Chess Games and Fire Ants

The next day I went to the academy and took up the same seat so was in yesterday. And as I expected Shino had taken a seat next to me. "I'm guessing you're trying something new again?" He asked.

"I had some money and I saw something I liked." I shrugged "It's no big deal." In the short time that I had known him I had learned two things about Shino. One he really does give a reason for why he says just about everything he says, and two he's actually a pretty funny guy. Of course he doesn't tell knock-knock jokes or puns but he has mastered the art of sarcasm.

Of course while I had expected Shino to point out my new attire since he's the type of guy who likes to point out small details I didn't expect one Ino Yamanaka to come storming up the steps. "Uhhh can I help you?" I asked.

"What's up with you Naruto?!" She screeched pointing at my new hoodie "Stop trying to imitate Sasuke!"

'Oh god it's already started.' I thought 'I always thought that his fan girls appeared when he went all emo!' "Oh please I'm not imitating Sasuke. Like I'd ever want to imitate that guy."

Ino pointed at my accusingly "Yeah well don't you think that Sakura will be into you just because you're dressing like Sasuke okay!" Ino then stormed off to sit with the previously mentioned pink haired girl.

'Oh yeah Naruto was obsessed with Sakura, I completely forgot about that. I guess I'm just so used to seeing him and Hinata together. Speaking of which...' I gave the girl a wave hello just like yesterday and she fainted. I sighed 'I'm going to have to find a way to make that stop happening.'

"I'm surprised you weren't too upset by the fact you were compared to Sasuke." Shino said "Why, because the two of you hate each other or should I add this to the ever growing list of changes you've made?"

"Add it to the list I guess, I'm still not his biggest fan though." I said "But enough about that I need to ask you something real quick. Do you know where I could get some fire ants?"

Ever since I had entered Naruto's body I had slowly gaining bits and pieces of his memories, and let me tell you he was a pranking genius! Not to mention a spiteful bastard. I have no clue why the people of Konoha keep messing with the poor kid they regret it every-single-time. So I suppose me and him do have one thing in common, we both looove getting revenge. And if we add my brains with his pranking skills well... lets just say Konoha better watch out.

"Ohhh it's no big deal." I said dismissively "It's just some jerk decided it would be a good idea to triple the price on the hoodie I bought."

Shino nodded "Then I can have them to you by the end of the week."

I... I was not expecting that "Hey thanks a lot." I said sincerely.

"It's no problem. Why, because he shouldn't be raising the price of his wares for no good reason." Shino answered.

I guess I learned another thing about Shino he's just as spiteful as I am.

Out of the four classes Iruka taught History was my favorite. Aside from the blatant bias towards Konoha during the Shinobi World Wars and already knowing most of the major events from the anime. But some of it was completely new to me right now we were learning about a genjutsu mistress named Marie who won many battles during the First World War by casting a simple genjutsu that changed the symbols on the opposing ninja's hitai-ate. It was amazing how a simple henge was able to do so much damage.

"Now you all better remember this stuff because it'll be on the test Friday!" Iruka-Sensei said. I frowned at that tests were going to become the bane of my existence in more ways than one. In order for my plan to work I have to remain as dead last so I'm guaranteed a spot on team seven. But if I fail every test I'll be deemed hopeless and will get kicked out of the academy. I sigh 'This whole situation is a mess.'

The fact that Ino has been glaring at me every chance she got wasn't really helping matters any. 'I guess I remind her to much of her precious Sasuke.' I snort well I guess I won't be getting on her good side any time soon. Speaking of which should she and Sakura like hate each other right now? Or maybe only Ino's a fan girl at the moment? Or maybe I just read the situation wrong before? I really don't know and to be honest I don't think I care. Thankfully before I tried to further question the female thought process the lunch bell rang.

Unlike her father Ino wasn't a psychiatrist. But when you live in a clan full of mind readers you learn quite a bit about how the human mind works. So when one Naruto Uzumaki's behavior and personality did a complete 180 she was quite suspicious. Well not a complete 180 he still slept in class and got in trouble so it was more like a 150 but still the changes were there.

She had first noticed when he had sat in the back of the class and had a casual conversation with Shino. There were three things wrong with that picture. First of all Naruto doesn't sit in the back he's up front being annoying. Second Naruto and Shino have conflicting personalities ones loud and boisterous the others quiet and reserved. Finally Naruto does not get into casual conversations he yells every other word and makes his presence known to everyone around him.

So Ino kept an eye on the blond but was utterly disappointed when nothing else of interest happened. Sure there were small occurrences like when he didn't make a scene like he usually does when he gets in trouble. Or his latent use of sarcasm when he gets yelled at by Iruka-Sensei. But the real shock was what happened that morning.

Shikamaru had appeared at the Yamanaka compound before the academy started asking if his dad had left his chess board at the house. When Ino had asked why he needed it she was flabbergasted when Shikamaru said Naruto had wanted to play against him. Then she had gotten to the Academy and saw Naruto was wearing a black hoodie completely different from the bright colors he usually wears. So Ino tried an experiment and talked to Naruto.

