"When you start appreciating
What you have, instead of living
In search of ideals,
Then you'll truly
Become happy."
Friedrich Nietzsche.
October 10, 1053
"Your win," I said calmly and looked up at Shikamaru. He sat across from me deep in thought, staring at the shogi board like we were playing for life or death.
"You had a chance to win. You forgot to promote your pawns again when they invaded my three horizontals, and you didn't drop any pieces. When you promote a pawn, it moves like a gold general," Shikamaru snorted and, leaning on his hands, looked up at the cloudless sky. It was mid-autumn, but the weather was clear, and we periodically played shogi on the Academy roof during big break. "Stop counting crows, or it'll get boring playing you—tenth straight loss."
"You're right," I frowned slightly, feeling a twinge of defeat's bitterness.
"But don't sweat it; you're a girl," he shifted his gaze to me. "I didn't really expect you'd win."
"That was offensive," I raised an eyebrow and thought: "Emotions are growing every year; before, when insulted or losing, I felt nothing, but now it stings a bit. Not enough to hold back, but noticeable."
"You know, alone you're calmer than in class. Because of Sasuke?"
"Hm," I drawled and, stretching, subtly scanned the roof and the trees growing by the Academy. "Caught your laziness, Shik."
"I thought you'd freak out."
"No point. You've got a great commander's mind; I won't win now or ever," I said and stood, brushing off my pants.
"I noticed you don't do anything without reason. You're not playing me for nothing. And you keep going despite losses," he smiled faintly, watching me closely.
"He's a real genius."
"In battle you need not just strength but brains, and my strategy sucks."
"So you're improving strategic thinking by playing shogi with me," he summed up, like he'd read my mind.
"Remember his IQ over 200 in anime; bet it's not less now at ten."
"Don't stress; I don't care," he yawned lazily, then glanced at my right hand. "You've had your hand bandaged for six months—what happened?"
"I got a bad burn; now I've got ugly scars," I said half-truth.
Two years ago I mastered rasengan and started on fireball.
At first it seemed simple—add fire to rasengan, remove neutral chakra, compress to density, and voila—powerful technique ready. But my expectations collapsed like a house of cards. In practice it was hundreds of times harder.
For half a year I tried just adding fire. Then it hit me: first learn to release fire chakra through my hand. That took another six months.
But when it was time to unite shape and nature control, neither three nor five clones helped. As Kakashi said in anime—shinobi who can handle both simultaneously are rare. Now I knew why on my own skin.
After a year and a half and thousands of hours, I united shape and nature, but it wasn't decisive. That "wonder ball" kept exploding—in my hand or on contact.
Fire radius big, but impact weak, and limb suffers badly. Currently I rate this kinjutsu B-rank. Weaker than rasengan or Chidori. And unfinished—only via expendable clones.
Luckily this year I finished medical ninja courses—when fireball first exploded in my hand, I gave myself first aid fast. It exploded twice more, worse; had to go to my medical ninjutsu sensei Yoshi-san, also an Academy medical ninja.
Now only clones develop it. Not sure if I'll ever finish.
Since I developed this separately from Sasuke, he was shocked at first and asked about my hand—we'd grown close over years of friendship and training. To ease his worry I lied it was from Fireball technique; clones studying, I got caught accidentally. Didn't tell him about inventing fireball—he's not like in anime, more emotional, attentive, sensitive; might get upset I maim myself.
"One more question," Shikamaru started, snapping me from thoughts. "Why help upperclassmen?"
"Wh-what?" I blurted.
"I saw you behind the Academy yesterday; you talked to some upperclassman, transformed into him, went to class, and he skipped."
"Uh-uhh..." I faltered; I'd done it before but always checked no one nearby.
"How'd I miss Shikamaru?"
"So why?"
"We have a deal: I attend their classes and take tests; they let me access curriculum early," I confessed, realizing I was busted.
"What stupidity," the boy smirked. "Such a drag, sitting through dumb lessons, scribbling paper... boring..."
"You won't tell anyone?"
"Got nothing better to do. Lesson soon; gotta go," Nara waved, packed the shogi, and sauntered off, leaving me dazed.
