The next day, after a night's rest, Naruto and Sasuke had almost fully recovered thanks to their demigod bodies. They got up early and headed to the Wisdom Academy's registration office.
Looking at the sea of people outside the academy, Naruto sighed. "There sure are a lot of applicants. Seeing this almost takes me back to when we first entered the Ninja Academy."
Sasuke gave Naruto a sidelong glance. "I've only just realized how fake you are. Since when have you cared about things like that?"
Naruto protested loudly in surprise. "That's not fair, Sasuke! I've always been a sensitive guy, okay? I'm not cold-blooded like you, indifferent to everything."
"Is that really so?" Sasuke asked dismissively, the contempt in his eyes utterly undisguised.
Naruto faltered for a moment, but quickly said, "Of course! You think I'm you?" Yet no matter how he put it, his words lacked conviction.
In truth, they both knew each other well. Though Sasuke appeared cold, he was warmhearted and cared deeply about many things. Naruto was the exact opposite. Despite seeming friendly to everyone, very few people could truly become his friends. Apart from a few people from his graduating class, there were only a handful he considered friends.
After giving Naruto another contemptuous look, Sasuke said, "Let's find the registration office first. We still have tests to take. They shouldn't be difficult, but we need to take them seriously. Don't screw up at a crucial moment." That last remark was clearly directed at Naruto.
Naruto grinned. "Relax. I won't fool around, okay?"
"Suit yourself. Let's go." With that, Sasuke headed toward the academy's main gate.
Naruto shook his head helplessly and followed.
They entered the academy and were about to ask someone where the registration office was when they heard someone calling to