Konohagakure Ninja Academy: an institution built with the sole purpose of birthing the future generation of shinobi.
Today marked something important for each student currently under the ninja path. Graduation. More specifically, the conclusion of the Genin exams that granted adulthood to all its students who passed. While the future already had its chosen protagonists, there was one unknown variable ready to tip those scales.
Rise's adrenaline cane to a halt while he caught his breath. His blue eyes glanced towards the academy doors with the time appearing before him.
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Main Mission: One of the graduates - Make your way to Konohagakure Ninja Academy so you can receive your team placement. Time Remaining: 2:07
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'I barely made it it here. Who knew these streets were that much of a chore to traverse?'
Despite his exhaustion, Rise pushed a hand through his hair as he walked towards the doors. One push from them gave him entry, and his eyes were already settled onto the map to make sure he was going the right way.
So, you ready for your first and last day of Ninja Academy?
"No." He gave an honest reply. "I remember how this sequence of events goes, and I'm about to hate Sasuke's fangirls."
That's what you're worried about? Not your team placement, or who your sensei is gonna be?
"A little, but that I can deal with. What I can't deal with is the glazing, screeching, and the fact they beat up Naruto over accidently kissing Sasuke. They're deranged."
Ah, so that's what this is about? Understandable, but let me give you some info that I haven't yet. I was specifically waiting until you finally got here to do so.
Rise came to a stop after reading the textbox, finally on the second floor of the academy. Before he could question what that information was, code was already filling his head as if static from a tv had infiltrated his skull. It was nerve wracking, but it soon began to die out before becoming replaced. As shock became his expression, Rise realized that he was given memories from this body's past.
Core memories of his time spent in this academy with Naruto's graduating class, and there was some key notes he was able to point out thanks to the games help to keep him in character.
He had an established friendship with Naruto, Kiba, Shino, Shikamaru, and Choji. Despite how his bio said that his classmates avoided him because of his problem of getting into fights and pushing people away, he knew that was something he had to think back on once he was done here.
As for Sasuke, they were just acquaintances on good terms. They never had meaningful interactions, but Rise did earn his respect from two things. His taijutsu, and kenjutsu. From the few times they sparred, Sasuke acknowledged that skill despite where it came from.
Then there were the girls.
Hinata from his memories was the same with almost everyone. A shy girl who spoke when necessary. Unless you're Naruto, then passing out might be inevitable. At least Hinata and himself got along fine. The real problem was Ino and Sakura.
Their constant vying for Sasuke's attention started many arguments, and the class had to put up with it at times. It also didn't help that Sakura chose her figure at times over her training—something he's criticized her for in his memories—and Ino underweighed herself to attract boys (in attempt to seduce Sasuke when given the chance). Although, her weight was something he also went harder on Sakura for, excluding Hinata from this as she was the only girl who took her training seriously.
Aside from that, the rest of the class kept their distance. That, and the other fangirls hated him too. Why? Oh you know why.
"My core personality here is just the same way I grew up back on my earth." Rise mumbled, noticing the mission tab for him read complete. Strangely, he didn't earn rewards for it, or even EXP.
As much as he wanted to question it now, he decided getting into class first would be the better move. Iruka would be here soon, and standing outside looking off into space wasn't helping him. With a step on the wooden floor, tapping of his sandals followed. It didn't take long to reach the open classroom, but what greeted him made his eye twitch slightly.
Naruto and Sasuke were currently lip locked, eyes wide as all of the latter's fangirls were staring in horror. Of course the entire class was staring as well, but nothing compared to the looks of every girl staring at the two boys who wished they were the one receiving the first kiss of one of the two.
'Oh brother.' The irritation on his face showed clearly as the thought came to mind, slowly walking over to the main area of the commotion near the front.
To this day, I always wondered what kind of idiot would just randomly throw their arm back in the middle of a classroom. Granted he didn't know Naruto was there, but that's just plain stupid considering how close these seats are.
'Trust me, you're not the only one.' In unison coughs caught his attention before Tobio—the guy who bumped Naruto—began to apologize for his mistake. A sigh escaped his lips before Rise managed to pick up on Naruto's alarm concerning bloodlust.
The Uzumaki turned his head, having now caught the angered expressions of several girls who witnessed what happened.
"Naruto... You..." Sakura began, Naruto instinctively putting his hands up in defense.
His claim of "An accident. It was an accident" fell on deaf ears as she started cracking her knuckles with an expression that spoke of ill intent. She wasn't the only one carrying that look, and the annoyed yet angered expressions all stood commonly amongst each girl standing in front of him. He gulped because of it.
"You are annoying." She stated rather calmly, spooking the poor shinobi who wasn't prepared for the world of hurt he was about to be in.
