I don't own Naruto. This story was inspired from the video game "Bully," which I also do not own.
The story is a little fast-paced. Thanks to all who have given me your helpful advice. I hope the story is resilient, but I'm always looking to improve it, so feedback is welcome. Sorry if I spell any names wrong, or still have some typing error. It just evades us, sometimes. (Especially in a fresh chapter we are so eager to post!)
Thank you, everyone for all your support! I think it's safe to say that I honestly love you.
Your constructive-criticism is like brushing a knot out of my writing's hair, and I'm waiting for your brush.
Summary: Naruto is sent to a strict boarding school to find that it's crawling with cliques. How will he react to new allies and enemies? Watch the relationships unfold as Naruto's heart-of-gold affects all around him. SasuNaru. There is violence and language.
Naruto waited as a man with starlight hair and circular glasses unlocked the tall gate. With a click, the iron gate was free and creaked open. The man gave a smile, he had to.
"Welcome to Khonoha Academy, Naruto Uzamaki."
Naruto was the well known trouble-maker. From pranks to fights, every juvenile act seemed to find him. At his old school, the teachers couldn't tolerate any of his extreme disruptions. They eventually became so fed up with his disreputable behavior, they took it to a court sentence after his last prank. The court had ruled that Naruto was to attend a new school, a strict boarding school, aimed specifically to put him in line.
The school was located in a small town, literally in the middle of nowhere. He was not happy about that. It meant his old city life was over; he could no longer live the way he had been. No longer could he go to all the places a city had to offer. No longer was there the sense of freedom.
He was trapped. Maybe, what upset him most, was the fact that he was controlled: eating at the new school, sleeping at the new school, wearing the school's uniforms. Perhaps what was worst of all was he would be locked on the other side of that gate, God knows for how long; to roam was his pastime, his sanity. He was trapped. On top of that, if he didn't do well this year, he could remain behind those bars, even during summer. He was trapped.
"Good morning, sir." He withheld grumbling, giving the respect required if you didn't want your ass-kicked, and passed the threshold of the gate.
"My name is Kabuto Yakushi. I am one of the principle's assistants. Please follow me."
"Yes, Mr. Yakushi."
.
They walked down a wide cobblestone path. The giant school made of like rock loomed darkly overhead. There were large, mowed lawns on either side of the sidewalk. The terrain was uneven; He could see multiple buildings that belonged to the campus on all levels of elevation. Many, many stairs made such areas accessible.
"You see there?" Kabuto pointed at a building to the left in the distance, making conversation, "that's the boys' dorm." An old fashioned, beaten down building looked ready to crumble off the hill.
It was safe to assume the main building upfront with the old time's facade was the school. It was wide with a high steeple. To the right, a building identical to the boys' dorm, created symmetry, but was in slightly better condition. "What are all the buildings behind the school?" Naruto asked. Two buildings poked the sky behind the three buildings he knew.
"Behind the boy's dorm is the garage. Behind the girl's dorm is the Library. You can't see it from here, but the erosion is slowly pulling the buildings down, and we had construction done a few years ago to improve the gym and sport fields, directly behind the school. If you get to a high enough window, you can see the sea on the other side of the wall that's behind the school."
Naruto nodded. Just what he needed, a reminder he was confined to the campus. He would be a little more optimistic, had this district not denied access to the town. Changing his course of thought, he had to say something back. "There sure are a lot of steps," he eventually said, laughing nervously.
"You'll get used to it, no need to fret. Classes are spaced twenty minutes apart to compensate for the fact that some classes take longer to get to." Kabuto lead him through the school's thick doors.
.
Principle Tsunadae was filling out paper work when she heard a knock on the tall, oak doors.
"Come in," She called.
Kabuto entered with a confident Naruto. "M'lady, here is Naruto Uzamaki."
"Naruto Uzamaki, huh?" She tapped her papers into a neat pile. Kabuto showed him to a seat in front of her grand desk.
"Yes, ma'am."
"I received word that you were were quite the trouble-maker." Her power was obvious, flowing behind her calm face.
"Yes, ma'am."
"Let's see, what did the letter say?" She found an envelope on her desk, then removed the paper, reciting words: "Truancy, vandalism, impudence, misconduct, trespassing, harassing authority, violence . . . . I've seen worse, kid. But I'll tell you what: we'll pass the letter by and give you a fresh start, for the most part, as if it never happened. You're really gonna need it in a place like this." She looked him in the eyes.
"Thank you, ma'am."
