With her promise to keep an eye out in mind Sakura walked to class the next morning with Hinata as she always did, now knowing of the treatment that was unfairly given to the blonde, she was completely horrified.
Especially when five minutes into their morning lesson Mizuki glared murderously at Naruto, there was actually killing intent in his gaze, there were other teachers to that actually sabotaged what little homework he did turn in.
As she found one of their assignments with his name on it in the trash "Something needs to be done, the way Naruto is being treated is disgusting" Sakura ranted during lunch, she would have invited the blonde but he disappeared the minute they were released.
She could have tracked him but that was to much work right now "On a crusade are we" Kiba grumbled, realizing what this meant, Naruto would now forever be stuck with them, thanks to Sakura's desire for justice.
"I..I agree, th..the way Mizuki-sensei l..looked at Naruto-kun was scary, l..like he genuinely wanted to kill him th..that isn't right" and of course Hinata joined in on whatever Sakura decided to do due to her little crush on the blonde boy.
Kiba groaned and threw his hands in the air, having a good ole tantrum "Fine if your that insistent on it I'll help to, so what are we going to do, what's our first order of business, do you even have a plan Sakura" Kiba relented after a minute or two.
Chartreuse orbs narrowed in contemplation "Well we should probably tell Iruka-sensei, I know Mizuki-sensei's new but he's already done stuff that is highly suspicious, we have to have an adult on our side to watch out for what we already know" Sakura announced.
Hinata and Kiba nodded "Th..Then we co..could invite N..Naruto-kun to join us at e..every opportunity that way it wi..will give anyone else less o..opportunity to d..do things to him" Hinata offered, helping out with the plan.
"Ugh you two are impossible sometimes, I'll tell my Ma, she'll probably help to, the academy is meant to nurture us not sabotage us at every turn and she'll be furious to know about the neglect Uzumaki's being subjected to" Kiba groaned.
Decided the three stalwart friends ate their lunch again unaware of the beetle spying on them until it flew off to report back to it's host everything it had learned 'Hmm seems the academy will become interesting soon, I'll be sure to tell Father' Shino mused to himself.
Also thinking along the lines of approaching the group of friends that he'd been watching for a couple years now and everything was always interesting where they were concerned, later on after academy let out.
Looking nervous as all heck Naruto cautiously neared the inseparable trio "Oh Naruto glad you could join us, I was about to go looking for you" Sakura flashed him a wide toothy grin that gave him the heebie-jeebies.
"Yeah well I know it's pointless to try and run away from you, you'd have just found me and dragged me to yours to study anyway so I thought I'd make things painless for myself you know" Naruto huffed adorably.
Earning a grin from Kiba and a shy smile from Hinata "Though we were going to talk to Iruka-sensei first then head to mine, Sakura and I got training for an hour, Ma was adamant we keep it up" Kiba informed.
Still miffed but Uzumaki needed the help if he was going to survive the academy and all the vultures intent on sabotaging him "M..Maybe while y..you two are training N..Naruto-kun and I can study" Hinata suggested in a horrible stutter.
That idea was okay'd and Sakura disappeared into their homeroom for a few minutes glad that Iruka was alone "Do you need something Sakura-chan" Iruka looked up from where he was grading homework.
And spotted the pinkette "Kinda Iruka-sensei um there's no easier way to tell you I guess but somethings off with Mizuki-sensei, I know before you say it that he's new and we aren't use to him but he hates Naruto for some reason, he even assumed he didn't help us on that assignment remember" Sakura rambled.
Really hoping that her concerns weren't brushed off "Alright, I'll believe you for now and keep an extra eye out for anything strange regarding Mizuki-kun, now I'm sure those two are waiting for you so run along Sakura-chan" Iruka said.
Only saying that for now because she seemed so serious about it before sending Sakura on her way to the Inuzuka Compound "Hey look at this did you know you got a stray following you brats" Tsume inquired.
Picking the blonde up by the back shirt to lift him to eye level, Naruto puffed up his cheeks at her indignantly "I ain't no stray lady, Sakura-chan is helping me study for the test on Friday" Naruto sulked taking what she said as an insult.
