Fanart used was created by Mai-Shibata-Uchiha.

Disclaimer: The beautiful story of Naruto belongs to Kishimoto, as do all his characters. Naasica is the only character that belongs to me.

Warning: All warnings were addressed at the bottom of the first chapter.

Beta: Cyndaquil123, Shadow Rebirth

"Some men just want to watch the world burn."

-Alfred

Tsunade carried me, holding me close to her chest and humming. My eyelids were growing heavier with each note and I gave a large yawn. My hands curled into fists and I feebly wrapped my arms around her neck. I was too small to make it all the way around. My head was resting in the crook of her neck on her left side, my face turned out. My right hand carried up to my mouth, curled into a fist and I gripped her shoulder cloth nearest to my jaw, and my left hand gripped her pigtail lightly on her right side.

Tsunade started to subtly rock me, still humming softly.

My eyes finally drifted shut and another yawn escaped me.

Several minutes passed before Tsunade began to carry me back to my room, all the while I continued to fight off sleep. She gently placed me in my crib, smiling lovingly and kissing the top of my forehead.

"Sweet dreams, little sapling," Tsunade whispered.

I slipped off into a pleasant dreamland.

. . .

. .

.

I held up my hand proudly, each leaf sticking to each of my fingers, looking triumphant. I was covered in sweat and bruises, and scratches dotted my form, but I felt victorious. It had taken another two weeks since Jiraiya's surprise visit to finally be able to achieve the leaf exercise. In only a handful of days, I would be starting the academy, too, and my ANBU guards would be outta my life.

Jiraiya had spent the majority of the day assisting me with my chakra control. He took me out for lunch and breakfast before dropping me off back home for dinner. He stayed for a couple days, but we did not train for the rest of them (he was determined to do more childish indulgences with me, such as swimming, going to the park, or the toy store... though that last one seemed more for him than me, considering the amount of single moms in that place). He had to leave again, though, and he promised that when he returned he would assist me with training again.

I wasn't entirely certain what prompted his interest in me. Perhaps it was because I was Tsunade's last family member, and he loved Tsunade and thus wanted to help me. Maybe it was because he was impressed that I survived on my own for two months; after being effectively kidnapped from Konohagakure without any proper training. It might have just been because, and this is what I suspected, he felt an obligation towards me on behalf of Tsunade. That because his teammate, and the woman he was massively in love with, abandoned me, that it was his duty to take care of me. Something he had originally failed at due to the kidnapping, but was now trying to compensate for that.

Madara suspected something similar.

Madara looked up at me, the moonlight catching his hair and making it glow a pretty silver. He may have been an older man, but there were times where I seemed to forget that. For just a brief moment, I wouldn't see a frail, wrinkled man, but instead I would find myself staring at a young, vibrant Madara at his prime. "Hmph. Took you long enough. Come back down, now. How much chakra do you have?"

Walking down the tree, I dropped the leaves and wiped at my sweat. My feet touched the rocky, cold floor and I cocked my head. "Um... about a quarter, Madara-sama."

"Then that's enough. Have you read the books I've assigned you?"

"Yes, Madara-sama," I responded, suppressing a yawn. One of the advantages to not attending the academy yet was the ability to sleep in, which was much appreciated given my nightly training. During the day, Kushina would usually attend in-village missions, (she wouldn't be taking any higher level missions until after I started the academy and entered a routine) and left me to my own devices for the most part. I took this time to either train, read, or sleep. Occasionally, I would go to the Hatake residence to keep up appearances with Kushina.

Kakashi was rather entertaining to train with - we had a sort of rivalry going on, which was something I was not against. He was a good way to measure my ability and how much farther I needed to come. His chakra control was superior to my own, but I had larger reserves. He was stronger than me, but I was faster than him. We balanced each other out, so to speak, and he seemed to be the only child I could put up with for so long. It made Kushina happy, as well as as Sakumo, so that was a nice bonus.

Madara usually assigned specific routines for me to do outside of our training. Most of the time it was subtle control exercises, but lately it had transitioned into reading texts. The texts consisted of history, strategy and psychology. The history was something I would be forced to learn in the academy, so Madara wanted me to be shown to have a leg-up from the others, so I needed to study the material beforehand. Strategy was a necessary trait, and while Madara instructed me personally on it, a little extra viewpoint wouldn't hurt. Psychology was a must for manipulation, a trait I would have to learn slowly.

The latest set of readings focused on the treaties with the other villages, and the human psyche of the average civilian.

It was kind of scary how specific it was. And how just anyone could up and read it.

"Manipulation is a key factor to gaining influence," Madara said, as we walked. It would seem he would be multitasking lessons tonight, then. "If you let people think too much they're more likely to make a logical choice. If you can guide them to feel a certain way—a way that benefits you—you'll have a much easier time getting what you want. This is what emotional manipulation is all about.

"The most ideal target would be someone who has little control over their emotions. In the shinobi world, though, the ideal target becomes nonexistent. There are some key things that still apply, however. Something I'm certain you've noticed. You need to be charismatic, charming. It's a trait that I lacked, and Hashirama had. It was one of larger reasons he was chosen over myself. It's not the only form of manipulation, but for your purposes, it would be better to be liked and loved, rather than feared and hated. When you are older and are capable of moving on to the more... violent... parts of our plans, you will learn to manipulate using the more... negative techniques.

