The Curse of Prophecy: Speed of Despair

Chapter 2 - The Birth of a Hater

Months After Awakening

It had been months since Naruto awakened, to the truth, to his past, to the storm of hatred buried deep in his soul. The memories of Eobard Thawne surged within him, a reminder of who he once was and who he could become again.

The Negative Speed Force whispered to him, feeding off his resentment, sharpening it into something greater.

He had been a fool to crave their love. He saw it now.

Mito and Menma, their golden children, the so-called "Children of Prophecy." Their parents had placed them on a pedestal, while he was left in the dark. Forgotten.

That was fine.

In the months that followed, Naruto trained in secret. Every night, when the village slept, he pushed himself past his limits. Speed. Precision. Control.

He had mastered the art of moving unseen, his body vibrating at just the right frequency to slip past any eyes that might have been watching. His strikes could shatter stone before the impact was even felt.

And soon... soon, the world would feel the presence of the nightmare it had created.

---

Night

Konoha was alive with celebration. The village square was decorated with glowing lanterns, and the streets buzzed with laughter and cheers. The Ninth Birthday of the Hokage's twins was an event to remember.

Naruto, however, wanted no part of it.

Perched atop the rooftop of an abandoned building, he sat alone, bottle in hand. The alcohol burned his throat, but it might as well have been flavored water. His metabolism processed it too quickly to feel any real effects ,one of the quirks of being a speedster.

He took another swig, eyes fixed on the distant lights.

Footsteps. Two sets.

He didn't need to turn to know who they belonged to.

"You're too young to be drinking," Shisui commented as he and Itachi stepped onto the rooftop.

Naruto tipped the bottle back, draining the rest in one go, before wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. "Might as well be water," he muttered, tossing the empty bottle to the side.

Itachi raised an eyebrow. "That's... concerning."

Shisui blinked. "Yeah, I'm with him on this one. That much alcohol should at least make you feel something."

Naruto chuckled darkly. "Guess I'm built different."

Itachi studied him, eyes narrowing slightly. "A tolerance that high isn't natural."

Naruto shrugged. "Nothing about me is."

Shisui's expression softened as he crouched beside Naruto. "You alright, kid?"

Naruto gave him a look, one that spoke volumes.

Shisui exhaled through his nose, standing back up. "Right. Stupid question."

Naruto stood up. "You guys should head back."

You sure?" Shisui asked.

"I'm fine." Naruto

Neither Itachi nor Shisui believed him.

As Naruto walked away, Itachi exhaled softly, watching his retreating figure. "I wonder when his family will finally realize just how much they're hurting him."

Shisui chuckled at first, but then his face fell. "Probably not anytime soon."

The two Uchiha were about to leave when a sharp noise echoed from a nearby alley.

They turned the corner-just in time to see Naruto pull his fist out of a cracked stone wall.

Dust and debris crumbled to the ground, the deep hole in the brickwork a testament to the sheer force behind the punch.

Shisui let out a low whistle. "From the looks of that wall, I'd say you're not fine after all."

Naruto shook off the dust, his knuckles barely bruised. "Just blowing off some steam."

Shisui grinned. "Then how about I help you blow off some more?"

Naruto blinked, then his smirk returned. "Now that sounds fun."

---

The moon hung high above, casting a silver glow over the training ground. The night air was crisp, carrying the faint rustling of leaves and the occasional chirp of crickets.

Naruto and Shisui stood across from each other, their feet sinking slightly into the dirt.

Itachi stood between them, he told them no lethal blows were allowed.

Naruto cracked his neck.

Shisui grinned, bouncing lightly on the balls of his feet. "Been a while since we last sparred." He rolled his shoulders. "Can't wait to see how much you have improved."

"Why don't you come find out?"

They pressed their hands together, completing the unison sign.

Itachi lowered his hand. "Begin."

Naruto's eyes narrowed as multiple afterimages of Shisui flickered into existence, surrounding him from all angles.

"Body Flicker spam already?" Naruto smirked.

Shisui's voice echoed around him. "Come at me with everything you've got."

Naruto thought to himself, If I did that, this wouldn't be fun. And I wouldn't get to blow off some steam.

His smirk widened.

The fight was on.