This is the last of the original chapters that I've already posted. Except longer updates from now on. As with the last two it is un-beta. Please review and enjoy
Disclaimer - I don't own Naruto
Naruto walked out of the academy with a thoughtful look. The plan, being a teacher's aide, gave him something to do while helping his friends. He would read other books and scrolls in class and help whoever in his class needed it without being distracted, but he couldn't get the look of Aimi's eyes as he went to help her up. They looked a lot like his Sasuke's. He ponder this conundrum as he walked out in the road until he heard his name.
"Uchiha-san," the voice greeted. Turning his head to the location of the noise, he saw himself staring into pale lavender pupils. "I request your presence." She moved to indicate for Naruto to follow. Naruto, having nothing better to do, stepped in line behind her. The trek wasn't long before they stood in the familiar ring of the academy grounds. Hinata walked to the far right before adopting the traditional Hyūga starting stance. "I wish to test my skills against you."
The Uchiha heir smirked prior to blinking his eyes at the odd request. At least this Hinata doesn't faint around me,he thought as he also took a horse stance.
"Rules?"
"First to three clean hits wins Uchiha-san," the Hyūga heiress answered back.
They both stood still waiting for an opening in the others guard. The two stare-down waiting for the other to make a mistake. Hinata was the first to blink. When she reopened her eyes, Sasuke was in front of her swinging his right leg.
Fast, she thought as she parried the blow with her left arm pushing Sasuke back. Continuing from the counter, she charged forwards with a right palm thrust.
Sasuke saw the incoming hand and ducked to the ground. He went for a swept kick which made Hinata backflip over his leg. Pressing on, he swung his right fist aiming for her head. The two enter a deadlock as palm strikes and punches traded before Naruto found an opening.
Hinata tilted to her side feeling the breeze of the punch sent her way. Advancing forwards, he pivoted on his right foot bring his left for a hard side kick. Hinata blocked with her forearm, reinforcing with her other hand, endured the attack. Jumping away Sasuke met Hinata's eyes.
"Warmed up?" Naruto asked with the Uchiha smirk gracing his face.
"I believe so," she answered bringing her hand to the ram seal. She focused her chakra before bulging veins developed around her eyes. "Byakugan!"
Naruto's eyes turned red as a tomoe appeared in each eye. "Sharingan!"
Resuming their stances, they prepared for the second round. Starting first again, Sasuke rushed in with a straight punch. Blocked, he transitioned to his left. Missing to side of her head, he opened his hand and grabbed the back of her head. Pushing her head forward, he lifted his right knee to her face. Two hands blocked the initial attack, but were unable to block when Naruto tilted his body for a left swing kick to her head. Landing on his feet, he waited for Hinata to rise.
"Point," Naruto stated.
Hinata's answer was to dust herself off and resume her battle stance. Hinata pressed onwards this time throwing a spear hand to Sasuke's chest. When the hand was batted away, she progress in a counterclockwise turn and attack with a palm strike which Sasuke dodged. Her body was left open as Naruto advanced with a sidekick. Tilting her body from the waist and showing her amazing flexibility, she bended underneath the kick. She thrust her hand upward scoring a hit on the boy's leg.
"Point," she said returning to a vertical base after Naruto place his foot down.
Naruto rolled his shoulders before advancing towards her once more. He stopped in front of her before blurring out of sight. Hinata kept her cool this time as her Byakugan was able to track him. He reappeared to her left with a punch.
His punch was tilted upwards as Hinata twisted her body and delivered a right spear hand. He twisted his body in a jump to evade. Once he landed, Hinata was already facing him. He hastily threw a punch. She brought both her arms inside Naruto's guard tilted his punch to by pass her head. Gathering her hands back, she hit a double palm strike to his chest.
"Point," Naruto heard as he somersaulted backwards to his starting stance.
Both dashed forwards this time. The met in the center with a punch thrown into a open palm. Hinata's other hand strike for the vulnerable arm searching for the kill. Sasuke's left hand grasped Hinata's before she scored. Two stared at each other in a deadlock. Reacting first, Sasuke kick Hinata's arm into the air as his other hand met his hand grasping her arm. He spun, swinging the girl around before he released her into the air. Sasuke chased after her once she hit the ground.
Hinata tumbled on the ground until she righted herself. Already seeing Sasuke close in on her, she lashed out with another spear hand. Unexpectedly, he dodged her strike then tuck it underneath his armpit. He grabbed her other arm before attacking with his head. Hinata saw stars after taking the headbutt.
