Chapter Text
The city yawned awake around him, a distant chorus of sirens, the low tremor of a subway stirring beneath the streets. Sunlight, dulled by grime caked onto the windowpanes, fractured into crooked rectangles across the worn wooden floor of Naruto’s cramped room. A faded poster of a grinning martial artist hung crookedly on one wall, a relic of childhood dreams now eclipsed by molecular diagrams and the relentless logic of quantum mechanics.
The pale New York morning light did little to rouse him. It was the insistent clang of a garbage truck outside, metal on metal, echoing through the paper thin walls, that finally dragged him from sleep.
Naruto stretched, groaned, and swung his legs over the bed, bare feet met cool linoleum. Another day, another sprint across the city. His eyes scanned the familiar chaos of his room. A teetering pile of textbooks, a half eaten ramen cup on the floor, a camera bag slung over a rickety chair.
He paused at the small shelf beside his desk, a framed photo sat there, its glass slightly cracked at the corner. Minato and Kushina smiled back at him, frozen in time, holding a baby with messy blond hair and a grin far too wide for his tiny face. He didn’t remember them beyond that picture, just flickers of warmth and safety. But somehow, he still felt them with him, in every stubborn decision, every grin after a failure, every refusal to give up.
“I’m gonna make you proud,” he whispered under his breath, tapping the glass with his fingertip before turning toward the kitchen.
The rhythmic clatter of trains was a lullaby he’d learned to love. Naruto couldn’t live on campus, tuition and rent made that impossible, so he shared a cramped apartment with Jiraiya and Tsunade, his godparents, the closest thing to family he had. It wasn’t perfect, it was loud and messy and warm in ways no dorm could be, but it was home.
A faint aroma of burnt toast and strong coffee still clung to his clothes, a testament to Jiraiya’s morning ritual. The old man, hair a wild white, sat in the worn armchair by the window, a steaming mug cradled in his calloused hands. The morning news flickered on a small TV in front of him, the reporter’s voice droning about city traffic and yet another crime wave downtown.
“Morning, brat,” Jiraya grunted without looking up, a half eaten bagel perched dangerously on the newspaper.
Naruto padded into the narrow hallway already in his faded university hoodie and jeans. He grabbed a piece of toast, slathered it with peanut butter, and grinned at Jiraiya. “Morning, pervy sage.”
Tsunade stood at the stove, golden hair pulled into a tight bun, flipping pancakes with the efficiency of someone who’d cooked like this every day. Her eyes met Naruto’s with that sharp, knowing look she reserved for him. “Don’t call him that, Naruto. And eat, you’ll need energy for the day.”
“He started it,” Naruto said, sinking into a chair and piling pancakes high, syrup threading down the stack. “Besides, he loves it, says it keeps him young.” He couldn’t help the grin spreading across his face.
“Eat up kiddo,” she said firmly. “You’ll need your strength, that brain of yours burns through calories faster than Jiraiya burns through my patience.”
“Hey!” Jiraiya said from the armchair, not taking his eyes off the screen. “Uncalled for.”
Naruto chuckled, mouth already full. “Thanks, grandma.”
Tsunade sighed but didn’t correct him, she’d long since stopped trying.
“So,” Jiraiya began, finally turning from the TV, “big day at university today?”
Naruto’s expression brightened with something close to reverence. “Maybe, professor Hatake mentioned a new research opportunity, a visit to Orochimaru Industries. Huge deal, like, really huge.” His voice softened slightly. “It’s a chance to see cutting edge biotech, and maybe even get an internship.”
Tsunade set a mug of coffee in front of him. “Orochimaru Industries, huh? That’s big time research, what exactly are they doing?”
Naruto rattled off terms with the nervous excitement of someone who’d spent nights hunched over textbooks. “Genetics, cellular regeneration, advanced materials- they’re at the forefront of everything, just imagine what i could learn there.” He took a large gulp of coffee, the bitter warmth a welcome kickstart to his system. “Apparently, they’re teaming up with our university for some kind of research partnership. They’re picking one student from the biochem and biophysics departments to go on a special tour of their lab.”
Jiraiya leaned back, frowning thoughtfully. “Orochimaru, huh? That snake’s been crawling around the science world for years, always pushing boundaries, never caring about who gets bitten.”
Tsunade gave him a sharp look. “Jiraiya.”
“What? It’s true!” He gestured with his mug. “The guy’s a genius, but he’s trouble. You sure that’s a place you want to get mixed up with, kid?”
