Chapter 9
As Danny walked hand in hand with Sam, his mind buzzed with conflicting emotions. He had just regained control of his body, but the memory of Naruto's confidence lingered. The kiss he'd witnessed—his kiss—played on repeat in his head, leaving a strange mix of longing and frustration.
It looked so easy when Naruto did it. Why can't I just do that? Danny thought, glancing at Sam's serene expression. Her cheeks were still slightly flushed, her smile warm and content. She seemed completely unaware of his inner turmoil.
And then Naruto's voice echoed in his mind.
"Now it's time for school, Danny. Go and beat up one of your bullies today. Use the weak one and utilize some creativity. Your father's a fountain of it, so you must've inherited something."
The words sent a chill down Danny's spine. He stumbled slightly, his grip on Sam's hand tightening as his legs momentarily faltered.
Sam noticed and turned to him with concern. "Danny? Are you okay?"
"Yeah," Danny said, forcing a smile that he hoped looked genuine. "Just, uh... praying for our success today. You know, school and all."
Sam raised an eyebrow, clearly not convinced but too wrapped up in her feelings to press the issue. "You're acting weird today," she said with a soft laugh, brushing it off.
Danny exhaled in relief, but his thoughts were anything but calm. He could already picture the events of the day unfolding—the inevitable confrontation with Dash Baxter and his gang, the relentless taunts, the shoves into lockers.
Piñata day, he thought grimly, his shoulders slumping. And I'm the piñata.
Naruto's voice returned, sharp and teasing. "God won't help you here, Danny. You've got me now. So stop praying and start planning."