I OWN NOTHING
IMPORTANT: As a guest reviewer mentioned, I wrote Itachi as the one behind Uchiha Clan Massacre event. It was a slip of the mind.
I planned for it to be Obito from the start, but I messed up and wrote it like canon when I wanted to do a different thing.
I've changed it already, sorry for the confusion.
XXXXXX
"All right class, I know you all are very nervous after what happened at the festival, but we need to focus."
Aizawa hated many things, mostly dealing with a tense classroom. After the sports festival battle, realizing the school had let a dangerous criminal escape and make a declaration with their own equipment, and an annoying amount of media attention, he wanted vacations. Rather, all teachers needed a good rest after having to talk about the breach in security. At least Madara took care of that.
Not that it made Eraserhead happy, "Still, for a hero like him to let something like that slip. Then again, the outlaw former hero Naruto Uzumaki, was there and had business with-"
"Midoriya." The teacher snapped the boy out of his usual mumbling.
"S-Sorry!" the freckled boy squeaked, getting some snickers from his classmates.
"Listen, I know some of you are anxious to know what happened and what we'll do." Eraserhead sighed, "Everything will proceed as planned. You'll go work along professional heroes. This time, however, you will be escorted by some of the pros at the agencies we're sending you to. Of course, these heroes will take care of you, so try not to be a burden and act responsibly to not embarrass them."
"Yes!" the class replied together.
"Okay then, now the big news." Aizawa sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose, "Out of everyone here besides Midoriya, do you all know about the Worst Generation?" Everyone immediately turned to the spinach-haired boy, making their teacher grunt, "Fine, a recap. Former hero Naruto Uzumaki was a student on this very same classroom..." he stared right at Midoriya, "He even sat there."
"What!?" the green-themed boy gasped, looking at his desk with new appreciation, "W-wow, I'm not sure whether to be inspired or...well, overwhelmed. I mean, he had so much potential, but...I, uh, see..." he let his mind absorb the information.
Aizawa waited patiently to see the boy's attention back on him, "One Sasuke Uchiha and Naruto deeply hated each other, and on the sports festival, they almost killed one another. It cost Naruto his place here, and Sasuke the ability to move again. Due to that, Sasuke went missing, and...less than savory people were rumored to have met him after that."
"Due to being a relative of Madara Uchiha, right?" Yaoyorozu asked with a serious expression, "Such prestigious name would attract anyone desiring to use their Quirk."
"So far, it's all theories, but the rumors don't paint anything good. Anyway..." Aizawa rubbed the back of his neck, hating how off-track he was getting, "Because Uzumaki escaped...again, everyone and their mom's going to search for him. Including you."
"Wait, sensei!" Iida asked, getting up with a rather angry look on his face, "You'd have us look for a criminal!? But we're only students, not even ones with licenses!"
"Jumping to this wasn't my option, but the matter at hand is you all had a brief moment of contact with Uzumaki, even if he was disguised." Aizawa rubbed his face exhaustedly, "Look, all I'm saying is that there's a lot of desperate people after the guy. He's been on the run for a lot of years, so even walking around with you seems helpful to these guys."
"But, but..." Tenya grit his teeth, the spectacled class representative got worried looks from his closest friends, 'I...I can't just waste time while that Hero Killer's on the loose. Tensei...' he remembered staring at his brother, seeing how powerless the man was. To look at the one person he idolized in pain, unable to continue with his life as the hero Tenya admired snapped something inside him.
"Don't do anything stupid." Aizawa said firmly, although whether he knew what Tenya was thinking or not was anyone's guess. "If you ever feel like I stress this too much, that is not the case. Do not make fools of yourselves, do not rush into any kind of battle, and do not leave your partners' side."
"Partner?" Midoriya asked in surprise.
Nodding, Aizawa explained, "Unlike previous times where we send you to see the world of heroes, these Worst Generation pros will accompany you. Regardless of what kind of company they had, they are still pros you should look up to with respect."
Katsuki smirked, "Sounds like fun." He raised a hand, clutching the air, "A chance to see what these guys can do after what that infamous bastard did at the festival should be better than playing around in a boring office." Aizawa narrowed his eyes, knowing the blond had a certain idea.
