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As a mother comforts her child, I will comfort you.
Psalm 103:13
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Looming in the distance was an imposing infrastructure, and a notorious one at that. It stood alone in the wilderness, dressed in an endearing crimson, while the terrain was blanketed in snow white, serving as a testament to the unrelenting, and voluminous snowfall the past few days. Though the landscape may present itself as a beguiling view, don't let that fool you; this is nature's facade, concealing its nefarious intentions!
But why am I going as far as to say Nature has nefarious intentions?
What might those be, you may ask?
The biting chill of winter beckoned to cast its fangs upon anyone who hopped around in hopes of casting its evil spell!
Evil spell? What evil spell?
To cast a cold! To bring forth sickness! To get everyone bedridden! To cease liveliness, and bathe the village in coughs and sneezes! To make the children cry! To make the adults helpless! Thus, the quaint village will fall into a deep pit of boundless melancholy!
Ultimately, all shall perish!
Muhahaha!
Nature can be both beautiful and a menace at the same time!
Right, I've been rambling on for long enough, back to the story...
The scarlet building far in the outskirts was the infamous Ninja Academy, an institution forged for dedicated youths aspiring to become ninja! Alas, the stubborn hearts of these foolish children have crafted an impetus; to embrace the domain of immaculate dangers, thus, risking their very lives to tread this path, yet aware that the grim reaper is ready to snatch their souls any second!
That is the irrefutable path of a ninja, but these little devils are willing to embrace this treacherous road, one stained in an endless bloody crimson!
*DING* *DING*
The chiming bells of the academy echoed across the extravagant campus, announcing the start of another boring and uneventful day. In a familiar classroom, brimming with the untamed frolicking of numerous youths, 2 youths exchanged idle chatter at the back. One had spiky black hair tied back, and leaned on an extended shoulder emitting the aura of someone who wished not to be disturbed, while the other youth had a stocky, chubby build. They were none other than Shikamaru and Choji.
"Hey, do you know what happened to Naruto?" Choji inquired, wary etched on his face, diminishing his immutable ecstasy.
With his head buried in his arms, Shikamaru maintained his usual nonchalance, replying lazily, "Heck how would I know? He's probably just late."
Choji frowned, "I hope so. He was absent yesterday as well."
Shikamaru slightly raised his head from his posture, revealing only his sharp obsidian eyes. Studying Choji's expression, he exhaled a sigh, and reassured, "Choji, there's nothing to worry about. He should come screaming any moment now."
Noticing the truth in Shikamaru's utterance, Choji nodded in approval, "Yeah, I guess you're right."
Indeed, there was no need to worry. Assuming a mishap was certainly a crude deduction.
Successfully managed to soothe his friend, Shikamaru scratched his head and mumbled, "Honestly, what a drag."
"OOOYYYY!"
A familiar, and obnoxious noise buzzed in the air, piercing the ears of the lethargic Shikamaru and worrisome Choji.
Shikamaru smiled, casting an all-knowing gaze in the direction of the source, and intoned, "Well speak of the devil."
Hobbling up the stairs was an optimistic youth, his tousled yellow hair being a prominent trait and azure eyes unravelling profound depth, polished like a shimmering sapphire. The zealous youth greeted loudly, "OYYY SHIKAMARU, CHOJI, GOOD MORNING."
"Good morning," Choji returned, his lips curling into a heartwarming smile.
"Damn you're so loud Naruto, what a drag," Shikamaru replied, his tone conveying his annoyance.
"Hehe," Naruto giggled.
Studying Naruto's expression, Shikamaru could tell from his demeanour that he seemed happy, happier than usual.
Though they've often spent time together and had a great laugh, with Shikamaru's keen analysis, he could ascertain that Naruto was much more... jubilant.
As such, Shikamaru inquired, "Say Naruto, did something happen?"
"Hmm, that's a surprise. I didn't think you'd be one to talk," Choji taunted, his lips curled into a smug.
