Before you came

Chapter one; same old same old.

Naruto POV

"Get up." said the voice. I didn't move. "I said GET UP" The voice repeated. Slowly I stood up, keeping my eyes to the ground. I knew it wouldn't last long, just until I was bruised and bleeding, then they would stop. It always amazed me how cruel some people were. But you get used to it, learn to block out the voices.

"Look at him so pathetic" yelled Sasuke. He was the ring leader, the head of the pack. But plenty of people followed; Ino, Sakura, Neji, Hinata, Gaara, Kiba, Lee, Sai. Even some of the younger kids; Konnahamaru and Mogei.

Sasuke sent a sharp kick my way, making my legs buckle and give way.

"Dear god, I don't think Konnahamaru would have fallen from that." Laughed Sasuke, followed by the rest of the gang "You really are the worst Ninja ever Naruto"

Yes that's me, Naruto, the most unpopular kid in the school, thanks to Sasuke and all the rest. For about three years now, I've been the subject of torment and emotional torture. It's was true what Sasuke said, I am the worst Ninja ever. Its not my fault, it's my father. He didn't seem to realise that I wasn't cut out for Ninja school. He ignored the fact that I was too quiet and gentle to become a ninja. Each time my mother implied this he would just use the same argument 'That Hinata girl from the Hyuga clan, she's just the same as Naruto and she manages just fine. There's also that chubby boy, name of Choji, even he manages. So why can't my son?"

So here I was stuck in Ninja High school, I would have preferred to be anywhere but here. I wish dad would just see me for who I am and except that. To be honest I would have preferred to go to art school. I've always had a talent for drawing, or that's what my mum says.

"Leave him Sasuke, he's pathetic" said Sakura pulling on Sasuke's arm and sending a contemptuous glare my way. Ah Sakura, I've always loved her. Shame the feeling isn't mutual. She's mad a bout Sasuke, but he's too much of a snob to go out with any of the girls. They're not 'good' enough for him apparently.

Sasuke brushed off Sakura's hand ignoring her comment.

"I don't know why you call yourself a ninja. What Jutsu's can you do exactly?" asked Sasuke scornfully.

I looked down at the hard ground, not wanting to answer his question. It seemed that my eyes saw the ground more often than the sky.

"Hey Sasuke asked you a question, dumbass, answer it"

I didn't need to look up to know that it was Kiba who had spoken. He was Sasuke's right hand man, the one who would think up elaborate lies when teachers caught us.

"I… I can do some things." I mumbled in a vain attempt to stand up for myself. "I can do the Sshadow clone Jutsu."

My comment was followed by a loud bark of laughter from Sasuke. Everybody else joined in.

"Seriously? That's it?" asked Sasuke still laughing. "I think Konnahamaru and Mogei are learning that at the moment. No doubt they'll master it better than you did."

My cheeks began to flame. I kept my head down.

"So, if you think you can complete your ninja days with only the 'shadow clone jutsu' then let's see. Fight me."

Looking up I could see Sasuke's eyes filled with malice. Fight? He wanted me to fight him? But if I did then I would surely be beaten black and blue… One the other hand if I didn't, I would also be beaten black and blue by the rest of his gang. It was a no win situation. It was my choice; beaten up by one person or eleven. I decide to take my chances against Sasuke, and hope that a teacher would come out soon after all school would be starting soon..

Swallowing, I stood to my feet. Sasuke smiled evilly.

"Lets see how many seconds it takes for me to have you begging for mercy" said Sasuke assuming a fighter's pose.

Before I even had a chance to take a deep breath Sasuke was hurtling through the air at top speed. His legs thrown out he kicked me square in the chest. I nearly fell, but at the last minute managed to save my self, by performing the Shadow clone jutsu. A copy of myself caught me before I fell.

Sasuke's eyes widened slightly then narrowed.

"Still relying on that jutsu? Heh, it won't do you any good." Sasuke ran forward kicking the clone I had made in the face so it disappeared. Reaching out he wrapped his fingers around my throat tightening his grip. As I struggled for breath I heard a voice cry out across the grounds.

"STOP IT, LEAVE HIM ALONE NOW!"

Turning my head slightly to see who my saviour was, my eyes bulged. I couldn't believe it, and by the look on Sasuke's face, he was as shocked as I was…

Yasuko Cretan