Chapter 1 - I Know I'm Not Wanted Here
Naruto was seething, the stupid Civilian Council and most of the Shinobi Council, save for Tsume Inazuka and had voted to exile him from Konoha after Sasuke died in the fight with Itachi and Naruto had been powerless to stop it, having been poisoned by Orochimaru, so his chakra had been sealed and he had been ordered to be out of the village in three days time or he'd be executed.
He spent his last days in Konoha with Tsunade, and everyone who meant anything to him, he tearfully apologized for failing them. None of the people who were with him blamed him for Sasuke's death.
Later, Naruto packed up a few keepsakes before leaving his apartment, he was greeted by Tsunade, Shizune, and Hinata when he came to the Main Gate.
All three women tearfully embraced the blonde, Naruto hated that he had to leave, he had accepted Hinata's feelings and they had planned on going out on their first official date, but now that would never happen.
"I'll write when I can."
"We'll try to find you, Naruto-kun." Hinata says as she struggles to keep her voice level.
"The trash is finally leaving the village I see." Sakura said as she came up to the trio, a smug grin on her face.
Hugging Tsunade and Shizune and giving Hinata a loving, romantic kiss goodbye Naruto walked out of Konoha forever.
Summer, 2021
Sabreville, North Carolina
Four years have passed since Naruto left Konoha, it had been hard for him, but in true Naruto fashion, he found a way to overcome the odds, now he was working as a Bouncer at a night club, Shadows. On a warm July night Naruto was watching the door like always, when he got a message in his earpiece about a female customer who being harassed in the parking lot by three men, Naruto calls Leon over to cover his spot while he went to check things out.
Mercedes Vernado, other wise known as Sasha Banks was leaving the club when three guys came up to the bluenette.
"Hello baby, how about you come and play with us?"
"Uh, I am going to pass on your offer, besides I have to be going now."
"You're not going anywhere." the second man hissed, Mercedes quickly got scared, fearing what was probably about to happen to her.
"The lady's with me. " a young man's voice said authoritatively, the man turned around and saw Naruto standing in front of them,
Naruto smirked as he dashes forward, surprisingly fast to Mercedes and the three would be attackers, the blonde got to the man who was closest to Mercedes first, dropping him with a percise Mauy Thai knee right to the left side of his face.
There was a dull cracking sound heard. That being the man's left jaw breaking from the heavy impact of Naruto's knee connecting flush against the guy's face.
"N-Norm!" the third guy shouts before running towards his downed buddy.
"You should listen more, if this beautiful woman..." Naruto said, eyeing Mercedes for a brief moment before looking back at the men, his crystal blue eyes cold and unreadable.
"If she rejected you, move on. This is the only warning you will get." Naruto said menacingly.
Not wanting to experience any more of the Bouncer's wrath, the trio made a hasty retreat.
Naruto smiled and turned to Mercedes.
"Miss, are you going to be OK?"
Mercedes Vernado was silent for a while as she was lost in the blonde's cerulean eyes.
"Hey, you all right Miss?" Naruto asked gently as he lightly touched the ebony woman on the left shoulder.
"Huh? Oh yeah, I am going to be OK now thanks to you." Mercedes said with a slight blush.
"Glad to hear that, I have to go back to the club now, see you again...hopefully." Naruto said before turning to walk away.
"Wait please, I...don't even know my rescuer's name." Mercedes said quickly.
Naruto turned around again, giving her a fox grin.
"My name is Naruto Uzumaki, it's Japanese, my first name means maelstrom."
"Nice to meet you, Naruto, I'm Mercedes Vernado."
"That's a beautiful name, Mercedes." Naruto says, flashing her a bright smile before walking back into the club.
