Predecessor

Presentation

"Naruto, over here!"

Bright and early, the Uzumaki steps through the academy door and is greeted warmly. He's the last to get to class per usual and per usual he regrets it because he could've spent that morning talking to Sakura.

Seeing everyone next to their partners, he remembers all the work they've done on their assignment and how they're presenting today. A sheepish smile on his face, he trots over to his usual desk and sits next to the Haruno.

"Morning," he says to her. She grins brighter. Wider. Somehow, she seems different. Like she has a new resolve, and she does.

Not even half an hour ago, Ino had spoken to her. Finally. After all this time. She had been waiting since the academy gates had opened, standing at their classroom, awaiting Sakura's arrival.

The Haruno has a habit of being early so Ino had risen with the sun. She had been twirling and twirling and twirling that one strand of hair that hangs loosely over her face and had glared up at the pinkette as she slowly tottered to the classroom.

"Ino—?"

Nothing is said immediately. The two girls stand facing each other, quiet enveloping them like a blanket, and Ino is staunch. She opens her mouth then shut it quickly before words finally form for her.

"From this day on, we're rivals - you and I."

Sakura blinks, taken aback. She hadn't expected that, and has to rack her brain to understand where this is all coming from.

Ino is torn, conflict reflecting in her irises. Bile rises in her throat as she thinks over all the years she has known Sakura, all the great things she can do and has done up until now, and she feels somewhat heated.

She clenches her fists and the look in her eyes harden.

"That day that those guys attacked us...I couldn't do anything. And so easily, you had overpowered them. I knew you were smart, Sakura, but I didn't realise how weak I am."

Sakura raises her brows, surprised — is that was all this is about? She takes a step forward, frowning.

"That's not true, Ino, you are one of the strongest people I know," she insists in confusion but Ino just shakes her head.

"But I'm not strong enough." She lifts her arm and points at the Haruno's face, just above her brow. She sneers, too, and Sakura knows she's serious. "I won't be satisfied if someone with a forehead that big becomes better than me!"

Sakura takes a moment but then she realises what is going on. Ino is intending to be mean but Sakura understands. She smiles and sniffles, not being able to find it in her to take offence. If Ino really wants to rip into her, she knows how to do however she doesn't.

She's kind.

"You'll always be my best friend," says Sakura, holding up a fist for Ino to bump.

Ino smirks and gives a head nod, knocking her knuckles against the Haruno's. "No. Sisters."

::

Their presentation goes well. Sakura and Naruto take turns speaking, and Iruka is very impressed by the amount of people they have interviewed. The emphasis on the Uzumaki Clan within the research surprises even Naruto himself, not knowing that Sakura has made it her goal to educate him on his own clan and worth.

The class claps loudly for them, and even compliment Naruto on his heritage. He blushes bright red and gets all shy. He feels somewhat awkward, unable to handle the sudden compliments.