A/N's will be at the bottom.
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or any of its characters.
Naruto woke up screaming. Pain clawed at his body and his skin was alight with fire. He twisted in agony before falling off of his bed. When his body started to shake uncontrollably he just laid on the floor bare of any clothing. He had to wait it out. He had to let the pain take its course.
When the blonde boy finally stilled he just lay there. Sweat dripped down his body and he let his eyes float up to the window. He could still see the early morning stars. The sun had yet to rise.
Gripping the dresser next to him he rose off the ground with his hair matted to his face. He grasped the clock desperately and read the time.
5:30
He'd been asleep only four hours. His eyebrows knit in frustration. He tried to recall to when he came back.
He had won the match. Only just barely though. Naruto had been half-dead by the time the ring owners had given him his money and kicked him out the door.
Somehow the young boy had found the will to crawl back to Konoha, but didn't he always? It had been Danzo that had met him at the gates. Cloaked by the dusk of night, Naruto remembered seeing the man and then promptly passing out from pain.
"Heh, guess the old man is good for something after all." He muttered to himself. His voice was hoarse and he desperately craved water.
Pushing off the desk Naruto tried to walk to the bathroom. Instead when he went to move he only screamed in more pain. His leg flared painfully and he couldn't move. As the blonde hit the floor he slammed his head knocking out any sense of reality. Everything was spinning.
"God damn it! Move!" Naruto forced himself back to his feet even though his body throbbed. Naked and bare the cool air hit him. It was soothing on his burning skin.
When he finally made it the bathroom the boy stood in front of the mirror. He stared at the man that looked back at him. Raising his hand he touched the rough skin of his face. Scarred. He was forever scarred. He already knew that though.
Claws roared an angry red down his torso and back. It looked like a dog had come at him. A gash above his eye had left dried blood smeared across his face. His other eye was bruised and swollen to the point where it was useless.
A pain tingled in his leg again. Deciding to inspect it further his eyes traveled down his body. His knee looked bashed in and battered.
"The Patellar tendon is shredded…" He thought bitterly. No wonder it had been such a bitch to walk. The blonde boy ran a hand through his hair. He could feel the bags under his eyes. His body felt like lead and his mind screamed at him to sleep, but he couldn't. His dreams were haunted. He couldn't sleep. Not anymore.
Gripping the nearest thing to him, he walked over to the shower. Stepping into his small shower he turned the knob carefully. Cold water hit him. Not the hot water he was hoping for yet the water soothed his injuries nonetheless.
His mind traveled elsewhere. He would have to find his cash after this. The money should be in his pants somewhere. He would have to get it later and pay the water bill. Hot water would be first priority.
The water cascaded down his body and Naruto stood under it breathing. He enjoyed the silence of darkness, the thrum of the water on his skin. He felt at home here. He only felt like himself when he was all alone. It was here that he didn't feel as if he had to put on an act.
Lightly he felt his injuries start to burn under the water. It was comfortable though. It felt familiar. The demon was finally doing its job.
"'Bout time you damn fox." He said aloud. The beast seemed slower in healing him these days. Sometimes Naruto would have to wait days before he would feel his injuries just fade away. It always irritated the blonde because it meant he had to hide his wounds himself. It was no easy feat for a thirteen year old in the world of ninjas.
Naruto stepped out of the shower not too long after. Stepping into his orange jumpsuit, Naruto went and grabbed the pair of pants folded neatly on his table. Digging into the pockets he reeled out a roll of cash as large as his hand.
Taking the stacks of money he counted it before nodding to himself. It was a good amount. More than he had made in a long while. It would be more than enough to feed himself this month.
Walking over to a floorboard near his bed he kicked the wood. Popping up easily before him he stashed the cash in a bag that lay underneath waiting. A boy needed to be careful in these times.
"That must be the worst possible place to hide your money." A voice spoke out from the shadows.
"Please, don't think I didn't notice you already took a share of the money for yourself." Naruto commented offhandedly placing the floorboard back down carefully.
Danzo stepped out of the shadows and merely shrugged. He only took what was rightfully his.
"So you can drag my sorry ass back to the house, throw me into bed, take my money, but you can't manage to heal your own student?" Naruto lashed out bitterly.
Whether the blonde wanted to admit it or not Danzo was the closest thing to a father he had. He was important to Naruto. He showed him how to be strong. He showed him how to make hate his strength.
"I didn't realize I was supposed to coddle you. Are you not a ninja? Are you not a man? Have you no pride in your own scars? I told you a long time ago boy, I am not your friend you're merely my tool."
Naruto tensed his body. His fists clenched at his sides as he faced Danzo. He could feel the blood of his palms seep from his fingers. His anger always got the best of him still but Naruto remained silent holding his tongue.
He glanced at the clock.
7:30
"I assume you will handle Mizuki efficiently today?" it was more of a statement than a question. If Naruto did anything other than what was expected he'd be punished. He would be punished severely.
"You want him at that drop site then?" Naruto asked. Danzo nodded in confirmation.
"Well then, you best be on your way then. Class starts in an hour. Wouldn't want to miss your graduation exams would you?"
Naruto turned around curtly and walked to lay down on his bed. "Get out of my house." He said quietly. He was tired. He was always tired. He didn't want to talk to Danzo any longer.
