Fox Brats and Second Chances

In Konoha's Hidden Leaf Village an ANBU with a cat mask sighed as he stared into the apartment of one Naruto Uzumaki. Cat knew that keeping an eye on the Village Jinchuriki was an important job but it was just so dull. The boy would jump out of bed run to the academy try and fail to make friends at the playground before resigning himself back to his house for the rest of the day unless of course he was going to meet with the Hokage.

So as cat waited for the blond to jump out of bed like he usually did he was quite surprised that when he did finally wake up he was muttering a slew of curses a few of which he didn't even know himself. 'Never mind' Cat thought 'Uzumaki duty might not be so boring today.'

'Where the hell am I?' That was the first thing I asked myself once I got out of bed that morning. The first thing that I had noticed was the state of the apartment I had ended up in. The whole place was ravaged and run down and ramen cups littered the floor. The second thing I noticed was that I had shrunk a few feet, at my current height I could only be about eight years old.

But the third thing I noticed is what made my heart stop. Out the window I could very clearly see a large mountain a mountain that had four familiar faces carved into it 'Shiiiiiit Shit shit shit shit shit' I thought panicking 'This is Konoha I'm in Konoha.' Then I thought about the state of my apartment and quickly ran into the bathroom to check the mirror. "Fuck!"

My suspicions were confirmed when I looked in the mirror to find myself looking at a boy with golden blond hair and whiskers on his face "Kami Damn it Mother Fucker!" I slapped my hand over my mouth 'Kami Damn it?' I asked myself 'Where the hell did that come from? You know what? Never mind it doesn't matter first order of business is to... go to the academy.'

I blinked 'How the hell do I know that?' I then remembered that an old man presumably the Hokage had told me that he was signing me up for the academy when I was seven and I'd have been going for about a year and a half already. 'Well that was weird but to be fair this whole situation is weird and confusing.' I left the bathroom and quickly got changed into a white t-shirt and shorts before I left.

When I did I was blown away the anime couldn't begin to describe the magnificence that was the Konoha. The buildings had no set look and each one was vastly different from the one next to it. The different colors and architectures blended together into something magnificent. I didn't stand there for long however as I had run off to where I somehow knew the academy was located. I growled softly "I'm going to figure this out if it's the last thing I do Believe It."

The Ninja academy isn't that different from regular school. The classes are different sure but essentially it's the same thing. Kids of ages 5-9 enter the academy and you stay there for a total of four years two classes for each year. Which makes the fact that so many clan children became genin at the same time make a lot more sense. But that's besides the point, in the academy there are ten different classes Taijutsu, Genjutsu, Ninjutsu, History, Weaponry, Lunch, Math, Reading, Chakra Theory, and either Kunoichi Lessons or a Free Period depending on your gender. How I knew this was still a complete mystery to me but I'm sure I'd figure it out eventually.

Anyway as I entered the academy and chose an empty seat the reality of where I was had finally sunk in especially when I saw a cute mini-Hinata. I gave the small girl a small wave and flinched when she turned red and fainted. 'I guess that she's already fallen for the old Naruto then.' I thought. As I waited in the large classroom I smiled as more and more tiny rookie nine members entered a short pink haired girl shyly trailed behind a much more enthusiastic blond. Followed by a slouching Shikamaru and Choji who was happily munching away on some chips.

I smiled 'First order of business is obviously to make some friends, and if my hunch is correct I really doubt Shikamaru or any of the Nara clan would really care that I'm a jinchuriki, it's probably too troublesome.' I snickered at my own joke before turning to Choji, 'And wherever Shikamaru goes Choji will follow, not to mention being friends with two- thirds of the Shula-Ino-Cho trio is bound to get me some meetings with Ino, and while I doubt we'll be friends I'd rather be on good terms with her and Sakura.'

A few minutes later a small group of boys walked in to the room, leading them was a mini Sasuke clearly bragging about something but after overhearing the word "brother" I knew he was talking about Itachi. I frowned 'I know that the massacre happened before Sasuke left the academy but there's no way I could ever hope to prevent it. I'll just have to find a way to make Sasuke my friend before the massacre and try to make him less of a prick after the fact.'

