I'll try to get the next chapter out by tomorrow as these were the originally chapters I did. Like the last one this is un-beta but does have knew content if you want to reread. As always please review.
Disclaimer - I don't own Naruto
In a village where almost every detail was known, the news of yesterday kidnapping attempt was the latest gossip. One Uchiha was the main topic, from recovering from a coma to rescuing the Hyūga heiress. He was already gaining much respect for someone his age.
Aimi was pissed as she made her way towards the academy. She slept uncomfortably just thinking about her confrontation with the Uchiha genius and now at this hour of day all she heard was Sasuke this and Sasuke that, or Uchiha did what not and the Uchiha woke up. While she did feel sorry for his loss, she just found it constantly annoying how everyone seemed to worship the ground he walked on.
Is he really not an arrogant jerk or did I eat some bad ramen?She thought as she saw the Academy in the distance. I guess I'll find out later. Better ask Hinata what's up.The red haired girl ran towards the building in a hurry to discuss the hottest topic, Uchiha Sasuke.
…
Hinata sat in class, early as always. She was taught from an early age discipline and as a Hyūga you must have certain manners. Hinata made sure she strictly followed them to please her clan and Father. She was called a perfect Hyūga. Calm and collected, she proudly showed her clan her tied ranking for best in class. Ever since her mother died, her life changed. Instead of family meetings in the gardens near the Koi ponds, there were silent dinners in the dining room which Father often skipped. She would usually hug her father and mother before going to sleep or was tucked in by one of them but now one of the branch members takes care of that. On rare moments, like last night, Father would show he cared deeply but other times he drilled her in the Hyuuga arts comparing her to her prodigy of a cousin.
Days gone by when she grew as she became colder and more distant hiding the hole that was left when her mother died. Hyūga are taught to not show weakness and she be damn if she's the first. She wondered many times how she made friends with Uzumaki Aimi, her cheerfulness and clumsiness amused her as Aimi wormed her way as a friend.
A small smile graced her as she reminisced in her desk. She often would giggle at jokes Aimi would secretly come up with, which surprised her sometimes as the things the Uzumaki thought. Mostly it consisted of pranks and what ifs scenarios, like what if everyone ate ramen, what if Iruka was female, or what if Uchiha clan were secretly gay...she smirked coming out of her trail of thoughts.
Speaking of the Uchiha,Hinata thought.He acted so different from what I was told an Uchiha suppose to act. It was closer to how Aimi acts.
Soon students started appearing and settling down to their seats. It would have been normal if that was all they did but instead most looked at her before sitting and started talking amiably with their friends, sometimes pointing at her.
She glared at any student who gaze lingered too long. She hated to be the gossip of the others. Just then someone sat right next to her. She could feel their eyes boring into her. Already knowing who it was she turned her head to the grinning face of Aimi.
"Good morning Hinata-chan, isn't it too early for you to be angry," Aimi teased while taking her place in the empty seat next to Hinata.
Shifting her head back to the front of the class, she answered. "Good morning Uzumaki-san," she said neutrally.
"Aww, don't give me that Uzumaki-san crap. It's Aimi, Ai-mi," she pouted. Hinata waited patiently as Aimi settled in, placing her legs on top of the desk as she laid back.
"Hey, umm did you hear any gossip about a certain Uchiha," Aimi tried to ask as if she didn't really care.
Hinata was a bit surprised Aimi would be asking about Sasuke so she answered. "Father said something terrible happened to his clan."
Aimi's eyes widened. "You mean you haven't heard of the Uchiha massacre!" She tried to whisper but still other around them started listening. Those who haven't heard were shocked at the information.
Seeing Hinata nod negatively, Aimi told her what Ayami told herself last night, from the Uchiha massacre by a clansmen, the comatose state of Sasuke, and the awakening while leaving out the information of her confrontation with him.
This left Hinata solemn as she thought about the smiling Sasuke last night. Sasuke just lost his family and had just awoken from a coma, why was he acting so cheerful especially towards me?She thought as a slow blush started appearing.
"Hmm," Aimi glanced at Hinata through the side of her eyes as Hinata suddenly had a look of concentration before a small blush adorned her face, something she never saw before. "What you thinking about?"
The blushing girl snapped out of it before muttering "Nothing."
Raising an eyebrow, Aimi got comfortable before speaking back to her. "You know Hinata." the red-head looked back at her, "You're a good friend and all, a bit too quiet, but you are really weird." Hinata blinked as Aimi settled on a sitting position, "But I guess that's what makes you cool." Aimi grinned as she closed her eyes and tried to rest.
