Ch. 4

I don't own Naruto and I am crap when it comes to Japanese things…but I am trying.

Sasuke walked out of the academy with a triumphant smirk on his face. The plan was great; being a teacher's aide gave him something to do while helping his friends. He would read other books and scrolls in class and help whoever in his class needed it without being distracted.

Grinning he walked out in the road; he planned on walking around a little and maybe check out a few shops before meeting Ami tonight.

He walked a bit stiffly since he applied a special type of gravity seals on his arms and legs the other night, not much since his little body still needed to grow but enough to help the muscles grow stronger.

This gravity seal was something he invented back in his world as a seal expert. It was design to store his chakra inside while increasing pressure to his muscles. The seal was in a shape of a flower's petal, one petal showed how much level of chakra is stored and the best part is, by recalling the chakra from the seals, it returns to his body instead of just disappearing around him so he would be able to use it again.

While walking he couldn't help but admire most of Konoha.

Where he came from, they had to make a lot of repairs to Konoha since the war with Sound and with the Akatsuki which left a lot of damaged buildings. Just walking, feeling the air around him, and hearing the laughs and voices of the people made him calm enough to walk with a smile. For most of the day, he just walked around the village stopping here and there usually greeting people. Others around him looked at him with all types of faces, respect- the ninjas, sympathy-the villagers, and admiration- the children and surprisingly a few other people. He decided to stop by the weapon's shop just to stare at items and imagine what he could do with them, plus he knew the owner.

'Sharp pointy stuff good for man,' He thought with a small chuckle.

Entering the shop he heard the sound of bells ringing from a top of the door way. A big gruff looking man emerged from back of the room and appeared behind the counter. He had an outfit of a black smith, he was big and pretty buff. There seems to be some sort of dirt or smudge on top of his bald head, a little dust on his beard and mustache. His brown eyes stared at him for a moment before his lips turned upwards into a smile. "Hey there kid, how can I help you?"

"Hello, I was just going to look around for some weapons for future reference."

He waved his hands in the air in a welcoming gesture as Sasuke began looking around.

'Should I get a demon shuriken or not, they were pretty darn useful to me before plus they can easily destroy and deflect swords in a sword fight if you know how to use them,' Sasuke thought while staring at a pretty good conditioned giant demon shuriken in the display case 'And maybe I should get it customized and while I'm at it, how about some armor, Customized armor and make it look like anbu issued armor.' He pondered for a bit, excited, who knew shopping could be so much fun?

The black smith studied his customer while he was looking around. The boy seemed to know what he was doing as he watched the boy pick up a blade and started swinging it for a bit. He performed impressive strikes with the sword and that was saying a lot since the sword was a lot longer than the boy was, he may not be an expert but he could handle a sword. Gently, the boy returned the blade and looked at other items.

"So tell me, are you a ninja academy student?" the gruff man asked.

While still eyeing a demon shuriken with a certain shine in his eyes, Sasuke answered, "Yes sir, I am in my third year." Gently he traced the smooth edges of the giant shuriken's bladed side with his small fingers.

"Ah, I have a daughter out back practicing her kunai throws. She is in her 4th year; maybe she could give you some advice for your next year."

Sasuke turned and looked at the man in confusion, "Thank you sir, but why help me?"

"Bah, you look like a good fellow and call me Tenchu." He said while giving Sasuke a grin.

'Oh, so he doesn't know who I am, figures, he doesn't really keep track of the people outside his shop much.' Sasuke thought with amusement.

"Thank you sir, I think I might go meet this daughter of yours." Bowing Sasuke left the shop as Tenchu returned to the back of his store.

Tenten stood in the back throwing kunais at the targets. She was only 10 years old but she trained with vigor.

Sighing she sat down on the grass as she rested. She was different than most girls in her class; she didn't really make many friends because most girls her age wanted to do other things that she found boring. The guys avoided girls like they were the plague and here she is now, throwing kunais at targets.

A noise startled her from her thoughts as she heard footsteps approaching her.

'Must be father,' she thought as she lay back on the grass closing her eyes.

"Hi dad, did you need help?" she spoke with her eyes closed still resting.

The figure stopped moving and she felt him behind her. Opening one eye she peered at the figure only to jolt up in surprise. "Hey, who are you?"She spoke surprised while sitting back up.

