Inside a dark, sewer-like space, the air was damp and heavy. The floor was covered in black, rippling water. The faint sound of dripping echoed endlessly through the tunnels.
Ahead stood massive red bars — thick and towering like prison gates. A giant lock held them shut, and behind them, a simple paper with the word SEAL fluttered slightly, even though there was no wind.
And behind those bars… lay a mountain-sized fox. Orange fur like burning embers, nine tails spread lazily across the flooded floor. Its rhythmic breathing filled the silence, deep and rumbling like distant thunder. The quite peace was broken by a loud shout.
"Yo partnerrrrr~your jailer is here~."
Naruto's exclaimed, hands on his hips and a bright grin stretched across his face. He had come to meet his future parter in advance. He wanted to meet him before going to sleep. As Kurama is, it will take a while to get through this giant fox's emotional barrier.
Kurama's eyes twisted open. Twin pools of burning crimson glared down at him, their slitted pupils narrowing in irritation.
Vmmm~
The fox's massive chakra stirred, and the air rippled — a wave of pure pressure slammed against Naruto, forcing him to take a step back. The water rippled like wave.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa!! Easy there, partner!!"
Naruto laughed nervously, raising both hands. Even though he knew this would happen, he still can't help but he nervous infront of a monster and this was actually the first time seeing the fox in real life. And boy~ oh boy~ is this guy feisty.
"What's with the passive aggression!? I just came here to talk!!"
Naruto tried to reason. Well, not like there was anything else he can come here for anyway.
Kurama's growl rumbled through the air like an earthquake. Rows of razor-sharp fangs flashed between his lips.
"What do you want, brat?"
His deep voice echoed, thick with venom.
Naruto grinned wider. Relived that his partner hasn't immediately thrown him out.
"Well, you've been living rent-free inside me for twelve years now… so I came to collect the rent!!I'mma take chakra as payment!!... and no discount!!"
He thrust out his left hand confidently. Naruto was 1000% sure that he would thrown out after this but it seemed like the Fox was too confused to even think of that.
Kurama blinked once, then twice. His burning eyes narrowed.
"What, makes you think I would ever do that? And I can hear you just fine. No need to burst my eardrums."
He said slowly.
His killing intent rose again, thick and suffocating, but Naruto only scratched the back of his head, sheepishly smiling. He didn't think the conversation would drag this long. Heck, he didn't even think they would talk at all! But still, he toned down a bit.
"Hmmmmm~, I don't know about that yet… but we'll figure it out!...somwhow!...probably...."
Kurama just stared. For the first time in centuries, he felt… confused. Pure, genuine confusion. The brat was serious, but his reasoning made no sense. He was so confused right now that he can't even get angry.
This boy—this tiny human—came barging into his seal, asked for chakra like it was pocket money, and didn't even know how to argue for it.
"Hmph!"
Kurama scoffed, lowering his head slightly, curiosity flickering behind his glare.
Then, Naruto suddenly snapped his fingers.
"Ah-ha! I know why you should give me chakra!"
Kurama tilted his massive head, watching him with faint annoyance.
"You know that guy, Madara Uchiha? And the one who controlled you and made you attack the village back when you were sealed inside my Kaa-chan?"
Naruto said quickly, pointing a finger at him.
"Well, they are still alive. And that masked guy too. They're both crazy strong, right? You don't wanna be controlled again, right?"
Kurama's brows twitched. Bad memory flooded into his mind. His mood plumped.
"So when they come for me—and that they will—I need to be strong enough to defend myself. If you help me now, we can make sure that never happens again. How about it? Good reason right? Let's be partners partnerrrr!"
Naruto said, his grin bright and earnest. This time, he was sure he would get kicked out.
Kurama just stared, his giant eyes unblinking. For a moment, he almost forgot to breathe.
Then his tails swished once, sending waves through the dark water.
"Enough!!!"
He thundered, his voice shaking the entire chamber.
"Get out!!!"
The fox's chakra exploded outward, crushing the space. Naruto barely had time to react before his vision blurred, consciousness fading like smoke in the wind—
—and then he woke up.
