Naruto: The Banished Shinobi
Part 1
--
Naruto stood silently in the dense forest, his all-black ninja suit blending into the shadows. The katana strapped across his back gleamed faintly in the dim light. His once-bright blue eyes, filled with hope and determination, were now cold and distant.
Each step he took was steady, deliberate, yet heavy with the weight of painful memories.
--
Four Years Ago – The Valley of the End
The battle raged on, fierce and relentless. Rasengan clashed with Chidori, shaking the earth around them. Rain fell in torrents, mixing with their blood and sweat.
Naruto: "Sasuke! Come back to the village! Everyone is waiting for you!"
Sasuke: "There's nothing for me there! My path lies with Orochimaru!"
Their final clash ended in a blinding explosion of light and energy. When the dust settled, Naruto stood victorious, barely able to stand. Sasuke lay unconscious at his feet.
Despite his injuries, Naruto hoisted Sasuke onto his back.
Naruto: "I promised... I'll bring you back, no matter what."
With unsteady steps, Naruto began the long journey back to Konoha.
--
At Konoha's Gates
The village came into view, its walls a symbol of safety and home. But as Naruto approached, he was met not with cheers, but with glares.
Villagers gathered, murmuring amongst themselves.
Villager 1: "He's dragging the Uchiha like a sack of potatoes."
Villager 2: "Look at the demon... he injured the last Uchiha!"
Villager 3: "He's out of control!"
Naruto's heart sank, their words cutting deep. His legs trembled as he carried Sasuke toward the hospital.
--
At the Hospital Entrance
Naruto pushed through the doors, staggering under Sasuke's weight. He called out for help, his voice hoarse.
Naruto: "Someone! Sasuke needs a medic!"
Kakashi appeared, his single visible eye scanning the scene. He rushed forward, but instead of gratitude, his gaze was filled with disappointment.
Kakashi: "Naruto, what did you do?"
Naruto blinked, confused.
Naruto: "What do you mean? I—"
Before he could finish, Kakashi delivered a swift chop to Naruto's neck. Everything went black.
--
Later in the Hospital Room
Naruto woke in a hospital bed, his body aching. He sat up slowly, the events of the battle replaying in his mind. He'd kept his promise. He brought Sasuke back.
A knock at the door startled him. Before he could respond, an ANBU appeared in a swirl of leaves.
ANBU: "The council has summoned you. Come with me."
Naruto frowned.
Naruto: "What do they want now...?"
Without another word, the ANBU disappeared. Naruto sighed, pushed himself out of bed, and began making his way to the council chambers.
--
On the Way to the Council Room
Naruto walked through the streets, his body still sore from the fight. The villagers' stares bore into him like daggers.
Villager 1: "Good riddance to the demon."
Villager 2: "He almost killed the Uchiha!"
Naruto clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms. He kept walking, determined to ignore their words.
He spotted Sakura and Ino near the hospital. Relief flooded him. Maybe they'd understand.
Naruto: "Sakura-chan! I did it. I brought Sasuke back."
Sakura turned to him, her expression cold.
Sakura: "How could you, Naruto?"
Naruto blinked, confused.
Naruto: "What do you mean? I kept my promise! I—"
Before he could finish, Sakura's palm struck his cheek in a sharp slap.
Naruto: "What was that for?!"
Sakura: "For hurting Sasuke-kun! Do you even know how badly he's injured?!"
Naruto's voice cracked.
Naruto: "I... I didn't have a choice. He wasn't going to come back on his own."
Sakura's eyes burned with fury.
Sakura: "I told you to bring him back unharmed! I HATE YOU, NARUTO!"
Naruto's heart shattered. He stood there, speechless, as Sakura turned and stormed off. Ino followed her, glancing back with pity before disappearing around the corner.
--
The Council Room
Naruto stood in the center of the room, bruised and emotionally drained. Tsunade sat at the head of the table, her hands clenched tightly on the desk. Danzo rose from his seat, a smug expression on his face.
Danzo: "This incident has proven what I've said all along. The boy is a danger to the village."
Naruto's fists tightened.
Naruto: "I'm not a danger! I was just trying to—"
Council Member 1: "Silence, demon! You nearly killed the last Uchiha!"
Tsunade: "That's enough! Naruto completed his mission. He brought Sasuke back, as I ordered."
Danzo: "At what cost? The Uchiha is critically injured. The boy cannot be trusted."
Naruto's voice wavered.
Naruto: "I just wanted to protect the village..."
Danzo's lips curled into a smirk.
Danzo: "Protect it? You're a liability. The only logical course of action is banishment."
Gasps filled the room.
Naruto: "Banishment...?"
Tsunade stood, slamming her hands on the desk.
Tsunade: "You can't do this! Naruto has done nothing wrong!"
Danzo: "The council will decide, Hokage. Let us vote."
The vote was cast, and the majority agreed. Naruto was to be banished from Konoha.
Tsunade's shoulders sagged, her voice barely above a whisper.
Tsunade: "...I'm sorry, Naruto."
Naruto's heart sank. He slowly removed his headband and the necklace Tsunade had given him, placing them on the table.
Naruto: "I guess this is goodbye."
Without another word, he turned and walked out of the room.
--
Present Day – The Forest
Naruto adjusted the katana on his back and looked up at the canopy of leaves above him.
Naruto: They threw me away. The people I fought for, bled for... They hate me. But I'll survive. I always do.
His cold blue eyes narrowed as he continued on his path, determined to carve out a new future for himself.
To be continued...