Chapter One: A Hasty Wish

Sakura Haruno was walking to school one day when she heard a familiar tone behind her. "Hey Sakura, wait up!"

Sakura sighed, not really in the mood to put up with the owner. Even so, she turned to greet the blonde-haired delinquent. He was clad in torn jeans and a paint smudged white shirt as he reached her, grinning broadly. She brushed a strand of pink hair from her face. "Naruto, what is it?"

"I was wondering if we could walk to school together," said Naruto, rubbing the back of his head.

There wasn't any getting out of it without hurting his feelings, was there? "Ugh, I guess. Come on."

And on they walked. Sakura hoped he wasn't about to engage her in conversation. It wasn't that she disliked Naruto, he was just kind of annoying.

"Great. So um, I've been thinking," said Naruto.

"What is it?" asked Sakura.

"Well, I mean, the prom is in a few weeks," said Naruto. "And I was wondering if you would-"

Time to nip this problem in the bud. "No thanks, Naruto."

"You didn't even let me finish, Sakura," said Naruto, sounding disappointed.

"Look, it's nothing personal, but I've already got plans," said Sakura. She did, even if the person she had those plans with didn't know it yet. But she knew Sasuke would accept; they'd been getting on well lately.

"You mean you've already got a date?" said Naruto.

Sakura flinched in irritation. How did he always say precisely the thing to ruin her dreams. "Not exactly."

On they walked, and sure enough, their paths converged with Sakura's nemesis. Blonde, too pretty for anyone's good with more curves and a ponytail, Ino glanced up. She smiled, and Sakura returned it. There was no entertainment in their exchange.

"Hey, Ino," said Sakura.

"Hey, Sakura," said Ino.

"Oh, hey, Ino. You look really nice," said Naruto.

Sakura flushed and glared at him. "Oh, of course, you'd compliment her!"

"Oh, Naruto," said Ino. "Are you and Sakura going to the prom together?"

"Well, I-" said Naruto.

"No!" shouted Sakura.

"Oh, that's such a shame," said Ino. "You really are perfect for each other. And I can't see anyone else seeing past that forehead."

"Wow, thanks Ino," said Naruto.

Sakura facepalmed. "Quiet Naruto. You're embarrassing me."

"Oh, sorry," said Naruto, looking down.

On they walked, Ino getting to school before her. Soon enough, Sakura entered and saw Sasuke at the desk. He was reading the book she'd given him. Her heart fluttered. "Hey, Sasuke, you look really cool in that outfit?"

"Oh, hey Sakura," said Sasuke, looking up, expression conflicted. Sasuke was the top athlete of the school and also really smart to book. Only his older brother was above him.

This was her chance. Sakura moved up. "Listen, Sasuke; I was wondering if you might want to go to the prom with me in a few weeks."

Sasuke shifted. "Sorry, I'm booked."

And her dreams shattered. "What? What do you mean you're booked?"

Then Ino came up behind Sakura and wrapped her arms around her. She was smiling. "Oh, hadn't you heard Sakura? Sasuke asked me out just his morning."

"But, but I..." Sakura faltered.

"What does he have that I don't?" muttered Naruto.

"Don't get worked up over it, Naruto," said Shikamaru, coming in the door, half asleep. "We'll never understand girls."

"Shut up, Shikamaru." snapped Ino. "You're too lazy to understand anything." Then she saw the book on Sasuke's desk and moved to look over his shoulder. "Hey champ, looking good. What'cha reading?"

Sasuke sighed. "A history of World War One. I'm reading about the battle of the Somme. Haig was an idiot."

"Geeze. No wonder you're so depressed," said Ino. "Why are you reading something this depressing?"

"Um, well, I..." began Sakura.

"Sakura gave it to me," said Sasuke, sounding annoyed.

"Seriously?" asked Ino. "Sakura, you do know that most gifts aren't supposed to make your friend want to hang themselves, right?"

"Hey, World War 1 was incredibly important!" said Sakura defensively. "It resulted in the fall of the monarchy. It was the beginning of the end for Imperialism as a system. Without it, the political landscape of Europe and the world would have been different."

"Wow, you sure know a lot about this stuff, don't you Sakura?" said Naruto.

Sakura glanced back. "That's because I study Naruto."

"Well, that just makes you perfect for each other, doesn't it Sakura," said Ino.

