Konohagakure, better known as the village of the Hidden Leaf. And today in the village was rather special, as today was when the newly graduates of the Shinobi Academy would be assigned to their four cell team. Three Genin and their assigned Sensei. And in the Hokage's office, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi was re-reading the list of those Genin that had made the list of those who had earned their Shinobi headbands.
"Three more than we anticipated…" Lord Sarutobi mused, as the fingers of his right hand drummed against his desk. His eyes again scrolled down to the three names towards the bottom. "Inuzuka Kei, Kimura Shizuka, Hyuuga Ame. They passed their final exams, but we are one Jounin short…" He frowned, not wanting to have to break their hearts after they had just earned their headbands. "What to do…?"
"Hokage-Sama, if I may…" One of the gathered Jounin in the Hokage's office spoke up. He stood taller than most of the others gathered, had white grey hair that was styled up into a point to the left. A cloth mask covered his nose and mouth, and his Shinobi headband covered his left eye.
"A suggestion Kakashi?" Lord Sarutobi looked from the list of graduates, and set his gaze onto Kakashi, taking note of the other Jounin fixing their subordinate with apprehensive looks.
"What about Mitarashi Anko?" Almost at once, there was a near unanimous groan from the others in the room besides Kakashi and Lord Sarutobi. But that all died away at once, when the Hokage held up his hand for silence.
Mitarashi Anko … The name brought a pang of guilt and anger to the elder man. The Jounin had been the former student of his former student, Orochimaru, who had betrayed Konohagakure with his horrendous experiments in his attempts to learn forbidden techniques. Sarutobi had to shake his head to clear those thoughts away. No, it was best not to dwell on those thoughts, and he couldn't hold Anko accountable for her former Sensei's actions. Especially when she had no idea of Orochimaru's true intentions.
Now that being said, Anko was a specialist Jounin. Having worked solo in many missions over the last ten years. It would do her some good to train a team of her own. And perhaps it would also help her to, at least partially, recover from what had happened with her former Sensei.
Looking back at the three names, Sarutobi's eyes looked over the files composed of the newly graduated Genin that were laid out on his desk. The Inuzuka Clan were specialized in using nin-hounds. Any member of their family would make a good member of a recon team. Now, from what had been told from all of Umino Iruka's reports, this particular Genin had an affinity for earth based ninjutsu, not just her Clan's Fang Over Fang technique. As would a Hyuuga, and Hyuuga Ame certainly fit that bill with her clan's kekkei genkai, the Byakkugan. That just left the Kimura. Sarutobi's brow creased, as he frowned. Another pang of guilt overrode the silent fury that welled up inside of him. The Kimura child, through his mother, held ties to the nearly extinct Uchiha Clan. And even after so many years, the anger upon finding out what had been done in his name, under his "orders"... Sarutobi's anger that day had been felt throughout all of Konoha. In the ensuing battle that had followed the news, Sarutobi had utterly destroyed the true perpetrator who issued those orders. Cripping the man, and leaving his upper right side completely destroyed. As punishment, Sarutobi had declared that this man would never be allowed to seek medical treatment for the damage to his body, and had been threatened with immediate and public execution should anything like that ever be attempted.
Yet another failure that would forever haunt Hiruzen Sarutobi. The other being the Uzumaki child. The Fourth Hokage had pleaded with him, that his son should be known as a hero after the Yondaime had given his life to seal Kyuubi no Kitsune into the newborn. Yet things never truly go as planned. Wounds were still fresh when Sarutobi explained what had happened to the village council. They had vehemently refused to accept Minato's dying wish, and some had outright attempted to end the infant then and there. It had been a full week before the council chambers could be entered once again. The damage done to it had been extensive, thanks to Sarutobi's defending of the newborn Uzumaki.
Unfortunately, the damage had already been done. The members of the council, and other clan heads, had taken it upon themselves to spread word about the village, that Uzumaki Naruto was a complete pariah. Hated nearly everywhere he went within Konoha, and left utterly friendless thanks to the ignorance of the council. Sarutobi felt that his legacy would be nothing but failure.
However, it was time to return to the topic at hand. And that was the Kimura child. The gaki had shown an affinity in fire based techniques. Something that the Uchiha out of all the Shinobi families within Konohagakure, showed far more of an affinity with fire. Perhaps, Anko could mold them into a solid specialist team. Unless...
