I don't own Naruto. I do own a pack of white owls, and a bag of medical.

Fight or flight. Initially when people or even animals were faced with danger, it would be one of these two responses that they would attempt. So then why!? The man before him didn't give him that squirmy feeling in his gut like the villagers did every year when his birthday came around. In fact, he hadn't even moved yet at all, and despite the blood that was dripping from his blade Naruto didn't really know if he'd try and kill him or not. So then why!? Why was it that he couldn't move at all, and was standing frozen in place upon facing a real ninja assassin for the first time!?

He was terrified.

Naruto somehow knew that this man could probably even fight on par with the Hokage himself, and he didn't know how, but he could feel it. Looking down at the deformed corpse that was missing its eyeballs for some reason, Naruto began visibly trembling in fear as the masked man finally took a single step and chuckled darkly. The blonde nearly started crying at his inevitable demise, but he heard a voice in the back of his mind that sounded familiar." Don't fear death, but move forward and let go of the idea of winning or losing. Then victory can be grasped!"

It was his great grandfather, Ashina Uzumaki, and the lesson that he had stressed was now Naruto's only hope at surviving this critical situation. Suddenly he stopped trembling, and feeling a rejuvenating rush of adrenaline Naruto placed his hands in the ram seal causing the man to stop and observe him.

"Shadow clone jutsu!"

In a large poof of smoke, 20 Naruto's appeared in between and around where he and the man were standing, and all of them had a gutsy look of true determination.

"Oh!?" The man said as if he was both surprised and amused by Naruto's jonin level technique. The clones just entered the wing Chun stance ready to fight to the death, all of them keeping their legs naturally positioned and square facing the killer. With flurries of feet and fists, they all converged upon him as Naruto desperately bent down and pulled the katana from the limp bloody fist that held it. Quickly thinking, he dashed back around the corner into the long street that could take him to the compound entrance. It was dark out, but despite the fact that the man's cloak was solid black, Naruto could see him very clearly. He had appeared right in front of him just as he pulled the kunai from his pocket, and Naruto was so startled that he swung at him with two swift strikes that came from each weapon. The ninja just seemed to become like a ghost as the attack went right through him, and this all happened just as all of his clones dispersed at nearly the same time. He couldn't even register the extent of speed as he was tossed away like he was nothing, and he crashed into the pavement tumbling and dropping his knife. The unknown assassin just stood there as if waiting, and Naruto was instantly back on his feet ready to attack. Dashing toward him using the circular footwork of the yin yang step from niten ichi ryu to zig zag quickly, a fist was suddenly in his gut and immediately after the hand was tightly gripping his throat, and he was lifted from the ground as he grunted in pain. The sound almost sounded like gagging and he shut his eyes flinching, before finally opening them as the assailant declared." I haven't held you like this since you were a baby boy. But then you just fit into the palm of my hand, and it seems you've grown. Naruto Uzumaki."

Naruto's eyes widened exponentially as he took in the only noticeable from features he could make out, his long black spiky hair and the long chain he had wrapped around the hilt of his sword. Breathing hard while gripping the arm to get more air Naruto asked." Are you...My dad!?"

Once again Obito was actually surprised that day as the young blonde uttered the question hopefully and he instantly considered how he should answer. This young boy showed considerable promise, and he wasn't even using the kyubi like other jinchuriki would. After a brief silence, he threw the boy to the ground roughly while replying." What if I am your father!? Would your world change if I told you I was!? Tell me...do you know you contain the nine tailed Fox!?"

Naruto's eyes widened exponentially before he stuttered out a reply." You mean.. I'm a seal!?"

Chuckling darkly Obito replied." Yeesss. But as you are your power won't change a thing. Not one single thing. Come with me and attain true power and make this world right! Together we can bring peace and end the cycle of bloodshed and ruined lives!"

Naruto was gobsmacked at the man's offer, but his conscience made him question the shinobi he thought may be his dad." Why...did you kill him!?

"Because he and the rest of the Uchiha are a clan of foolish weaklings. They needed to be eliminated, and you'll find that in this world we are presently in tasks need to be dealt with quickly and efficiently. There is no mercy. Now..."

Next thing he knew Naruto was laying in a fairly large furnished room that indicated vast wealth because of the decor. The masked man was right next to him as well, and before he knew it there was a pretty young Uchiha girl within his grasp. The blonde didn't know where she came from, but she looked very scared and terrified at the man. Then Naruto realized he was still holding the sword when the man spoke." Naruto take the sword and dispose of her. Now."

