Rain splattered heavily against the single glass window that a small boy looked out of. His expression was one of terrible sadness that no child should have. His blond hair was matted and dirty, and blue eyes were filled with tears, but they did not fall. A single pale hand laid on the glass window, the only way a passerby would know someone was there. The small boy was Naruto, the poor demon child of Konoha. Unwanted, unloved, he had no one. The boy's fist clenched tightly and he knocked it as quietly as he could against the window. His only way of letting out frustration, lest he be caught by the Matron. As if on cue, a harsh yelling was heard, "Demon get up this instant! I will not have you slacking on your chores!" The Matron opened the wooden door in rage, immediately shaking her fist at him. Terrified eyes grew wide, and Naruto quickly got down from the window perch. "Yes ma'am!" He tried to run past her, eager to get back to work and avoid her wrath. However, he was not so lucky and a crashing fist came down onto his face. "Ungrateful brat! I let you graciously stay in this orphanage, and you pay me back like this?!" Naruto had fallen onto the floor, and was now visible in the light. His clothes were dirty and clearly had been worn far past their use. He held up his thin arms trying to shield himself from her blows, to no avail. "Pathetic!" The Matron roughly grabbed his blond hair, yanking him up from the floor before landing one final blow on his stomach. Naruto cried out in terrible pain, as she hit the seal that marked him for life. That spot was far more sensitive than anywhere else on his body, and she knew it. "Tch, that should teach you." The Matron spit on him as one final goodbye before swiftly leaving the room. Naruto could only bite his lip as he fought back tears, trying to will the pain away. It was as if someone held a match against his skin, burning him. As he recovered, he shakily stood up kept one hand against the wall for support. And in a quiet whisper so no one could hear, he said "Why me...?"
Today, the sun shone brightly as if a herald for good things to come. Naruto was in a happier mood despite having to work on painting the orphanage. He didn't know why he had to, considering he was sure the Matron could hire someone. He figured that it was just a way she could skip out on spending more money. He didn't mind the grueling work though, he enjoyed painting. As sweat dripped down his face, he dipped the small brush into a blue paint can. He loved the color blue, as it was the color of the sky. He grinned as he looked up at the fluffy white clouds that dotted the azure atmosphere. He could imagine himself flying up high with the clouds, free from everyone and everything. He let out a deep sigh, he was finally done painting. The sun had started to set by the time he had finished. It had taken him multiple days and nights to complete. The Matron was not so kind as to let him have have a full night's rest. Naruto was dead tired as he stretched out his body. He was thin, due to the poor amount of food he received. The only thing that let him work so much was the Kyuubi's chakra. He had once let himself pass out, but knew to never make that mistake again after he was beat till his whole body was covered in bruises. That was one benefit of being the village demon, his unnatural healing ability. He had much more stamina than he should have for a six year old. Naruto shook himself out of his thoughts, and quickly made his way back inside the orphanage. There were children playing together happily, but they took no notice of him. He quietly went up the stairs, and found his way in front of the Matron's office. He faced the wooden door that separated him and the Matron. He didn't realize how scared he was until he brought his hand up to knock and noticed the shaking. Naruto glared at his hand and willed it to stop. He took a deep breath and tentatively knocked and immediately straightened his back. The door opened and revealed the angered face of the Matron. "What do you want, demon?" The words were laced with venom, and Naruto flinched at the tone. "Um..I-I finished painting." He gulped as he noticed her eyes narrow. "Let's see then, shall we?" Her heels clicked against the floor and he felt a pool of dread settle in his stomach. He mentally went through how he could have messed up, but he came up with nothing. As he followed behind her, he started shaking again and he clenched his teeth wanting it to stop. "Hmph, you did a well enough job." His head snapped up to look at her with that comment. Naruto felt his heart soar with joy as he had earned a compliment for the first time. "Don't look so smug, demon! You'll be staying out here for the night, as punishment!" She swiftly turned away from him and closed the door of the orphanage with a thud.
Naruto heard the lock turn and he could feel a sadness well up inside him. It was as if a dam broke, and he started to cry. Slowly, at first, the tears gathered and he clenched his fists tightly. However, he could not hold it any longer and his breath came out in sobs. He wrapped his arms around himself and tears steamed down his face. Naruto attempted to punch himself to stop the feelings but he knew it was useless. It was not until the moon had long been out did his crying cease. He had somehow laid down on the ground during his breakdown, and opened his eyes to stare at the night sky. Naruto could feel a different emotion take over the sadness. Fear. His eyes grew wide as he realized he was outside, alone. He was never allowed to leave the orphanage. He quickly sat up and looked at his surroundings. He could see the village around him but it seemed so foreign to him. He grew up in Konoha yet had seen none of it. Tentatively, he stepped on the path towards the village center. When no noise was made, he realized he was free. Naruto whispered, "Free." His breath hitched as he realized what he was doing. Leaving? That was unthinkable. He would be leaving the safety and shelter of the orphanage. He snorted quietly as he realized he was far from safe there. He'd be dead were it not for the Kyuubi's powers. But, he was making a major decision. He would have to fend for himself if he were to leave, and face all sorts of struggles. But, he knew he had to. He wasn't sure he could take any more of it, living in the orphanage. He had a determined look on his face and his eyes revealed a spark of courage. Naruto was free.
Author's Note: Hi! This is my first fic so I'm a noob to all this. I just had this idea in my head after finishing Naruto, and so here I am writing it. I'm also new to the Naruto franchise so please be kind with me. If you have any suggestions or critique please let me know! I'll hopefully bring you more, but here's where I leave you today! :)