In rock and a hard place

1 - That Day

Naruto pov: I backed up against the alley wall as the villagers cornered me. "Demon," one of them spat out striking me with a thick metal pole. I fell to the ground blood streaming from my head. The other villagers advanced of me holding me down as the other villager continued to beat me with the pole. One of the villagers holding me down pulled out a kunai and proceeded to stab my arms and legs. Cutting deep into my skin engraving words into my back and chest. I screamed in agony as they continued to beat and kick me blood pooling from my wounds. After getting kicked in my chest several more times they left me in the alley. My tears began to mix with my blood as they ran down my face. I could barely see through the haze of pain, my vision blurred by blood and tears. Every breath was a struggle, each movement a new wave of agony. I tried to move, to get up, but my body wouldn't respond. The weight of despair pressed down on me, heavier than the villagers' blows. Why? Why did they hate me so much? I wanted to cry out, to call for help, but I knew no one would come. No one ever did. I was alone, as I had always been. But then, a soft sound reached my ears. Footsteps. I tensed, expecting another attack, but these steps were different. Lighter, hesitant. A shadow fell over me, and I managed to look up. It was a boy, around my age, with kind eyes full of worry. He knelt beside me, his hands trembling as he reached out to touch my face. "Are you okay?" he asked, his voice soft and full of concern. I tried to speak, but all that came out was a pained groan. He bit his lip, glancing around as if fearing the villagers might return. "Hold on," he said. "I'll get help." Before I could protest, he was gone, his footsteps echoing away into the distance. I was left alone again, my hope fading as quickly as it had come. Minutes felt like hours as I lay there, my consciousness slipping in and out. Just when I thought I couldn't hold on any longer, I heard more footsteps, these ones hurried and purposeful. Strong arms lifted me gently, and I felt a soothing warmth spread through my body. A familiar voice, calm and reassuring, spoke to me. "Hang in there, Naruto. You're going to be okay." I managed to open my eyes just a crack and saw the worried face of Iruka-sensei. His brow was furrowed with concern as he carried me away from the alley, away from the pain and darkness. "You're safe now," he murmured. "I won't let anyone hurt you again."