At eight o'clock sharp the next morning, Tejima Shinichi stepped into the classroom right on time.
The atmosphere was different from the day of the exam; the air was relaxed and expectant.
Most of the newly graduated students had already arrived, clustered in twos and threes, whispering guesses about Team Assignments while their eyes kept drifting toward the door.
Tejima Shinichi swept his calm gaze across the room.
His entrance drew a few glances, but no commotion—everyone seemed used to his lone-wolf style.
Just then a voice laced with obvious bewilderment and annoyance cut through the low chatter.
"Eh…?" Nara Shikamaru stood in the aisle, frowning at the figure beside him. "What are you doing here? Today's briefing is for graduates only!"
The person he questioned was Uzumaki Naruto—seated, sporting a brand-new Konoha forehead protector, and looking insufferably pleased with himself.
The question was clearly on everyone's mind.
After all, yesterday they had watched Naruto fail his clone technique and slink away in defeat.
At the challenge, Naruto spun around, hands on hips, and flashed a dazzling, almost blinding grin. "I'm a Ninja now!" he proclaimed loudly.
"Can't you see?!" He jabbed a thumb at the metal plate on his forehead, pride ringing in every syllable. "I'm officially a Ninja!"
Tejima Shinichi watched without comment, then glanced toward the window where Uchiha Sasuke sat alone, chin propped on one hand, oblivious to the stir.
A sudden flash of insight struck Shinichi: the seat directly in front of Sasuke was still empty.
An idea formed.
Under Sasuke's slightly startled gaze, Shinichi walked straight over and calmly sat down in that vacant seat.
Uchiha Sasuke's eyebrow twitched upward uncontrollably.
For the Top Student who had once crushed him effortlessly, Sasuke felt a complicated surge of rivalry.
Before he could dwell on it, brisk footsteps echoed from the doorway, accompanied by two familiar bickering voices drawing closer.
"I got here first!"
"No way—it was obviously me!"
Ino Yamanaka and Haruno Sakura burst through the door shoulder-to-shoulder, neither yielding, faces flushed from running.
Hands on hips, Ino declared, "Stop flattering yourself!"
Sakura opened her mouth to retort, but the moment her eyes found the raven-haired boy her competitiveness vanished, replaced by crimson cheeks and heart-shaped sparkles.
"Sasuke-kun!"
She abandoned the quarrel at once, voice turning syrupy, and hurried over—shoving Naruto aside so hard he face-planted.
"Good morning, Sasuke-kun!" she chirped. "May I sit with you?"
Sasuke didn't even flick an eyelid, still gazing out the window as though nothing had happened.
Ino watched Sakura's instant transformation and muttered, "Forehead girl…"
Sakura paid no heed; inside, Inner Sakura and Outer Sakura waged war over how best to catch Sasuke's attention.
In that delicate atmosphere, another disruptive element detonated.
"Hey, Sasuke!"
Face red, Naruto scrambled up and leapt onto the desk between Shinichi and Sasuke.
He landed squarely between Tejima Shinichi and Uchiha Sasuke.
Leaning forward, blue eyes unflinching, he glared straight at Sasuke—challenge written all over his face.
Sasuke, clueless but stung by the blunt provocation, felt his pride ignite.
With a cold snort he glared back, onyx eyes sharp as ice.
Foreheads almost touching, they locked eyes in silent combat; sparks seemed to crackle in the air.
Under everyone's stunned gaze, Naruto crowed:
"Heh! Bet you didn't expect it—I'm a Ninja too! From today we're rivals! I, the great Uzumaki Naruto, will surpass you!"
Disgust and irritation flashed across Sasuke's face. He recoiled, teeth clenched, and hissed, "Moron—get away from me."
"Who're you calling a moron?!"
Instantly triggered, Naruto pressed even closer.
Seated directly behind him, Tejima Shinichi eyed the swaying backside inches away and curved his lips: Perfect timing…
Shinichi shifted backward—barely a movement, but precisely gauged.