"But don't think we won't have our eyes on you. I see some naughty things on this paper, so stay on our good side while you still have a chance. This is a high disciplinary school. We won't tolerate unruly behavior like most schools. We receive tough kids to crack all the time, but they always break down and behave eventually." She smiled, "and don't forget the fact that over achievers attend as well. This isn't just a fest of delinquents running about, remember that." She met his eyes again.
"Yes, ma'am."
She smiled once more. "Now then, Kabuto, why don't you escort Naruto to his room and have him changed into the proper uniform."
"Yes, m'lady." They left.
Shizune, a woman with short black hair wearing a black dress, entered the principal's office. "Was that the Naruto boy?" She asked.
"Yep, and I have a feeling he's gonna rise easily here. I like him, for some odd reason."
"Um, lady Tsunade, don't you think it's a little early to pass judgements?" She handed the other woman a few papers.
"We'll see."
.
Naruto beheld the sight of his room. The faded white calls were cracked. A thump from the ceiling sent dust leaking. The wooden floor was gouged from years of trampling. The area was small with only a bed, bookshelf, wardrobe, side table, and a sad old carpet. A window overlooked the cobblestone paths that lead from building to building.
Kabuto spoke from the hallway, "You get this room all to yourself. If you had requested a room on a lower floor, you would have had to share it. Most people don't choose to be up so high because of the heat in the summer. I'll wait out here while you change," he closed the door.
Naruto sighed. He would miss wearing orange. The uniform was a white button up shirt, black slacks, and black shoes. He put his orange sweater and jeans in the wardrobe, and changed. He left the bottom of his shirt untucked, not realizing just how sexy he looked.
.
Kabuto lead him to his homeroom teacher, homeroom in session.
All eyes were drawn to Naruto as he entered. People muttered, wondering who he was. With such a distinct tan and blond hair, he was defiantly someone new.
A girl with black hair and lilac eyes whispered, "Who's that?"
A girl with platinum-blond hair and winter eyes whispered back, "I don't know. Let's find out as soon as we can. He's cute."
"Y-yeah, he is."
The man was calm, lazy, almost bored. "Naruto, is it?" His lower face was hidden by a tight, white undershirt, and his right eye was covered by hair similar to Kabuto's. "Welcome to my class. My name is Kakashi. I'm an English teacher."
"Nice to meet you, Kakashi sensei. And thanks, Kabuto," Naruto said.
Kabuto gave a small smile like he had something to be amused about. "See you 'round, Naruto," and left.
"So, class, here's Naruto. It's his first day, so be nice." Kakashi sat down in his chair and read a book as if nothing special had happened.
"Hello, Naruto." The girl with platinum hair motioned for him to sit near her.
Naruto approached her and sat down. "Hi, what's your name?" He was friendly.
"My name's Ino, and this here is Hinata." Hinata blushed. "So anyways, where are you from? I don't think I've seen you around here before."
"I'm from the leaf city."
"Ohhh, that's a ways away. Why did you come here?"
"It wasn't my choice."
"What do you mean?"
"I'm an orphan, so they basically threw me over here," telling part of the truth.
"Ahhh . . ." She hoped he would say more so she could get a better picture. He didn't. Since he was nice, she figured it wouldn't hurt to have him as an friend. "So, do you know anyone who goes here?"
"No."
The bell sounded for the next class. People got up and made for the door.
"Well, you can think of me as your friend. What lunch period do you have?"
"I have 'B'."
"Then we have it together. Come and find me during lunch so I can introduce you to some people," she smiled. Naruto smiled back. Ino offered, "can I help you find your next class? What is it?"
"Sure, it's math. See ya, Hinata!" Hinata's face became red.
"B-bye, N-Naruto," She said quietly, wondering if he heard her while they left.
.
Naruto was sittinng at a desk near the back of the room. Class hadn't started yet, so he was just zoning out. The math teacher, Kurenai sensei, was waiting for the rest of the students to arrive.
"Hey," said a spunky voice. Naruto turned to see a pretty girl with menacing eyes.
"Oh, hi. I'm Naruto. What's your name?" Naruto was glad for the attention.
"The name's Temari. Are you friends with that girl who you walked in with?" She was pleasant enough.
"Ino? Yeah, she's cool."
"I recommend you reconsider. You shouldn't want her as a friend."
"What?"
"I've never seen you before, so you must be new here then, right?" She had her own poise that Naruto found attractive, but hard to trust.
"Yeah, it's my first day."
