XxXxX-Beginning
"You are EXILED from the village, Naruto Uzumaki! You are to leave and never return to this village!" A women shouted over the long hallways of the courthouse. The old lady's voice echoed down the silent hallways as everyone was stunned at the conclusion to the chained boy sitting in the center of the courtroom. Naruto's blonde hair covered his eyes and his tattered orange jumpsuit was ripped with blood coming from their tares. Tsunade looked at the jury, completely stunned at their ultimatum.
"What! You cannot do this! It was self-defense!" Tsunade shouted in anger. The judge, an elder of the village shot a quick look of disgust towards the Hokage before turning back to the beaten boy chained to the ground.
"That may be, but that was not the only charge set out against him. Remember that this 'thing' is being charged for the harboring of enemy spies within the village walls as well as the murder of seven villagers." The judge said. There was no one else in the courtroom besides Tsunade, the five elders of the court, the ten jury members, about thirty nobles, and Naruto.
"They are Genin that took part in the Chunin exams! They weren't spies!" Tsunade argued. The old women shook her head.
"We have reached a verdict, Hokage-sama. You must follow the will of the people." The head judge said before slamming her mallet down onto the desk in front of her. Tsunade began to grind her teeth in anger. It was time to play her last and final card.
"But he's a jinchuuriki and a valuable asset to our village. If we exile him then he may fall victim to another village." Tsunade said in a last ditch effort to save Naruto.
"Naruto made his choice when he killed those innocent villagers." The old judge said before standing and leaving. The jury, noblemen, and the rest of the judges soon followed suit, leaving Naruto, Tsunade, and two chunin still in the courtroom. Tsunade walked up next to the silent blonde with a hurt look on her face.
"I'm sorry, Naruto, but I tried everything I could. Those damned fools would never listen to the truth if it involves you." Tsunade said quietly. Naruto didn't reply at first. How could he? Everything he knew, all the people he met, the bonds that he made, all being torn apart because what? He defended himself from those that hurt him?
The two chunin slowly walked up to Naruto with sad expressions. Most of the shinobi in the village have began to respect Naruto near the end.
'I'm sorry kit… this wasn't supposed to happen…' A voice said from deep within Naruto. The Kyuubi has seen what the boy had suffered at the hands of the villagers. In truth, the Kyuubi was the main reason Naruto reacted the way he did.
"Release him from those damn chains. A hero doesn't deserve to be bound like this." Tsunade ordered. The Chunin holding the keys nodded and unlocked Naruto, but Naruto didn't move. "Naruto?"
A tear could be seen falling from underneath his blonde hair. "What will I do now?"
A question that the Hokage couldn't answer. "I tried so hard to be friendly towards the villagers and now, when I finally defend myself, I'm exiled? After everything they've done to me?"
"Naruto… I-" Tsunade started.
"I worked so hard to make the bonds that I have here. All the friends that I've made… What happens now?" Naruto asked. Tsunade stayed silent as tears began to fall down her cheeks. The two Chunin lifted Naruto from the ground and began to move him towards the exit. The large doors of the courthouse opened to a large piazza with an even larger fountain in the center. There, sitting around the fountain, was Kakashi and Sakura. The sun was beginning to set over the Village Hidden in the Leaves as everything had an orange tint to it.
The Chunin released their grasp from Naruto, knowing that Naruto would not try and run, but stayed within about ten yards. Naruto walked down the stairs of the courthouse and towards the fountain.
"Naruto! What happened?! We heard that something happened to you and had an emergency court hearing!" Sakura said, but then saw something different in Naruto's eyes. Something that was missing. His eyes looked ice cold. "Naruto?"
"Sorry, Sakura-chan, but it looks like I can't keep our promise." Naruto said quietly in one of the most defeated voices one can hear. Sakura tilted her head to the side a bit as she remembered Naruto's promise to bring back Sasuke.
"What do you mean you can't keep our promise?" Sakura asked as concern filled her face. Kakashi's visible eye narrowed. I didn't reply, but from Kakashi's expression, he knew what was going on. "Kakashi-sensei, what does Naruto mean?"
"So what happened earlier today was you, wasn't it?" Kakashi asked softly. Naruto didn't respond. Kakashi cursed under his breath.
"Wait, what happened earlier today? What's going on?!" Sakura exclaimed.
"Earlier today there was a report that seven villagers were murdered in an alley after chasing a young boy down it." Kakashi said softly. Sakura put two and two together and turned to Naruto in terror.
"Y-You killed them?" Sakura asked, already knowing the answer. Naruto didn't say anything as Sakura backed up slightly. "H-How could you!"
"It was self-defense! I swear I would never-" Naruto said desperately.
"It doesn't matter! To actually killed someone in cold blood! You monster!" Sakura shouted before turning and running away. Naruto stared at her as she ran away with tears in his eyes. Kakashi kneeled down to Naruto's level.
