The cherry blossom trees were beginning to bud.
Everyone in the Village Hidden in the Leaves had been longing for the cold, harsh Winter to pass. Now, the little promises of pink and red were telling the people that their wait was finally over.
Spring meant the start of a new school year. Konohagakure, a quaint gem of a village, was home to one of the finest ninja academies in the Land of Fire. It had for generations shone light upon talented young people, who had gone to grow up and become great Hidden Leaf ninja, serving and protecting their homeland.
This new semester was to be the beginning of something huge… and it all began with the one fateful encounter, on that very morning.
"Oof!"
"Oh, sorry!"
"Hey. No worries…"
Sakura Haruno gave the boy a weak smile before scurrying off, clutching her books tightly to her chest. Her long pink hair swayed behind her as she moved away, towards the school gates. The boy watched her for a few short moments, slightly moving his head as if to try and recognise her; but only a very brief few moments. He then heard his name being called.
"Hey Naruto! Good to see ya, buddy!"
The fair-haired haired boy flashed a grin towards his friend, "Kiba! Wassup man!"
Only a very brief few moments. That was all it had taken, to begin shaping the paths of destiny.