ACADEMY DAYS XXI - GENIN
Ms. Shina,
I'm really sorry I haven't kept in touch, but know not a day goes by that I don't think of you and everyone in Kusatsu.
I've been more than well. I have an amazing mom and dad, and now I have a younger brother, too! I was really blessed when they came into town. I can't think of a family I'd rather be a part of. Dad's a clan leader and mom's a representative for the Hidden Leaf. They're tough jobs but they're really good at it. And Hiroto, that's my little brother, is so cute! He's already really big and getting super active and adorable. I can't wait to see how he grows up.
I also made plenty of lifelong friends all over the lands. They're all really fun and awesome in their own ways. I thought always travelling would get kinda lonely but that wasn't the case at all. It was always fun and interesting.
Today, I finally become a shinobi. It's no longer just a dream. There's still a lot I don't know about my jutsu but I've learned a lot. I can't wait to show you and Takeo and everyone else.
I hope everyone in the orphanage is doing good. I miss you all so much.
Aaaaaaaaall the love,
Kotori
-x-
Uzumaki household
Kotori puts her pen down just as her alarm clock rings. She'd set it to wake her up at a certain time but ended up getting up all on her some time ago. She's been wishing for this day ever since she found out she has a unique jutsu of her own and finally getting to achieve that dream is nerve-wracking.
The past four years have been an adventure for her to say the least. Growing up at an orphanage with only her name as a remnant from whoever she used to be, she never thought her dream would come true, no matter how much she wanted it.
Then, she not only found a family to call her own but she had the privilege to be taught by a lot of people and make a lot of new friends. Today, she can stand proud as a shinobi. After training with Naruto and Hinata and then at the Academy, it's finally time for her to show the world what she's made of.
With her predetermined time for starting the day having begun, she puts down the pen, closes the letter, and gets up to prepare. She washes up, brushes her teeth, combs her hair and ties up in a ponytail as she usually does.
Her attire consists of a mesh shirt to protest her body, with a simple shirt that has the Uzumaki clan emblem on the back, and dark pants. On her arms, she puts on fingerless gloves up to her elbow, mostly there so her arm guards can comfortably stay in place. Similarly, she has leg guards on, as well.
She ties her supplies pouch to her back and her kunai pouch to her leg.
Finally, she takes her forehead protector and ties it around her head, grinning into the mirror like mad. Even though she wore it yesterday when she passed the graduation test, this is her first time with her attire for her career as a Genin. An official ninja, finally!
She skips out of her room and down to the living room, where Hinata is sitting on the ground beside the sofa. The table is pushed to the side, giving young Hiroto enough room to maneuver. He's standing on his own two feet although he still needs the sofa for the occasional support.
When Hiroto sees Kotori he immediately begins babbling and tries to walk to her at a faster speed than he should.
Hinata stands up to walk behind him, straightening him when he begins to wobble.
Kotori runs up and picks her bro, kissing him on the tummy which sends him into a fit of giggles. "Hey there, buddy. Gonna send me off."
Hinata smiles as she takes a closer look at Kotori's new getup. "You look incredible." Of course, she's seen the clothes before as she was present when they were made but it's still a touching moment to see the young girl all geared up.
"I feel incredible!" She pumps her fist. "I can't wait to go out there and do stuff! Traveling with you and dad, all I could do was sit back and watch, but now I can act."
"Oh, honey…" Hinata hugs both her and Hiroto and kisses her on the top of the head. "You've been brave from the very beginning. Risking your own life to save Takai and Kitsui? Helping people when that large black creature attacked? Standing up for Jugo? You've been acting this entire time, now you can just do it better."
"Thanks, mom." Kotori snuggles into her embrace. "Is dad around?"
"He left early. Special Jounin meeting before the teams are officially announced. He'll meet you at the Academy."
"Then I'll get going! I gotta meet up with Yokumaru and Shoto." She gives Hinata one more hug before going for the door.
Waiting a second to see if Kotori will realize a mistake she'd made, Hinata clears her throat when that doesn't happen. "Kotori?"
"Yes, mom?" Kotori turns around.
"Hiroto." Hinata says plainly.
It's only then that Kotori looks down and realizes she's still holding the toddler in her arms. "Oh… oops." She gives an abashed laugh and hands Hiroto back to mom.
"Take care dear." Hinata laughs as she takes back the toddler. "I'll drop off Hiroto with Sakura soon and join you."
"Will do." Kotori gives Hiroto one final kiss on the head and leaves the house proper this time.
Now with both her husband and daughter out of the house, Hinata has some before she has to leave herself. She goes over a mental list of everything that needs doing and turns around to start. Much to her surprise, she sees Naruto, dressed in his full shinobi gear, standing in the living room and holding a folder.
"Naruto?" She cocks her head. "What're you doing here?"
"I kinda… forgot something." He rubs the nape of his neck. "So I sent a Clone to grab it. Was that Kotori leaving?"
"It was." Hinata nods and walks over to him. "She's really excited for this."
"I'll bet." Naruto wraps an arm around his wife and son as they approach. "You good to go, too?"
Hiroto garbs onto his dad's orange cloak, tugging at the collar.
"In a bit. I have to get Hiroto changed and I'll leave."
"That's nice." Naruto wraps his other hand around them, breathing deeply at the homely comfort.
