My Own Way

2

Timeskip ~ 7 Years Later

Irie's POV

Today we are entering the academy. Mum was well enough to come out and join other parents who were cheering for her children and while I'm happy I wish she would stay home.
Dad told us that after Mum had the Kyuubi ripped out of her she never remained the same as the Chakra of the Kyuubi that kept her system strong is no longer there.
I know that Menma too felt the same way I felt about Mum trying to act strong. The one who didn't notice anything was Naruto. Bless his good heart but my older brother was emotionally brain dead.
"Irie, dad has finished his speech" Menma told me as I snapped back to reality and we finally entered the Academy
It's our first class of the day and Menma and I sat at the back row while Naruto was pestering a girl with pink hair.
I wanted to socialise but most just take a look at my eyes and insult me. At this point I got used to it but Menma would try to beat up anyone who insulted me.
Neither Mum or Dad know about this though. Mum never goes out so she assumes that we all get treated quite well. The only one who gets treated quite well is Naruto and thats because he looked too much like dad. Menma and I are treated terribly mostly Menma though. He is called a Demon mostly.
"Settle down class my name is Iruka Umino but you can call me Iruka-Sensei" he tells us as the entire class is a chorus of good morning Iruka Sensei
"When I call your name please stand up tell us your dream for the future" Iruka said as we all responded
"Menma what are you going to say" I ask him as he grins
"Don't worry bout that Irie" he tells me patting my red hair as I look at him confused
"Shino Aburame" he calls as a boy with black hair stands up
"I want to be head of my clan" he says as I smile
He's quiet maybe he won't judge me
"That's a good dream Shino. Next is Choji Akimichi"
"I want to taste all kinds of roast meat" he says as the class burst out laughing but I smiled
He's a foodie like me. He'll also be a good friend.
"Foodie squad" Menma tells me as I grin widely
"Sakura Haruno" Iruka calls as the pinkette Naruto was pestering earlier stood up
"I want to be a strong Kunoichi" she says as I smile
There no need to criticise someone's dream
"Tenten is nolonger in this class so next is Hinata Hyuga" Iruka calls as a lavender haired girl with purple hair stands
"I want to become C-Clan head" she says with a slight stutter as I give her a wink
Hinata is the only girl my age who tried befriending me of her own accord and in return I've been helping her overcome her shyness
"That's good next is actually Kiba Inuzuka because Neji is also not in this class" Iruka says as a boy with spiky brown hair and a white puppy stands up
"I wan' ta be like ma Kaa-San" he says before sitting back down
"Well next we have Irie Namikaze" Iruka says as everyone turns as I stand up
I can already hear some whispers
"I want to make my own way" I say before sitting
I'm not obliged to explain my dream to anyone
"That's good kiddo" Menma tells me as I elbow him
Minutes older than me and he's calling me kiddo
"Next is Menma Namikaze" Iruka says as Menma stands up
"I want peace" he said as I smiled
Our life has been far from peaceful well except Naruto
"Next Naruto Namikaze" Iruka says as Naruto who sat beside Sakura stood up
"I wanna become Hokage, Dattebayo" he says as I fight the urge to face palm he can be such a dork sometimes
"Is he actually related to us?" Menma asks me as I grin
"Actually yes" I reply
"Next Shikamaru Nara" Iruka says tiredly
"I want to watch the clouds" he says as he suddenly sat back down asleep
"Nara" Menma and I both say
But he'll make a good friend and possibly a figure of stability for Naruto
"Next Sasuke Uchiha" Iruka says as a boy with dark hair stands up
"I want to be stronger than my Nii-San" Sasuke said as Menma gives him the stink eye
Mum and Sasuke's mum are best friends meaning I grew up going to Sasuke's place sometimes.
Menma and Sasuke are rivals though Naruto calls Sasuke his best friend. Menma and Sasuke's rivalry got worse when we found out that Dad is part Uchiha and that's why Menma has Black hair so much for Demon.
"Lastly Ino Yamanaka" Iruka calls out as a blond girl stands up
"I want to be a strong Kunoichi" she says while glaring at Sakura
She seems to be someone who I can talk to at least
"That's all for today when you come tomorrow we start our classes so good day everyone" he says leaving as we all start packing our things to leave
I walked over to Choji while Menma went to pick up our brother Naruto
"Hi Choji I'm Irie" I say as he smiles and says hello while hiding behind Shikamaru
"Hello to you too Shikamaru" I tell him as he nods sleepily
"I also want to taste all kinds of meat too" I tell Choji as his eyes go wide in surprise and he grins at me
"You're a foodie" he asks while I smile
"I love food" I tell him as he smiles and leaves waving at me and Shikamaru
"That was a nice thing you did for him" Shikamaru tells me as I smile
"It's not nice to be criticised for liking something or even for being different" I tell him
"What did you mean by you want to make your own way" he asks me
"Be my friend then find out" I tell him
"What a drag, I'll be your friend Irie" he says as I smile and notice Menma calling me out of the corner of my eye
"Bye Shika" I tell him as I run over to my brothers