23 • Throw Your Hats Up In The Air

Academy graduation is...well, it's a shit show. Plain and simple. It's arguments, softly spoken threats, barely suppressed killing intent, and revenge plots that were made in boredom being dug out of the dirt. And that's not even touching upon what I did or feel. That is all the Brats.

Naruto may be a bit of a troublemaker, but he is undeniably one of ours. And we take care of our own. It's a lesson I took great care in passing on to the Brats; taking care of our own.

I always knew they took it to heart, had seen it in the way they would support each other in anything. I just didn't realize how far it went until I witnessed the protective rage that fell over all of them at the sight of a downtrodden Naruto walking out of the academy doors.

Honestly, I was right there with them. It's a different kind of stupid to fail a student just because they couldn't do one jutsu. I know for a damn fact that Naruto passed his written exams, I sat with him and watched him go over the material. There is also no way the teachers don't know just how good he is at espionage and trap-making. The scores in all the other areas should have been enough to tide him over from this singular failure.

For fucks sake, I hear they passed a student that couldn't use chakra at all last year. Yet they fail Naruto for only getting one of the three justus wrong?

"It's bullshit," Shikamaru snaps quietly, glaring at the building. His father absently and lazily cuffs him for the curse to my amusement.

Most of the Brats' parents had shown up for their graduation, so they were all present when Naruto walked out the building and witnessed the quick formation the kids formed around the blond. This also means that they were present for Naruto's explanation of his failure.

"Don't worry about it too much, son," Shikaku assures calmly, staring at the academy with a considering gaze. He spares some glances to the other adults, a quick and silent conversation passing between them.

Shikamaru sighs, but does relax a bit. Undoubtedly, he knows his father is going to do something about the obvious discrimination. With that seemingly out of the way, he turns to me slightly but keeps his gaze on the rest of our group.

"You're kind of quiet," he notes, an unspoken question between his words.

I hum in acknowledgment, delaying an actual response. It's not that I'm not equally angry or appalled by the situation, because I am, but it's not like I can explain that my anger is overshadowed by my confusion. I doubt it would go over too well, considering the reasons as to why I'm confused.

It's just that, well, it seems like a waste of resources to me. To spend all this time and effort in teaching all these children and then sending back or denying some of them because of a single failure, completely overlooking their strengths to only see their faults.

And, even if they never do reach the expectations set before them, an extra set of hands and eyes never hurt anyone. Direct them towards the Genin Corps if you must, but manpower is manpower when divided and used correctly.

This sort of thinking doesn't really have anything to do with being raised in ROOT. I've always disliked wasted potential, this lifetime and its experiences so far have only solidified that sort of thinking. Especially since Danzō does the same thing, even if he doesn't seem to realize it.

The majority of his shadow organization is composed of the unwanted. Children from the orphanage or born to the slums. People that aren't likely to be looked into or missed overly much. He took in the ones everyone turns away from and made them into weapons; dangerous but great in their new power.

He also only ever really sees their greatest strengths and skills, capitalizing on them so that the shinobi in question could be the best in their chosen field. I hate to say it, but Danzō has the right idea in dividing his forces into different divisions. It allows everyone to work toward their strengths, while frequently switching training around so that the other skills are still up to par.

For example, despite being a part of the Assassin division, my schedule was always switched around that I got to work alongside and under the watchful eye of the Hunters, Trackers, Saboteurs, Infiltrators, etcetera. There are other divisions of course, Danzō is too smart to limit his connections and manpower on just human-weapons. However, the other divisions are rather disconnected from everything else since their work focuses more on politics and the like. This makes their identities a hell lot more secure since they don't hang around Camp or HQ unless invited.

I've picked up a lot in my self-imposed mission of exploration during that period I was looking for the Uchiha children. I had never stopped my exploration and search for information after being introduced to them formally; I figured that either I hadn't been caught doing so, or if I had then no one was saying anything so might as well continue looking around and memorizing everything I can get my hands on.

