Chapter 13: Team 7
The team assignments were soon completed.
Since the jonin instructors wouldn't arrive until the afternoon, Iruka dismissed everyone early. Most students had brought bentos and stayed near the academy to eat.
Naruto had nothing to eat, so he headed to the Sarutobi compound to freeload again. He wasn't worried about missing the meeting with his instructor — Kakashi was famously late.
As soon as Naruto stepped out of the school gate, he spotted a suspicious rock with legs sticking out from the bottom.
"..."
"Konohamaru, come out."
"As expected of Big Brother! You saw through my perfect stealth technique again!"
Naruto rolled his eyes. "Stop using that technique in the future."
"Why?"
"It's too low-level. It doesn't suit your status."
"I see!"
Konohamaru nodded seriously and mentally labeled the Transformation Technique as a "low-level ninjutsu."
"Let's go eat."
"Yes, Big Brother!"
When they arrived at the Sarutobi clan grounds again, the clan members' gazes toward Naruto remained the same — full of disgust.
"Young Master Konohamaru, lunch is ready."
Sarutobi Kijaku spoke respectfully to Konohamaru, then completely ignored Naruto as she led them to the dining room.
Naruto didn't mind in the slightest. He shamelessly enjoyed another lavish meal.
"Big Brother Naruto, what was that technique you used this morning?" Konohamaru asked after they finished eating.
"Hm… Light Release: Yata Mirror."
"Light Release: Yata Mirror? So cool! Can I learn it?"
Naruto shook his head. He gathered a small ball of laser light at his fingertip and said, "Unless you can sense the power of light and become light itself, you won't be able to learn this technique."
"The power of light?"
Konohamaru leaned in curiously, but Naruto quickly dispersed the laser.
"Don't get too close. It's dangerous."
"Oh…"
Konohamaru looked disappointed.
Although he already knew he couldn't learn it, he still wanted to confirm again and again.
Big Brother had so many powerful techniques. If he could learn even one, it would be great!
Naruto noticed Konohamaru's disappointment but couldn't do much about it.
If Konohamaru were capable of learning it, he wouldn't mind teaching him a move or two in the future. Unfortunately, that was impossible.
Naruto checked the time. There was still some time before the afternoon gathering, so he took Konohamaru outside to continue practicing the Seduction Technique.
It was the least he could do to make up for the boy's disappointment.
In the afternoon,
Naruto returned to the classroom.
Because of the new team assignments, everyone from the same team sat together. He had no choice but to sit near Sakura and Sasuke.
He glanced at the two. They glanced back at him. Their eyes met, but no one spoke.
Compared to the noisy and cheerful teams around them, Team 7's atmosphere was especially heavy and awkward.
After a while, Sakura tried to talk to Sasuke, but he completely ignored her.
Sakura looked dejected.
She turned her head and saw Naruto's blank face, then muttered under her breath, "Annoying guy, why are you copying Sasuke's expression?"
Naruto heard her clearly but didn't even bother looking at her.
Sakura ended up inexplicably isolated by both of her new teammates.
Soon, a jonin with slanted bangs entered and took away one team.
The appearance of the instructors sparked excited chatter among the other teams.
Sakura also wanted to talk to Sasuke, so she said to herself, "I wonder what our jonin instructor will be like."
...
A crow flew past in silence.
Sakura waited a long time, but Sasuke gave no response. Even Naruto beside her completely ignored her.
Damn it! What's going on?
Why isn't even that annoying Naruto talking?
He used to be so noisy!
Unable to hold back any longer, Sakura turned to Naruto and asked sharply, "Naruto, how did you even graduate? Didn't you fail the Clone Technique?"
Faced with Sakura's sudden attack, Naruto frowned and looked at her coldly. "None of your damn business."
"???"
Sakura clearly hadn't expected Naruto to curse at her.
Is this still my simp?
Furious, she slammed her hand on the desk. "Naruto, what the hell do you mean by that?!"
Fortunately, most other students had already left with their instructors, so her outburst didn't draw too much attention.
"If you have nothing better to do, go bother him instead of annoying me," Naruto said impatiently, looking at Sakura.
Sasuke glanced at Naruto with slight interest, his brows furrowing.
"Damn it, Naruto! I'm going to teach you a lesson today!"
Sakura's face turned red with anger as she raised her fist to punch him.
But right before she could swing, the classroom door opened.
A man wearing a mask and with his left eye covered by his forehead protector walked in.
"Well, well… it looks like I came at a bad time?"
Seeing their instructor had arrived, Sakura quickly lowered her fist to make a good first impression and said awkwardly, "We were just joking around."
"Joking?"
Kakashi looked at Sakura, then at Naruto and Sasuke.
"Hmm… how should I put it? My first impression of you three… is pretty bad."
Sakura's face immediately fell.
Sasuke closed his eyes, seemingly bothered by the comment.
Only Naruto remained completely unfazed, staring expressionlessly at Kakashi.
Kakashi took in all three expressions, paying special attention to Naruto.
"Whatever. Since the Hokage assigned you to my team, come with me."
Kakashi looked reluctant as he led the three to the academy's training ground.
"First, let's do some self-introductions," Kakashi said, leaning against the railing at the edge of the field.
"What should we say in our introductions?" Sakura raised her hand and asked.
"Things like what you like, what you hate, your future dreams, hobbies — stuff like that," Kakashi replied.
"Then why don't you introduce yourself first, sensei? We don't even know your name," Sakura said.
"Me?"
Kakashi pointed at himself. "My name is Kakashi Hatake. What I like and dislike… I don't feel like telling you. As for my future dream…"
Kakashi's eyes suddenly drifted toward the sky as he smoothly changed the subject. "I have many hobbies."
"In the end, you only told us your name," Sakura said, looking speechless.
Kakashi ignored her complaint and looked at the three of them. "Alright, your turn. Let's start with… you."
"Me?"
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