Small Things
Naruto Version:
A Little Love

Note: this is not Slash. This is strictly platonic. Goes with Small Things: Being the Nail, but reads perfectly fine as a stand alone.

I had a student called Naruto.

He never understood why everyone hated him. He had no family and would do anything for attention. I tried to channel that into school-work, but he wasn't suited to schoolwork. Despite the things we had in common, I could never reach him. Or maybe it was because we had so much in common that I had a hard time understanding the differences between us.

We never really connected until Mizuki's betrayal. Maybe the pain cleared all the meaningless details away, but I finally saw what I'd been missing. Naruto didn't strive to achieve because achievement never brought him what he wanted. Doing well on a test doesn't mean much if no one will praise you for it; failing that test meant extra sessions after class reviewing with the teacher. Sitting quietly in class made him one of many, while pulling pranks focused the victim's attention firmly where he wanted it. All the negative things, the disruptions and cries for attention effectively hid the fact that he still did want positive recognition. Almost despite himself, Naruto persisted in seeking what he'd seen others given but had never received.

After that moment of clarity, it seemed so simple. I gave Naruto attention, treated him as a part of my life rather than an annoyance. I didn't let his faults overshadow his accomplishments any longer, and he grew. He was still a trouble-maker, but with someone willing to listen to his accomplishments and goals, he became far happier than he once was.

We eat ramen together, and it seemed like a small thing.

But you see, Naruto learned to tap the power of the nine-tailed fox. While this power has saved his life many times, it has a darker side. If his anger gets the better of him the tails of wrath and destruction will emerge to destroy his target, and anything that gets in the way.

How terrible would that wrath have been, if it were unleashed in the center of the village?

Some people in the village wonder this, and they wanted him sent away, or killed, or monitored constantly. They are afraid, and people often hate what makes them so afraid.

Naruto's anger isn't directed towards the village. He loves this village and the people in it, and would do anything to protect them. He speaks now of his precious people, and the friends he has.

It often amazes me after all this time, but when he speaks of those precious people, he always includes me. He says I was the first to accept him, and to Naruto firsts are terribly important.

So the village is safe, not because Jiraiya and Yamato can keep him under control, not because of the Hokage's power, and not because 'Root' is always watching him. Konohagakure is safe because Naruto is loved and loves in return.

I gave him some love. Such a small thing, but so important.

Author Note: There are a lot of songs that speak of a little love. I'm sure you can Google something if you want.

Bryan Adams:
Yeah, we wander round in the darkness
But every now and then a little shines through
And a little love - just a little love can change it all