Suffice to say, the old coot is dangerous due to how well organized and pragmatic he is in his thinking. He knows the best way to make and keep his people, and thus himself, strong.

However, as I said, he doesn't seem to realize this. Or maybe he does and just isn't satisfied enough. He is obviously aware of the strength and skill of his shinobi, but he also always finds them lacking. Despite having few in his ranks, disregarding the Uchiha of course, he's obsessed with the singular and individual edge Clans with kekkei genkai have.

It's prejudice I didn't expect from the old war hawk but find amusing nonetheless. Because it means that he'll always, even subconsciously, think those that don't come from Clans are weaker and less of a threat. Maybe that's why he makes the same mistake of wasting resources.

His "graduation" exam regularly cuts his forces down from what they could be in numbers and skills. I can, from a purely logical point of view, understand his reasons for such a method. He only wants the best of the best, so what better way to get the best than pit everyone against each other, especially when they're all so great in their own way?

Even worse, I can see the slight good there is in the exam. I hate it, but I can reluctantly acknowledge the fact that, while forced, a person's first kill is done in a controlled environment. No life or death consequences to freezing or throwing up (some of the more common reactions) immediately afterward (not that anyone in ROOT would react like that in front of a superior). While abominable in its implementation, it also ensures no hesitation when a comrade is inevitably cut down during a mission.

Thinking about it, ROOT certainly prepares its shinobi a hell lot more efficiently than the Academy. Though, to be fair, the Academy is a fuckton more humane in its methods. Yet, for all that each has its own unique flaws, resources are still being wasted. Maybe that's why I'm so confused.

I don't know which view to apply to the situation right now. I still wholeheartedly believe it's complete bullshit that Naruto is being denied the right of becoming a shinobi because of one equally stupid jutsu. They can try and justify it as a kind gesture, leaving behind the "weak" so that they could live a relatively long and calm life, but well, this village runs on a military dictatorship. Truthfully, why should it matter if they're deemed "weak"? Just keep them to the easy and safe work until they're strong enough or to just fill up the gaps at the bottom.

It just doesn't make sense to me. Normally I wouldn't get such a headache over this, I was always peripheral aware of these facts and had long deemed it as not my problem. Except now it is my problem because they decided to deny Naruto.

Beyond the fact that he's one of my friends and someone I have come to care for, and thus would like to see succeed, from a strategic standpoint who in their right fucking mind would deny having a jinchuriki as a shinobi? It doesn't make sense!

"Something is wrong," I mutter, in response to my own spiraling thoughts and the unspoken question that led to my spiral.

Shikamaru hums back in acknowledgment. "It's a little weird. Trying to think of any one of us not graduating and becoming shinobi together."

I blink, startled with myself as I suddenly remember something really fucking important. This place was a manga and anime series in Anna's world. And it was centered around Naruto, the ninja.

How the hell did I just forget that? Sage, what else am I forgetting?

Partially unsettled, I shove those thoughts and revelations aside to think about what's really important: the fact that Naruto became (was supposed to become) a ninja and yet just failed his graduation exam.

I sincerely doubt my presence had anything to do with his failure considering how his life had been going before I decided to take care of the little blond. If anything, I probably gave him a much higher chance of passing than whatever happened canonically.

So, logically, that means he was always supposed to fail. Probably.

Ugh, no, I can't do this to myself. I can't bank on 'supposedly's. There are no guarantees to them and leave me uncertain. I do not like uncertainties.

So, let's forget what was "supposed" to happen. It doesn't matter anyway because the simple fact is Naruto just failed his exam and I need to find a way to fix that.

Argh, my head hurts from all this back and forth thinking.

"Excuse me," someone intones politely and I suddenly feel the urge to groan in annoyance. Looking up only furthers that desire.

Smiling entirely politely and looking for all purposes perfectly friendly is the man I dubbed as the worst teacher ever. Washy or White Out or something.

