NOVEL NEXT Chapter 29: Team 7
After our graduation ceremony, we gathered to take pictures with the Hokage, a proud moment marking our official status as newly graduated shinobi. It was a tradition, and standing there with my comrades, the Hokage beside us, made everything feel real. We had achieved what we set out to do, and the journey ahead looked promising.
To celebrate, we headed to Akimichi's barbecue shop, known for its delicious food. Our families joined us, excited to see how far we had come. The atmosphere was filled with laughter and joy as we celebrated our success. We feasted on endless plates of barbecue, while the adults enjoyed their drinks, toasting to our bright futures.
The celebration felt like a well-deserved reward for all the hard work and perseverance. Everyone was in high spirits, bonding over shared memories of our training and the challenges we had overcome. As the night grew late, we said our goodbyes and returned to our homes, filled with a sense of accomplishment and excitement for what was to come. The next phase of our journey as ninjas had just begun, and we were ready to face whatever lay ahead.
We had a week to wait before the Jonin mentors were officially assigned to us. Though it was a formality, I already knew who would be mentoring each team. When the day finally came, we returned to the academy, eager to see the final groupings. We waited patiently as Iruka-sensei walked in with the team assignments.
As expected, the teams were as follows:
Team 7
Jonin Mentor: Kakashi Hatake
Members: Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, Sakura Haruno
Team 8
Jonin Mentor: Kurenai Yuhi
Members: Hinata Hyuga, Kiba Inuzuka, Shino Aburame
Team 10
Jonin Mentor: Asuma Sarutobi
Members: Ino Yamanaka, Shikamaru Nara, Choji Akimichi
Sakura seemed thrilled to be on the same team as me, while Hinata and Ino were visibly disappointed. To lift their spirits, I gave them a light peck on the cheek. They didn't blush like they used to; instead, they smiled confidently. Over the past years, both Hinata and Ino had grown bolder, shedding their old shyness. I was proud of their development, not just in their skills as kunoichi, but in their self-assurance as well.
As the teams were announced, it was clear that each group was formed with balance in mind—two boys and one girl, each bringing different strengths to their teams. This was the next chapter in our journey as shinobi, and with our Jonin mentors guiding us, we were ready to take on the challenges that lay ahead.
As all the mentors entered the room one by one to pick up their teams, the atmosphere in the academy grew lighter with each departure. Team 8 was the first to be called.
"Hinata Hyuga, Kiba Inuzuka, Shino Aburame," Kurenei announced, walking in with a smile. "I'm Kurenei, and I've come to pick you all up."
They stood up, ready to leave. As she spotted me, her face brightened, "Oh, Naruto, you're here!"
"How are you, Kurenei-san?" I asked, feeling a sense of warmth from her familiar presence.
"I'm fine. Who's your mentor?" she inquired.
"It's Kakashi," I replied.
She gave a knowing smile. "I see. Then you'll need to wait for hours until he arrives."
"Yeah, I know. Anyway, please take care of Hinata."
"She's my responsibility now. Of course, I'll take care of her," she reassured me.
"Then, goodbye, Kurenei-san, take care," I said as she turned to leave.
"Bye, Naruto," she replied with a wink. "Bye, Naruto," Hinata added softly.
"Bye, Hinata," I responded, watching them head out.
Next, Asuma arrived to collect Team 10.
"Asuma-san, how are you?" I greeted him.
"I'm fine, Naruto," he said in his usual calm manner.
"Please take care of Ino, Asuma-san."
"Yeah, I know," he responded, but there was a hint of coldness in his voice. I knew why—he had always had a soft spot for Kurenei, and I had won her heart. I wasn't bothered by it. I knew I would take care of her better than anyone.
"Bye, Ino," I called as she left.
"Bye, Naruto," she replied with a smile, before following Asuma out the door.
Soon, everyone else had left, leaving just Team 7 waiting. After a long wait—about two or three hours—Kakashi finally arrived, late as expected.
"What happened, Kakashi? Did some grandma ask you for help again?" I mocked, knowing his habit of being late.
"Yeah, Naruto," he replied sheepishly, clearly used to my teasing.
"Anyway, you three are my teammates now. Meet me at Training Ground 28 tomorrow at 5 a.m. sharp. And don't eat breakfast," he instructed before disappearing in an instant.
Typical Kakashi. I smirked, knowing tomorrow would be the start of something interesting. The wait was over, and the real journey as Team 7 was about to begin.
"Guys, he left. So, let's have a party for our team!" I suggested, eager to celebrate the formation of Team 7.
Sasuke and Sakura agreed, and we left the academy, heading straight to Akimichi's barbecue shop—our go-to spot for good food and celebrations. The atmosphere was lively as we sat down, ordering plate after plate of delicious barbecue, laughing and talking about the journey ahead.
After we finished eating and enjoying ourselves, it was time to part ways. We first walked Sakura home, making sure she got back safely. She thanked us and waved as she entered her house.
With just Sasuke and me left, we silently made our way home, the weight of the upcoming challenges settling in. The excitement of the day was behind us, and now we looked forward to what was sure to be an interesting tomorrow with Kakashi as our mentor.