The days passed. The mockery, the insults, the hateful glances… everything piled up in Naruto's heart.
One night, after being beaten by some drunken adults who accused him of being a living curse, he returned home bleeding.
He stared at the Konoha headband he'd been given as a future student. His hands were shaking.—I have nothing left here…
That night, he made a decision.
Under the moonlight, Naruto packed his things. A few clothes, a few scrolls, and his headband, which he left behind on the table.
Without looking back, he walked through the gates of Konoha.—Goodbye… Konoha.
A roar of satisfaction echoed within him. Kurama laughed.—Finally… you understand. Loneliness is not a curse, but a strength. Now, your true journey begins.