"Shouldn't you go?" Hinata chuckles but snuggles into him despite her prompt.
"In a bit. The original's over there, so he's got it covered. It can wait." He says in a wistful tone.
"Naruto…" She scolds him in return.
He grumbles. "Yeah, alright. Work is work, right?" He takes Hiroto's small hands and kisses them before he turns to walk away to do his job.
"Could you deliver a message to the real you?"
"Yeah, sure." He turns around to look at her.
Only to be pleasantly surprised when she lifts herself on her toes to kiss him on the lips, hand gently stroking her cheek.
When they break, Naruto stands there in stunned silence for a bit before grinning. "Consider it delivered."
"Wonderful." She giggles as the Clone heads out.
Now she can continue with her preparations.
-x-
Teshin household
Shoto was by far the one to awake the earliest from his home. He spent most of the time in meditation to calm his nerves, combined with some light exercise to get his blood pumping. His usual routine involves running and practicing his kata, going through the different forms of his clan's fighting style.
Whether it be from nerves or from being far too absorbed in his routine, but morning comes and goes before he even realizes. It's already got to be time, right?
He immediately rushes back to his room, scaling the side of the house to get to the second floor instead of using the stairs as normal. Inside, he goes for a particular shelf in his wardrobe where he'd stored his outfit last night.
A gi similar to what students of the Shorin-ryu wear, except this one's dark rather than the usual white. It's fashioned from sturdier stuff to endure on whatever harsher missions they may be sent to, with a protective mesh shirt underneath, the pants being tucked into his boots, and wrapping bandages around his right arm.
The last thing he has to add is… Wait, where is it? He could've sworn he put it with the rest of the outfit. He rummages through his entire wardrobe, hastily pushing aside the normally well folded and stacked clothes.
'No, no, no… Where is it?!' He panics internally. 'Did it fall under the wardrobe somehow?' He checks there, too. Nothing. 'Under the bed?' Not there, either. 'Outside?' He peeks out the window to find, once more, nothing.
As he grows more anxious, he makes more noise in his turning over every piece of furniture. Enough noise to attract attention.
"Shoto?" Asami knocks on his door. "Is everything alright?"
"NO!" Shoto shouts from inside.
Concerned, Asami opens the door and enters. "What's wrong, honey?"
"I can't find it, mom! My forehead protector. It's nowhere in here!"
"Oh, that? Your father took it?" Asami says.
"What?" Shoto whips his head around, on the verge of tears. "Why would he do that?!"
"Well, he-" Asami begins explaining but her words fall on deaf ears as Shoto runs out the room at blinding speed. "Oh dear."
Shoto runs through the entire house, checking every room his father would most likely be in until he finally finds him, sitting on the floor in front of a table with his back turned to the door.
"Dad, did you take my forehead-" It's then that Shoto notices a piece of green cloth on the floor, the very same one he'd attached his protector to. He can even see the marks where it used to be. "What did you do?"
"What did I do?" Itosuke turns his head around, hands still fiddling with something on the table. "What did you do? You know how much work goes into rising through the ranks of our Empty Hand style. We all wear our accomplishments with pride. I'd have thought you'd do the same."
Itosuke grabs something from the table and hands it back to Shoto. It's his forehead protector, except attached to a blue cloth, rather than the previous green.
"This is… a blue belt?" Shoto tentatively steps forward and takes it.
Within the Empty Hand martial arts, the level of one's progress is displayed by the colour of their belt. That shows their level of skill and how long they've been studying the art. It's a great honour to advance in the ranks and that comes with setting expectations for those who strive to attain the level of skill the belt holder has.
Everyone starts with a white belt, then advancing to yellow, orange, green, and then the level Shoto is currently at- blue. The final three ranks are purple, brown, and black belts. Itosuke and Asami are, naturally, black belts.
"When it comes to pure martial form, you've still got a lot to learn." Itosuke says as he stands up, straightening his back. "However, when applying everything you've learned on your journey thus far, you easily outrank any practitioner of karate, the Empty Hand, I've seen."
"Father, I… don't know what to say." Shoto looks down to the blue cloth in disbelief.
Itosuke looks into his eyes, noting the simmered down fear and anger that were present when Shoto entered the room. "Did you think I'd thrown it away?"
Shoto clasps his mouth shut. The thought did actually cross his mind.
Itosuke chuckles lightly. "No, I don't blame you. Perhaps I held shinobi in too much disdain over what happened to our clan, but… this is where we belong. Or at the very least, where you belong. Show them what the Empty Hand is capable of, son."
Shoto bows deeply. "Yes, father."
Standing by the door, Asami smiles at her men placing their trust in each other. "It's almost time to get going."
"Ah, right!" Shoto looks out the window, noting how much time has passed. He has to meet up with Kotori and Yokumaru before going to the Academy.
Contrary to its name, he ties the headband around his waist, using it as a belt to hold his gi in place.
Asami walks up to him and straightens his shoulder length hair, taking it all into her palm. She helps put it up in the traditional topknot that the men of the Teshin clan wear. "You look very handsome." She hugs him before he goes. "I'm proud of you, Shoto."
"Thanks, mom." He returns the hug.
With that, he's ready to set out.
