"The last class is practical ninja combat training. Everyone, follow me to the training ground."
As Iruka walked out of the classroom ahead of them, the room erupted into chaos.
As the boys and girls filed out, only Naruto, who had just woken up, and Sasuke, who was waiting quietly, remained.
"Well, it's about time I showed these guys what I can do."
Rolling his neck, Naruto strolled over to Sasuke, scooped him naturally into his arms, and walked out of the classroom.
Yes, before they had left home, Naruto had solemnly promised not to let Sasuke's feet touch the ground.
"Naruto, isn't this a little... too much?"
Sasuke hadn't minded when it was just the two of them at home, but doing this in front of so many classmates left him a little embarrassed.
"It's fine. Everyone already knows anyway. Besides, do you think I care what outsiders think?"
Naruto didn't seem to care in the slightest.
"Hmph, you've got such thick skin... Maybe you should put me down and let me walk. Shikamaru said this sort of thing was no big deal for girls..."
Naruto scoffed. "What? He only said that because he's jealous of you. He wishes some guy would do this for him."
"You always find some ridiculous excuse."
Unable to win the argument, Sasuke gave up. They had spent much of the past four and a half years like this anyway. It was just that their roles had reversed, with him now receiving such attentive care in public, and he hadn't quite adjusted yet.
"Oh, right, Sasuke. Want to run a betting pool later? We could make a little money."
As they left the school building and saw everyone lined up neatly on the training ground nearby, Naruto grinned.
"No. I'm not doing that," Sasuke