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Naruto: The First Airbender

Disclaimer: This will be an Avatar: The Last Airbender X Naruto fanfiction. With that said, I hope you enjoy.

Chapter 1: Airbending

After attending their first lesson, the boys gathered at the taijutsu training field under the tutelage of Iruka. Iruka's colleague, Mizuki, was supposed to be providing taijutsu lessons on that day but could not due to some "circumstances" which Iruka failed to find out from him. Hearing Iruka mention about Mizuki's circumstances almost made Naruto snicker as he knew just what Iruka was talking about. After overhearing Mizuki insulting him by calling him a worthless demon-brat, Naruto decided to deliver a little payback with a transformation technique which he proudly calls the Sexy no Jutsu, a cry for help amplified by airbending, and being in relatively close proximity with female jounins, elite-class ninjas who can only be matched or beaten by ANBU or kages. Seeing Mizuki getting his ass royally whooped by the two female jounins, one who had untamed black hair and uniquely red eyes, and another who has purple hair and a kinky manner of dress, was priceless!

"Naruto, is there something which you find amusing?"

Quickly snapping out of his reverie, Naruto replied, "N-nothing, Iruka-sensei!"

Not fooled Naruto's poor attempt at lying, Iruka made a mental note to question him later as he announced, "Alright, please enter the ring when I call out your names."

Scene Change

Before long, it was Naruto's turn to fight as he stood against Kiba who is arguably one of the better taijutsu practitioners among the students other than Sasuke. Grinning at the blond boy whom he considers as his rival, Kiba said, "Ready to get your butt whooped?"

Returning the grin, Naruto assumed a taijutsu stance none of the boys or Iruka had ever seen before as he replied, "Bring it!"

Iruka was curious about Naruto's new taijutsu stance as he annouced, "Begin!"

Being as wild and aggressive in a fight as he appeared, Kiba immediately launched himself towards Naruto, intent on taking him down with one blow. However, rather than charging in blindly like he normally would, Naruto did the last thing anyone expected. Moving in a circular pattern to shift his position, Naruto deflected Kiba's strike in a manner which was somehow dynamic yet strangely calm and even peaceful.

Shocked that Naruto had chosen to deflect his attack rather than take it on like he normally would, Kiba turned around to see the boy still grinning as he waited for the wild boy to act again. Growling in mild frustration, Kiba yelled as he tried to tackle Naruto again only for the boy to easily avoid his attack again. With his frustration growing, Kiba tried to attack again and again only for the blond boy to quite literally dance around his attacks as he leapt, gyrated, dodged and deflected every single one of them, his joyful grin never leaving his face. Infuriated at the humiliation of exhausting himself while Naruto seemed completely unfazed by his attempts to attack him, Kiba demanded, "What's so damned funny?"

Smiling happily, Naruto said, "Because airbending's fun, what other reason do I need?"

Stunned by Naruto's reply, as he was half-expecting the boy to brag about his new moves, Kiba took a while to come up with an argument, "But what good is airbending if all you do is avoiding getting hit?"

Shrugging, Naruto asked in reply, "What good is attacking if all your hits miss?"

Gaping, Kiba and many other boys were unsure if the Naruto before them is the same boy who would often brag that he will one day kick Sasuke's butt and become the next Hokage. Shaking his head, Kiba growled, "Ok, who the bloody hell are you and what have you done with the real Naruto?"

"I'll tell you, after you lay a blow on me," was Naruto's cheeky reply.

Unable to take the stings at his pride, Kiba roared as he spun his boy around in mid-air like a drill as he executed his clan's unique taijutsu move, albeit a weaker version than normal, "Passing Fang!"

Seeing that Kiba was being serious, Naruto smiled daringly as he waited for the attack to come. Just as Kiba's attack was about to connect, Naruto used his airbending create a shield of wind which redirected Kiba's attack thereby throwing him off-course and causing him to crash face-first onto the ground. Everyone stared in mute amazement as the saw Naruto bend the air to his will to deflect Kiba's attack.

Exhausted, Kiba could only growl impotently, "I'm so… going to get… even with you… one day…!"

"Anytime, Kiba," replied Naruto.

Staring at the blond boy, who was supposed to be the dead last in his class, Iruka asked, "Just… what is that is that taijutsu style you used to manipulate the air like that? I've never seen anything like it!"

