Naruto Zaraki

Chapter 1: The Breaking Point

The battle had been brutal. The Valley of the End bore witness to the destruction wrought by two boys. Sasuke laid on the ground, unconscious and barely breathing, his cursed seal faded but leaving him in a fragile state. Naruto, though initially in worse condition, had been saved by the Nine-Tails' healing factor. Two gaping holes in his chest, caused by Sasuke's Chidori, were now faint scars as his battered body clung to life.

Kakashi arrived on the scene, his heart sinking at the sight of his students. Sasuke's mangled form was enough to make him worry about the Uchiha's survival. Naruto, though stable, looked pale and utterly exhausted.

Kakashi wasted no time. Forming a shadow clone, he entrusted it to carry Naruto while he carefully picked up Sasuke. Without hesitation, they vanished in a blur of speed, rushing back to the village.

---

Naruto woke to the sterile scent of the hospital. His body ached as he slowly opened his eyes, blinking at the light streaming in from the window. As his vision cleared, he saw a familiar figure sitting by his bed.

"Hinata?" he croaked, his voice hoarse.

Hinata's head shot up. Tears welled in her eyes, and before Naruto could react, she flung herself onto him in a desperate hug. Her body trembled as she cried against his chest.

"You're awake... I was so scared," she stammered between sobs.

Naruto coughed, grimacing as the pressure on his still-tender body sent a wave of pain through him. "Hinata... you're... squishing me."

Realizing this, Hinata pulled back abruptly, her face flushed. "S-Sorry, Naruto-kun!" she stuttered, wiping her tears.

"It's okay," Naruto said with a weak smile. "Thanks for worrying about me."

His smile faltered as he remembered the fight. "What about Sasuke? And the others? Neji, Shikamaru... everyone?"

Hinata's expression darkened. "Neji-nisan and Choji are in critical condition. So is Sasuke. But the medics are doing everything they can."

Naruto's heart sank. He stared at the ceiling, guilt washing over him. His friends had risked their lives to bring Sasuke back, and now they were paying the price.

"I need to see them," Naruto said, attempting to sit up.

"No!" Hinata exclaimed, placing her hands on his shoulders to stop him. "You need to rest, Naruto-kun. You're still recovering."

Naruto hesitated but relented. "Okay... for now."

Throughout the day, Lee, Shikamaru, Gaara, Temari, Kiba, and Kankuro visited him, offering words of encouragement. Naruto appreciated their support, but he couldn't shake the weight on his shoulders.

---

That evening, two ANBU members appeared in his room. "Uzumaki Naruto," one of them said. "You have been summoned."

Naruto frowned. "Summoned? By who?"

The ANBU didn't answer. Instead, one of them placed a hand on his shoulder, and in a flash, they vanished from the hospital.

When they reappeared, Naruto found himself in a cold, dimly lit council room. Sitting before him were the three elders. Their expressions were grim.

The Nine-Tails stirred within him. "Kit, something's wrong. I don't like this."

Danzo, the man with the bandages, leaned forward. "Naruto Uzumaki, the council has made a decision."

Naruto felt a knot form in his stomach. "What decision?"

Koharu spoke next, her tone stern. "You are to be banished from Konoha."

Naruto's eyes widened in shock. "What?! Why?!"

"You are unstable," Koharu said coldly. "Your battle with Sasuke nearly killed him. The village cannot afford to have someone so dangerous running loose."

"I didn't have a choice!" Naruto shouted. "Sasuke was trying to kill me! Was I supposed to just let him?"

Homura adjusted his glasses. "It's not just about this incident. You cannot control the Nine-Tails power. You are a liability, Uzumaki. It's only a matter of time before the beast takes over completely."

Naruto's fists clenched as tears streamed down his face. "I've done everything for this village! I've endured everything! And this is how you repay me?!"

"The decision has been made," Homura said dismissively. "There is no point in arguing."

Naruto glared at Danzo. "Tsunade wouldn't approve of this!"

Danzo smirked. "She already has."

Those words shattered Naruto's resolve. He stumbled back, his mind reeling. "Granny Tsunade... she betrayed me?"

The Nine-Tails chuckled darkly. "They're lying, kit. But let them play their game. It works in my favor."

Danzo gestured to the ANBU. "Escort him to his home to gather his belongings. He is to leave the village immediately."

Naruto didn't resist as the ANBU grabbed him and vanished.

---

Back at his apartment, the ANBU handed him a storage scroll. Wordlessly, Naruto began packing his essentials. As he worked, the Nine-Tails whispered in his mind, it's voice smooth and insidious.

"They've always hated you. You've always been alone. This village has never cared about you, kit. How the hell can you care about them?"

Naruto clenched his fists, his heart heavy with pain and doubt. A knock at the door broke his thoughts. When he opened it, he was met with a furious Sakura.

Before he could say a word, she slapped him hard across the face. "This is all your fault!" she screamed. "Sasuke is in a coma because of you!"

Naruto stared at her, stunned.

"I wish... I wish you were the one in a coma instead of him!" Sakura's words struck him like a kunai to the chest.

She stormed off, leaving Naruto standing there, his heart shattered.

The Nine-Tails grinned in his mind. "Yes... feel the pain, Naruto. Let it consume you."

---

The ANBU escorted Naruto outside the village. The journey was silent, but Naruto's mind was a whirlwind of despair and anger. When they stopped abruptly, the Nine-Tails growled.

"They're planning something. Duck."

Naruto obeyed, narrowly avoiding a strike aimed at his neck. He jumped back, glaring at the ANBU. "What's going on?"

The Nine-Tails spoke again. "Danzo never intended to banish you. He wants to control you. You're just a tool to him."

Something inside Naruto snapped. His sadness and confusion were replaced by a seething rage. A twisted grin spread across his face as he met the ANBU's gazes.

"So, that's how it is?" Naruto said, his voice low and menacing.

Tbc