To Tsume's amusement "That a fact, then I suggest you get to it with Hinata and if you cause any trouble I'll tan your hide like I do my own pup" Tsume growled, making Naruto pale, gulp and then nod eagerly as he was put back down.
Where Hinata spread out a blanket for them to sit on and pulled out books and their study guides while Sakura and Kiba got started on training, today it was stealth practice for Boei and Akamaru, it was an exercise in patience.
Mostly for Akamaru as he jumped the gun a bit and revealed himself by attacking the clone of his partner in battle while Boei waited and when he was certain he hadn't been detected launched his own assault on Sakura's clone.
By lunging, jaws wide open as he clamped his teeth down in a poof of smoke the clone was forcibly and violently dispelled before the two companions were made to do it again and again for an hour, Naruto sometimes watching in awed horror.
"Gu..Guess it's probably a good thing no one m..messes with you to much huh Sakura-chan they do..don't know what he's capable of" Naruto stuttered nervously once things were packed up and the four of them were on their way to her house.
Somewhat, Kiba had lagged behind to speak with his mother about something who made him promise he wouldn't do anything reckless without having indisputable proof "You got it Ma, we'll be careful and watch each others backs, that's what a team is all about anyway" Kiba said.
Puffing out his little chest and got his hair ruffled "C..Come on Ki..Kiba-kun or we won't have enough time to study or do our h..homework" Hinata called when he stood there for perhaps a minute longer than he needed to.
At her call he rushed to her side all of them unaware that another of their classmates Shino had informed his Father all that he'd learned that day at the academy "Keep an eye out Son, if the sensei are truly neglecting the boy we need proof" Shibi instructed.
In the meantime Sakura had reached home with her friends where they crowded around the living room table to study for another hour, do homework if necessary then split up, well Hinata and Kiba did as Ko came to escort Hinata home and Kiba was walked home by Kuromaru.
Naruto hesitated on leaving "What's the matter Naruto-kun" Kizashi inquired, able to see the boys reluctance over parting from them, Naruto wrung his hands, unsure if he should say before shaking his head as he decided against it.
"It's nothing I just hope this is all worth it, not that anyone's even gonna acknowledge that I actually learned the material or studied, I'll still fail, they'll just slap an F on it" Naruto sulked, then slapped his hands over his mouth as something else he wanted to keep secret slipped out.
And now it was to late to laugh it off as a joke when Mebuki stared at him in horror "Does that mean what I think" Kizashi frowned deeply, sharing a look with his wife and feeling even worse about his previous feelings for the boy.
"That the sensei are sabotaging his work then yes Daddy, I found one of his completed assignments in the trash, they didn't even grade it and I actually liked Hajime-sensei" Sakura huffed, revealing said assignment that she'd rescued for proof.
Suddenly tear filled blue eyes stared at her with hope that maybe his unfair treatment at the hands of the academy sensei would finally be put to a stop "Uh er um that is to say would it be okay if I stayed the night my apartment is flooded" Naruto blurted.
Changing his mind from earlier "Apartment, you live in an apartment on your own" Mebuki gasped, obviously furious on his behalf "Not on my watch your going to stay here from now on Naruto-kun and tomorrow I'm going straight to Hokage-sama" the blonde woman shook her head.
Laying down the law basically even if she wasn't allowed to adopt the boy, she could still give him a safe place that was well protected and guarded "Really oh boy thank you so much you know Mrs. Haruno" Naruto bounced all around in excitement.
"Come on Naruto, let's go see if some of your stuff is salvageable, we'll be back Mom, Dad" Sakura offered, grabbing an empty pack on their way out and upon arriving she was even more disgusted at Naruto's living conditions.
The complex he lived in was a disaster waiting to happen, for one it didn't even look structurally sound, two she found out exactly how much Naruto had to pay rent for the damn tiny one bedroom apartment and three he was practically living in the red light district of their village.
Which was no place for a child even though she was a child herself, she knew better, and when Naruto said his apartment was flooded, that hadn't done it justice, "There's nothing to save, I only got the clothes on my back" Naruto pointed out.
