Reverse Fate 3

At Naruto's words, Sasuke's brows instinctively drew together. "Shut up, Dead Last" nearly slipped out.

But in that split second, he forced it back. The Third Hokage might be nearby, and someone of Kage Level might well hear their conversation.

One wrong word or move now could ruin the entire operation.

He took a deep breath and turned to Naruto with an almost gentle expression. Even his voice softened.

"Naruto, you've misunderstood me. I wasn't sleeping before. I had my head down because I was thinking about the Will of Fire. I believe it's Konoha's greatest and most profound ideal, something every ninja should study and understand."

"So, Naruto, you should listen carefully to Hokage Grandpa's speech today too."

Sasuke's solemn words, paired with his forced sincerity, sent a shiver through Naruto and raised goose bumps all over him.

Naruto rubbed his arms dramatically. "Ugh! You're so weird today, Sasuke! Stay away from me before your stupidity rubs off!"

A vein throbbed at Sasuke's temple. Fighting down the urge to punch the idiot, he simply turned away and ignored him.

Beside them, Sakura immediately sprang to Sasuke's defense. "Naruto! Don't bother Sasuke-kun!" Then she cupped her cheeks, hearts practically filling her eyes. "Sasuke-kun looks so handsome when he's serious!"

Stung by Sakura's scolding, Naruto pouted. Then realization struck, and he smacked his fist into his palm.

"I get it! You're trying to catch Grandpa Third's attention so you can become Hokage someday, aren't you, Sasuke? Sneaky jerk!"

Sasuke slapped a hand to his forehead and forced the words through clenched teeth. "You idiot... Stop bothering me."

"Hmph! I won't let you get away with it, you jerk!" Naruto folded his arms and turned away in a huff, privately resolving to pay attention today too. He couldn't afford to fall behind