A child is not a vase to be filled but a fire to be lit. - Francois Rabelais


"Would you like to play a game?"

Naruto hugged a board game to his chest, looking at the Hokage with those bright blue eyes and a hopeful smile on his face. It wasn't the first time he had come in asking that. Earlier that week he'd come in, but the Sandaime had been out dealing with the Cloud-Hyuga incident. They had such ridiculous demands, and they'd taken a father away from his son.

"Please? It won't take long, I promise," pleaded Naruto. His eyes got big and he gripped the game tighter.

Sarutobi sighed and was about to agree when Kotetsu barged into his office.

"Urgent message from Cloud Hokage-sama!" he said, handing him the decoded message. Sarutobi frowned and opened it. Wasn't it enough to have the corpse of the one who had 'killed their amb assador without reason?'. Granted it was actually the man's twin brother, but still they didn't know that.

While he was reading it, something fell on the ground with a clatter. He looked up and saw the board game in pieces on the floor. Game pieces and cards were scattered everywhere.

And Naruto was gone.


That was the last time Naruto had ever been in the Hokage's office. Now he sat there glaring at the ANBU who had managed to break the genjutsu. Tenzo ignored it and calmly awaited orders.

"What's your name wooden man?" the boy asked softly, still glaring.

"Classified."

Naruto gripped the sides of his chair tightly and a low growl built up in the back of his throat. He hated the man. What right did he have to take away something that didn't belong to him? It was Naruto's world, always would be.

He'd been enjoying his frolic when it happened. There was a ripping sound and giant holes started to appear everywhere. The dancing sand and water people had simply collapsed and lost their form. The stars faded away, as if they were never there.

Out of the holes, giant wooden tendrils had emerged and tried to grab Naruto. The boy roared and used the Kyuubi's chakra to repel them. Creating a shield, he quickly rebuilt his world. Then he left his mindscape. A part of him anyway.

It was the only way. He could conceal the chakra, and go there again later. Really, the blond should have concealed it in the first place, but…the euphoria of having all that power…it'd made him careless. And now this man who could control wood and subdue the Kyuubi's chakra had appeared.

Naruto narrowed his eyes. He could kill the man right now. Just grab a hold of the power and tear him into pieces. It would be so easy. Just like before.

"Naruto, I need you to listen to me. Don't ever use that chakra. It's evil. Even in life or death situations don't use it. After you've used it the first time, there's no going back. You just won't be able to resist."

But his dad wouldn't like it if he killed the man. And he'd already disobeyed his dad once today. Fine, the man can stay alive…for now. His grip on the chair loosened and he stopped glaring at the ANBU to look at the Hokage.\

"Naruto," Sarutobi began, "do you even know what you were doing?"

"I was just bored. So I started meditating and I ended up in a dark place. I found out I was able to change it, so I did," the boy said, shrugging. He then looked pointedly down at his shoes, as if examining some oddity.

"So you didn't notice anything unusual at all about your chakra?"

Naruto paused, "No…the chakra in my body was not unusual at all."

"Are you sure?" pressed the Sandaime. The room was suddenly tense, everyone unconsciously leaning in to hear the jinchuuriki's answer.

Naruto lifted his head, stared Sarutobi straight in the eyes, and said, "Yes I'm sure. I would've let you know if my chakra started acting weird, Hokage-sama."

His voice dripped with sarcasm and his eyes glared into the Hokage's as if he was issuing a challenge. It forcibly reminded Sarutobi of the situation. He was not here as the boy's 'Ojii-san' but as the Hokage. And as Hokage it was his job to protect the people of Konoha, which in this case meant dealing with the anomaly that Naruto had created.

"Naruto," Sarutobi warned, his voice growing louder in intensity, "You're chakra was not normal today. You cast what is known as a genjutsu on yourself and then began to affect other people of Konoha."

His eyes stared down those young blue ones, hammering his superiority over the boy into them, "You knew something was wrong but continued on anyways. The first time I will excuse for maybe you truly didn't know what you were doing. But when we brought you back here, you again activated the genjutsu, this time consciously deflecting all attempts to bring you out of it. It was only when your genjutsu was ripped to shreds that you came out voluntarily. So I would prefer you not lie to my face, Naruto."

The boy didn't even blink much less back down, "I apologize Hokage-sama. I had no clue that the villagers were so…weak. Nor did I know that something so minor as a genjutsu would land me in the T&I department as if I were enemy instead of a seven year old. It won't happen again…sir."

Immediately an ANBU was at his side, a kunai pressed against the blond's throat. Naruto's eyes widened in surprise as the cold metal rested on his jugular vein. Then they settled into indifference.

"You will respect the Hokage, you brat," hissed the ANBU. The jinchuuriki merely looked at the masked female and smirked. She growled and the kunai cut his throat slightly, a line of blood appearing.

"Cougar stand down," ordered the Hokage.

"Yes, Hokage-sama," she said quietly, removing the knife and returning to the Hokage's side. Naruto continued smirking as he wiped off the blood from his throat, revealing the cut to already be healed.

"Is this the way you are going to be Naruto?" asked Sarutobi. The blond said nothing, just stared blankly.

"You want to be a ninja correct Naruto? Then you must realize that you must follow your superior's orders and give them the proper respect. As the Hokage, my orders are above all other and the ones you cannot disobey. If you cannot even do that and be respectful then you are not a ninja I need. Therefore I will not waste my resources into training you."

"What're you trying to say?" growled Naruto. He narrowed his eyes. The old man wouldn't kill him would he? He couldn't. As far as the Hokage knew, the Kyuubi was a threat that only Naruto could keep contained. Not the dark gift of near infinite chakra without anything maintaining it that Naruto knew it to be.

"I'm saying that you will be removed from the Academy. You will then have several chakra-restraining seals placed upon you. That way you will no longer be a danger to yourself or the village."

"No…,"the boy said quietly, mostly to himself.

Sarutobi ignored him and continued, "You will be returned to the orphanage and be enrolled in the civilian elementary school. I'm sure you'll find something else to aspire to."

Naruto said nothing, his mind reeling from shock. Taken away from the academy? My chakra sealed away? How will I protect myself? He wouldn't be able to and the old man knew it.

My world…

The second his chakra was sealed it would be gone. His world, his safe haven would disappear as if it had never been there. He'd barely managed to save it before, he couldn't lose it again.

Without my power, without my world.

Naruto would be hollow. Nothing to keep him from noticing the hate always aimed at him. Nothing to stop them from hurting him with their jagged words and glares. Not a single person acknowledging him for who he was. He would cease to exist.

He couldn't let this happen.

"No," Naruto said again, louder, "Please…no. Don't do this. I'm…sorry. I'm sorry!"

"You didn't seem sorry earlier," noted the Hokage.

"I was just…frustrated. It seemed like I'd finally found some power that mad me special, like my classmates have. Then you took it away. I'm sorry, I really am. I won't do it ever again. Promise.

"Earlier…I was also arrogant and immature. I'm also sorry for that. As an underling still in training, it was wrong of me. Please…Ojii-san….please forgive me," the boy pleaded, reverting to his personal way of addressing the Hokage. Tears threatened to spill down his face. Everything was at stake. Surely he hadn't messed up badly enough not to get forgiveness?

