Enjoy!

*Chapter 2 – Awakening in the Morning and Sakura's Suffering**

The next day, Naruto suddenly woke up quickly and gasped, holding his head. His dream last night still felt so real. "Is that real or…" he muttered worriedly.

"Of course it's real, Naruto," said Kushina suddenly in his mind.

Naruto was startled to hear his mother's voice and immediately looked around the room. "Mom? Where?"

"In your mind, Naruto. We can communicate in your mind, so you don't need to make a sound to speak, just think your inner words, I can hear them. This is one of the effects of tearing the seal," answered Kushina softly.

Naruto breathed a sigh of relief. His fear that it was all just a dream disappeared. "I'm afraid it's just a dream, Mom," he whispered to himself.

"Don't worry, kid. I am here and will always be with you."

Kushina asked with concern, "Naruto, where do you live now, did the Sandaime put you in a proper place?"

Naruto answered softly, "I'm now homeless after being kicked out of the orphanage because I accidentally broke a toy there a month ago. So I look for food from food scraps in the trash or I look for fish in the river."

Kushina heard that, her heart felt crushed. "Isn't the Sandaime supposed to take care of you? And the Anbu are also supposed to protect you from threats because you are a jinchuuriki."

Naruto answered in a sad tone, "Jiji rarely sees me because he is busy. If I wanted to meet him in his office, his secretary always blocked me with the excuse that the Hokage couldn't be bothered because he was busy. And also the Anbu, most of them ignored me even though I felt they were around me. But there are two Anbu who always look after me, Inu and Neko. But the two of them can't always be around me because there might be other missions. And this month I don't know where they have been because since I was kicked out of the orphanage I have never felt them around me."

Kushina was truly sad to hear her son suffer like this. "Naruto, I'm so sorry you have to go through all this. Hiruzen should pay more attention to you like he promised us. And those Anbu… I suspect they made a false report that you were fine."

Kushina was also quite angry with Hiruzen for not being able to guard Naruto as he had previously referred, especially hearing that his Anbu were ignoring their duties. She guessed that they made a report that Naruto was fine to Hiruzen. Even so, she was glad there were some looking after him, and she guessed that Inu was Kakashi, Minato's student, and Neko was Yugao, her own student. However, she was annoyed because this month they disappeared somewhere when her son became homeless.

"Naruto, we have to make a plan. You have to train your body and prepare yourself for the future. I will guide you with the chakra I can give. We can't depend on others, we have to be strong ourselves."

Naruto nodded, although sadness still remained in his heart. "Okay Mom. I will train hard."

"We'll start with the basics of chakra and taijutsu. After that, we will increase your abilities gradually. But most importantly, you have to keep yourself strong and healthy. Adequate food and rest are important."

Naruto smiled. "I will do my best, Mom."

That day, Naruto began his training with Kushina's guidance in a nearby forest. They worked hard all day, practicing the basics of chakra, taijutsu, and also some basic ninjutsu techniques. Whenever Naruto felt tired or doubtful, his mother's gentle voice was always in his mind, giving him encouragement and strength to keep going.

On the other hand, Kushina didn't just focus on Naruto's training. She also continued to monitor the situation around Naruto, making sure there were no threats approaching. She was determined to protect her son, whatever happens.

Meanwhile, in the Hokage's office, Hiruzen Sarutobi sat contemplating, thinking about his responsibilities towards Naruto. He knew something was wrong, but his busy life as Hokage often meant he couldn't pay enough attention. Earlier, he took the time to visit Naruto at the orphanage but found that Naruto wasn't there because they had kicked him out, making Hiruzen furious. He immediately fired the head of the orphanage. After that, Hiruzen returned to the office and ordered someone to take care of the orphanage by also changing the management staff there. Worried, he decided to call the Anbu who were in charge of monitoring Naruto.

"Call Inu and Neko, because they should be back from their mission," he ordered one of the shinobi guarding the door.

Not long after, two figures wearing face masks appeared in front of him. "Report, Hokage-sama," Inu said in a calm voice.

Hiruzen looked at them with sharp eyes. "What happened to Naruto? Why am I hearing conflicting reports about his condition?"

Neko spoke with great respect, "We always look after Naruto, Hokage-sama. But there are several urgent missions that require our presence. We apologize if there was any negligence."