"Mizuki-sensei?"

Oh right, Mizuki.

Rolling my shoulders back to work out the tension in them, I lean back and watch the proceedings with a sharp eye. From the moment I knew the man, I never liked him. It's not just his terrible teaching, he just generally sets my instincts on edge. The same instincts that are practically snarling at the way he interacts with Naruto. I don't trust him so it's no surprise to find myself already moving before the thought even crosses my mind.

Lightly grabbing Little Blond's arm, I stop him from following after the man for the conversation he requested. Surrounded by people I trust to not just let me be attacked or killed in broad daylight, I keep my eyes on Naruto.

He looks back curiously, still obviously disappointed in himself at his failure. I simply observe him for a long moment before gently pulling him into a hug.

"Don't worry so much," I whisper to him as he hugs back tightly. "We'll figure something out. You aren't alone, never forget that."

I can feel him nod against my shoulder, can feel the tension in his own shoulders slowly fade the longer we hug. Once I've deemed him settled enough, I slowly pull away in case he might not be settled. Luckily, it seems he is much calmer. He steps away, shooting me a quick but thankful grin, before turning to follow after Mizuki.

I track them with my eyes until I can't see them anymore, then I follow them by their chakra until they're out of range. Looking up at the sky, I guess the time and inwardly nod to myself. Just enough time to break into Washy's place and finally figure out why he annoys me so much.

"So," Kiba, rather unexpectedly I'll admit, pipes up as he walks to stand next to me. "What's the plan?"

"Plan?" I repeat, bemused.

"We assume you have one or are thinking of one. Why? Because you never back down from a challenge when it concerns someone you care for," Shino helpfully and casually explains.

Now amused, I look around to see all the Brats staring at me expectantly while nodding along to Shino's words. Smiling slightly, I look over at the adults. They look back, equally amused and expectant, likely wanting to see what I'll do or say.

"Actually," I shrug, amusement building at the thought of their reactions. "I think the adults have a plan of their own."

I almost laugh at their confusion and surprise, not at all offended. I know I usually do things by myself, but right now I have other things to do. Besides, I'm pretty sure our plans are basically the same, they'll just have more luck than me.

"So?" I roll my eyes and cross my arms, pushing the conversation along.

Shikaku snorts, but nods all the same. "Damn right we do, you brat." He smiles as I scowl. "Just leave it to us. Don't worry about it."

"We'll hold you to that," we all promise as one, rather unintentionally. It gets the point across more seriously though. It most certainly startles the adults.

Now, I think as everyone starts to split up to do their own thing after a quick agreement of meeting for celebratory dinner, time to find out where White Out lives.

: : :

The very first thing that crossed Uzumaki Naruto's mind after Mizuki-sensei finished his explanation was, he's gonna wish he was dead once Sakura is through with him when she finds out.

He thinks it's a rather appropriate first reaction. His best friend and sister-figure is very protective and always finds out. She's also vicious, not that he thinks the others really see it, not the same way he does.

She hides it very well, but Naruto has always been more in tune with others' negative feelings and aspects. He knows that there are very few lines she won't cross if the situation calls for it. Knows that for all that she is strong, she's also a little broken. Just enough for the darkness he knows she has to be present.

It's why she's the one person he feels he can relate to the most, even more than Sasuke. Because he knows that he holds the same sort of darkness. It's the kind of darkness that isn't easily tapped into, the kind that only rears its head in defense of those they have claimed as theirs.

It's a possessive type of darkness. One that is often seen as terrifying rather than comforting to most people. But that's why he trusts Sakura so much, because he understands that darkness and to see it in someone that has claimed him is entirely comforting.

So, truly, Naruto isn't surprised to find out his best friend had broken into Mizuki-sensei's apartment shortly after he left to converse with the man. He and the others are used to her breaking a few rules and laws, especially since it usually means more information for them that will make them better shinobi.