Danzo watched Naruto with his hawk eye before smiling cruelly. Turning he walked to the door. Grabbing the handle the door swung open and the early rise of the sun hit his face as he walked out. He left with one more parting gift.
"I wouldn't walk through the village streets today if I were you boy. I feel as if the villagers might be a little more…aggressive...today." The door shut behind him and Naruto felt his face scrunch up in anger.
The blonde boy turned to his side and stared outside the window. He watched the rising sun as the beams of light ignited the sky like a wildfire. The orange glow was illuminate and it intrigued Naruto. Closing his eyes he felt himself slipping away.
"Looks like I'm going to be late to class again today."
"Naruto Uzumaki!" Iruka yelled. "You're late and on the day of the graduation exams no less!" The man pointed his finger at the blonde accusingly and his eyes lit up with frustration. The class stared at him. It felt like a thousands of eyes burning holes into his back.
"He's so stupid."
"How'd he even make it this far?"
"Not like he'll pass the exams."
"He's already failed two times before."
Naruto could feel himself smiling before he even realized it. He was already falling back into his act. His eyes scrunched up in embarrassment and he scratched his head sheepishly. "Ano Iruka-sensei I really didn't mean to. I was just so tired!"
"No excuses! Get to your seat were about to start the exams." Naruto simply nodded while he walked up to his seat in the back. He walked by Sasuke Uchiha who glanced at him. Their eyes briefly made contact and held each other there before Sasuke snorted and looked away.
Naruto could hear the snickers as he walked pass. He could hear them laughing. At him. He hated it. He hated all of them. He watched as a kid stuck his foot out to trip him. When Naruto fell he twisted his body at an angle so that as he fell his elbow would smash into the offending child.
Naruto may have to play the part of a fool and an ass, but that didn't mean he would take it lying down. When his elbow came into contact he heard the large crack and knew he must have at least fractured the kid's nose. Naruto smiled as he hit the ground.
"Ow! Iruka-sensei Naruto just hit me!" The kid wailed holding his nose.
"Stupid civilians…" Naruto thought.
"I didn't mean it I swear! I just fell! It was an accident!" Naruto exclaimed loudly in a voice that felt like it was shredding his eardrums. Iruka glared at the both of them.
"Naruto said it was an accident Sari, almost just like when you put your foot out before he fell right?" The kid in question – Sari – flushed red before looking away indignantly.
Naruto finally took his seat in the far corner of the room and watched as Iruka began his long spiel on the past year with his students and how proud he was. It felt like forever before he started calling names to take the exam.
"Alright then Chouji Akimichi you're up first." It was alphabetical. Naruto already knew he would be one of the last kids called to go. That was fine with him. It meant more time to sleep. Laying his head down on top of his desk he closed his eyes.
If only the images behind them didn't haunt him.
4 Years Ago
"Old man why are we outside the village?" The blonde boy asked. "I thought you were going to make me strong!" He pouted defiantly.
"Think of this as your first lesson." The man said without pause. To Naruto it felt as if they had been walking for hours. He was tired and he was hungry. He wanted to go back to Konoha, but he kept walking anyway.
He wanted to prove himself to the man. He wanted someone to acknowledge him. He needed it more than anything.
"We're here." Danzo stopped walking and Naruto ran into the older man in a daze.
"Wha?" Naruto asked questioningly. "There ain't nothin here." They had stopped in front of a steep cliff the jagged rocks climbing high into the sky.
Danzo took his cane and whacked Naruto. The young child fell to the ground clutching his head. His blue eyes looked back up glaring, but the youth was silent.
"Always assume there is something. Nothing does not exist in this world." The elder man brought his hand together in the rabbit sign before silently pulsing his chakra.
"Kai." Naruto sat and watched amazed as the cliff before him rippled like water. Off to the side a part of the cliff faded away leaving a steel door in its place.
"What was that?" Naruto asked astonished.
"Genjutsu"
"Will I learn to do that?"
"One thing at a time boy." The old man said eyeing Naruto. The young boy nodded understandingly and Danzo smiled. The boy would learn quickly. "Let's go. We're already late."
Naruto stood up and the pair walked over to the door. Danzo tapped two times on the door and waited. The panel on top opened up and two eyes looked out.
"Ticket" A distinctly feminine voice declared. Danzo pulled a slip of paper out and handed it through. Naruto eyed the paper just barely catching the black fist imprinted on it. The blonde heard as locks came unchained and the door slammed open in front of them.
A redhead stood in front of them her short hair giving her a boyish look. A scar hooked above and under her eye and Naruto began to question just what the hell was going on. He looked at Danzo nervously.
The lady glanced at Naruto before her eyes settled on Danzo. "He's a bit young isn't he? Can he even fight?" She questioned apathetically.
Danzo looked bored. "That doesn't concern you. I believe all you have to do is get him to the ring on time." The woman scowled at him.
"Fine. It's the kid's life not mine." She snapped her fingers and two burly men came out holding chains. Naruto backed up not liking this one bit. Before he could back up any further Danzo grabbed his shoulder. The blonde winced at the pain.
The man spoke without even looking at the boy, "Remember this is your first lesson. You wanted to be strong, well here's your chance." Naruto clenched his fists but took a step back forward.
