Chapter 1: Mask

Naruto couldn't recall when or how it started, just how it seemed to now become a routine for him. He would harm himself in various ways however cutting seemed to be his favorite and easiest method of release.

He'd wake up and cut as if it were his morning coffee. Then he'd shower and cut again for good measure just to make sure his first daily cut didn't heal too quickly. That damn Fox always healed them regardless if they were fatal or not, and this continued to piss the blonde off.

'Can't let me enjoy anything..' He silently seethed.

After cleaning the excess blood he then stalked his way to the kitchen for some breakfast before heading off to train. He snatched some off-brand cereal from the pantry and milk from the fridge and sat down for his sugary breakfast.

'I hate this stuff..' He despised overly sugary things. He much preferred salty and savoury over sweet any day. His wallet didn't have much room to complain though. It's been months since he had something good and filling for breakfast. Or let alone a meal three times a day.

He finished off his soggy bowl of Cinna-Shurikens (cinnamon-sugar covered wheat cereal shaped like shurikens for kids) and dumped his dishes into the sink with a loud clunk, reminding himself to clean them later. With a sigh he trudged over to his room to get ready for the day to come.

He could already hear Sasuke calling him a loser and Sakura spouting venomous insults despite all the blonde had done for them. He risked his life time and time again on their behalf, for their stupid promises only to be kicked back down and left back at square one. See if he ever does anything for them ever again.

After Naruto and Sasuke's fight at the Valley Of The End, he'd hoped that Sasuke would snap out of his fruitless need of vengeance and focus on making his life better for himself but that hasn't been the case. He was the same old, emo bore that he always had been. Training this, vengeance that, restoring honor to his clan this, it's all he ever talks about despite Sasuke's ever asexual-ness. He didn't seem to have an interest in anyone of any gender identity. Not that it was any concern to Naruto anyways.

"Man, I need new clothes." He stared at his closet consisting of only a handful of articles of clothing. His old, orange and blue tracksuit that he'd outgrown, his now usual orange and black. The...green body suit that Lee and Gai had gifted him on his last birthday...He shivered at the memory of it. Gai and Lee in matching, skin tight suits as they tried to strip Naruto so they'd all match. In a way it was actually funny the blonde reminisced. Despite that nightmare it was actually one of the few decent birthdays he's had.

Naruto didn't hate orange by any means, he just wished he could afford a better variety of clothes. The villagers still upcharged him and wouldn't sell him their good items unless someone of larger social standing was around to witness it. What a drag.

'Heh, now I'm starting to sound like Shikamaru.' He mused. Laying about and watching clouds didn't sound half bad. Maybe he could treat himself this once and stop by a clothing shop after training?

He grabbed his wallet from the top of his dresser to his left and opened it. The blonde almost deadpanned at the few singles he had left. He'd have to go to the bank if he wanted to go shopping today. He closed his poor, starving froggy while he wracked his brain on what he should do. Going anywhere by himself was a hassle these days but he didn't want to bother Iruka-Sensei to come with him again. He was still embarrassed about what happened last time.

'I guess I'll have to wait for next payday.' Naruto's shoulders sunk in exasperation, already feeling irritated about what this day would bring. He quickly got dressed and was out the door.

Naruto was lost in his thoughts as he walked to their team's usual training grounds. 'I should have enough saved to buy a cheap house by now.' He'd have to ask Baa-chan, he didn't trust going through realtors he didn't know because they'd more than likely cause him issues. If anything he was confident Baa-chan could sell him something from one of the poorer districts. It'd suck and be a farther walk but hey, he wouldn't have to worry about paying his already overpriced rent.

'Maybe I should go to the bank aftera-' He was brought out of his train of thought by a good sized rock hitting him in the back of the head. He held in the breath that begged to be released, but continued to hold his tongue.

Just keep walking Kit.

'Don't need to tell me twice.'

He kept walking with his head held high. He could feel the small trail of blood dripping out but Kurama would have that taken care of soon enough. He ignored the stares of the villagers and the obvious voice of his assailant while he cursed the blonde as he walked away.

'Another beautiful day.' His sarcasm bleeding into his mind like poison. He knew he's become more cynical over the years, which is unlike his usual persona that pegged him to be a die-hard idiot, but at this point he didn't care. Let them think what they want because no matter what he does or has done thus far will change what they think of him. 'All so pointless..' He could feel his skin itch and he mentally groaned. His kunai was calling his name.

When he made it to the training grounds he could see Sakura clinging to the emo bastard even though anyone within a mile's radius could feel his seething hate. The blonde steeled himself for what was to come.

"Mornin' guys." Naruto flashed his signature grin but anyone observant enough could see that his eyes betrayed what his mask portrayed.

"Shut up Naruto!" Came Sakura's usual retort. He waited for Sasuke's usual 'Hn' or 'Dobe' but it ever came. 'I guess I'm not worthy of a greeting now.' Rude or little the greeting may be.

Naruto leaned against a tree six or so feet away from the other two as they all waited for their sensei. When ten minutes passed Sakura moaned and groaned over Kakashi's tardiness. When twenty passed even Sasuke's usual stotic demeanor slipped to show some level of irritation. When forty passed Naruto succumbed to Shikamaru's great wisdom and watched the clouds as they went by. Based on their speed and lack of shape it was probably going to rain today.

Finally after an hour had passed, Kakashi appeared from behind smoke with an audible pop. "Hello~ Sorry I'm late! My neighbor's dog ate my clothes, you see, so I-"

"LIAR" Sakura boomed, "Had to search high and low for clothes so that I wouldn't scar my precious students with my indecent exposure~" He finished, his usual almost-smile showing from his lone visible eye. Sasuke "Hn"-ed as if emotionless but you could imagine what things are going on in the raven's mind based off of the pure bloodlust in those onyx eyes.

Naruto remained silent. He hasn't participated in Sakura's screeching regarding their sensei for several months now, something Sasuke has been grateful for. Kakashi, however missed his cute, blonde student turning red in rage. Oh how he loved riling them up~. 'Oh to be young again~' Kakashi mused.

"Well?" Sasuke asked since Kakashi hadn't yet spoke of what they would be doing today.

"Well~?" Kakashi replied with his eye closed in his almost-smile.

"Well, what are we doing today?!" The pinkette flailed her arms about to further express her exasperation.

"We don't have training today~" The Jounin sing-songed and Naruto rolled his eyes. "Then why are we here?!" Sakura continued.

"We have a mission. Pack enough for a few days and meet me by the gates by five." Kakashi pulled out the newest edition of Icha Icha that he had bought on the way here, and which was the cause of him being late, before dissapearing in a puff of smoke.

'Well, there goes my plans.' The blonde thought as he turned to go home to pack.

"Wait, Dobe."

"Hmm?" Blue eyes met onyx.

"You're bleeding." The raven pointed out and Naruto felt the back of his head. "Ahh, yeah, happened on the way over. It stopped a while ago though." Naruto waved him off as he continued on his way.

"Hmph! Probably did something stupid again." Sakura snarked, "Hey! Wanna get lun...ch..with me..?" Her eyes teared up when she turned around to see that her precious Sasuke-kun was already gone.