I used to write a lot. My old username was Reain and Through the Eyes of was the original title of this fic. After not logging for a long time I forgot the password to my old account so I made this one instead. If you remember me, awesome. If you don't. Awesome. Enjoy!

Gore. Character Death. Offensive language. It's rated M, you get the picture.

The sound of running water filled his ears. He cupped his palms and reached in. It was cold, his fingertips numb from the contact. The feeling helped distract his thoughts. Water cleansed. It purified. Could it purge him too then? If he drowned himself in it, would he be reborn? No. Of course not. It's water. Nothing more. 'If only.' With that in mind, Naruto Uzumaki sighed. 'Today's the day.'

Bottomless blue eyes moved to the calendar hanging on the wall across the open door. It read June 15th. On this day two years ago, a super ninja crash-landed in a parallel universe, fast forward and here he was, nothing ventured and nothing gained. If he were to describe his life up this point, no one, not a single soul of sound body and mind, would ever believe him. At times he found it hard to accept himself.

Naruto stared at that date in a daze, unconcerned with the still-running water that was now overflowing the sink. Loud ringing brought him back. The alarm had gone off seconds ago, snapping him out of his accidental stupor. He blinked once, watching the water run over his floorboards and underneath his bare feet, and then stifled a groan.

"Time for school."

He muttered a curse. Threw a nearby towel over the mess, and didn't once look back.

The suns rays bathed the clouds in pink and orange shades. It was a picture-perfect sunrise settling over Japan. Naruto relished the sight as he walked the path to school, expression distant and lips turned down. Two years ago he'd stirred to the sounds of the ocean, very much alive. Pale fingers rolled themselves into a tight fist.

"Live on."

It rained all night then.

"Oh! Is that you, Naruto-san?"

'Right on time.'

The smell of roses swept past. Not like the fillers used in markets, but a rich, unmistakable odor. Real roses groomed by caring hands. This woman needed no introductions.

"Busujima-san." Naruto craned his neck to greet her. "Good morning to you."

The queen of Fujimi Academy, Saeko Busujima, smiled as she advanced. Arms at the small of her back, violet hair swaying behind in the breeze. Saeko was brilliant in a way that felt inhumane. Unfair. He could see their eyes watching her as she passed. Those weary, wanting souls.

To them she was flawless.

To him, she was a stalker.

"If I didn't know any better I'd say you're waiting for me again. Which would be strange, since I thought I told you to stop?"

Saeko tilted her head. Appearing clueless. That innocent smile still in place. "What do you mean, Naruto-san? I'm always here this early. I have many duties to attend too. You, however, continue to astound me. You're late to class almost every day but you're one of the first to arrive." She held his gaze. "As always, you're an interesting guy, Naruto Uzumaki."

He scoffed. "What are you going to do about it? Arrest me?"

"No. I don't believe I can do that." Saeko hummed. "Though, I am feeling rather peckish. I was so busy earlier this morning you see and I didn't have a chance to eat breakfast or pack for lunch. I know! Perhaps I'll stop by my all-time favorite restaurant tonight? It has been a while." She beamed up at him. This woman is a devil.

"Be my guest. I don't work tonight."

Saeko's smile widened and she giggled. "You don't say? And what is it that someone like you does on their night off? Do you prance around with a secret lover? Do you dance the night away? I hope you're not cheating on me, Naruto-san." For whatever reason, some deity out there had it out for him. He was cursed.

Naruto's lip twitched. "You know...you said that last part kind of loud." Out of the corner of his eye, the blond saw one eavesdropper nearly pass out. As if there weren't enough rumors following him.

"Did I? My apologies. It was a harmless joke."

Naruto didn't budge an inch. He knew she was playing games again. Her favorite pastime. Saeko loved to play light jokes, like following him to work and blackmailing him into a one-sided conversation. Normal stuff. Of all the people he'd met in this new world, Saeko is the oddity.

"Would you care to walk with me?" She urged him while leaning forward, bursting his designated personal space bubble. "It's almost tradition at this point? Don't you think so?" Their lips were a few strokes from touching. A strand of her hair fell and brushed against his cheek. Anyone else might have cheered at the invitation, he knew better.

Unfortunately...

