Chapter 3: The Love of Another
-One Year Later-
The sudden addition of two sisters into a family probably would have annoyed any other person. However, Uzumaki Naruto was not any other person. He was ecstatic to have family, with seemingly boundless energy for days on end. The only one able to keep up with him was Yuko who seemed to be in her own little world half the time. Karin didn't know how to react to having a second ball of energy, let alone live with one. With Inu's help however, she at least learned how to calm Naruto. Unsurprisingly, ramen was the answer.
Inu had treated them to Ichiraku's Ramen that week and Naruto was yet again surprised by the kindness shown. Teuchi-jiji, as Yuko named him, and his daughter Ayame had welcomed the trio's presence with open arms. Maybe because of the sheer amount of ramen Naruto could eat in one day. No matter the reason, Teuchi-jiji would always allow them back and never overcharged. If anything Naruto felt he got a discount.
Karin would limit their purchasing visits, as they didn't have much money to go on. But they would still visit the old man every day to see how he and his daughter faired, despite the looks they would get from villagers. Yuko, for the first time that Naruto and Karin had seen, was angry. The happy-go-lucky girl had grown attached to Naruto in the short amount of time they had known him. Logically, her shouts of telling Hokage-jiji that they were being "meanie butts," was welcomed, though no one took her seriously. That was until she literally stomped to the Academy to drag Sarutobi into the village she was believed. It was an odd day to say the least.
Any time anyone would even look at him or Karin wrong, Yuko just glared, ready to scream. She was just that kind of girl, Naruto learned. Karin on the other hand dealt with things more logically. As such, she was the one openly doing the shopping so they'd never be over charged. She still was trying to figure out why they were angry at her little brother. Sometimes she would make small talk and just mention Naruto's name and get a venomous response about the demon child. She was no happier than Yuko. If anything, Karin was furious at the treatment of her only living blood.
The girls almost declined the option to attend the academy because of the villagers. They both had potential to be great kunoichi: Karin with her large chakra supply, and Yuko with her determination. The only reason they had gave in was because Sarutobi agreed to watch Naruto with Konohamaru while they were in their studies. It had become routine. They all would wake up early in the morning, get preparations done for school, then head straight to his office to drop off their little brother. At lunch, they would come up and eat with them, or take Naruto down to play. Right after classes, at least one of them would be there on the dot.
It was tiring on the old man to say the least. However, since meeting the duo Naruto had been far more behaved, excitingly waiting for his sisters. For the first time, Sarutobi could see Naruto reading. By the looks of it, they were Karin's notes or a book she would leave with him. It bored him at times, and the young boy would beginning asking questions nonstop, unless he had work. Sarutobi could only spare so much time between paperwork and mission room duty. Maybe he could make an assignment for watching the trio. He was getting far too old for this.
Now here he was. It was almost Naruto's time for his first year at the academy, and Yuko had already gotten detention. Correction, both Yuko AND Karin received detention. For what? No one would tell him. Whatever the case it had led to him walking down to meet with their sensei as their unofficial Guardian with Naruto in tow. He didn't miss how many teachers stiffened seeing the boy.
The boy in question hopped quietly over to his sisters, sitting in the row in front of them. Yuko just tapped her fingers against the desk in a set rhythm while Karin took to her text, paying no mind to the teachers. She actually looked bored reading.
"May I ask why I was called down here?" His tone was stern as he stared down the chunin instructors. Mizuki was the only one not to flinch.
"Yuko had gotten into another fight. Uzumaki had begun bad mouthing her instructors," was all the explanation he got. He turned towards to girl.
"Nee nee, Hokage-jiji it wasn't even a fight." Yuko whined, toying with the silver ribbon on her bright blue dress. Honestly, he'd have to do something about their attire at some point.
"Well, what was it then Yuko-chan?" He asked patiently. Yuko just kept tapping her fingers before replying.
"They were making fun of someone. As ninja, we're supposed to work together. Ridiculing our teammates get us nowhere. But then they laughed and kept saying mean things. So I kicked one of the boys between the legs."
