Disclaimer: See Prologue

Author's Note: See Profile for response to reviews…

"ABC" - Spoken

ABC - Thought

'ABC' -Bijū Spoken

'ABC' - Bijū Thought

ABC – Book Excerpts

&&&& - Scene Change

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Stranger Than Fiction

Chapter Eight: Failures & Triumphs

Part Two

"Why…?"

I look to her, wordless, trying to speak to her yet I have no answer but it matters not for they're all right. I ask them to look at me, so that I may gaze into those milky white pools of lavender that sooth my soul so.

They do as I ask and I scream as my blood red orbs look into the nothingness of their hollowed, bleeding eye sockets.

"How could you do this… why?" the oldest girl asks.

Again, I have no answer… no answer I could speak aloud and so I continue to scream my howls turning to sobs… for in truth I have an answer… for its quiet simple…

"I am a vessel… a monster… a demon."

I always awaken after those words as tears leave my eyes and I cry… something I've sworn never to do again… yet, I do almost constantly but only when I'm alone - which is always.

What you've just read is the current version of something that has haunted me for as long as I can remember. There was a time when I didn't understand the meaning behind these horrific dreams. When it was a lot less painful, when the faces remained void and the voices were silent, when it simply confused me, scarred me, rather than leaving me felling hollow and numb.

I had spoken to Old Man Soul on several occasions about them and their meaning. And, every time he would look at me with such sadness in his eyes before embracing me and assuring me that they were nothing more than bad dreams.

But, I came to understand their meaning and till this day I truly wish I hadn't. It came to me upon the day of the Genin Exam; I had awoken drenched in a cold sweat as sobs wrecked my body. I tried to calm myself but I was in a panic. Not so much from the dream itself but from the fact that it had been almost a year since it had last plagued my sleep.

"No… why today, not today…"

I couldn't help but see it as an ill-fated omen because without fail that dream served as a precursor to my continued misfortune. But, on that day I wasn't going to let be so.

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"Has he really not touched his bowl since you placed it there?"

Teuchi, owner and head cook of Ichiraku Ramen Bar, looks at his daughter Ayame with eyes full of disbelief. She shakes her head with a bright smile on her lips. They both turn to look at their other customer to find him in a similar state to his husky counterpart, namely with his nose buried into a copy of the Kyu Ninja Chronicles.

"Nope, Chouji-kun has taken not one spoon yet and Shikamaru hasn't complained not once."

Teuchi lets loose a hearty laugh as they continue their hushed conversation, "It seems the boy has them as captivated as he did you."

Ayame blushes slightly before retorting, "I'm sure Naruto-kun would love to hear that his book brought you to tears."

"It did no such thing!"

Laughing, Ayame goes about cleaning up as she replies, "Whatever you say, Noodle-sama."

Letting loose a short, snort of a laugh at hearing Naruto's alias for him, Teuchi thinks, Two can play that game; as he asks, "Did you remember to thank Hokage-sama for our copies, Iris-chan?"

Ayame blushes as she replies, "I did. She kept thanking me for being there for Naruto-kun… it was so sweet."

"Yeah, the letter she sent with the books was quite a surprise. I'm glad to see that he's managed to be accepted by so many people. I was afraid we'd always be the only ones."

"I know and if these two are any example that numbers only going to grow…"

Ayame smiles, as she looks at Naruto's favorite stool, thinking, By leaps and bounds beyond anything we could ever imagine.

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Life isn't fair, the world isn't just, and fate is a bastard…

What do I do now…? How could this happen…? I just wanna die…

Those were the thoughts filling my head, as I felt like I was on the brink of losing it, since I had just failed the exam. After four years in the academy, five years under Sensei's tutelage, and twelve years of the hell that is my life, all I had managed to accomplish was to realize one harrowing truth – I am a failure.

I had met with Sensei the day before and we agreed that holding back would not accomplish anything. So, with his blessing I arrived prepared to show everyone who I really was, what I was truly made of, and, in the end, that was a failure.

I placed in the top ten for the written exam, placing just behind Cherry Blossom and a few others; I was second to Avenger in the practical applications and Taijutsu portion of the exam, yet in the end it wasn't enough, as I failed the Ninjutsu portion which consisted of making a Bunshin – my most hated technique.