Naruto blinked at the familiar ceiling of his small apartment. The moon light filtered through the window, painting the room in a soft silver. He let out a deep sigh.
"What a feisty little fox,"
He muttered, rolling onto his side. Adjusting to a comfortable position on the bed.
"Doesn't matter. I'll visit him again tomorrow."
A grin tugged at his lips as he pulled the blanket up to his chin. He quietly drafted his plans for tomorrow as he drifted back to sleep.
=====
The next morning, Konoha stirred awake just like any other day. The streets were alive with the sounds of merchants opening shops and children laughing on their way to the academy. But inside
Konoha Ninja Academy, excitement hummed like electricity in the air. Newly graduated students were making their way to the building, their footsteps quick with anticipation, even though it was still early.
The graduates were assigned to their classes. Inside one classroom, Sasuke Uchiha sat at the back, next to the window, the cool guy seat, arms crossed, his gaze fixed outside. Brooding. Alone in his corner, he looked like he carried the weight of the world.
Shikamaru Nara slouched lazily at his desk, half-asleep, while Choji Akimichi munched on chips, idly watching the classroom.
The quiet was thick, calm before the storm. Hinata Hyuga sat quietly on the other side of the room, shy and reserved. Near her, Kiba Inuzuka and Shino Aburame waited, observing silently.
The calm shattered with the sound of distant shouts and hasty footsteps. Seconds later, the doors burst open. Sakura Haruno and Ino Yamanaka charged in, arguing as they ran.
"I'm first, Ino-pig!!"
Sakura called.
"No!! I'm first, forehead!!"
Ino shot back.
The two bickered loudly as they made their way toward Sasuke. Sakura managed to slide into the seat beside him before Ino could reach him by using her hand to shove Ino aside.
"Ah, she beat me!!"
Ino said, pouting, jealousy flaring in her expression.
Sakura smirked, smug and satisfied.
Ino's anger flared, but she swallowed it quickly.
"Next time, you got this one, but we'll see who ends up on the same team as Sasuke-kun. The real winner will be decided then… we'll see, Forehead."
Both girls huffed as Ino moved to sit beside Choji and Shikamaru.
Shikamaru frowned at the noise, muttering quietly,
"Troublesome,"
before resting his head back on the desk. Choji continued crunching through his chips, completely unfazed. It was an everyday thing that he can ignore just like most things in life.
Ino's focus, however, remained glued to Sasuke — until the classroom doors opened again.
Naruto strode in... normally. The whole class turned to him, confused.
Sakura sprang to her feet and pointed at him.
"Naruto!! How did you get in here?"
Naruto tilted his head, scratching his chin. Contemplating what to say.
"Ahhhhhh~With my feet?"
Naruto said as a matter of fact.
Sakura froze, blinking in disbelief. Ino barely held back a laugh, while Shikamaru frowned and Choji kept eating.
"That's not what I meant!! I meant… why are you here?"
Sakura pressed.
Naruto's expression remained calm, tilting his head again. As if stating most obvious fact.
"Ehhhh~to get assigned to a team?"
Sakura's forehead vain visibly bulged with frustration.
Bam!
She slammed her fist on the desk.
"I meant… didn't you fail? How are you still here!? Why are you here!?"
Naruto paused, smiled casually, and waved a hand as he walked toward the back row.
"Connections~, connections~. You wouldn't understand. You're still too wet behind the ears"
Naruto slowly climbed the stairs as he threw some line he read in Chinese webnoel... probably.
He nodded at Hinata. He was secretly looking at him and looked away, blushing hard. Naruto shrugged. Helping Hinata overcome her shyness was part of his agenda as well but that was something for the future.
He can't be distracted. As ye is not strong enough to even defend himself. Let alone help others.
He slid into a seat behind Hinata, with a calm that made many wonder if the sun has risen in west today. Ino burst into laughter at his antics. Sasuke frowned slightly, noting the difference in Naruto's behavior, but said nothing.
Sakura flared in frustration, unable to find a retort. She didn't even know what the wet behind the ears part meant!! But it clearly sounded like an insult!
She looked at Naruto as said,
"Baka-Naruto!! Do you want to die!?"