"…Where did you learn that?"
"Nee… one of the older kunoichi said if a boy ever harassed me it would be self-defense." Well logically, her reasoning made sense. Though now he would have to teach her when the appropriate time to use that would be. No need to have too many of their boys in the infirmary. "Then one of his friends tried to hit me so kicked him in the stomach and ran. But then they said I had detention. Nee, I was just defending a teammate…"
He had to make note, she took to learning the shinobi rules to heart. Despite her low scores, she had a better grasp on them than some people he knew. "I understand. Though try not to make a habit of attacking your classmates Yuko-chan."
"But what if it's Taijutsu practice?" She blinked.
"No hits below the waist then. Or at least that point."
"Okay Jiji." He turned to face Karin, who just had a blank look on her face. She lightly gathered her papers together and placed them into a folder in her bag.
"Oh me next?" Sarcasm dripped out of her mouth.
"Yes little lady. I'm used to seeing Yuko here." Sarutobi sighed, puffing smoke out of pipe. The girl had a habit of running her mouth and retaliating to bullies.
"They scolded the boy. Then they yelled at Yuko for hanging out with the demon boy at lunch. So if Chunin were so welcome to yell at a child, I figured that at the least I could also yell at them. They were certainly acting like children. Such great role models for future ninja," Karin's smile held killing intent. Sarutobi hid a groan. Leave it to any Uzumaki to cause problems like this. He vaguely wondered if Yuko had some blood in her herself. Naruto had flinched, curling up in his chair. He hadn't meant to get them in trouble. Yuko seemingly sensed that and just placed a gentle hand on her otouto's shoulder with a reassuring smile.
"You three are dismissed. I believe you have learned your lessons," He said, watching as the girls got up. Yuko smiled, egging Naruto onto her back to give him a piggy back ride. He pat all their heads and watched them go, before turning to the academy teachers. To think the prejudices would start this early. He was getting too old for this.
0o00o0
A lone boy stood outside the academy, swinging his legs. There was something he had to do. It didn't feel right letting the girl take the blame for him. He hadn't expected her to come to his defense. Most kids would follow the crowd and make fun of his inability to use most jutsu. He at least owed the girl some thanks. Normally detention ran for a few hours, depending on the act. To his surprise, the girls were out in under an hour, along with a small blonde haired boy.
He hopped down from his spot, shifting. He had never spoken to the girls before. In most of their classes the girls kept to themselves, and at lunch they would disappear. He took a deep breath. In. Out. In. Out. He could do this.
"S-sumimasen!" Okay that came out louder than he intended it to be, but the girls had stopped in their steps glancing up at him. His cheeks warmed, causing him to quickly bow to them in hopes of hiding his face and apologizing.
"Nee, Lee-kun, konichiwa. How are you?" If he looked up he would see Yuko smile at him, eyes closed.
"I-I am doing well."
"Is there something you needed Lee-sama?" Karin asked. His cheeks grew dark before he straightened up to face them. Naruto was just giggling, clinging to Yuko as Karin adjusted her glasses.
"Yosh! Gomen, I wanted to apologize. For what happened in Taijutsu class today." He rubbed the back of his head sheepishly.
"Ma, that isn't your fault. They shouldn't have been making fun of you," Karin tsked.
"Yeah! Your taijutsu is really good Lee-kun! Maybe you can help us train otouto one day," Yuko giggled.
"Perhaps you can become a specialist in that," Karin said, placing her arms behind her head. "At least you work hard. Those dobe's can barely make a correct hand sign."
If there was a limit to how red a person could get, Lee was sure he broke that limit. It wasn't often that people complimented him. Most of the people made fun of him for being a 'dead-last' in the class. "A-arigato Uzumaki-san."
For a second he could see Naruto whisper something into Yuko's ear, earning another giggle. Her next words nearly made him fall backwards. "Nee, Lee-kun, we were going to Ichiraku's for an early dinner. Would you like to join us?"
"I wouldn't want to impede on-" Karin cut his words off.