Naruto wiped syrup from his mouth and shrugged. “It’s a huge opportunity, i can’t pass that up. The research they’re doing- that’s the kind of work that changes lives.”
Jiraiya grunted. “You mean the kind of work that gets people in over their heads. You’re going for it, then?”
“Of course, i’m going for it,” Naruto scoffed, though a flicker of doubt danced in his eyes. “It’s exactly what i need. The Daily Bugle pays the bills, sure, and Hiruzen’s a good boss, but this…this is my future.” He pushed his plate away, the syrup coated fork clattering softly. “Only problem is, guess who else is vying for the spot?”
Jiraiya leaned back, “Sasuke Uchiha.” It wasn’t a question.
Tsunade looked over her shoulder. “The police chief’s son, right? You’ve mentioned him before. Sounds like you two have a bit of a rivalry.”
Naruto made a face. “He’s always acting like he’s better than everyone else. Just because he’s got money, a famous family, and a model face. I mean, who even looks that perfect at eight in the morning? There’s got to be some kind of trick to it.”
Jiraiya smirked. “Sounds like someone’s jealous.”
Naruto nearly choked on his juice. “I’m not jealous! I just-” He gestured wildly with his fork. “I just want to beat him fair and square, that’s all.”
Tsunade chuckled softly. “Well, then don’t waste your morning complaining about him, go impress your professors instead.”
Naruto grinned, feeling that familiar fire stir in his chest again. “Yeah. You’ll see, they’ll pick me, believe it!”
Jiraiya’s laugh filled the room, rich and teasing. “That’s the spirit. Just remember kid, New York’s full of weirdos, try not to become one of them.”
Naruto grabbed his backpack and slung it over his shoulder. “No promises! See ya later!”
“Be careful, Naruto!” Tsunade called after him, but he was already halfway out the door, his sneakers pounding down the creaky brownstone stairs.
Outside, the chill of the morning air bit at his cheeks as he jogged toward the subway. The city was awake, cars honking, vendors shouting, steam rising from the manholes like the city itself was breathing.
The subway was its usual mix of chaos, the screech of the train, the hum of conversations, and the low bass of someone’s music blasting through their earbuds. Naruto squeezed himself into a spot by the window and watched the city roll by.
He adjusted his camera strap and thought about his freelance work for the Daily Bugle. The money wasn’t great, but it paid enough to help Jiraiya and Tsunade with rent. Hiruzen Sarutobi, his boss, was an old man with more patience than most saints and an uncanny ability to appear whenever Naruto was goofing off.
Still, he loved it, the rush of catching the perfect shot, the feeling that maybe, someday, his name could mean something in this big city.
By the time Naruto arrived at the Empire State university, the morning sun had climbed over the skyline, gilding the university’s old brick buildings in a hazy gold. The quad buzzed with life, a symphony of shuffling sneakers, chattering voices, and the hum of city traffic faintly echoing beyond the iron gates. Students lounged on benches, laughed in tight groups, or crammed last minute for morning lectures under sprawling trees whose leaves had just begun to turn with the early hints of fall.
Naruto adjusted the strap of his worn camera bag as he weaved through the crowd, dodging a skateboarder and a cluster of freshmen carrying coffe cups like lifelines. He stifled a yawn, the caffeine from Tsunade’s coffee had already worn off, and the day was only just starting.
He spotted a familiar figure leaning lazily against a lamppost near the science building, hands buried in his hoodie pockets, posture a study in absolute indifference. Shikamaru, his best friend since middle school, the human embodiment of the phrase ‘couldn’t care less.’ A comic book hung loosely from one of his hands, its edges creased from overuse.
“Yo, Shikamaru!” Naruto called, jogging up to him.
Shikamaru didn’t even look up. “You’re loud, man. It’s too early for this, what’s got you all buzzing this morning?”
Naruto grinned, dropping his backpack beside him with a thud. “You hear about the Orochimaru Industries thing?”
Shikamaru sighed, closing the comic and slipping it into his bag. “Yeah, everyone’s talking about it. Professor Hatake’s been hyping it up like it’s the holy grail of internships.”
“Because it is!” Naruto said, eyes shining. “Do you know how huge that is? Orochimaru Industries is the biggest biotech lab in New York. They’re giving one student from biophysics or biochem a tour of the new genetics division, it could change my life Shika!”
Shikamaru stretched his arms behind his head and yawned. “My money’s still on Sasuke getting picked.”