"Kunoichis are often chosen as infiltrators, due to their advantage. As sexist as it seems, kunoichis are the ideal manipulators, because they can target a more wide-spread audience. You will become a kunoichi, for the most part, so do not be afraid to use the tools that you have been given," Madara said flatly, finally stopping in front of a dark pool of water. It was deep in the cave, and there was a little hole at the top where a trickle of moonlight was allowed in.

"... Do you mean...?"

"Yes," Madara said bluntly. "Use your sexuality to your advantage. For the moment, you are still physically a child and have not reached your ideal age. I am informing you of this now, though, so you may begin preparing yourself and reading other texts. I understand that it can be... difficult for some kunoichis to use this. Get over it."

I blinked in surprise at his bluntness, but nodded my head. I doubted I would ever really need to use anything more than a handful of touches. But it was a good ability to have in case I ever did need to use it. Extremely doubtful that I would, but I would rather have the capabilities of manipulating someone with my body, and never ever using it... than needing to manipulate someone with my body and being unable to.

Besides, it was nice that Madara had given me such a large heads-up on the lesson.

"It's true Tobi didn't need to use this sort of art, but then again, he wasn't trying to climb Konoha's political ladder too," Madara murmured. "I do not know exactly what you'll be facing, and I strongly doubt you'll need to use these techniques for our plans. However, it is my job to ensure that you are not placed in a situation you are ill-prepared for. No matter how low those chances are, or how uncomfortable."

"... And will you be teaching me these techniques yourself?"

Madara actually looked at me at that, scrutinizing me. A long minute passed of uncomfortable silence before Madara cracked a small smile. "I don't know if I should be flattered you don't seem to mind the idea, or insulted you're so indifferent to it. We will not be going that far into learning. I can show you the basics - minor touching, a few flirtatious moves - but most importantly, I will show you how to dissuade unwanted attention."

I cocked my head, flushed in embarrassment, but tried to ignore it. "... Dissuade unwanted attention?"

"Undoubtedly there will be others who will want to influence you to their advantage. When you reach your... older years... your body will become more difficult to control, which is perfectly normal," Madara said patiently. "Our main focus will be regaining control over your body and dissuading unwanted attention without hindering any chances of alliances."

Then why didn't you just say that in the first place, and bat around the idea of me using my body as a tool...? I thought irritably. Sometimes it seemed like Madara just generally enjoyed annoying me and seeing what made me uncomfortable. Which probably wasn't wrong, and he was probably also trying to see just how far I would be willing to go for our cause. After all, he thought he could trust Tobi, but look how that turned out.

"Now we will move on to the water-walking exercise," Madara declared, gesturing to the water. "I suggest you start bringing several pairs of swimsuits and towels, unless you want to return home wet. When you can hold your position above the water for half an hour without falling in, and being able to ignore the distractions, we will move on to you actually moving across the water. When you can then hold your position above the water for an hour, half ignoring distractions, the rest spent dodging and evading whatever Zetsu and I want to throw at you, we will move on to you performing the leaf exercise on all ten of your fingers while evading. Begin."

I suppressed a sigh and took a tentative step out on the water.

I stood on top of the water for a solid minute before Madara whacked me over the head and I fell in. When I came up, spluttering, Madara seemed to smirk at me. "You got distracted, try again."

"Shouldn't that also count as evading you?" I asked, annoyed.

"It's not my fault you were within reaching distance of me. Try going out to the center of the pond."

"You're just going to throw stuff at me," I accused.

"Not for the first thirty minutes," Madara promised.

"..." I gave a sigh. "... Yes, Madara-sama."

(ง ⌣ ~ ⌣) ง

"Oh, look at you," Kushina sighed, squeezing my hand as the two of us walked to the academy. "Already off and on your way to the academy. I wish I had a camera..."

"Nee-chan," I whined, "don't be so embarrassing!"

Kushina giggled, swooping down and picking me up. She swung me around in her arms and I wiggled in annoyance before she finally set me down. "Do you have everything you need? Your lunch? Your pouch?"

"Yes, yes, yes," I sighed, playing the perfect role of a disgruntled child. It wasn't too hard, seeing how that Kushina's actions actually were embarrassing and annoying. I didn't truly mind them, finding them rather endearing, but it was still a little much.

Kushina held my hand as we walked into the academy. There were a large group of people, both milling around the entrance and actually entering the academy. Kushina guided me through the crowd and into the building. She would walk me to my classroom before leaving for the parent/guardian entrance assembly.

When we reached my classroom, Kushina gave me another smile and kneeled down to look at me at eye level. "Tonight, there's someone I want you to meet. If that's okay with you."

"Of course. See you after school, Nee-chan."

Kushina kissed my forehead before she left. I entered the classroom, glancing around before I spotted a familiar silver head. I cut through the small throng of girls that had gathered a little ways from him, looking at him and giggling. Some of them shot me glares, but I ignored them, and sat next to Kakashi.

