The sun was still crawling over the rooftops when they arrived at the Academy.
A long building of pale stone, red tile, and sharp corners. Kids gathered like birds on the front steps — some excited, some nervous, some already showing off new sandals or hand-me-down kunai.
Naruto buzzed with energy.
Ren walked beside him, silent.
His face calm, unreadable. But his eyes took in everything — the layout of the courtyard, the faces of other students, the teachers at the front, the escape routes.
Old habits. He couldn't help it.
"I'm gonna be the best ninja ever," Naruto grinned, stretching his arms. "Believe it!"
Ren didn't respond.
He just slipped his hands into his pockets and kept walking.
Then—
"HEY!" a voice shouted behind them.
Ren stopped.
Naruto turned — too late.
A boy from another clan shoved him hard in the back.
Naruto stumbled, barely catching himself.
Three kids stood in front of him now — not from any known clan, just typical smug brats with too much pride and too little brain.
"Demon brat thinks he belongs here," one sneered.
Another pointed at Ren. "His little twin too. Look at them — whisker freaks."
Ren's jaw tensed, but he didn't speak.
Naruto, though — he was already moving.
"Say that again, coward!"
He charged in without hesitation, fist swinging.
And just like that, chaos bloomed.
One of the boys ducked and kicked. Another threw dirt. Naruto swung wild and fast, heart in every hit — but three on one was too much, even for him.
Ren stood off to the side, watching for a moment. Not out of fear. Not out of hesitation.
Just…
"Come on, bro," he said finally, low and tired. "Class didn't even start yet."
Naruto growled as he got knocked back into the dirt. "I got this!"
Another punch grazed his cheek.
Ren sighed.
Then moved.
Fast.
The first boy didn't see him coming — a clean jab to the ribs sent him stumbling. The second swung at Ren's head, but Ren ducked low and swept his leg out from under him.
The third backed away.
"W-Wait—"
Ren stepped in close, eyes narrowed.
"Pick on someone your own size next time."
He didn't hit him.
He didn't have to.
The look alone sent the boy scrambling.
When the dust settled, Naruto was back on his feet, rubbing his cheek with a grin.
"Told you I had it."
Ren gave him a look.
"You had the dirt."
Before Naruto could respond, a sharp voice cut through the courtyard:
"Uzumaki twins!"
Iruka-sensei.
Arms crossed. Not amused.
"Principal's office. Now."
Naruto winced. "Heh… oops."
Ren sighed again. "Day one," he muttered under his breath.
They walked side by side through the building, every eye on them — some staring in fear, some in awe, most in confusion.
Two boys.
One loud.
One silent.
And both already leaving a mark.