"You aren't impeding. You are very welcome to join us. So is it a yes or no?"
He took a step back, glancing them over. No doubt, they were one hundred percent serious about the offer. "H-hai!"
"Nee, then we'll race you!" Yuko made a sound equivalent to a squee, already taking off with Naruto on her back. At the challenge of a race, Lee immediately followed suit, leaving Karin behind. "Last one there buys dinner!"
She stared for a moment before yelling and running after them. "C-chotto matte! Yuko that wasn't fair! Lee-sama don't encourage her!"
The only response was their laughter ringing throughout the street.
0o00o0
"Onee-chan, I'm scared." Naruto's voice snapped Karin out of her thoughts s she glanced at the boy. It had been a few days since their dinner was Lee, and closer to the time to new academy students would be flooding in. From what she overheard, many of Konoha's heirs to several large clans would be in his class. That was a lot of pressure on the civilian children, and a lot of pressure on Naruto.
"About?" Her voice was calm as she took him into her lap, gently rocking him.
"What if they don't like me? I wasn't even in classes and I got you and Yuko-nee in trouble dattebayo."
Karin gently run a hand through his hair. That, was a strong possibility. However, she wouldn't tell Naruto that. It wasn't his fault in the least. "Then they are missing out Naruto-otouto."
"Do you think I can be a great Hokage like Jiji and the Yellow Flash?"
"You can do anything you set your mind to otouto. Remember, me, Yuko, and Lee-sama will always be there to support you. And if they put you down, kick their butts when you have sparring. Just try not to fight. We don't need you and Yuko both getting in trouble."
That earned her a giggle. "I'll try Nee-chan."
She laughed, hugging him closely.
0o00o0
Naruto shifted quietly, adjusting his jacket. The girls had spent part of their allowance to buy him some new clothes. He insisted that they save up for themselves, but they wouldn't take no for an answer. He had to admit, the jacket was comfortable. It even had the "Uzumaki Swirl" on the back, according to Karin. It was a simple black jacket with orange stripes down the sleeve and down its side. Yuko had got him an orange bandana that he could place over his mouth.
Whenever he wore it, they warned him to put the hood up, which confused him endlessly. What did it matter? However the surprising part was went the hit the streets. No one could really see his face and just… ignored them. No more looks, no more names. He could go out in public now without vendetta.
That didn't mean, however, the academy would be different. They would know his name at the academy. There was a strong chance no one would want anything to do with him if their parents found out. He sighed. It was one thing to give them a reason to hate him, but he promised he would behave.
The one thing he looked forward to, was that if it got to a point, Yuko promised to show him a 'trap' that he could use for practice. As long as he didn't use it often. Even Karin had no qualms to that. And now that they were all at the academy they could use the training area, where Lee promised he would show them some techniques. Despite being nervous, he was also excited. No matter if everyone hated him, at least he would have his sisters and Lee.
He lightly swung his legs back and forth while he was sitting. The girls had already gone off to class, promising to see him at lunch with a special surprise. Apparently Neko had been teaching the girls some cooking so they didn't only have ramen every day. Inu had taught him how to make different variations of eggs already and promised to teach him more as time would permit.
He sat in the second row in the first column near the doors. In reality, he wanted to sit in the back for the sake of a quick escape, but he still wanted to learn. Jiji had told him the academy taught the ways of a shinobi, and if he wanted to be Hokage, like it or not he had to pay attention. He glanced at the door, seeing students fill in one by one. Some already had groups of friends they planned to sit alongside, leaving him to his own. Luckily hoods were still allowed to be warn in class so he could keep his up to hide his face.
No one paid him attention, sans the sensei's who took to whispering among themselves. Only one had the nerve to look at him and for once there was no anger. He even gave a small wave before going over lesson plans with another sensei. He was left to sit in silence, when someone finally sat next to him, likely due to the lack of seats left in class. He just tapped his fingers, remembering a song that Yuko-nee had taught him. Well… more of woke him up with. She was very intense with her morning dance workout. Maybe he could save up to buy her a working cd player for the clothes they bought him. The skipping would only get on their nerves further.
