Shinobi Country: Iruka's Apartment, Morning…

Iruka had collected his mail and brought it up to his apartment. Amongst what he typically expected was a scroll with his name on it, the writing unmistakably Naruto's. This saw the instructor leaving the rest of his mail on the table as he sat down and unfurled the scroll.

"Iruka,

Given what I contain, I now understand why you reacted the way you did when first taking over the class, but you overcome it. You even stepped in to protect me from those enemy Kunoichi. Yeah, we're the same in a lot of ways. No one seemed to care about me.

All I wanted was for the people of this village to see me, know my name; however, whatever effort I put in wasn't enough, not like being the class clown. That just wasn't the attention I wanted. I've been lonely, which really hurts deep inside. Then, there are the ways we differed.

I grew up with no parents, don't even know who they are. Only five people in the village really see me as Naruto Uzumaki rather than what I contain or the bad things they've heard from their parents. In the end, I've realized I can't keep living like this.

Maybe if I buckled down this year, I'd graduate like you believe I can. Thing is, I can't take another year with most of the village hating me for something I had no part in. I'm sorry Sensei. By the time you've read this letter, I should hopefully be long gone.

Thank you for everything and maybe someday we'll see each other again.

Naruto."

The scroll dropped from Iruka's hands as his eyes were wide with shock. "This…can't be."

Iruka suddenly stood, seeing the chair he'd been sitting on tip over. He ran to the door, throwing it open and sprinting out without even bothering to lock up like he normally would.

Naruto's Apartment

Iruka lept to the floor Naruto's apartment was on and knocked on the blond's door. "NARU…"

The door swung open, allowing Iruka to see the apartment was cleaner than it's ever been any time he's visited prior. The Chunin entered, quickly scanning and rummaging around before noting nothing of Naruto's was missing.

"This can't be…" Iruka shook his head, refusing to believe the blond was gone. "I got to check everyone I think Naruto could be!"

He sprinted from the apartment, leaving this door wide open, before rushing through the village to the confusion of everyone. If he couldn't find Naruto anywhere, he'd have to go to the Third.

Sasuke's Apartment

Sasuke was just returning from his early morning training when he checked his mail. Inside was what looked like an official scroll with his name on it. He didn't recognize the writing, though it looked rather professional.

"Could be informing of a change in whose handing out stipends." Sasuke noted, taking the scroll and walking up to his apartment.

Changes in who gave out stipends weren't uncommon and often were accompanied by scrolls rather than envelopes. Additionally, a few of those have been early, like this one seemingly was. Once he was inside, Sasuke had a seat and unfurled the scroll.

Sasuke,

Why are people so obsessed with you? I never got it, and maybe that's down to my lack of knowledge. I never did get to know who you were. All I do know is the two of us may just be the only people around our age who are lonely. Isn't it just so painful, Sasuke?

I don't even know who my parents were while I can recall seeing you with parents. I can guess, by the fact I no longer see you with them, you lost yours. I suppose that begs the question of what it was like to have a family, Sasuke?

That's not to say my loneliness trumps yours, I'm genuinely curious. When I first realized there was someone like me, I was relieved and happy to. I wanted to approach you right off the bat, but I couldn't work up the nerve.

You were able to do everything and everyone fawned over you. You were and still are ahead of me, that headband you received is proof of that. Prior to this, I didn't want to admit it, so I started to see you as my rival. Someone I didn't want to lose to.

With everyone calling me a loser, it was so much worse. The truth is, I wanted to be just like you. You were someone I aspired to. Someone who I wanted to acknowledge me more than anyone else. I never got that, yet you're still the only person I could consider a friend.

Isn't that sad? The closest thing to a friend I had was someone who never even acknowledged me. In the end, that was better than what anyone else gave me. I was alone from the very start. Everyone in the village hated me for something I couldn't control.

Something I had no say in. Because I was alone from the beginning, I don't know what it was like to have a family. Unlike me Sasuke, the villagers don't hate you. You can start again while I never even got to start. Wearing the headband you do now means you can garner respect.

There's no pressure; however, perhaps you could change things to where people like us don't have to be lonely anymore. I won't be able to do it myself. Aside from the fact I've failed the graduation exam three times over now, I've decided I can't do it anymore.

I hope by the time you're reading this, I'm already well away from Konoha.

Naruto"

Flashback

"Big brother, can you please help me with my shuriken training today?" Sasuke asked.

A younger Sasuke had caught his big brother just as he was leaving their family home.

"No, I can't." Itachi answered. "I'm busy. Why not ask father to teach you instead?"

