The rest of the night went by without any more problems or disturbances.
The conversation briefly went to Yamanakas but it was mainly just so that Kasumi could confirm with her friends that she had indeed been able to escape and was now being taken care of by the Inuzuka clan. While the Shiotas may not have understood the entire extent of the situation, they were still happy for the girl and knew it must be a big deal by everyone else's reactions. The main topic of discussion eventually went back to the graduation of the four young genin and what they could now expect. Nami made sure not to say too much to scare Tatsuya's parents, in case their sudden approval of his career did a back-flip to what it was originally, but she also needed to get across to the children how different and dangerous their new life was now.
But in the end, Nami decided to lecture them later. That night was about celebrations after all and they deserved to have a bit of fun and laughter after everything that they all had to overcome to get to where they were in that moment.
Kasumi, Daiki, Tatsuya and TenTen spent most of the time ranking who they would prefer and who they didn't want to have on their teams. Neji was clearly the one at the bottom of all of their lists and, o course, they all wanted each other on their team. But there was four of them and the squads only had three genin in them. It meant that they would inevitably be separated but they still held out hope that at least they would be split two and two so that they had at least one other friend with them. At one point, Nami reminded them that they would very rarely be teamed up with who they wanted when sent on missions and, besides the genin teams, the squads changed continuously and were very rarely the same for most missions.
It was a vital and disheartening lesson but didn't dampen the happy mood which had descended over the table.
Shin was asleep and loudly, drunkenly snoring long before the celebration dinner came to a close. Once the group of children started running out of adrenaline and weariness replaced it, it was decided that it was time to end the party. Suzuka and Hiroki left after once again congratulating their son with a request from Nami to return the next night for a similar meal, once the children got assigned their teams.
Just as with the previous night, all of the children stayed at the Inuzuka compound. But instead of waiting in anxiety for the graduation exam they were overflowing with excitement at the coming team allocation and the official start of their ninja careers. They made a promise that night that even if they were all separated, that they would meet up at the Inuzuka compound whenever they could.
It was a promise that none of them ever intended on breaking as long as they lived.
While none of them were related by blood, they were all family in one way or another and all knew that they had a place together at the home of Nami Inuzuka.
"Wake up, kiddos!"
When Nami went barging into the room, she expected them to all be asleep but instead walked in on all four of them dressed and ready to go. Her energy from a few seconds before disappeared for a moment as she took a good look at the four children, her son and the three others she had taken in, and noticed how grown up they were with each of them displaying their own leaf village headband. Just as when Nami had seen them after the graduation, they were all displaying their headbands with pride. But only half of them were actually wearing them as headbands.
TenTen and Tatsuya wore theirs the traditional way as a headband, but even then, they wore it slightly differently. While TenTen's was perfectly straight and centred, Tatsuya wore his at more of an angle and with the leaf village symbol off-centre. Kasumi wore hers on her left arm, between her shoulder and elbow with the symbol facing outwards form her body and Daiki wore his, like his brother, around his neck.
"You all ready for your first day as shinobi?"
"Born ready!"
"Do you really have to be so loud? Have you heard of an inside voice?"
"Are you telling me you're not excited?"
"Not enough to wake up the entire village,"
Daiki was overly enthusiastic as always and this led to a bit of a light-hearted argument with TenTen, while Tatsuya and Kasumi looked at each other with exasperated expressions. In other words, everything was perfect.
"One second,"
As everyone was making their way down the hallway to breakfast, Kasumi made a backtrack to the bedroom.
"You good, Kasumi?"
"I'm fine. I just forgot something,"
Tatsuya was satisfied with this response and so the others continued to breakfast where a very disgruntled, hurting and hungover Shin waited with his face resting against the table.
It was only a few seconds later that Kasumi came back out looking a little different to before.
"I thought it might be a bit chilly today,"
Nami couldn't say any words and rushed up to the young girl to embrace her in a motherly and emotional hug.
Kasumi had returned wearing the jacket that Nami had given her what felt like forever ago.