"Then here's something you outta know: be careful who your friends are."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean," She drew it out, "That if you pick the wrong friends, your stuck with them, and you can make a whole lot of enemies because of who they are."
Nearby students picked up on this conversation. Naruto looked around to see a red-head without eyebrows watching, and a taller kid with purple make-up next to him snicker. Other people around the room, like a pink-haired girl sitting next to a raven-haired boy, were watching as well.
"Are you saying this because you don't like her?" Naruto asked.
Temari narrowed her eyes and gave a nasty smirk, "Perhaps. Call her an enemy."
"And you came to say that if I'm with her, I'm against you."
He pieced together information good enough for her approval. "Precisely. If you want to be our friends," her face was a seductive evil, "You can. She's no one. You don't know who I am yet, but if you want to be someone, you'd best come under my wing. Come join my group of friends, if you know what's good for you."
Naruto had a poker face. He should have scowled; he didn't like people like her, and her 'friends'. He had real values for friends, not some high school b. s. about what clique you belong to.
"Join you and your friends?" Said the pinkette, closer than she had been before. She approached them, back strait for looking taller to stand her ground next to the older girl. "Really, Temari, are you still jealous of Ino? It's not her fault Shikamaru asked her out to the dance." She spoke as if it was a joke.
"Sakura, how nice to see you." Temari said with exaggerated sarcasm. Her tone was one of warmth and fun, yet she was cold and malicious. "I was just meeting the new kid. Talk to you later, Naruto." She walked back to her spot, hips swaying. The two boys next to her talked, without removing their eyes from Naruto's direction.
"Don't mind them," She said leaning forward on his desk a bit, "My name is Sakura. That's Sasuke over there," She motioned, the black-haired boy then lost interest, and turned away. "So you know Ino, do you?"
"I'm not sure I want to talk about who I know, if that's going to happen again." Naruto crossed his arms.
"Ino's my friend. What she said is true to an extent, You can make enemies if your friends with some people."
"Like her?"
A spit wad hit Naruto in the back of his head. He glared back. His volunteered 'friends'.
"The boy's names are Kankuro and Gaara. They mean nothing but trouble. I'd advise you to stay away from them, but it looks like they've already taken an interest in you."
Suddenly, Naruto shot a paper wad back at them with a rubber band. That'll teach 'em; it hit Kankuro.
"Come sit over by us," Sakura offered.
"You're nice. Don't mind if I do."
Naruto moved. He had to be closer to the front, but it was worth having a few rows of human wall behind him to keep them apart.
.
"Good afternoon, class," said Kurenai sensei, starting the math lecture. Naruto didn't feel like listening. He zoned out for the most part. A while into class, he heard Sasuke whisper.
"What's that?"
Naruto peeked back at them. Sakura handed Sasuke a note. He frowned, then opened it. His frown continued as he read it, then a moment later he folded it back up, then passed it to Naruto.
It had Naruto's name on it. Naruto brooded, stupid Teme, reading it before I get to! He unfolded the paper.
It was a drawing of Naruto nude with a tiny penis. The words this is your last chance to be our buddy or else, were written.
He looked at them, glaring, only to find their same smirks. Temari blew a fake kiss. Naruto caught it sent to the ass of a person in front of him. It was meant to be playful, but also disrespectful.
"You probably shouldn't have done that, idiot." Sasuke whispered behind him, seeing the action.
He was right. Naruto turned back at them. They were radiating evil colors. Aren't they a little over dramatic?
"Pay attention, Uzumaki!" Shouted the teacher, "I wouldn't want to give you detention on your first day, but keep it up, and I will!" He was always the one who got the blame.
He waited for her to return to the lecture before setting his pencil to the paper.
When he folded it up, Sasuke whispered, "Let me see." Naruto passed it in a stretch.
Sasuke saw Gaara's face on the drawing, a deformed hand reaching for the penis. No thanks was written.
Sasuke scribbeled something and handed it back.
You're an idiot. You can't send this back, Naruto read. He wrote something, then passed the note back.
Why the hell not? Sasuke wrote then returned the note.
If you want bruises on your first day, then go ahead.
Naruto jotted something down. They don't look so tough to me.
Sasuke waited for the teacher to turn around. Naruto read, they are tough, so don't mess with them.
"Detention, Uzumaki!" Kurenai caught him passing the note, snatched it, then tossed it on her desk.
"Great job, dobe," Sasuke whispered.
"Shut up, teme," Naruto whispered back. "They really don't let things fly here, do they?"
"Nope."
.