"Aw, come on." Sasuke pleaded. "You're always doing this. You never have time, and it's always the same old story. Big brother, why do you always treat me as such a pest? I know what's going on. You just don't like me."

"Don't say that Sasuke." Itachi had stood. "I don't have time for this today."

"It's always today this, today that." Sasuke returned. "When will tomorrow ever come?"

Itachi smiled and motioned for his brother to join him, seeing him smile on the approach. "Sorry about this, Sasuke." He tapped the younger boy's forehead before walking to the door. "Oh, right. The next time father and mother go somewhere, I may be able to take some time off."

"Really?" Sasuke asked hopefully. "When is that going to happen?"

"You'll have to ask father." Itachi answered. "See you."

Sasuke was slightly disappointed as his older brother left; however, he was quick to overcome it with the hope that the time his brother mentioned was soon. Come night, Sasuke was having dinner with his parents.

"What kind of fish is this?" Fugaku asked. "It's pretty good."

"Oh, you like it?" Mikoto smiled. "It was on sale today."

"Things in season are always cheap and tasty." Sasuke noted.

"Oh, is that so?" Fugaku asked with a chuckle.

Sasuke was soon done with his first serving, holding his bowl out to his mother. "Hey mom, seconds please."

"Sure thing." Mikoto voiced, taking the bowl.

"Dad, I remember you saying you're going on a trip somewhere." Sasuke noted. "When do you leave?"

"Yes, that's right." Fugaku noted. "We're going to visit your mother's family. I thought we'd go on my next day off." He smiled. "You want to come?"

"Nah, I'm going to have big brother teach me all kinds of stuff." Sasuke replied.

Fugaku was surprised. "He said he'd…teach you?"

"Oh yeah." Sasuke nodded. "He promised he would."

"Itachi did?" Mikoto asked. "Well, that's unusual." She then remembered her son's second serving. "Oh, here's your rice dear."

"Thanks." Sasuke responded, accepting the bowl.

"As for your shuriken practice, I could help you work on it when you get home if you want." Mikoto voiced.

Sasuke ate from his rice. "It's not just practice, it's actual training."

"Oh, could I trouble you for some tea?" Fugaku asked his wife.

"Sure." Mikoto responded.

"Extra hot, please." Fugaku requested.

"Okay." Mikoto stated.

The days soon passed by until Fugaku and Mikoto left as the former said they would. At the same time, Itachi had his time off which lead to him upholding his promise to Sasuke. He threw kunai at a target, purposefully not aiming for the center given two could not rest there.

"Now you try, just like that." Itachi instructed, which saw Sasuke throw his kunai and getting it right next to his brother's. "You've improved, Sasuke."

Sasuke laughed proudly. "I can throw better than mom now."

"Alright, how about this?" Itachi asked.

He first threw four kunai, followed by another four. All eight hitting on either side of the bullseye. Itachi ended it by throwing two more, the second going through the hole in the handle of the first and pinning it to the target as he hit it dead center.

"You're amazing big brother." Sasuke marveled. "How'd you even get them to do that?"

"You'll be throwing like that soon." Itachi assured. "You are a lot like me, you know?"

Sasuke smiled at that, the brothers sharing in their moment. When evening came around, the two having trained all day, they ended up having a seat on the porch of the house.

"Big brother, can you teach me again sometime like you did today?" Sasuke requested.

"Sure, should I have the time." Itachi answered.

"You promise?" Sasuke questioned.

"Yeah." Itachi answered. "Do you know how the Uchiha Clan came about?"

"What?" Sasuke questioned. "No, I haven't really learned too much about it yet."

"The Uchiha crest is the symbol and proof of our prestigious clan." Itachi informed.

"The image of a fan is prestigious?" Sasuke questioned.

"You need wind to start a fire, right?" Itachi asked. "You produce wind with a fan."

"And is that, something amazing?" Sasuke asked.

Itachi laughed good naturedly. "Well, you'll come to understand in time."

"For the sake of the clan, is that why you fight?" Sasuke inquired.

"I wonder…" Itachi stared off in contemplation. "I'm not quite sure about that just yet either." The younger Uchiha's stomach growled, making the older Uchiha laugh as his younger brother blushed. "Alright, I'm going to make us a big feast tonight."

Itachi ended up preparing an absolute feast of sea food with fried rice and plenty of vegetables.

"You made all this, just for us two?" Sasuke asked in amazement.

"Uh, yeah." Itachi realized just how much there was. "Maybe I did go a bit overboard."