There was laughter throughout the class. Sakura found herself going bright red with humiliation. Tears were at her eyes. "...Shut up, Ino-pig!" she yelled.

Then she tore out of the classroom.

She soon found a wall and sat down on it to cry. Why did Ino get everything! She was already the most popular kid in school! Now Sasuke had asked her out, and everyone was laughing at her!

Then she noticed Naruto standing at the door. He looked conflicted. "Hey, Sakura, can I talk to you for a minute?"

"Go away, Naruto," said Sakura.

"Look, I'm sorry if anything I said upset you," said Naruto. "I'll leave you alone if you want." And he turned to leave.

"No, it's not you. It's Ino." hissed Sakura.

"Didn't you used to be friends?" asked Naruto.

"We used to," said Sakura.

Naruto remained silent for a moment. He crossed his arms and seemed to be looking for the way to say something. "Right.

"Well, um, I've just been thinking. You really like Sasuke, don't you?"

Sakura looked up. "Yes, I like him a lot."

"Right, I figured it out a while ago. I didn't want to believe it," said Naruto. "Don't worry; I won't get in the way."

Sakura shifted. She hadn't wanted to hurt his feelings. "Oh. Listen Naruto; it's okay if we stay friends. I just... don't feel that way about you."

"It's fine," said Naruto. "So, Sasuke asked Ino out?"

"Yeah," said Sakura, standing up.

"It's not the end of the world, I guess," said Naruto thoughtfully. " I'm sure you'll be able to get a date with him later. I mean he probably goes through girlfriends like crazy."

"No, he doesn't." snapped Sakura. "Can we talk about anything else?"

"Well, I was just wondering if there was anything I could do to help," said Sakura. "See, I'm leaving town for a bit after today, and this is the last time we'll see each other in a while."

"You're moving?" said Sakura. Had his parents found a different job or something? Come to think of it; Sakura didn't know who his parents were. Or even where he lived.

"No, just for a bit," said Naruto. "Trust me; when I get back, you won't even realize I was gone."

Sakura smiled despite herself and wiped away her tears. "Right, well, I can't really think of anything. Not unless you can disappear Ino from existence."

"Done," said Naruto. "I'll check in later." And he walked around the corner.

"What?" said Sakura.

She moved forward and turned the corner. But Naruto was gone. Something seemed different. "...Naruto?" she asked. "Come on; this isn't funny."

She walked along the hall, looking for him. But she didn't see him anywhere. Eventually, she ran into Shikamaru walking the opposite direction. "Shikamaru, did Naruto come through here?"

Shikamaru raised an eyebrow. "Naruto? Who's that?"

Sakura facepalmed. Why was he always like this. "Did you perform a memory wipe so you wouldn't have to go to the trouble of remembering things? Naruto. He's been in our class for years. Maybe more."

"Not ringing a bell," said Shikamaru with the same lack of effort he'd had since they were toddlers.

"Wears orange all the time? Spiky blonde hair?" asked Sakura. Wait a minute; she hadn't known Shikamaru since they were toddlers, she'd moved in here. Hadn't she?

"Look trying to remember this guy you're talking about is a huge drag," said Shikamaru. "We really ought to head back to class."

Sakura sighed. She wasn't in the mood for putting up with Shikamaru anyway. "Fine.

"But if Ino makes fun of history one more time I swear I'll deck her."

Shikamaru stopped cold. A strange looked crossed his face as he looked to her. "Ino? What are you, creating imaginary friends?"

Seriously? "Did you hit your head, Shikamaru? You've known Ino since you were toddlers." Though Sakura didn't remember Ino being there? What was up with her right now?

"What is this a split personality you're picking up now, Sakura?" asked Shikamaru. "We've known each other since we were toddlers and there was never anyone like Ino."

Sakura stared. "...No, we haven't. I met you in high school."

Shikamaru shrugged. "Have it your way. Arguing with you is a drag anyway."

They entered the classroom and Sakura halted. "...One of the desks is missing."

"No, it isn't," said Shikamaru.

Sasuke approached Sakura, holding the book. He set it down on his desk and waved. "Hey, Sakura."

"Oh Sasuke, um, where's uh..." Sakura looked around, "nevermind."

"Listen, I was wondering if you might want to go to the prom with me," said Sasuke.

Sakura's heart leaped. "You mean you broke up with Ino?"

