Ⅰ

I once learned an important lesson: some things defy scientific or logical explanations. I used to be extremely skeptical about such matters, dismissing anything that seemed beyond the realms of reason. Acknowledging them felt unnatural and out of place.
Take, for instance, chakra—the primary power source of shinobi. When I first arrived in Konoha, I struggled to comprehend the existence of such a mystical force. However, I grew accustomed to it over time, embracing it as a natural aspect of our lives. Gradually, I came to recognize chakra's essential role in our daily existence, understanding its significance to those in the Hidden Shinobi Village.
Yet, I found one truth that was difficult to embrace—the harsh reality surrounding Naruto's origin. Upon discovering the decree to conceal his identity from him, I realized that everyone in the village knew who Naruto was except Naruto himself. This revelation shook me to my core. Everyone—Uncle Asuma, my Grandpa, Shikamaru, Chouji, Ino—seemed to be in on this secret.
I couldn't help but wonder if my friends were aware of this. Given their families' close ties to the village leadership and my Grandpa, it seemed plausible that the Ino-Shika-Chou trio had known about Naruto's identity from the beginning. Had they intentionally kept this information from me all this time?
No, it's too early to jump to conclusions. I'll address this with them later once I've dealt with the current situation.
"HAHAHA! That's right, Naruto! We know about this all along behind your back! You were too dumb to notice it! We have been watching you, Naruto, waiting for the perfect moment to reveal the truth and crush you once and for all!" Mizuki's laughter echoed ominously, fueling Naruto's confusion and anger.
But Naruto refused to accept it. "NO! NO, NO, NO!" His voice reverberated with defiance though tears streaked down his cheeks. He desperately wanted to believe that Mizuki's words were false, that this revelation was nothing but a cruel lie. Yet, deep down, he knew there was a grain of truth to them.
The days of being hunted by adults, the loneliness of being an orphan, the countless moments of feeling unwanted and unloved. It was all because he had the Nine-Tailed Beast sealed in him.
"N-naruto…!" Iruka sensei's desperate shout broke through the turmoil. He attempted to reach Naruto to snap him out of his distress but stumbled and fell due to the injuries inflicted by Mizuki sensei's shurikens.
"You should have stayed down, Iruka!" Mizuki sneered. "You know as well as I do that you want him gone! And today, I'll make that happen!" Mizuki retrieved a large shuriken from his back with a menacing flourish, preparing to deliver a fatal blow to my friend. "I'll be hailed as the hero who vanquished the Nine-Tailed Fox. Then, the Hokage will finally acknowledge his mistake in letting this kid live for twelve years!" With a flick of his wrist, he aimed the deadly weapon low at Naruto. "Prepare to meet your end, Brat!" He quickly let go of his wrist as the shuriken flew away from his hand. The flying weapon went straight towards Naruto, aiming at his head.
"NARUTO!" Iruka sensei's desperate cry echoed through the chaos, and his injuries hindered his attempt to rise. It seemed as though time slowed, each moment stretching taut with impending doom.
But just as despair threatened to take hold, I quickly came out from the shadows. With a swift and graceful motion, I positioned myself between Naruto and the hurtling shuriken. The moment hung in suspense as I assessed the trajectory, my blade poised for action. With a deft flick, I redirected the lethal projectile off its course. The shuriken clattered harmlessly to the ground, its malevolent intent thwarted by my timely intervention.
In a critical moment, Mizuki and Iruka sensei stood frozen, their astonishment palpable as they witnessed my sudden appearance on the battlefield.
"D-Darren?!" Iruka sensei exclaimed, his disbelief tinged with relief at the sight of me, knowing Naruto was safe under my protection.
Meanwhile, Mizuki sensei's reaction was more visceral; his teeth clenched in frustration, a curse slipping from his lips.
After swiftly deflecting the shuriken, I turned to Naruto. His eyes widened in disbelief as he saw me standing before him, shielding him from harm.
"D-Darren…?!" His voice quivered with emotion.
Meeting his gaze with a reassuring smile, I nodded firmly, silently assuring him of his safety. With a decisive motion, I threw a smoke bomb to the ground, enveloping us in a protective veil.
"Come on!" I urged, pulling Naruto close as we swiftly made our escape from the looming danger, our bond stronger than ever in the face of adversity.

