Turns out, a lot of people like elite ninja, because there were almost no schedules left in the bin of papers that held the Kazekage's schedule. Nevertheless, Sasuke fought for the last paper with an elderly woman with one mean punch. But Sasuke was merciless, and headed to the playground with a black eye and a grin.
It was hard to say what Sasuke's objective was. He needed to get stronger, that was for sure. Only a year ago…he couldn't even think it. He needed to get stronger. And this was a way to do it, to hone his skills, to finish a mission like this. And if, in this way, he could gain a friend in Naruto…it wouldn't be useless.
No! thought Sasuke savagely. No! No! I will not do as he wants me to! I will get strong without succumbing to him!
Naruto was still swinging on the swings when Sasuke returned. His eyes rolled. "Naruto, you're covered in dirt."
"Even so, I'm the better looking of us."
"Seriously, Naruto, change."
"Why? We'll waste valuable time."
"We have a week."
"But we have to go to school!"
"I'm not going to be seen with a horrible-smelling idiotic doofus!"
Naruto jumped off the swings and landed, for once, deftly. "Fine!" he yelled. "I'll be back, Sas-gay!"
Sasuke watched Naruto run off, gritting his teeth. What had he been thinking? He could solve this mystery without that idiotic dumbass. He could do this alone. Then again, no one would miss him if he were to be mysteriously murdered…
"No!" cried Sasuke, kicking the ground. "No! No!"
"No, what?" said a voice.
Many children had been here today, but it was lunchtime, and they had almost all gone home for lunch. So, naturally, the voice startled Sasuke. Turning, he was startled to find one of his least favorite girls: Sakura.
"Nothing," Sasuke muttered, turning away. How could she understand anything?
"I saw you with Naruto," she said, not touching the topic. She smiled shyly and stood a few feet away, as Sasuke leaned against the slanted metal that was the swing foundation. He watched her eyes widen, and realized this position might make him better looking. No matter how Naruto tries, Sasuke thought, he'll never be as good-looking as me.
"Eh? So?" Sasuke sighed, lifting his chin. "What does that have to do with anything?"
"What are you doing? I thought you despised Naruto."
"I do." But if I could learn to like him…Wah! No! Stop thinking, Sasuke!
"Then why?"
Sasuke glared at her. "Why don't you just go away? It's none of your business, anyway."
Sakura cringed, and twirled a pink strand of hair in her fingers. "I was just asking."
"Who said you could?"
She started to turn away, but Sasuke sighed. He couldn't do this. He called, "Sakura…"
Sakura swiftly turned, looking like an eager puppy. "What is it, Sasuke?"
Oh, why? thought Sasuke. "Um, sorry. I'm just irritable." Because I can't decide whether to kill Naruto or not. No! I won't!
"Oh, ok, that's ok, Sasuke," Sakura cooed, waving it away with a hand. Wow, Sasuke thought. Anything you say to a girl, they think it means you like them. Good God.
"Yeah, well, I'll see you in school on Monday," said Sasuke, waving.
"Yeah, bye," Sakura murmured, waving and smiling. Sasuke turned away just in time to hide his rolling eyes.
Where was Naruto? He should be there by now. Sasuke tapped his foot.
Suddenly, he was hit in the back with such force he was sprawled onto the ground. Speak of the devil.
"Sasuke!" Naruto said breathlessly, scratching an itch at the back of his head. "Sorry! I was so excited I just picked out the first thing I saw in my closet!"
Sasuke coughed and looked up. Naruto wore a dusty black shirt with a red swirl in the center and khaki shorts, with the oddest green goggles perched atop his head.
"What's with the specs?" Sasuke coughed, momentarily forgetting to rage that was starting to bubble inside him.
"I thought they were cool!" Naruto said, laughing. "Hey, I think you should change your clothes, too, Sasuke…you're kinda…dirty…"
Sasuke started to seethe with rage. "You pushed me to the ground!" he cried furiously.
"Wah! No! Sorry!" Naruto shook his head. "Wait a second! You were the one who pushed me in the pond!"
"I didn't!" Sasuke exclaimed, shifting to his hands and the balls of his feet, before springing from the ground to tackle Naruto.
"Gah!" Naruto cried, crumpling under Sasuke's weight as he weighed down on him, Sasuke's knees digging into his gut as hands gripped his shoulders, back to the ground.
"Don't do it again!" Sasuke hissed into Naruto's ear, tightening his grip on his shoulders.
"Can't…breathe…" Naruto choked out, eyes bugging, but still having the sense to become slowly angry.
Sasuke shook him. "Tell me you won't be stupid anymore! Oh, wait, you can't help it, right?"
Naruto could only manage to cough and curse obscenely.
While they tussled, a shadow fell upon them, and at first, neither noticed it. But the figure casting the shadow caught Sasuke's attention after a moment, and Sasuke instantly jumped off Naruto in surprise. "You," he murmured.
Naruto coughed, rubbing his aching stomach, and took a moment to regain his composure before looking up as well. He gasped.
The mutant had left his cave.