-x-
Kigatsu household
Yokumaru is similarly excited for the day ahead, although not one to really wear his emotions on his face. Some mistakenly think that he's not as happy as others when he actually is. It's just difficult for him to express outwardly what he feels inwardly.
Thankfully, he found friends who understand him and accept him.
Starting today, they won't be just friends anymore. They'll be teammates, partners. Shinobi.
To that effect, he gets dressed in the plans to wear during his career as a Genin. Or until he grows out of them. One or the other. It's a simple attire, really. A plain grey hoodie with somewhat loose pants that are tucked into his boots. Over the hoodie, he straps on a leather harness that essentially acts as a bandolier, having several small scrolls tied to it. On the front of the harness, on a larger piece that covers his chest, is a stylized lotus flower.
The last bit he dons are a pair of fingerless gloves that Kotori insisted they all wear, to be their common thread as a team. He doesn't particularly mind and there's a part of him that thinks they look pretty cool.
Then, of course, is the most important part. The forehead protector that he ties around his head.
Satisfied, he heads out of his home to the yard they share with Guren's house. When he leaves, he's met by his entire extended family. Looking at literally everyone gathered together like this makes him realize how lucky he's been to lead the life he currently leads.
Yoi is the first to step forward, kneeling down in front of him and brushing his hair. "Look at you, all grown up now. Your dad would be proud."
"Thanks." He smiles and hugs her tightly.
"You actually look like a real shinobi now." Guren laughs, herself fully dressed in the Hidden Leaf uniform.
The only bit of accessorising being a green cloth that flows from the bottom of her flak jacket with a lotus flower, resembling her old kimono she used to wear. Gozu stands by her with his everyday clothes, and between them: little Byakuren and Gyuji who immediately run to their cousin.
"Where you going?"
"Please come back!"
"Don't worry, you two." Yokumaru laughs. "I'll still be around." He pats them both on the head.
"Promise?" Byakuren looks up to him with puppy eyes.
"Promise!"
Yukimaru comes over and pats his brother and sister on the head. "Come now, you know Yokumaru has his dreams, right? We all want him to be happy."
"Yeah." Both kids look down to the ground, digging into the dirt with their shoes.
Yokumaru steps forward where Teuchi and Ayame greet him.
"When you get your team sorted, how about you stop by Ramen Ichiraku, huh? It'll be my treat!" Teuchi offers with a smile.
"I think Naruto would do that, anyway." Ayame giggles.
"Yeah." Yokumaru says. "He finds any excuse to have us eat there."
"Can still hardly believe it." Teuchi looks off into the distance. "That little kid now has little kids of his own to take care of."
"You're telling me." Guren laughs. "I still remember when we were trying to kill each other. Fun times."
"I guess… everyone has their own story, huh?" Yokumaru chuckles nervously.
"By the way," Guren notes his harness, "Is that a…"
"A lotus? Yeah." The boy nods. "I styled it after the one you wear. Should I… not have?" He looks down to the emblem on his chest, running his fingers across the stitching.
"No, it's fine." Guren kneels down in front of him and pats him on the head. "It actually means a lot to me. Thanks."
"But why are you dressed like that?" He asks.
"This?" She looks down to her uniform. "I have a mission after your ceremony. I am a shinobi of the Leaf, remember? And now you're one, too. Show 'em what's what, yeah?"
"Will do!"
With that, Yokumaru proudly heads off for the Academy.
Two figures sit atop a particular water tower they'd designated for a meeting spot. One's orange cloak billows against the wind while the other's open book's pages turn on their own, prompting him to close it shut for later reading.
Kakashi looks towards the Academy with a nostalgic look in his eyes. "Naruto Uzumaki. Jounin sensei. It has a nice ring to it, don't you think?"
Naruto chuckles. "Sounds weird when you say it like that. Been preparing for this day for four years and yet I'm still nervous. Does it go away?"
"No." Kakashi answers bluntly.
Naruto looks at him from the corner of his eye. "You're terrible at pep talks."
The older man laughs in response. "You're never really been one who needed them. No matter what the odds were, how dangerous it was, you'd jump in head first and do it, anyway. You're a skilled shinobi and the kids love you. You've been training them for four years, so just keep doing what you've been doing."
"That's a little better."
"I do have something for you to give to the real you." Kakashi rummages through his pocket to pull out something small wrapped in a red napkin.
Naruto takes it with a quizzical look and opens it, only to see two small bells attached to red strings. "Are these… the ones you tested us with?"
"Yep, the very ones. Consider it a present, from one sensei to another."
Naruto takes the bells in his palm and plays around with them with his thumb, a soft ringing as they move. "Do you think… I should give them the bell test, too?"
Kakashi shrugs. "That's up to you. I gave you a test because there was something I needed to learn about you. The question you need to ask yourself is, Is there anything about those three you need to learn?" He pats Naruto on the back. "It's up to you what you want to do with your team."
"Right." Naruto nods. "I'll give them to the real me. Think about what I wanna do."
"Whatever conclusion you come to, it'll be the right one for you." Kakashi stands up and dusts himself off. "Trust in your judgement as you always have." With that final piece of advice, Kakashi's Shadow Clone disappears in a puff of smoke.
Naruto's Shadow Clone takes in his words and heads off to the original to hand him the bells.
Hidden Leaf Academy
The ceremony has been altered slightly over the years. Before, it used to be more of a personal affair, involving only the students and their teacher. These days, it's a bit more formal.
