A Warrior's Path

Naruto was pumped for the graduation. He kept on saying that he is gonna be Hokage almost every time graduation topic comes up. Ryu remembered that, in the anime Naruto fails and Mizuki takes advantage of the situation by telling Naruto to complete a hidden mission to become a ninja. This portion of the story is of very importance since it's at this point Naruto realises what he is and why the villagers hate him. Iruka brings him out of his misery by acknowledging him as his best student and a leaf shinobi.

Ryu would prefer if Naruto didn't have to go through that but Naruto needs someone other than family otherwise he will close his heart and never become what he is supposed to be. Ryu asked Naruto to come to his room

Ryu: Naruto, its gonna be graduation soon. Be calm and do your best otherwise you may fail.

Naruto: I am gonna be Hokage. So It will be easy !! dattebayo!!

Ryu patted Naruto's head but without Naruto noticing Ryu actually put a chakra disrupting seal on his body. He wanted some events to be the same way as in the anime. These events have great influence to Naruto as a person and as a shinobi.

Ryu was somewhat guilty for what he did. He don't want Naruto to be hurt. But this is a necessary step for him to become the Seventh Hokage Naruto Uzumaki.

Two days went by. In these two days Naruto was literally hopping around.

Finally the day for graduation came. Akane straightened Naruto's trademark Orange jump suit. She was worried. Naruto wanted to become Hokage, that was his dream. If he couldn't become a ninja, he will be devastated.

Akane looked at Naruto gently: Naruto...Just do your best.

Naruto pumped his fist high up : Don't worry aunty. I will Pass!! I will become Hokage.

Akane and the rest gently smiled. Shisui wasn't worried, he knew Naruto's strength, Ryu has already told him about their training before they left but even he may be surprised.

*********

Ninja Academy

The class was quiet this day. Everyone waited for their turn. Some had face full of confidence, some were worried, some were carefree.

Iruka came in and called out the candidates

Shikamaru Nara

Choji Akimichi

Ino Yamanaka

Sasuke Uchiha

Sakura Haruno

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One by one they were all called out.Finally it was Naruto's turn. He went inside and did everything he could to do a clone but he still failed to perfectly create one. He couldn't understand why he failed.l. Every time he tries to mold chakra it gets disrupted.

Naruto couldn't understand how he failed. He already mastered the clone Jutsu but now he couldn't even mold his chakra. Naruto was devastated, he lingered outside the academy. He didn't want to go home, he felt like he let them all down.

Naruto could hear gaurdians of other kids saying it is a good thing that the monster didn't pass. He could also hear them talking about some kind of fox but couldn't hear anything else. He left and wandered aimlessly around the village.

Ryu was keeping an eye on Naruto from this morning. As a big brother he loved Naruto dearly but he will still harden his heart to do this so that he could grow as a person. Naruto's character was forged by his life. Ryu would never prevent him from becoming the man he is destined to.

Naruto was sitting on a building lost in thought. Mizuki came by his side and sat down.

Mizuki: Don't be sad Naruto. Iruka wants you to become strong.

Mizuki took the opportunity when Naruto was down and told Naruto

' Sign..Fine Naruto. I will tell you a secret way to become a ninja. '

Naruto was dazed for a second but delighted to hear that. Mizuki seeing Naruto's enthusiasm was sneering inside. He already expected the fox brat to take the bait. He needed to get his hands on the Scroll of Sealing, the brat would be his pawn to obtain it. Mizuki told Naruto to steal the scroll and to pass it to him. That way he would become a ninja.

Naruto was down because he failed and let his family down. He didn't think much and agreed instantly.

That night the entire village shinobi were angered. They protested to Sarutobi

' This time the brat has gone too far'

' This has gone far beyond a simple prank, he needs to be put in place '

Sarutobi had a headache hearing their complaints. He didn't know how Naruto knew the real location of the scroll. He ordered

' Get back the scroll as soon as possible. As for Naruto...I will take care of him. But under any circumstance don't hurt him '

As he said that last sentence, the dignity of a kage was shown. Every shinobi nodded reluctantly. While they were discussing on how to get the scroll back Naruto was running through the woods. He settled where Mizuki agreed to meet him and opened the scroll.

Iruka was on his bed thinking about Naruto. His parents died due to the nine Tails. He somewhat hated Naruto but the Hokage's words made him question himself. ' Was it right to ignore Naruto like that '. His thoughts were interrupted when he heard Mizuki's voice outside his door. Iruka opened the door and was startled when he heard him say

' Iruka sensei Naruto stole the scroll of seals. The whole village is looking for him '

Iruka quickly changed and went after Naruto. Eventhough Iruka may avoid Naruto he still cared for him unknowingly.