"I repeat, do not do anything stupid, and that includes facing Naruto if you find him." He then sighed, ruffling his hair, "Look, this is a waste of time for these guys and you, we all know that. Sadly, they really are in that much hopelessness to catch the guy."
Raising a curious hand, one Tsuyu Asui asked, "So, how will we be paired up, then?"
"Glad you asked." Aizawa said and produced a box with a hole out of his desk, "You guys will grab a ball. And since the Worst Generation didn't have as many students as you, there will be two kinds." He reached in and pulled out a red ball, "Red balls mean you got a partner, and the numbers will determine who it'll be. White balls mean you're free to go wherever."
"Wouldn't it be better to just interview us?" Uraraka asked confusedly, "I mean, it'd waste less time."
"Good point, but, again, they're desperate." Aizawa could tell it wasn't enough of an answer when a few stared curiously at him, "And, well, if you want a better explanation... It is said and has been confirmed that Naruto has the stupidest luck ever. Do you know anyone else who could've escaped the same jail twice in a day because they got a hardcore fan in said day? Try and argue if you've heard weirder or stupider."
Everyone simultaneously shared the thought, 'Fair enough.' None of them could really make even a joke of the blond man's ridiculous luck.
Fate could exist or be fictional, but said whiskered man's path of life was out of legends.
However, some saw their blessings and hoped for the best, praying to destiny, "Bunny Gal, the small-chested powerhouse. Eye Maiden, the extremely voluptuous fighter. Mind Rush, the blonde bombshell. And the tomboyish Tenten Yaoyorozu..." Mineta was drooling at the idea of meeting them, gathering the female students' ire.
"Or Panda Arms, my sister." Momo the vice-representative said menacingly.
Mineta nodded, "You may have the good attributes, but she's got good hips and thighs."
His best friend and brother in perversion, Kaminari, nodded, "Indeed. And all of them share the best hips and booties."
Aizawa sighed, "I'll look away for a bit."
The other sensitive males did as well. Five minutes later, and the grape-haired and blond teens sported lumps on their heads. Izuku paid it no mind. Instead, he wondered who he'd be paired with. He did have the basics on the pros, but due to Naruto and Sasuke's actions, they did their best to avoid attention from the media. As he usually did, he started to mumble to himself.
"Why now? Is Uzumaki really that much of a threat or could these many years of chasing him just snapped them?" he rubbed his chin, his friends worrying, "No, there must be a change. It is too sudden. And with a guy like him that even All Might has trouble dealing with, what can we do? Could there be a connection between the sports festival and-"
"Midoriya, your turn." His sensei called to him, snapping him out of his trance.
Walking to the teacher, Izuku noted that both Mineta and Kaminari were crying, holding a white ball each. A much vulgar teen would've made a blue-balls commentary, but he wasn't. Bakugo did, though. Reaching into the box on Aizawa's desk, the freckled hero pulled out a red ball, gasping in shock. Turning it, he saw the number 9 etched on it, and so he asked.
"Uh, who is number nine?"
"Yes!"
Suddenly, the door burst open, revealing a man in green spandex with orange greaves, white gauntlets, a red belt, and a green helmet. Its round amber lenses stared into Izuku's soul, and he could tell there was a massive grin under it. The V-shaped antennae on the forehead told him who it was. But this is a reminder of what he looks like to the readers.
"G-Green Beast!?" the short boy gasped.
"Ah, you're Midoriya Izuku." Lee grinned behind his helmet, "I learned all your names to see who could be my new junior. Glad to meet you. It seems like destiny since we're both green!"
Everyone stared dully at him due to the bad pun since Midori meant green in Japanese. If the writer is wrong, feel free to correct him, readers.
A panda-masked girl groaned, "Lee, you were told to wait!"
"Alright, who's my cute and adorable charge!?" the masked hero shouted as he ignored her, striking a pose with an arm back and a thumb up, "I, the wild hero whose spirit burns hotter than the flames of his past self's, Green Beast, have arrived! I may know your name but let me hear it!" everyone stared in disbelief as Izuku looked even meeker in comparison to the taller and fit hero.
"I...I am. Uh, Midoriya Izuku, sir." He replied with a bashful smile.