"If anyone else has any other suggestions…" There was a pause for others to speak, and when nobody did, Lord Sarutobi continued to speak. "Very well Kakashi, though since it was your suggestion I am going to place Hyuuga Hinata on your team." He then turned his attention to the only female Jounin present. Yuhhi Kurenai, who stood next to his nephew, Sarutobi Asuma. "Gomen Kurenai-san, however from your reports on Iruka-san's class, the Hyuuga girl seems to be one of the few who doesn't outright hate the Uzumaki child. I know that Lord Hiashi wished for you to train her, yet it is my belief that Hinata may do some good if paired up with Naruto. He should know that someone cares for him."
Kurenai nodded her approval. "If I may Hokage-Sama. If Hyuuga Hinata is to be placed under Kakashi's tutelage, then I would like to request to train the Haruno girl. Being a genjutsu expert, and due to my observations of Iruka-san's classes, I've noted that the Haruno girl fails in two aspects. One moreso than the other, and those are her skill in taijutsu, and more abysmally still, the girls lack of defense for genjutsu."
"Agreed." Lord Sarutobi finalized this with a slight nod of his head. "Kakashi will train the Hyuuga girl, while you will do what you are able to with Haruno. Now, as for these three…" The Sandaime tapped the three names of the gakis in question. "Mitarashi Anko will be their Sensei."
There was excited chatter among the newly graduated Genin. After all, today was their first official day as Shinobi of Konoha. Well, most of them were talking excitedly amongst themselves. The odd two out were Hyuuga Hinata, who was where she usually sat in the academy classroom. The highest seat on the left, and closest to the door.
Hinata had looked rather dejected before she had entered the familiar classroom. She believed this to be the final time that she would see Uzumaki Naruto, as she along with the rest of the class had watched him fail the final ninjutsu exam. The last part that was needed in order for him to earn his hitai-ite, his headband that signified his graduating the Shinobi academy, and marked him as a full Shinobi of Konohagakure. She had believed that she would see Naruto on the small swing outside of the academy, or perhaps catch a glimpse of him in one of the remedial classrooms. But that was not the case, much to her disappointment. However, much to her surprise, she saw that Naruto was with the rest of the graduating class. She thought that perhaps he was there to congratulate the others … but that was rather silly, as the other students, with a handful of exceptions, her being among that exception, treated Naruto like dirt for some reason. No, Naruto would not be there in order to congratulate anyone. It was a silly thought for her to have. And then her stomach flipped. Naruto had raised his head to the sound of the classroom door opening, giving the young Hyuuga girl a good look at the troublemaking blond. And much to Hinata's surprise and delight, she saw the hitai-ite of Konoha on his forehead. Somehow he had managed to graduate after all!
The other individual sat in the same row as Hinata, though on the far end towards the window. The young boy's dark bangs almost covered his amber yellow colored eyes. His clothing consisted of a dark blueish-grey high collared jacket, with the same colored shirt underneath the jacket, his pants consisted of the same material as his jacket, and also matched the color of his other clothing. Like many other students, his hitai-ite was tied about his forehead. He had arrived shortly after Hinata had, and greeted her with a soft "Ohaiou Hinata-chan."
Hinata looked up, and gave the newcomer a soft yet shy smile. Returning his greeting with the same soft tone. "Ohaiou Kimura-kun."
The soft spoken Kimura boy made his way to his usual seat on the farthest end of the class from Hinata. Much like the Hyuuga girl, he too was surprised to see that Naruto was in the graduating class. Though he figured that Naruto must have done something in one of the remedial classes that took place after all the others had concluded for the day, that allowed him to graduate. That thought had brought a smile to his face, as he was one of the few people in the class who did not outright hate Naruto. In fact, the quiet boy would often share a bowl of ramen with the Uzumaki boy at Ichiraku's. Silently sitting through all of Naruto's speeches about how he would one day become the greatest Hokage of the Hidden Leaf.
