AN: This one was inspired by a pair of fictions I saw about a female Naruto that went through some really heavy abuse and turned psycho, you'll recognize a few elements I took from there if you've read them...


"That is all for today class, don't forget to do your homework!"

Iruka smiled a bit at the children that were almost stepping over each other to just get out of class sooner. Of course, Naruto was still in his seat at the back, waiting for everyone to leave before he even moved.

Iruka would have tried to strike up a conversation but he gave up on that long ago; he decided to help the boy as much as he could without getting close to him.

Shikamaru finally managed to drag himself out of the classroom and Naruto silently got up to leave.

Iruka watched him sadly out of the corner of his eye while he was leaving.


Naruto was sneaking through the alleyways right now, he had decided to sleep at the small park between the third and fifth training grounds tonight, no one should bother him there.

Once there, he hid in one of the bushes he had turned into a small shelter and got ready for sleep. Since there was light outside he decided to read for a while.

'Akuma no Monogatari' was the name of the book he got out of his pocket, it was a tiny book, a pocket edition; and it had a black cover with blood red lettering used as a title, at the bottom of the cover there was the name of the author: 'Jiraiya of the Sannin'.

Naruto usually read this book entirely at least once every day, he was famous for it in class, there were other things he was famous for, like being ignored by almost all teachers, even when it came to grading tests or doing exercises. No one even saw him use a kunai in class.

However, the rest of the class noticed how many teachers were wary of the book, like it had some of their darkest secrets in it. Shikamaru was the closest to figuring it all out, of course; since he had taken an interest in figuring Naruto out.

The bad news was that the book itself was in the shinobi part of the library so they couldn't just borrow it, the good news was that they would be shinobi next week.


A week later.


Everyone except Ino and Sakura were in their seats waiting for Iruka, Ino and Sakura were fighting over the spot next to Sasuke while he was praying to be saved from either of them.

A few moments later, Iruka came in and made both Ino and Sakura sit at the back, right in front of Naruto.

Naruto just kept reading his book.

After a while, it was the time for everyone to take their tests in the adjacent room. Some of them passed, some didn't, all the clan heirs, along with Sakura and Naruto now had their forehead protectors with them.

Naruto still hadn't put his on, choosing to hold it in his hand instead.

Soon afterward, the class was dismissed and almost everyone rushed out to see their parents, Naruto exited through the window today.


Shikamaru was walking home after a grueling day. First he had to get up way too early, like always, to go to the academy. Then there was the testing he had to pass to not get yelled at by that troublesome woman he called a mother. Then there was all the congratulations he received, and finally him telling his parents that he'll be back home in a few minutes, as soon as he picked something up.

He got back home and had dinner with his family, after finishing he stood up and walked to his room. He missed the looks his parents exchanged once they saw the little black book in his pants pocket.


Several hours later, close to midnight.


Shikamaru stood up from the toilet, he was probably done throwing up for tonight.

That book was graphic... very graphic.

It talked about a village hidden among trees (a fairly obvious switch) and a young boy that was constantly happy. Then there was the part about the whole village hating the kid but the reasons weren't explained. And then came the graphic part.

The descriptions were painful to read, the villagers got drunk and beat the kid, then they tortured him in more ways than Shikamaru thought existed.

He couldn't even think about it without his stomach twisting, sure the academy did their best to prepare them for stuff like that but this book was...

The thing that got him running to the toilet was when he connected the dots, it said on the first page that it was based on true events and characters... and the main character was called 'Rasen' it surely wasn't a coincidence that Naruto and Rasen are names with very similar meanings.

Shikamaru got out of the bathroom to see his dad waiting for him outside; the look on his face was obvious, it was time for an important talk.


The morning when they were supposed to be sorted into teams came and Shikamaru dragged himself to the academy, as usual.

He got to the class last, as usual.

He sat in the back, but not next to Chouji as he usually does. Instead he sat next to Naruto.

Naruto looked at him from the corner of his eye, he had been reading before Shikamaru interrupted him by sitting next to him and attracting all this attention. Shikamaru spoke silently so that only Naruto could hear him.

"...I'd say 'sorry' but that isn't strong enough word for what happened to you... I've read it last night and talked about it with my dad... I know what happened but I don't know why."

Naruto was silent, he had been expecting someone to figure it out and Shikamaru was the first on the list of possible people.

"I'm angry at the village, something like that shouldn't have happened to anyone... from the descriptions it seems that you almost died." Shikamaru wasn't really expecting an answer, he only came here to say that he knew and didn't approve; Naruto talked while Shikamaru was getting up.