"Choji, I'm talking to Naruto," Shikamaru snapped back, his narrow gaze firm on Naruto.
"Yeah, yeah," Choji shrugged.
Naruto remarked with a slight chuckle, "Hehe, can you tell something's up?"
"You seem... happier," Shikamaru voiced his opinion.
"Isn't he just the same as usual?" Choji replied in a muffled pitch, as though his mouth was stuffed with food... Which is exactly what was happening. He was devouring a bag of crisps, which seemingly materialised in his palm out of nowhere.
Staring at the large packet, Shikamaru mused, 'Where the hell did that come from?'
Naruto questioned, arching a brow, "Do I really look happier?"
"Yeah," Shikamaru affirmed.
"Hehe, yeah, I guess you could say that," Naruto grinned, leaving both Shikamaru and Choji curious.
"Hey Naruto, tell us what's gotten into you," Choji interjected, curiosity evident.
"Hehe, I'll tell ya after school," Naruto remained reserved, leaving Shikamaru and Choji to ponder.
"Hmmm," the duo hummed.
Before long, the class teacher, Iruka, entered the classroom. Upon entering the class, the students rose from their position. Naruto returned to his seat, situated beside Haruno Sakura.
Standing behind the podium, Iruka took full reign, commanding in a tone of higher authority, "Take your seat."
The children complied, and Iruka continued, "Students, we have a new student today."
Facing the vacant doorway, the children inadvertently directed their gaze to the cased opening, following Iruka's line of sight. Everyone's attention was now shifted toward the archway. Iruka proposed, "Come in."
With light footsteps, a petite figure from the other side slowly emerged, her prominent feature being her short red hair, accompanied by vermilion eyes covered behind spectacles. Donned in the casual attire of a yellow dress, she stood shyly at the front of the class, emanating an aura of nervousness. The other students shared an equivalent wonder, unaware that a certain yellow-haired youth revealed a brilliant smile, revelling in optimism.
With a warm smile, Iruka whispered to the timid girl, "Introduce yourself."
Without further ado, the girl introduced, "M-My name is Uzamaki Karin. I hope we can get along," followed by a respectful bow.
"NEEE-CHAN, OVER HERE!" yelled a familiar voice.
Everyone turned their gazes to the rambunctious yellow-haired youth who yelled, but more notable, was what he had stated!
Nee-chan?
Confusion circled the class, and the pindrop silence subsided, replaced by hushed dwellings, as each individual hearkened to Naruto's dialogue, thinking they had heard wrong.
- W-Wait a second, did we hear right? -
- Did he just say nee-chan? -
- N-No way, we heard the same thing. -
- He said nee-chan? -
While everyone vocalised their bewilderment, sharing a blend of disbelief and fascination, Shikamaru was the only one whose lips curved in delight. His insignificant query from earlier had now been answered by Naruto's claim; Why did Naruto seem happy... happier than usual?
Naruto had inferred that he would have his answer at the end of school, but quite the contrary, Shikamaru had obtained his answer just now.
Delicately propping his head atop his fist, he mused, 'Nee-chan, huh? So that's why you're happy! Good for you Naruto.'
*CLAP*
"Silence everyone."
With a clap of his hands, Iruka demanded silence, successfully returning the class to its former hush. However, it was unable to dispel the pensive mood.
Iruka instructed Karin, "Choose wherever you like."
"Over here nee-chan," Naruto vehemently repeated, flailing his hands in a show of attention, welcoming his sister to sit beside him.
And so, with a smile, Karin strode up to Naruto, took a separate chair, and sat between Naruto and Sakura.
- He... He actually just said 'nee-chan, didn't he?' -
- Yeah, he did. -
The oblivious Naruto wondered, 'W-Why is everyone staring at me? Weird.'
Everyone's lips parted into an 'o' shape, and they yelled in unity,
"EEHHHHHHHH?!!!"