The ceremony for assigning teams and their sensei now takes place outside, in front of the Academy. Principal Iruka Umino stands on a podium, with the Jounin-sensei to be standing in a line behind him, to address everyone gathered.
In front of him are all of the graduating classes, lined up in rows of 3 behind their teachers. Tenten, while usually wearing his typical white and red dress while teaching, has donned the standard shinobi uniform for this occasion.
Standing a bit behind each class are more clusters of kids. These, however, are much younger, all about 5 or 6 years old. The next classes that are going to enter the Academy once this group graduates. A passing of the torch, so to speak, where the kids can see what they have to look forward to. Among one of the groups, the one directly behind Tenten's class are Mirai Sarutobi and Tama Hagane, ready and eager to start learning.
Behind them, are the family and friends of the kids present, all gathered to cheer for the future protectors of their village.
As Iruka stands in front of everyone, he can't help but smile at how much more social this event has gotten. It feels so much grander and everyone involved seems more excited when it's done this way, like they can feel just how important the moment is. Still, that doesn't change his nervousness in addressing this many people.
He looks to the side to find himself some courage and does when his eyes meet Shizune and Shohei. The young boy wildly waves to his dad while Shizune gives him a thumbs up. 'You got this.' She mouths to him.
Taking a deep breath, Iruka turns to the crowd and begins. "I'd like to start by saying just how proud I am of each and every one of you. You've all shown exceptional growth and have continuously impressed myself and your teacher, and I know you've only scratched the surface of what you can do. You live in an era unlike any other; an era of peace and cooperation, of trust and friendship. It was a hard fought battle to reach this point but I'd like to think it was well worth it. I hope you can continue to bring prosperity to this world and build upon what we've started as the future of the Hidden Leaf Village. It is with great honour that I officially announce you as shinobi!"
Everyone gathered cheers, the applause resounding for a solid minute before dying down.
Naruto wipes away a tear and leans over to Shino who's stood next to him. "Man, that was great."
"You must compose yourself, Naruto. Why, you ask? Because the eyes of the future generations are on us now. It's our duty now to show them our very best side."
"Yeah, yeah. I know."
"Now," Iruka continues. "You teachers will announce your Jounin leaders."
The sensei of the first class, Tenten, steps forward before turning around to face her students with a proud smile. She lists off the members that will comprise each team, although that's more of a formality since the kids are already in a row with their teammates, and then announces their new Jounin sensei. Whoever gets called out, steps down from the podium and walks over to the group to stand next to their Genin.
"Team Five," Tenten announces, "Kashiwama Senju. Genzai Sarutobi. Jiriki Hyuga. Your Jounin leader is Shino Aburame."
Kashiwama wears a green and brown jacket, with his forehead protector instead being a happuri, a plate that surrounds like face just as the one worn by the Second Hokage. Genzai wears a simply dark attire with protective plates that cover the entire outside part of his arms and legs. Jiriki wears simple beige and grey loose clothing, for the mobility he needs.
Shino steps forward, nodding a 'see you later' to Naruto, and goes toward his team.
"You guys know 'im?" Kashiwama whispers to his friends.
"Heir to the Aburame clan." Jiriki answers. "And Lady Hinata's former teammate."
"Woah, you know a lot, Jiriki." Kashiwama sounds impressed.
Jiriki's eye twitches. "Better yet, you're a clan heir, too, why don't you know this?"
Kashiwama just shrugs in response just as Shino arrives next to them.
In his usual to-the-point style, Shino nods a greeting to his team and stands at attention as the other teams are announced.
Tenten continues to announce the teams from her class, before reaching "Team Nine. Kotori Uzumaki. Yokumaru Kigatsu. Shoto Teshin. Your Jounin leader is Naruto Uzumaki."
There's a good few whispers and murmurs at Naruto's presence, even some kids voicing disappointment that they weren't assigned the hero of the war. Many, though, knew from long ago that this is what this particular team will look like.
When Naruto joins his kids, he bumps fists with each other and takes his place by their side.
Kotori's practically hopping in place from excitement. "I can't wait! This is gonna be awesome!"
Naruto chuckles. "You bet!"
When Tenten finishes reading, she stands in front of the Jounin who are lined up behind each other and bows to them, and they bow to her. With that, she remains in position while the other classes also announce their teams.
At the end, the groups switch places. The last students of this year make way for the first students of the next. The Genin step back while the five-year-olds who will enter the Academy step to the front to meet their future teachers, with Mirai and Tama falling into Tenten's class.
Kotori enthusiastically waves to the girls as they pass each other.
Iruka looks over the kids whose excitement has seemingly skyrocketed. "And you carry on what they will build. I hope you will help each other and support each other to build a better future."
With the ceremony over, Kotori immediately runs over to the kids and gives Mirai and Tama a big hug.
"You look really cool!" Mirai exclaims.
"Right?" Kotori grins and spins around. "It's pretty awesome!"
"Are we gonna be cool shinobi like you?" Tama questions.
"You're gonna be even cooler!"
Genzai walks over to them, as well, ruffling his cousin's short hair. "You're gonna cause trouble for Tenten-sensei, right?"
"Of course not!" Mirai says, fixing her hair. "We'll be the best in class! Right, Tama?"
