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You've entered a new level on your journey into the world.

In all honesty, Sakura had no idea how to react. The other girls were acting completely natural, sitting around her and talking about cute boys and their grievances of the day. It reminded her of how she had seen things in the manga she read.

But ever since junior high, she never would have guessed she'd have such an experience.

As if sensing her thoughts, Ino glanced over and smiled. She detached herself from one of the desks and bent down so she was eye level with Sakura.

"I told you this year would be different, didn't I?"

Sakura studied her for a minute before nodding. "I guess it will be."

You'll learn about life. Both the bad and the good. I cannot say what all you will go through.

"Uchi-"

Sasuke's dark gaze flickered toward her, somehow both cold and warm at once. It was as if he was so used to putting up his walls, even around her he couldn't take them down. Maybe, just maybe, they would never fall.

"Sas- Sasuke-kun," Hinata corrected, even as the name made her throat feel dry. "You know it doesn't have to be this way, right?"

"I think we both know it has to be this way, Hinata."

No matter how much it hurts us, Hinata silently added.

But from each experience, I can promise you this - you will grow.

Will you be okay?

Sakura stared at the message, her fingers hovering over they keys in preparation to reply. She knew why Ino was asking. She needed to know whether or not she had to rush over. If the girls needed to cancel the plans in order to comfort her.

At first, Sakura really thought she would put no. How was she supposed to be fine after being rejected? If she was okay, why were her eyes red from fighting back tears?

Even as she thought it, though, the painful grasp on her heart started to lighten. She didn't want this to hold her back. No matter what, she wanted to be strong and walk forward with her head held high.

This wasn't the old her.

Yeah. On my way to you guys. See ya in a few :)

I am hoping that if you gain anything from this school, it is that you learn what drives you. That you find your will of fire.

It was so dark.

His jaw ached from the punch. It would probably bruise. Then like always he would get in trouble. Be told his ways would disappoint his parents. 

But he wouldn't speak because Yutaro wouldn't understand. Yutaro never saw him either.

So very, very dark.

"Hello?"

That voice. That voice that was gradually starting to grow more familiar each day.

"Naruto-kun?"

Naruto raised his head from his knees. What had once been an area of pure darkness was now broken by a single ray of light.

It was her.

*~*~*~

That was partially on the spot so some of them may seem odd XD And if you saw that little unfamiliar name during the last part, although this is canon-focused there will be ocs. What do you guys think so far? Get a bit surprised by some of the scenes? Also... It was all typed on my phone so I apologize if it seemed off.