Morning reading time had barely begun, but the classroom was already filled with noise.
Everyone knew by now that they would be sent on missions earlier than expected. Rather than worrying about the war looming ahead, the students chattered excitedly about which jōnin from the village would lead them.
To most of them, war was nothing more than a stage to make a name for themselves. The thought that they might be the ones to die never truly crossed their minds.
The atmosphere shifted the moment Uncle Nishimura walked in, his expression grim.
"Quiet."
He stood at the podium, rough hands pressing firmly against the desk.
"You've heard the rumors, but let me confirm it. Lord Hokage has ordered that you'll be sent out to experience real combat." His voice was deep, each word carrying weight.
As a survivor of the First Great Ninja War, Nishimura knew better than anyone how cruel the battlefield could be. Even so, his tone showed firm support for the Hokage's decision.
"Next, I'll announce the team assignments."
He lifted a list covered in densely written names.
"Team One: Uchiha Hayashi, Uchiha Mikoto, Senju Nawaki. Jōnin leader — Orochimaru."
Hayashi had already expected this. Orochimaru had spoken to him the night before. Nawaki being under Orochimaru also matched what was shown in the manga. The only surprise was Mikoto.
Did they consider her relationship with me when forming the team?
Though the Third Hokage had his flaws, he was meticulous. He seemed to take his juniors' happiness into account. But then again, shouldn't Kushina have been included instead of Nawaki?
Hayashi frowned inwardly. He had little patience for people who entered through connections.
Still, the team was remarkable. Two Uchiha and one Senju—children of two great clans. If their team leader wasn't strong, it would be a disaster. Fortunately, Orochimaru's strength left no doubts.
As for their individual abilities, Hayashi was top of the class, widely recognized as a prodigy. Mikoto also had good grades, but her gentle personality meant she rarely showed off, making her results seem only slightly above average. Nawaki, on the other hand, was a mess—solid in combat practice, but consistently at the bottom in written exams.
"Hayashi, that's great! We're in the same team!" Mikoto said with a bright smile.
Hayashi smiled back and gently patted her head. "Then, Mikoto-san, I'll be counting on you."
Nawaki, who had been about to speak, froze as he watched. His heart twisted painfully.
Damn it, why are they showing affection right in front of me?
His hand twitched toward the kunai in his pouch. He quickly forced himself to stop. No, I need to interrupt them before this gets worse.
"Um, Hayashi, that's great, we're in Team One!" Nawaki blurted out, mimicking Mikoto's words.
Hayashi casually picked his nose and replied, "Who are you again? Do we even know each other?"
"…"
Nishimura ignored the commotion and continued down the list.
"Team Two: Uzumaki Kushina, Inuzuka Mi, Hyūga Sakura. Jōnin leader — Tsunade."
Hayashi's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. This was likely Kushina's last mission before becoming a jinchūriki. He had visited Mito several times, and her health was failing. Once Kushina inherited the Nine-Tails, she wouldn't be allowed on ordinary missions. Assigning her to Tsunade made sense—she was strong enough to protect Kushina.
Kushina, however, slumped forward on her desk with a pout. Just as Hayashi considered saying something to cheer her up, she turned with a sweet smile toward Nawaki.
"Nawaki-san, switch with me? I want to be in Team One too."
Nawaki waved his hands frantically. "No way! I'm not becoming a genin under my sister. She already takes all my allowance. If I'm on her team, she'll take all my mission rewards for gambling too!"
"…"
"Team Three: Namikaze Minato, Yamamoto Ten, Sen Koto. Jōnin leader — Jiraiya."
Hayashi glanced at Minato with sympathy. His teammates were clearly minor figures.
Minato only gave a helpless smile. He had hoped to be with Hayashi and Nawaki, but instead ended up with two near-strangers. Still, having Jiraiya as his leader more than made up for it.
"Team Four: Nara Shikaku, Yamanaka Inoichi, Akimichi Chōza. Jōnin leader — Katō Dan."
That name caught Hayashi's attention immediately. Katō Dan—Tsunade's future lover, a man who dreamed of becoming Hokage but ultimately died from war wounds even her medical skills couldn't heal. His death was the reason she later developed hemophobia.
Of course, that time hadn't come yet. Nawaki was still alive, after all.
Eventually, all the teams were announced. Nishimura stood alone at the podium, his voice softer now.
"Everyone… don't die."
For a moment, Hayashi felt touched. Nishimura wasn't a bad man. Aside from being old, short-tempered, stingy, and perpetually broke, he had his good points.
"Also," Nishimura added, "don't forget to review my lessons. During summer break, I'll hold makeup classes for free."
For free? I wouldn't go even if you paid me.
Hayashi quickly withdrew his earlier kind thoughts. No wonder nobody respected Nishimura. He hoped the man failed his fourth blind date too.
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