NOVEL NEXT Chapter 4: Chapter:4
The graduation exams had barely concluded, but there was no time for celebration or rest for the newly minted genin. Instead of a vacation, the young ninjas would form teams today, spend a few days building camaraderie, and then be sent directly to the battlefield. It was a harsh reality, but this was the way of the shinobi world.
The mediocre would quickly be weeded out, while the exceptional would rise to prominence, earning the title of "genius." Yet, in the world of Naruto, genius wasn't a guarantee of survival. The wars of the shinobi were elite-driven, where a single powerful ninja could obliterate opponents several times their number. This polarization in strength created a world where survival often depended on luck—so long as one didn't encounter a legend, death wasn't certain.
Uchiha Renji sat in the classroom, lost in thought, when two of his future teammates entered. The first was Naoki Inuzuka, a boy with the red fang-like markings unique to the Inuzuka clan. His light green eyes sparkled with energy, and perched on his shoulder was a small golden puppy—his animal companion. The Inuzuka clan was known for their heightened senses, including an extraordinary sense of smell, hearing, and intuition, making them formidable trackers and combatants.
Naoki's fighting style mirrored that of a wild beast, with techniques that mimicked animal instincts and ferocity. His ninja dogs, trained for combat, combined the intelligence of humans with the raw power of animals. However, despite his clan's natural talents, Naoki was far from a prodigy, his performance hovering in the middle tier of their class.
Behind Naoki walked Marina Inoue, a quiet girl with a neat bob haircut and composed demeanor. Her academic grades were above average, a result of her patient nature. However, like most kunoichi at this stage, her combat abilities lagged slightly behind. Though she lacked the extraordinary talent of figures like Tsunade or Mei Terumi, her disciplined approach hinted at solid reliability.
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Renji greeted them with a polite smile. "Good morning, Inuzuka Naoki, Inoue Marina. It seems we're on the same team from now on."
Naoki grinned, slapping Renji on the back with a friendly laugh. "Good morning! That's right—Team Naoki, here we go!"
Marina gave a shy smile, bowing slightly. "Good morning, Uchiha Renji," she said softly before taking a seat on the opposite side of the classroom.
As other students filtered out with their newly formed teams, Renji's attention drifted toward the door. He was curious about their future leader. A skilled instructor could mean the difference between survival and death on the battlefield. An experienced jonin would greatly enhance their odds, while a subpar mentor could doom them before they even had a chance to grow.
His thoughts were interrupted when the classroom door opened, and a man in a white robe with a hood bearing the kanji for "fire" walked in. Renji's eyes widened slightly. He didn't need confirmation—this was Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage himself.
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Hiruzen carried himself with calm authority, his every movement radiating confidence. As Hokage, he wasn't here simply to assign teams. His presence served as political propaganda, a reminder of Konoha's strength and legacy.
Standing before the students, Hiruzen began his speech, recounting the village's glorious achievements and inspiring them with visions of a bright future. His words stirred the hearts of the young genin, filling them with excitement and pride.
While the other students hung on every word, Renji sat quietly, unimpressed. Inspirational speeches won't save us on the battlefield, he thought. Still, he couldn't help but acknowledge Hiruzen's charisma.
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After Hiruzen concluded his speech, the door opened again, and a new figure entered. The man wore a black combat uniform beneath a traditional black haori adorned with red iron shoulder pads. His mid-length curly hair was slightly unkempt, and his demeanor exuded quiet confidence.
Renji's eyes narrowed in recognition. Uchiha Kagami.
It had been two years since Renji last saw Kagami, a member of the Uchiha clan and a student of the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju. Kagami's reputation was that of a talented and loyal shinobi, but Renji also knew his fate: Kagami would die young, another tragic casualty of the ninja world.
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Kagami greeted Hiruzen with a smile before turning to address his new team. "Uchiha Renji, Inuzuka Naoki, and Inoue Marina, come with me."
Renji sighed inwardly, biting back his disappointment. I just had to jinx myself. Of all the possible jonin, I end up with him.
His teammates, however, seemed thrilled. Naoki practically leaped out of his seat, while Marina stood more composed but equally eager. With no other choice, Renji followed them.
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The group stopped at a small barbecue restaurant, where Kagami handed them menus. "Order whatever you like," he said warmly. After they had made their selections, he began the introductions.
"From today onward, I will be your jonin instructor. We will train, fight, and grow together as a team. Let's get to know each other better. I'll start—my name is Uchiha Kagami. I like three-color dango and dislike salted egg sushi. My dream is to become Hokage!"
Renji blinked, taken aback. An Uchiha aspiring to be Hokage? The idea seemed laughable, given the deep-seated distrust between the Uchiha clan and the village leadership. Yet, Kagami's genuine tone left little room for doubt.
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Naoki was next. "My name is Inuzuka Naoki! I like beef jerky and anything crunchy, and I hate food that's too chewy. My dream is to become Hokage too, so watch out, Kagami-sensei—we're rivals now!" He grinned, scratching the ears of his puppy. "Oh, and this is Kanemaru, my partner!"
Marina introduced herself with quiet confidence. "I'm Inoue Marina. I enjoy gardening, and I dislike overly spicy food. I don't have a specific dream yet, but I want to become strong enough to protect those I care about."
Finally, it was Renji's turn. He hesitated for a moment, then spoke calmly. "My name is Uchiha Renji. I like grilled eel and dislike bland food. My goal is to survive and grow stronger so I can protect the Uchiha clan."
Kagami nodded thoughtfully, his kind smile unwavering. "Good goals, all of you. From today, we're not just teammates but comrades who will rely on each other through thick and thin. Let's make sure we trust and support one another."
End of the Chapter.