Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or anything else in the original story aside from things I came up with myself in this fanfiction.

Author: Hello everyone, RainBowApeX here. Welcome to chapter 4 of this fanfic. I want to tell you that I understand if some think the story seems slow. However, I find the events that take place in my chapters and the information I give, necessary for future chapters. This chapter is especially important for Naruto's character after I reach Shippuden. Also, I've come up with a great pairing for Naruto. She will be an OC.

Also there is a Power level/Skill level update at the end of this chapter and there will be some notes at the end.

"Talking"

"Demon talking, Bijuu, summons,..."

'Thinking'

'Demon Thinking, Bijuu, summons,...'

Chapter 4: The Explosion

Months had passed since Naruto had killed his assailants. What helped him put the event past him, was a conversation between him and Hiruzen. At first Naruto tried to avoid him, because he had killed his shinobi. Naruto thought that he disappointed him by killing those people. When they finally met up, Hiruzen could see sadness and sorrow on Naruto's face. Hiruzen Assured him that it wasn't his fault and that he isn't a monster for killing those who tried to kill him. He explained to Naruto that in the shinobi world, killing is part of the job, but he would be required to do that often to protect the innocent, to protect their loved ones. He was supposed to give this talk later on in Naruto's life, but the recent event had sped up things.

This last conversation and the acceptance from Ayame and Teuchi allowed him to mostly turn back to the happy child they grew to love, much to Hiruzen's, Ayame's and Teuchi's relief. Though the psychological scars were faint, they still remained. This once again made Hiruzen worry about the young child, not to mention the instability in the village. After the Kyuubi's chakra was felt throughout the shortest district to the place of event, there had been a low scale riot going on. Word had gotten out about how the 'Demon' had assaulted several civilians and shinobi alike during the night. This caused some of the people who were indifferent to Naruto to also fear him. In reality, the disappearances of some villagers were mostly caused by his ANBU, but they were most times released after being imprisoned for a time. Active attempts on Naruto's life were the only exceptions for execution.

The headache Hiruzen got from the council certainly made things worse. He suspected Danzo or the civilian council for being responsible for this attack. He had gotten the full story of the attack from Naruto. What would trained Chunin and Genin be doing in that hour of the evening in the 'Red lights district' aside from picking up women. One of the Chunin was even a sensor. The fact they were in front of a bar close to Naruto's residence proved his suspicions all the more correct. Not to mention, how nobody aside from his ANBU and himself knew that people died. They knew from beforehand. Oh, how he wished that one of the assailants were alive for questioning. During the meeting with the council, people either called for Naruto's head or his teammates and clan leaders like the Hyuga, Yamanaka and Akimichi questioned the boy's mental stability. The Elders tried once more to push Hiruzen to deliver Naruto to Root. He managed to save Naruto from either of these fates with the support of Shikaku. He reminded the council that the Kyuubi would simply reform after Naruto died. Should he be trained to lose emotions, then it would fail, as the only emotion that would remain after such training methods in an abused Jinchuuriki would be hatred and Naruto tapped into Kyuubi's strength in his rage in retaliation and not from any mental disorder nor was he taken over. This caused everyone to back off for the time being, including the reluctant Elders. However, it was still far from over as he had lost a lot of 'Political power and Reputation' within the village.

With Naruto

It was now evening as he was walking through one of the forests of Konoha, secluded from society. Not many things changed. He continued his pranks as a way to have fun and to get acknowledgement from people aside from 'Demon or Monster'. It helped improve his stealth, speed, stamina and infiltration skills, things that Third Hokage once said were important for a shinobi to have. However, he also used his pranks as a way to get back on those who hated him the most. This caused many Jonin, ANBU and police force members (Uchiha) to chase him. He would rarely get caught as time went by and that was only after the prank was already done, resulting in him getting scolded by the Third Hokage...Even if his skills in stealth and infiltration impressed the Hokage a lot. The most impressive thing was, he did this while wearing bright clothing. He would be known as a troublemaker which was much better than his former nicknames. However, he would be treated harsher than needed by Uchiha's while ANBU didn't really show any emotion other than the annoyance in their voice. Aside from all that, he still trained himself in other things, but did so in the forests where nobody would bother to find him. There was especially this scary dark forest in Konoha's outskirts, named the Forest of Death or training ground 44. Naruto found the 'Forbidden' training ground by accident while one day running from the Uchiha police force after a prank. His pursuers, on the other hand, had experienced first hand during their Chunin Exams how dangerous that place was and what kind of creatures awaited the person who entered the Forest. They were sure that the brat would have either gone inside the forest or had given them the slip...again. Nevertheless, they chose not to check inside to make sure if the kid died. They all thought that if they would ever see him again, then he simply never went inside. Like, what are the chances that a brat younger than 6 years old could survive an hour in the most dangerous area in the entire Konoha. Well…It seems that our blond boy managed to survive the day. For some reason some animals were afraid of him, much to his confusion. Throughout these months, he learned how to hunt and improved his primal survival instincts which helped him get away from his pursuers ever since. He moved like a wild animal and fought like one too, choosing to bite or headbutt his pursuers if his limbs were immobilized. He may be 6, but he had the strength of an 8 year old.

