The Perfect Shinobi (Part 1)

Life in Konoha's Anbu.

Naruto was now 13 years old, and people finally stopped making fun of his height. He stood at a respectable five foot four. Just an inch shorter than Yugao. Currently he was sitting on his father's head thinking. Recently the memory of a conversation he once had with Itachi had become more prominent towards his viewpoint.

Flash

Naruto was ten years old, and he was still a Chunin. Right now, he was taking a break from his Kenjutsu training with Itachi.

The pair was relaxing in the sun when Naruto asked an odd question. "Why do we fight Itachi?"

Itachi turned towards Naruto and saw a contemplative look on his face. Itachi's lips twitched into a small smile. "He's so mature for his age." Itachi thinks. "I don't know the reason everyone fights, but the reason I fight is to protect the village, and its next generation." Itachi turns to the sky and watches the clouds pass. "Life would be peaceful if everyone fought to protect. Meaningless conflicts would end, and everyone would understand each other. I would like to live in a world like this, but I truly don't know if it's possible."

Naruto contemplates for a few seconds. "I think your right. The idea of true peace seems to be unreachable. People are too greedy and scared to understand each other, but I would like to find the closest outcome to true peace."

"If you ever find that way Naruto I will be by your side, and so will Shisui." Itachi says.

"I think we should start with stopping wars between nations. Then we can make it to where children are never made soldiers. I don't want the next generation to experience the things I have." Naruto says with determination.

Itachi smiles once again. "Don't get ahead of yourself Naruto. First you need to grow a few inches."

"Your only a few inches taller than me." Naruto argues.

Itachi stands and shakes his head. "Let's get back to training."

Flash

Recently this idea had become more prominent in Naruto's lifestyle. During his Anbu years he has been forced to kill and be merciless at all times, and it was necessary for his development, but he can't help but wonder if there was another way, but until he found that way he would never give up on his and Itachi's shared dream. the only thing that's changed is now when they found the solution Shisui wouldn't be by their side. Maybe they will do it in his memory.

Maybe Jiraiya will be there instead of Shisui. After all he shares similar views.

Flash

Naruto and Jiraiya were sitting in the woods. Naruto was currently trying to master the Rasengan with one hand.

Jiraiya was sitting of to the side watching his newest student. "Hey Naruto come over here really quick." Jiraiya says suddenly.

Naruto stops training and walks over to Jiraiya. He then sits down across from the old man. "What do you think about fighting in the shinobi world?" Jiraiya asks.

Naruto ponders for a second. "Most fighting in the world is meaningless, and yet... I would kill anyone if I was ordered to... It doesn't make much sense to me."

"Well, your right about the meaningless part. Let me tell you about the most common reason I have seen people fight... It all starts when a person hurts another. Those feelings of hurt inevitably breed into feelings of hatred. But when we hurt others, we must deal with the hatred they now feel for us, and our own feelings of guilt. This is called the cycle of hatred. But I believe that knowing what it's like to be hurt is exactly why we try to be kind to others. That's what makes us human."