The Samsara: Birth

A/N: Hello people of Fanfiction, I am a new author who is trying to improve his writing skills by using Fanfiction as his notebook. Why? It would be interesting to practice and have someone commenting on it.

To start this off, this story is inspired by many and various works from all the great fanfiction writers out there, much respect to them really. I thank the various authors who writes various stories for giving me inspiration to do this.

So to make things short, there won't be anything PERFECT or AWESOME here. This account is only used for this male teenager who is trying to improve his writing skills. Of course, criticism is needed here, that's the main reason why I'm here in the first place.

Warning: I will be literally butchering character's personality here; it'll be so bad that OOC won't define it. there will be constant talk about God in this chapter, but the author does not have any intention of placing any controversial material here.

Then, without further rambling from me, I give you this.

They say a demon is bad.

They say a hero is good.

But what if… what if life is much more revealing than what it is now? What if a demon has a reason for being bad? What if a hero isn't someone who protects people with his mighty sword?

The answer is hard to answer, for it is similar to ask of who is good, and who is bad.

Answering answers… answering answers that are not of use to most people is something very annoying. How can someone not feel annoyed when someone asks them a question that literally makes no sense?

They'll feel annoyed and disturbed that's for one. But isn't it them who is annoying? What if the asker is really looking forward for someone to answer his question? The question that the asker has sought for?

But asking questions won't get the asker anywhere, oh no. if there is one thing… one thing that the asker should do is that he has to find it. He must find his answer, asking is helpful but the most definite way is to find it.

But where?

Well that is up to the asker. After all, the answer is all around him.

"Hey, are you okay my child?"

Minato Namikaze, the fourth Hokage of the Leaf village, asked his son. Similar visage to his father, the child sports the same short blonde and spiky hair, cerulean sea blue eyes and the same nose. But his child age makes him rounder, the boy's cheeks is the only thing that made him different.

Whisker marks.

A proof of the father's greatest sorrow, but also a proof of his faith in his son.

The boy didn't answer his father, looking right out the window of the Hokage office from his father's desk. The face of a child barely twelve years of age is so… detached.

The lip that he possesses is not smiling like what most children would do. Instead, it is sporting a flat and faraway look. His eyes, unlike his father are so… bare and empty. His eyes are like the definition of the sky itself, empty but clouded with curiosity.

The father frowns visibly, he reached up his hands to the boy's crown, rubbing it in an affectionate manner. Eyes tired, he can only say, "I'm sorry."

As expected, the boy didn't answer. His form still focused on the scenery before him, the sea of people and buildings that scattered upon this village. He can feel his father's hand rubbing his head even faster, trying his best to show him affection.

"I'm very sorry, Naruto…"

Naruto. His name is Naruto Namikaze, the Whirlpool maelstrom that appears on a windy wave. His vivid image is inherited from his father, but his personality not. Yes, not even from his deceased mother.

KNOCK KNOCK

Minato cast the door a look, focusing on it. a female voice came from the other side of the door, belonging to that of another child. "Daddy… is Onii-sama here?"

The father smiled, answering. "Yes, he's here. Come on in, Haru."

"O-Okay…" the voice outside the door stuttered, the door opens revealing a little girl no older than ten with a short straight crimson hair and a pair of emerald green eyes. Her body adorned in a green sundress, sandals as footing. Currently an uneasy expression on her face, she approached her father.

"A-Ano… Kakashi-jiichan said that you have a meeting this evening… and he told me to come get you…" her tone is shy, her constant looking on the ground supports that.

The father of the two frowned for a brief moment. "That Kakashi… how could he use my daughter for his errand?" he let out a sigh. "Haah… Kushina… what should I do?"

Seeing her father's disappointed expression, the girl look worried instantly, looking as if she was the one to blame. "U-Um…! Don't blame Kakashi-jiichan, daddy… he's doing his training with Obito-jiichan and Rin-baachan… so I-I told him that I'll help…" she blushed.

That caused the Hokage to change his expression from disappointment to surprise. "Oho? You volunteered? Why isn't that good, Haru." A smile appears on his face. "I'm proud of you." a praise from her father was all it takes to make her feel better, but if a praise from her brother was heard, she'll be happy even more.

