Chapter 2
Hiruzen stared out the window that was towards the children. Happy, smiling, hugging those who had just returned for the second year and to return for the last time. Then, there were the first years. The New Generation. He already took a glimpse of Naruto through his glass ball. He knew what was going on and how things were going to be interesting, but he was not expecting the level of drama that was about to take place in his school.
Taking a puff of his pipe, Hiruzen waited for his three students to come. He was not excited about what they were going to talk about, but he knew it was going to be more trouble than it was worth if he ignored them. Especially Tsunade.
He shivered at the mere thought of his Medic students' fierce anger. He knew better. They all did.
As he turned around and walked toward his desk, he wondered when his last living on Asuma would show up.
They never had a good relationship since his beloved wife died. She was the glue that stuck the family together. After both his two oldest sons and Daughter-In-Law died, everything fell apart.
His beautiful grandson Konohamaru reminded him of himself, and he was so happy. But what he wanted was the last of his family back together.
I wish Asuma would come back home. I miss him. Hiruzen thought.
He was brought back to reality when the big doors to his office slammed open. There stood his students and one angry Tsunade. Today was not going to be a good day.
—
Naruto and Sasuke managed to end up in the same dorm room together. They smiled and were happy to be together. It felt like all those years apart and nothing has changed.
Sasuke however noticed the small subtle change in his friend. Those naive, blue eyes were less gleaming with joy and more dimmed. He only ever truly smiled with just him, about around the others it was forced and faked. So, he placed his bag down on the bed next to the window.
"Let's have the two beds that are closer to each other. I got the window. You can have the other one.''
Naruto stuck out his tongue playfully and placed his bag on his bed. ''Fine, but next time I get the window.''
Both boys laughed and started chatting about what they have been up to all those years. To catch up on what they missed, since Sasuke and his family moved away.
"Where did you guys end up moving to? I never got the chance to even ask.'' Naruto sat crossed legged on his bed, happily and just plain excited that he had Sasuke back.
''We moved to Washington Dc because my dad was asked to help form special ops there.''
Sasuke sat opposite Naruto but laid back on his back, arms underneath his head, as he looked at the ceiling. Who knew the dorm beds were so comforting?
"Nothing came from it. Sure, it was nice for a few weeks, but I just got homesick. We all did. It was boring and some of the girls were just like the ones here. I hated it.'' He frowned. Remembering those times. The fangirls were obnoxious, and plain old annoying. His family had to get the cops involved, which led to Restraining orders being placed left and right.
''At least my dad took it seriously and got restraining orders. Now whenever we feel like going back, they won't be allowed to be near me within 500 feet. They can't contact me or talk to me. That is how bad it got.''
Sasuke felt Naruto get on his bed. He smiled and turned to face his best friend. Both boys just enjoy each other's company.
"I'm sorry you had to deal with that. Luckily your family took you seriously this time.'' Naruto scooted closer to Sasuke and grabbed his hand holding it.
Sasuke closed his eyes, inhaling the familiar scent of Naruto. With Sasuke's clan, not only are they known for having demon-like red eyes when angry, they can smell and see auras 1000 feet away. They can even remember scents and see the tiniest of details. They are also very fast, can hide within the shadows and cast their auras, and shape them into giants to help them in fights.
''Your accent reminds me of a soft oceanic breeze, but there is warmth and a fire-like scent on you too.'' He pulled Naruto closer and held onto him. "I am glad you are here. I was scared that you weren't going to be able to come.''
Naruto nuzzled Sasuke and cuddled further into his best friend. For outsiders, they'd take one look at them; and think they are dating- but they are not. They've been doing this since they were 3 years old.
Suddenly the door to their room opened, making the boys quickly sit up and look at the people entering. First, was a boy their age, with spiky red hair and dark circles around his eyes. With him were two teens, one with two pigtails and blonde hair and another in a weird cat costume. Then there was a man, looking very similar to the 12-year-old redhead. They were chatting amongst themselves, while Sasuke and Naruto stayed silent, watching the family talking amongst themselves.
Suddenly the girl looked over and smirked at both of the boys. Cute she thought, when looking at Sasuke.
"Who are you?" She wondered to herself, what would happen if she teased and messed with them a little bit.
Sasuke just glared and looked away. Naruto however smiled.
"My name is Naruto Uzumaki. The grumpy looking one is my best friend Sasuke Uchiha" He was always the friendlier one out of the two.
"You two look comfortable over there." The weirdo with the markings and cat costume said. He smirked with a wink, but that quickly disappeared as he felt his father's hand on his shoulder.
"Temari and Kankuro that is enough." He reprimanded them. "Gaara, I'll be taking your siblings to their dorms. I shall see you soon."
That left the three in a very awkward position, as the others left rather quickly.