"...I did... in more than one sense of the word." with that his eyes turned to the book and he continued reading.

Iruka entered through the door and saw Shikamaru going towards his own seat after talking to Naruto. He remembered how the young Nara had asked him about Naruto a few times.

He prayed that Shikamaru could get to him.


Kakashi stood outside the door to the classroom, it still felt strange to be only half-an-hour late, ever since the incident involving Naruto he reduced his lateness, mainly because he was late to take over the guard shift that night when Naruto had been attacked. If he had been on time, Naruto wouldn't have been attacked, he would still be smiling.

Kakashi took a deep breath and pushed open the door.

"Team 7?" the girl nodded.

"Roof, 5 minutes." Kakashi disappeared in a plume of white smoke, Sakura and Sasuke looked in wonder while Naruto walked to the door, of course, he took the long way around, not wanting to walk next to either of his teammates.

5 minutes later, they were waiting for their new sensei to appear, Naruto was almost on the other side of the roof, still reading his book, not wanting to socialize.

After 5 more minutes Kakashi appeared in another plume of smoke, leaning against the fence, observing his new students.

"Sensei, why are you late?" Sakura asked, surely it had to be important to delay someone of his skill from getting to the roof of the only building in 200 meter radius?

"I got lost." Kakashi instantly answered, expecting the girls question. Naruto kept reading his book while Sakura and Sasuke just stared at the older man.

"Now, let's get this over with, introductions are in order; I'll start:

My name is Hatake Kakashi, I'm a Jounin. My likes are my own, same for my dislikes, I have a few hobbies and dreams for the future. Your turn, pinkie."

"Um... My name is Haruno Sakura, I like... my dream is... and I dislike Ino-pig." When she talked about her dreams and likes she took glances towards Sasuke, Kakashi knew her type well, he had his work cut out for him.

Sasuke noticed that he was being stared at and decided to go next.

"Uchiha Sasuke, I have a few likes and many dislikes; my dream is more of an ambition, to restore my clan and kill a certain someone."

Kakashi had been expecting this too, he had a pretty good idea about what to do with Sasuke.

"And finally, Naruto." Naruto didn't even look up from him book.

"Uzumaki Naruto, I like reading one book, being alone and sleeping. I hate people and Konoha in general. I have no hobbies, my dream is my own."

This was the longest sentece they had heard Naruto say ever. But the part about hating Konoha put them off a bit.

"You... hate Konoha? Why?" Sakura asked, completely confused, why would anyone hate their own home?

"...Ask Nara-san." It was strange how Naruto could convey the message that he would not speak anymore without even moving, it felt like the air around him changed and Sakura knew that they would not get anything more from him.

Kakashi then explained the genin test they needed to have and was not surprised that Naruto gave no reaction.

Soon after that, The group split up and everyone went their own way. Sakura looked after Naruto for a few moments, contemplating whether she should try and get to know him better or not, in the end she gave up.


Naruto jumped over the fence to the #44th training ground; he didn't come here often, but since all the new genin decided to burn away their energy today, other training grounds were taken, besides, most animals leave him alone anyway.

He found the tree he used as a bed last few times he had been here and got ready for bed, it was high enough to get some light, so he decided to read another few pages of the book.

He never skimmed over a page, he carefully read every sentence, every time... and even though it described how he had been tortured mercilessly for hours, the reading was relaxing him. He remembered every injury from the book, and a few more, but Yamanaka-san must have missed those minor ones when he checked Narutos memories after the incident.

Naruto smelled a scent, it was something like a snake but human, he could feel emotions that definitely belonged to a human.

"Oi, what are you doing in my forest?!" She seemed agitated, and Naruto had no time for people other than the few he trusted. She landed on a branch of another tree, not too far away from him.

"I didn't know it was yours, I'll leave." Naruto barely threw a glance to the woman as he got up and prepared to leave, she must have noticed who he was and the fact that he had an old sleeping bag with him.

"I never said that you need to leave, I asked what you're doing here." She knew a bit about the kid, apparently he had broken down after what happened to him a few years ago, Jiraiya-sama even wrote a book about it, not that she ever read it, she didn't have time for reading.

"I was getting ready for bed." Naruto continued packing up still certain that leaving was the right choice. Anko would have none of that.

"You can stay in the forest you know, I'm only here to check up on the animals." That was the truth, Naruto could sense that she didn't lie about it.

"I'm leaving." He really didn't want to go to sleep while others were close.

