No Need for Love

C h a p t e r 4 - Reassurance

I quickly leap into action making the first move. Sasuke is slightly caught off guard by my forwardness. I throw a punch his way, but he swiftly dodges. Moving aside he appears behind me and tries to land a kick with his right leg. Turning around in time, I block his attack and push him away forcefully. Sasuke loses his balance for a second and I take the chance to land a hit on him.

A faint red mark begins to appear on his cheek. The air is silent, everyone watching can't believe Sasuke got hit. Even Iruka Sensei is shocked. Naruto stares with wide eyes before he continues to root for me. Meanwhile all the girls glare at me for hitting Sasuke's "precious" face. Sasuke turns his head and I notice there's a glint of something in his eyes. I've never seen it before, but I can tell.

He isn't mad that I hit him. No- he's excited and it's the thrill of having a challenge. I collect my thoughts and stand prepared for his next move. Sasuke launches himself at me, going nonstop. I'm able to block all of his attacks with ease and keeping up with him is quite simple. Sasuke may be strong and swift on his feet, but he lacks in speed. After dodging another one of his attempts at hitting me, I step aside and counterattack with a punch of my own. As soon as I make contact, Sasuke poofed into a cloud of smoke.

'A clone?! When did he-'

The real Sasuke shows up throwing a punch I barely manage to miss. Skidding away I'm able to distance myself. Grabbing my pouch, I pull out a couple of shuriken. Swiftly throwing them I run towards Sasuke who is busy deflecting my attack.

Getting close I land a punch on him, followed by a nice kick to the face. The force from my kick causes Sasuke to fall back. He hits the ground with a thud. Iruka Sensei then ends our little match.

"Alright the winner is (Name)." he states still surprised.

Looking at my classmates, I see most of the boys cheering with small blushes on their face. While I still feel the intense glares coming from the girls. I happily grin in victory, but seeing as Sasuke is still on the ground, I decided to help him.

Reaching out, I lend him a helping hand. Sasuke ignores my presence, getting up on his own. He quickly wipes the blood from his face (which happens to be the place where I kicked him) and walks away.

"Okay class that's enough for today, your dismissed." Iruka sensei tells us.

With that phrase everyone disperses in different directions. Quickly saying goodbye to both Hinata and Shikamaru, I leave the academy. But a certain whisker-faced knucklehead chooses to follow me.

'He's so bad at tailing people.' I think while smiling to myself.

"I already know you're there Naruto. Why are you hiding?" I say, stopping to look at him.

Naruto appears behind a corner. He smiles shyly while rubbing the back of his head in embarrassment.

"O-oh, hey (Name)."

"Hi, you know if you wanted to walk me home why didn't you just ask?"

"Oh, I don't know." he says "That was really cool! You know, how you beat Sasuke and all."

"Thanks." I reply

"(Name), how do you do it?"

"Do what?" I ask wanting him to clarify.

"Be so strong, you beat Sasuke for crying out loud!" I look at him as he continues. "I try so hard and yet I get nowhere. I want to be strong, but it feels like it'll never happen."

I'm completely in shock, I've never heard Naruto talk like this. He's always so enthusiastic and always keeps trying no matter what.

"Naruto" I say as I stop walking. "Don't talk like that! I know you'll become strong one day. Things may be hard for you now, but I know you'll get it. I'll even help you if that's what it takes!"

Naruto's eyes widen at my words.

"Thanks (Name)." he smiles once again.

"No problem, you've never given up before, so don't start now. Always keep going, no matter what."

He nods at my words of encouragement. We walk and along the way we talk about various things. I really enjoy spending time with Naruto. His attitude is one of optimism and that smile can turn any bad day into a great one. Time passes and we finally reach my apartment.

"Bye Naruto, see you tomorrow!"

"Wait (Name)." he says stopping me.

"What is it?"

"Well, uh... I was wondering if you would help me train for the exam tomorrow?" he asks shyly

I sigh as a sweat drop appears on my head.

"Sure Naruto."

Turning around we travel away from my place of rest and to the training field. Where I help Naruto work on his clone jutsu. Which quite literally takes ALL DAY.