The door to the classroom would open again, and in walked two girls. One looked remarkably similar to Hinata. Another Hyuuga, who was clearly a main branch member, due to there being no curse mark on her forehead. Like all members of the Hyuuga Clan, she had the distinctive pale eyes that signified her Clan's Kekkei Genkai, the Byakugan. Like the Kimura boy, her dark hair had her bangs fall slightly in front of her face, while the rest was tied into a reverse ponytail. That being, the bind was at the end of her hair instead of being tied up towards the back of her head. She wore a faded dull red shirt, with a snow white haori over that. There were black fingerless gloves on her hands that went up to her elbows. Attached to those with two thick leather straps, were a set of arm guards made out of some sort of light metal. Her pants were the same color as her gloves, which matched her footwear. The standard footless footwear all Shinobi of the Hidden Leaf wore. And like most within the class, had her hitai-ite tied about her forehead.
She was deep in conversation with another girl. Who was undoubtedly an Inuzuka, if the triangular red face paint on her cheeks, or the adorable fluffy dog being carried in her arms wasn't a dead giveaway. She had the same black pants as the Hyuuga girl. She had the same hooded jacket as her cousin Kiba wore, though instead she wore it tied about her waist in a skirt of some sorts. Her midriff was exposed, and there was a dark purple sleeveless top over her chest. Wild brown hair tied back in a traditional ponytail, and her hitai-ite secured about her neck. Her fluffy nin-pet was barking happily, tail wagging happily as she was just happy to be there.
Walking right up to the Kimura boy, the Inuzuka ruffled the top of his head. Loudly and boisterously exclaiming: "Ohaiou Shizuka-chan!" Her morning greeting earned an irritated groan from the boy in question. And his golden amber eyes looked up into her own dark amber ones. This was normal for the two, as she would always badger Shizuka for his more feminie sounding name. But the both of them knew that there was no maliciousness behind her words.
"Ohaio Kei." Shizuka would respond softly. Then, upon hearing an irritated bark, he would reach out and gently ruffle the fluffy head of Kei's nin-pet. "And ohaiou to you too, Koramaru." Shizuka smiled, when Koramaru's tail wagged rather rapidly, seemingly satisfied at not being forgotten. Shizuka would then feel a soft hand on his shoulder.
Looking up to see the soft smile of Ame Hyuuga, who also greeted him with the same soft tone that he and Hinata used. "Ohaiou Kimura-kun."
Smiling at the Hyuuga girl, Shizuka returned her morning greeting. Ignoring the tussle that was taking place at the front of the classroom. "Ohaiou Ame-chan."
Mitarashi Anko was not happy. She had just been from the Hokage's office, and was fuming after having been told that she would be teaching a team of Genin. She had been avoiding being a mentor to other Shinobi like it was the plague, after the utter disaster that was her own Sensei. Now she had nothing against the gaki's that would soon be under her tutelage. No she had practically been blackmailed by Lord Sarutobi, who had threatened to cut off her dango supply should she protest further.
So she had reluctantly agreed to train the three gaki she'd be assigned. Though that being said, she wouldn't train them in the conventional method. No, she would make them run the bell test over, and over, and over again. Oh there was a method to her madness, but she would let those gaki figure it out for themselves if they could.
Several girls were lying in a crumpled heap. Ame and Kei had pulled them off of Naruto after the gaggle of incensed girls had jumped the poor orange clad genin. His crime one may ask? Being nudged into Uchiha Sasuke, and accidentally stealing his first kiss. And while Shizuka found it to be entertaining, several of the now crumpled girls had jumped and attempted to beat Naruto down. It had gotten to the point where Shizuka had risen from his seat, however Ame and Kei had gotten there first. And Kei was not gentle about it. Hence why several girls looked like they had gotten off worse than Naruto.
"All that over him?" Kei huffed in irritation, as she tossed another girl into the pile. The Inuzuka girl jerked her thumb over her shoulder in Sasuke's direction. "You need some standards! All of you do!"
"What did you say!?" Sakura Haruno snarled. There was an angry tick mark on the pink haired girls forehead, and her fists were clenched as she made her way towards the tomboyish kunoichi. "Why were you defending Naruto!? He shouldn't be here!"
"Sit down, before you get thrown into a wall." A soft but stern voice said from the back of the class. Sakura paused, and she, along with everyone who hadn't gotten the tar beaten out of them, looked up towards the speaker. Shizuka had gotten out of his seat, and seemed like he was going to come down and join the frey. "If you're really going to try and pick a fight with someone who placed in the top five in taijutsu class, you may want to think again. Especially when you placed at the absolute bottom."