"I knew it!" the masked man pumped a fist, "Number nine was destined to work and get me a proper hero to take under my wing! And knowing Naruto-kun's luck, we shall meet again and clash! Finally, we'll leave our past behind!" putting his hands on his hips, Lee looked down at Izuku, "Young man, Midoriya-kun!"
"Y-Yes!?" the freckled boy stood stiff at the sudden shift of attention.
"Prepare yourself! We'll see how powerfully your youth burns, and we'll make those flames light up any shadow!" Lee brought up a fist, "Let us see how far you can go as a hero! It will be a tough ordeal, but I shall give it my all to aid you in becoming a shining beacon for the future! To fight for those close to us, to stop evil and aid those who lost their light! We shall become as beasts who-"
"I got him." Said Sakura, a pink-haired girl who hadn't changed much since her first appearance other than her assets growing, but not much. Before Lee could react, he got dragged by the embarrassed young pink woman. Izuku stared owlishly as his new partner tried and failed to explain himself.
"B-But Sakura-chan, first impressions are what matter!? And Midoriya-kun looks like he has potential!" Lee argued while getting dragged away, the entire class of future heroes sweating in embarrassment, "Like a lot of people say, young people are very impressionable, so it's up to future generations to show them the way!"
"Lee, people say it so you don't scar any child mentally." Neji, who has grown at least a head taller than Naruto, sighed.
XXXXXX
Later on, as everyone else was sorted, Izuku held his chin deep in thought.
"Uzumaki Naruto and the Worst Generation, can we even stand up to those standards?" he was followed by his friends Ochako and Tenya, the class representative silent.
"We shall see." He walked past his smaller friends absentmindedly.
"Ah, Iida, wait." Ochako called to him, but he didn't even bother to turn around, "He's...actually worrying me."
"Y-Yeah, his brother..." Izuku felt even more down, the news shocked him.
"Still, where will you go?" she asked to try to change the subject.
"Well, it's hard to tell, only one place called me, but I know nothing about it...um, what about you?" he didn't like avoiding a question, but he had no idea on what to say.
"I've been thinking on getting stronger, so I hope to surprise you." She replied slightly bashfully. "Uh, well, gotta go! Take care, Deku!"
"Ah, same!" he stood alone, surrounded by passing students as he felt the weight of the situation on his slumping shoulders, "What is even going on? Not only do we have to partner with infamous pro-heroes, but what that guy says and does..." as any massive nerd, he did his research. Finding out about the guy who was giving authorities the slip and making a show out of it brought something.
Antihero.
A term which All Might currently discussed with the rodent principal, "You know what they've been calling him Naruto. He is our opposite as many call him, yet not a villain. Do you believe it is a good idea to leave these students with those who were closest to him?" the small tea lover asked the top hero. A frown spread on All Might's face at the idea, but he had an answer nonetheless.
"It shouldn't have come to this, but everyone's desperate." He held his chin in thought, "Besides, Young Midoriya's partner was chosen by all of us... Even if I do feel guilty to ask for Aizawa to rig the boxes. Not even Lee knows..." guilt coated the giant's words, his head dropping slightly at the thought.
"What's done is in the past, we can only hope for the best but prepare for the worst." The principal told him solemnly. Then also dropped his head, "But, yes, it does feel bad to trick someone like Green Beast of all people. However, he could have been a perfect protégé of yours. So, if I may, why didn't you take him under your wing?"
A small grin spread on All Might's face, "Because he's the kind of hero who wants his strength to be his own."
"Still, if Midoriya and him were to team up against Naruto, it wouldn't be an easy fight for any party." The tiny principal noted.
"Indeed."
As for Izuku, he gulped as he approached his school's entrance.
"There he is..." he whispered, "I can't help but feel something's off..."
"Midoriya-kun!"
"Gah!" the skittish boy nearly jumped out of his skin when Lee landed before him, helmet under one arm. "L-L-L-Lee-san!?" he stuttered at the dramatic entrance.
"Alright, my darling junior! I, Rock Lee, shall do my best to teach you in the ways of a Nice Guy!" flashing Izuku - in a literal way - a smile, Lee took his pose with a thumb up.