I was brought out of my thoughts however when I heard a small cough next to me. Standing there was a miniature version of Shino easily recognizable by his trench coat and glasses that were just a smudge too big. "I would like to ask for you to move. Why because that is where I normally sit."

I blinked once, then twice "Oh yeah sure sorry about that." I quickly moved to the seat next to me and Shino stared at me quizzically.

"You seem different Uzumaki-san" he said "Why because you aren't usually this quiet nor do you sit in the back of the class."

'Huh I figured people would notice the sudden attitude change but I figured I'd be Iruka or Jiji not Shino.' "What can I say" I shrugged "wanted to do something different."

Shino nodded having apparently accepted the answer and I went back to my people watching. However almost all the important people had already gotten here and I couldn't find Kiba anywhere. 'No wait there he is.' I thought as a small boy in a hoodie entered the classroom mere seconds before Iruka-Sensei appeared in a puff of smoke. I sighed inwardly after thinking about it during the walk here I had finally been able to figure out how I knew some of the things that I knew. Since I had been reborn as Naruto it only makes sense that I'd have Naruto's memories, and this theory can be backed up by the fact that as I go throughout my day I start to remember things. Trivial things like what I had eaten yesterday (ramen) or what the weather was (sunny).

As for my newly acquired quirks I was still thoroughly confused. From what I could Piece together it seemed that I had a strange combination of both my personality and intelligence with Naruto's appearance and hobbies. Which included pranking, his vocal tic of believe it, and strangely enough a new appreciation for the color orange. 'I'm still not putting on that jumpsuit though.' I shivered at the thought of it.

"NARUTO!"

"Gah!" I was brought out of my musings when Iruka had yelled my name and the class had burst out in laughter. "Uhh what is it Iruka-Sensei?"

Iruka sighed "Oh nothing Naruto I just asked if you were here."

"No I don't think I am." I said sarcastically.

Iruka sighed in annoyance but called out the next name on the list. "That is another sign that you're acting different." Shino said suddenly "Why because normally your jokes are a lot more loud and obnoxious instead of snarky."

"Huh you think so?"

Taijutsu class was a lot like gym, we ran laps did push-ups and sweat a whole bunch. It was also where I found the first big display of hatred towards me. Iruka wasn't in charge of this class and in hindsight that should have been an immediate red flag. But that's not what matters, what does matter is what had actually happened in the class. Everything started fairly normal the teacher was an Inuzuka if the marks on her cheeks was anything to go by and her name was Ago-Sensei.

"Today we will be running laps." Ago said "So get in a line last names A-Z."

'Huh so they do that in Konoha too?' I thought as I got in the very back of the line right behind Sasuke.

"And if any of you brats even think of acting up I'll be adding another lap for every time I catch you, and if any of you fail to complete the laps in under ten minutes I'll be sure to fail you."

'Well aren't you just a ray of sunshine.' I thought dryly.

In all honesty I don't know how I hadn't caught on from the way she glared at me the whole time I was in line I should've been less surprised that when it was finally my turn she said "Uzumaki Five laps!"

"Huh wait what?"

"That's six laps Uzumaki I'd hurry up if I were you!"

I had never run so fast in my life

"Grahhh!" I growled in frustration as I punched a tree during lunch. The rest of the day had gone similarly to Taijutsu class. In both Genjutsu and Ninjutsu I was thrown out of the classroom before the teacher could give out any important information, and during the weaponry class those kunai were definitely rigged I refuse to believe that I had managed to miss the target every single time! The fact that Mizuki ran that class wasn't exactly easing my suspicions any either.

"Could you please refrain from hitting that tree?" Shino said from behind me "Why, because you might hurt yourself in the process."

"Trust me Shino I'd much more worried for the tree." I said as I punched the tree again.

"I can understand your frustration." Shino said "Why, because you seem to be treated quite poorly by most of the staff."

"Oh thank Kami I wasn't the only one who noticed." I sighed.

Shino nodded "Yes that's why I came here I needed to ask you something. Do you know why the teachers treat you this way?"