The blondes eyes widened as the girl was tossed in front of him as he made it to his feet and looked at the blade in his hand and to the shivering girl. His jiji had told him the shinobi life was bloody and not pretty at all, but he never expected something like this to girl's life was literally in his hands, and looking into her eyes Naruto couldn't do it. She was a beautiful girl that seemed like she didn't deserve to die at all, and closing his eyes he said with conviction." I don't care if you are my father, this isn't right!"

"That wasn't a request boy, now do it or face the consequences."

Naruto's eyes widened in fear before they hardened and he unleashed a roar while saying." SCREW YOU!"

Dashing and swinging the sword downward at his head Naruto's arm was caught with ease and the blonde focused while using his free hand for a half seal, just as his grandfather had started teaching him inside of the mask. It was a technique of his style to use ninjutsu and kenjutsu simultaneously, and while nature transformation was more difficult yin and yang weren't so difficult. Channeling chakra only 5 clones appeared in smoke even though he was shooting for 15, but at least they were holding identical swords as well. This didn't mean they stood a chance, as Naruto was kicked away into a wall the same moment they all were dispelled by lightning fast movement that couldn't be seen. The girl screamed in fear as another man appeared suddenly, and Naruto thought he looked familiar as he locked eyes with him while he other man said." Oh Itachi you're finished so soon!? Good now we can leave after this small issue is handled."

Taking a step toward the girl, both of the teen's eyes widened in fear but Naruto bravely moved his body in front of hers and confidently said." I won't let you kill her! I'd rather die first!"

This caused Itachi's eyes to widen in shock as the masked man continued walking toward them and he suddenly spoke." No, leave them be. The boy interests me and may be of some use to me later."

The masked man hesitated as the front door to the house bust open, revealing Sasuke Uchiha who looked so angry words couldn't describe it. His red eyes were blazing as he rushed toward Itachi recklessly, and a fist was buried in his gut before Itachis eyes morphed as he told him." When you have eyes like these, then and only then can you face me. Now go, run and live like the coward that you are. Hide yourself and give in to your hatred, foolish little brother! Tsukuyomi!"

The raven haired academy student immediately fell unconscious, and Naruto had no time to think before feeling a weird sensation of being tugged from every direction at once, and everything was black momentarily before he, Itachi Uchiha, and the masked man were in a completely different setting. There were stone walls surrounding them all in the large gymnasium sized chamber that was dimly lit by torches that went along the walls, and it looked to be well maintained even if it had been unoccupied. There wasn't much decoration at all, unless you counted the large assortment of weapons and armor that were well placed throughout the chamber. Quickly getting his bearings, Naruto made it to his feet as the masked man and Itachi turned to Jim and silently observed him nervously questioning." W-where are we!? What-!?"

Cutting his second question off the unknown man answered him stating." We are within a compound of mine that is still within the borders of Fire Country. The more pertinent question however is what will I do with you, Naruto Uzumaki? You have disappointed me with your hesitancy, and I expected much more from you. Dint you wish to know who your parents are!?"

Naruto's eyes widened in desperation hearing the cool tone that the figure spoke to him with. He had always wanted to know of his parent's identities, but despite his questioning of the the Hokage he had never been given an answer. But the man in front of him obviously knew, and may of even been his father.

"I I...please tell me! I have to know! Please!"

Chuckling darkly the man then stated." I will...but first..You have to do something for me. Pledge your loyalty to me and I will help you grow strong. I will tell you what you desire, and together we will create peace and justice in this world of darkness. Now what say you!?"

Naruto only hesitated momentarily and was just about to speak when Itachi Uchiha cut in abruptly saying." I asked you to spare the village, but if you deprive it of its weapon then eventually the others may catch wind of his absence and capitalize. I must insist that you allow him to remain, if only as a favor to me that will be returned with my own loyalty to your cause. There's also another reason, but that is much more personal."

Naruto's eyes widened again as the masked man turned to Itachi and quickly answered him." Interesting. This reason must involve your younger brother if I'm not mistaken, or perhaps even that young girl. I was just going to invite you into my organization anyway, and I must admit that you will prove most beneficial..."

There was a brief silence as the tension was somewhat thick while Itachi awaited his true answer. The masked man then declared." I will allow him to remain, but then again he would probably just leave that cursed village regardless. He wasn't even aware of the kyubi until just now, and I can only imagine his suffering at the hands of those pathetic villagers."

