The thing about being a little kid is that, until you are told otherwise and barring some personality conflict, you generally will play with anyone who is available.
At least I did.
But having pink hair, or being different on any level, can cause a kid to be an outcast.
And an outcast from a civilian background has no protection from other civilians in a ninja village.
Protection from other children. Or from adults.
So, after the first time of playing with a new - my only - friend, I got pushed into an alley way and beaten by some older kids.
They waited till I was almost home.
The bullies didn't do it every time. But after the third or fourth time I got the message, especially after the kids left me to the adults.