Naruto: The Sage of Cursed Flames

by Anos Voldigoad15

The Fourth Hokage's final act sealed the Nine-Tails into his newborn son, Naruto—but the ritual didn't go as planned. Amid the chaos, something dark and ancient slipped through. Years later, as Naruto struggles in a village that despises him, a new presence awakens within. Can Naruto rise above the shadows to uncover the secrets of his own soul?

5. Chapter 5: Why Am I Alone?

Author's Note[There's something I realized I hadn't clarified earlier, so I'll address it now. The Naruto in this story isn't the carefree, happy-go-lucky hyperactive idiot we see in canon…..well he's still hyperactive to a point. Anyways, as we know Naruto is kind-hearted and incredibly forgiving, but let's be honest—the village is lucky he turned out that way. Considering all the torment he endured, it wouldn't have been surprising if he became consumed by hatred, like Sasuke, or spiraled into darkness, like Obito. In fact, Naruto himself admitted to Sasuke during their battle at the Valley of the End that he could've easily ended up just like him.

As Naruto himself admitted to Sasuke at the Valley of the End, it wouldn't have taken much for him to walk the same path of vengeance and hatred. The key difference is that Naruto had people who showed him kindness and gave him the strength to keep believing in himself. From the kindness of Teuchi and Ayame at Ichiraku Ramen, to Iruka's genuine affection and Hiruzen's quiet support, and others who, in their own ways, helped him carry on. These connections kept him grounded and gave him hope and made all the difference in shaping who Naruto became.

But what if they hadn't been enough? What if Naruto, in a rare moment of introspection, looked back at his life and questioned what he truly wanted?

Let's face it: Naruto didn't really want to be Hokage—it was just a symbol, a goal he clung to because it represented something deeper. What Naruto really wanted was to be acknowledged, to matter, to feel loved.

This story explores a darker Naruto—not evil, but no longer the overly optimistic boy who shrugs off all the pain as if it doesn't affect him. He will face hard trials, confront difficult truths, and make choices that will challenge his beliefs and redefine who he is. He's still Naruto at his core, but this version of him is more introspective and far less willing to tolerate the injustices he's endured.]

Root:

Root headquarters was completely hidden from the public eye, it lay deep beneath Konoha. It was a covert organization founded by a man twisted by his selfish and evil ambitions, his name was Danzo Shimura. Root carried out morally questionable missions under his orders, if he felt someone or something was a threat to the village or his plans they were either manipulated or killed, even if they were once apart of the clan

The facility had labyrinth tunnels intended to confuse and trap those who entered without authorization, and it had seals and mineralized dust which prevented the byakugan from being used to locate or find one's way through the facility.

At the heart of it, in a dimly lit room sat Danzo Shimura. His one visible eye stared into the distance unblinking and calculating, as though dissecting a plan only he could see.

In front of him, an agent materialized from the shadows kneeling in submission. The Root operatives were ghosts, unseen and unheard until summoned, and this one was no exception. He spoke in a tone completely devoid of emotion.

"Danzo-sama, I bring a report regarding the jinchūriki, Naruto Uzumaki."

Danzo's visible eye narrowed slightly, the only sign of his interest. "Speak."

"The jinchūriki was discovered unconscious in his apartment," the agent began, "According to reports, he was found on the floor with blood pooling from his nose. The Third Hokage received a complaint from the jinchūriki's landlord and personally investigated the matter. He then transported the boy to the hospital."

Danzo's fingers tapped once on the armrest of his chair, the faint sound echoing in the oppressive silence.

"The Hokage," Danzo said slowly, "is far too sentimental. He continues to coddle the boy despite his potential."

The agent wait for a moment, then continued. "There are… concerns regarding the seal. The Hokage has stationed ANBU to guard the hospital room, and the staff is under strict orders to monitor any abnormalities. However, the specifics of the seal's condition remain unclear."

"The seal, of course, Hiruzen would prioritize maintaining the boy's containment over leveraging his potential. A critical weakness of his leadership. If he had the boy under proper surveillance there wouldn't be an issue."

Danzo began processing the implications of this information. The seal crafted by the Fourth Hokage, was a masterpiece of fuinjutsu designed to contain the immense power of the Nine-Tails. If there were signs of instability, it could mean any number of things: tampering, an external threat, or even an unknown reaction within the boy himself.

"Do we have any insight into what caused the jinchūriki's collapse?" Danzo asked.

"Not yet, Danzo-sama," the agent replied. "The hospital staff reported fluctuating chakra levels, and strain on his chakra network. But the Hokage has restricted access to the boy's medical records. No one outside his trusted circle knows more."

Danzo's expression darkened, his fingers tightening slightly on the armrests. The secrecy surrounding the jinchūriki was a constant thorn in his side. Hiruzen's insistence on shielding the boy from scrutiny only compounded the risk he posed.

"Foolish sentimentality. The boy is a weapon, not a child. To waste time protecting him instead of preparing him is to jeopardize the future of this village." Danzo said, his disdain for hiruzen clear in his tone.

He leaned back, his posture deceptively relaxed as his min5 continued working through the possibilities. If the seal were to fail, the Nine-Tails' power could destabilize, posing an existential threat to Konoha like eight years ago. But if the boy's condition could be leveraged—if Root could gain control over the jinchūriki—it would be a boon of unimaginable magnitude.

"Continue monitoring the situation. The moment the Hokage's vigilance falters, I want every detail of the boy's condition brought to me. I will not allow this to slip through our grasp." Danzo commanded.

"Yes, Danzo-sama." The agent bowed deeply before vanishing into the shadows, leaving Danzo alone with his thoughts.

The silence in the room deepened as Danzo considered his next move. The jinchūriki represented an untapped well of power—a force that, if harnessed correctly, could ensure Konoha's dominance for generations. But the boy was also a liability. His lack of discipline, his emotional fragility, and the Hokage's incessant meddling were obstacles that needed to be addressed.

Danzo's visible eye narrowed as his lips curled into a faint, humorless smile.

"Soon, soon, the boy will understand his purpose. And when that time comes, Konoha will no longer rely on the weak will of Hiruzen Sarutobi. For the sake of the village sacrifices must be made." he said to himself. As He rose from his chair, and turned to leave the room.

For now, he would wait. But his patience was not limitless. The jinchūriki was a key—one that Danzo intended to use, no matter the cost.

With Naruto

Naruto was still laying in the hospital bed, it had been two days since he collapsed in his apartment. The faint hum of machines and the occasional beeping of a heart monitor filled the otherwise silent room.

His hand twitched and he let out a small groan as he regained consciousness, then slowly he opened his eyes. His vision was a bit blurry; he squinted, turning his head to take in his surroundings when a sudden burning sensation made him flinch.

"Ugh," Naruto let out a groan, swatting at the source of discomfort.

"Stay still boy." A male voice said.

Naruto blinked as his eyelids were held open and a light shone directly into his pupils. The man inspected him without much care before finally turning off the light and stepping back.

Naruto blinked again, his vision slowly clearing. He glanced around the room taking in his surroundings. He saw an unfamiliar ceiling, two ANBU stationed near the door, and then feeling something in his arm he looked down and saw the IV needle taped in place, Naruto realized he was in the hospital.

"What happened?" Naruto asked as he sat up in bed.

"Two days ago, Lord Third found you collapsed on the flood of your apartment and brought you here. He'll be on his way shortly." It wasn't the medic who answered—he had already turned away, jotting down notes on a clipboard with disinterest. Instead, one of the ANBU stepped forward and answered.

Naruto nodded slowly, processing the information. He noticed the way the nurses and doctors in the room moved, their gazes not once meeting his as though he were invisible. One nurse visibly stiffened when their eyes briefly met, quickly turning away as though she hadn't seen him at all.

Naruto felt the familiar pang in his chest but said nothing, lowering his gaze to his lap.

Minutes passed in silence, then Naruto heard the door open and looked up, Hirzuen entered the room and rushed over to him.

"Naruto my boy, how are you feeling?" Hirzuen asked, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"I'm fine…I think old man. A little stiff but that's it." Naruto responded, scratching the back of his head.

Hiruzen smiled gently, though his eyes betrayed a deeper worry.

"I'm glad to hear that Naruto. I was worried when I found you unconscious in your apartment. I received a call from the landlord—apparently, some tenants heard you crying as though you were in pain. When I got there, your door was locked, so I knocked and called your name, but you didn't answer. I had to use the spare key to get in. That's when I found you collapsed on the floor with your nose bleeding." Hirzuen explained. "Do you remember what happened? Anything suspicious?"

Naruto sat there processing what Hiruzen told him, and he tried his hardest to remember what happened that day. But he couldn't remember much.

"Sorry, old man, I… I don't remember much. I think… my head felt fuzzy when I got home. I tried drinking some water, but it didn't help, so I drank some milk instead, but…"

He hesitated, his nose wrinkling in disgust. "It was spoiled. I spit most of it out, but after that, everything went dark. Wait… no, I think I was in pain?"

"I see. Does your head hurt now? Or do you recall your stomach hurting at all that day, even for a moment?" Hiruzen asked, stroking his beard.

Naruto shook his head

"No, not really. Sorry, old man."

The Hokage sighed but gave him a reassuring smile. "It's fine, Naruto. What matters is that you're alright now."

"Ok, so does this mean I can go home? I….don't really like hospitals, especially the food." Naruto said, looking at Hiruzen.

Hiruzen stroked his beard thoughtfully as he considered Naruto's words. "I'm sorry, Naruto, but I'd like you to stay here for at least another day so the medics can keep an eye on you. However, I'll arrange for one of the ANBU to bring you some ramen from Ichiraku's. How does that sound?" Hiruzen asked, his voice warm and steady.

Naruto's face brightened at the mention of ramen, but the light in his eyes didn't quite reach the corners. "Yeah, sure. That sounds great, old man!" Naruto said with a small, forced grin, rubbing the back of his head.

To anyone else, Naruto's request might have seemed perfectly normal—just a kid excited about his favorite meal, and disliking hospital food. But Hiruzen saw past the boy's smile, past the surface-level cheerfulness. He knew what Naruto was really asking: Do I have to stay here, with people who ignore me, who act like I don't exist—or worse, like I shouldn't exist at all?