"And what do you need your brother for?" Minato asked, not forgetting his daughter's earlier need.

That made her blush deeper, she twiddles her fingers shyly, still looking on the ground. "E-E-Eh… I… Uh… Sasuke-kun was looking for him, he said something about a… a… training?"

The word training made the Hokage froze. His eyes widen in obvious shock, a gasp threatened to escape from his mouth but he barely managed to hold it in. He slowly turned his head to see his son, seeing him still focused on the scenery of Konoha.

His words stuck inside his throat, he wanted to speak. He can't speak, the shock of knowing that his son is training is something very surprising. He finally finds his voice, his lips strangely dry. Body fully turning towards the boy, he asked.

"Naruto, you have been training with Sasuke?"

The question is that, not 'When did you start training?' or any other possible question. The boy answers, something that shocked his sister and father.

"Yes, yes I have." His voice is not something they expected it would be. It's… it's… not cold but… it's like the embodiment of a still, calm and perfect leader. His tone is peaceful, that's one way to describe it. He spoke so tersely and calm, a little bit of coldness in it but it's regal.

His father didn't know how to respond. He's still shocked of hearing his son speaking for the very first time in his life. He saw him turning, facing them. The usual detached and emotionless look replaced by a serious, strict and a sense of authority.

One thing Minato knew for sure is that the boy didn't get that from his mother.

Snapping himself from his stupor, the Hokage spoke again. "I see… then go, meet Sasuke-kun. And be sure to be home before dinner."

After hearing his father's words, he jumped down to the floor, walked up to the door and leaving after giving the two people a curt bow.

Minato stared at the spot where his son exited, not moving still focused at the door frame. It was then when his daughter's voice reached his ears. "Um… daddy? The meeting…?"

Snapping out, he smiled. "Oh yeah… I'll be going there in a minute, go home first Haru." He gave her a warm smile that seems to reassure her. "Boar, please accompany her." A male figure dressed in black and a white porcelain mask to hide his mask appeared from the ceiling into to the ground.

"Yes Lord Hokage." He kneeled before leaving to nothingness. That's enough to let Haru have a safe trip home for sure. His daughter exits the room, leaving him alone.

Or maybe?

"Wolf."

A black figure, this time female, dressed in similar attire as the earlier one appeared, the only difference is that her ninjato is strapped to her back. She kneeled on the ground, her short straight black hair shifting.

"Yes Hokage-sama?" her voice sounded mature, expected from an ANBU.

Minato grabbed a pen and placed it inside his pocket. He adjusted his haori and hat. "Follow Naruto, and tell me every single detail on what he's doing." His voice filled with authority, he ordered the ANBU to do as he commands.

"Yes milord." She disappeared into the shadows, leaving not a single trace of her behind. The Hokage gazed out the window into the direction of where the training ground is. He sports a worried expression on his face, something unusual to look for the public.

"Naruto… what is it that you do my son…?"

A question that is unheard.

"You're here… Naruto."

Sasuke Uchiha, the youngest heir to the Uchiha clan, a boy considered to be a genius amongst those his age. A rather tall boy, dressed in black familiar Uchiha clan attire with long sleeves and collar. His lower attire consisting of a simple grey trousers and sandals.

His raven black eyes hold an aura of absolute devotion, intelligence and skill. It's not hidden that the boy is smart. His hair shifted slowly due to the warm wind of evening, face sporting a patient look and lips looking flat.

Currently, his eyes are only focused to one sole figure.

Naruto Namikaze

He would accept this boy as his leader, Hokage and even teacher. Why? He's his savior. A white robed man amongst those who are dressed in black. The perfect embodiment of a lantern if one will.

Flashback

"Are you lost?"

He's cold. Scared and wet. Raising his face, he came face to face with another boy. He looked no older than him, as short as him and young. But one thing… one thing that makes him different is his presence.

Above him is a plain umbrella, shielding him from the cold rain. The forest is not a place for a boy like them to be in. but he's here… he's here dressed in his regal blue and gold attire, consisting of simple t-shirt with golden linings and a matching set of pants and sandals.

