(S)he's the Competition
"You should have seen it!" Naruto insisted leaning over his desk to make his point. "The training stump turned completely black."
"I still don't believe it," said Kiba stubbornly. "We're only ten. There's no way Sasuke can do Katons."
"Well, I saw him do it," Naruto announced. Sasuke let a little smile slip at his friend's pride. He'd worked hard to be able to learn the jutsu, and it was nice, hearing someone brag about it.
"Naruto doesn't lie, Kiba," said Shikamaru from the bank of seats above Sasuke and Naruto. "Not about things like this. Besides, the Uchiha Clan started teaching Katon early. Pay attention in clan history class."
"Geez, Shikamaru," said Kiba, sulking. "And I wanted to see if he could actually do it!"
"Then we'll go to the lake after school," said Sasuke, "and I'll show you then."
"Awesome!" cheered Kiba. Beside him, Shino nodded and passed up the bag of chips that they were sharing, courtesy of Chouji. Naruto offered his friends a cheeky grin. And found himself flat on his back on the floor. Standing over him, ignoring his presence completely, were a group of Sasuke's fangirls who were fighting over his seat in the shrillest voices they could muster.
"I got here first," announced pink-haired Sakura. "The seat is mine."
"Yeah, right, Billboard Brow," snorted Ino. "As if Sasuke would want to sit next to you."
"Just because you're from a clan doesn't mean that he wants to sit next to you either!" snapped Chiori. "And anyways, I was in the classroom before both of you. So I should get the seat."
As the argument went on, Sasuke got angrier and angrier. The other four seated boys braced themselves for whatever was going to happen next. Sasuke stood up, elbowed Sakura off of Naruto's stomach, shoved Ino off his arm and helped Naruto to his feet. He then levelled a glare at the girls.
"It's Naruto's seat," said Sasuke. "I wouldn't want to sit next to someone who treats me like an object anyway. Are you alright, Naruto?"
"I've been better," said Naruto. "My arm hurts a bit, and so does my stomach. I'll be fine in a couple of hours, you'll see." Sasuke nodded and sat down again. Gingerly, Naruto took the seat beside him. The girls glared daggers at Naruto.
"But Sasuke-kun, I don't understand," said Chiori. "How could someone as cool as you want to hang out with a loser like him?"
"I would rather spend my time with someone who works at being a ninja," said Sasuke, "instead of someone who spends more time agonizing over being pretty than learning how to be effective. Pretty deadweight is still deadweight."
Chiori burst into tears. Sakura and Ino looked horrified and slightly offended at the notion of being deadweight. They both burst into tears just as Iruka entered to begin class. He spotted the three crying girls standing beside a surprised Naruto and a laughing Kiba. Iruka braced himself to deal with the class troublemakers.
"What's going on?" asked Iruka. "Naruto, what did you and Kiba do to Sakura, Ino and Chiori?"
"They didn't do anything," said Sasuke. Kiba stifled his laughter. "It was me, mostly."
"Not strictly true," muttered Shikamaru.
"Tell me what happened," said Iruka.
"We were talking," said Shikamaru, "when those three came over and knocked Naruto out of his chair. Then they started arguing over whose chair it was. It became a three-way shoving match and Naruto was getting trampled. So Sasuke pushed the girls off Naruto and told them off."
"And that's why they're crying?" said Iruka. "Girls, is this how it happened?" The three girls nodded. "I'm disappointed. That's not the sort of behaviour I expect from you. Please stay in after school."
Chiori, Ino and Sakura retreated to the remaining available seats. The rest of the class settled down, since the show was over, and Iruka returned to the front of the class to begin that day's lessons. Sasuke seemed pleased, but there was still some anger in his posture. Naruto was relaxed, but for once wasn't goofing off. The two sat closer than usual, confirming to Iruka that one of them – probably Sasuke – was particularly upset. He hoped that it would die down by lunchtime, or afternoon throwing practice could be very dangerous.
