Enemies

.9

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fourth year

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It was after academy, the trio of friends, alongside their new member Choji, were walking out of the school building. They were all groaning in discomfort, trying their best to fan themselves to cool off from the heat.

Naruto yanked the collar of his shirt, sweating heavily under the heating sun. "Geez! Where did this heat come from?! It was just cool yesterday."

"It could be that spring is coming soon," Hinata said, wiping her forehead with her sleeve. The group walked down an empty path, planning on hanging out at a forest where majority of the shade were and where they usually hangout at.

A little up ahead of them, Choji spotted a small convenient store and glowed happily. "You guys go on ahead! I'll be right back."

They waved at Choji before he jogged up ahead and entered inside the store. They continued onwards to their destination, sitting down hastily under the nice cool shadows from the trees. Shikamaru laid down, spreading his arms and legs while releasing a satisfied sigh. Soon the sound of light snores were heard coming out of him.

Naruto scooted closer to Hinata, "You've really been approving well, Hinata! Seeing you in practice was so cool!"

"Thank you, I'd say you really improved well too. Your fūinjutsu has been looking much cleaner," Hinata complimented back, clasping their hands together and smiling proudly. "In no time, we'll receive our headbands at ease. Let's keep this up."

That's right, it was their final year of attending academy. It's been a difficult process to go through but definitely achieving to most shinobis. As long as they keep up the work, they'll earn their headbands.

A goal that they'll finally reach!

Naruto's ear twitched slightly, hearing the sound of rushing water nearby them. He looked around, getting on his knees as he slid around to find where the water was coming form. Going a little deeper down, he ended finding a flowing river.

"Perfect!" Naruto flipped himself over and landed right on top of Shikamaru, forcing air out of Shikamaru's lungs before groaning in pain. "You guys! There's a river nearby, it'll help us cool down faster."

Naruto stood up from his spot and ran down towards the river. Hinata peaked up in interest, also standing up from her spot and following right behind him. The two stopped in front of it, staring in awh at the glittering water.

"What do you think? Wanna play for a bit?" Naruto asked Hinata, rolling up the cuffs of his pants and taking off his shoes.

"Of course!" Hinata responded as she took off her jacket and her shoes.

The two jogged into the water, shivering at the cold water hitting their toes and instantly grew comfortable with the temperature. Hinata looked far off at the river, breathing in the natural scent of the area and relaxed. It's been a while for her to play around like this, ever since her family decided it was time to take her training more intense, she haven't had much time to just relax.

"Shikamaru~ are you gonna join us?" Naruto shouted out, trying to gain his attention. Shikamaru took a quick glance at them before closing his eyes again. "I'm good, maybe later."