Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Final Straw ❯ Crack in the Mask pt. 1 ( Chapter 1 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Kuroi-Yasha: Hello to all. After about two years of not writing anything I have decided to try my hand at a Naruto Fanfiction. Though I don't think I'll be very good, I would appreciate it if you could give all the support and helpful criticism that you can. Thank you. This will eventually be a Naru/Hina fic, so if you don't like that type of paring you'd best stop reading, I have no intention of changing it. Also near the middle of the chapter I will be adding some OC's so, please tell me if you like them or not, they will not have chapters about themselves and they won't be some super powerful god-like OC's but I think they will make the story interesting there will only be two in this chapter, but more are soon to come Evil Chuckle. Again thank you to those who took the time to read this and I hope you enjoy the story.

DISCLAMER: I DO NOT IN ANY WAY SHAPE OR FORM OWN Naruto! If I DID, I wouldn't want him anyway, only Hinata. Oh come on, like you wouldn't want her? Also, I do not own Tear Away by Drowning Pool. But I do own a copy of their Album.

Final Straw
By: Kuroi-Yasha
Chapter 1: Crack in the Mask (Part 1)

I'm Tearing Away...
...Pieces are falling I can't seem to make them stay...

“God damn demon!”

“Get the fuck out of here! Nobody wants you here!”

“Just do us all a favor and die!”

“Worthless scum!”

The curses followed him everywhere. No matter where he went, what he did, or how hard he tried, the responses never changed. It had always been like this, as long as he could remember. The young blond flinched as a bottle was thrown at him followed by cursing as he managed to avoid the bottle. 'Why...? What have I done to them?' The eight year old child wondered as he began to sprint away from the man who had picked up another empty sake bottle. Though the child couldn't comprehend the hostility from the villagers, he had learned that no one in the village could be trusted, not the merchants, not the ninja, and especially not the villagers. He grimaced as the wound on his shoulder opened up again, no one could be trusted.

He ran quickly, holding his wounded shoulder as he made for his small, shabby, and filthy space he called an apartment, however fate was once again against him it seemed. Turning the corner he stopped as he spotted a group of leaf shinobi leaving a local restaurant that was famous for its food, but even more famous for its cheap sake.

“Hey, looky h're!” One of the leaf nin slurred as he elbowed one of his companions, nearly knocking him over in the process. “Eh?” The nin frowned as he tried to focus on the figure of the trembling child, “Well well, if it ain't the demon brat. What the fuck you doing here punk? Ain't you had enough of an ass kickin'? You back for mo' a'eady?” The child trembled as he took a step backwards. “Huh? I can't hear you little bitch? ANSWER MY FUCKING QUESTION!!” A soft swish of wind was all that Naruto heard before pain shot thru his body, looking down he saw a kunai protruding out of his frail arm. Not even pausing to think the blond took of running, “KILL THE FUCKING THING BEFORE IT ESCAPES!!” The lead nin roared as they took of after the child.

'No...not again...I didn't do anything! Why kami-sama...?' Naruto ran as fast as his small legs could take him, he passed the Memorial Stone as he made his way towards the Hokage Monument, the path was usually very densely forested so if he could make it there then he might just be able to escape them. A flash of movement to his left distracted him as one of the shinobi appeared in front of him and swung at him. Bringing his hands in front of him Naruto tried to block the punch, but his defense was crushed pathetically as the strength of the older man easily broke his arm and sent the frail child flying. Naruto was in so much pain that he couldn't even scream, but even so, his instincts took over as he dove forward into the dense shrubs of the forest only to be sent flying back by a rough kick. “AAAAHHHH!!” The wounded Naruto cried as he clutched the broken arm he had brutally landed on after the kick. “THE FUCK DID YOU THINK YOU W'RE GOIN'?” The enraged man yelled as he kicked the defenseless child, eliciting more screams of pain from the child. Soon enough his companions joined him as they all took turns beating the hapless child. Panting the nin smirked at each other before two of them took a few steps away from the child. The third's smile widened significantly as he slowly drew a kunai from his pouch, “Well, that was fun but we gotta kill you now before them demon loving ANBU show up.” Grasping the semi-conscious child's blood stained hair he pulled his hand back, “SEE YOU IN HELL DEMON!!” Naruto closed his eyes as he saw the blade approach his throat.

