A/N: Just a warning: This will definitely contain mature themes and suggestions (and not the happy ones). (No, not lemons). Read at your own discretion, and thanks for the support. :D

Konoha High School

Chapter One: Prologue

As far as Naruto was concerned, it was just another typical day at Konoha High. Another day of hoodies, munching on stale pizza, scrambling together last minute papers, and attempting to text his buddies in class.

Bro, make sure we meet 2 tune up before school's over.

K.

That is, of course, until his Algebra 2 teacher decided to publicize his habits in front of the whole class.

"Naruto!" Iruka cried out, practically shocking Naruto out of his skin, "I've had far enough of your texting in class!"

"Sorry, Iruka-sensei..." Naruto replied, actually feeling guilty for his actions.

"Look, Naruto, I can't keep calling you out in class, so just... see me after its over, okay?"

Iruka sounded exhasperated, and Naruto knew he was being a jerk. As much as Naruto hated math, he was well aware that Iruka truly tried to help him in every way possible. Back in September, Naruto had tried his best to understand what the hell Iruka was babbling about in the front- something about exponents?- but, after the first three exams had passed, it became apparent to both of them that math wasn't exactly Naruto's forte. And Naruto had had enough of exhausting himself during the day just to end up getting a failing grade. Iruka, on the other hand, offered him extra help practically every Wednesday.

That didn't work out either. Naruto, while obviously not a scholar in any way, was not a delinquent, and as such, his Wednesday happened to occupied by something more important than math.

Which was the reason that he was constantly texting Kiba in class. The two boys were the leading coordinators of their band. On Wednesdays, the group typically had a gig at one of the nearby clubs. Yeah, technically high schoolers shouldn't be allowed to play in any vicinity of alcoholic beverages, but they were cool. They were good and Naruto knew it.

Because of this, Naruto was reluctant to stay after school to sort out whatever issues Iruka was having with him. He had to meet with the gang before they left for the concert, so he really didn't have the time to spare most days. Naruto nodded anyway, and tried to place his attention on the streaks of chalk marring the board in front of him.

...For about five seconds, before he started to zone out again.

Dammit...

"We'll be having a brief quiz on this tomorrow, so I'd suggest doing this sheet. I'll post the answer key online tonight, so study hard!" Iruka encouraged.

Naruto grabbed the sheet passed to him and shoved it into his bag, hurredly swinging it over his shoulder in an attempt to exit the classroom ASAP. He bent over and picked up the long black case holding his precious guitar, practically stabbing the girl next to him with it and muttering a quick 'sorry!' before rushing off.

Iruka was quicker.

"No, Naruto," Iruka cut Naruto's plan off, spinning him around by his shoulder. "You can't keep running away from this problem you're having."

Naruto's eyes grazed his sneakers, until meeting with Iruka's brown ones.

"I know, it's just...!" Naruto said, frustrated.

"Look," Iruka cut in again, agitatedly running his hand through his hair, "I understand that math isn't really your 'thing', and I get that you're busy on Wednesdays. But to me, it almost seems like you're not trying at all. Don't you care about your future?"

He could've rolled his eyes. It seemed to him like teachers and parents always pulled the 'future' card as a way to get their kids to do whatever they wanted. Yeah, Naruto realized that one day he'd need to make his own cash, but he also realized that he thought it was more important to live and be a person than to sit around doing what everyone else wants from you. So that's how he decided to live.

But, alas, Iruka wasn't wrong. The future was important enough that his connections at the club weren't enough for him to get by on. He was going to need to raise his grade so he could at least pass high school.

"I know," Naruto said hesitantly, "that you're trying your best, sensei. I'm really sorry but math just doesn't come easily to me..."

Iruka smiled at that.

"I can work with a student who has trouble learning, Naruto. I just can't work with a student who isn't interested at all."

Naruto nodded, suddenly feeling the weight of his bag. Where was Iruka going with this?