"What if I said that I don't want you to leave." Anko made a face that most men would consider cute on other women, on her it just looked dangerous and foreboding. Naruto didn't react.

"I'd leave anyway." He was almost done packing up; finding another empty training ground wouldn't be easy. Anko tried using her natural gifts. Making a pose and changing her tone of voice slightly she started again.

"And if I, a helpless girl, get attacked in this dangerous forest who's going to help me?" she batted her eyelashes at him.

"Not me." His answer almost made her fall from her branch.

"Do you really want to be alone so bad?" She asked honestly, making a mental note to read that damn book some time soon.

"...I'm not alone...I'm never alone." She knew what he was talking about; at first, others were afraid of him, now he's afraid of them; and the only living thing that was with him through it all was sealed away inside him. Hokage did mention that Naruto probably has had some contact with the Kyuubi. She felt connected to him somehow, life dealt him a bad hand and he keeps going, like her.

They were both broken atone point, she knew how it felt for her while she was the one that needed help and no one was there except a precious few people. She would have killed for more people to put their trust in her. She made a decision.

"Well, I am..." Naruto paused, it was quiet but he caught it; she was serious and telling the truth.

"Why would you want me around?" He really was wondering about that, this woman seemed so different from everyone else.

"... It hurts when you're alone... I know." There was no more joking around for her, she was telling this kid about her life, not many people had that privilege.

"From experience, I can say it hurts more when I let others get near me." his voice betrayed the emotions inside him, he didn't want to talk about this.

"I've had experiences like that too, but that isn't all there is to life."

"Maybe for you, but you know what I am, there is no happiness meant for me in this world." He was serious again, if it wasn't such a delicate moment she would have been pissed off.

"You don't really believe that, do you?"

"That's the only thing that makes sense." he lightly shrugged and turned to his stuff, slowly packing up the rest of his stuff.

"Life doesn't make sense." She was getting desperate now, there was no way she would be letting him go on his own.

"...Life isn't supposed to make sense, the things we learn from it are." he said, finishing with packing up, he was ready to leave.

"...I'm not letting you go alone." she blurted out.

"What?" he was surprised, why was she so persistent?

"Wherever you go, I'll follow you, all night if I have to. I have a week off, can you afford a sleepless night a day before your genin exam?" She let a small smirk to her lips and mentally patted herself on the back. That was a good threat.

"Yes."

"What?" maybe not as good as she initially thought.

"I don't plan on fighting seriously tomorrow; besides, you can't catch me if I don't want you to catch me." He was serious about not being caught.

"...Why are you going this far to avoid me?" She jumped to his branch, now only a few feet away from him, she noticed how tense he was due to her close presence.

"I told you, I'm not supposed to be happy, I'd rather refuse all chances of happiness before they're forcefully taken away from me." he had turned from her and bent down to pick up his meager possessions and leave when he saw two arms circle around him from behind. The Kyuubi should have warned him about her sneaking up on him.

"...Everyone deserves to be happy..." she whispered into his ear.

His legs weren't working, he just couldn't get away from her, then again, it was kind of nice to actually be held by someone. It took him a few minutes to fall asleep in her arms, Anko smiled once she saw that and gently sat down, bringing him into her lap.

Naruto was now in his mindscape, he maneuvered through the maze of heavy chains that held the place together.

His mindscape used to be a flooded sewer, a reflection of his subconscious. It was still flooded, and a sewer, but it was now filled with metal chains of all sizes that connected all walls, the ceiling and the floor in a random pattern.

He made his way to the main chamber where the Kyuubi was sealed. The cage was still there, sturdy as ever, but the Kyuubi was asleep.

Naruto went through the bars and found himself a soft place on one of the tails before letting his mind rest, he was not looking forward to the nightmares.


Anko held Naruto close as he squirmed in his sleep. She had brought him to her apartment since it was close by and she didn't want to sleep in the woods with her minimal clothes.

He was having a nightmare and she was doing her best to hold him in what she hoped was a comforting hug... if only Kurenai could see her now she wouldn't believe her eyes.

Naruto eventually calmed down and she lied down next to him. If Kurenai saw her now, disturbingly enough, she would believe her eyes and think that Anko went hunting for younger men.

Few minutes later both she and Naruto were asleep.


About 2 hours later Naruto had another nightmare, Anko didn't wake up, she held him closer to her on instinct.


Naruto woke up to find himself in a hug, lying on his side, staring at a pair of breasts with only a black shirt blocking the view many men would kill for. He had the decency to blush and look up to try and find the owner of the shirt.