Naruto groaned, his shoulders slumping. “Don’t say that! You’re supposed to be on my side!”
“I am on your side,” Shikamaru said dryly, his eyes half lidded as always. “But it’s just logic. Sasuke’s grades are perfect, his projects are spotless, and every professor worships the ground he walks on. You’re smart, Naruto, but the guy’s got…advantages.”
Naruto puffed his cheeks like an annoyed balloon. “Then i’ll just have to be better.”
Shikamaru gave him a faint smirk. “Troublesome optimism as always.”
They started walking across the quad, the crisp breeze tugging at their sleeves as the city sounds bled faintly into the campus chatter. Around them, familiar faces passed, classmates, athletes, and study groups staking their favorite morning spots.
A burst of bright laughter drifted from a nearby bench, Naruto’s gaze flicked toward the sound, and his stomach immediately flipped.
Sakura, pink hair gleaming in the sunlight like spun silk, her laughter a melody that could melt the winter off any day. She was surrounded by her usual entourage, the so called ESU Elite. Ino, her best friend, was perched beside her, blond hair perfectly arranged even this early in the morning. Sai, Ino’s pale and perpetually unreadable boyfriend, stood behind them, sketchbook in hand. A few feet away was Kiba, broad shouldered and grinning, leaned casually against a bench, his arm draped over Hinata’s shoulders, his girlfriend smiled shyly at something he said, her lavender eyes soft but alert. Shino stood nearby, hands tucked into his jacket, as calm and observant as always.
They were the kind of people who floated through life on a cloud of effortless charm and privilege.
Naruto slowed down, his gaze lingered on Sakura, her bright green eyes shining with life as she talked animatedly, her hands moving with quick, expressive gestures. A familiar ache settled in his chest, the kind that came from wanting something you could never quite reach.
“Here we go again,” Shikamaru muttered, noticing the look on his friend’s face. “Go on, i know you want to talk to her.”
Naruto’s heart hammered against his ribs. He smoothed down his hoodie, suddenly self conscious. “She’s talking to her friends.”
“Look, they're all going to class, there’s just Ino.” Shikamaru pointed out. “Now’s your chance, i'm sure she wouldn't mind so go.”
Naruto took a deep breath, bracing himself like he was about to step into a battlefield. “Okay…okay, i got this.” He jogged toward her. “Hey, Sakura!”
She turned, eyes widening slightly in recognition. “Oh, hey, Naruto! Perfect timing, i was just thinking about you.”
Naruto’s chest puffed up like a balloon. “Really? What about?”
“Chemistry,” she said with a sheepish laugh, tucking a strand of pink hair behind her ear. “The professor’s lecture on organic compounds is completely losing me. You’re, like, amazing at this stuff. Could you…maybe help me after class? Just for a bit?”
The warmth in his chest deflated slightly, replaced by a familiar pang of disappointment. Chemistry, always chemistry. He forced a grin anyway. “Uh yeah, sure Sakura. Happy to help.”
“Thanks, Naruto! You’re a lifesaver,” she said with a dazzling smile that made the disappointment sting a little less. “I should go now, i need to grab a book before Kurenai’s class. Bye!” She waved and hurried off, her bag bouncing against her hip, laughter already spilling back into conversation with Ino.
Naruto stood there for a moment, watching her go. “Lifesaver for chemistry,” he muttered, rubbing the back of his neck.
When he turned back, Shikamaru was already watching him with a knowing smile.
“Don’t,” Naruto warned.
“I didn’t say anything,” Shikamaru said innocently. “Her loss, though. You’re too good for her anyway, plus everybody knows she’s obsessed with Sasuke.”
Naruto’s expression darkened instantly. “Don’t even say his name.”
“Well speaking of the devil…” Shikamaru tilted his chin toward the far side of the quad. Naruto followed his gaze, and of course, there he was.
Sasuke Uchiha.
He walked across the lawn with effortless confidence, dark hair falling neatly over his forehead, his face set in that cool, unreadable expression that drove half the campus insane. His crisp black coat and perfectly pressed shirt made him look like he’d just stepped out of a magazine cover instead of a lecture hall.
Beside him Karin, fiery haired and clearly mid rant about something, gestured animatedly. Suigetsu trailed a few paces behind, a smirk permanently plastered on his face, and Juugo followed silently, tall and composed, his calm presence grounding the group.
The crowd parted around them like water, and Sasuke didn’t even seem to notice. For just a moment, his dark eyes flicked toward Naruto, quick, sharp, unreadable, before turning away back to Karin’s chatter.
