Sakura: Another Story

Chapter 7

Laying on the grass, the four friends stared at the sky. It was a bright, sunny day, not a cloud shown in the sky. Cherry blossoms floated with the breeze, the light wind bringing a refreshing coolness. Naruto, Hinata, Sasuke and Sakura talked about how they were going to graduate the Academy. Each were twelve years old now, and it was seven years since the death of Sakuras parents.

"You know, we should expand our friendships." Naruto said as he picked a blade of grass, tying it together.

"Tch, dobe, not happy with us three?" Sasuke asked. Sakura giggled.

"You jealous, Tomato? Afraid your Naruto-kun will leave us?" Sasuke sighed.

"Oh my god, Pinky. I don't like the dobe. Stop saying stuff like that."

"Like what?"

"Like that!"

"No really, like what?"

"Hinata-chan, here they go again. This is the fourth time this hour, no?" Naruto said with a chuckle. Hinata let out a small laugh as well. Now that had been close to her three friends for a long time, she was comfortable to talk without stuttering.

"I know... Lets stop them before it goes too far." The two bonked their other friends heads, who glared at them. Naruto and Hinata shrugged, giving smiles. The other two laughed, soon all four were laughing on the ground.

"Okay, okay," Naruto said as he breathed deeply. His insides hurt a ton because he was laughing too hard. " Lets go to Ichirakus! I'll pay for all the ramen you want, because tomorrow, WE GRADUATE!" Naruto cheered. Everyone grinned, and they all ran down the hill, across the street, taking quick turns through the alleys, finally reaching the famed ramen stand that all four friends loved.

"Ohayo, old man!" Naruto cheered. The ramen chef, Teuchi turned around, waving his ladle.

"Naruto! Its Teuchi-san! Get it right!" Teuchi yelled, and smiled. Naruto waved his hand as he sat on a chair.

"No, that won't do. Old man suits you better!" Naruto cockily said. Teuchi rolled his eyes, and his daughter Ayame giggled.

"Alright, Naruto! What do you, Hinata, Sasuke and Sakura want to eat?" Ayame asked. Narutos eyes lit up.

"Oooo, I want some miso pork ramen, old man!" Naruto asked.

"Eh, I'd like some miso ramen with narutomaki, but no pork. Thank you, Teuchi-san and Ayame-san for making ramen for us." Hinata quietly said. Teuchi and Ayame nodded and smiled at the polite young lady.

"Shio ramen with menma and pork, sir." Sasuke shortly said.

"Tonkotsu ramen, oji-san, with lots of pork and seeweed, extra boiled eggs as well!" Sakura excitedly said. Ayame called out the orders and Teuchi began cooking.

"Man, I'm so excited! We get our teams and forehead protactors tommorow! What a day to celebrate!" Naruto said. He had a dreamy look in his face as he thought of all the missions he might get. Hinata stared at Naruto, a light blush growing over her face. Sakura nudged Sasuke on the arm, and the two silently giggled at their other friends. Teuchi scratched his head, then smiled.

"Hmm, alright then! Its on the house today!" He called out. Naruto glanced up from his daydream and looked at the chef.

"Huh? How come!? You're real stingy, old man when it comes to eating ramen for free!" Naruto said. Teuchi grinned.

"Its not everyday you graduate from the Academy, huh? Its on the house, and no buts, okay?" The foursome grinned and yelled out thank you's to the kind chef.