Naruto: The Darkness Within

Chapter 3: Bushy Brows, Toads and Book Worms

We see Jiraiya finally arriving in the village entrance. Everyone greets him and he waves and smiles back. Since his exploits in the Second Shinobi War and training the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, people have idolized Jiraiya as if he were the Hokage himself. He was glad the village had finally found peace after the whole Nine Tails incident. Jiraiya has been wondering why his Sensei has summoned him back to the village. The village had seemed fine, but the summons said that the village was in the peril. Eventually, Jiraiya's walk ended when he arrived at the Hokage's tower.

"So, you summoned me Sarutobi-sensei?" Jiraiya asked.

"Yes, I have. It pertains to the village security and safety." Hiruzen stated.

"What could it be?" Jiraiya asked.

"Naruto Uzumaki. A student at the ninja academy at the moment as you know. Yet something happened to him last year and he's started training more efficiently. Currently on the unreleased rankings board he's ranked number 2 right under Hinata Hyuga. He took up Fuinjutsu and is at Level 4. In the book he found a diary entry from a journal he left behind that was meant for Naruto to receive. I have no idea how he got this page but Naruto didn't take this well. This is concerning due to how Naruto is treated by the villagers. He has no friends. Therefore no real ties to the village." Hiruzen explained.

"So, Naruto knows his heritage huh? Well then I guess I should go see the little gaki. I'll offer to train him a bit. He will grow an attachment on me and then you have nothing to worry about." Jiraiya said as he jumped out the window. He made his way to Naruto's house.

Earlier that day

Naruto woke up and took a shower. He had been waking up at six in the morning every day since he started his serious training. He would wake up and shower at six. Then he would head to the village border and go for a run. His run would last for around an hour. Afterwards he would start his meditation to rid the feeling of hatred and dread he would have because of the villagers. Today however, would be different. When he went for his morning run, he seen a Genin. They passed each other during their laps and did their own thing. After about forty-five minutes the Genin wanted to talk to Naruto.

"Hello their Youthful comrade! My name is Rock Lee! What are you training so vigorously for?" The bushy brow genin asked.

"Hello Rock Lee. I am Naruto. I'm training to get stronger so, that everyone will treat me with respect and love." Naruto said.

"That is a most youthful reason! I do not see a hitai-ate on you. Are you not a ninja?" Lee asks.

"Not yet. I graduate from the academy in a few months. I believe I am in the top three on the Rookie of the Year rankings board. However, not even two years ago I was the dead last of my class." Naruto said.

"Wow! Going from dead last to potential Rookie of the Year?! You have come far Naruto-san! You are certainly a genius of hard work. I was the dead last of my class. I wished to defeat my rival, Neji Hyuga. He is the top Genin in the village." Rock Lee said.

"Hyuga, huh? I know a Hyuga. I gave her a scroll on a style of kickboxing, with that and her juken, she defeated our class prodigy Sasuke Uchiha!" The blonde said.

"I see. Naruto-san, I challenge you to a spar. I wish to test myself against the next batch of Genins. I would like it to be a spar of nothing but taijutsu. I wish to become a splendid ninja using nothing but taijutsu!" Lee said.

Naruto looked over at Lee. He could tell Lee trains himself into the ground every time he trains. Naruto did the exact same thing every other day himself. He would push pass his limits every time. "You're on!" Naruto accepted.

They give each other the unison sign and start. Lee charges in with a punch. Naruto sees this and goes to block said punch to gage his strength. Lee punches Naruto's block and is sent flying.