He remembered what happened last night with Anko, he saw his stuff lying in the corner, he was wearing only his pants and shirt, his jacket was draped over his backpack on the ground.

He also remembered not asking the woman for her name, and since she was still asleep he couldn't ask her now.

The clock on the wall said that he had about half-an-hour to get to the training ground 7, though if he had to guess, Hatake would be late again so he had enough time.

But first, he had to get out of the hug he was currently in, which wouldn't be easy since the woman was lying on one of his hands.

Naruto slowly tried removing his arm from underneath the woman, he was succeeding but it took him about a minute to get completely free. He turned away, getting ready to slowly exit the apartment and handle his morning needs somewhere in a forest before going to the training ground 7.

Once again, he was surprised by a hand coming from behind him, he was dragged down onto the bed where Anko draped herself over him, he was now half-covered by a woman double his age, with only a pair of shirts between them. She was still sleeping and he was now blushing even harder.

She mumbled something that sounded a lot like 'don't leave' but he couldn't be sure.


10 minutes later, after awkwardly waking up (without a hangover, which was strange for Anko) and some introductions, Anko managed to talk Naruto into using her bathroom and leaving his stuff with her since he had to go right away.

As reluctant as he was, she wouldn't let him say no, so he had to accept. He was done with another 10 minutes to spare, enough time to get to training ground 7 on time.

Once he was ready to leave he started to thank Anko, or Mitarashi-san as he called her.

"You are allowed to call me by my first name only, and the only honorific I'll allow is -chan, is that clear?" She used a tone she didn't know she had, it was commanding but not cruel like most of the other tones she used.

Naruto just stared at her, he couldn't just call her 'Anko', that would be too rude since they only knew each other less than a day. Anko-chan it is then.

She grabbed his shoulder as he was about to leave, and he looked at her questioningly, she fixed the collar of his jacket and let him go.

After he was gone she understood what had just happened.

Orochimaru might have ruined all the chances she had of ever having a child of her own, but he didn't get rid of her mothering instincts. Those were now active and Naruto was the target.

With mouth slightly open in shock she dropped down on her bed... If Kurenai finds out about this...


Naruto arrived to the training ground 7 exactly 30 seconds early, not seen by any civilians as usual. Of course, Sasuke and Sakura were there, both sleepy. He wondered how long will Kakashi be late. It didn't matter, he could start reading.


2 hours later.

Naruto was half-way through the book when Kakashi appeared. Sakura of course yelled at him for being late while Sasuke settled for glaring. Kakashi made an excuse about a black cat and retracing his steps before pulling out an alarm clock.

Once he was done with the explanation, and Sakura stopped complaining Naruto approached the group shutting his book, ready to fight, he'll ask him later.

"Begin!" of course, Sasuke and Sakura were hidden in seconds while Naruto just stood there looking bored.

"I can't say I wasn't expecting this. By the way Naruto, I was looking for you last night but couldn't find you, where were you?" Kakashi asked while closing his book and putting it away.

"I was sleeping last night. That's what people do at night." Naruto opened his book and continued reading.

"I know, but I couldn't find you at any of your usual places, where did you sleep?" Kakashi silently prepared himself, he had never fought Naruto before, but judging from what little they knew about him, he could use the Kyuubis power at least to a certain extent.

"Indoors." Naruto was now looking at the book and not at Kakashi.

"Indoors where?" Kakashi loosened his headband a little, he might even need a Sharingan for this fight.

"Sensei, I'd like to ask for a transfer." Kakashi blinked at Narutos question and abrupt change of topic.

"Why do you want a transfer?" Kakashi knew that Naruto didn't want to work with anyone, hell, the council is basically forcing him to be a ninja.

"It's obvious this team can't work." Kakashi had to agree that the team didn't seem like much now, but with enough work...

"I don't think there are any other teams that need a member right now." As far as Kakashi knew the only genin without a team was Maruboshi Kosuke, and he was the famed 'Thousand Year Genin'.

"Article 14, Point 6 of the Konoha ninja law; I'm allowed to ask for transfer into reserve forces." Kakashi remembered that article from the law, not many would want to be in the reserve forces, they are mainly made up of those injured for more than a few moths and kunoichi-housewives that chose to take care of their children instead of going on mission.

"But you'll be stuck on D-ranks for who knows how long."

"I don't need the money; I hunt my own food, I salvage what others leave behind and I sleep in the woods." Kakashi remembered another part of that law.