"Since our schedules don't line up, Naruto, I was hoping you'd be willing to try getting some extra help from someone who is willing to change his schedule around to compensate for you."

Well...

That sounded almost too perfect.

"Oh, uh, yeah I guess I could do that..." Naruto replied, leaning his guitar against the desk beside him.

...Too good to be true?

Iruka nodded, seeming almost excited.

"Well, if you are willing to try, so is he. I have a student coming over here shortly, if you can spare a bit of time, who's willing to tutor you-"

"Oh, I don't have the money-"

"-for free." Iruka finished.

Naruto cocked an eyebrow, realizing Iruka was a step ahead of him. No excuses now!

"Well, uh, yeah I can wait." He said gratefully.

On one hand, he'd rather lick a tire than have to spend extra time learning math. But, on the other, he was getting tired of being confused all the time in class and knowing every test he received he'd fail. It was giving him a touch of anxiety, if Naruto was completely honest, and if this person was willing to help him out for free, then what was there to lose?

In walked a boy sporting loafers, a cardigan, and tousled jet-black hair.

Everything, apparently...

"Good afternoon, Sasuke." Iruka stood up to greet him, whereas the boy -Sasuke- barely moved an inch from the doorway.

"Iruka-sensei," was all he said, eyeing Naruto in a way that made him want to squirm.

This couldn't be happening.

It just couldn't.

"Uh, Iruka-sensei, I don't think-"

"Sasuke," Iruka interrupted, "this is Naruto. He's in Algebra 2, and is currently having trouble with exponent rules and differential equations we've been working out in class."

Sasuke scrutinized Naruto from where he stood. Naruto glared back.

"Uh..." Naruto spoke up again, "Iruka-sensei, I'm gonna have to back out of this one."

Iruka turned to him, his smile completely vanishing.

"Naruto, you can't keep backing out of these things and- Sasuke! Where are you going?"

"He's right", the boy from the doorway said monotonously, much to Naruto's surprise. "This isn't going to work."

Naruto was glad, at the very least, that they were on the same page. He knew that black-haired, bad-attitude guy wouldn't agree to helping anyone out. No way.

Sasuke, as far as Naruto knew, was the most conceited, condescending little prick ever borne into the world. He was widely sought after by the prettiest girls in school, namely, Naruto's all-time crush Sakura. Not only did every girl wanna bang him, but his parents were rich, and before he quit, he was the star of the varsity soccer team.

Of course, none of Naruto's friends liked him. The world was handed to the guy on a silver platter, he had no troubles, and yet he walked around like a gloomy cloud was permanently following him. Naruto had his fair share of issues, especially with money, and yet in comparison to Sasuke, he was a sunshine on a rainy day and as giving as Santa on Christmas eve.

Though, Naruto wondered what the guy had against him. Maybe it was just because he wasn't rich? Or the way he dressed? It wouldn't surprise him if the guy stereotyped him because of appearances and because he played rock and roll.

Naruto reached down for his guitar, but Iruka's hand stopped him.

"Just give it a chance, please?" He pleaded, and in that moment, Naruto realized just how much the man was trying to help him. How could he deny him after all this effort?

He took a seat.

"Sasuke," Iruka sighed, effectively stopping the boy in his prissy-little tracks, "in two years, you'll be going to college. I'm assuming you have a dream university, right?"

Sasuke turned to him, interest peeked.

"What if I told you I might have a connection to your dream school?" Iruka lamented, knowing he had Sasuke wrapped around his finger.

Sasuke scoffed, doubtful.

"We can discuss this on our own time, but I'm letting you know that I'd be willing to write a recommendation letter to Master Sarutobi if you did me this favor" Iruka said, knowing he had him in the bag now.

Sasuke seemed... well, completely stoic to Naruto. But, he was slightly shocked that Iruka knew of the Oxford dean. He knew he couldn't pass up the opportunity, so grudgingly he nodded, turning his attention to Naruto.

"So, moron. I hear you have a quiz tomorrow?"