Naruto felt that old, unwelcome cocktail of emotions stir in his chest again, irritation, anger, and something stranger he didn’t have a name for.
Shikamaru watched the look on his face and sighed. “You really hate him that much?”
Naruto crossed his arms. “He’s just…ugh, everything about him screams perfect. Perfect grades, perfect looks, perfect family, perfect stupid hair. And everyone worships him like he’s some kind of genius.”
“Maybe because he is,” Shikamaru said mildly. “You can’t deny he works hard.”
Naruto made a face. “Yeah, yeah. But come on, with a dad who’s the police chief and a brother who’s the city’s top detective? He’s basically born with a silver lab coat.”
Shikamaru chuckled quietly. “Still sounds like jealousy to me.”
Naruto shot him a glare. “I’m not jealous! Why do you all- ugh. I just…don’t like his smug face.”
“Whatever you say,” Shikamaru murmured, shoving his hands into his pockets.
Naruto exhaled, glancing toward the science building, where students were beginning to funnel in. “Anyway. Orochimaru Industries internship, if Sasuke thinks he’s gonna get that spot, he’s got another thing coming.”
Shikamaru gave him a sidelong look. “You sure you’re not just trying to prove something to yourself?”
Naruto smirked, slinging his bag over his shoulder. “Maybe, but either way, i’m winning this one.”
They started up the stairs toward the lecture hall as the morning light caught the glass doors ahead. Behind them, the city roared faintly, a reminder that this was New York, a place of endless noise, ambition, and second chances.
Naruto didn’t know it yet, but before long, the rivalry that defined his college life would become the heartbeat of something much bigger, something that would change both their worlds forever.
They entered the lecture hall, the soft hum of conversation blending with the clatter of laptops and the squeak of sneakers against the floor. Empire State university’s science building always had that faint smell of old books and sleepless ambition. Naruto and Shikamaru slipped into their usual seats near the back, just as professor Iruka began scribbling complex diagrams on the whiteboard.
“Morning, everyone,” Iruka said, his tone a mix of patience and practiced enthusiasm. “Today, we’ll be discussing gene editing and the ethics of biological enhancement. You’ll want to pay attention, this will be a big part of the next exam.”
Naruto tried to focus on professor Umino’s lecture, but his mind refused to sit still. His pen tapped against the desk in sync with the thudding of his heart. He thought about Sakura, her pink hair catching the light when she laughed, her perfume of vanilla and lab chemicals, and then he thought about Sasuke. The constant reminder that no matter how hard Naruto worked, there was always someone a step ahead.
His gaze drifted to the front of the room.
Sasuke sat there, cool and unbothered as ever, surrounded by his usual crew. His laptop was open, its screen filled with neatly color coded notes, he sat perfectly straight, dark hair falling just so over his intense eyes, his expression focused and unreadable.
Naruto sighed. Of course he’s already ahead, probably already knows everything Iruka’s saying.
“Yo,” Shikamaru murmured beside him, barely lifting his head from his hand. “You’re staring again.”
Naruto snapped his eyes back to his notebook. “What? No, i wasn’t.
“Sure you weren’t.” Shikamaru smirked, his tone flat but amused. “You look at him the way Choji looks at free pizza.”
Naruto scowled. “He just pisses me off, that’s all.”
“Uh huh, classic academic rivalry.” Shikamaru yawned. “Totally not repressed admiration.”
“Shut up, man,” Naruto hissed, trying to hide his flustered expression behind his notes.
By the time Iruka wrapped up the lecture, Naruto’s notebook was a chaotic mess of half written equations and doodles of angry stick figures labeled ‘Sasuke’. As the students began to file out, he caught sight of Sakura again, chatting animatedly with Ino as they gathered their books. His heart did a small, traitorous flip.
“Hey,” Naruto called, walking up to her.
She turned, offering a polite but distracted smile. “Oh, hi again, Naruto! I have to ask you, did you take notes today? I might’ve spaced out after the first half of the lecture.”
Naruto grinned, rubbing the back of his neck. “Of course i did! You can borrow ‘em anytime.”
“Thanks!” she said brightly, already turning back to Ino, who was smirking knowingly. “You’re really the best.”
Naruto’s grin faltered as he watched her go, beside him, Shikamaru muttered, “Man, that’s rough.”
“Yeah,” Naruto sighed. “Tell me about it.”
