The six members of Group Five and Group Ten spent their time on the roof of the Academy, getting familiar and comfortable around each other.
More could be said for Ryuku, who—just a week ago—had been an unsocial kid. Yet now, he had managed to win the friendship and trust of ninja clan descendants in just a matter of a few hours.
Since everyone already seemed to know each other better than him, he had to take the initiative: a few friendly exchanges, some well-placed compliments, and of course, sharing his delicious homemade meatballs. Thanks to that, he was more or less accepted as a member of the group.
The reason he acted like a kind and caring friend was because he had no other choice. For the next six months, he had decided to remain in Konoha as a loyal shinobi.
A more direct way to describe the situation would be through the absolute rule that prevailed in every ninja village:
No ninja is allowed to leave the village boundaries without the Hokage's permission or unless assigned to a mission.
Any act of disobedience would result in severe consequences. Furthermore, leaving the village for an entire day without prior notice would have one's name inscribed in the Bingo Book as a Missing-nin.
When Ryuku learned of this rule yesterday, he had been beyond frustrated.
Now, he couldn't even begin his research—not for the time being.
Creating a research laboratory in Konoha was never an option. He would be found out before he even knew it—just like Hiruko and Orochimaru were. And that wasn't even the biggest issue. To start his genetic transformation research, he needed lab rats, dead or alive, which was impossible to obtain within the constraints of the village system.
Left with no choice, Ryuku decided to delay his major plans and focus instead on devouring every useful jutsu and piece of knowledge Konoha had to offer, before his eventual defection.
To do that, he needed to improve his reputation and rank first. That's why he had chosen to play the loyal ninja game for however long it took, until the time was right to act.
Until then, he would devote his full attention to mastering Fūinjutsu and Nature Transformation.
Bell Sound
It's finally afternoon... Ryuku lifted his head from the bench and opened his eyes.
He was resting after absorbing three hours' worth of memories from his clone, mostly Taijutsu and Kenjutsu experience. Although it wasn't much and far from impressive, it still helped refine his battle instincts and tactical understanding, even if just a little.
"Moh, making us wait so long for this..." Ino mumbled, half-asleep, her eyes half-lidded from drowsiness.
Unlike her, Hinata remained alert, her eyes stealing glances at Naruto. Her back was straight, a result of all the hard training she had endured, proof that her efforts, despite her low talent, were paying off.
Seeing Ino dozing off, Ryuku blew a small puff of air into her right ear.
"Mm—? Kya...!" Ino's sleepy eyes flew open, her ears turning crimson. "Wh-What! What are you doing!?"
Shrugging his shoulders, he replied casually, "Well, since you're awake, get rid of that laziness... The Jonin teachers could show up any time now."
"Y-You...! Don't dodge the question—!" she snapped, her face flushed.
Ryuku looked at her carefully, then let a teasing smirk curl on his lips. "Oh? Who would've thought a dignified girl like Ino would have the habit of drooling in her sleep..." he whispered just loud enough for her to hear.
"..."
The moment his words landed, Ino's face reddened further. Her eyes trembled as she dropped her head onto the bench, avoiding his gaze completely.
Ho... Just this is enough to embarrass her?
Seeing her reaction, he couldn't resist teasing her more.
"Perhaps... do you need my help, Ino-chan?" he whispered softly next to her ear.
Her body visibly twitched at his words.
Leaning back against the bench, Ryuku stopped himself from going further.
"Idiot..." came a low mumble from the flustered girl.
Ryuku shook his head, amused.
It was at this moment that Iruka-sensei entered the classroom, followed by seven powerful-looking ninja, all wearing tactical flak jackets, except for one. Their very presence shifted the atmosphere in the room from carefree and restless to serious and attentive.
Iruka announced, "Now then, all assigned groups will come forth when named."
Some students straightened their postures, while others remained casual, curiously peering at the Jonin standing at the front.
"Group One..."
Moments passed, and half the students had already left with their new teachers. Though the group assignments were official, they were still subject to one last hurdle—the infamous Genin Test.
Each team would be tested together. If they passed, they'd remain under their Jonin teacher's tutelage and officially become Rookie Genin Team.
If they failed, the entire team would be dissolved and its members sent back to complete low-level missions until deemed ready for re-evaluation.
Those who passed would receive not only their title but also the guidance and protection of an elite Jonin. This was how Konoha had produced high-ranking shinobi for decades, by fostering competition, enforcing a high failure rate, and ensuring only the most promising were nurtured by experienced mentors.
Credit for this system belonged entirely to the Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama, the smartest Hokage to ever live.
The only person Ryuku actually respected.
It's our turn now...
"Next, Group Five."
Ryuku stood up the moment Iruka announced their team, Hinata and Kiba did the same.
"Good luck, you two..." Ino whispered softly, offering a subtle smile. She seemed to have recovered from the earlier teasing.
Oh…
Ryuku returned her smile. "Good luck to you too, Ino."
Hinata gave a gentle nod. "Thanks," she said, her voice as quiet as ever.
"Come on, guys!" Kiba called out, glancing at his teammates with a grin.
At the front, a beautiful woman with long, wavy black hair and striking red eyes stepped forward and spoke. "Group Five, follow me."
With that, she turned and walked out, soon followed by her soon-to-be Team Kurenai.
Ryuku, Hinata, and Kiba left the classroom, and the Academy Grounds. Their lives as students had come to an end, and their journey as official Shinobi of Konohagakure had finally begun.
From his seat, Naruto watched Ryuku walk away. His expression grew more serious and determined than it had ever been in his twelve years of life.
I'll definitely become the Hokage. The strongest Ninja that everyone respects… I'll make them acknowledge me as Uzumaki Naruto, not the Demon Fox. Just like I promised!
On the other side of the room, the girl with the giant forehead, Sakura, was the same as ever, regardless of time or circumstance.
Meanwhile, her dream guy, Sasuke, silently waited for this pretense to end, so he could finally ask Ryuku the question he had been holding back.
----
To be continued.