In this situation it makes him smile, makes him feel warm at how much his friend cares. It validates his decision to immediately find her after he thought Mizuki's offering through.

And he is so very thankful that he did once she tells him what she found out about the lying bastard.

"Are we going to tell the Hokage?" He questions curiously, momentarily pushing aside his annoyance at the fact Mizuki thought he could trick him. He admits he can be a little dense, but he's not stupid.

Sakura hums in thought and he wouldn't be surprised if she said no. He understands that she has very little trust in adults and authority figures. She doesn't like the expectation that she'll just do what she's told with no explanation or just because she's young and should listen to those older. It's just one of the reasons why she doesn't ask for help.

Naruto also understands that she learned to be independent the same as him very earlier on. The type of independent that insists you can't lean on others, you can't burden them with your problems. The type that somehow equals your worth; what good are you if you can't do this by yourself?

He may not have been alone for very long, he did meet Sakura and have his life changed when he was three, but it was long enough. There are still times where he is alone, his friends can't stay by his side 24/7 after all, and those thoughts coalesce in his mind until it feels like a physical weight on his shoulders.

He's gotten better at asking for help, depending on others, knowing he's worth more than what he can or can not do. It's a personal hardship but much easier when he's surrounded by such amazing friends. But Sakura wasn't saved very early on like him. It makes him feel guilty that he couldn't do what she did for him, that he didn't see that she was hurting too.

He thinks she'll always be independent, but he hopes she'll learn it's okay to reach out.

"Yes and no," Sakura answers, pulling him away from his wandering thoughts.

He can tell a plan is being finalized in her head by the glint in her green eyes. The sight of it makes him grin, because that same look in her eyes means mischief and Naruto is always willing to cause a little trouble. It would certainly make him feel better after the shitty day he's been having so far.

"What do you need me to do?"

: : :

It was offensively easy to find, break into, and leave Washy's apartment. His traps were all well and good I suppose, but I'm used to harder obstacles. Honestly, it felt like having a toddler's shape-sorting toy shoved in my face and being asked very condescendingly if I knew what a square looked like.

I had eventually and quickly shook off the offense, having decided to just be glad that it gave me more time to search his apartment. Which was as depressing as its defenses in its interior design. Truly, how lackluster can someone get?

I was rather looking forward to my self-imposed investigation of the man. However, it was all too easy to quickly frisk through the apartment for anything interesting or incriminating, especially since I didn't have to overly worry about how things were placed or needing to maneuver around furniture. At least it was clean, I suppose.

In the end, it took me almost two hours to be done; starting from the moment I left the Academy and ending from the moment I was several blocks away.

The stuff I found was, individually, uninteresting. But since I was meticulous in my comb through the apartment, I noticed small similarities between different pieces of paperwork and books.

I can't fault the man too much for hiding the stuff in plain sight. The strategy has some merit, especially since finding stuff that's actually and purposely hidden away is a lot more suspicious. Though I must criticize him for keeping things so close to home. Luckily, though maybe not, not everything was there in his apartment. It became obvious to me that some stuff was missing once I gathered what I did find together.

But that doesn't really matter because what I found was damning enough to smack "treason" across his face. Even by just a little bit. Treason is still treason, no matter how small or big. The cherry on top is how recent the stuff I found is, making it likely that older paperwork and such is kept somewhere else. And there most certainly is older paperwork; that's what the missing information is. Everything makes vague references to past dealings and reader-should-already-know information.

Honestly, the most disappointing thing about the whole investigation was the fact he was simply involved in some sort of drug cartel and selling village information. Obviously that's not good, but for a man that I had instantly disliked I was expecting something a little more.

It's likely that it is something more, considering the references made to information the reader should already be in the know about. But by that point it was abundantly clear that Mizuki was a traitor to Konohagakure and needed to be dealt with. I had no further motivation to launch a full blown, single-woman investigation on the man. I had enough evidence to get him knocked into a cell, even without further investigating.