Shizuka's words had stopped the Haruno girl dead in her tracks. She opened and shut her mouth several times. Attempting to find the words to form a comeback, that would never be uttered. Especially after Shizuka uttered the phrase "useless". Regarding not just her, but the majority of the kunoichi of the Sasuke Fan Club. Deflated, she just took her seat in silence.
Not too long after that, Iruka Sensei arrived. Casting an agitated look at Kei, after looking at the pile of barely conscious girls that had jumped Naruto, the Chunin announced that the three person teams had already been selected. All that was left, was to announce who would be assigned to what team.
Every conscious student leaned forward in their seats. Aside from graduating from the academy yesterday, this was the moment everyone present had been waiting for. There was a smile on Iruka's face as he read off the teams chosen. "Team Six: Nara Shikamaru, Yamanaka Ino, Akamichi Choji."
"No surprise there…" Mused Kei who smirked in satisfaction, upon seeing the blond Yamanaka pig visibly deflate. She was so sick of her and Sakura, and all the other girls in the class feuding over who would be the Uchiha-teme's girlfriend. It was sickening to her, especially because Uchiha Sasuke in her eyes, was a stuck up punk. And the more girls who were part of his fan club, that didn't get placed on a team with him, the happier she was.
"Team Seven: Uchiha Sasuke, Uzumaki Naruto, Hyuuga Hinata."
Kei nearly let out a bark of laughter. Not only was nobody on the fan club going to be a part of the team that Sasuke was on, but one of the only girls in the school that didn't like the Uchiha was chosen to be his teammate. And though Hinata looked as if she had just won the lottery, Naruto, and Sakura deflated horribly. Sakura deflating as she hadn't been placed on the same team as Sasuke. Naruto because he hadn't been placed on the same team as Sakura.
"Traditional, for them to place the student with the highest marks with the student with the lowest." Ame spoke softly, more to herself. She sat on Kei's right, both girls sitting one row ahead of Shizuka.
"Team Eight: Haruno Sakura, Aburame Shino, Inuzuka Kiba." Iruka announced, and Kei had to duck down to keep Iruka Sensei from hearing her laughs. This was just too good to be true, as now both of the front runners for the fan club had been locked out of being placed on Sasuke's team. One by one, three Genin were assigned to their teams. Iruka Sensei had just gotten finished announcing who was on Team Twelve, and that left only three people left. Three people and one fluffy puppy who were now all making eye contact with one another.
"Team Thirteen: Kimura Shizuka, Hyuuga Ame, Inuzuka Kei."
"Looks like you're stuck with me Shizuka-Chan!" The Inuzuka girl reached up, and playfully ruffled his hair. Something that made the young man roll his eyes good-naturedly, but made no attempt to remove her hand this time. Other than Hinata, or even Naruto, Shizuka honestly couldn't have thought about anyone else that he'd rather be on a team with other than these two.
"Guess so." Came his soft response, as he gently moved Kei's hand off of his head. After the teams were assigned, everyone was given an extended lunch break. This was meant for the new teammates to get better acquainted with one another. The three new teammates that consisted of Team Thirteen sidled out of the classroom. Though not before Shizuka gave Hinata's shoulder a pat on the shoulder. "Congratulations."
Hinata's response was to blink in surprise. "A-ano… what do you mean Kimura-kun?" Though the Hyuuga girl had a feeling, she knew what he was talking about. And that made her cheeks turn a light pink color.
Shizuka's response was so soft that nobody else who still remained in the classroom could hear. Other than those with enhanced hearing. Ie, Kei and Koramaru. Though those two were outside, waiting for Shizuka alongside Ame. "You're on a team with Naruto. Because of how you look at him, it's rather obvious, at least to me, that you like him. I don't know why most of the villagers seem to dislike him, but he's a good person. I'm happy that there's at least one other person who likes him. He truly does need a friend."
Hinata's cheeks turned a bright red, and the Hyuuga girl had begun to stammer. "K-k-kimura-kun…!"
"Gomen-ne…." Shizuka then rubbed the back of his head in an embarrassed manner. "I did not mean to overstep. I just wanted to say something simple, and I got carried away. But… can I give you another piece of advice?"
