Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto (unfortunately)

This is my first fanfic so reviews are greatly appreciated.

"blah" speech
'blah' thoughts
'blah' Kyuubi's speech
'blah' Kyuubi's thoughts

Note: revised chapter.


Chapter 1 – Re-thinking

It had been two weeks now since Naruto, Neji, Shikamaru, Chouji and Kiba had returned from their mission; which had been a success.

Not all was well though, Neji and Chouji were in ICU and Kiba was going to be bed-ridden for at least a month. Shikamaru's wounds weren't that bad and he was on back active duty within a week. Naruto, even though his injuries were by far the worst of the group with the exception of maybe Neji, recovered and was released from the hospital in three days.

Sasuke had recovered surprisingly fast and was now on a recovery program that consisted mostly of training, with the exception of several hours of psychiatric therapy. Of course he was under ANBU surveillance 24/7 as ordered by the Hokage.

))))) Naruto's House (((((

Late at night Naruto was sitting on his bed lost in thought. Since the mission had been a success, Naruto expected the villagers to actually praise him or at the very least reduce the cold stares, but that was not the case. The villagers actually blamed him for being a 'bad influence' on the Uchiha heir and treated him even worse.

'Damn that Sasuke! He never does anything beneficial and he's still loved by everyone,' thought Naruto angrily.

'If anything, he's responsible for Neji's, Chouji's and Kiba's condition.'

'And as soon as he's out of the hospital guess who decides to train him… Kakashi, of course. Why the hell does that traitor get all the attention!' Naruto's tone was becoming even angrier.

'I saw that bastard not too long ago. "Dobe this and dobe that," was all he said. As if nothing even happened… AHHHHRRR! This DAMNED village is getting on my nerves,' Naruto was now screaming inside his head.

'Damn it shut up kid!' roared the Kyuubi.'If you're so angry why don't you just kill them? Oh that's right, I forgot, you're so innocent you wouldn't hurt a fly,' said Kyuubi sarcastically.

'I'm not like you fox, I don't just go on killing sprees because I feel like it.'

'You are SO weak, you know that?'

'I'm NOT weak! Don't you dare call me that, stupid fox.'

'You know you should rebel against these people. Leave the village, leave your so-called friends; get away from all the pain they are causing you. You don't owe them anything, why should you stay?' questioned the Kyuubi. 'We can train far away from this village, what do you think kid? I can make you really strong. So strong even the Hokage won't be able to rival your power.'

The Kyuubi grinned evilly in his cage. 'If I can make him leave the village it would be so much easier,' though the Kyuubi hoping that he made his argument strong enough for the boy.

On the outside Naruto was heavily considering the Kyuubi's offer. The Kyuubi was right Naruto didn't owe the village anything; more like the village owed him, and if this was their way of paying him back then screw them. If kind words didn't get through to them, then maybe violent actions would.

"That's right, I don't owe these bastards anything. They can rot in hell for all I care," announced Naruto. "Alright Kyuubi, lets go! Lets leave this godforsaken place!"

Naruto quickly packed up some bare essentials; a change of clothes, toothbrush, money and all of his weapons. He didn't bother packing food since he could always hunt. He suddenly noticed the necklace Tsunade had given him and his forehead protector. Naruto ripped off the necklace and threw it on his bed. However, when he went to do the same thing with his forehead protector he was stopped by the Kyuubi.

'Kid keep that… it may be a painful reminder, but if you ever need to get back in the village it would make things a lot easier.'

'Yea you're right, thanks fox.'

'Cut it out with the that call me by my name,' snarled Kyuubi.

'Alright Kyuubi, will do.'

'Then what are you waiting for, lets get moving. Better to leave this place secretly so that they don't send ANBU.'

Having spent all his life in Konoha, Naruto knew many ways to get out of the village in secret. However, luck wasn't on Naruto's side today. Just as he was about to jump over the northern wall, a chuunin guard grabbed him by the shoulder and demanded to know what he was doing.

Naruto's emotions ranged from shock, at being caught, to very pissed that he hadn't been able to slip out. Before the chuunin guard could raise his defenses, Naruto smashed his fist into the guard's stomach knocking him out and proceeded to quickly leave. However, he had forgotten that the guards always patrolled in pairs, thus he did not notice when the other chuunin disappeared in order to report to the Hokage.

))))) Hokage Office (((((

Tsunade was sleeping with her head on her desk surrounded by mountains of paperwork when suddenly there came a frantic knock on the door. She barely had time to wake up as the door burst open and a babbling chuunin burst in.

"Shut up and calm down! I can't understand a word you are saying," yelled Tsunade, who was angry at the rude awakening.

"I'm sorry Hokage-sama, its just that I just saw a ninja running away from the village," said the frightened chuunin.

This caught the Hokage's attention. "Who is this ninja?" she asked in a serious tone, afraid that Sasuke was attempting to leave again.

"Uzumaki Naruto," announced the guard.

"WHAT?" screamed the Godaime. "Send out an ANBU team to bring him back right away! ALIVE, mind you!" ordered Tsunade.

"Yes, Hokage-sama."

"And get Jiraiya and Kakashi in here."

"It will be done Hokage-sama," said the chuunin as he left.

'I hope this doesn't turn into something serious,' though Tsunade, 'I hope Naruto doesn't do anything stupid, like try to fight the ANBU.'


(A/N)

This story will have a special twist either in chap 2 or 3. until then plz review.