'My body feels so light...is this what death is like?' in the background he could hear voices and a slight sound of...gurgling? 'What...?' Slowly Naruto's eyes opened as he was was brought face to face with his blood soaked would-be-murderer's face. If he could have Naruto would have leapt away, but the most he could manage was a slight gasp as he took in the man's final look of surprise and saw a kunai embedded in the man's throat. Forcing his head to move Naruto saw the retreating forms of his other attackers and in front of him stood a dark cloaked figure with a mask. Turning, Naruto could see it was the mask made after a kitsune that belonged to the ninja elite of Konohagakure, the ANBU. Slowly the nin began to make his (Naruto assumed it was a he) way towards the blond. Naruto closed his eyes as he awaited the death that was surely about to come, if the regular shinobi were this brutal, he couldn't imagine what the elite nin of the village was going to do to him. Instead however he felt the kitsune ANBU kneel next to him and slowly begin to pick him up. Surprised, and untrusting the child began to squirm in hopes of getting away, “N-no...I-I don't w-w-wanna die...o-onegai...(please)” The ANBU stopped for a moment but then instead placed a hand on the child's back. And with a last look back at the dead nin the ANBU disappeared in a swirl of leaves.

Konohagakure hospital was the pride of the shinobi world. Nowhere else could you receive gentle caring treatment for any wound at any time regardless of your standing. It was said that whether you were a beggar or a Kage, the doors of the hospital were always open...However, 8 year old jinchuuriki were a different story.

The moment the kitsune ANBU landed in the corridor of the hospital a group of medics rushed towards him. “Are you hurt Kitsune-sama?” One of the doctors questioned as he prepared to escort the nin to the hall devoted to injured shinobi. Slowly the Kitsune-nin shook his head before producing the blond child's broken form from inside his cloak. Seeing who it was nurses and doctors alike began to leave, grumbling about how they had “Real” people to treat. As the Doctor tried to leave the ANBU's hand reached out and grasped the doctor's coat. “I'm sorry, but we don't treat demons here.” The doctor calmly, but coolly spoke as he tore free of the ANBU's grip and began to walk away.

The Kitsune had never felt so outraged at the disregard and hatred that the villagers held towards the innocent child in his arms. Without thinking he lashed out and punched a meter deep hole in the nearest wall.

“HEY! WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING?”

Quickly the ANBU turned to face an outraged, but very beautiful, female Medic-nin. She had long chestnut hair and bright hazel eyes that vividly showed her emotions. “THIS IS A HOSPITAL!! YOU CAN'T JUST WALK IN HERE AND START BLOWING HOLES IN THINGS JUST 'CAUSE YOUR A...” What he was however was never told as she spotted the child in his arms. “OH KAMI!” The young woman cried as she rushed over and took the child, “What the hell were you doing there just standing with this child in your arms? Why didn't you get some help?” The ANBU shook his head, “No one would help because of who he is.” The ANBU's quiet but deep voice sent shivers down her spine, none the less, she frowned at his words. “What the hell does it matter who he is? He's injured and needs treatment!” When the ANBU didn't say anything she just shook her head, “Never mind, just follow me.” That being said she took off down the hall, the ANBU following close behind her.

The young woman sighed as she wiped the blood of her hand and stepped out of the surgery room. “Well, he'll live. But what the hell happened to him? And what did you mean by that whole 'No one would treat him because of who he is' crap?” The ANBU said nothing for a moment, before he shook his head as he began to walk away,

“I am sorry, I have to report to the Hokage, he will explain the situation once I have told him everything. Thank you for your service and help...” He turned to look at her, if his face was uncovered she would have liked to believe they were looking at her in an expectant manner.

"Yume, Yume Katsuragi.”