After a while, Naruto stopped walking and chose to sit on a rock in the middle of a clearing to stare at the full moon, while its light shined over the planet. Naruto didn't know why, but he suddenly felt a great sadness wash over him while staring at the moon. For a brief moment a cold wind brushed against him making him shiver for a moment. Suddenly, he started to hear the sounds of a crying woman. Looking around, he tried to find the direction of the voice, but failed when the sounds disappeared. Naruto was confused. Was he imagining things? Shaking his head furiously, he made his way out of the clearing and walked back to his home.

Later

Naruto was casually walking on the streets with his hands in his pockets with his head down. While he may seem to have dropped his guard. In truth, he was hiding a kunai he found in the Forest of Death in his pocket ready to defend himself. It was October 8th, 2 days from his birthday and also his worst day. It was the very same day that the Kyuubi attacked almost 6 years ago. During this day, the people would organize a festival to celebrate its defeat. Not only that, it was also the day in which they would do a fox hunt, more specifically 'him'. His 4th and 5th birthday were the days that people would actively hunt him down until the next day. As he was walking, a ball rolled against his feet. He saw a girl about his age pointing towards the ball. Smiling, he picked up the ball to give it to the girl. Only for the parents of the little girl to take her away causing the girl to protest about her ball. The parents simply promised to buy her another for her birthday. This caused Naruto to drop the ball and simply run in tears. No one had celebrated his birthday. Instead, he would be hunted like an animal. He had no parents to comfort him in his life, to buy him something or give him anything. Nobody was waiting for him at home. All he has ever met at home, was silence.

When he arrived at his apartment, he immediately laid on his bed staring towards the ceiling while shedding a few tears. He wanted to know about his parents and what kind of people they were.

(AN: Filler scene of Naruto's childhood, but my version of it.)

He was snapped out of his thoughts when someone knocked on his door. After he opened the door, he noticed that it was the old man. He became a little excited that he could finally spend some time with his favorite person in the village. He remembered the old man promising him that he would be enrolled in the Ninja academy shortly after he turned 6. However, he was disappointed when Hiruzen told him he only came to deliver his monthly stipend. This started happening more and more over the months until they only met a few times a month. While Naruto frequently visited him, Hiruzen told him that he was busy at the moment and would spend time with him later, except they wouldn't meet until much later. As Hiruzen was about to leave, Naruto broke the silence between them.

"Wait!" Hiruzen stopped moving and turned towards the child. "Why don't I have parents?" He knew the answer, but figured there has to be more to it.

"Didn't I tell you before? Although, it has been a long time..." Hiruzen noticed that Naruto had cried. Naruto stood up and raised his voice.

"I don't want to hear about that! I know about the Kyuubi attack and that many people including my parents died. But, that's not all I want to know! I want to know their names, who they were, did they love me or what kind of people were they?! Tell me please!" The boy begged. It broke Hiruzen's heart not being able to tell him about his background. No one should suffer like that, especially an innocent child. However, he couldn't tell him. He didn't want to burden the boy and the village with even more enemies.

"There is no use in asking that. It won't bring the dead back to life." Hiruzen replied.

This did not sit well with Naruto who was gritting his teeth in anger. 'Why won't he simply tell me about them?'