All that was left was deciding how I was going to get the evidence to the right people without implicating myself. Or get in trouble for breaking and entering. Which, honestly, left me with little options.

Then Mizuki thought it'd be a good idea to involve an unknowing Naruto into his schemes.

That made everything entirely personal now.

I knew letting Naruto speak with the man alone was a bad idea, but at the time the most I thought would happen would be the man trying to give Little Blond a pep-talk while simultaneously making sure the boy understood his dream of being a ninja was out of the realm of possibility. Just some of the old but common gaslighting methods.

Really, I had thought they had been long done talking by the time I broke into the apartment. But, rather evidently, the bastard has some patience and managed to talk Naruto into a few circles to keep him occupied and confused before springing his little trap.

Unfortunately for him, I was the one to teach Naruto everything he knows. And that includes how to tell when someone is purposely trying to rile, confuse, trick, or persuade him into something he wants nothing to do with. As well as when to know he's way in over his head and should seek another pair of hands or eyes (though, I mostly only saw this lesson actually being practiced in regards to his pranks).

As such, Mizuki had just signed off on his own demise.

Which is why I'm currently standing at attention in front of Danzō, waiting to see and hear what he'll have to say about there being a traitor in charge of the education of Konoha's future shinobi.

I could have gone to Shikaku, had thought about taking the information I discovered to him. For one, his position as the Jonin Commander lets him have an easier time getting access to the Hokage's time and attention. Secondly, I can trust him to think over most, if not all, possible effects and solutions. However, I can't say for certain what his reaction would be to my crime of B&E. Also, he's likely busy with whatever plan he and the other adults came up with to help Naruto regarding his graduation.

Dino, though? He wouldn't question it or care. It paid off in the end and I didn't get caught, which is all that would matter to him. Instead, his entire focus would be on the report I just made after asking for an early debriefing.

A bit of lying, exaggeration, and omitted facts paint the entire situation way out of proportion. Mizuki isn't just some chunin-level traitor, instead he's a traitor that's been actively sabotaging Konoha by providing subpar education to the students and making sure a good majority fail to make it to graduation. He's an active threat and everything about him needs to be looked into. He's responsible for making Konoha weak.

"This is, indeed, troubling," Danzō comments idly, staring at the reports I had written and the research I quickly pulled together to back it up.

I have way too much experience with working on a short time-limit. To be expected with all the in-village and civilian-focused missions being funneled my way that expect a completed mission report at the end of the same day it's assigned. I also have much experience with the different ways to make a report; written and verbally. Since my main mission, my whole purpose, is the Clan Heirs, I see Danzō on a weekly basis at most and daily basis at least. This means I have a lot of experience of reading and interpreting his micro expressions and tone of voice.

Right now? Oh, Dino is more than a little displeased. I wouldn't say pissed, more like highly inconvenienced and annoyed. Understandable. Mizuki is small-fry but his (possible) actions can have devastating results.

"And you said he made contact with the jinchuriki?"

It's more of a statement than a question but I dip my head slightly anyway and calmly confirm. I don't need to look to know that that is what troubles him the most. It's a small, known fact around ROOT that Danzō wants the container of the Nine-Tailed kitty cat in his ranks of personal shinobi. There are rumors, stories, of the various ways he's tried doing it. Most agree that I'm one of them.

I don't like it, but I can see it. Did see it, when I was first starting out. But back then, and even now, I can't say I really regret fully following part of my orders that insist I have a hand in the training and progress of the Brats. It may be a benefit to Danzō, but it's an even bigger benefit to them. They're stronger and more prepared. Their chances of survival are much higher because of it.

I completely ignored the whole plant-seeds-needed-to-convert-them-into-ROOT part of those same orders unrepentantly however.

"It does explain the faltering progress the demon has been making, as has been reported." I breathe steadily, easily pulling back into focus as Dino reviews past reports I've made.

