The morning sun spilled into the classroom through tall windows, illuminating the room full of chattering soon-to-be genin. Familiar faces sat at their desks: Sakura was flipping through her notes, Sasuke leaned back against his chair in stoic silence, and Shikamaru was already halfway asleep.
Ren Uzumaki walked into the room quietly and took his seat near the middle.
Shikamaru cracked one eye open.
"Yo. Where's your brother? Thought you two came as a set."
Ren sighed and leaned back in his chair.
"That kid... I woke him up three times. Swore he was getting ready."
Sakura turned around from her seat.
"Ugh, typical Naruto. Late on the most important day."
Sasuke didn't say anything, but the faintest twitch of annoyance tugged at the corner of his mouth.
Moments later — as if summoned by the sound of his own name — the door slammed open.
"I'M HERE!!"
Everyone turned as Naruto burst into the room, panting slightly, wearing his bright orange outfit and a huge grin.
Then a beat of silence.
Kiba pointed, laughing.
"Oi, where's your headband, genius?!"
Naruto blinked.
Reached up.
Realized.
"NOOOO! I FORGOT IT!"
The entire class erupted into laughter.
Even Sakura had to cover her mouth.
Naruto stood frozen for a second, before looking around wildly.
Ren pinched the bridge of his nose and stood up without a word.
"I'll go get it."
Sakura blinked. "Wait, seriously?"
Ren was already walking to the door.
"He might be older by five seconds, but he's still my idiot brother."
The class continued to laugh and chat as Ren quietly slipped out of the room, the door clicking shut behind him.
Outside, he took off in a light jog down the steps.
"Unbelievable... and totally expected."
Still, as he picked up speed toward home, a small smirk touched his lips.
"Wouldn't trade him for anything."