"Thank you for participating in the academy. For those of you that didn't make it this year, don't give up if you believe being a shinobi is your true calling," he said. With that, he turned to the first teams page - then snorted. Somehow, Ren knew she was somewhere on that list.

"Team One," he said. "Piri Anadoru, Saki Ren and Shichigatsu Sanjuichi."

"All right Ana! The gang is back!" she leapt over some genin's heads and slapped Anadoru on the back. "You heard that! The best team has already been formed, so the rest of you are just fighting for second place!"

Anadoru blushed a bit, and on the front row of the class room, a blond-haired boy put his head down and moaned.

"Sorry Shichigatsu," Kanaibu nearly laughed himself. Shichigatsu was a promising student actually, and ranked fourth in the class in terms of grades. If there were anyone who could compliment Ren's wildness and Anadoru's shyness, it was Shichigatsu. Without further interuption, Kanaibu continued.

"Team Two, Hanako Ran, Mamoru Hitanaka and Yumiko Kosoku."

Ran sighed, feeling a bit dejected. she wished she could be on the same team as Ren, but being second wasn't so bad. Hitanaka came from a clan that specialized in defensive jutsu, and Yumiko was the third ranked genin in the class. Not to mention, he was rivals with Shichigatsu. Yumiko made eye contact with Shichigatsu, and they both exchanged knowing glances. The promise they'd made was cut and dry: If they weren't on the same team, they would be rivals, plain and simple.

Both grew up being respected by their peers. They never really hung around like most of the genin. Most of their time was spent with the elders of the households, learning jutsus and how to prepare for battle. As a result, both were great candidates who saw each other as equals. Yumiko used a bow and arrow, which he saw as an advantage. Of course, against someone he trained with and against so much, it would probably be moot.

"Team 4," said Kanibu. He checked the names, raising an eyebrow. this team didn't look so bad. "Kyajun Okurete, Okotaru Akuji and Okujo Akurima."

Sitting beside Shichigatsu was a red-haired girl with yellow eyes turning around to face - Anadoru? No, she was looking at the person in front of her. So, it was Arukima. He was the quiet type actually, prefering to sit on the rooftop of the school or his house most of the time. Akuji was the only person Anadoru actually saw talking to Arukima. Okurete was a figety sort, always eating candy and forgetting things. He was the opposite of his cousin, Tadashii.

"Team 5 Gin Uraji, Kyajun Tadashii and Tsurugi Inazuma." Kanaibu announced.

Wow, the jounin thought to himself, almost out loud. This could easily be the best team this year.

Ren huffed a bit. To her, it was a little unfair to pair too many good genin together. Even she could recognize that. Uraji and Inazuma were one and two in grades, respectively. And Tadashii was seventh, which wasn't so bad, considering their best genin by grades was Shichigatsu, in fourth place. She was last and Anadoru was in the middle.

"That bites," pouted Ren. "But at least we'll have some competition."

Anadoru was a bit worried though. She always heard that the teams were supposed to be as balanced as possible. Why put two of the top students on the same team?

"Ana, quit worrying. We have agood team too," Ren said, seeing the look on Anadoru's face. Anadoru knew the rough and tumble Ren, but was always surprised that Ren was also the type of person that could pick someone up if they were down. She didn't show it much though.

"Team 6. Fuyu Atataki, Hanako Rira and Matataki Tachimachi. The rest of you, please consider the path you choose wisely. This justmay not be your time to become shinobi right now."

A chorus of groans and tears flooded the air as the class room began to rise and file out. Anadoru kept close to Ren, who seemed intent on meeting up with their newest teammate, Shichigatsu. The jounin held his hands in the air, allowing the students to pass, and for the chosen genin to come to the front.

"As you can see, we've only chosen six teams this year to be candidates for the chuunin exam. Here are your papers, and at the top of the page is your sensei. You can meet them today if you want. They're in the Hokage's office." Kanaibu said, then left the room - and eighteen genin. An excited Ran immediatly congratulated Ren, and Sanjuichi and Yumiko shook hands. Anadoru didn't have much time to think as Ren took her jacket sleeve. Sanjuichi followed as Ren ran to the office.