Naruto: The Clanless Prince

Sora held the key in his hand and looked at his new home. It was an old apartment building, and only this single room belonged to him.

He didn't expect Sarutobi Hiruzen to act so efficiently. Everything had been arranged just the previous night.

However, there seemed to be no other residents in the building. This was likely deliberate, considering the villagers' animosity toward him.

At the same time, Sora couldn't help but chuckle.

Sarutobi Hiruzen had said last night that the matter of the ninjutsu wasn't urgent. Yet now, he'd sent a ninja to remind him to report to the Hokage Building once healed.

Not urgent? It was clear that the words "I'm very anxious" were practically written all over the Hokage's face.

Sora opened the door and stepped inside.

The interior was well-maintained, with a complete set of furniture and a clean layout.

He sank onto the sofa, finding it quite comfortable.

Looking at the clock on the wall, he saw it was already 9 o'clock in the morning.

Sora decided not to visit the Hokage Building today. If he was instructed to go after his injuries healed, there was no reason to rush—especially if it wasn't truly urgent.

Instead, Sora's thoughts turned to Uzumaki Kushina and the words she had shared with him the previous night.

He was eager to see her again.

However, after several days without bathing, Sora smelled strongly of sweat. He decided to return to his dilapidated hut to gather his belongings, including his standard sword.

The standard sword was a reliable weapon—despite his earlier rough handling, it had held up remarkably well.

After packing everything, Sora moved his belongings to his new home. He then took a long shower to refresh himself before setting off for the Ninja School.

By the time he arrived, it was lunchtime.

As Sora entered the classroom, he saw Uzumaki Kushina clenching her fists and striking someone.

When Kushina spotted him, her expression lit up with surprise.

"Sora! You're out of the hospital?!"

Hearing his name, everyone turned to look at him.

Most of the students didn't know that Sora was hospitalized. His absence over the past several days had gone unnoticed, and now that they saw him, their expressions were more amused than concerned.

Kushina released the student she had been holding down, hurried over, and asked, "When did you wake up?"

Sora smiled gently. "Right after you left the hospital last night."

Kushina's eyes widened, her face reddened, and she stammered, "Y-you weren't unconscious? How do you know I visited you?"

Sora glanced around. He didn't want the two of them to be the centre of attention.

Reaching out, he took Kushina's hand. "This isn't the place to talk. Let's go outside."

Kushina's face, already red, turned an even deeper shade as though blood might drip from her cheeks. Her mind blank, she let herself be led out of the classroom like a puppet.

Sora guided Kushina to the grove behind the Ninja School. Once there, he released her hand and noticed her face was flushed, her eyes unfocused, and her expression dazed.

Sora waved his hand in front of her face. "Kushina? Kushina, snap out of it!"

Uzumaki Kushina came back to her senses, saw Sora standing in front of her, and took a step back in fright. "You... you... you..." she stammered, unable to form a complete sentence.

Sora explained with a smile, "I was indeed in a coma last night, but my consciousness was very clear, and I could hear everything."

Uzumaki Kushina lowered her head slightly, her voice so soft that Sora had to strain to hear it. "Is that so…"

Inside, Uzumaki Kushina was battling herself.

She had made up her mind to befriend Sora, but now she couldn't find the words to speak. Nervousness took over, and sweat broke out on her forehead as faint wisps of white smoke floated from her head.

Seeing Uzumaki Kushina's adorable, flustered state, Sora exhaled and spoke seriously, "Kushina, I've made up my mind too!"

Kushina looked up at Sora, confusion evident in her eyes. She didn't understand what he meant.

Sora's gaze was firm as he said, "I also want to be your friend—your lifelong friend! So… Kushina, will you be my friend?"

He stretched out his hand toward her, patiently waiting for her response.

Uzumaki Kushina's mind completely shut down, her ears ringing. She stood frozen, unable to respond.

Sora remained patient, his hand extended, waiting silently.

After a few minutes, Uzumaki Kushina's overwhelmed mind finally rebooted. She slowly reached out her small hand, placed it in Sora's, and whispered, "Okay… it's a promise. We'll be friends for life."

Sora's smile lit up his face, and Uzumaki Kushina's matched it.

For the first time, both of them had made a true friend.

In his heart, Sora swore to protect her smile no matter what.

Uzumaki Kushina, initially shy and reserved, began to relax. Soon, she started chatting and recounting her recent experiences.

She described how the boys who tried to bully her ended up as "rotten tomatoes" after she was done with them.

"And now," Kushina said, pouting, "they've given me a nickname at the Ninja School—Blood Red Pepper."

Sora chuckled softly.

Kushina puffed her cheeks in annoyance. "Sora, do you think that nickname suits me?"

Sora shook his head with a warm smile. "Of course not. I think you're amazing, Kushina. Beating them all to a pulp on your own? That's incredible."

Kushina placed her hands on her hips, beaming with pride. "Of course! I've never lost a fight!"

But her mood suddenly shifted, and she looked down in disappointment.

Sora frowned, concerned. "Kushina, what's wrong?"

Kushina played with a strand of her red hair, her lips pursed. "Sora… do you think my hair is ugly?"

Sora placed his hands gently on her shoulders, looking her straight in the eyes. "Kushina, your hair is beautiful. The colour is vibrant, and its length is adorable. Someday, it'll look even more stunning. Don't let what others say make you doubt yourself.

You're amazing. No, you're the best!"

Kushina's cheeks, which had just returned to normal, turned beet red again. She punched Sora lightly on the chest, turned around shyly, and held her face in her hands. "H-how can you say things like that?!"

Sora winced and rubbed his chest.

There was no denying it—Kushina was strong. That punch nearly knocked the wind out of him.

Just then, the school bell rang, signalling the start of the afternoon classes.

This time, it was Uzumaki Kushina who took the initiative. She grabbed Sora's hand with a playful grin and said, "Come on, let's get to class!"

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