Lunchtime rolled around, and the class scampered outside to the yard, Naruto and Kiba in the lead. The girls formed a large knot around the swing while the boys split up into groups of their own friends. Kiba started a somersault competition with Naruto, Shino and Chouji. Shikamaru watched the three of them.
"We gotta get Sasuke in this," said Naruto. "Hey, where is he?"
"I didn't see him come out of the classroom," said Chouji. "Maybe Mr Umino wanted to talk to him 'bout making girls cry."
"I'm gonna look for him," said Naruto.
"Want help?" asked Shikamaru.
"Nah," said Naruto. "There are some good clouds today. I wouldn't want you to miss a cool one." Shikamaru waved a hand lazily and turned his attention to the sky. Chouji and Kiba flopped on the grass and alternately pointed out clouds and played with blades of grass. Naruto ran back into the Academy, his orange outfit catching the attention of the girls as he passed them.
"Sasuke?" called Naruto as he poked his head into the empty classroom. "Huh, not here. Maybe he's in the bathroom?"
Naruto turned around and found himself face to face with a group of Sasuke's fangirls. Naruto didn't know any of their names, mostly because he didn't pay attention during attendance. But there were five of them, and they all looked mad. Naruto was pretty sure that he could take anything they threw at him, but he'd get in trouble for fighting and Kaka-nii would be disappointed.
"Hey," said Naruto. "Can I help you with something?"
"You can," snapped the leader of the little group. "Stay away from Sasuke!"
"Why?" asked Naruto, honestly perplexed.
"You're a bad influence," said a pigtailed girl. "I mean, I can understand Sasuke's other friends. They belong to important clans. But you're a nothing and a nobody. You're only dragging Sasuke down."
"You're just the stupid class clown," added the leader. "Sasuke's probably just humouring you by letting you hang around. Wouldn't it be better if you stopped embarrassing yourself and just admitted that you're nothing but a nuisance?"
"What the heck?" said Naruto. "You're not really making any sense."
The leader shoved Naruto. "You really are stupid. This is why we're telling you to stay away from Sasuke. You're not good enough to be friends with him."
"I think I can decide who to make friends with myself, thanks," said Sasuke. The girls turned to look at Sasuke, pasting saccharine smiles on their faces. He elbowed past them to stand next to Naruto. "I hate girls like you the most. I could never like someone who tries to control me and my life the way you just tried to." Sasuke grabbed hold of Naruto's wrist and dragged him back out into the yard.
"Where were you?" asked Naruto. "I was looking for you 'cause you weren't outside for recess. And we were having a somersault contest too. We even got Shino to try it."
"I had to talk to Iru-nii," said Sasuke. "It was about what happened this morning. He said that they're jealous 'cause we're so close, and they want to be that close to me too."
"But that's pretty silly," said Naruto. "Where'd they get the idea that being mean was a good way to make friends? Girls are pretty weird sometimes. Not Shizu-nee or Aunt Tsunade, though. But they're grown up, so maybe girls grow out of their weirdness?"
"It's possible," said Sasuke. "Mom wasn't weird either. But none of those girls will ever replace you, no matter how much they grow out of their weirdness."
"I knew that," said Naruto. "I'm your most important person. And you're mine. Hey, they're doing cartwheels! Come on, I want to show 'em how it's done!"
Ω
The trip down to the lake was a loud and festive one. Shino, Shikamaru and Sasuke were quiet, but Naruto, Kiba and Chouji more than made up for it with tag, a bragging contest, and a round of the letter game, which the quiet three participated in. Their good humour was infectious, and the people they passed on the way to the lake couldn't help but smile at the fun the boys were having together, even after they noticed that Naruto was with them. The six boys gathered around one of the docks to watch Sasuke breathe fire.