"P-point," Naruto said as he shook off the dizziness of his last attack. The two took a few moments to readjust to their surroundings. Once they both got a look at the others eye, they sped off. Both raised their arm readying attack. When they were a few meters apart, a figure appeared between them.
Fast Naruto thought as his and Hinata's attack were blocked by the intruder. The two stared at the boy that prevent a winner to emerge. Naruto stared in wonderment at the boy who was faster than him.
"Neji-nii-san?" the heiress questioned after she got a better look. Naruto also looked to see a younger version of one of his old friends. The two backed off as the tension left the air.
"Yes Hinata-sama," Neji said with a bow.
"Why did you interfere with my match?" her voice slightly rose showing her ire.
Neji straighten himself before looking her in the eyes. "You have a previous engagement with Uzumaki-san at the park," he announced. Hinata's eye widened. She turned to face Naruto and gave a bow.
"I'm sorry Uchiha-san but I must leave. I do wish to finish this though," she said raising herself to stare at Sasuke.
Naruto a smile graced his face; he placed both hands behind his head and crossed his legs. "Sure thing Hinata. I still need to win," he said. Hinata stared at Naruto for a few seconds then disappeared with her cousin.
Once he left the academy grounds, he planned on walking around a little and maybe check out a few shops. While walking he couldn't help but admire most of Konoha.
Where he came from, they had to make a lot of repairs to Konoha since the invasion with Sound/Sand and Pein invasion which left a lot of damaged buildings. Just walking, feeling the air around him, and hearing the laughs and voices of the people made him calm enough to walk with a smile. For the rest of the day, he just walked around the village stopping here and there usually greeting people. Others around him looked at him with all types of faces, respect- the ninjas, sympathy-the villagers, and admiration- the children and surprisingly a few other people. He decided to stop by the weapon's shop just to stare at items and imagine what he could do with them.
Sharp pointy stuff good for me, he thought with a small chuckle.
Entering the shop he heard the sound of bells ringing from a top of the doorway. A big gruff looking man emerged from back of the room and appeared behind the counter. He had an outfit of a blacksmith, he was big and pretty buff. There seems to be some sort of dirt or smudge on top of his bald head, a little dust on his beard and mustache. His brown eyes stared at him for a moment before his lips turned upwards into a smile. "Hey there kid, how can I help you?"
"Hello, I was just going to look around for some weapons for future reference."
He waved his hands in the air in a welcoming gesture as Naruto began looking around.
Should I get a fuma shuriken or not, they were pretty darn useful to me before plus they can easily destroy and deflect swords in a sword fight if you know how to use them,Sasuke thought while staring at a pretty good conditioned giant fuma shuriken in the display case And maybe I should get it customized and while I'm at it, how about chokuto. My Sasuke was pretty skilled in using one,He pondered for a bit, excited, who knew shopping could be so much fun?
The blacksmith studied his customer while he was looking around. The boy seemed to know what he was doing as he watched the boy pick up a blade and started swinging it for a bit. He performed impressive strikes with the sword and that was saying a lot since the sword was a lot longer than the boy was, he may not be an expert but he could handle a sword. Gently, the boy returned the blade and looked at other items.
"So tell me, are you a ninja academy student?" the gruff man asked.
While still eying a fuma shuriken with a certain shine in his eyes, Sasuke answered, "Yes sir, I am in my second year." Gently he traced the smooth edges of the giant shuriken's bladed side with his small fingers.
"Ah, I have a daughter out back practicing her kunai throws. She is in her third year; maybe she could give you some advice for your next year."
Naruto turned and looked at the man in confusion, "Arigatou, but why help me?"
"Bah, you look like a good fellow and call me Tenchu." He said while giving Naruto a grin.
Oh, so he doesn't know who I am, I thought everybody would know about the last Uchiha.Naruto thought with amusement.
"Arigatou, I think I might go meet this daughter of yours." Bowing, Naruto left the shop as Tenchu returned to the back of his store.
…
Tenten stood in the back throwing kunais at the targets. She was only 8 years old but she trained with vigor.
Sighing she sat down on the grass as she rested. She was different than most girls in her class; she didn't really make many friends because most girls her age wanted to do other things that she found boring. Guys avoided girls like they were the plague and here she is now, alone, throwing kunais at targets.
A noise startled her from her thoughts as she heard footsteps approaching her. Must be Tou-san,she thought as she lay back on the grass closing her eyes.
"Hi Tou-san, did you need help?" she spoke with her eyes closed still resting. The figure stopped moving and she felt him behind her. Opening one eye she peered at the figure only to jolt up in surprise. "Hey, who you?"She spoke surprised while sitting back up.
He smiled at her warmly which seemed to have confused her for a moment as the hostility in the air disappeared.