"Yeah!" Tama nods vigorously. "I won't let you down." She looks up to Kotori, not once forgetting what an impact her regular visits to the orphanage made and showing how strong one can be no matter where they came from.
"I know you won't." Kotori pulls her into another tight hug before finally breaking away to return to her team. Along the way, she high fives Kashiwama.
-x-
To the side, all the parents are gathered with proud looks on their faces. Hinata has taken a spot by Kurenai's side as both their daughters take in the atmosphere.
"Mirai's already gotten so big I can hardly believe it." Hinata notes.
"You think you're surprised?" Kurenai laughs. "How do you think I feel? It really doesn't feel like 5 years have passed and yet here we are."
"The following years will pass even faster." Taisaku says with a laugh as he and Fusuma approach.
"It's a very sobering feeling, seeing our babies all grown." Fusuma chuckles. "You'll see it soon enough, Kurenai."
To the side, Yokumaru and Shoto's families also observe the ceremony, with Yoi holding her hand tightly against her chest.
"You look worried, Yoi." Asami notes.
"Are you not? Our kids will go out and potentially risk their lives on dangerous missions."
"And they'll have Naruto to help them." Asami reassures her. "Besides, from my understanding, it'll be a while before they're given any missions that involve danger."
"I suppose you're right…"
Guren places a comforting hand on Yoi's shoulder. "You don't need to worry. That boy is stronger and smarter than even he realizes. They'll do just fine."
The families watch as all of the newly formed teams disperse, disappearing from in a single Flicker.
-x-
Team Shino
Going to a more secluded location, the newly formed Team Five stands at attention while Shino faces them all.
"As Iruka-sensei said, this is a new era we live in and there will be certain expectations of you. They may not always seem reasonable or fair, but they are ones you will be required to meet for the sake of a better world."
"Yes, Shino-sensei!" All three of them answer.
"Now, I want you to tell me, what role do you see for yourself within this team?" He first points to Kashiwama. "Kashiwama Senju."
"Ninjutsu is my forte! With Earth Style and Water Style I can change the battlefield to our advantage and if anyone gets hurt, I can provide cover while healing."
Shino nods. "Ideally, you will stay back and not put yourself in as much risk, to allow for better maneuvering to anyone who needs your support. Then, Genzai Sarutobi." He points to him next.
"I'm good with both taijutsu and ninjutsu. So I can stay back for support or go to the front as needed. I can also use my clan's [Summoning] for additional support or even scouts."
"Excellent. Such versatility will be key for our missions. Jiriki Hyuuga."
"I excel in taijutsu as any Hyuuga would. With my Byakugan, I can scout ahead of up to 100 metres. I'm also proficient with kyuujutsu for longer range combat."
Shino raises his brow from beneath his glasses. "Kyuujutsu? The usage of bows? I don't believe I've seen a Hyuuga use one before."
"Yes, sir." Jiriki opens a small storage scroll strapped to his clothes and summons forth its contents, a tall and lean wooden bow, about Jiriki's height, appearing in his hand. Jiriki traces a finger on the jutsu formulae engraved onto it, revealing them to also be storage seals for arrows.
"I see. That's a very interesting skill set and one that will serve us well. I've been informed you three have been friends for years and thus familiar enough with each other's presence. However, you are not familiar with mine. We will train to devise formations that can make use of our combined efforts to their maximum efficiency. That's because… We cannot allow ourselves to be outmatched by Team Nine." His jacket billows as his insects buzz from excitement.
Jiriki clicks his tongue. "Like that would happen."
"Alright!" Kashiwama pumps his fist. "It's a sprint to see which team can do better. I'll show Kotori what an awesome ninja I am!"
Genzai sighs in defeat. "Our sensei has a competitive spirit. I was afraid of this…"
-x-
Team Naruto
Naruto takes his team to a very specific rooftop of a nearby building. When the village was rebuilt following Pain's attack, some locations were restored to match their previous appearance, in an attempt to keep some familiarity to the Leaf rather than everything just being completely different.
This particular building is a resting spot of sorts, having some trees planted on the side resting under a large archway that provides shade for anyone who wants to sit in this little green haven in the middle of the city.
This is the restored building where Team Seven had their very first meeting. Naruto leans on the railing just as Kakashi did oh so many years ago while the kids sit on the steps as they did.
"So here we are. Finally." He mutters to himself.
"So what're we doing first, dad?" Kotori asks, swinging her legs.
"You know, Kotori," Naruto leans back and crosses his arms, doing his best to look as authoritative as he can, "Now that we're an official four-man cell, you really ought to start calling me 'sensei'."
"Understood, dad-sensei!" She salutes.
Naruto slumps his shoulder. "Yeah, we'll… we'll work on that."
Yokumaru looks over Naruto's attire. It's not really at all different from what he wore before- standard Leaf uniform with arm guards and a horned forehead protecting, and the orange cloak he started donning after they came back. The one thing that's different is something hanging from his waist, jingling as the wind picks up.
"Um, sensei?" Yokumaru points to the accessory tied to his belt. "What're the bells for?"
"Ah, these?" Naruto takes them off and looks them over one more time in his palm. "They're a gift of sorts from my sensei."
"Kakashi?" Shoto cocks his head. "Why would he give you bells?"