The thought made Hiruzen's heart ache, though he kept his expression composed. He placed a reassuring hand on Naruto's shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze. "Don't worry, my boy. You'll be home soon enough. Just rest for now, alright?" Hiruzen said.

Naruto nodded, the small smile still on his face, but Hiruzen could feel the faint tension in the boy's posture. As Hiruzen stood up, he made a mental note to speak with the medical staff again. He'd given them strict instructions to treat Naruto like any other patient, but the lingering hostility of some villagers was a difficult tide to turn.

"Thanks, old man. Guess I'll just try to get some sleep," Naruto said.

A few Hours later.

A few hours later, Naruto sat up in his hospital bed, the aroma of freshly made ramen filling the small room. A bowl from Ichiraku's rested in his hands, steam curling upward and warming his face. He took a deep breath, his stomach growling loudly before he dug in, slurping the noodles eagerly.

"Man, this is way better than hospital food," Naruto said between bites, his voice muffled by the mouthful of noodles.

Hiruzen chuckled softly, watching the boy with a faint smile. "I thought you'd appreciate it. You've been through a lot these past few days, Naruto. You deserve this."

Naruto paused for a moment, his chopsticks hovering over the bowl. "Thanks, old man. For everything." He didn't look up as he spoke, his voice quieter than usual.

Hiruzen's expression softened. "You don't have to thank me, my boy. Just focus on getting better." He placed a hand on Naruto's shoulder briefly before standing.

"I have some matters to attend to, but I'll check on you tomorrow. Rest well, Naruto," Hiruzen said, his tone warm but firm.

"Yeah, sure. See you later, old man," Naruto replied, flashing a grin as he returned to his ramen.

Hiruzen lingered for a moment, his gaze lingering on the boy before he turned and left the room, the door closing softly behind him.

Naruto finished the bowl quickly, setting it aside as he leaned back against the pillows. The room was quiet again, save for the faint hum of the monitors. He stared at the ceiling, his hands behind his head, his thoughts swirling as his eyelids grew heavy. Within moments, sleep claimed him, and the room fell silent once more.

Next Day:

The faint glow of morning sunlight filtered through the blinds, casting soft patterns on the hospital walls. Naruto stirred, shifting beneath the thin blanket as his eyes blinked open groggily.

"Ugh, hospitals," Naruto mumbled, rubbing his eyes as he sat up. His stomach grumbled loudly, and he frowned. "Man, I'm already hungry again…"

Then the door opened, and Hiruzen entered with two medics in tow. The ANBU stationed in the room straightened silently.

"Good morning, Naruto," Hiruzen said warmly. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm fine, old man. Just stiff, that's all," Naruto replied, flashing a grin.

Hiruzen chuckled softly. "Let the medics finish checking you over, and you'll be free to go. Just don't overdo it today, alright?"

Once the medics cleared him and left, Naruto quickly changed out of the hospital gown and into his clothes. Minutes later, he was leaping across rooftops, the crisp morning air whipping through his hair. It was faster this way—no crowds, no insults, no glares, just open space and the sound of his feet pounding against the roofs as he made his way home to grab his bag before heading to the academy.

As Naruto landed on the roof of his apartment, he took a deep breath, letting the morning breeze fill his lungs. The scent of the village—a mix of fresh dew, cooking fires, and the distant hum of life—was always better up here. He hurried inside, grabbed his backpack, and headed back out without wasting a second.

But as he took his first leap toward the academy, his stomach growled loudly, reminding him he hadn't eaten since the ramen Hiruzen had brought him. Naruto groaned, clutching his midsection. "Man, I need to fuel up before class. Guess there's time for a quick stop…"

Ichiraku Ramen wasn't far, and Naruto made it there in record time, dropping down into the alley behind the stand, Naruto slipped around to the front, where Teuchi was already preparing for the day.

"Yo, old man Teuchi! Can I get some ramen to go?" Naruto called, entering with a grin.

Teuchi looked up from the pot, his face lighting up. "Naruto! It's been a couple of days, good to see you. And I see you're up early today. Sure thing—miso, right?"

"You know it! Thanks, Teuchi!" Naruto said, already digging into his pocket for coins.

Within minutes, Teuchi handed him a small, steaming container wrapped neatly for travel. "There you go. Don't spill it while you're running, alright? And eat it before it gets cold," Teuchi said with a wink.

"Thanks, old man! You're the best!" Naruto said as he dashed out of the stand, the container in his hands.

Naruto hopped back onto the rooftops, the warm bowl cradled in his arms. As he ran, he began eating on the move as he made his way toward the academy.

At the Academy

By the time the academy came into view, the bowl was empty, and Naruto's energy was back in full force. He tossed the container into a bin near the entrance, wiped his hands on his pants, and strode toward the gates with his usual confidence.

Inside the gates, the other students who had arrived earlier were busy chatting in small groups, laughter and conversation could be heard. Those entering alongside Naruto moved in pairs or clusters, their voices overlapping as they headed to their classrooms.

But the moment Naruto passed through the gates, the lively chatter faltered. Students turned their heads, their conversations turning to whispers as they stole glances at him out of the corner of their eyes. Some glared openly, their expressions filled with irritation or disdain. Others avoided his gaze altogether, choosing instead to walk away as though his very presence was a curse.

Naruto felt the sting of their reactions, the familiar ache settling in his chest. What's their problem? he wondered. It's not like I did anything today… But he buried the feeling quickly, plastering a wide grin on his face as he raised a hand in greeting.

"Morning, everyone!" he shouted, his voice echoing through the courtyard.

The response was immediate—students rolled their eyes, muttered to each other, or turned their backs completely. A girl near the gates crossed her arms with an annoyed huff, while another boy whispered something to his friend that made them both snicker.

"Why's he even here?" one boy muttered, loud enough for Naruto to hear.

"Don't make eye contact," a girl whispered.

"Damn demon." Another boy said.

Naruto's grin faltered for half a second before he forced it back into place. Ignored the sting in his chest as he stuffed his hands into his pockets, and walked toward the building with exaggerated nonchalance. They don't matter, he told himself, his grin widening despite the lump forming in his throat.

Naruto walked through the building until he reached his classroom. He pushed open the door with his usual enthusiasm, his grin wide as he stepped inside.

As Naruto entered, the room fell into a brief, uncomfortable silence. A few students glanced up, their expressions ranging from mild annoyance to outright disdain. Others avoided looking at him altogether, pretending to stay absorbed in their conversations.

Naruto ignored the looks, his focus landing on their sensei, Iruka Umino, who was busy organizing papers at his desk near the front of the room.

"Yo, Iruka-sensei!" Naruto called out, waving enthusiastically as he approached the desk.

"Morning, Naruto. How are you feeling? I heard about what happened from Lord Hokage." Iruka said.

Naruto scratched the back of his head, his grin turning sheepish. "Oh, that? I'm fine, sensei. Just needed a little nap, that's all!"

Iruka's expression turned a bit stern as he said, "That 'little nap' had the Hokage himself bringing you to the hospital, Naruto. You weren't home when I stopped by to check on you yesterday."

Naruto blinked, momentarily caught off guard. "Wait, you came by my place?"

Iruka nodded, crossing his arms. "I wanted to drop off the notes you missed last week. When I saw the Hokage, he told me you'd collapsed. You're sure you're alright?"

"Totally! No big deal. I'm tougher than I look, ya know!" Naruto waved a dismissive hand, his tone upbeat.

Iruka chuckled lightly, though the concern in his eyes lingered. "If you say so. Just make sure you're taking care of yourself, alright? We can't have you passing out in class."

Naruto gave him a thumbs-up. "You got it, sensei!"

Turning toward the class, Naruto made his way to his seat in the back of the classroom, his footsteps echoing slightly in the quiet room. As he walked past, a few students shot glares at him or whispered under their breath.

Kiba was the first to speak up, his voice loud and mocking. "Well, well, look who finally decided to show up! What's the matter, Naruto? Too weak to make it through a day without collapsing?"

Naruto stopped in his tracks, turning to face Kiba with a glare. "What's your problem, Kiba? At least I don't smell like a wet dog every day," Naruto said, crossing his arms as a grin crept back onto his face.

Several students burst into laughter at the jab, while Kiba's smirk vanished in an instant. "What did you say, you idiot?" Kiba growled, half-rising from his chair.

"Just telling it like it is! Maybe if you spent more time training and less time barking, you'd actually be good at something!" Naruto said, his voice dripping with mockery.

Kiba clenched his fists as his face turned red from humiliation. "You wanna say that again, Naruto?"

"Oh, you heard me. You can't even hit a target without Akamaru doing all the work!" Naruto said, his grin widening as the laughter around them grew louder.

"Better than being the dead last of the class, fox boy," Kiba shot back, his tone sharper now.

From the side, Shikamaru sighed, his head resting on his arms as he said, "Troublesome. Can't you two ever just sit down without starting something?"

Naruto shot Shikamaru a quick look before snapping back to Kiba. "I'll show you who's the dead last when I wipe the floor with you in sparring, dog breath!"

Kiba laughed, crossing his arms. "Yeah, right. You couldn't beat a log, let alone me."

Choji, sitting nearby with a bag of chips, chimed in with a mouthful. "Naruto's got a point, Kiba. You do rely on Akamaru a lot," Choji said, crunching noisily.

Kiba turned to Choji, his face scrunching in disbelief. "Whose side are you on?! Besides, Akamaru is my partner!"

Naruto grinned triumphantly, pointing at Kiba. "See? Even Choji knows you're all bark and no bite!"

The exchange earned a few chuckles from the random students in the room, though most still avoided looking directly at Naruto. Despite the playful insults, the air in the classroom felt lighter—if only for a moment.

Naruto slumped into his seat in the back, crossing his arms and propping his feet up on the desk in front of him. "Keep talking, Kiba. I'll prove you wrong in class today!" Naruto said, his grin wide and confident.