He remained quiet as the two burly man came at him with the chains. They bound his hands together and the heavy metal dragged his body down. Then they clipped a metal collar around his neck. He could hear it beep faintly under his ears. Whatever it was Naruto knew it was rigged.
One of the men picked up a pole attached to Naruto's chains and yanked hard. Naruto fell to his knees at the unexpected strength.
"What the hell?" The boy seethed. The man yanked the chain again and this time Naruto quickly got up and followed.
"Come on kid, your funeral is about to start."
Danzo stayed behind but before Naruto got too far ahead he stopped and refused to move. Looking back over his shoulder the boy glared at the man, "Old man, if I make it out of this… I'll kill you." Naruto bared his fangs as anger and fear welled up in his chest. Danzo smiled.
"Yes, the boy will do just fine…"The old man thought.
When they entered the room it looked like a giant cock fight. People were everywhere and they dwarfed Naruto in size. He had never felt so small. The man dragged him through the crowd before they finally pulled up to an arena.
Naruto stared at it precariously. A thin man was waiting in the center of the circle. His body wiry and his face scarred the man frightened Naruto. He looked delirious.
Naruto felt the chain on his wrists unlock and now two cuffs just weighed on his wrists like a burden. "Alright kid, let's put on a show." The man pushed Naruto by the back and the boy went flying in. Skidding on his knees Naruto landed directly in front of the wiry man.
To Naruto everything slowed down. The roar of the crowd filled his ears, but it was nothing next to the heavy silence next to this man. The wiry guy bent down so he was at Naruto's level. His eyes reminded Naruto of a snake and the blonde could feel himself tremble.
The guy smiled creepily. "Hi, you must be new here. The name's Aito." Aito brought his finger and placed it on Naruto's cheek softly. "Welcome to Konoha: Underground"
Naruto screamed. The man's finger morphed into claw and dug into Naruto's skin painfully.
End Flashback.
"—Uzumaki! Naruto Uzumaki!" Someone grabbed his shoulders and Naruto shot up. Underneath his desk a knife always hidden in his sleeves popped into his hand. Sweat ran down the side of his face and he watched as Iruka stood in front of him.
"Iruka-sensei?" Naruto's hand shook underneath the desk. He had to force himself to sheathe his knife and slide it slowly back into its place. He was safe. No one was going to hurt him here.
"Naruto didn't I tell you not to fall asleep?" Iruka said exasperatedly though underneath it concern filled his eyes. Whether the boy knew it or not he was a ninja. He saw the predator look that Naruto awoke with and the fear of being near. It was very unlike the Naruto he knew.
Naruto shoved the chair back and stood up laughing. "Sorry sensei, but it was just so boring waiting for everyone! It felt like forever till I was going to get called. But it's my turn now right?" Comically Naruto lifted his hand above his eyes and scanned the room.
It was only him left.
"Yeah, you're up Naruto." Iruka said slowly watching the boy.
"Yosh! Let's go then!" Naruto shouted before marching off. Iruka just stared silently. A year he watched over the boy Naruto Uzumaki and he still didn't have a clue who the young man was. Sometimes it just seemed forced. He was hiding something. Iruka just wasn't sure what.
"Naruto…" Iruka called out. Naruto stopped, but never looked back. "Good luck. I have a good feeling about it today. You're going to do great." The brunette walked past the blonde bringing his hand down to ruffle Naruto's hair on the way by. After all he was the proctor for the exam.
Naruto watched Iruka walk past him. His words rang in Naruto's ear. He cherished the way the man ruffled his hair playfully. He couldn't fathom why anyone would say those words, why anyone would act like that to him.
If there was one thing Naruto knew it was that he mattered to no one. He lived in the shadows. He killed in the shadows. There would never be a place for him to call home. There would be no one waiting for him to come back. There was no one that needed him. There was only the ring and Danzo waiting for him to pass his expectations.
Naruto solemnly followed the brunette. It was time to take his graduation exam. It was time for him to fail for the third time.
"Naruto you fail." Iruka said. He looked at the boy. Disappointment tore into the boy's face. Iruka had never felt so useless before in his life.
"Iruka come one, the clones are standing at least. And the other two jutsu were perfect. Can't we cut him some slack?" Mizuki next to him questioned.
Naruto stood watching the two converse. Beside him three half-dead clones stood. While actually one was convulsing on the floor now, but who was counting? A frown marred his face and he couldn't stop the sadness that he felt welling up inside him. He was angry. He could pass. He could have passed three years ago, but he wasn't allowed. He was forbidden.
"Iruka…" Naruto said almost pleadingly, but the man shook his head.
"No I'm sorry Naruto but I can't pass you. You fail." The man said with finality. Blue eyes watched him for a moment longer before nodding. Then his feet carried him out.
When he finally made it to the swing outside Naruto could feel his emotions swelling. "Damn it!" He cursed. Sitting down he pushed himself off lightly.
He didn't understand. He was strong. Danzo had made him strong. He could take out any genin he wanted. He was an assassin. He was a killer. Yet he couldn't pass a simple graduation exam? Bullshit. Naruto hated Danzo in that moment. He hated how he needed the man. He hated how bound to the shadows he really was. Naruto was simply a tool.