The large balls of flame danced over the water's surface, steam billowing in their wake. Miniature rainbows danced in the water droplets in the air, making the water shimmer playfully. Naruto whooped, throwing an arm around Sasuke's neck.
"Pretty cool," said Kiba grudgingly. "I thought Naruto was just talking outta his ass again."
"How long did it take you to learn?" asked Shikamaru.
"About a week," said Sasuke. "I stayed up all night once, just to practice it so I could make the fireball bigger or hotter."
"Wow," said Naruto with wide eyes. "You didn't tell me that!"
"That's 'cause he knows you," teased Kiba. "You'd try to stay up for a whole week to learn how to do fireballs, and you'd just pass out from exhaustion!"
"Maybe not," said Shikamaru. "It's possible that he'd manage the staying up bit."
"Hey!" protested Naruto. "I'd totally be able to do it! Even without staying up to practice!"
"Now you're talking outta your ass," said Kiba with a bark of a laugh. The boys made their way back up to the town proper, Kiba and Naruto arguing the whole way. Sasuke stuck close to Naruto's side as they entered the market district. Shino and Shikamaru, noting Sasuke's increased anxiety, moved so that their clan badges were clearly visible to anyone looking for trouble. A pink-haired figure in a red dress emerged from the crowds and approached the boys.
"Sasuke-kun," said Sakura, playing up her sweet girl image, "I was wondering if I could talk to you alone for a minute?"
"I have nothing to say to you," said Sasuke icily. "And I have no interest in listening to whatever pathetic drivel you've come up with."
"Or you could say what you want to say in front of all of us," suggested Naruto. Sasuke shot Naruto an irritated glare. Sakura looked horrified. She swallowed visibly.
"I – just wanted to say," said Sakura nervously, "that I want to get to know you better, Sasuke-kun. Please, give me a chance. I'll do better, I promise!"
"Why?" asked Sasuke. "Why do you want to get to know me?"
"Because I like you, Sasuke-kun," said Sakura, tearing up. "So I want to get to know you better. And maybe if you get to know me, you could like me too."
"So you'll improve yourself if it'll make someone like you," said Sasuke, "but not to protect yourself in the field. That's pretty sad, if you ask me. It's like you're more concerned about having people miss you when you're gone then doing the job you're training to do. I'm not interested in someone like that."
Sasuke seized Naruto's wrist and dragged him off towards Ichiraku Ramen. Shikamaru offered Sakura a sympathetic look before following Sasuke and a squawking Naruto calling a guffawing Kiba and and unsympathetic Shino to hurry up. By the time the other boys got to the ramen stand, Sasuke and Naruto had claimed a table, ordered, and were in the middle of an argument.
"How can you say that when she's been so mean to you?" demanded Sasuke.
"I'm a forgiving guy," shrugged Naruto. "Besides, didn't you hear about her dad? He got killed a few months ago. Her mom's trying to make ends meet on a dead end job. Cut her a little slack and let her train with us once. That's all I'm asking."
"If she says anything," said Sasuke, caving, "I'm making her leave."
"Deal," said Naruto. "Hey guys!"
"Where'd you hear about Sakura's dad from?" asked Shikamaru, pulling up an extra chair at the table. "Dad didn't mention it at all."
Naruto shrugged. "I was in for a check up. They were taking him out of the operating rooms just as I was leaving. So I asked about him. 'pparently there wasn't much they could do for him, but they still tried. So who works with Sakura at home?"
"Does it matter?" asked Kiba. "She'll drop out or be guided out."
"Of course it matters," said Shino. "All of us receive extra training at home. I do believe that Ino spends some time with her. They appear to be at the very least allies, if not close friends."
"I doubt that they train much," said Shikamaru. "Anybody up for a trip to the bookstore after this?"
Chouji shook his head. "I gotta go home. There's a clan party this weekend, and my parents need help getting the dishes together."
"My mom's found a partner for me!" grinned Kiba. "Pair training's gonna be great!"
