Here is chapter two, I hope someone likes it:)

I have made a few changes considering the arrangement of the story. The first chapter has now become the prologue..as i plan to focus on how Naruto deels with the revelation of what happens when the Kyuubi takes over. and again i would really appreciate any comments or criticism also concerning my english..i hope there aren´t too many mistakes. Well...enjoy reading...


- Bitter Awakening -

Sunlight fell through the forest, painting shivering patches of light on the ground. A fresh breeze carressed the summer leaves. Whispers of wind mixed with the carefree chilping of birds. Naruto wasn´t aware of his peacefull surroundings. He stood frozen on the spot, gazing blankly at the air in front of him. The only thing that possessed reality at this moment was the scene that flashed up inside his mind. Bright red coloured blood seemed to mock his naivness. With vivid accuracy the image surfaced from the dark shadows of his memories. He wished it hadn´t. Jiraiya leaning against a rock, his breath escaping in short rattles. His hand clutching the deep slashed cross over his chest, barely hindering the flow of blood. His tone seemed slightly accusing: „ Naruto? Don´t you remember anything?"

Realization swept over him like a wave of icy water. His heart clenched. Yamato´s words still rung in his head „ The one that injured Sakura was you, Naruto!"

He had ...hurt her ...and Jirayia? He had injured the people who meant everything to him; attacked those he had sworn to protect. The people that had aknwoledged him – trusted him. They...they must hate him.

„Listen Naruto" The Jounin´s voice brought him back to reality. The face in front of him was stoic, his tone no less than professional. Yamato must despise him; a ninja who hurt his own teammates...in front of the ennemy... „ If you really want to bring back Sasuke, If you truly want to protect Sakura, then do so with your own power! Otherwise you´ll only end up hurting yourself - and the people close to you." Naruto´s gaze shifted to the sunflooded clearing ahead of him , towards the slender figure crouched against a tree. His throat felt dry. Even though she tried to hide it, he noticed as Sakura flinched in pain as the green healing chakra surrounded her shoulder. Three half healed gashes were clearly visible. What had he become?

Another memory flared up. Sakura, Kakashi and himself were speeding through the trees, accompanied by an old woman dressed in a single black robe.

„Bijuu are essentially enormous masses of chakra. During the great Ninja Wars, each nations hidden village tried to obtain them, hoping to turn them into weapons. But their powers are far beyond human understanding. They can´t be controlled."

He had been foolish – thinking that he could tame the Kyuubi, honestly believing that a mere human was abled to use the Nine-tails according to his own will without any consequences. All he had ever done was relying on a power that did not belong him and even worse - he had relied on a power he knew to be evil to the core. What was he other than a demon?

„ The source of your strenght is not the Kyuubi´s chakra. It is your own chakra and it´s ability to withstand the kyuubi´s horrible powers." Naruto was grateful for these words although deep down he could feel the truth. He had been relying on the demon because he knew that on his own – he was weak.

„ Well, let´s get going Naruto, we don´t have time to waste, have we?" Yamato was pacing towards the clearing waving lazily for him to follow. Regaining his composure, the blond boy answered in his usual high pitched „hai" and sped of towards his teammate. A few feet in front of her however, he came to a sudden halt. His eyes stayed locked on his feet. „ Naruto, what´s wrong?" The youg kunoichi gave him a concerned look. „ S...Sakura-chan" he mumbled, forcing himself to look in the bright green orbs of his ..victim? „ Gomen Sakura-chan...I´m so sorry...I...I really didn´t want to hurt you...I.." He stopped, not finding the right words to apologize for the unforgivable. „ It´s ok Naruto" came the gentle reply „ it really doesn´t hurt that much anymore"

Even though dreading the outcome, Naruto´s eyes remained fixed upon Sakura´s, looking for the well known flash of hate and disgust he saw so often in the eyes of the villagers; astonished to find only mild concern and sadness. He sighed almost inaudibly in relief. She didn´t hate him. „ Thank you Sakura-chan. I will definitely protect you from now on" She gave him a small grin and he shivered at the thought of what he had risked to lose. He could have killed her! That was when he realized he would never forgive himself .