"Shikamaru's a real genius. Gotta be more careful from now on," I summed up, snacked, and headed to class when break ended. "Maybe time to stop attending for upperclassmen."
***
"If humanity had one last day left, who would you spend it with?" Iruka said loudly and approached the board; my eyebrows shot up.
"That scene was in the tenth movie," I thought, surprised; I'd assumed movies weren't canon like fillers.
"Why's it the last?" Naruto started loudly protesting. He sat at the second desk with Sakura and Sasuke. Haruno couldn't look away from Uchiha; Uzumaki from Sakura.
"Well..." Iruka pondered and continued: "What if the moon falls on us."
"If no more days, let a chunk of meat fall, not the moon!" Choji said, making the class laugh.
"Write names on slips! Only one person!" Iruka announced loudly, and I pulled a slip. Lacking full emotions meant weak attachments, but Sasuke was closest, so I wrote his name.
"Bet half the fan club writes his."
I looked at Uchiha. Thoughtful, he wrote something, crossed it. Hesitated, scribbled again.
"Hard choosing between mom, brother, dad. Good his family's alive. He talks of parents with such smile, such happiness, I understand canon Sasuke more—who truly suffered orphaned. His revenge wasn't whim but sole relief from torment. Me, no choice. Only a few dear: Sasuke, Naruto, friend Hinata, and Yoshi-san I sincerely respect."
I glanced at my slip.
"Sasuke Uchiha."
Why him of all? Hinata's great friend, Yoshi-san best sensei ever, Naruto best friend—joker, life of party. Met them earlier too.
I took the pen from desk. Thought. Slowly put it back. For some reason, looking at Sasuke makes my heart beat differently.
But why write his? Even if apocalypse and I want last day with him, he won't. He's got brother he adores who adores him. Third wheel. Like with Naruto—loving dad. I'm good acquaintance, not close.
Pushing slip aside, I looked at friends. Sasuke scribbled; Naruto nearby peeked. Uchiha irritably flipped it, spitefully eyed Uzumaki's notebook. They both looked surprised, smugly snorted, turned away.
"Hm, why suddenly curious whose name he wrote?"
Second later Naruto turned, beamed such kind joyful smile, I realized something:
"Iruka-sensei, do we get a grade for this?" I asked; teacher shook head no.
"Good," my lips smiled; took pen, wrote second name: "Naruto Uzumaki," and felt lighter. Staring at characters, amazed how fast I bonded with these boys. They started as ones to protect, nothing more.
No more musing—piercing stare pulled me. Turned left to boys at my desk; noticed Jiro staring at my slip.
"Kids so curious," I thought and peeked too. Expected brother's or Makoto's—best friend. But "Mira Uchiha."
Spotting my interest, kid flipped paper fast.
"Interesting... who? Familiar name..."
Collecting slips, Iruka stood by board:
"Kids, to training ground! Taijutsu and bukijutsu final tests today!" he announced loudly; students buzzed excitedly, packing bags. "Leave stuff here!" Umino grabbed notebook, headed door. "Choji, stop eating chips! Sakura, leave Sasuke! Come on!" He pointed exit; we noisily left classroom.
Path along bright corridor: windows one side, wooden shoji other. Minutes later, back courtyard.
Knew no running now or we'd tire. Before tests, just wrist warmups and stretches to avoid strains.
Arrived small trampled clearing with logs; chunin read lists. Called went up, threw kunai aiming center.
"Jiro Uchiha!" Iruka called.
Boy took weapons, stood calmly by target log, threw kunai easily hitting bullseye. Top score as always, said nothing, vanished into crowd amid girls' squeals.
"Ariza Saito," teacher called; I faced target.
"Ariza-chan!" someone called; turned, saw Naruto waving. "You got this!"
Smiled at support, spotted Sasuke in crowd—standing, slight smirk. He'd seen my bukijutsu on trainings; knew mine slightly below his. He best in class.
Spun sharply, threw kunai mid-turn hitting exactly where aimed. Not center. Academy hadn't taught moving/jumping throws yet; I'd started this year, wanted test.
"Mmm... Bad, Ariza; train more. Satisfactory for now," Iruka judged, noting slip.