Just as she was ready dish out harm, a wooden sword found its way between them and Naruto. It wasn't hard to tell who it came from since there's only one person carrying it around all day. All eyes fell on Rise, but what greeted them was a heated glare that managed to convey the thought "don't even think about it." Just like that, all girls present in the group lost that anger sans Ino and Sakura. The latter two seemed to be stunned by how quickly he swung in their direction while the others were showing actual fear due to the delinquent.
"See, I know the saying usually goes "the low get lower," but this has to be your lowest moment in history. All of you."
Those words made the group nervous, but all Naruto could think about was how he was saved. Ino was quick to display her irritation towards Rise, beginning her sentence by saying "That's ironic coming from you of all people. Mr. Delinquent here is usually known for being the prime example."
"At least Mr. Delinquent has decency and ACTUAL intelligence. Being ok with the idea of attacking a fellow graduate because he ended up kissing the guy you like is just plain moronic."
Rise lifted his kendo sword, placing it into the makeshift scabbard on his back before sighing. Apparently, arguing with them every day he attended was also a core memory. Honestly, who would put up with this?
"The kiss wouldn't have happened if Naruto got out of Sasuke's face like we told him too!" Sakura spoke up, earning many agreements from the others behind her.
"You act like he wants to kiss any of you!" His temper was finally showing itself, the class growing quiet as beads of sweat went down her head from his shout. "All you do is vy for his attention every day. People get tired of hearing "Sasuke likes me more than you" from almost every girl in here! In fact, Hinata is the most normal girl here out of everyone!"
The shout of her name made the girl shrink back a bit, but it couldn't stop the blush staining her cheeks.
"Getting back to the point, it's graduation day. The last thing I'm doing is arguing with any of you, so get back to your seats before Iruka-sensei shows up. Unless..." He let the words hang, but the implication behind it was there.
Many of the girls began to disperse because of it, rathering to be out of Rise's vision than stuck like stone under his glare. Sakura and Ino of course were last to leave, sending their own glare towards both Naruto and Rise before taking a seat in the row behind Sasuke. Even with all the extra room here, they still found a way to be close to him. Better that way than a beat up Naruto from episode three.
With that being done, Rise took his seat next to Naruto, spotting the comedic tears rolling down his face which disturbed him. To be up close seeing it for the first time was NOT for the faint of heart.
"Thanks Rise. I seriously thought I was a goner."
"Meh, don't mention it. That's what friends are for." He gave off an awkward smile, trying to get over the amount of tears being produced. "By the way, Sasuke..."
"Hm?" Black eyes glanced in his direction, Sasuke only giving a small noise in response.
"Once again, sorry you gotta deal with your fanbase every day." The shocked but furious expressions of Ino and Sakura could be seen in the background.
"... I've lost count of how many times you've said that. I appreciate it nonetheless." And there it was. Sasuke's longest sentence of the day so far. Although, he missed the depressed state of the two whose heads slumped alongside their shoulders.
Eventually, time passed with Iruka having finally arrived to the classroom. A smile was on his face as he congratulated his students, speaking about their growing development and futures that lie ahead of them as ninja. He spoke of their time spent here and how much it has helped him see their potential, room for improvement, and joyous smiles as they grew into the adults they wanted to be. Especially a certain blonde in the room, but he was forbidden to talk about that. Iruka wished he could, but he was sworn to secrecy.
Instead, he kept things short and simple by saying "you have become full fledged ninja," letting his eyes take a look around the room to see the currently smiling expressions of most, the stoic expressions of two, and the munching of one individual who always had chips on him for some reason. As he told them they were still genin, he made sure that they acknowledge the toughests parts were yet to come before dropping a bombshell on the entire class.
"From here on out, you'll be in squads of three, and will carry out your missions under your jonin teachers." The surprised expressions of various genin lit up the room, but the gasps from Ino and Sakura made it clear as day what was on their mind.
"I wonder who's gonna be grouped with Sasuke." Ino whispered to her rival, Sakura shooting her a nasty look while Inner Sakura was acting up a storm per usual.
'I could be on a team with Rise and Sakura-chan,' Naruto thought. 'And if I get neither one of them, which I hope won't happen, anyone but Sasuke is fine.'
Sasuke on the other hand was completely silent. There was no movement to acknowledge the statement, but it was clear that he kept it in mind. Then there was Shikamaru, dreading the fact he was next to Sakura and Ino.
"However, due to the number of graduates being plus one more than what is required for a cell, one team will contain a total of four genin than the others."
That of course got a few people's thoughts running, and Sasuke only raised an eyebrow. Taking that into account, it was possible he could be put into a team with two of his fangirls. He dreaded the thought.
