Chapter 8
There he was, she thought relieved as she watched Sasuke sit down in his usual corner. So the King was present at last and his queen laid in waiting. She didn't mind because she could watch him from afar and be his guard. Just like Ishbala she'd be the Eyes that watched over him. Provided he didn't get himself in trouble as he was wanton to do. And he used to complain about Fullmetal.
Riza leaned back and waited for the team placements to be announced no matter what the team she'd ensure that they'd get through and protect each other. Just as Mustang would have want and one day yes one day she'd stand by his side and this time she wouldn't fail him. No last time was beyond her control but now she had more resources and this time she wouldn't fail him...
Sasuke fidgeted as he awaited for Iruka to come so he could list out the teams. He could hear the dull roar of inane conversation going on around him and it was driving him insane. What could be taking the man so long?! He scowled as he impatiently waited for the teacher appear. Finally he gave up trying to be patient and pulled out his journal which he kept on his person at all times and began with his code scribbling in some notes for jutsu he could do with his newly discovered Alchemy.
"Alright settle down," Iruka said as he finally entered the room with a notepad in hand. "Now let's get this out of the way shall we?"
With that line Sasuke immediately shut off Iruka's voice and dully stared into the distance he droned on and on. He didn't blame the man but it was just orientations in his book all sounded alike and if one paid attention to both the class and materials then students should be aware of this information. But then perhaps he was looking at it wrong considering that unlike himself most of the students had the mindset of a child so most of the implications would escape their notice. Even Shikamaru for all his intelligence was still just a boy after all...
"Now with that said we'll now come to the team formations," Iruka's announcement quickly gained his attention. Sasuke sat up higher as he awaited the news of who he'd be paired with. For the next few minutes Sasuke made mental assessments of the teams as they were read out and their Jōnin sensei if he was familiar with them. Team One seemed to be a decent jack of all trades kind but he had a feeling they wouldn't last long considering the shinobi that comprised the team weren't that good. Two, Three, Four, Five and Six were forgettable more or less with students ranging from decent to mediocre. Another hit or miss it would seem.
"And Team Seven is Uzumaki Naruto, Haruno Sakura, And Aburame Shino, your sensei will be Hatake Kakashi." Sasuke breathed a sigh of relief with that announcement. Dodged that bullet, he thought with relief. Kakashi would've been a pain but the thought of being Naruto in a team setting was exhausting. While he again didn't hate the boy, it was the thought of dealing with his constant boasts and not to mention pranks. Such a constant barrage would be trying to say the least. Hell Naruto's antics made him miss Fullmetal since for all his bluster and immaturity he wasn't quite as annoying...and it was a good thing that he was reincarnated in another reality because there was no way in hell he would've told him this.
"Team Eight consists of Inuzuka Kiba and Akamaru, Hyūga Hinata and Uchiha Sasuke. Your Jonin sensei is Yūhi Kurenai. Unagi, Hibachi and Ami you're Team Nine, you Jonin instructor is Muyo Yusuke. And Team Ten will be Yamanaka Ino, Akimichi Chōji, Nara Shikamaru and your sensei will be Sarutobi Asuma..."
Kurenai? Sasuke wondered as he tuned out after Team Ten as Iruka droned about the teams which weren't surprising at this point. He hadn't heard of her at all but then that was perhaps a good thing. That way he could meet her with any perset expectations. As for his teammates...
Well Hinata was alright if lacking confidence which was something that would come both with time and help on his part. Her Byakugan would be invaluable in the battlefield and good asset to team. Kiba and Akamaru could prove to be grating but he'd never had too much of an issue with the boy. All he needed to do was channel his energy into other pursues and he could grow into a better teammate.
Sasuke could see how their team would be a good search and capture team. Hinata could scout out the territory while Kiba and his canine could bring them to their target and if he got his Sharingan he could potentially hypnotize the target into compliance. All in all it was a good team. The Ino-Shika-Chō was a good capture and interrogation team while Team Seven was a bit more malleable due to the vast abilities of the teammates. Still if Kakashi was as good as they said he shouldn't have an issue.
"Alright now that the teams have been established," Iruka said drawing Sasuke back to the present. "We're going to take a short lunch break and then you'll meet your Jōnin senseis."
What an excellent opportunity to get a feel for my new team, Sasuke gleefully thought before he remembered that he didn't have a lunch since he'd decided to eat the food he'd brought earlier as a late breakfast sobering him slightly. Pity I'll have to go without.
"And with that it's lunchtime," Iruka said putting down his clipboard with relief etched into his face...as well fatigue. Come to think of it he looked a little roughed up too. Had something happened? Sasuke gaze sharpened as he took a closer look. So it seemed Iruka had been in a fight recently so what instigated it and...he looked over at the students only to see that Naruto was sneaking relieved glances at him. So it something to do with him but what?
Information, he reminded himself. Information is what need.
"Oi Uchiha!" Kiba's voice bellowed from beside him. Looking up he saw both Hinata and Kiba sitting at the top of the classroom near the window. A wise move since it gave them not only a vantage point but a way to escape as well. "Are you coming or what?"
"Yes I'm coming," Sasuke said filing away the scant information he'd gleaned from scan. "Do you guys wanna eat outside or in here?"
Hinata squeaked shyly while Kiba just shrugged. Sasuke decided to take the intuitive. "Inside it is then," he said as he walked up to them. Now he needed a feel for his team outside of initial impressions. Then he could start to see if both he and they could help each other.
