Scarlet No Sakura

Summary: Naruto goes back to darkest day of his life to prevent his potential death, teaching his younger self to hope and what real love is. (Just try it come on you know you wanna)

Set in the cannon Naruto universe, after the Pain invasion but before Sasuke attacks the kages.

Warnings: Some minor cursing, dark themes, shameless fluff later on mahahahahah (non romantic of course)

Snowy-chan here! Ya~hoo how are you guys. I really like this story but fromt he reponse you guys dont *pout* I will probably keep writing for my own guilty pleasure but some feedback would be welcome. No flames if you can help it, those aren't nice *shakes finger grinning* Anyway enjoy, I update when I can, not that anyone cares as of yet! HOWEVER I will not give up. hehehehe I can be just as foolishly determined as Naru-chan if I put effort in. Thanks and have a great day.

Huggles Love Snowy

Okay okay…I don't own Naruto so sue me…oh wait don't do that hehehe I was just kidding I swear. *mutters* Stupid meanie lawyers and their laws. '

Petal's of Scarlet,

Spiraling Downward,

Chapter Two: Spiraling Downward

It took a moment before the three friends snapped out of the stupor induced by the time travel. Chiori and Sukeji slumped to the ground panting heavily and shaking. The chakra amount was exuberant even with the three of them contributing. Naruto was only slight fatigued; breathing a smidge heavier than normal but being a Junchuriki was other wise fine.

Chiori kicked out at the boy huffing, aggravated at her exhaustion. Naruto simply smirked brushing his golden hair out of his eyes before extending his hands to the forlorn sages. Sukeji ignored the gesture but Chiori allowed her self to be pulled up before she looked around at her surroundings.

"The woods behind Konoha?" She asked raising her eyebrow at Sukeji who had been in charge of the location. He shrugged.

"No where else to land unless you WANT to be found out." Sukeji ground out aggravation seeping into his voice. Chiori was about to counter before Naruto held out his arm, cutting her off.

"We have about 15 minutes, stop bickering." Both of his companions were a little shocked by this pronouncement but shut up seeing Naruto's serious face. Studying the suns position Naruto did some mental calculations, tanned brow furrowed, running through his memories before he found what he was looking for. "I believe I was in the market, lets go."

Naruto took the lead, slipping the hood of the cloak to cover his face. He knew no one would be expecting to see him grown up and would assume he was a stranger but it was better safe than sorry. He followed the familiar path out of the woods, his companions silently following him, their hoods also up.

The trio was silent all the way up to when they reached the main market, Chiori was the first to break the tense atmosphere. "We should split up, we need to find you soon." Naruto shook his head before saying just before a whisper.

"Not necessary."

"Huh, but how will we find you? We only have 10 minutes left." Chiori asked confused. Naruto opened his mouth out to speak but Sukeji spoke up.

"It's not exactly hard to find Naruto in a crowd." Carefully he nudged Chiori to look where Naruto was staring fixedly, walking slowly towards. The crowd was parted in half, the villagers faces folded into mask of hate, fear, and disgust as a tiny boy with gold hair made his way solemnly past them. Limping almost pathetically but with his head up, though anyone that cared to look at his face could see he was fighting not to cry. Even with the wide grin spread across it.

"Oh." Chiori says lamely flushing before falling silent. The two sages listened as whispers called their blonde friend a monster, a freak of nature, even a baby killer. They were horrified, but Naruto never wavered his face so stoic it would put an Uchiha to shame. Slowly closing the space between his younger self and their group. Something caught Sukeji's attention and he sprung into action seemingly without thinking about it.

A woman probably around 20 held a large shard of broken glass; she had raised her arm preparing to throw it at the limping boy's back. Sukeji managed to grab and twist the women's arm behind her back before she could throw it. She yelped as the glass cut into her hand and dropped it. The other two sages continued on after sharing a look with their team mate that told them to go on and he would catch up.

Chiori was mortified. To think that someone as sweet and kind as Naruto Uzumaki was treated with such abhorrent behavior was beyond her. Just because he was a vessel to hold back the Kyuubi. She had met the Kyuubi and many other demons in her time in the other realm and even they; evil as they may be did not deserve such cruelty.

"Oh Naruto." Chiori breathed, reaching to link her hand with the stoic blonde's. It was not a romantic gesture, but one of friendship, support, and family love.

"Worst than you thought, Nee-Chan?" Naruto asked evenly, turning to show her a sad smile. Before something caught his eye, just what he was waiting for. He quickened his speed eyes locked on the make-shift group of new genin making their way slowly towards his younger self. The young boy stopped eyes widening in fear. Ignoring as people pushed and shoved past him, watching the group of boys walking towards him, their eyes filled with murderous intent. As they came closer the boys face emptied of that fear replaced by bravado, and disinterest.

Chiori watched the change with amazement at her friends acting ability. To be able to hide such strong emotions from his faces was one thing but to put on a completely disinterested façade was amazing to the girl. She had always believed Naruto to be an open book. Perhaps that was not the case. Naruto quickened his pace so they were just with-in earshot as the group began talking.