Turning back to Naruto he then told him." I will enlighten of your heritage, as it is truly a shame that you seem to have your father's potential with no guidance. When you decide to abandon that life of solitude and hatred and pursue something greater, I will be waiting. Your father was none other than the fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze. Your mother was Kushina Uzumaki, an impressive kunoichi and the heiress of Whirlpool before its destruction."

Naruto's mind went blank as he was unable to process the massive bomb that was dropped on him, and Itachi seemed to observe him closely as he finally stuttered a reply." B-but..why would he!? The villagers they all!"

Obito already knew what he was trying to understand and decided to further influence the boy by coldly stating." Why!? There are other jinchuriki just like yourself in this world boy, and it's been this way since the formation of the shinobi villages. Demon containers are a symbol of power, and a weapon that each of the major villagers tote to express their strength to each other, and therefore keep what they perceive to be balance. Ultimately you are just a weapon to the leaf, and when you realize that then you will understand the need for change. All jinchuriki generally have close ties or blood relation to the village leaders, as it all but insures undying loyalty and even allows the jinchurikis full potential to be realized. Your case is no different, however your father was never around to provide your upbringing. And look at your feeble existence!? I would imagine that being despised and thought of as a pest less than a worm would be the worst reality imaginable, and the harsh loneliness would haunt and torment you to no end. You can blame your father and your village for your hard life, and if you dig deeper you can blame the foolish corrupt system that the first and second Hokage established upon the leafs founding. They'll never respect you, or even see you as a human boy! To them...You're just a demon Fox that nearly destroyed their home and killed their loved ones."

It was eerily quiet and still as Naruto digested what he had heard, and the first thing he felt could only be described as the lowest feeling possible. It was like his heart was crushed with a sledgehammer as he realized he was not only betrayed by his own father, but even the old man only considered him because he was a jinchuriki. What kind of sick bastard would do that to his own son just for power, how could you place such a burden on your own flesh and blood!? For as long as he could remember, he had wanted to be Hokage and gain respect more so than anything else I'm his life. Then maybe the cold glares would end, and maybe people would even look up to him as a role model to emulate and strive to surpass. It was only now that he realized just how foolish he truly had been. He would forever live in the shadow of the damned Fox, and even if he somehow did manage to achieve his goals the fucking villagers wouldn't deserve him anyway. It was a lose lose situation, and despite the fact that he was positive his mother was innocent it was only a minor positive in this sickening situation. She wasn't around either, just like his grandfather and even his clan apparently. He had hoped to meet his family after Ashina had explained much about his clan to him, but now it seemed even that was a lost cause. And all of this information hit Naruto at once, and for the first time in a long while his mask was completely shattered. Naruto snapped.

"AWRRRRGGHH!" The blonde roared as wild and powerful red energy exploded from him, causing Itachis eyes to widen in surprise and Obito to smirk behind the mask that covered his face. His seed of hatred had been successfully placed, and now all he had to do was wait and watch the young Uzumaki. The boy may even destroy the leaf himself if he was fortunate enough, but regardless he'd have Zetsu monitor him from now on. Naruto would prove to be most useful even after the extraction of the kyubi, as fortunately for him the Uzumaki had a string enough life force to survive the deadly process. Hell, the boy would probably volunteer to be rid of his curse, and become a valuable general as he initiated his plans to take the world by storm.

Lost in his rage, Naruto only saw Ted as he slashed at both the shinobi present with his claws, causing Obito to become translucent and Itachi to burst into crows. His rampage was swiftly cut short by Itachi as he reappeared and looked the young Uzumaki in his red slitted eyes, calmly saying "Tsukuyomi."

All of the sudden, Naruto's intense rage subsided, and he found himself bound to a cross in a world of grey with an ominous sky that was tinted crimson red. The squawking of crows could be heard as Itachi appeared in front of him instantly saying." Welcome to my world. I have complete control here, and everything bends to my will. While your pain is deep and justified, and your hatred is formidable directing it toward the leaf village is futile. In the end, it will only lead to your own destruction, but there is an alternative."

A sword instantly appeared in his hand as he finished talking and he pushed it into Naruto's stomach, eliciting a scream of agony from the blonde." Hate me instead."

