The dark fox

Naruto, the mischievous troublemaker, had mastered the art of diversion. Behind his playful antics lay a hidden purpose – a desperate plea for acknowledgment and acceptance from the villagers who often overlooked him. At the tender age of seven, Naruto was small in stature, allowing him to slip into unnoticed corners and crevices where others couldn't venture. Yet, he deliberately made sure he was caught, leaving a trail that led back to him, craving the attention he so desperately sought. His pranks, carefully orchestrated, created a whirlwind of chaos that stirred up the entire village. Though some saw his actions as mere nuisances, Naruto knew that they served a deeper purpose. With unrivaled stamina and boundless energy, he eluded the shinobi and ANBU sent to capture him, leaving them breathless and bewildered. His relentless spirit and unyielding determination posed a challenge that frustrated his pursuers to no end. Nevertheless, his mischievous escapades had not won him favor among the villagers. Their annoyance and frustration only intensified with each new prank. So, it was no surprise when Naruto received an urgent summons to appear before the ANBU commander and the revered Sandaime Hokage, the village's leader.

As Naruto stood before the ANBU commander and the Sandaime Hokage, he couldn't help but to feel a bit nervous at the sight of them. Normally, he would be delighted to see jiji, but this occasion felt different as he knew that his pranks had landed him in to some deep trouble. But still, he never expected to be standing in front of such high-ranking officials. The ANBU commander's face was stern and serious, while the Sandaime Hokage had a contemplative look on his face. Naruto swallowed and gulped, hoping that his prankster persona would be enough to get him out of this situation.

"Uzumaki Naruto," the ANBU commander began, his voice deep and commanding. "You have caused quite a disturbance around the village with your pranks. Do you have anything to say?"

Naruto hesitated for a moment before speaking, for once being quite. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to cause any harm. I just wanted to make people laugh and for them to acknowledge me."

The ANBU commander's expression softened slightly, knowing what he had to go through in his life, but despite this the Sandaime Hokage still looked skeptical. "Naruto, your pranks have been getting more and more dangerous. We can't let you continue down this path. However, we have another proposition for you."

Naruto's ears perked up. Another proposition? What does that mean? The Sandaime Hokage continued on, "We would like to offer you a position in the ANBU as an ANBU trainee. We believe that your skills and abilities would be of a great use to us."

Naruto's eyes widened in shock. He never would have expected this turn of events. "Really? You want me to join the ANBU?"

The ANBU commander nodded. "Yes, Naruto. We believe that you have the potential to be a great asset to us. You have shown exceptional talent in your pranks, and we believe that you could use that same ingenuity and creativity in the field. Get back to us in a week, have a good think."

As Naruto trudged along the familiar streets of Konoha, his mind was a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. The weight of the conversation with the Hokage bore down on him, both daunting and exhilarating. It was an opportunity that few would ever receive, a chance to prove himself and leave his mark on the village he called home. But deep within, a flicker of apprehension danced in his heart. The training that lay ahead was rumored to be arduous and grueling, demanding sacrifices and discipline he had yet to comprehend.

His mind wandered back to the carefree days of his childhood, when his greatest concern was pulling off the next prank or chasing his dreams of becoming a respected ninja. Naruto longed to frolic in the sunshine, to play and laugh with his friends, and to revel in the freedom that came with innocence. The thought of enduring relentless training and sacrificing the simple joys of life left a pang of reluctance within him.

Yet, beneath the layers of uncertainty, a burning desire blazed in Naruto's soul. He yearned for acknowledgment and recognition, to be seen not as the village's troublemaker, but as a hero. The image of his idol, the Fourth Hokage, stood vividly in his mind, an embodiment of bravery and strength. Naruto dreamed of walking in his footsteps, of standing tall as a beacon of hope for his comrades and the villagers who had long shunned him. The path ahead seemed daunting, a treacherous labyrinth of challenges and sacrifices. But Naruto was determined to seize this opportunity, to prove himself worthy of the trust placed upon his young shoulders. The prospect of enduring rigorous training and overcoming insurmountable obstacles fueled his determination, igniting a fierce resolve within him. As he trudged onward, Naruto's steps grew more resolute.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden hue upon the village, Naruto's footsteps quickened. The path was set before him, and he was ready to embrace the challenges, sacrifices, and triumphs that awaited. With every stride, he vowed to persevere, to train tirelessly, and to prove to himself and the world that he was more than just a troublemaker. Naruto was determined to carve his own destiny, to rise above his past and become a shining light in the annals of Konoha's history.