What's up with you Naruto?!" Ink screeched pointing at his new hoodie "Stop trying to imitate Sasuke!"

"Oh please I'm not imitating Sasuke. Like I'd ever want to imitate that guy." Naruto said. Ino felt a bit relieved at that, he didn't yell about how he was nothing like 'that dumb Teme' like he usually would but he still showed obvious dislike towards Sasuke.

Quickly needing a way to end the conversation Ino had said "Yeah well don't you think that Sakura will be into you just because you're dressing like Sasuke okay!" She then left in a huff to sit next to Sakura.

"What was that all about?" Her best friend had asked.

"Oh nothing important." Ino assured her "Just wanted to test a theory I had."

"A theory involving Naruto?" Sakura asked incredulously "No offense Ino but the words Naruto and theory don't exactly go hand and hand."

Ino laughed "Well there's a first time for everything."

When the break had finally arrived I was a bit surprised to see that Shikamaru actually had a chess board with him. "Alright you ready to play?"

Shikamaru turned to me "I still can't believe you know how to play this game." He admitted.

"Yeah well I know the basics I still don't have a grasp on how some of the weirder rules work like castling." I admitted.

"That's more than I expected to be honest." Shikamaru sighed "Which is good we can just play without them I'd be too troublesome to teach you anyway."

The weird thing about chess and most games in this world was that they were ninjafied as I like to call it. In chess for example the pieces were not Pawn, Rook, Knight, Bishop, Queen, and King. Instead they were called Genin, Chunin, Jonin, ANBU, Hokage, and Dynamo. The pieces were shaped a bit differently as well but the rules were the same so I could manage.

Once the board was set up Shikamaru asked me "Black or White"

I shrugged and sat down in front of the Black pieces and Shikamaru moved his white pawn forward. I then moved my black knight and the game continued from there.

Choji who was watching the whole time finally made his presence known. "So... why did ask Shikamaru to play chess with you?"

I moved my bishop "I overheard some ninja talking about how some guy named Shikaku likes playing strategy games with his son. Then they started talking about how this year's academy class was full of clan children. It wasn't really hard to put two and two together." That was of course a blatant lie but I couldn't really say that 'I knew you were a genius cause I saw it on TV.'

Thankfully Choji seemed to accept the answer and Shikamaru was too invested in the game to care. Then the boy asked "Where did you even learn to play chess?"

"Someone had left a box lying around, I picked it up and learned the rules it got a bit boring playing against my self though so I sold it for some extra cash." That wasn't a complete lie, I had found a chess board lying around my grand father's house and we had eventually sold it.

"Huh okay" The rest of the game was played in utter silence. Okay that's not true everyone around us were screaming like mad men but me and Shikamaru silent as could be.

I have to admit though Shikamaru was good like really good. The only reason he hasn't beaten me yet was probably because I had seven extra years of experience. In fact our game had actually gained a small audience it had started when Kiba had yelled "Hey Naruto since when do you like smart people games?!"

That had gotten the people's attention and a few of the other students crowded over to watch. The game had gone on for so long that Kunochi lessons had ended before we were finished of course neither me or Shikamaru had noticed since we were so emerged in the game.

I was only made aware of it when I heard Sakura say "Since when does Naruto play chess?"

"That's what I said!"

"See Sakura I told you he was acting weird."

I even smiled a bit when I heard a shy voice that clearly belonged to Hinata softly say "G-go Naruto"

Eventually I messed up by moving my Rook to soon and Shikamaru captured my king. "Well good game." I said.

Shikamaru gave me a faint smile as well "It's too troublesome to bring the board to school every day. Besides I don't think Iruka-Sensei'd allow us to do something like that again. But if you do want a rematch you could come over to the compound."

"Thanks I'll take you up on that." I said, but inside I was cheering and fist pumping like crazy. Sure it was a simple plan but being friends with Shikamaru would be great in the long run. Playing strategical games against a genius is bound to improve my strategical mind. Not to mention the fact that having more friends is always a good thing it'll keep me from going insane.

I had gotten into a sort of routine since I had arrived here I'd wake up head to the academy, hang out with Shino during homeroom, go to class, eat much with Shino, Shikamaru, and Choji, Nap during Math and Reading, Learn about Chakra theory, go to the library to study up on Ninjutsu and Genjutsu, eat dinner at Ichiraku's, then go home.

However today was Friday, and today was the day Shino had given me a box full of fire ants and I was about to put them to good use. So during lunch I had walked up to one Kiba Inuzuka. "Hey Kiba"

"Heh, what do you want Naruto?" He asked with a tiny Akamaru resting on his head.

I smirked "I have a box full of fire ants and a list of revenge victims you in?"

At that Kiba's face lit up, I mean literally lit up like a Christmas Tree "I like the way you think."

My reason for trying to befriend Kiba wasn't as tactical as it was personal Shikamaru, Choji, Shino while all great guys aren't exactly the types of people you would invite to have the night of you life. Whist Kiba on the other hand well from Naruto's past memories I knew that this guy was part of most of his best memories. But still I'd feel bad if I didn't at least invite them.

So I walked over to my usual group and said "Hey guys me and Kiba're gonna be ditching for the rest of the day you wanna come?"