"Gomen," his voice was pretty nice for his age, "But your father told me you were practicing your kunai throws for the academy and well I just wanted to watch, if you don't mind."
He sounded polite and he did talk to father,Tenten thought for a moment.
"Hmm…sure I guess," she shrugged and gathered her kunais, "I have nothing better to do."
Sasuke sat in the sides watching.
"So, you're an academy student," she said as she held one kunai, staring at the target.
"Yeah, second year, your father told me you are in your third?"
"Mhmm," she answered as a brief silence fell between them.
The sound of kunais hitting the wooden target resounded the area as Naruto sat there comfortably just watching a miniature Tenten throw kunais with pretty good accuracy.
Tenten felt a bit uncomfortable as the boy continued watching her throw. What was her father thinking, telling him to come watch her, she huffed a little as she went to pick up her fallen kunais.
"Hey," Naruto decided to speak, It's too quiet for my taste.
Turning around she answered, "Yes," which sounded a bit forced.
"Yeah, I was wondering if a katana was better than a chokuto," he scratched his nose. After hearing silence, he quickly corrected himself. "Sorry, I probably should've asked your Tou-san instead."
"What! Of course I know which one's better." The accidental insult did its job as she yelled back before stomping towards him. In her mind, she already prepared a whole list of things to say to this boy.
And it was from there they debated the use of many weapons and equipments which was a topic Tenten favored. Their conversations ranged from weapons to other academy students, to teacher gossips and other academy teachers.
It was in the conversation he found out the Academy teachers are assigned to a class and stick with them until they graduate, but later the teachers could sometimes switch for different lessons or if there's an emergency.
So that was why Iruka was his teacher for the longest time.
Towards the end they each sat on the fields smiling and chatting as if they were long friends.
A chuckle escaped Naruto's lips after Tenten told a story about a certain classmate, "That is funny, and what was his name again, Rock Lee?"
"Yeah," she giggled, "You should have seen the Hyuuga's face when Lee thought he was a girl."
They laughed for a bit as they settled down, Naruto decided it was about time to leave.
"So what motivates you to become a ninja?" Naruto asked out of the blue.
She tilted her head in a thought as she placed a finger on her lips.
"Well, I believe women are just as strong as men," She began.
True, true,Naruto thought and nodded.
"And when I become a ninja, I want to be strong just like the legendary Tsunade-hime herself and to show that female ninjas can become really powerful." She said with star filled eyes as she stared up at the sky.
"Ah," he nodded, "That's a good dream. I believe with all this training, you will become a strong person when you grow up, and maybe you'll meet Baa-chan one day."
Naruto heard an odd cricking noise as he felt the anger radiating off of his companion. "I'm not sure if I heard you correctly. What did you call Tsunade-hime?" Each word was presented with a decent amount of killing intent.
Sweat poured off Sasuke's face, scared of making the wrong answer. What did I do?He gulped as he stared into the face of the Shinigami.
"Well?"
"Baa-chan?" Sasuke soon felt her wrath dodging random kunais. It took a few moments before he was tackled to the ground. Her fist grind into skull as only thought occurred through his mind,Help me.
Later, a bruised and battered Sasuke sporting a black eye listened to girl with two buns on her head. The girl walked back and forth as she lectured him. "So what is her name again?" There was a slight edge in her voice.
"She is the beautiful and talented Tsunade-hime of the Sannin. In no way does she resemble an old lady. Men bow down to her because of her skills and strength," Naruto repeated the phrase that was drilled into his head for the past few minutes. Seeing the smile on her face, Naruto sighed in relief. "Well, I should get going. It was nice to meet you even if you're scary. " He whispered the last part. Naruto stood up from the grass and patted his pants before waving at Tenten and leaving.
"Wait!" Tenten yelled a moment later, making Naruto cringe.
Turning around slowly, Sasuke faced her soft expression of curiosity.
"What motivates you?" she asked as well, wondering what he would say.
"Hmm…" he thought for a minute before simply answering, "My precious people." He smiled to her.
She smiled back, "You know, I never got your name." She held her hand out for a handshake, "My name is Tenten, and I hope we meet again."
Taking her hand in his for a shake he answered back, "and my name is Sasuke…Uchiha Sasuke." Stunned, she stared wide eyed at him, "And I know we'll meet again." He finished.
Smiling, Sasuke turned to leave while waving a back handed goodbye.
She stared at his retreating back as he soon disappeared out of view, "Uchiha…" she whispered before yelling out, "Tou-san!" she ran back into the store.
