A few days after the midterm exams, the academy finally returned to its usual rhythm.To Tōma's immense relief, his sudden burst of popularity had also cooled. People still looked his way, but at least they'd stopped surrounding him like he was some rare summon beast.
Well… except for one person fidgeting awkwardly beside him.
Tōma sighed. "Just say it. You're terrible at pretending nothing's wrong."
"Wow! As expected of you, Tōma—you saw right through me!"Naruto scratched his head with a loud laugh.
"So? What's up?" Tōma asked, resigned.
"Tomorrow's a day off, right? I… wanted to invite you over to my place!"Naruto's eyes shone with naked hope. If Tōma agreed, he'd be the first guest Naruto ever hosted—aside from the Third Hokage.
Tōma blinked.Of all possibilities, he hadn't expected that.
"Is that… not okay?"Naruto's shoulders drooped instantly at Tōma's silence.
"It's not that," Tōma replied quickly. "I just didn't think you'd invite me out of nowhere."
"So you'll come?" Naruto brightened again.
"Yeah. But just give me your address—I'll go alone. You know what happens when I walk around with you."
Naruto nodded immediately. He understood better than anyone. Before entering the academy, he had avoided Tōma for the same reason.
Tōma began sorting through the implications.Naruto's apartment would be isolated—no families nearby, no curious eyes. As long as he avoided crowds on the way, visiting would be fine.
As for the ANBU watching Naruto…And Root…
Tōma wasn't worried.He sat next to Naruto every day. Visiting a classmate's home was perfectly normal.The Hokage would likely approve if it strengthened Naruto's connections.Root was the only wildcard, but Tōma was certain the Third wouldn't let Danzo meddle with the village's future so easily.
Naruto recited his address—more remote than Tōma expected.Tōma suspected he'd need Naruto to guide him through the last stretch.They settled on a time, timed carefully so Tōma could finish his daily training first.
A fleeting thought crossed his mind—I could send a shadow clone instead.But he dismissed it. Clones were useful tools, but showing up to a friend's home with a substitute felt wrong, even if his "friend" was a noisy troublemaker kid.
"You're going to Uzumaki's house?"Ino had overheard and blinked in surprise.
"Yeah," Tōma said. "Is something wrong?"
Ino frowned slightly. Her father had told her to keep her distance from Naruto, but she didn't fully understand why.Naruto seemed annoying sometimes, sure—but dangerous? Not really.
"…I guess it's fine," she said finally.
"People say a lot of things about Naruto," Tōma added, "but I trust what I see myself. He's a good… kid. Friend."
Ino nodded, wide-eyed—like she'd just heard some deep philosophy.
Naruto looked like he might cry on the spot.
Shikamaru's ear twitched, and he smirked lazily.Troublesome guy… but surprisingly decent.
Ino, meanwhile, stared at Naruto's quivering lip and decided he looked uncool.Definitely uncool.Tōma, by contrast… smart, handsome, polite… and definitely cooler.
Maybe I should invite Tōma too? But is that too forward?She spiraled into indecision until class started.
Tōma remained oblivious. Not everyone broadcast their feelings as loudly as Naruto.
After school, while heading toward the training grounds, Tōma spotted Ino approaching Haruno Sakura.Sakura looked downcast. Ino paused, hesitated, then went over.
Tōma remembered this.This was the moment those two later became close friends.
Sakura was insecure about her forehead, but brilliant at theory—nearly perfect.Once she gained confidence, she'd be unstoppable academically.
Which meant Tōma would also need to keep a tight grip on his scores if he wanted the "genius" label to stick all the way to the Hokage's office.
He watched the two girls begin to talk.Later they'd argue about Sasuke, but beneath that they'd always stay close—real friends.
Naruto, on the other hand, kept side-eyeing Sakura constantly.Predictable.Of course he'd develop a crush—this was prime "looks first, personality later" age.
Tōma felt all of them were adorable, honestly.Though that was probably because he viewed them with the patience of an adult rather than a peer.
Still—adorable or not—his training wasn't going to do itself.He turned away and resumed his daily routine with unwavering discipline.
He couldn't afford to slack off. Not now. Not ever.