Hinata felt a vein pulsing as she looked at her best friend before she started to reorganizing her books.
The class was beginning to fill and still no sign of Sasuke. The students themselves still haven't quieted down at all. A blond haired girl was chatting amongst most of the other female students. A kid with red markings and another with brown haired tied in a ponytail slept, as a larger boy was munching on some chips beside them. A kid covering most his body sat still. A pink hair girl was combing her bangs down to cover her face, and the others students seem to repeat these patterns whether eating, shouting, or sleeping. One day these students will become full fledged ninjas, but for now, they were children preparing to learn the ninja arts.
Soon their teacher arrived. His brown hair was tied up in a ponytail, he wore a ninja headband on his forehead, a slashing scar was apparent across his nose, and he wore standard Kohona chūnin outfit.
"Good morning Iruka-sensei," some of the children chorused, especially Aimi with a loud yell as she woke up.
"Good morning class," Iruka responded as he sat down in his desk. "We will begin shortly so be ready when we start." He started shuffling papers around his desk.
Class was starting soon and no Sasuke was in sight, was he even going to attend the first day of class? Many people in class soon asked themselves.
…
Naruto was rushing. He jumped from roof top to roof top at speeds befitting someone older. He seemed to have forgotten about the academy since well, he hasn't been to the academy in a long time, so he overslept. Even though, it wasn't as if he got enough sleep with the hospital, still, he slept in. He should have known that this body still had emotions stirring from the child Sasuke that died as powerful images kept playing over and over again in his mind. In the end, he fought with his inner child trying to use the lessons from The Falls of Truth to combat his growing hatred.
I guess if I could still feel these emotions, Sasuke's quest as an avenger really controlled him,he thought as he landed at the ground near the academy. I can see how Sasuke became what he was, actually I can feel it, the hate and anger. It's been awhile since I had to control such feeling.
Catching his breath, he walked into the academy. It wouldn't do well if he appeared all puffed face and sweaty when he arrived to class. He walked down the hall before finding his class room. Placing one arm on the injury he obtained from last night, he found the medics really did their jobs. The bandages only showed a little ways out from the small sleeve in his left arm, and it didn't really feel bad. He placed a hand on the doorway as a smirk appeared on his face,here I go...
"Good morn..." he started as he walked in the classroom. Then he saw it. The color was too unique to be anybody else. He knew he should repress these feelings, but he couldn't help it. It's been too long since the war has started. She looked so different from the girl he loved. He had to find out even if this Sasuke was yelling no with all his being.
To the whole class it happen so fast. One minute, the top ranking student walks in late in the middle of one of Iruka's lesson. Then his body disappeared with a loud yell in its place.
"Sakura-chan!"
…
Sakura was just sitting by herself. She continued to comb pieces of her hair to cover her hideously large forehead. She cursed to herself when she heard another giggled shot towards her. She was so close to tears then he showed up. Like the rest of the class she knew who he was. Uchiha Sasuke, the golden boy of the class. Somebody who life was so perfect, he was perfect. Suddenly, she felt a body constrict around her as the last person she ever thought was paying attention to her. She felt her cheeks began to redden as Sasuke continue to blather confusing phrases to her. It was too much for the girl. Her face turned cherry red as steam left her body. With a loud shout, she punched Sasuke in the cheek then promptly passed out.
…
The airborne Uchiha collided with the Iruka's desk. Groaning was heard but none of the class had the mental capacity to function. Naruto returned to standing as his head continued to spin. Looking over to Sakura again, he saw her passed out.
"Iruka sensei there's something wrong with Sakura-chan!" Naruto shouted placing a hand on Iruka's desk. Sasuke ran back to Sakura's desk as he began to wildly shake her. "Sakura wake up! What happen to your hair? Why are you dressed in such a strange fashion? Answer me!" he whined.
Iruka, the first to come back to reality, tried to regain a semi-balance in his class but like the rest he still had to process. Uchiha Sasuke was one of his brightest students; it was Iruka's bet that Sasuke would be rookie of the year in the end but this wasn't the Sasuke he knew. Did the Uchiha massacre have more of an effect than what was original thought. Shaking his head clear of those thoughts he restarted class. "Sasuke put her down, she alright."
Naruto looked over to Iruka nearing tears. "You sure Iruka-sensei?"