At some point, Kasumi had stopped wearing the jacket and instead had left it at the Inuzuka home so that it wouldn't get damaged if found at the Yamanaka house. Kasumi thought it was appropriate to start wearing it again. Now her Leaf Village headband sat on the sleeve of her jacket in the same place it had previously been on her arm.
"I'm not sure if I got the chance to say this yesterday but I am so proud of you and how you handled the situation with the Yananakas. And I want you to know, that you are one of us now. No matter what anyone else may say. You belong here,"
"I thought I already was one of you,"
"Oh, Kasumi,"
It was a very rare occasion to see Nami get emotional. She made it a point to always be a strong role model for her sons. One so that they could grow up to be strong and two so that they wouldn't worry about her and focus on looking after themselves.
But every now and then it was nice to see this side of the strong Inuzuka woman.
It reminded everyone how deeply she truly cared about them. She wasn't just a hardened ninja, she was a loving mum.
The journey to the Academy was full of excitement for the group. It was officially the last time they would need to go there, unless it was for a mission or something.
Once they were placed in teams, their whole worlds were going to change. The training would be intense and the missions could be life-threatening, at least once they got to the higher-level ones at least but even low-level bandit missions could result in serious injury or death if one wasn't careful and didn't look after their teammates.
"I wonder what my sensei will be like,"
This was really the only safe topic that Kasumi could think of. Talking about team placement would bring up the fact that they would be separated but everyone was going to be getting a new sensei no matter what team they were put in.
"They'll be a jonin, right? That means they are going to be super cool no matter what,"
"I hope I get someone who can help me with my taijutsu,"
Daiki had his typical type of answer and TenTen wanted to increase her proficiency in her best area. It wasn't a bad idea but personally Kasumi was hoping that she would be able to increase her ability in all of her areas before having to decide on what she definitely wanted to pursue as her specialty. It seemed that Tatsuya had a similar plan in mind.
"Personally, I want to learn a bit of everything but I feel that there is a heap of stuff to learn about ninjutsu, so that more so than the others I guess,"
"Yeah, ninjutsus sure are amazing. I wonder if we will be taught any super powerful ones. Wouldn't that be awesome?"
"You get excited at everything, don't you Daiki?"
"Yeah, well guess what Kasumi. You're stuck with me now. Sis. That sounds weird, I've never said that before,"
"I've heard it before. But this is the first time in a long time that it hasn't made me cringe,"
This brief conversation was followed by a pair of gigantic smiles, a fist bump and a happy bark from Katsu.
Once the Academy was in view, it was as if everyone's patience simultaneously snapped and there was a sudden race to get to the Academy as soon as possible. Not a word was said but there were a few giggles and laughs for the competitors.
Surprisingly, it was Tatsuya that won.
Daiki and TenTen spent most of the unspoken race pushing and shoving each other and so both came in last. Kasumi scooped Katsu up along the way. If it was a proper race the order would most likely have been reversed. But nobody really cared. Nobody even commented on it, which would have usually been Daiki and TenTen arguing over something.
Once everyone was at the door the cheerful silence obtained a more sombre tone. Tatsuya, being the first one at the doors, placed his hand on the handle and, after waiting for confirmation nods from all of his friends, opened them.
It felt different for everyone, walking down the Academy hallways now that they were all genin. They were a little early so they took the time to take everything in before making it to their old classroom, where they would likely take their seats for the last time.
It seemed like they weren't the only ones that were over excited for the team placements and the start of their genin careers. They were one of the last to arrive and everyone was sitting in their usual spots, meaning the group would be able to sit together in their old seats while they waited. It was hilarious to see the students that would always be late to class had arrived early for this and had even beaten them. The only person that the group could identify that hadn't arrived yet was Neji. The Hyuga probably didn't want to seem eager and keep his reputation as borderline uncaring. He was always full of himself and wouldn't have wanted to show any sign of weakness or be considered to have something in common with those who were weaker than himself. Which was everyone according to him. It was unspoken amongst the group that Neji was the one person that they especially didn't want on their team.