At the end of class, Kankuro furtively swiped the note from the teacher's desk. He handed it to Garra.
"Well if they think that they're so tough," Gaara read out loud, "They can go ahead and prove it to me."
Temari and Kankuro waited for a response.
"Looks like we have an arrogant runt to put in his place."
.
Lunch was the best period of the day for Naruto. After getting his food, he found Ino, and sat at an empty seat at the table.
"Temari WHAT?" Ino was angry, that she had already proclaimed Naruto an enemy.
"Yep, Sasuke and I were there." Sakura leaned toward Sasuke, trying to invade his space without being obvious. Sasuke scooted away, he knew.
"Naruto was being an idiot, so why wouldn't she?" He said.
"Bastard," Naruto scowled at Sasuke, who didn't pay much attention, resuming eating rice.
"Well, I think he'll be fine. I doubt they'll try to jump him, or anything." Ino said.
Naruto almost spit out his food. "They fight here?" He was shocked.
"Yeah, you better have quick reflexes." The boy next to Ino said. "My name is Kiba." He kissed Ino's cheek. They were going out.
"Don't worry: if they think they can get a swing at me, they'll get their asses whopped before they know what hit 'em."
Sasuke rolled his eyes.
Kiba looked him over. "Well, you ain't a shrimp, but it's not like you're a big guy, either. You should try joining the football team. It would be nice to have a friend there. You never know when someone wants to pick a fight. You always have to be ready. The exercise can help."
"Don't they get caught? I thought this place was too strict for that," Naruto asked.
"It's like an art; you gotta avoid the watch. That's all there is to fighting here. They don't give a rat's ass if they see bruises on you. Trust me, I know. As long as you're not caught doing it, your fine." Kiba explained.
Avoid the watch . . . huh? Naruto got thinking. There were always constant guards around. The place was more like a prison than a school. "So what's the whole deal about all the kids?"
"Basically, the place is infested with cliques," Ino answered.
"Cliques? What makes that fact so special?"
"The fact that it's war here. Every clique is against one another. The school is chock full of bullies, and fighting is an everyday thing." Kiba explained.
"So then . . . what are all the cliques?"
"Well . . ." Kiba started, "You have the preps, the populars, the nerds, the jocks, . . . the rejects, the rejects of the rejects, . . . some little kids, the overacheivers . . . that about sums it up."
"Hm," Naruto acknowledged through a mouthful of lunch special. He had twice as much food as anyone.
Kiba took a drink of milk before continuing, "but we also have Gaara's gang and Pain's gang. They mean trouble, and it's not the normal level stuff. Like shit your pants trouble, literally. Watch out for Gaara's in paticular. They got a thing for us."
"Why are they so obsessed with you guys?" Naruto asked.
Everyone got quiet. Naruto wasn't sure if anyone would speak up.
"I'll tell you later," Ino said.
Kiba gave her a nod.
"Do not get involved with the populars or preps," Sakura warned. "They gossip, and joining them is like one man against a nation. They like ruining people in anyway possible. You never know what they're going to do next. Steer clear."
"I'm liking this place already," Naruto said sarcastically. "How did this whole clique thing start, anyways?"
Ino said, "Really it's just a struggle for power. With all the different types of people coming to this school, it's no wonder they split up. But they say it's been this way since the place became a school. Rumor even has it that the 'Akatsuki' gang was founded here. And for the most part, people just feed into it! It's like they enjoy being against other groups of people. Plain ignorance, if you ask me."
"Wha- that's ridiculous! How is this this place still a school?"
Sasuke spoke, "Because it was intended to be a disciplining school in the first place, but with such a small town they abandoned the other school, and they all mixed here. That's why you've you got rich snobs to delinquents."
"Oh," Naruto said quietly.
"By the way, Naruto," Sasuke said, "Why did you come here?"
Ino answered, "He said that he was sent here, it wasn't his choice."
Sasuke's eyes flashed. "What did you do?"
"What do you mean . . . ?" Naruto hoped he didn't have to say more about it.
"You obviously had to have done something. What was it?"
"Well . . . I kinda accidentally burned a quarter of my old school."
Ino, Kiba, and Sakura were shocked. They all wanted to speak, to shout, to be heard; but since Sasuke never really said much they let him talk.
"How did that happen?"
"I messed up big on a lab experiment," he was embarrassed it was the truth. "It was only meant to be a little prank."
"There had to have been more than that," Sasuke insisted. "For them to send you here, you had to have done more."
"You could say I had some bad behavior." He wasn't trying to flaunt, he was just being honest.