Why was I not able to do something so simple, something I had managed to do perfectly on other occasions, something that the weakest of ninjas are able to perform. Sensei once told me that he noticed that my chakra control seems to fluctuate from near-perfect, thanks to his training, to none existent.

And, it was this that had kept me from passing the exam. I could actually feel my charka spiking as I tried to mold it and I knew then that I would fail. I desperately tried to reel in the amount being released but it was not to be as I produced four disfigured clones.

I could see it in their eyes… Scar was embarrassed not only for me but for himself having taught such a failure and, Ranshin looked amused by my failure yet surprisingly also understanding.

Sitting on the swing across from the entrance to the academy, I watched as every one of my classmates celebrated graduating with their friends and family; who came to congratulate them on entering adulthood by becoming a ninja.

I could hear several of the adults making snide comments as they noticed me sitting away from the rest. They seemed to get a twisted satisfaction from the fact that I had failed. I could make out several of their comments and they only served to darken my already blackened mood.

Then, I spotted her, standing alone within the crowd, and for a moment I forgot my own pain. Hime stood there smiling politely as she was congratulated by random people, but I could tell she was hurting. All around her kids were being praised by their parents and loved ones while she stood there alone with no one to cheer her on.

I began to get off the swing, to put my own sorrow aside, and go to her side until I spotted them; they approached causally as if their presence was nothing out of the ordinary. And, as I watched Hime stand there completely unaware of who was approaching her I couldn't help but smile.

They stood there, not making a sound, until she turned around to face them sensing a presence behind her. She was instantly embraced by a little girl, who was jumping up and down while holding her.

"You passed… you passed… Nee-chan's a ninja… Nee-chan's a ninja… Tousan, when can I become one?"

Blue giggled at Chibi-Hime's question while noticing the hitai-ite that hung from the new ninja's neck.

"It looks good on you, Hime-sama."

The look on Hime's face was simply beautiful, a mixture of shock and joy, as she stood there surrounded by her family. Chibi-Hime let go of her and stood next to Blue, as Sensei knelt down before his daughter and embraced her.

"Congratulations, My Child."

He held her for the briefest of moments but it served its purpose as tears fell from Hime's eyes and Sensei smiled wiping them away.

I watched this scene play out before me and as happy as I was for them all, a part of me wanted to scream, to howl, to claw my eyes out, and wish it would all end.

Jealousy is something that's far from foreign to me… how could I not be jealous of those around me when I had so little and they all seemed to have so much.

But, never before had I felt that way towards Hime or Chibi-Hime and it shocked me to be feeling that way at that moment. Pushing those disgusting feelings aside, I smiled at the pair as they shared a moment I was proud to know I had played a small part in helping occur.

It was then that she spotted me, our eyes meeting caused her to smile at me. I froze under Chibi-Hime's bright smile and caring eyes, as she tugged on her Father's sleeve capturing his and Hime's attention.

Looking to where his child was pointing, I saw Sensei's eyes widen for a moment before becoming neutral again. The happiness in Hime's eyes vanished as she spotted me, replaced by pity and sorrow.

"Why is that child sitting there alone?"

Sensei's voice was low but I picked it up from amongst the crowd. Hime looked away from me and lowered her head, as she explained that I was the only one who did not pass.

The gasp of surprise that escaped Blue and Chibi-Hime felt like a knife to the heart. Sensei looked at me, his eyes void of any emotion, while Hime continued to look at the ground.

I heard a voice in my head telling me to run but I could not move. The looks in their eyes, the shock, the pity, the sorrow… I rose from where I sat and swallowing my pride managed to take a solitary step towards them before I heard it – crying.

She was crying, Chibi-Hime was crying, while Blue and Hime looked on the verge as well. I had to get away… I was causing this… my failure was ruining their moment and I couldn't do that to them.

Turning around I ran up a tree, sticking to its surface with ease, before launching myself over the wall surrounding the schoolyard to land on the nearest rooftop.