To be this close to him… to be in this field of view makes the rain stop for him. His eyes fixated a pair of reflecting deep blue, he felt inferior. His Uchiha pride disappeared instantly, his usual cold and mighty attitude gone.

Replaced with one thing.

Relief.

"Come, I can show you the way out of this forest." He spoke again, his voice shouldn't belong to a child. He leans the umbrella closer to him, shielding him from the rain. Of course, this action caused the blonde to be exposed to the rain too.

But he didn't do anything instead of standing. He stands from his position before, no longer leaning on the tree bark waiting for help. He wiped the liquid from his eyes, they are not the rain, they're tears.

Soon, the two started to walk from the forest, with him being led by his savior. While walking, Sasuke can't help but feel ashamed. Why? He let his fears conquered him, he let panic drove his mind and most importantly, he cried.

His father and even brother told him that crying is useless. It's unbecoming of a ninja to cry, it's a taboo.

He felt guilty, ashamed of himself and hurt. He's guilty of not thinking the situation through, he's ashamed because he lets a stranger help him and he's hurt, no, his pride is hurt because he's saved.

"We're here." He heard him say. Sasuke allowed his head to raise slightly, his vision graced with the giant and familiar gate. His shame hollowed eyes stared blankly at the gate, not feeling happy of seeing as much as before.

The other boy said nothing, not even a word. It was then when a group of chunnins came and approach them. The blonde recognized one of the chunnin, Kotetsu is his name. Kotetsu, face holding obvious worry, asked the two boys. "Naruto-sama, Uchiha-sama! Where have you been this past two days?! Your family is worried about you two, especially yours Uchiha-sama!"

Sasuke didn't respond. The chunnin spoke again. "Come, follow us, we'll take you to the Hokage tower."

"No."

A commanding voice spoke out, it took Kotetsu five seconds to realize that it was not one of his peers speaking. His eyes landed on the blonde, both eyes widening. "No, don't. Tell my father than I'll be waiting at home, and thank the Uchiha for having a rather brave son." He walked forward, not casting a glance to them. "Thank them that Uchiha-san saved me."

He disappeared into the gate, all of the ones present are staring at his previous position. Out of all, Sasuke was the one who is most surprised. His eyes are wide enough to be called saucers.

Why…?

Why did he told them that?

It was him who was saved, it was him who was scared and it was him who cried! He was the one who saved him, he was the one who lead, and it was him to brought him here. So, why…? Why did he lie?

Sasuke Uchiha did not know, but he knew one thing.

Naruto Uzumaki, for him, is perfect.

End

"Uchiha." A pair of still blue eyes gazed back into a pair of black orbs. The two exchanged stares for a brief moment, not speaking or moving. It was ended when the blonde speak again, his tone still that of his regal and cold one. "Are you ready?"

"Yes." He answered, tone as hard as steel. But is his will the same? Is his will as hard as his words?

No, because his will… his will is that of a fire.

Later…

"Do not show fatigue, straighten your posture, do not show weakness to your enemies."

He's tired… body aching and brain having a major headache. He spent the rest of the evening training, with Naruto observing and instructing him. He done all sorts of things from taijutsu to theory. He punched a tree that results in his aching body parts, he solved theories that results in a major headache for his brain.

Sasuke gritted his teeth, chest heaving up and down as he lay on the cold night grass. He can't feel his neck, legs and arms... he's numb. His breathing hurt and eyes sore, another mathematical problem will cause him to have his Sharingan, that's for sure…

"The ninja is perfect. He does not show flaws among his comrades. The ninja is absolute, weakness is not an option. The mind and body are one, do not attempt to choose, combine them."

He heard him dictating from the sidelines, face expressionless and unmoving from his earlier spot in the evening. Like him, he skipped dinner to get to this hour. But he doubt that he's soring as much as him right now.

Sasuke struggled to his feet; the effort of moving his arms alone is unbearable. He coughed, the hurting in his chest increased. But he refuses to show any signs of giving up! He refuses to show weakness in front of him!

"Graaah!" he jumped, ignoring all the searing hot pain coursing through his body. panting heavily, Sasuke stood his ground once more. Looking at the boy dressed in blue, eyes shouting determination, Sasuke Uchiha has been reborn.

