Chapter 18
Tenzen awoke from a very restful sleep. At last he was a full-fledge shinobi, and he was going to be assigned a genin squad. Even though he wasn't going to have Minato-sensei, he was still energized at the idea of being out of the academy, and all it's stupid books.
He sprang upright in bed and looked around at the room that wasn't his. He realized that he had fallen asleep in Minato and Kushina's bed. With further examination of the room he discovered that both Shiro and Kushina were in bed with him. Shiro, as usual, was full grown with his head at the top of the bed and his legs fully extended in Tenzen's direction. Kushina was perfectly behind the large wolf spooning him. He looked to the clock to see how long he had slept. It was only 6am so he had a good amount of time before he had to be at the academy.
He slowly rose from the bed, not trying to wake Kushina and take the wrath that would follow. He went and grabbed his headband that was on the nightstand closest to Kushina and tied it onto his head. He then moved towards the door, but before he could put his hand on the knob it opened and Minato stood on the other side. Minato looked at the boy surprisingly before he smiled slightly.
"Aren't you going to eat breakfast before sneaking out?" Minato's started. "And maybe grab a shower?"
Tenzen smiled lightly at his sensei. The boy might have been naïve, but even he got that joke. He then turned around and made the ram seal. With a small puff, Shiro shrunk back down to his 'cute mode' as Jiraiya had called it the first they applied the seal. Tenzen then went and scooped up his furry compainion, once again being very careful not to wake Kushina.
The three walked into the kitchen were Minato had already made a small breakfast of eggs, toast, and juice. Tenzen sat down at the small kitchen table and grabbed the juice taking a long gulp before putting the glass down with an 'ahh'. Shiro sat on the table unmoving. The pup could sleep through anything, and since Tenzen could keep the seal going with hardly any notice there was no reason for him to awaken. Most of the time Shiro wouldn't even wake up until lunchtime.
Having finished the small yet satisfying breakfast, Tenzen went and took a quick shower. No reason for him to look like a slob on his first day of being a shinobi.
After his shower he brushed his teeth with a toothbrush Minato had given him to use while at his house. It had just dawned on Tenzen just how much he slept here. Although usually he was the one to sleep on the couch and Minato in the bed, but the white haired boy assumed this change had something to do with that never ending fight last night.
With his teeth properly brushed, the boy took care of his hair. He pushed it back and out of his face with his hand letting only it come down slightly around the edges of his face, much like Minato's. He then put his headband back on to keep the excess hair from falling back into his face. Any idiot could tell Kushina cut both Minato's and Tenzen's hair. If it wasn't for Tenzen's flowing hair and Minato's spiky hair they would be twins with only color being the difference.
He walked out of the bathroom to see Minato already in his full shinobi gear. The blonde man sat on the couch with a newly delivered newspaper in hand. Shiro sat right beside the yellow flash. The white pup had yet to wake even though he had been moved from both the bed and the table. Tenzen was thoroughly impressed with the fox's laziness. Minato finally noticed Tenzen's appearance in the room and turned his head to face him.
"Ready to go?" the Namikaze said with a smile on his face. Tenzen walked further into the room so he was in front of the shinobi on the couch.
"You're coming with me?" Tenzen asked as he reached down and poked Shiro's head to release the seal. He might as well save some chakra since the fox was clearly not waking up an time soon. Tenzen sucked up the chakra that was still in the seal and 'poof' Shiro was back to normal size.
Minato eyed his apprentice with admiration. Even though it was a simple seal, it was still impressive how easily he could control the amount of chakra he put into it. He had no doubt Tenzen would become a even greater Seal Master than both Jiraiya and himself.
"Of course." Minato stated before he put the newspaper down on the coffee table and stood up. "The Jonin instructors have to meet with Hokage-sama before they get their squads."
Tenzen simply shrugged in reply. He was still a little bumed the Minato wasn't going to be his Jonin instructor. But how could he complain he put into Orochimaru's squad, and it's not like Minato wasn't going to continue to mentor him.