Realizing that he was just trying to help, it calmed Hinata down enough so that she could nod, and allow him to resume speaking.
"Like I said before, Naruto is a good person. We both know that, but he's a bit dense. We've seen how he pines after Sakura, and she doesn't even give him the time of day…" His soft tone had a slight edge to it, as if he was angered about how Sakura treated Naruto. Which admittedly he was. The two of them then cast a glance at the blond in the bright orange coat. He looked so dejected as he watched Sakura leave with the other members of Team Eight. "I am sorry if I am over stepping once again, but I think you should tell him about how you feel. Not immediately of course." He quickly added, as Hinata's face went pink once again. "But he should be made aware, uh, but not without you having to resorting to hitting him over the head with a brick to do so." That made the two Genin share a soft laugh, and Hinata promised that she would do what she could, before Shizuka left to join his teammates.
"Well look at you, playing match-maker." Kei once again ruffled Shizuka's hair. Her enhanced hearing, had allowed her to hear every word that Shizuka spoke to Hinata.
"That was a nice thing you did Kimura-kun." Ame gave Shizuka a soft smile, as she removed Kei's hand from atop Shizuka's head. The three including Koramaru then left the academy grounds. Finding a secluded spot not too far from the academy, but secluded enough that nobody would end up discovering them.
"So, who do you think our Sensei is gonna be?" Kei would ask, munching from a rice ball that was packed in a bento her Aunt Tsume had made for her. Koramaru sitting in her lap, tail wagging as Kei's free hand gently scratched the top of her fluffy head. Her question garnered shrugs from the two others.
"I've never seen any other Jounins." Ame spoke softly. Her brow furrowed as she gave Kei's question some thought.
"Neither have I…" Shizuka's tone was soft as usual. He was taking small nibbles out of a rice ball of his own. A feeling of apprehension began to well up inside the soft spoken Genin. How was it that during all his time at the academy, that he had never come across anyone above the rank of Chunin even in passing. Unless one counted the times where Lord Sarutobi would pay the academy a visit. He held the rank of Jounin technically, but Shizuka alwasy thought something was off about the elder man. He couldn't quite place his finger on it, but every time Lord Sarutobi's gaze was fixed upon him, Shizuka swore he saw him frown even for only a fraction of a second.
Snapping back to reality, Shizuka was drawn in to the topic of ninjutsu by Kei. More specifically, the ones that the three of them knew or specialized in. Ame surprised the both of them, when she revealed that she had an affinity for water based ninjutsu. Explainig that she had never shown it to anyone outside of private family training.
"Not that I am ashaed of it." Ame would shake her head softly. "I simply never used it during ninjutsu training, as … well, the need for it never came up." She would smile sheepishly at that last remark, which caused Kei to scoff.
"Only because you blocked everyone from accessing their chakra." The Inuzuka girl would cross her arms over her chest, and give Ame a mock glare. Too many times Kei had been prevented from using any technique during mock matches against Ame. Thanks in part to the other girls Gentle Fist-style taijutsu that the Hyuuga Clan was famous for.
"One would think." Ame would begin. "That someone who specialized in earth-style ninjutsu, would have wanted to create some space right at the start. Instead of charging in like a lunatic. That put you in range almost at once. If you had leapt back, and created space, I would not have been able to touch you. And you may have won at least one match against me."
It was true that every time Kei and Ame were pit against one another in combat training, weather it be ninjutsu training, or sparring, the result was always the same. Ame was alwas victorious over Kei, because the latter always charged in head first. The first few times it had been in an attempt to catch Ame off guard. Every time after that, it was a matter of pride.
"I'll get you one of these days!" Kei huffed, and handed the last bit of her rice ball to Koramaru. The fluffy pup eating it happily, before licking Kei's fingers in thanks.
"Not if you continue to charge her like that." Shizuka responded in his soft tone. Almost nonchalantly catching the empty bento box that had been hurled at his head by Kei in retaliation. "You would have missed. Care to try again for five yen?" His response made Kei laugh, before taking back her empty bento. She somehow just couldn't stay mad at the two of them.