Iruka was almost back to la la land with Sasuke's personality. This Sasuke was showing too much emotion compared to the last time they met. He might need to re-evaluate the notes he was giving from Sasuke's previous teacher.
…
Naruto was bored when class restarted. After being told numerous times that Sakura was going to be alright he finally calmed down. Sakura was sent to the nurse's office as Naruto took a seat near the window. Most of the student wouldn't stop gawking at him, too astonished to make a move. He stared at Iruka who was going over chakra theory. He knew all the subjects, it was easy to remember since this Sasuke had been serious in his education than his other world self, Uzumaki Naruto. So he spent most of his time staring at the window. His face darkened as he was given time to think about the upcoming future.
During class, sometimes he would answer questions but it seemed like Iruka was giving him a break, it was annoying but Iruka was always too kind of a person. So, Naruto just stared out the window taking the classic Sasuke brooding.
Soon Iruka ended class for lunch, the whole class cheered making Iruka review his lesson plan. The students ran out the door, eager to get away from class but still some lingered as some of the more quieter students unpacked their bentos. Scanning the room, Iruka saw Sasuke continuing to brood. Didn't he know it was lunch time?
He walked towards the boy and spoke. "Hey Sasuke, are you feeling alright?" That seemed to wake him out of his thoughts; he really couldn't blame the boy after what he went through. "Its lunch time," Iruka smiled. "You should go eat."
Then the unexpected happen again, he smiled and nodded before jumping out the window.
What trauma did Sasuke go through to change his personality so rapidly. He just seems...Iruka thought while scratching his head, Oh well, better get to lunch.
…
Naruto walked around the academy, eating a rice ball. The academy was a good breather and all but it still was boring as ever; he bit into his rice ball. He needed to stretch his muscles, he needed to train. Finishing off his food in quick bites, he rushed off into the training area in the academy.
…
Aimi sat there next to Hinata wolfing down her ramen. It didn't take long for her to finish but she needed to speak to Sasuke. "Hey Hinata," the said girl looked at her. "Um, I need to do something, will you be okay by yourself." Aimi looked up scratching her nose.
Hinata looked at her, "Like what."
"Oh you know, just this and that."
That was certainly vague, now even Hinata was curious. "Sure."
"Thanks!" Aimi started running away.
Hinata having nothing better to do, followed her as stealthily as she could wondering what her best friend was up to.
Aimi wasn't the only one looking for Sasuke. His unusual action cause a huge commotion between the students in Iruka's classroom. Several other students spotted him and decided to follow as Sasuke seemed to be in a hurry.
"Hey what do you think he is doing, "Ino asked Shikamaru as he wondered the same thing as they followed Sasuke into the training area.
"I don't know, but he seems to be stretching." answered the Nara heir.
"Shush and just watch," spoke other students who came to spy.
Naruto was stretching as he thought of all his battles. He needed this, sitting in class doing nothing was a pain.
Getting into front stance he started moving slowly and steady as he concentrated on his strikes. Soon they sped up more and more as he started leaking chakra into his muscles. A punch was sent straight to the sternum killing an imaginary enemy; placing his throwing arm onto the ground, he lifting his body diagonally for a straight kick to another jaw. Placing his left hand down he spun his body back into front stance. More imaginary enemy appeared, taking out his kunai; he slashed sideways pivoting the kunai in his hand to a reverse grip stabbing an enemy behind him. Back flipping over the down opponent he launched the kunai into the skull of another. Landing he transition into a sweep kick mowing down an enemy the spun his body for an elbow to the down enemy's chest. With a kip up, he pushed himself upwards before disappearing in a blur and reappearing with a kick directed to a face. He follow through with a reverse elbow knocking him unconscious. Concentrating his chakra, he looked at a wooden target around the area. He quickly performed hand seals as he jumped high into the air. "Katon: Gōkakyū no Jutsu!" he yelled as he breathed in and released a fire orb half the size of his body. When coming in contact with the training dummy it exploded burning the dummy to black.
Panting lightly, he was amazed he had enough chakra to do that but thanks to his affinity to fire it was easy. He seemed to be able to do fire techniques pretty easily with less chakra than they require, but still was a tough technique for his age.
Staring at the burning target, he wonder how much trouble he get in if he just left it. Turning to leave, he thought he heard a sound as he stared at the corners of the trees. Crap,he thought. Someone's here. Better leave now before they start asking questions.He jumped away, fleeing from the site and returning to the academy.