His back brushed Naruto's lower waist with just enough force.
"Waaah—!"
Caught off guard, Naruto lurched forward, arms windmilling, and toppled straight toward Sasuke.
Sasuke, equally off balance, couldn't dodge in time.
"Mmph—!"
Under Sakura's widening eyes and the class's collective gasp, Naruto slammed against Sasuke—hands slamming onto the chair back on either side of Sasuke's head, trapping him.
Their lips crashed together in a forced, perfect kiss.
For an instant the world fell silent.
From an angle no one noticed, Tejima Shinichi's grin stretched wider.
The next second Sakura's scream shredded the quiet. "Aaaargh—!!"
Naruto and Sasuke sprang apart—one scrubbing his mouth scarlet-faced, the other livid, killing intent almost tangible as fists clenched white.
"I'LL KILL YOU!"
Sasuke's roar nearly lifted the roof; he lunged at the still-wiping Naruto and they tumbled into a brawl.
"It wasn't me! Behind—"
Naruto yelped, dodging wildly while trying to explain.
Uchiha Sasuke whipped his head around and stared at Tejima Shinichi, who looked as if nothing had happened, and exploded in humiliation:
"You… you did that on purpose!"
In an instant, many eyes followed Sasuke's accusation and locked onto Tejima Shinichi.
Faced with the interrogation and the stares, Tejima Shinichi's expression didn't flicker; he even spread his hands innocently:
"I was just stretching."
He paused, glanced at Uzumaki Naruto, then back at Uchiha Sasuke's flushed face, and asked in puzzlement:
"Besides, how could I know Naruto would stand right on the desk?"
The words drifted out lightly, yet they doused the rage-blinded crowd like a bucket of cold water.
Right!
Tejima Shinichi had only leaned back while sitting—an utterly normal movement.
Who could predict Uzumaki Naruto would suddenly jump onto the desk in such an unstable posture to provoke someone?
The root of everything seemed to point to that unpredictable Uzumaki Naruto!
The logic became crystal-clear.
"Naruto!!!"
Haruno Sakura's shriek, blazing with fury, shifted targets completely.
That was Sasuke-kun's first kiss!!!
With flames practically blazing in her eyes, Haruno Sakura dove into the fray and punched Naruto on the head.
"It's all your fault!!!"
…Everything unfolding in the classroom was being watched by several figures inside the Hokage Office.
A crystal ball hovered above the desk, reflecting the chaotic classroom in perfect clarity.
The surrounding Konoha Jonin wore varied expressions.
Third Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen gazed at the blond figure being chased around inside the crystal ball, shook his head helplessly, exhaled a smoke ring, and remarked with accustomed resignation:
"That child Naruto… is, as ever, right at the center of the commotion."
Beside him, several Jonin waiting to receive new subordinates watched the cringe-inducing kiss and subsequent chaos inside the crystal ball, their faces subtly twitching.
At that moment, a kindly-looking man wearing a forehead-guard shaped like a face-mask turned with amusement to the silver-haired, masked companion beside him—only one dead-fish eye showing—and teased:
"Kakashi-senpai, looks like your two students… hmm, are full of energy."
The addressed Kakashi Hatake's visible eye showed no change, revealing nothing, yet that eye unmistakably conveyed the resignation of 'why do I get stuck with this kind of trouble?'
He scratched his messy silver hair and spoke listlessly:
"Well… looks like life won't be boring from now on, huh…"
His tone brimmed with 'anticipation'… "Everyone back to your seats! What a disgrace!"
The classroom uproar finally subsided—temporarily—under Umino Iruka's roar.
The bruised and battered Uzumaki Naruto was finally released by the girls; each returned to her seat seething with anger and humiliation.
Haruno Sakura puffed her cheeks while fixing her hair, still shooting Naruto a fierce glare.
Iruka inhaled deeply, forcing down the vein throbbing at his temple, and struggled to calm himself. He walked to the lectern, sweeping his gaze across every young, inexperienced face below.
