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  Hokage's Office

  Hiruzen looked through the crystal ball and a happy smile was on his face as he saw Daichi help Naruto with his training. He looked at the Genin and his smile slightly widehe old kage remembered the versation he had with his predecessor about the genius child.

  He also recalled the warning the reanimated kage gave him and the events that happened after.

  "Saru, I've never known ah such talent. Even my brother couldn't master all the Chakra Natures to that degree at such a young age. Even I couldn't. And on top of that this boy learned mediinjutsu as well? This is truly incredible."

  Hiruzen nodded and smiled hearing his predecessor's assessment of Daichi. "Are you ied in training him for a short while, sensei? I'm sure the boy could learn a great deal from you."

  Tobirama sighed and replied. "Such talent should be nurtured for sure and under a different circumstance I would have been very ied in training him… But you know our situation. My situation. My existence should remain a secret. If anyoo find out that I had been brought back to life, if the other vilges get wind of this information, it would create chaos and throw all the pns you put in p jeopardy. So for the moment my resurre shall remain a secret and I won't be meeting anyone. But if an opportunity arises… Well, we'll see… With the way you speak about the child, he'll get more powerful quickly."

  "Yes. He said his goal was to bee the stro in the world. I have no doubt he would bee one of the stro shinobis of his era."

  Tobirama frowned as he heard that. "You told me he trains everyday and pushes himself to be better. But why? Why does he train with sutense discipline and why does he want to bee the stro?"

  Hiruzen frow that question. "What are you getting at sensei?"

  "There must be a reason for his need for strength beyond wanting to reach the peak. Something more. Everyone has something that drives them forward. My brother wao be strong to create a peaceful enviro for the . The same went for Madara. That's the reason they wao be strohan everyone around them. Simirly, this child must have some kind of reason beyond simply wanting strength or fame to push himself like this. Do you know what that is?"

  Hiruzen shook his head indig that he didn't know. Seeing this Tobirama, being the cautious man he was, gave his former student a warning.

  "We must be vigint. The child should be given guidan his training but you should also keep watch. It's a delicate lio bance for people like us... Be careful of this child. Since you don't know what his end goals are, you should keep an eye on him. Power corrupts. And there is a ce this child could walk down Madara's path or even your student's path."

  The sed Hokage didn't know it, but those words shook Hiruzen. He didn't even want to think what would happen should Daichi bee a traitor.

  It was during this time that Shikamaru visited him in his offid invited him to Naruto's birthday party.

  "So you wao e to Naruto's birthday party tomorrow?" The old kage asked the child with a teasing smile.

  "Yes Lord Hokage. If you aren't busy, that is..."

  Hiruzen could see the nervousness of the young Nara. He chuckled and replied. "Hmm. I'll e. I'm gd you're such a good friend to Naruto."

  "Well, I 't take all the credit. Daichi and the others are helping."

  Hiruzen was surprised to hear that. He khat even though Naruto and Daichi were friends, he thought the boy would be spending his time training and improving his skills.

  "I assume this party will be at Naruto's apartment?"

  "Yeah."

  "How are you going to get young Naruto out of there if you want to decorate his home? I assume you have a pn for that."

  "Well, Daichi said he'll take care of it. He'll pick up Naruto tomorrow m and keep him busy for the day."

  Hiruzen looked at the Nara child with a calm smile and spoke. "Not a bad pn. I'll be sure to e. Thank you for inf me."

  He saw the young academy stude out a breath and leave with a smile.

  The day Hiruzen woke up early and checked his crystal ball to see what Daichi to. He saw the Genin pick up Naruto from his home and even saw the es ing the blonde's home.

  Hiruzen watched as Daichi gave Naruto instrus on one of the more difficult Chakra trol exercises and trained him. The grim feeling he had in his heart slowly vanished and a smile formed. Hiruzen watched the genuine and rare happiness on Naruto's fad rexed.

