Three Years Earlier
The twelve-year-old slowly opened his eyes to see Iruka standing over him, his expression serious and sad.
"What's wrong, Iruka-sensei?" Naruto asked sleepily.
"Get up, Naruto," Iruka said softly. "I just received an urgent message from the village."
Naruto rubbed his eyes and glanced at the clock — it was nearly midnight. Still half-asleep, he followed Iruka into the living room, only to notice something that jolted him fully awake.
"Iruka-sensei, why are your bags packed? Are we going somewhere?"
Iruka's face fell. "I'm sorry, Naruto… I've been ordered to return to the village."
"What?! What about me?"
"I'm afraid you'll have to stay here — alone."
Naruto stared in shock. "You're… leaving me?"
"I don't want to," Iruka said quietly, "but these are the Hokage's orders."
"No!" Naruto shouted, panic filling his voice. "The old man would never do that!"
Iruka took a deep breath before continuing. "Naruto… the Third Hokage is dead."
Naruto froze. "W–what?"
"It happened about two months ago," Iruka said heavily. "The letter didn't explain everything, but there was an invasion. Konoha fought back and won, but many were lost — the Third Hokage among them."
The words hit Naruto like a punch. "He's… really gone?"
Iruka nodded. "Yes. I only just found out because they've finally appointed the Fifth Hokage. Apparently, Jiraiya and Tsunade both turned down the position, so Hyuuga Hiashi has taken the role. He's ordered all shinobi to return to the village immediately. That's why I have to go now."
Naruto suddenly wrapped his arms tightly around Iruka. "Then take me with you! I'd rather go back to that place where everyone hates me than be alone again!"
Iruka hugged him back, his voice trembling. "I wish I could, Naruto. But your orders are clear — you have to stay here. Don't be afraid. You've learned how to take care of yourself. I know you'll be okay. And someday, we'll see each other again."
Naruto tried to be strong like a true ninja, but tears came anyway. He buried his face in Iruka's chest. "Please don't go, Iruka-sensei! Please!"
Iruka gently lifted Naruto's chin, and Naruto was shocked to see his teacher crying too. "I'm sorry, Naruto. I know it's unfair. But before I leave, I want you to have something special."
He untied his hitai-ite — his forehead protector — and placed it around Naruto's head.
"This isn't official," Iruka said softly. "You're still just a citizen of Konoha until you return. But as far as I'm concerned, you're already a ninja. Be strong, remember what I've taught you, and we'll meet again one day."
XXXXXXXXXX
That was the last time Naruto saw Iruka — the day he was left alone once more.
Since then, no one from Konoha had come to see him. There were no new lessons, no letters from Iruka — only a monthly allowance sent from the village. Then, just a few months ago, a formal letter arrived from the Hokage, instructing him to attend a certain place.
"Look out!"
Naruto barely had time to turn his head before a girl on a bicycle collided with him.
They tumbled together in a heap. When they finally stopped, Naruto found himself face to face with the most beautiful girl he had ever seen — long pink hair, striking green eyes, and wearing the same green school uniform as him. He quickly realized their bodies were pressed together — her chest against his.
"S-sorry!" he stammered, scrambling to his feet. "I didn't mean to—"
She sat up, smiling shyly. "No, it's my fault. I was feeling lightheaded from my anemia." Then she blinked, noticing something. "Oh, you're bleeding."
Naruto touched his cheek and saw a small streak of blood. "It's nothing. Don't worry about it."
But before he could say more, she leaned in close — so close he could feel her breath on his skin. His heart started racing. He had never been this close to a girl before.
"Your scent…" she whispered, her voice trembling with hunger. "It's so… delicious."
Without warning, she pressed her lips to his neck — and bit him.