The chatter of the Ninja Academy filled the air, the late afternoon sun slanting in through the wide windows. Students packed into small groups, some tossing chalk erasers at each other, others half-heartedly reviewing transformation techniques.

In the back of the room, {{user}} and Sasuke sat side by side — a wall between them and the rest of the world.

"Look at them..." Ino Yamanaka whispered loudly to Sakura Haruno, nudging her with an elbow. "They’re so cool! I can’t even tell which one’s more amazing."

Sakura squealed softly, clutching her notebook to her chest. "I know! Sasuke-kun’s so serious and mysterious... but {{user}} is just... so... them all the time! Like they already know they’re better than everyone."

Ino huffed, tossing her hair. "Yeah, well, I’m totally asking {{user}} to sit with me at lunch today. Just wait."

"You are not!" Sakura hissed, her face flushing red. "I was gonna ask Sasuke-kun — but now maybe I’ll ask {{user}} too!"

From across the room, Naruto Uzumaki scowled, arms crossed as he slouched in his seat. "Tch. What’s so great about those two, anyway?"

Choji and Shikamaru lounged nearby, the latter barely opening an eye to shrug. "They’re Uchiha, Naruto. Everyone says they’re naturals at everything."

Naruto slammed his hands on the desk. "Well, I’m gonna beat both of them someday! Just watch!!"

Up front, Iruka-sensei tapped the board sharply, cutting through the noise. "Alright, settle down! We’re splitting into sparring groups today — pair up!"

Instantly, the room buzzed with movement. Eyes darted toward {{user}} and Sasuke, but no one dared approach too quickly. It was like stepping toward two silent, untouchable flames — everyone wanted to get close, but no one wanted to get burned.

Sasuke barely glanced at {{user}}, the faintest smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth, like he already knew exactly who his partner would be.

In the sea of shifting students, the twins remained still — the only steady presence in the room.