On the other side, filled with anticipation for their first day of school, the two eager children set off towards Grass Academy, each with their own aspirations to uphold the village's spirit.
Grass Academy wasn't far from their home, and since they often passed by, there was no worry about them getting lost.
Naruto hummed a tune, his excitement about making new friends evident in his joyful demeanor. He skipped along, waving his small hands in the air with enthusiasm.
Meanwhile, Sasuke, even at his young age, carried himself with a mature demeanor, walking calmly as if nothing could faze him. Yet, his eyes occasionally darted around, betraying a hint of anticipation bubbling beneath his composed exterior.
"There are so many people, Sasuke!" Naruto exclaimed, taking in the bustling scene around them.
"Idiot, I told you it's the first day of school," Sasuke replied with disdain, rolling his eyes. "Of course, there will be a lot of people. Calm down, you're so childish!"
"Hey, pompous Sasuke, You know I'm the one who's accompanying you!" Naruto retorted, feeling hurt by Sasuke's dismissive tone.
Sasuke couldn't help but roll his eyes again at Naruto's words. "Who needs your company?"
They had arrived at the academy, the lively atmosphere at the entrance adding to their excitement. Even Sasuke, unusually restrained from his usual insults towards Naruto, gazed curiously at the school gates.
Although they passed by the academy often, today was special—it was their first day of school. Naturally, their emotions were heightened.
At the gate, many children, like Sasuke and Naruto, carried their little backpacks themselves, ready for their first day of school. However, beyond the children, the scene was even more lively due to the presence of many parents. Filled with a mix of worry and hope, they accompanied their children to the academy, smiles plastered on their faces as they exchanged words of encouragement.
The entrance of the academy was bustling with both children and parents, making it particularly crowded. The excitement and anticipation in the air were palpable.
The Grass Academy, well-established over many years, was well-prepared for this day. Organized squads of Grass ninjas stood at the gate, working alongside teachers and students to maintain order and ensure the safety of the surroundings. While dangers were rare within Grass Village, vigilance was paramount. The Grass ninjas took their responsibility to safeguard the academy seriously, especially on such a significant day.
"What's with you?" Sasuke glanced curiously at the suddenly quiet Naruto, following his gaze to see him enviously watching children with their parents. Sasuke instantly understood why Naruto was feeling down.
By now, Sasuke was well aware of Naruto's situation. Back in Konoha, he had seen Naruto's solitary figure and had been warned to stay away from him. Unlike Sasuke, Naruto had never met his father since birth.
Seeing Naruto lost in thought, Sasuke turned back, his voice calm, "We should go in, Naruto. Stop being childish!"
With a hint of teasing in his tone, he added, "At your age, do you still need your parents to bring you to school? You're really being childish now. Besides, your mom is right inside. Should I call Aunt Kushina to come and take you in?"
Naruto snapped out of his reverie, bristling at Sasuke's words. "Idiot, I'm not childish! I was just observing. Actually, Uncle Akihiko offered to bring me, but I preferred to come on my own."
"Uncle Akihiko, huh?" Sasuke raised an eyebrow, his Sharingan flashing for a brief moment as if sensing something. With hands in his pockets, he walked inside, saying coolly, "How immature."
The single tomoe Sharingan had awakened that night, but he knew it was not enough.
Sasuke's lips curled into a faint smile as he spoke about being immature.
Naruto noticed something, "Did your eyes just turn red?"
Sasuke's mouth twitched at Naruto's words, "Idiot, It's none of your business!"
"Pompous Sasuke, I'm not an idiot!" Naruto retorted irritably at Sasuke's words.
As they bickered, they walked through the academy gates, ready to embark on a new chapter of their lives.
…
The class divisions had already been communicated to the parents a few days ago. Any uncertainties could be clarified with the teachers or senior students at the academy.
However, it was the first day of school, and Naruto's curiosity got the better of him. He kept stopping to look at everything, fascinated by the new surroundings. If Sasuke hadn't been pulling him along, Naruto might have completely forgotten to report to his classroom.
Eventually, under Sasuke's impatient guidance, Naruto reluctantly entered their classroom. Class 1-A! This was where he and Sasuke would be studying from now on.
The spacious classroom was already bustling with many other children who had arrived, much like Naruto and Sasuke. Naruto's eyes sparkled with excitement as he took in the crowd of new classmates, murmuring to himself, "I can't believe there are so many kids here."
'Of course, there would be a lot of kids in a class.' Before Sasuke could silently roll his eyes and label Naruto an "idiot" again, a cheerful yet familiar voice called out, "Naruto, Sasuke! I'm so glad we're in the same class!"
Turning towards the source, they saw an orange-haired boy, brimming with enthusiasm, approaching them.
"Jugo, you're here too?!" Naruto exclaimed, his face lighting up with joy.
Sasuke, in contrast, simply nodded with a neutral expression, offering a terse "Mm," and nothing more.
Jugo, accustomed to Sasuke's reserved nature, took no offense. He understood Sasuke was distant but fundamentally kind-hearted. Through their connection with Yahiko and Nagato, the three kids were already well-acquainted with each other.
"It's awesome that we're all in the same class now," Jugo exclaimed happily, his face brightening. "You know, yahiko-nii mentioned he has a gift for me tonight. I can't wait to see what it is! It's really exciting to be in school."
"Nagato-nii said he has a surprise for me too!" Naruto's eyes gleamed with anticipation. "I can't wait to find out what it is."
Sasuke, unaware that Obito had also prepared a gift for him and Naruto, frowned slightly, a fleeting hint of disappointment crossing his eyes. Quickly regaining his composure, he scoffed softly and turned away, no longer interested in bantering with his two friends, making his way toward an empty seat.
At that moment, a chilling voice cut through the air. "Hey! You three newcomers!"
Turning around, the trio of friends exchanged puzzled glances, their curiosity piqued by the unfamiliar figure approaching them. The older student stood out with his dark complexion and an air of arrogance, accompanied by a group of followers trailing behind him.
"Who's this guy?" they silently wondered, unable to place him among their peers.
Without waiting for their inquiry, the dark-skinned boy spoke again, his tone dripping with arrogance. "Don't you know who I am? You better greet me properly. Around here, I'm known as Black Bro. I've been running things for years, and all the upperclassmen are like my little brothers."
His smirk widened, exuding an aura of dominance. "Remember this," he warned with a sneer, "from now on, you better call me Boss. Otherwise, you're going to regret crossing paths with me."
The three children blinked in confusion, baffled by the presence of such a bully figure in an academy established by Uncle Akihiko.
"Boss? Who's that supposed to be?" Sasuke muttered under his breath, exchanging a glance with Jugo and Naruto.
Naruto, however, seemed to have a sudden revelation. His eyes widened as he pointed accusingly at the arrogant boy. "I know who you are!"
"Ah, so you do recognize me..." Black Zetsu started, a hint of satisfaction in his voice, but Naruto cut him off.
"You're the guy Uncle Akihiko warned us about," Naruto continued unabashedly, "the one who failed six years and never scores above zero on tests. Black... Blacky!"
"It's Black Zetsu! Black Zetsu!" Black Zetsu snapped back, clearly offended by the misnomer.
"Whatever, Black whatever," Naruto dismissed casually. "Uncle Akihiko said to stay away from idiots like you."
Black Zetsu's face flushed with anger. Who did this kid think he was calling an idiot?!