Ⅱ

Once we were clear of the danger, I found a suitable hiding spot in the woods within minutes. Activating my Eagle Vision, I ensured our tracks were concealed. After a few moments of careful scanning, I confirmed that Mizuki-sensei was nowhere in sight, ensuring our safety for the time being.
"We're safe for now, Naruto, "I whispered softly, turning to him. Despite my attempt at reassurance with a comforting smile, Naruto remained withdrawn, hugging himself tightly as he trembled in silence.
My heart twisted at the sight of his anguish. I reached out my hand to offer comfort, hoping to ease his distress. However, he swiftly slapped my hand away before I could make contact, his lips forming a desperate plea.
"STAY BACK!" His fervent command caught me off guard, "I do not want you to get hurt!" His voice echoed with raw emotion, revealing the weight of his burden.
"Hurt me? Why would you-" My question faltered as Naruto's anguish spilled forth, his words heavy with the revelation of a painful truth.
"I finally understand... why everyone treated me differently..." His words hung heavily in the air, resonating with the accumulated suffering of a lifetime. "I never knew that I have a Nine-Tailed Fox sealed within me... The one that took the lives of Iruka-sensei's parents… and many others twelve years ago..." The gravity of his confession enveloped us, compelling Naruto to confront the harsh realities of his past. "If I had known this sooner... then I should have-"
"No, Naruto," I interjected swiftly, my voice slicing through the oppressive silence. " You are not going to give up. You will become a Shinobi, and everyone will accept you."
"But, Darren. How could they? You heard what Mizuki-sensei told me!" Naruto's gaze bore into mine, his eyes pleading for understanding. "I am the one who is harboring this monster that wreaked havoc and-"
I intervened, my words gentle yet resolute. "But you are a human being, just like me. Not a monster." I replied, my voice infused with empathy.
"If you said I am a human being, then why was I treated as an outcast…? How come nobody accepted me as their fellow Konoha people…?" His voice trembled with raw emotion, seeking solace in the midst of his anguish. He quickly looked down and let out a sad sigh. "…You wouldn't understand, Darren. You couldn't possibly know what it was like to be treated as a nobody and not want to be accepted as part of their group…" I sensed a hint of jealousy in his whispered words, longing for longing for the belonging he had been denied.
As he poured out his heart, I couldn't help but notice the pain etched in his eyes. It was as if he assumed my life had been devoid of struggle. He seemed firmly convinced that I must have been cradled in an environment filled with love and acceptance in the Sarutobi Clan. But there was a truth he needed to hear: a truth that I had tasted the bitter sting of alienation when the Sarutobi took me in.
"Actually, Naruto. I do." I interjected, my voice firm "I know what it is like to be treated like one…"
Naruto was surprised to hear this. "You do?"
"Yes," I nodded, bracing myself to unveil a truth I had long kept hidden. I felt uncertain about how he would react to my confession—a revelation that I was not a native of Konoha but a foreigner. I hesitated momentarily, but after learning of Naruto's own struggles through Mizuki-sensei's disclosures, I felt that I needed to share with him my early adoption experience to let him know that he wasn't the only one feeling the struggle.
"Naruto, there's something I've kept hidden about myself," I began, the weight of my words heavy in the air.