"Whatever, loser," Kiba shot back.

descriptor

As Naruto and the others waited for the other students to arrive and class to begin, he turned his gaze to the window. He propped his chin in his hand, the warm sunlight streaming through the glass casting soft patterns on his desk. His bright blue eyes reflected a mixture of boredom and thoughtfulness as he watched the leaves outside sway gently in the breeze.

'Why does everyone hate me so much?' The question nagged at the back of his mind, surfacing uninvited as it always did in moments like this. He glanced around the classroom briefly, catching the occasional side-eye or sneer from his peers. 'I haven't done anything to them... so why?'

He clenched his jaw the thoughts, but then he forced himself to shake them off, ruffling his hair and sitting up straight. "Nope, not thinking about that. Gotta stay focused!" he said to himself, determination flaring in his chest as he clenched a fist. "One day, I'll be Hokage, and they'll all see!"

A faint grin spread across his face, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. He leaned back in his chair and stretched his arms over his head, forcing his usual cheerful demeanor to return as he glanced back toward the window. 'Yeah… one day.'

Unbeknownst to Naruto, a pair of soft lavender eyes watched him from across the room. Hinata Hyuga sat quietly at her desk, her hands clasped together as she watched him. She saw the brief moment of sadness on his face, the way his shoulders slumped slightly before he straightened up and forced a smile.

Her chest tightened at the sight. 'He's so strong,' she thought, her cheeks flushing lightly as she watched him. 'No matter how they treat him, no matter what he goes through, he never gives up. I wish… I wish I could be that brave.'

Hinata's gaze lingered on the way his hair caught the sunlight streaming through the window, the golden tips glinting faintly against the deeper red beneath. It was striking, vibrant—so much like him. She'd never seen anyone else with hair like his, and though it often made him the target of teasing, she thought it was… beautiful.

Her gaze turned briefly toward Sakura Haruno, who sat across the room chatting with Ino. Hinata's expression faltered. She knew Naruto had a crush on Sakura—everyone did. The way he lit up whenever Sakura spoke to him, even if it was to scold him or call him an idiot, was impossible to miss.

'I wish… I wish he'd look at me like that,' she thought, the familiar ache of jealousy settling in her chest. She glanced back at Naruto, her face softening again. 'But even if he doesn't… I still want to see him smile. I just want him to be happy.' Hinata thought to herself.

Then the peacefulness of the classroom broke as the door slid open, all heads turning toward the figure who walked in. Sasuke Uchiha strolled into the room, his hands stuffed casually into his pockets, his sharp black eyes scanning the room with disinterest.

Naruto, who had been leaning back in his chair, nearly fell over as he straightened up. "Tch, of course it's him," he muttered under his breath, slumping forward onto his desk.

A few moments later, the classroom door was thrown open with enough force to rattle the frame, and chaos erupted.

"Move, Forehead!" Ino snapped, grabbing Sakura's arm to shove her back.

"Not a chance, Ino-pig!" Sakura shouted, elbowing her rival in the side.

Ino Yamanaka and Sakura Haruno burst through the doorway, shoving and elbowing each other in their desperate bid to get inside. Behind them, a swarm of other girls surged forward, each vying for position as they clamored to get closer to Sasuke.

"Calm down, there's enough Sasuke-kun for everyone!" another girl chimed in, pushing her way through the crowd that was behind the two girls fighting to get in.

Naruto groaned louder, slumping forward until his forehead hit his desk. "Lucky, arrogant bastard," he said glaring at Sasuke, who ignored the chaos entirely and had already taken his seat without so much as a glance at his admirers.

"Agreed," Kiba said, his voice carrying the same annoyed tone as Naruto's.

Naruto turned his head toward Kiba, raising an eyebrow. The two rarely saw eye to eye, but in that moment, their mutual annoyance with Sasuke was undeniable.

The stampede reached its climax as one of the girls—only Kami knows how—slipped past both Ino and Sakura, and tripped over a desk leg, sending papers and books flying in every direction.

"This is ridiculous," Naruto said, watching as the girl scrambled to her feet, her face red with embarrassment as she scrambled to gather her scattered belongings.

But the chaos didn't stop there.

Another girl, in her haste to push through the crowd, accidentally knocked over a chair, which toppled into a desk causing a bunch of noise.

Kiba sighed, leaning back in his chair with his arms crossed. "You'd think they're fighting for their lives or something."

"Fighting for Sasuke's attention is basically the same thing," Naruto replied, shaking his head as yet another girl tripped—this time over the collapsed desk—and landed flat on her stomach with a loud oof.

The chaos spiraled even further when a smaller girl at the back of the group attempted to squeeze past Sakura and Ino, only to be elbowed by both at the same time. "Back of the line!" Sakura shouted, her voice sharp as she shoved the girl aside.

"Yeah, you're not getting in my way!" Ino added, practically shoving her entire body weight into Sakura to force her out of the doorway.

This only enraged Sakura further. "Forehead?!"

"Pig!" Ino snapped back.

As the two resumed their heated argument, the other girls attempted to squeeze past them in the narrow doorway, causing even more shoving and tripping. One girl accidentally stepped on another's foot, prompting a shriek and a loud, "Watch it, idiot!"

Naruto watched the madness unfold with wide eyes before letting his forehead hit the desk in defeat. "What the hell is wrong with them?"

"They're broken," Kiba replied simply.

The madness finally culminated when one particularly desperate girl climbed over a desk in an attempt to bypass the bottleneck at the doorway. She made it halfway before slipping, her foot knocking a stack of books onto another girl's head, sending the whole group into a shouting match.

Sasuke, meanwhile, sat at his desk as though nothing had happened, his chin resting on his hand as he stared out the window. The noise and chaos swirling around him didn't even register.

Naruto and Kiba exchanged a look, both shaking their heads in disbelief.

"Lucky, arrogant bastard," Naruto muttered, slumping back in his chair.

"Seriously, why does this guy get all the attention?" Kiba said, clearly irritated

"It's just the stupid hair and the brooding. That's it. If I sat there brooding like an idiot, they'd probably just throw stuff at me." Naruto said, crossing his arms, also irritated by this.

Kiba chuckled. "Honestly? Yeah, they probably would."

Kiba snorted, leaning forward. "Oh, trust me, they would. I tried it once, y'know. Thought maybe sitting in the back with my arms crossed, doing the whole 'cool, silent guy' thing would work. I even practiced my smoldering in the mirror!"

Naruto blinked at him. "You what?"

"Yeah!" Kiba said, throwing his arms up. "I had my hood up, arms crossed, leaning against the wall like, 'What's up? I don't care about anything.' Thought I was killing it. But you know what happened?"

"No, what?" Naruto asked, curious

Kiba slammed his hands on his desk. "Not a damn thing! Not one girl! I got nothing!"

Naruto burst out laughing, nearly falling out of his chair. "You serious?! Not even one?!"

"Not one! All I got was Shino asking me if I was okay and Akamaru giving me that look—you know, the 'you're embarrassing us both' look." Kiba flopped back into his seat, arms crossed, glaring at the front of the room. "I even tried brooding for a whole week. You know what that got me? A sore neck and zero bitches."

Naruto slapped his desk, tears forming in his eyes from laughing so hard. "Oh man, Kiba, I can't—I can't breathe!"

"Laugh it up, Naruto," Kiba grumbled, despite the small smile he had. "It's not funny, man. We're out here working hard, trying to impress somebody, and Sasuke just shows up, sits down, and boom—instant harem."

Naruto wiped his eyes, finally catching his breath. "You're not wrong, though. We're out here breaking our backs, and he doesn't even try."

Kiba nodded. "Exactly. Brooding doesn't work for the rest of us, Naruto. We're just background characters in this guy's stupid story."

Behind them, Hinata sat frozen, her lavender eyes wide as she overheard the conversation. Her face turned bright red as she lowered her head, trying to disappear into her chair. She wasn't used to hearing Naruto talk about things like this.

But then, Naruto spoke again. "You're right, Kiba. I mean, look at me! I'm awesome, right? I've got cool hair, a killer smile—"

"And zero girls lining up," Kiba interrupted, grinning.

"Hey!" Naruto shot back, pointing a finger at him.

Kiba shrugged. "I'm just saying. You and me, Naruto? We're not getting any girls with brooding. It's a lost cause, man."

Hinata's heart sank slightly as she stared down at her hands. Is… is that how he feels? That no one likes him? she thought, her fingers twisting together nervously. She wished she could tell him he was wrong, that she liked him just the way he was—but the words caught in her throat.

Naruto sighed dramatically, slumping forward. "Fine, no more brooding. But there's gotta be something else, right? I mean, I can't be stuck like this forever!"

"Honestly it's a lost cause." Kiba said.

Naruto couldn't help but agree "yeah you're probably right."

Amid the commotion, Hinata's gaze returned to Naruto. She noticed the way his expression shifted—the irritation in his narrowed eyes, the slight pout on his lips, and the way he crossed his arms in mock frustration as he muttered about Sasuke under his breath.

A small smile formed on her lips. 'He's not like the others,' she thought, her hands clasping tighter as her heart fluttered. 'Even when he's frustrated, even when he's annoyed… he's still so full of energy. He's amazing.'

Her smile faded slightly as she watched Naruto glance toward Sakura, his expression softening ever so briefly before he turned back to Kiba. Hinata's chest ached again.

Still, she couldn't tear her eyes away from him. 'One day… one day I'll be brave enough to talk to him. To tell him…' Her thoughts trailed off as the noise in the classroom began to settle, and she quickly looked down at her desk, her cheeks burning.

Finally, having had enough of the chaos and chatter, Iruka slammed his hands on his desk, the sound reverberating through the room like a crack of thunder.

"All right, that's enough!" Iruka shouted, his voice sharp and commanding. "All of you, sit down and quiet down, NOW!"

The classroom fell silent instantly, the students scrambling to find their seats under Iruka's stern glare. Even Naruto, who had been mid-conversation with Kiba about Operation Get Bitches, immediately slumped into his chair with a sheepish grin.

Kiba snickered under his breath, but a single glance from Iruka shut him up, leaving the room in tense silence.