Naruto bit his lower lip, then made a decision to be nice and say hi. He got up from Sasuke's bed and walked over to the boy, who had finished unpacking.
''Hi nice to meet you. My name is Naruto. What is yours?'' He asked sticking his hand out to shake the other boy's hand.
Gaara looked at Naruto, then down at the hand before looking away. "My name is Gaara.'' He spoke with an apathetic tone.
Sasuke glared at Gaara, as he walked next to his best friend and stood beside Naruto. "Come on Naruto, let's go to the Courtyard. My Aniki told me that's where all the booths are at, and we could look for a club to join together.''
Naruto happily agreed. He turned towards the redhead and smiled. ''Do you want to come too?''
Gaara looked at Naruto and Sasuke with a stoic expression. He wasn't sure what compelled him to want to say yes, but he nodded and all three of them left the room, Gaara closing the door behind them and headed towards the area where the booths were being held for the new students to see what the Academy has to offer.
The courtyard was beautiful. It was big, filled with all sorts of decorated flowers that happened to have been donated by the Yamanaka clan. There were seatings everywhere, even a gazebo, that had vines wrapped around the fencing area. A large pond in the middle, with a red bridge going over it. The pond itself had beautiful lily pad flowers floating on top of the water. Across the bridge is where the booths were at; even food carts were there. It looked like a fairground. You could see Sakura trees and plum trees; even a Zen meditation area. It was breathtaking. If you looked a little more to your left, there was this one hill that had a large wisteria tree and only a single bench occupied that area. Beautiful. It almost brought Naruto to tears.
Gaara and Sasuke were silent, but they were taking in the scenery. Before them was a grand staircase that led down to the courtyard. Two podiums with small statues of two dragons. They represented strength, but also like yin and yang, because of the different, yet similar colors.
''Wow. This place is beautiful. Imagine what it is like everywhere else!'' Naruto gleamed and laughed. He felt this immense happiness.
Sasuke and Gaara both nodded, and quietly smiled to themselves, hoping no one would notice.
''Come on guys, let's not be the last ones there! I want to see what the clubs are like!'' He grabbed Sasuke's and Gaara's hands and ran down the stairs, towards the bridge in an attempt to get to the booths quickly. Maybe there was something for him. Maybe this place can be his home and he wouldn't have to worry about going back to the empty mansion he used to live in.
No. This place was going to be the start of something better for him. He can just feel it.
Inside the Headmaster's office, Tsunade was angrily tapping her fingers on the armrest, after she was forced to sit down. Orochimaru, like usual, just hung back and leaned against the wall with his arms crossed. Jiraiya, however, sat crossed legged on the small couch.
"I know it isn't what you guys wanted, but it had to happen. I had no choice. The Uzumaki clan has always been a part of the leaf, especially after Mito married the First Hokage.'' Hurizen pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. This was not how he planned it would go, but here we are.
"If that evil Trash does anything to sweet little sunshine, I will hurt her myself'' Tsunade didn't make threats, no she made promises. After witnessing the bruises on Naruto, she vowed to hurt Kushina.
''Relax Tsunade. She can't do anything. Not here anyways. Everyone will be watching her and her clans every move.'' Orochimaru rolled eyes and shook his head.
"Yeah, he has got everyone here that cares for him. Besides, from what was told to me by Kakashi, Minato started the divorce proceedings to get rid of his marriage with Kushina. He also became a sensei here, just so that he can get closer to Naruto.'' Jiraiya smiled and hoped this helps his sweet godson.
Tsunade mumbled but was happy to know Minato was finally stepping up.
"I do also have some news, bad and good.'' Hurizen caught his students' attention.
"Minato is also the dorm room housefather, and Karin. She is someone to look out for. When Naruto was talking to Sasuke, things got heated when Kushina showed up with Karin and a few new Uzumaki students. She might be hostile; and please don't do anything rash'' He pointedly said looking at Tsunade's direction.
Jiraiya laughed, Hurizen smiled and Orochimaru looked amused as Tsunade turned away in a huff.
A sudden knock brought them back into reality, as the big wooden doors opened up, with his secretary with her big round glasses and her gray hair tied up in a bun, long skirt that stops, just at her ankles, black flats and a flower designed blouse.
and Minato in tow.
"I am so sorry sir, I tried to stop him." The frail older looking woman spoked hurriedly.
"It is alright Emi; you may leave now." He watched as she bowed politely, before leaving and closing the big doors behind her.
Minato stood still and looked directly at Hurizen. "There is something I must tell you. It is very important."
Hurizen nodded and looked at his students. He would ask them to leave, but knowing how stubborn all three of them were, he didn't bother. " I hope you don't mind if they stay."
"Of course not. They should hear it too." Minato spoked, looking rather nervous.