"Again with the same answer! I asked you the very same question several times before and once again you ignore me. I just want to know them! Their names, what they looked like, anything…! For months, you've been avoiding me and haven't spent any time with me!" Tears were flowing from his eyes. Hiruzen knew that Naruto craves parents. Hiruzen being his grandfather figure, makes him the child's unofficial parental figure. The Ichirakus are more like a sister and uncle figure respectively. It was the first time he had ever been angry at the old man. Hiruzen couldn't look him in the eye and left the apartment.

Naruto stared at his back for a while before kicking an empty ramen cup that laid on the ground and jumped on his bed wailing with his head buried in his pillow while punching the bed with his arms.

Next day

With Hiruzen

Hiruzen knew he didn't handle the situation well. He didn't truly understand Naruto's feelings. The boy was surrounded by hatred since the day his identity as the Jinchuuriki got revealed to the populace. He didn't want to separate himself from Naruto, but other higher-ups and influential people in the village put too much pressure on him ever since Naruto tapped into the Kyuubi's chakra. As if that wasn't enough, relations with the Uchiha clan have also deteriorated. There were suspicions that the Kyuubi was released by an Uchiha. This accusation has led to them being repositioned on the outskirts of the village where they would be under strict watch and also the first target of invaders from outside. Hiruzen didn't think that this was a wise decision, but was eventually persuaded by his teammates and Danzo as he was still lamenting the loss of his wife. Nevertheless, he needed to somehow make it up to Naruto for his neglect over the past few months. He didn't neglect the boy because his opinion of him changed or anything. It was simply too hard to focus on the boy with the condition his village was in. Orochimaru, one of the legendary Sannin and Hiruzen's own students, had defected from the village after being found out conducting experiments on children. Aside from that, the passing of his son in law and his daughter had hit him hard personally. He still hadn't moved on completely from these losses. All these factors could be used as possible arguments by his political rivals to usurp his power and seat. Looking at his table, only a little bit of paperwork was left. Sighing, he decided to finish it quickly before asking his ANBU to locate Naruto before going himself.

With Naruto

He was still angry at the old man for once again not dismissing his questions. He knew that the old man knew the reason for the villagers' hatred against him. As he made his way out of his home, he noted that it was raining a lot. Not caring at getting wet at all he ran off not noticing that a blank masked man was spying on him from very far away. If the man would remove his mask, his pale eyes with veins around them would be visible (Byakugan).

'This is my chance to prepare the explosives.' The masked man thought.

As Naruto was nearing the outskirts of the village. He was surprised when said old man appeared in front of him. He scowled at the man.

"Please Naruto, let us talk for a bit."

"Leave me alone!" The boy snapped.

"Naruto… Please" He huffed, knowing that the old man would try again later anyway.

"Naruto-kun, how are you?"

"I'm fine, Lord Hokage. Can we make this quick? I am busy." Hiruzen frowned slightly at the honorific. Naruto didn't call him 'old man or grandfather'.

He kneeled to Naruto's height. Naruto kept his scowl directed towards the old man.

"Listen Naruto-kun, I want to apologize about yesterday. I realize I haven't been spending a lot of time lately with you. I know whatever I say isn't an excuse for making you feel the way you do. I know that you want to know about your parents. Sadly, we found you outside of the village as a baby. So, I don't know who they are." Hiruzen half lied. It was true that Hiruzen found Naruto outside of the village, but he knew his parents very well. Naruto's look became sad. He looked towards the ground before looking back up.

"I simply want to know where I came from and why I am hated so much…It hurts so much…" He paused before continuing. "When I see children playing with their parents, I become jealous! When children fall while playing, I see their parents consoling them and kissing their wounds to make the pain go away! I don't have that! I want to be loved too! I want a mom and dad too! The hateful words of the villagers only make it worse! Telling me how my parents died so they would be free from me or that they never wanted me and abandoned me! You don't know what that's like! You don't know what it means to get home from another day of glares and insults to absolute silence! I just feel so alone…! The worst part is not even knowing why!" After hearing the boy's plight, he quickly enveloped Naruto in a hug who began crying into the man's white robes.

"Naruto, don't ever listen to those idiots! Your parents definitely loved you more than anything! It's why they must have sacrificed themselves to save you by fighting the Kyuubi! Whatever somebody else says, this is the truth! I'm sorry you have to endure all that! You are right! I can't even begin to understand your pain! But I'm here Naruto! You are like my own grandchild and I will always love you!" Hiruzen says soothingly.