He slammed his feet into the ground stopping his swinging immediately. His grip tightened on the swing and Naruto calmed himself. He sensed someone walking over.
"Hey Naruto." Smiling the blonde forced himself to cry. A talent he picked up years ago. The fake tears gathered at the corner of his eyes. Mizuki came and stood by him on the swings.
"Naruto, you okay?" Mizuki asked questioningly. Naruto sniffled and wiped away his fake tears. Shaking his head he looked at Mizuki, "I just wanted to be a ninja sensei. I swear I can do the clone jutsu. It must have been something I ate this morning."
"I know kid sometimes we all have our bad days and it was really unfair of Iruka to fail you. But hey I might know a way to get you that headband." Mizuki asked smiling. Naruto laughed in his head. Sometimes people made it to easy.
"Really!?" Naruto perked up eyes bright.
"Yeah, think of it as extra credit." Mizuki said. "It's a little more challenging but if you pass you'll become a ninja right away."
"Yosh! Bring it on sensei! I can take whatever you dish at me, believe it!" Naruto was standing at this point grinning at his sensei.
"Alright because I like you I'll tell you. You gotta come here though and remember this is a secret test. No one else can know about it okay?" Naruto nodded before going in close so Mizuki could whisper his plan.
Naruto smiled wryly. Danzo would be very pleased.
The weight of the scroll on his back was taxing. It was much heavier than Naruto remembered. The last time he had possessed the Forbidden Scroll, Danzo had given it to him telling the boy to memorize everything he could.
That had been a long week to say the least.
Still the scroll had proved useful and the jutsu within had been amazing to learn. They were even better to use on practice dummies. Naruto leant against the tree next to him. It had been three hours and Mizuki was late.
The man had said to meet him here. It was secluded and a good distance from the village. Naruto was no fool. The stupid man had planned to kill him and take the scroll. Danzo had warned him, but it was nothing Naruto couldn't take care of.
The leaves ruffled off to the left and Naruto took out a kunai. Danzo wanted Mizuki alive for interrogation. That didn't mean the blonde couldn't have some fun first. After all the boy had some pent up frustration.
"Naruto?" Iruka stepped out of the bushes. Naruto froze and surprise lit up his eyes. This was not expected.
"Shit," Naruto cursed. "What do I do now?"
Naruto thought back to his sensei. Danzo had gone over this with him. When things went wrong there were to be no liabilities what so ever.
"We leave no loose strings behind boy. You kill anything that can attach you to a scene and you burn the bodies when you're done. Is that understood?"
"Understood Old Man"
"Naruto what the hell are you doing?" Iruka questioned frantically. "Everyone is looking for you! You've gone too far this time. Please tell me you have a good explanation for this?"
"Kill him. He's a liability." Naruto slowly put the kunai away. He liked Iruka. More than most people at least. How was he supposed to murder him?
"Sensei! I thought Mizuki was going to be the one to meet me here?" Naruto tilted his head awkwardly. He had already fallen back into the mask of a fool. He had to. He was left with no choice.
"Mizuki? Naruto what are you talking about?"
"The extra credit of course! What Mizuki didn't tell you? Eh it doesn't really matter, but hey you'll let me pass now right? I learned a jutsu from the scroll just like Mizuki said." Naruto laced the lie with truth. He did know a jutsu from the scroll. He knew quite a few jutsu from the scroll.
A looked passed over Iruka's face. Naruto thought it looked like one of understanding. It looked like Danzo and he weren't the only ones watching Mizuki's loyalties to the village.
The next part had happened so fast that Naruto would curse himself later for not being more aware. It was Iruka who tackled him to the ground and Naruto felt the air leave his lungs. A loud thud echoed through the forest as a large fuma shurikan landed into the tree where Naruto's head had previously been.
"How the hell did I not sense that?" Naruto scolded trying to catch his breath.
"Are you okay Naruto?" Iruka asked with concern. Naruto nodded in affirmation. Iruka whipped around when laughing filled the area. Mizuki stood smiling at him on a tree branch.
"I see now… how it is." The brunette said quietly watching Mizuki.
"Naruto, give me that scroll." Mizuki said staring at the blonde. Naruto looked on nervously. What was he supposed to do? The weight of the kunai hung heavily in his pouch. He could kill them. It would be so easy and Danzo would be pleased.
He had no qualms with running through Mizuki with a knife, but Iruka…he wasn't sure. Naruto was an assassin, he was a killer, but he did not kill those who didn't deserve it. Yet it wasn't as if Iruka had showed him anymore kindness than anyone else had. Was he even worth saving?
Naruto had to keep the act going. He wasn't sure what to do. Not yet. "Wait, wait… what's going on here?" Naruto rolled away from Iruka separating himself from the two men. If he was going to kill them he needed to be in a good position.
"Naruto never give him that scroll." Iruka shouted. "It's a dangerous scroll that was sealed for everyone's safety. Mizuki used you in order to get it for himself!"
"Just kill them already. The rush of adrenaline and the stream of blood on your hands you love it. Kill them all." A voice in Naruto's screamed. It sounded like Danzo, it sounded like him, and it sounded like the something else. Something much darker.
"What?" Naruto uttered.
"Naruto, Iruka is only afraid of you holding that scroll!" Mizuki stepped in jumping down to the clearing.