"Main thing: hit where aimed."
"Naruto Uzumaki," sensei called; blue-eyed boy ran up. I friendly patted shoulder, wished luck, stood by Sasuke—who ignored me, arrogantly eyed Hokage's son. "Eight tries."
Naruto grabbed weapons confidently like master, threw. But veered not at target but sensei.
Quickly analyzed trajectories, threw mine to intercept; while flying, slipped one onto Sasuke's finger, pushing him forward.
All shocked, stared at teacher who'd ducked scared. Without me, kunai'd hit torso/head; instead over head/sides.
Iruka eyed Naruto then us, saw standout Sasuke, concluded fast:
"Whew, thanks Sasuke, or I could've been hurt! But Naruto!" Angry glare; kid stepped back sweating. "Unsatisfactory! Sasuke, skip test; top marks."
"Oh, Sasuke, you're awesome!" Girls swarmed Uchiha praising/harassing. He stood clueless who'd framed him, then guessed, eyed me suspiciously narrowing eyes. I just shrugged.
"H-hey! Sasuke-e-e!" Naruto yelled furious. "Come here, jerk! I'll get you, grr!"
"Wanna stay after class, Naruto?!" Iruka grabbed by collar.
"You can't touch me, loser," Sasuke sniped.
"Repeat that?!"
"Ear trouble?" Uchiha snorted.
Boys glared seconds, then parted. All done throwing, to sparring area fenced high metal. Group clustered; sensei opposite.
"First match: Kiba Inuzuka vs. Choji Akimichi," guy announced; boys forward. Quick fight. Kiba tackled Choji; while rising, kunai to throat.
"Winner Kiba. Next: Jiro Uchiha vs. Naruto Uzumaki!"
Jiro hadn't won yet but exited to fan-club cheers. Top student like Sasuke, but unlike friend, didn't provoke.
That survivor whose stepbrother apparently slaughtered clan. Boy calm, not arrogant, somewhat gentlemanly. Made me doubt he'd go vengeful like Sasuke.
Uchiha beat Naruto effortlessly; as blond fumed, Jiro praised to soften loss. Blond froze; they reconciliation-sealed calmly.
"Hm, Jiro's emotional IQ way higher than Sasuke's," I noted.
Then Jiro pulled Naruto aside, explaining—probably advising. I strained to eavesdrop but got shoved.
"Hey, dummy, hear?!" Painful push, finger to angry sensei by calm Sasuke.
"Go, tomato, don't hold up! Scared?" Ear-whisper shove nearly propelled me.
"Tear her, Sasuke-kun!" Ino's shout. All buzzed.
"She'll lose," Shikamaru scratched head, eyed clouds.
"Who doubts?!" Choji commented. "Not fit to lick his shoes."
"Sasuke-kun best! Crush her!" Girls jeered as I walked through to sensei/friend.
Confusion crept in; emotions returning, each insult scratched soul breeding doubt. Dazed, missed trip. Fell unreacted. Deafening laughter rose. Bewildered stared at kids: what's wrong with them?
Probably because earlier emotionless I'd let insults slide. No fights, no conflicts. Group used to bullying me unresisted. Wrong—I should've pushed back early, not victim-like. Boys hated hair/clothes; girls that Sasuke sometimes talked/attended me, not them—fueled contempt.
Sometimes mentally thanked Devourers for emotionlessness.
"You can do it," soft voice; turned, saw Makoto—Jiro Uchiha's best friend. Handsome redhead freckles deep gray eyes.
"Why?" Remembering his frequent jabs/teases.
"Like pranks, but don't abandon mine," handed help; I took, stood. "Luck."
Said, went to Naruto/Jiro.
"As they say—tell me your friend, I'll tell who you. Makoto or Jiro, both polite noble boys," I smiled lightly; not all lost. Always liked sitting with them.
Cautiously continued, eyed scowling Sasuke clenching jaw/fists like wanting kill all. Then eyed me, softened.
Faced off, ready.
"Third match: Sasuke Uchiha vs. Ariza Saito," sensei said, noting slip. "Begin!"
Signal: Sasuke bolted. Attacked fast like solo training. Strikes quick precise as ever. I dodged/retreated; his level mismatched my Academy show.