"What, like 'cussing at the teacher' and 'being late to class'?" He mocked to provoke him to say his worst.
"Hell, who do you think started all the food fights? It's not everyday you get a kid who clogs all the toilets and sneaks laxatives into the school lunch! I wouldn't have been called the 'knuckel-head' if I hadn't!
Sasuke had an amused grin in response.
"You did what!" Sakura was a good, creative lacking girl.
"Hah, I don't believe you," Kiba doubted
Naruto had line eyes, "whatever, like I need it, 'Kina', I mean Kiba."
"Rrr, 'Naruta'! Go paint your nails!"
Naruto smiled big. He noticed something. "Hey, Sakura-chan, how come you can wear such high boots?"
The girl uniform was a white button up shirt, a red plaid skirt (Since they were anime characters, it was alright for the skirts to be mini), and black strapped shoe. Sakura wore boots over her knee with her toes exposed.
"That's because principle Tsunade favors her for some reason," said Ino with resentment. "She can do whatever!"
"Yeah, she get's it easy. People always want to be her friend because of it." Kiba added. "She used to be with the preps, but left."
"Oh, what made you leave?" Naruto was curious, and she was kinda cute too.
"Um," She blushed and glanced at Sasuke. Part of the truth, "it was kinda over rated . . . ." She looked down. "Sasuke left the overachievers and joined us before I even did."
"I was never with them. I don't want to associate with some arrogant fools that obsess over money and politics." He corrected.
The bell rang.
"See you guys later," Naruto left them and disposed of his tray in sloppy seconds.
"He's alright," said kiba, wrapping his arms around Ino.
"What do you think, Sasuke?" Sakura asked.
"He's an idiot."
"No duh, it's written on his forehead," Kiba said.
"But he's good enough for me."
Sasuke walked off, leaving the three wondering why he said something so unusual. He didn't say good things about people, generally, much less, trouble-makers.
.
Naruto was walking back to the boy's dorm when he spotted Sasuke.
"Hey, Sasuke!" He called, catching up to him. "Are you going to the boy's dorm?"
"Yeah." He didn't show any interest in chatting, so Naruto didn't say anything else.
They walked up the small hill to the boy's dorm, traversing plateaus and stairs. The sun was hiding in the pine trees, shooting faint purple in the sky. The watch was encouraging people to return to the dorms before eight; it was seven-thirty. An autumn breeze tousled Naruto's hair. Sasuke eventually spoke.
"Did you manage not to make anymore enemies after lunch?"
"Nope, none. Why are you always such a damn teme?"
Sasuke didn't answer. They arrived at the top, thighs tired from the countless stairs of the day. Naruto, with his boundless energy, finnished the walk to the door as if it was nothing. When he noticed Sasuke trailing off, he asked:
"Where are you going?"
"To have a smoke."
"Smoking is bad for you."
"Tell me something new."
Naruto left him alone, entering the building.
.
Sasuke lit a cigarette, leaning on the side of the building, out of sight from the watch. He took a deep inhail, then pushed it all out his mouth. He didn't smoke normally, only on rare occasions to relieve stress. He couldn't put his finger on it, but something was bugging him. Maybe it was the fact he had to deal with an idiot who could get his ass killed, just for being stubborn. It could happen, from a kid like Naruto. He took another draught. And why should he have to deal with that?
It's not like he wanted to be friends with any of the people he hung out with, but you had to sit somewhere at lunch. He couldn't stand how stereotypical and pompous everyone made themselves to be. That's why he tolerated Ino and the others, they were genuine.
If he had the money, he would have enrolled in a better school. One that offered some good classes. Knowing this was a high class boarding school, and he foolishly signed up, not knowing what was in store. The fact that his brother, Itachi, had enrolled here before him had helped him decide to come.
He heard the sound of public footsteps, rocks grinding into pavement. Five Big guys -two recognizable from Gaara's gang- surrounded him.
"Uchiha, where's that Naruto punk?" The tallest one demanded in a rough voice. He must have been three years older, with a considerable amount of muscle mass. Sasuke would have trouble taking on a guy with his size and experience, but he would have a shot at winning. All five of them was a different story. They were the real deal.
He took his time exhaling. "Inside the dorm, I'd suppose."
The leader cracked his knuckles. "Since he's not here, we'd like to leave a message on behalf of Gaara-sama."
Sasuke ducked as he punched the wall behind him.
"Rrrrh, fucking brat-" He growled with a pained fist.