Unable to meet Sakura's eyes fearing that all he'd see was disappointment in her gaze "Don't say that Naruto, there is always something to save, like this, it just needs a good drying and these books no wonder you didn't have any today and of course that" Sakura frowned.
Rescuing as much as she could from the swamp that was Naruto's tiny cramped living room and bedroom until the pack was full of sopping wet belongings and then it was back to home or that was her initial plan.
Until someone decided to try and kick Naruto "If you don't want to lose your leg you will not touch him" Boei growled, intervening on Sakura's behalf as he opened his mouth, revealing his sharp teeth inches away from the leg that had almost hit the blonde.
"Good job Boei-kun, I knew I named you correctly and I'm seconding his threat, I don't tolerate people trying to hurt my friends or someone who hasn't done you any wrong" Sakura hissed, pupils contracting.
Making the civilian retreat to avoid her wrath, Naruto was silent the rest of the way back to her house where his things were handed over to Mebuki while he was made to go take a bath and change into clean clothes that Kizashi had on hand for him.
By the end of the week when it was time to have their test Iruka had wised up to several of his colleagues treatment of Naruto Uzumaki including Mizuki the new sensei, so therefore he was ready on the following Monday.
When the tests were passed back and Naruto who'd become a permanent member of the inseparable trio's friend group got his test back only to reveal a failing grade just as he suspected "Hang on Naruto I'm not letting this go" Sakura snatched his test.
Flipping through her own for reference and concluded what she'd already known, Mizuki hadn't even graded Naruto's test, merely marked it with a failing grade "What a bastard" Kiba growled under his breath.
Pissed off himself as Sakura stood, dragging Naruto with her to the front of the classroom, ignoring Mizuki's smug smile that was about to be wiped off his stupid face "Iruka-sensei I don't think Naruto's test was graded accurately" Sakura informed.
Having the blonde place his test on Iruka's desk "Oh and why do you think that Sakura-chan" Iruka, already suspicious had a feeling he knew what she was on about and after peeking at the grade Naruto had been given he could completely understand.
"I looked his test over using mine as reference and out of the questions he only messed up on four of them which means he should have gotten a passing grade for the work he put in from studying all week" Sakura said aloud.
Watching that smile drop from the bastards face "Mizuki what is the meaning of this, I told you to accurately grade their work based on actual scores, and don't think I don't see you singling Naruto out all the time or glaring at him and later we're going to have a talk with the principle about your behaviour once I properly grade this" Iruka frowned.
Paying very close attention as Mizuki glared murderously at Naruto who'd found a friend in the ace student of his class "One other thing Iruka-sensei, I found these assignments for other classes in the trash, all completed of course" Sakura said, placing the remaining proof on his desk.
Because she was sick of people treating Naruto like this, he deserved the same chance as everybody else in the academy "How do you know they were in the trash and that you didn't just steal them, who's the one at fault here now hmm" Mizuki jumped up.
Thinking he could get the brat now with the newest revelation "She's not the only one whose noticed Mizuki-sensei, I have to, I saw Hajime-sensei throwing many of them away myself" Shino chimed in.
Making his voice known to Sakura for the first time despite having partnered with Kiba, he'd never spoken to the pinkette "Order in the classroom please" Iruka requested when a few of his other students also piped in.
Commenting that they'd seen the same happen "I..I can't believe you di..did that" Hinata shook her head a few hours later during lunch, Naruto with them on the blanket, eating from his own bento that Mebuki had kindly bought and made for him.
"Was totally awesome though how that smile on the bastards face disappeared when you claimed that Naruto's test wasn't accurately graded" Kiba bust his gut laughing, prompting Akamaru to join in by howling.
A normal every day occurrence until Sakura spotted someone walking their way before pausing at the edge of the blanket they were sat on "Shino thank you for speaking up on Naruto's behalf today I owe you one" Sakura smiled brightly.
This was unlike her toothy grins, it was kind and full of her warmth "Don't thank me I only did so on my Father's instruction, why because he intends on calling a meeting between the clan heads to do something about the neglect" Shino shrugged.