Hiruzen took a deep breath. "You know how important Naruto is to this village. I can't accept any negligence in looking after him. Make sure from now on you always keep an eye on him. No more mistakes."

Inu and Neko nodded. "Understood, Hokage-sama."

Elsewhere, Naruto continued to train diligently. He felt new strength flowing within him. Kushina's guidance and compassion gave him tremendous motivation. He knew that this journey would not be easy, but with his mother by his side, he was ready to face any obstacles.

That night, as Naruto lay in his makeshift bed under the open sky, he spoke his thoughts to Kushina. "Mom, I will continue to train and become strong. I will not disappoint you."

"I know you won't disappoint me, Naruto. You are an extraordinary child. I am proud of you," Kushina replied softly.

Naruto closed his eyes with a smile on his face. Despite the many hardships he had to face, he felt stronger and more energetic than ever. With his mother's guidance and unwavering determination, Naruto Uzumaki prepared to face his future with courage and hope.

On the other side of Konohagakure, in the Haruno family home, a five-year-old little girl, Haruno Sakura, was curled up in the corner of her room. Her hair, bright pink like cherry blossoms, was, like her name, a constant source of hatred for her parents. Since birth, her unusual hair meant she was treated harshly. The wounds she suffered due to her parents' violence somehow always healed quickly, making them hate her even more and consider her a demon, like the Kyuubi jinchuuriki boy, Uzumaki Naruto.

Not only her parents, her friends, and even her older cousins often bullied her. They made fun of her strange hair and wide forehead. The only one she ever considered a friend was Yamanaka Ino, who once saved her from people who bullied her. However, Sakura's hopes were crushed when she heard Ino also make fun of her along with the others. This sense of betrayal made her increasingly distrustful of anyone. Even so, Sakura still put on a mask of happiness when she was with Ino, afraid that Ino would find out her true feelings.

Sakura's life really was hell. The climax came that night when her parents, Kizashi and Mebuki, came home very angry. They broke down Sakura's door, making her very scared. In their hands, there was the metallic glint of a knife.

"Father... mother..." Sakura whispered, her voice full of fear.

"You!" shouted Kizashi angrily, his face red, his eyes flashing with anger. "Because of you, my business failed completely and made a loss! Since you were born, all the businesses I have run over the years have fallen into decline. You're an unlucky child!"

"Father, please don't...," Sakura tried to scream, but her voice was choked with paralyzing fear.

Mebuki continued, her voice full of hatred. "How could I give birth to an unlucky child like this? You're a devil, just like that Kyuubi kid!"

Sakura felt as if her heart was being sliced open. Their words hurt her more than any physical injury. She saw the knife in Kizashi's hand, approaching her with heavy steps and full of anger. Without warning, Kizashi plunged the knife into her stomach.

"Fa-Father... why...," Sakura gasped, pain spreading throughout her body. Blood flowed profusely, but the wound began to heal quickly, making her parents even angrier.

"It seems like you really are the devil incarnate!" Kizashi shouted, pulling out the knife and thrusting it again and again. Mebuki joined in, blindly stabbing Sakura's small body.

Sakura screamed in pain, her blood splattered everywhere. But, like before, the wounds slowly began to heal again. This time, Kizashi and Mebuki were determined to end her life. "We'll aim for her heart and neck," Kizashi hissed with eyes full of hatred.

Seeing death before her eyes, Sakura closed her eyes, hoping that a miracle would save her. Unknowingly, a massive surge of chakra suddenly flooded her body, enveloping her in fiery flames. Kizashi and Mebuki screamed in fear, calling her a devil.

Sakura, who was in a semi-conscious state, moved according to intuition. She pointed her hand towards her parents, "Katon: Hōō Enjin." Sakura shot the fire of the Phoenix bird at them. The blazing fire instantly burned them away.

Kizashi and Mebuki screamed in pain, their bodies engulfed in flames. "You are truly a devil! We are very sorry to give birth to you. I hope you suffer in hell with that devil brat!" Those were the last words they spoke before the fire consumed them.

Sakura, now indifferent, watched as her parents burned. After they burned to the ground, she left the house which also started to burn. With an empty mind, she walked away from the place that had been hell for her.