…
As the students watched, they were awestruck at the power that was displayed.
He's so strong,Ino thought with the majority of the students in attendance. Shikamaru thoughts went a different direction as he kept the information to himself.
Soon, one of the students yelped out from falling in their spot. This alerted Sasuke as he turned to look at their direction. The students knew they were caught as they ran away.
So cool,Ino thought dreamily as she ran away, and it would appear she wasn't only them who had these thoughts as they ran back towards the classroom.
"Damn it Sasuke, why can I never find you," Aimi growled out, frustrated as she returned to class before Hinata appeared out of nowhere behind her.
Why is she looking for the Uchiha?Hinata thought as she tapped her friend's shoulder.
"Eek!" Aimi jumped up as she landed and glared at Hinata. "Don't do that!"
Hinata just stared at her friend. "Let's just get back to class," she said. At Aimi's nod they started their trek back to class.
…
Naruto sat back at his desk a bit worriedly. He remembered how he used to want attention, growing up being ignored. He did whatever activity that brought people to actually see him, he would take it. Right now though, he was an object of concentration as most students openly stared at him. He resorted to to staring out the window, his back turned from them but he could feel the stares.
"Hey Sasuke," the boy whispered, "that was an impressive technique, could you teach me?" The boy's eyes were hopeful.
"No," Naruto answered flatly and turned away. Crap, they saw me,mentally he slammed his head.
Students soon begun to return from their lunch break and Naruto sat at his desk, trying to look inconspicuous. As the room filled up, Naruto heard a small argument that continued growing as he felt more people join in. Turning around he spotted a group of girls having a heated argument about something, they each talked all at once so it was hard to listen in, so he ignored it.
A shift in the air alerted him of a presence incoming, fast. It's only the academy Naruto thought as he fought the urge to jump out of the way. A black blur appeared and promptly glomped him as he had to hold himself from attacking.
"Sasuke-kun that was so awesome! How did you do that jutsu?" the student asked. Naruto took a closer look at the student and was surprised to see pale blue eyes staring back at him.
"Umm..." Naruto stammered. Naruto was used to being an outcast not the center of attention. It was a little confusing.
"Sasuke how you move so fast?" Another rounded closer to Naruto's personal space. Soon more and more student cluttered around Naruto's Desk. Chants of Sasuke this or Sasuke that unnerved Naruto as he began to panic. He wildly searched for a haven and found a glimpse of pink hair. Quickly doing a Kawarimi no Jutsu with a nearby chair Naruto ran to his haven.
…
Aimi and Hinata walked into the classroom only to see a group of girls in a heated argument.
What the hell are they talking about,Aimi thought as she and Hinata sat down.
Hinata seemed occupied as she started looking down her desk, either fixing her books or…something. She does that a lot.
As Aimi continued listening she heard snippets of, '…cool jutsu…' and 'Sasuke' …not hard to figure out as she glowered.Wow, Sasuke has a fan club now, wonder if he is enjoying it.She thought as she looked at Sasuke who seemed a bit confused. She stared for a bit as images of a sorry looking Sasuke apologizing to her, a sad smiling Sasuke looking at her with eyes full of warmth, and more, much more. Confusing thoughts and questions flooded her mind. She had to turn away as she felt a headache. "Jerk," she muttered low as she felt her cheeks start to heat. Hinata looked back at her with a thinking expression as she quietly observed the scene.
Soon the arguing stopped as Aimi stared back to see Ino hugging the sitting Sasuke. She had to bite down an irrational urge to slap that idiot before blushing slightly and smacking her head at the thought. More students hover over to Sasuke's desk as Sasuke's body began to tremble before a chair took his place. A shriek from her left inquired her to turn. Eyes slightly widened when she saw The Sasuke hiding behind a girl with pink hair.
What the hell.Ami thought as Sasuke appeared cowering. Other students were thinking the same thing at seeing Uchiha Sasuke not act like Uchiha Sasuke.
"A-hem…" came a voice from the front.
Iruka stared at the class and then at Sasuke for a couple of seconds before speaking, "Sasuke…are you okay?"
…
If somebody told Sakura that her life would get better, she would of laugh at them to their face, but right now she couldn't form words. After regaining consciousness, she check the time to see it was past lunch. Grumbling about missing the opportunity at filling her stomach, she left for class. Finding space to herself, she sat down hearing the latest gossip about Sasuke.