He smiled at her warmly which seemed to have confused her for a moment as the hostility in the air disappeared.

"Sorry to startle you," his voice was pretty nice and deep for his age, "But your father told me you were practicing your kunai throws for the academy and well I just wanted to watch, if you don't mind."

'He sounded polite and he did talk to father,' Tenten thought for a moment.

"Hmm…sure I guess," she shrugged and gathered her kunais, "I have nothing better to do."

Sasuke sat in the sides watching.

"So, you're an academy student," she said as she held one kunai, staring at the target.

"Yeah, 3rd year, your father told me you are in your 4th?"

"Mhmm," she answered as a brief silence fell between them.

The sound of kunais hitting the wooden target resounded the area as Sasuke sat there comfortably just watching a mini Tenten throw kunais with pretty good accuracy.

He smiled in memory of the girl, remembering their past missions together, and the times they had spent together with friends.

Tenten felt a bit uncomfortable as the boy continued watching her throw. What was her father thinking, telling him to come watch her, she huffed a little as she went to pick up her fallen kunais.

"Hey," Sasuke decided to speak, 'I know how to get her to talk'.

Turning around she answered, "Yes," which sounded a bit forced.

"Yeah, I was wondering if you preferred a long sword over a demon shuriken," he scratched his nose, "… or do you even know what they are?"

An Insult

"What! Of course I know what they are." She yelled back before stomping towards him. In her mind, she already prepared a whole list of things to say to the boy.

And it was from there they debated the use of many weapons and equipments which was a topic Tenten favored. Their conversations ranged from weapons to other academy students, to teacher gossips and other academy teachers.

It was in the conversation he found out the Academy teachers are assigned to classes and they stick with them until they graduate, but later the teachers could sometimes switch for different lessons or if in emergency.

So that was why Iruka was his teacher for the longest time.

Towards the end they each sat on the fields smiling and chatting as if they were long friends.

A chuckle escaped Sasuke's lips after Tenten told a story about a certain classmate, "That is funny, and what was his name again, Lee Rock?"

"Yeah," she giggled, "You should have seen the Hyuuga's face when Lee thought he was a girl."

They laughed for a bit as they settled down, time was nearly up and Sasuke had to leave soon.

"So what motivates you to become a ninja?" Sasuke asked out of the blue.

She tilted her head in a thought as she placed a finger on her lips.

"Well, I believe women are just as strong as men," She began.

'True, true," Sasuke thought and nodded.

"And when I become a ninja, I want to be strong just like the legendary Tsunade herself and to show that female ninjas can become really powerful." She said with star filled eyes as she stared up at the sky.

"Ah," he nodded, "That's a good dream. I believe with all this training, you will become a strong person when you grow up, and maybe you'll meet the legendary Tsunade one day."

She turned her head towards him as a small blush appeared on her cheeks; no one has really complimented her like that and most of the boy's in the academy picked on the girls for being the weakest ninjas out there.

"Well, I have to leave soon and it was a pleasure meeting you. " Sasuke stood up from the grass and patted his pants before waving at Tenten and leaving.

"Wait!" Tenten yelled a moment later, stopping Sasuke.

Turning around, Sasuke faced her soft expression of curiosity.

"What motivates you?" she asked as well, wondering what he would say.

"Hmm…" he thought for a minute before simply answering, "Friends." He smiled to her.

She smiled back, "You know, I never got your name." She held her hand out for a hand shake, "My name is Tenten, and I hope we meet again."

Taking her hand in his for a shake he answered back, "and my name is Sasuke…Sasuke Uchiha."

Stunned, she stared wide eyes at him, "And I know we'll meet again." He finished.

Smiling, Sasuke turned to leave while waving a back handed goodbye.

She stared at his retreating back as he soon disappeared out of view, "Uchiha…" she whispered before yelling out, "DAD!" she ran back into the store.

Walking down the road, the sun was setting as the hands of orange light could be seen around the area. He enjoyed his chat with Tenten, it was a bit of relief for him. Staring at the sun he decided to let his feet guide him…

In the park, children were seen playing around. A few parents started showing up to gather their children but before they left, they threw a nasty glare to one lone child in the swings. The child did nothing but continue swinging while staring off into the floor. Her purple hair covered her eyes as her hands held the chains holding up the swing tightly.