"Tradition? If you say so. It's not like I can say no."

Her smile widened.

"You're learning, Naruto-san."

He let out a tired sigh and extended his hand, to which Saeko placed her bag in, before dipping her head in appreciation, and like that the unlikely pair began their day as they often did. In the company of the other.

Fujimi Academy. A grand place by anyone's standard. Massive in its size, rivaling that of even the greatest universities in Japan. The best of the best they call it. Fujimi is too big for its own good. He'd always thought that. Like someone who lived alone and bought too big of a house, for all of the decor and grandstanding, it felt empty.

The sun rushed through the large windows scattered along the surface and pitched shadows on pieces of the hall. Naruto trudged along the side, avoiding classrooms. Thoughts wandering. Students passed. Their uniforms turning them into blurs as they went on. Talking with their friends. Glued to their phones. A new day began for them, full of wonder and excitement. Naruto wished he could join them, but it was impossible for someone like him.

"There he is..."

"Don't look at him, idiot! What if he decides to rob us later?!"

"I heard he's the leader of some gang."

The whispers were nothing new. These people lived imprisoned by their own ignorance. Sealed off from the real world, sheltered and unaware of its harsh truths.

'Although, I suppose it's my fault too. I haven't done a thing to stop them.'

Naruto didn't care. Let them talk. Let them live out their shallow lives. Because one day they will come to realize.

'Everyone ends up like me, sooner or later.'

A burly student shouldered past him within the thickening crowd. Breaking his line of thought and drawing him back into reality. Naruto's entire body froze up at the contact. Through the cracks of his unkempt locks, he met the eye of that same student disappearing into the crowd. There was an all too pleased smirk plastered on his plain face. Bastard did it on purpose.

The rest of the students parted when they approached, not as confident as the bully. They didn't shove him or smirk and glare. They only made a wide enough gap while they passed. Most didn't even bother to look him in the eye. In this place, it was either the occasional glares or outright dismissing his presence.

It was nothing new.

The lunch ladies were nice. For whatever reason, they were a part of the one percent in this school that tolerated him. When he'd arrived, the oldest of the three saved him a breakfast wrap. Thanks to their generosity today would be a bit more manageable. He'd have to pay them back somehow.

"Uzumaki, you're late."

Naruto frowned. 'I could help them out somehow. How though?' Kindness like that had to be repaid. Unlike Hayate, the lunch ladies knew not to cross any lines. They were good people. Unbefitting of the crude rabble. Lost in thought, Naruto was distantly aware of his teacher's growing ire. He just didn't care.

"Uzumaki!" The man, tall and lanky with a beady set of eyes, snapped his the book in his hand shut. "Are you listening to me?! You're disturbing my class, again! Do I have to report you to Hayashi—?"

"—No, you don't." Naruto interrupted him. "Sorry. It won't happen again." It'll probably happen again. Without another word, he made his way to the back of the room. As usual, his desk was empty. So was the desk next to, in front of and behind it.

'Finally.' He took his seat and pretended to listen on as the teacher resumed the lecture. The class proceeded as it would from there. Once he was sure no one was paying any mind, Naruto turned his gaze to the open window to his left and opted to people-watch instead. Today would pass, he told himself.

The class period eventually closed with the teacher, whose name he couldn't bother to remember, leaving the senior class with a boring assignment. Prepare for the future. Now he was here, resting on his favorite bench surveying the courtyard, wasting his lunch hour thinking it over. It was true that graduation was around the corner, and he did need to graduate. Or else risk certain parties digging their nose into his life again.

'I could be a superhero? That's too much trouble though.' He wouldn't make it far with his unique condition anyway. Most likely, he would work at that crap little shack until the time came where there was nothing left of him. 'What a way to go...' At the very least he had lunch. His only haven and a welcomed break. Or, it should have been.

"Naruto! Hey! Over here!"

Fujimi Academy is enormous. It was chock-full of people and things to do.

So, why? Why him?

The first thing he noticed was the red bow streaming in the wind behind her. Wrapped around the long raven braids that framed her pale skin. Misuzu Ichijou was a star that rivaled the sun, burning all the brighter if only because she was here on this Earth alongside him, instead of up in the heavens.

