I apologize for this chapter being late. I haven't had much spare time to write, what with Thanksgiving and being forced to go to family reunions. Also Semester Finals are fast approaching. (DUNDUNDUN!!!!) But if you have time please check out my Bleach oneshot fic on my profile. It is called 'Facets' and I will update it whenever I find I don't have the time to update this Fic.
This chapter be dedicated to 'mainightmare3' for their splendiferously awesome guess of the location of the key. (GO MAI!!) I'd like to take this moment to point out that I am still quite poor. I don't even have enough to buy the bandy-candy anymore.
This chapter hurts my soul.
Re-cap: Underneath all these was a Leather-bound book, with the words: "The Life and times of Uzumaki Naruto" on the cover.
All of the assembled people looked around at each other, startled at what they had found.
~.~.~.~.~
For a moment, no one said anything, no one moved, then Tsunade opened the book, running her fingers down the first page of small, careful handwriting. Then she began to read.
~.~.~.~
October 10th-Year of the Rooster
My name is Naruto, and apparently I am a monster.
I just turned seven years old today, and for my birthday they kicked me out of the orphanage.
It is very cold for October. I must find shelter before night fall; that is when the villagers start the festival.
October 12th- Year of the Rooster
I have taken shelter near the Ichiraku Ramen stand, the owner's daughter is kind to me, she gave me a pair of her old shoes. They are warm enough and, since I didn't have any to begin with, I do not mind that they are pink.
This writing thing is new to me. It has opened up a whole new world; signs books, magazines, I can read them all.
I cannot say how I've learned these new skill, I just woke up one morning knowing how to read and write, so I decided to keep this notebook I found in the trash, and use it to keep a record of my life. For anyone who cares.
October 20th – Year of the Rooster
I found an old knapsack in a dumpster behind a home, along with an orange jumpsuit much too large for me. I shall put the suit in the bag along with this book for when I get bigger.
Mr. Ichiraku and his daughter are nice people. If I help around the shop, cleaning and the like they feed me ramen.
I love Ramen.
I start at the academy soon, the ninja academy, I mean. The academy was mandatory for every child, even if they don't want to be a ninja. They have to take at least a year to get the basic defense skills and to learn simple math.
The academy is also free, so it keeps me off the streets for most of the day, less chance for the villagers to hurt me.
I wonder when the old man will realize I was no longer at the orphanage and that my allowance wasn't reaching me, hadn't been in months.
October 25th – Year of the Rooster
Today was my first day at the academy. I snuck into the woods behind this big building and scrubbed myself and my clothes clean with the last of my soap from the orphanage.
Shikamaru snorted.
Everyone looked at him, curious.
"He bathed in the Nara pond." Shikamaru said while laughing. The gathering began to laugh as well. The Nara's were famous for their protectiveness of their forest, and the deer that lived in it. Naruto was extremely lucky to not have been caught. The Nara's would have been out for blood.
Tsunade continued reading.
I got to school early, taking the chance to read through my text-scrolls, eager to learn.
My teacher was Umino Iruka, I can tell he doesn't like me. The moment he walked into the room, and saw me he flinched.
I pretended not to notice.
Everyone gazed at Iruka who looked down, ashamed. The younger generation didn't understand, they were just realizing how badly Naruto was treated. The older generation felt horrible for their fellow adults' actions.
October 31st – Year of the Rooster
I love the academy, there's so much to learn. I spend lunchtime in the library, reading through the books, able to forget my hunger in the pages.
I loved to learn how to do things.
I read books on poetry, grammar, romance, science fiction, and anything I could get my hands on.
I devoured scrolls on jutsu and taijutsu theory, fixing them in my mind to practice later when I was alone. I spent every waking hour studying and practicing. I even saw the lessons in my sleep.
My academy grades soared.
This was my chance! If I became a great ninja I wouldn't have to live on the streets! I could pay back Ayame-nee and Mr. Ichiraku for all their help.
I will be a great ninja.