"...If I remember correctly, I need to approve you as a competent genin for that to work."

"Of course, and that's why you're getting ready for a fight."

Naruto placed his right palm over his stomach and looked towards Kakashi.

"I don't want to plague Hokage-sama with a mountain of paperwork so I'll hold back on scaring the entire village."

"Hakke no Fūin Shiki : Kaitsuu; Ichi"

Naruto grew claws instead of fingernails and his face took a more feral appearance with his eyes going red, his expression stayed the same.

Kakashi lifted his headband to reveal his Sharingan, Naruto carefully stored his book for later.

Sakura and Sasuke were staring with wide eyes at the spectacle in front of them. The grass around Naruto was burning away and they could see a bit of the chakra swirling around him.

Kakashi noted that he barely felt any demonic energy, Naruto could control it extremely well, which meant that he could probably go even higher in power.

Kakashi thanked the heavens for his caution in the fact that he already revealed his Sharingan, without it he probably wouldn't have seen Narutos speeding form bounce off of a tree to his right and fly towards him.

Kakashi ducked and let Naruto pass overhead, it didn't take long for him to turn around and launch into a flurry of poor Taijutsu strikes. As strong as they were Kakashi managed to deflect them all,

"Your Taijutsu isn't very strong, I don't even see a style here. This is how it's done!" Kakashi found an opening and went forward to use it, sooner he finishes this the better.

The most annoying thing about fighting Naruto was the fact that his facial expression was the same all the time, he didn't grin or laugh or smile when Kakashi fell in his trap, therefore Kakashi didn't realize until it was too late that he did exactly what Naruto wanted.

"Nii.." Naruto simply said, the chakra output doubling. He was covered in a shroud of bubbling red chakra that formed fox ears and a tail around him. His face was the same as ever.

The end of Narutos chakra tail turned into a claw and with great speed went towards Kakashi. Since Kakashi couldn't dodge he crossed his arms to protect his chest and the claw enveloped the front of his body. He remembered that there was a tree behind him, the fact that the claw wasn't slowing down and he was being carried with it told him that he would be trapped if he didn't get away now.

A quick Kawarimi later he was safe in a bush while the log he replaced himself with got shredded in his place.

Naruto turned to look straight at him.

'Shit, how does he know where I am?!'

"I can go further, these were only the first and the second..." That was not cockiness, Kakashi was sure Naruto could follow up with the threat and he didn't want to test him further. Kakashi walked out slowly, putting away the kunai that had found it's way to his hand as a reflex.

Naruto placed his hand over his stomach again;

"Hakke no Fūin Shiki : Shuumaku"

"I'll pass on your request to the Hokage, now why don't we continue with the test..." Kakashi had just brushed the part of his belt that held the bells, there was no jingling sound from the bells.

He turned to Naruto to see him throwing a bell towards Sasuke and Sakura.

"I've done my part, I wouldn't mind going back to the academy, though we both know what the point of those bells was."

5 minutes later, Kakashi had the entire team running basic teamwork exercises and practicing combo attacks.

Kakashi would give a scenario, Sakura would find a way to use everyone's strengths in the optimal ways (mainly putting Naruto on the front line to take damage and buy time while Sasuke prepared traps/jutsu).


Late afternoon

Naruto and Kakashi weren't tired, Sasuke was sitting with his back to the tree, exhausted, Sakura was on the verge of unconsciousness. Kakashi stood in front of them all and put on his serious face.

"Team 7, I'll be honest with you, the council is making me accept you as a team, so no matter what, I have to be your sensei. However, you are far from team material.

Sasuke, you are fixated only on one thing; I'm saying this from experience, ignoring everyone else isn't worth it.

Sakura, you have a brilliant mind but your other skills are abysmal, you focus on all the wrong things and I can tell you after seeing similar cases, it won't end well.

Naruto, you focus on nothing, you are a ninja because the council made you be a ninja, your skills are mediocre at best if you're not using your special... gift."

"Point is, you pass, but only because you have to. As individuals you are some of the more talented ones in this generation, as a team I have no doubt you are the worst in years. If I don't see drastic improvement on all fronts, I'm going to resign as your sensei and leave you to the council." It was harsh, but he knew that it was probably the only way to get it through their heads.

"You have tomorrow off. Day after that, same time same place for training."

Kakashi turned and left after seeing that his message imprinted itself on them, he even noticed a small contemplative frown on Narutos face.


It was evening and Anko still didn't get back home, and Naruto was already tired from stalking her apartment all day. He didn't want to break in since she was at least somewhat nice.

