18 years old

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They've all graduated from highschool. Kiba, Naruto and Shikamaru will be studying at Todai while he would be following his aniki in Paris where Itachi was already finishing his master's studies.

It was a sad day for the boys (though none would show it) that one of them will be living far away for four years. But they knew it would make Sasuke happy. They were all at the airport with Sasuke's parents to see him off and give their well wishes.

"Just remember, foreign girls are a lot more forward than your average fangirl. You're lucky. I should be in your place." Kiba said grinning wolfishly.

"Pervert." Sasuke said but accepted Kiba's fist bump.

"This is troublesome. I guess you have to find your own way. Don't worry I'll keep Naruto out of trouble." Shikamaru said.

Sasuke just nodded as he and Shikamaru shared a look of understanding.

"Why do I sound like some pet?" Naruto protested.

"Because you are, dobe." Sasuke taunted.

"What did you say teme?"

"Dobe"

"Teme"

"Dobe"

"Are you seriously going to do this until Sasuke's flight gets called? This is troublesome. Why not just say you'll miss each other? " Shikamaru said in his lazy drawl.

Kiba was howling at the looks on Naruto and Sasuke's faces. Naruto was spluttering at a loss for words while Sasuke just scowled.

"Yeah right. I'm actually glad the teme is going. Now, all of the girls will have to pay attention to me and I won't be sending them away." Naruto boasted.

"As if." Sasuke mumbled.

Just then Sasuke's flight was called. His kaa-san kissed him on the cheek in front of his friends much to his embarrassment while his tou-san patted his back. Sasuke turned and walked to enter the check-in area when Naruto pulled him back a little.

"Teme, we've known each other since we were five and I know how much you want to prove yourself. But stay in touch okay? I'll only ever have one bestfriend who's like my brother. Don't ever change from being teme."

"You too, dobe." Sasuke said as Naruto pulled him in man hug which he allowed just this once.

"See you in four years." Sasuke said as he turned to leave, this time feeling a lot better.

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Sakura was looking tearily at her parents and friends, Ino and Hinata. She enjoyed the send-off party last night, talking and dancing with classmates, teachers and relatives she won't be seeing for four years while she takes her pre-med course but now that reality was sinking in, she doesn't know if she wants to leave.

"Don't cry, Saku-chan. If you cry, I might cry too." Hinata said.

"Yeah forehead, weren't you the one always saying that when you grow up you'd want to follow your Tsunade-obasan?" Ino teased.

"And Shizune-neesan and Rin-neesan are also there so you have someone you know already." Hinata added.

"I know, but it would be hard to make friends again and I don't know if I want new ones." Sakura confessed.

"I understand, forehead, we're just that awesome and irreplaceable." Ino teased."But this is a good chance to spread your wings and meet new people. You're so lucky to be going to the City of Love. Who knows you could meet someone?"

"I'm going there to study, Piggy. I'd rather you call it the City of Lights being once the center of education and enlightenment." Sakura said heatedly.

"Ah! Still a nerd. At least, get some fashion sense and do some serious shopping as well. Don't forget to send us gifts." Ino pleaded.

"Only you would think of such things." Sakura said in disbelief.

"I think, they are calling your flight already." Hinata interrupted.

Sakura was engulfed by her parents' hugs and both kissed her on the forehead. The friends shared a three-way hug.

"Goodluck forehead and don't forget to email or skype, okay? And take lots of pictures. Hina-chan and I will be sharing an apartment when we go to Todai so we could all stay in touch." Ino reminded her.

"Work hard, Saku-chan, but don't forget to smell the roses once in a while." Hinata advised.

Sakura's tears were freely falling and Ino and Hinata were sniffling as well. "Thanks, guys, for being the best friends ever."

Sakura wiped here eyes and steeled herself. "I'm ready."