November 1st – Year of the Rooster
The old man finally figured out that the orphanage had gotten rid of me, and had been keeping my orphan's allowance.
I was helping Ayame-nee in the shop when an ANBU in a weasel mask appeared.
The ANBU member picked me up, cradling me close, as he transported me to the Hokage's tower. I blinked, surprised at the man's gentleness.
It was nice.
The ANBU member set me down in front of the old man's desk, and retreated to stand by the door.
"Naruto, how are you?" The old man looked sad, and older than usual. I hopped up into the sofa chair stationed In front of his desk, settling myself.
"I'm fine." I told him, getting comfy.
"Where have you been staying?" he asked his voice sad.
I shrugged. "It varied. Ayame-nee took care of me when she could. She gave me shoes." I lifted my feet so he could see my pink sandals. He just looked sadder.
"I'm sorry, Naruto." He said, looking down.
I waved off his apology. "You're a busy person, besides; I made sure to keep out of sight once night came. Well, Ayame-nee will be wondering where I am, bye Hokage-jii!" I ran out the door, closing it behind me. It slid open just a crack, and when I went to close it properly, I heard what was said inside.
"Hokage-sama, what did the boy mean by hiding at night?" The ANBU member asked. The old man sighed.
"The drunkards come out at night, Uchiha-san. He's no older than young Sasuke, and already so responsible." The old man said. I ran off after that.
I don't want anyone's sympathy.
~.~.~.~.~
November 21st – Year of the Rooster
The Hokage had issued me an apartment and personally made sure I got my orphan's allowance.
I try to make sure I'm not seen entering or leaving my apartment. There's a window situated near my bed, perfect as an escape route.
Times are hard.
My allowance is given to me at the beginning of each month, and if spent wisely, should be enough for an orphan to get by.
I tried to keep my meals healthy, I really did, eating vegetables regularly as well as fruit, and grains, but every time I try to buy these things the prices soar. A single loaf of bread would take almost half of my allowance.
I found that ramen was cheap, and simple to make. It also came in many flavors, so it never got boring.
I'm worried about what I will have to do when it came time to buy weapons.
~.~.~.~.~
December 23rd – Year of the Rooster
It is freezing.
Konoha is usually a warm city, but now, in the heart of winter, it is colder than it is at any other time in the year.
I don't have enough money to turn on the heat, and I don't have many blankets. I've started to wear all my clothes at one time, including my orange jumpsuit. I fold the pants over my feet before putting my prized sandals on, so my toes don't freeze.
Ayame-nee has been learning to knit, she has given me her first successful attempts. I now have a woolen cap and a nice fuzzy keep me warm.
The academy is out for holiday. I spend my days either at home or in the warm ramen shop.
The best times are at the Ramen stand. Mr. Ichiraku and his daughter banter and laugh, and when I'm with them, it feels as if I'm a part of their family.
Then I go home to the empty apartment, and I feel more alone than ever.
~.~.~.~.~
December 31st – Year of the Rooster
Today is the last day of Rooster year. Tomorrow will be the start of Dog year. I have barricaded the door with of my apartment with the never-been-used refrigerator, and locked my window. I can hear to festivities from here.
Men and women getting drunk and partying.
Hopefully forgetting I exist. –
People are banging at the door, I'll hide this book, so they don't find it.
I'm so scared.
~.~.~.~.~
God I hate myself for writing this.
I know Naruto is out of character and doesn't sound at all like a seven-year-old should. But I'm trying to convince myself that it's alright since the Kyuubi transferred some of his intelligence to Naruto when he gave him the ability to read and write.
I know, it doesn't even -sound- plausible, but I had to explain how Naruto was able to read and write -somehow-. And I highly doubt that anyone at the orphanage would have taught him.
So there.
Yes, Naruto -is- adorably sweet. I feel like I have a cavity now.
Might want to invest in a trip to the dentist; he's just gonna get sweeter.
Next chapter; have your tissues ready folks, this one's gonna be a tear-jerker.
(By the way: You've Just Lost the GAME!!!)
HaHa Rachel.
HaHa.