"What are you saying Mizuki? Don't let him fool you Naruto!"
"I will tell you the truth."
"Idiot, don't do that!"
Mizuki laughed. "After an incident twelve years ago, a rule was created."
Naruto felt his heart beating fast. He knew what they were talking about. Hell, everyone in this village would know what they were talking about. So then why was his heart racing?
"A rule?" He asked keeping the façade up.
"That is, Naruto, a rule that everybody but you knows." The silver haired man glared down at Naruto smiling.
"Stop it Mizuki!" Iruka screamed. Naruto looked at him. A question burned in his mind. He wasn't sure what the answer was yet.
"The rule forbids anyone from revealing that you are the Demon Fox Spirit. You are the Kyuubi no yoko the one that killed Iruka's parents and the village!"
"Stop it!" Iruka screamed. Naruto's fist clenched. Anger welled up in his heart. Did they think he already didn't know that? Did they think he already didn't know he was a demon? He was reminded of that every day. He was reminded every day that he wasn't meant to be alive.
The villagers, the people, the ninja, Konoha as a whole made sure of that.
"Everybody has been deceiving you. Didn't you find it strange? Why everyone hated you so much?" Naruto stood frozen and Mizuki laughed.
Naruto hated this man. He hated him more than anything. Mizuki deserved to die. They all deserved to die. Naruto knew he was a demon. He knew he was a tool. And he would kill them all.
"Shut up." The blonde said quietly.
"Naruto…" Iruka muttered.
"Nobody accepts you. That's why Iruka hates you so much!"
"Or maybe I'm the one who deserves to die? It would hurt so much less. Just an instant of pain and it would be over." Naruto looked down to the ground.
Could he really live like this? Every day living in the shadows of the light and watching from afar. Preparing to protect a village that couldn't stand him?
He was so strong yet he had to hide it. He could be gentle yet he was forced to kill. He wanted to be friends yet people could barely look at him. Giving up would be so much easier.
"Die Naruto!" Mizuki whirled his fuma shuriken and let it fly. Naruto stood still eyes downcast. "I just want this pain to end." He wouldn't be afraid of death. He would welcome it.
"Naruto! Move!" Iruka screamed. Naruto closed his eyes. He was ready.
The blonde heard the sound of metal tearing into skin. He could smell the warm tanginess of blood as it splashed on his face. He felt no pain though. Naruto opened his eyes and stared into Iruka's eyes as the fuma shuriken lodged firmly into his back.
Mizuki scoffed and Naruto grit his teeth. "Why?"
"Because," Iruka choked out. "You and I are the same." Tears slid down the man's face and Naruto felt something clench in his chest. Why? What kind of reason was that? Why would he sacrifice his life for his?
"After my parents died, nobody paid attention to me or gave me any support. I wasn't a good student in school." Iruka coughed blood splattering Naruto's face with the sticky liquid. Naruto stared apathetically. He didn't know what to feel.
"I was the class clown… because I wanted people to notice me. I couldn't get noticed through excellence so I kept doing stupid things. It was so hard. Isn't that right Naruto? You felt so lonely…right? And you suffered inside, right?"
Naruto looked away and shut his eyes. "Stop. Please just stop. Don't pretend that you care for me. I refuse to have your blood on my hands."
"I'm sorry, Naruto… If I had been more responsible, maybe you wouldn't have suffered so much." Mizuki who had been watching chuckled.
"Don't make me laugh! Iruka has always hated you, ever since you killed his parents! He's just saying all that to get the Forbidden Scroll back! " Mizuki shouted.
Naruto let out a breath that he didn't know he was holding. His heart felt so heavy. He looked into the eyes of Iruka, "I won't have your blood on my hands." Clenching his fists Naruto turn and ran.
"Naruto!" Iruka tried to reach out to the blonde, but fell to the ground in pain. The Fuma Shuriken lodged in his back seared in agony.
Mizuki walked up close to Iruka smiling, "Didn't you see his eyes Iruka? Didn't you hear him? Those were the words of a demon."
Iruka pulled the shurikan from his back and gripped it tightly. "No…Naruto isn't… like that at all." He turned and threw it at the other chunin. Mizuki just moved out of the way laughing as Iruka fell back to the ground.
"All I want is to kill Naruto and take the scroll," The silver haired chunin said walking past the fallen Iruka. "I'll take care of you later!" Running off the man went to chase Naruto down.
"I won't… I won't let you!"
"Report!" Danzo said demandingly. A masked man stood in front of him obediently. The Ne symbol stood proudly engraved into the façade.
"Uzumaki-sempai has the scroll, but has not yet brought in traitor Mizuki. Interference from chunin Umino has halted sempai from doing anything for consequence that his cover might be blown."
"Hmm..." Danzo pondered. "I thought I taught you better than this Naruto."
"Should I step in and finish off both chunin?"
"No." Danzo said. "I trust the boy not to make a mess of things." The elderly man turned and walked away. After all there was other work to be done. "Prepare the interrogation room, I expect that the traitor Mizuki to be here soon."
"Yes sir!"
Naruto sped through the forest hurt and confused. He didn't understand himself sometimes. He wanted to die and he didn't. He wanted to kill, but wanted to be merciful. He wanted to have friends and be accepted, but he wanted to be left alone. He just didn't understand.