Sasuke smiled a touch smugly. "Yeah, maybe a little." After dinner, they were back on the porch with Sasuke rather content with his fill. "I'm totally stuffed."

Itachi came out with bedding, drawing his attention. "Hey Sasuke, want to sleep outside tonight?"

"Are you sure it's okay for us to do that?" Sasuke asked, receiving a nod in return.

Sasuke ran back inside excitedly, drawing the concern of his older brother. "Hey, careful! Don't be in such a rush!"

Just then. Sasuke ended up tripping. Eventually, the brothers were laid on the bedding, on the porch, side by side.

"Are you cold?" Itachi questioned.

"No, it feels great out here." Sasuke answered.

There was then a moment of silence as the pair took in the sounds of the night.

…

Sasuke soon broke it. "I really want to become a skilled Shinobi like you because then I'll finally be able to get father's approval."

Itachi chuckled. "You want to be like me? No, you'll surpass me."

"That's impossible." Sasuke shook his head. "No way. I mean, you're this super gifted genius. Everyone says that, you know?"

"Don't count yourself out." Itachi laughed. "You do have the potential."

"Okay then." Sasuke returned, closing his eyes. "I will surpass you."

Morning came as it always does, Sasuke having shifted in his sleep to lay above the covers the opposite way he'd originally fallen asleep in.

"Sasuke." Fugaku called out, having returned with his wife. "What are you doing out here?"

Sasuke was roused from his sleep. "Father? What is it?" He was a bit groggy. "Where am I?" He then remembered. "Oh, right. Big brother said we could sleep outside."

Mikoto had joined them, a touch surprised to hear that. "Itachi did?"

Sasuke looked around, seeing his brother's part of the bedding was gone. "Where's big brother?"

"It seems he's left early." Fugaku looked outside. "Sometimes, I just don't know what he's thinking."

Sasuke looked outside. "Big brother…"

Sasuke's Apartment: Present…

Sasuke's mind rarely turned to happier memories, his mind typically only ever returning to one night that changed everything. This letter from Naruto had resulted in just that, bringing him back to a time when he was someone different than who he was now.

The Uchiha soon scoffed, shaking his head. "So, the loser ended up leaving the village." He stood, rolling the scroll back up as he did. "Good, means I won't ever see him rather than occasionally having him come bug me."

Despite his thought process, which would have led to him discarding the scroll, he ended up setting it on a table by his bed side before getting on with his day.

Hokage's Office

After getting over his shock of Naruto being gone, as well as dismissing the Anbu who came to check on him, Hiruzen ended up unfurling the scroll left to him by Naruto's shadow clone.

Hiruzen,

You must realize now, I've left. Sorry old man, but I couldn't take it anymore. Prior to learning what I contained, I didn't know why I was hatted. Even though I didn't know, I still saw how everyone treated me. The way they would stare and whisper like I wasn't there.

The way in which parents would discourage their children from playing with me. It's not just about that. It's the fact every day I would return home to an empty apartment, no one waiting for me. To sum it up, I was lonely, and that is painful. It got to be too much.

I realized, through how Iruka changed, the only way I was going to be seen was by becoming a Shinobi. I've lived in Konoha all this time, and pursuing the path of a Shinobi was all that changed how anyone perceived me.

Even though Iruka assured me I can pass the fourth time, I realized I can't take another year. Hey, it wasn't all bad. I found people who cared about and saw me. One of them was you, even if I'm still steamed about our initial meeting.

The Hokage of all people coming in to bum food I worked hard to catch, lousy old man. Hey, I guess what you ate of my haul was worth it for that night under the stars as I did have a good time. What you told me that night did hit home.

Compared to the vastness of the world and universe, I'm small. No matter how much I grow, compared to all that, I'll still be small. Even though I'll always be small, I'll always be me. That's something I'll remember as I carve out something better.

Anyways, thanks for being among the first people who saw Naruto Uzumaki for Naruto Uzumaki. I can't say I understand much about what your job entails, but I think I understand it means you got to send people after me. If you do, no hard feelings.

Naruto"

"Minato, Kushina, I've failed your son." Hiruzen wiped his eyes of the tears.

Just then, Iruka burst into the office panting. "Lord Third, I think Naruto has…"

He paused upon seeing the emotional state of his leader.

"I am aware." Hiruzen took a deep breath to compose himself before taking on a stern demeanor. "It is an S rank secret you are to hold onto." He walked passed the Chunin. "Now, I need to have words with my councilors and an old friend."

"Yes, Lord Hokage." Iruka voiced, intimidated.