"Naruto," began Sarutobi, looking into those blue eyes once more. What an enigma the boy had become. He'd wanted to shake him up and had succeeded. However, he hadn't expected Naruto's reaction to be so severe. The boy was looking at him like Sarutobi had just said he was to be executed.

Sarutobi knew that Naruto didn't have many, if any, friends. He knew Naruto was at the bottom of his class. But he didn't know what was so appealing about the Academy that the boy wanted to stay. Perhaps, like his father, he was simply determined to be a ninja. He didn't really know.

"Naruto," he repeated, standing up from his desk "I forgive you. You are still a child. You'll make mistakes and learn from them, like now. I won't remove you from the Academy. Just swear you won't use that power again."

"I swear Ojii-san," Naruto murmured, eyes now downcast. Tears fell from his face and dotted his pants. The Hokage moved and stood in front of the crying boy. Naruto was shocked as the old man embraced him.

"I know it's hard Naruto. You don't have to hide it. You don't have a regular family like the other kids. But I'm part of your family Naruto. If you need me I will be there, because you're one of my precious people," comforted the old man with a smile.

And Naruto almost lost control. He almost seized the power with the intention to destroy this hypocritical fool touching him. But he didn't. He managed to choke down the anger and rage.

"I know, Ojii-san…Thanks."

He wiped the tears away from his eyes. The Hokage let go of the boy, and ruffled his hair.

"You'll make a great ninja one day Naruto, I know it."

Naruto simply nodded, "Am I allowed to leave now?"

"Yes, Cat will accompany you to the Academy," the Sandaime replied, gesturing to one of the ANBU. It was the wooden man who wouldn't tell Naruto his name.

"Can you send someone else? He makes my chakra feel all funny and it hurts. I don't trust him," asked Naruto. Anyone but him. There was a risk that the man could figure out his secrets.

Sarutobi looked surprised, but then his face became neutral again. He went back over to his desk and pressed a button.

"Kaoru-san I need you to send up Uchiha Itachi. He was supposed to see me soon

anyway."

Uchiha Itachi? Ah Uchiha. Someone related to prodigy Sasuke, thought Naruto. It didn't take long before the door opened and Itachi stepped through.

"Reporting for duty, Hokage-sama," he said, bowing slightly. His voice was deep and seemingly devoid of emotion. He wore a mask, from what Naruto could see it was a bird. A raven? Maybe a crow? He was dressed in the regular ANBU armor and had a ninjato strapped to his back. Long black hair was contained within a ponytail.

"You may remove your mask, Itachi."

Itachi did as he asked and Naruto nearly gasped. Itachi was just a kid. Maybe only thirteen years old. He had black eyes and two weird wrinkle-like lines going down the side of his nose.

"Itachi, you've been on several hard missions lately. I know you would refuse a break so instead I'll simply assign you a simpler mission. This is Naruto Uzumaki. Do you know him?"

Itachi, not even looking at Naruto, replied, "I know of him sir. We've never been properly introduced."

"Well then, I guess I'll have the honors of introducing you two then. Naruto, this is Itachi Uchiha. He is one of my most trusted ANBU. Itachi this is Naruto Uzumaki. You will watch over him for a month."

"Yes, Hokage-sama."

"But he's just a kid like me," pointed out Naruto. Still, an incompetent guard was better than the wooden man. Naruto could protect himself if need be.

"I am capable of watching over you Naruto-san," stated Itachi, turning to face Naruto and look at him for the first time, "Age does not always signify power."

Naruto squirmed as Itachi coolly examined him. Those black eyes took in everything and revealed almost nothing. The jinchuuriki stared into the black orbs and saw one thing. Sympathy. For him. Naruto tore his eyes away from the Uchiha.

What right did he have to feel for him of all people? Itachi didn't even know him or what he was. Or maybe he did. It didn't matter. He didn't want anyone looking at him with

those kinds of eyes.

"Naruto, Itachi can now escort you to the Academy or home if you wish. The school day

is almost over anyway," said the Hokage, breaking Naruto's internal monologue.

Naruto simply nodded, obviously eager to leave. He jumped up and was out of the room as fast as possible. Itachi and the Hokage shared a look before the Uchiha followed after Naruto.


The sky was dark and overcast with clouds as they walked outside.

"Looks like a storm is coming," noted Itachi quietly. Naruto stopped and looked up at the sky.

"Yeah, but I like the rain."

The blond started walking towards the Academy. Itachi performed a quick henge to make it look like he was wearing civilian clothes and followed. The boy in front of him was nervous, constantly looking around. Naruto then turned and looked back at Itachi.

"Why are you walking with me? The others just hid on rooftops and followed me around."

"It's easier to protect you if I'm right next to you than if I was simply watching you from a rooftop somewhere," replied Itachi, "Would you prefer if I watched you from a distance?"

Naruto just shook his head and started walking forwards again. Itachi tilted his head slightly and stared and the jinchuuriki in thought. The boy was rather paranoid. Though he did have a right to be, Itachi supposed.

About two years ago, a man had broken into Naruto's apartment and waited for the boy to return home. Once the boy had arrived, the man tried to kill him.

When ANBU arrived, the apartment building was in flames and the man was dead with a hole in his chest. They found Naruto in an alleyway who said he remembered nothing. From that day on, he had an ANBU guarding him at all times.

The Hokage always thought the Kyuubi had intervened. Itachi didn't want to second-guess the Sandaime but there was just something about Naruto that made him doubt it. He'd seen it when he'd looked into the jinchuuriki's eyes. The knowledge of true power and the will to use it if need be. Underneath all of that was a realm of secrets. They were layered one on top of the other, details concerning only the boy that held them.

Itachi knew about carrying secrets and their burden. He felt sympathy towards Naruto. The boy was lonely, afraid, and distrustful. Unstable. He had no one to turn to in a village full of people who should be grateful for the boy's sacrifice. It wasn't part of the mission the Hokage had assigned, but…Itachi would try to be friend for him.

The two slowed as they reached the academy's gates. Itachi could see Iruka giving a lecture in front of a class of students. Looked like he was winding down, it wasn't long before the class was dismissed anyway. Ah there was Sasuke sitting by the window daydreaming. Sasuke's eyes wandered until he saw Itachi outside looking at him. The younger Uchiha waved and smiled. Itachi gave a small smile and waved back.

"Are you Sasuke's brother?" asked Naruto softly, not looking at him.

"…Yes."

Naruto was quiet for a moment, then said, "He's lucky."

Itachi was about to respond when a large object launched itself at him. He looked down and saw Sasuke's arms wrapped around him, while Sasuke smiled up at him.

"Hey nii-san! Are you here to pick me up from school? I brought some shuriken we could go train again," gushed his little brother, with adoring eyes. Itachi just smiled and removed Sasuke from his waist.

"I can't right now, I'm watching over Naruto," Itachi said, looking over at where the blond…wasn't.

"Wait did you say Naruto?" asked Sasuke in confusion. Itachi looked up the street and caught a glimpse of the boy's orange t-shirt.

"Sorry Sasuke, I have to go now," Itachi stated simply, ignoring his brother's protests and following after the jinchuuriki.


As Naruto walked through the crowded streets raindrops began to fall. He didn't mind. It distracted him from the glares aimed at him. But really, they didn't matter either.