"Not a clue" I lied "all I know is that the people around here really don't like me. They also like to call me things like demon and fox-brat."

Shino frowned... I think "That doesn't make much sense. Why, because you on your own shouldn't be enough to outcast you."

"I don't know man, I guess it's just a mystery." I shrugged.

"A mystery indeed."

I smiled bit when the break period had officially started and all the girls were taken out for Kunochi lessons. With Iruka teaching both Math and Reading I was actually able to learn. If only Math and Reading weren't the only two classes I didn't need help in. Oh well it wasn't like a quick trip to the library wouldn't be able to fix some of my gaps in knowledge. Another class Iruka taught that I was very interested in though was Chakra Theory. It wasn't until he had reminded me about what Chakra was that I felt a weird tingling sensation in my body.

It kinda felt like ants were constantly crawling all over you, totally harmless but a tad bit uncomfortable. Speaking of ants my newfound friend-ship with Shino while unexpected helped me out a great deal in my new plan. It strives off of three main points 1) I don't want to stay in Konoha so the logical option would be to leave ASAP however that gets in the way of point 2) I want all the jinchuriki to survive. Now I know that sounds far-fetched but it is possible. Using my knowledge of the future I can get to the jinchuriki before the Akatsuki do, but I can't go missing-Nin immediately because I wouldn't be able to warn Garra in Suna so I'd have to stay until at least the Chunin Exams. But after the Chunin Exams Itachi and Kisame will chase after me so I need to stay with Jiraya so he can chase them off.

But the most important thing probably is that I'm the village's Jinchuriki and they're not going to let me go without a fight. Luckily thanks to Orochimaru's curse hicky I'll be given a perfect opportunity during the Sound Four Arc. But if I was going to leave anyways why make friends and that would be for point 3) I want to save lives. Jiraya, Kisame, Itachi, Deidara, Zabuza, Haku, Obito, Nagato, Konan. All of these people die in the original story line and deserve to live. I know a few of them aren't the best people at the moment but Kishimoto did a great job of making me care about these people. But Sasori, Hidan, Kabuto, and Zetsu? No thanks they can burn in Hell for all I care. I'd add Orochimaru to that list but sadly Mitsuki exists so no dice there. Although admittedly Hidan would probably love hell and even if I did kill Orochimaru he'd resurrect himself somehow.

But if I don't know what's happening in Konoha how will I know when to interfere? That's why I need to make friends not only will they keep me sane in a village filled with people who despise me but they'll also be able to inform me on Konoha's current state of affairs. Of course this is just a rough draft and I have a few years to think about how to go about certain events but personally I think it's a pretty good plan. Speaking of plans it's time to put Operation: Lazy Genius into motion.

Shikamaru was no fool and despite what his grades say he's actually incredibly intelligent 'If only working hard wasn't so troublesome.' Speaking of troublesome here comes Naruto.

"Hey Shikamaru." He said.

Shikamaru narrowed his eyes 'That was surprisingly quiet. Actually now that I think about it Naruto hasn't been really loud or obnoxious all day.' Despite his inner thoughts Shikamaru answered with an annoyed "What do you want Naruto?"

"Well I wanted to know if you played chess." Out of all the things the blond could have asked that definitively wasn't one of them and the surprise was clear on his face. Choji had even started chocking due to his shock.

But Shikamaru tried to keep his composure "Yeah Naruto I play chess."

"Awesome!" Naruto said excitedly "Then would you mind playing against me sometime? I'd suggest shoji but I have no clue how that game works."

Now he was curious, not only was Naruto the last person he'd expect to know about chess but the fact that he knew how to play it surprised him even more. "Alright Naruto I'll bring in my chess board tomorrow so we can play during the break."

"Alright!" Naruto cheered "Just wait until tomorrow Shikamaru I'll show you how great I am! Believe It!" and with that Naruto had went back and taken a place next to Shino where the bug man had sighed before starting a new conversation.

'Shino?' Shikamaru thought 'Since when did they become friends?'

"Well that was weird." Choji said as he munched away on some chips.