Perhaps a little stunned that she'd even smiled at him "There m..must be other students struggling th..then if that's the case" Hinata mused aloud able to figure out what he hadn't said, the girl was after all intelligent.
Seeing no point in sticking around further Shino turned and left, a few months later after a correctional meeting with the principle, Naruto no longer had to worry about his turned in homework going missing or terrible marks on his assignments nor any other student.
Sakura was quite satisfied with herself that was until she had to spend a couple weeks with Genma in his new apartment "So I see you got yourself a new puppy Sakura" Genma remarked dryly as the blonde bounded after the pinkette like a hyperactive pup.
"Don't be mean Genma-san, he's real sensitive about comments like that" Sakura huffed, following the brunet to his new place, away from Hayate which did kind of suck a little because she really liked the guy.
Genma grinned down at one of his favorite kids and ruffled her hair lightly "Sakura-chan doesn't like her hair being messed with" Naruto said in a matter of fact tone as he latched onto the rosette's hand.
Being sort of like her brother now "Heh, cute he even tries to protect you, seriously though relax kid I'm one of the few she lets play with her hair like that, we have known each other a couple years after all" Genma chuckled.
Reaching out to ruffle the blond kids hair to "Course, Sakura-chan's like my Sis now you know, what would really be cool though is if she was my younger sis and I could call her little sis" Naruto giggled.
Her lips quirked up in amusement, deep down she was glad the prankster had calmed down massively and no longer caused any one trouble in the classroom "Well here we are my place, you get your own rooms brats so pick one then start on your homework" Genma clapped.
Letting the brats into his new living space, having chosen one specifically that had a few bedrooms and an extra bathroom for the girl "Right understood" Sakura nodded, dragging Naruto along behind her to the hallway.
While Genma disappeared into the kitchen to get started on dinner for the three of them and a few minutes later they were seated at the table in the living room doing their homework "You know it's kind of odd to do our assignments without Hinata-chan and Kiba" Naruto commented.
Halfway finished with his own work "I've had a lot of time to get use to it Naruto and if they really want their able to join us as long as Kiba and Hinata promise their parents to train extra hard on the days we don't get together like this one" Sakura informed.
Patting Boei on the head when he plopped it in her lap "What about you I thought you had to train with that scary lady to" Naruto sulked lightly because Sakura always managed to have some sort of comeback that was logical.
"Usually Naruto but since we're here with Genma-san for the next couple of weeks while Mom and Dad are gone on a business trip, Mrs. Inuzuka always figures that it's better to take a break for a few days, plus Boei-kun helps me if I have energy to spare" Sakura said.
Emerald orbs scanning her math homework before scribbling down the answer to the last question completing it "Or those two brats will come here and you three will spar as you normally do" Genma called from the kitchen.
Keeping an ear out for the conversation as he cooked, he had to be extra careful where Sakura was concerned and listen close to everything she said just in case, half an hour later the kids were done with their homework.
And he was putting the finishing touches on supper when a bang echoed through his apartment "Mean why'd you tackle me" came Naruto's whine, indicating it wasn't anything he had to be worried about since the brats were playing.
"Children such as you need an outlet for all that excess energy, come join us on a romp around the living room Naruto" Boei's voice filled the air, sure and strong, Sakura had really trained her lynx to be quite the proper thing.
He couldn't prevent the smile from forming on his face as squeals of laughter, of joy and happiness filled his apartment as the kids chased or ran away from Boei until he ended their fun by calling them in to the kitchen.
Their hair was mused but their faces glowed as they sat their little behinds in the chairs and waited oh so patiently as he dished out the food and even then Sakura continued to wait making Naruto do the same until he sat to join them with his own plate and took the first bite.
Prompting Sakura, Naruto and Boei to do the same "Got a question Sakura…Boei's almost 4 isn't he, shouldn't you be considering a mate for him so he doesn't get lonely" Genma questioned, midway through the meal.
Imagine his surprise when she turned beet red in response "A mate for Boei-kun" Sakura squeaked, utterly embarrassed at the thought of her companion doing naughty things with another lynx to Genma's amusement.