"What's the sentence?" Kakashi asked.
"I've been exiled from the village for the rest of my life." Naruto said softly. Kakashi enveloped Naruto into a large bear hug after hearing this.
"I'm sorry. I had no idea that the elders would take their hatred to such an extent." Kakashi said. Naruto shook his head in sorrow.
"All the people that are here, everything I've worked so hard to build up, shattered in the blink of an eye. I can't believe-"
"Those bonds will still be there, even after you leave. The people that you've met will always be here for you. Remember that." Kakashi said as the two Chunin walked up behind them.
"I'm sorry, but we don't have much time. We'll help you pack the essentials then we must escort you out." One of the Chunin said softly. Kakashi nodded and stood up.
"I'll see you at the gate, Naruto." Kakashi said before Naruto walked past him with the two Chunin in tow.
XxXxX
My mind was blank as I walked down the busy road towards my apartment. It was about seven in the afternoon and everyone was out having a good time. Most of the villagers either didn't see or disregarded my beaten form as we walked down the street.
As we walked down the massive street, I saw a shop that sold ninja attire and weapons. I turned to the two Chunin escorting me and asked if it was okay if I stopped in there for a moment. The Chunin said it was fine, but said not to take too long.
I walked into the shop and looked around. Rows upon rows of expertly crafted weapons lined the walls. Ninja clothes hung from the clothes hangers on the other side of the weapons. A man with black hair and tanned skin sat behind the counter.
"Welcome to- hey are you okay?" The man asked as he walked up to me.
"I'm fine, thanks, but I was wondering if I could browse your clothes if that's okay." I asked. The man nodded his head before shrugging.
"Sure, but the clothes aren't my department. If you want help let me call my daughter down here." The man said as he walked over to the stairs. "Tenten! Get down here and help this poor boy out!"
"Yes father!" A voice replied from upstairs. I blinked after hearing the name. A girl with brown hair with two buns shot out of the stairs. She was wearing a pink sleeveless qipao-style blouse and green ninja pants. "Who is it?"
"That boy over there." The man pointed. Tenten followed his finger then gasped at who she saw. I waved my hand.
"Naruto? What are you doing here?" Tenten asked.
"Hi Tenten. Just looking for some new clothes is all." I replied. Tenten looked me up and down before nodding. I guess she thought I got all these marks from training too hard.
"It's about time you got out of that jumpsuit of yours. Here follow me." Tenten said before grabbing my hand and pulling towards the clothes section. "Here we are. Now what are you looking for in particular?"
I tapped my foot on the ground for a moment before shrugging. "Something black I suppose."
"Black? Hmm… how about this?" Tenten said as she pulled out a pair of black cargo pants with a black t-shirt. There was a black hooded trench coat that covered the wearer's face and body from view. A light and heavy black jacket, fingerless gloves, and boots also sat near them, making a set. "It's one of my favorite sets that we have and it's in your size! What do you think?"
Tenten sounded so excited as she explained every pocket and how this weapon fits there and here. I grinned at her as she seemed to go trail off into her own little world. 'It's a shame that I'm leaving. I think training with you would have been fun.'
Tenten was cut from her praising of the clothing when one of my escorts entered the shop. "Naruto, we need to get going. Please hurry up." The Chunin said before walking back out of the shop. Tenten looked over at me with a curious expression.
"What was that about?" Tenten asked. I smiled and shook my head.
"Don't worry about it. I'll take the set. Is there anything that goes with it?" I asked as I looked around, then I spotted a black scarf that matched the set. "How about that?"
Tenten looked up and quickly grabbed the scarf off the wall with a blush on her face. "Dad! I told you that it wasn't ready yet!"
Her father laughed loudly at Tentens expense. "I looks fine and you put all the necessary seals for it. I even tested it!"
"But still! It's not complete!" Tenten shouted as she held the black scarf close to her chest in embarrassment. I tiled my head to the side in confusion.
"What are you talking about?" I asked.
"Oh, nothing! Don't worry about it." Tenten said with a blush covering her face. Her father shook his head and sighed.
"Tenten made that scarf and put invisible seals inside of it that would keep poison and other harmful airborne effects from entering the body by way of breathing if the user has it covering their mouth. And we ALREADY TESTED IT! It works fine!" The father explained.
"I know, but this is my very first product that's not a weapon! I want it to be perfect!" Tenten said, but I grinned as I walked over to her. I placed a hand on her scarf and took it from her. "What are yo-"
I threw the scarf over my neck and mouth and smiled. "It's perfect Tenten."
Tenten stared at me with a bright red face. The scarf that covered my face was gently pulled down for me to speak without it in front of my mouth. "This is probably the best piece out of the set. I will always remember that you made it, Tenten."
