Chapter 5

After their little escapades early in the morning, Gaara, Sasuke and Naruto managed to wake up and take showers in the boy's bathroom. They were dead on their feet but had to make the most of it; so, they didn't miss their first day.

After they took a shower in the boy's bathroom, they had woken up from the freshwater on their faces and got dressed in their school uniforms, right after they went back to their room and got things together before heading to their first class.

Homeroom. Hopefully no drama would unfold there. For their sake and others.

Taking a deep breath, Naruto swallowed hard, steeling himself to face the day ahead. He was nervous and continued to fix his hair. A good first impression will help, as he remembered what his godfather told him.

Sasuke rolled his eyes and placed his hand on Naruto's shoulder to calm him down. "It is okay. You look fine."

Gaara knew the importance of a good first impression, as it could help set the tone for the entire interaction. He also knew, from his own experience, that it was difficult to show one's true feelings in a situation like this, and he wanted to help Naruto be as calm and composed as possible. So, he himself, nudged the blonde with his shoulder and smiled. "Yes, calm. Everything will be alright."

Sasuke looked in the mirror, then back at Naruto and Gaara. He didn't realize; just how fast he quickly made Gaara a part of their friend group. It was unusual; yet he took it in stride and was happy to have another care for the blonde-as much as he did.

Gaara had never seen someone so open and trusting, and it made him feel both admiration and concern. He was worried that Naruto's trusting nature could be taken advantage of, and he wanted to do whatever he could to protect the blonde from being hurt.

"I may not be good at showing or telling others how I feel, but I too feel excited and scared a little." He wanted to make sure Naruto was aware of the dangers that could come from trusting people too easily, and he wanted to be there to help him if he ever got hurt. By expressing his feelings, he was able to show Naruto that he was there for him and that he cared about his safety.

Sasuke nodded. "I feel the same, but more less wanting it to be over already." Despite his worries, Sasuke was determined to make the most of the situation. He was determined to put his fears aside and take advantage of the opportunity. He felt responsible, like his mother. He wanted to take the world and protect Naruto from the dangers of it.

The trio gathered their school bags and left their dorm room, heading straight to their homeroom. Today will mark their first step for the whole school year. Will they make a first impression and hope for the best, or will things unravel and show who is going to be troublesome?

Iruka wasn't sure what this new year was going to bring; but he had one thing in his mind. Teaching this new generation was like a father teaching his children how to swim; providing them with safety guidelines and the knowledge of what to watch out for, so that they can avoid the same hardships and perils that he went through. He knew it was his mission to guide these young soldiers and keep them from making the same mistakes he had made.

As he made his way out of the classroom to greet his students, he thought of what he wanted out of this. It was to help them all grow in some way or another. To see them learn, build friendships that will last a lifetime. He wanted to see them better themselves. That's what he wanted for them.

Iruka smiled at the plethora of students and smiled warmly at each one of them. "Please come in and find your seats. Once you do, set your book bags on the side. There will be a hook to hang them." He wanted to give them the opportunity to develop their skills, build relationships, and grow as people. He knew that by setting them up in a supportive environment, they could reach their full potential.

—-

All the students in their homeroom chatted; while others already made groups to stay in. Gaara, Sasuke and Naruto found themselves immersed in a group with the boys they met yesterday.

The loud screeching blonde-haired girl made quick friends with the other girls and a pink-haired menace, as the girls cooed over Sasuke. Whispering, giggling and laughing with smiles. Their stares were very obvious. It made the aloof boy want to hide away permanently.

Shikamaru shook his head, embarrassed for Sasuke. "Looks like there will be trouble this year." He was annoyed. Those girls were going to be trouble. He felt it, and with the way they were glaring at the cute blonde, Naruto, there was bound to be some drama.

Choji nodded. "I'm not sure why they are glaring at Naruto. He didn't even do anything." He was worried. Although they only met yesterday, Choji could tell how sweet and innocent Naruto was.

"That's because blondie is hanging over the Uchiha." A brown-haired boy walked over and grinned. Red markings on his cheeks, and sharp nails that can cut down a big old tree. He was an Inuzuka. He leaned over Choji and Shikamaru with a wide grin, his canines showing.

''Will you get off me." Shikamaru shrugged the Inuzuka off and rolled his eyes.

"My bad. The names Kiba Inuzuka. What's yours?" He jumped on the tabletop, sat down cross legged and leaned into his hands.

"Hi, I'm Choji, and that's Shikamaru, my best friend." Choji wasn't much for confrontation. Even though he would prefer to live in peace, he worried about Shikamaru. Shikamaru had difficulty sleeping since meeting the trio. As a result, he was extra cranky today.

Sasuke turned back to Shikamaru and Choji, only to be greeted by someone else's backside. Meanwhile, Gaara watched everyone quietly. Those girls might have nefarious plans against his new friend, so he had to stay alert.

Naruto stayed close and looked around the classroom with his blue eyes. It was a big room and whoever decorated it had great taste.

Kurama clicked his tongue. "Careful kit, those girls do not look too happy you are hanging around your Uchiha, but at least you have someone looking out for you." He pointed out.

"Who? Gaara and Sasuke?" Naruto was used to speaking in his head with Kurama. So, it wasn't hard to multitask.

Kurama shook his head no. "That cute boy. What was his name again? Oh yeah Shikamaru."

Naruto looked back and noticed Shikamaru looking back at him. He quickly turned away and blushed.

Kurama laughed, while Naruto grumbled, feeling embarrassed.

Kiba turned his head to the side and looked over his shoulder. "What do you want?"

"Can you move?" Sasuke raised his eyebrow, with an uninterested look.

The girls of course cooed and squealed, making everyone grimace at the sheer volume.

Kiba glared, and turned his whole body around, to face the Uchiha, but a sudden gust of wind; and he was knocked down by a chalk.

Everyone was silent and looked towards the offending assault, finding that it was their sensei and he looked particularly mad.

"That is enough. Now go back to your seats. It is time for class." Everyone who wasn't sitting, quickly went back to sit down and looked towards the front of the class.

"Now that I have your attention, let's begin with what you know so far."

Shikamaru knew it was going to be a troublesome day, but he kind of liked seeing the blonde; so maybe it won't be such a bad day after all.

Author's Note: I apologize for being super slow with updating. Life has been rough and I am trying. I am also sorry for the short Chapter, I hope you can forigve me.