"Well we better get going. Don't want to be late." Minato said gesturing Tenzen towards the door, and out they both went to join a genin squad.
Upon arriving at the Hokage tower, Tenzen and Minato went their separate ways. Minato went to the administration wing, and Tenzen headed for the academy.
Tenzen moved swiftly through the hall of the academy. It took all of his control to not start sprinting from excitement. He couldn't wait to get on his genein squad and start kick some bad guy ass. Though he knew that genin only got D-rank, and if their good enough, C-rank mission, he was still peeing himself with anticipation.
He finally reached his classroom and swung the door open maybe a little too hard because it made a loud bang when it hit the end of the frame. Everyone looked in his direction and he couldn't help but blush a little at the unwanted attention. He supposed he riled himself up too much while walking down the hall. But, he quickly brushed of his embarrassment and went to his usual seat between Asuma and Obito.
"Hey Tenzen!" Obito shouted a bit when Tenzen sat down in his chair. Asuma prodded at the inside of his ear in frustration from Obito's overexcitement.
Tenzen just nodded to his Uchiha friend then turned to Asuma who was still reeling from the loudness of the greeting.
"So did the old-man tell the genin squads?" Tenzen asked his best friend. Asuma shook his head no, and he looked rather irritated.
"He said he wanted it to be a surprise." Asuma said leaning his head back to look at the ceiling. "He wouldn't even tell me who the Jonin instructors were."
Tenzen was a little surprised. Was Minato not supposed to tell him about the squad, or was the old man just being his usual cryptic self. It also could have had something with the fear of Kushina bearing over his sensei. Then Tenzen had another thought. He didn't ask Minato who else was in his squad. With that the doors flew open once more and Sumato-sensei walked in. He first walked with desk, messed with his papers, then turned to address the class.
"Now children as most of you know today you will be assigned to you genin squads." Sumato-sensei paused to look around the room. "I would like to be the first to congratulate you on graduating. I'm sure you will all make fine shinobi and make Konoha proud.
"Now with out further ado I will list off your squad mates and who your Jonin instructor will be. When you here your name called please wait for your Jonin instructor to dismiss you." Sumato once again paused and the Jonin instructors walked in. Many children gasped and whispered about the Jonin instructors, and Tenzen had to admit they were an impressive bunch. All of them were well-accomplished shinobi, and some were even the next in line to lead their clan.
After looking over each Jonin instructor Sumato-sensei proceded to read of the squads starting with Shibi-san, then Tsume-chan, followed by Inoichi and Choza-san. He then finally got to a squad Tenzen was interested in.
"Now Team 10 led by Shikaku-san will be: Maito Gai, Yuhi Kurenai, and Sarutobi Asuma." Sumato-sensei said then turned his attention toward Shikaku.
"Team 10 meet me at the Nara grazing fields in ten minutes." Shikaku stated with authority, before turning and leaving the room. Gai stood up immediately and shouted 'yosh' and followed quickly after Shikaku. Tenzen turned to his closest friend who's expression was something between happy and disappointed.
"At least you're with Kurenai right?" Tenzen said with a fake smile on his face. In truth he was greatly disappointed that he was with neither Minato nor Asuma.
"Well I guess I'll see you around. Try not to die okay." Asuma stated before walking of with Kurenai at his side.
Being crushed with disappointment, Tenzen smacked his head down on his desk and gave a loud moan. Obito noticed his friend position and patted playfully on the back.
"Cheer up pal I'm sure our squad will kick ass." Obito said with a smile on his face. Tenzen looked up to Obito, then looked around the room lazily.
"Obito, there are still six people here we don't know if we'll be on the same squad." Tenzen said in amazement at the Uchiha's stupidity, he thought they were beaten into shape or something.
"Oh yeah, my bad." Obito said laughing and rubbing the back of his neck. Then Sumato-sensei's voice brought their attention back to the front of the room.