"What're you doing Sasuke; fight at yours, no same team," gritted teeth dodging. "Lose quick."
Braced for pain, took side kick gut intentionally; flew meters. Liver throbbed writhing. Seemed enough for loss, but teacher silent. Head up: Sasuke waited standing for rise.
"Iruka-sensei... enough? Sasuke-kun stronger..."
"Ariza, final test; didn't even try hit. Show something or nothing to grade."
"Sigh..." I feigned, stood. "If that fast Sasuke-kun, can't touch you," eyed intently hinting. Usually yielded to girls, but I exception.
"Hn!" snorted staring. "Fine."
Bolted. Attacks slower. I reacted. Tried aerial roundhouse; he ducked. Landed, tried sweep. Wrong block; chance slip defense. Didn't; struck arm instead.
"In Taijutsu I emphasize kicks; most boys physically stronger now, can't chakra-release like Sakura/Tsunade yet."
Yurko parried the blow, braced his hands on the ground, and thrust out his leg, striking me in the chin with his heel. It launched me into the air, and while I was flying, the Uchiha decided to finish me off. He loved doing that so often during our training spars. Jumping high, he aimed to strike me right in the head. Logically, I should have missed the blow. But remembering that after the previous one like that, my head hurt for two days, I didn't feel like it.
I set up a block and grabbed his leg, spinning and slamming him into the ground with a twist, but it turned out to be just a log.
"Substitution Technique?" slipped from my lips, and I concluded: "He probably formed the seal right after the uppercut."
Being a Sensor, I immediately felt him behind my back. I had a chance to dodge, but I realized it was time to end the fight. We'd been brawling too long anyway.
He drove his fist straight into my face, and I heard my nose crunch as I fell flat on my back. Blood immediately poured from my nostrils, and I saw the blurry fist of the Uchiha in front of me. My vision was doubling, and there was a roar in my ears, like listening to a seashell.
When my vision improved, I could make out my friend. He was pursing his lips, looking at me sympathetically. I felt a note of either anger or offense, since I'd previously asked him to fight me like the other girls.
"You're great, Ariza-chan, you've noticeably improved in Taijutsu, even though Sasuke won," I heard the sensei's praise as if through cotton wool. "Now form the reconciliation seal."
"Sasuke-kun is the best!"
"Get her!"
"You totally owned her!"
While my classmates cheered and applauded the Uchiha, I silently stood up and extended my hand forward. For some reason, I didn't want to look at Sasuke, so covering my nose with my hand, I stared at the ground.
"Ariza?" I heard my friend's worried voice.
"Don't hold up the others, Sasuke," I cut him off dully, feeling the Uchiha softly form the reconciliation seal.
"Ariza?" the Uchiha repeated in surprise.
"Sensei, khm..." ignoring my friend, I addressed the teacher. "I think... my nose is broken."
"Mmm..." He scratched the back of his head, noted something in his journal, and raised his eyes to us. "Sasuke, take Saito to Yoshi-san."
"Iruka-sensei, khm, I'll make it on my own," I threw out and headed toward the exit from the Training Ground.
"Ariza?.. Ari?! I'll take her," came the concerned voice of the Uchiha behind me, and near the Academy, he caught up to me. "Something wrong?" he stopped me.
"Sasuke, let's step aside," I said with difficulty, took him by the elbow, and led him around the corner. "We've talked about this—we've talked. Fight me like the other girls. If you'd used that combo, I might even have a concussion."
"You're stronger than all those losers," he said indignantly, frowning. "Stop holding back. Show them what you're capable of."
"Don't you get it, Sasuke? If I'm as strong as you, we won't end up on the same team," I said unusually emotionally for myself. "They don't put the strongest with the strongest; teams are balanced by scores. Understand that."
"He probably wanted to show again that he's the best in the class and has already mastered the Substitution Technique."
"You want to be on my team?" he blinked in shock.
"Of course, Sasuke..."
"I thought you didn't care at all. Right?"
"Sasuke, my emotions are getting stronger every year. I won't be emotionless my whole life. Of course I want to."