That jerk,she thought with a blush remembering their close encounter. Thinking that the rest of the day would normal out, she was shocked to hear a whisper behind her.
"Naa, Sakura-chan…could you keep them off me?" Sasuke pleaded, his head beside Sakura.
Scared, Sakura yelped gaining the attention of the rest of class. All of the students were shocked to see Sasuke also with her.
Ino looked on her a glare. When did forehead become such great friends with Sasuke-kun,she thought negatively.
Before anybody could act Iruka popped back into the room. Said teacher was also curious at Sasuke's new location as he voiced his concern.
Naruto turned his head towards Iruka as a look of relief washed over Sasuke's face. Chuckling to himself Naruto spoke. "I was just getting to know Sakura-chan, Iruka-sensei," he calmly explained. Naruto position himself to right of Sakura as he assumed his new seat.
"Sasuke," Iruka spoke to him, "I know you're a smart boy but you need your books." He nodded towards his old desk.
The Uchiha took one glance down to his old seat. He quickly shook his head as he saw the predatory grin on Ino's face. "I'll just share with Sakura-chan," he quickly explained. Said pink haired girl was still stun that he was talking to her, couldn't disagree.
Iruka gave up thinking it was another new quirk Sasuke picked up to deal with his clan's murder. He returned to the blackboard preparing for the next lesson. The class lectured on basic principles, weapons, chakra, and so on as Iruka finally made them do something productive.
"Okay class, today I want to test your taijutsu in spars to see how far you come after the break."
He led the class outside to the training grounds which took little time, but he was dismayed to find a burnt log instead of training dummies."If people break the targets, they should replace them," Iruka sighed a bit annoyed. "Sasuke…Aimi, help replace the targets."
Naruto was sweating bullets when he went to the academy training grounds and nearly fell when Iruka shouted his name. Luckily, it seemed he was in the clear. Aimi on the other hand seemed really quiet all of a sudden.
Replacing the targets ate some time into their practice but it was done and Iruka had instructed them to stretch while they waited.
After everything was replaced, Iruka stood in front of circle on the ground. "Today we will spar. I'll choose two name and you will enter the ring. To win you must make your opponent submit, being unable to continue the fight, or ring out," the scarred chuunin explain to his charges.
Most students tremble in anticipation to see if they had improve. Calling of the first pair, a bigger child and one with a large pony tail stood across each other. Before he could start the fight, the large child raised his hand.
"Umm…sensei…," he said nervously.
"What?"
"I don't really wanna beat up my friend…," the student answered.
Sighing Iruka began to explain. "That's not what we're doing, this is a traditional shinobi spar!" he exclaimed. "Even the Hokage and his friends trained like this to help them grow strong."
The child with the ponytail began walking off the field. "Sensei, I'm fine with losing by ring out. Call the next pair," he stated. Iruka could only let out a frustrated sigh.
"He's got no drive at all!" a child exclaimed with a puppy ontop of his head. He continued to watch the lazy kid walk off the field. "He'll be a genin for the rest of his life."
"Not necessarily…," the child wearing a hood started. "Why? Because he may live a very long life, and many things-"
"Don't be such a nit-picker, man!" the boy with fang markings interrupted.
A frustrated blond looked at the two in embarrassment. "Stupid Shikamaru, he's the troublesome one! And Choji's so spineless!" she vented.
Giving up on trying to force his charges to anything Iruka spoke up. "Fine. Shikamaru, Choji, the symbol of 'Harmony.' Next…"
Choji and Shikamaru walked up to each other. Choji placing right pointer and middle finger to interlock with Shikamaru's left.
"Sorry, Shikamaru…," the Akimichi said.
Shikamaru stopped Choji from saying anymore. "It's all good, I know you hate this stuff, and I think it's troublesome…," he responded.
Looking back down at his sheet, Iruka called up the next two opponents. "Uuuuuh…next is Uzumaki Ami! And Uchiha Sasuke! You're up!" Many students began to cheer for Sasuke, impressed with his display of strength earlier in the academy field. Among the loudest was Ino.
Wow, they really like me,Sasuke thought moving away from flanking Sakura side. Sakura let out a huff. She was finally away from being used as a shield, at least for now.
Aimi grew angry as she heard all the praise for the Uchiha heir. Sasuke this and Sasuke that…forget being nice. I going to knock him on his butt,Aimi thought preparing to shut up all of Sasuke's fans.