Once their extended lunch break had concluded, every student had gathered back into the designated classroom to await the arrival of their assigned Sensei. What everyone noted after the first few teams of Genin were led out, was that all the Jounin seemed to dress the same as the Chunin. The same dark blue one piece jumpsuit with a green flak vest over it. While it was odd at first. Everyone then assumed that it was the standard uniform for Konoha Shinobi once acquiring the rank of Chunin.
Though there were some exceptions to that. When Team Eight's Sensei arrived. Yuuhi Kurenai chose to forgo the seemingly standard uniform, and instead wear what looked to be a yukata with a red and white thorn pattern. Many of the boys had their attention fixed on the attractive woman, though they were paid no mind, as she collected her students. Though Sakura did cast an almost whishful glance back at Sasuke as she left. Something that the Uchiha ignored, as he was looking out the window.
That only left Teams Seven through Thirteen. Though Team Thirteen did not have long to wait. Everyone jumped in shock when something crashed through the windows. Whatever it was, it seemed to be a blur of motion that nobody could track. The next thing that everyone present knew, there was a black banner hanging down in front of the blackboard. The writing on this banner was two feet tall, written using white paint, and read: "Team Thirteen's Sensei! Mitarashi Anko is here!"
"Alright, listen up!" A woman's voice called out. A tall woman wearing a tan knee length trench coat, a skin-tight metal mesh bodysuit that ended well above her knees, and wore shin guards that looked to be made out of the same metal that Ame used for her wrist guards. She was dressed rather oddly, even by Konoha standards. "Team Thirteen, your Sensei, Mitarashi Anko is here!" As if they couldn't read. The Jounin raised her fist in the air, as she continued speaking. "No time to waste! Follow me!"
The silence that preceded this woman's arrival was deafening. Broken only by the sound of Kei's forehead thudding against her desk. This was their sensei!? Oh come on!
"Was all that really necessary?" Iruka asked with clear agitation in his voice as he stepped out from behind the banner.
Anko simply gave the Chunin a cheeky smile over her shoulder. Wordlessly saying that her entrance was indeed completely necessary. At least in her mind, it was. "Alright, Team Thirteen, let's get moving!"
Kei let out a groan, and her forehead thudded against her desk several more times before she reluctantly rose from her seat. Joining Ame and Shizuka as the two approached their new Sensei. The prickly sensation of embarrassment slowly creeping up the Inuzuka girl's spine. She was, and she hated to admit it, in a way like the members of the Sasuke fan club. Meaning she wanted someone cool for her Sensei. Not someone as eccentric as Mitarashi Anko.
"This may not be so bad." Shizuka would say softly, as if the young boy could tell what his teammate was feeling. "Maybe she just wanted to make a dynamic first impression."
Shizuka's words seemed to have the desired effect, as he saw Kei relax her shoulders, and her expression soften slightly. Though he couldn't help but feel the same prickly sensation of embarrassment while following behind their new Sensei. The large black banner almost carelessly draped across Mitarashi Anko's shoulders, as she led them out of the academy
"Ano, Sensei, where are we heading to?" Ame would ask. She too had felt the same embarrassed sensation her two teammates had felt. But decided that she would be the first one who had broken the awkward silence between the four of them. Perhaps if she got her Sensei talking, things would be a bit less awkward.
"Our assigned training grounds." Came Anko's reply, as she led her team of Genin through Konoha. The four of them passed along a rather long line of fenced in area. Each marked with a different number, and were obviously the training grounds reserved specifically for Jounin-level Shinobi, and their teams. Anko stopped right in front of the thirteenth entrance. Having specifically selected this particular training ground, as it seemed fitting given as how she was assigned to be the leader of Team Thirteen. "Here we go. Training ground number thirteen."
Opening the gate, and gesturing for her students to enter, Anko sidled in after her students. She led the three of them over to three very thick wooden logs embedded into the ground. Dumping the banner onto the ground in front of the middle post, Anko sat down cross-legged in the grass, and motioned for her students to do the same. "Alright, now I'm not going to sugarcoat things for you gaki. I'm not too thrilled about being assigned to being your Sensei-now that's nothing against the three of you." She added upon seeing the looks on their faces. "From what I've heard, and read about the three of you, you're all exceptional students." Anko then nodded at Shizuka, who had raised his hand. A question having formed in his mind.
