The sky gradually brightened.
Sasuke got up listlessly, washed up, ate a rice ball, then strapped on his ninja tool pouch and headed to school.
On the way, he unconsciously slipped his hands into his pockets. With a blank expression, he wore a hint of contemplation about life and pride in his family as he made a thoroughly pretentious entrance into the classroom.
"Sasuke~"
Karin, who had arrived early, immediately rushed over. She clasped her hands in front of her, blushed, and said shyly, "I hope we get along well from now on~"
"Sasuke~" Sakura, who hadn't been assigned to the same class, rushed over too. Her eyes were red as she looked at him with a wounded expression.
A wave of irritation welled up in Sasuke, but he held it back and spoke gently to Sakura. "Sakura, we won't be in the same class from now on. Take good care of yourself."
He glanced sideways at Naruto, who was sitting in the back row pretending to look around. He noticed Naruto's features twisting out of shape.
The effect was perfect... Sasuke's expression grew even gentler.
Sasuke really does like me... Sakura nodded excitedly. "Mm-hmm, I understand, Sasuke! You take care too!"
Damn it!*2
Karin and Naruto trembled with rage.
"Ah, finally, I won't have to keep watching this awkward scene." Shikamaru Nara yawned contentedly.
With his intelligence, he could see right through the tangled love-hate relationships between Sasuke, Sakura, Naruto, Karin, and the others. They spent every day tormenting each other in front of him. Even a soap opera wouldn't run the same plot for six straight years!
By around eight, everyone had arrived.
Then a ninja wearing a green flak jacket walked in and called out, "Sakura Haruno, Yoru Ichiro, Harukami Satsuki, come with me."
"Yes!" Sakura rose