Chapter 7. Meeting new friends

Kushina led Naruto and Sora to a park that they had been frequently visiting. Kushina and Naruto had come the week prior while Sora had decided to stay home to train. The park was on the side of the village near a group of trees. There were a few children already there playing on the swings and slide, but none of them seemed to want anything to do with Naruto.

Sora watched Naruto for a little bit before he approached him. "Do you think they went to a different park with their parents?"

Narutos sad look brightened at the thought. "That must be it! Let's go look at the other parks!"

Sora watched as Naruto ran up to Kushina and started pulling her along with him. Sora followed as they passed. It took Naruto a few minutes before he realized that he had no idea where he was going.

Kushina took the lead again as they walked around the village. They visited 2 other parks with no luck of finding choji or shikamaru. "I guess they just didn't want to play with me. I don't understand though?"

"What do you mean Naruto?" Sora put a hand on Narutos shoulder as he looked down.

"They didn't look at me with the same eyes as the villagers. I thought we could be friends."

Sora squeezed narutos shoulder as he spoke. "There could be other reasons. Maybe they had to do chores today and forgot. Plus there is still that other park that we never visit."

Sora was talking about the park located next to the Uchiha clans residence. They had went to play there a year ago, but were chased out by angry children. The children had started throwing rocks at Naruto while calling him a demon. Sora had stood in front of him protectively until they'd tired themselves out. Afterwards they'd went home and promised Kushina not to return to that park.

After they arrived home Kushina went to making lunch while Sora promised Naruto that he'd go look at the playground for the two boys. Naruto and Sora ate quickly and Kushina led Naruto back to the first playground while Sora headed to the one near the Uchiha residence.

After looking around and asking for directions Sora found the playground. Sora observed the other children, but found no sign of the two he was looking for. He did find the infamous Sasuke though. He was hiding behind his mother while he watched the other children play.

'So Sasuke is here today?' Sora walked towards Sasuke and his mother before tapping him on the shoulder. "Why are you hiding behind your mom?"

Sasuke jumped from the voice and turned to see a kid around his age with bright red hair. The kid was wearing the leaf shinobis symbol on a black t-shirt with shorts. "I-Im not hiding! I just don't want to be mobbed by girls again!"

Sasuke had a red face as he yelled at Sora. Sora grabbed his chin in contemplation while Sasuke ranted about his new fan club. "I see. Well I guess it does make sense for them to follow you."

"I don't see why? Their all just really annoying." Sora didn't miss Sasukes mom giving a disapproving scowl at his words.

"Well Sasuke. These kids are probably used to hearing about all of your brothers achievements in his younger years. They probably heard their parents talking about your brother. They might have even talked about you possibly being a genius as well."

Sasukes mother appeared shocked at the young man's hypothesis. 'How smart is this kid to think like that?'

Sasuke seemed conflicted with Soras opinion. He loved his older brother and was proud of him, but he had started to get annoyed with people comparing him to Itachi.

While Sasuke was thinking he realized the red haired boy had said something. "Sorry. What did you say?"

"I said if your bored and want to play sometime than my brother and some of his friends play at another park. If you'd like I can meet you there tomorrow and introduce you."

Sasuke looked worried for a moment before he nodded. "I might come if I have nothing else to do."

"Sounds good Sasuke. We usually go from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and again from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m."

Sora gave Sasuke and his mother a short wave before heading back into the village to meet with Naruto and Kushina.