"Ha, you see, he used these as a kind of a trick test after we graduated. He tried to get us to turn on each other by making us think it was a survival of the fittest kinda thing."
"Should… you be telling us that?" Yokumaru asks.
"So I take it you're not going to have us do that?"
"Kakashi-sensei had us go through a test before he accepted us as a team. The point was to get us to work as a team and realize that we can't do things alone. And if we didn't, we didn't deserve to be shinobi" He closes his hand, putting the bells back in his pocket. "But I don't need to do that with you three, do I? We've been through a lot together and we're only just beginning. I know just how strong you three are and you know each other's styles inside and out. We don't need a test to know we're the strongest there is." He grins. "So… Why don't we just start, eh?"
"Yes, dad-sensei!"
"Yes, sensei!"
"Yes, shisho!"
Hidden Cloud Village
Samui leans against a railing overlooking the many windy mountains of the Cloud. She takes in a deep breath and looks over her three students. With her previous team now having all made Chuunin, one even making it to Jounin, she's free to take on a new team of Genin. A team she specifically requested, the best way she can show her thanks to Naruto for showing her this path in her life.
She looks over to Takai who's sitting still at first glance but a closer look would reveal the joy in her gaze, to Hayai who's leaning back with one leg raised, and to Kitsui who's practically jumping from excitement with a smile. "Are you prepared for what's to come?"
"Of course!" Kitsui slams his fist in his palm. "I've never been more ready!"
"We've all got our goals, Samui-sensei." Hayai's usual laidback tone hides beneath it an enthusiasm to match Kitsui's. "We're gonna do whatever it takes."
"I really hope," Takai looks down to her clenched fist, "That we can see Kotori again."
Samui nods to the girl. "It's good to want to meet up again, but remember- we're doing this for more than just happy reunions. When next you meet, it may very well be as a rival you'll have to fight against."
"I'm ready for that, sensei." Takai declares in a certain tone that her younger self didn't possess. "When we see each other, it'll be so I can show her how much I've grown."
"And you'll grow even more." Samui says. "Believe me when I say, any training you've done until now will be child's play. So I hope you can keep your cool."
"Yes, ma'am!" They all say in unison.
"Although…" Takai begins. "Didn't you just have a baby, sensei? Is it alright for you to be our team's leader?"
Samui gives a light smile at the girl's concern. "Thank you for asking, Takai, but it's fine. My dear husband and I figured things out to make this work. The three of you are the very reason I chose to be a Jounin leader in the first place. Taking you to great heights is what I must do and want to do."
"And we won't let you down." Kitsui states.
"I know you won't." Samui says. "So before we begin anything mission related, why don't you show me how much you've grown?"
"What do you want us to do?" Hayai asks.
Samui pulls out her tanto blade she carries on her back and presents it to them. "Catch this tanto."
They all stare at it in silence for a bit.
"That's all?" Kitsui cocks his head.
"Yes. That's all." Samui throws it off the cliff behind her without even looking. "So, I'll ask again. Are you prepare-" She stops mid-sentence when all three of them, without a hint of hesitation, leap onto the railing beside her and jump after the tanto. "Well, aren't you three all cool." She chuckles.
Samui disappears from her spot and Flickers right next to the blade, way ahead of the kids who blink in surprise. She throws the tanto in a different direction and disappears again.
With a loud thud, Takai lands on a small cliff on the side, nearly breaking it off. "So we're playing catch?"
"Looks like it." Kitsui is already running after it, sticking to the walls with his chakra. "But it's more than just playing." He observes. "This exact scenario is..."
"Yes." Takai runs along the walls after him. "It's just like back then."
Hayai chuckles and darts off, as well, lightning emanating from his legs. "This is gonna be groovy."
Hidden Rain Village
Konan walks along with Fuyou by her side through the corridors of a particular tower, boots echoing on the metal floor through winding corridors. Both wear the new standard Rain uniform of a long coat under a flak jacket. Fuyou, as in her youth, has a long fringe hiding half of her face and an umbrella on her back.
"Thank you for this honour, Lady Konan." Fuyou says with a hint of nervousness in her voice.
"You've continuously shown yourself as a capable and trustworthy ally, Fuyou. You're one of the people I trust the most to raise the future generation. Then again, I may be biased, given who's on your team." Konan smiles.
"I promise I won't let you down."
Konan shakes her head with a chuckle at Fuyou's obvious stiffness. "You don't have to be so nervous. I'm not the person I used to be, you speak to me normally. Perhaps I should have just stayed back today…" She wonders how she could cause less discomfort at the people who still remember her as the Angel.
"NO!" Fuyou says in a much louder and panicked voice than she intended. "I mean… no. I didn't mean to worry you. My apologies."
"Then, do you have any questions regarding your team?"
"No, ma'am." Fuyou shakes her head. "The Academy reports provided everything I need for now. The rest will be up to them."
"Then, I shall leave you to it." Konan begins to disperse, her entire body turning into sheets of paper that fly through a nearby window. "Best of luck to you." She says just before her head turns into papers.
Fuyou breathes in deeply to prepare herself from what's to come. She continues to walk down the corridor before going through a door leading into a balcony, having to shield herself from the sun that mercilessly assaults her after just leaving a dark corridor.
There, she's met by her team of Genin, the kids she'll be in charge for the next couple of years at best. A huge responsibility that she'd otherwise feel wholly unprepared for, but when the person you admire the most puts their trust in you, it's difficult to refuse.