Turning the blade and never breaking eye contact with the blonde, Itachi knew this had to be done. He had nothing against Naruto personally, but it was painfully obvious that he could pose a significant threat to the leaf if his hatred wasn't contained and redirected. Madara had proven mist skillful in his manipulation, but there definitely was an underlying truth to his words. The leaf HAD been responsible for this boy's horrible existence, but this was the way of the world they were living in. People suffered, died, hated, and killed, and the cycle of death, deception, and bloodshed was seemingly without end. As the life left Naruto's eyes after many screams of pain and suffering, everything seemed to reset itself as the blonde found himself sword free and without injury as Itachi calmly spoke again." I have no desire to torture a helpless opponent, even if you'll still be powerless against me unbound. Now, witness my capacity and learn what shinobi truly is."

Naruto then was freed as the cross disappeared, and this barely registered with him before he was once again impaled by the sharp double edged sword Itachi was wielding." If you don't defend yourself, then you will surely perish."

Pulling the blade from Naruto's neck swiftly, he stood over his dying form as he choked on his own blood and gripped at his throat as if trying to stem the blood loss. It was all pointless, and Naruto's vision got blurry before fading to black as his eyes shut once more. What he didn't know was that this would be how things would go for the next three days. Three days of battle, death, and evolution as Itachi Uchiha once again took the brunt of someone's apathy for the sake of the village he loved and protected from the shadows.

~2 Days Later Konoha~

Naruto Uzumaki groaned upon awakening to nothing but white, and for a moment he thought he may have died and went to heaven. He was proven incorrect as he realized he was actually in a stiff hospital bed, and he also noticed a presence disappearing as he finally sat up after just lying still for a while. He couldn't believe just how fucked up his life really was, after finally finding out his heritage after so long and trying so hard to gain acknowledgement from this shitty village. Not only had his clan been destroyed, but his own father was responsible for his burden and it was all for the sake of creating a weapon. Even the Hokage had been in on the sinister scheme, and despite the fact that Naruto wouldn't try to take revenge he knew he definitely could do better than being a dumb ass tool for these sick bastards. He was going to make his own way and do his own thing, and nobody could stop him from doing so now, not even Kami himself! Even though Itachi had made it to the top of his Shit list because if what he put him through, Naruto found that he truly didn't hate him with all his heart. There was something within him that prevented it, just like there was something else that demanded he show the village just what a "demon" really was. He would listen to neither of the voices, and he briefly had an unusual thought enter his mind that had to do with what he had just experienced. Life was like a shade of grey, and thinking deeply about It he almost thought that was why Itachis world was grey itself. But it really didn't matter, and his lack of focus was unneeded. No. Now was the time to get serious, but his train of thought was interrupted when he felt a familiar presence outside of the door to the room he was in. He had felt presences like that ever since he was about 7 years old, and although it didn't extend very far at all if did let him know when danger was near or he was be I followed. It was what helped him avoid the Anbu so skillfully after his pranks, along with his natural talent for everything stealth related. As the door opened and he took in the tired and worried appearance of the Hokage, Naruto frowned but quickly schooled himself as much as possible as the old man began speaking." Naruto! I'm relieved to see that you're well and have finally woken up! You've been out for two days, now tell me what happened!?"

Visibly upset Naruto didn't hesitate to explain giving his heavily edited version of what happened." I was coming home from training and I was cutting through the Uchiha compound to get there faster. Then I found a dead body before I was attacked by a shinobi with a sword. He beat me like I was nothing and then he told me about Kyubi before trying to make me leave with him. I refused and then I was knocked out after trying to protect a girl. Why didn't you tell me!?"

The Hokage looked shocked beyond belief at what he heard and although he suspected Naruto was leaving something out he saw the boy was also yelling the truth. He had a Yamanaka search through the young girl's mind after the incident and what Naruto said happened checked out. If he wasn't worried about what might happen he would of had Naruto checked out as well, but it was far too risky. Sighing and looking even older than he was, Hiruzen replied with a regretful tone of voice saying." Naruto..I just wanted you to have as normal a childhood as possible. And I didn't want to worry you with the Fox on top of everything else. That's the reason I made your status classified and punishable if revealed by anyone who knows, which is most of the older citizens within the village. I at least wanted you to have friends your age that wouldn't judge you for what you contain. Please forgive me!"

Naruto just stared at the Hokage with an unreadable expression for a few moments before finally saying." Normal childhood!? I've been beaten, abused, treated unfairly, overcharged, spit on, and they won't even let me buy new clothes. I can barely read, I suck at the academy, and I only made a friend my age the other day, and even she likes someone else! But yeah, I forgive you for lying to me my entire life! If that's all Hokage sama, I'm gonna go train and blow off some steam!"

