The air suddenly turned still.
Everyone was surprised—not just because Naruto's whiskers had vanished, or because he had successfully used the Clone Technique and split into ten Irukas.
No…
What shocked them the most was what came next.
Sasuke, heir to the prestigious Uchiha clan and known as the beautiful prodigy of the academy, was incredibly popular.
To the boys, Sasuke was a powerhouse—unmatched in every field, whether it was ninjutsu, chakra control, or even theoretical tests. He was always first.
To the girls, he was a dream. Handsome, aloof, and talented, Sasuke's cold demeanor only added to his mysterious charm. Though he rejected everyone, their curiosity burned stronger. They all wondered who would be the one to melt that icy heart.
And then—
They saw it.
Naruto stole Sasuke's first kiss.
To be precise, they kissed.
"What—"
The boy who'd turned to offer Naruto a handshake froze in disbelief.
"Naruto… what the hell are you doing?!"
"Sasuke's first kiss was with Naruto?!"
Chaos erupted in the classroom.
"Aaaaahhhh!"
"I need to rinse my mouth—"
Naruto and Sasuke reacted instantly and violently, both leaping backward, faces twisted in disgust and embarrassment.
Kitahara Hitoshi remained quiet.
This really was insane.
Even though he had lived alongside Naruto and Sasuke as a classmate in this timeline, Kitahara had still wondered whether the two would interact the same way as they had in the original timeline.
And now… it seemed nothing had changed at all.
In the middle of the chaos, Chūnin Instructor Iruka arrived. He was the teacher in charge of this year's graduating class—the 145th generation.
"Everyone settle down!"
He paused, seeing the state of the room.
"I… Naruto, what are you doing?!"
"I won't even mention your graffiti on the Hokage Rock last week in honor of the Fourth Hokage, but now this?!"
Iruka was stunned. Just last night, Naruto had come to him requesting a make-up exam and demonstrated an incredible display of talent. Iruka had felt proud, certain Naruto was finally growing.
And now this?
He was a teacher—he'd seen many things. But this… This was a first.
---
[Children and Grandchildren Chat Group]
Big Pillar Hanhan: This is incredible. Minato, your son sure is lively.
Namikaze Minato: Umm… yeah…
Minato's soul scratched his head, stunned. He'd just watched his son kiss Sasuke.
Still, he was a rational man.
Namikaze Minato: It was probably just an accident.
Namikaze Minato: And…
Minato was thinking about what Iruka had just said regarding Naruto's prank involving his clones. It seemed to hint at something deeper—his dissatisfaction with how he'd been treated in the village… and—had Naruto figured out the truth about his parentage?
Namikaze Minato: @Kakashi, are you there?
Kakashi: Hmm.
Kakashi: …The matter is clear.
Kakashi: But I'm not sure I can accept it.
His tone was unusually heavy.
Had the explanation given by the Third Hokage even failed to convince Kakashi?
Kakashi: Last night, I visited the Third Hokage and asked him about Naruto.
Kakashi: He explained everything. When the Nine Tails attacked the village, the casualties were immense. Many Chūnin and Jōnin were lost along with the Fourth Hokage.
Kakashi: That was a devastating blow. And there were two threats. First, Konoha had lost too many experienced ninja, leaving it vulnerable. So, the identity of the Nine Tails' Jinchūriki had to be announced as a deterrent to other nations.
Kakashi: Second, the Third Hokage chose not to tell the public that Naruto was Minato-sensei's son. It was to protect Naruto from the many enemies Minato had made during his time as a ninja. Retaliation was a real concern.
Kakashi: He said he would reveal Naruto's true identity at the right time.
Namikaze Minato: …
Namikaze Minato: …
Senju Tobirama: That's it?
The speaker was Senju Tobirama.
Senju Tobirama: That's what Sarutobi said?
Kakashi: Yes.
Namikaze Minato: …
Tobirama was silent for a moment.
Senju Tobirama: Minato, what's your take?
Namikaze Minato: I'm… not sure.
Minato could understand the logic behind the Third's decision, but emotionally, it felt wrong. He had done his duty as Hokage… but after his death, his own son was neglected, treated not as a child but a weapon.
There was no basic care. No acknowledgment.
Minato had been respected as Hokage… but as a father, he had failed.
Senju Tobirama: If the chance arises, I'll make Sarutobi explain it to you personally.
Namikaze Minato: For now… let's leave it.
Minato didn't want to dwell on the past. Naruto was moving forward—his chakra system restored, the Uzumaki bloodline flowing strong. He was positive and determined to fulfill his dreams.
Minato wanted to support that.
Senju Tobirama: Then I'll keep note of this. @Kakashi.
Tobirama's tone shifted.
Hashirama's soul floated nearby, watching quietly.
Senju Tobirama: Let me ask directly—Kakashi, how bad is Konoha's situation?
Kakashi: …
Big Pillar Hanhan: …
Kakashi: We're in a period of relative peace after the Third Great Ninja War.
Kakashi: But Konoha's active ninja roster? Fewer than three thousand.
That was putting it gently.
In truth, Konoha was dangerously undermanned.
Senju Tobirama: …
Tobirama remained silent.
Senju Tobirama: Kakashi, I have a favor to ask.
Kakashi: Anything.
Senju Tobirama: Today is the team assignment day. You've been assigned Sasuke and Naruto. But for the third member, I want you to choose Kitahara Hitoshi.
Kakashi: About that—
Kakashi was interrupted.
Iruka had already begun the announcements.
"Starting today, you officially graduate from the Ninja Academy and become real shinobi."
"You each have your own registration number."
"You are now part of Konohagakure."
"But what you learned in school was only the basics. Real skills come from the field, guided by your new instructors."
"Each team will consist of three genin and one jōnin who will teach you to survive and grow as true ninja."
"Though the world is at peace now, don't forget—your path is that of a shinobi, and that future is never guaranteed."
He continued.
"Class Ten: Nara Shikamaru, Akimichi Chōji, Yamanaka Ino. Instructor: Sarutobi Asuma."
"Class Nine: Ayanokōji Seiraka, Oreki Hōtarō, Yukinoshita Yukino. Instructor: Shiranui Genma."
"Class Eight: Haruno Sakura, Inuzuka Kiba, Aburame Shino. Instructor: Yūhi Kurenai."
"Eh…"
Kitahara Hitoshi let out a small noise.
"What is it, Kitahara-kun? Do you have a comment?"
Iruka raised an eyebrow. He, too, had found the division unusual.
"…" Kitahara Hitoshi sat down.
Haruno Sakura, originally the heroine of the Seventh Class, had been reassigned. Was it because Hinata wasn't ready yet? Or because of unseen plot divergence?
Now, with the typical team structure—two boys and one girl—missing a female lead, who would fill that role between Sasuke and Naruto?
Iruka's face changed momentarily, but he pressed on.
"Class Seven: Uchiha Sasuke, Uzumaki Naruto, Kitahara Hitoshi. Instructor: Hatake Kakashi."
"…"
Senju Tobirama: Looks like I didn't need to intervene.
Kakashi: Right. I chose Naruto, Sasuke, and Kitahara Hitoshi from the start.