-:-

"Everything gets better with time, Naruto."

"Time heals wounds."

"Over time, things will get better, I promise."

All these things I have been told are utter lies.

For twelve years, my life has been nothing but complete hell. For as long as I could remember, nothing in my life has improved. I have no parents, no relatives, no friends. I'm just 'that thing' that everyone wants to avoid. And why?

Because I'm a monster.

A plague.

The village's pariah.

Nobody knows me. At least, not the real me.

"Sakura-chaaaaan! Would you like to eat ramen with-"

"Go away baka!" Sakura shouted, shoving a blonde haired blue eyed boy to the ground. The pink haired girl twirled around, facing an onyx eyed boy. "Sasuke-kun! Would you like to go out with me-"

"No." Sasuke grunted, before turning and walking away. Sakura turned around and gave the blonde boy a harsh glare. "Look what you did stupid!" She snarled, before stomping away.

The Sensei of the 'team' who had seen all this, simply disappeared in a swirl of leaves, not bothering to check to see if his pupil was alright.

You see that boy sitting alone in the dirt?

The one that's supposedly their teammate?

That's me.

The monster.

He slowly stood up, brushing the dirt off his blindingly bright neon orange jumpsuit. You couldn't ignore the eyesore color even if you tried.

I hated this stupid color with a passion, but it served a purpose. No one could ignore such brightness. No one could ignore me.

Shoving his hands into his pocket, the boy made the long trek to his apartment, his facial expression...unreadable. He unlocked the door and stepped in, immediately greeted by the sight of graffitied walls. Numerous insults among the lines as 'monster' and 'burn in hell' was coated ever so nicely around his bed and all through the house.

One could simply paint over the cruel remarks, but over time, what was the point exactly? They were only stating the truth right?

Yes, I have come to terms of what I am and what I have done to the villagers of Konoha. This was just a reminder for me. Besides, it wasn't like I had to worry about someone seeing it.

No one visited Naruto.

After he became a ninja, the third hokage had stopped coming to his house each month to give him his 'allowance'. Closing the door behind him, he removed his sandals and tossed his jacket onto the bed. The entire place was run-down and the smell of mold could have been smelled a mile away. But with the little income he made for missions were usually spent on ramen, and training necessities. He knew far too well that the council took half of the money he made during missions. 'Taxes' is what they called it.

Did they really think I was as stupid as to believe such a ridiculous lie?

Everyone underestimates me.

I guess I can't blame them seeing how I'm just leading them on with this idiotic mask.

Yes, mask.

It is what I like to call this...facade of mine.

The smiles, the laughter, the enthusiasm, all lies.

No one knows the real me.

And I intend to keep that way.

-:-

Not sure whether to keep this as just a one-short or turn it into a story...ah well. I'll decide later. :D