"All right, the farce ends here." His voice regained its usual steadiness. "I've gathered you today to announce something important—your post-graduation Team Assignments."
At those words, the classroom atmosphere turned tense with anticipation; every graduate held their breath.
As Genin they would operate in three-person squads under an assigned Jonin Instructor—an arrangement that would directly shape their future Ninja careers.
"From this moment on, you'll be grouped in threes, each team assigned a Jonin advisor." Iruka raised the roster and declared clearly, "Now I'll read the Team Assignments."
He lowered his eyes to the list and announced the first team:
"Team 1: Tejima Shinichi, Kobayashi Takeshi, Satō Yū."
The name dropped into a momentary hush, followed by hushed chatter.
Kobayashi Takeshi and Satō Yū blinked, then unable to contain joy and excitement.
Being teamed with the acknowledged Top Student of their year meant vastly greater strength and mission safety for their squad!
Uchiha Sasuke, seated by the window, frowned, a flicker of disappointment and frustration crossing his eyes.
Only by partnering with a powerhouse like Tejima Shinichi and competing could one improve fastest—so he believed.
But now… hmph.
Across the room, Yamanaka Ino wailed, "Aah—why announce Shinichi-kun's team first! And why not with me!"
She slumped over her desk in despair.
Beside her, Nara Shikamaru gave a lazy glance, yawned, and asked in puzzlement:
"Why insist on being with Shinichi? That guy's even harder to handle than an Uchiha—troublesome."
Ino straightened, hands on hips, and retorted righteously:
"What do you know! Shinichi-kun's not only the Top Student, he's also super handsome!" Her voice dropped, complicated. "His only flaw… sometimes he feels so distant, like nothing can reach him. But unlike Sasuke-kun's cold arrogance—like everyone owes him money—Shinichi-kun… it's more like he truly doesn't care about us, can't even be bothered."
Shikamaru merely yawned again and muttered, "Women are troublesome… aren't they both unapproachable…"
Iruka gave them no more time, continuing with the next team—the original Team 1 on the roster:
"Team 7: Uzumaki Naruto, Haruno Sakura, Uchiha Sasuke."
"What?!" Naruto sprang up first, pointing at Sasuke in disbelief. "Why do I have to be with that stuck-up Sasuke!"
Haruno Sakura clasped her hands over her heart, beaming in bliss: "Wonderful! In the same team as Sasuke-kun!"
She completely ignored the yelling Naruto beside her.
Iruka sighed at the noisy Naruto and explained:
"Listen, Naruto! Team Assignments are made after overall consideration! You're the dead-last of the year, while Sasuke is second—this balances each team's strength for cooperation and mutual improvement!"
Uchiha Sasuke only gave a cold snort and looked away, neither accepting nor rejecting the explanation, yet the discontent in his heart hadn't lessened.
Iruka offered no further explanation and continued reading:
"Team Eight: Hyuga Hinata, Inuzuka Kiba, Aburame Shino."
Inuzuka Kiba grinned, rubbing Akamaru's head. "All right! Hinata, Shino, pleased to work with you!" Hinata answered in a small voice, while Shino adjusted his shades and gave a slight nod.
"Team Nine: …"
"Team Ten: Nara Shikamaru, Akimichi Choji, Yamanaka Ino."
"Sigh, just as I thought…"
Shikamaru slumped onto his desk with his trademark "what a pain" look. Choji kept munching chips, and though Ino felt a twinge of regret at not being teamed with Tejima Shinichi, she quickly rallied—after all, Shikamaru and Choji were old friends. Iruka watched the graduates' mixed reactions, clapped his hands, and drew every eye back to the front.
"All right, the Team Assignments are out. At two this afternoon your Jonin Instructor will come to the classroom, meet their squads, and start you on missions. For now—dismissed!"
The moment the words landed, the room stirred back to life. Students stood, some crowding excitedly around new teammates, others heading for the door.