“Again thank you Katsuragi-san, please remain here with the child, I will return momentarily.”

“Wait what about...”

However he was gone in a swirl of leaves before she could finish. “Damn shunshin!”

“Interesting...very interesting...”

“What is it Hokage-sama?”

“Well, it seems that it was actually the crafty and voluptuous maid and not Harina's mother who took advantage of Hiroyoshi when he fell victim to the drug in his bed side water. Now, because of the sounds that the maid was making at night, the sexy chef is also interested in Hiroyosi while she was spending some 'quality time' with her mistresses daughter...this all so exciting!”

Ibiki Morino felt beads of sweat begin to form on the back of his head as the elderly Hokage turned the page in his little orange book, “I...see...” He lied as the Hokage continued to read, oblivious to the awkward feeling nin in front of him. “OH MY!” The Hokage gasped as he shot to his feet. Startled, Ibiki made his way to the Hokage, “What? What happened Hokage-sama?” He expected the elderly Hokage to drop the book, to make a bound for the door, anything. He didn't however expect the Hokage to let out a perverted giggle and look at Ibiki with a glint in his eyes, “It turns out the that the maid is also involved with Harina, oh how will this turn out for the chef? And who is the mysterious gypsy?” He giggled again as a perverted blush stained his cheeks as he continued to read.

“H-Hokage...sama...” Ibiki started, the sweat on his head condensing into one giant drop, “Yes Ibiki?” The older man questioned not looking up from his book. Steeling himself Ibiki cleared his throat, “I don't mean to sound disrespectful...” The Sandaime Hokage said nothing as he turned the page, “...but should you really be reading that at the moment?” The elderly man raised an eyebrow but nonetheless kept reading, “What I mean is, is it really an appropriate time for something like that? We have just received Hatake Kakashi's letter of resignation from the ANBU and his final report. Don't you think we should be planning instead of reading...inappropriate materials?” The initial look on his face had been one of nervousness, but at the end had the look of one who was determined to stand by his beliefs, even if it was against his leader...and more importantly the man who signed his paycheck.

The Sandaime Hokage sighed as he slowly put the book down, he had just gotten into the story. He had always known Jiraiya was a child with a great imagination, but his writing as an adult took even him, the former sensei of said man, on a journey he had not expected. Alas, there was indeed no rest for the wicked, “I understand your concern Morino-san,” Ibiki flinched at the formality, he had not meant to offend the man, but it really wasn't ethical. Nonetheless the Hokage continued undeterred, “However, there is nothing to gain from choosing to wallow in despair. While it is true that Hatake will no longer be in charge of the ANBU, he will none the less still be one of the many active Jounin of this village and still a very important part of this village. The fact that he is no longer an ANBU is a shame, but it is not an easy lifestyle and I cannot hold it against him for leaving it after so many years of faithful service.” Ibiki nodded as the Hokage spoke, all he said was true, Ibiki had never been in the ANBU but he knew enough to piece together that the man had earned his rest...however little it might be. “But about the replacement...” The Sandaime smiled slightly at this, “Ah yes, one of the best nin to come out of Konoha in many years. I believe that the ANBU and the village are in very good hands.” Ibiki looked at the Hokage a little longer before speaking, “But are you sure he can handle so much pressure? After all he is still little more than a teenager and you can't expect...”

However his speech was cut short as a Kitsune masked ANBU appeared in the room, “Hokage-sama...” The Hokage smiled at the nin before he straightened himself in his seat a little, “Speak of the devil, what can I do for you Kitsune-taisho?” The ANBU rose slowly as he placed his hands at his sides, “Hokage-sama I regret to inform you that Naruto Uzumaki has once again been attacked by the nin of the village.” The Hokage quickly rose to his feet and prepared to depart when the ANBU continued speaking before he could leave, “However Naruto-kun is already in stable condition after being treated by a medic-nin. Also I would like to inform that we require a serious re-evaluation of the hospital staff.” The elder men looked questioningly at the young ANBU, “This is a request due to the fact that Naruto-kun had to be treated by an emergency stand-by medic-nin when the doctors and nurses refused to provide him the necessary treatment, “We don't treat demons here.” were their exact words.” Ibiki frowned at this, he hated people who discriminated against others. However he detested people who hated a child for something he had no control over, he would personally see that the staff learned its lesson.