Iruka scanned the classroom, his dark eyes narrowing as he took in the scattered desks, the girls still flustered from their stampede toward Sasuke, and the overall mess left in the chaos. "This is a classroom, not a battlefield," he said firmly, folding his arms. "You're here to learn, not to cause a riot!"

Naruto raised his hand hesitantly. "Uh, technically, Iruka-sensei, it wasn't a riot—"

Iruka's glare pinned him in place. "Naruto, I don't want to hear it."

"Right. Got it." Naruto said as he sank into his seat with a nervous chuckle.

Satisfied that the room was under control, Iruka sighed and straightened up. "Now, before we begin today's lesson, let's go over the—"

The door slid open abruptly, cutting him off. Mizuki stepped into the room with a pleasant smile plastered across his face.

"Good morning, Iruka. Sorry for interrupting," Mizuki said, his tone warm and friendly. "I just wanted to check in and help with the morning session."

Iruka nodded. "Good morning, Mizuki. Thanks for coming."

Mizuki's gaze swept across the classroom, landing briefly on Naruto. His smile didn't falter, but there was the faintest flicker of something in his eyes—disdain, perhaps, or irritation.

Naruto, oblivious as ever, grinned brightly. "Yo, Mizuki-sensei!" he called out, waving enthusiastically.

Mizuki's smile widened, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Good morning, Naruto," he replied, "I hope you're ready to work hard today."

"Always!" Naruto said, puffing out his chest proudly.

Mizuki chuckled softly, but his thoughts were far from kind. Such an annoying little brat. He's got no idea how much everyone wishes he'd just disappear. Damn demon brat.

Iruka cleared his throat, drawing Mizuki's attention. "Let's get started," Iruka said as Mizuki took a seat.

As the students settled into their seats, Iruka began explaining the day's lesson. "All right, everyone, open your textbooks. Today, we'll be reviewing the history of the shinobi world, starting with the founding of Konoha."

A collective groan rose from the classroom, echoed by Naruto's exaggerated sigh. He leaned back in his chair, holding his book upside down like it was a chore just to touch it.

"Ugh, why do we need to learn this history stuff?" Naruto muttered to himself, flipping lazily through the pages without even looking at the words. "What's the point? It's not like knowing about a bunch of old guys is gonna help me become Hokage!"

Kiba, seated nearby, smirked. "Maybe it'll teach you how to not screw up, Naruto."

"Yeah, right," Naruto shot back, glaring at the book like it personally offended him. "All this 'First Hokage this' and 'Madara Uchiha that.' Who cares? They're all dead!"

Iruka's eyes twitched as he paused mid-sentence, glancing at Naruto. "Naruto, this history isn't just about the past. It's about understanding the sacrifices that built this village and learning from them."

Naruto rolled his eyes, grumbling under his breath. "Sacrifices, schmifices. I'd rather be learning some cool jutsu instead of this boring junk."

Meanwhile, Inside of Naruto

Inside Naruto's mindscape, Sukuna sat lazily on his throne, his crimson eyes narrowing as he continued to observe the classroom through Naruto's senses. His posture was relaxed, as three of his four arms rested casually on the throne, while the fourth propped up his head as he leaned slightly forward.

"That's more like it," Sukuna said, irritated. " Finally something worth paying attention to. That fangirl nonsense was intolerable. Obsessing over a boy who barely acknowledges their existence—it's pathetic."

As Iruka's voice continued on, reciting passages from the textbook, Sukuna focused on the information being relayed. "Madara Uchiha… Hashirama Senju… So those are the names tied to this village's foundation," he said to himself. "Both hailed from rival clans yet forged an alliance powerful enough to create this so-called Konoha. It's almost amusing, knowing peace rarely lasts between men of ambition."

He leaned forward slightly, as he listened to Iruka's voice and read the text through Naruto's eyes. "But at least we're finally getting somewhere. History might be dull for you, but I can assure you, it's far more valuable than you realize.

His gaze sharpened as he took in the sight of Sasuke through Naruto's peripheral vision. "So that brooding child is an Uchiha," he noted. "A descendant of one of the most feared clans in this history of yours. Yet, despite that lineage, the boy's chakra is laughably underwhelming compared to yours."

Sukuna leaned back slightly, continuing his observations. "This boy you call Sasuke… Perhaps there's potential buried somewhere within him, but it's nothing impressive now. You, on the other hand," he added, focusing on Naruto's perspective, "are an entirely different story. Even without the fox, your chakra far exceeds not just him, but every other weakling in this room—including the teachers."

His tone turned slightly contemplative. "So this is the difference between cursed energy and chakra. Unlike the energy of my world, which remains fixed from birth, this… chakra can be molded, increased, and refined. It's a curious system, one with far fewer limitations than I expected."

For a moment, Sukuna went silent as he processed the significance of what he had learned. "Still, power alone means nothing if it isn't tempered with understanding. And from the looks of it, this world's history is more blood-soaked than these texts are willing to admit. Conveniently cleaned up for the sake of their young, no doubt."

Iruka continued to read as the students followed along in their textbooks.

"Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha were two of the strongest shinobi of their time," Iruka explained. "Their combined efforts led to the founding of this village, bringing peace to an era of constant war. Hashirama was revered as the God of Shinobi, a title earned through his unparalleled mastery of Wood Release, a kekkei genkai unique to him; his immense chakra reserves, and his ability to heal without hand signs."

The classroom was unusually quiet, the students captivated by the story, though some were visibly struggling to stay awake. Naruto, slouched in his seat, stared blankly at the page in front of him, his mind already wandering.

Iruka continued, his tone growing heavier. "Madara Uchiha, on the other hand, was the leader of the Uchiha clan, wielding the Sharingan to its fullest potential and commanding overwhelming power on the battlefield. His power was said to rival Hashirama's, making them both feared and respected across the shinobi world. Together, they forged the foundation of what would become the Hidden Leaf Village. However, their alliance was not destined to last.

Despite their efforts to bring peace, their conflicting ideals eventually drove them apart. Madara believed the Uchiha were being oppressed, and sought power through domination. While Hashirama sought to unite all the clans under a single banner. Their disagreement culminated in a final battle at the Valley of the battle was said to have shaped the very land itself. The two men fought with such ferocity that the valley was carved by their strength alone."

A few students whispered among themselves, their curiosity piqued by the story. Even Sasuke seemed to listen more intently, his eyes narrowing slightly as he absorbed the information.

Naruto blinked, sitting up slightly. Whoa… they were that strong?

Iruka gestured to the blackboard, where a map of Konoha's surrounding areas was pinned. "The Valley of the End is now marked by two massive statues—one of Madara and one of Hashirama—standing as eternal reminders of their struggle. In their final clash, Hashirama emerged victorious, ultimately killing Madara to protect the peace they had both once dreamed of."

Inside Naruto's mindscape, Sukuna's eyes narrowed, his posture shifting slightly as he absorbed the information.

"Interesting. So… these two were the ones who shaped this world, Madara Uchiha and Hashirama Senju. Titles like 'God of Shinobi' aren't given lightly. The Senju and Uchiha clan were definitely special. These two men alone were both feared and respected across the world, not an easy feat. " Sukuna said, tapping his fingers lightly on the armrest of his throne.

"The strength they wielded… Hashirama with his mastery over nature itself, and Madara with those strange eyes. To command such power and still be mortal—it's a curiosity worth exploring. And once again, the boy Sasuke… to think he shares blood with a clan once led by a man as formidable as Madara. Yet there's no sign of that strength in him. This world's potential for growth and refinement is unlike anything I've seen… but it seems few truly grasp it."

Back In the Classroom:

Iruka closed the textbook with a firm. "That's all for today's history review. Make sure to study this for the written exam next week. And remember—understanding the past is the key to shaping your future as shinobi."

Naruto let out a loud groan, slumping back in his chair. "Man, that's so much stuff to remember!"

"You wouldn't have to remember it if you actually paid attention," Sakura snapped, turning to glare at him.

"Hey! I pay attention!" Naruto protested, though his pout betrayed him.

Sasuke, meanwhile, remained silent, his arms crossed as he stared out the window, seemingly lost in thought, probably thinking of killing his brother.

Kiba leaned over to whisper to Naruto. "Man, this is why I hate history. Too many names, too much stuff about dead people."

Naruto snorted, whispering back, "Yeah, but at least those dead guys sound awesome. Imagine carving a valley just by throwing hands."

Hinata, sitting a few rows behind, glanced at Naruto nervously, her cheeks pink as she overheard the boys' conversation.

Iruka cleared his throat loudly, cutting off any further chatter. "Alright, settle down. We're moving on to basic chakra control exercises. Everyone, head outside to the training field."

Outside:

The class moved outside to the academy training field, the mid-morning sun shining brightly overhead. The soft rustling of leaves and the chirping of birds provided a serene backdrop as the students gathered in a loose circle around Iruka.

"All right, everyone," Iruka began, holding up a leaf for emphasis, "today we're focusing on a foundational skill for all shinobi: chakra control. This exercise is called the Leaf Concentration Practice."

He placed the leaf on his own forehead as a demonstration. "The goal is simple: use your chakra to keep the leaf adhered to your forehead. This will help you learn to focus your chakra precisely and maintain your concentration and prevent distractions. Chakra control is the key to mastering jutsu, and diligent focus is what separates average ninja from exceptional ones. And if you pour too much chakra into a jutus it'll backfire or completely fail."

A few students groaned at the prospect of such a seemingly simple task.

Iruka glanced around at the class, his gaze firm. "No distractions, no goofing off. This exercise may seem simple, but mastering chakra control is one of the most important skills you'll develop as a ninja."

Naruto's hands clenched into fists, determination sparking in his bright eyes. All right, this is it. No messing around. I'm gonna nail this!

Iruka handed out leaves to the students, who spread out across the training field to begin. Naruto placed his leaf on his forehead, pressing it firmly in place. He closed his eyes, his face scrunched in concentration as he focused on channeling his chakra.