He glanced at Sakura, heart twisting slightly at the sight of her beside Sasuke. He still felt something for her, but he knew that loudly proclaiming his feelings wouldn't impress her anymore.
With the knowledge he had, he understood Sakura wouldn't be swayed by empty words alone. His love was never acknowledged in the canon.
So even if it hurt, he will wait until he was cool Eno for Sakura to forget about the emo boy.
Still, the memory of repeated rejections and the canon outcome gnawed at him, and a flicker of irritation escaped. If he can't impress her, might as well take out some grievance while he was at it.
"Sakura-chaaaan~, do you know women who get angry all the time tend to age faster than others?"
He said flatly, one eyebrow raised. Spouting some nonsense that came to mind. All he wanted to do was get back at Sakura a bit.
Sakura froze, confusion replacing her anger. She never imagined Naruto would talk to her like that. But quickly dismissed it thinking it was another tactic to get her attention.
Naruto pointed toward the brooding Sasuke.
"You wouldn't want to depress your Sasuke-kun with bad looks, right? He barely reacts as if he doesn't have what it takes. I don't think he'd be impressed unless he's into older women."
Muffled laughter spread through the classroom. Impressed by Naruto. Kiba even silently cheered because it felt good to insult Sasuke even if it was not him.
"Naruto! Watch what you're saying!"
Ino snapped, cheeks red. How could he say that about Sasuke-Kun!? There was no way Sasuke-kun didn't have what it takes... or did he? She couldn't tell because Sasuke really hasn't shown any interest towards any of them or any girl in that matter.
Naruto chuckled, raising a hand in mock surrender. Sasuke just hissed quietly, too prideful to respond.
Before Sakura could retort, the door opened once more. Iruka walked in, moving perfectly fine, and stopped at the podium. Naruto met his gaze, relief spreading across his face as Iruka smiled back.
"Alright, everyone, quiet down and take your seats. I'm about to announce your team assignments."
Iruka called.
The room hushed instantly.
"Team 7: Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, Sakura Haruno. Your Jonin-sensei will be Kakashi Hatake."
Murmurs rippled across the room. Sakura frowned, clearly dissatisfied at being on a team with Naruto. Naruto, however, remained neutral. He already knew the assignments. Ino ground her teeth in frustration. Iruka, noting their reactions, continued.
"Team 8: Kiba Inuzuka, Hinata Hyuga, and Shino Aburame. Your Jonin-sensei will be Kurenai Yuhi. Team 10: Ino Yamanaka, Shikamaru Nara, and Choji Akimichi you Jonin-sensei will be Asuma Sarutobi. Your Jonin-sensei will meet you shortly."
Iruka finished and left the classroom.
The moment the door closed, Sakura sprang to her feet, pointing at Ino.
"How's that, Ino-pig!? This is fate!! Fate brought us together!!"
Ino didn't respond, only glaring and turning her head away. There was nothing she could do. But that doesn't mean it was over! There would be plenty of time to win over Sasuke-kun in future! Just teaming up doesn't prove anything!
"Why do I have to be paired with these two?"
She murmured. Clearly dissatisfied. Even though she tried to console herself, the bitterness won't go way.
Sakura settled back into her seat with a smug expression, her earlier grievance about Naruto forgotten.
Naruto looked around the classroom. He stood as he slowly made his way towards the exit. He planned to go to a flower shop to buy some flowers for Iruka-Sensei and congratulate him for his recovery. Naruto knew that Kakashi would be three hour late. And he wouldn't take that much time anyway.
He ignored all the gazes as he swiftly made his exit.
Hinata, Kiba, Shino, and a few others noticed but said nothing. The Jonin-sensei was due to arrive, but Naruto left before they could intervene.
Sakura and Sasuke didn't bother — it was his problem, not there's. If he wanted to pull some pranks before even the Jonin-sensei arrives, they won't stop him. Especially Sakura. She felt relieved now that Naruto is gone. And it would be even better if he was gone forever! She can be with Sasuke-kun without any interference.
Sasuke continued to brood while looking outside the window as Sakura quietly sat beside him. Not daring to bother him in fear of irritating him.