All that mattered was his rage, hatred and weakness. The Hokage had threatened him. Him! The man had let him down more times than he could count and then babbled about Naruto being one of his 'precious people.' It made him sick with anger. He was angry at everything, himself most of all.

He'd been so stupid. Basically shoving his secrets out in the open for the Hokage to see. Naruto should've played dumb. He should've played the 'Ojii-san' card from the very beginning. It was too late now. Now the Hokage would be wary of him and his decisions.

The rain fell harder and Naruto clenched his fists, fingers digging into his palms. I need to be able to control the power. To the point where no one can threaten to take it away, he thought quietly. He began to run.

"Don't let anyone know the truth about you. They'll kill you and I won't be able to save you," the echo of father's voice ordered in his mind.

I know, I won't Dad.

"Trust no one."

No one trusts me anyway Dad.

"Above all don't use that power."

Ah…sorry Dad. Can't keep that promise.

The villagers simply stared as the blond boy ran past them. Some probably thought the rain was covering his tears. But he wasn't crying. He was scheming. He would get stronger no matter what the cost. He would protect his world.

You can't control me old man and you can't stop me.


Night had fallen and Itachi supervised Naruto's apartment from an adjacent rooftop. It hadn't taken much to catch up with the boy earlier. He'd began 'hiding on rooftops and following him' as Naruto had put it. The blond was more comfortable that way anyway.

At least it's not raining anymore. The sky had cleared up considerably. Itachi could just make out the outline of the crescent moon in the dark sky. It was peaceful. More peaceful than home.

The Uchiha sighed. His father didn't trust him much anymore. Things were getting tense in the clan compound. Gone was the daily chatter and gossip. It was replaced by whispered secrets and shared looks.

Shisui, his cousin, his best friend, the person he loved like a brother, was watching him like he was an enemy. It hurt. It was like being a crow among sparrows. Or a fox among dogs, he thought reminded of Naruto once more.

He was an enigma to everyone. His father believed him to be an agent getting information from ANBU. The Hokage thought he was a double agent, instead getting information from the Uchiha clan. Honestly? He didn't know what side to be on. Itachi simply leaned towards the Hokage's side because he didn't want there to be any violence.

The Uchihas were planning a coup. Danzo and the council wanted them stopped with any means necessary. The Hokage wanted a peaceful agreement between the two. That much was certain.

He remembered the one time he'd met Danzo concerning the matter.

"You will stop them," the war hawk had said simply, "Or the issue will be taken from your hands. If they follow through then you will have to kill them. If you do not then someone else will. It's as simple as that."

And his father…

"Itachi…you are the hope of the clan right now. This is a very important time for our clan now. I know you do not like it, but we will need you to fight along side us when we initiate the coup. We can't do it without you son. Don't let us down."

Unbidden tears came to his eyes. He quickly wiped them away before the spilled down his face. Itachi couldn't even remember the last time he'd cried. He thought he'd guarded his emotions correctly. But how could he in a situation like this?

Kill the clan. Protect Konoha.

Save the clan. Take over Konoha.

It sounded so simple to choose between.

He wished it was.

Itachi was struck by the brief memory of Sasuke training with him. Those innocent eyes and wide smile.

"One day I'm gonna be strong like you nii-san!"

Either way, that smile was going to disappear.


The scene is blurry, unfocused. I rub my eyes trying to see through the mist. Ah, now I can see. I'm walking home. There's the apartment. I walk in.

I'm not alone. One of them is there and now I can't move. You think you've got me? You think you can kill me?

You're a fool.

Something snaps and I blank out for a moment. When I come to, there's a body on the floor. I laugh, low and hoarsely. Then I look at my hands.

"My hands, what's on them?" I ask myself, examining them.

"What's on my hands?"

Suddenly there's more voices, and they're all me.

"Why can't I get it off?"

"All I can see is red."

"That was fun."

"Red like blood."

"Blood. Is blood in my hands?"

"Delicious."

"I can't get it off. I can't get it off. I CAN'T GET THE BLOOD OFF MY HANDS!"

"I see myself. A monster living in a red world."

"This is the power of the dark gift."

"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to do it Dad. I didn't want to. I'm sorry. Just help me. Please. Save me."

"A monster with red eyes and a black heart. A monster with a maelstrom where the soul should be."

"I don't need to be saved."

Then the world burns. Flames devour all that exists.

"I'm sorry! Stop it Dad! Don't punish me. I'll listen next time I promise!"

It begins to rain. Small red droplets fall upon me as the fire rages in front of me.

"A monster that is the sum of a thousand lies."

Now it's a deluge of the viscous scarlet liquid. I'm covered in it. I can't breathe.

"I don't need Dad. I don't need them. I don't need the old man. I don't need friends."

"I'm not bleeding. It's not my blood. It's his, it's his. It's Dad's blood. I never asked you to. I never wanted you to go."

The walls fall down and I'm in a red void. Nothing exists. Except me.

"And the monster asks 'Can dreams be better than reality?'"

I look down. Nothing. I close my eyes and fall. I fall. I fall.

"I don't need anything."

And I know no one will be there to catch me.

"…I don't want to be alone anymore."

"Not even reality."

I cease to exist.


Naruto tore his eyes open and looked at the person who'd woken him up. Itachi was there at his bedside with a worried look on his face.

"Are you ok Naruto?" he questioned, checking Naruto over for any bodily injuries, "Just a nightmare?"

"I'm fine," Naruto replied softly, looking around his apartment. No red in sight. Good.

"That's good. Does your chakra usually flare when you have a bad dream?"

"It wasn't a dream," he stated simply. It was a memory.

"I see…is there anything I can do for you?"

Naruto turned to face the Uchiha, "Why do you care? I'm not your brother. I'm not your friend. I'm just your mission."

Itachi simply looked at him. There it was again, the sympathy.

"Is it so wrong to care about another person without reason?"

Naruto snorted, "I don't know, I guess not. But when someone says they care it's usually a lie. Just something to keep up the nice façade."

Itachi sighed then gave him a small smile. He reached out with his hand towards Naruto. The jinchuuriki flinched, but the Uchiha merely set his hand on the boy's head.

"I care Naruto, I mean it." he said, ruffling his hair, "I'll care about you even after the mission is over. We could be friends."

Naruto wanted to shy away from the older boy's hand but it was warm. It felt good.

"Trust no one."

He flinched again and pushed Itachi's hand away.

"Thanks Itachi," he mumbled.

"No problem Naruto, now is there anything I can do for you before you go back to bed?"

Naruto was tempted to say 'no' but then…, "Can I ask you a question?"

"What is it?"

"Have you…ever killed anyone before?"

The smile was gone, the kind caring eyes turned into voids. Itachi stared at him in silence for a moment before answering.

"Yes."

"Does that make you evil? Even if it was for a good reason? Even if you couldn't prevent it?" the blond asked rapidly, eyes focused only on Itachi.

The Uchiha was quiet for a minute before saying, "Nothing is inherently good or evil. They are simply notions that we attach to other people because of our own beliefs. You can believe that I am evil but that doesn't make it so."

"Even if everyone besides you thinks so?"

"What you think is what matters. You are the only one who can condemn you."

I don't want to be evil.

