Disclaimer – I do not own Naruto, damnit! Nor do I own 'Perfect', by Alanis Morissette
Author's Note – Yes, I realize it's bad. I just can't seem to figure out how to make it as good as the song.
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Perfect
Deep wisps of breath escaped young Uzumaki Naruto, seeping out past the dried lips and parched tongue. Leaning back against the tree, he felt his head flop forward; muscles too worn to hold him up or keep him steady. The boy's azure eyes glazed over as he lapsed into thought, unperturbed by the increasing wind. The wind toyed with his blond hair, ruffling it further, but he was too far into thought to really care.
Sometimes is never quite enough
If you're flawless, then you'll win my love
Don't forget to win first place
Don't forget to keep that smile on your face
He wanted to stand up so badly … to prove to them all that he was worth their time. Many people might give Naruto a questioning look as to his determination. After all, why bother trying to please a clearly prejudiced village? Sometimes, he didn't even know why. That was just how Naruto was.
With a small grunt from the back of his throat, the Kyuubi-container pushed himself forward, wanting only to continue.
Be a good boy
Try a little harder
You've got to measure up
And make me prouder
When I'm the Hokage … That was how every thing started with Naruto, and he'd be damned if it didn't end like that. So, this was how it was training days. Naruto would push himself harder than he was meant to be pushed. Then he would push his limits even more. And at the end of the day, the boy would find himself asleep on the grass.
He didn't know why he was so motivated lately. Sasuke had been gone for so long, and he hadn't pressed himself this hard until now. Right now, all Naruto wanted was perfection. He knew how Sakura must of felt during their academy days, trying for the top marks. He envied her.
How long before you screw it up
How many times do I have to tell you to hurry up
With everything I do for you
The least you can do is keep quiet
As Naruto stood once more, a pink haired kunoichi sighed, almost ready to cry. He was doing it … For her. For that idiotic fucking promise he made. She glanced down. Haruno Sakura could do two things. Tell him to stop - that the promise was pointless, or go back and continue her own training with Tsunade-sama.
It was obvious Naruto wouldn't simply stop, so it was also obvious she had to choose the second option. She assumed that he expected her to be a great medic-nin. So that they could both go and get Sasuke back. Baka. Sakura couldn't help but feel she'd never be that good.
Be a good girl
You've gotta try a little harder
That simply wasn't good enough
To make us proud
Standing, Sakura felt a tear hit her cheek. Would they ever be good enough for Sasuke? Tsunade-sama complimented the girl daily, but somehow it seemed so monotonous and unfulfilling … Her parents had even stopped bothering with her – they assumed she was the perfect student.
Giving one last glance to the training ninja, she turned away. He probably didn't want to be watched.
I'll live through you
I'll make you what I never was
If you're the best, then maybe so am I
Compared to him compared to her
I'm doing this for your own damn good
You'll make up for what I blew
What's the problem...why are you crying
Naruto sensed Sakura there, watching him. He didn't bother telling her to go away. She was probably there to see if he was getting strong enough. Naruto had to prove himself, as simple as that.
Be a good boy
Push a little farther now
That wasn't fast enough
To make us happy
We'll love you just the way you are
If you're perfect
As Sakura's chakra faded into the distance, Naruto sighed. She was probably disappointed in him.