Ami arrived at the park after the academy to meet her friend Hinata, they played for a bit as Ami helped Hinata gather a few flowers. Soon other children arrived, some her class mates and others that belong to the villagers.

At first, she was avoided until one of her classmates, Shikamaru accompanied by his friend Chouji, invited her and Hinata for a game of ninja tag with a few other children.

She felt excited and happy as she and Hinata accepted. They played for the longest time, she was like the rest of the others, laughing around and screaming for no apparent reason. It was fun but it didn't last long, soon Hinata left, she was picked up by one of those strange white eyed person who regarded her with a cool neutral stare, neither hateful nor trustful. Hinata told her his name was Hizashi and he was a good person before leaving. Shikamaru waved her a goodbye before leaving with Chouji and said it was getting late. She tried to play with some other village children but after her friends left, it seemed as if the group died down, and the other children didn't even try to invite her to a new game.

She settled in one of the swings and watched one by one, each children smiling happily as they were picked up by their parents. The Parents in return would crouch and hug their child, and some would kiss the child's head or tousle away dirt in the hair before holding their hand and walking away while the child chatted away. A few threw her sharp glares so she resorted to just staring at the ground swinging emotionlessly. She used this time to gather her thoughts as one by one, children were leaving.

She couldn't understand it, why the villagers hated her. Some would whisper and others out right called her a demon, but she did nothing, just observed.

For some reason, she believed that people hated her for what her parents did in the past or maybe someone she might have pissed off one day. One time, she remembered asking the Hokage about her parents and he told her they were great ninjas who died defending Konoha from the demon fox Kyuubi when it attacked Konoha. The Hokage told her that they were great friends with the Fourth Hokage, the one who defeated the Kyuubi fox demon and she felt great pride in that, but still…

She pondered in her swing as the sun was sinking in the horizon. Later, she would have to meet Sasuke at Ichirakus…she didn't tell anyone that… it might look bad. "It's not like we're friends or anything." She spoke to herself.

Sometimes, she wished she had someone who would wait for her, someone who would take her home and tell her everything was ok. She sighed, wishful thinking.

"Hey," a voice spoke behind her as she quickly turned around to see the speaker.

Sasuke's feet took him to the park where he observed everyone there. His eyes led him to the lone person sitting in the swings looking dejected. His eyes grew soft with a frown that adorned his face as he watched her swing slowly by herself as her hair covered her eyes.

'Ami,' he thought, 'I remember feeling sad each time I watched the parents pick up their children in the park. I remember, each time thinking, why not me, what's different with me.'

Slowly he walked up behind her, 'I remember thinking I wish I wasn't alone.'

He spoke to her.

Their eyes met each other as a few emotions crossed her eyes, what they were he couldn't figure out. Tiredly she responded, "What is it Sasuke?"

He had to wince at the defeat in her voice; clearly this wasn't the best time for her. She was so down especially with her eyes so dim and shoulders slumped.

"Do you need a push?" he asked politely, placing his hands on the two chains, staying behind her.

Sasuke saw the surprised look on her face as she turned away and shrugged as a response. Her hands tightened briefly on the chains.

Gently, he started pushing her swing little by little. It was a serene moment and if anyone would watch, they would see a boy with a gentle smile pushing a swing with a girl sitting on it, eyes closed, swaying back and forth to the push as a small smile graced her face.

This went on for minutes of calmed silence; she started to let out a toothy grin as her grip on the chains holding her seat tightened even more.

"Can you push faster?" She spoke a bit softly.

"Sure," Sasuke started to grin as he did just the thing.

Soon, Ami was swinging high up in the air, she felt free as if nothing could harm her. This feeling made her laugh. She leaned back to look at Sasuke. He appeared to be upside down since she was staring with her head leaned back. He smiled back at her and continued pushing. Towards the high point of the swing she jumped off to the shock of Sasuke. She was high up in the air screaming, not in fear but with excitement as she landed on her feet, tripped and tumbled away.

Sasuke soon came to her aide, asking if she was alright in which she just laughed as a response. They sat there on the ground as the last rays of lights started to disappear for a moment before she stood up and patted her clothes with Sasuke following. "So what now," She asked.

"Hmm…Let's eat." He answered.

"Sure."