  'You're wrong about him sensei. He's no Orochimaru or Madara. Daichi has a good heart. And even if he somehow strays from his path, he has friends who'll bring him back.'

  Hiruzen quickly got to work. He wao plete all the tasks he had for the day. Afterall, he had a birthday party to attend.

  —-

  By around 2pm, most of the Rookie 9 had arrived at Naruto's home and started decorating the pce with Ino in charge.

  "Shikamaru, that banner goes there. It should be right below this table. Kiba, Choji! Move the table here."

  Shikamaru sighed as he quietly did as he was told. 'I'm starting to remember why I don't like birthday parties. She's nagging even more than usual.'

  "You know Ino, this would go a lot faster if you helped us." Kiba said as he and oved the table to where the Yamanaka girl pointed.

  "What are you talking about? I'm doing the most important job here?"

  Shino, who was standing on the side hanging decorations raised an eyebrow at that. "And that is…?"

  The girl had a wide grin and replied in a cheeky tone. "I'm the party coordinator. It's the most important job. And besides, a delicate girl like me shouldn't have to lift heavy stuff when you boys are here."

  Kiba s that. "Yeah right. You're the farthest thing from delicate."

  "What'd you say!?"

  "Um.. Guys.. Please don't fight. We should focus on the decorations." Hinata said with a small blush as she tied the balloons and colorful strings to the side of the wall. 'I 't believe it. I'm in Naruto's apartment. Haa…'

  "Naruto and Daichi would only be here by 7 in the evening. lenty of time. So rex." Shikamaru sighed as he sat on the nearby chair.

  Ino sighed and spoke thinking about their two friends training in the forest. "I wish it was me with Daichi in that forest. We could have a piic. Py games... Naruto is so lucky. He gets to spend time with Daichi alone and eves his help with training."

  "Yeah but there's a difference. Unlike you, Naruto doesn't have a crush on Daichi." Choji said as he munched on a small snack to replenish his energy.

  Ino hung her head down and sighed. The sed she became upbeat again. She had a metaphorical fire burning in her eyes. "On my birthday, I'm gonna ask Daichi for a date. We're going to have so much fun."

  The boy's merely sighed and decided to keep their opinions to themselves. They all had ohought running through their minds. 'Good luck Daichi. May God have mer your soul.'

  —-

  It was evening with the sun slowly disappearing over the horizon. Soured down Naruto's face as he stood still on the wooden board and trated.

  "Alright, you're starting to get the hang of it. But I think this is enough for today."

  "e on. We train some more. I'm not do." Naruto said as he tried to keep his bance.

  Daichi shook his head. "No. Your body needs rest. You train tomorrow at home. Today, you o rest and recover your strength."

  The blonde boy relutly nodded and got down. Both Daichi and Naruto went to a nearby stream to get ed up.

  Daichi already had fresh clothes for his friend. "Here. I took these from your home."

  "But I could have ged at home."

  "Just put these on."

  The blonde shrugged and put on his tire after freshening up. Shortly after, both of them headed to Naruto's home and Daioticed that the boy was in a great mood.

  As they he apartment Naruto turowards his friend. With a nervous smile and rubbing the back of his head, the boy spoke. "Thanks for helpirain, ya know."

  Daichi smiled looking at his friend. "Don't mention it. Anyway it's getting te. I better head home." With those words Daichi turned around and slowly walked away.

  Naruto waved and turo look at his home. With a sigh he made his way to his door and ope.

  "SURPRISE!"

  POP!

  The sed Naruto opened his door he saw the lights e on and his home, decorated. He saw his friends, Iruka seeuchi and Ayame wearing party hats and smiling at him.

  "What the?" Naruto was pletely surprised and taken back.

  "Happy birthday Naruto." It was Daichi who said it as he sneaked up behind him.

  The blonde boy eechless and pletely surprised. "Wow. You.. You guys threw a birthday party for me."

  "Of course. It was Shikamaru's idea." The young Genin said with a smirk.