"Alright, let's get started," Iruka continued, distributing a leaf to each student. "Place the leaf on your forehead and concentrate. Remember, it's not about forcing the chakra—it's about balance and control. Too much or too little, and it'll fall off."

Naruto grabbed his leaf with a grin, slapping it onto his forehead with perhaps a bit too much enthusiasm. He clenched his fists, his face scrunching in concentration as he tried to focus his chakra. He could feel his chakra stirring, faint and unsteady as it wavered between his forehead and the leaf.

"Okay… focus… balance…" he muttered to himself, beads of sweat forming on his brow.

For a moment, the leaf stuck. Naruto's eyes shot open, a grin spreading across his face. "Ha! I did it!"

"Damn it!" Naruto exclaimed, stomping his foot as he picked up the leaf and slapped it back onto his forehead."Come on, stick already!"

Nearby, Sakura sighed audibly. "Naruto, you're supposed to stay calm and focused, not shout like an idiot." Sakura demonstrated placing her own leaf delicately on her forehead. It stuck almost immediately. "You're trying too hard, Naruto," she said, her tone sharp. "You're just dumping chakra into it. That's not how it works!"

Naruto frowned, crossing his arms. "I am calm, and I'm not dumping it! I'm… uh… distributing it! Yeah, that's it!"

Kiba, who was lounging nearby with Akamaru on his lap, chuckled. His leaf stuck effortlessly to his forehead. "Face it, Naruto. You're just bad at this."

"Am not!" Naruto shot back, slapping the leaf onto his forehead again. This time, he stood still, taking a deep breath. "Okay… I've got this. Focus, focus…"

For a moment, the leaf stayed in place. Naruto's face lit up, and he pointed to his forehead. "See? I told you I could do—"

Before he could finish, the leaf fell off again. Naruto's shoulders slumped, and he let out a frustrated groan.

Iruka approached Naruto, who was now furiously rubbing his forehead as if the problem lay there instead of his chakra control.

"Naruto," Iruka said patiently, crouching down to meet his eye level. "You're putting too much pressure on yourself. Chakra control isn't about brute force—it's about balance. You need to calm your mind and focus. Take a deep breath and try again."

Naruto looked up at his teacher, his expression softening slightly. "I… I'm trying, Iruka-sensei. But it's so hard!"

"I know it's hard," Iruka said with a small smile. "That's why we practice. No one gets it perfect on the first try—not even the best shinobi. What matters is that you keep trying. Take your time. You'll get there. remember—chakra control is about precision, not force. Don't try to overwhelm the leaf with your chakra. Let it flow steadily."

Naruto scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "Right. Steady flow. Got it."

Sasuke, of course, had mastered the exercise almost immediately. His leaf stayed firmly in place as he stood with his arms crossed, looking utterly bored.

"Show-off," Kiba muttered, glancing enviously at Sasuke before returning to his own attempt.

Hinata, standing off to the side, focused intently on her own leaf. Her chakra flowed smoothly, the leaf barely wavering. But her attention kept drifting to Naruto, watching his repeated attempts with a mixture of admiration and concern.

Despite his struggles, Naruto refused to give up. He tried again and again, his face scrunched in concentration as sweat dripped down his forehead. Each time the leaf fell, he growled in frustration, only to pick it up and try again.

"Why is this so hard?!" Naruto groaned, slapping the leaf back on his head.

Kiba smirked from a few feet away. "Maybe you're using too much chakra, Naruto. Or maybe your head's just too thick for it to stick."

"Shut up, dog-breath!" Naruto snapped, his frustration boiling over. He slapped the leaf back onto his forehead, gritting his teeth. "Dammit, why is it always like this for me? Everyone else always gets things so easy."

A few feet away, Shikamaru Nara sighed heavily, the leaf on his forehead perfectly stable as he lay back on the grass with his hands behind his head. "Man, what a drag. This exercise isn't even hard," he muttered, his voice carrying a bored tone.

Ino Yamanaka, standing nearby with a satisfied grin, chimed in, "Speak for yourself, Shikamaru. I got it on the first try, too!" She flicked the leaf on her forehead with a finger, showing off.

Shikamaru rolled his eyes. "Yeah, yeah. We all know you're perfect, Ino."

"What was that, lazy bum?" Ino snapped, her hands on her hips. "At least I'm not lying around doing nothing all the time!"

"Whatever," Shikamaru said, waving her off with a yawn.

Naruto glanced over at them, his frustration deepening. Why is it so easy for them? he thought bitterly, his grip tightening on the leaf.

Meanwhile, Inside of Naruto

Inside Naruto's mindscape, Sukuna observed the exercise through Naruto's eyes, his crimson gaze sharp and calculating. Seated on his throne, he leaned forward slightly, his expression unreadable as he analyzed every detail.

"This exercise… I see its purpose," Sukuna muttered to himself. "Focus, discipline, control. All essential skills for a shinobi. For these weaklings, it's a decent enough challenge. Their chakra is limited, manageable."

His gaze narrowed as he watched Naruto's repeated failures. "But for this boy? It's useless. They've handed him the same tools and methods as these brats, despite his chakra reserves eclipsing theirs by leagues. His chakra alone is overwhelming, and with that fox's energy bleeding into his system…"

Sukuna's tone turned thoughtful as he examined the faint threads of the Nine-Tails' energy mingling with Naruto's. "Ah, the seal. Slowly but surely, it leaks. The fox's chakra merges with his own, making his reserves even more massive. It's like trying to pour an ocean into a teacup."

He paused, his irritation flickering. "The boy's determination is admirable, but he'll never gain control this way. He needs something more extreme—methods that match the sheer scale of his power."

Sukuna's voice grew colder, his tone cutting. "The incompetence of these so-called teachers is astounding. Did they not bother to assess him properly? No. They're too blinded by fear of what he carries. Or perhaps it's jealousy. His potential far outstrips any of theirs, and they'd never admit it.

"Then there's that Iruka fellow. Maybe he's just ignorant. Whether intentional or not, they're sabotaging the boy. And him? He's too naive to notice. Too desperate for their approval. He throws himself into these futile exercises with everything he has, convinced it's his own failing."

Sukuna leaned back slightly, his tone turning grim. "It's tragic. No matter how hard he tries, he'll never control his chakra through this nonsense. It's like trying to contain a storm in a bottle."

His crimson gaze hardened as he continued. "He's failed the academy twice, and not one of these fools bothered to guide him. If by some miracle he gets that leaf to stick, it won't matter. It's like lighting a bonfire with a candle—it'll barely scratch the surface of what he needs."

For a moment, Sukuna sat in silence, his gaze unyielding as he observed Naruto's efforts. "The fault isn't his. It's the fools around him who've failed him."

WITH NARUTO

After what felt like an eternity, Iruka clapped his hands together signaling the end of the chakra control exercise. "All right, everyone, bring your leaves back here and gather around," he called, his voice carrying across the field.

The students shuffled back to the center, some grumbling, others chatting excitedly about their success—or lack thereof. Naruto trudged toward Iruka, clutching his leaf with a look of sheer frustration.

"Don't look so down, Naruto," Iruka said with a small smile. "You'll get the hang of it if you keep practicing."

"Yeah, yeah," Naruto muttered, stuffing the leaf into his pocket as he joined the rest of the class.

Iruka straightened up, addressing the group. "Now, for the next part of today's lesson: sparring practice. We'll be pairing you up to practice your taijutsu. Remember, the goal isn't to win—it's to improve. I want to see you all applying what you've learned about strategy, focus, and control."

A wave of excitement rippled through the group. For many of the students, this was the highlight of the day.

"Finally, something fun!" Kiba said, cracking his knuckles.

Naruto jumped up at the announcement, his earlier frustration momentarily forgotten. "Sparring, huh?" he said, his fists clenching with renewed energy. "This is my chance to show everyone what I've got!"

Iruka glanced around the group, noting the varying levels of excitement—or dread—on the students' faces. "All right, I'll be pairing you up. Remember, this is a learning exercise, so no dirty tricks or excessive force." His gaze lingered on Kiba and Naruto for a moment, as if anticipating trouble.

He began listing off pairs, sending students to designated areas of the field to begin their matches. "Shikamaru, you're with Kiba. Ino, you'll spar with Sakura. Hinata, you're with Shino…"

Naruto leaned forward, practically bouncing on the balls of his feet as he waited for his name to be called.

"And finally, Naruto, you're with Sasuke." Iruka said

When Iruka said their names, the other students immediately began whispering and snickering. A few placed bets, the glint of coins flashing in their hands.

"Of course," Sasuke said, his tone bored as he crossed his arms.

Naruto froze for a moment before breaking into a wide grin. "All right! Bring it on, Sasuke! I'm gonna wipe that smug look off your face!"

The fangirls immediately glared daggers at him. "As if you could ever beat Sasuke-kun!" one of them shouted.

Iruka sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Enough, everyone. Naruto and Sasuke, to the center of the field. The rest of you, sit quietly and observe."

The two boys stepped forward as the students formed a loose circle around them. Naruto clenched his fists, his bright red-and-golden-tipped hair glinting in the sunlight. Determination burned in his blue eyes as he stared down his opponent.

Sasuke stood calm and composed, his dark eyes scanning Naruto with faint disinterest, like he wasn't worth the effort. He rolled his shoulders lazily, as though he'd already won.

Iruka stepped between them. "Remember the rules: no jutsu, no weapons, and no hitting vital points. This is practice, not a grudge match. Understand?"

Both boys nodded. Sasuke's stance shifted, his weight distributed evenly, his feet planted firmly. Naruto crouched awkwardly, his fists too high and his legs spaced unevenly.

"Ready… Begin!" Iruka shouted.

Naruto lunged forward immediately, fists swinging wildly. "Take this!" he shouted.

Sasuke's eyes narrowed as he sidestepped the first punch, his movements fluid and deliberate. He ducked low, slipping past the wild swing, and countered with a sharp jab to Naruto's ribs. Naruto grunted as he stumbled back, his hand clutching his side.

"Too slow," Sasuke said, his tone calm and dismissive.