Ⅲ

"- and so, until the Third Hokage adopted me into the Sarutobi Clan, I was an orphan much like yourself for a while. The early days of joining the family were anything but easy," I continued, my gaze drifting momentarily as memories flooded back. "Not a single member of the Sarutobi Clan was willing to take me under their wing until Uncle Asuma stepped forward. He, alongside the Third Hokage, showed me kindness and care within the compound. He remained by my side ever since, but beyond his support, the others weren't so welcoming.
Every day, whenever I began training or studies, I had to endure their snickers and cutting remarks. They doubted that an Ijin kid like me could ever become a shinobi, deeming it impossible. Although there was no physical abuse, their words, and disdainful looks weighed heavily on me. Despite the challenges I had, running away was never an option for me."
Naruto's curiosity brimmed over. "Why not...?"
"Because I was determined to prove them wrong, Naruto. I wanted to show them I can do it," I replied, my voice tinged with unwavering resolve. Naruto fell silent, absorbing my words.
"And gradually, through perseverance and dedication, they began to see me as their kin." I continued, a soft smile playing on my lips as I reminisced. "So you see, Naruto. Just because of what Mizuki sensei had said to you, you should not be confined by his or anyone's judgment. You yourself can choose whatever you want. You have the power to shape your own destiny, to prove them wrong, and show the world who you truly are. I understand the struggle you're going through very clearly. The struggle to gain acceptance, to carve out your own place in the world, and..."
Suddenly, it hit me like a bolt of lightning. "The attention you yearn for..."
At that moment, everything fell into place—Naruto's mischievous pranks and his constant quest for attention. After eight years of friendship, I finally understood the true drive behind his actions. My focus had always been on keeping Naruto safe, but I failed to see his deeper desire for recognition - the simple longing to be noticed.
I began to recall the early days when Naruto first started pulling pranks. Due to his reputation as a troublemaker, people avoided him, including his friends Shikamaru and Chouji, who kept their distance to steer clear of trouble. Being the only one to approach him, I advised him to stop, unaware that he sought recognition through his actions. Looking back, it seems obvious now, but amidst the complexities of our friendship, such nuances often went unnoticed.
"Ah… I see it. Now I understand why you pull those pranks," I admitted with a soft chuckle, shaking my head in realization. "I am such a bad friend, aren't I? I didn't know you wanted people to notice you of what you were doing. Whether it involves a prank or not." I sighed as I scratched the back of my head. As the truth sank in, I reached out to Naruto, reassuringly touching his shoulder. "I'm sorry, Naruto. I should have understood sooner. Instead of simply telling you to stop, I could have helped you find a better way to get everyone's attention." I admitted regretfully.
"No, Darren. I'm sorry, too…" Naruto softly replied, his voice tinged with empathy. "I didn't know you went through similar experiences growing up—being an Ijin, a stranger to this village. I couldn't imagine how tough it must have been for you to be accepted into the Sarutobi clan despite Gramps welcoming you with open hands." A gentle smile graced Naruto's lips, reflecting understanding.
I chuckled once more, "Well, we are not so different after all, right?"
"Yeah," Naruto nodded, his expression growing more serene. "We've both faced our share of struggles, trying to find our place in this world."
I nodded in agreement, feeling a sense of camaraderie settling between us. "So, um… how did you feel when you found out I'm an Ijin?" I asked tentatively, bracing myself for his response.
"Well… it does make sense to me that you're not from here," Naruto replied thoughtfully. "The way you speak and behave was obviously different, but in a good way. You are very open and friendly to me and to anyone so…" He paused as if searching for the right words to articulate his thoughts. "Honestly, it doesn't change anything between us. You were the only one who reached out to me and asked if we could be friends. That's something I won't forget."
Hearing that from him, I felt a surge of relief. It was reassuring to know that our friendship could withstand such revelations. "Thanks, Naruto," I gently replied with a grin.
But then, just as we settled into the comfort of our connections, an explosion suddenly rocked our hiding place out of nowhere, catching us off guard.