The Sandaime let out a relieved sigh as he slowly walked back to his desk. “I thank you for taking care of Naruto. I hope you can forgive this foolish old man for his errors.” The ANBU said nothing, but merely shook his head, “Very well then, give me your full report on the incident.” Quickly and with the most details possible the ANBU quickly outlined the events of that morning. “Soon after Katsuragi-san came and took Naruto-kun and gave him the necessary medical aid and I proceeded here. That concludes my report.” The Hokage let out a exhausted sigh, ' I am sorry Minato, I couldn't keep Naruto safe like you wished, I have failed both you and Kushina.' Standing the Hokage made his way towards the door, “Very well Kitsune-taisho I wish for you to go and capture the two men that escaped and present them to Ibiki to await their punishment.” The ANBU nodded, “And Ibiki, I wish for you to gather the names of all the hospital members and have them 're-evaluated'.” The Hokage did not bother to hide the distaste in his words.

As the Hokage reached the door, the ANBU's voice stopped him. “Hokage-sama I request to be assigned as the personal guardian of Uzumaki Naruto.” The Hokage turned to the ANBU and gave him a small grin, “Yes, I believe that would be a very good choice. Beginning after the capture of the two criminals you shall be Naruto's protector.” With a nod and a bow, the ANBU shunshined from the office in a whirl of leaves. “Was that a wise choice Hokage-sama.” Sarutobi Sasuke gave his first true smile of the afternoon as he faced his close friend, “Yes Ibiki it was. In fact I believe it is the best decision I have made in quite a while.” Then without another word the elderly Hokage disappeared.

The Sandaime Hokage arrived at the doors to the hospital moments after leaving the Hokage Tower. 'I've still got some strength in these old bones.' He chuckled to himself as he entered the hospital, soon however his smile disappeared as soon as he was greeted by the staff. His cold glare and killing intent caused the brave to stop in their tracks and begin to sweat, while the weak fell to the floor either unconscious or quivering in fear. “Where is Naruto Uzumaki?!” The “old” Hokage bellowed. It was never hidden that the Hokage had a soft spot for the blond 'demon', however, most had never seen the anger that the Hokage displayed whenever the blond was mistreated. “H-he's w-with K-K-Katsur-ragi H-Hokage-s-sama.” Without a word he down the hall towards the medic nin section of the hospital.

As soon as the Hokage had left, those that where not unconscious were just getting over the killing intent of the Hokage, before a larger one appeared before them in the form of Ibiki Morino and Anko Mitarashi, one wore a grim look of dedication, while the other's smirk promised many hours of unpleasant pain then 20 ANBU appeared behind them, “You guys are so fucked.” Anko sang as her smirk began to grow. And oh how they were.

Yume Katsuragi was a kind woman. She had been only seven when the Kyuubi no Kitsune had attacked the village and killed almost all her relatives save for her grandparents. Growing up was hard, but her grandparents had taught her that she should never hate those who could not help their situation, and that she should always look for the best in people before she judged them. As a result she got along with most of the villagers and her fellow shinobi. There were always exceptions. The main one being before her, “Come on Katsuragi just one date!” The platinum-blond haired shinobi before her begged. His emerald green eyes sparkling with the very epitome of innocence, his tanned face doing a very good imitation of a begging puppy. “No.” That simple word caused the man before her to turn gray, and collapse in a shower of broken glass.