Meeting Room

Hiruzen called Koharu, Homura, and Danzo to his meeting room, which he had sealed off prior to their arrival.

Once the four of them had a seat, Hiruzen got straight to the point. "Naruto is gone."

"Gone?" Koharu asked.

"What do you mean, Hiruzen?" Homura asked.

"I mean Naruto has left the village." Hiruzen reiterated.

This saw the three elders stiffen as the news was digested and quiet reigned for the moment.

…

"You failed, Sarutobi." Danzo was the first to speak. "We need to reclaim our Jinchuriki, not sit around talking about it."

"Agreed." Homura nodded. "As Hokage, with your many years holding the title, we have come to expect so much more of you."

In an instant, Hiruzen unleashed his killing intent to its fullest. While it didn't make the three elders afraid, it was more than enough to give them pause.

"THAT IS ENOUGH!" Hiruzen yelled, seeing the three of them, even Danzo, flinch. "The reason Naruto left is in this room. All four of us failed that child, the three of you for seeing him as nothing more than a Jinchuriki, and my failing to honor Lord Fourth's last request.

Naruto Uzumaki was a boy who needed a family, which we had a hand in denying him." He looked pointedly at Danzo. "Through one of you, who I know spread the truth, the village saw him worse than the way you three saw him. We lost Naruto Uzumaki through our actions.

We did not deserve the honor of Minato and Kushina sacrifice. We did not deserve the sacrifice Naruto made for this village every day he lived with that burden. It is a miracle he endured for as long as he did. Naruto Uzumaki is no weapon of Konoha, neither Jinchuriki nor Shinobi.

He was a citizen who decided to leave the village. Given he had no guardian and the things he had to endure, we shall take no measures against him. Should he ever decide to return, we will hold no ill will and welcome him back with open arms. Am I clear?"

"What if he decides to return for revenge?" Danzo asked.

At that, Hiruzen's expression turned sad yet hardened. "In the unlikely event Naruto returns for revenge, I will do as any true Hokage would for its people." He stared down every elder. "That only happens in the event it is revenge he seeks, no other reason. Have I made myself clear?"

"Crystal." The three elders answered.

Even saying that, Hiruzen was no longer going to be played for a fool. For the longest time, he was a man past his prime who attempted to retire years ago in favor of Minato. When he retook the hat, he was far too lax. It saw him reflecting on things beyond how Naruto was handled.

The Uchiha and Hyuga being at the top of his list. Of course, he couldn't forget Danzo. Even though he was supposed to have disband Root, his old friend wouldn't have. With whatever time Hiruzen had left, he would be the Hokage he was decades prior starting now.

Hiruzen stood now and walked towards the door, only to stop short of opening it. "Danzo, select a Genin which can be placed with a team and have their file on my desk by the end of the day." He opened the door. "We're one student short to make teams this year."

Despite how the village treated Naruto, he still had faith they could do the work needed in what Hiruzen was aiming for. Knowing Danzo, his old friend wasn't going to heed the warning. In fact, he'd see this as an opportunity to be taken advantage of.

Foundation: Later…

As Hiruzen thought, Danzo had not disbanded Root like he ordered. It was very much an active part of Konoha. Though Clan Heads may know Danzo was overseeing something, given he'd requisitioned a member from each of them, not even they knew everything.

Root, as was its namesake, was deep within Konoha. It was within this place where Danzo was met with the Shinobi fitting Hiruzen's request. Technically registered in the system as a Genin, he'd selected who he believed to be suitable. Both for Hiruzen's and his own request.

The Shinobi in question had straight black hair and dark eyes which contrast with his pale skin. He carried a tipless tanto on his back. His attire consisted of a short black jacket, high-collared midriff shirt, black pants, shinobi sandals, and gloves.

Danzo tightly gripped his cane, his only sign of displeasure. "The Hokage has asked I provide a Genin for team assignments. I arranged for the public file on you to be given. Not only are you close to them in age, your stronger than anyone of your generation within the village.

Most of all, you possess those incomparable talents with a paint brush. Given what Hiruzen asked and I need, you are the best candidate." He pointed his cane at the boy. "From today, until the completion of your mission, your name shall be Sai."

"Sai." He gave a faux smiled. "Yes, I understand."

"Also, wipe that fake smiled off your face when you are with me." Danzo ordered.

"Forgive me." Sai returned, his expression blank. "I read to win people over, one must be able to smile. I've been practicing but creating facial expression is still quite difficult for me."