"I thought you weren't capable of love," he whispered in surprise, which slightly surprised me. Why does it matter to him what I feel? I thought he was indifferent, and the key for him was that we help each other with training.
"Mmm, let's sit," I pointed to the bench by the infirmary door.
"You need a Medical Ninja."
"I'll heal myself; I'm a C-rank Medical Ninja. Why distract Yoshi-san from important things?" I posed the rhetorical question and sat on the bench. Truth be told, I didn't want to show up in front of her; seeing my hand, she'd start scolding me for the burns again.
"You sure you can handle it?" he settled next to me.
"He's usually not this talkative; something's off. Maybe he feels guilty?" I noted.
"It's just a broken nose, Sasuke."
"Hm, fine... About your emotions..." he started, but faltered, apparently not knowing how to continue. "Did you... ever have them?"
"Yes, I did," I answered honestly. "And in another three years, I think they'll fully recover."
"And... what will you be like?"
"Most likely active, brave, cheerful, and maybe even naive. In short, personality-wise like Naruto, just not as cocky and brash," I replied calmly.
"Like Naruto?!" Sasuke grimaced childishly.
"I knew you wouldn't like that, but it's still likely to happen, so at least you'll be prepared," I smiled slightly.
"Khm..."
"But... if it's as unpleasant for you to hang out with me as with Naruto, I won't hold you by force. Even if it breaks my heart—you're free to choose your friends."
After those words, Sasuke stared at me intently and said nothing. The silent pause dragged on, and I was about to say something when the infirmary door suddenly opened, and out came my Medical Ninjutsu teacher—a light-haired woman with gray eyes, about forty.
She looked skinny and short. But behind that fragility hid unyielding resolve and will. She wasn't just a doctor; she was a seasoned veteran of the Third Shinobi World War. Always firm, precise, and even a bit rough.
None of the Academy students liked her; even some teachers spoke ill of her. But while studying, I saw through her shell of seriousness the love and care.
Having completed her Medical Ninja courses externally, I showed meticulous, pedantic dedication and immense diligence, earning her endless respect. After that, an invisible bond formed between us, unknown to me before.
"Hello, Yoshi-san," I greeted politely.
"Ariza? Did you get in a fight with someone?"
"We were doing Taijutsu assessment..."
"Did he do this to you?" she shot an angry glance at Sasuke, who actually flinched in fear. Even he knew how strict she was.
"Eee..." I trailed off, not knowing what to say, and she, understanding everything, exhaled menacingly.
"March to my office!" she said sternly, and I went inside without delay. I knew better than to anger her.
"Ariza, we're picking up the swords today, remember?" Sasuke said at last. A few days ago, we'd ordered wakizashi at the weapons shop and planned to pick them up after class.
"You insolent boy?! Swords? Not enough with her broken nose—you want to stab her?! Get out of here! And I don't want to see you near her again!" Yoshi-san barked, slamming the door loudly, then gently placed her palm on my shoulder and continued softly: "Come on, Ariza-chan, I'll heal you, and then we can have tea with sweets."
"Not everyone in this world despises me like my classmates; even if adults scolded me, in their presence I always felt safe. In childhood, when they condemned me, I understood why, but my peers just hated me for existing."
"Thank you, Yoshi-san. Can I ask if you know how to release Chakra on impact to make the strike stronger?" I inquired, looking around her bright spacious office.
"Of course I do. Want me to teach you?" she smiled slightly.
"Of course!" I pretended to be delighted.
"Then let's go. By the way, I'm being transferred to the hospital soon."
"You mean you're leaving the Academy?!"
"Exactly."
A few hours later
"Hi," came Sasuke's voice from behind me, and I, stopping my examination of the street decorated in honor of the victory over the Nine-Tails, turned around. My friend was under Glamour, but recognizing him was no trouble—he stood as always, proudly straight with hands in his pockets.
As agreed, we met near the entrance to Toshi-san's weapons shop, where I always bought kunai. And since his store was near the residence, there were quite a few Konoha residents around us.
A few years ago, we'd decided to walk around Konoha only under Glamour so no one would recognize us. If classmates saw us together, Sasuke's fan club would have me gone from the world the next day.