It was something I had noticed about Naruto throughout the years. He picks things up I teach him easily, learning quickly when given the chance to actually perform and use my knowledge in practice. But the taijutsu prospects of his training had always been unlinear; he'd regress into bad habits between sessions. It's been happening less and less often as the years have passed but I didn't feel it imperative to inform Dino of that; I let my reports imply that it was a regular, constant and worsening problem.

Good thing too, it really makes my case that much stronger.

"You have done well, Operative 86, in bringing this to my attention," he praises, as if that actually means anything to me. I bow anyway.

"Unfortunately," he scowls very slightly here, clearly annoyed, "that fool Hiruzen won't look into this without 'proper reasoning'." He scoffs.

I bow lower, to gain his attention at the fact I have more to say and show I wait for his permission to speak. I can feel his gaze on me as he barks a sharp, "Speak."

Behind my white mask, which I had received after my ROOT graduation exam four years ago, I smile.

: : :

The plan was simple.

Naruto would do exactly as Mizuki instructed him to do. Steal the Scroll of Sealing (which I personally find to be a misleading name but whatever. Who am I to criticize one of the Hokage's naming sense?) and make his way over to the predetermined meeting spot. Just not at the predetermined time. Nor would he wait for the predetermined time.

Instead Naruto would "realize" just how dangerous and important the Scroll is and become "suspicious" about Mizuki's plans. Being a good and loyal little Konohian he would turn to a trusted adult about it. A trusted adult who would then, most likely and very hopefully, take Naruto to the Hokage to "confess" about it.

I left the choice of which adult up to Naruto to decide. I did warn him though that by that point of the plan it was likely that the shinobi forces had already been alerted.

Then, once meeting with Hokage and explaining himself, good 'ole Dino will roll up, ready to eviscerate Mizuki for "sabotaging" Konoha's youth.

See? Danzō's extreme and twisted obsession over Konoha does have its uses! He'll be taking the heat entirely off of Naruto by being so focused on Mizuki.

And, this is my favorite part, it'll give Naruto a chance of becoming a shinobi. Because obviously it'd be letting Mizuki win if Naruto was sent back to the Academy. It'd be admitting that Mizuki was a threat, one that no one saw. It'd be admitting that Konoha is weak.

Truthfully I'm a bit on the fence on how I feel about being able to predict what makes Danzō twitch. Like, it's useful, but what does it say about me and how long I've been in ROOT and around Danzō?

A question that can be answered when I actually want to be introspective. Right now I'm waiting for Naruto in his apartment with some ramen.

Sasuke isn't around despite living down the hall. Probably off training like the little emo duck he is. It's what he always does when confronted with a problem or feelings. Likely punching out his frustration over Naruto's failed exam on some poor tree. Hopefully not alone, because Sasuke can go a little overboard in training when distracted by his thoughts.

Hm, I should probably go check for him anyway. Team assignments are tomorrow. Or the day after. I can't remember but it'd probably be bad if he was injured for them. The exam given by team sensei's was something I've known since I started attending the Academy. As if anyone in ROOT would go into a situation half-cocked.

I just wish I knew what's going to happen to me. On one hand, it'd be useful to stick me with the fresh genin. But that's limiting what I could do with my skills. If Danzō decides to pull me out I'd get to take on proper ROOT missions.

My main mission is the Brats and I already have a good standing with them and their parents, as well as some civilians throughout the village. But they're still young and being closely watched. The best time to bring them into the fold would be once they've been shinobi for a few years.

And to be honest it'd be insulting to my capabilities to be stuck taking on D-ranks.

It's out of my hands either way.

I look over at the hall in the apartment, kunai already slipping into my hand. I know it's Naruto by chakra alone, but it's odd for him to enter his apartment through his bedroom window instead of the front door.

His door doesn't open and I don't hear anything. He hasn't moved since slipping through the window, stuck in one spot in the room from what I can feel. I give him a few more minutes before sighing, deciding that he won't be coming out any time soon.

