Ninja Academy. The births of formidable shinobi were here. The village had prided themselves in producing loyal individuals who dedicate their lives for the protection of their loved ones. The school recognizes the achievements of ninjas and rewards their determination by preparing them for the honorable role of protecting their country. Thus, gifted children are sent to this school for training in everything needed to survive the hardships of becoming a full-fledged ninja.
When an individual has been recognized to have gained enough skills to venture into the violent life of a ninja, they are granted permission to take the final exam and graduate.
Now, the year had finally ended and it was, yet again, time for the final exam. Shino had woken up at dawn and practiced a few techniques before walking down to the academy, brimming with confidence and ease. He knew he would be able to ace the exam without much trouble.
And he did. A simple replication technique was nothing to brag about. He was almost disappointed at the simplistic test. But he had passed and there was no reason to complain.
Soon the class was divided into teams of three, in which, as genins, they would cooperate and complete missions. Shino flinched slightly when they announced his squadron. It wasn't that Shino was picky; he just preferred to work alone. However, this system had been implanted since the establishment of Konoha. Shino never went against the system.
Although they had classes together, his teammates introduced themselves just for the sake of doing so. Shino knew that Kiba had a boastful nature. He was reckless and didn't care much for authority. Shino disliked that type of person. They would only get in the way.
The girl, Hinata, was not as outspoken as his other teammate, but Shino wondered if she had the skills to be a ninja. It was true that she was born into the prestigious Hyuuga clan, which had been acclaimed as one of Konoha's top ninja clans. However, the white-eyed beauty was very shy and nice – which was perhaps a deadly personality to have on the battlefield. Overall, Shino would have preferred if she was more refined in her skills.
Nevertheless, Shino accepted this because it was expected of him.
And thus, Team Eight was born.
As the students gathered outside with their diplomas in hand, a cheerful chatter can be heard in front of the school. Students showed off their diplomas to waiting parents, avidly talking about how great they were going to become and how they were going to protect the village. Parents smiled down on their children, congratulating them on their completion of school. There was even a pat on a head here, a hug there.
Shino sat against the wall at the side of the building. His father had gone on a mission a few days before his graduation and was unable to make it. Instead of sulking about something he could not change – which was not his type of thing to do – the genin stared intently at a dead squirrel. A colony of ants were busily detaching the flesh of the corpse and hauling it back to their queen.
Shino wondered if ninja were like those ants. Were they also tools used to serve the queen? It was probably true.
"Oh well." Shino uttered softly as he picked up a handful of dirt, watching it as it slipped silently through his hand. "I don't mind."
It was predetermined that he was to be a ninja when he was born so he didn't dare go against his fate. He didn't know that he could.
"Hey, Shino!"
Kiba's overly energetic voice interrupted Shino's train of thought, forcing him to detach his attention from the ground to his new teammate. Shino stared at the brown haired boy, prompting him to continue.
"…….." A silence sustained between them for a good minute. Kiba didn't get the hint. After all, why would anyone call him without having something to say? Obviously, both Shino and Kiba were waiting for some type of reply. Shino was not going to budge.
"Uh…." Kiba said eager to break the uncomfortable silence. "Do you want to go out for some food with Hinata and me? It'd be a celebration of some sort."
Shino stared blankly at Kiba. He didn't know what he was expecting, but it certainly wasn't an invitation. To be a ninja, it was taught to expect the unexpected. It was a useful skill. From then on, he vowed to never be caught off guard again.
Shino thought it over for a few seconds before nodding. There was nothing for him to lose, only much to gain. He realized that he didn't know much about his teammates and in a mission, not knowing the strengths and weaknesses of each team member would prove fatal.
Kiba grinned – which looked more like he was baring his canines – and trotted yonder where Hinata was waiting by a tree. Shino followed suit, leisurely taking his time. What shall the day bring?