She was so contradictory sometimes that he couldn't help but shake his head "It's not a bad thing is it Sakura-chan" Naruto predictably was confused over the matter or why Sakura was all red in the face like she was.
"Typically no Naruto, Sakura's just shy about adult things as I heard from Shisui…ouch" Genma teased only to get kicked in the shin by her foot, it didn't hurt, she was purposefully careful and then the real horror began.
When Naruto asked what he meant by adult things and Sakura aimed a slit-eyed glare at him "You'll learn about it when your older" Genma offered in appeasement the glare softened as she turned to the blonde and persuaded him to leave the subject alone for now.
Naruto sulked but relented because it was her asking, then they resumed eating before cleaning up after themselves "Go take your bath first Naruto" Sakura suggested and the blonde bounded off to do as told.
Genma snorted softly "Still I think it would do you some good to approach Tsume about that, I'm sure the leaders of the lynx clan wouldn't mind" Genma pointed out, resuming the previous conversation now that there were no innocents around to ask questions.
Sakura knew because she'd been made to study up on everything there was about lynx's "Maybe your right…what do you think Boei-kun, do you want a mate" Sakura inquired, taking a seat on the couch and Boei plopped his head down in her lap.
Letting her run her fingers through his soft salt and pepper colored fur "Perhaps someday before my fourteenth year, for now I am content" Boei rumbled, and thus ended the conversation on the matter to Sakura's relief.
Twenty minutes later Naruto returned, followed by Sakura's departure from the living room to have her own bath "Okay kids time for bed" Genma declared two hours later, shooing them off to their bedrooms to have a couple hours of peace and quiet to himself.
And the next morning it was off to the academy with Hinata "Th..This was your first time staying at S..Shiranui-san's wasn't it N..Naruto-kun di..did you sleep well" Hinata asked as the both of them held hands with Sakura.
To Ko's amusement as he tailed the three children to school "Like a log Hinata-chan" Naruto grinned, ignoring the glares being directed at him from people they passed until they reached their destination.
"See you when academy lets out Hinata-sama" Ko bowed for the heiress then was gone leaving them to enter the building and meet up with Kiba at their usual desk who stood letting the trio in to take their seats.
One his friends were all settled "Ma wants me to practice tracking with Akamaru, it's not fair that your not gonna be there to join us" Kiba sulked, earning a pat on the hand from Hinata since she was always sat in the middle between him and Sakura.
With Naruto on the end "We've been over this Kiba…plus Boei's a fairly efficient tracker, we've been practicing that since we were first bound to one another" Sakura announced, shooting a sneaky glare at Mizuki as he entered the classroom.
That was one of the few things that hadn't been taken care of, Mizuki was competent and competent chunin sensei were hard to come by so he'd gotten severely reprimanded but in the end he'd gotten to stay on and continue teaching.
"What really, you expect me to believe that, that thing knows how to track already" Ino burst out from the row behind them, interjecting herself into conversation she hadn't exactly been invited to participate in.
Verdant orbs contracted into slits as Sakura pinned her with a warning look "His name is Boei, he's not some wild animal Yamanaka-san" Sakura hissed, not taking kindly to any perceived insult towards her companion.
Boei also wasn't a fan of being called a thing apparently either as he let out a displeased sound, ears pinned back and looking quite deadly "Prove it, today after academy lets out, if he can't then you have to apologize to Ami for calling her a freak" Ino demanded.
Ignoring the growl from the dangerous creature "Hey you have no right to demand anything from Sakura-chan, Yamanaka and Himekari probably deserved it anyway" Naruto whipped around, giving Ino a scowl.
Until a hand was on his arm "Relax Naruto, I'm not threatened by her posturing" Sakura soothed, deciding to just ignore Ino because there was just no getting through the girl and honestly she didn't really want a friend like that.
Hinata was more than enough really "Posturing, I'll show you posturing with my fist you pink haired freak" Ino jumped up trying to take a swing at Sakura only to have her hand caught by Iruka as he stared at her in disappointment.
Before sending her to the principles office with a note again for what felt like the millionth time then started the first lesson, a few hours later the group of friends were in their usual spot "Yamanaka's lucky Iruka-sensei intervened, Boei could have ripped her wrist off" Kiba snorted.