And something clicked, "Ah, that is... the Maito Gai – the Wild Beast – trademark pose!" he grew marveled, eyes sparkling.
Lee grew ecstatic, "My sweet junior, you know him!?"
Izuku nodded twice, "Yes! His Quirk was an enhanced musculature, but he trained and honed it to become one of the best! And I also got his training videos as a child!" he recalled them by using a hand's fingers to count, "Maito Gai's Explosive Afternoon Tiger Workout was great for adequate muscle training and toning! His Maito Gai's Dynamic Morning Peacock explains in detail the proper ways to throw punches!"
"I know! I even got my suit modeled after his!" he showed it off with a proud smile, "Still, when I first met him and got to shake his hand, he told me to choose who to be. When I told him I wanted to be like him, he told me to be a better version of himself, to push myself with the flame of my youth until I could surpass him and go even further beyond."
Izuku beamed, "That's from his self-help motivational book, the way to be the Ultimate Nice Guy!" both gasped in realization and stood side to side, flashing a grin with a thumb up as they spoke in perfect unison with a manly, passionate fire in their souls, "Youth is like cherry blossoms! True men regret nothing and don't look back to their past, for they always improve to be the best version of themselves!"
Izuku and Lee turned to each other, beaming smiles on their faces. Izuku put his hands down, palms upward for Lee to slap them, something the green-clad hero let him do. The two then exchanged two arms bumps at face level with their right arms, then two fist bumps at their stomach level with their fists. Finally, they brought both their arms up and slammed elbow and fist together for the manliest of handshakes.
It even came complete with shadowed eyes that unlike All Might's didn't show their irises.
A passing Kyouka Jirou observed them, a dull stare on her face, "Crazy weirdoes..."
Momo accompanied her sister, "Sis, will Midoriya be alright? You told me how Green Beast tends to be..."
Tenten rubbed her face, "Oh for goodness' sake, what have we created?"
XXXXXX
"I can't believe I'm so lucky to have someone like Lee-san as my partner."
Izuku was understandably happier than before as he and his mother prepared for his leave. Inko Midoriya smiled softly, worrying for her son as any good woman would. Desiring to see him succeed, earn the right to be happy and proud of his life, was what any true caring parent held true in their heart. However, she couldn't help but worry as her son was ready to set off.
A worried smile spread on her face, memories flashing of his battle with Shouto Todoroki, her heart aching, "Izuku...please, be-"
"Dynamic Landing!"
Both Midoriyas yelped when Lee appeared on the railing outside their house. Living in an apartment a couple floors above the ground, it was already impressive to see someone land harmoniously on the open hall outside their door. Lee then flipped in front of the two and surprised Inko by taking a deep, respectful bow. Poor Inko could only gape, hands up as if trying to grasp anything, even something intangible like reason.
"H-Hi, Lee-san..." Izuku got out.
"Greetings, Midoriya-kun. Before we leave, I have to do this." He then knelt and bowed deeply before the small chubby woman, "Midoriya-san, I, Rock Lee, promise to guard your child with my life! As a hero, as a man, as someone who will bare his soul to you, I shall not say such words lightly! Please, worry not for him! However, if you do then I shall repay you such distress with my life if needed!"
"L-Lee-san, n-no need to act like you're a samurai and she your d-daimyo!" Izuku blushed heavily.
His mother stared in disbelief, "Oh, I...thank you?" she got out, nervously smiling.
The thick-browed hero got up, standing straight before bowing and then straightening his back again as he said, "You're welcome, ma'am! Alright, Midoriya-kun! Let us go! And..." he paused for a bit, then put one finger on his helmet-covered chin, "Wait, give me a second." Both Midoriyas sweat-dropped when he produced a small notebook.
"Is he always like that?" the mother asked in a soft and worried whisper.
"Y-Yes, he is. However, I guess that's good..." he smiled softly at Lee, "He doesn't say anything he doesn't mean."
"Ah yes, here it is... Ahem..." coughing into his fist, he continued, "I shall bring Midoriya-kun back before bedtime, so please help me with such information."
"Oh, uh, right!" the small woman gasped and went to the green-clad hero, writing in his notebook.
"Does he have allergies?" Lee asked seriously, Izuku blushing.
