Naruto endured the ache in his chest and said, "Today is the Ninja Academy graduation exam. I just happened to run into Sakura…"
"I've liked her for years. Everyone knows that."
"But now, I've accepted that she's with you, Sasuke."
"Liking someone doesn't mean you have to possess them. Blessing her… that's also a kind of love."
Sakura felt awkward.
"Naruto, don't say things like that!"
"What if Sasuke misunderstands—"
Sasuke smirked lightly. "Since that's the case, let's begin our legendary lives today."
…
It had been three days since he transmigrated into the Naruto world.
The first two days and nights had been carefree and indulgent.
But life couldn't revolve around intimacy forever.
It was time for a dazzling entrance.
…
The Ninja Academy was especially lively today.
Iruka Umino had arrived early.
Thinking about how the children he had taught were about to graduate—
Once they became genin, they would be true shinobi of Konoha.
From then on, they would face missions that could cost them their lives.
How many of them would survive in the years ahead?
He didn't know.
Yet in the eyes of the students—
"Ahh! It's Uchiha Sasuke! He's so handsome!"
"Uzumaki Naruto, move aside! You're blocking my view of my prince!"
The fangirls erupted the moment Sasuke stepped onto campus.
Naruto had long grown used to this.
He had always envied Sasuke.
And even now, nothing had changed.
The scene from that night would probably haunt him for years.
But he knew—he would never be Sasuke.
…
"Naruto-kun…"
Among the crowd stood a modestly dressed, gentle girl.
Hinata Hyuga.
Unlike the other fangirls, her gaze never once left Naruto.
In the original story, the bond between Naruto and Hinata was deeply moving.
Compared to that, Sakura and Sasuke's relationship had never carried quite the same weight.
But here—
Sasuke, holding Sakura's hand, narrowed his sharp eyes and quickly locked onto that shy, soft-spoken girl.
Heh. Hinata… sooner or later, you'll be mine too.
Sasuke was already planning ahead.
…
Hinata suddenly shivered.
She had no idea she had just been marked by a wolf in sheep's clothing.
In Sasuke's personal ranking of Konoha beauties—
Hinata was first.
Sakura barely second.
…
"Wait—!"
"Why is Sasuke holding hands with Sakura?"
"Who allowed Sakura to stand so close to Lord Sasuke?!"
The fangirls were on the verge of rioting.
Meanwhile, Shikamaru, Choji, Shino, and Kiba all turned to look.
They were from the same graduating class.
Neji, Rock Lee, and Tenten were one year ahead.
"Uchiha Sasuke…"
"The genius."
"He's even more famous than Neji from the Hyuga clan."
The girls were obsessed.
The boys were jealous.
Even the usually indifferent Shikamaru Nara found his eyes lingering on Sasuke.
When he noticed Sasuke openly holding Sakura's hand—
His brows lifted slightly.
"Sasuke and Sakura?"
So Sakura's confession worked?
Unbelievable.
But the most shaken person of all—
Was Ino Yamanaka.
Ino was beautiful—blonde hair, a striking figure, and sharp features.
If not for her somewhat peculiar hairstyle, she might have outshined Sakura entirely.
At this moment, her face flushed crimson with anger.
Jealousy.
Confusion.
Frustration.
She stepped directly in front of Sasuke and Sakura.
"Sasuke!"
"Sakura—what is this?!"
"Sakura, let go of my Sasuke!"
Once upon a time, Ino and Sakura had been best friends.
But two beautiful girls falling for the same boy—
That had torn them apart.
Sasuke tightened his grip on Sakura's hand and smiled.
"I trust my Sakura."
"She treats me well—and that's for a lifetime."
Then he glanced at Naruto.
"I'm glad you can think that way."
"But Sakura is my woman now."
"Be mature. Don't harbor any improper thoughts."
Naruto felt the sting, but he nodded firmly.
"Don't worry. I can handle that much."