"…I don't think you're evil Itachi," Naruto murmured, looking back down to his hands, "Thanks for answering my questions."

"You're welcome," he paused, "Naruto, if there's anything you want to talk about, I'll listen."

Naruto nearly opened his mouth. He nearly gushed out all the secrets, lies and the truth that no one but him knew. But then he remembered how the old man had said something similar to that. And the old man was a liar.

"You can leave now," Naruto said darkly. Itachi looked like he wanted to say something else, but he just nodded and left through Naruto's window. He closed it shut and then disappeared like a shadow.

Naruto balled his hands into fists. Stupid! He shouldn't have asked such strange questions. Itachi was smart. He couldn't fool him like he could the Hokage. If he wasn't careful, the Uchiha would find out the truth. Then Naruto would die.

But would it matter? While I'm alive, I'm thinking of doing horrible things to them. Like they do to me.

Naruto hugged his knees to his chest.

I don't want to be evil.

But I think I am.


The sun rose and people awoke and rose with it. The air was full of bird songs, yawns and the rustling of storeowners opening their shops. It was sunny, very few clouds in smiled. This is what he loved about Konoha. He watched as kids laughed and played ball in the street. Everything was at peace.

Suddenly a shadow loomed and covered him. The air felt colder and the hair on the back on his neck rose. Itachi looked up and saw Naruto staring at him from his balcony.

"Are you ready to go?" Itachi asked. Naruto didn't reply. The boy went back in the house. It wasn't long before Naruto came out the door and stood beside Itachi briefly.

"…Let's go."

They walked silently down the streets. He's not looking all around like yesterday, Itachi noted. Naruto just looked ahead and walked forward. When he walked past, people moved out of the way. Neither acknowledged the other. It was like he was in his own self contained world.

It was strange. This Naruto exuded a more confident impression than the one from before. The villagers noticed it too, and they didn't send their glares or hateful words.

"We're here," Naruto said, interrupting his thoughts.

Itachi looked up and saw the academy gate, "So we are."

He saw Iruka standing in front of the building greeting his students as they headed inside. Iruka was more than capable of watching Naruto for the school day. He'd be able to go back home and rest.

"I'll see you later Naruto."

The boy ignored him and walked towards the building. Itachi turned to leave when he heard a cry of 'NII-SAN!' His little brother rushed towards him, his school bag nearly flying off his shoulder. Sasuke stopped in front of him and caught his breath before looking up at him.

"Why didn't you come home last night and what are you doing hanging around that Naruto kid?" Sasuke demanded with a pout, "and don't run away like last time!"

"It's an official mission Sasuke. I have to guard Naruto for a month. That's why I didn't come home."

Sasuke considered this, "What's so special about him? He's not very good at anything in class."

"He is special, he's the last person of his clan," Itachi replied, creating the half-truth on the spot, "The Hokage wants me to protect him from anyone who wants revenge on his clan."

"I've never heard of the Uzumaki clan."

"You live in a village of ninja Sasuke. There are secrets. You should know that."

"…ok, I believe you," his little brother declared, "but are you always going to be watching him? I want to show you my new shuriken technique!"

Itachi gestured for his little brother to come closer. Sasuke smiled and did so…only to be poked in the forehead.

"Sorry Sasuke, another time."

Sasuke pouted while rubbing his forehead, "You always say that and then you never have the time."

"I will this time, I promise," Itachi smiled, then became serious, "Will you do me a favor Sasuke?"

"Huh? What do you need nii-san?"

"Would you look out for Naruto? He needs friend, someone his own age. I think you two would get along."

"…I'll try," Sasuke agreed dubiously.

"Thank you," Itachi said before using a body flicker to essentially disappear before his brother's eyes. The younger Uchiha crossed his arms and frowned. How was he supposed to become Uzumaki's friend? The guy barely said anything.

His eyes widened as he heard the sound of a raving pack of fan girls approaching. He was in the Academy, in the window seat surrounded by guys quicker than should be possible. Sasuke let out a sigh of relief. Crazy girls, why couldn't they just leave him alone?

The hair on the back of his neck prickled as he felt someone staring at him. Sasuke looked around and saw Uzumaki gazing at him. Remembering Itachi's words, he smiled and waved at the other boy. Uzumaki just blinked and turned back around in his seat.

…This was going to be harder than he thought.


The bell rung and the students stopped messing around and sat down in their seats. Iruka cleared his throat and they immediately focused on him.

"Good morning class, today we'll be learning about Genjutsu. Before I start is there anyone who has an idea of what it might be?"

And like every time he asked a somewhat difficult question, the majority of the class tried to be invisible. They might as well of been screaming 'Don't call on me!'. A lone hand shakily rose. Sakura Haruno. Iruka smiled, she was one of his brightest students. He called on her.

"Genjutsu is a collection of techniques that use chakra to cast illusions on your enemies. Your chakra takes over their senses and you then create illusions to fool them while in reality you can take advantage of their confusion and defeat them."

Iruka beamed at her, "Good job Sakura. Now class when would genjutsu be most effective in battle? How about you Shikamaru?"

The Nara yawned lazily, "Man how troublesome…you can use genjutsu whenever really. It's variable especially since most people don't see it coming. Not a lot of people can even use genjutsu. Ah, except the Uchiha clan. They're really good at it."

"Ah that would be because of their kekkai genkai, the Sharingan. But that's a discussion for another day," Iruka continued, "You are also right about not many people being able to wield genjutsu. Unfortunately, I can't use genjutsu very well. Therefore, I've brought in a guest to help with the lesson today. Yuuhi-san?"

"My, my you have smart students Iruka-san," came a feminine voice from nowhere.

One of the girls screeched, "Kyaaah! It's a ghost!"

Kiba covered his sensitive ears in annoyance, "Be quiet! It's just a trick Iruka-sensei is playing."

The other students immediately relaxed and some even began to laugh.

"That was funny Iruka-sensei! I bet you made a genjutsu right then to make us hear that voice!" yelled some obnoxious blond.

"Idiots. She's sitting right there," growled Naruto pointing at an empty chair, "Even you should be able to smell her mutt."

Kiba snarled in response and then took Uzumaki's advice. His eyes widened, "He's right, she is really sitting there."

"Kai," the voice said. A young woman appeared to materialize on the spot. She had long black hair and red eyes and appeared to be in her early twenties. She released her seal and smiled at the class.

"Good morning students. I am not a ghost or a trick. My name is Kurenai Yuuhi. I'm one of Konoha's genjutsu specialists. The moment you walked into the classroom, you were under my genjutsu. However I only affected your sight, which is why Inuzuka-san was able to detect me."

That didn't explain how the jinchuuriki was able to sense her though. There'd been rumors about other jinchuuriki being near immune to genjutsu due to their bijuu's interference. It was something she needed to look into.

"…Now who can tell me what is needed for a ninja to be successful at genjutsu?" Kurenai addressed the class. Sasuke raised his hand, and she called on him.

"Intelligence, attention to details and really good chakra control," the Uchiha answered.

The genjutsu specialist nodded, "Excellent Uchiha-san, but you're missing one very important element."

Sasuke frowned and other kids raised their hands. 'Training' said one, 'determination!' replied another, but they were all wrong.

Kurenai shook her head, "It's simple really. It's something all of you children have."

