Sarutobi was sitting at his desk waiting or more like hoping that naruto would come this week, he could tell something was wrong and he didn't like it.

He was shifting in his seat waiting for naruto even though he wasn't supposed to come for another hour.

naruto Nii!!, Emi got hurt again." Glancing up I saw Hotaru one of the older children tearing up.

Wiping my hands on a tea towel I grabbed the first aid kit and followed a frantic Hotaru to her little sister Emi who I saw sitting in the dirt cradling her knee.

Looking at Emi I saw her navy blue hair curtained around her head her 9 yr old frame shaking violently as she sobbed.

Carefully taking her leg from her grasp I muttered soothing words to her as I examined the large gash, sighing I need to disinfect it but I'm only three I couldn't lift her... Wait!!, I stood.

GROUP 1!!!

The small group of 5 stopped what they were doing instantly and I braced. "Ooph" these guys never cease to amaze me they even hug me.

Getting up the kids started grinning waiting for instructions, "OK see Emi here we need to take her inside so I can disinfect her knee." I instructed

HAI!!!!! the 6 and 7 year olds chorused.

Once she was comfortable on the old couch I grabbed the medicated alcohol and started to gently dab her knee. Her frame flinched constantly and her 10 yr old brother squeezed her hand reassuringly.

Once I had disinfected it I wrapped gauze over the wound and told Emi to be more careful.

Group 1 was silent watching me work a few had hooded eyes and others were shaking in anger I just couldn't figure out why they were mad at me...

Nii-san one of the boys in group one called, "yes kiyoshi" I answered

"Why do you take them, the beatings mistress gives you, your our Nii -Chan you haven't done anything but help us since you got here we cant even help you with the chores cause mistress won't let us.

But its gone too Far!! Look at your face its gonna be like that forever, WHY DO YOU LET HER!!!!" kiyoshi cried

I was shocked I didn't think they knew about the beatings, of course they know I mean I did scream the house down, that was selfish I probably kept the kids up all night.

"Gomen guys I am sorry if I kept you awake that was selfish" I said hanging my head in shame.

I glanced at kiyoshi and was confused to see him getting frusterated,"I don't care that you kept us awake I want to know why you let her beat you WHYYYYY!!!.

Sighing softly I whispered the words I knew all to well were true, "because I deserve it" with that I left the stunned orphans in shock and went to put the first aid kit away.

On my way back to the kitchen I froze, its Friday, f.r.i.d.a.y. the day I'm supposed to visit ji ji.

Turning around abruptly I silently jogged to the front door shivering at the memory made here I fliched as my hand hit the door knob expecting a blow.

When none came I ran into the hot sun and made my way through the worn path heading for ji ji's

//--------------------------\

Navigating konoha was like navigating a battle field one wrong move and you'll be spotted,so I was glancing around every corner before sneaking through the shadows.

It was worth it though As I got to see everyone in konoha happy and even better, I don't get beatings or any 'new additions'

I had so far made it just past the stores and I had been seen only once

Looking across the busy street I could see the entrance to the hokages office trying to figure out when I would cross.

I examined the passing crowds hoping for a break where I could Sprint inside.

It took a few minutes but one came and I took the opportunity dashing through I sprinted for the door and rounded the corner.

Walking past the secretary I stood outside the door before placing a grin on my face I get to ask him, I get to ask him I sung in my head before...

Jii Jii!!!!!! I ran at jii Jii before colliding with a pair of legs and falling on my butt. Glancing up I pouted at the anbu standing in my way.

Jiji chuckled and waved the anbu away ,as soon as naruto stood up he ran into jijis awaiting arms. I felt safe for once and I melted into the hug.

When naruto ran into my study I couldn't help but feel extremely relieved, it was like a weight had lifted off my shoulders.

That is until it settled again when I realised how light naruto had gotten, it didn't take a genius to figure out he wasn't being fed properly.

Sighing I felt naruto melt and I allowed a small smile to grace my face.

When naruto sat up however I froze looking at his now scarred face I couldn't help but feel guilty even if I hadn't done it myself.

Across his cheeks were now three perfectly parallel scars which were obviously no accident.

" Naruto" I said quietly trying to keep the anger out of my voice " what happened to your face?"

He looked up at me and what he said made both my heart break and my blood run cold.

"Huh ji ji, my face.

Oh those its OK ji ji I deserved it really , mistress said I was a naughty boy and that I needed to stop being a wolf in sheep's clothing. So it really was my fault...reawly..."

I could hear the confusion in his voice but my mind kept going back to how light naruto was.

it was starting to worry me standing up with him I walked out and alerted the secretary that I was going out.

As we neared the exit I put naruto down only to see him sway with the effort, deciding it would be better to carry him I lifted him and felt him bury his head into my neck.

Walking outside I headed to ichiraku ramen and ordered for us naruto was still on my lap and he seemed to be excited about something.

Once our lunch was done naruto stared at me I waited for the question I knew he had.

"Ne ji ji could I maybe join the academy early?"