The Academy.
Sasuke and Kanon sat together, the elder brother as cold and stoic as ever.
Kanon wasn't quite as aloof by nature, but the others were so intimidated by Sasuke's oppressive, "cool" aura that they didn't dare approach. Consequently, Kanon didn't say much either. Only Naruto would occasionally come over to strike up a conversation, and she would chat with him for a bit.
Beyond that, Kanon showed zero interest in the others. She knew they looked down on her best friend, Naruto Uzumaki, so she repaid their disdain with a cold shoulder of her own.
Despite her distance, Kanon's features were so delicate and refined as she sat quietly beside Sasuke that she drew more eyes than anyone else in the room.
Just as the boys were fuming with jealousy over Naruto's easy rapport with her, Sakura Haruno and Ino Yamanaka burst into the classroom simultaneously.
Seeing Sakura appear, Naruto quickly turned around to wave, mistakenly believing her gaze was fixed on him.
"Morning, Saku—" Naruto began, rising from his seat.
"Move it!"
To his shock, Sakura didn't even slow down, shoving Naruto aside with a casual palm to the face.
Kanon watched the scene with a start and hurried to help Naruto up. Sakura, however, paid them no mind; her eyes were locked onto Sasuke. Her face flushed a faint pink, her heart racing. Ignoring Sasuke's complete lack of interest, she managed to squeak out:
"Good morning, Sasuke-kun..."
"Do you mind if I sit next to you?"
Before she could move, Ino grabbed her arm, shouting angrily, "Hey! That spot next to Sasuke is mine!"
"First come, first served!"
"I stepped into the classroom a second before you did!"
Naruto, having been pulled to his feet by Kanon, was starting to get steamed.
"Naruto... maybe just let it go?" Kanon suggested.
"No way! I can't take this anymore! This second brother of yours is way too cocky!" Naruto's temper flared as more and more girls crowded around Sakura and Ino, all vying for the seat next to Sasuke.
"Kanon, they've even taken your spot," Naruto pointed out.
"It's just a seat, I don't really care."
Before Kanon could react, Naruto had already hopped onto the desk. He crouched down, staring Sasuke directly in the eye.
"Hey, Naruto..."
Kanon started to intervene, but then she witnessed something so world-shattering that even her pupils shrank.
Naruto was balanced on the desk, looking down at Sasuke from inches away. Sasuke met his gaze with equal intensity; it was clear neither boy had any love for the other.
The surrounding girls, seeing Naruto's perceived rudeness, began hurling insults. Sakura was the loudest: "Naruto! Stop pestering Sasuke-kun!"
Naruto was fuming internally. Why is it always 'Sasuke this' and 'Sasuke that'? What's so great about this guy anyway?
Suddenly, one of the students behind them got a bit too excited during the commotion and accidentally bumped into Naruto.
The entire room froze in stunned silence.
Naruto and Sasuke were locked in a kiss, lips pressed firmly against lips. Even Kanon stood dazed, her jaw dropping.
After a long moment, they broke apart. Both Naruto and Sasuke doubled over, hacking and gagging as if they wanted to vomit up their very souls.
Kanon couldn't help it, she let out a sudden burst of laughter. Seeing her smile, the nearby boys found themselves falling into "love" all over again, completely captivated.
In the end, Naruto didn't even need Sasuke to retaliate; the girls in the class did the job for him, delivering a synchronized beatdown.
Just as they were finishing their "hammering" of Naruto, Iruka-sensei walked in. The room went silent instantly. Even the prank-loving Naruto stopped his antics and looked at Iruka with a rare expression of focus.
Seeing them settled, Iruka stood with his hands behind his back and made the announcement. "As of today, you are all full-fledged ninjas."
"However, you are still just rookie Genin."
"The real hardship... starts now."
"From here on, you will be divided into three-man squads, each led by a Jonin instructor."
"However, Kanon Uchiha is a special case. Since she skipped a grade to join this class, one team will consist of four members."
The boys in the class were suddenly revitalized. To be on a team with Kanon? That was the stuff dreams, and potentially lifelong bragging rights, were made of. Her beauty was unrivaled in the Academy, a perfect testament to the refined Uchiha bloodline.
The girls, however, didn't care. They only had eyes for Sasuke. Sakura and Ino were already back at each other's throats.
Sasuke calmly analyzed the situation. He scanned the room with a cold, detached gaze. Regardless of the groupings, he thought, most of these people will just be dead weight.
If he had to be in a squad, his first choice would be Kanon. She was his sister, after all.
Naruto, resting his chin on his hand, was mentally picking his dream team: First, it's gotta be Sakura-chan. Then Kanon. And definitely, absolutely, NOT Sasuke!
As Naruto's imagination ran wild, Iruka pulled out the roster.
"To balance the abilities of each group, the staff has determined the following assignments."
"I will now announce the teams."
…
"Next... Team 7."
"Naruto Uzumaki. Kanon Uchiha."
At those names, the room erupted in murmurs. Even Sasuke looked over with an unexpected glimmer of interest. He had known for a long time that Kanon and Naruto were friends, but he hadn't cared much. His heart was reserved for revenge against Itachi; as long as his sister lived a safe and happy life, that was enough for him.
Kanon looked at the overjoyed Naruto beside her and laughed, shaking her head. "Looks like I'll have to keep looking after a slob like you."
"Hehe! Don't be like that, Kanon! I'm counting on you!"
Iruka watched their reaction before announcing the third member.
"Sakura Haruno!"
Naruto practically leaped out of his skin with joy. Sakura, conversely, let her head hang in despair. "I'm stuck with Naruto..."
"And... Sasuke Uchiha!"
Sasuke blinked. He looked at Kanon, Naruto, and Sakura. So... this four-person squad was composed of them?
In an instant, the roles reversed. Naruto slumped in misery while Sakura looked like she had just won the lottery.
"Nii-chan, we're on the same team," Kanon said, looking past the chaotic duo of Naruto and Sakura to smile at Sasuke.
Sasuke gave a small, subtle nod, accepting the reality.
Sitting behind Kanon, a girl with pale eyes whispered regretfully, "I'm not on Naruto-kun's team..."
Kanon caught the faint murmur and turned around to look at Hinata.
"Did you want to be in Naruto's group?"
Hinata's face turned bright red at being caught. Realizing it was Sasuke's sister, Kanon, who was speaking to her, she gave a shy, awkward smile. "Yes..."
"And here I thought I was the only one in our year who was nice to him," Kanon said, extending a hand toward Hinata.
"I'm Kanon Uchiha. It's nice to meet you."
————
Want to read ahead of schedule? Head over to my p-atre-on: p-atre-on.c-om/Overgod [Just remove the hyphen to access normally]