Episode 1: Fragile Mind

  The year is 1982 in the Land of Fire. A boy with bright, yellow-blond hair and blue eyes finishes up some homework in his third floor apartment. He then rubs his eyes and leans back in his chair.

  Nato: *Yawn* Really need to stop waiting 'til the last minute. (What's wrong with me?)

  Nato turns off the radio and looks at the time.

  Nato: Yeah. Sleep sounds nice.

  Nato goes to bed, but is soon woken up by his neighbor.

  Ruto: I Said, Shadow Clone Jutsu!!

  Ruto has red hair, like his mother, and blue eyes. Nato lays there in his bed with his head turned towards the wall and his eyes annoyed at the fact that they're open.

  Ruto: Come On!!

  Nato: (This stupid idiot again? What's a guy gotta do to get One good night's sleep around here?!... At least we'll be ninja soon. No more listening to this Crap anymore)

  Ruto: Aaagh!! Again! Shadow Clone Jutsu!!

  Nato: (Yelling the name of the jutsu Won't Help You!!)

  Ruto: I Hate This Stupid Jutsu!!

  Nato: (… Well, if I'm not sleeping...)

  Nato reaches under his mattress and pulls out a naughty magazine. Meanwhile, Ruto walks onto his balcony and leans against the railing, looking at Nato's balcony.

  Ruto: Hey! Neighbor Guy?!

  Nato: Huh?!

  Ruto: Come out here! I gotta ask you something!

  Nato: Ugh.

  Nato walks out and stares at Ruto.

  Nato: What?!

  Ruto: You're in my class, right?

  Nato: (Only for the past 8 years, YES!!!)… *Sigh* Yeah.

  Ruto: Got that homework done yet?

  Nato: You don't?

  Ruto: Well, you see, I've been stuck on this jutsu for a while now...

  Nato: (I've heard)

  Ruto: Anyway, would you let me copy yours? I'll do anything for ya! I know that I should know this stuff, but I just didn't have the time to study and-

  Nato: (Sure. Why not?)

  Nato walks back inside.

  Ruto: Hey! Where ya goin'?!

  Nato comes back out and hands Ruto his homework.

  Nato: Just, get it back to me tomorrow.

  Ruto: Thanks, Man!! You're a lifesaver! Just, let me know when you wanna cash in that favor.

  Nato: Could you go to bed as my favor?

  Ruto: Bed? But, it's just 10:30... I guess I Did say “Anything.” Ah, alright. Sweet dreams!

  Ruto runs back inside.

  Nato: (So much energy... At least I'll get some bed time tonight)

  Nato goes and sleeps peacefully. The next day, all of the kids in their school are eating in the playground. Ruto is swinging on a tree swing on his own as Nato sits on a lonely spot against the fence. Done with his meal, he stares at Hinata as she leans against the school and looks down.

  Nato: (I wonder why she's so quiet. A girl like that could get any guy here... Wish I had a chance with her, but there's just no way... I could talk to her. At least learn about her... Yeah, right. Me starting a conversation? Might as well go to the moon)

  Neji: That idiot should've quit already. It's clear that he'll never amount to anything. He'll just hold us back this year.

  Sasuke: He's bound to embarrass himself today. Just, let him do it and we can beat him up later. Make him quit.

  Nato: (These guys are nuts)

  Ino: Come on, guys. I hate him too, but isn't that a bit far?

  Nato: (Ah. A voice of reason)

  Ino: Just, pants him, or something.

  Nato: (Maybe they're all crazy)

  Ino: You, guy, what do you say? Prank, or pain?

  Nato: (Me?) Oh, uh-

  Sasuke: I'm doing what I want to.

  Neji: You're on your own. I'm not getting expelled at this point.

  Sasuke: Have fun being held back, then.

  The small group disbands.

  Nato: (Maybe I should warn him...)

  The school bell rings. After a bit, all of the students find their classrooms.

  Iruka: Good evening, class.

  Class: Good evening, Iruka.

  Iruka: Are you ready to be a ninja?!

  Class: Yeah!!

  Iruka: In your last week, I'm gonna put your knowledge to the test. See if you can walk the walk of a Real ninja. Today, we're focusing on techniques that use chakra as the main force in an attack, also known as?

  Class: Jutsu!

  Iruka: That's right! Everyone, come line up!

