Naruto: The Beast Within

The classroom hums with quiet murmurs, but Raimu is already lost in his own little world, his head down, cheek pressed against his crossed arms. His golden eyes, half-lidded and dreamy, stare blankly at nothing in particular, the weight of sleep threatening to pull him under completely.

Then—

RIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIING!!!

The bell screeches through the air, slicing through his peaceful haze like a blade. He blinks slowly, barely reacting as students around him push their chairs back, chatter spilling into the hallway. A slow, deep yawn escapes his lips as he finally sits up, stretching one arm out, the other lazily pulling his cover over his shoulder.

"Lunch…" he mumbles, voice thick with sleep.

It's not food he's after, though. Meals are… whatever. He likes sweets. Not candy—too artificial, too loud in flavor. No, he wants something warm, soft, and rich. Something that melts in his mouth and makes the world feel just a little more peaceful.

With sluggish, unbothered steps, he drifts down to the cafeteria, the scent of fresh food wafting through the air. When he gets there, the smell of food fills the air—warm rice, grilled fish, and fresh vegetables. But Raimu doesn't care for any of that. His eyes are locked on a single thing in the entire spread of options: a neatly prepared dessert. A small pastry, golden and flaky, topped with a drizzle of honey.

Perfect.

Grabbing the tray, he nods in satisfaction and steps away, completely ignoring the balanced meals surrounding him. Some students glance at his tray with amusement, others with confusion.

"Is that all he's eating?" someone murmurs.

"He always does this," another replies. "He never eats a real meal."

Raimu, uninterested in their chatter, simply pulls his blanket more snugly over his shoulder and turns toward the exit. He's done here. Time to find a quiet place to enjoy his dessert.

But then—

"Raimu!"

His name is called, loudly, cutting through the cafeteria like a thrown kunai.

He freezes mid-step, his body tensing slightly. Without even looking, he knows who it is.

Takuma.

Of all people, it just had to be him.

Raimu grips his blanket and immediately picks up his pace, moving faster toward the exit. His one goal: escape.

"Raimu, wait!" Takuma calls again, his voice getting closer.

Nope. Not happening. Raimu tightens his grip on his dessert and walks even faster, eyes locked ahead. If he ignores him, maybe he'll give up.

A hand suddenly grabs his shoulder, forcing him to stop.

Raimu sighs, his entire body drooping. He already knows where this is going.

Reluctantly, he turns around.

Takuma stands there, his expression serious as always, his light blue outfit neatly in place, his dark eyes sharp with determination. His posture is straight, fists clenched, as if preparing for something that hasn't even started.

"Let's fight!" Takuma says without hesitation.

Raimu stares at him.

Then, slowly, his face shifts into an expression of pure annoyance.

His golden eyes narrow, his lips press together in a flat line, and a small, irritated sigh slips out. He looks Takuma up and down as if considering his entire existence before finally speaking.

"Leave me alone," Raimu mumbles, voice laced with exhaustion. "Can't you see I'm trying to eat?"

Takuma's gaze drops, noticing the small dessert in Raimu's hand. His brows furrow.

"That's not a meal," Takuma says firmly. "You shouldn't eat stuff like that, especially on an empty stomach."

Raimu closes his eyes for a moment, willing himself to have patience.

"I like dessert," he says, his voice slow, like he's explaining something incredibly obvious.

"But it's not healthy," Takuma argues.

"And fighting all the time isn't healthy either," Raimu counters, giving him a sleepy glare. "Yet here you are."

A few students nearby chuckle at the exchange. Some shake their heads, already knowing how this will go.

Takuma and Raimu's arguments are a daily occurrence. And Takuma always loses.

Some students murmur among themselves, watching the scene unfold.

"He's really trying again?" one sighs.

"He never learns," another laughs.

A few girls giggle, their attention focused more on Raimu than the argument itself.

"He's so cute," one whispers.

"Right? He looks so innocent, just standing there with his dessert."

One girl, bolder than the rest, rests her chin in her hands and sighs dramatically.

"I'd let him sleep on my lap."

Their whispers do not go unnoticed by Raimu, who tilts his head slightly in amusement. Takuma, however, remains focused, unbothered by the background noise.

Raimu exhales, already done with this entire conversation. He readjusts his blanket, shifting it like a matador preparing for a bullfight.

"Well," he says, voice dragging, "if that's all, I'll be going now."

He takes a step back. Then another.

Takuma narrows his eyes.

"You're not getting away."

Raimu blinks at him, face unreadable.

"You're not leaving until we fight!" Takuma declares, his voice firm.

Raimu stops. Slowly tilts his head.

"Oh?" His voice is light, almost amused. He exhales softly, shifting his dessert to his other hand as a playful glint flickers in his golden eyes.

"As if you could catch me."

Then, without warning—

He turns and bolts.

The cafeteria erupts into noise.

"He's running!" someone shouts.

Takuma reacts instantly, lunging after him.

Raimu grips his blanket as he weaves through the tables, his movements swift despite his usual sleepy demeanor. His golden eyes scan for an opening. He spots a clear path near the far wall and dashes toward it.

Takuma is right behind him.

The students, realizing what's happening, spring into action.

"Go, Raimu, go!"

"Catch him, Takuma!"

Some cheer for Raimu's escape, others root for Takuma to finally succeed. A few students even start placing bets.

The cafeteria doors burst open as Raimu and Takuma spill into the hallway.

Raimu doesn't stop. He clutches his dessert tightly in one hand, his blanket billowing behind him as he speeds down the hall. His footsteps are light, barely making a sound.

Takuma, on the other hand, is all determination and persistence, his heavy steps echoing through the halls as he pushes himself to catch up.

The chase has officially begun.

More students pour into the hallway, eager to watch. Some run alongside them, laughing and shouting as the excitement spreads like wildfire.

Raimu turns a sharp corner, sliding slightly before regaining his balance.

Takuma follows, close on his heels.

Raimu's eyes flicker to the side. He spots an open classroom door and makes a split-second decision.

With an effortless leap, he vanishes inside.

Takuma skids to a stop, eyes wide.

"Where—?"

A blur of movement catches his attention. He whips around just in time to see Raimu dart out of a different door further down the hall.

Takuma's jaw tightens.

"Not fair!"

Raimu grins, finally feeling the thrill of the chase. His usual drowsiness is replaced with something playful, something mischievous.

He speeds up, ducking between students, his blanket swirling around him like a cloak.

Takuma keeps pushing forward, refusing to lose sight of him.

The students watching go wild, their voices echoing through the halls.

"Come on, Takuma, don't let him get away!"

"Raimu's too fast, he's got this!"

Somehow, this is no longer just an argument. It's an event. A school-wide spectacle.

And Raimu?

Raimu is having the time of his life.

His grip on his dessert remains firm, his blanket keeps him warm, and the excitement in the air makes the usual monotony of school feel like a game.

All he has to do now… is keep running.