  "e on. Make a wish." Choji said, pointing towards the cake with e frosting. The whiskered blonde had a big grin and immediately wehe cake. He closed his eyes and blew the dles out. Everyone near him smiled and gave him presents.

  Daichi stood he door and looked at the se with a big smile.

  "I've never seen him so happy before."

  Daichi was startled to hear the third Hokage's voiing from behind him.

  He looked at the old man and was surprised. Hiruzen had his eyes focused on Naruto. He had a sad expression as he gazed at the boy but he quickly put on a smile as he noticed Daichi's look.

  The old kage patted the Genin on the shoulder and spoke. "You're a good friend to Naruto, Daichi. He's lucky to have you."

  The young Genin turowards the boy smiling and ughing in the middle of his friends. "It's no big deal. It's just a birthday party."

  Hiruzen ughed hearing that respoo him its much more than just a party... Well, I suppose it's time I greet the birthday boy." With that he ehe room and Naruto immediately ran to him.

  "Gramps. You're here."

  "Of course. I couldn't say no to this. Here. Happy Birthday Naruto." The Hokage said with a smile, handing the boy his gift.

  Daichi looked around the apartment and into the streets. He sighed as he didn't sense 'his' presence. Without wasting any more time, Daichi joihe party.

  It was a small celebration and before long the cake was cut and everyone had a piearuto was eager to gh the gifts everyone had given him.

  The first gift box Naruto had opened was Hiruzen's. It tained new ninja gear and tools. "Oh man this looks so cool. I 't wait to try it out."

  "I'm gd you like it."

  Teuchi and Ayame gave their gift . "This coupon will get you 10 free premium Ramens. But only 1 per month." "Happy Birthday Naruto."

  The blonde boy held the small coupon as if he was holding a precious delicate jewel. "I'm gonhis real safe, ya know. Thanks old man Teuchi. Big sis."

  Iruka gave a new Kunai and Shurikeo the boy and wished him as well. Hiruzen smiled looking at the teacher. 'He's e a long way from the man who once couldn't even be he boy.'

  It was the future Rookie's turn to give their presents. Naruto was excited as he went through eae. Hinata had a huge blush on her face as Naruto opened her present.

  "eets. That's awesome. Thanks a bunch Hinata."

  "Haaa…" The shy Hyuga girl just poked her fingers and looked down.

  Shikamaru gave a bame while Choji gave a BBQ recipe as a gift. As Ino, Sakura, Kiba and Shiniving their gifts Daichi went outside and looked around.

  'He's still not here. So he decided not to show up huh. I suppose I should have expected this. Sasuke isn't the kind of guy who would waste his time with things like this.'

  With a sigh he stood there and looked up at the night sky. He saw the stars and just closed his eyes and ehe peaceful atmosphere.

  A few seds ter he sensed another presence behind him.

  "You know sometimes you brood even more than Sasuke. I didn't think that was even possible. Someobrooding him."

  A chuckle escaped Daichi's lips hearing that. He turned around to look at his friend. Shikamaru stared at Daichi with a questioning look.

  "Maybe… I was just thinking about the future."

  "You sound like an old man when you talk like that…"

  "Hahaha… I prefer the term mentally matured."

  "Daichi, you don't o worry so much. I'm sure everything will work out fine."

  "Maybe you're right Shikamaru… Oh! I almost fot to give him my present. e on."

  Daichi went to Naruto and gave him a gift. The blonde Jinchuriki eagerly ope and saw that it was a scroll. When he rolled it open, it took his breath away.

  In it was a marvelous painting of their group with Naruto in the middle and everyone smiling. It looked so life-like aiful that it made everyone speechless.

  "Oh my god. It's so beautiful." Ino said as she looked at the painting.

  "Yeah. I didn't know you could draw like that."

  Daichi smirked and shrugged. "I'm a man of many talents."

  Naruto turo his friend and Daichi saw a few drops of tears in the er of his eyes. "Thank you Daichi. I'll cherish this forever."

