The Shadow Hokage [DISCONTINUED]

Chapter 13: OBLIVIOUS HEARTS (EDITED)

This is practically a filler but who cares

The day before the Chunin exams, Sakura, Naruto, and Sasuke had completed their affinity training. However, their progress wasn't as significant as they had hoped. Sakura's skills were comparable to a three-year-old Naruto, while Sasuke's abilities were on par with a four-year-old Naruto. Despite their lack of improvement, they prepared themselves for the upcoming exams.

Naruto, eager to uncover more about his unique affinity, had spent hours scouring the entire Shinobi Library of Konoha and the Namikaze-Uzumaki Library. However, he found no information about a "black affinity." Instead, he stumbled upon a passage that intrigued him. It read, "For I know the wielder of this power; power to save the world; power to bring death to anyone and not to harm you; power to give you a future and eternal life."

Naruto had developed a theory about his affinity, believing it to be connected to the Shinigami. The mention of "death" in the passage aligned with his understanding. Additionally, he knew that Uzumakis had a profound connection with Death itself, as evidenced by Kushina teaching Minato the Reaper Death Seal.

Interrupting his thoughts, Naruto heard a loud banging on his door. Concerned that it might be another fox hunt, he sensed Sasuke outside. He quickly opened the door, and Sasuke remained standing there.

"Kakashi called for us," Sasuke said plainly.

"Oh, sure. Give me a second," Naruto replied.

"I'll wait for you."

Realizing that they still needed the permits, Naruto hurriedly packed his belongings, including 100 of each necessary item, even though his previous stock remained untouched. He also grabbed 50 sets of the same clothes, similar to Gon's tendency. It took him around 10 minutes to finish his preparations.

"I'm finished!" Naruto yelled so Sasuke could hear him. Sasuke emerged from his room, observing Naruto intently.

"... Is there something wrong?" Naruto asked, oblivious to Sasuke's stare.

Sasuke shook his head. "No, I was just admiring your battle-yukata."

"I've always been wearing this. Why are you admiring it now?" Naruto asked, clueless.

"Never mind what I said. Let's hurry up," Sasuke said, quickening his pace. Naruto effortlessly caught up, deliberately matching Sasuke's speed.

Kurama sighed, wondering why all his jinchurikis were so oblivious.

---

After Kakashi announced that they could now register for the Chunin exams, Naruto returned home feeling bored. Kurama suggested that he should train with Sasuke, referring to him as Naruto's "secret admirer."

"Secret admirer?" Naruto inquired.

"Who's that?"

"Just go train with Sasuke, you dumbass," Kurama replied.

"Sure thing."

---

Time passed, and the sound of metal clashing filled the training ground. Naruto and Sasuke sparred to enhance their weapon skills, with Naruto practicing using kunai while Sasuke wielded a katana. Although Naruto was still a beginner in the art of weaponry, he outperformed Sasuke, showcasing his prodigious talent.

"Well, that's it for today. Make sure to rest properly; we can't have you exhausted tomorrow during the exams," Naruto advised.

"Actually, let's go to Ichiraku. It's my treat," Naruto suggested with a grin.

Sasuke panicked at the mention of going on a 'date.' No, dumbass, its not a date

"Sasuke? Sasukeee?" Naruto sang, waving his hand in front of the spaced-out Sasuke.

"Uh, yes?" Sasuke asked, shaking away his strange thoughts. "Did you even hear what I said?"

"Yes, yes, I'll go change. Wait for me."

"Okay."

---

"I'm ready," Sasuke declared.

"You look good," Naruto complimented, causing Sasuke's face to turn red.

"What's wrong? Why are you blushing again? Did we spar too much, and now you have a fever or something?" Naruto asked, once again oblivious to the situation.

"You worry too much. I'm perfectly fine," Sasuke replied.

"Alright, let's go then."

A comfortable silence settled between the two youngsters as they made their way to Ichiraku Ramen.

Finally, they reached their destination.

"Hey, old man! I want some miso char siu!" Naruto exclaimed.

"Got it!" the old man replied with a smile, glancing at Sasuke—though the latter couldn't tell since Teuchi constantly kept his eyes closed.

"What would you like?" the old man asked Sasuke.

"I'll have the same as Naruto, but please add some tomatoes," Sasuke replied. Teuchi nodded.

While the food was being prepared, Teuchi couldn't resist asking, "I didn't expect you to bring your boyfriend here, Naruto." Sasuke's face turned even redder.

"Boyfriend? You mean a male friend?" Naruto asked innocently, leaving the other two sighing.

"No, Naruto, a boyfriend is a boy you love romantically, and they feel the same way about you," Ayame explained, emerging from the kitchen.

"Oh, that? No, he's not my boyfriend. He's just a boy friend, like a male friend, you know? I wanted to treat him because he did well in our spar," Naruto clarified.

"What kind of spar? A spar in bed?" Ayame asked teasingly, eliciting another deep shade of red from Sasuke.

"Ayame, sparring in bed is impossible. You'd destroy the room!" Naruto protested.

"How oblivious can you be?" Ayame exclaimed.