Giving Iruka a thumb's up, Naruto replied, "It's called airbending, believe it!"

Scene Change

Word of Naruto's victory over Kiba through the use of an unorthodox style of taijutsu which also uses ninjutsu-style wind manipulation called airbending quickly spread across the entire school faculty like wildfire. Leading the gossip, as soon as she caught word of it, was of course Ino as she spoke out her opinion, "I can't believe that baka actually beat Kiba. Sure it's not like he actually beat Sasuke-kun but Naruto-baka is called the dead last for a reason!"

Waving her hand dismissively, Sakura replied, "Please, there's no way that idiot can do anything right! He's probably too scared to face Kiba head-on and just avoided all of his attacks until that dumb mutt wore himself out."

Shaking her head, Ino argued, "Trust me, if that was the case Kiba will be poking fun at Naruto, not sulking and saying that he'll find a way to beat Naruto's taijutsu."

"Then maybe Kiba's even dumber and weaker than I thought. I mean, he actually lost to Naruto of all people!"

Sighing at Sakura's apparent inability to see Naruto as anything else other than the idiotic dead-last of the school, despite the fact that Sakura had at one point been more civil with him until she finally got tired of him constantly trying to ask her out for a date and annoying Sasuke, not to mention that her mother encouraged her behaviour, Ino said, "I would have agreed with you, if I hadn't seen him appear on his air scooter or had not known that he was actually paying attention to class if Iruka-sensei's lack of shouting means anything."

Incredulous, Sakura said, "What? Don't tell me you're actually saying that Naruto's actually getting better? I'd sooner believe that the Fourth had a son around our age secretly attending school with us!"

Quirking an eyebrow, Ino asked, "And who used to be a shy girl that used to cry when Ami and her gang made fun of her billboard forehead?"

Blushing at the memory of her early childhood, Sakura tried to defend herself, "But I wasn't the dead last!"

"No, but you did use to get bullied and were at the bottom of the pecking order until you stopped hiding your forehead. Heck, maybe that's why Naruto likes you so much since you proved yourself to those bullies."

Unable to argue against Ino's point, Sakura looked away and said, "Fine, go ahead and defend that dobe-boyfriend of yours while I continue supporting Sasuke-kun!" The pink-haired girl then left with a haughty huff, convincing herself that Ino was only trying to make her like Naruto so that she can have Sasuke all for herself.

Stunned, Ino hesitated for a moment as she thought, "Was I… really trying to defend Naruto-baka?" Shaking her head, Ino argued with herself, "No, I was just stating a fact! Naruto might be the dead last but even I know people can change themselves if they wanted to." Thinking about people actually trying to improve themselves, Ino then thought, "But how did Naruto learn airbending anyway? I've got to find out that secret!" As the heir of the Yamanaka clan which specializes in mind-reading, Ino was already naturally curious about people, especially about their experiences, way of thinking and personalities. Her natural curiosity is part of the reason why she likes Sasuke who seems so mysterious, not to mention talented and handsome to boot, while she considers Naruto, who is so obviously a goofy glory-hound, annoying at times. The prospect of getting juicy gossip was another reason why she wanted to find out more about Naruto's mystery taijutsu art. Proving to Sakura that she was right and was therefore the better ninja was yet another reason for Ino to actively seek out Naruto.

Unbeknownst to the either one of the two girls, a third girl was meekly watching from the shadows and was biting her lower lip in worry as she though, "Is Ino… really starting to notice Naruto for who he really is?" While Hinata would wish that Naruto finds his happiness, she is ultimately still a young girl at heart as she suddenly felt jealously possessive and decided to try harder to get Naruto to notice her before Ino gets his affections, affections which Ino just might return in kind.

Scene Change

Later on that same day, after all the other students had returned home from the academy, Naruto was happily eating ramen with Iruka at his most beloved place in all of Konohagakure, Ichiraku Ramen.

Looking at the boy, Iruka could not help but wonder if Naruto is really still the same boy he taught in the previous years. Not only did Naruto return to the academy with a new form of taijutsu called airbending which allowed him to beat Kiba in a taijutsu match by literally wearing him out, not to mention that he no longer charges blindly into fights, he is actually eating his vegetables, albeit as part of an admittedly delicious vegetarian ramen dish. It was therefore not surprising that Iruka asked, "Naruto, not that I doubt that you're the real one, but what in the world happened to you to that made you change so much? You actually paid attention to my class lessons for heaven's sake!"

