Super important AN: Hey all, it's been how many years? I sort of dropped of the face of the earth. Every time I log on to this site, I feel super guilty about my lack of following through on this story. Now, as I'm older and more mature (and hopefully a much improved writer), I can complete this story; fulfilling my vision. I am not going to apologize for irresponsibly dropping this before, nor make excuses.
Summary: Itachi Uchiha takes Naruto with him the night of the Uchiha massacre with the third Hokage's permission and trains him. Through events that will be relayed throughout the story, Naruto undergoes an identity transformation and dons a Menma-like persona. Repercussions? You better believe there will be.
Anyways, please enjoy my re-imagining of NARUTO: HATRED!
Prologue: Goodbye
Two mysterious figures approached the gate leading into the Village Hidden in the Leaves. Both sported black robes with hoods to conceal their faces. The taller of the duo was wearing a white ring with the kanji for 'vermillion' on it. The shorter of the two seemed to be lagging behind the other half-heartedly, as if not wanting to travel to the intended destination.
It was a warm spring day, with the sun beaming its rays down on the Land of Fire. The wind was soothing and complemented the beautiful weather. The sky was mostly clear, with a few errant clouds here and there. The birds and insects were out and about, seemingly basking in the sunlight, attempting to take it all in. A perfect day for relaxing outside and enjoying the outdoors; picturesque.
Unfortunately, it was not a perfect day for one of the two travelers. Today was a day of parting; an end, as well as a new beginning.
The pair did not speak to one another, either lost in their thoughts, or focused on the reaching the gargantuan green gate in the distance.
The ring-bearing of the duo stopped walking suddenly.
"This is far enough. The Hokage clearly stated we were not to be seen or sensed while re-entering the village. Any further, and I may be apprehended," a male voice emanated from the taller one as he informed his companion.
The smaller of the two came to stop as the figure took in the words. Another higher-pitched male voice sadly queried, "Alright, when will I see you again?"
"When we meet again, we will act as if we have never met one another beforehand; strangers, even enemies if the situation calls for it," the more mature, older voice replied.
The younger of the twosome started sniffling as his fists balled up at his sides. He lifted his face swiftly, revealing a pair of tear-rimmed, cerulean eyes that bore into the veiled face of his partner. "Are you serious? This is so not fair! I have so much more to learn! How can the village just do 'that' to you? The villagers don't even know how much you've helped them out! You're the frickin'-"
The taller one cut off the rambling by putting his ringed hand on top of the smaller ones head and ruffling his hair affectionately.
Is this it? Is this how it's going to end? These past few years, forgotten? The sniffling evolved into silent weeping.
The adolescent batted the hand away and stepped away from his companion.
Don't you dare cry Naruto, stop crying right now! I thought I was done being a wimp, a coward, a god damn crybaby! Naruto wiped the tears from his face.
"Remember everything I have taught you Naruto. It was all for your benefit. It is time for you to pave your own path as a shinobi."
"Self-sacrifice... a nameless shinobi who protects peace within it's shadow... that is a true shinobi." Naruto recalled all the knowledge bestowed to him.
"Itachi, I'll miss you so-" All the emotions poured out at once, like a river bursting from a dam.
The one called Itachi stopped his partner once again,"Naruto. Our time was not spent in vain. The Akatsuki will be mobilizing soon, and you will to need to be prepared for that threat as well as ones we cannot foresee. You need to keep your emotions in check."
Naruto placed his hood down, revealing jet-black shaggy hair and feral whisker marks. His deep blue eyes were gleaming with tears that were uncontrollably flowing like a small waterfall.
"Itachi. I hope you know that I think of you as an older brother and the only family I've ever really had. Thank you for everything; taking me with you, training me, teaching me how to be a great shinobi, and helping me out with the furball in my stomach. Most of all, thanks for accepting me. I'll never forget our times together." The puffy eyed teen awaited a response.
The response he received was unexpected. In his signature monotone voice, Itachi told Naruto, "Goodbye Naruto."
The man disappeared as he dispersed into crows.
The raven-haired youth quickly wiped his tears and gathered his bearings. Eyes blazing with a determination, he looked towards his destination: The Village Hidden in the Leaves.
If Naruto was more perceptive, he would have noticed a two particular details about Itachi's departure.
First, a lone tear slid seemingly from thin air and into the earth.
Second, the proud, albeit tearful face smile of mentor and guardian.
Hey everyone, I hope you enjoyed the prologue. This is just the beginning of what I hope to be an entertaining story. Any questions? Please pm me, or ask me something in a review! All support is appreciated, and will help encourage me to push chapters out more often. I do not have an estimation on when the next chapter will be released, but be on the look out! Any criticisms or silly grammatical errors? Please point them out to me as well! Anyways, thanks for your time!