…
Walking down the road, the sun was setting as the hands of orange light could be seen around the area. He enjoyed his chat with Tenten, it was a bit of relief for him. Staring at the sun he decided to let his feet guide him.
…
In the park, children were seen playing around. A few parents started showing up to gather their children but before they left, they threw a nasty glare to one lone child in the swings. The child did nothing but continue swinging while staring into the ground. Her crimson hair covered her eyes as her hands held the chains holding up the swing tightly.
Aimi arrived at the park after the academy to meet her friend Hinata, they played for a bit as Aimi helped Hinata gather a few flowers. Soon, other children arrived. Some were her classmates and others that belong to the villagers.
At first, she was avoided them until one of her classmates, Shikamaru accompanied by his friend Chouji, invited her and Hinata for a game of ninja tag with a few other children.
She felt excited and happy as she and Hinata accepted. They played for the longest time, she was like the rest of the others, laughing around and screaming for no apparent reason. It was fun but it didn't last long, soon Hinata left, she was picked up by one of those strange white eyed people who regarded her with a cool neutral stare, neither hateful nor trustful. Hinata told her his name was Hizashi and he was a good person before leaving. Shikamaru waved her a goodbye before leaving with Chouji and said it was getting late. She tried to play with some other village children but after her friends left, it seemed as if the group died down, and the other children didn't even try to invite her to a new game.
She settled in one of the swings and watched them one by one. Each child smiling happily as they were picked up by their parents. The Parents in return would crouch and hug their child, and some would kiss the child's head or tousle away dirt in the hair before holding their hand and walking away while the child chatted away. A few parents threw her sharp glares so she resorted to just staring at the ground swinging emotionless. She used this time to gather her thoughts as one by one, children were leaving.
She couldn't understand it, why the villagers hated her. Some would whisper and others out right called her a demon, but she did nothing, just observed.
For some reason, she believed that people hated her for what her parents did in the past or maybe someone she might have pissed off one day. One time, she remembered asking the Hokage about her parents and he told her they were great ninjas who died defending Konoha from the demon fox Kyūbi when it attacked Konoha. The Hokage told her that they were great friends with the Fourth Hokage, the one who defeated the Kyūbi fox demon and she felt great pride in that, but still…
She pondered in her swing as the sun was sinking in the horizon.
Sometimes, she wished she had someone who would wait for her, someone who would take her home and tell her everything was okay. She sighed, wishful thinking.
"Hey," a voice spoke behind her as she quickly turned around to see the speaker.
…
Naruto's feet took him to the park where he observed everyone there. His eyes led him to the lone person sitting in the swings looking dejected. He noticed the hate filled glares that were directed towards her. His eyes grew soft with a frown that adorned his face as he watched her reminisce about his own time on that swing.
Aimi he thought, Are you…? Slowly he walked up behind her, I remember the times I was alone wishing somebody would acknowledge me.
He spoke to her.
Their eyes met each other as a few emotions crossed her eyes, what they were he couldn't figure out. Tiredly, she responded. "What is it Sasuke?"
He had to wince at the defeat in her voice; clearly this wasn't the best time for her. She was so down especially with her eyes so dim and shoulders slumped.
"Do you want a push?" he asked politely, placing his hands on the two chains, staying behind her.
Naruto saw the surprised look on her face as she turned away and shrugged as a response. Her hands tightened briefly on the chains.
Gently, he started pushing her swing little by little. It was a serene moment and if anyone would watch, they would see a boy with a gentle smile pushing a swing with a girl sitting on it, eyes closed, swaying back and forth to the push as a small smile graced her face.
This went on for minutes of calmed silence; she started to let out a toothy grin as her grip on the chains holding her seat tightened even more.
"Can you push faster?" She spoke a bit softly.
"Sure," Naruto started to grin as he did just the thing.
Soon, Aimi was swinging high up in the air, she felt free as if nothing could harm her. This feeling made her laugh. She leaned back to look at Sasuke. He appeared to be upside down since she was staring with her head leaned back. He smiled back at her and continued pushing. Towards the high point of the swing she jumped off to the shock of Naruto. She was high up in the air screaming, not in fear but with excitement as she landed on her feet, tripped, then tumbled away.
Naruto soon came to her aide, asking if she was alright in which she just laughed as a response. They sat there on the ground as the last rays of lights started to disappear for a moment before she stood up and patted her clothes with Naruto following. "So what now?" She asked.
"Hmm…Let's eat." He answered.
"Sure."
They walked in comfortable silence towards the destination they both knew well.
The lights of the street lamps lit the road as the stars appeared in the sky. Naruto and Aimi arrived at Ichiraku's, either Aimi didn't care nor didn't notice Naruto open the curtains for her because she didn't respond to it as they both took a seat in a stool.