They stayed like that for a while until they broke away. They were now completely soaked from the rain. Both laughed at each other's soaked clothes.

"Naruto, I know tomorrow is a rather special day isn't it?" Naruto looked down a bit. Hiruzen sighed. "If you want I can order my ANBU to guard your apartment for the entire night. Normally, they guard you during the day, but let's say I'll make an exception. Let's play today and for the evening, let's get some ramen, my treat! What do you say?" This caused Naruto to perk up. His mood immediately went to 'happy child mode' and he smiled brightly and shook his head in agreement.

"Yeah! Let's play and then Ichiraku ramen, dattebayo!" Hiruzen chuckled at the boy's enthusiasm.

Evening

The Third Hokage and Naruto were eating at Ichiraku's. While Naruto was eating and talking to Ayame, Hiruzen was in deep thought.

'In a few days, I can finally put him in the academy. I just hope that he can at least make friends in his class.' The experienced leader thought. He was interrupted from his thoughts when Teuchi called out to him.

"Hokage-sama, are you alright? You seemed to be thinking too deeply about something. Naruto-kun has been tugging your robe for a minute."

"Ah, I apologize. Tomorrow, Naruto turns 6. So, he will be eligible for entry in the ninja academy." Hiruzen said.

"Yaaaaaayyyy!" Yelled out the cheerful blond. Ayame gushed at the boy's cuteness while Teuchi and Hiruzen smiled.

"What did you want to ask me, Naruto-kun?"

"Um Gramps, you told me earlier that you can't tell me who my parents were. Will I ever know?" He asked. Teuchi and Hiruzen both tensed at that. Those pleading blue eyes were almost too charming to deny the kid from anything. Teuchi remembered the times when an older blond man and a beautiful redheaded woman ate at his stand. He knew Naruto was their son. They had shared the boy's name with him when the woman was pregnant with him.

"I'll tell you when you are ready, I promise." Said Hiruzen.

Teuchi simply ruffled his hair in affection as support.

"Naruto-kun, come back tomorrow evening. We have a surprise for you tomorrow. We would like to invite you as well, Hokage-sama. Is that alright for you?" Teuchi asked.

"Certainly, Teuchi-san. We can't miss a surprise for my grandson now, can we?" Naruto nodded happily.

After a while, Naruto set his 15th bowl on top of the pile, yawned tiredly and patted his stomach causing Hiruzen to pale in concern for his wallet. An act that made Ayame and Teuchi giggle. Hiruzen cried anime tears and grumbled about empty wallets and ramen addicted gaki's, in remembrance of Kushina and Minato, making everyone giggle again. After Ayame kissed Naruto on the cheek, Hiruzen and Naruto said their 'good evenings' to the father and daughter duo and made their way to Naruto's apartment with the ANBU on the roof. After they arrived close to the apartment, they decided to part ways.

"Thank you for everything, Grampa! Good night!" He hugged the old man.

"You're welcome, my boy. Good night to you as well!" After they separated, Naruto ran to his home. "Bear, Cat and Inu! Watch his apartment through the entire night. Change watch only when Tiger, Eagle and Lion arrive."

"Hai!" They replied and made their way to their posts around Naruto's home while Hiruzen turned away.

After walking for a minute, the Hokage somehow had a bad feeling go through his spine. He felt a presence that set him off a short distance from the boy's home. He widened his eyes in realization and turned to the building. He would deal with the spy later.

"ANBU! GET NARUTO OUT FAST!" It was too late.

A horrifying explosion occurred that engulfed the entire floor where Naruto was living along with the sound of Naruto's scream. A body came flying out the place where the window was supposed to be and landed hard on the ground like a carcass in flames. Soon the entire neighborhood arrived outside to see what was happening. The ANBU didn't hesitate to put down the flames, especially Inu who was extremely worried.

With Naruto

He just had one of the best days ever. Everything was just so perfect. He had spent time with the old man and ate at Ichiraku's. No insults or any glares because the old man was there. Now he has protection for the entire night and for his birthday as well. As he approached his bed, he suddenly felt alarmed and noticed a paper on the ground that he didn't know was there.