I can only imagine that I must have surprised anyone who saw my little display; they were probably shocked to see such skill displayed by the failure. But, that was the last thing on my mind, as all I wanted was to get away from anything that would remind me of my failure…

Running as hard as my legs would allow, I made my way across the rooftops with no real destination in mind. I was slipping into the depths of despair with each thought that crossed my mind…

Why isn't life fair…?

Why am I destined to suffer…?

What have I done to deserve this…?

I ran until I could run no more… sitting atop some random building as the sun began to set in the distance, I looked out over the village that mocked me, hated me, and, yet, I still loved as my tears fell freely.

They fell until I felt a hand on my shoulder; looking up at who it belonged to I was more than a little shocked…

"Ranshin-sensei…?"

He smiled at me and took a seat, I wanted to run but I was tried and didn't care anymore… didn't care about appearances, about being seen as weak or strong… I just didn't give a damn…

He spoke quietly, his tone soft, as he explained why Scar had been so tough on me and why I mustn't let it get to me. I heard his every word and tried to let them pass right on through me, I had no intention of listing to him explain why I was a failure.

Okay, so yeah, he did fill me in on Scar's past making me realize how similar we really were and that had made me feel better, slightly… But, it didn't change the fact that I had let everyone down. I had wasted their time and was unworthy of the feelings they bestowed upon me.

But, then Ranshin said something that captured my full attention…

"What if I told you there was a way for you to still graduate…?"

I looked at him my eyes full of hope, as the thought of being able to cleanse myself of the taint of failure was all to appealing.

But, little did I know, by the time the sun rose once more… I would come to learn that even in failure there can be triumph.

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Ranshin… meaning traitor… an appropriate moniker if I've ever heard one, right, Mizuki…

Thinking of his one time friend and fellow teacher, Iruka closes his copy of KNC all too aware of what comes next. It was a night he'll never forget, a night full of shocks, betrayals, and revelations.

Naruto, you never cease to amaze me…

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

I had run into Old Man Soul, while retrieving the item, and was forced to use a jutsu of my own creation. A jutsu so powerful, so devastating, so alluring, that no man, not even a Soul can withstand it's overwhelming power.

With the old man down for the count, I had made my way to the meeting place and waited. Opening the item, I was confronted by an overwhelming amount of possibilities. I quickly found one that suited my needs perfectly as it would allow me to prove myself after the disaster that was my exam.

"Gotcha…!"

I was surprised that Scar had found me so quickly but it didn't matter as I was ready. Standing to face him, I let my mask slip back into place as I greeted him with a grin and a laugh like always.

"What took you so long? Doesn't matter… anyway, I'm ready to show you what I learned!"

He was surprised by what I said, but I didn't let it faze me. I was focused on nothing but passing, I wouldn't let this chance pass me by; I wasn't going to let everyone down again.

"I had no idea there were so many amazing jutsu, Scar-sensei… I only had time to learn one technique but its perfect, trust me!"

His continued surprise at everything I said was beginning to confuse me but I wasn't going to let myself be distracted. I had one chance and I was going to ace it.

"Kyu… what's with the scroll… what technique…?

"Oh, Ranshin-sensei told me about it and this place… he said that if I showed you I could master one of the jutsu inside you'd let me graduate!"

The look in his eyes, as I spoke, went from confused to shocked but before I could react to this odd display of emotions he shoved me out of the way; as he picked up the sound of metal cutting through air before I did.

I couldn't move as the shock, or was it fear, that had taken a hold of me held me in place as I starred at the aftermath of Scar being hit by a hail of kunai.

Luckily, he wasn't hit by too many but he was still bleeding when we heard a voice that would come to represent everything I hate about this village.

"Kyu… give me the scroll."

I looked up into the eyes of Ranshin and was surprised to find none of the kindness that had seemed to overflow from them that afternoon. No, what I saw was cold, hard, and cruel… what I saw was a ninja.

"Don't give it to him… protect it with your life, Kyu! It's dangerous… full of forbidden jutsu locked away by the Souls! Ranshin used you… he only wants it for himself!"

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. What was going on… was it true… did Ranshin use me to get such a thing. Did that mean I had just learned a forbidden jutsu… did that mean I had failed yet again?