"Hi," I greeted back.
"I want to show you something," he said right away, stepping closer and pulling small ivory-colored leaves from his pocket. "Nii-san gave them to me today, and I found out my second affinity after fire is lightning."
"Is he trying to master the lightning affinity before graduation?" I stared motionlessly at the paper leaves. I'd bought ones like that before entering the Academy to learn my affinities. That's when I found out I had fire and wind. "But do I need to tell Sasuke about it?"
"Here, try it."
"Uh-huh," I nodded and took one leaf. A second later, I had two scraps of paper in my hand.
"You have wind affinity," he said in surprise, and I decided not to tell him I'd already started training it. In a way, I was lucky—I'd seen Naruto train in the anime and just copied. A year ago, I finished the leaf-cutting exercise. It took me about half a year. Like Asuma-sensei taught in the anime—I imagined my Chakra splitting into two halves rubbing against each other. The Chakra becomes very thin and sharp, allowing to cut a waterfall. The problem was—there was no suitable waterfall nearby; I simply didn't know how to continue training. My learning stalled at infusing kunai with natural Chakra and cutting tap water. It wasn't enough. In real combat, you need to control huge volumes of wind Chakra.
"Don't know who I can learn it from? I heard it's a rare affinity."
"Hm... I think nii-san's affinities are fire, water, and wind."
"Yeah?" I felt joy deep in my soul.
"He barely has time for me, so don't count on my brother..." he puffed his cheeks indignantly.
"Let me try to convince him to train?" My lips stretched into a smile. "In the orphanage, I had to beg strangers to train me so many times I've got a talent for it."
"Yeah? Why did you ask?" the boy wondered.
"I have no parents, Sasuke. No one would teach me for free; if I hadn't asked, I'd never have gotten into the Academy," I shrugged.
"Got it... Let's go," he said calmly, and we entered the weapons shop. It was full of scrolls, all sorts of swords, weapon care products, and tactical gear as always.
We dropped our Glamour and approached Toshi-san, a short man with a gray beard. Noticing us, he smirked and went to get our swords, which we'd paid for a few days ago.
"Here's your order, young Shinobi," he proudly placed the weapons on the counter. I took my meter-long straight sword, and Sasuke his. Mine was white with a red stripe down the middle and the Uzumaki clan crest. The Uchiha's had black scabbard and black hilt, but with his clan crest. Sasuke had long known I was a descendant of the great Uzumaki clan; it even seemed his attitude toward me improved after learning that. He was elite, after all, and probably wanted equals around him.
"Thank you," I said.
"Is this chakra-conducting metal?" Sasuke clarified.
"Of course!" the man replied emotionally and picked up a sword. "These flawlessly sharp swords are made of high-quality stainless steel! They're excellent conductors for Chakra of any nature!" He ran his finger along the blade, and it cut him.
"Perfect; I can learn to channel fire Chakra through the sword. Good thing I can already channel wind."
"Thanks, got it," I nodded and took the item. "Can we also have two bokken, please?" I handed Toshi-san the money, then turned to the Uchiha to explain: "I don't want us stabbing each other by accident."
"Later I definitely need to buy protective gear: training helmet and gloves for sparring and technique practice, kneepads and elbow pads, and plastic chest guards," flashed through my mind. "Training without them is dangerous, and saving up takes months."
"I won't use that," Sasuke smirked pompously and headed for the exit.
I followed him. When we stepped out, looking around, we noticed the street was completely covered in yellow paint. While I was looking at Naruto's "art," someone touched me. Turning, I saw Sasuke staring at the local landmark. Raising my gaze, I beheld the painted faces of the Hokage.
"It's the victory over the Nine-Tails day today; he picked a time to fool around," I mentally addressed the Uzumaki and turned to my friend: "I need to find Naruto. Wait here; he couldn't have gone far."
Saying that, I handed him the wooden swords and leaped onto the nearest building in a flash. Forming the confrontation seal, I located the jinchuriki nearby in an alley with unidentified Chakra sources. Covering the distance in seconds, I arrived at the perfect moment—some fourteen-year-old-looking guy was about to punch Naruto in the face.