"Choji weird doesn't even begin to describe it." Shikamaru sighed.

"Why'd you agree to game anyway?" Choji asked "I didn't even know you played Chess."

Shikamaru sighed "It's troublesome but my dad insists on playing all sorts of strategy games with me, Chess happens to be one of them." 'But still' Shikamaru thought 'people don't just change like that overnight. something's up and I want to know what.'

Shibi Aburame did not expect to see his son with the demon container when he went to pick him up from school. Why because he had never shown any interests in the boy before. But he wasn't about to tell Shino just who he can and cannot hang out with. So when he and Shino left the academy he said what he always said "Did anything happen at the academy today? Why I ask because I'm curious about your day."

"Naruto was acting differently today and I pointed it out to him." Shino said "Why, because I found it peculiar."

That worried Shino a bit but seeing as Shino was willingly talking to the boy he hoped it was just a sign he was having a bad day instead of a sign the Kyubi was going to free itself. "How was he different?" Shibi asked "Why am I asking because I am curious."

"He was quieter today and his jokes were more subtle." Shino answered "He also seemed to get quite upset during lunch. Why, because he was being falsely punished throughout the first half of the day."

Shibi frowned at that 'It was inevitable that some of the teachers would dislike the boy but how could they be so obvious about it that it's clear to the other students what they're doing.' Shibi decided that it would be best if he stored this information away for later.

"Ahhh Home Sweat Home" I sighed as I fell face first into my bed wearing my new hoodie. It was dark blue with a red Uzumaki swirl on the back. It had taken a bit of work in order to convince the owner to let me have it, and by that I mean when he inevitably threw me out of the store he forgot to take the hoodie away from me first. I left the appropriate amount at his doorstep though so my conscious is still clear.

I didn't spend much time relaxing however I quickly took one of my notebooks from the academy and wrote down all the future events, the things that must happen, and the changes I wanted to make. The list looked a bit like this.

Graduation Arc:

Prevent Sasuke from becoming a total prick

Become a Genin

Wave Arc:

Save Zabuza and Haku

Chunin Exam Arc:

Become Gaara's friend

Stop the Shukaku

Tsunade Retrieval Arc:

Stay away from the Akatsuki

Get Kisame's autograph

Sound Four Arc:

Become A Missing Nin

Stall Long Enough for Orochimaru to body swap with someone that isn't Sasuke

Pre Shiuddan:

Hang with Garra

Find and befriend Yugito

Warn Isobu

Call Roshi Donkey Kong at least once

Learn why almost all of the jinchuriki are only shown for like 3 minutes before they die.

Blow Bubbles with Ukataka

Chill with Fu

Rap with B

Retrieve Secret Uchiha files from Danzō

Kazekage Rescue Mission:

Make sure Gaara doesn't die

Mess with Sasori's puppet corpse

Tenchi Bridge Reconaise Mission:

Compare insults with Sai

Call Orochimaru a pedophile and observe the results

Show Sasuke previously mentioned super secret Uchiha files

Kill Kabuto and Orochimaru for fun

Akatsuki Suppression Mission:

Save Asuma

Talk about the Illuminati during Hidan's ritual

Three Tails Appearance:

Find a way to save Deidara because he's awesome

Itachi Pursuit Mission-Fated Battle Between Brothers:

Save Itachi and hopefully Kisame

Save Jiraya

Pein Assult Arc:

Hope and Pray I can use Therapy jutsu to save Nagato

Five Kage Summit:

Laugh while killing Danzō

Fight Obito and use Therapy jutsu to stop him from starting a war for world peace

It wasn't the best or most thought out plan but it was all I had. I yawned loudly "I can think about saving the world later. Right now I need to take a nap... a nice... long..." I fell asleep before I could even finish my sentence.

Cat was conflicted. On one hand Naruto had been acting completely different all day and something was clearly wrong. On the other hand though the seal was quite clearly still intact and the fact the seal was still there meant that he couldn't possibly be an impostor. Letting her curiosity get the better of her Cat returned to the Hokage tower to sign up for Uzumaki duty the next day as well.