"Um, do you have to be that meticulous about my safety?" he asked, but was ignored as his mother and Lee started talking.
"Izuku promised to come home for dinner, so if you could bring him back by seven..." she said softly.
Lee nodded energetically, "Alright! We shall finish our search by six thirty and I shall carry him back if needed! Anything else?"
Humming with a hand on her cheek, the round-faced woman thought out loud, "We...kind of ran out of groceries and I wanted to ask if he could go for them before he left."
"Hmm, we shall see. Midoriya-kun, be kind to your mother and call her when we're done to see if such a thing is possible."
"Y-Yessir..." Izuku tried to sound firm, but everything was too bizarre for words.
Lee's next question was pretty much a bomb: "What about girls?"
"W-What!?" both green-heads exclaimed.
Lee coughed into his fist again, despite wearing his masked helmet, "I-I'm sorry, but I know Midoriya-kun is in a tough spot in life. I chased the girl of my dreams back when I was his age. So, considering what a good soul he is, I have no doubt he must have stolen a fair maiden's heart. Have they been dating or is he-"
Practically glowing red, Izuku pushed the latex-wearing man away, "Enough of that, please, Lee-san! I-I haven't even kissed a girl yet!"
Registering what wasn't important, Lee was shocked, "Yet!? Then we shall remedy that, Midoriya-kun! You're at the perfect age to find a decent enough girl to make your mother proud!"
His passionate cry embarrassed the boy further, "Enough, please!"
And if that wasn't bad enough, his mom didn't dislike the idea if her pensive look was anything to go by, "But Izuku, there were some cute girls in your class..."
"We're leaving!" Izuku shouted as he managed to push Lee away at last.
Once they were at a safe distance, Lee rubbed the back of his helmet-covered head. "I am so sorry." He said while Izuku panted, hands on his knees. Despite not doing much exercise, he felt physically and mentally exhausted after such shame. Many thoughts crossed his mind that made him ignore Lee's apologetic bowing.
"It's fine...I haven't even thought of asking any girl out or found any who could like me enough to do so." He said dejectedly.
Lee frowned at that, "Midoriya-kun, what's with that attitude!?"
"Huh?" the baffled teen's mind tried to process such question and change in personality.
"You have time, and if you don't try hard enough, you'll never find happiness!" Lee put up both fists, pumping them into the air, "I did my best to win a fair maiden's heart, and sadly failed! However, that has never stopped me from believing I can find one! Sure, it may be impossible and laughable, but if I can make one accept my soul, I know I'll have found the perfect woman!"
"But I'd only get laughed at or-"
"Midoriya-kun." Lee's stern tone clamped the boy's meek attempt to argue, "I know it's not easy. Competing against other guys, being seen as a dork, or even feeling like you're not good enough. I've been there. I know it's not easy to get out of that hole, trust me..." he raised his fist, looking sadly at it, "But there are times in which trying is all we have. That's why I want you to do your best at everything you try in your life."
"Lee-san..." Izuku could see the man meant every word. A soft, gentle passion burned within him, but unlike his usual explosive nature, this flame was warm and cozy. A small grin spread on Izuku's face as he gave a nod, "Alright, I know it's a hard, long road to be a hero. It doesn't mean I won't try to reach what I want to achieve."
Putting his hands on his hips in a dynamic pose, Lee beamed behind his helmet, "There we go. Now, Midoriya-kun, which girls do you fancy?"
"E-Enough of that already!" the boy could have had an egg thrown at his face and the heat from it would've made it an omelette.
"If you don't try your hardest at everything you do, be it training, working, or hobbies, how can you say your soul burned bright in your youth!?" Lee asked more passionate rather than stern, "Romance too is part of life, Midoriya-kun! Let me aid you in any way possible! Or would you rather keep that mentality that you can't win!? That you're better off staying still!?"
"I...I don't want that, I want to try my hardest!" a spark ignited Izuku's core, creating a flame that burst through his body.
"Alright then. Now, I'll ask again..." he patted Izuku's shoulder, then leaned down to be on eye level with him, "And I promise I'll keep it secret. Is there a girl?"