She rolled her eyes at his melodrama, it was always like this. He would as her out, she would say no, he would use the same pathetic jutsu to imitate the rejected males in a anime. “You're so cruel Katsuragi.” A voice called out behind her, turning she saw no one, “Why won't you at least give me a chance?” He had not been promoted to Jounin status at the age of 13 for nothing, “I know you won't regret it...” he whispered in her ear as his arms wrapped around her midsection. She blushed at his words, despite how much she hated him, she couldn't deny that the Jounin behind her was very handsome and she had heard some very tempting rumors from other nurses...However her fist shot up and connected with his chin as she sent him reeling, “Like hell I'll give you the chance to get your perverted claws on me. Your looks may work on every other bimbo in this hospital, but I know what your intentions really are, and you're no different than those drunkards in the bars.” The Jounin in question looked genuinely hurt and was about to respond when the door to the room was harshly thrown open.

Without any hesitation he quickly jumped in front of the young woman and drew a short wazashi and a pair of shuriken. However when the Hokage walked in followed by a kitsune masked ANBU he was a little thrown off, “Tsumetai-san despite how much I enjoy your antics with the fairer sex, I believe that personal matters should be dealt with after your rounds are over.” Normally, he would have laughed at the young man's attempts to capture the opposite sex, however due to the current situation he had no time for small laughs. “Ah...well, yes, gomen Hokage-sama.” The Jounin muttered as he disappeared in a swirl of leaves.

Despite being spared from the tempting Jounin, Yume couldn't help but feel a slight tinge of fear. She had only met the Hokage once before and that was when she was offered the rank of Chuunin in exchange for dedicating her skills towards becoming a medic nin. In all honesty Yume herself had never even considered becoming a medic, but now that she was, she never regretted her decision to give up the bloodshed and danger, plus she loved the feeling of being the one to bring someone out of the clutches of death. Now however with the Hokage looking at her with the cold and calculating eyes of the hardened warrior he was, she could see why he was revered and feared by others as the “Professor”. Silently the door closed with a soft 'click'.

Slowly the hokage sighed as his eyes lost their coldness and settled for fatigue and sadness, “How is he Katsuragi-san?” Internally Yume let out a relieved breath, he was here to see the boy, and not to...what exactly had she been afraid for? Shaking her head clear of trivialities, she bowed to the leader of the village before motioning to a door behind her, “He is in stable condition for now, however he was severely undernourished and had several half healed injuries and scars that seem to have been inflicted by both ninja tools and everyday tools.” She finished her evaluation as she opened the door and entered Naruto's room, the Hokage grimaced slightly at the news, he had known it was bad, however he had not expected it to have escalated to such a degree, 'Those ignorant fools, it is at times like these that I am ashamed to be their leader.' Nodding to the young woman he walked the room and turned to face the son of his ex-successor and charge.

The elderly man could not hold back the few stray tears that escaped his wrinkled eyes. There before him was the energetic blond he'd come to love...being maintained alive by a breathing machine, a small IV steadily dripped the desperately needed nutrients to the thin child. The remnants of the child's only (and horrid) precious belonging: his orange jumpsuit, lay in tatters on the chair near the child. This was not what he had expected or hoped for the young savior of the village, instead of respect, he received hatred, instead of kindness he was given neglect and disdain. The Hokage wiped the tears from his eyes, now was not the time. A quick glance at the monitors showed that Naruto would be waking in perhaps three days. Turning to the young medic he gave her a sincere smile, “I offer my deepest and sincerest thanks for all your care Katsuragi-san.” The Hokage thanked as he bowed to the young medic. Yume blushed and stuttered as the leader of their village bowed to her! A lowly medic-nin!

Rising slowly, the stuttering medic-nin missed the evil glint in the elderly man's eyes as he rose, “However this is such a tragedy that could not have occurred at a worse time.” Just as he anticipated the young woman looked curious, “You see Katsuragi-san, I just enrolled Naruto-kun into the Ninja Academy.” The young woman nodded, blissfully unaware of what the Hokage was planning, “However, I have no one that can accompany young Naruto on his trip to the shops and clothing stores to see that he is given fair treatment. I have already asked Kitsune-san here to guard Naruto and keep watch of him, however as an ANBU he is not allowed to reveal himself unless absolutely necessary and clothe shopping is hardly life threatening. ” The young woman was slow to nod, she knew where this was going, “You want me to go clothe shopping with him?” No sooner were the words out of her mouth that the Hokage grasped his hands around hers, “Why Katsuragi-san you are so gracious to volunteer to escort him, I don't know how to thank you!” The young brunette couldn't help but feel that she had been had into doing this. Not that she minded, but still...“Uhm, ah H-Hokage-sama...you're hurting my hand...”

