CHAPTER 1: Revival of the Rivalry: Unexpected Encounter
"Everything is in order, Ma'am. All students were reoriented and newcomers were given briefings. Last week's proposal to the Administration was also approved as of yesterday. Nothing amiss at all."
The girl stopped talking. She was very pretty, with her waist-length blonde hair tied up high at her head and her eyes sparkling with life. She smiled, "Well, 'amiss' and 'chaos' does not exist in your dictionary after all."
"Don't tease her, Ino. She'll snap at you if you don't watch what you're saying, even if you're her best friend," another girl remarked. Unlike the former who appeared to be lady-like, she seems to be a little tomboy, with her hair arranged into two buns and her eyes glittering with childlike innocence.
"What did you say, Secretary Tenten?" retorted the girl named Ino.
"Am I not right, Vice President Ino?" mocked Tenten.
"Uhm. Please stop fighting. The students will see you and think that you are not setting a good example," a soft voice said. The owner of the said voice has a long black hair and very innocent features. She looked down at her feet, making her look vulnerable and weak.
Tenten sighed. "Hinata's right. The students will not take us seriously if they see us fighting amongst ourselves."
"But seriously, Hinata, you're the treasurer. You should look more assertive if you want students to pay funds," Ino remarked.
Hinata blushed. "I-I'll t-try," she stammered.
"Well, even if the students don't pay, Hinata can shoulder the expenses! Don't force yourself, girl!" Ino said suddenly.
"I thought you wanted her to be more assertive. Really, the way you change your mind easily…" Tenten thought.
Turns out, Hinata is actually the daughter of the one of the most powerful and influential families in their country, thus making her a big time rich kid. But she's the type who does not brag about it at all. In fact, students will not even know she existed if not for her genius and elite cousin, Neji, who shares the same family name.
"Going back, I'll make sure that we won't have a problem student this semester, President. All forms of discipline will be taught to all students, regardless of race or status," Tenten said seriously.
"Or civil status," added Ino.
Tenten glared at her. She turned her attention back to the girl walking in front of her. "Are you sure you can handle this?" she said uncertainly, "I mean, what happened last semester to Sasuke…"
"Sasuke is not a student here anymore. What happened to him is not the Student Council's fault or the Administration's. He joined the Tribe of Orochimaru Fraternity out of his own will and choice. It is stated in our rule book that those who joined a fraternity or a sorority will be expelled mercilessly from our prestigious university," the girl at the front said expressionlessly.
Tenten, Ino and Hinata shared troubled glances. It is a common knowledge that their President and Uchiha Sasuke, former student of their university and considered 'Einstein's reincarnation' were childhood friends. Students know him as a rule-abiding model student who takes everything seriously and excels in absolutely everything. His sudden transition from an elite student to a member of the notorious Tribe of Orochimaru Fraternity shocked everyone. Since then, Sasuke was treated like a pest—his existence from the school wiped clean and his name erased from the records. There were rumors that he joined a more powerful and a more notorious fraternity whose power and influence extends in over 40 countries: considered the 'Nazi Fraternity'—Akatsuki. But these rumors were not confirmed true.
The girl at the front stopped walking, causing the others to do the same. She faced them then smiled.
"I know you think I'm still not over about his expulsion. But don't worry; I've perfectly recovered over the break. Still, I would like to thank you guys. But I'm the President of the Council. I have to be strong and firm."
"That's Sakura for you! The perfect President!" exclaimed Ino.
Sakura smiled more brightly. Her green eyes twinkled with happiness over her friend's remark. Her pink shoulder length hair was the only thing that softened her seemingly stern and very uptight features. In her circle of friends, she is known as 'Black Lightning', due to her black belter status in martial arts. In her family, she is referred to as 'Dr. House' due to her knowledge in medicine and healing. But in her school, she is known as the 'female Hitler' because of her leadership and her ability to make others follow her every command. She is Haruno Sakura—the revered President of the Student Council of Konoha University—the top ranking university of the country.
"Uhm. We're nearing the students, President. I suggest we hurry," said Hinata quietly.
The Council walked briskly until they reached a corridor filled with students lined up perfectly. Sakura and her officers held their heads high (except for Hinata, who bent her head down) and walked at the middle.
"Good morning, Officers. Good morning President Haruno," the students said in unison.
Hinata blushed and nearly tripped. She's still not used to the attention given to her by her fellow students. Tenten smiled and greeted back. Ino smiled, flipped her hair and waved energetically. The boys nearly fainted. Ino is, after all, very beautiful.
Only Sakura didn't smile or wave. She merely gave them curt nods then looked straight ahead. When they reached the spot where Shikamaru (who dozed off) and Naruto stood, Sakura stopped walking. Her eyes widened upon seeing Naruto. Naruto, on the other hand, grinned manically at her.
"Well, well, well. Long time no see, Haruno Sakura," said Naruto, still wearing that manic grin on his face, "I see you are the Student Council President. You haven't changed at all."
Ino looked at Naruto then at Sakura, who seemed to be lost for words. She raised her eyebrows at Naruto and nudged Sakura.
"Hey, Sakura. Do you know this guy?" asked Ino.
Sakura did not appear to have heard Ino. Instead, she turned and faced Naruto.
"Uzumaki…Naruto," she said quietly.
Ino's eyes widened. "So this guy is…the Uzumaki Naruto I've heard of? Sakura's rival in high school?" she thought.
Sakura continued to stand and look at Naruto, as if she's convinced that he will disappear if she stared at him hard enough. Unfortunately, that will not happen…at all.
Students were now getting curious. Why did the President acknowledge a newbie?
Sakura, upon noticing the students' curiosity, regained her composure.
"What are you doing here, Uzumaki? Got expelled?" asked Sakura mockingly.
Naruto blinked. "Wow Haruno. After not seeing each other for a few years the first thing you ask me is whether I got expelled. You hurt my ego, man," Naruto said in fake disappointment, "But bingo! You're right! I just got expelled."
Sakura clicked her tongue. "As expected from the chief trouble maker and rule breaker way back… So, why this school? Only elite students can pass here," she said.
Naruto sighed dramatically. "My, my Sakura. You've forgotten already? I am elite. You and I…we're both elites, remember? We're the so-called "Eternal Rivals" back in elementary. One can't exist without the other…" said Naruto.
"… and one will not be known if not for the other," finished Sakura quietly.
"So, let's resume our rivalry, shall we?" challenged Naruto.
Sakura glanced up at him. "Bring it on," she shot back with fire in her eyes.
(A/N: Yey! Finally! Hope you'll finish reading until the end. R&R please!)