The air in the classroom buzzed faintly with early morning chatter as sunlight poured through the tall windows of the Ninja Academy. Naruto arrived earlier than usual, dressed neatly and with purpose. He took a seat at the far side near the window, a quiet spot where the rays of the sun felt warm against his skin.
Unlike the chaotic boy the world expected, today he came with a sharpened gaze and a silent mind. His heart, though still carrying the weight of Salaar's past life, had steadied. This world may be unfamiliar, but his purpose wasn't: become strong enough to protect what others couldn't.
He was flipping through his textbook of chakra theory, memorizing the basics with practiced focus on when a commotion stirred at the front of the class.
"Why are you even here, Hyuga?" one voice muttered loud enough to carry. "Think you're better than us just because of your eyes?"
It was a group of three academy students not from the anime, but all carrying the distinct crest of the Kagami Clan on their sleeves. A lesser-known clan within Konoha, proud and bitter, known for their disdain of traditional houses like the Hyuga. Their doujutsu never rivaled the Sharingan or Byakugan, and over time, their pride curdled into quiet resentment.
Hinata stood near her desk, fingers clasped nervously. She didn't respond. Her white eyes glanced downward, unsure of what to do as the boy in front of her reached for her bag.
"Stop it…" she said softly.
"Can't hear you," the boy mocked.
Another snickered, "Maybe she's mute like her father and silent behind the clan walls."
Naruto closed the book gently, stood up, and walked toward them.
"Hey," he said, voice calm but firm. "Back off."
All three turned to him.
"And who's asking? The dead-last orphan?"
Naruto ignored the insult. He walked past them and stood beside Hinata, placing a hand on her shoulder. "You okay?" he asked.
She nodded shakily.
One of the boys stepped forward. "You don't get to play hero here. This is between—"
Before he could finish, Naruto's foot swept under his stance. The boy hit the floor with a thud. The classroom went silent.
The other two stepped back, suddenly uncertain. Naruto didn't glare. He didn't growl or boast.
He simply looked down at the fallen boy. "You touch her again, you'll answer to me."
The boy scrambled up, red-faced and angry, but he didn't retaliate. Something in Naruto's eyes showed a weight far older than a twelve-year-old should carry—made him pause. The three Kagami boys backed off and returned to their seats with forced chuckles.
Hinata looked up at Naruto, wide-eyed. "T-Thank you…"
Naruto gave her a small smile. "Don't mention it."
A faint movement near the back of the room caught his attention.
Uchiha Sasuke, leaned back in his chair, watched everything unfold with unreadable black eyes. He said nothing. No scorn. No praise. Just quiet observation, like a predator sizing up prey or maybe an equal.
Their eyes met for a second.
Sasuke looked away.
After class, Naruto sat alone beneath a tree outside the academy, chewing on a rice ball he packed himself. Hinata shyly approached with a gentle smile and another in her hand.
She extended it. "I… wanted to thank you properly."
Naruto blinked. "For me?"
She nodded. "You didn't have to help me. But… you did."
He took the rice ball, staring at it for a moment before smiling back.
"You ever think maybe I didn't do it for you?" he teased lightly.
Hinata's face turned red.
"I did it because… no one deserves to be bullied just for being born," he added, quietly.
She sat beside him. The breeze was calm, carrying the scent of cut grass and something warm hope, perhaps.
Far in the distance, Sasuke watched from the academy rooftop, arms crossed.
Still silent.
Still watching.