Surprisingly Shino was the first to stand up "Sure I'll come. Why, because if you're going to do what I think you're going to do I feel required to go I was the one who got you the fire ants."

Shikamaru sighed "It's troublesome but I'll come too if only because I want to know what you need Fire Ants for."

"I guess I'll tag along." Choji agreed.

"Perfect! Grab your stuff and lets get going then." I said cheerfully.

Unbeknownst to them however two lone Kunochi were listening in on their conversation. "Lets follow them Sakura." Ino had said.

"Wh-what?" Asked the pink haired girl "But Ino we can't just skip classes!"

"Oh come on Sakura" Ino said "it's not like you don't already know that stuff. Besides aren't you even a bit curious about what they're up to?"

"I don't think I want to know what Naruto's planning with those Fire Ants." Sakura shivered.

"Oh fine then" Ino huffed "but I'm going."

Ino then chased after the group of boys who had just left the building. Sakura sighed and chased after her best friend "Wait for me!"

When we had reached the clothing store I did not expect for both Ino and Sakura to have followed us. To be honest however I had half expected just me and Kiba to show up here. "Alright Naruto what are we doing here?" Shikamaru had asked.

"Hey I know this place!" Ino said "This is one of the greatest clothing stores in Konoha real cheap too."

Me and Shino snorted at that. "Yeah well the owners also a massive douche bag." I said "Ended up charging me three times more then what I owed."

Sakura made a face "Why would he do that?"

"I dunno" I shrugged "But I'm gonna make sure he doesn't do it again. Now who here knows how to pick a lock?" Surprisingly it was Ino who grabbed a hairpin out of her purse and picked the lock to the store.

"What?" She said at our dumbstruck faces "We learned it during Kunochi classes."

That actually made a lot of sense. While jiji has made many mistakes in the past he is not an idiot. A class where they do nothing but arrange flowers would never get into his Shinobi curriculum. "I was actually more surprised that you're okay with helping us." I admitted.

Ino shrugged "You're a fashion disaster if pranking this guy gets you some nicer clothes then I'm okay with it."

I shrugged "Alright then here's the plan the bottom floor of this place is the store and upstairs is his house. We'll be planting the ants upstairs to make sure we don't hit any innocents." I handed everyone a jar of Fire Ants that I had prepared earlier. Well I didn't expect Ino or Sakura to show up so both them and Shikamaru and Choji had one jar for the two of them. "All right now find a spot and let these suckers loose. If they bite you don't worry it'll sting and burn and be really uncomfortable but it's not dangerous." I reassured them. "Now lets go ruin this guys day."

Tensu Hakuro was a successful business-owner who lived a relatively peaceful life in Konoha. Tensu also liked to keep to schedule so when he got home he did what he always did and threw his coat on his bed and made himself some tea. Or he would've if tiny red ants hadn't burst out of his shelves when he opened them.

Tensu jumped back and cursed when one had bitten his hand "You mother fucker!" He growled. Tensu frustrated at this development decided to wash his hands in the sink. Only problem was that when he got there he was only met with more ants and more ant bites. Tensu decided that the best course of action at that point would be to hire a genin team to exterminate the ants. But when he went back to his room to retrieve his coat he saw that his bed and coat were now infested with ants.

Tensu now thoroughly annoyed went to go to the Hoakge's office without his coat. But when he had gone to leave his house he felt tiny little things crawling up his legs he looked down to see hundreds of fire ants crawling up his legs. Tensu then let out the most hilariously girly scream he had ever heard. It was such a shame he never noticed the sign on his door 'Don't over price people ~Naruto'

Sakura had never pranked anyone before but she had to admit she couldn't stop the giggles when that old guy had screamed. Of course she could never laugh as loud as Kiba or Naruto were but still it was much more fun then she had first thought.

"So what do you think managed to tip him over the edge?" Naruto asked "I doubt it was mine the ants in his cloths drawer is supposed to happen later."

"I bet it was the ones I put in his bed!" Kiba snickered.

Shino who was the only one not laughing (albeit with some trouble) had said "I believe it's the ants in the sink. Why, because now he is unable to wash the Bites."

Ino huffed "Yeah well I just hope he found the ones me and Sakura put in his cupboards." Ino then broke out into a fit of giggles "I still can't believe how girly that scream was.

"What do you think Shikamaru?" Choji asked while shoving his face.

Shikamaru sighed "Troublesome, If I had to guess I'd say it was the ones me and Choji put under the mat. He most likely found them last and it was the thing that tipped him over the edge."

Sakura was still giggling however she couldn't believe that she had so much fun doing something she defined as juvenile and silly.

When Ino suggested they should eat lunch with them on Monday she didn't decline the offer.

Cat had to admit that Uzumaki duty had become much more fun over the last couple of days. He had to stifle a laugh herself during Uzumaki's latest prank. 'I wonder if I could convince Crow to take a shift or two. He's been so stressed lately... Not that I could blame him with everything that's been happening with the clan.' Cat sighed 'I guess I could ask him but I doubt he'd say yes. Stupid Itachi won't even listen to his best friend.'