Sasuke blinked. "Who?"

"She's either playing pretend or gone totally nuts," said Shikamaru, circling his fingers next to his temple.

"You're the one who's nuts, Shikamaru," said Sakura. "She was just here before I left with Naruto."

"Who?" asked Sasuke, looking concerned.

"Could be both," said Shikamaru.

This was nuts. How could they not remember? They'd literally been in this room seconds ago. "...Is this some kind of prank?"

"Not that I know of," said Sasuke, seeming almost as weirded out. "Are you interested?"

Part of Sakura wanted her to say yes. To ignore what had happened as if nothing had gone on. Maybe she had just imagined it. But she knew she hadn't, so she shifted. "...Let me get back to you."

School passed. Every time Sakura mentioned Ino or Naruto, she got blank looks. Pretty soon, everyone was looking at her like she was nuts. By the time she was walking back, Sakura was feeling pretty darn disturbed.

"Okay, Sakura, you're not going crazy," said Sakura. "Yes, you didn't see Ino and Naruto at all today, but Naruto likes pranks. He probably just got the entire school to gaslight me and convinced Ino to play hooky with him." Her sense of reason told her that was very unlikely. Sasuke wouldn't have cooperated with it. "Ugh, I've just got to sleep on this."

She got home and knocked. The door opened, and Mom peered out. "Hey, Mom."

"Hello, dear," said Mom. "How was your day?"

"Kind of crazy," said Sakura as she entered. "Ino and Naruto left early, and everyone started pretending like they didn't exist."

"Oh, so you made some new friends?" asked Mom.

Sakura froze. This wasn't possible. She looked up, unable to comprehend what was happening. It was like they'd just vanished. "No.

"Mom, Ino and Naruto have come over to our house dozens of times. We talked on the phone almost daily for years."

Mom shifted and stared at her. "...Dear, are you alright?"

Sakura shuddered. "I need to check something."

She rushed to her room and saw down on her bed. Not bothering to turn the lights on she drew out her phone. Quickly dialing Ino's number she waited. Her breath was short as she heard the dial tone.

"Yes, how can I help you?" asked Ino's mom.

"Hello, Ms. Yamanaka, could I speak with Ino, please?" asked Sakura, dread in her heart.

"I'm afraid you must have the wrong number," said Ino's mom.

"Ino Yamanaka," said Sakura. "Your daughter."

"There is no one here by that name," said Ino's mom. "You'd better try a different number."

There was a click that might as well have been a thunderbolt.

"This is impossible," said Sakura.

She scrambled into her closet and pulled out her old photo albums. The ones' that she'd never been able to throw away even after she and Ino drifted apart. Flipping through the pictures from her earliest memories, it was all the same story. Ino and Naruto were gone from every single one of them.

"She's gone," said Sakura. "She's not in any of the pictures. Neither is Naruto-"

"Yup." said a voice.

Sakura whirled around in shock. At any other time, she'd be outraged to see Naruto here in her room. But right now it was surreal, and there seemed a strange light coming from everywhere and nowhere. Sakura stood up unsteadily. "Naruto?"

"I gotta admit, Sakura this was a tough one," said Naruto, rubbing the back of his head. "Removing someone completely from the timeline takes a lot of work. I mean, you sever all the bonds, and if you don't reattach them, all kinds of bad things can happen.

"I sort of had to make you closer friends with Shikamaru to make it work, but I think it worked."

"What is this? How did you..." Sakura looked at the pictures. "Why does no one remember Ino, even her parents?! Or you?! Why have both of you disappeared from all the pictures? What is going on here?"

"Well, this is kind of awkward. See, I'm not exactly human," said Naruto. "My name is Naruto Uzumaki, the Fox King."

There was a flash, and Sakura staggered back as his true form was unveiled.

Author's Note:

So for a while, I've meant to write something. Naruto Uzumaki in the part of a villain. It's counter-intuitive to think about, but I think he'd work as one. Ability to convince you to rewrite your worldview in moments? Unexplainable charisma? Able to make people abandon reason and believe what he wants them to? Power to talk governments into letting well-documented terrorists walk free without punishment?

These are all traits that could be used for evil as well as good.

But I was never able to come up with a good way to make it work within the context of the Naruto setting. That's when I had this idea. Use the power of the High School AU. Sort of.

Please tell me what you think.