Slurping the last of his vegetarian ramen, which is his appetizer to the more delicious kinds of ramen such as beef and pork ramen, Naruto said, "Well, it goes like this…"

Scene Change

"…and that's why I want to become a great airbending master, just like Avatar Aang!"

After listening to Naruto's story during the past three months as well as a brief history of a war known as the Hundred Year War, Iruka finally understood what happened to the blond boy. Wearing a thoughtful expression, Iruka mused, "Still, to think that a single scroll could change the boy so much…" The scarred teacher then asked, "May I see that scroll?"

Seeing no reason to deny his favourite teacher, who is also technically his superior even if he succeeds to become a genin, not to mention that the Third Hokage had not forbade him to reveal the information to a fellow ninja of Konohagakure, Naruto happily obliged. Taking a look at the scroll, Iruka's eyes widened as he read the contents of the scroll at a speed worthy of a chuunin instructor of a ninja academy. Marking all of those test papers, especially the horrible ones, on time require speed and skill after all.

"Four main forms of elemental bending, each major element possessing at least one secondary "element", with the theoretical aspects to the supposedly lost art of energy-bending, as well as the spiritual significance of bending each of the four major elements as well as energy-bending… this book seems more suitable for teaching monks rather than ninjas. Even so, the possibilities of integrating these arts into our taijutsu are amazing." Paying special attention to airbending, Iruka read, "Air is the element of freedom, of finding another way to resolve conflict and disharmony by choosing a path with the least resistance like a leaf fluttering gently in the wind." Remembering Naruto's fight with Kiba, Iruka mused, "Well that explains why Naruto hardly attacked at all. This form of taijutsu is almost completely defensive."

"So, what do you think?" asked an expectant Naruto.

Taking his eyes off the book, Iruka said, "Well, this is certainly an interesting scroll but I'm surprised that you could actually adapt yourself to airbending. I'd think that you'd pick earthbending or firebending considering how stubborn and short-tempered you can be at times."

Grinning sheepishly, Naruto replied, "Yeah, I was surprised myself but, once I actually started airbending, I just can't help but feel happy and free, like all the troubles in the world don't matter anymore."

Knowing Naruto's mistreatment and loneliness, Iruka wore a sad smile as he understood, "Of course, Naruto had always hidden his pain by trying to appear happy and cheerful. If the necessity for spirituality to achieve elemental bending is as vital as implied, then maybe this is the real reason why Naruto became an airbender, to finally gain the freedom he so desperately needs."

Passing the scroll back to Naruto, Iruka said, "I don't suppose you can teach me bending this weekend, can you?"

Shocked, Naruto asked, "R-really? But you're a teacher!"

Grinning, Iruka playfully tousled Naruto's hair and said, "And only a third-rate teacher would ever refuse to learn anything new. Besides, learning elemental bending might just save my life or give me the strength I need to protect my precious ones."

Feeling joy building up in his chest, Naruto joyously replied, "Sure thing, Iruka-sensei!"

Scene Change

As the teacher and pupil ate and discussed further about elemental bending, both Ino and Hinata were spying on them intently. While Ino originally intended to spy on Naruto alone on her own, she ended up meeting up with Hinata by accident and decided to drag the girl along once she found out that Hinata actually likes the blond boy. After all, what better way to find out juicy gossip about the boy than the girl who has a crush on him, however shy and meek she may be.

Hinata on the other hand was feeling ambivalent towards Ino. While Ino made it clear that she is only interested in finding out more about Naruto's unusual new taijutsu, the insecure girl just knew that Ino would eventually see the good side in Naruto and snatch him away from her despite Ino's reassurances that she loves Sasuke no matter what. Getting almost literally interrogated by Ino for answers, especially why she would like Naruto of all people, only made her feel worse as she pointed out Naruto's good points to the blond girl. Still, being able to see Naruto so happy and apparently free of grief made her feel glad for the blond boy.