"Senju-hime," Kakashi greeted me formally, bowing his head.

"Hatake-san," I returned.

"Did he say hime?"

"Wait... Senju...?"

"Hatake, as in the White Fang?"

We both ignored the excited whispers of the hopeful kunoichis.

"I see you already have a collection of fan girls, Kakashi-kun," I said slyly. Kakashi decided to gift me with a mild glare. "How's Sakumo-san?"

"Tou-san's fine. He wants to thank you and Kushina-san for the dangos," Kakashi said.

I nodded. "Nee-chan wanted to thank Sakumo-san for watching over me last time. Are you doing anything after school?"

Kakashi gave a short nod. "Training, you?"

"Nee-chan wants me to meet someone. When I'm done, I'll see if I can train. Same place?"

"As if I would train anywhere else," Kakashi said dryly.

My lips twitched. "Recognize anyone?"

Kakashi shook his head, eyeing our growing classroom. The girls were still gathered near us in the front, giggling and blushing. I resisted the urge to roll my eyes and question how they could possible find Kakashi attractive when they were... what? Six? Seven? I knew Kakashi and I were the exceptions to enter the academy, the usual being six to seven. It was rare for a five-year old to enter, and even rarer that four-year olds would. And Kakashi and I were... Four? Five, maybe? I was four (though I would turn five soon enough). Kakashi graduated when he was five, so he only recently turned five, or would soon enough.

That was another odd thing.

It was so... weird to think that a four year old was entering this academy. That it was just accepted. But I understood the differences in this world from my previous world. It wasn't just the morals and chakra. It was a physical difference. My body felt stronger than it ever had in my previous life. Even stronger, more durable, more flexible, more superior than ever before. It was a fundamental difference - it was like this version of humans were forced to evolve and adapt in different ways. In my world, we didn't have chakra, but we were clever. Most of the time, at least. We grew in a different way than these version of humans did.

It was so... so...

Well.

My eyes rested on a couple of familiar faces. Kurenai and Asuma were in our class. I was fairly confident that Obito, Rin, and Gai would be joining us too, along with a few others. This would be a prime chance to create alliances with them - seeing how they would become rather excellent shinobi and kunoichi when they were older. Or at least most of them would. Rin would die, so an alliance with her would be useless in the long run.

"Do you know how long our lunch break is?" I asked Kakashi, glancing at him.

Kakashi didn't respond for a moment, his eyes focused on the board at the front. "... An hour, I think."

"... That's a long break."

It seemed like Kakashi wanted to shrug, but decided against it. My lips twitched as I started to recognize what was going on.

He's finally started to try and hide his emotions, I mused. That explains why he was so open the first time we met - now he'll try and become the perfect shinobi like his father. When Sakumo dies, I believe a month or so around Kakashi's graduation date, he'll try and suppress all emotions to surpass his father.

That's what Madara wants me to do. At least on the inside. On the outside, I will need to be charming and charismatic.

It looks like I'll have to wear a mask for a while longer. But when our plan has succeeded, I won't have to anymore. No one will have to. Our world will be perfect, or at the very least, on its way to perfection.

I felt a thrill run through me at that, a smirk crawling its way on my face as my gaze darkened.

"... what do you think?"

I blinked, the smirk vanishing as I tried to recall what Kakashi was saying. "... Sounds good."

Kakashi nodded. "Good. So eat your lunch thirty minutes before the lunch period and we can spend the hour training."

Oh. Was that what he was asking for? Simple enough. I was going to do that anyway. "What did you bring for lunch, anyway?"

Kakashi opened his backpack that he had slung behind his chair and pulled out a small bento box. I went ahead and pulled out my own bento, unwrapping the orange-red scarf Kushina had tied around it. When I finished unwrapping it, I noticed a small note tucked under it. Suppressing the urge to groan, and ignoring Kakashi's amused snickers, I opened the letter.

Good luck! I know you can do it.

Love,

Kushina

"Don't. Say. A. Word," I hissed out, blushing brightly. Kakashi looked immensely amused as he started to unwrap his own bento from the white scarf Sakumo had tied around it.

And when he was done, there, dead center, was a note.

I giggled and Kakashi looked aghast. He quickly read it, and shoved it in his pockets and turned to me. "This never happened."

"I don't even know what you're talking about," I said.

Kakashi seemed to grin at me, but before he could say anything else, the teacher entered the room. He was a tall, lean man, and wore a Chuunin flak. His hair was a dull blonde, and his brown eyes scanned over us. "Everyone, take a seat."

A small hush fell across the classroom as all the children filled up the seats, with only a few being left empty. Kakashi and I both set our lunches underneath our desk, and unintentionally, with perfect synch we sat up straight, folded our hands into our laps and focused on the teacher.

"My name is Chōyaku Aki, you may refer to me as Aki-sensei, or Chōyaku-sensei if you must. I will be your sensei for the next year, unless you are one of the very few to graduate earlier than that," Aki said, his eyes settling on Kakashi and myself before he continued to sweep over the classroom. "The academy has an adjusting routine, dependant on where you are. In order to graduate, you will need to take and pass the exams. Exams will be held twice a year, one within the next week, and one at the end of the school year. You are not required to take the exams until the end of the four years you have attended the academy.

