Graduation

Whispers of discontent flew among the classrooms occupants. Normally, Sasuke did not pay attention to the idiotic ramblings of his classmates, but this particular instance grated on his nerves. His eyes flicked to the corner where a group of boys were muttering among themselves.

"Did you hear?"

"Hear what?"

"Idiot how could you not know? Those new kids are graduating early. They'll be gone by this afternoon."

"What? I knew they were good but they are that good? I guess they did manage to beat up Sasuke though." Sasuke's eye twitched at the comment. He didn't need a reminder of his embarrassment. It was just as bad as…as when Itachi beat him. There was something about Killua that vaguely reminded him of Itachi. The little that he was reminded of though made him want to strangle the silver-haired boy, if only to wipe the smirk off of his face.

All of this just served as a painful reminder of how weak he really is. Killua was probably laughing behind his back. The thought sent his temper rising. He kicked out from behind his desk and stalked out of the room leaving behind stunned classmates. "Geez what's his problem?"

There was a chuckle as from Killua. He had happened upon Sasuke's vengeful nature showing its fangs. Frankly, he was amused. It was like a puppy trying to intimidate a wolf. Killua hummed in contemplation at the thought. He could probably get a rile out of Sasuke if he said something like that. He laughed inwardly. Yes, it would be a priceless expression—one of many. "Don't mind him. He just can't stand someone being better than him."

"Sounds about right. Those Uchiha always seemed to think that before they all died. I guess he's no different." Killua frowned at the wayward comment. Sasuke had potential, but he had begun to stray from the appropriate path (though he still wouldn't like him). Due to the unknown factors and circumstances, the comment was uncalled for. At worst, it was insensitive. Well, he wasn't the one to point out such things. He was rude on a regular basis, so he wasn't about to call someone out.

Gon had gone chasing after Sasuke. He was met with a sharp glare meant to ward him back. All it succeeded in doing was spurring on Gon's friendly nature. "You're Sasuke Uchiha right? I don't think we've been properly introduced." Gon extended his hand. Sasuke made a disgusted face and swatted the hand away. "Don't mind Killua. He is always like that when it comes to fighting."

"…how did you manage to graduate so quickly?" The words came out just above a whisper. Gon frowned. So this is what he was mad over?

"Killua and I were already cleared by the hokage. One of his jounin thought it was bad we didn't know our basic history and stuff so he put in for us to be sent back to the academy."

"So it was an unnecessary nuisance in other words."

"Well, it wasn't completely unnecessary. I got to meet tons of new people!"

"Tch." Sasuke turned around. "You're just like that idiot Naruto but only slightly less annoying. I'm leaving."

"We know about the massacre." Sasuke froze. Was he suggesting they knew something about his brother that he didn't?

"Do you want to know the truth?" Gon's lips tilted up in his sly smile. "Killua and I have some leads; however, we need your personal experience with Itachi. Reports will only go so far." Sasuke lunged at Gon, lifting him up by the collar, and snarling in his face.

"Why the hell would outsiders be trying to learn about the massacre?" Gon didn't even flinch.

"Haven't you thought that everything was suspicious? It's strange isn't it?" Gon had him baited. He was falling for this manipulation of words. He didn't even think this idiot was capable of manipulation! Killua's face flashed through Sasuke's mind. Him! Killua was the one who put Gon up to this!

"Killua put you up to this didn't he?"

"Nope. We know somebody with similarities to the Uchiha clan. He has red eyes too. We wanted to know more about the clan because of this." Gon's collar slid from his loose grip, hands falling limply at his sides. If these two could lead him to some sort of closure about the massacre—if there was a truth—then he shouldn't reject it. These two were prodigies in fighting. He could swipe some jutsu from them at the same time.

"Fine. I'll tell you later. Shouldn't you be going to your graduation?"

"Ahh! I forgot! Bye Sasuke!"

"Tch. Idiot."

A/N: So I got really sick and wasn't able to write. I had forgotten where I had been so I had to get back into writer's mode before my fandoms drifted again. The story will pick up speed because I am almost done with the introduction.