Unexpected Respect

The ring of the academy school bell filled the ears of joyous children. Iruka Umino heard the same sound and exhaled. "You brats better study! This will be on the next exam! I'm talking to you, Naruto!" the academy instructor shouted.

The blonde clone raised snorted, but otherwise ignored the teacher's attempt at receiving a response from him. "Yeah, whatever, Iruka-sensei. Come on, Sasuke, Sakura, let's get out of here," the blood clone said.

"Hn,"

"Yes Naruto-kun," Sakura said. Those two words stunned the entire classroom. Most of the civilian children gawked in utter surprise, but none of them was more shocked than that generation's clan heirs.

It was no surprise to anyone that Sakura Haruno did not like Naruto very much. This was no more obvious than to the pink-haired girl former best friend, Ino Yamanaka. This had to be some kind of ploy to get Sasuke's attention, but...what benefit would it be for Sakura to be nice or even respectful to Naruto of all people?!

"What? Since when is Sakura nice to Naruto?" Kiba asked whispered to someone else in his class. Unfortunately, no one was capable of making an answer to the Inuzuka heir's question.

For Iruka Umino, shock was across his face as well, but...he cleared his throat quickly. "Ah, sorry Naruto. Could you stay behind? There is something I must discuss with you," Iruka stated.

Both clones narrowed their eyes, but Naruto was the only one to exhale. "Fine. Can Sasuke at least stay with me then? I need him for later," Naruto said.

Iruka turned to the Uchiha for a moment before agreeing. He then dismissed the other students. "Sakura, you can go home. We'll get some time to know each other better later this week," the clone said. His voice sent a shiver down the young female's spine. She quickly grabbed her books and gave them her goodbyes before leaving.

Naruto and Sasuke sat back down. Both waited in the classroom for about twenty minutes before they heard the door behind them open. "Ah Naruto-kun, I see Iruka has given you the message. I'm sorry to keep you after school hours, but I must speak with you," The two academy student clones turned around and noticed the Sandaime Hokage come through the door. Along with him came a tall white-haired man, and...Kakashi Hatake.

"Hmmm, it's different seeing Kakashi Hatake in person instead of in memories and stories from what Yugao gave me. He truly is a powerful shinobi, dattebayo. I wonder what I would learn if I managed to drain him as well. Then, there is this one next to him. He's stronger. He's probably even stronger than that old, decrepit Hokage. Tch, even with so many years of memories, combat experience, and knowledge, I did not feel confident in taking a battle against this massive wall of chakra in front of me. So...this is what I will have to contend with later?" Naruto thought to himself. He sent a quick glance to Sasuke. It was obvious the Uchiha clone held its own thoughts as well.

"Jiraiya-sama, what are you doing back in the village?!" Iruka asked in shock. This made both blood clones' eyes gleam. So...this massive source of power was called Jiraiya. From the many memories that Naruto scanned, this was one of the Legendary Sannin. Not someone to be so easily trifled with.

"Well, I was looking for more inspiration for my next book. Konoha's got some of the greatest onsens around, if you know what I mean!" Jiraiya claimed, a boorish laughing quickly followed which made the adults around him sigh.

Hiruzen cleared his throat. "Naruto-kun, I see you have allowed Sasuke-kun to remain here. You are not in trouble, but why I have asked you to stay behind is very delicate and sensitive. Perhaps it would be best if your friend waited outside," The Hokage said.

"Teme's my buddy! Anything you want to say to me, you can say to him too!" Naruto exclaimed. Both clones grimaced inwardly from this act. Heh, the only thing Sasuke was for Naruto was a pathetic toy to entertain him when he was bored. The Uchiha would never be anything more, but he could always be so much less.

The adults gave each other a look that told Naruto something was going on here that he wasn't aware of. Of course, given the memories that he had accumulated, he had known that it was an Uchiha who had caused the Kyuubi to run rampant through Konoha. It was why the village had isolated the Uchiha clan for so many years which, in turn, led to the coup. Hmph, in the end, Konoha lost one of its most powerful clans...to fear and paranoia while the Uchiha clan lost their lives due to their own greed. How apt for them both.

"I see. Well, it's good to have strong friends by your side, Naruto-kun. If this is what you wish, then I shall permit it. Tell me, Naruto-kun, Sasuke-kun, what do you know...about the Kyuubi no Yoko?" Hiruzen asked.

It was fairly obvious where this question was going and what this meeting was about. So...the year long respite for Naruto to live his 'normal' life was over, and now would begin the time of his training. Oh Jiji, if only you had been two years earlier...before October 10th.

"Hn, what's there to not know? The Kyuubi no Yoko attacked the village 11 years ago. It was the Yondaime Hokage that killed it. Though, it was always weird that history never went into specifics on how he killed it. All we know is that he gave his life for it," Sasuke said.

The adults silently applauded Sasuke for the brief summary. "Very good, Sasuke-kun. Yes, that is what the history of our academy teaches. However, sometimes...even history can be rewritten. First allow me to introduce the two men next to me," Hiruzen said. Unfortunately, the one next to him quickly decided to do so on his own.

"Heh, you brats should be lucky! The great me is about to shock and awe you with my identity! I am the man who has no enemies in the North, South, East, and West! Even Kami himself dares not mock me. I am one of the Sannin...the white-haired toad tamer. Ladies swoon when they see me, men are jealous to be me. The Great Sage, Jiraiya-sama, stands before you today!" the toad sage said, his introduction as extravagant as his dance poses.

The room fell into silence, but the Naruto clone couldn't resist giving a small smile. "It's a shame, Jiraiya of the Sannin. Before I became who I am now, I might have actually liked you. Unfortunately, you're just another piece I need to topple over," Both clones thought to themselves.

....

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