Naruto's frustration flared. He lunged again, his movements faster but just as sloppy. This time, he aimed a low kick at Sasuke's legs. Sasuke hopped lightly over the strike, landing smoothly before countering with a spinning kick that struck Naruto's shoulder. Naruto gritted his teeth as he hit the ground, rolling to one knee before pushing himself upright.

This time, Naruto hesitated. His eyes followed Sasuke's movements as the other boy stepped forward, testing his defenses. When Sasuke threw a jab, Naruto ducked low and surged forward, driving his shoulder into Sasuke's chest. Sasuke staggered slightly, his feet sliding back.

Naruto pressed the attack, landing a quick jab to Sasuke's arm and another to his ribs. Sasuke winced but quickly adapted, deflecting Naruto's next punch with his forearm before stepping into his guard. Sasuke's counter came in a flash—a sharp elbow to Naruto's gut, followed by a quick sweep that sent Naruto tumbling onto his back.

The crowd murmured, some students gasping at Sasuke's speed and precision.

Meanwhile with Sukuna:

"What the hell is that stance? And who taught you that garbage? It's wide open, unbalanced, and your footing's all wrong. You might as well be begging to get knocked over. "This is pathetic. The boy has power, but no one's taught him how to use it. This is due to him being left to figure things out himself, but even so that's the shittiest stance I've ever seen in my life."

He then witnessed Naruto throwing more punches and kicks, half of them not even coming close to landing.

"His attacks are wild and unfocused. He's learning as he fights. Sloppy, but there's potential. He's instinctive, at least, even if he lacks training. But he relies too much on it and brute force, and instincts alone won't close the gap between him and the Uchiha. The boy's raw strength means nothing without the skill to back it up.

If he could learn to control your power, he'd shatter Uchiha's ego in seconds. But with the way he's fighting now….sigh..Watching this is almost painful."

Back to the fight:

"Still think you're going to wipe the smug look off my face?" Sasuke asked, his tone icy.

Naruto scrambled to his feet, his jaw tight. "You just got lucky!" he shouted, charging forward again. This time, he feinted left before throwing a right hook aimed at Sasuke's jaw.

Sasuke tilted his head slightly, the punch grazing past his cheek. His counter was swift—a palm strike to Naruto's chest that knocked the air from his lungs. Naruto stumbled but didn't fall, his fiery determination forcing him to stay upright.

Without thinking, Naruto leapt into the air, twisting his hips into a flying kick aimed at Sasuke's chest. Sasuke's dark eyes flicked upward as he shifted his weight. At the last second, he stepped aside, letting Naruto sail harmlessly past him. Naruto landed hard, his knees buckling slightly as Sasuke spun behind him and swept his legs out from under him.

Naruto hit the dirt face-first, gasping as laughter erupted around him.

"Nice one, Naruto!" Kiba howled, doubling over.

"I can't believe he thought that would work!" one of Sasuke's fangirls giggled, her voice sharp and mocking.

Naruto groaned, his face burning with humiliation as he climbed to his feet. He could feel the other students' eyes on him, their sneers cutting deeper than any punch. His hands clenched into fists, dirt crumbling between his fingers as he glared at Sasuke.

"Give up, Naruto," Sasuke said coldly. "This is pointless."

"Not a chance!" Naruto shouted, rushing forward again. His movements grew sloppier as frustration clouded his judgment. He swung wildly, his punches erratic, his kicks poorly timed. Sasuke moved like water, slipping past each attack with practiced ease.

When Naruto overcommitted to a heavy punch, Sasuke caught his wrist mid-swing. He twisted lightly, forcing Naruto off-balance, and swept his feet out from under him once more. This time, Sasuke pressed his forearm against Naruto's throat, pinning him to the ground.

"Enough!" Iruka called out, as he stepped forward. "That's enough for today!"

Sasuke released Naruto, stepping back and brushing imaginary dust from his sleeves. His face remained calm, almost bored, as he stood tall above his defeated opponent. Naruto lay on the ground for a moment, his chest heaving as dirt clung to his clothes and sweat dripped down his face.

"Get up, Naruto," Iruka said, his tone softer now. He crouched slightly, offering a hand, but Naruto shook his head and pushed himself to his feet unsteadily. His legs wobbled, but he stood tall, even if his fists still trembled at his sides.

"Both of you," Iruka continued, gesturing between them. "Seal of Reconciliation. Now."

Naruto froze, his hands twitching. The weight of his humiliation bore down on him like a lead weight, and for a moment, he couldn't move. He glanced at Sasuke, who stood calmly, his expression unreadable, as though the fight had been little more than a mild inconvenience.

Sasuke raised his hand, extending it forward with a practiced indifference that made Naruto's blood boil. "Hurry up, loser," he muttered, his voice quiet but sharp enough to cut.

Naruto clenched his teeth, his fingers digging into his palms as he stepped forward. Every muscle in his body screamed at him to walk away, to leave and nurse his pride in silence. But Iruka's gaze was steady, expectant, and the weight of the academy tradition loomed too large to ignore.

He raised his hand, trembling as he formed the half-ram seal. Their fingers touched briefly, and for a fleeting moment, Naruto thought he saw something flicker in Sasuke's dark eyes—respect, or maybe acknowledgment—but it was gone before he could be sure.

The union sign complete, Sasuke pulled his hand back, slipping it into his pocket as he turned on his heel. "Try harder next time," he said coldly, his back already turned as he walked away.

Naruto's hand fell limply to his side. He stared at Sasuke's retreating figure, his chest tightening as the sting of his defeat sank in. Around him, the other students murmured, their voices a mix of admiration for Sasuke and laughter at his expense. But Naruto didn't listen.

Iruka placed a firm hand on his shoulder. "Good effort today, Naruto," he said quietly, his tone full of forced optimism. "There's always room to improve. Don't forget that."

Naruto didn't respond. He just nodded stiffly, his eyes fixed on the ground as he turned and began walking away.

With Sukuna:

"This… This is painful, what did I just watch? A sparring match or a comedy act? It's got worse by the minute."

He leaned back, one of his four hands rubbing his face in exasperation. "Your form is atrocious. Your balance is non-existent. And that—" Sukuna gestured vaguely toward Naruto's failed high kick, though no one could see him. "—that wasn't even an attack. That was a self-inflicted embarrassment."

Sukuna pinched the bridge of his nose, letting out a low, frustrated groan. "I can't watch this anymore. This isn't sparring—it's a damn comedy show. Who taught you to fight like this? A drunk monkey?"

His irritation deepened as he observed Sasuke's calculated movements. "The Uchiha brat is toying with you. He's not even trying, and you're making him look like a prodigy. This is pathetic.I can't believe I'm stuck in the mind of this fool," he muttered, his voice filled with exasperation. "You're not just bad—you're legendarily bad."

He sighed deeply, lowering his hands to glare at Naruto through his perspective. "If humiliation were a weapon, you'd be unbeatable. But as it stands, this Uchiha brat just buried you in front of everyone.

You're supposed to have potential, and this is what you show me? Tripping, missing, falling on your face? I've seen drunken fools fight with more grace."

Then Naruto missed an aerial attack that made Sukuna actually sit up, one of his hands clenching into a fist. "You jumped? Of all fucking things, why the hell would you jump again?! If this was an actual fight you'd already be six feet under… I swear if I had a body right now, I'd walk out of this mess myself. This is beyond embarrassing, it's so bad it's secondhand embarrassment."

Outside:

Naruto lay there for a moment, his chest heaving as he stared up at the sky. Slowly, he sat up, dirt clinging to his clothes and sweat dripping down his face. His hands trembled as he pushed himself to his feet, his head hanging low.

As Naruto trudged back toward the group, the sound of laughter pierced his ears like sharp daggers. Each step felt heavier than the last, his body weighed down not just by the bruises from the fight, but by the sheer weight of humiliation pressing on his chest. Dirt clung to his sweat-soaked clothes, his red hair plastered messily to his forehead, and his bright blue eyes, normally filled with defiance, were now clouded with shame.

The students' laughter seemed to echo endlessly in his mind, their voices hurting more than any punch Sasuke had landed.

Naruto's fists clenched at his sides, and his face burned from embarrassment. He refused to look up, keeping his gaze fixed on the dirt beneath his feet as he walked towards them.

When he reached the edge of the group and sat on the ground, wincing from the lingering pain of Sasuke's blows. But it was nothing compared to the hollow ache gnawing at his pride. The snickers and whispers didn't stop; he could feel the weight of their stares even though he refused to meet their eyes.

"What a loser," someone muttered.

"He actually thought he could beat Sasuke, everyone knows he's the dead-last. He should just give up already, he shouldn't even be here." another boy scoffed.

"I mean this is the same idiot who couldn't control his chakra earlier." A girl said

Naruto heard all of this, and normally he'd just brush it off with a grin or laugh, but this time he didn't. He felt sad, humiliated and most of all anger.

'It's not fair.' Naruto thought to himself 'They're all laughing at me, no matter how hard I try it's never enough. They don't know what it's like to be me, I try so hard and no one wants to help me. Maybe if they actually tried to help I wouldn't be so bad, but they all push me away like I'm a plague, and I don't understand why? Why me? Why does everyone hate me, is it because of my hair?' He tugged at a loose strand of red that had fallen in front of his face. 'Is it because of this?' They'd always said it made him look weird—called him things like "fire-head" or "freak."

Minutes passed, though they felt like hours. He sat alone, his back turned to the others, shielding himself from their stares. The cheers and shouts from the sparring matches continued behind him, but they only reminded him of what he wasn't—of what he couldn't do.

For the first time in a long while, Naruto didn't feel like standing back up.

Later day:

After the bell rang signaling the end of the day, the students poured out of the academy chatting and planning things, but Naruto waa the last one to leave trailing behind them. He had no one to chat with, no one to plan things with and he still felt humiliated from the sparring match—if it could be called that from earlier. He, as always, was all alone.

Naruto walked through the streets, he kept his gaze fixed on the ground, blocking out the whispers and glares of the villagers. Normally, he'd stop by Ichiraku for a bowl of ramen to cheer himself up, but today… he didn't feel like it. The thought of smiling or laughing felt impossible. Instead, he trudged toward the run-down part of the village where his apartment was.