That night, Sakura walked aimlessly, only following instinct. The fire burning within her began to subside, leaving a warm mark on her body. She didn't know where to go, only knew that she had to get as far away from that place as possible.

At the edge of the forest, she stopped and sat under a large tree, hugging her knees tightly. Her tears flowed non-stop, the pain and fear that she had been holding back for so long finally spilled out.

"Why... why does it have to be me?" she whispered in the dark. There was no answer, only the night breeze blowing gently.

Sakura felt the presence of a strange chakra in her body. That fire, that power... where did it come from? She didn't understand, but she knew that it was a part of her now. Something that had been hidden for a long time finally rose out of despair and fear.

Sakura's thoughts drifted to Naruto, the boy who was always made fun of as the demon Kyuubi. Is his life also this bad? Did he feel as alone and scared as she did?

"Naruto...," she whispered. Maybe, just maybe, he was the only one who could understand her feelings. They were both hated and misunderstood children. Maybe, somewhere, they could support each other.

With new determination, Sakura decided to survive. She would search for strength within herself, control the fire in her body, and look for answers. She would not allow herself to be destroyed by hatred and fear. For the first time, Sakura felt there was hope, even if it was small, at the edge of the darkness.

Slowly, she got up and stepped forward, leaving her dark past behind her. She didn't know what was coming, but she was ready for it. With or without help, Sakura promised herself that she would survive, and one day, she would find a place where she was accepted for who she was.

Sakura continued to explore the forest, looking for a suitable place to spend the night. Her heart was still filled with fear and pain from the previous terrible incident. After a while, she saw a light in the distance. The light radiated warmth and gave a little hope amidst the darkness that enveloped her heart. Cautiously, she approached, unsure if it was a bandit or some other dangerous creature. However, what she saw was the figure of a child her age who looked familiar.

Sakura tried to remember who the child was. After a few seconds, she remembered that he was Uzumaki Naruto. She had heard from her 'parents' or villagers talking about Naruto as the incarnation of the devil who had attacked the village five years ago, namely Kyuubi no Kitsune. The villagers often called him devil boy or something like that.

Naruto lay near the campfire quietly. Sakura approached carefully, but Naruto, who was almost asleep, suddenly felt a chakra signature that was quite large and strong. He immediately woke up and became alert, but stopped when he saw a girl his age with bright pink hair with some reddish-orange highlights in the strands.

Naruto, surprised at the beauty of her hair, unconsciously said out loud, "Your hair... is very beautiful."

Instantly he covered his mouth quickly, feeling embarrassed. Kushina, who was inside Naruto, teased Naruto for saying sweet words to a girl he had just met. She also mentioned that Naruto was similar to his father who used to often compliment Kushina's hair when he was still at the academy, when many bullied him because of his striking hair.

On the other hand, Sakura blushed when she heard Naruto's praise. She brushed her hair forward with her hands awkwardly, not used to compliments. In her entire life, no one had ever complimented her hair; in fact, her hair was the source of her suffering.

Naruto quickly brushed off his mother's teasing and noticed that Sakura's clothes were tattered, especially around her stomach and thighs. This made him frown, "Who are you? Why are you here, especially dressed like that?"

Sakura heard the question and answered softly, "I'm Sakura, and I don't have a place to live anymore. These clothes... well..." Sakura trailed off, biting her lower lip because she didn't feel ready to tell him.

Naruto realized that Sakura was uncomfortable and didn't force it. "If you don't want to tell me, you don't have to, Sakura-chan. Later when you're ready."

Sakura felt the sincerity in Naruto's words and blushed once again. After awakening her powers, Sakura had the ability to sense a person's emotions and could detect whether someone was sincere or not. Naruto's sincerity was clear to her.

Naruto smiled and introduced himself, "My name is Uzumaki Naruto. Nice to meet you, Sakura-chan. I hope we can be friends."

Sakura replied, "Nice to meet you too, Naruto. I also hope so."

Naruto invited Sakura to sit down. After a few moments of silence, Sakura summoned the courage to ask about the Kyuubi. "Naruto, you know, this isn't the first time I've seen you."

Naruto looked over, curious. "Oh? When have you seen me?"

Sakura continued, "I saw you several times being chased by villagers who looked angry and shouted at the demon boy."