But she had been away for the whole day and he was not about to ask for directions, besides, he could use this as practice for his stealth skills.

He read the book two times today; after which he tried finding a place to put his forehead protector, he was not about to tie it anywhere around himself, that would signify that he was under their control, and he couldn't have that. If it wasn't for the old man Naruto would have left for the wilderness, surviving along with the animals; not in the village, surviving among the monsters.

He decided to tie one end of the cloth around his belt, and allow the other one to dangle freely next to his leg.

Finally, at about 9 in the evening, Anko finally walked into his view.

He made a few sounds with one of his kunai and she noticed, since there were still people in the street he didn't want to come down from his rooftop.

Anko didn't go to him, instead she entered her apartment and opened her window.

He took that as an invitation to go inside, even though he wasn't fond of being in closed spaces.

Once inside he saw that she was in the kitchen, preparing tea.

"Take a seat, I'd like to talk to you about something..."

He was confused and a little bit worried, this was not his natural habitat.


10 minutes later.

Naruto was sitting on Ankos bed, his back leaning against hers, she was staring through the window while he was staring at the ceiling, they hadn't said anything for the last 2 minutes.

Naruto honestly had no idea how that happened, first she offered him tea, then she called him over to sit with her and started telling him the short version of her life story.

Next thing he knew, they were sitting with their backs against each other and sipping tea.

"...when was the last time you laughed?" She asked him, because he hadn't said anything since she finished her story, she felt like it was her responsibility to continue talking.

"...I don't remember."

"I laugh all the time, but it's never like it used to be, I don't remember the last time I laughed purely out of happiness either."

"You've read the book?"

"Yeah, I've heard that you keep reading it, why?"

"...To remember."

After that they stayed silent for a few more minutes, Naruto was about to get up and take his stuff, the Forest of Death sounded like a nice place to spend the night.

AN: Unfinished scene...


Tomorrow morning

Sakura was waiting for Sasuke in front of the Uchiha compound, yesterday she had asked him if he would like to come with her to ask Shikamaru what Naruto meant about hating Konoha.

Sasuke wanted to say no purely as a reaction to Sakura asking a question, he contemplated a bit and accepted but stated that it was by no means a date.

A few minutes later they were both on their way towards the Nara grounds.

A few more minutes and they were there.

Then after a few more minutes they were walking away from the grounds since Shikamaru was with his team on training ground 23.

It took them half-an-hour to get there and once the other team saw them they stopped their exercise to have a break and chat a bit.

Of course there were the usual greetings and introductions with the Sensei, after which Sakura came to the point of their trip.

"Shikamaru, I'm guessing you guys did the whole 'introductions' part yesterday, right?"

"Yeah, why do you ask?"

"Well, when we were doing ours yesterday, Naruto said at the end, and I quote: '...I hate people and Konoha in general...'." at this point Sasuke noticed that Asuma-sensei was sweating and Shikamaru only gave out a sigh.

"I can't say I'm surprised about that... alright, have a seat, this one might take a while." Shikamaru said as he took a seat and others followed.

He had taken to carrying the black book with him and when he pulled it out Asuma dropped his cigarette.

"Shikamaru, you... read it?"

"Yeah, Sensei, though I still can't decide if it was a good idea."

"That's the book Naruto reads all the time!" Sakura exclaimed, once more shocking Asuma, he had heard that the kid broke down and was nothing like he was before, but to read that book all the time? Crazy.

Ino and Chouji silently sat, waiting for a proper explanation, though it was very noticeable that Ino wouldn't be willing to wait much longer.

So Shikamaru began the story.

He told them a short version of the book, starting with 'Rasen's' childhood. How he was constantly happy.

Then came the hard part, he explained the torture and the effects it had on him; how he spent several weeks in a coma and that the esteemed 'Sawanaka' clan had to be called in to extract his memories to figure out what had happened.

The final part of the book was written by Jiraiya in first person, how he had decided to write the story down and that all the names were changed.

"I think that's it... just so you know, the torture part was a lot worse in the book... I'm not proud of it, but when I read it I had to go throw up... It's just... I don't know how he's even sane after all that."

No one spoke for a long time, Sakura and Ino were crying, Chouji was on the verge of crying too, Sasuke just stared not believing what he had just heard.

AN: So that was my attempt at making a tragic story/backstory in a Narutoverse, I don't think I did that good of a job, but I really like the basic idea of it...

PM's and Reviews are welcome as always...