Later that afternoon, the campus café buzzed with energy. Students lounged on mismatched chairs, their laptops open and their cups of coffee long forgotten. The warm scent of espresso hung in the air, mixing with the crisp autumn breeze wafting in from the open doors.
Naruto and Shikamaru spotted Tenten and her group by the window. She waved them over, a bright smile lighting up her face. Beside her sat her boyfriend, Neji, composed as always, eyes sharp even when he looked relaxed. Across from them, Lee was demonstrating a bizarre stretching routine that looked equal parts yoga and battlefield preparation, while Choji watched in awe, happily munching on chips.
“Hey, guys!” Tenten called. “Come join us!”
“Hey, Tenten,” Naruto said, pulling up a chair. “How’s the engineering department treating you?”
“Same as always,” she replied, rolling her eyes playfully. “Lots of diagrams, lots of calculations. Neji’s practically a machine, though, he’s already finished next week’s assignments.”
Neji merely inclined his head, a faint, almost imperceptible smirk on his lips.
“We were just talking about that Orochimaru Industries project your department is doing." Tenten began, leaning forward. “It sounds insane, doesn’t it?”
“Insane?” Naruto starter, “It’s like next level! Genetic engineering, nanotech, cross species DNA integration-”
Lee clenched a fist, his eyes blazing. “It’s more than science, it’s a test of the human spirit! A gateway to evolution through perseverance!”
Choji blinked. “Pretty sure it’s just a look around their labs, dude.”
“This is an opportunity to grow!” Lee countered passionately, slamming his hand on the table for emphasis, the mugs rattled.
Neji sighed softly. “You’re both technically right. But let’s be realistic, Orochimaru Industries is selective, they don’t just pick anyone.”
“Tell me about it,” Naruto muttered. “Uchiha’s probably already got it locked down.”
Tenten tilted her head. “Oh, Sasuke’s going for it too?”
“Of course he is,” Naruto said, rolling his eyes. “Can’t miss a chance to prove he’s perfect.”
“Well,” Tenten admitted, “he is really smart. Always top of his classes. He’s kind of…amazing, academically speaking.”
Lee nodded emphatically. “His dedication to learning is truly admirable.”
Naruto groaned. “I swear, even you’re on his side now.”
Shikamaru, who had been lounging back, nursing a cold coffee, smirked lazily. “Relax, Naruto. You’ve got passion, he’s got precision. Different styles, same goal. The real question is, which one will impress a guy like Orochimaru more?”
Naruto leaned forward. “Mine will, because passion beats cold calculation every time.”
Neji raised a brow. “Unless cold calculation creates a flawless result.”
Naruto glared. “I’ll show you flawless.”
The café door swung open, and a subtle hush rolled through the room. Naruto glanced over his shoulder and spotted Gaara, the quiet, red haired art student that Lee had been trying to befriend for weeks. Beside him was his sister Temari, blonde and composed, exuding that same mix of confidence and mystery that made people nervous around her.
Shikamaru’s gaze lingered on her. She noticed, of course, and shot him a teasing, almost imperceptible smirk. His response was immediate, a long suffering sigh and a quiet, “Troublesome woman.”
Tenten grinned. “She totally saw you.”
“Yeah, thanks,” Shikamaru muttered, but his cheeks warmed slightly.
The conversation shifted, but Naruto’s mind wasn’t really there anymore. He had to win this, not just to beat Sasuke, but to prove to himself that he could be more than the orphan kid who barely scraped by.
As they left the café, the late afternoon sun stretched across the quad, casting long shadows over the students rushing to their next class. Naruto was still grumbling when he rounded a corner and nearly slammed straight into someone’s chest. He froze.
Sasuke.
The Uchiha barely moved, stepping aside with effortless grace. His dark eyes flickered towards him, cold and sharp as glass. “Watch where you’re going,” he said, tone even but faintly amused.
Naruto scowled. “You can’t say sorry like a normal person?”
“I don’t apologize for other people’s clumsiness.”
Naruto’s jaw tightened. “You think you’re all that, huh? Just wait till i beat you.”
Sasuke’s lips curved, not quite a smile, but close. “We’ll see.”
Karin’s voice called from down the hall, “Sasuke! Come on, the professor is waiting!”
He gave Naruto one last look before walking away, that calm, confident stride making Naruto’s blood boil and his chest ache in equal measure.
Shikamaru appeared beside him, hands in his pockets. “Man,” he drawled, “you two are exhausting.”