"Sensei, why are you opposed to teaching?" He would ask softly, after lowering his hand onto Koramaru's fluffy head. The fluffy dog having crawled out of Kei's lap, and into his. Almost reflexively, the soft spoken Genin then began to scratch her fur. Something that made the nin-dog wag her tail happily.
Anko's expression would darken, but only for a moment. "My former Sensei betrayed Konoha. I won't tell you why, because you gaki don't need to hear that. But ever since then, I've avoided being an instructor like the plague. Out of fear that I'd end up like my old Sensei."
She then took out a small package from somewhere behind her back. Unwrapping it, revealed Anko's favorite treat of dango. Though, instead of a wooden toothpick the sweets were attached onto a senbon needle. "Now, that's enough about me." She spoke, before taking the first sphere off the needle, and popped it into her mouth. She chewed on it for a moment, before swallowing. "Time to tell me about yourselves." She pointed her senbon needle at Ame. "We'll start with you. Tell me your name, and what your greatest goal is that you want to accomplish as a Shinobi."
Ame stiffened, and gestured to herself. Anko nodded, as if to encourage her new student. "A-ano… I am Hyuuga Ame, and … and I plan on being the new head of the Hyuuga Clan. She seemed rather surprised at her own daring, but she pressed on. "The way things are now within the Hyuuga Clan." She shook her head, unconsciously clenching her fists. "They way that the Cadet Branch is treated. It all needs to change."
Anko nodded while taking in every word. While she was not used to working with any member of the Hyuuga Clan, she knew that Hiashi-Sama was rather adamant about some things. Not letting any others know about the secrets of their Kekkei Genkai. She also knew the full story of the attempted kidnapping of Hinata when she was an infant, and how harsh Hiashi was towards the secondary branch. "Admirable goal." She then pointed the now bare senbon needle at Shizuka. "You next gaki."
Shizuka continued to stroke Koramaru's fur. It eased his apprehension as he began to speak. "I'm Kimura Shizua, and … and like Ame-chan, my goal is clan related. I'd … I'd like to restore the Uchiha Clan." He felt two pairs of eyes on him now. Three if his new Sensei was to be counted. Shizuka closed his eyes for a moment, and upon opening them back up, his words all made sense. His eyes had gone from their amber color, to a blood red. A small dot shaped like a magatama was just below each iris.
"A Sharingan." Anko mused while taking another dango stick from her package. "So the old man was right…"
"He's what?" Anko blinked in surprise. The senbon needle falling out of her mouth, and embedded itself into the floor of the Hokage's office.
"A survivor of the Uchiha Clan massacre." Sarutobi repeated calmly. "He and his mother both. She was living outside of the compound when the massacre occurred." Out of fear that some form of retaliation would have been taken, the Sandaime had ordered the Kimura family be watched closely. It was how Sarutobi learned of the boy's training under his mother, and his developed Sharingan. "Which is why Kimura shounen would be a great asset to a specialist team. And who better to teach him, than a specialist Jounin?"
"And you never told anyone this because?" Ame asked in utter shock, as Shizuka deactivated his Sharingan.
"I was told not to let anyone know about it, except those that I implicitly trust." Came Shizuka's response, while he continued to stroke Koramaru's fur. "Nobody at the academy knows, nobody else from our class because…" He fixed Kei with a look. "Would you trust Haruno Sakura or Yamanaka Ino with a secret like this?"
Her soft spoken teammate had an excellent point. "No." Kei shook her head in response. "No I would not."
"Exactly, now I believe that it is your turn to share." Shizuka said with a nod to the Inuzuka girl, before handing Koramaru back to her.
"Inuzuka Kei!" She lightly pumped the air with her fist. "And I plan on being the greatest Shinobi in all of Konoha!" There was an almost feral smile on the face of the Inuzuka girl. Accented by two determined barks from Koramaru.
"Well now that we know one another…" Anko tossed her senbon needle into the ground, as she got to her feet. Stretching, before placing her hands together. "Bushin no Jutsu!" Several clones of the dango-loving Jounin appeared with a puff of smoke, and a sound like an explosion. "Being your Sensei, I need to see what you're capable of. So all of you are going to spar against my bushin clones. Hope you're ready Team Thirteen, your training begins now!"