However, although he could barely handle it.
Jokichi did not harbor any improper thoughts about Ino. The education and secular values he received in his previous life gave him good self-restraint in these matters.
Since he did not like her in that way, he should not flirt with her.
Otherwise, he would just be a scumbag.
Therefore, towards Ino's passion, he always maintained a cold attitude.
"For this kind of thing, you only need to look at our uncles to know. You are definitely in a group with Shikamaru and Choji."
"Eh! Is that so?"
Ino thought for a moment and agreed with Jokichi's reasoning.
She looked up at Choji, who was sitting in the very front eating potato chips, and then at Shikamaru, who was sitting on the other side propping his chin with lifeless, lethargic eyes, and couldn't help but wail.
"No way, I want to be teammates with Jokichi-kun."
Jokichi ignored Ino, his gaze calmly looking forward where Naruto was messing around with Kiba.
Today's Naruto was very different from before.
It seemed that silly smile had become much brighter.
The Forbidden Scroll incident.
Naruto knew the truth about the Nine-Tails being sealed inside him, and why he was hated and mistrusted by the villagers.
He also received Iruka's acknowledgment.
He became more steadfast in the path he was to take in the future.
The corners of Jokichi's mouth curled up slightly, tracing a shallow smile.
This kind of Naruto is the one everyone loves!
Although he often felt indignant for Naruto, and even thought it would be fine if he blackened and took proper revenge on those who treated him differently.
However, while that would be satisfying and vent his frustrations.
What then?
A person who falls into darkness is loathed even by those also in darkness.
If Naruto did that, he would only be able to walk in the dark for the rest of his life, alone, with no change from his current state.
Except, there would be fewer people daring to mutter behind his back.
He would be just like Gaara, perhaps even more desolate.
If that were the path he desired, it would be fine; if not, it would be equivalent to living in the most painful hell.
While he was lost in thought, Iruka walked into the classroom.
The people in the classroom hurriedly returned to their seats one by one.
Even though they had graduated from school, they had not yet adapted to the change in status; the teacher's lingering prestige was still there.
Iruka coughed twice with a fist to his mouth and said, "First of all, congratulations on becoming ninjas capable of standing on your own. But right now you are just rookie Genin; the real hard work has only just begun."
"From now on, you will be in groups of three, forming a team, and executing missions alongside a Jonin instructor."
"Three people!"
Many below the podium did not know the composition of a ninja team. Hearing Iruka say this, they all perked up.
Especially Naruto and Ino.
Naruto wanted to be on a team with Sakura, and Ino wanted to be on a team with Jokichi.
Even though she knew she was likely teaming up with Choji and Shikamaru, she still held a trace of fantasy.
As for Sakura...
Since Sasuke graduated early, she didn't have any particular thoughts about it.
"To balance the strength of the teams, the assignments are arranged by the teachers." Iruka said as he took out the already decided assignment sheet and read out the names, "Team 1..."
Listening to the team compositions one by one, Naruto and Ino were incredibly nervous.
"Team 7: Uzumaki Naruto, Haruno Sakura, Sakakura Jokichi."
"Yes!"
Naruto clenched his fist excitedly, Ino covered her forehead in disappointment, and Sakura let out a helpless sigh.
In a corner that no one noticed, Hinata lowered her head, her face flushed red, her gaze occasionally drifting toward Naruto, "I wasn't assigned to the same team as Naruto."
As for Jokichi, he just nodded indifferently, as if he didn't care at all.
"Team 8: Inuzuka Kiba, Aburame Shino, Hyuga Hinata."
"Team 9: Daigo, Sotsuhataku, Sanseikyu."
"Team 10: Nara Shikamaru, Yamanaka Ino, Akimichi Choji."
The assignments ended.
Iruka instructed, "In the afternoon, the Jonin instructors will be introduced to everyone. Now, dismissed."
After speaking, he left with his folder.
He still had to report to the Hokage's office.
"Jokichi, let's go have lunch together!"
Sakura walked over and invited him.
Although she didn't have any special feelings for Jokichi, since they were to be teammates, it was necessary to become familiar with each other's personalities.
Ino happened to pass by.
She narrowed her eyes and revealed a "kind" smile, "Sakura, I'll leave my Jokichi in your care from now on."
After speaking, she walked right past them.
"Sigh!"
Sakura's shoulders slumped.
As a friend, how could she not understand the meaning in Ino's words.
However—
"I clearly only like Sasuke!"
Sakura sighed in her heart, then regained her spirits with a smile and looked at Jokichi.
But, between the two of them, a face full of a silly grin suddenly inserted itself.
"Ah!"
Sakura was startled and leaned back, bumping into the desk behind her.
"Are you okay, Sakura!" Naruto leaned over with concern.
Sakura slapped Naruto's hand away and said angrily, "I say, don't approach people without a sound, it's very scary."
"I'm sorry, Sakura, I just wanted to invite you to have lunch together." Naruto lowered his head, like a child who had done something wrong.
"Hmph, I won't bicker with you." Sakura calmed her breathing and looked back at Jokichi. "Jokichi-kun, since we're all teammates now, let's have lunch together!"
"Yeah, let's go together!" Naruto echoed.
Jokichi propped his chin with both hands, his gaze scanning back and forth between the two, finally landing on Naruto's pleading gaze, and let out a helpless sigh.
"Alright."
"Let's go to the rooftop, it's spacious there." Naruto jumped up happily.
And Jokichi sighed once again.
He felt some worry in his heart.
Sasuke graduating early brought about a significant follow-up impact.
First was Sakura's attitude toward Naruto.
Because Sasuke graduated early, Naruto had far fewer instances of bickering with Sasuke and fewer silly performances in front of Sakura.
Therefore, Sakura's attitude toward Naruto wasn't as loathing as in the anime.
Although, she didn't have a favorable impression either.
But this undoubtedly added a possibility.
After all, Sasuke wasn't in the team they would spend a long time together in, and the annoying behaviors of Naruto in her eyes would become fewer and fewer.
Although it was Naruto's freedom to like whoever he wanted, Jokichi felt Hinata was more suitable for Naruto.
It wasn't that he disliked Sakura or anything.
He just simply felt the two were not a good match.
Naruto was full of hot-blooded passion and had an idealized view of things.
Sakura, however, was very realistic.
Naruto was energetic and often acted as the life of the party.
But Sakura liked steady, handsome, and strong people.
The two were mismatched in both secular views and personalities.
However, although he felt they weren't a good match, Jokichi didn't speak up.
He didn't like others commenting on him, and he wouldn't comment on others' business; everyone has their own path to walk.