'The four man cell problem is because of me right?' Rise thought, not expecting a response as it was a rhetorical. So the game suddenly answering with yes on a textbox made his eyes widen. 'You can read my thoughts?'
Of course I can. I'm basically a God, so I know what my gamer is doing at all times.
'That... Sounds creepy.' He sweatdropped.
Creepy or not, I gotta keep tabs on you and your progress. Even your thoughts if need be to make sure you experience this game properly.
'Fair enough.' The textbox disappeared right after, and Rise did nothing else but give his attention towards Iruka who began giving names of students, their team number, and who they were assigned to.
Everything started off great at first, but that ended once team six had its jonin instructor declared. While the boys were fine, the depressed state of the girls were starting to bring down the mood of the class. A lot of names were called, but not a single one of them made in onto the same team as Sasuke. Meaning out of his admirers left, Ino or Sakura could be chosen. Possibly both because of the four man team issue.
"Now, we have group seven consisting of Naruto Uzumaki—"
Naruto's head rose up quickly.
"Sakura Haruno."
Then his lips curved upward, standing with a shout of "hooray" escaping his lips. Sakura on the other hand dropped her head again in sadness as she grumbled "I'm with Naruto?" Ino was bathing in her despair as she smirked at the display.
"Sasuke Uchiha."
Then the roles flipped with Naruto dropping his head in depression after Sakura shouted "hooray!" All Naruto could do was question why he was with Sasuke on the same team, and Ino's jaw dropped. She then regained her composure once she realized that the possibility of being on the team was still there. If she was lucky...
"However, due to the odd number of students, this team was chosen to include the fourth member, so the last one will be—"
Then she'd still be close to Sasuke, and keep forehead (Sakura) from getting to close to him!
"Rise Summers. Your jonin instructor will be Kakashi Hatake." Then she slammed her head into the desk.
Naruto immediately perked up with a smile, looking over to Rise who was already smirking at him. The two exchanged a small chuckle, fist bumping each other before Naruto said "Finally, two people I actually like." He missed the glare sent his way from a certain Uchiha because of it.
Other than that, everything continued on like normal. Well, as normal it could get with every girl being jealous of Sakura being on a team with Sasuke. Or in Hinata's case, a team with Naruto. Team eight was given to Kurenai with her being assigned Hinata, Kiba, and Shino. Team nine was still in circulation, so that left Asuma with team ten containing Ino, Shikamaru, and Choji.
Once everything was concluded, Iruka informed them that he'll be introducing them to his jonin instructors this afternoon. Until then, everyone was dismissed.
As they began taking their leave, Sasuke was already head of his new teammates. His exit out of the classroom was quick, and of course Sakura was already on the move to catch up to him. Rise looked over at Naruto, watching as he got up ready to start tailing her. That was until he grabbed his ear, yanking it which earned a yelp from him.
"Ow! What was that for?" He questioned.
"Give it a break ya knucklehead. You're never gonna get her attention if she's too busy chasing Uchiha genes." Rise deadpanned at his friend, releasing his ear as some of the memories of their interactions played back to him.
This was how things went from time to time. Naruto would chase after Sakura who chased after Sasuke, Rise would stop him, and then the two would have a heart to heart before doing something else. While it wasn't every day, it was some days this happened.
"Don't say that. Sakura-chan just hasn't gotten to see the cool side of me."
'You mean the cool side that was gonna end up looking like a beaten up anime trope.' He shook his head at the thought. "Whatever you say, but I'm not gonna watch you fail when it's currently lunchtime right now. So if you really pursue her, have at it." Rise stood up from his seat.
The first thing he did was readjust his sword as Naruto watched him closely. As he took his first few steps down the steps to exit the classroom, Naruto was already behind him asking "Where are you going?"
"I'm gonna head over to Ichiraku's ramen stand."
"Eh?! You're getting Ichiraku's without me?!" The blonde pointed a finger at the redhead, an upset look taking form on his features.
"I won't be if you tag alone." Rise smirked. "Ichiraku's is best enjoyed with your friend instead of alone ya know?"
"Aww! Do I really have to pick between ramen and Sakura-chan?"
"Nope, because it's your loss. I'll see you later Naruto." Rise took ahead first, exiting out the room while Naruto watched his leaving form.
It was at that moment his stomach grumbled, indicating a sign of hunger since he skipped breakfast. He forgot to replace the expired milk Rise told him to get rid of yesterday. He went hungry because of it. Still, his growling stomach began to get louder because of it, making him panic as he started to decide between ramen and Sakura. Sakura may be pretty, but he could never bring himself to eat her.
"Rise, Ichiraku, wait for me!" He screamed, dashing out of the classroom to catch up with his friend.