Naruto has always been much angrier than he lets on. His chaotic graduation and the test of an uncaring jonin are the proverbial straw and the boy decides to seek greener pastures. The world, however, keeps going and will not wait for him to be ready. Usual disclaimer about ownership or lack thereof. Warning: some AU bits.

There is an old shinobi saying that invites people to look underneath the underneath. In other words, be slow to assume and prompt to verify. Naruto has never heard those words before; he was supposed to become an officer in the Fire King's army but some people have other plans for him. He'll have to forget everything he knows if he wants to survive. AU.