Naruto fell silent hearing that, and the Kushina inside Naruto was interested in where this conversation was going. Sakura continued, "My 'parents' who are the civil council also once mentioned you as Kyuubi boy."

Naruto completely froze hearing that, especially hearing that Sakura's parents were on the civil council. He had a bad opinion of them. Kushina, on the other hand, was surprised but interested. She noticed the poison-like tone when Sakura mentioned 'parents.' Naruto really didn't know what to answer. The sudden silence made Sakura feel uneasy.

Kushina felt Naruto's pressure because of Sakura's question and decided to come out in her human form. Naruto, who felt his mother's presence from inside the seal, looked up, "Mom?"

Sakura saw a new figure in front of her, a woman with long red hair and warm shining eyes. The woman had nine tails, making Sakura surprised and convinced that this was the Kyuubi. Sakura was even more shocked when she heard Naruto call the figure mother, making her think, was Naruto's mother the Kyuubi?

"Naruto, who is she?" Sakura asked in a trembling voice.

Kushina smiled softly, "My name is Kushina, I am Naruto's mother. And yes, I am Kyuubi too."

Sakura couldn't hide her surprise. "How could that be...?"

Kushina sighed and began to explain, "This is a long story, but I will try to explain it briefly. Five years ago, there was a Kyuubi attack on Konoha. In that battle, my husband, Minato Namikaze, Yondaime Hokage, used a forbidden jutsu to seal the Kyuubi into Naruto. I was involved in the process, and somehow, after my death, the former Kyuubi's soul replaced my soul, making me the new Kyuubi."

Sakura listened attentively, even though there were many things she didn't understand. However, she could feel the sincerity and warmth in Kushina's voice.

Naruto, still feeling awkward, finally said, "Sakura-chan, you don't need to be afraid. Mom, even though she is now Kyuubi, won't hurt anyone. She just wanted to protect me."

Sakura looked at Naruto and Kushina, trying to make sense of this strange situation. Slowly, she started to feel a little more comfortable. "So, your mother is the Kyuubi who is now in your body?"

Naruto nodded. "Yes, and she has protected me my whole life."

Silence fell over them for a moment before Sakura dared to speak again. "Naruto, why are you here alone in the forest?"

Naruto was silent for a moment before answering, "I don't have a place to live, just like you. I lived on the streets, looking for a safe place to sleep and looking for food from the scraps I found."

Sakura felt her heart ache hearing that. "I also don't have a place to live anymore. 'My parents'… they… they tried to kill me."

Naruto and Kushina were surprised to hear Sakura's confession. Naruto felt angry and sad at the same time. "Why would they do that?"

Sakura started crying. "They hate me because of my weird hair and my wounds that heal quickly. They think of me as a devil, as they call you, until at the peak tonight, 'my parents' suddenly broke into the room carrying knives and were angry, they shouted at me as an unlucky child because since I was born their business had gone downhill. Without thinking for long, my 'father' immediately stabbed me with a knife, but after a while the wound immediately healed, making them even angrier and they called me the incarnation of the devil. After that they blindly stabbed me dozens of times but slowly the wounds healed again. Now they intended to kill me instantly by attacking my neck and heart, but when death was before my eyes, suddenly there was a surge of strength in my body and it released fire all over my body. I became half-conscious and just followed my intuition, which made me release a jutsu at them that instantly killed them."

Naruto and Kushina were truly amazed by Sakura's tragic story, especially when she killed her own parents, even though it was done half-consciously and only following her survival intuition. They felt deep sympathy for what happened to Sakura. "Sakura-chan, I understand how it feels. I am also often considered the devil. But we are not devils. We're just kids who happen to have something different."

Kushina nodded in agreement and hugged Naruto and Sakura with affection. "You two are strong and precious children. You should not accept all this, especially since you are still five years old. Don't let other people's hatred destroy you."

Sakura wiped her tears and felt a little stronger with Naruto and Kushina's support. "Thank you, Naruto. Thank you, Kushina-san."

Naruto smiled and hugged Sakura. "We have to support each other. We will face all this together."

That night, under the dim starlight, two wounded children found hope and strength in each other. They promised to protect each other and find a way out of their suffering. With new powers awakening within them, Naruto and Sakura were ready to face a world full of challenges.

To Be Continues