"Huh, didn't I clean everything up?" He asked himself. He picked the piece of paper and noticed the message.

'Die Kyuubi!'

Naruto widened his eyes and felt a pulse of chakra in his room. He immediately waltzed to his window to jump out, but he didn't manage to escape the explosion. He flew out of the building and landed hard on the street in flames while screaming in pain.

"GRRRAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH…AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHH…GRAAAHHHGHHHHH!"

He was rolling around trying to put the flames down that were consuming his body. His screams were so filled with agony, it set everyone off.

Fortunately, the Hokage had arrived and the flames were immediately put down by ANBU with a water jutsu revealing his now charred and still smoking body. The right half of his face was simply a mess of flesh and much of his torso and limbs had burned. His right eye had melted away. His clothes were now mostly loose rags on his burned flesh. He was still voicing heavy throaty groans in pain.

"N-naruto…" The aged leader thought in shock at seeing the state of his grandson. That shock turned into rage and he immediately made a shadow clone and ordered it to stay with Naruto while he went to capture the culprit he had sensed earlier.

"Grampa…" The boy murmured before finally falling into consciousness.

1 hour later Konoha outskirts

In an underground headquarters, Danzo was standing in front of the very same masked man that Hiruzen had chased.

"Report!" The elder demanded.

"Mission success, Danzo-sama. The only problem was when I was chased by Lord Third who was in close proximity to the area. The pursuit was ended when I left a clone that dispelled, leaving no evidence behind." Danzo nodded at the information.

"Hiruzen being there was unexpected, but then again. Expect the unexpected, Kazuma Hyuga of the branch. Nevertheless, you did well in the pursuit against you. However, I will need you to stay under radar until the tension subsides."

"Hai, Danzo-sama!"

"Dismissed." With that the masked Hyuga left the headquarters leaving Danzo standing alone in the Hall.

'Everything is going according to plan even if Hiruzen figures out my goals. The Kyuubi will not let the boy die while his mental state will only decrease. It is only a matter of time before I can convince everyone on the council and pressure Hiruzen to surrender the 'Weapon' for myself. Ah, Hiruzen, old friend, you have gotten too soft for your own good and that of the village's. It won't be long now. I will take your seat from you. After all, the people will back me up after your next slip up when I make it public that I revealed the identity of the Jinchuuriki 2 years ago and allowed our 'good people' to exact their revenge. Ah yes, this terrifying child as the cause of their pain. Shifting the responsibility of the attack on this child. And now, people turn a cold shoulder towards him. By looking down on him, the beatings, the attempts on his life, they maintain their emotional equilibrium. Sacrificing the weapon's chance at a happy life and reducing dissatisfaction in the village. Soon the Uchiha will also be dealt with and public order will be maintained. Every sacrifice will be worth it when I am Hokage.' The man said to himself. His face was void of emotion. The only thing that gave his excitement off, was the tight clenching of his cane in his hand.

1 Week later

Hiruzen was sitting next to the bed of an unconscious Naruto. His burns had mostly healed. Hiruzen never thought he would be grateful to the Kyuubi. Truly, Naruto being its Jinchuriki and him being an Uzumaki gave him a remarkable healing factor. Aside from some scarring, his body had reformed healthy skin. The major problem was the permanent loss of his right eye. He was skeptical as to why his eye amongst all injuries didn't regenerate. Perhaps, the Kyuubi can't regenerate an organ if there is nothing left of it. The image of his burned body and the sounds of his screaming were something he would never forget. The shadow clone he sent after the culprit had immediately captured the masked man in a short chase, but it was only a clone as well. Before the culprit's clone could dispel however, the clone Hiruzen saw the Root symbol on the mask. Unfortunately, seeing the clone was not enough proof to publicly call out his rival's involvement. He was however confused why Danzo would go to such lengths to get the boy. A dead Jinchuuriki can never be a weapon. So, why did Danzo risk Naruto's life? He thought Danzo wanted to make Naruto unstable to force him to hand Naruto over to him, not kill him. It seems he underestimated the lengths 'the Warhawk' would go to get what he wanted. He balled his fists in anger. He told Tiger, Bear and Lion to stay with Naruto while he went to his office.