Every minute that passed was more painful than the last for all of the new genin. At one point, Itona came into the room to check on a few things and got everyone's hopes up for nothing. Kasumi theorised that this was his form of payback for all the times the class had been bratty towards him. Tatusya agreed but also put forth that it could be to check on the attendance because he couldn't start without everyone and if he stayed in the room he would be bombarded with questions from his eager former students.
Kasumi and Tatsuya continued their intellectual conversation while Daiki and TenTen had another argument that coincidently had the same topic but involved a lot more yelling and bickering.
As predicted, Neji was the last one to arrive and as soon as he was seated Itona entered the room again and was met with a bliss silence and attentiveness that was absent through his previous experience with the class.
"Let's begin the team placements. I've already said everything I needed to say yesterday so I'll go straight to the fun part. This is how it is going to go. First, I will announce the teams, reading out the three members of that team. When you are called please remain in your seat. Remember the name of your sensei and team mates. I don't want to repeat myself and I'm sure you are all eager to get started. Once all the teams are determined there will be a short break and then your senseis will arrive to collect you. Does everyone understand?"
There was a light murmur of 'yes' but mainly it was just vigorous head nods as everyone sat at the edge of their seats awaiting this important announcement.
"Let's begin,"
The students were hanging onto every word that Itona spoke, waiting for their name to be mentioned. After every tam was announced there were some cheers but mainly groans as people were separated from friends or put with those they didn't enjoy the company of. But as each team was called and the number of potential teams dwindled, hopes began to soar. The four knew that it was a foolish feeling to have at that moment but they couldn't help it.
"Team Guy. Neji Hyuga, Kasumi Yamanaka, and Rock Lee,"
Well that was somewhat predictable. Of course Kasumi wouldn't have any of her friends with her and of course she would have to deal with the infuriating and obnoxious Hyuga. Kasumi hit her head on the desk with no concern for how much noise she made or who saw, and her friends did what they could to comfort her. But even a cuddle from Katsu and a back rub from TenTen couldn't fix the new nightmare that she was sure she would have to endure for the next few years. It could be looked at as extra motivation to train hard and get promoted as soon as possible.
Kasumi couldn't sulk forever.
"Team Takumi. Daiki Inuzuka, Tatsuya Shiota, and TenTen,"
Well maybe she had the right to sulk a little bit longer. Not to say that Kasumi wasn't overjoyed at her friends' luck but she couldn't help but understandably feel a bit disappointed that she was all on her own and they got to spend heaps of time together. For a brief moment, Kasumi was scared. She feared that she would lose this family she had gained and that they would eventually forget about her.
This thought only lasted a second though. Kasumi knew better than that.
This was the only team allocation that was met solely with cheers and Kasumi couldn't help but smile along with her friends and give them all congratulatory hugs.
"Can you believe the luck?"
"I bet Itona sensei had something to do with this,"
"We owe him big time,"
TenTen, Tatsuya and Daiki couldn't help but break the no talking rule.
"I bet it's to make up for my team placement,"
Kasumi may be on a different team but she wasn't about to be left out.
"Quiet please,"
They may have been caught though.
The girls let out a shared giggle and the boys a face splitting grin. Hopefully this was proof that things were never going to change between them.
There was only a couple more teams and then it was break time, which was mainly a chance for the new genin to let everything out before getting into the serious business of their teams. The classroom was deafening for the last time by that particular group of children. It was sad when thought of in that sense but also exciting as the gateway to the next stage of their lives.
"Kasumi,"
The students were exiting the classroom when Itona pulled the young Yamanaka aside. She gave a nod to the others as a signal that she would meet up with them in a moment. This would be one of the last times Kasumi had a chance to talk to her academy sensei for a while, there was no guarantee that they would cross paths in the large village. At the very least she wanted to offer her thanks to one of the few people who showed kindness towards her.