"This year, we will be focusing on building up your strength, knowledge, basic taijutsu and at the end of the year, we will be touching over chakra. Your second year will consist of learning chakra control, taijutsu, basic infiltration, espionage and history. Your third year will move on to the basic ninjutsu, genjutsu, survival, taijutsu and more on history. Your fourth year will be more advanced ninjutsu, genjutsu, survival, taijutsu, history and the inner-workings of Konoha. If you choose to stay that long. Right now, I see a total of one-hundred and twenty-nine potential shinobi. By the fourth year, I suspect we will be down to fifteen, maybe twenty."

Quiet whispers broke out and many of the students started to glance around nervously. Aki pressed on, unhindered. "The life of a shinobi is a difficult one. You will need to be disciplined, motivated, and sincere. I know the majority of you signed up because you thought it was cool or fun, but I will tell you now: you are wrong. Now I want everyone to get out of their seats and follow me. We'll test and see where you already are."

The students all began to stand up and push in their chairs, Kakashi and I exchanged solemn glances, and we lined up in front of Aki. He stared at us another moment before the door to the front part of our classroom opened and a young Uchiha boy entered. He was out of breath, panting and blushing brightly. "S-Sorry I'm late, Sensei. Kaa-san and Tou-san are out on a mission, so no one remembered to wake me up in time and - "

"Uchiha Obito," Aki said levelly, "please join your fellow classmates in line after dropping your things off at an empty desk."

Obito sheepishly nodded his head and did as he asked, choosing to stand in the back of line, while Kakashi and I remained in the front. Kakashi gave a quiet hmph, and turned away from Obito, muttering under his breath, "Late on the first day? How childish."

I choose not to respond, staying silent as I followed behind Aki. The class slowly trailed behind Aki, some of them already chattering amiably and laughing quietly. Aki guided us out of the academy building into the large training grounds behind the academy. There was a fairly big track, some hurdles placed off to the side and in the center of the track were two chalk-drawn rings. Most likely for sparing purposes.

"Everyone line up at the start line," Aki toned, pulling out a clipboard and stopwatch from his flak. Kakashi and I were the first ones to reach the line, and we both stood side by side. We exchanged glances and I felt a taunting smirk on my face.

"Ready to lose again?" I asked, a mocking tone in my voice.

"This time I'll win," Kakashi said arrogantly, already lowering himself. I mimicked his position and started building up chakra in my calves and the bottom of my feet.

"Make way for the next Hokage!"

Kakashi turned to glare at Obito as he shoved his way through the crowd to the front. He glanced at us and smirked. "I hope you two aren't prepared to win or anything. I'll be the fastest."

Kakashi didn't say anything, choosing to ignore Obito and focus on the track. I gave the boy an amused look, a bit disbelieving. It was ironic how the future Tobi was currently bragging about being the next Hokage.

Mistaking my amusement for belittlement, Obito bristled and glared at me. I blinked in surprise before shrugging and focusing back on the track.

"Seven laps around the track," Aki said flatly. "... Go."

Kakashi and I sprinted out of the group of children and within moments we were already halfway across the track.

Hmph. This is nothing compared to the sprints Madara makes me do, full speed, barefoot, blind and through his sadistic courses, I thought smugly. Besides, while Kakashi could still kick my ass in a spar, there's no way I'm going to let him beat me in a race!

I pushed an extra burst of chakra into my feet and broke out ahead of him, my legs pumping as I felt the pleasant, burning, chill of the chakra racing through my system. My feet hit the ground, digging into the soft earth before propelling me forward. I was the first to cross the finish line, and I reached the group of children soon afterwards, weaving through them and sprinting on ahead.

It seems Kakashi, Asuma and myself are the only ones who know how to channel chakra into our feet, I thought, noticing how Asuma was third, though he was a fair bit behind. I don't see Gai in our class, so I can't gauge how fast I really am at this point. I'm surprised Asuma knows though, as he always came across as the lazy sort, but I suppose Hiruzen must have trained him somewhat. Kurenai comes from a lesser-clan... Genjutsu, I think, so I'm not sure if she should already know how to do this.

I heard the soft pounding of shoes behind me as Kakashi started to catch up. My eyes narrowed and I channeled another burst of chakra into my feet and took off.

Kakashi can keep his taijutsu advantage. I am not giving up my superior speed after that hell Madara's put me through already to get it. And the hell I will continue to go through to keep it!

It seemed that there weren't any other Clan children in my class - at least none of the major ones. And if they were, they obviously weren't motivated and thus probably not worth the attention. An annoyance, but nothing too bad. At least it made my job easier - Madara wouldn't want me wasting my time on those that didn't even make an impact in our plans. The less people in my class, the less I would need to interact with on a daily basis.

Around and around Kakashi and I went until we finally finished our seventh lap - me winning of course. I stumbled to a slow jog, then walk, then stop, after reaching the finish, grinning triumphantly at Kakashi. He shot me a glare, but the amusement in his eyes made it lose its impact. I moved to stand by Aki, and he moved towards me.