Blushing in a way every girl in his school found utterly adorable, the freckled boy nodded. His index fingers started to play jousting, poking together as he replied, "W-Well, it's hard to say, but they're all amazing if not downright incredible. Comparing them is not easy, everyone has something marvelous, be it their Quirks, personalities or their drive to move forward."
Lee stepped back in shock, "So rather than external beauty, you focus on their soul!? Midoriya-kun, I sadly underestimated you!"
"Well, I'd lie if I said I didn't find them pretty..." he blushed harder.
Placing his hands back on his hips, Lee chuckled, "No worries or need to be embarrassed, Midoriya-kun. I too was overcome by a mad drive to pursue my ideal fair maiden based solely on her appearance. I must at least say you are more mature than I am by having such outlook on them."
"I can't help it..." Izuku blushed, "For starters, Jirou is very cool to a point I envy her calm demeanor. Hagakure always finds joy in everything around her and can see good in anything. Asui is the reason I always try to analyze a situation. Ashido brings cheer to everyone around her with a smile. Yaoyorozu is the definition of professional and queenly. And Ochako is so nice and kind I'm glad she befriended me."
"Still, which one do you like?" Lee asked with a catty grin, hooking an arm around Izuku's shoulders.
"Uh...can I have some time to figure it out?"
"Ah, I see. No worries, then, I understand." Lee winked, but it failed since he still had his helmet on. "Now, let's find Naruto-san!"
"But first we need to go to this address..." Izuku meekly corrected him.
"Alright, first your duties, and then our search." Lee gave him a thumb up, making the poor boy sweat nervously.
"What did I get myself into?" he asked under his breath.
XXXXXX
"Gah!"
Naruto shivered up and down as he and Manami rested at a simple outdoors café. The tiny woman had a double-breasted beige coat, a white summer hat, and stylish sunglasses. Naruto for his part wore a black tracksuit, a simple surgical mask used in Japan in case of allergies, and a black ski cap. Despite how utterly suspicious the two were, no costumer seemed to want to notice.
"Is something wrong?" the redhead asked.
"Just a chill...a rather strong one." He had shaken up and down, "It feels as if I'm going to be facing something worse than Madara."
"Could there really be?" Manami hummed in thought, "We've seen how he truly is, which is a shame I didn't have my camera with me."
He shook his head gently, "Don't beat yourself about it. All we have left to do is find Stain, then we make him pay. You sure he's around?"
Pulling out her laptop, she nodded and showed him her gathered data, "So far, he's been witnessed in the area surrounding this district."
"And he won't move after my little war declaration." He noted, "I must have pissed him off, so he'll be after me."
"But we can't really go all out." She looked out the window at some officers patrolling the area, "There are cops everywhere, heroes searching for Stain and you, and who knows how desperate and furious Madara must be. He won't give us much room to find and fight the guy."
"Which is why...food's here." the two went silent as Manami was served some tea while Naruto had a massive chocolate milkshake. Once the waitress left, he continued, "Which is why we'll do this quick, get out in time for dinner, and broadcast it for everyone to see as well as do it in front of as many people as there can be."
"W-Wait, but we'd be chased by pro-heroes, perhaps even All Might." She replied in shock.
Naruto nodded, "That's why I need your help to make it work. I know I'm asking for a lot but think about it." A confident smirk spread on his face, "Not only do people see Stain be taken down, but also the heroes fail to capture me after the battle in broad daylight. Wouldn't that make people know that I can get things done the hard way?"
Gaping, the pigtailed shortstack started to shake in excitement, "I-I see! It makes sense! We are rigging it, but everyone would see how cool you are!"
Devoted didn't begin to describe her, but he had to keep a level head, "Listen, it's a matter of making it seem like it's easy for us. Which is why we need to scout the area, find a decent place to lure Stain to, get as many viewers live there as well as heroes, and then, well, leg it."
"Then, shall we go on an urban safari?" he blinked slowly, surprised by her excited tone.
"Urban what?"
The way her smile lit up was bewildering, but he had to admit, what happened next was funny. She was dressed up in an old-fashioned pith helmet, explorer gear, and backpack. On the other hand, he had on a fake fox tail, fake fox ears, a fox mascot suit on without the head or tail attached, had his blond hair dyed red, and his whisker marks painted a more jagged black.