As he neared a corner, two familiar voices reached his ears—Sakura Haruno and Ino Yamanaka. His heart gave a small leap, and for a moment, he hesitated. Maybe he could say hi, join their conversation. A flicker of hope stirred in his chest as he stepped toward them.

But then he heard his name.

"I mean, can you believe it? That match with Naruto and Sasuke—it was so pathetic! Sasuke wasn't even trying, and Naruto was still falling all over himself. It was hilarious." Ino said.

Sakura laughed, shaking her head. "I know, right? He's such a loser. There's no way someone like him could ever match Sasuke." She scoffed. "Honestly, I don't know why he even tries. It's like… just give up already."

Naruto's heart sank. His hand, which had started to raise in greeting, dropped limply to his side. He ducked back behind the corner, his chest tightening as their words echoed in his ears. His throat felt dry, and his fists clenched at his sides. Why… why did it hurt so much? A part if him told him to leave, that he should leave but he couldn't, or rather didn't and he would soon regret it.

"Right? I mean, he's always acting like he's some kind of big shot," Ino added, rolling her eyes. "Like, give me a break. You're not special, Naruto. You're just… embarrassing."

"And loud," Sakura said, crossing her arms. "He never shuts up! Always yelling about being Hokage or trying to show off. It's so annoying."

"Oh, and don't forget the way he dresses," Ino said with a smirk. "I mean, what is that? Bright orange? Does he think he's a traffic cone or something?"

Sakura snorted. "He looks ridiculous. Honestly, it's no wonder he's still the dead-last. He can't even figure out how to dress himself, let alone how to be a ninja."

Ino grinned mischievously. "Oh, and what about how he's always asking you out? Like, seriously, what does he think is going to happen? You'd never go out with someone like him."

"Ew, gross," Sakura said, her face twisting in disgust. "You know I like Sasuke. Naruto's nothing like him. He's loud, annoying, and he'll never measure up. Honestly, it's pathetic how he keeps trying. Does he really think someone like me would ever say yes? Not a chance."

Ino giggled. "Right? Like, does he even know how out of his league you are?"

Sakura rolled her eyes. "I don't think he knows anything. He's just… ugh, everything about him is annoying. He's so clueless, and he can't even take a hint."

"You're way too good for him," Ino said smugly. Then she paused, her voice lowering slightly. "And, I mean, he's an orphan. Like, no family, no legacy—nothing. What does he even have to offer?"

Sakura scoffed, crossing her arms. "Exactly. No one cares about him. He's just a loudmouth who thinks yelling about being Hokage will make people notice him. Honestly, it's pathetic. He doesn't even have parents to teach him how to act or anything. And what's with that hair? I mean, come on. Who even has hair like that? It's like he's trying to stand out."

Ino laughed, brushing her own hair over her shoulder. "Right? It's so weird. All that red with those bits of golden blonde? He looks like a… I don't know, a carnival act or something. No wonder people stare at him—it's not because they like him."

"It's so unnatural," Sakura added, shaking her head. "I bet even his parents would've hated it and those whisker marks. If he even remembers what they looked like, anyway."

"Yeah, those whisker marks," Ino said, her voice dripping with mockery. "What's up with those? They make him look like some kind of freak."

Sakura snorted. "Right? It's like he's trying to look like a fox or a cat or something. They just make him look stupid."

Ino giggled. "Totally. They're so weird and creepy. I bet they're another reason people avoid him. I mean, who wants to talk to someone who looks like that?"

Sakura sighed, shaking her head. "He probably thinks it makes him special or something, but it doesn't. It's just another thing that makes him stand out in all the wrong ways."

Ino giggled again. "He probably doesn't even realize how pathetic it looks. Poor little Naruto, all alone, running around with that ridiculous hair and those stupid whiskers, yelling about being Hokage. He just looks so… desperate."

Sakura nodded in agreement, her tone growing colder. "Yeah, and it's not like that's going to change. He'll always just be… Naruto. An annoying, loud orphan who thinks he can be something when he's really nothing."

Ino smirked. "You said it. No parents, no family, no future. And those whiskers? What's the point in even trying?"

Sakura shrugged, letting out a light laugh. "I don't know. Maybe he thinks he'll find someone who actually cares, but let's be real—who would? He's so hopeless."

Little did they know, Naruto was right there listening to them.

Or maybe they did know and didn't give damn, he didn't know. Regardless, Naruto heard and it felt as though he'd been stabbed in the chest, the pain sudden and sharp, making it hard to breathe. His heart sank, heavy and cold, before it felt as though someone had taken it and shattered it like fragile glass. The weight of their laughter, their mocking tones, pressed down on him, and for a moment, he couldn't move.

They… really think that about me? The thought spiraled in his mind, tangled with the sound of Sakura's voice. He tried to swallow, but his throat was dry.

And the word "orphan" echoed in his head, each repetition sharper than the last, until it felt like a kunai being twisted in his chest. His breath hitched, and he instinctively clutched at his stomach, as if the pain were physical. But it wasn't—it was worse. It was the kind of pain that didn't leave bruises, the kind that hollowed him out from the inside.

No parents, no family, no future… Their words looped endlessly in his mind, stabbing deeper each time. He staggered back a step, his body trembling as though the world around him had turned freezing cold—fae below zero. It wasn't the first time someone had called him an orphan, but hearing it like this—from her—made it unbearable. Sakura's voice, the one he'd always hoped to hear saying something kind, something warm, was now insulting him.

Naruto's knees felt weak, but he forced himself to stay upright. He clenched his fists causing his nails to dig so deep that they drew blood. But the sting in his hands was nothing compared to the ache in his chest. It felt as though something inside him had cracked wide open, spilling out every ounce of hope he'd been holding onto.

He wanted to run out and yell at them, to scream that they didn't know him, that they didn't understand, but no words came. What could he even say? The truth of their words—that he had no family, no one waiting for him at home—was a wound too deep to ignore. For all his stubbornness, all his loud declarations of becoming Hokage, this was a truth he couldn't shout away, he couldn't even dream it away at night.

Instead, he took a shaky step back, then another, retreating further into the shadows as his chest heaved with shallow breaths.

Why does it have to be this way? The question burned in his mind, but there was no answer. There never was. It didn't matter how hard he tried, how much he gave—people always looked at him the same way. A nuisance. A joke. A nobody.

Naruto's vision blurred as tears threatened to spill, but he refused to let himself cry, not here, not where they could hear him. He swallowed hard, forcing the lump in his throat down, but the ache in his chest only grew heavier. He swallowed hard, forcing the lump in his throat down, but the ache in his chest only grew heavier.

Naruto around quickly, his feet moving on their own as he went the opposite way, making sure they wouldn't see him. He didn't care where he was going anymore; he just had to get away. Away from their laughter, away from their cruel words that kept playing over and over in his head like a broken record.

"No family, no future. Who would even care?" The words rang in his ears, louder than anything else, drowning out the sound of the world around him. He turned abruptly, his feet moving before he could think, taking him back the way he came. He couldn't let them see him like this.

He kept his head down as he walked. He didn't even care where he was going anymore, as long as it was away from them. His mind raced, their voices replaying over and over. 'Why would they say that? How could they?'

Naruto bit the inside of his cheek so hard he tasted blood, hoping the sting would snap him out of the spiraling thoughts. But it didn't. Their laughter, their mockery—it was all too much.

He took another turn down a side street, making sure he was far from anyone who might see him. His breath came in shaky gasps, and his chest felt like it was about to collapse under the weight of it all. No family, no future…

He wanted to scream, to yell until his voice gave out, but instead, he kept moving, his legs carrying him toward the only place he could go: home.

He wanted to scream, to yell until his voice gave out, but instead, he kept moving, his legs carrying him toward the only place he could go: home. The streets blurred around him as he walked, his head down and his fists shoved deep into his pockets. By the time he reached his apartment building, the sun had dipped lower, casting long shadows that stretched across the cracked pavement.

Naruto stopped at the base of the exposed outdoor stairwell, looking upward to the top floor where his apartment was. The building was old, its once-white paint now faded and peeling, and the old wooden stairs were probably never replaced, they each creaked under his weight as Naruto trudged up the stairs.

The sound always made it feel like the steps might give out beneath him, though they never did. Still, it added to the feeling that this building—this life he lived—was barely holding together.

When he reached the shared walkway outside the upper floor, he glanced around. A few doors had chipped nameplates or scuffed mats in front of them, but his was as bare as the rest of the rundown complex.

He fumbled in his pockets for his keys. He checked one pocket, then the other, but they weren't there. He patted himself down once, twice, then groaned. Great. Just great.

He turned to a loose brick in the wall near his door, carefully pulling it out to reveal the spare key he'd stashed there. It was dirty and slightly bent, but it was all he had.

Naruto shoved the key into the rusty lock, twisting and jiggling it for about ten minutes until it finally gave way with a loud click. He stepped inside, shutting and locking the door behind him. His apartment was as small and shabby as ever, with peeling wallpaper and a musty smell that no amount of airing out could get rid of. He dropped his bag near the entrance, kicking off his sandals without a second thought. They landed haphazardly near the wall, but he didn't care.

The cracked tiles of the bathroom floor felt cool under his feet as he turned the shower knob, waiting for the water to heat up. He reached a hand under the stream and immediately jerked it back. "Cold," he muttered, narrowing his eyes at the faucet. He turned the knob all the way to the left, but the icy water didn't change.

"Son of a bitch! That goddamn landlord cut off the gas again," he snapped, his voice echoing in the tiny bathroom. He slammed the faucet shut with more force than necessary, his jaw tightening. "Cheap bastard. I pay rent, don't I?! Stupid asshole!"

Naruto stormed out of the bathroom and into the small kitchen. He grabbed a plastic container, filled it with water, and shoved it into the microwave. Slamming the door shut, he punched the buttons and watched the timer countdown.

For exactly two seconds.

