Naruto was caught off guard when a Shinobi unexpectedly entered his home.
Given his less-than-popular status in the village, both among civilians and fellow Shinobi, he wasn't accustomed to visitors, especially those bearing disdainful looks.
Though the man's expression hardly fazed Naruto, it still left an uncomfortable feeling lingering in his stomach. What could the Hokage want with him now? He racked his brain, trying to recall any recent incidents that might have landed him in hot water.
Before he could voice his questions, the Shinobi delivered the message and departed swiftly, leaving Naruto to ponder the reason behind his summons to the Hokage's office.
Hokage Office
Naruto waited outside the Hokage's office. He was terrified to his core. The silence in the room only made him uncomfortable.
"Naruto?"
Naruto jumped and dashed behind to find Hiruzen Sarutobi.
He was the Third Hokage of Konoha. The Proffesor is commonly referred to as such. Naruto never understood why he was named professor.
"Old man!" "You scared me!" Naruto exclaimed, recovering his breath.
Hiruzen chuckled.
Hiruzen thought, "Same as always."
Before they could continue their chat, the Hokage office gates opened, revealing Shikaku Nara.
He took a brief peek at Naruto. He gave Hiruzen an understanding glance, which hiruzen responded.
Shikaku informed Naruto that the Hokage had requested his presence.
Naruto stepped into the room, his gaze immediately drawn to the figure seated before him. There sat Minato Namikaze, the Fourth Hokage, exuding an aura of authority and wisdom. Minato's legendary status as the hero who vanquished the Nine-Tailed Fox and safeguarded the village twelve years prior filled the room.
Meeting Minato's gaze, Naruto felt a surge of recognition and respect wash over him. It was evident that Minato recognized him too, despite Naruto's youthful appearance and his unmistakable blond hair.
A silent acknowledgment passed between Minato and Hiruzen, the Third Hokage, a gesture of mutual understanding and respect within the ranks of Konoha's elite.
"Hello, Naruto. How are you?" Minato greeted with a warm smile.
"I'm... I'm fine, Lord Hokage," Naruto responded slowly, his nerves evident in his voice.
"That's great. You must be wondering why I summoned you here, right?" Minato asked, a hint of amusement in his tone.
Naruto nodded nervously.
"Well, the Third Hokage recommended you for enrollment in the Shinobi Program, recognizing your potential. But I have to ask, do you want to become a Shinobi?" Minato inquired.
"Yes!" Naruto blurted out excitedly, then quickly corrected himself, "I mean, yes, I am interested... Lord Hokage," he said in a quieter tone.
Minato chuckled softly. "It's normal for children to be excited about becoming Shinobi," he reassured Naruto.
"So, does that mean I get to join the Academy?" Naruto asked eagerly.
"Not quite. Unfortunately, your admission was delayed due to certain circumstances. Instead, we'll provide you with a crash course over the next month before assigning you to a team as a Genin," Minato explained.
"Genin?" Naruto questioned.
"It's the lowest rank in the Shinobi System," Hiruzen interjected.
"Why do I need a crash course? I can become a Genin. I know how to fight..." Naruto protested.
"You didn't know what a Genin is. Basic knowledge of the Shinobi world is important," Hiruzen stated matter-of-factly.
Minato nodded in agreement. "That's correct. We'll assign someone to teach you everything within the month."
Naruto hesitated, knowing he wasn't well-liked by many adults in the village.
"Two people have volunteered," Minato revealed, surprising both Hiruzen and Naruto.
"Who?" they both asked simultaneously.
"Kushina Uzumaki and the Leader of the Anbu Black Ops, The Dragon," Minato answered.
"The Dragon," Hiruzen confirmed immediately, causing Minato to flinch slightly, aware of Hiruzen's reasoning.
"Who is Kushina Uzumaki? Why does she have the same surname as me? Are we related?" Naruto asked hopefully, longing to find someone who might be related to him, even distantly.
Minato felt a surge of guilt, anger, and sadness at Naruto's loneliness, his fist clenching under the table.
"She is my wife. And she's not related to you. You're a half-Uzumaki," Minato explained, crushing Naruto's hopes.
"Oh..." Naruto responded in disappointment.
"I suppose you'll be trained by The Dragon, as the Third Hokage is responsible for supporting you into the Shinobi system and gets to make the choice," Minato stated.
"Okay! When can I start?" Naruto asked, his excitement returning.
"Tomorrow," Minato replied with a smile
YOU ARE READING
Naruto : Beginning
FanfictionThroughout his childhood, Naruto harbored feelings of loneliness and believed he wasn't special. This feeling was exacerbated by the villagers' disdain for him However, Naruto's desire to prove himself and become the strongest ninja in his village...