I was brought out of my downward spiral by words that held more meaning than I could ever imagine…

"Kyu, even if you were to read from it, learn from it, or even return it… it would make no difference in the end and I can tell you why?"

"Shut up, you fool! Don't listen to him, Kyu!"

I had never seen Scar so mad, it only served to confuse me further but that was second to my curiosity. Why wouldn't it matter? What didn't Scar want me to hear? Why was this happening to me?

"Kyu… would you like to know why you're hated… feared… Why no matter what you do, what you accomplish, it won't make a bit of difference in the end…"

I could only nod as I rose on shaky legs from where Scar had shoved me. Ranshin's eyes were full of contempt, but in his words I heard truth.

"It's because of what happened twelve years ago, when the village was nearly destroyed. Since then, we've all been bound by The Third Soul's decree…"

I looked at him like he was crazy… I had never heard of any decree and what did it have to do with twelve years ago… As, my mind tried to get a grasp of what he was saying, a part of me seemed to already know what was coming; as a feeling of dread was building up within me. This caused me to hesitantly voice my confusion.

"I've never heard of any decree…?"

"Of course not, because part of it was that everyone but you would know it… I shouldn't even be telling you this, but I think you deserve to know…"

"Except me… why couldn't I know? What don't I know? What was the decree…?"

"That no one must ever tell you… that you are… the vessel!"

"Vessel… the vessel of what…?"

"It means that you are the Demon Lord who attacked the village! You are the one who killed Scar's parents… you would've succeeded in destroying us all if not for, our beloved hero, The Fourth Soul, who trapped and bound you in this form."

I began to shut down, I couldn't move, I could hardly think… It couldn't be true, could it, and then I could hear Scar screaming for Ranshin to stop but he continued… I wish he hadn't…

"Since that day… the day you took the life of The Fourth and were reborn in that pathetic body, you've been made a fool of by the entire village! Didn't you think it was strange to be so hated, so loathed, by everyone one you met?"

It all made sense, all of it, I was getting what I deserved. I was a monster, a demon, a vessel of evil incarnate…

And, yet, I refused to believe it… But, as he continued to speak I could feel something stirring inside me, anger and a sorrow unlike anything I've ever felt before which began to pour out of me…

"Oh, is the demon angry…? Too bad… because if he were honest with himself even Scar would admit that he hates you too! No one could possibly care for a monster like you…"

Care - with that one word I could feel my anger momentarily subside, as images of some who could care for a monster came to mind, but as suddenly as they had they were gone…

"And, it only gets better as that scroll holds the very instrument of your bondage… now, it will be the key to your demise!"

It had happened so suddenly… one moment, I'm standing there blinded by tears as I struggled to contain the fury that was building within me. The next I'm on the ground with a bleeding Scar hovering over me.

I looked to see a Fuma Shuriken lodged in his back; it could have killed me had he not gotten in the way. Knowing this I could only stare at him with confused eyes.

He began to speak of his childhood, of how lonely he was, desperate for attention, praise, and respect… of how he tried to gain these things through pranks and stupid tricks… anything to be noticed whether it was good or bad…

It was so familiar, so much so, that it shocked me, and I couldn't believe it. He apologized saying that if only he was a better person, a better teacher, we wouldn't be in the situation we found ourselves in.

I heard his words but it was simply too much to take in. Could I believe him... If what Ranshin said was true and I knew deep down it was. Then how could I believe him, in anybody…

I don't know when I had started running or where I was going but I couldn't stay there… I wanted to believe in Scar, I really did but my trust had already been shattered…

I tried to clear my head, to think clearly, to not let my anger or sorrow cause me to do something I might regret. It didn't help that I could hear Scar calling me or that I kept thinking of how Old Man Soul and Sensei had lied to me, betrayed me…

"So noble of you… Are you actually trying to save the very demon that killed your parents... what happens if we let him live, Scar?"

I was so lost in my thoughts that I hadn't heard them enter the clearing I was hiding in. I remained hidden behind a tree, as I listened to them speaking. They were completely unaware of my presence…

"Maybe he'll be able to keep the scroll safe from a bastard like you?"

Ranshin's laugh filled the air once more, as I could hear Scar's labored breathing, his injuries obviously bothering him.