"Now moving on. Team 8 led by Orochimaru-sama will be…" Sumato-sensei statement got Tenzen excited once again. Maybe he would get lucky and get with Kakshi and Rin who were amongst the last of the students. "Seishin Tenzen, Hyuga Hizashi, and Mitarashi Anko."
And just like that Tenzen's hopes and dreams were crushed. Not only was he not with Minato-sensei or Asuma, but he was with his two least favorite people in the class, hell maybe even the world. His head immediately slammed on the table. But shot back up by Anko's voice.
"YAAHOO!" the purple haired genin howled. "Get ready boys we're going to be the most badass team Konoha has ever seen!"
Tenzen was a little surprised by Anko's excitement. He figured she was going to say something like 'how can you stick me with girly'. Maybe she was just excited to be on Orochimaru's squad. Then Tenzen looked over to his hated rival Hizashi, and the boys made eye contact. The white haired couldn't help but snarl at the white-eyed freak. He hated everything about him, his nonchalant attitude. His stupid taijutsu that's like poison to Tenzen. He even hated his face, he just wanted to punch it in.
"Now you three meet me at training ground 13." Orochimaru hissed before he disappeared in a puff of smoke.
"Then that just leaves Uchiha Obito, Nohara Rin, and Hatake Kakashi with Minato-san on Team 7." Sumato said before clasping is folder shut and heading for his desk. Then Minato stepped forward to address his new students.
"You three meet me on the roof." Minato said before he was gone in a yellow flash. Tenzen almost felt like crying, he couldn't even believe his bad luck.
"Sorry for stealing your sensei Tenzen." Obito said before he stood up and left the room. Then Rin walked up to Tenzen.
"Good luck with your training and missions Tenzen. Hope to see you around." Rin said blushing only slightly. Then she turned tail and walked out of the room. Kakashi walked by as well, but he just put two fingers to his head and lazily saluted his goodbye. Tenzen replied in kind.
Tenzen sat there for a minute to sulk. He was truly the most unlucky kid ever. He put his head down on the desk and stared off into space. Then Shiro jumped up onto his desk and yipped quietly. Tenzen just patted the top of his head. The pup knew he was upset and wanted to console his partner. Even though Shiro was more intelligent then your average animal, he still had his instincts, and love for Tenzen. Shiro lightly licked the white haired boys hand then looked up at him with eager eyes.
"You're right bud. I'm sure everything will be fine." Tenzen said quietly so only Shiro could here him. The pup gave a little yip of excitement. "I know she's not that bad. But, kami she's so annoying."
With that like she was listening in the whole time. Anko wrapped her arm around Tenzen's shoulder and gave a big grin.
"Well girly looks like you get to spend some extra time with me. Lucky you huh." Anko half yelled into Tenzen's ear. Tenzen wondered how the girl was loud and annoying with a sensei like Orochimaru. They couldn't be any different unless Anko of was a hawk. Then she stood back up straight and gestured towards the door.
"We better hurry up, Orochimaru-sensei hates lateness and he his not a very forgiving person to boot." Anko continued waiting for Tenzen to get up. Reluctantly, Tenzen arose and pushed his seat in. Shiro was quick to jump onto his shoulder so he didn't have to exert all that extra energy walking. Then Anko and him walked towards the doorway, only to have Anko stop in her tracks.
"Hey white eyes you coming too." Anko exclaimed. It's almost like she intestinally tries to get a rise out of people. 'Holy shit that's exactly what she does' Tenzen thought to himself.
"I have to return home before I can meet with our sensei." Hizashi said in a monotone voice that only irritated both Anko and Tenzen.
"Oh come on. I'm sure mommy will be okay with you missing afternoon tea." Anko said in a baby voice only egging on the Hyuga more. Tenzen couldn't help but let out a little snicker at his rivals expense. He could see the vein popping out of Hizahi's forehead.
"I have to meet with my father and brother." Hizashi responded grinding his teeth together in frustration. Tenzen was still holding his tongue as much as he could but was failing slightly.
