Naruto Karyuden

Chapter 1: A New Beginning

NARUTO: KARYŪDEN (ナルト - 渦流伝, NARUTO: WHIRLPOOL CHRONICLES)

The concept of this fic started during the very early stages of the Fourth War arc and so some things are different from the canon which is the nature of all fanfics, anyway.

1) Naruto doesn't take 2 additional years to realize Hinata may or may not like him. For the purposes of this fic, imagine that 'The Last: Naruto the Movie' happened right after the war, not two years later.

2) There is no Sixth Hokage (yet). Tsunade remains Fifth Hokage during the peaceful period.

3) Orochimaru is actually dead, and Team Taka are imprisoned.

While the story does follow Naruto and Hinata, there will be a good deal of focus on their students and the relationships that they make, and sometimes the focus will be entirely on them. So OCs will be aplenty.

A NEW BEGINNING

A crowd has gathered outside of Yakiniku Q, one of the Hidden Leaf's most famous barbecue restaurants, although they were not there for the reason staff would've liked. No, they gathered because they'd heard a certain someone is currently inside. Shouting his name, demanding to enter just to get autographs. They've been getting really pushy and disturbing the customers inside.

One staff member was picked as a 'sacrifice' to go to a private room and speak to the particular group that had drawn to the establishment. Usually valued customers were not to be disturbed, especially ones of their status and reputation, as they tend to have larger than life attitudes and service staff are always the ones who have to deal with it, but extenuating circumstances call for it this time.

The man excuses himself and slides the door open. He takes a look at the VIPs inside. A group of 11 shinobi, 7 men and 4 women who distinguished themselves in the Fourth Great Ninja War and are on their way to high ranking positions in their fields, despite their relatively young ages at 17 years old.

The woman steadily on her way to heading the medical teams, following in the footsteps of the Fifth Hokage. The man who's already sitting by the Hokage's side as an advisor. Many would-be leaders of their respective clans with longstanding histories and traditions. But most of all, the Hero of the War. The man who quite literally saved the world.

"Uh, pardon the intrusion, Lord Uzumaki." He addresses the man sitting in the middle next to a rather beautiful woman with lavender hair. "The people outside are becoming more difficult to keep at bay. It's... bothering the other customers." The member of staff embarrassed to have to ask this avoids eye contact.

Tenten gives a light chuckle leaning on the table. "Ah, the pain of being famous."

Naruto scratches the back of his head in embarrassment. "I'm really sorry 'bout this. I'll... try and do something about them." He stands up, letting go of Hinata's hand that he'd been holding, and makes his way outside followed by the waiter. The young woman blushes and focuses intently on her plate.

Shikamaru sighs. "We can't even have a simple meal together. It's already a drag to get our schedules to match without all of this getting in the way."

Kiba laughs. "Hey, it's not our fault we're heroes! Well, maybe it kinda is. But it's natural people would crowd around, hahah!" He tries to snatch up some meat from the table but is sniped by Choji's ever-watchful eye (when it comes to food, at least). "Hey!"