Hinata shook her head feeling the anger from her close friend. "Good luck…you're going to need it," she said the last part as a whisper.
Sasuke and Aimi stood across each other. Sasuke wave gently to the classmate. He was still in awe of all the attention he was receiving from his peers. Aimi glaze shoot to kill Sasuke on the spot.
"Uzumaki Ami vs Uchiha Sasuke-" Iruka started.
"Pay attention butt head!" Aimi screamed preparing to strike.
"Aimi!" the teacher interrupted. "Before the spar you have to make the symbol of 'Combat!' It's the proper protocol!" he tried to explain. His answer was the form of a growl from Ami and lack of attention from Sasuke. "Both of you, pay attention!"
Iruka began to lecture the two students. "Sheesh! Listen, these shinobi spars are a tradition that's been passed down for generations! I realize there's a lot of etiquette but it's important, and here at the academy we're teaching you the basics!."
"First, you always face your opponent and point your fingers like this." Raising his hand, his pointer and middle finger were extended with his thumb slightly closed. "This is the symbol of 'Combat', it represents one half of a seal that might be used to activate a ninjutsu technique, and means 'I've come to face you in battle!'"
"When the spar is over, both participants make the symbol of 'Combat' and lock their fingers together, to make the symbol of 'Harmony' and acknowledge that they are still comrades. This is all part of the proper etiquette for a shinobi spar," he finished looking at the two students again. Aimi was picking her ear as Sasuke was playing to the crowd. "Are you two even listening!" he screeched. Both Aimi and Sasuke cringed from the volume as the settle into the symbol of 'Combat'.
Aimi leaped towards Sasuke planning on ending it with one move. Naruto was about to move also but got distracted from the cheering again. Stopping he smile to the crowd pissing Aimi even farther. Aimi raised her fist to strike… then she was airborne staring at the sky.
For most of the students, it happen too fast. One moment Aimi was going to land a punch to Sasuke's cheek; the next she was lying on the ground outside the ring. The students erupted into more praise on Sasuke's one sided victory.
…
Aimi continue to seethe at her desk. She turned her head to glare at Sasuke as he continued to intrude Sakura's personal space. She just couldn't figure out how she lost. Sasuke wasn't even looking at her! That wasn't the worse part. After the announcement of ring out, he came over to her to help her up. First she wasn't on his radar, now he playing mister nice guy. The Uzumaki growled as she slapped the offending hand away; discarded the fact that Iruka was yelling at her to show the symbol of 'Harmony.'
Aimi wasn't the only student staring at Sasuke. Hinata was staring because of fear. The movement were so fast that she barely caught a glimpse of it. Has that Uchiha surpass her during the break.
Shikamaru also glanced Sasuke's way as the brunette was acting completely different than the first year that they met. It all seem too troublesome to continue.
Most of the girls stares were direct to Sakura in envy. The girls had found another reason to dislike the pink hair girl. How dare she get close to my Sasuke-kun,Ino thought.
Iruka watched the class like this before the final bell sound off for the end of the day. Deciding to check on one of his student, he let all out except Sasuke. Complying, Naruto sat there normally with his eyes closed waiting to be called on.
"Sasuke," he began not knowing how to approach this subject. "You seem different. Are you sure that everything is okay in your life." Iruka gave a worried glance as Sasuke open his eyes to stare at him. Gaze unnerved Iruka as there were emotions that he never saw coming from Sasuke's eyes.
Sasuke gave a shrug before delivering his answer. "I'm fine Iruka-sensei. It's just I had a life changing moment with coming close to death," he explained.
Iruka's gaze soften at hearing the maturity in Sasuke's voice. Iruka watched Sasuke for a few more seconds before he let off another question to the Uchiha genius. "So, back during the spars, you skills you displayed were higher than anybody I've seen in your year," he said.
Sasuke broke into a sweat as he tried to explain the increase of skill level. "Um…yeah, I had," he started racking his brain for a good excuse. "Extra training…yeah! I had extra training from my family before, you know," his words became closer to a whisper at the end.
"So Sasuke, you say you have extra training?" Iruka said trying to stay away from the family subject.
"Yeah, I had training in all the physical aspects such as weapons training and taijutsu but I also had a tutor for all my subjects."
Iruka's eyebrows rose. "Really now, you mind if I test you on the text knowledge tomorrow and the physical aspects today."
"Sure, no problem Iruka-sensei."
"Alright let's see, I know you're really good with taijutsu, so let's test your kunai and shuriken accuracy, and maybe your transformation technique, okay?"