The two members of Team One, Kobayashi Takeshi and Satō Yū, exchanged glances, seemed to gather courage, and walked together toward Tejima Shinichi.
"Um… Shinichi-kun," Kobayashi began, nervous, while Satō nodded beside him. "Let's do our best together!"
Tejima Shinichi lifted his gaze, studying his future teammates.
For the moment, they looked average—middling grades, nothing exceptional.
"Mm, let's do our best."
The simple answer left Kobayashi and Satō blinking; then their faces relaxed into small, happy smiles.
After all, through years at the Academy the name Tejima Shinichi had meant only two things: unfathomable strength and an almost aloof indifference.
He never joined after-class activities; the moment lessons ended he vanished, sometimes even cutting class entirely—gone like a ghost.
They'd feared the Top Student would be unapproachable, too proud to bother with ordinary teammates like them.
Yet he'd answered them so calmly.
"W-we'll be here on time this afternoon!" Satō added hastily.
Shinichi nodded, stood up. "Still a while before assembly; I'll go prep. See you later."
He slung his ninja tool pouch over his shoulder and left first, the two new teammates behind him feeling lucky their first contact had gone so smoothly. Time slipped past; soon the afternoon meeting hour arrived.
Tejima Shinichi was again the first back. He chose a window seat and closed his eyes to rest.
At about ten to two Kobayashi and Satō arrived right on time. Spotting Shinichi already there, they exchanged glances and quietly sat beside him; the trio was formally assembled.
A moment after two the classroom door slid open exactly on schedule.
Asuma Sarutobi stepped in first, a senbon between his teeth, swept his gaze across the room and quickly found his targets.
"Team Ten: Nara Shikamaru, Akimichi Choji, Yamanaka Ino—come with me."
"Tch…" Shikamaru sighed his trademark sigh, yet stood with Choji and Ino.
As she passed Team One's desks Ino paused, flashed a bright smile and waved toward Tejima Shinichi.
"Shinichi-kun, we're off first! Do your best!"
The sudden greeting left Kobayashi and Satō blinking in surprise.
Hearing her, Shinichi looked up and waved back.
That small gesture made Ino blink; her smile widened and she hurried after Asuma, Shikamaru and Choji.
Next through the door came Kurenai Yuhi, her gaze gentle yet resolute.
"Team Eight: Hyuga Hinata, Inuzuka Kiba, Aburame Shino—please come out."
"Yes, ma'am!"
Kiba answered energetically, Akamaru at his side, while shy Hinata and silent Shino followed him out.
Other Jonin Instructor arrived in turn and led their teams away.
The classroom slowly emptied until only two groups remained—Team One with Tejima Shinichi, and Team Seven of Uzumaki Naruto, Haruno Sakura and Uchiha Sasuke.
Kobayashi and Satō watched the half-empty room, felt the heavy atmosphere around Team Seven, and glanced nervously toward the door.
At last, in that hushed wait, the door slid open again.
A figure entered.
He wore a Jonin vest, looked a bit tired, even kindly—nothing flamboyant.
Yet the instant Tejima Shinichi's eyes met that face—
"…!"
Shinichi's pupils contracted uncontrollably; his calm mask shattered.
It's him?!
Tenzō?! No—now he's called… Yamato?!
The sole survivor implanted with First Hokage cells who wields the Bloodline Limit Wood Release!
Why is he our Jonin Instructor? A coincidence? No—this is destiny!
Shock lasted only an instant before giving way to wariness.
Shinichi lowered his gaze at once, hiding the turmoil churning inside him.
Wood Release.
The power he'd just awakened and didn't yet know how to control—now a living master stood before him. Coincidence… or deliberate design?
Yamato's gaze swept the room, settled on the three of them, and he spoke in his mild voice:
"Team One: Tejima Shinichi, Kobayashi Takeshi, Satō Yū—correct? I'm your Jonin Instructor, Yamato. Follow me to the Training Ground."
They rose; Shinichi brought up the rear, eyes fixed on Yamato's back.