The old man actually flinched at Naruto's words as the boy rose from bed and began to exit the door, and he tried to plead with him but Naruto just told him." Don't worry, I'm not leaving the village and even if I wanted to I couldn't could I!? I'm your precious weapon right!? Just leave me alone like I've been for my entire life."

The ice cold tone in the blondes voice halted the Hokage entirely, and the old man felt his chest tighten upon seeing the miserable look in his surrogate grandsons eyes. If he had just told him earlier, then it wouldn't have become this bad. Now Naruto didn't even trust him, and all Sarutobi could hope for was that the young boy would eventually forgive him and be successful with his new friend.

~15 minutes later~

Walking through a crowded section of the village and ignoring the cold glares that he always got when he didn't use the rooftops to travel, Naruto was deep in thought the entire time planning out his next moves. Something had to give, and even though he told the Hokage the truth about not leaving the village, that was only temporarily. He would definitely be leaving soon, especially considering his real jijis legacy that awaited him in whirlpool. He didn't even want to be Hokage anymore if he were to be honest with himself, but he now had a new goal in his sight that he would achieve no matter what. He'd grow strong and make a new life somewhere else, somewhere where he'd be appreciated and treated like an actual human being.

He could still feel the same hidden presence as always even as he walked through a narrow alley that Ord toward the red light district where he resided, and he actually growled at the fact that he was only monitored because of the damned Fox. He knew the Hokage wouldn't have had any interest in him whatsoever if he wasn't a jinchuriki, but Naruto definitely had an interest in the others that were like him. His heart cried for them all, and besides rebuilding the Uzumaki clan he wanted to find all of them and a t least show that someone cared. No matter what happened, he would never lose himself completely to hatred and give in. He had face adversity all of his 14 years on earth, and even though things had only gotten worse he would still push forward. Tears didn't solve anything, and the tightness in his chest only let him know that he was still alive. Itachi couldn't break him, this village couldn't break him, and nothing on the planet would ever get to say that it had broken Naruto Uzumakis will.

Thinking of his grandfather and finally smiling just a little, Naruto contemplated what the clan head had told him during their day together. He needed to eat better, stop dressing like a clown, train hard and stay dedicated, and sharpen his mind if he wanted to be truly strong. He needed to understand strategy, find people to cherish and protect, build his own family, and always push forward without looking back. Tomorrow he would go to the academy, if only to see Sakura again and get to know her better. He was much more focused on learning now though, and he'd scrounge up anything he could to better himself.

He would definitely be practicing wing Chun and training his legs and core as much as possible, and with the shadow clone jutsu he'd get stronger than everyone and be just like Ashina. A proud Uzukage with knowledge, wisdom, and strength with a will that could never be shaken. Feeling his frog wallet in his pocket that was stuffed with his recently received stipend, he quickly reached a decision as his mind started formulating a plan. Screw that shitty apartment, he'd be training 24/7 anyways, so he might as well just not pay and use the money for supplies and what he needed. A transformation would handle his shop refusals, and he wouldn't be playing the fool anymore. No. He'd become the strongest shinobi in history and make his own way.

Waving to the nice women that always were kind to him despite his situation, Naruto made it to his small apartment and remembered the owl he saw the other night, and concentrating with all his focus he transformed into a white owl just like it. Flapping his wings as hard as he could, he found that he barely lifted from the ground at all, and although he was discouraged at first he wouldn't give up. After thinking a long while he eventually figured the only possible way for him to do it was to try and do some research.

And so, it seemed he would need to go to the last place on earth he wanted to go to. The damned library.

WILL GO INTO MORE DETAIL ON TSUKUYOMI AND ASHINA NEXT CHAPTER. ALSO BTW NARUTO IS 14 and I made a mistake with Sakura she previously. My bad. OH AND DONT WORRY NOT A CROSSOVER BUT I WILL INCLUDE SOME RARE NARUTO CHARACTERS. GET READY FOR LOTS OF ACTION AND DRAMA. I THINK I KIND OF RUSHED THIS CHAPTER SO REVIEW PLEASE, AND ILL EDIT. IM WRITING ON MY CELL AGAIN SO THATS WHY I DONT ALWAYS GO INTO ALOT IF DETAIL, ABD AUTO CORRECT IS GAY.