Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto.

Update: This is now just Chapter 8, will be explained, down there, it's actually not that far is it...


Naruto's eyes were glued to the floor. On the desk in front of him lay a black headband with a metal plate that had the Konoha insignia carved onto it.

"Naruto…' an old gentle voice began 'Is this truly the path you wish to take?"

No. He wanted to scream it at the top of his lungs, he didn't want to. But he felt like he was choking. This had to be the right choice? Wasn't it?

Naruto saw The Third slide the headband in his direction. He was about to voice his objection but Hiruzen interrupted.

"If you ever feel you're ready to come back." The old man's words were comforting to Naruto.

Naruto grabbed his headband. The excitement he felt when he'd first received it felt like such a distant memory.

Now all he felt was shame, disappointment, and fear.

He turned and walked out of the Hokage's office, not once did he take his eyes off the floor.

Naruto dreaded how his teachers and family would take the news.

Naruto Uzumaki had given up on being on shinobi.


Author's Notes: Does this make up for that cliffhanger last chapter?

Also I've decided this is now just chapter 8, I was originally going to make this part of Chapter 7 but wasn't sure, uploaded it as a separate chapter and now I decided to just keep it.

Also (I'll use it twice if I want) I've updated the summary as I feel the old one was a little obsolete.

Hope you enjoy, and stick around!