka: How’s that?

Mizuki: He wants the scroll for his own power, and his own vengeance. That’s how beasts are. He’ll pour all his rage into the scroll and destroy everything.

Iruka: You’re right...

Naruto started shaking, indescribable rage filling him, weather at Mizuki or Iruka' agreement, he didn't know. It barely quieted when Shikamaru squeezed his wrist and the hand grasping his other hand clung almost bruisingly to it -when did that happen? Who was it?- and just barely twisted his fingers to give him something else to focus on.

Naruto: (Gasps, shocked, then hugs the scroll.(Thinking) So it’s true. Iruka Sensei never believed in me. He thinks I’m some beast. Some kind of freak!

Iruka shook his head, "no, that's not it" was whispered.

Iruka: That is how beasts are. (Naruto’s eyes widen) But that’s not who Naruto is. (Naruto’s eyes are still wide) He’s nothing like that. Naruto’s one of a kind. Works hard. Puts his whole heart into it. Sure he messes up sometimes, and everyone jumps on him... But his suffering only makes him stronger. That’s what separates him from being a beast. So you’re wrong. He’s nothing like the Nine-Tailed Fox. He’s Naruto Uzumaki, of the village hidden in the leaves. (Naruto is crying)

Shikamaru knows Naruto is mirroring his on-screen self when he feels is shirt cling to skin like it does after he showers and puts on his clothes before he's fully dry. He's never been more glad to have a few inches on the blond in height when he puts his head on Naruto's hair. He glances at Kiba who's hand is intertwined with the Uzumaki's. He sends a silent nod to the normally brash boy.

Mizuki: (Reaches around to his last Shuriken on his back) Hmph! You really believe that dribble? (Pulls the Shuriken off his back) Iruka, I was going to save you for later but I changed my mind. (Spins the Shuriken) You’re finished! (Mizuki runs at Iruka)

Iruka: (Thinking) So this is it...?

[Naruto suddenly jumps in between them, and head butts Mizuki in the stomach, sending him flying backwards. Iruka’s eyes widen. Naruto skids to a stop, standing the scroll up beside him]

More gasps and Shino has deducted that he was getting annoyed at them, so his blond classmate was a container(?) for the nine-tailed beast, he also could barely do a proper henge and was absolutely clumsy. Shino knew that wasn't part of the mask the blond had. Why? Because he'd seen Naruto trip while training in an empty training ground and fumble through two trees trying to steady himself.

Iruka: (Thinking) Naruto?

[Naruto stands up straight]

Mizuki: (Looks back at Naruto) Not bad, for a little punk.

Naruto: (Staring at Mizuki, half of his face shadowed) If you ever lay a hand on my Sensei... I’ll kill you!

Warmth flooded the Chunin, maybe, just maybe his student didn't hate him.

(Mizuki: (Standing) Such big words. I can completely destroy you with a single move!

Naruto: (In his stance; 2 fingers crossed over his other 2 fingers, to form a “+” in front of his face) Take your best shot, fool. I’ll give it back to you a thousand fold!

Mizuki: Let’s see you try! Show me what you can do, Nine-Tailed Fox!

[Iruka watches, shocked, mouth slightly opened]

Naruto: Shadow Clone Jutsu!

[There’s a poof sound, and Iruka’s eyes widen. Surrounding them are hundreds of Naruto clones. In the trees and on the ground]

"Kami!" Some mutter and other more daring people let out a "holy shit!".

Iruka: (thinking) Naruto... Those aren’t just Illusions. (Iruka sits up, smiling) They’re solid clones! He’s mastered an extremely advanced Jutsu.

[Mizuki looks around confused and overwhelmed. All of the clones are calling out “over here” and ‘come on”]

Mizuki: Huh? (Stumbles around) What is this? (Mizuki falls back, and moves back) No...

Naruto Clone: If you’re not coming...

Naruto Clone: Then we’re gonna come after you!

[Mizuki looks around, then screams, the camera moving up to the forest above. You can hear punching from below/ The scene moves back down to Mizuki beaten on the ground, with Naruto standing above him, rubbing his head and laughing. The scroll is on the ground next to him.]

Most of the people in the room flinch with every hit they were sure landed on their -they were pretty sure- former teacher.

"Troublesome" Shikamaru mutters fondly at the now sleeping blond. The crying exhausting the younger boy. He looks at Kiba who's hand was still clinging to Naruto's but he was looking at the Naruto on-screen like the boy had hung the moon and sucker punched him in the gut. 

Naruto: Sorry. I kinda got carried away. (Drops his hand. Looks at Iruka) You okay, Iruka Sensei?

Iruka: (Lets out a breath) Yeah... (Thinking) He’s amazing. He wants to surpass all the Hokage... And I’m starting to believe he might do it. (Lets out another breath) Naruto. Come here a minute. I’ve got something I want to give you.

You aren't the only who believes he might, Kakashi thinks as he looks at the nearly broken body of the traitor on-screen.

[The scene changes to the village. All the Ninja are together, complaining about not being able to find Naruto.]

Ninja #1: You’re telling me no one can find Naruto?

Ninja #2: Not a clue...

Ninja #3: This is bad news. We’re gonna have to smoke him out or something...

A more dark, devious part of Shikamaru and Hinata was cackling, because it's because of them and the villagers that the blond learned how to hide and stay hidden. Iruka having no such restraints, cackled out loud, because he knew Naruto only gets found when he wants to.

[Hiruzen walks up, pipe in his mouth]

Hiruzen: There’s no longer any need to worry.

[Everyone looks over]

Ninja: Lord Hokage...?

Hiruzen: The scrolls safe. Naruto will be back soon.

[The scene opens on nothing but black]

Naruto: Sensei? How much longer?

[You see a slit open up on the screen. It’s bright, and then it goes black again.]

Iruka: Okay. You can open your eyes now.

[Naruto opens his eyes. Iruka’s standing there, smiling, holding in his hands Naruto’s goggles. Iruka’s missing his headband. The sun shine’s brighter, revealing them both standing.]

Iruka: Congratulations. You graduate. Naruto’s standing there, shocked. On his head, is Iruka’s Leaf headband) And to celebrate, I have a surprise. We’re going out for Ramen tonight.

[Naruto’s lips are trembling. He’s Quiet]

Iruka: (Opens his eyes) Huh?

Naruto: Iruka Sensei! (Naruto jumps at him, hugging him, and Iruka falls back down)

Iruka: (Laughing) Ah! That hurts!

[Naruto laughs, and Iruka is patting his back, saying, “Oh come on”. They start playing around]

Iruka laughs, not the cackling from before but cool, clear and Kakashi knows that if he didn't have his mask on that his face would be flushed red.

Iruka: (Thinking) Naruto. This is only the beginning. The road gets tougher now that you’re a Ninja. But if I told you that, I guess it would ruin the moment. So I’ll tell you later. Over 500 bowls of Ramen.

The screen turns off, and deafening silence takes over. Another note pops into existence in Iruka's hand.

He clears his throat before reading. 

Dear guests, 

                   I can only imagine the turmoil your in, so I've decided to give you a break. You have two hours to rest, talk, eat, or do what you need to. To your right there are two doors. The one leads to the kitchen and the other leads to a training room. Previously there were only two dorm rooms, but for everyone's sanity, a third has been added for the adults. Now while I may not always give you breaks between videos, it is simply because I'm busy with other things. A button will be given to someone randomly every episode to pause and play the videos. Your seats may switch before a new episode begins so be careful.

                                                       Have a good day,

                                                                                 Ash