I sat in the back corner, surveying the classroom. I had forgotten that Naruto's class stayed the same from beginning to end. Iruka stood at the front, writing on the board, while every member of the Konoha 12 sat scattered around the room.
I noticed a bright-eyed Sasuke diligently taking notes. I remembered that his father had taught him the Fireball Jutsu. Later, I'd ask him to show me. Maybe getting close to him now could stop him from going down the wrong path.
From the start, I intentionally let myself fall behind in class. The regular subjects were easy—I understood modern math and science—but I left assignments blank on purpose. Still, I made sure Naruto completed his work and actually learned the material.
During the ninja courses, I listened carefully, absorbing everything about chakra control and hand signs while pretending not to pay attention. Naruto was already attempting to make a prototype of the Sexy Jutsu right after we were taught the Transformation Jutsu. Some things never change.
After enduring another one of Iruka's lectures, he dismissed us for lunch.
Shikamaru invited Naruto and me to eat with him and Choji. He was one of the few kids who treated us kindly. Shikamaru had always been one of my favorites in the show. Naruto went ahead with him, but I told them I'd join them after I handled something first.
I found Sasuke outside, surrounded by his fan club beneath a tree. I casually approached, noticing a few of the girls sneer at me.
"Sorry, girls. I'm sure Sasuke is enjoying the attention, but I'd like to speak with him alone."
One of them let out an annoyed huff.
"Why would I listen to you, demon boy?"
I fixed her with a stare, letting my eyes darken to a deeper crimson than my hair.
"I'm not asking."
The girls scattered, running back toward the school. Their screams about the "demon boy" echoed behind them. Sasuke looked at me, confusion written across his face.
"What do you want? Not that I'm ungrateful, the girls can be bothersome, but what does the laziest person in class want?"
I smirked. My act as dead last seemed firmly established.
"I want to spar with you. I know your clan is prestigious—I'd like to see what they've taught you."
Sasuke stared at me incredulously.
"I've heard you get into fights sometimes, but you're not ready to spar with me. I've been training with my father and brother. The Uchiha is the strongest clan in Konoha."
I rolled my eyes.
"Yeah? If your clan's that great, then if I win, you owe me a favor. Or are you afraid you'll lose?"
I knew his pride wouldn't let him walk away. He stood and moved across from me, settling into his fighting stance, a spark igniting in his eyes. I raised my fists in a boxing guard and waited for him to make the first move.
"Don't say I didn't warn you. Fine—since I won't lose, when I win, I'll take a favor from you."
He lunged forward, sweeping a kick toward my head. I ducked beneath it and drove a punch toward his liver.
He caught my arm, using the momentum to flip backward and create distance. Before his feet touched the ground, I dashed forward and swept his legs, knocking him onto his back.
I followed with an axe kick aimed at his face. He rolled aside and kicked me away as he sprang back to his feet.
"Alright," he admitted, "you're pretty good for a slacker. But now I'm serious."
I flashed him a wicked grin.
"You don't actually think I was trying, do you?"
We charged at each other again, forearms colliding. I threw a jab; he tilted his head just enough to avoid it and countered with a straight kick to my chest. I pivoted around his leg and delivered a backfist to his temple, sending him stumbling.
I pressed the advantage—two quick jabs to his face and a hook to his abdomen. He dropped to one knee while I stood over him, fist clenched.
"Is that all?" I asked.
He looked up, confusion and frustration clouding his expression.
"No."
He leapt backward and began weaving hand signs—Snake, Ram, Monkey, Boar, Horse, Tiger. I memorized the sequence instantly. Then I realized I might be in trouble.
Drawing on Kurama's chakra, I sprinted to the side. A massive fireball, the size of a boulder, engulfed the field. I tried to escape the blast radius, but the flames still singed me. Once clear, I circled behind Sasuke and blitzed him, driving an elbow into his face and knocking him to the ground, disrupting the jutsu.
"That was dangerous. You've got to be careful—someone could've gotten hurt. But thanks for accepting the spar."
I extended my hand to help him up. He regarded me with reluctant respect before accepting it.
"I didn't think I'd have to use that technique. And I definitely didn't think I'd lose after using it. How are you so strong? And if you're this capable, why don't you take school seriously? You could be at the top of the class and graduate early."
Now it was my turn to stare at him in disbelief.
"All I have is a bit of extra strength. I don't know the advanced jutsu or the martial arts training you clan kids grow up with. I've just mastered the basics. Graduating early wouldn't change that. And about that favor—you still owe me. I'll collect later."
He nodded, but when I mentioned the favor, his expression tightened. He must've forgotten about that part.
"Relax," I added. "I won't ask for anything outrageous. Thanks for the match."
I patted Sasuke's shoulder, then joined Naruto and the others for lunch. After finishing the school day, we returned to the apartment. I immediately began practicing the hand signs, attempting the Fireball Jutsu. I pushed chakra up through my chest and out of my mouth, producing small wisps of flame.
Naruto stared at me wide-eyed.
"Where did you learn to do that?"
I kept practicing, channeling more chakra until a basketball-sized flame burst forth.
"That's nothing. I learned it while fighting Sasuke, and his was way bigger. Once I master it, mine will be larger than this apartment."
He stood beside me, copying my movements, but nothing happened when he exhaled. I glanced at him and sighed.
"It's about chakra control, knucklehead. You have to guide the chakra upward and release it properly. How are you going to perform jutsu if you don't move your chakra?"
We spent the evening practicing the fireball, sparring, and eventually cooking dinner. I made sure Naruto ate something other than ramen for once. We ended the night talking and laughing before finally heading to bed, ready for whatever came next.