Ⅳ

I was thrown backward by the blast, landing painfully on my back in a heap. For a few agonizing seconds, I lay there, immobilized by the searing pain coursing through my body. But gradually, I managed to regain control of my limbs, pushing myself up from the ground despite the protest of my muscles against the sudden movement.
"N-Naruto...?" I called out, my voice tinged with anxiety as I scanned the grey, sulfur-filled smoke that enveloped us. My heart raced as I frantically searched for Naruto amidst the haze.
As the smoke began to disappear, a silhouette emerged before me. A moment of relief had flooded through me as I thought I had found Naruto in one piece. But my joy quickly turned to horror as I realized there were two figures. Naruto lay sprawled on the ground, pinned beneath the weight of Mizuki Sensei's foot. The blue-haired Chunin had a malevolent grin as he prepared to strike Naruto with a kunai.
"Let him go!" I shouted, my voice trembling with rage as I launched myself at Mizuki Sensei. With all the strength I could muster, I shoved him away, causing him to stumble backward. Once I successfully pushed him away, I rushed to Naruto's side, my heart racing in anxiety.
"Naruto!" I called urgently, kneeling beside him. He lay motionless, shallow breaths barely could be heard. Desperation filled me as I shook him gently. "Come on, Naruto! Wake up!"
Slowly, as if emerging from a deep slumber, Naruto's eyelids fluttered open. Relief washed over me as he stirred, his hand weakly reaching to grasp mine.
"D-Darren...?" he murmured, confusion evident in his eyes before recognition dawned. "What happened?"
Before I could respond, a menacing laughter echoed through the air, sending shivers down my spine. Mizuki Sensei rose to his feet, a sinister smirk playing across his lips as he brushed himself off.
"You two really are persistent, aren't you?" he sneered, his voice dripping with malice. "But it ends here." He slowly approached us, taking his time to savor our fear.
Sensing the impending danger, I swiftly helped Naruto to his feet, his uncertainty palpable in the flicker of doubt in his eyes. "Naruto, can you run?" I asked, urgency lacing my voice.
"I-I think so..." Naruto's response wavered, uncertainty clouding his features.
"Now listen closely," I commanded. "You must find Iruka Sensei and keep the scroll away from Mizuki Sensei at all costs."
"But what about you...?" Naruto's concern was evident, his eyes wide with worry.
I paused, my mind racing with the weight of the decision before me. "I will stay here and buy you some time to find him," I replied firmly.
"W-what?! No! Darren, you can't!" Naruto's protest was swift and heartfelt, his desperation echoing in the clearing.
"I am not going to let him end your life quickly!" I interrupted my voice firm with resolve. "He is after you and the scroll! It's the only way to ensure your safety."
"B-but what happens if he -"
"No, he won't." I interrupted as I shook my head. "I will not go down so soon." As Naruto hesitated, torn between his concern for me and the urgency of the situation, I placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder, silently urging him to go. "I will be fine, Naruto. You can trust me."
"...okay." Naruto swiftly departed the scene with a nod of reluctant acceptance as he carried the scroll on his back. Left alone with Mizuki Sensei, I squared my shoulders and met the chunin's gaze with a steely determination, silently preparing myself.
"Oh? The honorable grandson willing to risk his life for the Nine-Tailed Fox brat?" Mizuki Sensei taunted, his voice thick with disdain. "How foolish you are."
Unfazed by his mockery, I held his gaze unwaveringly, my resolve unshaken. I held his gaze steadily, my resolve unbroken. "I'll do whatever it takes to protect Naruto, even from you," I declared, reaching for my katana and drawing the blade with deliberate precision, slicing through the air with a half-diameter arc. I then slowly transitioned into the Seigan no Kame stance （正眼の構え）, aiming the blade squarely at his face.
"Hmph. You think your katana could scare me?" Mizuki sensei scoffed. "I have abundant experience in taking lives, kid. Don't think you can intimidate me." With a flick of his wrist, he quickly summoned the kunai underneath his sleeves.
The dim light glinted off his blade as a gust of wind swept fallen leaves, mirroring the tension between us. I tightened my grip on my katana, bracing for the clash to come. Without hesitation, I lunged forward, unleashing a mighty strike.