  The entire class lines up at the front of the classroom.

  Iruka: Alright. First up, Sasuke!

  Sasuke: *Smirks* (Of course it's me)

  Ino: (So Cool!!)

  Sakura: (He's Mine, You HAG!!!)

  Sasuke steps up, holds his hand up, and his fingertips ignite with fire.

  Iruka: First test is... Eager to get started, are you?

  Sasuke: Just doin' what I can.

  Iruka: Uh-huh. Well, you just so happened to pass the first test. Using Ignition. Now, can you pull off a Transformation Jutsu?

  Sasuke: No problem.

  He turns into Iruka, then turns back.

  Iruka: How flattering.

  The class laughs.

  Iruka: Now, here's the kicker! Give me a Shadow Clone Jutsu.

  The class murmurs amongst themselves.

  Sasuke: Tsk. I got this.

  Sasuke easily pulls off the Shadow Clone technique, summoning a copy of himself.

  Iruka: Excellent performance, Sasuke.

  Sasuke: (As expected)

  Ino: (So dreamy!)

  Sakura: (Sasuke! Sasuke! He's our man! If he can't do it, no-one can!)

  Sasuke steps back. The next two to go are Ino and Sakura, both turning into Sasuke. Then, many others go next. Once Hinata uses the Shadow Clone Jutsu, it distracts Nato.

  Nato: (Two Hinatas...)

  Iruka: Nato?

  Nato: Huh?!

  Iruka: Not drifting off into space, are you?

  This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

  Nato: No, sir! I'm ready!

  Nato performs like the average student.

  Iruka: Good. Good. That just leaves Ruto.

  Ruto: Ah, man! Do I have to go right now?

  Iruka: Yes, Ruto. Those Are the rules. But, I'll let you make up for your mistakes later in the week.

  Ruto: Gee! Thanks for the vote of confidence!

  Nato: (Why do you have to say that crap out loud?)

  Iruka: Ignition, Ruto.

  Ruto: Yeah, yeah.

  Ruto struggles and sweats before making a small flame on his pointer finger, which he's surprised by.

  Ruto: Huh?

  Iruka: Great work. Now, Transform.

  Ruto: Right! I've got this!

  Ruto uses a ton of his chakra to Transform into a log. He then quickly turns back and pants heavily.

  Iruka: That's certainly passable. Maybe we should save the rest for later.

  Ruto: No! I can do it! Just watch!

  Ruto takes the Shadow Clone stance and struggles hard as he contorts his face.

  Sasuke: Don't crap yourself.

  The class laughs as Ruto puts his hands down and looks at the ground.

  Ruto: I-I can't.

  Iruka: That's alright, Ruto. We'll get back to that later.

  Nato: Yeah, right. This guy shouts all night and can't get one jutsu right. We're getting held back a year just 'cause of one idiot. It's not fair.

  Ruto cries as he runs out of the room.

  Iruka: Nato, come have a word with me.

  Nato: (Crap! Did I-) I. I didn't mean to say that! (Crap) Ruto! Come back!

  Nato runs after Ruto and Hinata raises her hand.

  Iruka: … Yes, Hinata?

  Hinata: May I use the ladies' room?

  Iruka: Go ahead. We'll be on pause for a few minutes anyway.

  Just then, Nato finds Ruto sitting on the tree swing, depressed.

  Nato: Ruto! I'm sorry! I didn't mean to say all that.

  Ruto: That was you? Had no clue. Doesn't matter who said it anyway. We're all thinking it, aren't we?

  Nato: Don't say that... You were almost there, just-

  Ruto: I'm just not good enough. I was never good enough. Should've quit a long time ago.

  Ruto gets up and starts walking when Nato grabs his shoulder, stopping him.

  Nato: Show me your Shadow Clone technique.

  Ruto: What's the point? I can't-

  Nato: Just, show me, okay?!

  Ruto: …

  Ruto takes his Shadow Clone stance.

  Nato: … Well, that much is right. Looks better than mine. Now, try summoning.

  Ruto: I Am Trying!! I've been trying! I've tried for Months! It Doesn't! Work!!

  Nato: Are you channeling your chakra right?

  Ruto: I. W-I don't know!

  Nato: Wish I could see it... *Snaps fingers* Stay here!

  Nato runs towards the school and catches Hinata walking outside.