"S-Suzu! Please slow down!"

Nikki Toshimi is the counterpart. If Misuzu was the sun then Nikki was the moon. Transparent when it was up and invisible when it wasn't. Like the rest, Nikki scorned him. Never speaking more than a few words in his general direction unless she needed to. He suspected the only reason she bothered to stick around was because of Misuzu. The two were inseparable, the best of friends. Nikki is loyal, that much he would give her.

Naruto didn't respond when they neared. He didn't ignore them either, choosing to flag them over with a small wave. This too was a part of his ritual, and it was probably the hardest part of the day.

"Yo!" Misuzu chirped with a grin. "Sulking as usual I see." She took a seat next to him on the bench and pat the vacant spot to her left for Nikki to take. "I wonder if we'll ever catch you doing anything productive for once?"

The bento in her hands was now on her lap, and when she opened it, the alluring smells invaded his senses like soldiers marching on a castle.

"Fat chance."

Nikki took her place as the two exchanged words and bowed her head, melancholy eyes finding anything but the pale blond to look at.

"A-Ah, h-hello, Uzumaki-san." She greeted him out of obligation. Privately scolding herself for the careless stutter.

Bottomless blue met her brighter pair, and he stared at her and stared until her pale cheeks flushed bright red and she'd realized exactly how long she could hold her breath for.

"Naruto..." Misuzu trailed off, brow furrowed.

"I know. I know." Bothering Nikki was fun, one of the few perks of this begrudging, biased friendship.

Misuzu made a face at his remark. Something between annoyed and somewhat frustrated. "Don't you get tired of being boring? I mean here we are. Two cute and available girls bothering to talk to you of all people, and you can't even bother to act interested? You disappoint me, Naruto Uzumaki." Misuzu folded her arms and shook her head. A few strands of her long hair swaying out of place. It was nothing important, but he noticed it either way. He saw everything when it came to her.

Nikki eeped at the comment.

Naruto shrugged his shoulders. Not at the least bit troubled by her words. "What can I say? Disappointment is my specialty." He eyed the single, unopened noodle cup in her open bento. Making his thoughts obvious to her. "So, you gonna eat that?"

Misuzu gawked, then sighed. "Here. Knock yourself out." She said, taking the cup out and giving it to him. Lips set. In that instant, the noodle cup was gone and in his hands. This was the only time Naruto ever got excited about, well, anything. A boy and his noodles, Misuzu mused to herself, what a strange and entrancing sight. She liked knowing she did that for him. That it was only her who could do it. A rare, odd feeling. Something that try as she might, Misuzu could never put into words. Seeing him happy, it made her happy.

'You're so weird.' A little smile unknowingly took root. 'But I like that about you.' A whole year had led up to this point. At first, Naruto didn't spare her the time of day, but she was persistent if nothing else. Even a gentle tide could chip away at a mountain, it just took a little bit of patience. With time she did that, he welcomed her into his life. It wasn't much but it was better than nothing.

"It's rude to stare when people eat."

Misuzu blinked once and realized that, indeed, she'd lost herself in thought. Her mouth opened and closed. Luckily, the sound of the bell saved her. With that lunch came to an end.

He hurried past her like the wind. A single hand raised up in a half-hearted goodbye as he escaped into the crowd. "Thanks for lunch. See you tomorrow." He managed a playful grin. Blue eyes creasing up, taking shape of a crescent moon. He was a jester. Screening behind masks. Dancing to whatever tune played. Misuzu he knew better. Behind the dim shadows of that eccentric act, something painfully obvious lurked.

She watched him go. Bottom lip trembling. 'I wonder what it is? What is it that you're so afraid of, Naruto?'

"Suzu-chan, we should go."

People were beginning to stare. Muttering whispers among one another again. Nikki hated it, she knew.

"Ah, right."

The barren landscape is unrecognizable even to eyes that had seen it moments ago. Those dusty flats and grassy ranges were gone. Obscured by the bodies posed in awkward angles. So tranquil they couldn't be asleep. Piled one over the other like heaps of trash. Streams of scarlet running and meeting in between them. Their eyes wide open, gawking at the heavens above.