"Naruto!" The blonde looked to the left and saw Iruka next to him. "Everything Mizuki said was a lie! Quick, give me that scroll! Before Mizuki can get his hands one it!"
Naruto quickly turned on his heels and sent a flying punch into Iruka's gut. The man was sent flying to the ground. Naruto with labored breath lost the momentum in the air and soon followed, crash landing into the ground.
Iruka clutching his stomach on the ground turned and glared at the blonde. Through clenched teeth he began to speak, "It can't be…how did you know I wasn't Iruka…? The space around Iruka was surrounded by smoke before Mizuki's opposing eyes glared back.
Naruto smiled and chuckled lowly. "Because I'm Iruka." The man replied releasing his own henge.
"I see." Mizuki said standing.
The real Naruto stood behind a tree not more than five feet away. His back leant against the bark a frown marred his face. With the scroll still attached to his back he grabbed a kunai from his pouch.
It was time to finish the mission. He was tired of being fucked with.
"What's in it for you to protect the one who killed your family?" Mizuki asked actually curious of the answer.
"I'm not going to let a stupid idiot like you get that scroll."
Mizuki scoffed. "You're the idiot. Naruto is the same as me."
"Same?" The brunette questioned. Naruto's fingers curled around the kunai tightly.
"He's a killer. He has no remorse. A monster like that… he craves power. He'll use that scroll and take every advantage he can get to make this village burn."
"Heh. You're right..." Iruka said calmly.
Naruto steeled his heart and turned to walk out. He had to slit Iruka's throat quickly and then disarm Mizuki. The silver haired chunin would then be taken in to Root for questioning.
"First, I think I'll play with Mizuki though…" Mizuki was stupid if he thought he could fuck with Naruto and not face the consequence.
"…that is if he was the Kyuubi, but Naruto is different! I know that he is an exceptional student and an even better man! He works very hard and sometimes he doesn't always get it the first time, but he keeps trying. No one accepts him, but he knows the meaning of human suffering. He is not the Kyuubi."
Iruka looked up and stared Mizuki in the eyes a smile gracing his lips. "He's Uzumaki Naruto of Konoha!"
Mizuki looked at the fallen man in disbelief. "You're so gullible." The man grabbed his last fuma shuriken and held it. "I was going to take you down later, but I've changed my mind. Die!"
The chunin charged at Iruka with the shuriken tearing through the winds in his hand. "I guess this is the end for me…" Iruka thought solemnly.
Naruto crashed in and swung a fist directly at the man's face. Mizuki went flying and his shuriken went wild cutting branches down in the forest.
"Naruto!" Iruka called out.
Naruto skidded on his feet landing in front of the fallen chunin. He looked at Mizuki with dead eyes. "You surprised me there, freak." Mizuki who was splayed on the ground said standing back up.
Naruto spoke with fists tight. "If you ever lay a hand on my sensei, I'll kill you!" The blonde was done playing around. Anger lit his eyes and he felt strength surge through his limbs. Naruto knew how to deal with anger and hate. It made him strong. It sharpened his mind. And right now, he hated Mizuki.
The chunin lashed out, "Shut up! I can take care of a kid like you with a single blow." He said arrogantly.
Naruto laughed making the ram sign. He still had to make this believable. He still needed Iruka to believe he was a stubborn headed mule. "Heh, why don't you try then? I'll come back at you a thousand times stronger!"
"Let's see you try! Show me what you can do, Kyuubi!"
Naruto smiled and focused his chakra. "Kage-Bunshin Jutsu!" Hundreds of clones appeared beside him. Iruka lay behind completely astonished. This was Naruto?
"What's the matter Mizuki? Weren't you going to get me with one blow?" Naruto said maliciously "Well, if you won't come to me… I'll just come to you!"
Mizuki screamed as a thousand clones were rushed down upon him. The real Naruto just watched grinning, his eyes flashing red with anger and hate. The man was getting what he deserved and he would only get worse later. Naruto just had to be patient.
A few minutes later a beaten and bruised Mizuki lay on the ground in front of Iruka and Naruto. Naruto grinned sheepishly. "Woops, looks like I got carried away sensei…sorry."
"Yeah…" Iruka said amazed. "It's alright though we'll deal with him later." Iruka lent up against a tree sitting down. His wounds would take some time to heal, but right now he was focused on Naruto. That boy sure was something.
"Naruto…"
"Yeah Iruka-sensei?"
"Could you come here for a moment? I want to give you something." Iruka motioned with a flick of his hand. Naruto nodded and walked over to his teacher. Kneeling down he came eye to eye with his sensei.
Blue eyes watched patiently as Iruka undid his Konoha protector and slowly fastened it unto Naruto's forehead. Dumbfounded the boy was completely silent. This wasn't supposed to happen. This wasn't according to the plan. He wasn't supposed to become a ninja.
"Sensei…" He said genuinely.
"Congratulations Naruto…on your graduation." Naruto felt something build up inside of him. Tears pricked at the corners of his eyes and slowly he walked up to Iruka. Wrapping his arms around the man he held his sensei tight.
Iruka looked on surprised at the act of vulnerability. "Thank you sensei." Was all Naruto said before giving the man a small smile.