They gazed up at her in wonder. What mysterious power were they supposed to have?

"Imagination."

"Imagination," she repeated, "is the most important aspect of a genjutsu. This is where most ninjas fail. They treat it like a straightforward ninjutsu and end up having their illusions turned against them.

"You use intelligence to capture your opponent in the genjutsu. Then your attention to details can create a perfect illusion of the battlefield so you can convince your enemy that nothing has happened. Chakra control is self-explanatory. If you cannot control your chakra, what makes you think you'd be able to control your opponent's senses?"

"Imagination is your most powerful weapon. You use it to create your own version of reality and your enemy must follow its rules. All the better if they know they are caught in your genjutsu but can't escape. You can throw the real world out the window and make whatever you need whether it is to capture torture or simply kill the enemy."

The class was enraptured by her words. Iruka chuckled to himself quietly. They never paid this much attention to him. Ah, what was that? Uzumaki was raising his hand. Naruto never said a word if he could help it. Strange.

"Yes Uzumaki-san?"

"Kurenai-sensei, what if your enemy was also using genjutsu against you? And if your genjutsu got dispelled, how could you break out of theirs?" Naruto asked, his intense eyes never leaving the young women. Kurenai wanted to look away from those eyes. It was an odd feeling, one she pushed away.

"Excellent questions Uzumaki-san. Though it is rare, there have been genjutsu vs. genjutsu battles before. It essentially becomes a battle of wills. Eventually one of them will be sucked into the other's illusion. As for the other question, does anyone remember the three ways to escape a genjutsu?"

Once again, Sakura raised her hand and was called on.

"Well the easiest way would be to stop the flow of chakra in your body then to use genjutsu release, 'kai' ,to disrupt the genjutsu caster's chakra.," Sakura explained, "If you can't stop the flow of your chakra then an ally could disrupt the flow of your chakra enough to break you out of the genjutsu. The third way would be to hurt yourself in some way so that the pain would bring you back to reality."

Kurenai nodded, "Good job Haruno-san. Were all your questions answered Uzumaki-san?"

"Yes Kurenai-sensei. But I have one last question," he paused, "…what if you were in the general area of an enemy, but had no clue where he was. Without it directly affecting the five senses like sound or sight, could you tailor a genjutsu just for that specific person without them even knowing you were there?"

The boy was asking about advanced theoretical genjutsu now? Yuuhi started looking at the boy in a new light. Perhaps he would be useful to the village. Maybe he'd become a genjutsu specialist like her. Seems like he had the talent.

"While it is theoretically possible, no one has ever pulled it off in combat. Such a technique would require you to have more chakra than average. Unless you knew the specific chakra signature, you'd have to mold your chakra like a net, encompassing the entire area. If you did that then the enemy could easily detect it. Not to mention that the enemy would be on the move while you tried to cast the jutsu. It would be easier to use a wide range genjutsu. Though those are very weak."

"What if you got rid of all the variables then? Say they're asleep in bed, but too protected for a physical attack. You would be able to do away with the chakra net and make a single tendril. Then you use that tendril to trap the enemy in your illusion. Since they're asleep they would then assume the illusions were a dream."

This boy…Naruto Uzumaki. He was brilliant.

"Iruka are you sure you didn't already teach them about genjutsu?" Iruka laughed awkwardly and shook his head, "Then they seem to have a good grasp on it. Especially Uzumaki-san. By the way, your theory is completely logical. I might test it out while I'm on a mission. You should think about specializing in genjutsu Naruto, you seem to have a knack for it."

Naruto looked down at his desk and mumbled, "Thanks Kurenai-sensei."

Kurenai smiled and continued the lesson. The jinchuuriki said nothing else for the rest of it.

"Ok class it's time to say goodbye to Yuuhi-san. Don't forget to thank her for the lesson," Iruka ordered.

"No need, I had fun myself teaching the class today. You are all bright-minded children who will become excellent ninjas in time," she waved goodbye to the class and headed on out the door.

Especially you, Naruto Uzumaki, she thought looking back at the boy. His intense blue eyes were on her again. She smiled and left, not noticing the cruel smile on his face nor the malicious intent in his eyes.


"So you like genjutsu?"

Naruto turned to look at Sasuke blankly. The Uchiha sat down next to Naruto and opened his lunchbox. It was lunchtime and there was only a few people still in the room, Sasuke and Naruto being two of them.

"You seem to know a lot about it. You impressed that lady too," Sasuke continued. Naruto looked down at his hands, then back up at him.

"Yeah…I guess I just finally found something I was good at," he murmured.

"Really good at," Sasuke laughed, "Hey Naruto where's your lunch?"

The boy shrugged, "I forgot to bring one. I'll be alright."

Sasuke raised an eyebrow as the blond's stomach rumbled loudly. Naruto turned red from embarrassment and looked away. The Uchiha sighed and pushed his lunchbox over so that it was in between both of them. The jinchuuriki looked up at him in confusion.

"I'll share with you. But don't touch the tomatoes. They're mine."

"Y-you're sure? You don't have to."

"Go ahead and eat idiot. If you don't then you won't be able to focus on Iruka's lectures later. Though you might not want to…they are kinda boring," Sasuke replied, taking out the best tomato he could see and taking a bite out of it.

"Thanks Sasuke," Naruto said quietly. Sasuke looked at him. The blond was smiling as he picked up the chopsticks and began to dig in. Sasuke smiled too. Maybe this wouldn't be so hard. He saw a glimmer of red in the corner of his eye.

"No! I said no tomatoes!" the Uchiha complained.

"Just one? They look so good."

"No!"

Naruto held it out of his reach and they began fighting over the tomato. Soon they were both laughing. Neither saw the shadow loom over Naruto.

Suddenly a huge pot was over Naruto's head and someone used a stick to bang against the pot. Sasuke growled and shoved the pot off Uzumaki's head.

"Hahaha that was hilarious right Sasuke?" chortled Kiba, slapping his knee. He'd dropped the stick and his eyes were tearing up from laughing so hard.

"Idiot mutt, what the hell did you do that for? He did nothing to you!" Sasuke yelled.

"Hey man, get a grip. It's just Naruto the dead last. No one gives a crap about him anyway. I bet you would've done it too."

"No I wouldn't have-" Sasuke stopped when he saw Naruto get up and grab the Inuzuka by the collar. He was different. The atmosphere around him was deadly. The blond growled and threw the Inuzuka over the desks.

Holy shit, thought Sasuke as Kiba went rolling and finally crashed into the wall.

Kiba groaned and rubbed his head while trying to get up. But Naruto was already there. He again grabbed Kiba by the collar, and then he shoved him against the wall.

"What's your problem Uzumaki? It was just a joke!" Kiba protested.

"Just a joke? I'm tired of your jokes Inuzuka," Naruto snarled, jostling the other boy. Then a wide grin appeared on his face, "So you like jokes huh?"

He grabbed a sharp pencil from his pocket, "You know, anything can be used as a weapon. You seem to think pain is funny. So tell me where should I stab you with this? It's just a joke right? The pain won't matter if it's funny right?"

"What are you talking about you psychopath? Just put down the pencil and let me go!"

"Maybe I should gouge out one of your eyes. Though I think it would be funny to stab your hand to the wall. Oh the possibilities," Naruto chuckled.