"You truly are a fool. I and Kyu are two of a kind. He'll use it just as I would… to achieve limitless power! A being like him craves that kind of power… We… You were right to fear and despise him!"

I couldn't stand it, I wanted to scream… It just wasn't fair, what had I done to deserve this… nothing but being born and for that I was hated and feared… and worst of all, Scar wasn't disagreeing… but then I heard muffled laughter…

"Maybe I do hate the thing that took my parents… but, never Kyu… I have nothing but respect for him and the service he does this village…"

Respect…? He respects me…? Service…? What service…?

I listened as Scar continued to speak, his words shinning a light through the fog that had clouded my thoughts…

"He's an excellent student… he works hard, despite being clumsy and awkward… people mock and shun him and it's given him empathy. He knows what its like to suffer, to be alone, to be hated… and yet all he's shown is kindness."

Tears fell from my eyes, not cause I was afraid or in pain but because I was truly and honestly happy. I continued to listen, his words reminding me of others who had defended and cared for me…

"He's not the demon you wish he was… He is Kyu, nothing more, nothing less…"

I was Kyu, nothing more, nothing less… I had no time to bask in this new sense of self-worth brought upon by his words as Ranshin had heard enough.

"That's so sweet… you've got a soft spot for the demon… well, I had planned to save you for last but you know sometimes plans change… Goodbye, Scar!"

I moved on instinct as I went from behind the tree to kneeing Ranshin in the face. Landing between them, I could feel it all rushing out of me, the pain, the confusion, the sorrow, the hate and it was all focused on one man…

"If you lay one hand on Scar-sensei… I'll kill you!"

I could hear Scar shouting for me to run but I was stead fast. He had protected me, not only from Ranshin but from the darkness that had threatened to devour my soul… I would protect him or die trying…

"Damn brat… I'll kill you with one blow!"

I smirked at him before my laughter began to fill the clearing as I thought, One blow… I'll show you how you kill with one blow…

"Bring it… Anything you throw at me I'll give back a thousand times over!"

He snarled at me, screaming, "Just try it, Demon Lord!"

I stood their laughing as I dropped into the stance for Sensei's taijutsu. It would be easy for anyone who's seen the style before to recognize but at the stance is were the similarities ended. As, I was about to show Ranshin with a hands on demonstration .

I charged at him with speed I've never shown to anyone outside of training. I was upon him in seconds and the fear in his eyes brought a smile to my lips as I let my limbs fly.

As, I pressed onward, striking him in all the major regions of the body, I could feel the damage being done with every blow as he simply stood there reeling from the onslaught.

Coming to a stop, I looked to find him standing several feet away from me in a daze. I laughed as I taunted him, saying, "What's the matter? I thought you where going to kill me with one blow?"

He continued to stand there, struggling to move, the look of hatred in his eyes was the only sign that he had heard me. With a smirk on my lips I answered for him saying, "Well, if you can't then I will…"

Dropping into a personalized variation of Sensei's stance, I saw his eyes go wide as he struggled even more and appeared to be regaining movement. That was my fault for never having used the style freely before; having only practiced the movements without adding the final step that would mean the difference between neutralizing and killing my target I should have expected as much.

I had used too much caution in not wanting to kill the bastard, but that wouldn't be a problem this time. Charging at him, I could feel my body going through required movements on instinct and just as my palm was inches from its intended target a voice range out across the clearing.

"Kyu… Don't do it!"

Freezing, I stepped away from a flinching Ranshin to look over my shoulder at where Scar still sat; his eyes wide with shock and worry.

Laughing, as I rub the back of my head, I said, "I guess I got carried away…?"

This momentary distraction allowed Ranshin to realize I was no longer attacking. He made to attack me as I was looking the other way but before he could act he found my foot placed firmly between his legs.

"Oh, I nearly forgot to show you the jutsu I learned!"

Hopping away from the hunched over Ranshin, I quickly went through the required hand seals and shouted, "Kage Bunshin no Jutsu…!"

The clearing was instantly filled with a cloud of smoke which cleared to reveal a thousand clones of yours truly. They were everywhere, in the trees, in the bushes, as far as the eye could see; leaving Scar and Ranshin shocked beyond belief.