Rubbing her chin thoughtfully, Ino said, "So Naruto feels free of his troubles when he does airbending? Why would make that carefree baka feel so troubled about anyway? Sure he's the dead last but his situation can't be that bad, can it?" However, after hearing Hinata's hesitant explanation that almost all of the adults seem to hate Naruto for some reason they would not speak of, Ino could no longer be so sure. Determined to find out more, Ino decided to investigate further, with Hinata's help thanks to her years of observing and silently cheering for Naruto of course.

Scene Change

On the following day, a silver-haired man named Mizuki was positively glowering as he adjusted his standing position to minimize his discomfort, courtesy of having Anko shoving something he'd rather not remember up his behind. After being lured by a blond beauty into a dirty alleyway, the girl suddenly cried out for help loudly enough to actually hurt his ears, thus attracting the attention to Yuuhi Kurenai, the red-eyed genjutsu mistress of Konohagakure, and Mitarashi Anko, a purple-haired ninja and one of the craziest ninjas to currently serve Konohagakure. When the two women wrongfully blamed him for molesting a defenceless young woman, the two of them proceeded to hurt him in ways he had never imagined was possible. Shuddering at the memory, Mizuki just knew he needed to relief his stress somehow, and he knew just how to get some.

"Naruto, you're up against Sasuke!" Mizuki hid his smirk as he knew that the demon-brat, Naruto, would only make a pathetic fool out of himself as he gleefully fights against a superior opponent. In his overconfidence as a self-proclaimed magnificent bastard, Mizuki never noticed Naruto giving the man a mild glare before quickly changing his expression into a wide grin as he stepped into the ring to face the proud Uchiha boy.

Unbeknownst to the male teacher or the boys was that Ino and Hinata, in Ino's desire for the truth, had snuck out of their own lessons and were currently watching the match from a hidden location. While Ino was cheering for Sasuke, Hinata silently wished Naruto good luck. Regardless, both girls knew that they would finally be able to see Naruto's airbending.

"You may impress some with your pathetic new taijutsu but only a dobe like you will ever think of becoming a ninja who only knows defensive taijutsu moves."

Unlike before, Naruto did not let himself get riled up by Sasuke's mocking statement as he instead grinned and replied, "Say that after you actually land a hit on me, teme."

Frowning in displeasure at Naruto's lack of outrage, Sasuke quickly assumed a taijutsu stance in silence.

Equally displeased as Mizuki who said, "Match, begin!"

Quickly charging forward, Sasuke proved to be a stronger fighter than Kiba as he quickly forced Naruto to take him more seriously. However, like Kiba, Sasuke was unable to land a single solid blow on Naruto as he weaved and danced around his attacks. While his expression did not show it, Sasuke was actually getting frustrated as he thought to himself, "Why won't that dobe just try to strike back?"

Smiling despite having to fight more seriously, Naruto said, "You're good, I'd give you that, but there's a lot more to bending than just fighting and winning." Ignoring Naruto's words, Sasuke continued to attack while Naruto continued speaking, deflecting his punch as he spoke, "One, it's a way to learn responsibility." Ducking low to avoid a kick to his face, he added, "Two, it's a way to gain discipline." Dodging an elbow to his ribs, he continued, "Three, it's a way to find enlightenment." Gritting his teeth at the veritable humiliation, Sasuke yelled as he threw a vicious punch at Naruto's face when the blond boy suddenly stepped aside and threw Sasuke off-balance by using his momentum against him, causing the Uchiha boy to crash onto his back on the ground. With Sasuke groaning while lying on his back, Naruto concluded, "And four, it's a path to earn inner peace." Naruto then sheepishly admitted, "Not that I actually managed to earn it yet."

All of the spectators, including the two girls that had snuck out, were gaping in mute amazement as they saw the impossible. Naruto had not only managed to avoid getting a solid hit from Sasuke in a taijutsu match but have even managed to throw him off his feet as he spoke like a wise person beyond his years.

Getting back onto his feet, Sasuke growled, "Shut… up!" Blindly charging towards Naruto, Sasuke never noticed the sudden shift in Naruto's taijutsu style as he assumed a solidly rooted stance, ducked low and slammed his elbow into his gut at blinding speed. Almost vomiting from the strong blow, which was unlike Naruto's earlier taijutsu moves which were more defensive and light-footed, Sasuke heard Naruto say, "Just so you know, I do know how to attack, teme."

"D-damn you… dobe…" growled Sasuke before he passed out.

