Greetings, readers! Katarina Wolffe here, everybody's favorite author. Or not. But anyways, this is my first Naruto fan fiction solo, though I've collaborated to work on one of the most awesome stories in existence - Being Ninja (Or Not), by the Sisterhood of Traveling Kunai. But this is my first time all alone. OK, time to end the blabber. As they all say - GO EASY ON ME! But do review. Helpful criticism is amazing, but flames and flamers are not. A reader is only so good as their review, positive or not. I'll try my best to answer all your questions, and the ones that say "Yay" "Good Job" etc. will really make my day. Flames that tell me I suck, or insult my cat will by met with the utmost fury. And, somehow or rather, I'll sic Chuck Norris on you. My story is about Zulaan, a beloved (though evil) OC. So, on with the disclaimer! I don't own Naruto (Here's a spoiler: MASASHI KISHIMOTO DOES!). I don't own any of the Naruto characters, like Naruto, or Kiba, or whoever. I do own Zulaan though, and I own my plot-line. Oh, and, I don't own the Akatsuki (CURSE YOU, KISHIMOTO - one day I shall!). So don't sue. Or Mr. T will pity you. So ha. Anyways, this is a mainly serious story, with it's romantic parts. Not that romantic though. 'Jeez, how romantic can a couple of 12 year old genin get? So, as hard as it is for you to believe this, this is actually a serious story. And the Akatsuki, later on. ^-^ On with the story!

All my young days were a blur. I trained in the Hidden Sand Village, Rain Village, even the Sound Village. I trained in so many different places, I don't remember. What was I training for, you may ask? You're asking a stupid question. I was training to become a Shinobi. I became one, too. I traveled with Kazecho, a kind, if sometimes cold, merchant. He traveled to every land there was. Many days I spent, simply helping Kazecho to market off and scam people. In the hidden villages, though, I trained to be a Shinobi, a ninja. The most memorable village, both the most painful and joyful, was Konohagakure - the Village Hidden in the Leaves. It is the one time I remember. It is the last time I remember. It was my youth, my death. My name is Zulaan, and in Konohagakure, I was born. In Konohagakure, I died.

As the caravan approached the sprawling city, I thought I would fall right off the side. The driver had had several drinks beforehand, and took no precautions to avoid the rocks and potholes in front of us. Kazecho-san had promised that we would settle down in Konoha for a while. I could finish my Shinobi training, possibly gain a friend or two. Also, I wouldn't have to sit in such close proximity to smelly old men in the caravans any more. I could have a new beginning. I had almost reached the point where I could part ways with Kazecho in the Hidden Sand Village, but seeing this, he had cut short the stay and we had taken off the ninja-less Land of Tea. I had made up my mind: Once I was a shinobi, I would say goodbye to Kazecho, and make my life in the Hidden Leaves Village. The rocking back and forth of the caravan was by no means rhythmic, and my plans were cut short as I was sent sprawling on the ground. A few men laughed, including Kazecho-san, and one particularly smelly one pointed at me. I felt rage well up in me, and was about to unleash a jutsu I had learned in the Hidden Sound Village when someone pulled me up onto my feet. She was a woman with messy dark-colored hair. She sat me down beside her, and I said quietly, "Thank you."

"Not a problem!" the woman smiled, showing off sharp canine teeth. I was momentarily taken aback, but she continued. "I'm Inuzuka Tsume. I live in Konoha. What about you? I don't recognize you."

"I-I'm Zulaan. I don't really have a last name, but Anlo Kazecho takes care of me." I pointed a skinny finger towards him, and continued. "I'm training to be a shinobi. I'm 12." At this Tsume smiled. "I have a boy, he's your age, and training to be a shinobi as well." I smiled politely. Just as I did so, the caravan creaked to a stop, and Kazecho called for me.

"Zulaan! Get my bags!" He added some other phrases, which, for your sake, I won't include. I waved goodbye to Tsume, and started off towards my new home.

Ninja Academy: Day 1. My alarm clock could've been screaming Bloody Murder it was so loud. I fumbled around for my glasses, which had been cracked in my fall. Darn it… I can't see a thing with these broken things! I thought angrily, though it was actually a lie. I could see well enough with them. I quickly pulled on a pair of woven tan pants, and a black front-fastening tank top. (AN: Kind of like Tenten's shirt) I smiled at the light yellow edging on the shirt. It had once belonged to my mother, whoever she really was. All I had right now for family was Kazecho-san, and soon I wouldn't even have him. Not that I minded; I was always a loner. I slung a bag over my shoulder, and ran off through Konoha's streets. today, I wouldn't be working with Kazecho.

As I dashed into the classroom, I realized I was several minutes early. There were so many children my age; I hadn't seen many my age since a year earlier, in the Hidden Sand Village. I sat down in an empty corner, where I wouldn't be bothered much, and observed my new classmates.

There was a girl with pink hair, and a girl with blond hair. The two were fighting about something, calling each other "Billboard Brow" and "Inopig." I wondered why to girls would fight so hard over something, and caught the idea when they both shot longing glances at an overly serious looking boy sitting in the front. His black hair covered his face, but from the looks of it he didn't have mutual feelings with any of the girls in the classroom. The girl with pink hair, who I discovered was named Sakura broke off her fight, and wandered over to the depressing kid.

"Sasuke-kun! What are you doing after school t-today?" she asked, and I could see her fingers crossed really hard behind her back.

"Training," he responded, ignoring her and acting superior.

"Sasuke-kun, you are sooo awesome! No wonder you're top of the class!" she pretended she was proud of Sasuke, but through my broken glasses I could see she was disappointed. The boy named Sasuke shrugged off her comment, frowning intensely. I made a few mental notes:

Sasuke: snobby, annoying, depressing.

Sakura: weak, fangirl.

Well, I didn't see anyone to call a friend yet, but I could see who wouldn't be one. So many people… and no one noticed me, in my secluded location in the shadows. I stared at the desk. When I am suddenly among so many people, why should I feel so lonely?