Simple Choices

by whirlwindrogue

One decision made in his youth would change his life at the root. Gone is the prankster, born is the legend. Neglect becomes the root of determination. Watch as Naruto grows beyond what anyone could have expected, making a name for himself as he follows the path of the shinobi. Rated for language. Pairing undecided.

Been creeping long enough that I've decided to try my hand. Short and simple, but isn't that how everything starts? Please let me know how it is to start, will be grateful.

Naruto belongs to Kishimoto, and I am not him. If I was, I wouldn't be writing on . Probably.

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Blue eyes glistened with unshed tears as their owner stormed into his room. Growling softly, he slammed the door to his small living complex. He just couldn't understand these people, what had he done to them? It wasn't like they had to like him, but for them to pretend he didn't exist hurt more than open hatred or beatings. With no parents and only sparse attention from the old Hokage, he was the epitome of a neglected child.

It is said that a human child cannot survive without love and comfort. That an infant will perish if neglected to a sufficient degree. Uzumaki Naruto was living evidence of the contrary. Infants need nutrition and shelter; that much is inarguable truth. A human body, after all, if a frail thing. In contrast, there is not much more powerful that a strong will. From the youngest babe to the most wizened of humans, willpower is a centerpiece to survival. Some have a will far stronger than others, and that can make an incomprehensible difference. At four years old, Naruto may not have had the biggest or strongest body, but willpower was something he had in spades.

Sighing, he ran his hand through his spiky blond locks. His melancholy was palpable as he glanced out the window. Though there was much to focus on, his gaze settled upon the stone faces of the Hokages past and present. They were a source of inspiration to every aspiring ninja of Konoha, and the mountainous monument served as a silent reminder of greatness. But how could he become great if nobody acknowledged him?

Steeling his gaze, Naruto made a decision. One that would echo for years to come. He would get the villagers to recognize his existence, and he would achieve greatness on his own. Those who acknowledged him were precious to him: Sandaime-jiji, Teuchi-jiji and Ayame would be his driving force. Every Hokage had become strong based on one principle: protecting the village. Thus was the essence of the will of fire. He would become like Sandime-jiji, and gain acknowledgement through respect. No more childish antics, no more moping. He would become the embodiment of the will of fire, he would train to be the strongest shinobi to ever grace the Elemental Countries. His strength would earn him accolades, and he would work harder for that than he had worked for anything.

He glared at each of the stone Hokages, his gaze settling finally on the Yondaime. The man who was said to be the greatest Konoha had ever produced. Fuck that, he would surpass the man and all of the others as well. His glare intensified as made the choice that would change his life, "I am Uzumaki Naruto, and the world will know my name! I'll surpass you all, and that's a promise!"

And he always kept his promises.