"Well what do we have here?" A snotty nosed boy say with grandeur, pushing his glass up with a wicked smile. Little Naruto didn't answer, just staring blankly at the boys in front of him. His eyes however were fierce, with a harsh glint in them. Even this though did not do much for the boy's appearance since his arms were wrapped protectively around his middle. To Chiori it looked as if he was closing in on himself, Naruto knew it was only from the fresh batch of bruises and cuts. Protecting himself where he was most vulnerable.

Naruto came to a stand still by a cart of flowers, motioning for Chiori to show interest in them. It would be odd if the pair were to intervene so soon, if at all. Naruto stayed in his place, by sure will power.

"A monster of course Fredian." The foremost boy answered with a chortle taking in the smaller and much younger child in front of him. Savoring the flash of pain behind his eyes. Naruto's hands clenched, leaving half-moon imprints in his palms as he spied through the corner of his eye. The younger blonde stepped back, eyes still glued on the group.

"Hmm, seems demon boy isn't willing to play with us." The boy named Fredian said another wicked smile curving his face into a sadistic mask

"What shall we do?" One of the boys from the back asked, not even having the courage to face the blonde haired boy face on. Younger Naruto flinched as the glares pierced him like spikes. Naruto is only distracted as Sukeji takes his place beside Chiori sending Naruto a short nod before allowing himself to be pulled into a chat with the elderly florist, who was looking somewhat worriedly towards the boys and Naruto. This caused the blonde's heart to warm slightly; this woman had always been kind despite everything. It was why he only ever bought her flowers and never went to Ino's shop. (not that he bought flowers often, because who really did he have to give them to?) Much to the girl's annoyance.

Brought back from his musings, Naruto turns sharply as the leader boy steps up and shoves hard on the slim shoulders of the 6 year old. However, instead of hitting painfully on the floor Naruto is there instantly grabbing his younger self's arm and tugging him up right. The boy immediately doubled over his bruises on his arm being grabbed in the save. Gently with a practiced hand, the older blonde rubbed in-between the boys shoulder blades, on of the few spots untouched by bruises. Unconsciously the boy leaned into the touch as he fought to regain his breathing and control over his tear dots.

"Oi, who do you think…you…are?" The leader boy asked with a glop, as the older Naruto slowly raised his head showing narrowed eyes, the pupil's in slits. No longer blue but Kyuubi red.

"Scram." Is all the blonde says slowly but the menace is very clear in the one word. Not needing anymore convincing the boys take off in a sprint away. Naruto's eyes slowly returned to their blue as he gazed down at the sad boy in front of him. Who is shaking in fury and anguish. With out looking up at his savior the boy whispered.

"Thawks…so much." Before he took off running down the street and disappearing into the crowd. Naruto watched as he ran, a small smile on his face.

"Should you have done that?" Sukeji asked lazily from behind him. Naruto doesn't turn around only shrugging.

"It doesn't matter; we have to catch up to him again." Chiori interrupts Sukeji's protest. He growls at her until Naruto cuts both of them off softly. Slightly alarming the two Sages', sure Naruto was far tamer in the other realm and while on missions. It also was understandable why Naruto would be more serious in a job involving himself, but that did not explain how…calm almost cold the blonde was. They had worked missions involving him directly before and still he was never like this. Their confusion only increased as the blonde spoke.

"No, we will not be catching up to me."

"Um, well….I don't know what you….damn it Naruto what the hell do you mean." Chiori snapped losing her temper in her confusion.

"I want to-" Naruto started but stopped seeming to have trouble describing what exactly what he meant.

"Elaboration would be necessary here idiot." Sukeji lolled placing a hand on his friends shoulder and turning him so the two Sages' could see his face. It was mostly blank but they could see tears collecting at the rims of his eyes, not quite spilling over onto his scarred cheeks. Taking a deep breath Naruto closed the blue pools and spoke. It was as though it was easier with them shut rather than open.

"I want-no I need to do this alone."

"What! You-" Chiori shrieked causing several in the crowd to turn and peer at the three hooded strangers before passing on, in a ninja village it was really better to leave the strange…alone. She is cut off abruptly by a seething Sukeji.

"Shut up! Are you trying to be stupid or is it natural." Sukeji said through gritted teeth taking his hand away from Chi's currently pouting face before turning to Naruto.

"Why do you need to do this alone? We're a team…you don't...I mean we want to…" Sukeji stumbled off trying and not succeeding in expressing how he felt.

"We're here for you." Chiori answers for the flustered silver haired sage. Naruto's face brightened into a heart-breakingly beautiful smile. The silver and raven haired sages just gawked dazed by the…thankfulness in Naruto's face and on display in his sapphire eyes. He wiped at them with the back of a tanned hand, laughing lightly.

"It's nice to know, I'll admit it is…but right now. I mean. I just need to do this alone, back then or now I guess I was really closed in on myself. I wont open up to people, especially strangers, and that is what needs to happen. If I'm going to make any progress…" Naruto trailed off placing a hand behind his head, scratching lightly as he tried to think of a way to get them to understand, however nothing else was needed because the silver understood exactly what he meant.

