Naruto : The ultimate Troublemaker

The sun was high in the sky when I finally decided to leave my room, more out of boredom than desire. Sakura was waiting in front of my door, her arms crossed and a determined expression on her face. She looked worried, but also a bit annoyed.

— "Naruto, get dressed," she said abruptly.

I raised an eyebrow, surprised.

— "Why?"

— "Because we're going out. I don't know what's gotten into you lately, but you can't stay locked up like this. Come on, hurry up."

I sighed, not really in the mood to argue. A part of me knew she was right. Maybe getting out would clear my head. And besides... it was kind of like a date, wasn't it? Even though I felt empty inside, that thought made me smile weakly.

We spent the morning wandering through the lively streets of Konoha. Sakura was talkative, obviously trying to lift my spirits. We bought some trinkets from the stalls, shared a bowl of ramen at Ichiraku, and even discussed lighthearted topics like our memories of the Academy, although most of the conversation revolved around Sasuke.

But despite her efforts, I couldn't ignore the stares of the civilians. Some looked at me openly, while others whispered among themselves, averting their eyes when I crossed their gaze.

— "Naruto, are you coming?" Sakura asked, bringing me out of my thoughts.

— "Yeah, I'm coming," I replied, trying to focus on her.

However, the whispers and stares seemed to multiply. Was it always like this? Had I simply chosen to ignore them before today, or was it my imagination?

As we walked towards another stall, a boy of about ten years old appeared in front of me, holding an egg. Before I could react, he threw it directly at my face.

— "You monster!" he cried.

The egg exploded on my cheek, slowly dripping down. I remained frozen, stunned. The whispers suddenly ceased, replaced by an awkward silence.

— "Hey, you!" Sakura shouted, furious, advancing towards the child. "How dare you?!"

The boy backed away, scared, but I raised a hand to stop Sakura.

— "It's okay," I said in a calm voice.

She turned around, her eyes wide.

— "What?!"

— "It's okay, let it go."

I turned to leave, wiping the egg from my face with my sleeve.

Back at my place, I thought I could finally have a moment of solitude, but Sakura followed me inside, seemingly determined not to leave me alone.

— "Naruto, what's wrong? You're distant, you're not even yourself today. Tell me what's going on."

I shook my head, exasperated. It seemed I had no choice.

— "I feel... like a stranger here," I finally admitted, my eyes fixed on the ground. "Everyone despises me. No matter what I do, it's never enough. And I'm starting to wonder... if I can really trust anyone. And I want to escape."

Sakura seemed confused for a moment, but her usual compassion gave way to an unexpected anger.

— "Wait a second," she said, raising her voice. "Are you telling me you want to... leave Konoha?!"

I raised my hands, trying to calm her down.

— "No, that's not what I meant. Listen, I'm just—"

— "You want to run away when you haven't even brought Sasuke back?!" she cut me off, her voice full of reproach.

I was speechless. Frustration was bubbling inside me.

— "Sakura, listen to me. That's not what I meant—"

— "You're a failure, Naruto!" she shouted, tears in her eyes. "All you do is talk about becoming Hokage, but you can't even bring your own friend back!" She twisted the knife in the wound.

Something inside me broke at that moment. I had sacrificed so much for her, for Sasuke, for this village... and all she saw were my failures.

My voice rose, trembling with anger and pain.

— "Go to hell, Sakura!"

Her eyes widened in surprise, but I didn't stop.

— "I've done everything for you. Everything! And what has Sasuke done for you, huh?! Nothing! He ignored you, he hurt you, but it's always him who matters. I'm just here to pick up the pieces, right?! Well, you know what? I've had enough. If all you want is Sasuke, then go get him yourself!"

I got up and left the room, slamming the door behind me.

I felt empty, betrayed. As if the whole world was against me.

— "Maybe they're right," I murmured in the darkness. "Maybe I am a monster."

Night had fallen, and I was walking aimlessly through the deserted streets of Konoha. Sakura's words echoed in my head, mixed with those I had heard in the alley a few nights earlier. Then I started running. I finally understood why Sasuke had deserted. The leaders were hypocritical bastards.