Pinching himself, only to realize that Sasuke's defeat was indeed real, Kiba said, "No way…"

Equally amazed, Shino's eyebrows were completely visible over his sunglasses as he concurred, "Indeed."

Chouji momentarily forgot about his potato chips as he added, "Naruto actually won."

"This will get troublesome…" muttered Shikamaru who just knew that Sasuke's fangirls will not take it too kindly.

As for the two spying girls, Ino was feeling torn between feeling bad for Sasuke who had lost and actually respecting Naruto for his well-earned victory while Hinata felt herself blush as she saw a respectable side of Naruto even she did not know. Regardless, both knew that Naruto had indeed become stronger and was no longer the dead last he once was, at least when it comes to taijutsu.

Mizuki was both disgusted and horrified as he thought, "How… how did that demon-brat become so strong?" Unfortunately for him, even he cannot deny Naruto's legitimate victory as he announced it as though he was admitting to all of Konohagakure that he was romantically in love with Sarutobi Hiruzen, "Winner, Uzumaki Naruto." Many of the more observant boys noticed that Mizuki literally spat out Naruto's face in distaste.

Noticing it as well, Naruto ignored the teacher and said, "Well, since I'm done, I'll be taking teme to the infirmary, see you!" Before Mizuki could stop the blond boy, he suddenly ran off while carrying Sasuke over his shoulder at a speed which would have made Might Guy proud. Staring at the dust cloud currently occupying the space which Naruto had just vacated, Mizuki gritted his teeth in frustration as he continued the taijutsu lesson.

Having seen enough, the two spying girls decided to return back to their class and were later caught by Suzume who then lectured them for skipping the first portion of her class lesson. Despite being a gossip queen, even Ino felt hesitant to talk about Naruto's victory over Sasuke. Needless to say, Shikamaru's prediction was quickly proven correct as almost all of the fangirls refused to believe that Sasuke had actually lost to Naruto and were convinced that the blond boy had cheated to win. Almost being a key word as Ino, alongside with Hinata, quickly argued that Naruto had indeed legitimately won.

Hearing Ino's argument, Sakura screeched, "How could you? I knew that you're trying to get me interested in that idiot just so that you can claim Sasuke-kun all for yourself but to think that you would stoop so low, you pig!"

Angry at Sakura's apparent misunderstanding, Ino said, "Hey, I'm not lying! If you girls don't believe me, just go and ask the boys. They saw the entire fight."

"Please, like the boys will actually say the truth, we all know that they are all jealous of Sasuke-kun and will happily lie about it!" said Sakura. The other fangirls, including Ami, all voiced their agreement.

"Maybe, if anyone else other than the dead last beat Sasuke-kun," argued Ino. Sighing, Ino continued to speak, "Look, I'm just as upset that Sasuke-kun had lost to Naruto as any of you but I can't lie to myself. I saw how the fight went and while I'm sure that Sasuke-kun will find a way to beat Naruto but Naruto really has gotten much stronger than any of us thought was possible thanks to his airbending."

Nodding, Hinata added, "A-and Naruto-kun might k-know more than one style of bending."

Confused, Ino asked, "What do you mean?"

While uncomfortable at being the centre of attention, Hinata nevertheless explained, "B-before N-Naruto-kun hit Sasuke, h-he actually shifted his stance so that he can't be easily moved by an opposing force. I-it might be another type of the f-four bending arts."

Blinking, as Ino had failed to notice, the blond girl asked, "Seriously?" Seeing Hinata's timid nod, Ino decided to believe her as the Hyuuga clan is more familiar with taijutsu moves than the Yamanaka clan.

Rolling her eyes, Sakura said, "Yeah right, like that idiot can possibly learn anything!"

Angry, Hinata argued, "N-Naruto-kun is much stronger than you think!"

"The day I believe that is the day Naruto becomes friends with the Kyuubi no Youko, which we all know will never happen considering that he Fourth Hokage had killed it years ago not to mention that not even that idiot will do something so stupid!" Before either Ino or Hinata could argue, Sakura and the other fangirls left with a huff, determined to find out the "truth" on their own.

Glaring at the departing girls, Ino was tempted to pull out her hair in frustration as she shouted, "Just how stubborn can those girls get?"