They walked in comfortable silence towards the destination they both knew well.

The lights of the street lamps lit the road as the stars appeared in the sky. Sasuke and Ami arrived at Ichiraku's, either Ami didn't care nor didn't notice Sasuke open the curtains for her because she didn't respond to it as they both took a seat in a stool.

"Ah Ami, how's my number one customer," Teuchi asked before noticing the young Sasuke, "And who is this." He winked at the both of them.

Blushing she looked away before answering rudely, "I'm fine old man and this is just my class mate Sasuke who's paying for tonight." She glanced at him with one eye in which he nodded back to her.

"Great, so what will it be?" Tenchi smiled at the both of them.

They each ordered their meals and waited in relative silence. The scene was cute, if not awkward as Sasuke sat there with that little smile of his and Ami sat as quiet as ever.

As the order was complete Teuchi handed them their meals and said before leaving, "My, my Ami, you're really quiet and if I didn't know better I would say you two were on a date." He laughed at their red faces as Ami yelled, "SHUT UP!"

'Curse you old man," she thought as she wolfed down her meal.

Sasuke ate at a relative pace before Ami ordered another ramen. After a couple of bowls were eaten by the both of them, Sasuke asked Ami, "So, did you want me to answer your question now or later?"

"Later," she looked at Teuchi as Sasuke got the meaning. He paid for their meals and they left in the same awkward silence they arrived in.

"Hey dad, I'm back!" Ayame yelled out while holding plastic bags.

Teuchi grunted in response. "Did I miss anything?" she asked before placing the bags on the counter.

Thinking back a few minutes ago he answered, "Nope, not a thing," before heading back to wash the dishes while humming. Ayame stared at her father's retreating back confused, 'what's he happy about?'

Sasuke and Ami stopped at a bench near the river of Konoha. The river split parts of the city and the trees along the river made them a good spot to relax under. The moonlight lit the river as they both sat down on the bench and stared at the river's reflection of the moon.

"So, you ask me why I changed." Sasuke began and at Ami's nod he continued, "I guess, when you die you begin to look back at what kind of person you are. Me, I had many ifs and then. If I acted like this then what would happen and if I was kind, then what will happen."

Ami peered at him in confusion.

"I guess I'm saying that my experience in death made me want to change myself, I want to be a better friend and I want to be stronger for someone else, not just for myself."

He sagged a little in his seat, "I've been angry, I was filled with hate. I mean come one, I lost my whole family, I should be, shouldn't I?" He rose up in his chair during the little rant.

"Yeah I'll get revenge but then what… but nothing and no one if I only concentrate on killing my brother and ignoring others around me."

He stood there in silence as Ami sat down, staring at his back.

"Sasuke," she began, "I don't know what it feels like to have a family. I can't pretend to understand what you're feeling."

"You know, I've seen them stare at you," Sasuke interrupted.

She stared back at him surprised.

"It's annoying isn't it?" He turned back and smiled at her.

"Yeah, it is," she answered, a little smile of her own appeared.

"Your strong Ami, I know that, your friend Hinata knows that. If people got to know you better, they would probably like you too." He placed his hands on her shoulders and leaned in, "I want to be your friend, and I rather we got to know each other better because I am pretty sure we have much in common."

They were pretty close to each other; their noses nearly touching as Sasuke initially blushed and stood up from the bench, trying to stare at anything other than her, "So any ways, just think about it. We could train, hang out till night or whatever, and I'm sure I want to be friends with Hinata too, it could be gre…" He stopped as he felt warm arms wrap around him.

"Really," her voice was unsteady as Sasuke felt her body tremble.

"Yeah, of course," he spoke softly, smiling as he stared down at the floor while Ami's arms continued to wrap around him.

Ami released and stood there with her head down as her chest heaved. Sasuke turned around to face her as she slowly looked up at him; it seemed like she was crying, "I think that would be cool too." She answered while holding back a sniff.

"Thanks," Sasuke smiled as he wiped away a tear. Ami's blush was covered in the night as Sasuke continued to wipe away the tear on her other eyes, "let's take you home now."

Ami nodded with her eyes closed and a smile on her face before they both fell in pace with each other and they walked in comfortable silence. Nothing but crickets chirping, lit lamps, starry sky, and moonlit night guided them back to Ami's apartment.