3 hours later

Kakashi Hatake or ANBU Operative Dog, was now in the Hokage Tower after hearing that Naruto's apartment had been blown up. The man wasn't known for someone to lose his cool very often. Like Naruto, he didn't have the luxury of a good childhood, becoming Genin at age 5, Chunin at 6 and Jounin at 12. His father, Sakumo Hatake was a famous Shinobi beyond the level of each of the Sannin. Shortly before the Second Great Ninja war, he had been sent to a mission with a squad to intercept an alliance between Kumo and Iwa. However, his comrades were in danger and he alone had to continue the mission. He abandoned the success of the mission for the lives of his comrades, thus sparking the war. Ever since, he was hated by his fellow Konoha shinobi with only few admiring his deed. It took such a toll on him, he committed suicide, leaving Kakashi as an orphan. His mother had already died long before when he was very little. Later, he lost his own teammates and blamed himself for their deaths. As if that wasn't enough, the Fourth Hokage who was also his former sensei and his wife, who were like parents to him also died during the Kyuubi attack. At first, he tried to stay away from Naruto as he wasn't mentally well enough to look after a kid, let alone his sensei's son. Instead, he resumed his ANBU duties and would occasionally guard him, much like he did with the boy's mother when she was pregnant. Witnessing the boy's treatment at the hands of the village, he couldn't help but wonder if things would have been better if he had adopted him.

After the door to the Hokage's office opened, he was met with a dead serious Hokage. Before the old leader spoke, Kakashi glanced at the windows. Hiruzen caught the message and he dismissed his hidden ANBU and placed silencing seals on the room.

"Hokage-sama, I beg of you! Please, let me adopt him! I'll even leave ANBU! Hell, I'll even retire as a shinobi if it means I get to stay with him!" The silver haired adult pleaded. Hiruzen sighed and rubbed his temples as he blew yet another smoke out of his pipe.

"I understand Kakashi. I really do, but I can't do that. If the Fourth's former student was to watch over a Jinchuuriki that looks like a miniature version of himself, then certain questions could arise. Hell,

there were rumors going on about them being related the moment his status became public. All thanks to certain smartasses that couldn't help keep their mouths shut. Jiraiya had to carry lots of salt in efforts to clean that suspicion away and avoid outside enemies like Iwa and Kumo from sending assassins. Heck, him being mistreated probably threw away any suspicion everyone had about him being related to Minato straight into the trash bin. Only those who were acquainted with Minato and Kushina probably know about it."

"Like that matters now." Kakashi scoffed, making Hiruzen nod in understanding.

"Indeed. At this rate, Naruto-kun may very well die before Hidden Stone and Cloud can get the chance if his parentage ever gets revealed." Kakashi looked in confusion at his leader and was about to ask what he was waiting for then, but Hiruzen elaborated further. "However, do you think that people are going to accept him after he is revealed to be Minato's son? No, I don't think so. It will make matters even worse. Pure chaos between shinobi and civilians alike. It would spark a civil war. One that may be worse than what's happening in Kiri (Mist). Other nations won't stay idle as this happens. You know what happened to the Uzumaki clan and Uzushio, don't you?" Kakashi finally relents. He knew the Hokage was right, but it still angers him that he can't really do much to help his sensei's son. Hell, if it was anyone's child, he would do the same. The 5 Great villages feared the Uzumaki clan for their prodigious skill in the sealing arts. Their talent was so great that they were able to suppress and seal Bijuu. So Mist, Cloud and Stone had banded together while Uzushiogakure (The village hidden in the whirlpools) was recovering from a civil war.

"I understand, Hokage-sama. I apologize for my rudeness." He said with a bow.

"It's nothing, Kakashi. If anything, I am sorry as well. I couldn't help the boy enough to ease your worries. Is there anything else?"

"No, Hokage-sama. May I ask to leave?"

"Permission granted, dismissed."

Nodding Kakashi left the office.

'Minato-sensei, what would you think of me if you knew how much I failed your son.'

3 Days later. Hospital

Naruto was still lying on his bed completely unconscious. He had recovered mostly and there were only very small burn marks left on his skin. As the sun shone a bit on his face, he started to stir a bit before opening an 'eye'.