'Haaah… hah… gah… hah…" Sasuke panted, chest heaving up and down. But he held it in. his fatigue, his pain, his weakness… he's holding them all in, refusing to show them to him. his eyes stared upon his, not meeting eye to eye, but meeting eye to soul.

Naruto saw something inside of Sasuke. It is not his determination, it is not his sheer potential and it is not his bloodline.

It is his eyes that he see. Not his eyes that is physical for all to see, but the window to his soul. The window that is previously closed has been opened, his body boiling with absolute drive that kept him going until now, it's not strength. It's joy.

Sasuke's joy of wanting to show his worth in front of him is on the max, he has forgotten about all the pain and hurting he suffered earlier. It was all replaced by joy, satisfaction and happiness. A full grown smirk appeared on the Uchiha's face, even if he's still sore, he's ridden in joy.

"How… How's that?"

The blonde took a moment to think. Then, he spoke.

"Perfect."

One word. That one word was all it takes for Sasuke to feel… so joyous. He let himself fell to the ground, his back landing on the surface of cool grass. A full blown smile stretched his face, something that an Uchiha don't normally posses.

"But it's not satisfaction for me."

In just six words, Sasuke's joy shattered like mirrors. Shocked, he screamed. "Why?! Was the improvement I showed you not enough?! Wasn't it good enough for you!?" he shouted at the top of his lungs, eyes blazing with fury.

"Every time! Every single time I train was with you ordering me what to do! You tell me to be perfect, you taught me why should I be perfect but you yourself isn't!" Sasuke points an accusing finger on the blonde, mind filled with anger and discontentment. It's like a slap to the face for him.

After all he's done… this was all just to get his acknowledgement, he train, he improve for him! Not for his clan, not for his pride but for him! but why? Why did he have to have such high standards?

"What about you? You're flawed for all I know." Sasuke spat at that, eyes mocking him.

The other boy stood motionless. His eyes fixed on Sasuke's form. It was when Naruto spoke that the Uchiha listened.

"Aren't you perfect for trying to be perfect? Aren't you flawed for being perfect? Have I taught you nothing, Sasuke? Have I not taught you to be perfect?" he asked, eyes still and expression still blank and strict.

"Yes, I haven't taught you to be perfect."

"What?" Sasuke's voice came out shaky.

"Perfection is only possible for those who define them. I have defined my own perfection." He turned his body towards the exit of the training ground. He walked a couple of feet away, still in hearing distance. And he turned his head towards Sasuke, giving him a look. "What's your definition of perfection Sasuke?"

With that said, he's gone, leaving the Uchiha alone to ponder on his words.

Sasuke stood agape, body shivering and fists tightening. He gritted his teeth, eyes shadowed by his hair.

"NAAAARUUUUTOOO!" He shouted to the light of the moon. tears began to fall from his eyes, his pride restored but his joy fading. He then fell to his knees, falling to tears. "Why?! Why is it so hard!?" he only want to show him dammit! He wants to show that he's different, he wants to show that he's not weak!

He wants to show that he is perfect.

But perfect… being perfect is out of his reach. But to hell with giving up, he'll make him see his perfection… he'll be the one to order the next time they train.

"HYAAAAAH!"

And from that night onwards, Sasuke Uchiha has been hitting the log like crazy.

"That is all sir."

…

"Thank you, wolf. You are dismissed."

"Yes." POOF

The thing about ANBU reports is that all of them are detailed. Evervy scene, actions, conversation are so detailed that he could make a book out of it. but ignoring that, he's now… he's not surprised, he's not shocked he's beyond them.

He's mindblown.

Wolf is the best ANBUs out there, she damn is. He trusts what she says or report to him, he trusts her to the point where she'll say that she saw the Raikage dressed in a pink tutu.

But this news about his son and the Uchiha kid training? He's thiiiis close to fire her. Yup. But proof is proof, and it's detailed to boot. Upon hearing Wolf's report, Minato was so into it that he forgot to blink. That explains why his eyes are sore right now.

Just like all the other fathers out there, he has no choice than to accept what he had heard. But… really? His son… his son who has been silent all of this time is that strict? That cold? That… mature? He didn't know… he did not know a freaking thing…

The Kage sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. He slumped back to his chair, looking at the white dim ceiling. "Haah… Kushina… what should I do?" being him is hard… it's damn hard. But he's happy too, he knew something about his son that he has never known before.