"Ah Aimi, how's my number one customer," Teuchi asked before noticing the young Sasuke, "And who is this." He winked at the both of them.
Blushing she looked away before answering rudely, "I'm fine old man and this is just my classmate Sasuke, who's paying for tonight." She glanced at him with one eye in which he nodded back to her.
"Great, so what will it be?" Tenchi smiled at the both of them.
They each ordered their meals and waited in relative silence. The scene was cute, if not awkward as Naruto sat there with that little smile of his and Aimi sat as quiet as ever.
As the order was complete Teuchi handed them their meals and said before leaving, "My, my Aimi, you're really quiet and if I didn't know better I would say you two were on a date."
He laughed at their red faces as Ami yelled. "SHUT UP!"
Curse you old man,she thought as she wolfed down her meal.
Naruto ate at a relative pace, manners were installed in this body before he took over. Aimi soon ordered another ramen. After a couple of bowls were eaten by the both of them, Aimi looked at Teuchi as Naruto got the meaning. He paid for their meals and they left in the same awkward silence they arrived in.
"Hey Tou-san, I'm back!" Ayame yelled out while holding plastic bags.
Teuchi grunted in response. "Did I miss anything?" she asked before placing the bags on the counter.
Thinking back a few minutes ago he answered, "Nope, not a thing," before heading back to wash the dishes while humming. Ayame stared at her father's retreating back confused, what's he so happy about?
Naruto and Aimi stopped at a bench near the river of Konoha. The river split parts of the city and the trees along the river made them a good spot to relax under. The moonlight lit the river as they both sat down on the bench and stared at the river's reflection of the moon. Interrupting the tranquility, Aimi asked a question.
"Why you so nice today?"
Slightly surprised by the question, Sasuke took a moment to think. "So, you ask me why I'm nice." Naruto began and at Aimi's nod he continued, "I guess, when you die you begin to look back at what kind of person you are. Me, I had many what ifs. If I acted like this, if I was kind, or if I let hate consume me."
Ami peered at him in confusion.
"I guess I'm saying that my experience in death made me want to change myself, I want to be of help. I know what happens when you try alone" He sagged a little in his seat, "I've been angry, I was filled with hate. I mean come one, I've lost everything, I should be, shouldn't I?" He rose up in his chair during the little rant. "Yeah I'll get revenge but then what… but nothing and no one if I only concentrate on killing and ignoring others around me."
He stood there in silence as Aimi sat down, staring at his back.
"Sasuke," she began, "I don't know what it feels like to have my life taken away. I can't pretend to understand what you're feeling."
"You know, I've seen them stare at you," Naruto interrupted.
She stared back at him surprised.
"It's annoying isn't it?" He turned back and smiled at her.
"Yeah, it is," she answered, a little smile of her own appeared.
"You're strong Aimi," He placed his hands on her shoulders and leaned in, "I want to be your friend, and I rather we got to know each other better because I am pretty sure we have much in common."
They were pretty close to each other; their noses nearly touching as Aimi initially blushed and stood up from the bench, trying to stare at anything other than him. Naruto just blinked before continuing. "So any ways, just think about it. We could train together, hang out till night or whatever, and it could be gre…" He stopped as he felt warm arms wrap around him.
"Really," her voice was unsteady as Naruto felt her body tremble.
"Yeah, of course," he spoke softly, smiling as he stared down at the floor while Aimi's arms continued to wrap around him.
Aimi released and stood there with her head down as her chest heaved. Naruto turned around to face her as she slowly looked up at him; it seemed like she was crying, "I think that would be cool too." She answered while holding back a sniff.
"Thanks," Naruto smiled as he wiped away a tear. Aimi's blush was covered in the night as Naruto continued to wipe away the tear on her other eyes, "let's take you home now."
Aimi nodded with her eyes closed and a smile on her face before they both fell in pace with each other and they walked in comfortable silence. Nothing but crickets chirping, lit lamps, starry sky, and moonlit night guided them back to Aimi's apartment.
They reached the front of her door; nothing was said for a moment as they stood there together outside her apartment. Aimi opened the door and stepped inside.
"So I'll see you in the academy tomorrow?" he asked.
"Yeah," she replied.
"And remember, if you need someone to you know, hang out with or talk to, my home is always open." Naruto said with a smile.
She grinned, "That's awesome."
He started to leave as Ami stopped him and said, "Oh, and Sasuke," he turned around and peered at her,"Tell anyone about this and I'll kick your butt." She slammed the door shut in front of him.