Screams drowning within the chaos going on as far as the eye could see. The clangor of kunai. Smoke and rot filled the lungs. People killing each other.

A child. Younger than him, wearing the headband of the Sand—the enemy. He was there for one single moment. A fire in his eyes as he charged forward with his head raised high. The next he was in pieces.

"Naruto Uzumaki!"

His legs crossed a sea of bodies. Their fleshy, lifeless frames crushed beneath his feet. Fresh blood smeared his skin and clothes with every step taken. He could not stop, the enemy certainly would not.

A wet squelch. A single choked gurgle. He dug the blade deep into the man's back. Underneath his left shoulder blade, cutting through to his most vital organ. Making sure he finished the job. It was a strange feeling, cutting into another person. Like chopping vegetables and prepping meat.

That's all they were in the end, wasn't it? Meat.

"Naruto Uzumaki!"

He jerked in his seat. Expression grim. No one laughed at his sudden jump, no one could, not with that kind of look on his face.

"What?"

"Y-You're sleeping in my class!"

"That right? Must have been pretty boring then."

The teacher, another one he couldn't bother to remember, seemed flustered. "Y-You..." Naruto's uncaring facade sliced through him, catching fire within that spiteful glare. "Outside! Now! I've warned you plenty of times now!"

Naruto glowered at the man. No one dared speak, watching the exchange on the sidelines with a morbid excitement. What would he do? How would Naruto Uzumaki, the number one delinquent react? 'This place is rotten.' The blond stood up and nodded. "Fine. I'll be outside." He reached for his things. Stuffed a single hand in his pocket, and then wordlessly left the room. The click of the door closing serves as a universal sign that once again, the class could breathe.

"...As if." Naruto mumbled to himself while wandering the hallways of the school. He had no particular direction in mind but he could not leave yet, the gates were still shut until dismissal, and sneaking out wasn't an option. Although, he could do other things. 'I've got to work tonight. That old bastard will have me do everything like always. A nice nap before then would be nice.'

It was a brief walk up the stairs to the rooftop. An old metal door awaited him on the last leg of steps. It was held under lock and key most of the time but a basic lock wasn't anything he couldn't pick. A few wiggles of the bobby-pin kept on his person and he was on the other side within the minute. The sun blinded him for only a second before his eyes adjusted, and he'd found his favorite spot in no time. The far side of the chain fence that enclosed around the practice building roof had a tarp attached to it, thanks to the Astronomy club. Preventing the rain from bothering them or the equipment they used during their weekend expeditions. It also blocked the annoying glare of the sun and kept him cool whenever he slipped away to take naps.

Naruto laid down. Using his bag as a makeshift pillow., he settled with watching the clouds gliding high up above. 'Maybe this time I won't have a nightmare.' His eyelids fluttered and after a few minutes passed, the blond fell into a dreamless sleep.

He awoke with a start to the sound of the closing bell. It rang in his ears. The rudest loudest awakening imaginable. After the third ring, it finally ended and with it his subsequent agony. When he managed to sit up, the blond felt a sharp throb resonate throughout his lower back. A single hand came down to rub it. "Sleeping on the floor. What a shitty idea..." At least it was time to go home.

Excited chatter replaced the harsh ringing. Naruto craned his neck toward the gates of the school. Blue eyes watching the black and white mites flood the ground below. Moving about in large clusters and ranks like ants. He took a few steps forward while dusting himself off until he reached the fence.

Naruto found himself spellbound by the sight. 'No matter how many times I see it. It feels like a dream.' A city of colossal steel towers that cut the heavens bathed in a myriad of colors. An incandescent city of light. 'It's almost as pretty as back home.' He reached out. Fingers spread apart. Fingertips grazing the giants that met the orange-tinted sky. From his perspective, they too looked small.

Naruto savored the view for as long as he could. When the bodies below cleared. He hefted his pack over his shoulder and made his descent. A part of him did wish it were true, but when he shut his eyes at night, their faces danced in the dark. If someone called him a liar, he'd be inclined to believe that person. The stories he would tell them could fill the pages of a manga. Naruto wouldn't be surprised to find out it is and that he'd made everything up.

