Chapter 5
As Naruto slowly fit in into the Nara clan, things started changing for the better.
A lot of fall backs, a lot of issues and a lot of learning had to be done, but things truly did start to look up fairly quickly. Surprisingly Naruto was quick to trust his new surrounding, and everyone felt content with the new addition and his eagerness to learn from anyone willing to teach anything. Sewing, cooking, swordfighting, wood carving, everything was of interest to the boy.
A little over a year of such a life later, on another average day, when Shikamaru was about to head out to the academy and Naruto was making breakfast. His body now healthy, hair kept after, and spine and legs corrected, but he was tense all over once more.
“You want to ask for something, go for it,” Shikamaru was still waking up, but that didn’t make his observation skills any less.
Naruto placed the food down for the both of them, and sat down himself. Yet instead of eating he was just fidgeting.
Out of everything, speech came the hardest for the boy. He could understand everything just fine, he wasn’t stupid one bit, but talking just wouldn’t come. The Naras weren’t worried though, it’s only been a year and Naruto already made some huge progress unexpectedly fast, and he could always communicate in ways other than speaking aloud. But it clearly frustrated Naruto himself to no end. He wanted to be able to do everything.
“I,…”
Shikamaru was patiently waiting, he wasn’t planning to be present for the first class anyways.
“Academy. Hhh, where you, go”
Naruto pointed at himself at the end of the sentence. He wanted to go too, he wanted to be a ninja.
It was the only thing he remembered ever wanting, be a cool ninja, help people, and then they’ll see that he isn’t an animal.
Because he is not an animal.
He is a human, just like the rest.
And he wanted to show, prove, that to everyone.
The young Nara knew that his roommate wanted to go with him for a long while now, and he was happy that Naruto finally asked, so happy he almost let a smirk form on his lips. Almost being the keyword of course.
“I will talk to my parents on that, and maybe next month you can be enrolled too”
The main worry was the other kids, but Shikamaru knew he’ll be able to control that well enough, and Chouji will undoubtedly help. The guy was a softy after all. Not mentioning how Naruto can stand up for himself, but the Nara would much rather not go for that. Naruto had enough of shitty words thrown at him, he doesn’t need to deal with any more.
Naruto was ecstatic to hear that, and clearly indicated his happiness with the big smile and a couple of knocks on the table, a habit he started to have for some reason.
This time Shikamaru couldn’t resist a small uplift of his mouth.
—————————
“We will go to the Hokage, with Naruto, today.” Shikaku was thinking of visiting Hiruzen in regards of Naruto for some time at this point, and now there is a perfect reason and time to go. Shikamaru just recently started his next year of the academy, so fitting Naruto in should not be an issue. And a big talk was due either way. He still couldn’t fully believe the irresponsible and neglectful outcome from the old man. To think that the fourth’s last wish and legacy would be disrespected like that.
Shikamaru on the other hand was quite eager to have Naruto join the learning to be a ninja, at least for the fact that that’ll make going to the academy actually worth it. No offense to his friends there, but it all felt like a huge waste of time and too much to bother with. With Naruto, he will need to be by his side to make sure that the redhead gets everything, and to make sure that nobody would give any trouble to him. Plus, it is quite entertaining to see Naruto fail miserably, yet not give up ‘till he actually gets it, and he always does. Could’ve been even inspiring had it not been so stupid.
“I will go and tell Naru to prepare, we’ll be ready in fifteen minutes,” the young Nara yawned and turned the corner to his and Naruto’s room. The temptation of his bed hit him hard, and would’ve gotten him had it not been for the bright red peeking out from under it.
Shikamaru poked the barely seen back with his foot to get the other boy’s attention, and earned himself a few complaints and a glare, which quickly turned questioning.
“The academy. Get ready to meet with the Hokage for that”
“Aca-demy, yes!” Eyes brightly shining, Naruto started to get properly dressed. He didn’t understand why they needed to go to the Hokage, but the word ‘academy’ was enough to make him move without any questions.
As Shikamaru said, they were completely ready and near the gates of the Nara clan in fifteen minutes exactly. And so, the head of the clan and his two boys started their leisurely walk to the tower.
—————————
Thankfully nobody dared to bother them on their way, and the trio arrived without any issues.
The three went straight to Hiruzen’s office.
“Hiruzen, we have to have a long due talk.”
Shikaku didn’t bother with politeness, and went straight to the point.
The Hokage looked at the newcomers, and froze once he saw the red amongst black. It was the little boy he was supposed to raise. The little boy his guilty consciousness swept aside in hopes of the issue ruling itself out.
And by the looks of everyone’s faces, eyes, the issue did not fix itself.
“We just recently adopted him into the Nara clan. What we found out a year ago is completely unacceptable, and I am highly disappointed in such dishonor. I will not waste my time lecturing you, but you will allow us to keep him and enroll little Naruto into the academy. He can’t speak well and has troubles understanding things at first, but he is an excellent student.”
Shikaku’s voice was demanding and filled with disdain for his leader, and Hiruzen could feel it all very well. But could he blame him? The little boy completely slipped his mind for so many years, swept aside like dirt, and what he saw did not speak of good treatment from the village towards Naruto.
Hiruzen could only stare in guilt. He truly was getting too old and unfit for the role of a leader.
“I will appoint a meeting with the academy teachers. Naruto will be able to attend tomorrow.”
He could no longer look in the direction of those eyes, filled with childish curiosity, and searching for an escape at the same time. So he just continued doing the paperwork.
“Did you hear? You’ll be able to come with me tomorrow”
Shikamaru linked his and Naruto’s hands and spoke quietly on the way out. The two boys laughed, happy at the outcome. And Shikaki would make sure that the two would stay happy as long as he is with them.