  The Genin nodded with a smile. "Happy Birthday Naruto."

  —-

  Somewhere else in the Leaf vilge a man was heavily drinking alcohol to numb the pain in his heart. He was home and only had one panion.

  "Here. Have anss. It'll help." The sed figure gave anss full of liquor to the inebriated man.

  "Y-you know Mi-Mizuki… You're a real… Friend."

  The in and academy instruizuki gave a sad smile as he looked at his friend.

  "You know you o stht. This isn't helping you." The in said with a kind tone. He sounded like he wanted nothing more than to help his friend.

  "I 't… move on… Mizuki. My wife and my son… died in that attack… And that brat…" The man stopped and looked at the academy instructor. Even uhe influence he still has some small sembnce of self trol.

  "I know Kirai. They didn't deserve what happeo them." The academy instructor poured two gsses and held o for his friend. He raised his gss and with a somber look spoke.

  "To your wife and son."

  The man now identified as Kirai raised his gss in response and they drank to the departed souls. They stayed in silence for a few moments before Mizuki spoke up.

  "It's nht, you know. That fox brat living like he has no cares in the world. You know what makes me angry? That brat was having a party in his home."

  "What!?" The drunk Kirai was furious hearing that.

  "Yeah. That fox brat mao trick his cssmates into being friends with him and they threw him a birthday party. They may be fooled. But we know the truth."

  Mizuki looked at the man dead in the eyes and spoke with a serious tohat brat is the ails. He's dangerous and he'll one day destroy the vilge."

  Kirai was surprised at that admission and he realized that Mizuki uood him. "I… I hate him. I want… that monster dead." He spoke as he tightly gripped the gss in his palms.

  "DAMN IT!" Kirai suddenly stood and threw the gss into the wall, shattering it. "How … How we live in peace when we know that a monster is walking among us… And worst of all, the Hokage wouldn't do anything about it." Kirai ranted.

  "You o calm down. Here. Have anss. This will help you." Mizuki gave the man anss of alcohol and calmed him down.

  The Academy instructor was silent for a minute before he spoke. "That fox brat will graduate this March. When that happens we'll all be in trouble."

  Kirai nodded with that se. "But what we do? We're just two in."

  "Hypothetically, if we could get rid of that monster and save this vilge… would you do it?" Mizuki asked the man.

  Kirai nodded his head without hesitation. "Yes. I.. love this vilge. I don't… don't want the ails attack to happen again…. Do you… Do you have a pn or something?"

  Mizuki sheepishly smiled and shook his head. "Nah. It's nothing. Just fet I said anything."

  "No. Tell me. Do you really have a pn to get rid of that beast?" Kirai pced a hand on Mizuki's shoulder and almost pleaded.

  "I do. But I will need your help."

  Kirai nodded his head and spoke. "Whatever you o get rid of that monster." The man was looking at his friend but failed to see the evil i hidden behind the academy teacher's eyes.

  "Alright. Here's the pn…." With that Mizuki set the first stage of his pns in motion.

  —-

  Author's Note:

  Hi guys. Hope you ehe chapter. I wao show the good side and the bad side of the situation. Naruto had his first birthday celebration. But Mizuki has some evil pns in mind. What will he do? Stay tuo find out….

  Tobirama is a cautious person. So i would imagihat this is his rea to someone like Daichi. Now for those of you looking forward to the Daichi and Tobirama meet… [SPOILER: Well, let's just say it won't happen any time soon but they will meet. What I mean is when starts an i will occur and those two will e face to face… At the moment I will just say this. Look forward to Daichi vs Tobirama]

  I'll be pnning the ard the chapters these few days.(wrote this when i inally wrote this chapter). We're close. No one is more excited about writing it than I am. But I also dread it a bit… What if my readers don't like it or what if I mess it up…? During those moments I just remind myself to write one chapter at a time and do my best. We'll see how it goes.