Chapter 14: The Fourth Member
"Team 8 is a special case. It will have four members: Inuzuka Kiba, Aburame Shino, Hyūga Hinata, and Aizen Sōsuke!"
Iruka's announcement was met with a wave of hushed whispers throughout the classroom. Many students were puzzled. Every other team had only three members; why did Team 8 have four?
"Hey, Iruka-sensei! Why do they get four people? That's not fair!" Naruto, ever the most vocal, was the first to jump to his feet in protest.
"Yeah! It's totally unfair!"
"Not fair at all!"
With Naruto leading the charge, other students joined in. Being in a team meant future missions would be undertaken together. An extra member meant more collective strength.
"Ahem! Everyone, settle down!" Iruka raised his hand, having anticipated this reaction. "This grouping was decided after careful consideration."
He patiently explained, "My decision is based on two factors. First, Inuzuka Kiba possesses a keen sense of smell, Aburame Shino can control insects, and Hyūga Hinata has the Byakugan. All three of their abilities lean heavily towards reconnaissance and tracking. Their individual combat strengths, however, are moderate."
Iruka's gaze was calm and analytical. "Their skills are specialized for investigation, and their overall test scores were average. Therefore, as a trio, their team composition would be somewhat unbalanced."
His words were direct. While Hinata, Kiba, and Shino were excellent scouts, their offensive capabilities were not standout, making their grouping logical.
"On the other hand," Iruka continued, his eyes shifting to Aizen, "Aizen only joined us three days ago. He started late and his foundational strength is currently the weakest. Placing him in the more specialized Team 8 allows for a more balanced distribution of overall student strength across all teams."
A flicker of regret passed through Iruka's eyes. Had Aizen been training at the Academy from the start, his progress would have been meteoric, placing him among the very top students.
Hearing Iruka's reasoned analysis, the students grew thoughtful, their protests dying down. Iruka wasn't wrong. Aizen had only begun ninjutsu training three days prior, and there was still a noticeable gap between him and his peers. Combined with the fact that Hinata's trio was not known for raw power, grouping these four together seemed a pragmatic, if unorthodox, solution.
Interesting. To be grouped with that girl, Aizen thought, his gaze drifting toward Hinata from across the room. A trace of amusement flashed in his eyes.
On the other side of the classroom, Hinata seemed to feel his gaze. She flinched, her face flushing a delicate pink as she shyly bowed her head.
"Four people! Great!" Inuzuka Kiba, however, was pumped, his fighting spirit undimmed. "I can't wait to see how strong our Jōnin-sensei is!"
"Four people? This is unexpected," murmured Aburame Shino from behind his high collar and sunglasses. His tone, as always, was calm and measured.
"If there are no further objections, then the members of Team 8 are decided," Iruka said, a satisfied smile finally gracing his weathered features.
He continued reading the team assignments, and after some time, the process was complete. Every team, except for Team 8, consisted of three members.
"All teams have been assigned. You are dismissed. This afternoon, report to your team's designated meeting spot and await your Jōnin instructor."
Iruka let out a long, relieved sigh. A weight had been lifted. He had poured his heart into teaching these children, but now, his role as their primary instructor was over.
"Yes, Iruka-sensei!" the students chorused, a mix of excitement and reluctance in their voices as they began to file out of the classroom.
The afternoon sun beat down on Konoha, the spring breeze carrying a dry heat. Each student made their way to their team's assigned meeting place.
Team 8's spot was by a small river south of the village, a relatively remote area shaded by bushes and trees, offering a peaceful, green sanctuary.
Under the shade of a towering tree, four youthful figures waited. A comfortable silence hung in the air, filled with the tranquility of the surroundings.
Suddenly, a grumble of impatience shattered the calm.
"Tch! What's taking so long? Why isn't our Jōnin-sensei here yet? We've been waiting forever," Inuzuka Kiba complained, the small, white dog beside him, Akamaru, letting out a soft whine in agreement.
"No need to be impatient. The important thing is that we are not late," Aburame Shino stated calmly from where he leaned against the tree trunk.
Hinata remained silent, waiting patiently as was her nature, her introverted personality keeping her from speaking up.
Aizen, however, did not remain quiet. He actively engaged the other three in friendly conversation, skillfully breaking the ice and fostering a sense of familiarity. His easygoing demeanor gradually eroded the initial awkwardness between them. Soon, Kiba was chatting animatedly with him, and even Shino interjected with a few sharp, insightful comments. Only Hinata remained mostly quiet, though she listened intently.
"Well, well, kids. To my surprise, you're all here already."
A clear, melodious voice, like a silver bell, cut through their conversation. All four turned to see a slender, graceful figure approaching.
She had long, flowing brown hair, vibrant, intelligent eyes, and smooth, fair skin. Her every step seemed to radiate a confident, captivating charm.
Their Jōnin instructor had arrived.
Konoha Jōnin, Yūhi Kurenai