Am I dead?

The words spiraled in his head. He hadn't thought them per say, but it seemed that anything he so much as felt was projected into words by this strange universe he was in.

Drip, Drip, Drip, Drip.

What a strange place this was indeed, seconds ago all that had been sounding in this plane of semi-existence were his own thoughts, now however there was water. “Sounds like my apartment.” The child joked as he found his body. Now that he thought about it if this was death, it wasn't that bad then. At least he wasn't cold or hungry or in pain, but...

I'm alone again...

Naruto hated being alone. Since he could remember he'd been alone. Even when he was surrounded by the villagers, or in the park, or in just about every social place he'd been alone. But it was in his apartment that he was truly alone. The shadows followed him everywhere, speaking to him, telling him to hurt, to maim...to kill.However he'd learned that those feelings were bad, so he tried his hardest to make friends to not be alone. Most children wouldn't come near him, only one little girl played with him for a few minutes before she was dragged away from him. She had been nice, and cute too 'Hinata Hyuuga-chan.' Of coarse he was now forbidden to come near the girl, and had learned that they meant business when they threw the kunai that missed his jugular by millimeters. Sighing the young boy laid on the ground, water surrounding him, but yet not wetting him or causing any discomfort.'Maybe its better this way. At least now I won't be a bother for Oji-san anymore. Plus no one will miss me, except maybe Hinata-chan... Sayonara Oji-san...Hinata-chan...' Naruto sighed again as he closed his eyes.

Then he felt it.

The raw surge of power. It caused the blond's eyes to snap open, he rose unsteadily. The power was enticing, overpowering ...and evil. His feet moved in a trance as the power drew him to its source. Slowly the empty space before him began to take shape, blank walls of white became dark walls of cement, pipes of leaking water soon appeared, followed by the sound of deep growling. Naruto knew the smart thing to do was turn and run. Where exactly, it didn't matter, all he knew was that whatever was at the source of this chaotic power was not friendly. Still his legs persisted as they led him to a set of bars. The bars themselves were similar to those in Konohagakure prison, yet these held a small seal paper in the middle with, creatively, the kanji for 'SEAL'. Approaching the bars the blond spotted a large mass laying behind the bars. Slowly he creeped closer until he could disconcert the shape as that of a fox, but one with one too many tails . 'One...two...three...' the child counted until at last, '...eight...nine. Nine tails. Huh that's one weird fox. Wonder if its related to that one fox...what was it called?' So enthralled was the youth that he failed to notice the giant creature stirring, and slowly open an eye and look in the direction of the blond. Soon however the blond finally remembered as he nodded, “That's right it was the Kyuubi no Kitsune. Can't believe I forgot that. Eh heh.” the blond chuckled as he turned back to the 'sleeping' fox, only to come face to face with the massive crimson eye of the Kyuubi no Kitsune. Then he screamed.

KuroiYasha: Well, that's chapter one heh. You guys must be mad as hell at me for cutting it off here, but its getting a little long, and i want this story to last, but I should have the next chapter in about a month give or take. However, I might write faster if I get some good reviews. Now I don't mind any kind of review but I would prefer if you, 1.) Tell what you think of the story. 2.)Tell me if there was anything you didn't like. 3.) Inform me if anything I spelled was incorrect or inaccurate. By this I mean big things like spelling of names or age's. These will all help me become a better writer and hopefully be better able to entertain you with my story. Also, I am currently looking for a Beta reader and/or someone who can Translate attacks and Jutsu's from English into Japanese, so if anyone feels up to the task please let me know. Thank you for reading and hope to get a review from you.

Goodnight. This is CNN...I mean KuroiYasha...yeah that's it... . .

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