The graduation assessments were finally over, marking the official beginning of the students' journey as genin. The classroom buzzed with excitement as the newly minted ninjas chattered animatedly, their dreams feeling closer than ever. For many, this was a moment of triumph, a step toward the future they had always envisioned. But unbeknownst to them, they were stepping into a world far more brutal and unforgiving than they could imagine.
Iruka stood at the front of the classroom, his eyes sweeping over the young faces before him. Pride and a tinge of sadness filled his heart. He couldn't help but wonder how many of these bright-eyed students would still be standing in a few years. The life of a ninja was fraught with danger, and not everyone would make it through unscathed.
"Congratulations, everyone," Iruka began, his voice warm but firm. "You've all passed the exam and are now officially ninjas of Konoha."
The room erupted into applause, the students cheering and clapping for themselves and each other. Iruka smiled, but his gaze lingered on a few faces—Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura, and the others. He hoped they would find the strength to navigate the challenges ahead.
"Next, I'll announce the team assignments," Iruka continued, holding up a scroll. "Your jonin sensei will take over from here and guide you in the coming days."
The students immediately began whispering among themselves, speculating about who would be grouped together.
"I hope I'm on Naruto's team," one student murmured. "He's so kind and reliable. He'd make a great teammate."
"Don't get your hopes up," another replied. "Naruto's probably going to be paired with the top students. We're just average."
"If I had to guess, Sasuke will be on his team. But who's the third?"
Ino and Sakura huddled together in the corner, their excitement palpable.
"I want to be on Sasuke's team," Ino sighed dreamily. "Imagine spending every day with him. I'd be so happy."
Shikamaru, lounging nearby, rolled his eyes. "Don't get your hopes up. The Ino-Shika-Cho trio is a tradition. You're stuck with us."
Ino groaned, slumping in her seat. "Ugh, why do I have to be with you two?"
"Troublesome," Shikamaru muttered, leaning back.
Choji, munching on a bag of chips, chimed in. "It's not so bad, Ino. We make a good team."
Ino pouted. "I want to be with the cool guys, not you two."
The Ino-Shika-Cho trio was a cornerstone of Konoha's strategy. The Nara clan's shadow techniques provided control and tactical brilliance, the Yamanaka clan's mind-based jutsu offered reconnaissance and communication, and the Akimichi clan's physical prowess delivered devastating power. Together, they were a formidable force.
Iruka began reading the team assignments. "Yamanaka Ino, Nara Shikamaru, Akimichi Choji."
Ino sighed dramatically, while Shikamaru and Choji exchanged knowing looks. Their team was a given, and they were used to Ino's complaints.
"Hyuga Hinata, Aburame Shino, Inuzuka Kiba."
Hinata blushed slightly, glancing at Naruto before quickly looking away. Shino adjusted his glasses, and Kiba grinned, Akamaru barking excitedly from his hood.
As the list continued, Sakura grew more and more nervous. She clutched her sleeves, her heart pounding. She didn't dare hope for a spot on Naruto's team, but deep down, she couldn't help but dream.
"Haruno Sakura, Uchiha Sasuke, Uzumaki Naruto."
Sakura's eyes widened, and for a moment, she thought she had misheard. Then, as the reality sank in, she shot to her feet, her face lighting up with joy.
"It's really you, Sakura! Go on!" Ino urged, though her tone was tinged with envy.
Sakura hurried over to Naruto and Sasuke, her heart racing. She couldn't believe her luck. She was on a team with Naruto, the kind and gentle boy she admired, and Sasuke, the brooding genius she had a crush on.
"Welcome, Sakura," Naruto said with his usual warm smile.
Sakura blushed furiously, sitting down beside him. "Th-thank you, Naruto-kun."
Sasuke, meanwhile, propped his chin on his hand, his expression unreadable. He glanced at Sakura, then at Naruto, and let out a quiet sigh. He could already foresee the distractions Sakura would bring. Her constant chatter and infatuation with Naruto would undoubtedly eat into their training time.
"This is going to be annoying," Sasuke thought, though he didn't voice his complaints aloud. He had bigger goals to focus on—goals that didn't involve babysitting a lovesick teammate.
As the other teams were called and their jonin instructors arrived to collect them, the classroom gradually emptied. Soon, only Team 7 remained—Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura. The minutes ticked by, and their jonin sensei was nowhere to be seen.
"Is our instructor late?" Sakura asked, her initial excitement giving way to impatience.
"Maybe he's busy," Naruto replied, his tone calm and understanding. "Let's wait a little longer."
Sakura sighed, resting her head on the desk. Internally, she was screaming with frustration. She had been so excited to start this new chapter, and now they were stuck waiting for someone who couldn't even show up on time.
Meanwhile, Kakashi stood in front of a mirror, adjusting his mask. His silver hair fell lazily over one eye, and his expression was unreadable. He was late—again. But this time, it wasn't just his habitual tardiness at play. Today was different. Today, he was about to meet his new team—a team that included the son of his late sensei, Minato Namikaze.
Kakashi's thoughts were a whirlwind of emotions. Guilt, regret, and a flicker of hope all battled for dominance. He had failed Minato in life, but now he had a chance to make things right. He would guide Naruto, protect him, and help him grow into the ninja he was destined to be.
Taking a deep breath, Kakashi finally left his apartment and made his way to the academy. He moved at a leisurely pace, stopping to buy breakfast, help an elderly woman cross the street, and even feed a stray cat. By the time he reached the classroom, the sun was high in the sky.
He pushed the door open and stepped inside, his gaze sweeping over the three students waiting for him. Sasuke looked annoyed, Sakura was visibly frustrated, and Naruto… Naruto was smiling, his expression calm and welcoming.
For a moment, Kakashi was struck by how much Naruto resembled Minato. The same bright eyes, the same gentle smile. It was like looking at a ghost.
"My first impression of you guys…" Kakashi began, his voice lazy but with a hint of warmth. "Is pretty good."