At home…

"O-Onii-sama?"

Meeting a familiar face, Haru is still surprised by the fact that her brother returned home late at night. He's there, entering the door of the house, face still the way she remembered it to be. He took off his sandals and placed them on the rack near him. he walked pass her but was stopped when he heard her speak.

"A-Ano.. Onii-sama… dinner's ready and the bath is warm if you want to take one…." She said to her brother. Without looking back, Naruto shrugged his shoulders, indicating that he understood. He went to the kitchen to eat his late dinner.

Haru sighed; she's used to her brother acting the way he is. But today, today at the office, she heard him spoke. That's something refreshing for once. But she wants to know more about him and she's sure that her father does too.

Her brother acted the same way he's in the academy. He's the top student, the rookie of the class with Sasuke Uchiha next to him. Even her, who does above in class, can't help but feel… inferior when seeing her brother doing everything so perfect.

She's not jealous or anything, she's just interested. She's interested in her brother, now more because she heard him spoke this early evening.

The girl giggled lightly, continuing her walk to her room to catch a good night sleep.

Meanwhile for the older Namikaze, he's eating his dinner peacefully. He enjoys good food but he try to avoid junk food. Eating them might be delicious but it only took single rat to make an elephant fall. He's diligent in keeping his diet, mainly because he trains on the field regularly.

But the thought of having a proper training schedule is not necessary for him, training itself is only to keep his body, mind and soul in balance.

He's a serious child, he knew that. He didn't need his father or sister to walk up to his face and say that to him. he doesn't express anger, anger is the path to defeat. For anger clouds one mind with destructive path and that is unbecoming of a ninja. Happiness is another thing. being happy is fine, but it's the way to express it that matters.

Jumping around in joy is foolish, but feeling joy in one's heart is different. He embraces victory, he delights in honor and he respects trust. One could say that he's like the calm wind of the south, blowing ever gently and basking the land in a warm and comforting chill.

This is his belief. It is up to him to see what he see fit, that he should be unshakeable. He should be the embodiment of a great warrior, but a warrior that puts victory, honor and salvation first instead of strength, pride and glory. Tell him he's cold, but he isn't, he's calm. Calm as the still lake at the end of a mountain path, the blowing wind of November rushing through the west from the east.

He won't just become a ninja, he'll be someone… someone who seeks perfection and will find it. someone who holds the gold with his right hand and the sword on his left, who wore the armor of salvation and carries his comrades' hope.

No, don't mistake him as a hero.

He won't be a hero.

He'll be beyond that.

He's persuaded to attend the academy. His father's words are absolute after all.

He is to become a ninja. An assassin who stalks the shadows, naughty little backstabbers who gets their hands dirty from the finger to shoulder. A ninja is vile. A ninja is cruel and a ninja is unforgiving. They do not rely on emotion, they ignore love, they despise the light.

But what… what is strong, ignores emotion, embraces the light and honorable at the same time? what is lacking in ninja that does not meet his category of a profession? It rankles him, it rankles him so hard.

A ninja is dirty. They have no sense of care to those they've killed, they're the perfect killing machine. Order them to kill a baby, and they might just do it. a ninja has no honor or code of conduct, they act to get their job done.

But… isn't that okay? One does not have to see the light to walk, one does not have to get their hands clean to protect others, and one does not have to let rules bound them. But what is it… what is it in a ninja that makes them so… professional in their line of job?

Is it their chakra? That's one. Is it their weapons? Is it their skills and attributes?

Or is it their cause?

So many questions, but not so many sources.

Naruto Uzumaki has to become a ninja, he needs to be one. It is the only way, the only way of knowing the taste of his enlightenment, his peace. But is it worth? Every damn penny.

He finished his dinner, placing the bowls and plates into the sink to wash them. After done, he walked up to his room. This plain looking room belonging to that of an eleven year old is his. He has no needs to decorate it just like his sister's room, it's unnecessary and misleading. It is when he reached his bed that he dreams.

His dream of seeing a man with the ten tails on his back.

End of chapter one