Naruto shoved his hands into his hoodie. “He just gets under my skin, y’know?”
Shikamaru shrugged. “Yeah, but maybe that’s why you keep chasing him.”
Naruto frowned, confused. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Nothing,” Shikamaru said with a sly grin, already walking off. “Don’t be late for the next class, wouldn’t want to give Sasuke another head start.”
Naruto stood there for a moment, watching Sasuke’s figure disappear into the crowd, before clenching his fists.
Later that afternoon, the tension in professor Kakashi Hatake’s lab was so thick it could’ve been bottled and sold as academic anxiety. The faint hum of lab equipment filled the air, mingling with the scent of ethanol and coffee that had long gone cold. Students clustered around tables, some pretending to take notes, others whispering nervously about the same thing Naruto couldn’t stop thinking about, the Orochimaru Industries announcement.
Kakashi stood at the front of the room, leaning lazily against his desk, one hand in the pocket of his lab coat, the other flipping through a stack of papers. His eyes swept over the class, calm, unreadable, and just a bit too amused by the suspense he was creating.
Naruto sat forward on his stool, legs bouncing restlessly under the table. His heart pounded so hard he swore it could be heard over the whirring centrifuge in the corner. Beside him, Shikamaru looked utterly unbothered, head propped in his hand, gaze half lidded.
Kakashi cleared his throat, finally breaking the silence. “Alright, everyone,” he began, voice calm and smooth, “Before we dismiss, a quick announcement regarding the Orochimaru Industries research visit.”
The class collectively leaned in.
“As you know,” Kakashi continued, adjusting the stack of applications in his hand, “this is a highly selective opportunity. The representatives from Orochimaru Industries wanted someone who shows not only technical proficiency in biochemistry and genetics but also…a certain spark.” His eyes crinkled slightly, his version of a smile. “And i have to say, the competition was fierce.”
Naruto’s palms were slick with sweat, he wiped them on his jeans, eyes fixed on Kakashi like the man was about to announce the lottery numbers. He dared a glance at Sasuke. The Uchiha looked carved from marble, calm and focused, not even blinking.
Please, Naruto held his breath, his hands clenched into fists under the table. Please let it be me, just this once.
Kakashi flipped to the top page. “After careful consideration, and consultation with the Orochimaru Industries selection committee,” He paused dramatically, scanning the room, letting the tension stretch to a breaking point. “The student chosen for this prestigious opportunity is,”
Naruto’s entire body tensed.
“Sasuke Uchiha.”
For a second, the world stopped. Then came the murmurs, soft, surprised, and inevitable.
“Of course it’s him.”
“Figures, he’s the top student.”
Naruto’s stomach dropped like a stone, heat and cold tangled under his skin. His fingers curled into fists so tight his knuckles went white. Across the room, Sasuke gave a slow, measured nod, his expression unreadable. No smirk, no arrogance, just quiet acknowledgment, like it was already expected.
Kakashi set the papers down and gave Sasuke a short nod. “Congratulations, Uchiha. Report to my office tomorrow morning for the details. Orochimaru himself wants to meet the candidate.”
The class buzzed with subdued applause. Sakura, sitting near the front, turned to Sasuke with a bright smile. “That’s amazing, Sasuke! I knew you’d get it!”
“Thank you,” Sasuke said simply, voice steady as stone. Karin grinned, elbowing him playfully. “Knew it, genius boy. You’re practically made for this.”
Naruto couldn’t hear the rest, his blood was roaring in his ears. The unfairness burned like acid in his chest. He’d worked so damn hard, late nights, balancing classes with photography gigs for the Daily Bugle, studying until his eyes ached. And still, it wasn’t enough.
By the time Kakashi dismissed them, Naruto hadn’t moved. Students packed up, voices low and speculative, chairs scraped, the sound grated on him. Sasuke passed by his table on the way out, pausing for just a second. “Don’t be so disappointed, Uzumaki. You’ll get another chance.”
Naruto’s jaw clenched. “Yeah, right,” he muttered, but Sasuke was already gone, a silhouette of composure disappearing through the door, trailed by his friends.
When the room finally emptied, Naruto stayed behind, staring at the blank whiteboard as if it had answers he couldn’t find. The fluorescent lights buzzed overhead. Shikamaru approached quietly, resting a hand on Naruto’s shoulder.
“You okay, man?”
Naruto didn’t respond at first. His voice, when it came, was low and bitter. “He probably pulled some strings. His dad’s the police chief, wouldn’t surprise me if Orochimaru’s got them on speed dial.”