  Hinata: (Oh, there's Nato...) Is everything alright?

  Nato: Oh, hey... Hinata... Y-Your Byakugan can see chakra flow, right?

  Hinata: (You remember?) That's right. Why do you ask?

  Nato: You think you could use it on Ruto real quick? Something might be wrong with his flow.

  Hinata: (Nato needs my help?) If you really think I can help, I'll do my best.

  Nato: Really? Thanks! And, hey, just let me know when I can return the favor, 'kay?

  Hinata: Okay. (I won't be a burden to you)

  The two walk over to Ruto.

  Ruto: Ah, I see. Good thinking! Go ahead and scan me!

  Hinata: (It doesn't work like that) Byakugan.

  Veins appear on and around Hinata's eyes and she looks at all of Ruto's chakra points and lines. They're all thin and small, except for a large, purple source in his chest, which has odd symbols around it.

  Hinata: Hm?

  Nato: What's up?

  Hinata: There's some kind of seal keeping the source of his chakra from getting to the rest of his body.

  Nato: Well, no wonder you can't use Shadow Clones! You need half your chakra, and he has?

  Hinata: About... Three percent?

  Ruto: Three percent?! Of course I'm so crap at jutsu! You think you could remove the seal? I'd do anything for ya!

  Hinata: That shouldn't be too hard. Just, stay still.

  Ruto: If I have to.

  She touches his chest and moves Ruto's chakra with her fingers in a counter-clockwise motion seven times to remove the seal as Kakashi watches from the second floor of the school. She then takes her hand away and Ruto looks at his hands.

  Hinata: Your chakra is flowing like normal.

  Nato: Feel any different?

  Ruto: Do I?!! I'm On Fire!!

  Ruto throws his hands up and spews fire into the air.

  Ruto: Ha Ha-Ha Ha-HA!!! I Feel Incredible!! So, this is what Real chakra's like. Want a Shadow Clone? Watch This!!

  Ruto instantly makes a Shadow Clone and they look at each-other.

  Rutos: Yeah!!

  The two start chasing each-other as Hinata turns the Byakugan off.

  Nato: Knew he could do it.

  Hinata: Nato? I'm a little worried.

  Nato: Why's that?

  Hinata: The Nine Tailed Fox was red, right?

  Nato: Yeah. Glowing with red chakra.

  Hinata: Ruto's chakra is purple. Blue and red make purple. What if he's...

  Nato: … He's Ruto. That's all we need to know. Even if that thing's in him, it clearly isn't him.

  Hinata: But, what if I let it go?

  Nato: Don't worry. I'll save you from the big bad wolf.

  Hinata: (He doesn't get it) That's not-

  Nato: I know. Don't put the blame on you. I'm the one who wanted to use you, got it? I'm the one who's responsible for it.

  Hinata: (Oh. Was he just using me?) Okay.

  Nato: Hey, Ru-

  The two look around to see dozens of tired Clones and a tired Ruto.

  Nato: Whoa! How many did you make?!

  Ruto: A-A hundred and twelve. W-Why am I so wiped out?

  Nato: Did you see how much chakra a Shadow Clone uses?

  Ruto: Uh... A lot?

  Nato: Ruto! The Clones and you share the same amount of chakra Evenly Split among you. You just split your own chakra down to 1/113th its normal amount! Just send them away.

  The Clones all poof away at once and Ruto regains his energy.

  Ruto: Man! This jutsu stuff's complicated. Guess I should read that next page before performing it, huh?

  Nato: (You could say that again)

  Ruto: Thanks for helping me out, guys. Never thought I had all that in me. And, uh, sorry for making you all worry like that.

  Hinata: I don't blame you.

  Nato: Don't mention it.

  Ruto: Oh, I'll mention it alright! I'm gonna make sure to make it up to ya, Hinata and... Uhh... I'm sorry. What was your name again?

  Nato: … (Just facepalm and walk away) It's Nato.

  Ruto: “Nato” what?

  Nato: Nato Maku.

  After school, Ruto runs up to Nato on the streets.

  Ruto: Hey, Nato! Where ya goin'?

  Nato: Home. It's the first night in months I don't have any homework. I'm getting some good sleep in.

  Ruto: Is sleep all you think about?! Don't ya gotta eat sometime?