They reached the front of her door; nothing was said for a moment as they stood there together outside her apartment. Ami opened the door and stepped inside.

"So I'll see you in the academy tomorrow?" he asked.

"Yeah," she replied.

"And remember, if you need someone to you know, hang out with or talk too, my home is always open." Sasuke said with a smile.

She grinned, "That's awesome."

He started to leave as Ami stopped him and said, "Oh, and Sasuke," he turned around and peered at her,

"Tell anyone about this and I'll kick your ass." She slammed the door shut in front on him.

Sasuke stared at the door for a moment in a small stupor before smirking. He turned and left to his own home.

Ami leaned against the door as a slight blush appeared. "That was…cool." She let out her first girlish giggle before getting ready for bed. Maybe she and Sasuke weren't so different after all…

"That was interesting," an old man chuckled in his office, peering at a crystal ball. "I never knew he felt that way," he gave a wide smile and felt several years younger. 'Sasuke, you will grow up to become a powerful ninja and a great friend, and I actually can't wait for what the future may bring.' Standing up he covered the crystal ball and locked up his office, his smile never leaving as he too, went home. "Sometimes, I love being the Hokage." He said before disappearing in a puff of smoke.

Sasuke slept great that night, it was one of the calmest sleeps he had in ages. The cries of the boy in him or the memories of his past didn't bother him as he understood now, that this future was already changing, and this world could turn out to be great…

The next morning he woke up early. He stared out the window with a smile on his face before checking the closet. He sighed while staring at what he had to choose from…he still had to get used to some things.

Putting on a black shirt, shinobi pants and a black vest, he packed his bag, inserted his kunais, shurikens, and scrolls in their holsters and pockets on him.

Leaving the empty house he decided to eat breakfast at Ichiraku's. The morning meals are actually different than the afternoons to nights. In the morning, they served other meals such as rice balls, miso soup, a few meat meals, and so on.

He arrived at the stand and entering, he spoke out a good morning to a shocked Teuchi. A few pleasantries were exchanged as Sasuke ordered his meal and received it minutes later. After his meal, he ordered tea and sipped while taking a moment to relax. Finishing, he paid for his meal and left towards the academy.

Again, like all the other days. Shops were opening; villagers were waking and some already sweeping the streets. Sasuke kept a smile on his face as he walked, greeting a few, and nodding at some.

He arrived early to the academy and while walking down the path he spotted a familiar bun bun browned hair girl walking the same path. Spotting each other she waved at him before she sped up to meet him.

"Morning Tenten," Sasuke greeted with a smile.

"Good morning to you too, little Sasu," She spoke to his embarrassment in which she stuck out her tongue playfully.

Sasuke stumbled, "W-why am I little, you know I'm as tall as you." He twitched an eye while staring back at her playful face.

"Well because" she placed her finger under her chin in a thinking position while walking close to Sasuke, "…I'm older," she patted his hair to Sasuke's slight irritation.

"Whatever," he turned away with a small smile on his lips before he quickly walked away.

"Oh hey, c'mon, I was joking," she frowned and started running up to him, "Wait for me!"

They raced to the academy doors, Sasuke reached them first as they walked together down the hall; sharing a few laughs they soon departed to their assigned class rooms.

"I'll see you later, Little Sasu!" She yelled out to his annoyance.

"Oh come on already!" he yelled back as he felt his face heat up before entering his classroom and sliding the door close.

"Good morning Sasuke," a voice spoke behind him.

Freezing up he turned around to find a smirking Iruka. There was amusement on his face as he stared at Sasuke with one eyebrow lifted up.

Growling out a morning, Sasuke gave him a 'don't start with me look' before sitting down at the same seat he sat yesterday, a blush still evident on his face.

Chuckling, Iruka went back to his papers.

After a few minutes or seconds of calming down, Sasuke, being bored, decided to talk to Iruka since no students were in the class yet.

"Iruka sensei," he began as he started walking towards his desk.

"Yes Sasuke," he peered up from his paper.

"What are you working on?" he tried to gaze at the papers in his desk like a curious little boy.

Iruka had to chuckle at that, sometimes little kids could be cute. "This, well, today's going to be a long day so this is the plans I had made for today. Just checking and rechecking the list."

"You know, it might not go as plan." Sasuke innocently spoke.