"Naruto! What are you doing?" shouted Sasuke, moving towards them, "you don't have to take it that far!"

"Be quiet Uchiha. This has nothing to do with you," he ordered coldly, looking Sasuke in the eye. Sasuke froze in place. Never before had he felt such fear. And his eyes, they weren't normal. Instead of their usual blue, they were shifting from violet to red, swirling around like a whirlpool.

The jinchuuriki smiled, "This looks like a good spot."

He pulled his hand back, then plunged the pencil forward. Kiba closed his eyes, screaming silently. Sasuke watched in horror as the pencil came closer.

It never came down. There was a firm hand on Naruto's arm, stopping him.

"STOP! What on earth are you doing to him Naruto? Let him go!" Iruka demanded. He stared angrily at the blond. Slowly the atmosphere of fear and danger disappeared. Naruto let go of Kiba and snatched his hand away from Iruka. The Inuzuka fell to the floor with a thump and was breathing hard.

"All of you! Out into the hallway now! You're going to explain what just happened."

Kiba shakily rose to his feet. After giving Naruto a glare, he complied with Iruka's orders. Sasuke stared at Naruto. He was totally different from the shy boy a couple of minutes ago. This Naruto…there was something that screamed dangerous. Was this his true self?

Uzumaki growled softly, then turned and plunged the pencil into the wall. He smiled and left it there as he walked out to join Kiba in the hallway. Sasuke looked at the wall. At least half of the pencil was sunk into it.

Impossible…

"Come on Sasuke," Iruka said, gesturing for him to hurry up. The Uchiha joined the other two in the hallway, looking warily at Naruto. He stood in between the two other boys and waited for Iruka. Iruka came out of the classroom and glared at each of them.

"Someone better start explaining," he ordered simply. Sasuke looked at the boy standing beside him. Kiba was tightlipped and angry, not even looking at Iruka. Naruto was gazing at the floor like it was the most interesting thing in the world. Sasuke sighed and look at Iruka. It was up to him to tell him what happened. So he did.

"So…is what Sasuke said right? Kiba? Naruto?" Iruka asked. The Inuzuka looked up at his teacher and nodded, then looked away again. Naruto kept his eyes on the floor.

"Naruto."

The boy looked up.

"Is that what happened?"

The corner of the jinchuuriki's mouth quirked as if he was about to smirk, "Yes Iruka-sensei."

"Ok then. Kiba!" the Inuzuka flinched, "you were wrong to play a prank on Naruto in the first place. Especially since he'd done nothing to you. Apologize to him now."

Kiba started to protest, but the look on Iruka's face warned him not to.

"Sorry," he muttered angrily.

"Good. Now Naruto. You reaction was uncalled for. The moment you threatened to stab him you were in the wrong. You don't threaten your classmates. Now it's your turn to apologize to him."

"…it wasn't a threat. It was a promise," Uzumaki smirked and turned to look at Kiba, "Ah, I'm oh so sorry Kiba."

"Naruto!" Iruka just sighed and rubbed his head in frustration, "Sasuke, Kiba go back to class. I'll be there in a moment."

The two boys obeyed. Kiba took the chance to whisper 'Freak' as he passed by Naruto. The jinchuuriki laughed.

"I think you forgot something dog boy."

Kiba turned back around to see Naruto holding another pencil. He face blanched then turned red with anger. He was about to charge the other boy when he felt a hand on his shoulder.

"Don't be an idiot, just come on," Sasuke said, pulling the Inuzuka towards the classroom. When they left, it was quiet. Naruto put the pencil back in his pocket and began humming.

"Are you taking any of this seriously Naruto?"

"I am taking it seriously. The moment Kiba did that to me he became a threat to be stopped. It was pure self-defense."

"No Naruto. It was wrong of you. You're not enemies. You're classmates for god's sake. And still you threaten him and you won't even listen to what I'm telling you."

"I'm listening Iruka-sensei. It's just that you're the one who's wrong. If we were ninja and he attacked one of his teammates for no apparent reason, then he'd be punished severely."

"That's not what happened Naruto," Iruka took a deep breath and made a decision, "Naruto you have detention after school for the rest of the month."

The jinchuuriki snarled, "What? He started the whole goddamn mess. Is he getting away scot-free? "

"Kiba realized he was wrong and said he was sorry. You continued to antagonize him and you still think you were in the right. Starting tomorrow you'll stay after class and help clean up or whatever chores I decide to have you do."

The boy was literally shaking with anger. He began to take deep breaths to calm himself. Slowly his body stopped shaking, though his hands still trembled.

"Fine. Can I go back to class now?"

"Yes."

Naruto went back into the classroom. Everyone's eyes were on him, but he didn't care. He trudged back to his seat.

"You ok?" someone asked him. He turned around to look at them. Sasuke again.

"It doesn't concern you."

The Uchiha looked angry now, "Geez I was just asking. I mean we both know it was Kiba's fault and all but-"

"Leave me alone," interrupted Naruto, "Don't talk to me. Don't associate yourself with me. We aren't friends. We aren't anything besides classmates. If you keep trying then the only thing we'll be is enemies. I'll say it again. Leave me alone."

The blond then turned back around and put his head on his desk. A part of him thought he was being cruel to Sasuke. It was whiny and complained like a little brat.

Shut up. I'm in control. You're weak. We don't need him. We don't need anyone at all.

We have the dark gift.


Naruto was in his world again. The other was in control. Not that he could do anything about it.

The stars sparkled as the waves crashed against the shore. Naruto smiled. It was peaceful here. He fell back and lay on the sand. A faint breeze ruffled his hair. The light from the crescent moon cast shadows on his face.

Naruto shot up. He hadn't created a moon. The moon shouldn't be there.

"He made it."

Naruto looked towards the sound of the voice. Another boy walked towards him. It was Naruto. A younger version without the whisker marks on his face. And his eyes were violet.

"He made it while you were in control. Said the place was too dark," the boy said, taking a seat besides Naruto. Naruto didn't feel threatened by him. This part of him was simply an observer. It showed nothing and took in everything.

"I made it. It was mine."

The observer looked up at the moon with him, "Yes. But he's you too. We're all you."

"I know," he closed his eyes, "I know."

The breeze picked up again and a tornado no bigger than his finger twisted on the ground between them. Seashells appeared on the shore while giant palm trees sprouted from the sand.

Naruto stood and walked out into the water. He dragged his fingers through it, creating small eddies. They swirled and swirled around eventually becoming something totally different. Tiny fish were born from the swirls and they swam away from him.

"You're getting better."

"Yeah."

The waves crashed against him, but he didn't move. The world was intoxicating. It was so beautiful and breathtaking. He almost wished that he would never have to leave it.

"I don't think this is a genjutsu. It seems too different from what Kurenai-sensei said," Naruto said aloud.

"It's not. It's your mindscape. Everyone has one. All you did was change it."

"So there are other worlds like this?"

"They're not worlds. They're people's minds. But yes, there are others. Why? Do you want to see?"

"Yes," he replied. It didn't bother him that this part of him knew more than he did. The observer was smart. He'd always been smart.

"Look," the observer said, pointing out to the ocean, "there's a doorway. Go through it. Don't wander aimlessly or go too far. You'll get lost and you won't be able to come back."