In front of her are a boy and two girls, all dressed in the similar robes that Konan put into place for the village after her return, although some have their own little additions.
The boy of purple hair is currently bringing origami to life to pass time, his hand seemingly made of multiple coloured papers, as opposed to Konan's white. One girl has curly dark blue hair and an umbrella on her back. The other girl has her hair hidden under a bandana and her mouth covered in a rebreather, a metallic and seemingly makeshift gauntlet on her left arm. They both seem invested in the boy's display, giving off a relaxed atmosphere.
She feels a weight lifted off her shoulders. At least the kids seem to not mind each other's presence, so that's a plus.
Fuyou clears her throat to get their attention. "Mutsu." The boy calls the papers back to his hand and stands at attention. "Samidare." The girl with the umbrella bows. "Teru." The girl with the rebreather nods. "My name is Fuyou and I'll be your Jounin sensei as of today."
"Hello." Mutsu gives a warm smile. "I'm glad you were assigned to us."
Fuyou chuckles. "Don't think that means you'll have an easy time."
"Is it true…" Teru speaks, her voice altered by the rebreather, "That you're in… Lady Konan's circle?" She asks in a slow voice.
"I suppose you could call it that. I've been entrusted to shape you into the bright future of the Hidden Rain. I've been told you've all done exceptionally well so far so I know you get grow even further."
"Oh my~" Samidare twirls her curly hair. "One of Lady Konan's trusted and her son? Such an honour!" She spins in place on the tip of her boots. Her voice is slightly exaggerated but there doesn't actually seem to be any sarcasm to it. She stops spinning and opens her umbrella while propped on her shoulder. "Very well, then. I shall be your charming heroine! Ours will be a story most memorable!" She latches onto Mutsu's arm.
"Um, I hope so, too?" Mutsu laughs nervously.
'Aaalright then…' Fuyou blinks at Samidare's apparent eccentricities.
Samidare leans forward to look at Teru. "You don't mind if I take the lead role, do you?"
"... No." Teru answers simply.
"Excellent!" Sumidare clasps her hands with a bright smile.
"So," Fuyou slightly raises her voice to bring back order, "How about we see how well you three will work as a team?"
"Yes, Fuyou-sensei." They say in unison with various degrees of energy.
Hidden Sand Village
When Sen was presented with the opportunity to be a Jounin sensei, she wasn't entirely sure what to make of it. On one hand, it was a great honour, especially since it seems the Fifth Kazekage and Kankuro personally considered her for the role. On the other hand, it's a great deal of responsibility.
After a few days of mulling it over and a few conversions with her friends, especially Ameno who had some experience with classroom teaching, she decided to give it a go.
Graduation day, she stands in front of her three Genin in attire not too dissimilar to the red dress and mesh shirt she's always worn. It covers a bit more for added protection but has otherwise kept her style. She tried on the new flak jackets and while they're sleeker and easier to wear, it's still not her style.
"Alright," She claps her hands with an enthusiastic smile, "My name is Sen and I'll be your Jounin commander for the foreseeable future. While I'm skilled in all areas of combat, genjutsu is my specialty so you can trust me to have you covered on that front." She gives them a playful wink. "So why don't you tell me a bit about yourselves?"
One girl immediately darts to her feet. Her sandy blonde hair reaching just under her chin, she wears a loose outside, kept in place by wrappings around her arms and feet, along with a piece of cloth around her waist. On her back, she carries a large scroll.
"I'm Tayuri!" She proudly declares with her hands on her hips. "I use Binding Cloth so I'm really good at immobilizing targets, but the cloth's got a lot of other uses, too!" She pats the scroll on her back.
Sen nods. "That's a really versatile tool, useful in almost any situation." She looks to the other girl on the team.
She stands up, brown hair tied in a braid that onto her light grey robe that reaches down to her ankles, a slit on the side allowing her to move her legs more freely, and dark pants.
She slams a giant folding fan by her side. "Taiko. I'm a tessen fan Wind Style user. There's little that can withstand my jutsu."
"And finally…" She looks to the boy of the group.
Dressed in a dark outfit that covers his entire body, hands covered in dark fingerless gloves, the boy's long hair is tied up in a ponytail with his fringe covering part of his face. He has several scroll pouches on his outfit and carries a particular round disc-shaped backpack.
"I'm Sangen. I make and use puppets. I only have two right now, but I really hope I can make many more to leave behind for the future." His gentle smile somehow heightens his soft features, making him look more feminine.
"But you can't use that other one, you got that?" Tayuri reminds him in a harsh tone. "Under no circumstances are you to use it!"
"Eh? But it's-" Sangen tries to protest.
"I said no!" Tayuri puffs her cheeks and crosses her arms.
"Now, now." Sen intervenes. "If Sangen has something that can save our butts on a mission, we should make use of it. There's many times out there that we won't be able to afford holding back. Alright?"
Tayuri just turns her head.
"Yes, sensei." Sangen nods.
"Seriously, what's the big deal?" Taiko raises a brow.
"None of your business." Tayuri states, getting right up in Taiko's face. "And don't you think us being a team gives you an excuse to get close to Sangen."
"Alright, geez." Taiko pushes her away. "Wasn't planning to."