Before he could get through any other thoughts, the teachers began to take roll call. Naruto only paid so much attention, knowing his name would be called near the end of the list.
"Uzumaki, Naruto." He didn't miss how a few sensei's flinched while others began to whisper. He held back a sigh, just quickly saying 'here.' Hopefully they didn't see him. Soon enough they settled down and began to introduce themselves along with the subjects they taught.
Umino Iruka, he took note, was the one who didn't give him any grievances. Perhaps his time here wouldn't be completely horrible. At least not this day. According to Karin, the first day for new students was always the tour and then going over the basics. Then they would eat lunch and have a taijutsu class to assess everyone's skill. He had no doubts it would be a good day.
0o00o0
He spoke too soon. This class, was loud to say the least. Girls were gawking over something. All he could remember was the fair mention of 'Uchiha' before he tuned himself out. Most of the chunin instructors were outright glaring and whispering right in front of him. If he even took one wrong step he was scolded and laughed at. Okay, part of that was his own fault, but he already knew the layout of the academy. Between his sisters and Jiji, he had been to nearly every room.
The tour had took a bit longer than it was supposed to, so they cut for lunch. While his other classmates gathered to eat together and talk amongst themselves, he just hopped off to the main yard. The girls were not there yet, so he sat patiently on the swing, looking up at their window. It looked as though people were starting to move, so he wouldn't wait long.
It took a few minutes, but the girls were appeared. Yuko help a basket, waving at Naruto while Karin had a grasp on Lee's wrist. Almost as if she was dragging him. He giggled, hopping off the swing to hug them all. "What took you so long dattebayo?"
"Mizuki-sensei just drabbled on and on and on and lost track of time," Yuko scoffed. "Nee, his class is always so boriiiiing."
"How was your class Naru-kun?" Lee asked.
"There are fangirls in there. Save me," he dramatically fell to his knees and put his hands together. Lee just knelt down and place his hands on his shoulders.
"Need help writing your will?"
"Lee-kun, I thought I could depend on you," he whined.
"It's nice to see you two having fun, but we still have lunch to eat." Karin interrupted. It was interesting, and honestly she wouldn't have wanted to stop it. But lunch could only last so long and they wanted to walk Naruto back to class.
"Nee, nee! Come on, while the food is still warm," Yuko sang, twirling around in place.
With all their laughter, as they found a place to sit, they didn't notice a little black bug, buzzing quietly on the wall.
0o00o0
"Yosh, we will see you this afternoon Naru-kun," Lee waved. They decided to drop Naruto off early so there was no chance he could be late to class. It showed what little trust the girls had in the academic staff. Naruto didn't mind however. The girls had given him two big hugs while Lee gave him a small high five. They even discussed going over Lee's training regime after school to help him even better his taijutsu. After all, it was one thing training on your own, and another training with a group. In return, Lee would help them with kunai and shuriken.
Only one teacher was in the room. From what he remembered, Iruka would be their general shinobi education and history instructor. He could deal with that. That would take up most of the day, even if they had other classes. That meant less time with the instructors who glared at him. Iruka hadn't looked up from his papers, allowing Naruto to just sit and prepare a small scroll and pencil. He would do some quick doodles, waiting for everyone to file in.
It would still be a long day. As more students gathered inside, Iruka finally began to look around at them. His eyes wandered to Naruto, and he shifted. Again, no hatred, just… what was the word? He seemed… awkward to say the least. No matter the case, awkward was better than malice.
He began his explanations of the school and rules of the shinobi. He promised to pay attention, so he would, taking down notes once a while. He recalled some of things that Karin and Yuko taught him, adding in extra notes for what they had said on the subjects. Even a few quotes from Lee about comradery. He couldn't help but hide a giggle under his bandana thinking of them. His seat-mate next to him, seemed to be the only one to notice. However, the boy didn't say a word about it, going back to his own notes. This… was an interesting day to say the least.
