It Only Hurts When I Breathe

Naruto Uzumaki was 16, and had the nine-tailed-fox sealed within him. He was treated as dirt, no, worse than dirt. He was on his way to training when he saw his two team mates kissing. Their names were Sasuke Uchiha, and Sakura Haruno. Naruto always pretended to have a crush on Sakura but in reality, he hated her. He pretended to hate Sasuke, but he loved him. It was kind of like a flip-flop with the two.

"S-Sasuke? Sakura?" Naruto asked.

They broke apart. Sakura turned around and glared at him.

"Go away, Naruto. We know that you're hated so why not just leave? Or, better yet, die? That would do the whole village a favor," she said coldly.

Naruto's grin faltered, but automatically picked up. Since when do I care what she thinks?

"I agree with Sakura, dobe. You really should leave or die. It would do the village a favor," Sasuke said, instantly regretting it. Now, Naruto's grin was fake. He was heart-broken from what Sasuke just said. If it's what Sasuke wants, then fine. Nobody would miss me anyway. he thought. Oh, how wrong he was.

"There's no training today since Kakashi-sensei is on a mission. Let's go, Sasuke. Clearly Naruto-baka isn't leaving," Sakura said. The last sentence was spoken too soon. Right when she stopped talking, Naruto darted to his apartment

I hate them! I hate this village! I'm out of here!

You sure you want to do that, kit? It was Kyuubi. Because if so, then let's get out of here.

Good idea, Kyuubi. I'll just pack all my important things and hurry off tonight.

Good. I can't stand another second longer than what you want in this hell-hole.

Me neither. So, it's settled. I- we leave tonight.

Can't wait.

And that was the end of that conversation. That night, Naruto's plan was put into action. He picked up his bag with the things he found important, and left his apartment, leaving it unlocked. He rushed to the gates, but was stopped by one of the guards.

"Where are you going this late at night, Naruto? It's one in the morning!"

"Whatever." Naruto punched him out of the way, and instantly left.

The next morning, Iruka was at Naruto's apartment door, knocking and calling out his name.

"Naruto!? Open the door, I know you're not asleep!" he called.

No answer. Kakashi was finally back from his mission and was suddenly by Iruka's side.

"What's wrong?" he asked.

"Naruto's not opening the door. I don't know what's gotten into that boy," Iruka explained.

Kakashi tried the door, and it opened. "It's unlocked, Iruka. Why didn't you try this way?" he asked.

"I didn't know it was unlocked. Let's see what's up with Naruto."

"Okay."

When they entered the house, they realized that there was no sign of Naruto or Kyuubi's chakra signature. They gave each other worried glances, when just then, Kakashi saw a piece of paper on the table.

He read it and finally looked at Iruka, with concerned eyes. "We have to see Tsunade, right away."

"Why? What's it say?" Iruka asked urgently.

"I'll tell you on the way."

"What!?" Tsunade's yell was heard all over the village. She lowered her voice before continuing. "What do you mean he ran away!? Why would he run!?" she all but screamed.

Sasuke, Sakura, Shikamaru, Hinata, and Neji were all there as well. They were just as shocked as Tsunade was.

"Exactly what I mean. Naruto's ran away. We don't know why. Just read the letter! There was no sign that he'll stay out forever, nor that he'll return," Kakashi explained.

I know why he left. Sasuke and Sakura thought together. They knew it was their fault Naruto ran away. More Sasuke's than anyone's, but they didn't know that. Only Naruto knew and he ran away.

"Why would he run away!?" Tsunade yelled. She was beyond shocked, and angry. She was pissed.

"We don't know. But there was something in the letter about some people being mean to him. We think that's why. We just don't know who or where those people are," Iruka cut in.

"Find them! This is urgent! Call all the Anbu you can find! We have a run-away!" Tsunade ordered.

"No need, Tsunade. Why not just send his friends out? They have better chances of bringing Naruto back than anyone," Yamato said.

"Fine, I'll send his friends. Sasuke Uchiha, Sakura Haruno, Shikamaru Nara, Hinata Hyuuga, Neji Hyuuga, find the rest of Naruto's friends you know of. You all are to find Naruto and bring him back. Dismissed!"

"Hai," they all said, and disappeared to find the rest of Naruto's friends.

To Be Continued…