"Oh really," Iruka answered as the door opened and another student entered. Greeting a good morning Iruka turned back to Sasuke, "Care to explain."

"Well you see here in this outline," Sasuke pointed at the paper, "You don't really give an estimate time, or any time at all for questions or concerns. How are we going to understand it without actually having time to understand it? And look at all of these subjects, there are soo many that it is close to impossible to learn all in one day without a few people misunderstanding what to do."

He rescanned his plans "Hmm…You know what…. your right." Iruka looked at his plans, 'well not many students asked questions in class and it seemed like a lot of the other students understand it well enough. But I see what you mean; only students with ninja parents would know better than…oh Kami.'

He slapped his head, 'I forgot that some kids don't have ninja parents. Some kids don't even have parents at all,' he thought gloomily.

"Thank you Sasuke, I have to re-asses my plans. I'll run them by you so we could have a teacher and a student's mind on this one."

"No problem sensei, "Sasuke answered.

"Well, if all goes well with your Intel test today, then we will be having a lot of planning in the mornings."

"Don't worry, I'll ace it and become a great assistant, I promise." Sasuke spoke with enthusiasm which reminded Iruka of someone else in class.

Speaking of class, they both turned and found that most of the students had arrived already, and a few looked at them in confusion and some of them muttering about tests and assistants.

'Oh boy,' Sasuke thought as he spotted Hinata next to his desk.

Iruka threw him an apologetic face as Sasuke went to sit down next to Hinata.

On his way to his desk, his senses tingled as he felt the intents of a few people approaching him. 'No, I know who it is but where are they.' Sweating, he looked around nervously as finally two blurred figures promptly glomped him while squealing a "SASUKAY!"

'Where did they come from!' he thought as he stood there with two girls hugging him tight.

Sighing he spoke, "Well good morning Miss Sakura and Miss Ino."

Blushing in response they let go. "Come sit with me Sasuukay,' Ino purred gently pulling him.

"Gah! Ino pig! No Sasukay, sit with meee." Sakura countered with a tug of her own.

"WHAT DID YOU SAY FORHEAD GIRL!" Ino released Sasuke and glared at Sakura.

"YOU HEARD ME INO PIG!" Sakura released Sasuke and glared equally at Ino.

"WHY I.." they both yelled as they brought their claws out. (Girls, meow :P)

"SAKURA, INO!" Sasuke yelled at them, rubbing his head. "Look, both of you are very pretty girls but…ehm"

Sasuke backed away as Ino and Sakura stared at him starry eye. "You think I'm pretty?" they both chorused.

"Umm…yeah?" Sasuke spoke.

"SQUUEEE!"

'OH KAMI!' Sasuke thought as he dodged another glomp attack and ran towards his seat.

Diving behind his seat he looked at the closes person for help "Hinata, Hinata," He spoke shaking the said girl as she came to a momentary shock.

"Um..m..Umm..S-Sasuke…w..what..are..you..doing." Hinata answered red faced.

"Keep them away, please," he stared at her for a minute with a serious face then back at the approaching girls…then he quickly went under his seat.

Seeing Sasuke act like that, Hinata had to hold back a laugh as the rest of class did the same…he seemed so…normal now, it just was not like him. In fact, the personality reminded her a lot like one other person she knew. She settled for a giggle.

"Hah, hah.." Iruka chuckled and looked at them with warmth in his eyes, "Sakura, Ino…. leave Sasuke alone."

Begrudgingly they left to their seats as Sasuke rose from under his desk, "Thank you Iruka sensei!"

Iruka waved at Sasuke from his desk and continued reworking his schedule.

"And thank you," he turned to face Hinata, his eyes serious and face calmed. He spoke in a husky voice, "Lady Hyuuga."

"Umm..W-well, I-I didn-n't," her face turned a scarlet red as she gulped hard and stared down poking her fingers.

"Umm…umm." She continued stammering.

Iruka peered up to see a red beat Hinata, "I can't believe I'm saying this," Iruka muttered but his lips twitched upwards, "Sasuke, stop making fun of Hinata,"

"He he, Sorry Hinata," Sasuke apologized scratching the back of his head.

"I-its, ok," she stammered a little her blush dying down.

"You just looked too cute sitting there to pass up the opportunity." He waved off and leaned back at his desk.

