POV No. 1

Naruto

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From my earliest memory I can only recall being alone. Everyone around me would show hatred in their eyes and I don't know why. The caretaker of the orphanage would sometimes beat me for small things, wouldn't give me food, and even when I was feed it was always the worst of the food. Due to her mistreatment the other kids used me as a punching bag and they could get away with it too.

Everyday was hell but I wasn't the only one to go through this. I know it may be bad but I enjoyed having someone who had to go through what I did too. I felt a connection to this red haired boy. He didn't talk or show any expression even when getting hit. It was like he was already broken and I thought 'If I gave in to my despair would I be like this too?'

After that when the boy got picked on I would always go and defend him even if it meant I got beat more. This boy named Marix was more pitiful than me in a way after all. I can at least defend myself but he doesn't even seem to bother. I want to protect him, it's hard to explain since I don't know myself but I feel like I should help him.

One day the oldest bully seemed especially aggravated, I think his adoption interview didn't go well, he began to beat up Marix again I rushed in to stop him but I couldn't stop it until the bully got even more mad since Marix still didn't change his expression and through him. Marix hit the wall and passed out.

Later that night I woke up to find Marix wasn't in bed much to my surprise I found him in the bathroom so I called out to him and he actually spoke! He not only spoke but he smiled at me and hugged me too. That expressionless doll I knew was gone. I have never been so happy in my life than when he offered me friendship. He even protected me from the bully this time.

We met the hokage, THE Hokage! I was very nervous but Marix was very calm about it. I was afraid when they offered Marix to leave but to my and everyone else surprise he said he would only leave if I go with him. It was then that I made a vow to myself. I would get stronger, strong enough that I can protect my first friend, stronger than anyone else, and I would become the Hokage!

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Shikamaru

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Life's a drag. You know I would much rather just stay at home in my room than go out. I have always been very smart for my age, dad says I am a genius but whatever. I don't want to be a genius I just want to laze about at home. I don't exactly get along with anyone else my age other than Choji.

I do like Shogi though so I play it even by myself sometimes. I can't play it with anyone even close to my age though as I always win against them. The only people who could even challenge me were adults. Again people called me a genius. It's such a bother. Nothing really grabbed my interest other than shogi well that was until one day.

When I was three my dad took me to the hospital. I had to get vaccinated for something new. But in the waiting room a saw a red haired boy playing shogi by himself in the corner. When I looked at the board I had a spark of interest in me. Without asking I just sat at the opposite end of the board and took over that side. The boy didn't seem to mind and we played. I lost.

For the first time in my life I lost to someone who wasn't an adult yet. Shocked I looked up at the boy and he only smiled at me "Wanna play again?" He asked and again I felt interest so I played again and once more I lost. I don't know when but my dad was standing nearby watching us as I played a third match with the boy. This time it was getting a bit closer but I think he was taking it easier on me this time. I still lost but not as badly.

I couldn't help think 'If I am called a genius then what can he be called if he can beat me?' "I am Shikamaru" The boy smiled reaching out his hand "I am Marix. I'll play you anytime." I shook the boys hand and then got up and left with my dad who was chuckling at me "It seems you had fun today, boy" He said teasing me. 'Fun?' A small smile curled on my lips. Yes I had fun today.

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Choji

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I went with Shikamaru to this house I never been to before. He said he was visiting a friend which was a surprise since other than me I didn't know he had any other friends. A boy with whiskers on his face and yellow hair opened the door. Isn't that the boy everyone avoids? "Hey Naruto, is Marix in?" Shikamaru asked, oh so he wasn't here for Naruto.

We get led into the house and to the kitchen where a delicious smell is coming from. I saw a red haired boy he was actually cooking something it seemed to be eggs with cheese, crumbled bacon, and some green peppers. I can hear Naruto groaning about the green peppers. "Ah Shikamaru your here. Sit down I'll make you and your friend some too" Shikamaru sits down apparently he is used to this.

I have heard about this red haired boy too. He isn't well liked by other kids and even a lot of the villagers due to him not being from the village and that weird skill of his. Soon a plate of what he calls 'scrambled eggs' is placed before me. It was delicious! Well I have no issues with this boy. After all if Shikamaru approves of him, and he can cook such good food, he can't be a bad person.