Another Blow

I watched as my now former classmates gathered in groups and chatted to each other as if this was just another day. I couldn't keep a snort of annoyance in as they didn't have a clue in what they signed up for. From this day forth we were Soldiers of our Village and were expected to give up everything for it without hesitation. I wouldn't have joined the Academy if it hadn't been the only way that I could make ends meet. Like all 'Orphans' it had been my only real choice to pay back the 'kindness' the Village had shown me. I looked at the Heirs of the Class and thought about all I knew about them.

Naruto Uzumaki, wears Orange (capital was needed there) and is very loud but does have some skill in stealth to pull his pranks. Massive chakra reserves but very little control, failed the Graduation Exam because of the Bushin but somehow got a pass afterwards. Close to the Hokage and sees him as a Grandfather, reasons for his kindness towards may be genuine or ploy to keep his loyalty due to Jinchuriki status.

Sakura Haruno, wears red (civilian dress that is ill suited to shinobi life) and is a fangirl to the Last Loyal Uchiha which brings out her volatile and banshee side (hates me since I broke her jaw when she started screeching when I had a massive headache). She has Exceptional chakra control but tiny reserves, Top Kunoichi despite abysmal physical status.

Sasuke Uchiha, wears dark blue and is a broody brat that has had his hand held since the slaughter of his Clan (despises me as I always beat him in spars and won't kiss his arse). Large chakra reserves (third largest in class behind mine and Naruto's) and passable control, Rookie of the Year despite me having better test results in all but shuriken.

Kiba Inuzuka, wears grey and has an Alpha mentality that he can't yet back up (Friendly Rivalry as despite his short temper he always apologises whenever he acts like a sore loser). Decent sized chakra reserves and good control, has a Ninja Dog partner Akamaru who is useful despite his small size and their bond grows daily.

Hinata Hyuga, wears beige and due to her idiot father and elders has almost no self confidence (One of the few people that know of my Banished Status and defies her elders to stay my friend). Large chakra reserves (highest amongst the females) and excellent control, has a crush on Naruto so I keep my comments about his flaws to myself.

Shino Aburame, wears pale green and is extremely logical and remains quiet to observe like a true shinobi (He is also currently readying himself for his duties as a Shinobi putting him above the rest of the class). Large chakra reserves (most of it is used to keep his hive alive) and decent control, hive of chakra devouring bugs make him one of the most devastating opponents in class despite his limitations.

Chouji Akimichi, wears green and has the girth of most of his Clan (Spends more time thinking about food than preparing for the future). Decent chakra reserves and control, uses his Clan Expansion Jutsu and enters a rage when called fat or any variation of it.

Ino Yamanaka, wears purple and is the rival of Sakura Haruno for the affection of Sasuke (Her interest seems to be waning and is likely keeping appearances to spend time with her former best friend). Average chakra reserves and control, physical status is low but showing improvement recently.

Shikamaru Nara, wears grey and is the laziest bastard in class (Highly Intelligent and is likely a genius even amongst his Clan). Decent charka reserves and good control, physical stats are low with the exception of his legs (Suspected to be the result of running a lot to escape something 'Troublesome').

"This is going to be awesome! We're finally Shinobi!" Kiba said loudly making me wince as he was right next to my ear.

"Settle down Kiba, we still have to wait on Iruka-sensei. We also have to take into account that someone is getting sent to the Genin Corps since Uzumaki somehow passed." I said as I tried to ignore the little voice that said that I was about to be screwed over yet again while Kiba snorted.

"What's that to do with us, Kurohiko? I'm a Clan heir and you are the true Rookie of the Year. Chances are it will be Naruto or one of the other Orphans." He said making Hinata gasp softly at the possibility of me or Naruto heading to the Genin Corps which was more widely known as the Genin Graveyard as anyone sent there was given little training and had little chance to get promoted even if they survived. To be sent there meant that you weren't seen as being worth the effort.

"It won't be Uzumaki because of how close he is the Hokage. Also what makes you think that they would think twice about screwing me over again considering how they kept trying to sabotage my grades when Iruka-sensei wasn't looking?" I said as I glared at the wall darkly just as Iruka came in and got the class settled after something happened with Naruto and Sasuke.

"Before I give out the Teams I want you to know that it has been a pleasure to teach each and everyone of you these past few years." Iruka said meeting everyone's eyes individually showing me once again why he was the only Sensei I liked. He had his favourites but he refused to allow that to affect his professionalism and I had used that to help with my extra learning outside of class. I listened carefully and was glad that Kiba and Hinata got a good Team with Kurenai, whom I had met through Hinata, as their Sensei and that I kept from snarling when my former father's name was mentioned but noticed that my name hadn't been called out.