I jumped from the roof and mid-flight transformed into Hatake Kakashi. I knew if they decided to beat the Uzumaki, a ten-year-old girl's presence wouldn't stop or scare them, but an experienced Jounin would make them think twice. I'd kill two birds with one stone: save Naruto and avoid wasting energy on a fight.
Instantly closing the distance, I kicked the attacker's arm. His trajectory shifted, and he flew toward the ground; to show strength, I kneed him in the face, sending him flying.
"What are you up to here?" I growled, altering my voice to Kakashi's timbre. Good thing I'd studied this technique a few months ago—the one Tobi used in the anime. Who'd have thought voice substitution would come in handy so soon.
"We... uh... this..." Seeing me as Kakashi, the four twelve-year-old boys stepped back. No vests—they were Genin.
"He's to blame! He painted our house with that stupid paint!" one yelled, pointing at Naruto.
"I'll take him to the residence, and he'll clean it all up," I said sternly, hands on hips. "Now scram."
"We gotta beat that idiot! Then he'll stop clowning!" one suggested. Gracefully drawing my sword, I channeled wind affinity through it.
"Want to test who's stronger: a bunch of Genin or a highly qualified Jounin? Don't act like spoiled kids; a Shinobi should think with their head first," I declared with uncharacteristic confidence.
"Look, his sword is glowing!"
The guys faltered, mumbled something under their breath, and throwing at Naruto: "We'll get you later from underground, you brainless brat," vanished around the corner.
I turned to Naruto, who sat stunned on his butt, staring at me in amazement. A brush and paint can were beside him; he was smeared all over, like he'd painted himself.
"Uh... not to dad!"
"Don't worry, Naruto," confirming the thugs were gone, I dispelled the Glamour.
"Ariza-chan?!" he yelled as if seeing a sea monster.
"Eh... you? How... uh... You totally owned them, dattebayo! Just heels flashing! So coooool!"
"Owned?" a new voice sounded, and I saw Sasuke.
"What are you doing here?!" Uzumaki squinted.
"None of your business, idiot," the Uchiha cut him off and approached.
"Naruto, don't make enemies; they could've beaten you."
"I... damn... big deal, painted a couple houses and a rock!" he turned away importantly.
"You're such a moron," Sasuke called him.
"What'd you say?!"
"Don't interfere, Sasuke," I snapped seriously and sharply. I wanted to talk to my friend, not break up their fight. "Naruto, it's your birthday today—why not at home?"
"I..." The smile instantly faded from his face, and he drooped.
"You won't celebrate?"
"Dad can't right now; he said he'll be free only Saturday," the boy said annoyed.
"That's end of the week. Probably why he painted the street—needs attention."
"Want us to celebrate tomorrow at Ichiraku Ramen? You'll use those coupons I gave you this morning."
"Or come visit me instead?" he exclaimed happily. "Anyway, you're invited to my birthday!"
"Oh. Thanks, I'll come," I pretended to be surprised.
"By the way, loser, my dad said me and bro are coming to your birthday too," the Uchiha smirked.
"Eh, what?! You?!" the kid got mad. "What the hell? Don't need your mug all evening!"
"Pf, like I care. No idea how my dad knows yours," the Uchiha said arrogantly.
"Sasuke, Naruto's dad is the Fourth Hokage," I said, and in an instant, Sasuke's eyes had five Ryo each. "You didn't know?"
"N-no..." The Uchiha's eyes bulged, mouth agape. "No one told me..."
"Interesting why info on Naruto being Yondaime's son is hidden from everyone. The Hokage's alive; he can protect his son. There must be a reason," I pondered. "Maybe Minato's ill? Maybe he got severe wounds after the Nine-Tails battle and weakened? He's not dumb; there's a reason."
"Hah, scared?"
"As if! How could a loser like that be born to the Hokage?"
"Say that again, jerk!" Naruto jumped up immediately. "Wanna fight?"
"With you?" Sasuke smirked smugly. "You won't even touch me!"
"Sasuke, stop," I reprimanded my friend. "You can spar at the Academy."
"Wanna test?!" Naruto reacted excitedly, ignoring me. "Think you're stronger?!"