Naruto stared at the door for a moment in a small stupor before smirking. He turned and left to his own home.
Aimi leaned against the door as a slight blush appeared. "That was…cool." She let out her first girlish giggle before getting ready for bed. Maybe she and Sasuke weren't so different after all…
"That was interesting," an old man chuckled in his office, peering at a crystal ball. "I never knew he felt that way," he gave a wide smile and felt several years younger. Sasuke, you will grow up to become a powerful ninja and a great friend, and I actually can't wait for what the future may bring.Standing up he covered the crystal ball and locked up his office, his smile never leaving as he too, went home. "Sometimes, I love being the Hokage." He said before disappearing in a puff of smoke.
…
Naruto slept great that night, it was one of the calmest sleeps he had in ages. The cries of the boy in him or the memories of his past didn't bother him as he understood now, that this future was already changing, and this world could turn out to be great…
The next morning he woke up early. He stared out the window with a smile on his face before checking the closet. He sighed while staring at what he had to choose from…he still had to get used to some things.
Putting on a black shirt and shinobi pants, he packed his bag; inserted his dull kunais, dull shurikens, and scrolls in their holsters and pockets on him.
Leaving the empty house he decided to eat breakfast at Ichiraku's. The morning meals are actually different than the afternoons to nights. In the morning, they served other meals such as rice balls, miso soup, a few meat meals, and so on.
He arrived at the stand and entering, he spoke out a good morning to a shocked Teuchi. A few pleasantries were exchanged as Naruto ordered his meal and received it minutes later. After his meal, he ordered tea and sipped while taking a moment to relax. Finishing, he paid for his meal and left towards the academy.
Again, like all the other days. Shops were opening; villagers were waking and some already sweeping the streets. Sasuke kept a smile on his face as he walked, greeting a few, and nodding at some.
He arrived early to the academy and while walking down the path he spotted a familiar bun brunette haired girl walking the same path. Spotting each other she waved at him before she sped up to meet him.
"Morning Tenten," Naruto greeted with a smile.
"Good morning to you too, Sasu-chan," She spoke to his embarrassment in which she stuck out her tongue playfully.
Sasuke stumbled, "W-why the name, you know I'm as tall as you." He twitched an eye while staring back at her playful face.
"Well because" she placed her finger under her chin in a thinking position while walking close to Naruto, "…I'm older," she patted his hair to Naruto's slight irritation.
"Whatever," he turned away with a small smile on his lips before he quickly walked away.
"Oh hey, c'mon, I was joking," she frowned and started running up to him, "Wait for me!"
They raced to the academy doors, Naruto reached them first as they walked together down the hall; sharing a few laughs they soon departed to their assigned classrooms.
"I'll see you later,Sasu-chan!" She yelled out to his annoyance.
"Oh come on already!" he yelled back as he felt his face heat up before entering his classroom and sliding the door close.
"Good morning Sasuke," a voice spoke behind him.
Freezing up he turned around to find a smirking Iruka. There was amusement on his face as he stared at Naruto with one eyebrow lifted up.
Growling out a morning, Sasuke gave him a 'don't start with me look' before sitting down at the same seat he sat yesterday, a blush still evident on his face.
Chuckling, Iruka went back to his papers.
After a few minutes or seconds of calming down, Sasuke, being bored, decided to talk to Iruka since no students were in the class yet.
"Iruka sensei," he began as he started walking towards his desk.
"Yes Sasuke," he peered up from his paper.
"What are you working on?" he tried to gaze at the papers in his desk like a curious little boy.
Iruka had to chuckle at that, sometimes little kids could be so cute. "This, well, today's going to be a long day so this is the plans I had made for today. Just checking and rechecking the list."
"You know, it might not go as plan." Naruto innocently spoke.
"Oh really," Iruka answered as the door opened and another student entered. Greeting a good morning Iruka turned back to Sasuke, "Care to explain."
"Well you see here in this outline," Naruto pointed at the paper, "You don't really give an estimate time, or any time at all for questions or concerns. Me, I would have question galore? And look at all of these subjects, there are somany that it makes my head spun. What do you think about the other students?" He stated remembering the things he wished could happen to him when he was in the academy.
He rescanned his plans "Hmm…You know what…. your right." Iruka looked at his plans, well not many students asked questions in class and it seemed like a lot of the other students understand it well enough. But I see what Sasuke mean; only students with ninja parents would know better than…oh Kami.He slapped his head, I forgot that some kids don't have ninja parents. Some kids don't even have parents at all,he thought gloomily.
"Thank you Sasuke, I have to re-assess my plans. I'll run them by you so we could have a teacher and a student's mind on this one."
