The rain fell on Konoha, heavy and freezing. Naruto wandered the empty streets, soaked to the skin. Tonight again, no one wanted him. Not even a simple inn to warm up in.
He finally ran towards the forest, to an old hollow trunk where he sometimes hid. There, out of sight of others, he dropped his mask.
Tears silently rolled down his cheeks.—Why?... Why do I always have to be alone?!
His voice broke in the wind.
Inside him, Kurama growled.—You continue to cry like a weak child… But deep inside, there is immense anger. If you accept my strength, you can show them all… You can take revenge.
Naruto jumped.—Revenge…?
The voice roared, vibrant.—Yes. Don't seek to be loved… Seek to be feared. This is how you'll never be rejected again.
Naruto clenched his fists. A strange warmth rose in his stomach, a raw energy. For the first time, he felt a power invade him, wild and dangerous.
But he was afraid.
He didn't yet know that this night of tears would change his life forever.