Kakashi held out his right hand, his two fingers extended and I reached out with my right hand, my own fingers extended. We hooked our fingers, grinning at each other.

"Thanks for the challenge," I said.

"Thanks for the race," Kakashi returned.

"I'm not surprised you two already know to do that," Aki said, quirking an eyebrow. "Hokage-sama wanted me to talk to you after school, but seeing how everyone else is still on their second, third, or in Asuma-kun's case, fifth lap, I think now will do just fine. I take it you both intend to graduate early?"

Kakashi nodded, and I hesitated before nodding. I wasn't sure what Madara wanted me to do exactly - he said we would discuss it after my first day, but I imagined he wanted me to graduate fairly early, too.

"After I finish evaluating where everyone is," Aki said, "you two will need to stay after to do a further evaluation. Depending on where you are, you may be switching to one of the more advanced classes."

"Yes, Aki-sensei," Kakashi and I said.

"Go ahead and cool down. I suspect we'll have a bit," Aki said dryly.

Kakashi and I started to climb back up the grassy hill to the academy and chose a nice, warm, sunny spot. We sat in front of each other first, spreading our legs out so the bottom of our shoes touched. Kakashi offered his hands and I grabbed them, before I started to pull him towards me. We had developed our own cool-down routine after our numerous training sessions, Sakumo had assisted us.

After counting to forty-five, we switched and Kakashi pulled me towards him. Another forty-five seconds later, we rolled our bodies to sit shoulder, to shoulder and stretched our legs perpendicular to our body. We began to reach for our toes, I being able to wrap my hands around my feet, and Kakashi just being able to wrap his hands around his toes.

As we continued to stretch, the rest of the students started to finish. By the time we were all stretched out, only a few more students were on their last lap. Most of them were red-faced, and panting heavily. Even Asuma looked a bit winded and tired, but Kakashi and I were relatively unaffected. Sure, we were still sweaty, but we had our time to cool down and catch our breath.

Aki remained mostly indifferent, merely marking down the times next to each name. The last student to arrive was a nameless civilian, who was tittering on the brink of falling over when he stumbled across the line.

"Alright. Now we'll move on to upper-body strength," Aki said, turning and climbing up the hill. "Follow me."

Groans drifted around the students, while others looked despairingly. Kakashi shot me a smug look and I folded my arms across my chest and pouted. It felt childish and silly, but I had to consciously remember I was supposed to be a child. Kakashi always had me beat when it came to upper-body strength, and he probably always would. Something he would lord over me, and the fact that he was already a couple centimeters taller than me.

Aki took us back up the school, were we could see some metal bars drilled into the side of the school. Some were stacked higher up than others, and they were positioned in a staircase fashion.

"Everyone get in line. First time, you'll see how many pull-ups you can do. Second time, you'll see how long you can keep your chin above the bar," Aki said.

Each of the children filed in line, Kakashi in front, with myself behind him. The more exhausted children tried their damndest to be last in line, but Obito, despite still red-faced and sweaty, made a beeline for third.

"I guess you're not so bad," Obito whispered to us. "But running is girly anyway. It's all about the pull-ups."

I shot him another amused look, wondering how he could actually say it with such conviction, like he sincerely believed what he was saying. Kakashi went first, leaping up onto the highest bar without any assistance or prompting. Then he started to pull himself up, then lower back down. I could see his small muscles working and I could practically feel the chakra radiate from him.

He made it five more past his old record of 53, before he dropped to the ground, panting heavily. He shot me a smug look and I glowered at him. When he walked past us, I stuck my nose up in the air and jumped up to the highest bar.

"Begin," Aki said.

Channeling chakra into my arms, I began pulling myself up. I made it to 47 (a new record for me), before I had to stop and drop back down to the ground. I wiped away at the sweat on my brow and pursed my lips, making my way to the back of the line. Kakashi greeted me with a small dip of his head.

"Congrats on the new record," I said.

"Same to you," Kakashi said, dropping his voice to a quiet whisper, "How far do you think they'll place us?"

"Fourth year," I said immediately, thinking how Kakashi graduated within a year. "At least for you. I can't say for certain where they'd place me."

"Have you tried any ninjutsu?" Kakashi asked.

I hesitated. "... A little. My wood-style, actually, but, um... nothing else. You?"

"I've started substitution and Genjutsu cloning," Kakashi admitted. "No change in chakra, though."

I rubbed the back of my head sheepishly. "It's not like I did it on purpose. I just wanted to see my nature, and um... when I was... outside of Konoha... I just... had to use it. Nee-chan told me she would help me with my substitution and stuff when we actually got to the stuff in the academy."

Kakashi nodded his head in understanding. "Tou-san promised to start teaching me chakra-change after I graduated."

Good luck with that promise, I thought dryly.

Obito joined us about that time, flushed, with his hands stuffed into his pockets.

"So how are you liking these assessments, next Hokage?" Kakashi asked sardonically.

"Shuddup," Obito muttered.

"I'm Senju Naasica," I said pointedly, not really in the mood for a pissing contest between the two. "This is Hatake Kakashi."

Obito blinked at us. "Senju? Hatake? ... I've heard those names before. I'm Uchiha Obito."

