Chapter 11: *Putting on an Act for the Rise of Konoha!*

Hiss...

Naruto sucked in a deep breath, nervously lowering his head as he mustered his courage to approach Sasuke.

Under the curious gazes of their classmates, Naruto walked up to Sasuke, and together they entered the Ninja Academy.

The moment they disappeared from view, chaos erupted at the entrance.

"Why is Sasuke walking so close to that guy?"

"Isn't Naruto the one always causing trouble?"

"Do you think...Sasuke was threatened?"

"Impossible! Sasuke's too strong for that!"

"Still, we should tell Iruka-sensei!"

"No, we need to inform the Third Hokage!"

The female students, smitten with Sasuke, concocted wild theories. Meanwhile, Sakura and Ino stood frozen, staring after the pair.

"Ino, do you think Sasuke could be in danger?" Sakura asked hesitantly.

"Are you dumb?" Ino snapped, flicking her forehead. "Sasuke, threatened by Naruto? As if!"

"Then maybe...Sasuke's the one threatening Naruto?" Sakura countered, her unique logic shining through.

Ino choked on air, coughing as she shot Sakura an incredulous glare. "It's your fault for saying such ridiculous things!"

"Either way, we need to find out what's going on!" Sakura declared, dragging Ino into the Academy. United in curiosity, the two frenemies formed a temporary truce.

---

Inside the classroom, Sasuke sat at his usual desk near the back, with Naruto beside him—a sight that baffled their classmates. To them, the two seemed worlds apart.

Leaning closer, Naruto whispered eagerly, "Sasuke, I'm ready for special training! When are you teaching me Shadow Clone Jutsu?" His eyes sparkled with anticipation, thoughts racing about the future he envisioned.

In his mind, he saw it clearly: passing the exam with flying colors, becoming a Genin, and forming the unstoppable "Konoha Twin Stars" with Sasuke. Together, they'd conquer the ninja world, earning fame and glory. Naruto would ascend as Hokage, with Sasuke as his trusted right-hand man. And, of course, he'd marry Sakura, living the perfect life.

Lost in his daydream, Naruto grinned at the ceiling.

"Don't you already know the Shadow Clone Jutsu?" Sasuke asked coolly, snapping Naruto back to reality.

"Uh, well...not exactly," Naruto admitted sheepishly. His clones were more comical than useful, and he knew it.

"You don’t need someone to teach you," Sasuke said, turning slightly to meet Naruto's gaze. "Trust your own talent. Train hard, and you’ll master it."

"I...I will!" Naruto's face turned crimson, his back straightening as he nodded vigorously.

"Hmm. Practice later. I’ll supervise," Sasuke replied, satisfied as a subtle grin crossed his face. Acting cool in front of Naruto was almost too easy.

---

At the doorway, Sakura and Ino peeked in, catching the exchange.

"Ino, did you see that? Naruto was blushing!" Sakura hissed, wide-eyed.

"Of course I saw! But what does it mean?" Ino whispered back, torn between disbelief and intrigue.

"Could they actually be...friends?" Sakura wondered aloud.

"Friends? Sasuke and Naruto?" Ino shook her head. "I don’t buy it. Sasuke wouldn’t—"

"My mom says great people should be friends with great people. Naruto doesn’t qualify!" Sakura declared. "I’m going to talk to Sasuke."

"Wait, what? Sakura, don’t—"

Too late. Sakura strode confidently toward the pair, leaving Ino to awkwardly linger behind.

Sasuke, noticing Sakura's approach, sighed inwardly. Her expression said it all: trouble was coming.

"Naruto," Sakura said sharply, planting herself in the aisle beside him, "move. I want to sit there."

Her tone left no room for argument, her gaze daring Naruto to resist.

---

*End of Chapter.*