"No problem Iruka-sensei, "Naruto answered.
"Well, if all goes well with your Intel test today, then we will be having a lot of planning in the mornings."
"Don't worry, I'll ace it and become a great assistant, I promise." Naruto spoke with enthusiasm which reminded Iruka of someone else in class.
Speaking of class, they both turned and found that most of the students had arrived already, and a few looked at them in confusion and some of them muttering about tests and assistants.
Oh boy, Naruto thought as he spotted Sakura.
Iruka threw him an apologetic face as Sasuke went to sit down next to Sakura.
On his way to his desk, his senses tingle as he felt the intents of a person approaching him. No, I know who it is but where is she.Sweating, he looked around nervously as finally a blurred figure promptly glomped him while squealing a "SASUKE-KUN!"
Where did she come from!he thought as he stood there was a girl hugging him tight.
Sighing he spoke, "Hey Ino."
Blushing in response they let go. "Come sit with me Sasuke-kun," Ino purred gently pulling him. She continued to pull until a puff of smoke obscured her vision. Looking back to her hands, she frown holding a chair as he disappeared like yesterday. Looking around she spotted him sitting beside Sakura again. Ino growled as stomped her way towards Sasuke.
…
Sakura was still getting use to the most popular boy in class talking to her. At first, she couldn't understand someone as handsome as him wanting to talk to her. She knew that she wasn't as talented as some of the ninja clan girls or as beautiful as the others. Sakura's wide forehead was a testament to how ugly she was, but he seems adamant in staying close to her. Listening on as Sasuke told her a story, she heard a yell. Turning towards the voice, she saw a blonde hair girl glaring at her.
"Um...hello?" Sakura hesitantly said not sure why this girl was looking at her.
"You. Move," Ino commanded pointing in the direction she wished Sakura to go.
Sakura looked confused before she voiced it. "W-what?"
"Did I stutter? I said move, forehead," Ino anger was leaking at this girl that Sasuke took a liking to. Honestly, how could such an unattractive girl gain Sasuke's eye. Sasuke should only be with the best and that was her. Seeing that Sakura has yet to move, Ino opened her mouth.
"Ino," the voice was low. "Enough."
Ino didn't get the message as she started to rant. "I mean honestly how does someone like you get Sasuke-kun's attention. You're untalented, weak, and have a land dock for a forehead. What bewitchment did you place over Sasuke-kun. You obviously did…," she was unable to get father as Sakura's tears interrupted her. Making hasty retreat, Sakura left the classroom.
Naruto immediately raced after her trying to lessen the damage from the blonde hair girl. Shouting at Iruka that he would be back, Sasuke searched for his friend. He managed to finally locate her outside in front of a tree. Her knees were brought to her chest with her head down on her knees. Sasuke could hear apologizes from his dear friend.
"Hey."
"Just go away," Sakura muttered. The defeated tone hurt Naruto as another sob broke out.
Naruto sighed before sitting beside her. He looked over to her from his spot waiting for her crying to even out. A few minutes past before he spoke. "You want to know something?" he began hoping to hear a response. Hearing none after a few seconds, he began again. "I don't know why you hide your forehead." he said softly.
"W-what?" she said weakly.
Happy to hear an answer, a smile broke out on Naruto's face. "You know, I met this beautiful person once. She enthralled men with her beauty. I, myself was captivated by it." A small chuckle escaped his mouth remembering his Sakura. "I still remember that smiling face. And you know the best part about her." He paused a moment before continuing. "It was her wide forehead."
Sakura began lifting her head as Naruto began his tell. She was captivated by someone that was able to get Sasuke's attention. Her sobbing became less as she continued to listen. At his last sentence, she had to gasp at his acquisition. "R-really?" she questioned.
Naruto turned his head towards her with a smile on his face. "Really. She knew she was beautiful and that her forehead only enhance her beauty. She was also very strong because she had confidence in herself and knew she was pretty. Just like you." He said the last sentence while pointing at her. A blush adored Sakura's face after Sasuke's tell. Picking himself up, he dusted his pants before providing a hand to Sakura. "Ready to go back inside?"
A small nod was Sakura's answer as she lifted herself up with Naruto's aid. Preparing to head inside, Sakura stop abruptly as Naruto stood in front of her. Naruto took his hands and moved Sakura's bangs that cover her forehead. "Also, stop hiding your forehead. It's one of the parts that I like about you," he finished with a small kiss to her forehead.
Turning around, Naruto threw his hands behind his head as a grin appeared.I never got to do that with my Sakura-chan. It felt nice,he thought to himself. If he would have turned his head, he would notice Sakura blushing so red that she could give a cherry competition. She quickly shook it off before catching up with Sasuke.