Then the microwave sputtered, the lights flickered, and everything shut off. Naruto stared at it, his fists clenching. "Oh, come on!" he snapped, slamming a hand against the side of the microwave. The old thing usually came back to life after a few hits, but this time it stayed stubbornly silent. He slammed it again, harder, but it didn't make a difference. It sat there, dark and useless, like everything else in this place. "Ugh, stupid piece of junk!"

Letting out a frustrated sigh, Naruto stomped back to the bathroom. "Fine. Cold it is," he muttered under his breath. He stripped out of his clothes and stepped into the shower, bracing himself as he turned the knob again.

The freezing water hit his skin like icy needles, and he bit back a yelp. His muscles tensed as he forced himself to stay under the stream, every nerve screaming at him to jump back. He clenched his teeth, shivering violently as the water drenched his hair. It was freezing, but he couldn't do anything about it. Just like always

And then the shower head broke.

The setting shifted with a loud click, and the stream turned into a high-pressure spray that rained down on him like hailstones. The water pelted his skin fast and hard, stinging as he struggled to adjust the settings back. His wet hands slipped on the knob, and the relentless spray continued to batter him, soaking the entire bathroom in the process.

"Why… won't… you… turn… off?!" Naruto growled, his voice rising with every word. Finally, after several attempts, the faucet screeched to a stop. He stood there for a moment, dripping and shivering, his breath coming in uneven bursts. His red hair clung to his face in uneven clumps, and his shoulders slumped in defeat.

Naruto grabbed the nearest towel, rubbing it over his arms and face before wrapping it around his waist. He glanced at his reflection in the cracked mirror and froze. The face staring back at him didn't feel like his. His blue eyes looked dull, tired, and the vibrant streaks in his red hair only made him feel more out of place.

Turning away, he muttered under his breath. "Stupid hair, stupid apartment, stupid life…"

He left the bathroom, drying off then he tossed the towel onto a chair before pulling on his shorts and an old, threadbare shirt. The fabric clung to his damp skin, but he didn't care. He just needed to eat something.

Naruto walked into the small kitchen, his bare feet scuffing against the cracked linoleum floor. He opened the cabinet above the counter, scanning its nearly empty shelves. A few cups of instant ramen sat haphazardly on the edge, their bright packaging mocking him with their cheerful colors.

He sighed, his shoulders slumping. "Who am I kidding?" he muttered under his breath. Reaching for one, he didn't even glance at the flavor before ripping off the lid. It didn't matter. Nothing mattered.

He turned to the stove, setting the cup down and twisting the knob to ignite the burner. Nothing happened. No flame. No heat. Just silence. He froze for a moment, his hand still gripping the knob, before realization dawned.

The gas. The damn gas.

Naruto's teeth clenched, his jaw tightening as anger flared in his chest. "That damn bastard!" he spat, slamming the knob back to its original position. "A guy can't even have a nice warm cup of ramen around here! I swear I—grrrah!" His voice echoed in the empty apartment.

Desperate, he turned to the microwave, shoving the cup inside and slamming the door. He pressed hard on the buttons, his frustration boiled over when nothing happened. The display remained blank, unlit.

Naruto let out a growl of rage, hitting the side of the microwave with his fist. "Of course! Why wouldn't it work?!" Since that failed he yanked the cup out, cold water sloshing onto his hand. He glared at the pathetic meal in his grasp before resigning himself to the inevitable.

He poured cold water into the ramen cup, the noodles floating lifelessly as they soaked. With slow, deliberate movements, he carried the cup to the small table in the corner of the room and sat down. He held his chopsticks, his fingers trembling as he prepared to eat. But then… he stopped.

The words echoed in his mind.

"He's an annoying orphan. No one cares about him. No family, no future. He'll always just be a loser."

Naruto stared at the cup, his vision blurring as his chest tightened. His hands shook, the chopsticks wobbling between his fingers. The longer he looked, the more their laughter rang in his ears. "What's the point in even trying?"

Something inside him snapped.

The chopsticks cracked in his hand with a sharp snap! before he hurled them to the side. His hand shot out, knocking the cup of ramen off the table. It flew across the room, water and soggy noodles splattering against the wall and floor.

But that wasn't enough.

Naruto grabbed the edge of the table, his knuckles white as he flipped it over with a guttural roar, it crashed into something but he didn't stop to look. His chest heaved as his eyes darted around, wild and unfocused.

His fist flew forward, slamming into the nearest wall with a loud thud. He hit it again. And again. The dull ache in his knuckles grew, but he didn't care. His punches grew harder, the impact shaking the brittle wall as cracks spiderwebbed across its surface. His knuckles split, blood flowing and smearing across the plaster, but he didn't stop.

"Why?!" Thud! "Why is my life like this?!" Thud! "What did I do wrong?!" Thud!

His voice cracked, raw and uneven, but he didn't stop. His fists pounded into the wall again and again, the dull impact reverberating through his arms. Each strike was harder than the last, matching the relentless torrent of questions hammering in his head.

"Why am I all alone?! Why do I always suffer?!" His voice rose to a scream, tearing from his throat like a wounded animal. His vision blurred with tears he refused to let fall, and the dull ache in his knuckles was eclipsed by the searing storm of emotions inside him."Why do they hate me?!"

The plaster cracked under his fists, small fragments crumbling to the floor, but he didn't care. The sting of his split skin, the blood smearing the wall—it didn't matter. It wasn't enough. It would never be enough.

"Over and over and over. And over! And over! And over! And over! And over! And over again! Just let me live already!"

He roared, as his fists slammed into the wall one last time, blood dripping from his knuckles and smearing across the fractured plaster.

His body trembled violently, and he heaved heavily as he staggered back, his legs giving out beneath him. Then slid down the wall slowly, leaving streaks of red behind as he crumpled to the floor.

His hands hung limply at his sides, his head tilting forward as the first tear spilled down his cheek.

And then another.

And another.

The tears came in an unstoppable wave hot, unrelenting, and stinging as they rolled down his face. His shoulders shook uncontrollably, with silent sobs that grew louder, more ragged, with each breath. until they filled the empty apartment; a sound of pure anguish.

Blood smeared the wall where his fists had struck, red stains marking the fractured plaster. The overturned table lay on its side, ramen noodles scattered across the floor like discarded fragments of a life barely held together.

Naruto sat there, hunched over, his body cradling his despair as the anger and fury drained away, leaving only a hollow emptiness behind. His tears dripped onto the floor, merging with the spilled water, as he whispered hoarsely to himself, "Why… why can't I just be happy?"

The room didn't answer. It never did.

3 hours later:

Naruto's sobs echoed in the silence, the sound sharp and broken, before fading into nothingness. He sat slumped against the wall, his bloodied hands resting limply at his sides, his breath shallow and uneven. But then—something shifted.

The air around him grew heavy, oppressive, and the room seemed to tilt slightly as though the world itself had come unhinged. Naruto's heart raced, his eyes widening as the space around him blurred and twisted. The apartment walls faded, replaced by an unnatural darkness that seemed to swallow everything whole.

His gaze traveled upward, and his stomach twisted. The ceiling—or what passed for one—was made of massive bones, curved and jagged, like the ribs of a giant beast. They stretched high above him, their stark whiteness contrasting with the eerie red glow that seemed to emanate from everywhere and nowhere at once. The air—or whatever filled this space—pressed heavily against him, making it hard to breathe. It felt as though an invisible weight was crushing his chest, threatening to force him to his knees.

'What is this?'

Naruto found himself standing knee-deep in liquid. He couldn't tell if it was blood or water dyed red, but it rippled and sloshed with each movement he made. The thick, metallic scent that filled his nose suggested something darker.

Blood?

Naruto's legs trembled, but he forced himself to move, the red liquid splashing with each step. His gaze fell ahead, and his heart nearly stopped.

In front of him, stacked high like a grotesque monument, were countless skulls. Their hollow eye sockets seemed to stare back at him, accusing and lifeless. Some were human, others unrecognizable, twisted into shapes that made his skin crawl. The pile rose higher and higher until it formed a jagged pedestal, and atop it sat a throne.

A throne of bones.

And on that throne sat… something…..something that defied reason.

It looked vaguely human, but the term barely applied. Its four muscular arms rested casually on the armrests, and each one had claw-like fingers that twitched ever so slightly; and it's body was muscular but grotesque and covered in black markings. So far all of that Naruto could tolerate, however it was the faces that made him freeze. Yes, faces.

The figure had two faces and both pairs of crimson eyes bore into Naruto like they could see every inch of his soul, stripping him bare with their gaze. His presence alone was suffocating, the air—if it could even be called air—pressing down on Naruto's chest like a weight he couldn't shake. The pressure in the air intensified, forcing Naruto to stiffen as every nerve in his body screamed at him to flee. His legs trembled, but he refused to kneel. His fists clenched at his sides, blood from his earlier outburst dripping into the crimson liquid below.

Sukuna's grin widened, the corners of his mouth stretching unnaturally as his head tilted ever so slightly. A low, rumbling chuckle escaped him, echoing like thunder in the vast space.

"Well, well," Sukuna said, his voice deep and resonant, vibrating through the very air. "You didn't kneel. Interesting."

The KI radiating from him was overwhelming, like a blade pressed against Naruto's throat. It felt as if the very space around him was alive and ready to crush him. His heart beat in his chest rapidly, one might think he'd have a heart attack, but he stood his ground. Despite his earlier despair, a part of him refused to show weakness. Whoever or whatever this was…he had to face it head on.

He refused to run away.

"W-Who are you?" Naruto stammered, his voice trembling but defiant. He clenched his fists tighter, nails biting into his palms. "The Shinigami? You're here to make my life worse or kill me, aren't you?!"

Sukuna let out another laugh, leaning forward slightly as his crimson eyes gleamed with amusement. "Shinigami? Kill you? No, boy… I'm something far worse." his grin grew impossibly wider, baring jagged teeth that seemed to glint in the faint, blood-red light of the space. "If I wanted to kill you, you'd already be dead. As for making your life worse… well, that remains to be seen."

The End

Author Note: Killing intent will be referred to as Ki, for smoother flow. Thank you for reading, and I'd appreciate it if you leave a review. And please spread this among others.