"You're kidding me, right?" Asked an overly lazy kid walking in a room.

"I think that's a bad... bad idea," she stuttered, fiddling with her fingers, showing her shyness clearly. She needs to get over that timidness and doubt. I have seen what she can do, she is really amazing for an average kid. Just be quiet me, you should not be admiring people that you... never mind.

I sat on my bed and nodded, crossing my arms. "I know that, but if I pass," I paused, "I appreciate your concern, Lady Hinata, but..."

That was half a lie. I did not really consider her opinions. I have already made my mind up.

"L-lady H-Hinata," Hinata mumbled softly, clearly startled by my formalities.

I admit that I have never really called her by her first name before. Only in class did I actually do it, and that was for an act. I usually never have the need to call her, since she would answer me before I even said her name. She is always aware if I was talking to her, and she replied quite well - albeit shyly.

I should really stop speaking about her good deeds or I might end up befriending her.

I thought it was improper to call an heiress by her name.

I feel better calling her by such a formal name. Plus, she is a lady. Why should I not call her a lady? I too, feel other girls should be respected as well, so do not think that I am favoring her, befriending her or any other human.

"Naruto that's uncalled for. It's not needed." Shikamaru turned serious, yet still having that tired look on his face.

"It is perfectly 'called' for. What do you think the village will think..." I trailed off, getting irritated. I am not sure why, but it just irritates me. People being nice to me, that is. It irritates me. Though, the reason I trailed off was not because of that. The reasoning why, because I was getting to the point where I almost ranted.

"Never mind. Why am I even wasting my time speaking to you?" I asked in a low tone.

I think I took it too far since she frowned - looking as if she was at fault. She was not at fault, but I think I might as well say it: making them feel like I am a cruel monster is a good thing. I just want them gone.

"Why did you even try to make an effort to break this news to us?" Shikamaru smirked.

Good question.

Why?

He had clearly shocked me with that little remark, but I tried to hide it. "Though seriously... who cares about the villagers?" He laid back and relaxed on the couch. Hinata stayed in her silent state; she still had a frown on her face. My emotionless expression disappeared, because it always ends up in a scowl or frown.

"'I am going to purposely fail and stay in the academy. After that, I am going to drop out and pretend I gave up,'" Shikamaru quoted what I said just a few moments ago. "Seriously, Naruto, that's the dumbest thing I have ever heard out of you of all people. Really?"

I stayed silent, not even bothering to answer his questions. I parted my lips to speak, but I was interrupted by my door slamming open. "Hey! Naruto-sama!"

Sam? He does not usually come to my house that often. I heard three pairs of footsteps.

"Naruto-sama," Rin said, more afraid than usual.

"What do you want?" I asked, still a little irritated by Shikamaru's comment and the fact that he won that argument. The room was filled with a boy's laughter. "Danny, why are you laughing so loud? You are all going to give me a headache, you know?" I sighed, not in the mood to deal with this.

"Sorry, Naruto-sama, but..." He laughed once more, tears of joy on his face.

"Stop it with the -sama." I sighed. Here comes another headache to worry over the night.

"Sorry, it's just that, they just really..." He burst out laughing one more time.

I raised an eyebrow in question. What would make the obedient Danny, who listens to me and does all my orders for me, act like this?

"What is it, Danny-san? Are you... are you okay?" You can guess who that was. I stood there blankly staring at Danny and my head slightly tilted up as if I were royalty.

Which I am not. I am not royalty; I can assure you that. I had my arms crossed, not amused in the least.

"Rin and Sam just came running to me in fright saying something so silly I had to come and speak to you about it. Though I couldn't help but laugh on the way here as they spoke on about this."

"Stop speaking in simple riddles get to the point," said Shikamaru and I together, which is kind of creepy.

"They said you were one of those man-eater things. Um... Cannibal or something." He spoke, wiping his tears as he calmed down.

I was then shell-shocked.

"You monster, you devoured my dad. You sicko."

"Just embrace it. Eat it. Eat human flesh."

"No, I'm not a monster. I'm not."

That word, cannibal, that word brings back too many terrible memories.

Too much...

"N-Naruto are you okay? You look pale."

I felt numb, all I could hear is the lavender-eyed girl's voice. May I add how worried her tone was.

"That day... that day... that stupid day..." I lost control of myself there.

"What is it Naruto?" Shikamaru asked, also concerned.

Why are they all so concerned? They should be enjoying me suffer. At least, that is what humans think of me.

"N-Naruto." I looked her straight in the eye as she stared at me with pleading eyes. Not pity, just pleading eyes. Is it that she so desperately wants me to die or so desperately wants me to tell her what's bothering me?

I looked at those two boys who just spoke of this rumor. "Who told you this?" I demanded.

"I-I saw a guy speaking to you about it," Rin answered.

"There is no way Naruto would do such a thing," Lady Hinata said in a serious but still gentle tone. How does she do that?

I had a feeling I can trust her. Just a feeling. Though I am not certain.

Should I trust her?