The two made it back to class watching Ino get reprimanded by Iruka. A small smirk was placed on Sakura's face. Sasuke stopped suddenly causing confusion for Sakura. They were not at the place they normally sat.
Naruto obvious to Sakura's confusion face the Hyūga heiress. "You don't mind if we sit back here," he indicated to himself and Sakura. Hinata looked at the two shortly before performing a small nod. Taking their seats with Sakura beside the heiress, they waited for class to begin. "Wait, where's Aimi?"
…
When Aimi awoke she felt great. She felt as if a great burden had been lifted from her chest and she promptly smiled at the sunlight. She then faced her clock and realized she was late. Rushing up in a hurry she got changed, ate a small breakfast, packed her bag and lunch, ran but locked the door on her way out. She rushed towards the academy with her little legs stamping hard on the ground but a smile appeared on her face as she felt the wind rush through her hair. Today felt different for her as she arrived at the academy, slid the door open and yelled out, "SORRY I'M LATE SENSEI!"
She should have known something was different when Iruka just waved at her and the class just went back to talking to each other.
She looked at her seat next to Hinata then she spotted Sasuke with Sakura sitting to the left of her, smirking at her, while Hinata looked at her with a small blush.
Confusion present of her face, she gave a small waved, "Good morning Hinata…and Sasuke and pink haired girl."
A few paused around the classroom as they heard the greeting. Hinata stared in surprise, watching with those also curious as Naruto stood up, a hand out in greeting as well."Good morning, Aimi and her name is Sakura."
It was a weird sight, Aimi walked up to Sasuke, hopping into the seat next to him and chatting as if they were always friends. The others couldn't believe this; they wondered what happened between them. Ino and a few others who liked the boy stared with surprised eyes and watched as Sasuke and Aimi continue to chat as if it was normal.
"So, why am I not late?" she asked him while not noticing what was going on around her.
"Oh, Iruka sensei had to refix his schedule," Naruto shrugged and decided to leave out the awkward confrontation with Ino out of it.
"Oh, cool then," she unpacked her bag, "so did you eat breakfast?"
"Yeah, I ate at Ichirakus." Sasuke answered to Aimi's surprise.
"What!" She yelled out while jumping up, "I didn't know they serve ramen this early in the morning!"
"No, no," Sasuke waved at her with a small sweat drop, trying to calm her down for overworking herself because of a simple statement like that, " in the mornings they serve breakfast instead," he went into his lecture mode, "you really should cut down on the ramen, not too much is good for you." He had to choke out the words that Kakashi-sensei told him.
She huffed, sitting back down, "yeah well, vegetables taste weird to me."
"Join me sometime," he chuckled before turning to Hinata and Sakura who were watching this exchange in fascination, "And you should join me too."
"Oh, umm, I don't know."Sakura answered while staring back down again but her eyes slowly stared up at the two as questions filled her head. Hinata just stared back unnerving Sasuke a little bit.
You see something new each day,Iruka smirked while watching the interaction before appearing before Sasuke, "So, what's your opinion on this schedule," he handed over the improved document.
Sasuke rechecked the schedule and nodded. After receiving the approval, class begun, the whole morning class seemed easier than before. Students were given work and Iruka actually helped anyone who didn't understand, while observing each one. He especially paid attention to the ones in his class who really needed help. Sasuke helped Iruka as he finished early to the benefit of the students. With two people helping the whole class, it was finished faster. The topics ranged from simpler things like mathematics, writing, to history. While others stated the ninja codes and laws.
With all this, the morning seemed a lot easier to tolerate as Iruka ended for lunch.
And just like morning, lunch went by fast in Sasuke's opinion. Today he ate with Aimi, Hinata and Sakura while Shikamaru and Choji made a sudden appearance. Shikamaru asked to play a game shōgi as the others watched while Aimi complained. She dozed off anyways and Naruto had to smile at that.
Naruto decided from then out, he would need to get to know everyone before they graduate the academy.
The second part of the day for school concentrated on the physical training and maybe some brief facts and special guests. Today they tested on the transformation technique and taijutsu, in which Iruka introduced an assistant named Mizuki to help him teach the class.
The future traitor tried to make friends with Naruto but it failed plenty of times, and Naruto decided that when he passed the test, Mizuki would be out of the picture.
The rest of the Academy day ended and Naruto took the test. Unsurprisingly he passed and obtained the title of student-teacher aide.
And with this, Naruto's role in changing this world had begun and he was excited for the years to come.