The Deadly Duo

Chapter 2

"Nara Shinji… Aburame Sion... Akatski Tatsuya… Uzumaki Naruto. Has anyone seen Naruto?" The teacher, Yama Genji asked lazily. He has no qualms against Naruto, instead, views him as a good student who is willing to work hard and do his best.

"Sorry sensei! I'm late!" Naruto exclaimed as he burst through the doors of the classroom.

"Just sit down Naruto…" Genji drawled before putting down the clipboard and started giving out the test papers. Naruto sighed as he set his eyes on the papers, robotically answering the questions.

One week later…

The noisy atmosphere of the class quiet down to a whisper as the teacher took his first step into the class. The students were eagerly watching the pile of papers in his hands, knowing for sure it is the academy results.

"Top student for this year is… Hyuuga Neji with the score of 8/10 for taijutsu, 17/20 for written papers, 8/10 for genjutsu, 8/10 for shurikenjutsu. Top kunoichi for the year is TenTen with the score of 6/10 for taijutsu, 16/20 for written papers, 7/10 for genjutsu, 9/10 for shurikenjutsu."

Naruto nodded contently. Since he had experience from the past, he could have gotten the student for the year award. But he decided to keep it moderate, so that the civilian council will not be alarmed. He himself got the marks: 7/10 for taijutsu, 13/20 for written papers, 7/10 for genjutsu and 8/10 for shurikenjutsu which made him among the top 5 of the class. 'guessy classmates ain't as good as I expected them to be.'

As he walked out of the academy doors, many civilians glared at him when he passed by. It hurt him but he didn't ponder much about it when he saw Itachi waiting there. She welcomed him by ruffling his hair much to his horror. When he tried to swat her hand away, she only jumped back and laughed at him making him pout. Internally he smiled though. Last time he could not trust anyone wholeheartedly, this time he have Itachi.

"You have Itachi eh?" A long unheard voice rang through his head.

"Shut it furball." Naruto replied mentally, embarrassed.

"So what did Kurama say Naruto-kun?" Itachi asked with a mischievous smile.

"GAH! DON'T GANG UP ON ME LIKE THAT!" Naruto shouted, face glowing red. Both Itachi and Kurama were laughing simultaneously without either knowing.

"I swear you guys have a mental bond." Naruto grumbled. This only evoked their laughter louder. Despite all the grumbled Naruto had, his lips still twitched upwards.

24th December, One day before Christmas.

"SHIT!" Naruto shouted when he woke. He just realised what day it is today. It was just one day before Christmas! He hasn't even bought the gifts and decorations! Plus Itachi is on a mission and would come back tomorrow… she would absolutely kill him…

'Just use shadow clones you dumb shit." Kurama grumbled from within. "Stop making such a fuss so that I can sleep….' Naruto perked up at that suggestion.

'Thanks Kurama!' Naruto thought. 'Now… Taiju Kage Bushin No Jutsu!' Multiple pouffe of smoke appeared around Naruto. The clones quickly performed henge and started moving out and about, buying gifts and decorations. If you look into the apartment however, you will still see the original Naruto pacing around and thinking deeply.

'Ah… what should I buy for Itachi-chan? What should I buy…' Naruto kept pondering on his gift to her. "Maybe I should buy her jewellery. Nah, she loves practicality over looks. What about a ring…" an image of Naruto and Itachi getting married came to mind and Naruto quickly shook his head to get rid of the image. "Not a good idea. " He mentioned out loud.

Suddenly, the doorbell rang. Naruto stood as rigid as a board, mentally praying it is not Itachi. But who else could it be then? People still hate him.

"Naruto-kun? Are you home?" The Hokage's voice came from behind the door. Naruto sighed in relief and opened the door letting Hiruzen in. "Jiji! It's been ages!" Naruto greeted.