'Where am I? What happened to me?' He looked around him before his memories resurfaced. He hoped it was simply a bad dream. He looked at his body for any burns. He was hopeful when he couldn't find any until he spotted a few on his arm. He started to cry. His home and everything in it. It was gone. He remembered the note on the floor of his apartment. The explosion. He noticed that his eyes were open, but he had no vision on his right side.

"I can't see my right side! Why?!" Panicking, he rushed to the mirror. The empty right eye socket shocked him.

"My right eye! Where is my eye?!" He yelled frantically. He began hyperventilating until he finally let out a scream.

"AAAAAAAHHHHHH! MY EYE…WHERE IS MY EYE?!"

Multiple nurses and the hidden ANBU all rushed to the sound of Naruto's screams and witnessed the boy's breakdown.

"WHY…WHY…WHY?!" Everyone stiffened at the sight. Some of the nurses and doctors had rather cold feelings about the now half blind demon container, but they still did their duties faithfully. Outside their own duties, they gave the boy a cold shoulder with their indifference and didn't care much if the boy died. Now, witnessing the mental breakdown of the recently turnd 6 year old, they couldn't help but feel guilty for their own negligence.

Quickly, the hospital staff and ANBU tried to restrain the boy as painlessly as possible, while the boy kept screaming. One of the nurses managed to inject the boy with sedation. After mere seconds, Naruto felt his strength leaving his body and lost consciousness.

Later that day

Hiruzen sat next to Naruto's bed with Ayame and Teuchi with worried gazes. They were told of Naruto's breakdown. Balling his fists, one day, he promised he would make Danzo pay for this. This was the last straw. He knew that Danzo desperately wanted to be Hokage. By now, Hiruzen was sure that Danzo was the one who revealed Naruto's Jinchuuriki status. He knew that revealing Naruto's identity as a Jinchuuriki, but not as the Fourth's son, would make sure that the villages would focus on venting their anger and sadness for the death of their loved ones by targeting Naruto. Hiruzen could not let things go on like this. Danzo, being Naruto's reason of his suffering, could enable the villagers to defect from his side to that of Danzo's. Propaganda could be spread crediting Danzo, while discrediting himself as a 'Kyuubi lover'. If that happened, then he would be forced to reveal Naruto as Minato's legacy, risk a possible civil war or even a new 'Ninja War'. He could not let this happen. He had promised Kushina that he would take care of her son. She died in front of him alongside Minato after revealing her son's name.

First, Danzo ordered an assassination against him. Then, he revealed Naruto's status. Now, he wants to make Naruto unstable to force him to give Naruto over to Root. Meanwhile, Ayame and Teuchi were having their own emotional turmoil. The girl's eyes were red and puffy from crying while her father felt the same anger as his leader. They stayed like that until Naruto started to shift uncomfortably.

Naruto's single eye opened. He looked around and saw his grandfather figure hovering over him with his sister figure and uncle figure. It took him a moment where he was.

He began to sob when he realized that he couldn't see from his right eye. Ayame and Teuchi also tried to comfort the boy. Multiple emotions started to overtake him as he thought about the recent event. The pain of his burning body, sadness from the loss of his eye and anger at the continuous harm on his persona by his own village. He kept asking 'Why' as he sobbed. They stayed like that until Naruto cried himself back to sleep.

To be continued

Power levels/Skill level

Naruto:

Strength: Mid academy level

Speed: Low Genin level

Durability: High Genin level (Can survive an explosion in his apartment)

Stamina/chakra: High Chunin level

Taijutsu skill: Low-Mid Academy level (He has no one to spar against, except Hiruzen. However, that happens rarely)

Ninjutsu: Low Academy level (He has no access to the Shinobi library because he isn't in the academy yet.)

Genjutsu: N/A (Same reason as before)

Fuinjutsu: N/A (Same reason as before)

Kenjutsu: N/A (Same reason as before)

Overall: Mid Academy level

Author: I know some may be questioning why I chose such a method for Naruto to lose his right eye. In Canon, Minato designed the seal so that some of Kurama's chakra naturally flowed through Naruto's own chakra system. This chakra accelerates his healing as seen in the Wave arc. It's kinda a passive healing factor. I wanted to prevent that by making sure there was nothing left of the eyeball itself. Still something like that should not have stopped Kurama's healing. That's something that will be revealed later. I won't reveal it next chapter, but I've already written it.

Best Regards,

RainBowApex