Urban safari in the Japanese city, Naruto Uzumaki and Manami Aiba was a go!
Due to the fact that he looked so ridiculous, people assumed he was already a hero and just ignored him, some people were even taking pictures.
"What would you call me if I was a superhero Manami-chan?" he asked her with a suffering tone.
She tapped her chin in thought, then exclaimed in joy, "I'd probably call you…White Steel Fox: Red Ninja Namikaze!"
He stared at her, sighing softly before he whispered to himself, "…I can't even be angry at you, you're just too cute when you get excited like that."
Cheerfully, the petite woman made her way forward while her lover followed. Questioning where she got the disguises was put in a mental folder for later examination. What crossed his mind the most was if they could get some more stuff for Manami.
XXXXXX
And that's my rap!
Hope you guys had fun. I know you're mad that it's mostly Rock Lee and Izuku bonding, but it's to build up for the obvious clash. And because, well, I wanted to have fun writing the two interacting. Now, an omake by my brother from another mother, The Lord Of Pages:
Manami's Lovelovelove Diary Entry #12/24
"I hate this time of year. It's cold, people are impossibly happy, eggnog sucks, and I usually get laid up with a cold halfway through."
Naruto was no lover of all men and bastion of good will on Earth. He hated the holidays, his birthday, and very rarely celebrated anything more significant to him than his anniversary with Manami or her birthday. Whenever it became particularly cold and filled with singers on the street caroling and celebrating the most wonderful time of the year, he became a Grinch and was soured to the very idea of Christmas.
Even knowing that Manami and he had a warm place to sleep and were relatively safe for the month in terms of food, shelter, heating, and comforts didn't please him more than the standard amount of relief. He also hated Christmas sweaters, but wore the ones Manami got him every year because to do otherwise would upset his beloved partner and lover. That season's festive sweater was a light up model, a tree with a heart in the middle of it and the words, "I love Xmas" on the tree with ho ho ho right below. He was clutching a mug of hot cocoa in his hand, glaring at the heroes below, hating them all.
"Mount Lady, I hate you, Midnight, I hate you too. Hate, hate, hate." He listed off seeing his old classmates, "Double hate!" he said upon seeing Eraserhead. Then he saw Endeavor, "LOATHE ENTIRELY!" he took a swig of his hot cocoa, crunching the soft marshmallows inside with a growl, "I hate this time of year so much Manami-chan."
He ignored the bouncing ponytail right next to him, Manami Aiba sighing in bliss as her eyes lit up with joy at the sights below, her hands on her cheeks, "I love this time of year Naruto-kun."
"That makes one of us." He took another swig of his drink, grumbling as despite his bad mood he softened his attitude by a great deal. He couldn't stay angry or be mean to his most cherished person.
"But it's the one time of the year that we can go out in public and not be caught by any Heroes. Ever since the Great Christmas Truce signed by all the world in the 1900s, no country can go to war or crime can be committed as all people are made equal and beloved on this date. It means in the spirit of Christmas we can go anywhere we like and have fun the entire day." She said hugging his arm with a dreamy sigh.
"It won't make me hate it less, Manami-chan." He would be the Grinch one way or another.
"I reserved us dinner for two tomorrow at that place you really like, you know the one, the French bistro?" she asked.
He merely nodded in response, drinking his hot cocoa, "Yeah, I know. That must've set us back a little."
"It did, but for our Christmas, it's well worth the price, isn't it?" She asked him, gazing up at him with her bright cheerful eyes.
He blushed, grumbled but in a non-bad-tempered way, and looked to the side, "I guess, it's worth your happiness and Christmas at least."
"Mnhm~!" She gave off a happy little trill, her eyes now gaining a bit of sultriness to them, "If you want, you can unwrap your present early."
He gave her a raised eyebrow, before realizing she was clad in a sweater and nothing else, licking his lips, he considered his next response carefully, "…Sure. Let's ring in Christmas day properly tonight." As the carolers sang, he and his lover did singing of their own.
He didn't know how she could sing the entirety of Jingle bells while riding him on their no horse open sleigh, but he couldn't complain.
XXXXXX
Swordslinger out!