  Nato: I've got food at home.

  Ruto: Screw that! I'm treating ya to some good eats tonight! Follow Me!!

  Nato: Well... Why not?!

  Nato follows Ruto to a small street-side restaurant.

  Ruto: This is my favorite spot in the Whole City!!

  Nato: “Ramen Ichiraku?” Isn't that stuff kinda cheap?

  Ruto: Affordable, Nato! Affordable, and it's the Best ramen you'll ever taste!

  Nato: We'll see.

  Ruto: Yeah, YOU will. Come on.

  The two sit in the restaurant and are approached by the chef.

  Teuchi: Well well well. If it isn't my best customer! What's the special occasion, Ruto?

  Ruto: Finally got my chakra on! Passed my jutsu exams.

  Teuchi: Ya don't say? Well, if no-one else did, I always knew you had it in ya.

  Ruto: Thanks, man.

  Teuchi: So, name what I can get ya. Anything. On the house!

  Ruto: Really?! This Is The Best Day Ever!! Two Miso Chashu Pork ramens, please!

  Teuchi: I should've guessed. But, two? Got that big an appetite?

  Ruto: One's for my friend here, Nato. He's the real reason I made it through today.

  Teuchi: That true, Nato?

  Nato: Well, I helped.

  Teuchi: I get it. A friend of Ruto's is a friend of mine. I'll be right back.

  Teuchi walks back into the kitchen.

  Ruto: Thanks again, man. I have no clue what I'd do if I weren't a ninja. You saved my life today.

  Nato: You shouldn't thank me so much. We're about to face some real danger out there.

  Ruto: That's just if we get the harder missions. We'll be ready for 'em when we get there.

  Nato: … How are you always so positive?

  Ruto: Positive?

  Nato: I mean, sure you get knocked down, but you never let it get to you.

  Ruto: Never? I always let it get to me! Ha! All that crap just makes me wanna prove those jerks wrong.

  Nato: … So... It's kinda like how competition breeds creativity. Instead of hating them, You let Their hate drive Your improvement.

  Ruto: Uh, yeah. If you wanna put it like that. I still don't like 'em, though.

  Nato: I guess you just have more fun with it, then. (Why don't I have fun like that?)

  Ruto: You know, if you put our names together it makes “Natoruto Uzimaku.” Make it “Uzumaki” and you get a “Spiral,” like what Hinata did for me. If we end up on the same team, we should call it “Uzumaki.” Get it?

  Nato: (That's so dumb... Or, is it fun?) … How about “Naruto Uzumaki?” That way, you get “Whirlpool.” An even bigger spiral.

  Ruto: Oh! Vortex! Team Vortex!

  Nato: Yeah. That's it!

  Teuchi brings the two their meals.

  Teuchi: Hot and ready!

  Ruto: Thanks, man!

  Teuchi: Anytime.

  Teuchi walks towards another customer.

  Nato: You know his name?

  Ruto: 'Course I do. He's “Teuchi.” Haven't forgotten yours either, Nato. And, I'm not going to.

  Ruto closes his eyes and puts his hands together.

  Ruto: Please let this spectacular meal fill Nato's mouth with hot angel women. Let's Chow Down!

  Nato: Who do you pray to?

  Ruto: I just pray. Now, you gotta eat it Just like me. Grab your chopsticks.

  Nato follows Ruto's lead.

  Ruto: Pick up some noodles... Blow on them gently. *Blows* And, bite!

  As they eat, Nato's eyes widen.

  Nato: Holy-!

  Written By: Joshua F. R. Chitwood

  Inspired By: Naruto

  Thank you for reading!

  Episode Listing

  Episode -4: Twin Worlds

  Episode -3: The Night of Nine

  Episode -2: Family Man

  Episode -1: A Murder at the House of Hyuga

  Episode 0: Pain and Sorrow

  Episode 1: Fragile Mind

  Episode 2: Play My Tricks

  Episode 3: New Routine

  Episode 4: That I've Learned

  Episode 5: To Understand and Know

  Episode 6: As We Move On

  Episode 7: Heavy Pulse

  Episode 8: Sweaty Clothes

  Episode 9: Bloody Eyes

  Episode 10: Rest Your Head On Me

  Episode 11: Wake

  Episode 12: I'm Not Here

  Episode 13: There Must Be Some Mistake