"Ok."

He looked back at the ocean. Sure enough, there was now a door hovering over the black water. It was a simple door. Black with a white frame. With a thought, he was able to walk on the water towards it.

Naruto then stood in front of it. His hand gripped the door handle. He looked back at the observer. The other him simply nodded. Naruto looked back towards the door. He took a deep breath, pushed it open, and stepped through.

There was a flash of light and he was momentarily blinded. He rubbed at his eyes until his vision returned. When Naruto opened his eyes and saw what was around him he gasped.

"Wow…."

Naruto was surrounded by a sea of grass. He stood on a yellow pathway that extended in a huge circle. In the middle of the circle was a fire pit. A small tendril of smoke rose from it. The fire had gone out a long time ago.

Naruto looked around the circle. There were eight other doors besides the one he had just come from. It was weird but they all felt connected, his door included. Maybe that's why these were in a circle. It represented the connection.

Naruto gazed beyond the circle. There were other doors sure enough. But those doors were isolated unlike these. He closed his eyes, sending out chakra to feel the energy created by the nine doors. He detected little things, like emotions and vague thoughts. Then he saw it. His eyes shot open.

Naruto gasped again and grabbed at the seal on his stomach. They had it. They all had it.

The dark gift.

He thought he was the only one. Who could they have chakra like his? It made no sense. Was there other demons? Was it possible that there were others like him?

No. No way. It had to be a trick. They couldn't have the dark gift. His dad had given it to him. Only him. He frowned. He'd just have to open one of the doors and find out.

Naruto looked back at his door, memorizing it so he wouldn't get lost like the observer said. Then he turned around and walked towards the closest door. This one was a tan color with a rugged red frame. Naruto put his hand on it. It felt like sandpaper.

Suddenly he could feel the thoughts that came from beyond this door. He knew who they belonged to. It was a boy, like him. Around his age too. He saw a blurry picture of the other boy playing in sand. Then the boy looked straight at him and Naruto knew the boy could see him.

"Who are you? What do you want?"

Naruto was scared. He took his hand off the door and began to run for his own.

"Don't run. You won't escape."

The tan door suddenly swung wide open and a vortex of wind was pulling Naruto towards it. Naruto screamed as he was sucked up into it. He tried to grab the edges of the frame before he disappeared inside, but he couldn't. He vanished into the darkness of the door.

All was quiet. Then the door slammed shut.

Naruto blearily opened his eyes. The hot sun cast down on him. He looked around. Sand was everywhere. He saw small dust devils moving across the dunes.

He sat up and rubbed his head, "How'd I get here?"

"I brought you here. Now tell me who you are before I kill you," ordered the boy from before. Naruto stood and faced him. The boy in front of him had red hair and a tattoo on the left side of his forehead. Dark rings surrounded his jade eyes and he had no eyebrows. He wore a black shirt and pants along with a white sash. On top of the white sash, there was a brown one. This one looked like it was supposed to carry something, but it wasn't right then.

"I'm Naruto Uzumaki. Who are you?"

The redhead hesitated, "…I'm known as Gaara of the sand. Why are you here? Never mind."

He made some strange gesture with his hand. The sand in front of Naruto disappeared and was replaced with a small oasis. Naruto blinked in surprise. He'd used it. The dark gift. There was no denying it now. They were the same.

"Put your hand in the water," Gaara commanded, "and call upon your memories. If you don't I'll kill you. Rather I'll crush your mind, but you'll be dead all the same."

Naruto hurried to do what Gaara asked. He shoved his hand in the water and nearly pulled it back out. The water was beyond freezing. But he didn't yank it out. Instead, he thought of his memories as Gaara had instructed.

The water began to change. His hand sent ripples through it. An image began to form. A face, his face.

"It's me," he said in wonder.

"Of course it's you. Their your memories," the redhead replied dismissively, "Now show them to me. Show me who you really are."

Naruto obeyed, the icy water sent waves of pain into his arm. The latest memories were first. How he'd threatened Kiba. Meeting Itachi and his conversation with the Hokage. The creation of his world.

It kept going along at a steady pace. Years flew by in minutes. So much of it was the same. The same people, the same hatred, and the same pain.

Then he reached the memory of that night. Naruto watched transfixed as the image showed his younger self running away from the apartment that was now up in flames. He saw it go back to him standing over the body. His eyes widened as his younger self screamed in agony, pulling at his hair. Naruto didn't want to see this. Didn't want to admit it.

He pulled his hand out of the water.

Sand began to fill the oasis once more. But the memory still played. It played to its finish even when the sand almost completely covered it. Naruto saw a red eye with a slit instead of a normal pupil before the image disappeared.

But it was too late. Gaara knew. He knew Naruto's greatest secret. Not even his dad knew. Gaara gazed at him and Naruto felt tiny under those eyes.

"You fractured yourself. But you're still alone," the redhead stated like it was a simple fact. Naruto flinched. It was true. He was alone. It didn't matter how many of him there were. It was just him.

"You're just like me."

Naruto looked up at Gaara. The other boy had a twisted smile on his face.

"You've got a monster too, "he laughed, "Guess that makes us brothers in suffering. Just like he said."

Just like who said?

"I don't have a monster inside me," Gaara stared at him in disbelief, "Really I don't. I only have his power. The dark gift."

"The dark gift…that's a good name for it. I usually just call it Shukaku," his face twisted into a snarl, "Though the demon would have me call it mother."

"It talks to you? The Kyuubi…he's gone."

"Just because it's a demon doesn't mean it's stupid little brother. Sounds like your demon's soul was taken away. Otherwise it would talk to you too."

Gaara turned and began walking away. When he was a good distance away, he turned back and looked at Naruto as if to say 'Are you coming?'. Naruto had to run to catch up with the other boy.

"Little brother, what is your reason to exist?" Gaara asked as Naruto fell into step beside him. The blond nearly stumbled and fell on his face. First he was being called brother and now this?

My reason to exist. Why do I exist? He juts didn't know. He kept thinking and looking for an answer but all he saw was darkness. No one acknowledged him. No one gave a damn about him. Indeed why then should he continue to exist? Then he saw an image.

It was his world. Only he wasn't alone anymore. Naruto was sitting on the beach staring at the sky. Sasuke was sitting next to him, burying his older brother in the sand. And they were all laughing…

"My world. I exist for my world."

Gaara scoffed, "Your world only exists in your head. It's not real. It has no effect on the real world. If that's your reason to exist then you might as well disappear."

The redhead made the strange gesture with his hand again. The sand lunged forward, jumping towards Naruto in the shape of a giant lion. The blond jinchuuriki jumped behind his 'brother'. The lion stopped and roared at him before collapsing once more into sand.

"See? That wasn't real. It doesn't have any effect in the real world. The only thing that marks the fact that it existed is our memory."

Naruto shakily came out from behind Gaara. It was just like his mindscape. Anything was possible. Only Gaara was in control, not Naruto.

"Naruto," Gaara said, using the other boy's name for the first time, "your eyes are lost. You're hurting. You can't stop the pain unless you find a purpose."

Naruto gritted his teeth, "Then tell me what's so important! You're right, no one cares about me. You're right, I am all alone. So why are you taunting me with this existence stuff?"