"All right, guys, one strike each…"

A loud cheer echoed throughout the clearing as the clones dropped into my basic stance while Ranshin quickly climbed to his feet as he looked around the clearing at their grinning faces and appeared to be on the verge of a breakdown.

"Charge…!"

Minutes later, as the final clone launched his attack before poofing from existence, I found myself laughing next to a still shocked Scar.

Surprisingly, Ranshin still stood exactly where I left him near the center of the clearing looking no worse for the wear. Walking up to him, I couldn't help but laugh before flicking him in the forehead causing him to tip over unconscious.

I have no idea when he lost consciousness, but upon closer inspection one could see all the light markings covering his body wherever a clone had hit him. Laughing, I kicked him one more time before looking to Scar and saying, "Was that a little too extreme…?"

Shaking his head, Scar laughed, replying, "I'd say more surprising than extreme."

"Yeah, about that…"

"Wait, I got something for you first. Come here…"

I knelt before him and closed my eyes as he asked. When he said to reopen them I was greeted by the sight of him without his hitaite on.

"Congratulations, Kyu… to celebrate I'll take you out for dango."

I could feel the cloth and metal resting on my forehead and it felt wonderful. I didn't know what to say, so I did the first thing that came to mind – I threw myself at him, embracing him in tight hug.

He just held me as the tears came again, he didn't say anything for a while but I knew he'd have questions. I forced myself to calm down when he spoke, so that I could attempt to answer them as I took a seat next to him.

"Kyu… was that the…"

"Yeah…"

"Where did you learn it?"

"I can't…"

"Okay… I understand don't worry about it."

We slipped into an uncomfortable silence, sitting there side by side, as we tried to digest the events of that night and the repercussions that awaited us.

I had learned the truth, the reasons for things being the way they were and it left me feeling hollow. Scar's kind words, knowing that he cared despite it all, helped but it wasn't enough… how could it be.

The events of my life began to replay themselves in my head, from every beating to every kind word, from every glare to every smile, from every bastard I had ever meet to the few kind souls that graced my presence, and it didn't add up, it didn't balance out…

What made them so special… how could they accept me when so many did not… why do they care… Did they really or were they using me, lying to me, waiting to betray me as Ranshin did…

I suddenly rose to my feet startling Scar, as I stood there my hands balling into fist. I could feel it, the confusion, the anger, the sorrow, returning once again and I didn't like it…

"Kyu… what's wrong… if it's about what Ranshin said…?"

I looked over my shoulder at him, a sad smile gracing my lips. Calming myself, I fell back on the things that Sensei had taught me…

"It's nothing… The old man has probably got his men on the way. So…"

I offered Scar a hand and pulled him to his feet. He looked a little unsure of the sudden change in my demeanor but I didn't have time to explain that he was seeing the real me; that I had dropped my mask in front of him and was trusting him the way he trusted me.

Tying Ranshin to a tree, I took from him the one thing he didn't deserve anymore. Putting his hitaite in my pocket, I began to walk away leaving Scar leaning against the tree we tied him to.

"Where are you going…?"

I paused looking over my shoulder with a smile, one of my rare genuine smiles; I could tell he noticed the difference which actually made me feel a little better.

"I need answers… I'll meet you at the Soul's office."

"Wait, Kyu… what's wrong…?"

I had started to walk away again but glanced back to see the concern in his eyes. I shook my head and continued walking away; saying as I did, "Don't worry… I'm just going to pay my sensei a little visit."

Heading back towards the village, I hid as a group quickly passed me by so I knew that Scar and that bastard Ranshin would be taken care of.

I picked up speed, my emotions getting the better of me again… It was a struggle to keep them in check but I'd manage until I reached where I felt answers awaited me… I only hoped I would like what I heard.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

It was midday in Konoha, the Village Hidden amongst the Leaves, and for most of the population it was just your average day. But, for a select few the world had suddenly taken on another shade, a shade of grey that will never leave them, as a truth long hidden has been revealed and it has left them all reeling.

