I don't understand it. They all hate me. All the villagers, the shinobi, even my own teammates. They all treat me like an outcast, as if I don't deserve to live. I'm blamed for every mishap in this God-forsaken village. But no matter what they've done to me, I'm still here.

From the day I was born, and for the next 15 years after that I've been treated like dirt. The fourth hokage had sealed the spirit of the Nine Tailed Fox demon inside of me, and died shortly after. He was my own father too. How could a parent be so cruel to his own son? I suppose I can blame him for everything that's happened to me. I tried to be nice to them, but they still treated me like a monster. I bet if it was one of them instead they wouldn't be laughing. I've learned to live with all the tormenting, but it still hurts.

Sakura doesn't care. I really wish she did. Derrick doesn't care either, but I wouldn't expect him to, that emo bastard. Kakashi-Sensei tries to act like he doesn't have a third student. He doesn't deserve the title Sensei. At least, not my Sensei. The only person that ever cared, or pretended to care, was Iruka. But the day I turned 15 that changed. He stopped caring. He treated me just like everyone else did, like I didn't deserve to be alive.

But no matter what they do, or what they've said, I've remained strong. Their actions towards me keeps me going. It gives me the strength I need to become the best ninja there ever was. And when that day comes, I'll prove them all wrong. They'll all see, the mistakes they've made, will cost them their lives.

*

It started that one day, the few days before it all began. Of course, it had started out as a regular day; waking up, walking to the hokages tower for a mission, being harassed by the villagers. The usual.

I had been assigned a simple mission; delivering a scroll to Gaara, the Kazekage of the Sand Village. Tsunade had assigned Shino to accompany me. I'm never alone on a mission. They probably think I'm going to try something evil.

I can't say I don't like Shino. He's treated me pretty fair, unlike everyone else; he doesn't shun me like a monster. Sometimes I think he likes me too. But I'm not sure how far; maybe he's just scared to admit it. I can always feel his eyes watching me, even now, as we walk into Suna's gates, I can feel him watching me.

We met Kankuro half way through the gates, and he led us up to Gaara's office. The red-head was busy doing paperwork; his desk was covered in scrolls and books, some half open some never even touched.

He looked up at me and pointed to the bare spot in the corner. "Put it there. I'll get to it when I'm done with this."

Done with that? It'll take all day! I only sigh and place the scroll on his desk. Kankuro ushered us out of the office and closed the door behind him. We were free to roam the village until the Kazekage called on us again.

"How did he do it?" I whispered to myself.

Shino looked up at me. "Who did what?"

Woops. I wasn't supposed to say that aloud. Oh well, might as well answer I've got nothing to lose. "Gaara. He's a jinchuriki too. How did he become kazekage?"

Shino looked away and kept walking after me. "He pushed himself to try harder for his village. He believed he could accomplish that goal if he proved himself to everyone else."

Is he trying to say something? "It isn't as if I haven't tried. They just don't like me."

Shino sighed. "There's always a reason for everything."

I didn't know what to say. I couldn't, for he led me into a ramen shop. How could I resist? Especially when he's paying. We ate in silence. I couldn't help but stare at him, even though he kept his face carefully hidden.

"I know how you feel Naruto," he mumbled.

Oh boy. That isn't good. "You do?"

"I know how it feels to be treated differently." He looked up at me. "And I know what you've been thinking about doing."

So he has known. I guess I've underestimated him. "Really?"

He nodded, but before anything else could be said Kankuro walked up behind me. "Gaara is waiting for you." He cast me a dirty look before walking away.

I sighed and stood. Shino paid and followed me out. Once again we made our way to the Kazekages office. Gaara was sitting at his desk. It was cleared off except for the scroll I had handed him earlier. He nodded at me and handed back the scroll. Shino took it gratefully.

"Tell Tsunade that's an intriguing offer, but I must consider it first," Gaara said. "You may go."

For the second time that day we were forced out of the same door. As we picked our way through the village gates, my mind kept replaying our previous conversation. He wanted to tell me something, and less than half way back to our own village he stopped and took out the scroll.

"As I wanted to say before," he began, "I know what you want to do. And I want to help you." He handed me the scroll and used a quick hand sign.

"What are you doing?" I asked as he held his hand over the scroll.

"Reading it," he mumbled. He was silent for a moment. He sighed and said, "She wants his help on taking you down. But that's all I was able to figure out."

I nodded. That's understandable. I can see why she thinks that; there's no trust between us. Shino can help me, and I think I'll accept it.

"You'll let me help then?" He asked.

I nodded again.

"Good," he said putting the scroll away. "Then we'll plan out a strategy on our way back. The plan can be carried out in a few days."

"Right, but we won't be able to do it alone," I pointed out.

"We won't."

My lips curved into a smile. And here's the start to something new.

please review, id like to know what you think. i made it like this for a reason. there will be more action, a hell of a lot more action, but review anyway