Scene 10
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The Beginning of Middle School
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Naruto's Perspective
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Some time had passed since Uncle Ushino's scheme was exposed. Since Uncle Mikhail wasn't the mastermind, he was pardoned but placed under strict surveillance for every little thing he did.
As for Uncle Ushino, he was confined to the clan prison and wouldn't be released for several years. But he'd been unusually obedient, so I doubted he'd cause any more trouble.
Moreover, Grandmother Mito had officially confirmed that I would be the next heir to lead the clan.
No one could touch me now—my word carried the same weight as the clan head's.
Yes, my life had been peaceful and comfortable for a while. And now, a new turning point had arrived in this reincarnated life:
School!!
Just hearing the name gave me a headache. Why did I have to start studying from scratch all over again?
On top of that, Grandmother Mito was ready to move mountains to ensure I completed my education. Changing her mind was impossible.
Elementary school had already begun. The years passed swiftly and quietly. During that time, Uncle Ushino was released. Though our relationship never warmed, he'd completely stopped bothering me.
In the blink of an eye, seven whole years flew by. It was time to begin middle school!!
The first year went smoothly, but in the second year, things gradually began to change.
As I sat lost in thought about recent events, I was riding in the back of a limousine, headed to school now.
I stared out at the scenery of Konoha City—it was undeniably breathtaking.
I wished my old friends were here with me. That would've been amazing.
I smiled, optimistic it might happen, but I couldn't be sure. Konoha was vast, with countless schools, and this was the second year of middle school. I doubted anything major would occur.
***
"Naruto-dono, we've arrived."
The driver's voice snapped me back to reality as he announced our destination.
I stepped out of the limousine, thanked him politely, then slowly turned toward the school and walked in like any ordinary boy.
It was good no one knew my identity here. If too many found out, I'd drown in unnecessary trouble.
I sighed and kept walking calmly when suddenly, a voice called out loudly:
***
"Naruto!!"
My heart leaped with joy the moment I heard it. No doubt—it was Sakura-chan!
I watched her sprint toward me happily, slipping free from her brother Sasori's grip. He glared at me menacingly.
***
"Sakura-chan! We're at the same school!! I'm so happy!" I exclaimed excitedly.
***
"Yes! Dad told me he'd heard you'd be studying here. He ordered me to keep an eye on you to learn more about the Namikaze clan."
*Ah, how I loved her honesty.* This meant I had to avoid drawing the Haruno clan's attention.
***
"Thanks, Sakura-chan. That's incredibly useful intel."
***
"Dad arranged the transfer paperwork in a flash. And here I am!"
Sakura closed her eyes, smiling warmly.
You might wonder why we didn't act like we hadn't seen each other in years—but that wasn't true. Sakura and I had met often over the past years. In fact, we'd been together just a week ago.
As for why the Haruno family didn't know where I studied—I'd asked Sakura to keep it secret.
***
"Wow, she's so pretty…"
"I envy that guy…"
While Sakura and I talked, I overheard whispers around us. She didn't seem to notice, but I did.
***
"I've never seen her here before. Is she a transfer student?"
"I heard she's from the Haruno clan."
"Seriously?! And that boy's getting close to her? Is he stupid?"
"If the Haruno clan finds out some no-name kid is hitting on her, his ending won't be pretty…"
*Are they implying Sakura's above me?*
*Whatever. They're just a bunch of kids, after all.*
***
"Sakura-chan, let's head to class." I smiled, unbothered, and we walked in together under the students' stares.
We entered our classroom and took our assigned seats. This year couldn't be better—Sakura and I were in the same class!
I'd take my time getting closer to her and make her fall for me. *Hehehehe.*
***
"Ah, right. We have another transfer student too."
*Huh? Another one?* I wondered who it'd be.
A boy with raven-black hair walked through the door.
*Wait… wait!!*
With his dark, brooding eyes that seemed gloomy despite his gentle features—
*It can't be…*
I stared in shock as girls in the class nearly screamed over his handsomeness. Even Sakura gazed at him dreamily.
The boy wrote his name on the board, then spoke with a calm smile:
***
"My name is Uchiha Sasuke. It's a pleasure to study with you all."
*Damn it!!*
Out of everyone… why did *Sasuke* have to show up now?!
*Aaarrgh, this isn't fair!!*
***
"Kyaaaah~!!"
The girls finally unleashed their suppressed squeals.
Sasuke glanced around, our eyes met, and he smiled at me. He then walked toward me after the teacher assigned him a seat.
The seat beside me was empty.
***
"Naruto, we're together!!"
"Yeah, I'm super happy, Sasuke!!"
*I'm not happy!! My school life is doomed! My romantic future with Sakura is in danger!!*
(Not that it ever existed…)
I cried internally while exchanging real-life smiles with Sasuke.
***
"Ahem. Let's begin the lesson…"
The teacher spoke softly. We took our seats, and class began.
***
During break, Sasuke and I caught up. We hadn't lost contact completely but rarely met in person.
***
"Sasuke-kun, you're here too!"
Sakura approached, beaming.
***
"Yeah. I didn't know you'd both be here. I'm glad I transferred!"
*Was this really the Sasuke I knew from my past life?* He seemed completely different.
Maybe it was because this Sasuke hadn't suffered loss like my past-life version? Was *this* his true personality?!
I watched Sakura and Sasuke chat. For a moment, I felt like I was intruding.
Sakura wasn't in love with Sasuke in this world. Was it wrong to be selfish and pursue her here?
I had a heart and feelings too. I loved Sakura. I wouldn't give up without a fight…
***
"How about hanging out at the shopping street where we first met as kids? There's a ramen shop there with amazing food!!"
I leaned on Sasuke's shoulder, declaring it cheerfully.
***
"Great idea, Naruto! How about it, Sasuke-kun?" Sakura asked brightly.
***
"Hehe, yeah. Sounds awesome," Sasuke smiled back.
In this life, ninjutsu and supernatural powers didn't exist. So I'd live this life with my friends without regrets. Even if Sakura wasn't mine, at least I wouldn't regret the outcome later.
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Scene 10
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The Beginning of Middle School (End)
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#To_Be_Continued.