Naruto: The Crimson Error

9

Chapter 9: The Great Orange Deluge

As the first rays of sunlight peeked over the horizon, painting the sky in hues of pink and gold, Sora found himself wide awake, eyes darting nervously around his room. He'd spent the entire night on high alert, jumping at every creak and shadow, expecting Naruto to burst through his window with some elaborate prank at any moment. But as the night had stretched on, nothing had happened. No water balloons, no itching powder, not even a measly whoopee cushion.

Sora yawned, stretching his arms above his head and wincing at the popping sounds his joints made. He felt like he'd gone ten rounds with Might Guy without the benefit of actually getting any exercise. Dark circles ringed his eyes, and his normally vibrant red hair looked distinctly lacklustre.

"Maybe," Sora mumbled to himself as he sluggishly got dressed, "Naruto forgot about the whole thing. Yeah, that's it. He probably got distracted by a ramen sale or something."

Even as he said it, Sora knew it was wishful thinking. Naruto forgetting about a prank war was about as likely as Kakashi showing up on time for anything.

Deciding that his usual training ground was probably booby-trapped six ways to Sunday, Sora opted for a different location. He made his way through the still-quiet streets of Konoha, eyeing every pebble and leaf with suspicion. A cat meowed, and Sora nearly jumped out of his skin, whirling around with a kunai in hand only to find a very unimpressed feline staring at him.

"Right," Sora muttered, sheepishly pocketing his weapon. "Get it together, man. You're the Crimson Prankster of Konoha, not some jumpy genin on their first C-rank mission."

As he rounded a corner, lost in thought about how he could possibly avoid Naruto's pranks for the next... he checked his watch... 12 hours and 43 minutes, Sora nearly collided with someone. He stumbled back, an apology on his lips, only for the words to die in his throat as he realized who was standing before him.

The man's posture radiated authority, his presence demanding attention even in the early morning quiet. The wide-brimmed hat adorned with the symbol of fire cast a shadow over weathered features, but there was no mistaking the keen intelligence in those eyes.

It was Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage himself.

Sora's brain short-circuited for a moment. What was the Hokage doing out here at this hour? Was this some kind of test? Had his pranks finally landed him in hot water with the village leader?

"L-Lord Hokage!" Sora stammered, bowing so low he nearly toppled over. "Good morning! I mean, it's an honour! I mean... uh... nice weather we're having?"

Hiruzen chuckled, a sound that somehow managed to be both grandfatherly and slightly intimidating at the same time. "At ease, young man. There's no need for such formality."

Sora straightened up, trying (and failing) to look nonchalant. "Of course, Lord Hokage. Is there... um... something I can help you with?"

The Hokage's eyes twinkled with an emotion Sora couldn't quite place. Was it amusement? Mischief? Whatever it was, it made Sora distinctly nervous.

"As a matter of fact, there is," Hiruzen said, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "I've heard some interesting reports about you, young Sora. Particularly concerning your... shall we say, extracurricular activities?"

Sora gulped. This was it. He was going to be exiled from the village. Or worse, banned from Ichiraku Ramen. He briefly considered making a break for it but quickly dismissed the idea. There was no outrunning the God of Shinobi.

"You mean... my pranks?" Sora asked hesitantly.

Hiruzen nodded. "Indeed. Your most recent escapade was particularly impressive. Flooding an entire classroom with red paint? That takes quite a bit of planning and skill."