"I would hope you've heard those names before," Kakashi said, rolling his eyes. "You idiot, the Senju founded Konoha with the Uchiha, and Konoha's White Fang is Hatake Sakumo. I'm his son."

At the mention of his father, Kakashi's chest puffed up with pride and he looked down on Obito from over his nose. Obito glared at him, blushing brightly from embarrassment at his lack of knowledge. It wasn't really his fault - I doubt any of the other children (except maybe Gai) were as obsessed with training as Kakashi and myself were. "So do you know anyone else in this class, Obito-kun? Kakashi-kun and I only knew each other when we came in here."

Obito blinked at me, forgetting his anger at Kakashi for the moment. "Oh, um, yeah. There's Ain Takashi - he's a blacksmith's son, Tou-san buys his weapons from him. Kinda a big-headed guy. Sarutobi Asuma - I've seen him and his little brother around the Eastern park a lot - "

Obito continued to list everyone, pointing out a few. I didn't recognize any of them except the obvious ones (Asuma, and Kurenai). Obito didn't know some of them (one of them being Rin, which surprised me, but I suppose it was this class where they met or something), and by the time he finished, Kakashi was at the front of the line again.

Kakashi shot me another smug look, as he showed, yet again, how superior his upper body strength was to mine.

The brat.

(ง ⌣ ~ ⌣) ง

We continued the assessments, doing sit-ups and push-ups, then testing our flexibility (I was the most flexible, ha!). By the time the rest of the student body was finished, it was roughly half an hour before lunch and Aki finally brought us back inside. Most of the students were struggling to stand, and when they entered the classroom, they slouched in their seats. Kakashi and I gladly took our seats and we pulled out our lunches, setting them in our lap and nibbling on them as discretely as we could.

Aki stood up at the front of the class room, pulling out a new piece of chalk and starting to write. "We'll first begin with math until lunch. Everyone, please take out your notebook and pens and listen closely: I'll only explain it once."

I fought back a smile as I saw several of the students looked horrified at that.

Just like in the shinobi world, you'll be forced to learn and adapt to different knowledge. Thankfully math was always something I've been good at.

(ง ⌣ ~ ⌣) ง

At lunch, Kakashi and I practically sprinted for outside.

"Where do you wanna go?" I asked, ducking down another hallway, Kakashi right behind me.

"Let's get to the roof. No distractions there," Kakashi suggested. The added: and no fan girls was left unsaid. Ever since Kakashi had shown just how capable he was, his collection of fan girls had risen dramatically. The moment we were outside, we turned on our heels and leapt up onto the wall, starting to race up it vertically. We were on the roof before any of the other children even made it outside.

I held up my hand and Kakashi gave me a quick high-five.

"Help me practice with substitution?" Kakashi asked.

"Sure. I'll throw something at you, and you try to substitute in time," I said slyly.

Kakashi hesitated. "... Give me a five second warning before you throw. I'm not that good."

"'Kay," I said, walking around the roof and picking up a handful of pebbles. Kakashi stood a good distance from me and I measure the pebble in my hand. My lips quirked down into a frown before I said, "Warning."

Then, once I counted to five, I threw the rock as hard as I could without chakra enhancements. Kakashi gave a subtle wince when it hit his shoulder, before he substituted away with another rock.

"Ow. Don't throw it so hard."

"The pain will help you remember," I said, smiling sadistically as I recalled Madara's words.

Kakashi snorted. "Bring it on, then."

"With pleasure."

(ง ⌣ ~ ⌣) ง

"... that's it for today. Class dismissed."

Kakashi and I waited in our seats as the class started to file out. Well. I waited in my seat, while Kakashi hid under the table (so the fan girls would think he had left). It took some time, but it was eventually us two and Aki.

We approached Aki and Aki set his clipboard down, giving his amused looks. "By your physical scores alone, you could make it to third year, easy. I'll be testing your chakra control, though. Do you two know the leaf exercise?"

"I can hold seven leaves total on each finger," I said.

"I can hold all ten," Kakashi said smugly.

"Only 'cause you don't have as much chakra as me," I snorted.

"Please. In a couple years I'll have more chakra than you. Don't try that with me now," Kakashi retorted.

"I call bull to that," I giggled.

Aki cleared his throat. "I only need to see you hold a single leaf to your forehead for a minute, each. Then I'll have you both fill out a worksheet to the best of your ability."

Aki held out two individual leaves and Kakashi and I took them carefully. I stuck mine to my forehead, suddenly grateful Madara had made me learn the leaf exercise. Without him, I would have undoubtedly failed this portion of the test due to my insane reserves and lack of finite control over them.

The minute ticked by slowly, but we both succeeded in the task. The worksheet was a simple worksheet filled with basic algebraic, projectile motion, and estimation problems. It also had a handful of history questions and one essay. I would roughly place the difficulty at middle-school level in my old world.

Once it completed (Kakashi actually finished ahead of me), and we turned it in, Aki graded each sheet quickly.

"Finally, you'll spar," Aki said, the moment he finished grading the papers. "Tomorrow, I'll inform the two of you of your new placements, where you'll be and when you'll be there."

"Yes, Sensei."