Sen hops to her feet and approaches the kids. "Before we get to doing any big missions, I want us to practice how well we'll work as a team." She holds out her hand, palm facing downward, when she gets to them. "I get the feeling we're gonna make a great team."
Tayuri places her hand over their sensei's, then Sangen, and finally Taiko.
"Yes, Sen-sensei!" They say in unison as they raise their hands high with a cheer.
Hidden Mist Village
Saizo Kyourin, one of only two current member of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, has been tasked with the important task of teaching and grooming the future of the village.
He'd arranged for them to meet by a lake in one of the nearby parks. Well, not specifically arranged, but left clues as to where they can find them, and hopefully they can prove they can figure out a simple treasure hunt.
One of his Genin is Tourou, a boy he's been personally training for a while now. He might be able to tap into Saizo's thought process, although the other two aren't pushovers, either. They can't afford to be.
As Saizo waits for a few more minutes, sitting in the middle of the lake while he does, his Genin appear through the tree lines.
"Tourou Goshiki." He looks to his student. "Buntan Kurosuki." He addresses the girl with combed back blonde hair. "Ichirouta Oniyuzu." He turns to the tall boy with his grey hair parted to the side. "Well done."
Buntan throws several pieces of paper into the lake. "We did your silly test."
"Silly, is it?" Saizo chuckles. "Well, I suppose I did take it easy on the first day."
Ichirouta smugly flicks his hair. "Anything thrown at us, we'll handle with ease."
Tourou steps forward, looking at his teacher directly in the eyes. "What's our next mission, sensei?"
"Next? We prepare you for war." Saizo declares with a cold tone.
"So," A fifth voice speaks up from the ether, "These are the ones you place your faith into, Saizo Kyourin?" A figure just behind Saizo steps into existence, as if exiting a mirage. A man with a blank mask and no identifying features. "How do preparations go?" Takeshi Tokage asks.
"Yes." Saizo says directly, not even flinching at the sudden appearance of the man. "As planned. The Bloody Mist stands with the Mountain." He declares.
"Excellent." Takeshi's form begins fading away as he looks at the kids. "We look forward to your growth."
Hidden Mountain Village
Mizushi Osui stands ready in front of his new Genin. He takes off the turtle shell from his back and embeds it in the ground in front of him, using it to lean on.
"Douji Ibaraki." He addresses the first Genin, a girl with a somewhat odd appearance. For starters, she's much larger and much more muscular than your average 12-year-old. Her skin is also a light shade of red, with her hair being a darker shade of red, with two horns protruding from her forehead just above her forehead protector.
"Hyou Tsumetogi." By far the most ordinary looking of the bunch with a dark bobcut, hair the same black colour as the feline next to her. Larger and bulkier than an average cat, this one looks like miniature panther.
"Onryou." The third is a solemn-looking boy. Blank eyes quietly stare at the ground, his wihte hair falling over his even paler face. He barely acknowledges that he's being addressed.
The girl with the oni appearance clicks her tongue. "So I'm to pass as an Ibaraki?"
"You are an Ibaraki." Mizushi notes. "You just need to take on your mother's clan name for the time being. Remember, Lord Kaidomaru has been biding his time since before he was your age and has gotten us to a position where we can finally strike. His judgement has not led us astray yet."
"Then why aren't we striking?" She growls in frustration.
Hyou sneers as she pets her panther companion. "Such mistrust in our leader. Mizushi-sensei, can the Ibaraki clan really be trusted to wait? I know Douji is half-Ibaraki but that half seems very dominant."
"You dare doubt me, Hyou?!" Douji stands up and slams her fist into the wall behind her, leaving a sizeable crack. "Watch yourself."
"Every word you've said so far is reason for doubt." Hyou leans back, unphased by the other girl's monstrous strength.
Mizushi stands between them with his turtle shell shield. "That's enough, you two. Remember what our goal is. Hyou, Kuuga has a high opinion of you as the future of the Tsumetogi clan; your skills have impressed everyone in the village. Eyes are on you, so be mindful of that. Douji, you've inherited the Ibaraki's strongest traits, only made more powerful by your father's bloodline. Hone your skills and one day you will stand by Lord Kaidomaru's side as one of his strongest."
"Yes, sensei." They both begrudgingly put a stop to their bickering.
Throughout this entire confrontation, Onryou remains as silent as a ghost.
"You will face many opponents, and even more so once Lord Kaidomaru's plans come to fruition. I advise you to remember who our enemies are."
END OF PART 1.5
Name meanings
Samidare (サミダレ, Samidare) - 'early summer rain'
Teru (テル, Teru) - named after 'teru teru bōzu', a paper/cloth doll hanged to prevent heavy rain.
Taiko (タイコ, Taiko) - named after taiko drums. Along with a shamisen and tayū, they're used in Bunraku, traditional puppet performances.
Douji Ibaraki (茨木 ドウジ, Ibaraki Dōji) - named after the oni Ibaraki-dōji. 'Dōji' in this context means 'demon child'.
Hyou Tsumetogi (ツメとぎ ヒョウ, Tsumetogi Hyō) - 'leopard', 'panther'
Onryou (怨霊, Onryō) - 'vengeful spirit'
Trivia
Buntan and Ichirōta are from the School Trip arc (Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, episodes 25-32).