Team Seven Assemble (Sasuke POV)
With the introduction of multi shadow-clone jutsu under his belt, Sasuke was able to use that concept to teach Naruto chakra control. As each clone as significantly less chakra than the original, it allows Naruto to pictures just how much chakra he needs to use for techniques like the substitution jutsu. Sasuke couldn't be prouder as as they sparred together, Naruto's usage of clones in fights became far more proficient and now his accuracy with kunai is as good as Sasuke's now.
Sasuke was so surprised how fast Naruto is at learning and picking up techniques as long as he has some guidence. This both made Sasuke feel proud but also angry. He was so proud how far Naruto has come and how hard he has worked and he was happy that he was able to help make Naruto such a strong ninja. But his anger is directed to everyone else responsible for him. Sasuke was blessed to have strict training from his father and a brother who was so supportive of his training giving him tips and advice to help him flourish. He doesn't know what brought his brother to do such things or if he trust his own memory of events anymore. It doesn't matter. His point is that he is angered by the fact that no body has ever decided to at least teach him the basics and figure out why he is struggling so much with ninjiutsu. Or maybe they were purposefully stunting his growth. A shiver ran down Sasuke's spine.
They were back at the river in their spot just basking in each others presence when Sasuke proposed a plan for the Academy exams. "Naruto now you can use shadow normally without needing to summon multi-shadow clone jutsu, don't show anyone unless you either fully trust them, or we're in a life or death situation. Right now I don't think we're nearly strong enough to fight the village. I feel like they're afraid of you so if you show signs of being too strong, I fear they're going to try lock you up to prevent you from being a threat to them later on. I don't trust those bastards one bit."
Naruto thought it over. If this was anyone else but Sasuke talking about anyone else but the leaf, he would've laughed it off and said that they're being ridiculous. But Sasuke doesn't joke around when it comes to Naruto's safety and happiness and he is well aware of the hatred and fear he exudes onto people for existing. He doesn't want to hide his actual strength and make people think he's weak and look down on him. He spent his whole life having been the victim of abuse and ridicule and his whole goal of getting stronger was to change the attitude. Then again, it just means that he not strong enough yet and needs to train more.
Sasuke saw his hesitation and clarified "I'm not saying that you shouldn't win fights against some genin and pretend to be the weakest. But our abilities might rival some experience chunin and pushing it maybe some joinin which then the village will definitely see as a threat. You can definitely show them you're no last place dobe but you definitely don't need to flaunt all your cards to do so." That made Naruto brighten up eyes smiling with that sapphire sparkle that Sasuke can't help but want to protect. "Oi teme what did I say about calling me dobe!" Naruto joked. To which Sasuke smirked and said "You'll always be a dobe to me, but only me." The latter half of that sentence sounding slightly more possessive than he wanted to protray. Not that he wasn't possessive. Sasuke will admit that the idea of Naruto now being the most popular amongst the class and being loved by all makes he seethe. But he will never say that to anyone since he knows how ugly these thoughts are. Afterall he garters so many fangirls it makes him sick to his stomach. But Naruto doesn't say anything and sticks by Sasuke's side without complaint. So he has no right to feel jealous of a hypothetical situation. Yet he can't control his feelings.
Naruto being the oblivious sunshine he is remains blissfully unaware of that possessive undertone seemingly as he replies "Damn it fine, but only you can call me that. You're the only one who has that right so no abusing it!" Naruto declared. Sasuke tuned his face away, hiding a blush creeping up his face as he responds with "Ok.... Dobe."
"Teme!" Naruto yells but Sasuke doesn't need to turn around to know that the blonde is not actually angry but grinning, Sasuke himself is struggling to fight of a a small smile himself. But that's for him to know and nobody else.
The academy exam came and went in a flash but they did not go trouble free. Iruka was marking the ninjutsu test which everyone was surprised that he was able to do both techniques flawlessly. But when it came to the written paper, Naruto had supposedly failed. Naruto was really dejected but Sasuke refused to give up for Naruto's sake and demanded the paper in which Naruto did to see where he went wrong. It was as on their rights afterall. There he brought the paper to Iruka and showed as he has suspected, the exam to be purposefully mismarked. This was escalated to the third Hokage who realised this injustice and overuled Naruto's mark. He did however say that meant Naruto would be placed in last place of his class but they s works out perfectly as now there are full groups of teams.
Neither of them cared to much about the details but it did solidify Sasuke's theory. Now a theory Naruto shared with him. But now they are both in the academy together and nothing is stopping them from being stronger. Or so they thought.
The teams were announced by Iruka. Sasuke was both overjoyed that Naruto actually became a part of his team but there was already one thorn to his peaceful genin life. Sakura Haruno. She is one of the leading members of the Sasuke fanclub and was one of the main group from the girls that would be unnecessarily mean to Naruto. Not to mention this is the girl that Naruto has a crush on. Seriously what is wrong with his taste in women. Well actually since they became friends, he has noticed he cares less about her now plus it's better he likes a girl that shows no interest than someone like Hinata that is too much of a coward to even talk to the boy she is obsessed with. Sasuke has a love-hate relationship with Hinata. They have never talked but he knows that she is sincere in her feelings and truly likes him as a person which he can respect her for and apart from her crippling shyness and lack of any self-esteem, there is nothing wrong with her compared to any other girl. But she had to have a crush on Sasuke's only true friend and Sasuke doesn't share so he refuses to speak or acknowledge her, not like she have ever made an attempt to. Unlike Sakura who won't ever leave him alone.
Speaking of which. Sakura is sat right next to him, trying to sit so close to him that she's almost pressing herself against him. She is also talking his ear off. Something Sasuke is used to drowning out. Of course Naruto is here to but she is making it difficult to actually try and talk to him. It doesn't help that their Sensei is over 1 hour late. Naruto gets bored and tries to balance a blackboard eraser on the top of the sliding door for his amusement. He claims proudly that his genius knows no bound when it comes to pranks. Sasuke keeps a straight face seemingly saying I hate it here but internally he is snickering at Naruto's antics as he always found them amusing. Yet he can't show Naruto since he's his friend, he has to set Naruto on the right path and not the prankster life. Though his facade doesn't fool Naruto based on his smirk directed towards him. It fools Sakura as she uses his displeased face to try and say that he second her lecture she loves giving Naruto. Soon they hear footprints approaching them. They go silent and sit in their class seats together as they hear the door open. And as planned by Naruto, that eraser lands on the head of our approaching guest. Naruto burst into laughter pointing fingers at the unsuspecting victim of his evil and Sasuke could help but hide a snicker behind his hands because of Naruto's antics. However this ninja in front of them doesn't seemed phased at all. He just picks up the fallen eraser, puts it to the side and then starts to address the children present.
"Hello there, I'm Kakashi Hatake and starting today I'll be your new jonin"