At the nod Iruka led Sasuke to a different area in the academy training fields where the target was round with a bull's eye mark in the middle.Sasuke took each test simply as he can, honestly, they were really boring. Even with his control shot with two existing memories of techniques, the shurikens and kunais were easy as he stuck each target with most in the bull's eye. His transformation technique showed he had great chakra control and enough chakra to back up the move. At the end, Iruka stood astonished as he finished marking his papers.
"Sasuke, I am impressed. If you do this well tomorrow, I have reason to believe you could rise to the next level." Iruka spoke with a hint of pride in his voice.
Sasuke stood there quiet as he observed him. Sure, skipping a grade is all good now but what will happen to his friends to his knowledge of the future. As tempting as it sounds, he couldn't abandon his only advantage coming back in time. Also, he would rather watch his friends through the sideline as a quiet supporter and help them than do nothing.
"Iruka-sensei, even if I pass the test, I would like to stay in this class," Sasuke said, voice firm and resolved.
Damn it Sasuke, you're not supposed to be the one full of surprises,Iruka thought with a sigh. He really has changed, but I wonder why.He inclined his head to let Sasuke continue.
"I would rather not separate myself from the students closest to my age group. I want to grow stronger, but I also want to help others around me to grow too," Sasuke looked down as he spoke softly. "I have seen what horrors can befall a ninja, and I want us all to be ready for it."
They both stood there in silence as Iruka contemplated his words. "Sasuke, that may be true but if you pass this test tomorrow, then this level would not suit you. You can learn nothing here."
Sasuke closed his eyes in thought with this conundrum. Opening his eyes, smile with the answer he thought of. "Maybe I could help you teach the class, like an aid of some kind. I'll help you teach the class, at least in the physical training aspects or whatever there is. I am sure you can't help all the students without wasting a lot of class time."
The plan was laid out, true it has never really been done before, and he would need to bring this to the other academy teachers.
"Well, if I was to accept this then, I would need to share the academy plans with you. Meaning you would need to come early to class so I could tell you the day's lesson plans, unlike your performance today." Sasuke grinned at the shot and nodded. "Well then, I have to bring this up with a couple of people. I will tell you tomorrow after the test, now remember you need to do well on that test if you want any of this to work…is that clear?"
"Crystal."
"Alright then, I'll see you tomorrow."
Nodding to each other, the meeting was adjourned as Sasuke left. Clearing out his desk, Iruka left to inform the academy teachers. The plan had few questions but it was a pretty good plan from the student. Mostly anyone who could skip a level chose to skip it rather than stay and help others.
The plan was met with many disagreements, especially when it was one Uchiha Sasuke they were talking about, but Iruka argued fiercely that it was the same Uchiha's idea to begin with. That caused them to think.
In the end most of the teachers agreed, leaving Iruka to fill in the paperwork and send a report to the Hokage regarding what would happen to a certain student. The academy report, in neat letters on paper, stood in front of the Hokage. After reading the report he had called Iruka into the office, who arrived minutes later.
"Hokage-dono," Iruka bowed as he entered.
"Umino Iruka," Sarutobi nodded his head.
Iruka stood in front of the Hokage's desk as Sarutobi spoke. "Uchiha Sasuke, right?" Iruka responded.
"Yes, it seems he is a prodigy among the students but how is he really, in your opinion?" The Hokage asked with a bit of concern in his voice.
Nodding his head Iruka answered, "Sir, if you're asking me if he is stable then…I'm not sure." He took a thinking pose. "He looks it and it seems like he's fine but that's the problem. I would think he would have some scars from the massacre but he appears normal, the only thing that has changed is his personality."
"I see," Sarutobi said while sitting back on his chair. "You noticed that too."
"It's pretty hard not to. It seems he has taken on a new mask to hide the pain," Iruka explain.
Sarutobi nodded his head as a thoughtful expression appeared. He continued it for a few more seconds before clearing his head. "Anyways, how is Aimi?"
Iruka smiled, "Well, surprisingly she has been quieter today."
"Let me guess, does it have to do with our resident Uchiha." They both let out a grin.
"Yeah, not only her but all the kids noticed Sasuke's personality shift; it's safe to say he has his own fan club now."
Sarutobi chuckled in his seat along with Iruka. "Well, this may be a blessing or a curse. Just keep an eye on Sasuke and report anything unusual… well anything more unusual."