The first to comment on that mornings dramatics "Her punch wouldn't have done much damage, the strength behind her attack was weak, there was no need to involve myself" Boei remarked, pausing in chowing down on his shredded salmon to say that.
"So he can really track already that's just wow…come to think of it, I don't see you doing much with him so why are you training with Kiba's scary Mum" Naruto frowned, still confused over a majority of things.
Like why Sakura had Boei in the first place "Later, when we're older Naruto, I'll tell you, for now it's best to keep that secret" Sakura informed, making the blonde pout for a few minutes, not that it lasted long when Kiba started in again.
By day's end they were exhausted and ready for the weekend "Ugh see you tomorrow for the weekend Sakura, Hinata, Naruto" Kiba groaned, wishing he could get out of today's training but he really didn't want to be left behind by Sakura.
Who grabbed Naruto's hand and led the way to Genma's apartment, while Hinata was escorted home by Ko as usual, back at Genma's the two kids were made to their homework, then eat dinner, have baths and finally go to bed for the night.
Where they met Hinata and Kiba outside the apartment after breakfast the next morning, Ko a silent tag-a-long to their shenanigans "Father said to s..stop by the compound for lunch so w..we should probably return so..sooner to tell Shiranui-san" Hinata informed.
"That stuffy place huh, yay" Kiba fake cheered, clearly not a fan of the Hyuga Compound, it was the one place he wasn't allowed to run amok like a wild animal or behave like his usual wild self, he had to mind his manners.
Or risk losing his friendship with Hinata and Sakura all in one go, "It's not that bad Kiba, Hyuga-sama is not as strict as he use to be, he does allow us to have fun, just remember to mind your table manners" Sakura snorted.
Dragging Naruto along by the hand mostly for awhile until they reached the park "Mother if you'll excuse me for a moment" Itachi stood, spying the group of friends as they played together on the swings, taking turns and generally having fun, like normal kids.
Mikoto blinked as her apathetic son hurriedly approached an adorable pink haired girl "Ah Itachi-san" even more surprising was the smile the child gave Itachi as she greeted him by name, bringing a smile onto Itachi's face.
Albeit a small one it was still a smile something of a rarity unless it was directed at Sasuke who scowled darkly from his spot in the sandbox as his brother paid attention to someone else "How are you Sakura-san, well I hope, I'm afraid I don't have much time for much else" Itachi asked.
"Very well, I made a new friend recently, Naruto and I do understand" Sakura nodded eagerly, clutching Naruto's hand as dark eyes focused on the blonde assessing him before honing in on her again, kindness in those irises.
As he gently pat her on the head then turned on his heel "The jerks big brother huh it's nice to know at least one of them in that family is decent" Naruto commented once Itachi was well out of hearing range or so he hoped.
Sakura shook her head with a giggle "Yeah Sasuke is kind of a jerk isn't he, even if he has issues that's no excuse" Kiba scowled, meeting said Uchiha's gaze from across the park and sticking his tongue out childishly.
Earning a light slap on the arm from Sakura "Don't antagonize we came here to have fun remember" Sakura warned, intent on enjoying the morning with her friends, so Kiba wised up and joined them in their usual games.
Until it was time to head for the Hyuga Compound "A..And remember N..Naruto-kun just mind your m..manners at the ta..table" Hinata repeated for the blonde because she didn't want this to turn into a disaster.
Naruto pouted and sulked but did his absolute best to not cause trouble as they were seated at the table with Hinata and another Hyuga child that was named Neji as he learned and even waited patiently until the first bite was taken by Hinata's dad.
Then dug in with his developing manners, Mebuki had been completely horrified so had started correcting him on proper dining etiquette to Naruto's chagrin and afterwards Hinata and Sakura sparred, followed by Hinata and Kiba, then Kiba and Sakura, and he was even allowed to join in.
So when they returned to Genma's apartment he and Sakura were completely wiped out, even Boei was exhausted thanks to getting in a bit of practice himself to Genma's amusement as food was plated up and once it was devoured he sent them to have baths and go to bed early.