(ง ⌣ ~ ⌣) ง

The door was unlocked when I entered the apartment. I opened it slowly, peering in and the scent of cooked meat drifted to my nose. A pleasant smile found its way across my lips. Stepping in, I closed the door behind me and took off my shoes, slipping into slippers and saying. "Tadaima."

"Okaerinasai," I heard Kushina respond from the kitchen. "How was school?"

"Good. They want to advance me and Kakashi-kun. I don't know how far, yet, but I'll find out tomorrow."

"Congratulations! Is that why you stayed after? I was just about to send out a couple clones to look for you..."

"Yes, sorry for worrying you, Nee-chan," I said.

Kushina stepped out of the kitchen, her green apron spotless, but her hands covered in sauce and other ingredients. She beamed at me. "I wasn't worried. I knew the ANBU were still watching over you."

I frowned at that. "How long will they keep watching me?"

Kushina frowned as well. "I think they officially end at midnight tonight."

"I see. I'm going to go ahead and wash up. I take it dinner won't be long?"

Kushina's frown disappeared and she nodded. "Right. Did you spar today? You're covered in scratches. At this rate, we'll have to buy antibiotic ointment in the bulk."

"Probably wouldn't hurt," I said, smiling sheepishly. "Kakashi-kun and I sparred today."

Kushina rolled her eyes, turning away and heading back into the kitchen. "Honestly, you two... when you're done, go ahead and set the table for three, please."

"'Kay."

(ง ⌣ ~ ⌣) ง

I sat at the kitchen table, watching as Kushina sat down a large steaming bowl of rice. She untied her apron, hanging it on the nearby rack before there was a knock at the door. "Come on in."

I couldn't see from my seat who was entering, but their chakra signature felt vaguely familiar. When they turned around the corner and entered the kitchen, I blinked in surprise. Minato gave me a sunny smile, his blue eyes twinkling with warm amusement. Kushina gave him a coy smile. "How is that you always manage to arrive just in time for food?"

Minato blushed and rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "Sorry, Kushina-chan. I guess I just have great timing?"

Kushina rolled her eyes. "Hmph. Take a seat, then. Have you met Naasica-chan before?"

"We have," I answered as Minato took a seat in between mine and Kushina's normal seats. "He's Jiraiya-sama's student. Right? It's been a while, Minato-san."

Minato gave me a wink as Kushina sat down at the table. "Not that long, Naasica-hime. I'm glad to see you well. I know Jiraiya-sensei was worried about you, but he and I were out of the village on a mission when we finally got word."

"Thank you for your concern. I'm sorry for the worry," I said politely, bowing my head.

Minato looked embarrassed, another light blush dusting across his features. "There's no need to be so polite, hime. Er, I mean, unless you really want to - "

No wonder he was a favored Kage, I thought, amused. He's so completely open and there's a certain boyish charm to him. And Madara wants me to be charismatic like him? It'd be curious to see how his presence shifts when he's on the battlefield. I'm sure there's a lot I could learn from him, too.

"Sorry," I squeaked, forcing a blush to cross over my own cheeks and I lowered my eyes. "I'm, um, not very used to you yet, so I'm sorry if I came across as overly-polite, or distant. I, just, um..."

"Maa, maa," Minato said, raising his hands in a calming gesture, "it's quite alright. Kushina-chan told me that you joined the academy today, yes?"

"Oh, yes."

"How was that like?" Minato asked, his tone showing genuine interest, and he leaned forward. Kushina seemed rather pleased at this question, her eyes softening with warmth when she looked at him.

"Oh. It was... interesting. Kakashi-kun and I were rather advanced compared to the rest of the class," I said, "so Aki-sensei made us stay after to take this test. We'll find out tomorrow how advanced we are."

"Kakashi-kun?" Minato said, blinking at that. "You mean Hatake Kakashi?"

"That's right," Kushina said, glancing over at Minato in realization. "You're privately tutoring Sakumo's son. I almost forgot that... it's been... what? A year now?"

Minato smiled and nodded his head. "That's right. I owed Sakumo-san a rather huge favor, and Sakumo knew how much I want to become a sensei, so it's a win-win for everyone. You must be the friend Kakashi-kun mentioned. He didn't specify a name, so I wasn't sure..."

"Mm. I suppose so. Ah... may I eat now?"

"Oh," Minato and Kushina said in surprise, both of them blushing.

"I almost forgot about the food," Kushina admitted sheepishly. "Go ahead, Naa-chan."

(ง ⌣ ~ ⌣) ง

"I've entered the academy," I told Madara. My legs were stretched on either side of me as I performed the splits. I lowered the upper-half of my body to the ground, pressing my belly into the dirt, and stretched out my arms. I began to count to sixty.

"Graduate as early as you can," Madara said immediately.

I blinked in surprised at that, lifting my head up from the floor to look at him. "You don't want me to try and make alliances with the others?"

"Are there any clan heirs in your class?" At my head shake, Madara raised an eyebrow. "Then why do you want to stay?"

"Well... Kakashi, Asuma, Kurenai, Rin and Obito are in my class," I pointed out. "And they'll all become exceptional shinobi. Obito even joins our cause."