Itona waited until the last of the students had exited the room, to ensure that their conversation had some element of privacy.
"Not sure if I should say everything I'm about to but I feel you are grown enough to know. You're a shinobi now,"
"Don't do anything that will get you into trouble. I actually wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you. And goodbye, I guess,"
Itona went from looking out the window in contemplation to turning back to Kasumi and smiling.
"You really are a good kid, aren't you? There's no need to thank me. One, it is my job as a teacher to look after my students. Two, I'm sorry I couldn't get you on a team with a friend and you ended up with Neji. That's definitely going to be fun for your sensei, and I might feel sorry for him but unfortunately, I feel sorrier for you kids. Your sensei is a handful. Probably the reason why the chose you and Neji to be on his team. Need a couple of mature heads on the team to balance it out. Don't worry though, your team will be pretty good once and I think it would be good for you and Neji to get along. The two of you would make quite the deadly team if you stop fighting with each other,"
Itona had to pause his speech to laugh at the annoyed and a slightly disappointed look that Kasumi was giving him.
"Well, the running theory is that you had to have had something to do with the others getting on a team together. That makes up for it,"
That only prolonged his laughter.
He then went to the heart of the conversation and it all took a more serious note.
"As the teacher I put recommendations in for the team allocations given that I know my students the best but this time it was thrown completely out the window. I think you pissed the Yamanakas off a bit more than you might have initially thought. Just be careful, okay? They've taken a bit of a petty route on this one. Maybe just keep your head down for a bit until this issue blows over. It's not everyday that someone leaves their clan like this and it might have hurt their pride and reputation a bit,"
"Thanks for worrying. I've never planned on causing trouble, especially when others are involved. I'm happy with the Inuzukas and I don't want to do anything to ruin that. Also, I might not have the time for it if my team will be as much of a hand full as you say,"
"The fact that you can still do and say all this with a smile proves a lot. Good luck,"
"Thank you, sensei,"
With one last smile and a quick wave, Kasumi left the classroom to go join her friends in excitement and celebration of the new start.
"Everything good Kasumi?!"
The Yamanaka spotted her friends and ran over to where they were standing. Smiling to make sure they knew she was fine. She didn't feel like being as loud as Daiki.
"Yeah, I thanked Itona sensei for you guys and he gave me a heads up about my sensei,"
"Sounds promising,"
Kasumi just exasperatedly sighed at Tatsuya's observation and TenTen was once again comforting her friend with a pat on the back.
"It's hardly going to be the worst thing that's ever happened to me. I'm sure I can handle whatever gets thrown at me,"
"It's only up from here!"
Daiki's outburst ruined Kasumi's sentiment a little but mainly just brought the attention of the others in the courtyard to the small group of friends.
"Well at least you don't have to deal with Daiki,"
"Yeah TenTen, I just have to live with him,"
"You just can't win, can you?"
"Gee thanks, Tatsuya,"
During this whole situation, everyone was doing a good job of not acknowledging the piercing stare that was being sent their way by the disgruntled Hyuga. He was clearly as happy as Kasumi to be put on the same team, maybe even more so with the inclusion of Rock Lee who he has clearly hated from the start. He hates the strong and he hates the weak. There is just no winning with Neji.
Both Kasumi and Neji were about to realise that dealing with each other was hardly going to be the most challenging part of their team formation. They were technically each other's favourite person on the team, they just weren't aware of it yet.
In a mere split second, Kasumi was spun around and left facing a shockingly close face with terrifyingly large eyebrows. She thought of screaming but was never given the chance when she then found herself over the shoulder of the strange man in the next moment. Everything after that was mostly a blur and he was speaking too loudly and quickly to be intelligible. Neji was soon given the same treatment on the opposite shoulder and the two shared a look. Fear and realisation.
Itona's warning made a lot more sense now.
I lost motivation for a long time and went through a bit of a rough patch. Hope this year will be better but no guarantees.
I'm sorry for everyone who has been waiting for this.
