Naruto Fanfiction Series 1: Kitsune's Mission

Phase 13: Genin Exam

Third Person POV

The air hung heavy with the lingering scent of festival food and the fading echoes of laughter.

Sasuke, his gaze fixed on the cobblestones beneath his feet, couldn't help but chuckle as he recounted Naruto's latest act of affection.

"You bought all the fox plushies?" he asked, his voice laced with amusement.

The words tumbled out, a playful attempt to mask the whirlwind of emotions swirling within him.

He couldn't believe Naruto would do that, especially after seeing the vendors packing up their stalls, their faces a mixture of surprise and relief.

Naruto had bought every single fox plushie, leaving the vendors with nothing to sell, their presence at the festival now redundant. It was a gesture so grand, so utterly Naruto, that it left Sasuke speechless.

"Sorry, can't help it. I love spoiling you," Naruto said, pulling the younger closer to his arms. His words were a gentle murmur, a soft caress against Sasuke's ear.

Sasuke just stared at the blonde in disbelief. He couldn't believe Naruto's impulsiveness, but a small smile tugged at the corner of his lips. He had to admit, it was endearing. It was Naruto, through and through.

Naruto leaned down and pecked Sasuke's nose, a playful gesture that sent Sasuke's heart racing.

His heart thundered in his chest, a frantic drumbeat that echoed the chaos of his emotions.

It was a symphony of love and fear, a melody of hope and despair.

"We should go home now. The Exam starts tomorrow," Naruto stated, his voice a gentle reminder of the impending reality.

The words hung in the air, a stark contrast to the whimsical world they had created together.

Sasuke sighed, his mind drifting back to the Genin Exam.

He knew they would pass. He had trained tirelessly, pushing himself to his limits, all for Naruto.

He wanted to make Naruto proud, to show him that all the time and effort he had invested in his training was worth it.

He wanted to prove himself worthy of Naruto's love, to be strong enough to protect him from any harm. He wanted to rival Naruto's strength, to stand beside him as an equal.

But it seems like it is starting to be a distant dream. Nightmares still on the roll making him suffer every night waking the anger and vengeance that he thought was already gone but his wrong.

"Sure, besides maybe Iruka Sensei missing his little brother. I need to take you back to him now," Sasuke chuckled, his voice a playful tease, a way to mask the growing anxiety within him.

The words were a shield, a barrier against the vulnerability that threatened to consume him.

Naruto smiled, shaking his head, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

"But I want to stay with you," he whispered, his voice deep and husky, a seductive murmur that sent shivers down Sasuke's spine.

Naruto looked at Sasuke waiting for a response he wanted to hear.

Sasuke shook his head, chuckling, a nervous laugh that did little to mask the pain in his eyes.

"Nope, you go home at Iruka's apartment while I go to Uchiha Compound. We'll see each other tomorrow!" Sasuke stated slowly walking away from the blonde.

But halted in his steps seeing Lee and Choji walking towards him. His forehead knotted as he glance at Naruto on question. Naruto shrugged his shoulder.