“That’s not fair, Naruto,” Shikamaru frowned, though his voice was gentle. “Sasuke’s smart, you know that.”
“Yeah?” Naruto shot back, eyes flashing. “Smart enough to always get what he wants? Must be nice to have everything handed to you.”
Shikamaru sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “You’re letting this eat you. Don’t, there’ll be other chances.”
Naruto pushed to his feet, his chair scraping against the tile with a sharp screech. “Not like this one, Shika. This was my shot, my one chance to actually matter in something big.”
He slung his backpack over his shoulder and started for the door, his movements jerky and uneven with anger. “It’s not fair, he just gets everything. The perfect grades, the respect, the admiration. Hell, even the girl i like is obsessed with him.”
Shikamaru followed, calm as always but with a thread of concern in his voice. “Naruto-”
But Naruto kept talking, frustration pouring out like a dam had burst. “And now this? This was supposed to be mine! I worked my ass off! But no- the Uchiha walks in and takes it like it was reserved for him since birth!”
He stopped outside the lecture hall, chest heaving. The campus hallway was nearly empty, the evening light filtering through tall windows in long, cold shafts. He pressed his palms against the wall, trying to steady himself.
Behind him, Shikamaru’s tone softened. “He didn’t steal it, Naruto. He earned it, same as you tried to. Sometimes things just don't go our way.”
Naruto let out a bitter laugh. “Easy for you to say, you don’t have to fight for everything.”
Shikamaru’s brow furrowed. “Don’t you dare pull that card, you’re one of the smartest people i know Naruto. Don’t act like this just because you’re pissed- you'll end up throwing away all your hard work.”
Naruto turned, meeting his friend’s steady gaze. “I’m not throwing anything away, Shika,” he said, voice quiet but burning, laced with raw frustration. “He didn’t even want it as much as i did. He just collected it, like another trophy.”
A new voice cut in, low and measured. “I assure you, Uzumaki, i wanted it very much.”
Naruto spun. Sasuke stood a few feet away, hands in his pockets, expression unreadable but with an edge of warning in his tone. Behind him, Karin, Suigetsu, and Juugo lingered at a polite distance, clearly uncomfortable.
Naruto’s anger flared. “What, come to rub it in?”
Sasuke tilted his head slightly. “No, just to tell you to let it go before you embarrass yourself further.”
Naruto stepped closer. “Oh, i’m embarrassing myself? You’re the one who thinks he’s some kind of prodigy.”
Sasuke’s eyes narrowed, voice calm but cutting. “I don’t think I’m a prodigy, i just work for what i want.”
Naruto laughed, harsh and bitter. “Work for it? Please. You don’t ‘work,’ Uchiha, you inherit.”
A muscle twitched in Sasuke’s jaw. “My family name had no bearing on the decision, my qualifications spoke for themselves.”
“Oh, your qualifications?” Naruto scoffed, stepping closer, his voice rising. “Or was it your daddy’s influence? Or maybe your brother pulling strings? Everyone knows you just waltz in and take whatever you want, just because you’re a Uchiha.”
Sasuke spoke again. “My father and brother have nothing to do with my academic achievements. I earned this internship through my own merit, Uzumaki. Something you clearly find difficult to comprehend.” His gaze was like ice, piercing through Naruto’s anger. “Perhaps if you spent less time making excuses and more time focusing on the thighs that matter, you might achieve something comparable.”
The words stung, hitting a nerve. Naruto clenched his fists, his body trembling with suppressed rage. “You think i don’t focus? I have to fight for everything i get!”
“Then fight harder,” Sasuke retorted, his voice devoid of sympathy. “The world doesn’t owe you anything, hardship is not an excuse for mediocrity.” He turned, his dark cloak swirling around him as he walked away, his friends following in his wake. Sasuke's voice was quieter now, almost unreadable. “And i don't need to prove anything to you anyway.”
He walked off, leaving Naruto standing in the empty hall, every nerve alight with rage and shame.
“Naruto, don’t,” Shikamaru warned, seeing the look on his friend’s face. “Don’t even think about it.”
Naruto didn’t answer, his fists unclenched then tightened again. His heart pounded with something that wasn’t just anger anymore, it was a spark of determination, dangerous, reckless, but alive.
He looked toward the glass window, the city skyline glowing faintly in the dusk. “No,” he murmured. “I’m not letting this go, not this time.”
