New World Same Rules (Naruto X MHA)

Race Me!

Midnight looked down at me through the crowd with a big smile, holding out the microphone.

Ah shit.

The crowd was cheering in excitement, whether for Midnight's outfit or in anticipation of my speech, I wasn't sure. My classmates were cheering as well (minus Bakugo), but the rest of the student body didn't seem quite as happy that I had been the one selected for this role. As I made my way to the stage, I caught plenty of grief about it, hearing things like, "Of course, a student from the hero course got selected." Ugh, how is Team 7's luck plaguing me even in this world?. Everyone here already hates our class because of Bakugo, so I really can't say anything stupid. So then, what to say? If only Kakashi's ability to bullshit was transferable! I can feel his smug eyes following me; he's probably just waiting for me to mess up. What an ass. I took a deep breath as I reached the stage, my hands were shaky as I grabbed the microphone from Midnight's hands. I'd never been good at speaking in front of crowds; people always told me I was off-putting and brash, so I usually avoided it. It was always easy to do so when I had people like Naruto around, who were naturally gifted at that sort of thing.

"Um, hello everyone! I'm Haurno Sakura, and I am honored to be able to stand before you today. First, I would like to recognize that although many of you are here to see the rising heroes our school has to offer, UA has many students from the Support, Business, and General Education classes who are just as worthy of your attention and praise. I ask that you do not overlook their efforts here today. To my peers, I wish you all the best of luck. Thank you!" I sighed as I finished my short speech and was relieved when I began to hear applause reverberate throughout not only the crowd before me but my classmates behind me.

Thank the goggle gods.

I handed the mic back to Midnight, who seemed pleased, before returning to my place with my class. Then the first event was announced. A race. Following the announcement, students were guided over to a large gate at the edge of the arena.

"Nice speech Sakura. I think you managed to somehow mitigate some of the other classes' harsh feelings against ours," Kakashi said smiling, and as much as I hated to admit it, I felt my chest swell with pride.

"Psh, that was easy Kakashi, come on now!" I said. I didn't need him knowing I was a nervous wreck over something so silly.

"Ok sure, whatever you say Sakura," He said, his tone dripping with that infuriating condescending tone he always liked to tease me with.

"It was!" I raised my voice. But, before I could defend myself further, I heard something that made my heart stop: Laughter. Genuine laughter coming from Kakashi, not the fake bullshit I normally get from him or the dumb perverted giggles when he reads his gross porn novels.
A real laugh.

"Yeah, ok Sakura, I'll pretend like you weren't trembling when you got up there in front of this massive crowd if it makes you feel better," He said teasingly, the creases in his eyes indicating his grin.

I really tried to stay angry, but when I saw that smile, I couldn't bring myself to ruin the moment. Time seemed to stop, and I stood, admiring for a moment, realizing that despite all of the shit we'd been through, he'd been through. Here he was trying to make the best of it like always. Making fun of me the same way he always had, and for a moment, it felt like a regular day back with Team 7. To be honest, at the end of the day, I'm glad he is the one I had to be stuck with through all of this.

I was snapped out of my thoughts when the massive gate creaked open and a loud buzzer rang out signaling the start of the race. As the others ran past, Kakashi held up his hand signaling for me to wait, "So, are you done staring me down now? Because I'm feeling up for a little competition," He teased.