The ANBU headquarters were located in a secluded area of the village, surrounded by thick forest and guarded by dozens of ANBU agents. He had never been to this part of the village before, as it was closely guarded with Naruto having little reason to go there. Walking towards the headquarters, he couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement as he gets to train to be a ninja by people who actually trains him.

As he entered the training grounds, he was greeted by the ANBU commander and a group of their agents. The commander gave him a brief rundown of what his training would entail and what was to be expected of him. The first feel weeks, he was to do only physical training. The expectation was for him to get his speed up to par as well as some weights for him to get his strength and speed up. In addition, he was to do 50 push ups and sits ups as well as running laps. He was to improve his strength in punches as well as being taught Taijutsu.

Naruto listened intently, nodding his head as he absorbed every word. He was eager to get started on his training and prove himself worthy of the ANBU's trust.

The initial days of Naruto's ANBU training were nothing short of an intense physical and mental ordeal. His body screamed with exhaustion, every fiber aching from the rigorous exercises he endured. Yet, he refused to succumb to the pain, driven by an unwavering determination to prove himself worthy of the ANBU's recognition.

Under the guidance of skilled instructors, Naruto delved deep into the intricacies of Taijutsu, honing his agility, speed, and combat prowess. He mastered the art of silent movement, learning to navigate shadows with grace and precision. The ANBU agents shared their knowledge of tracking, hunting, and the effective use of weaponry, imparting invaluable skills to Naruto. Moreover, he discovered the secrets of channeling and manipulating chakra, elevating his attacks to new levels.

With each passing day, Naruto's love for the training grew stronger. Finally, he had found a place where he truly belonged. The ANBU treated him with respect, recognizing his potential and pushing him to his limits. Surrounded by fellow agents who believed in him, Naruto basked in the sense of camaraderie and acceptance, relishing the newfound family he had discovered.

The decision to no longer attend the Academy came as a relief to Naruto. He had been an outcast within its walls, subjected to neglect, ridicule, and deliberate misguidance from teachers. Detentions and dismissals seemed to be unjustly handed to him, while his peers mocked him relentlessly for his "dead last" ranking. Although Naruto found solace in the occasional company of Shikamaru and Chouji, their friendships remained somewhat distant. Shikamaru's laziness hindered a deeper connection, while Chouji often followed Shikamaru's lead.

Now, as a member of the ANBU, Naruto reveled in the acceptance and belief he received. He had cast aside the pain of his past and embraced a new family—one that saw his worth and nurtured his potential. With unwavering determination and newfound purpose, Naruto forged ahead, ready to prove himself as a formidable ANBU agent and find his place in the world.

As Naruto continued with his training, he quickly began to excel physically. His speed and agility surpassed expectations, and his Taijutsu skills were quickly improving. He learned how to use his chakra to perform incredible feats, such as walking on water and climbing trees. Water walking took the most time for him to complete as his huge chakra reserves were of great difficulty for him to control.

In his free time, Naruto would practice his pranks on his fellow ANBU agents. Though they were annoyed by his antics at first, they eventually grew to appreciate his sense of humor and saw it as a way to bond with him.

1 year later

Naruto's skills improved dramatically. He was faster, stronger, and more agile than ever before. The progress he made in just a short time with the ANBU was nothing short of impressive, with years in the academy would not make him achieve what he is at right now. Despite his newfound skills and abilities, Naruto couldn't help but miss his old life a little bit. He missed the simple joy of pulling pranks on his classmates, and the thrill of running away from angry villagers. But he knew he had to leave that life behind if he wanted to become a true ninja.

The ANBU commander noticed Naruto's wistful demeanor and called him out on it. "Is everything alright, Naruto? You seem a bit preoccupied."

Naruto sighed. "Yeah, I'm fine. It's just...I miss my old life a little bit. I miss being a prankster and causing chaos."

The ANBU commander chuckled. "I understand, but you have to put that life behind you. You're a ninja now, and you have a duty to protect the village. Besides, who says you can't have a little fun every once in a while?"

Naruto smiled, feeling reassured by the ANBU commander's words. He knew that being an ANBU member was a serious responsibility, but it was good to know that he could still have some fun every now and then.

