What was the point? How did my efforts ever change anyone? Was it worth it in the end? Was I foolishly seeking redemption for sins I can't possibly erase from my conscience? All these questions keep burning inside me as I float through a strange state of mind.

I could see something approaching from a distance, slowly growing bigger the closer it came. I soon recognized the figure as me. It was myself, exactly as I was.

Was...

Past tense... Does that mean I'm dead? I remember the look in that girl's eye when she was protecting Uchiha, like she would always protect him. I saw the same look in the sensei with the green suit and unnaturally thick eyebrows... Is it possible that someone like them is trying to save someone like me? Someone who's committed crimes and done such horrible things? Did my existence ever become necessary for anyone? So many questions and no answers.

Then I remembered the person I had the most in common with: Naruto. He understood my pain. We were both cast away and mistreated and we both had a monster sealed away inside us. Would someone with such morals and influence ever spare a moment to help someone like me?

Ridiculous...

I don't deserve to be saved. I don't know why I ever tried making bonds with people, it only ends in sadness. To think I believed I could change things, that I could be like him. No one was coming for me, and even if they were, they're too late. I'm probably dead after all.

I should look more closely at my situation. Not at what me and Naruto have in common, but how we are different. He had a school to go to, other kids to socialize with, whether they ignored him or not, he still had a chance to prove himself which is more than I ever had. I would look at them and they would run in fear. Not exactly a good friend-making opportunity.

Naruto had a squad, and those three stuck together and fought as one. He also had a sensei to look after him and step in when things got out of hand. I had a demon with bloodlust to keep me company.

Naruto could sleep peacefully. I had no way of controlling Shukaku while sleeping, which led to insomnia which led to mental instability.

I was alone... Completely alone... No one to care whether I died or not.

But... If that's the case, so be it. I'm not afraid to walk this world alone and I'm certainly not afraid to keep living, because I know that even if no one shows me a shred a kindness, I will do my best to return as Suna's Kazekage and protect everyone in the village. Even if they don't ask for my help.

Because I know that's what Naruto would do. I've been changed by him and I want to prove it.

Just one problem, where am I? I noticed the other me disappeared a while ago and now I really was alone. In the desert in the middle of nowhere. I know I couldn't leave here by myself, isolated. If only...

Someone's hand is gently placed on my shoulder? Who could possibly have reached me here? I turned to see them, to see who stood by me...

I should have known.