"You have to introduce us to your dog sometime," said Naruto seriously. "Being able to trust your teammates is important."
"And there's a good chance you'll work with all of us," said Chouji. "I'll make a special mix for you guys, if you'd like."
"Really?" said Kiba. "Awesome! You're the best. If you need help with finding ingredients for your family thing, just ask. I'd be glad to help."
"So will I," said Shikamaru, "if I'm not stuck deworming the deer. My mom probably has something she wants me to do."
"And we're on main floor cleanup," Sasuke added, elbowing Naruto in the ribs. "Kaka-nii should be awake by now, and the kitchen's a mess."
"Crap!" said Naruto. "It's laundry day!" And with sudden realization of the grand affair that was laundry day, Sasuke and Naruto bolted their ramen, (over)paid for their food, waved to their friends, and dashed off towards their house.
As they passed through the market, Sasuke and Naruto noted a large group of girls. They were laughing a little bit too loud, and the boys could hear the undercurrent of malice; malice was familiar because it was directed so often at Naruto. A shift in the group revealed their shy Hyuuga classmate at the center, looking very uncomfortable and frightened. Naruto started towards the group, intending to drag Hinata away from the other girls. Sasuke quickly stopped him and shook his head slightly.
"What the hell?" snapped Naruto.
"I've got a plan," said Sasuke. He raised his voice and called over, "Hey, is Hyuuga Hinata with you girls? I've been looking everywhere for her."
"I-I'm here," said Hinata, slightly pink from being singled out.
"We were talking earlier about today's lecture," said Sasuke, "and Naruto didn't get it. But I remembered that you made some pretty interesting points in class. Would you mind helping me teach him? I'm all out of ideas."
"I'd be happy to," said Hinata, fidgeting.
"That's great!" said Naruto, catching on to Sasuke's plan. "Hey, hey, are you free right now? We're going to do our homework. You can join us if you want."
"Please do," said Sasuke. "We'd both really appreciate it."
"O-of course," said Hinata. "Um, I still have my things with me. So I don't need to go home."
"Sorry to steal her from you," said Sasuke unapologetically, "but we really do need her."
"M-maybe another t-time would be better," said Hinata to the girls. "I r-really do want to talk more with you."
"Yeah," said one of the girls with a fake little smile. "Maybe some other time. Have fun studying!"
When they were three blocks down, Naruto turned to Hinata and asked, "Are you okay? You looked unhappy back there."
Sasuke grabbed Naruto's collar and hauled him away from a rapidly reddening Hinata. "Personal space, stupid," said Sasuke. "She's not used to your clinginess."
"Oops," said Naruto, rubbing the back of his head. "Sorry about that."
"I-It's alright," said Hinata. "Just n-not what I'm used to."
"Our house is this way," said Naruto, tucking his hands behind his head. "Want to stay for dinner?"
"I-I should really go home," demurred Hinata. "B-But I'd l-like to stay for a bit."
"Great!" cheered Naruto. "I'll make you tea."
"Naruto makes good tea," Sasuke informed Hinata, "if only because his cooking skills are limited to boiling water."
"I'm never making tea for you again," huffed Naruto.
Sasuke cocked an eyebrow at him.
"I need better threats," grumbled Naruto, "ones I'll actually keep."
Hinata giggled as the two boys continued their banter right into the house. Naruto made her tea, and she sat and watched as they used skills from class to clean and neaten up the house. Hinata had never seen anyone alphabetize books, dust, or carry baskets of clothes to the laundry room before. The inner workings of her home were foreign to her. She realized the reason why she and her sister were referred to as princesses.
"How is the tea?" asked Sasuke.
"I-It's very good," said Hinata. "Thank you Naruto."
"No problem!" said Naruto cheerfully. "Can we do homework now? I don't get fractions."
"Ultimate moron," said Sasuke, sighing.
"O-of course," said HInata, turning pink. "Let's s-start with that."