Hokage Office: Late Evening…

Among preparations and changes he was making as a Hokage, Hiruzen still had team assignments to get through for the recently graduated class. Among them now was a folder on the Shinobi Danzo had selected, Sai.

"Lord Third." A familiar voice stated.

Hiruzen looked up to see Kakashi had arrived promptly. While he was never late for a mission, something like what he had asked the white haired Jonin to do would have typically see him arriving later than this. Of course, this matter concerning Naruto was anything but typical.

"I had my ninja hounds sniffing around Naruto's apartment." Kakashi voiced, with how he subtly carried himself clueing Hiruzen into the fact he was worried. "His scent is over three days old, only able to be picked up there as it was shielded from the rain we've been getting."

"That is because Naruto couldn't handle it anymore, the loneliness." Hiruzen informed. "He has left the village, having utilized shadow clones and panting the Hokage Monument that last time as cover with no indication where he's gone."

Silence befell the room as Kakashi closed his one, visible eye. "Minato Sensei, I wasn't there for your son when he clearly needed me…Forgive me. If you came back to see how they treated him or learned he was driven off…"

From what he learned of that night, it seemed his sensei may very well have put too much faith in how the village would react. Making Naruto the Jinchuriki, coupled with his desire to withhold their relation, had just been too much.

…

"What happens now?" Kakashi asked.

"He was a civilian who, despite his young age, was responsible for himself with no guardian to speak off." Hiruzen sighed. "With how we treated him, no measures shall be taken against him. He can even return freely, unless he's out for revenge."

Lord Third didn't have to tell the Jonin what would happen if Naruto returned seeking revenge.

"Does this mean if I see him, I'll be permitted to try convincing him?" Kakashi asked.

"If Naruto is found and can be convinced to return, by all means." Hiruzen stated. "Beyond informing you of this in person, I've also put together your next Genin team." He took three files. "Given who I've selected, they should hold your interest."

Despite what he just heard, Kakashi had to endure as he always has. He took the three folders, looking them over and immediately understanding why he was selected.

"You want me to potentially lead this team?" Kakashi inquired.

"Your test can be carried out in full, even failing them if that is what you deem." Hiruzen stated. "Given your path as a Shinobi, this team has no better option without pulling one of my best Anbu off duty. I'd rather not do that, aside from observing Sai for these next couple days."

Despite what he just learned about Naruto, Kakashi couldn't help himself from sighing. "If they end up passing, this team will be a real headache."

That's not to say he wouldn't take up the duty or purposefully fail this lot. It's more to say rather than the one member in need of attention, this would be a team he'd need to put a lot of effort into doing things right. Perceived failure on his part meant trouble.

"It's certainly an unconventional team, though rest assured I'll handle it." Kakashi stated.

He set the folders back down before turning and heading to the door.

"Kakashi." Hiruzen called out, seeing the Jonin stop. "Everyone in this village played their part in what Naruto did; however, those who hold the most blame are the elders. Out of anyone in the village, you're among the few who could be blameless."

"Anyone you deem blameless isn't." Kakashi shook his head. "In those early years, when I was still an Anbu who you assigned to watch him, Naruto went home alone. Given you sent me to the same apartment, I imagine that didn't change."

Even those who didn't hate Naruto still had their part to play. The ironic thing is, Naruto truly was alone. Any Anbu meant to watch him pretty much stopped when he could walk and talk. Kakashi didn't know if that was a good thing or not.

If Naruto were still watched, he wouldn't have been able to leave like he did. In the mere minutes since Kakashi learned what Naruto has done, his mind ran through everything he did know. Kakashi couldn't say Konoha was any good for him, given everything.

"No, it didn't." Hiruzen returned.

Kakashi walked out without another word, leaving his Hokage to sigh heavily. No matter the situation, Hiruzen was no longer going to shirk his duties again. He still had a few more teams that must be done now, along with implementing a time to tell the village the absolute truth.

"It will be preferable to have most of Konoha here prior to the other villages arriving for the Chunin Exams." Hiruzen thought. "Without Naruto, I'll need to ensure everyone knows the severity of the situation."

No matter what telling the truth brought, Konoha would have to pull together and display their strength. Show they were still one of the Five Great Villages, even without a Jinchuriki.

There is a one shot connected to this on my profile, Goodbye Konoha. That is a Naruto x Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover; however, nothing Avatar related will be popping up in this story. What I intend to tackle here is what I believe could have happened in the event Naruto left prior to the series really beginning. Perhaps you'll disagree, and that's cool. Doesn't change the fact I intend to press on with this story, though don't expect quick uploads to it.