“What do you mean?” Shikamaru asked, his eyes narrowing.
Naruto’s jaw was set. “I’m going to get into that lab, one way or another.”
Shikamaru turned to him slowly, disbelief plain on his face. “You’re kidding.”
Naruto’s grin widened. “Come on, Shika. What’s the harm in just seeing it? Orochimaru Industries, the tech, the science. It’s a dream, i just want a peek.”
“That ‘peek’ would involve breaking into a high security research facility owned by one of the most powerful men in New York,” Shikamaru said flatly. “That’s not curiosity, that’s a felony.”
Naruto shrugged. “I'll be careful, in and out before anyone even knows i was there.”
“Do you even hear yourself?” Shikamaru pinched the bridge of his nose. “You’ll get caught, and then what? Expelled? Arrested? Maybe even worse.”
Naruto didn’t respond. His mind was already racing ahead, piecing together fragments of information he’d gathered over the past few weeks, offhand remarks from professors, articles online, blueprints about the floor plan of the laboratory he’d stumbled across on some architecture forums.
Shikamaru ran both hands down his face. “This is the dumbest idea you’ve ever had, and that’s saying something.”
Naruto ignored him, scrolling through blueprints he found online. “It’s not dumb, it’s resourceful. Look- third floor, right? Past the exhibit, two hallways, then the main research bay. The security’s heavy, but they do tours during the day, which means some systems stay in partial access mode for staff convenience-”
Shikamaru groaned, cutting in. “You’ve lost it, this is a nightmare. A pure, unadulterated nightmare.”
Naruto leaned back. “C’mon, Shika. Don’t tell me you’re not even a little curious what they’re hiding in there, a company like that doesn’t get that secretive without a reason.”
“I prefer to live a long, unarrested life,” Shikamaru muttered. “You, on the other hand, seem determined to do the opposite.”
Naruto laughed softly, the sound carrying a spark of hope through the tension. “Maybe, but it's gonna be worth it.”
Shikamaru eyed him for a long moment, weighing the inevitable. He’d seen that look before, in high school, when Naruto decided to sneak into a closed gym to test a homemade grappling hook, or when he’d volunteered for a science fair project involving liquid nitrogen and a stolen blender. Once Naruto got that look, there was no stopping him.
Finally, Shikamaru sighed, long and loud. “You’re an idiot, you know that? A complete, utter idiot.”
Naruto grinned. “You’ve mentioned.”
“But,” Shikamaru continued, pulling out his phone, “if you’re going to be an idiot, at least let me help you be a slightly smarter one.”
Naruto blinked. “Wait, are you saying-?”
“I’m saying,” Shikamaru interrupted, “we’re going to need a plan. A really, really good plan. Security maps, camera rotations, guard schedules, all of it. Because if you’re caught, i’m denying i ever met you.”
Naruto’s grin widened, his entire face lighting up. “That’s the spirit!”
Shikamaru groaned again, he opened a campus VPN, already scrolling through files. “First, we find out what time the security shift changes. You’ll need a disguise, something that won’t stand out on the cameras, maybe a lab coat or something, and you can’t just walk in, you’ll probably have to steal a badge. This is going to be a monumental drag,” he declared, which in his vocabulary meant implicitly ‘i’ll do this because you’re stupid, but also because i care about you’.
Naruto laughed softly, a small clean sound. A hopeful spark ignited in his chest, he knew Shikamaru wouldn’t let him down, he never did. “You really think we can pull this off?”
Shikamaru gave him a flat look. “No. But you’re going to try anyway, so i might as well make sure you don’t end up dead.”
Naruto laughed, clapping him on the shoulder. “Thanks Shika, you’re the best.”
“Don’t thank me yet,” Shikamaru muttered, scrolling furiously. “We haven’t started the rough part.”
The city lights began to flicker to life, one by one, across the skyline. Orochimaru Industries’ headquarters glowed in the distance, a monolith of glass and steel piercing the dusk, its logo gleaming like an eye watching the city below. Naruto stared at it, his heart thrumming with something that felt like destiny. “I’m not letting this go,” he whispered.
Shikamaru leaned back, following his gaze. “You really believe this is going to change anything?”
Naruto’s jaw tightened. “Yeah.”
The wind carried the hum of traffic and the faint wail of a siren somewhere far below, the night deepened, swallowing the last traces of sunset.
Naruto didn’t know it yet, but the decision he made that evening, that wild, reckless spark of defiance, would change his life forever.