Six years had passed since the night of the Kyuubi's attack and Minato's death.
Six years of peace and prosperity for Konoha, thanks to the sacrifice of its greatest hero.
Six years of hardship and struggle for Naruto, thanks to the burden of being the Kyuubi's jinchuuriki.
Naruto Uzumaki was not a normal girl. She was the daughter of the Fourth Hokage and the vessel of the Nine-Tailed Fox. She had inherited her father's blonde hair and blue eyes, as well as his talent and charisma. She had also inherited her mother's red chakra and fiery temper, as well as her beauty and grace. She had also inherited something else from her mother, something that no one knew about, something that would change her life forever.
She had inherited her sister.
Naruko Uzumaki was not a normal girl. She was the former Kyuubi and the soul of Naruto's sister. She had been sealed inside Naruto by their father, in a desperate attempt to save both of them. She had lost her body and her power, but she had gained something else. She had gained a family.
Naruko lived inside Naruto's mind, sharing her thoughts and feelings, her memories and dreams. She was always there for Naruto, supporting her, comforting her, encouraging her. She was more than a sister, she was a best friend.
Naruto and Naruko loved each other more than anything in this world. They were inseparable, even though they were separated by a seal. They were happy, even though they were unhappy.
They were unhappy because they were hated and feared by most of the villagers. They were unhappy because they were blamed and shunned for the Kyuubi's attack. They were unhappy because they were lonely and isolated from everyone else.
They only had each other, and a few people who cared for them.
One of them was Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage and Minato's predecessor. He had taken Naruto under his wing after Minato's death, and treated her like his own granddaughter. He had given her a home, an education, and a future. He had also given her a secret mission: to become the next Hokage, and to protect the village from its enemies.
Another one was Jiraiya, Minato's teacher and one of the legendary Sannin. He had taken Naruto as his apprentice after discovering her potential and heritage. He had taught her ninjutsu, taijutsu, genjutsu, and other skills. He had also taught her about her parents, their legacy, and their enemies.
Another one was Iruka Umino, Naruto's teacher at the Ninja Academy. He had taken Naruto as his student after seeing her enthusiasm and determination. He had taught her the basics of being a ninja, such as history, etiquette, teamwork, and ethics. He had also taught her about friendship, kindness, and respect.
Another one was Sasuke Uchiha, Naruto's classmate at the Ninja Academy. He had taken Naruto as his rival after seeing her strength and talent. He had challenged her to countless duels, spars, and competitions. He had also challenged her to surpass him, impress him, and understand him.
Sasuke was the last survivor of the Uchiha clan, who were massacred by his older brother Itachi six years ago. He had sworn to avenge his clan and kill Itachi, even if it meant giving up everything else.
He was cold, arrogant, and distant to everyone else. But he was different with Naruto. He was curious, impressed, and intrigued by her. He saw something in her that he did not see in anyone else. He saw a fire that matched his own.
Naruto liked Sasuke more than anyone else in this world. She liked him more than a friend, more than a rival, more than a teammate. She liked him more than she liked herself.
She liked him because he was strong, smart, cool, and handsome. She liked him because he was challenging, interesting, mysterious, and fun. She liked him because he was different from everyone else.
She liked him because he liked her back.
She knew he liked her back because he showed it in his own way. He showed it by sparing with her every day after class. He showed it by sitting next to her during lunch break. He showed it by saving her from danger during missions. He showed it by smiling at her when no one else was looking.
He smiled at her because he liked her smile more than anything in this world.
He liked her smile because it was bright, warm, genuine, and beautiful. He liked her smile because it made him feel things he had never felt before. He liked her smile because it made him forget his pain and his hatred.
He liked her smile because it made him happy.
They were happy, even though they were unhappy.
They were unhappy because they had enemies and obstacles that threatened their happiness. They were unhappy because they had secrets and lies that could ruin their happiness. They were unhappy because they had feelings and fears that could destroy their happiness.
They only had each other, and a few people who cared for them.
But they did not know how long they would have them.
They did not know what fate had in store for them.
They did not know that their lives were about to change forever.
On the day of the team selection, Naruto and Sasuke walked together to the Ninja Academy, where they would meet their future teammates and sensei. They were both excited and nervous, wondering who they would be paired with and what kind of missions they would go on.
They hoped they would be on the same team, but they also knew that it was unlikely. The teams were usually formed based on compatibility and balance, not on personal preference. They also knew that there were other factors that could influence the team selection, such as clan politics, village security, and hidden agendas.
They knew that there were people who wanted to separate them, for various reasons.
Some of them were their enemies, who wanted to capture them or kill them for their powers. Some of them were their allies, who wanted to protect them or use them for their purposes. Some of them were their friends, who wanted to help them or save them from themselves.
Some of them were themselves, who wanted to escape from their problems or face their destinies.
They knew that there were many possibilities and uncertainties ahead of them.
But they also knew that there was one thing that was certain and unchangeable.
They knew that they loved each other more than anything in this world.
And they knew that nothing and no one could ever change that.