Sasuke tried to slip past them, but a guy punched his shoulder before he could break free. He stumbled to the ground, and rolled quickly as a kick missed his head by inches. He had tried to get up and run, but they were already standing, and had the advantage. The back of his shirt was grabbed and he was pushed against the wall.
He resisted with all his strength, but two managed to get his arms against the wall. It was all over.
The leader punched him personally, twisting Sasuke's face to the side, over and over. Each punch packed pain greater than the last. Blood dripped from his mouth and nose, his right cheek swelling. The teenager took his fist to Sasuke's stomach, causing him to spit blood with each blow.
As he saw another fist coming for his face, he closed his eyes for a split second, the next he saw his attacker flying back from a human aerial attack. Naruto had kicked him in the face. The blond landed on the leader, kneeing him savagely in the gut.
The other gang members were in shock for a moment, but not for long.
A guy with light brown hair aimed a punch at Naruto from behind. Naruto rolled forward and kicked his jaw in the process. The injured recoiled, as another from the right charged to knock him down with his shoulder, football style. Naruto grabbed his shoulders and jumped over him.
In a flash, he was already to the banger on Sasuke's right. The guy becoming occupied, freed Sasuke's arm, which immediately punched the face of the boy on his right, releasing his grasp. Sasuke jumped back as a new attacker targeted his body.
The guy who once held Sasuke's right arm was punched, stumbling back to hit a teammate. Sasuke chanced a look at Naruto.
He grinned, "I can take it from here. You stay back."
"That's-" He didn't have time to argue.
Naruto grabbed the next flying fist and sent his own, injuring another person. He charged forward.
He must be insane! Can he really handle them? Sasuke had to dodge as a darker skinned member threw a left-handed swing. Sasuke kicked the guy, whom caught his foot. Sasuke lunged, knocking him backwards. He was saved from a standing man's kick as Naruto locked his arm around the teenager's neck, then gave a vicious body slam. Head thumping, he wouldn't be getting up anytime soon.
"I said get back, Sasuke!"
Sasuke was pushed back instead, A foot up in the air, ready to stomp.
"No . . . you . . . ," a fist flew from the side, uppercut fashion, colieding on "don't!" Naruto sent the guy backwards.
Sasuke retreated a few steps, using the wall for support, beathing heavily. Blood dripped on the ground.
Intrepidly, Naruto brawled with the hit-men. He took a few blows, but performed . . . exceptionally. He was faster, knew more moves, but above all, was much stronger than he actually looked.
Sasuke helped in the rest of the battle as much as he could, but it was like Naruto didn't need any help. Naruto took down one after another. They would get up, only to be knocked back down. He was pliable at dodging, practiced in his punching, and skilled in his timing.
.
The fight lasted no more than fifteen minutes.
"Is that it?" Mocked Naruto, breathing hard, eyeing the bodies on the ground. "Is that the best you can show me?"
Sasuke's head was light, he slumped against the wall as he made closer to Naruto. "I'm impressed." He stated simply.
Naruto had a stream of blood running from his nose, and a black eye forming. "Thanks."
He saw Sasuke struggling, then held the boy's arm around his neck to help him walk. They made their way to the dorm entry, walking over a defeated student.
"How did you know?" Sasuke asked.
"I saw you from a window while I was walking up the stairs, . . . I jumped on the bastard punching you and took it from there."
He breathed some more, before asking, "where did you learn to fight like that?" He was too grateful to feel any envy at the present.
"An old perv named Jiraiya taught me a while back. He was a marine veteran, and he taught me some of the good stuff."
"How did you get him to do that?" He opened the door, then wiped the blood from his face so the watch might not question them. He walked on his own, a little strength renewed.
"A lot of pervy things . . . not what you're thinking."
"You have some stories to tell me later."
"Sure."
They sat down on the stairs, taking a reprieve. They caught their breath and nursed their wounds.
"Guess you were right about getting bruises the on the first day," Naruto said.
"I was only half serious."
" . . . What's going to happen now? Are more going to pick a fight?"
Sasuke looked at him, like he was stupid. "You just took on five guys. Five strong guys. I'm sure most people will think twice next time." He didn't want to admit it out loud, but this kid had talent. He was way better than he was. And he himself was known for being able to hold his own. Aside envy, having him on his side didn't seem like such a bad thing after all. "Naruto,"
"Huh?"
"Tomorrow morning, meet me in the lobby downstairs. I'll take you 'round the school and show you everything you need to know."
Naruto smiled, "heh, cool."
First day, of school, first day of a new journey. Believe it!