AN: So this idea came to me a long time ago and was further fueled when I went and saw 47 Ronin last week. I decided I might as well upload my story before I forgot about it. I might not update very much but at least it is out there now.

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto.

I hope you enjoy. Let me know what you think! Relax and Bijū-Dama!


Chapter One:

Suzumebachi

He was a demon. Or that was at least what Konoha believed. The boy was born in darkness, so why not force him to see in darkness as well. They did not care that he was just a boy at the age of seven. They were angry even after so many years. They hadn't touched the boy yet out of fear but today was the day. The Sandaime was distracted it was the perfect chance to punish the little deceiving demon.

They smiled as the boy coward before them looking like a frightened and cornered animal. The leader walked forward his eyes glinting dangerously. They spoke of vengeance and justice even if it was misplaced. He smirked at his prey as he grabbed the nape of his neck and lifted him up like some pup. With a laugh of pure joy he brought a sharp kunai across the boy's watery blue eyes. He reveled in the boy's scream of pain as he was plunged into a world of darkness.

There was a sudden flash of silver then a spray of crimson. The leader dropped the boy then joined him on the ground. The others in the mob stared on in horror. Above their fallen leader stood a tall man adorned in armor akin to the samurai. His hair was long and tied back in a ponytail. In his hand was a long fierce sword. His head was bowed in an almost respectful manner.

He slowly looked up at the men and woman of the village. "Never in my life have I ever seen such an abomination to mankind." He spoke low and slowly. "You people sicken me. To do such a horrid thing to a child and look at me like I'm the monster."

"You don't understand stranger!" one yelled. "That boy is the reincarnation of the Kyūbi! We are only given it what it deserves!"

"Is that so?" the man replied. "Then I will have no regrets for what I'm about to do."

Before anyone could question his words he disappeared. The next moment blood filled the streets as steel cut through flesh. It was over as fast as it began. The whole time the boy had not moved. He was cradling himself holding his bleeding eyes. The man approached him, the boy cringed away. "Don't worry young one I will protect you. I won't let anyone else harm you for as long as I live." He spoke gently but in such a way that it wasn't like he was speaking to a wounded animal. He wanted the boy to retain what little dignity he thought he had. "I will take you away from this place that hates you. I will give you a home where you are loved and cherished." The boy nodded and allowed the man to pick him up in his strong arms. There was another flash and the two left the bloodied street.


On the outskirts of Fire Country

The man had rushed away from Konoha as fast as he could. He needed to get the boy to safety and fast. He did not want the ninja's to come after him. He knew what the boy was and didn't care. He, after all, understood the difference between the kunai and scroll. The boy had been in pain and he would never know anything but that if he had not come when he had.

He laid the unconscious boy on the ground in an old abandoned building. He created a shadow clone to go fetch some water while he began inspecting the child's wounds. He was slightly bruised. Many had healed already thanks to his unwelcome tenant. The clone arrived with the water a moment later. Thanking it he ordered it to start preparing food.

He dipped a rag into the water and gently whipped away the crusted blood from the boys face. He grimaced when he saw the full damage. He leaned back and sighed. There was so much to do. Standing up he went over to his clone. "Watch over him. I will be back soon."


Hours later: Sunset.

The boy woke slowly his body and eyes aching. He opened his eyes. Or at least tried to. He only saw darkness all around him. He began to panic and flailed wildly. It wasn't long before strong arms were holding him down. "Hush child," he heard the gruff voice of a man. He recognized that voice. He calmed down instantly remembering that this man had saved him.

"I… I can't see." He whimpered.

The man heaved a sad sigh. "Yes and you never will again little one. That man blinded you." The boy whimpered again. He felt a strong hand smooth down his hair. "Don't worry little one. There are other ways to see."

"There are?" the boy returned curiously.

"Yes and I will show you how." The man said in a gentle yet determined voice. There was a moment of silence between the two as the older handed the boy some soup and tied some cloth around the boy's eyes.

They ate in silence. The boy struggled at first, not being use to the lack of sight. "What is your name boy?" the older finally asked.

"Naruto Uzumaki," Naruto whispered.

"Maelstrom. I like that." The boy smiled up at him. Well at least what he thought was at him. The man suppressed a chuckle.