"Be quiet. I'm not taunting you. You just don't understand what's important," the redhead held up three fingers, "There are three things that matter in this world. Power, pain and reason.

"The power to hurt others. Being powerless enough to feel pain yourself. Pain directs all our actions. We do everything to avoid it. Reason is the most important. It binds the three together. There is a reason for your pain. You're not powerful enough to stop it. There's a reason for your power, use it and make others feel your pain. Above all is the reason for you to live. If you don't have that then you'll just wander. Lost. You'll cease to exist."

Gaara stopped walking and looked at Naruto to see if his message had been heard. Naruto just stared back. What could he say? Gaara was like the observer. He was smart. He knew things. He trusted the observer, should he trust Gaara too?

"Power, pain…and reason," repeated Naruto. Gaara nodded and they began to walk forward again.

How does he do it? There's only one of him. But he doesn't care that he's alone. Why does he know all these things if I don't?

"Brother?" Naruto said, the word feeling strange in his mouth.

"What?"

"What's your reason to exist?"

Gaara blinked his face impassive as he considered the question.

"My reason to exist? I guess you could say I exist to hurt the ones who hurt me. I was born a monster so my father could use me as a weapon. My mother died for that purpose. My father made me strong. He taught me all sorts of high level ninjutsu," Gaara's face morphed into a manic grin, "But then I became too powerful. I was too unstable. They realized they couldn't control me. So my father hired assassins to kill me."

"B-but he was your dad! Didn't he care about you at all?"

The redhead laughed, "He only cares about what I can do for him. Ever since that night, he keeps trying to kill me. He sends me on dangerous missions hoping someone will get through my defenses. It hurt, I was scared. Just like you little brother. I didn't have a reason to exist. So I disappeared."

Naruto backed away from the Ichibi jinchuuriki. Sand was twisting all around him, lashing out at whatever was close.

"It was worse than any hell you can ever imagine. At first I thought it would be better to die, when I disappeared I changed my mind. I realized I needed a reason to exist. So I came up with this. 'I exist to kill all humans. I will fight only for myself and love only myself. As long as there are people in this world to kill I will not cease to exist.' I said those words to myself and I was able to reappear. I was alive and more powerful than I was before. It didn't matter what my father and the others thought. I had my reason. That's all I needed."

Gaara fell silent and the sand around him fell to the ground. It was quiet between the two jinchuuriki.

"….Gaara. Are you going to kill me too?" Naruto asked quietly. Gaara's face was neutral again.

"Are you scared little brother?" the redhead questioned, "Don't you know? You're a monster like me. I won't kill you."

And Gaara was right, he was a monster. But Gaara acknowledged him as a monster. He called Naruto a brother. Wasn't that all that really mattered? As a human, he was treated like a demon. But as a monster…

He saw the red-eyed devil from the memory.

NO.

"I have to go, brother."

"Back to your world? Fine the door is over there," and as he said it the door materialized, "Come back soon little brother. I like talking to you."

"I will, when I've found my reason," answered the blond as he walked to the door, "Goodbye."

The redhead simply waved. Naruto twisted the handle and stepped through. Again, there was a flash of light. He rubbed at his eyes. He opened them and saw the same circle and set of doors from before.

There was one thing different.

There was a tiny fire in the fire pit. It was a feeble flame. Any wind would blow it out, but it was there.

Naruto walked to his own door and stepped through. His world welcomed him. He smiled. Gaara's world was impressive, but there was nothing like his.

He walked on the water back to the beach. There were two figures waiting for him. The first was the observer. The other was another version of him. It looked angry and its red eyes glowed in the darkness of the night. Naruto thought of him as Rage.

"What took you so long?" this version of him snapped.

"You should know. You're him," the observer retorted.

"Who's in control?" Naruto asked.

"No one. You're asleep."

"Thanks to me. That Itachi keeps meddling in our business. We should kill him. Just like we should've killed that wooden guy," Rage snarled. The observer simply shook his head.

"I'm going to sleep then," Naruto declared, heading back to reality.

"Good. I have things to do. I'm gonna get revenge for today."

Naruto snapped back around to look at Rage.

"What are you going to do?"

Rage smirked, "Iruka-sensei taught us a lot today. I just thought we should show him the results of his efforts. It's not as if he ever helped you out when you needed it. You have to admit, he was unfair to us today. Let me handle it. He won't even know it was us. I can make him respect us. Surely, that's not so bad? Right Naruto?"

He asked nicely, even while he was scheming. Naruto could stop him if he wanted to, but tonight….he didn't care.

"Go ahead."

Rage cackled as Naruto walked away from them. Like always, the observer merely watched as Rage disappeared. Then he was alone.

You think you're evil. But you don't ever do anything to change that.


Iruka dreamed he was in his classroom. He stood at the chalkboard drawing complicated diagrams and lecturing. When he turned around there was only one student there.

Uzumaki Naruto.

The boy grinned and clapped slowly.

"Iruka-sensei great lesson. Here I got you a present," the jinchuuriki pulled out a bucket full of sharpened pencils. He walked up and put it on Iruka's desk.

"Oops, looks like I forgot one."

The boy pointed to a pencil stuck in the wall. He walked over and pulled it out of the wall with ease.

"Ah now who could've done this? Whoever it was is a very bad boy right Iruka-sensei?"

Iruka tried to respond but no matter how hard he tried, no sound would come out.

Naruto tsked, "Iruka-sensei, you're not supposed to talk unless raise your hand."

Naruto grabbed another pencil from the bucket. Then he charged at Iruka. Iruka tried to move. He looked down and saw hands from the floor grabbing his feet and holding him still. Naruto grinned and stabbed the pencils into Iruka's hands.

The pencils went straight through his flesh and then pinned them to the wall. Iruka screamed as the pain assaulted him.

"What was that Iruka-sensei? You forgot to raise your hand again," the boy chortled. There was a rumbling sound. It was coming closer.

"They're coming Iruka-sensei, do you want me to save you?" Iruka mouthed yes, "I can't hear you Iruka-sensei. Speak up. This is your last chance. Say something or I'll leave you here."

The scarred chuunin began to cry. He begged Naruto to stop the pain, he pleaded for the boy to save him from this nightmare.

"Sorry Iruka-sensei. I couldn't hear you."

The boy backed away from him. Iruka heard the faint sound of footsteps. It was growing louder and louder. It was like an army marching in tune. The door was slammed open. They filled the room.

It was dozens of people, all shapes and sizes but they had one thing in common. A simple white mask that had fox-like slits for eyes and a grand smile. A little one walked up to Iruka, a pencil in hand. She stared up at him in curiosity and then shoved the pencil into his stomach. The others followed suit. Each took a pencil from the bucket and stabbed him.

He no longer even had his eyes. They'd been gouged out. Iruka screamed and this time he heard it. He screamed while Naruto laughed.

"Have you learned your lesson sensei?"

Iruka didn't respond, he just howled as more and more of the sharp objects punctured him.

"This is why. THIS IS WHY I EXIST!" Naruto declared, "I will make my world a reality. This is my world I control it. I control you. And I can hurt you, just like now. Just like you've hurt me."

The masked people disappeared along with the pencils. Iruka slumped to the ground. In reality, Iruka shot up from his bed in a cold sweat. The boy's mocking voice still reached him.

"This is only the beginning."