A Plan in Everything 1
"Heh," Iruka chuckled. "You really think so little of me, Naruto?"
"Eh?" Naruto's face had taken on that look that said he was utterly clueless.
"You really think I just put you on a team without putting some thought into it?"
"But..." Naruto thought hard, but couldn't wrap his head around the possible motives. "I don't get it."
"Heh, it's alright, that's why I'm your sensei. Sasuke, Sakura, are you curious as well?" The two genin nodded.
"Well class, let this be my final lesson." Something about Iruka's tone had everyone listening much more than they normally would.
"When I put someone on a team, they are becoming a part of something greater. It is the job of a sensei to help their students grow, but choosing a sensei wasn't up to me, so I had to choose another goal. If I couldn't help you grow as shinobi and kunoichi, then perhaps I could push you to grow as young men and women instead." The class sat up a bit, unaware that he saw them as anything more than kids.
"Naruto, I put you on Team Seven to learn from your teammates and compliment their skills. You could stand to take a lesson in drive from Sasuke. He focuses on his goal of getting stronger to the exclusion of all else. Similarly, Sakura has a passion for learning new things and wanting to understand things that would serve you well as a ninja." The two teammates smirked at him. "But it isn't just you that could learn. Sasuke, Sakura - Naruto's determination to see it through to the bitter end is a trait I believe you would admire after getting to know him. Between Sasuke's skill, Sakura's knowledge and Naruto's sheer determination, I am confident that Team Seven can handle anything life throws at them so long as they are willing to help each other. That includes trying to be a bit more understanding of each other's weaknesses - Sasuke's stoic demeanor, Sakura's occasional blindness to the truth, Naruto's arrogance."
All three members of Team Seven were left with something to think about as Iruka continued. "Team Eight is just the same. Their natural abilities would compliment each other well as a tracking team. Additionally, each has a trait that would benefit the others. Shino, I believe that Hinata and Kiba could help you come out of your shell and be more open with people. Kiba, Hinata and Shino can help calm your brashness just as I hope Sakura and Sasuke can do for Naruto. Hinata, Shino and Kiba will be there to help you grow into your own person and gain the confidence to be the great kunoichi I know you can be."
"Team Ten was a little different in that I wasn't the only one advocating the team, although I think my reasons are a bit more pure than their fathers'." Shikamaru and Ino smirked as Choji's eyes crinkled into a smile. "Shikamaru, you can help your teammates learn to stop and think a situation through. Choji, you will help them learn the value of unflinching loyalty to a friend. Ino, you will drive them to be better than they would be."
He addressed the class as a whole. "All of you, each and every team I have put together, will help each other learn and grow so long as you are willing to look past what you have seen on the surface for years and find the inner strength in your teammates. I believe in you, so it's your turn to believe in each other."
With that, he continued naming teams. The man had no idea the impact his words would have on the future. It would be a year of legends, the year... of the Perfect Class.