"Excuse me Iruka-sensei but my name wasn't mentioned." I said keeping myself emotionless as I felt my anger grow at being screwed over yet again. I blinked when there was a flash of anger on his face that he quickly hid behind a fake smile.

"Due to there being an extra person graduating the Teams were shuffled around a little and you were pushed into being the one left out of the Teams. I can't tell you what you are going to do from now on as the argument was still ongoing as several people think you deserve a descent shot while others think that since you were picked they should shut up and deal with it." It was clear despite his mask which side he was on. "You have an hour for lunch before your Sensei get here. Kurohiko, hopefully your situation will be sorted by then so please return here by then." I nodded to him telling him I would. I sighed and adjusted the Kurohikari, a Zanbatou, on my back. It was 8′ long (6′ if you went by blade alone) and 3′ wide and made of a black metal that allowed chakra to be channelled through it, which could be used to repair any damage it received thanks to the Seals I placed on it.

"Would you like to join us for lunch?" Hinata asked me quietly without her usual stutter making me smile at her.

"If your teammates don't mind I would love to." I said as I pushed down my anger as Hinata didn't deserve it.

"I have no objections." Shino said as he appeared beside Kiba making him jump.

"Damn it man! I need to tie a bell around your neck." Kiba grumbled making me snicker and Hinata giggle.

BS

"Why did I have to be on a team with the two least motivated people in class?" Ino moaned next to me as she leaned her forehead on the desk in front of her. I was surprised that she sat next to me until I saw that her team had sat next to Naruto and I was the only one with a seat free.

"It could be a lot worse." I said as I read a book on Seals. I saw her glare at me I shrugged. "You could be on Team 7 and their Sensei is known to be three hours late and reading smut in public."

"I would love to be on Team 7 with me…" She started before trailing off at the look I gave her. "Okay fine I don't want to be on a Team with any of them. How did you know?"

"I kept an eye on all the people I believed would pass so I would know how to work with them if we were placed on a team. Recently your spats with Haruno have all lacked the enthusiasm they had before. Out of curiosity what stopped you from being the fangirl you were?" That had been something that had annoyed me since I saw what was happening.

"My Mum heard me bad mouthing Sakura and told me to take a good long think about things and for once I listened. I was horrified at how I had acted but if I just suddenly changed I might lose my friends. I've tried to improve in my free time but its slow going." I patted her back in sympathy before making my opinion known.

"At the very least you are trying which is more than what most people would do. If you friends have a problem with you trying to better yourself then they aren't proper friends. Tell you what if we can arrange it I will spar with you to help you get better in case your Team doesn't." She brightened up at that before she looked curious.

"I'd like that. You know more than Genin should so what do you know of my Sensei?" I instantly clamped down on my anger before I recited from memory.

"Jonin Asuma Sarutobi, youngest son of Hiruzen Sarutobi, a former member of the 12 Guardians before they were disbanded. He Specialises in Trench Knives, Wind and Fire Jutsu. His hobbies include smoking, Shogi and visiting the Red Light District. Note that the last hobby has been unfulfilled for the last few months according to rumours." When her jaw dropped I shrugged. "Between Public Records, Bounty Books and Gossip you learn a lot about people."

"Thanks for the info and the advice." She said with a smile just as an ANBU with long purple hair and a Cat mask appeared.

"Kurohiko please come with me to see the Hokage." The ANBU said politely but everyone knew it was an order. I rose from my seat and walked over to her just as the door opened to reveal Asuma and Kurenai. I nodded to Kurenai when CAT placed her hand on my shoulder and moved us to the Hokage's Office. I saw Hiruzen and slammed down on my anger at the man for being the one to Banish me because of his son's mistake. His Teammates were also there with Councillor Danzo Shimura and Ibiki Morino and Anko Mitarashi of T&I.

"Normally you would have been sent straight to the Genin Corps but there are those that believed that such a thing would be a vast waste of your potential." Hiruzen said sending a glance at Anko and Ibiki before meeting my eyes. "As such you are being a choice. Join the Genin Corps or take an Apprenticeship within T&I." I scanned the reactions of them all as I thought about the Pros and Cons of each. The only real downside of the Apprenticeship was the fact it would test how strong my stomach was from the get go and the Teachers would vary. Danzo and Ibiki were emotionless as they watched for my answer, the Elders were sending annoyed glares at the T&I section and Anko looked like she already knew what I was going to say.

"I will accept the Apprenticeship." I said clearly with a glare that dared them to try and talk me out of it. Hiruzen looked both relieved and like he had aged a few decades.

"Very well, you will be integrated into T&I and trained whenever someone has the free time to do so while you learn the ropes. Note that anything learnt in that building is to be treated as an S-Rank secret." In short that meant blab and be tortured before execution. I nodded and looked to Ibiki and Anko making them smirk.

"C'mon brat I want to see what you've got." Anko said with a smile that made a shiver go down my spine.