Naruto: The Beast Within

Next Day

The next morning dawns, and the sun is barely peeking over the horizon when Raimu reluctantly rolls out of bed, yawning deeply as he stretches. His eyes are half-lidded, the typical sleepy look still present on his face, but he knows he has no choice but to get ready for the day. As soon as his feet hit the floor, he remembers the punishment that awaits him and groans dramatically, flopping back down onto his mattress.

"Do I really have to go through with this?" he mutters to himself, half-hoping his pillow will magically make everything disappear.

Raimu's response is a muffled groan, followed by another exaggerated stretch. Slowly, with as much effort as a sloth on a lazy day, he shuffles toward his uniform and puts it on. Even though it's a regular school day, it feels like more of an ordeal. He can already feel the weight of the sign he's about to wear—like a target on his back.

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Ninja Academy

Three days had passed since the disastrous fight and the exhausting punishment of rebuilding the training field. The soreness had finally faded from their muscles, but their dignity? That was another story.

Raimu strolls onto the academy grounds with his usual sluggish pace, eyes half-lidded, mouth stretching in a massive yawn. The morning sun is warm against his skin, and for a brief moment, he considers the possibility of sneaking in a nap before class. But reality hits as soon as he spots Takuma standing stiffly near the entrance—his face already burning red with frustration.

Hanging from both of their necks were signs that Iruka gave them the other day.

Takuma's read:

"I'm Always Too Angry to Think, and I'm a Shouty Loser Who Can't Beat Someone Who Sleeps Through Life."

Raimu's read:

"I Let My Strength Get to My Head, and I Can't Survive Without Dessert."

Raimu blinks at his sign, then sighs, muttering, "They really didn't have to call me out like that…" He lazily tugs at the string around his neck, wondering if there was a way to make it accidentally fall off.

Takuma, on the other hand, looks ready to combust. His fists are clenched so tight his knuckles turn white, and his whole body is tense.

"I can't believe we have to wear these," he mutters, his voice low and furious.

"Mm." Raimu hums, tilting his head slightly, gaze still half-lidded. "Honestly, could be worse. Iruka could've made us read them out loud to the class."

Takuma glares. "That would be worse."

"Exactly." Raimu offers a slow, lazy grin. "So, really, we should be grateful."

Takuma looks like he wants to punch him.

The whispers start as soon as they step further onto campus.

"Look, look, it's them!"

"No way, they actually have to wear those?"

"I heard Iruka-sensei made them fight in the dirt like animals and rebuild the whole entrance by hand."

"Well they did destroy it."

A small group of students gathers nearby, openly pointing at the signs. Some try to hide their laughter, while others are much less subtle.

Raimu looks at Takuma, "Hey, why are you going around telling everything to everybody...?"

"It wasn't me!" Takuma yells.

"Hey, Takuma," one boy calls, barely holding back a grin. "Still think you can beat Raimu?"

"Maybe if Raimu fights with one eye closed, you'll last longer," another adds, snickering.

Takuma stiffens, jaw clenching so hard that a muscle twitches. He takes a slow breath through his nose, forcing himself not to explode in front of everyone.

Raimu watches his growing frustration with an amused expression, rubbing his neck as if contemplating something. Then, in the most deadpan voice imaginable, he says, "Actually, I was thinking of fighting with both eyes closed next time."

The crowd bursts into laughter.

Takuma whips around to glare at him. "You're not helping!"

Raimu shrugs. "Oh, my bad. Want me to say you almost landed a hit?"

Takuma groans, dragging a hand down his face.

Meanwhile, a group of girls walks past, their eyes lingering on Raimu.

"He's still cute even with that sign," one whispers, giggling.

"I know, right? It's kind of unfair."

Raimu sighs dramatically. "You guys are embarrassing me."

One of them steps closer, tilting her head. "Wait, do you really need dessert to survive?"

Raimu places a hand over his chest, sighing like a tragic hero. "If I don't get my daily sugar intake, I start wasting away."

Takuma scowls. "Stop encouraging them."

The girl laughs. "That's so adorable."

Takuma groans again, clearly wishing for death.

The worst part of the humiliation comes when they enter the classroom. Everyone immediately turns to stare.

one boy practically howls with laughter. "PFFT—What the hell are those signs?! Loser who sleeps through life? Can't survive without dessert?!"

another, sitting lazily at his desk, merely raises an eyebrow before smirking slightly. "Sounds about right."

a girl fidgets, trying to suppress a giggle.

Takuma dies inside.

Raimu, on the other hand, simply sighs, slumping into his seat. "I think I'll sleep through the humiliation."

He folds his arms over the desk and rests his head on them, as if nothing in the world could possibly concern him.

Takuma glares at him. "How are you this calm?!"

"Because I have accepted my fate." Raimu peeks one eye open, his usual sleepy, golden gaze unfazed. "Also, I'm too tired to care. Just get ready for history"

The final blow comes when Iwana walks in, takes one look at them, and sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose. "I see you both survived the morning."

It seems Iruka Sensei is behind everybody knowing what their punishments are.

Takuma, still red-faced, mutters, "Barely."

Raimu lazily raises a hand. "Sensei, permission to remove the sign?"

Iwana crosses his arms. "Ask Iruka-Sensei, not me."

Raimu groans dramatically, flopping back down on his desk.

The class bursts into laughter again.

Takuma swears that this is the longest day of his life.