"Come on, let's go for ramen. My treat." Iruka said walking off with the blonde.
Behind the trees blue eyes watched the scene. "Shit. That wasn't supposed to happen." Naruto looked at his clone give Iruka a hug. This would complicate things. Turning he grabbed the gagged and bound Mizuki. Glaring at the man he took a kunai from his pouch and stabbed it into his leg.
The man screamed into the gag. "You were right about one thing. I am a demon and for the next few days I'll be your worst nightmare." A group of ninja fell around them all with the symbol Ne engraved on their masks.
"Will your blood clone fool the Sandaime sempai?" One of them asked.
Naruto scoffed and twisted the kunai painfully in the man's leg. He would probably never be able to walk again. "The blood clone will last long enough to fake its death and get out scotch clean. Just get the prisoner to the drop off location. I'll be there shortly to meet with the Old Man."
The masked ninja nodded and disappeared with Mizuki in their possession.
The minute they left Naruto fell against the tree. Exhaustion racked his body and his heart was still heavy. Thinking back to Mizuki Naruto promised the man would pay for the pain he inflicted upon him.
That was if Danzo didn't get to him first. The old man never wanted Naruto to become a ninja. He would be absolutely livid.
He was supposed to have failed for the last time this year and Naruto would never again go to the academy. Instead the blonde would have just disappeared to not be seen again when in actuality he would have just taken a full time position in Root.
That plan had gone to hell though and all because Naruto couldn't kill Iruka.
"Damn it. Damn it all to fucking hell." Naruto cursed under his breath closing his eyes. He was a demon. He needed to remind himself of that apparently. For a moment he had forgotten and shown mercy. It could not happen again.
The blonde thought back to the dream he had earlier. Right before he had taken the graduation exams, it was a memory he had long since buried.
4 Years Ago
Naruto screamed in agony. His whole body was on fire with pain. Aito laughed. The wiry man just circled him like a predator would circle his prey. Around them the crowd roared. Screams for blood, screams for death all of it floated into Naruto's young ears.
Naruto stood up and tried to focus on Aito. He could only use one eye as blood covered the left side of his face. The sticky red liquid dripping and smearing into his eye made it impossible for him to see.
"And the little boy stands back up!" Aito laughed. "Such a strong boy you are. I do commend you. I didn't imagine you would last this long kid, but all good things come to an end you know?"
Naruto had once thought he knew what fear was. There were many times he had said he was afraid, but he was wrong. It wasn't until this very moment that he knew what true terror felt like.
Building in his gut Naruto wanted to throw up. He wanted to cry. He wanted to beg the man to just stop. He wanted to run. Naruto had never felt so many emotions at once. It was a one-sided fight the entire time with Aito literally beating the living shit out of him.
His body had never hurt so much. The only reason he was still standing was that he was use to pain. At least there was one thing he could thank the villagers for. It didn't look like he was going to make it though.
He wasn't going to get the chance to live. He wasn't going to get the chance to prove himself. He wasn't going to become strong. He wasn't going to get to beat the shit out of Danzo. He wouldn't get the acknowledgement and respect he so desperately wanted from the everyone. He was going to die in this ring.
"I don't want to die." Naruto said terrified.
Aito cocked his head and walking up slowly to the kid. "Sorry kid I don't want to die either, but in this world if you want to live you have to kill to survive."
Aito bent down slowly in front of Naruto. The blonde threw a punch at the man's face, but Aito easily caught it in his fist. Gripping Naruto's hand so tight the smaller boy began to howl feeling his bones break underneath the force.
He released the boy's hand which fell limply to his side. Naruto whimpered and cursed his weakness, but he tried no other attack. What was he to do? He was out of ideas. There was nothing he could do. Nothing would work against this man. He was too young, too fresh, too inexperienced. He was going to die.
For the first time that night, the smile on Aito's face disappeared. He looked gentler without that predatory grin that frightened Naruto so much. The man lifted his giant hands and brought them around Naruto's small neck softly.
The boy watched him and felt terror set in. His heart was beating against his chest and his head throbbed. Aito raised an eyebrow silently asking the question. Naruto shut his eyes and held perfectly still. The wiry man simply nodded before gripping the boy's neck as hard as he could.
When Naruto felt his air supply cut off from him he began to panic. His arms and legs flailed around him uselessly and his eyes bulged out desperately. He tried to yell, but found nothing came out.
"I… I don't want to die!" He wasn't ready. Not like this. He wasn't going to die here. He refused. "I don't want to die!" The fear was replaced by unbridled anger that quickly changed into rage. Bubbling and boiling inside of him het let out a roar.
"Kill this weakling." The command in his head set off a switch in him. Kill. He would kill. The next thing Naruto knew he was on the ground again and Aito was staring at him wide-eyed. Naruto felt a warm liquid seeping down his hand. It was hot and sticky.
Blue eyes looked down and saw his small hand cutting through the man's chest. Blood splattered his arm and face and Naruto felt sick all of a sudden. The rage in his stomach had faded. Slowly Naruto removed his hand from Aito's body.
Naruto looked horrified at his arm. What had he done?
Aito looked at the hole in his chest. It had gone clear through tearing through skin, flesh, and bone. He looked back up to the blonde. Blood dripped down from his mouth and nose yet the man smiled all of sudden. The crowd had gone completely silent.
