NOVEL NEXT Chapter 11 – Teams decided
The next day during class.
Things have already changed. Sakura and Ino met while heading to class like in the original story, but without their love rivalry their friendship grew stronger and now they entered the classroom happily laughing instead of competing for Sasuke's attention as soon as they saw him sitting.
That in turn influenced Naruto's reaction.
He stayed quiet daydreaming about Sakura's laugh instead of getting jealous and messing with Sasuke.
This also means Naruto never got to kiss Sasuke by accident when shoved.
I'm denying every single opportunity for Naruto to find love it seems.
Sakura and Ino find me and sit beside me.
We spend some time chatting over our new looks, clothes and forehead protectors until Iruka, our sensei for the last time walks in.
"As of today, you all have become full-fledged Ninjas!
However, you are still genin, the tough part is still to come
From here on you'll be in a squad of three and carry out your missions under your Jonin teachers."
His speech doesn't change from what I remember, but the news causes murmurs in class and everyone realizes the implication and importance. These will be the teammates we entrust our backs to for the next years.
'Squads of three eh, it'll just slow me down…' -Sasuke
'First will be Sakura, and the other person, can be anyone other than Sasuke'- Naruto
'Please group us together...' - Sakura
Iruka continues
"The groups have been determined so that the strength of the groups will be balanced
Now for the assignments
Team 1…."
Everyone is nervous but me the most. I remain very still and don't let it show.
I DO NOT want to see my name called in the first 7 teams.
I relax little by little as nobodies fill teams one through six.
"Now then, next is team 7…
Uzumaki Naruto…
Uchiha Sasuke…"
Naruto gets up from his seat
" Why do I have to be with Sasuke sensei!?"
"Sasuke has the overall top grades in class and you are at the bottom Naruto.
This is how it works out when we try to balance the strength between teams.
"
The class laughs at Naruto, with even Hinata joining in.
"Quiet everyone!
As I was saying
Team seven
Naruto, Sasuke and…
Aburame Shino"
The name inspired no reaction from anyone but my eyes shoot open and my head is in turmoil, this was a huge change and not where I was expecting.
"Team 8…
Aoi Tsuki
Karen Machigai
And...
Tsuyu Ashiru"
The last nameless team, but in the story, team 8 was Kurenai's, team 9 was the nameless one and team 10 was the Ino-Shika-Cho combo under Asuma.
Everything is messed up and Sakura didn't end up with team 7.
I... like it, this means I'm guaranteed to be matched with 2 strong teammates and at least a girl.
"Next, team nine
Inuzuka Kiba
Nara Shikamaru
Yamanaka Ino"
Ino doesn't seem happy at all with her team, but she only sags at her desk and complains to those around her without disrupting the class.
"Why do I have to end up with the dog and the sleepyhead…"
Sakura feels a bit sad in empathy but a smile grows on her face when she realizes who is left.
"… and for the last team.
Team 10
Haruno Sakura
Yuumi Yami
And
Hyuuga Hinata
That is all the teams.
In the afternoon you will be introduced to your Jonin teachers
You're dismissed until then."
All three of us are happy over the announcement, though Ino's gloom sours the festive mood.
She ends up walking up to Iruka sensei at the end for a more private talk.
"Sensei can we change the team? I wanted-"
"Ino-chan, there is no lack of people dissatisfied with their teams.
It is impossible to satisfy everyone and it has long been made a rule to not allow the teams to change except under extreme circumstances."
Ino grows calmer resigned to her fate.
"You'll see Ino, while often dissatisfied with their companies at the start most genins in a team together grow life-long friendships once they get to know each other better."
"Yes... sensei..."