"What about you mister? What's your name?" Naruto asked.

"My name is Suzumebachi." The man replied.

"Hornet? Cool, but is that all?" Naruto pried.

"Yes just Suzumebachi. It is the name my master gave me when I was training. I will give you a new name as well when you are training."

Naruto gave him a small laugh. "I can't wait!"

Suzumebachi laughed with him. "Well you will have to young one. There is much to learn and it will not be easy. I am hoping you are up for the challenge though."

Naruto shook his head vigorously. "Oh I am sensei! After all I have to become Hokage one day. I'll show all of those villagers I am worth something!"

Suzumebachi shook his head then smacked the back of Naruto's. "Give up on that dream. You are worth more than that whole village. You don't have to be their leader to prove it. I will help you prove your worth and make them regret what they did to you."

Naruto scratched his head in confusion. "Why are you helping me anyway?" he asked sadly his head cast down.

"Because we are the same young Maelstrom. We are both outcast. You see I was born in the land of Iron. I was trained as a samurai but my curiosity in the ninja arts set me apart from my brethren. Then my master was killed. There is no place for a Ronin from where I come from. Especially one who delves into ninjutsu like I did. So we are much the same Maelstrom. I will become your master and teach you everything I know." Suzumebachi smiled down at the boy. "We will be outcasts together."

Naruto smiled back and bowed his head. "I will be honored master."


Naruto stood in an open field. An orange cloth covered his blind eyes. He was still, utterly sill. His ears stained to catch every sound. He could only hear the brisk wind and the sway of dancing leaves. He gritted his teeth in agitation. He was supposed to be zeroing in on his sensei's breathing but it was really hard! Especially since the bastard was such a silent breather.

They had been training for nearly a month now. Yes, Naruto had become better than he was at first. But he had to learn to hear like he would see. After all he was blind. He would have to rely on all his other senses to be able to survive in this harsh world.

The boy was adjusting slowly to a life without sight. It was hard but he was determined not to let his savior and master down. He had already grown to love Suzumebachi like a child would their parent.

He had pushed himself to the limits since his training had begun. He had already become better at sensing his surroundings now. He could somewhat walk alone without any guidance of words or a stick. Granted he had familiarized himself with the area.

There was a new sound added to the mix of wind and leaves. The flow of grass. Naruto sighed. Even if it seemed impressive to be able to hear every blade as it bowed in the wind; it was not his objective. "Suzumebachi-sensei I can hear the grass now but not you."

Suzumebachi chuckled lowly. "It's a good start Naruto, don't get yourself down." The samurai walked up to the small child and laid a hand on his tiny and thin shoulder. "Now I want you to try and pump some chakra into your ears. Let the flow enhance your hearing than focus only on me."

"I thought I had to be able to hear everything though sensei?" Naruto asked.

"Yes, you must be able to hear all things and sense all things in order to survive without sight. Although you must be able to focus on one thing at a time if you don't want to drive yourself crazy. Also you will need to be able to discern what noise is what. Like the breath of a silent killer. Now focus only on me. Narrow down your senses. Find my rhythm." Suzumebachi stepped back and silently began breathing.

Naruto pumped chakra into his ears and let it enhance his hearing. More sounds came to life. It nearly gave the boy a massive headache. He scrunched his eyebrows in concentration and tried to focus on only his master's soft breathing.

Minutes passed with no success and his head was really starting to hurt. The boy pushed more chakra into his ears only to receive another bombardment of noises. He gritted his teeth and grimaced. Another minute passed without much success. He was about to push more chakra into his ears when he realized something.

Maybe he needed less chakra? What if the more he had in his ears the more he could hear. Maybe he needed less so he could control the flow better. He took all the chakra out than tried again. He pushed just a little bit into his ears then listened.

Slowly but surely he was beginning to narrow down the noises. He focused hard and finally he could hear the rustle of cloth on skin. He focused all his attention on his sensei. After another minute he could her the man's silent breaths. The boy smiled and turned his head towards the quiet sounds. "I can hear your breath Sensei." The blond blinded boy whispered.

Suzumebachi smiled down at his student. Naruto was going to be very strong one day.


AN: From what i found out Suzumebachi means Hornet. there could be an issue in translation and if there is let me now please. and please review let me know what you think!