"I… uh… thanks, Naruto-kun." Tenten said as she walked over and picked up the other clothes. 'Since when has Naruto become so mature and calm?'
The clothes were brought to the front and paid for. I picked up my clothes that were put into a bag for me and said my goodbyes, but right when I was about to leave, a hand caught mine. I looked over my shoulder to see Tenten looking right into my eyes. "What is it Tenten?"
"Is there something wrong? You aren't acting like yourself. It's like you've become more mature or something." Tenten said, concern in her voice. I suppose the situation does demand it, but ever since the death of the third Hokage I could feel it creeping up on me. Before, I managed to mask my pain and loneliness fairly well, but now…
"I'm fine, Tenten. Just distracted is all." I replied as pulled my hand away from hers.
"Okay, but if you need anything, let me know. And let me know how you like your new set of clothes!" Tenten shouted as I opened the door. I waved my hand over my shoulder before closing the door behind me.
XxXxX
I opened the door to my apartment and sighed deeply. This place is… was my home for such a long time. I looked over my shoulder to the two Chunin leaning against the far wall.
"Go ahead and take you time. I know the elders are rushing us, but screw them. We all know that you deserve better. We'll be out here when you're done." One of the Chunin said. The other Chunin agreed.
"Thank you, both of you." I said before closing the door behind me. I walked into the bathroom and took a quick shower to clean myself off. I got out and dressed into my clothes. I put my trench coat on over my black clothes, but as I put the scarf around my neck I smiled. "Thank you, Tenten."
I walked over to the center of the room and pulled out five small scrolls. I opened up each and drew some seals onto them. 'Thank Kami Jiraiya taught me about storage seals. They are going to come in handy.'
I sealed up food, water, a sleeping bag, etc., but kept weapons in their separate spots in my cargo pants. I placed the scrolls in my pocket and stood up and looked around the room. 'I'm gonna miss this place. I've spent most of my life here…'
I shook my head and opened the door. The two Chunin leaned against the wall waiting paitently. "You ready?" I nodded my head. "Okay, follow us."
XxXxX
We walked up to the giant gate and I noticed that there was nobody there. I looked around and didn't see Kakashi anywhere. I sighed and turned to the two Chunin standing behind me.
"Thank you for being so kind to me. I really appreciate it." I said. The two Chunin smiled brightly.
"No worries. We know that elders are completely out of it. This is wrong and most of the shinobi agree too! My name is Jinobi by the way!" Jinobi said.
"My name is Saiku." Saiku said. I nodded my head before looking up at the bright moon above. A warm wind gently pushed against me, making my scarf gently flow in the wind behind me. I closed my eyes and felt something land next to me.
"Glad you made it, Kakashi-sensei, Tsunade-san." I said before looking over. Kakashi and Tsunade both stood next to me.
"This is terrible, what if the Akatsuki find you? What will you do?" Tsunade said as tears began to form in her eyes.
"I don't know. Hopefully they won't find me, but if they do… I guess the only thing I can do is run." I said softly.
"Where will you run to? Where can you go?" Tsunade asked.
"I don't know. I'll find something out." I replied softly. Tsunade was now crying profusely now. I hugged the women tightly. "Goodbye Granny. Watch over the village while I'm gone."
"I'll try everything I can to try and revoke this exile. You'll come home again. Believe me." Tsunade said as she hugged her favorite shinobi. "Goodbye, Naruto."
I released Tsunade and held out my hand to Kakashi. "I'm sorry, you lost another member of the team. Looks like you'll need to find some-"
Kakashi cut me off by hugging me tightly. "No, you'll come back. Just as Tsunade said, we'll find a way. Just, while you're out there, don't get caught by the Akatsuki. Until then, do me a favor."
"What's that?" I replied. Kakashi handed me a scroll and nodded.
"You'll understand." Kakashi said. I looked down at the scroll and placed in my pocket.
"Sure thing. I guess this is it. Goodbye. Tell everyone goodbye for me." I said before turning and walking away. I lifted my hood over my head and pulled my scarf over my mouth and nose.
"Where will you go, Naruto?" Tsunade asked. I didn't stop walking away while I answered her question.
"A place where I can find myself." I replied.
XxXxX-End
Now, I know what some people are thinking. 'You are making too many stories right now! Go back and finish some of your older ones!' And I will. Once I go visit my parents again I'll get the next chapter for Ancient Blood up. I switched computers with my mom and most of my chapters was on that computer because believe it or not, I actually have the next couple of chapter ready for Ancient Blood. I was going to surprise everyone with it them a couple months ago, but something came up that pulled me away.
Anyways, this is another story that I would like to write. I've already got the next chapter written and ready to be added, but I want everyone's opinion on it first.
Note that there are OC's in this story, but nothing too serious. Please review as I want some of your opinions on it first before continuing.