Riiing~~~
The Ninja Academy's rather indistinct bell rang, and beneath the familiar sunset, another day of classes came to an end.
"What's the rush?"
Naruto watched his classmates hurry out, the corner of his mouth twitching helplessly.
"Well, graduation exams are almost here. Guess they want to get home and sleep a little longer."
Behind him, Shikamaru shrugged, though an unusual gleam flashed through his eyes when he mentioned graduation.
"Ugh, you're as lazy as ever, Shikamaru. Not everyone thinks like you and only cares about sleeping."
Ino shouldered her schoolbag and walked into the middle of the room. Hearing Shikamaru's words, she couldn't help complaining.
"Well, I guess."
Shikamaru didn't argue. He leaned back slightly and watched the blackboard, dyed orange by the sunset.
"Honestly. Want to walk home together tonight?"
Ino sighed helplessly, then asked.
"Huh? What about Sakura?"
Shikamaru was a little surprised. Ino usually went home with Sakura.
"Since the graduation exam is tomorrow, her parents came to pick her up today."
Ino answered, giving Shikamaru's pineapple-shaped ponytail a tug.
"Ow, easy."
Shikamaru rubbed his head, then nodded.
"Sure. Let's wait until there are fewer people before we leave."
Unlike the languid Shikamaru, Karin watched Ino warily, her body edging closer to Sasuke as if by accident.
"Hey..."
Sasuke called softly, but Karin pretended not to hear him.
"Karin, your hair is poking me in the eyes."
Sasuke lifted a hand to brush the red hair out of his line of sight, then tipped his head back somewhat speechlessly, looking down his nose at a red head.
"Huh? Is it? Hehehe."
Karin maintained that she was only worried Ino might come flirt with Sasuke. She absolutely wasn't taking the opportunity to take advantage of him.
Sasuke: "Heh."
"Naruto-kun, let's go."
Watching the crowd gradually thin out,