As I was making my way to practice, Dad appeared, saying, "Hinoka, I see you're already up. It's time for your training, and also you and Hinata will enter the academy tomorrow. That's all."
I simply nodded as he walked off.
I practiced with Neji till nighttime, and as soon as we were done, I rushed to my room, then out of the compound, and headed to Naruto's house. Entering, I found Naruto lying on his bed.
I paused before asking, "Are you hungry?"
Naruto looked up at me, smiling as he exclaimed, "Hinoka! Yeah, I'm hungry!"
As I made some food, Naruto helped. I had already stocked the house with more than just ramen and made white rice with meat and cooked veggies. After I was done, I told Naruto I couldn't eat with him today but promised we would hang out soon. I put the food into two bento and gave Naruto a mountain of food, making him promise to eat all the veggies before leaving.
I passed the Uchiha compound heading to where Sasuke and I would train. As expected, Sasuke was up and training. I arrived in front of him, saying, "You know you still have to eat, right?"
Sasuke seemed surprised to see me as he asked, "Hinoka? What are you doing out so late?"
"I guess if you don't want it, I'll take my food back." I replied, grinning as I slightly opened the bento.
Sasuke's stomach growled as he said, "I was going to take a break soon anyway."
As Sasuke and I ate, I asked, "So, are you going to the academy tomorrow?"
Sasuke replied, "Yeah, I need to get stronger. Why?"
I grinned, replying, "Because I'm joining the academy tomorrow! My dad agreed to let me join. Can't let my rival get ahead of me, can I?"
Sasuke had a smug look on his face as he said, "I already am."
After breakfast, we practiced for more than 4 hours, with me making sure Sasuke took breaks. We had a taijutsu match, which I easily beat Sasuke in before making him take a break. As we sat down, my eyes grew heavy, so I closed them and fell asleep.
---
**Sasuke's POV:**
I noticed Hinoka was out cold and thought about continuing training alone. But I decided not to; training too much without rest wouldn't do me any good.
I looked at her as I said. "Thank you, Hinoka. I promise I won't let anyone hurt you no matter what," brushing a few strands of her hair behind her ear.
My face turned red as I thought of how cute she looked when she was asleep.
Before eventually falling asleep.
I woke up, lying on Sasuke, and I immediately turned to him, shaking him awake. "Sasuke, we're late!"
"Hinoka, what's wrong?" He asked with a sleepy voice.
"We're going to be late to the academy!"
Hearing my words, Sasuke suddenly jumped up.
As we headed to the academy, we realized we were covered in dirt from training so much. We both went our separate ways, and I headed to my house in the Hyuga compound to change, trying to avoid trouble with my dad. I quickly freshened up, changed my clothes, and rushed to the academy.
The teacher let me off the hook and told me to take a seat. Naruto and Sasuke had already arrived.
I scanned the class, and the only available seat was next to a boy I hadn't met before.
The day went on, filled with boring lessons that I already knew from my studies in the Hyuga clan. The boy next to me muttered, "This is such a drag," under his breath. For some reason, I felt like I knew him from somewhere but ignored it.
The rest of the day was a series of basic lessons.
After class, I wanted to go train with Sasuke, but just as I was about to leave, Hinata was waiting for me outside the classroom.
"Oh, hey little sis, what's up?" I asked with a smile.
Hinata pouted as she exclaimed, "Hinoka, where were you this morning? I had to cover for you when Dad asked me!"
"Thanks for that, Hinata, you're the best! Well, I have to go."
"Hinoka, we have to go home. Please don't make me cover for you again!"
I said, starting at her expression, she was never good when it came to talking to Dad.
"Fine," I mumbled as we made our way back home.
I ended up having to train with Neji and didn't get the chance to see Sasuke because the whole clan was on high alert since the Uchiha massacre.
So I just went to bed early.