No matter were they find themselves at the moment of its revealing, a friend's house, a clearing in the woods, a ramen stand, a training ground, a garden, a hotel room, a sister's bedroom, or a park, they're left with an overwhelming need for answers as the world they know, the village they love, has suddenly become a shadow of its former self.

People they know and love, trust and respect, have taken on a new light in their eyes and it all extends from their treatment of one individual. Someone who whether he is a friend or acquaintance, a rival or idol, a teammate or partner, is someone who has now come to be so much more to them and its for that reason that they all find themselves asking -

Why…

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

The sun was just over the horizon when I reached my destination. And, as expected he was there awaiting my arrival. Stepping into the Dojo that had been like a second home to me, I found him sitting at its center, eyes closed.

"I take it the old man told you what happened?"

He calmly opened his eyes and look directly into mine and it took every once of self control I had to keep from attempting to kick his ass. I say attempt because I'm not delusional enough to believe I had a chance of doing so.

"Indeed… he was kind of enough to inform me of my misguided student's actions."

His tone was cold, his eyes indifferent, and I nearly lost it there but I regained my composure and continued as planned.

"Well, what you expect from a demon… we're always up to no good."

The stone cold façade that was his face faulted momentarily, but he quickly rebuked my words saying, "Child, I thought we had already put this topic behind us. You are not…"

"Cut the bullshit… I know what I am! I know what happened twelve years ago… I know that you've all been lying to me… laughing at me…"

His jaw dropped, eyes widened, hands balled tightly into fist, and I saw what I believed to be fear in his eyes. He said nothing, simply lowering his gaze while remaining seated as I felt myself losing it.

"Well, say something or is speaking to one such as me suddenly beneath you, now that I know the truth…?"

He remained silent, only looking up to meet my gaze. From where I stood I could no longer see any fear or any emotion for that manner. He had successfully gotten his emotions in check, just as he had taught me to do, while mine were spiraling out of control.

"Just answer one thing… was any of it real? You once asked me if I knew why you agreed to train me, remember… well, I think I know why now."

The raising of an eyebrow was the only sign of a reaction I received but I knew that I had his undivided attention. You don't spend nearly everyday with someone for nearly five years and not pick up on little telltale signs.

"You taught me that a ninja is a tool to be used by his master and village… and what a tool a demon would make, huh, Sensei?"

I could feel it all just leaking out of me, as I went on and he just sat there listening.

"Again, was any of it real or was it all some sick little game you and the old man cooked up to mess with the demon. I mean, it was a good one… Hey, I should know…"

My head was throbbing, my eyes were killing me, and I was short of breath, but I continued on while he continued to simply sit there.

"I know, lets give him a glimpse of everything he can never have… a family, friends, love, happiness… all while we groom him into the perfect weapon… and since he's so damn desperate for even the slightest hint of approval, of respect, of affection, he'll do anything we tell him as long as we give him a pat on the head, a treat, and say a few kind words… just like any dog would."

I started to laugh because to be honest it was all quiet hilarious… I had even believed Scar and his kind words, but as I made my way threw the forest the truth of the matter revealed itself. If one had to choose between a traitorous ninja and the perfect weapon which would you choose… which would you sacrifice to secure the continued usefulness of the other… Funny, right… Hilarious, right…

But, that wasn't the funniest thing… No, that would be that I wasn't the only pawn in this game. No, there were others and it sickened me to no end.

"But, you know what, Sensei… To use your own flesh and blood is just… Well, I guess in this case they would be the virgin sacrifice… cause we all know nothing calms a demon's fury better!"

That did it… I got him with that one. While to the untrained eye it may have appeared as if he didn't react at all but in actuality he was furious. His right twitched, he was frowning so slightly it was nearly invisible, and he was gripping his knees with a tremendous force.

"Oh, I'm sorry, you don't like me talking about them like that… well, tough… that's what happens when you leave them to the wolves or in this case fox…"

Naruto stood there glaring at Hiashi with a smug smirk on his face. To his surprise, Hiashi sighs shaking his head as he says, "Are you quite done, Child…?"

Naruto voiced his displeasure at Hiashi's flippant tone with a growl that Hiashi ignores as he continues, "You don't actually believe a word of that nonsense, do you, Child?"