"You need to confront yourself on things you don't want people to know. Eh heh fight your inner demon…so to speak." The trio stayed silent for a moment before bursting out in hysterical laughter. Fight your inner demon? OH Kyuubi you open so many doors.

"Glad you understand Suke-Chan." Naruto cooed starting to walk backwards.

"Hey wait, what do we do then?" Chi asked huffing with her hands on her hips.

"Got it already figured out, I have some errands I need you to do. I'll send a messenger when to meet at my apartment. When you're done…well do what ever you freaks do." Naruto grinned before tossing the pair the pouch that held the note. The one he had written before the time travel jutsu. With a short wave the blonde jumped and was out of sight.

Chiori shook her head with a sigh, reaching up with her right hand to catch the pouch. As she untied the ribbon, she asked Sukeji in a worried voice.

"Will he be alright? I know he'll be able to it's just…" She trailed off as she took out the folded paper fiddling with it as if nervous.

"He'll be fine, they'll both be fine. They are Uzumaki Naruto after all." Sukeji said confidently bumping his friends shoulder lightly; they both shared an amused smile.

"Yes…yes he is." Chi muttered to herself eyebrows raised as she read Naruto's careful block letter writing, mouth twitching in amusement.

"Konoha's most surprising ninja indeed."

"Uzumaki." Sukji growled staring at the parting salutation and 6 P.S, Adorning the paper, each bigger and longer than the last. The silver haired sages thoughts were running a rampage through his mind. Naruto was so dead when he caught the blond and that he wrote overly quickly and neat for a supposed idiot.

Naruto felt only a little creepy as he deftly stalked, NO not stalked…of course not don't be silly, deftly watched. That didn't sound right either, oh well he was walking stealthily behind his younger self and that was all there was to it. All the amusement was drained from his face as he struggled not to run and grab his younger self and piggy back ride him. It was pitiful as the boy limped (falling often), his eyes dull not even pain registered even though Naruto knew from his memories it had been agonizing. Tears leaked from the dull sapphires but the boy didn't reach to rub them, lost in emptiness, sobs torn through his chest but it was as if he didn't hear. Something ached inside Naruto as he watched an unhealed scar on his heart, mostly forgotten but coming back with vengeance now that he was confronted directly with the situation, and yet he had no control over it. Naruto felt helpless, but pushed the feelings away. He had done this before and YES he would do it again.

Younger Naruto walked in a daze towards a small area in the Konoha woods. He had found it while hiding from a gang of angry villagers after a particularly nasty prank. As far as Naruto knew only he had even come to the little clearing with wild grass and floor, Oh AND the most important feature the 5 story hill with a sharp cut off, leading down to only hard ground. Wither it be a natural wonder or a bit of random ninjutsu it would serve it purpose as Naruto last fall.

As the older blonde slunk through the tree edging the clearing he flinched, everything looking exactly as he remembered it. Younger Naruto stopped for a moment staring at the steep fall with calculating eyes before closing them and taking a deep breath. When he opened them again he resumed walking locked on his destination. Most people, its true, would have intervened right now and though a part of him wanted to, he knew he had to wait.

He knew exactly when he would have to stop the act since that was where his memories ended. Now to a person that was new to the ways of the three great sages of time, (they) would have thought it was a dream or a figment of imagination since his memories simply stopped at one point, but Naruto knew having messed with a persons memory before. That it was not only possible, but a common practice when so called miracles happened. Lets just say their not as much acts of a higher god like power but the intervention of the three sages and their underlings. Well they didn't do everything but…they did enough to warrant a decent amount of awe.

As the young blonde began the trek up the steep hill, the older followed farther behind. Knowing he was safe since, with prior knowledge, he knew the young boy couldn't hear anything but his own sobs and maybe the sound of his heart breaking…again. Finally at the crest of the hill the boy looked out, watching the wind play with the grass with hollow eyes. The other kept creeping forward, not even his kimono nor his cloak rippled loud enough to alert the boy of another presence.

Naruto knew what was going through the little boys head. The taunts, the teasing, the crack of bones breaking, every horror that the boy remembered played across his mind in an endless loop. With the phrase that had sent him over…well you know, playing restlessly in the back of his mind like a soundtrack to his misery. And then with suddenness only Konoha's most surprising ninja could muster, the blonde haired boy threw himself of the rock screaming in release and most importantly…fear.

It was only a spilt second before the older Naruto threw his self off the rock, with out a second thought to the very, very hard ground beneath.

So tell me everyone what did you think, and Remember reviews are like love, love makes the world go round, so lets keep the world rolling and send me a review nee? Positive comments would be lovely thank you sweetie, you're the best. Oh and FYI I don't care about grammar I know I suck so lets leave it at that….uh huh thank you for your consideration. *EVIL GLARE* Blinks * Innocent smile*

Love Snowy-Hime