Chapter 13: First Day at Ninja Academy
As the trees outside the window turned from tender green to golden yellow, then from yellowing leaves to a blanket of snow, time quietly passed with the changing seasons. In the blink of an eye, more than half a year had gone by.
During this time, Matsumoto Nana frequently practiced the Gentle Fist with Neji Hyuga in private, significantly improving her skills. She had nearly perfected the Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms.
In her free time, she played with Naruto, caring for his physical and emotional well-being. Nana could sense Naruto's affection for her, but 077 seemed broken, unable to display his favorability score.
Despite his busy schedule, Shisui always found time to wave at Nana from the trees outside her window, bringing her different gifts each time they met. When on missions abroad, he often wrote letters and brought back exquisite local specialties. His favorability score increased the fastest, reaching 90% in just half a year, which even surprised Nana.
As for Itachi and Sasuke Uchiha, their days were filled with happiness and joy, with their favorability scores steadily rising without significant fluctuations.
The gentle spring breeze scattered a few cherry blossoms, filling the air with a fragrant aroma. Before they knew it, it was time for Sasuke and Nana to start at the Ninja Academy.
Itachi personally escorted them to the academy, carrying a pink cherry blossom bag filled with bento boxes he had prepared for Nana and Sasuke.
The academy entrance was crowded with people, the noise rising as many parents personally brought their children to school.
"Nana, Sasuke, I packed your lunches here. Who wants to carry it?" Itachi took the bag off his shoulder, saying they could decide who would carry it, but he placed it in front of Sasuke.
Since there were two lunch boxes, the bag was slightly heavy. Naturally, he wouldn't let Nana carry it, so he intended for Sasuke to take it.
Sasuke's expression was pained and stiff as he looked at the pink cherry blossom bag. Itachi's hand hovered in the air, waiting for Sasuke to take it.
"Sasuke, as the older brother, can you really let your sister carry such a heavy lunch box?" Nana teased, taking the bag from Itachi and quickly placing it on Sasuke's shoulder.
Sasuke's face turned bright red as he reluctantly accepted the bag, crossing his arms and turning his head away in silent protest.
Sorry, protests are invalid. Nana had learned to handle Sasuke's tsundere personality over the past six months.
She also encouraged Sasuke to express his emotions more openly, but he always blushed and avoided her gaze, stubbornly insisting she was meddling.
"Alright, Sasuke, Nana, I have to go. Sasuke, take care of your sister." Itachi smiled warmly at them, saying goodbye and reminding Sasuke to look after Nana.
Nana nodded, signaling for him not to worry. Suddenly, someone grabbed her hand. She turned to see Sasuke, his face red but showing a reluctant expression.
"Let's go, or we'll be late." Sasuke held her hand tightly, his voice innocent and pure.
Such a tsundere, clearly wanting to hold my hand, Nana thought, shaking her head inwardly.
As they entered the academy, a group of fangirls swarmed around, chattering excitedly. Some noticed Sasuke holding hands with an unfamiliar girl and began to gossip.
"Sasuke-kun is so handsome, I want to marry him!"
"Look at that girl, why is she holding Sasuke-kun's hand?"
"She's so cute! What's their relationship?"
The fangirls' chatter turned to gossip, then admiration, as they couldn't deny the girl's beauty.
"Sasuke, what's going on? Secretly flirting with girls?" Nana teased, poking his arm.
"Nonsense! I don't know them!" Sasuke tightened his grip on her hand, quickening his pace.
Flirting? I'm always with her, what's she talking about? Sasuke thought, frustrated.
The classroom was bright, each long table seating three. Sasuke led Nana to an empty table. Soon, the room filled with students.
But the one Nana was waiting for hadn't appeared. She glanced at the clock, almost time for class. Where was Naruto?
Did he oversleep? She thought, imagining him sprawled on his bed, her face falling.
Sasuke noticed her change in expression but assumed she was just nervous about the first day.
"Naruto Uzumaki, here!" A voice broke the classroom's chatter, everyone turning to the door.
"Just in time, almost late." Naruto panted, hands on his knees, sweat on his face from running.
Most students whispered, showing disgust and fear. But some, like Shikamaru and Choji, remained indifferent.
Seeing their reactions, Naruto's excitement faded, feeling dejected. He still wasn't accepted.
"Naruto! Sit here!" Nana stood, waving at him, pointing to the empty seat beside her.
Sasuke was stunned, turning to look at her. When did she become friends with this weirdo? He frowned at Naruto approaching.
"Nana-chan!" Naruto's eyes lit up, running to her and hugging her excitedly.
"You saved me a seat, I'm so happy!" Naruto shook her gently, smiling widely.
"What are you doing, idiot!" Sasuke stood, angrily pushing Naruto away, his eyes blazing.
This idiot, harassing my sister in front of me, I have to punch him!
Naruto stumbled, falling and rubbing his sore backside, glaring at Sasuke.
"What's your problem?" Naruto was genuinely angry. Even if he didn't like him, pushing him was unnecessary. What if Nana got hurt?
"You want to fight?" Sasuke's anger flared, raising his fist to fight.
"Enough! You're both my friends, what are you doing?" Nana's voice trembled with anger, pulling Naruto up.
Seeing her action, Sasuke huffed, turning away, feeling embarrassed. How could Nana be friends with that guy?
Naruto wanted to argue, but Iruka Umino's entrance stopped him.
A man with a headband, a scar on his face, wearing a green ninja vest, holding books, walked in.
"Good morning. I'm Iruka Umino, your homeroom teacher. To get to know each other, we'll have a ninjutsu demonstration outside."
A ninjutsu demonstration? I'll show that arrogant kid and impress Nana-chan, Naruto thought confidently.