Peering at Ino, Hinata said, "Y-you would have not believed it too if you had not seen it for yourself, Ino-san."

Slumping in admittance to Hinata's point, Ino said, "Yeah, I get that, but even I wouldn't be so pig-headed about it, would I?" Seeing Hinata reluctance to answer, Ino knew Hinata's answer as she sighed and said, "Well, there's only one way to prove it. We're going to learn some bending ourselves, and the more people joining with us the better!"

Surprised, Hinata squeaked, "What?"

"Look, we both know that airbending is the real deal, right?" As Hinata nodded in reply, Ino continued, "Well, I'm thinking that if we can join Iruka-sensei when Naruto teaches bending during the weekend, we can later prove to them that Naruto's new taijutsu moves are actually real. Besides, considering how much you like Naruto, it'll be the perfect opportunity to pair you two together. It'll be killing two birds with one kunai!"

While happy at the prospect of being together with Naruto, Hinata could not help but feel hesitant as she asked, "D-do you really think it's a good idea?"

Shrugging, Ino said, "Well, I could try to get the girls to follow me and spy on him but I doubt they'll actually agree to follow us. As for the boys, I can't really say although I can bet my weekly allowance that at least Kiba will be interest to join once I tell him."

Considering her choices, Hinata decided to agree with Ino as the two girls quickly planned their weekend activities…

Scene Change

It was soon the weekend for the first week of the schooling year and both Naruto and Iruka were surprised as they saw a small crowd standing before them. Leading the group was Ino and Hinata along with Kiba and Akamaru, Shino, Chouji, Shikamaru and, surprisingly enough, Sakura.

Scratching his cheek, Naruto had to ask, "So… what are you guys here for?"

"We're here to learn those new moves you have of course, what else would we be here for?" said Kiba while Akamaru yipped in agreement.

Nodding, Shino added, "Your taijutsu moves were most peculiar and, upon overhearing from Ino-san speaking to Kiba-san that you would be holding a bending lesson today, I decided to follow as well for the sake of further observation and study."

Still munching on his potato chips, Chouji added, "Besides, you might just know a useful taijutsu style for someone as pleasantly chubby as me."

"I'm only here because Chouji wanted to join in," said Shikamaru.

"And we're here to find out just how good are those bending arts," said Ino.

"Not that your so-called airbending will be any good," thought Sakura who only joined in to finally prove that Naruto is still a useless dead last.

"Y-you don't mind, d-do you?" asked Hinata.

Pondering over their words for a moment, Naruto then grinned as he gave them all a thumb's up and said, "Sure, why not. The more the merrier!" Little did the blond boy or any of the other children knew that the day would mark beginning of their own "Team Avatar".

-Chapter Fin-

Note: Not sure why but I can't help but make Sakura a victim of tempting fate. As for Naruto's fights, I hope I'm not making him overpowered. Then again, airbending specializes in defence (namely by being faster and more agile than your opponent) and Naruto's stamina ensures that he would outlast his opponents in normal tajjutsu matches, especially those who would blindly charge in to attack in rage, as long as he can outpace them not to mention that Naruto did use to be a bit of a "Leeroy Jenkins". By the way, this is a list of all the possible benders in this fanfiction I can think of so far so please review to let me know you opinion:

Naruto: Airbender of the Free Winds

Hinata: Waterbender of the Graceful Change

Chouji: Earthbender of the Heavy Blows

Shikamaru: Airbender of the Calm Thoughts (Cloudbending)

Kiba: Firebender of the Aggressive Strikes

Ino: Non-Bender, mind walker

Shino: Earthbender of the Precise Steps (mantis-style)

Lee: Non-Bender, genius of hard work

Neji: Non-Bender, nerve striker

Tenten: Non-Bender or Earth Bender (mistress of weapons)

Might Guy: Firebender of the Youthful Flames

Sasuke: Firebender of the Black Flames (assuming that he learns any)

Sakura: Non-Bender or Earthbender

Sai: Waterbender (Inkbender)

Kakashi: Firebender (can manipulate water and earth but not as well)

Kurenai: Non-bender, mistress of illusions

Asuma: Airbender of the Slicing Winds

Anko: Firebender of the Snaking Flames

Iruka: Non-Bender or Waterbender

Hiruzen: Firebender of the Burning Earth (can earthbend but not as well)