"If it's garbage then why don't you explain it to me, Hiashi?"

The use of his name surprises Hiashi as he can't remember the last time Naruto referred to him by anything other than Sensei, it only served to confirm what is already clear – the boy is hurting inside.

"As you wish, first, do you really believe that I or Hokage-sama is capable of such accusations?"

"As, Hokage the well-being of the village and those who inhabit it are his first and only priority; and you being the head of such a prominent clan… any means that can secure its continued prosperity is justifiable."

Hiashi pauses only momentarily, impressed by Naruto's ability to use everything he's taught him to support his cause no matter how misguided it maybe.

"If that is true and we wanted to use you as a weapon why didn't we simply lock you away somewhere and bend you to our will…"

"Well, obviously, my cunning and superior demon intellect wouldn't allow such a thing."

The sudden laughter that filled the dojo can be described as nothing less than jovial as Hiashi struggles to breath through the deep belly laughs that are escaping his usually reserved frame.

"What's so funny, dammit?"

"Sorry, Child, but cunning and superior… it's that sense of whimsy which has brought such joy to our lives."

"Well, I'm glad that I amuse you…"

"Child… Naruto, do you honestly believe any of that to be true?"

Naruto would remain standing there, his head held high, his feet firmly planted, and his eyes unwavering, as the first of many soul-wrenching sobs escaped his lips.

"Am I really a demon…? Did I really kill all those people…? Why are you so nice to me…? Why don't you hate me like everyone else…? Why me…?"

It was as if a damn had busted with Hiashi's uttering of the blonde's name. And, finally, Naruto found Hiashi standing before him having approached him as he was pouring his heart out. He looks up at the man that has been his teacher and, while he would never say it aloud, surrogate Father with eyes that beg him to end the pain.

Hiashi looks down into those eyes and is at a lost as to what he should do. Smiling sadly he places what he hopes is a comforting hand upon his shoulder and speaks.

"Naruto…"

It would be all he got out as the boy threw himself upon the man before him. Embracing him, he cried for the first time ever while truly understanding why it was that he did so. And, it was for that reason that he swore it would be his first and last time doing so.

Once I had cried myself out we sat outside on the steps to the dojo, Sensei then proceeded to explain everything that took place twelve years ago and what part I played in it. When he was done I was more than a little relieved while also feeling bitterer then I've felt in my entire life.

I just couldn't believe it all, it was simply too much, a small part of me almost wished I was the demon as it would have made all the hatred I've received slightly bearable even understandable.

"So, I'm not a Demon Lord… I'm the container of one?"

"Correct, it was sealed within you… at the cost of the Fourth's life."

"Then why does everyone hate me and is the old man's decree why Hime and the others don't know?"

"Again, correct, Soul-sama made it so only the older generation, the ones who had survived the attack, would know. As, for why you're treated in such a manner… people are weak creatures. They need to express their anger, their sadness, somehow… and you make the perfect target."

I could only nod in agreement, if I had lost my family, I'd defiantly want to make the one responsible as miserable as possible before I ended his existence.

"Do you know who my parents are…? I've asked Old Man Soul and he always changes the subject."

Sensei looked at me as if he had seen a ghost. It was the first time that I had ever seen him, for lack of a better word – nervous. But, it was at that moment that he got an out from answering my question as the entrance to the training ground flew open causing us to jump to our feet as a small blur flew towards us.

"Kyu-kun…"

I was nearly trampled by a sobbing Chibi-Hime, as she flung herself at me. Catching me in a sloppy embrace, she cried into my chest as I tried to calm her down.

Looking to Sensei for help, as I had no idea of how to calm her, I was shocked to find him looking at me with a smirk on his face that screamed 'Not my problem' as he mouthed to me, "Soul-sama is expecting us."

I nodded as I stood there dumbfounded, Sensei simply leaving me there at the mercy of a hysterical Chibi-Hime; who was asking me a million questions while drenching the front of my shirt.

And, yet threw it all, as I stood there comforting my oldest friend I could only think one thing…

Maybe this won't be so bad…

Never has a statement proven so true yet so false like that one has come to be.

To Be Continued…