"Pf... I'm off to train," the Uchiha said emotionlessly and turned away.
"Wait!" the offended Naruto yelled. "We're not done!"
"Naruto, better go before those guys come back."
"Eh?" He turned to me as Sasuke vanished around the corner.
"You better leave, and I gotta go too. See you at the Academy. Happy birthday again," I smiled slightly and, for show, jumped onto a building, heading the other way, but a minute later landed next to Sasuke.
"Can't figure why you hang with him," he grumbled darkly, as if displeased. "He's useless, studies poorly, sleeps in class. Probably no one knows he's the Hokage's son 'cause he disgraces his family."
"Don't say that, Sasuke. Naruto has something others don't see yet," I defended my friend.
"Don't buy it. You're friends out of pity."
"Not true. He's persistent. Never strays from the ninja path. I guarantee it. And he's a great friend—won't betray or abandon you," Sasuke just hmmphed and turned away, showing he didn't like how I spoke of the Uzumaki.
"Your friendship with him just makes you weaker," Sasuke said, hmmphed, and turned away. The rest of the way passed in silence. My Sensor ability felt the Uchiha's Chakra darken and cool—he really hated that I friended Naruto. Most likely, he was even angry.
Half an hour later, we arrived at our favorite eighth Training Ground. Since we wanted to start joint sword training today, we didn't train to exhaustion: ran twenty laps around the Training Ground, did a hundred squats, push-ups, and pull-ups each, then moved to sword practice.
Half a year ago, we'd covered all cold weapons Shinobi use in combat at the academy. We were taught basic handling of ninja gear: swords (tanto, katana, wakizashi), nunchaku, spears, kusarigama, sai, wire strings, senbon, explosive seals, smoke bombs, tonfa, etc. But since we didn't delve deep into each, I assumed we'd start with stance, evasion, clinch escape. But the Uchiha had other plans.
He drew his new sword and stood opposite me.
"I don't want to fight with swords, especially without protection," I warned.
"Come on," he smirked slyly. "You said yourself today you're brave."
"I'm brave, not stupid, Sasuke. That's different. You have to assess risks. Fine for you—Itachi's been teaching you Kendo for ages, plus you have Sharingan—you'll dodge. But I won't."
"I want to see what I've achieved. And you're the best opponent for it. Don't worry; I'll stop if needed," he pressed.
"I don't think it's a good idea," I replied calmly.
"This we won't do, that we won't. Always like this!"
"I've explained my position."
"How will you learn the sword if you're scared of even a training spar?" he manipulated.
"No protective gear—we could gouge each other's eyes. If you really want, at least wooden and slow," I nodded at the bokken. "Otherwise, no."
"Rgh," Sasuke grumbled angrily and took a wooden sword.
"Something tells me this is bad," I thought, picking up the training tekko-kagi.
We started slow; I recalled academy lessons and tried to repeat them. But blow by blow, Sasuke sped up on purpose. At first, academy knowledge sufficed, but the longer we fought, the harder it was to parry and block skillfully. Sometimes they glanced off, hitting my body hard.
His eyes glowed with one-tomoe Sharingan, which he used adeptly. A minute later, he attacked so fast I barely reacted.
"Slower, Sasuke!" I asked, but he ignored me. Battle lust gripped him. His eyes burned like a hero fighting a great villain to save the world.
I only retreated; each swing of my friend's arm made me tense inwardly. Fingers sweated; I didn't know if from primal fear or strain. The sword could slip from my wet hands any second.
Unlike me—panting and only defending—the Uchiha's breath was even. His strikes were firm and precise. He'd clearly had more than a few—no, not five—trainings with Itachi. He wielded the sword lightly and fluidly, like the katana was an extension of his arm.
To break distance, I kicked his torso, sending him flying. Hair stuck to my forehead, hands shook, and I couldn't catch my breath. But just as I wanted a break—to stop, breathe—Sasuke charged. In an instant, too close, he struck unprepared for.
And that moment came. My clumsy block and tired sweaty hands did their part. Last thing I saw—Sasuke's sword at my head and unimaginable pain in my left temple.
***
Read the story months ahead of the public release — early chapters are available on my Patreon: patreon.com/Granulan