Despite his progress, he knew that he still had a long way to go before he could become a full-fledged ANBU member. But he was determined to make it happen as soon as he can.

After weeks of training, Naruto was called into a meeting with the ANBU commander. "Naruto," the ANBU commander began, "you have shown exceptional progress during your training. Your physical abilities have improved significantly, and your stealth techniques are impressive. But there's one thing that we haven't been able to test yet: your ability to handle high-pressure situations."

Naruto's eyes widened in surprise. "What do you mean, high-pressure situations?"

The ANBU commander leaned forward. "As an ANBU member, you'll be expected to handle dangerous and life-threatening missions. You'll have to make quick decisions under pressure and act accordingly. We want to test your ability to handle these types of situations."

Naruto nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "What do I need to do?"

"Tomorrow, you will be doing a simulation of a real mission. You'll be put in a scenario where you'll have to retrieve an important scroll from a heavily guarded fortress. You'll be given a team of ANBU agents to assist you, but the success of the mission will rely heavily on your leadership and decision-making skills." Naruto's heart raced with excitement and nervousness. This was his chance to prove himself and show that he had what it takes to be an ANBU member.

"Jiji! Have you heard? If I pass the test tommorow, I'll be an ANBU!" Naruto exclaimed as he barges into the Hokage's office. The Hokage looked up from his paperwork, a small smile on his face. "I've heard, Naruto. I'm proud of you. You've come a long way since you first entered the academy."

Naruto beamed with pride. "Thanks, Jiji. I'm going to do everything I can to make sure the mission is a success."

The Hokage nodded. "I have no doubt that you will. But remember, Naruto, being an ANBU member comes with great responsibility. You'll be called upon to do dangerous and sometimes morally ambiguous tasks. It's important that you stay true to yourself and your beliefs, even in the face of adversity."

Naruto nodded, his expression serious. "I understand, Jiji. I won't let you down."

The Hokage smiled. "I know you won't. Now go get some rest. You have a big day ahead of you."

As Naruto left the Hokage's office, he was filled with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. He knew that this was his chance to prove himself and become a full-fledged ANBU member.

He retreated back to his apartment with a smile on his face. On his way there, he still saw glares and faces of hatred directed towards him. However, he had learnt to deal with them with the ANBU training helping him to conceal his emotions to his liking. Naruto mostly ignored everyone until he bumped into Shikamaru and Chouji. Naruto wanted so badly to tell them of my ANBU experience and my enrollment, but he had to keep it to myself. He had to act that he dropped out of the Academy for good, and that his future was uncertain. He couldn't risk exposing my secret to anyone, not even my closest friends.

The next day, Naruto and his team were transported to the simulation they approached the fortress, Naruto could feel his heart pounding in his chest. He took a deep breath and reminded himself to stay focused. This was the moment he had been training for, and he was determined to make it count. He was greeted by a team of ANBU agents who would be assisting him on the simulation. They were a group of skilled and experienced ninjas who had been through many missions before. Naruto felt a little intimidated by their presence, but he knew that he had to have trust in his own abilities and lead them to victory. The simulation exercise began, and Naruto and his team set out towards the fortress.

The fortress was heavily guarded, with ANBU agents patrolling the perimeter and watchtowers stationed at strategic locations. Naruto scanned the area, carefully assessing the situation and formulating a plan. He knew that the success of the mission depended on his ability to lead his team and make quick decisions.

"Okay, here's what we're going to do," Naruto said, addressing his team. "We'll split up into three groups. Group A will create a distraction by attacking the guards at the front gate, while Group B will sneak around to the side and enter through the side entrance. Group B will hopefully draw out some of the guards and leave Group C, my group, to get in. Once inside, we'll locate the scroll and get out as quickly as possible. Any questions?"

His team nodded, and Naruto led Group C towards the side entrance, waiting for Group B to do their role. Group A, the distraction started to engage in combat. Their role was to distract and draw some enemy away from the scroll while Group B entered from the side entrance. As they sneakily entered the fortress, they got anbushed by the enemy.

"There's more enemy then I thought, we need to split up and one of our group will support them long enough so that another group can sneak in and take the scroll." Naruto signaled one team to go support the ambushed group.

Naruto then led the last team to enter through the back as a five enemies were waiting for them.