'Would they laugh seeing me now? I'm sure if it were one of them, things would be different.' It didn't matter now. 'I think I'll beg the old man for a free platter tonight.' Naruto plodded on. Instinctively following one of the cobblestone paths scattered around the school, lost in thought. His days had become dull.

"Naruto!"

From fighting demigods to avoiding teenage girls. Things really did change for him. He should have ignored her and vanished into the crowd. Today was a painful reminder. He wanted it to end. He wanted to sleep and move on until the moment came when his clock finally ran out.

"Don't even think about ignoring me!"

His lip twitched and he let out a long sigh. 'So close.' Misuzu is difficult to ignore. From the corner of his eye, he caught Nikki standing far off by the fountain. Why was she there? He didn't really care. Misuzu was close enough to touch. Beaming up at him, her cheeks flushed.

"A-Ah. I didn't think you'd stop." She said between short breaths.

"You did say not to ignore you."

Misuzu pouted. Crossing her arms over her chest in an act he was too familiar with. "So you admit that you planned on ignoring me in the first place?"

Naruto deadpanned. Unamused.

"Misuzu, I'm going to be late for work at this rate."

"Oh! I totally forgot that was today! C-Crap, I have the worst timing!" She seemed a bit more timid than usual. "W-Well, I suppose I should g-get to the point then..." She coughed into her hand once. Bypassing his gaze all the while. "I've been hearing from a few of the teachers that, well, your grades are slipping. So...I-I...want to tutor you..."

Naruto squinted, and despite himself, a smile broke out on his face.

Misuzu caught it and felt her heart crack. It wasn't a happy one. It wasn't filled with sadness. Either would have been fine really. She would have preferred anything other than what she'd just witnessed.

His smile is broken. Empty. Hollow, and full of grief.

'How is it that I'm the only one who can see this?'

Naruto thought he'd seemingly taken too long to reply. "Yeah." He nodded his head once. "If anyone can save my grades, it's you." She radiated a peculiar warmth even he wasn't immune to it in the end. Was this how Sasuke felt?

Misuzu's eyes bulged and she seemed too shocked to speak, so he decided it was best to end things there for the day. "I can't stick around anymore, I've got to get going." He waved goodbye. "Teach me tomorrow, yeah? Misuzu-sensei?" An impish smile, fake like the others, took the place of that heart-wrenching piece.

Misuzu wanted to say something, but he was already gone, his back to her as he strolled out of the gates and into the bustling city. Whenever he was out there, Naruto felt out of reach. Here was the only place he seemed to exist. A whole year leading up to this point and it wasn't enough for her, not anymore.

"Oi! Naruto! Pick up the pace, boy! Get your act together!"

"You're fifty-something, an alcoholic, and divorced."

The few customers who had the stomach to eat in this wretched place snickered at his dull remark. Although his boss, Hayate, didn't find it very amusing.

"You think that's funny? Think you're clever, boy? Bah! Go make yourself useful and wash some dishes! You're scaring my customers." In between the old man's words wisps of smoke left his open mouth. It was here Naruto realized that, somehow, he'd yet to stop smoking while speaking.

"You're right. I'll apologize to them right now. Both of them."

Hayate looked bitter. "After you're done with the dishes take out the trash too. Then, I want you to sweep the entire restaurant. And after that, you're going to wash the dishes."

Naruto licked his teeth. "Rotten old man."

Hayate took another drag of his pipe, the act reminding him of the late Third, and exhaled a cloud of white that nearly veiled his smug smirk. "Chop chop, boy. It's going to be a slow night."

Naruto did as instructed, retreating to the back of the modest restaurant and placing his pile of plates into the emptied dishwasher. He flicked a switch and the outdated appliance did its job. Making a loud racket. It was hard for anyone to think which was why he bothered to stick close. It wasn't until Hayate stepped into the kitchen that Naruto stopped the thing.

"We're closing up soon. The customers are all gone and that girl of yours didn't stop by. I think we're done. Take your apron off and come on out. I've got a little surprise for you!"

Naruto ignored the mention of his not-so-subtle stalker and frowned, now dreading whatever it could be as he followed behind. When the blond came out to the front, his frown turned into a deep scowl. "What the hell is this?" A bowl of curry and pink DVD case titled, Me and my step-sisters' youth in an unmarked lot, sat on the bar table. Placed on display with a grinning Hayate looming over it.