Unbelievably, her face turned even redder than last time as she stared down at her desk, unmoving, 'he called me…cute…' she thought.

'Man, Sasuke seems energetic today,' thought a few of the students and Iruka. 'Strange'

"Hey Hinata," Sasuke asked, next to her.

"Y-yeah?"

He looked around confused, "Where's Ami?"

When Ami awoke she felt great. She felt as if a great burden had been lifted from her chest and she promptly smiled at the sunlight. She then faced her clock and realized she was late. Rushing up in a hurry she got changed, ate a small breakfast, packed her bag, packed her lunch, ran but locked the door on her way out. She rushed towards the academy with her little legs stamping hard on the ground but a smile appeared on her face as she felt the wind rush through her hair and through her unzipped jacket. Today felt different for her as she arrived at the academy, slid the door open and yelled out, "SORRY I'M LATE SENSEI!"

She should have known something was different when Iruka just waved at her and the class just went back to talking to each other.

She looked at her seat next to Hinata and spotted Sasuke sitting to the left of her, smirking at her, while Hinata looked at her with a small blush.

She gave a toothy smile and waved, "Good morning Hinata, Sasuke."

A few paused around the class room as they heard the greeting. Hinata stared in surprise, watching with those also curious as Sasuke stood up, a hand out in greeting as well."Good morning, Ami."

It was a weird sight, Ami walked up to Sasuke, hopping into the seat next to him and chatting as if they were always friends. The others couldn't believe this; they wondered what happened between them. Sakura, Ino, and a few others who secretly had a crush on the boy stared with surprised eyes and watched as Sasuke and Ami continue to chat as if it was normal.

"So, why am I not late?" she asked him while not noticing what was going on around her.

"Oh, Iruka sensei had to refix his schedule, it should be done soon," Sasuke shrugged and decided to leave out the glomp attack from earlier.

"Oh, cool then," she unpacked her bag, "so did you eat breakfast?"

"Yeah, I ate at Ichirakus." Sasuke answered to Ami's surprise.

"What!" She yelled out while jumping up, "I didn't know they serve ramen this early in the morning!"

"No, no," Sasuke waved at her with a small sweat drop, trying to calm her down for over working her-self because of a simple statement like that, " in the mornings they serve breakfast instead," he went into his lecture mode, "you really should cut down on the ramen, not too much is good for you."

She huffed, sitting back down, "yeah well, vegetables taste weird to me."

"Join me sometime," he chuckled before turning to Hinata who was watching this exchange in fascination, "And you should join me too, Hinata."

"Oh, umm, I don't know."She answered while staring back down again but her eyes slowly stared up at the two as questions filled her head.

'You see something new each day,' Iruka smirked while watching the interaction before appearing before Sasuke, "So, what's your opinion on this schedule," he handed over the improved document.

Sasuke rechecked the schedule and nodded. After receiving the approval, class begun, the whole morning class seemed easier than before. Students were given work and Iruka actually helped anyone who didn't understand, while observing each one. He especially paid attention to the ones in his class who really needed help. Sasuke helped Iruka as he finished early to the benefit of the students. With two people helping the whole class, it was finished faster. The topics ranged from simpler things like mathematics, writing, to history. While others stated the ninja codes and laws. Sasuke didn't agree with some ninja codes but he didn't voice them.

With all this, the morning seemed a lot easier to tolerate as Iruka ended for lunch.

And just like morning, lunch went by fast in Sasuke's opinion. Today he ate with Ami and Hinata while introducing Chouji and Shikamaru. He challenged Shikamaru to a game of chess as Chouji and Hinata watched while Ami complained. She dozed off anyways and Sasuke had to smile at that.

Sasuke decided from then out, he would need to get to know everyone before they graduate the academy.

The second part of the day for school concentrated on the physical training and maybe some brief facts and special guests. Today they tested on the transformation technique and taijutsu, in which Iruka introduced an assistant named Mizuki to help him teach the class.

The future traitor tried to make friends with Sasuke but it failed plenty of times, and Sasuke decided that when he passed the test, Mizuki would be out of the picture.

The rest of the Academy day ended and Sasuke took the test. Unsurprisingly he passed and obtained the title of student-teacher aide.

And with this, Sasuke's role in changing this world had begun and he was excited for the years to come.