"He does not," Madara spat. "He betrayed us in the end. His heart was too weak. I have been considering what to do with him and the Tobi persona and I have come to a conclusion. He will not become Tobi."

I sat up straight, my eyes widening. Obito not becoming Tobi? In what world was that? Did that mean Madara didn't want a Tobi? That he would not be forming the Akatsuki? Or did he think someone else should become Tobi? But who? It would have to be an Uchiha, someone who could wield the Sharingan, at the very least. But I couldn't think of anyone off the top of my head. Did Madara want to kidnap a young Uchiha child and have me train and raise him to be an obedient tool, maybe?

A frown marred my features. "Who do you wish to become Tobi, Shukun?"

Madara appraised me with a calculating look. "When you are ready, I will tell you. For now, I want you to focus on your training and graduate as early as you can. You need power, woman. Much of it."

"Yes, Madara-sama."

"When you are done stretching, I believe it's time to start weapon training. The first weapon you will learn will be the gunbai."

"Your war fan?" I questioned. "But... I don't have a wind-nature."

Madara shook his head. "It doesn't matter if you don't naturally have the nature. When I'm done with you, you'll be able to use it and the fire-nature. It will take more chakra, yes, but you have plenty to spare."

I bit my bottom lip, bringing my legs together and rolling over onto my belly. I arched my back, walking back with my hands and curling my legs up. I counted to thirty, the tips of my toes reaching the top of my head, before I relaxed. For my final stretch, the Scorpion pose, I rested on my arms on the ground before bending them at ninety-degrees. I put all my weight on my forearms and lifted myself off the ground. I could feel the pleasant burn in my abdominal area and I let out a slow breath, willing myself to remain in position. I curled my body, creating a backwards c and looking up, I found my toes and feet above me.

I counted to sixty before I relaxed and stood up.

Madara had watched, his eyes distant and thoughtful. "You aren't as strong, in terms of muscle, as Hashirama, and I doubt you ever will be, but you're already more flexible than he was."

I took the compliment gladly, lowering my gaze and feeling my cheeks warm. "A-Ah, thank you, Madara-sama. But... Madara-sama... I must confess I'm confused. You told me long ago that I would not be able to separate my chakra. At least not for a long time.... that I would be forced to use the Mokuton for at least a decade, or so."

Madara looked pleased that I remembered his words. "I did. And I meant it. Under normal circumstances you couldn't. This is because it took Hashirama quite some time to figure it out, and I assumed it would take you even longer, or roughly about the same... on your own. But now, you see, you have me. And Hashirama long ago explained how he was able to learn other natures to me when we founded Konoha. However, Naasica, you are forbidden from showing anyone else you are capable of doing this."

"Yes, Madara-sama."

"I will give you the basic lesson in changing your chakra first, and then we will move on to properly holding a gunbai."

"Yes, Madara-sama."

Madara turned away, using his kana as a makeshift cane, he began to walk towards the cave entrance. I followed docilely behind him. "Chakra is the spiritual energy in combination with our physical energy. Each individual person has a different combination of the mix, and a different form - this is how chakra sensors are able to differentiate from one chakra to the next precisely and consistently. Chakra is more defined than a thumbprint.

"Our natures develop from genes - this is how kekkei genkais are passed down. From our natures, we have a greater affinity for using different kinds of ninjutsu, and will have a harder time learning others. For example, a natural water-type would have more difficulty learning a fire-type rather than a wind-type. It does not, however, make it impossible. Chakra is still, in essence, a combination of our physical and spiritual energy... and each nature depends on the consistency. The wind type requires a ratio of 6:4, with six being the spiritual energy and four being the physical."

I chewed over that. It wasn't like anything I had read or heard about - consistency? Ratio? I knew chakra was a combination of physical and spiritual energy, but I didn't realize that chakra natures depended on the ratio, too.

"I've never heard of something like that," I said carefully, following Madara outside the cave. He stopped, looking up at the night sky. Looking more closely, I could see that he had a small, smug, smile on his face.

He said, "I would be surprised if you had. It was something Hashirama figured out, but he couldn't accurately prove it, so he never voiced it. I, however, did prove it. You cannot naturally change your given chakra nature, but you can adjust the ratio. It's something we learn to do subconsciously when learning a new technique, something the Uchiha do when we perform a technique we had just witnessed. It will be... difficult... to force, but necessary. It's the only way you can change your chakra nature."

"How will I know I reach the right ratio?" I asked hesitantly.

Madara looked backed down at me. "I will be able to tell. We will train on ratios next time, though. Zetsu, bring me the stick."

Zetsu appeared through the cave wall, carrying a smooth, perfectly symmetrical stick and holding it out. Madara took it and Zetsu went back inside the cave, still smiling creepily. Madara held the stick out to me, and I took it carefully, surprised at how heavy it was.

"Before you can hold a gunbai, you must first know how to hold it by the handle. Are you right-handed or left?"

I stared down at the stick. "Naturally left-handed, but I am learning to use my right, as well."

"Good. Continue with that. First we will try two-handed grips - this is for more powerful attacks - and then we will move on to one-handed grips. Place your left hand..."