"It's kill or be killed. You've passed your first test. You're now a demon, just like me." Those were his last words before Aito fell to the ground cold and lifeless.
Naruto stared on unmoving. It was still dead silent in the arena. No one moved a muscle. The blonde looked over to where Danzo was and saw him whispering something to someone. The man nodded in confirmation and then walked up to Naruto.
The guy grabbed Naruto's hand and the boy flinched at the contact. The bloodied hand was raised into the air and the man shouted out in a booming voice that rang in Naruto's small ears.
"Winner… Kyuubi!" Then it was as if a light had gone off and the crowd erupted into roars. Money was once again being exchanged and the chant of Kyuubi filled the area. Naruto didn't even realize that Danzo had come and grabbed him off the stage.
By the time they were back outside next to the cliff neither had said a word. Danzo was slowly trudging back to where Naruto knew the village was. It was only five minutes into their walk that Naruto finally stopped. Danzo noticing it stopped as well and turned around. He had expected this.
"Something wrong boy?" He asked as if this was normal. Naruto looked at him dismayed. Had he not seen what he had done? Did the old man not see the blood of the man he was still drenched in?
Naruto fell to the ground and began to empty his stomach. Emptying it of all its content Naruto coughed and hacked up everything his tiny body had to give. And when nothing was left to throw up the blonde boy sobbed. He sobbed like he never had before. Tears fell down his face and Naruto gripped himself to keep steady.
It felt like he was falling apart and there was nothing he could do about it.
All the while Danzo just watched. He watched as the boy fell to pieces in front of him. It was necessary. When building the perfect tool you first needed to break it and then remake it into the image you needed. You made it stronger, harder, and better than it was ever before. He had broken this boy and now it was time to rebuild him.
"Your first lesson: It's kill or be killed. You've passed." Danzo turned around and began walking back. The boy would follow eventually and if he didn't the Danzo knew the blonde would find his way back home.
Naruto looked up at the man with tears still fresh. Anger lit up his eyes. He hated this man. He hated Aito. He hated everyone. Naruto yelled out to Danzo's back, "Monster! All of you are monsters!"
Danzo looked back over his shoulder. "Then what does that make you my dear boy?" The last thing Danzo saw was the horrible look of realization on the boy's face before walking away. Even after he heard the boy's screams for miles as he continued to walk alone.
Yes. If one thing was for certain, he had broken Naruto Uzumaki.
End Flashback
Naruto walked into the Root headquarters. Danzo stood patiently waiting. It was the blonde who spoke first. "I assume you want me to interrogate Mizuki?" He asked.
Danzo nodded. "Yes and make it quick. I don't want to drag it on any longer than we have to." Naruto stared at the man before heading to the room where he knew Mizuki would be.
"We aren't done yet Naruto."
Naruto froze.
"You left chunin Umino alive. You know the policy I have about loose ends do you not?" Naruto turned and stared at the man with dead eyes.
"What do you want me to say old man? I make my own decisions."
Danzo scoffed. "Yes, yes you do. May I ask what your reasons were then?"
"I let chunin Umino live on a whim." Naruto said apathetically.
"A whim?" Danzo questioned.
Naruto nodded. "One that won't happen again."
"Good." Danzo replied. "Though we will have to discuss what will happen next as you are now a ninja of Konoha as I hear." Naruto grimaced. Danzo wasn't happy. He could hear it in his voice.
"You may leave now Uzumaki." Danzo said motioning for the blonde to go. Naruto nodded and turned to leave though he did hear Danzo's last call to him. "You will be punished for today. I expect that an accident like this won't happen again."
Naruto frowned as he continued to walk forward. He wouldn't give Danzo the satisfaction of letting him see that he got to him. He wasn't weak. When he finally made it to the room he opened the door. He could quickly feel his anger rising again.
Mizuki was strapped to a chair bound and locked. His face was beaten and bloody and gashes along his arm told Naruto he was not the first to visit the man.
When the silver eyed chunin looked up and saw Naruto a horrified expression etched itself onto his face. The man started to beg.
"No. No, no, no! Help! Someone please help! Don't leave me alone with this demon!" Naruto shut the steel door behind him.
No one crossed Naruto Uzumaki and lived without hell to pay for it.
Q
A/N - Sup? Chapter two is finally out. Sorry 'bout the wait. Is it good? Aight? Bad? I know its been a while, but I thought I'd give this a shot. I wanted to see if I would get any more responses for this story than I got the first time. In other words...reviews would be fantastic. Even if its just to say "Hey this story is a no go" then great. At least I know where it stands right? But seriously give me some feedback and tell me what you think. And remember honesty is the best policy kids.
On to other things I guess, this chapter I was kinda hoping to highlight Naruto's and Danzo's relationship a little bit more. It's kinda fucked up right? That's completely intentional and I want to see what response I get to their characterization. Another thing was the whole flashback, I wanted to develop Naruto a little bit more and give some more backstory. So I also hope you enjoyed that.
Me updating this will totally be dependent on you guys. I really like the idea of this story and would be willing to run with it but I need a response. So yeah... guess that about wraps this shit up.
Thanks Again!
IronLegends13