Reincarnation: The Uzumaki Awakens

INSIDE THE CLASSROOM, SAKURA AND INO CONTINUE TO EXCHANGE BARBED COMMENTS...

Their voices rise, distracting the entire class

SAKURA:

"Ino, you're blinded by Naruto's fake smiles and loud personality!"

INO:

"At least Naruto-kun doesn't have a stuck-up attitude like some people – always brooding, never smiling!"

The classroom falls silent, awaiting Iruka sensei's intervention, but instead –

SASUKE'S DEEP VOICE CUTS THROUGH THE TENSION:

"Enough. Both of you, shut up."

Sakura and Ino stop abruptly, surprised by Sasuke's rare outburst

Ino's eyes narrow slightly at Sasuke, unhappy with his interference

INO THINKS:

"Sasuke Uchiha always takes Sakura's side... or so it seems. His tone was almost... protective of the classroom peace, not just Sakura."

Sasuke's gaze drifts towards the window, watching as

NARUTO WALKS OUTSIDE, WHISTLING CAREFREELY ALONGSIDE SHIKAMARU

Sasuke's expression turns complicated a mix of curiosity and wariness

SASUKE THINKS:

"Naruto Uzumaki... always so cheerful on the surface. Yet, I sense something beneath, a spark resembling my own clan's intense ambition. What drives him?"

His eyes linger on Naruto for a few moments before returning to the classroom

Ino notices Sasuke's gaze following Naruto and her interest piques

INO LEANS OVER TO SAKURA, A MISCHIEVOUS GLINT IN HER EYE...

She whispers softly, trying not to draw Sasuke's attention again

INO:

"Sasuke-kun was watching Naruto and I think he's finally interested in someone besides you, Sakura?"

Sakura's eyes widen slightly, her expression a mix of surprise and defensiveness

SAKURA:

"No way... Sasuke-kun only cares about his brother and clan pride. Naruto Uzumaki means nothing to him!"

But Sakura's voice lacks conviction, and Ino notices her faint blush

INO THINKS:

"Sakura's protesting too much she's worried Sasuke might actually notice Naruto. This rivalry between us just got interesting!"

Sasuke remains oblivious to their whispering, still lost in thought

Just then, Iruka sensei assigns groups for the upcoming Chakra Nature Types project

IRUKA:

"Teams of four: Sakura, Sasuke, Ino, and... Naruto Uzumaki work together on this project!"

Sakura's eyes lock onto Sasuke, then Naruto, her expression complicated

NARUTO REMAINS OBLIVIOUS TO THE GROUP ASSIGNMENT DRAMA, WHISTLING SOFTLY TO HIMSELF...

He walks towards the exit, ready to leave class behind

INO AND SAKURA EXCHANGE GLANCES, THEN QUICKLY START DISCUSSING PROJECT DETAILS BETWEEN THEMSELVES:

Ino: "*Sakura, we should divide tasks and you research Chakra Nature Types theory, I'll outline our presentation."

Sakura: "Agreed. Sasuke-kun can handle any physical demonstrations needed."

Meanwhile, Sasuke approaches Naruto with his signature arrogant stride

SASUKE:

"Uzumaki Naruto. We need to discuss our project strategy. My ideas will likely surpass yours."

But Naruto doesn't even break stride or acknowledge Sasuke's presence

NARUTO KEEPS WALKING, IGNORING SASUKE COMPLETELY, AS IF HE'S INVISIBLE:

Sasuke's expression darkens, eyes narrowing and he's not used to being ignored

SASUKE'S VOICE LOWERS, TAKING ON A MENACING TONE:

"Uzumaki Naruto, stop walking away from me. We need to talk."

Ino and Sakura watch this exchange, shocked by Naruto's blatant disregard for Sasuke

INO'S EYES WIDE WITH SURPRISE:

"Sakura, did Naruto just ignore Sasuke-kun?!*"

SAKURA'S FACE PALES SLIGHTLY:*

"*Yes... and Sasuke-kun looks furious. This isn't good."

Sasuke takes a step closer to Naruto, his hand clenched into a fist

[ CONTINUE ]ദ്ദി(˵ •̀ ᴗ - ˵ ) ✧