Too Much Attention (Naruto x KHR)

CH1 Mindscape and Memories (2)

-7-years old-

"Mama! Look mama! I got 100% on my test again!" A young boy with blond hair and caramel eyes ran to a woman wearing an apron who was smiling kindly at him and hugged her.

"Oh! My dear Na-kun! You are so smart! Mama is so proud of you!" His mother hugged him back with such warmth and adore that made the boy's grin even wider.

It was then another boy ran into the kitchen. He has fluffy brown hair and the same caramel eyes, but his eyes were filled with hope instead of happiness like his brother. He ran towards the hugging pair, but didn't throw himself onto his mother. Instead, he stopped a few feet in front of her and timidly showed her his test paper, which had a bright red 60 marked on it. His brother scoffed at the fluffy haired boy.

"M-mama, l-look! I-I improved o-on my test!" He stuttered out, shakily holding the paper in front of him. His stared at his mother hopefully, trying his best to ignore the mocking glare his brother placed on him. But his mother's frown made all his hopefulness disappear.

"Tsu-kun, yes, you did improved," Mama said, causing the boy's eyes to widen in happiness. "But," the boy's shoulders slumped a bit. "-You still didn't pass the test. Look at Na-kun!" She held the other boy's paper in front of the fluffy haired boy, causing him to flinch back a feet. "He got 100% again on his test! Why can't you be more like Na-kun? Mama doesn't mind if you aren't good at PE and others, but at least be a good student. Why are you always so dame, Tsu-kun?"

By then, the little boy was on the verge of tears. Taking the paper back with shaky hands and turning, he ran out the door quickly so that his mama and brother wouldn't see him cry. As soon as the boy's out of the door, mama turned towards the other boy, who had been smiling gleefully at his brother's retreating form, and said, "well, to celebrate your 100%, mama will cook hamburgers tonight!"

The fluffy haired boy who had been hiding behind the kitchen door, finally broke down to tears hearing his mother's announcement and his brother's happy cheering.

Seeing the scene, Naruto let out a sigh of relief. At least this boy has a family, unlike him, who is an orphan and is hated by everyone.

"Wow...another gravity-defying hair...just like Kakashi sensei's..." Naruto commented after the scene's over. Suddenly, a voice echoed around him. It took him a moment to realize the voice was the thoughts of the fluffy haired boy's.

Why doesn't mama like me? Why can't she congratulate me too? Why isn't she happy that I improved? Do I have to get a 100% in order to get her to smile at me? Is that what it takes to make a mother happy?

Why is Natsu the one getting everything? Everyone in school, in this town, likes him. He is popular, smart, and is an awesome basketball player. Everyone adores him. While I'm weak, clumsy, 'dame', stupid, nonathletic...everyone hates me. Was it because I'm not 'good' like Natsu? Do I have to be 'awesome' like Natsu to gain everyone's acknowledgement? Is that what it takes?

Hearing the boy's thoughts, Naruto was reminded of how he, in his childhood, was always jealous of the attention Sasuke was getting, especially from Sakura. How he hated people to laugh when they heard his Hokage dream. How he hated Sasuke to beat him in everything. How he hated everyone to have someone love them and care for them while he has no one. Not until he met Iruka sensei that is.

But I can't do it. I'm 'dame'. I'm no-good Tsuna. I'm weak and clumsy. There's no way I'll ever become as popular as Natsu. I can't do it.

But...I'll try. Mama said. If I'm not good at PE and other stuff, at least be a good student. I will pass the next test, definitely!

Naruto smiled at the boy's determination. The boy seemed to have a strong will of fire burning inside him. He wished the boy had gained the acknowledgement he wanted, but as the scene began to swirl and twist into the next few scenes, Naruto changed his mind.