Chapter 6

It was lunch, and everyone moved to the cafeteria. It was huge. The floors were made of nice blue titles, the walls were dark wood, and the tables were spread out, with a creamy tablecloth. The tables themselves were nice peach colored. There was so much food to choose from. It looked like a feast, for an army. Naruto was amazed, Sasuke just looked around, while staying close to him, making it known that he was not to be messed with; especially since the Uzumaki clan were staring at the blonde and him. Gaara on the other hand, found his siblings and decided to sit at their table. Though he mentioned to his newfound friends that they could join, he kept the option open.

Sasuke and Naruto managed to find their own table that was by a window, with the most amazing view. The garden is filled with many plants, and flowers. Probably donated by the Yamanaka clan. One big tree in the middle, it was a sakura blossom tree, with a stone bench carved with outstanding design.

"You see that? Maybe after eating we should go sit there." Naruto smiled, ignoring the Uzumakis who were obviously glaring at him. Sasuke on the other hand was glaring right back. He wasn't going to allow anyone to treat his best friend that way.

"Yeah, I wouldn't mind going there, away from other people.'' He turned back to Naruto and gave a genuine small smile towards him.

''Hey guys." A voice familiar from the ones from yesterday, with a quick glance could see was the big boy Choji and his friend Shikamaru.

''Hn. Hello'' The Uchiha nodded.

''Hey! You can come sit with us.'' Naruto smiled and waved them over.

Shikamaru scooted next to Naruto, while Choji took a seat next to Sasuke. He knew his best friend found the Uzumaki cute blonde attractive, so he decided it was his best to help. Shikamaru would take forever before confessing. Knowing Naruto would be snatched up in a heartbeat.

''I hope you guys do not mind.'' Nara spoke calmly.

"Of course not! Right Sasuke?''

Those pleading eyes. Sasuke couldn't say no. He tried to resist, but the way Naruto looked at him, he broke. He sighed and nodded. "Yeah, we don't. You guys are fine. At least you two aren't annoying.'' He grumbled to himself, but resigned knowing Naruto could have his way, and he would follow him.

It was a nice lunch, and even though it was a bit loud in the cafeteria, they were enjoying each other's company.

Choji nudged Shikamaru with a knowing smirk.

Shikamaru grumbled but cleared his throat. "Naruto, how do you like the school so far?"

Choji sighed and shook his head. 'What am I going to do with you?'

The nara knew what his friend was thinking but ignored him in favor of the blonde boy.

"Well, the school itself is big, but I love everything already. Iruka sensei is amazing, and I get to hang out with Sasuke again! That makes everything better to me.'' He grinned proudly, the light in his eyes brighter and stronger.

Shikamaru leaned in closer, interested in what Naruto was saying. He never felt like this before; and for some reason he wanted to BE closer to him and just be in his presence.

Sasuke narrowed his eyes and questioned inside his mind, what Shikamaru wanted. The thought never crossed his mind that it was a crush-but he did think it was nefarious and he was going to find out what it was.

Soon, things were simmering down once, everyone was just chatting amongst each other, laughing and genuinely having a blast. A certain pink-haired gremlin appeared next to the boys who were just chatting with each other. Gaara recently made his way over to the table, after he said goodbye to his siblings.

Placing a strand of hair behind her ear, Sakura giggled and smiled at Sasuke. "Hey Sasuke-Kun, do you want to hang out together? Out in the courtyard underneath the Sakura blossom tree?" She bit her lip and smiled, her jade green eyes glistening with happiness.

"No" Simple answer, from the Uchiha and he already wanted to leave. Clearly uncomfortable, the Uchiha boy looked over towards Naruto and gave him a soft smile. "Let's head out. Gaara, Choji and Shikamaru can come too.''

Naruto understood. His best friend was uncomfortable and just wanted to leave, so he gathered his things, along with the others and started to depart the area, with Sasuke at his right side. Sakura pouted and crossed her arms over her chest, watching the boys leave the cafeteria and disappear from her sight.

"See I told you big forehead. You cannot compete and he just isn't interested in you." Ino gloated.

"Whatever Ino-pig! You are just jealous he talked to me and not you!" She shouted at her ex-best friend.

"He only said one word to you, and now you live in delulu land Forehead girl!"

A fight broke out between the two. It wasn't much of a fight, as they both were just pulling each other's hair and wrestling on the floor. That got both girls into trouble and dropped off by the ANBU at the Headmaster's office. What Sasuke and the others didn't know was that, was just the beginning of problems. There was much more to come.

—-

At the back of the cafeteria, some of the Uzumaki kids whispered amongst themselves, along with Karin, who by far hated Naruto.

"I have a plan to make sure that evil monster knows he isn't welcome here. We will hurt him; in ways he will never know could happen. I am thinking of putting him in his place or take him out. Use your imagination" Karin fixed her glasses and grinned. The plan would be solid proof. They can claim he attacked them, trying to injure her friends and well, the rest would his history.

While the others nodded, one Uzumaki named Natsuki-wasn't sure if it was a great idea. Not that he would say that out loud, but so far, he didn't see any monster. The read, with a scar across his face, kept his feelings on the inside, trying to think if telling someone was the right thing to do, or keep silent. But one thing is for sure, whatever Karin and the others were planning, it was going to end up with severe consequences, and he did not want to be part of that. Natsuki decided right then and there he was going to distance himself from the others and figure out what he needed to do.

"Where are you going Natsuki? We were all about to head to meet up with the Uzushikage. " Fuyuki asked. He scratched his head unsure about why his brother was leaving.

Natsuki did not want to explain why, but he had to make an excuse. " I just wanted to be alone today."

Karin stayed silent, but the others bought his excuse. She wasn't sure why he was lying, but Karin also couldn't connect the dots as to why. So, she left it alone. "Okay, see you later then." Natsuki left quickly while the others headed out on their own terms. Things were going to get interesting at this school.