"Suit yourself." Anko said shrugging her shoulders, then turning back to Tenzen who was trying very hard to calm down. "You want to get lunch?" The snake in training said with a odd look on her face that Tenzen had never seen before. It was almost as if she had never asked someone that question before and didn't know what to expect next.
"S-sure." Tenzen said perhaps a little too shaky because Anko's face turned quickly into anger.
"Fine we don't have to. I was just asking to be nice." The purple haired girl said crossing her arms across her chest. Tenzen was having a hard time finding the words to say. He didn't think she really meant it.
"N-NO! I do. I do want to go eat. I mean go eat with you. Get lunch." Tenzen said flustered. Even through all his experience with Kushina he still sucked at talking to girls when they were pissed. But, to Tenzen surprise, Anko's demeanor soften and she immediately grabbed his wrist.
"Good, I know a great place." Anko stated as pulled Tenzen out the doorway and down the hall. Tenzen had to admit he was a little flustered at the way Anko had grabbed his wrist. She wasn't acting like herself today. Maybe this was some sort of trick. He needed to stay alert.
"Do you like Dango?" the purple trickster asked without even looking back at Tenzen, and he would have answered if she hadn't interjected. "Ahh, who am I kidding? Everyone like Dango right?"
Tenzen was getting a little more than irritated at the rhetorical questions. This had to be a trick Anko was never nice to Tenzen unless she wanted something or was about to pull a prank on him. Tenzen just prayed that the first one was her angle. He didn't want another swarm of bees attacking him, or worse the Inuzuka dogs trying to find the sausage links in his pants, yikes.
"You know I thought you were more talkative than this girly." Anko said pulling Tenzen from his traumatic flashbacks. He then looked around and noticed they were already in the bustling streets of Konoha's market. Tenzen took a couple quick steps to walk beside Anko so he was no longer being dragged through the streets.
"Can you stop calling me girly. I'm clearly not a girl." Tenzen said his face skewed into a scowl at his horrible nickname. The purple haired girls face than took on a malicious and perverted look, just like he had seen so many times with Jiraiya.
"I don't know. I'd have to see prove that for myself." Anko said with a wink. Tenzen was taken back, blushing by the perverted comment and yanked his hand out of Anko's.
"So that's it huh?" Tenzen said as he stopped walking. Anko stop immediately as well. "That's why you asked to go to lunch with me. You are trying to literally catch with my pants down, then you can take a picture and show it to everyone."
Anko looked a little offended by the comment. It was true she was constantly pranking Tenzen and the other boys in class. But, this time she was only kidding, and was sincere about going to lunch.
"Screw you boy toy. I was only trying to be nice since we have to be in the same squad." Anko said with bite in her voice.
"Yeah right. This was just some big scheme to get to fall into a trap." Tenzen said with a snarl. Anko looked like she was going to respond but stopped short and took a deep breath.
"Look, if we are going to be on the same squad then we need to get along." Anko said with sincerity. Tenzen was taken back once again by the different Anko standing in front of him, and after a second to calm down he began again.
"You're right, sorry." Tenzen said looking to the ground not able to make eye contact. Then Anko slung her arm around Tenzen's shoulder and put a smile on her face.
"Don't worry about it girly, and believe me when I say I'd never want to see what you had down there." Anko said before she started walking towards their destination. Tenzen couldn't help but smile. Maybe his squad wouldn't be too bad between Orochimaru being their sensei and Anko finally being nice. She really was a nice…
"Hey! What's that supposed to mean!?" Tenzen hollered at Anko's back. The brown eyed girl just spun around with a big grin on her face that was just waiting for a good punch. He ran at her as she ran away fearful for what Tenzen would do when he caught her.
End Chapter 18
Hey all! Sorry it took so long for this post. But, as I'm sure many of you know school started, and college is stressful. Hope you enjoy the birth of Tenzen and Anko's friendship. I promise that next time will have some action.
Preveiw: "What do you mean we're a tracking team?"