I slip the kunai up my sleeve before grabbing the bowls of ramen. They're cold but directing fire-natured chakra to the hands warms it up easily enough. I think I'll always be smug over my impeccable chakra control.

I make sure that my footsteps can be heard as I walk towards the bedroom door. Pressing an ear against the door, I wait to see if Naruto will address me on his own. He doesn't, so I lightly kick the door in lieu of knocking.

"Little Blond?"

No answer.

"I have ramen."

Some shuffling but nothing else.

Sighing, I step away from the door and loudly call out, "I've been kicking down doors since I was three, Naruto. Give me something before I show you just how much I've improved."

A tense silence before, "I already ate."

Bullshit. I narrow my eyes at the door, confused and worried. Naruto would never turn down ramen, even if he did already eat and was full. With the way he talks about it, ramen is his salvation, his God. Something is seriously wrong if he says 'no' to it.

With a frown I quickly head back to the kitchen to set the ramen bowls down, mourning for just a second of it going cold again. Then I head back down the hall and sit in front of the bedroom door, keeping my back to it as an added sense of privacy.

I may have lightly threatened to kick the door down, but that doesn't mean I'll actually go through with it. A person's room is their own little space, a place just for them, meant to mean safety and comfort. I'm not going to intrude on that short of someone dying on the other side. Doesn't mean I can't extend my own form of comfort.

The entire thing is mostly lost to me now, but I still remember what I said to Naruto the day the orphanage kicked him out. Those short sentences are all I need.

"When the sun shines, we shine together," I sing softly, leaning back with a deep breath. "Told you I'll be here forever. Said I'll always be your friend. Took an oath, I'ma stick it out 'til the end."

"Now that it's raining more than ever, know that we'll still have each other," Naruto hesitantly sings back, voice a lot closer to the door than before. I grin.

"You're not getting rid of me, Naruto. No matter what you do," I remind and reassure through the door.

There's a moment of silence, then a muffled but loud sigh. I lean away from the door when I hear the knob being twisted. The door opens slowly, hesitantly. Blue eyes peer through the small opening, wary and confused, lost.

Naruto takes a deep breath before fully opening the door and facing me. I stay seated, making it clear I won't be leaving so easily or quickly.

Meeting my gaze determinedly, he blurts out in a rush, "I'mademon."

I stare back, unblinking and suddenly very confused. "What?"

He shuffles in place but doesn't look away as he repeats himself a bit more slowly. "I'm a demon."

What the hell is this- oh. Ohhh. I snort. "Little Blond, that has to be the dumbest thing I have ever heard. And trust me, I've heard a lot of dumb shit."

Naruto blinks, visibly faltering before scowling. I can see his sudden frustration for what it is, likely thinking I don't believe him.

"Look," I start before he can, holding up my hands placatingly. "It's not that I don't believe you. But I'm pretty sure you're mixing up whatever facts you've been given or have discovered. Besides, even if you are somehow a demon, then it changes nothing. You're still Uzumaki Naruto: Little Blond and worshipper of ramen."

I watch as he takes in my words, slowly calming down before slumping to sit in front of me. He just looks tired now. Sometimes it's easy to forget that he didn't have a smooth start at life, that he still struggles against the village's discrimination and hate.

This isn't the Naruto that can smile all day, laughing at the smallest of things and pulling others into his schemes to make them happy. This is the Naruto that had to grow up too fast and hide it all beneath a mask, scared for his safety for reasons he didn't understand.

I'm going to kill whoever pushed him to this state.

"Now, do you want to tell me about what happened or should we eat the ramen I bought earlier?"

"Ramen, please."

"Okay."

I motion for him to stay sitting down as I get up to get the bowls from the kitchen. Nothing more is said between us as we eat, but that's okay. It's not until he follows me back to the front door as I'm leaving that he speaks up.

"Hey Sakura," he pulls something from his pocket and grins, "Thank you."

I stare at the brand new headband in his hands with a grin of my own. "Any and all the time, Naruto."