"Happy anniversary, Naruto! You've come a long way from the lousy brat I picked up two years ago! You're still pretty lousy, but not as bad! Come on over here and celebrate! I've got a bottle of—Hey! Wait! Where do you think you're going?!"

"Home," Naruto answered, his hand pushing against the exit door.

Hayate was on his knees in a flash. "At least take the curry with you! It's homemade! I put a lot of love into—Damn it, hold on! Stop it, you shitty brat!"

Naruto spared him a glimpse and scowled at his pathetic state.

"You're a disgrace."

"We both are! Who cares! Take the damn curry or I'll make you work the sign."

At that, the blond paused.

"...Fine."

Hayate grinned, his victory assured. With a gleam in his honey-colored eyes, the old man watched him stalk back in and take the bowl of curry.

"The video too. You need it." He glared, challenging that icy stare.

"Scumbag."

"Oh, and this is only part one of your gift. Something to take the edge off." Hayate took a drag off his pipe then smiled. "Two years is a long time. You owe me a lot, Naruto. It's time to pay up. Tomorrow night you're having dinner with my family, understand? Don't disappear on me."

Naruto shook his head. 'Of all the things...Two years, huh?' Few had a right to utter the words this man had just spoken. Because only a few people in this world had ever offered him a helping hand. "Whatever. Later, old man."

Hayate watched him go, the smile on his face losing any trace of mirth.

"Goodnight, Naruto."

"My Lord." He kneeled, the mask on his face hiding his expression. Below the news of their victory had spread far and the civilians took to the streets in celebration. There would be no funeral for those lost. Only a place on the Memorial Stone, their names carved onto that black slab. The sole proof they ever existed.

"Rise."

Naruto did not hesitate.

"Come and see."

He moved, silence in every step. When he stood next to him, Danzo spoke.

"Watch. See how they celebrate? This is what makes us different from them. The difference in the paths we chose. They will live long and peaceful lives."

Naruto felt no love at the sight. How could he? Her name is on that stone. Her family wasn't on the streets below. Drinking and laughing alongside the rest. They were weeping.

He failed.

"They are nameless. They will change nothing." That iron eye settled on him. Peering past the mask and into the depths of his soul. "Never doubt it. Do not stray from it. If you do, even for a moment. You have already been defeated."

What was it that people feared the most? Death? The unknown? Naruto feared none of that. Not anymore. Death was inevitable and what he did not know did not concern him. Trivial things. What scared him...what he feared most? It already came to pass.

They were leaving him.

"Within you is the power to change everything."

"I can't change a thing..."

The corner of Danzo's lips curled.

"It certainly feels that way sometimes. May I ask you something?"

Naruto nodded.

"Do you hate me?"

What a strange question. "Hate you?" He echoed. There was a point. Somewhere at the beginning, when he hated this man more than anyone else.

"I gave you an impossible choice. Tortured you. Forced you to kill and rushed the village you love into war. If you hate me. I do not blame you." Danzo took take a drag of the pipe in his hands, a cloud of smoke obscuring his face. "Butcher. Beast. Monster. I've burned down villages and desecrated the dead. If you hate me...you wouldn't be the first."

"I don't."

"And why is that?"

He did not have an answer.

"Ha. I suppose you wouldn't know. Then again, maybe I'm wrong? But, I will see it through." With every word, Danzo began to undo the bandages wrapped around his head. "I gave everything. I took everything." He turned away from the streets below and faced him. The scars that covered the skin of that left eye were gruesome but something else froze him solid. Naruto's eyes widened at the sight of it. He knew that eye, his best friend sported it like a ribbon. The Sharingan stared back at him, his ivory mask caught within that blood-red eye.

"I believe we can change this world."

Danzo moved his broken arm out of the sling and held the limb up his other hand unwrapping the bandages that veiled it. Naruto followed the thin trail of fabric coiling like a serpent at his feet. What waited underneath made him feel sick. A dozen eyes each the shade of blood. They watched him, blinking at uneven intervals. Photographing his every movement.

"A hero makes a single, great sacrifice. What you seek will require more than that. Make no mistake, child.

We are not heroes."