Uchiha Tsuki knew her history, she knew the History of the Uchiha Clan as far back as their scrolls had recorded. She didn't like the Senju by being a Uchiha, and she definitely couldn't care less about the Uzumaki.
Despite this fact, she sat down next to Uzumaki Naruto on the basis that Uzumaki shielded him from the others in class who demanded her attention.
She had a grudging… respect of sorts for the Uzumaki. He was competent and the only one who could seriously challenge her.
Aburame Shino sat next to Naruto in what the class had nicknamed the Quiet Kids row.
In front of that trio sat Nara Shikamaru, along with Akamichi Chouji and Kiba Inuzuka.
They were all Tsuki's acquaintances and fellow clan heirs. Except for Naruto, the Uzumaki clan was not a Konoha clan, despite notable members who were once residents of the village. They weren't formally recognized as a clan, though their symbol hung all around the village in memory of the inability of Konoha to prevent its sister village from annihilation.
Still, Tsuki couldn't care less about Naruto beyond him being a good rival and acquaintance to have. It didn't hurt that they were both alone- with nobody who could understand them watching over them.
Though they did have one more thing in common, but no. Tsuki couldn't care less about Naruto Uzumaki, beyond what the Uzumaki could offer to her.
Iruka walked into the classroom, his smile was bright.
As he cleared his throat he spoke, "I want to congratulate everyone here today for taking your first steps as shinobi. It is a challenging career, but equally rewarding. And in each one of you- I see huge potential for greatness."
Everyone except the quiet kids in the quiet kids' row cheered, Inuzuka Kiba even jumped for joy.
Tsuki snorted at the actions of the Inuzuka Heir, as Naruto whispered, "Does he realize he's only one point down from class deadlast."
"I would not underestimate Kiba, Naruto. Why? Despite his lackadaisical attitude in class, he is still the son of Inuzuka Tsume." Shino spoke quietly beside them.
Tsuki could respect Shino's answer, so she dipped his head slightly in acknowledgment.
"Alright class, I will now announce the team formations."
Then Iruka-Sensei frowned, but he quickly started listing out the teams.
Tsuki ignored Iruka for the most part, not bothering to pay attention to who landed on what team besides his own.
Then Naruto jabbed her in the arm with his elbow and motioned forward with his head as Iruka finally spoke, "Team Seven- Naruto Uzumaki, Uchiha Tsuki, and Nara Shikamaru."
Tsuki turned to Naruto, who gave her a small nod. Meanwhile on the row below Shikamaru resigned himself to his fate and whispered, "Troublesome."
Ignoring the lazy, Tsuki whispered to Naruto, "I hope our Sensei is any good."
Naruto dipped his head in acknowledgment as he whispered back, "I know a bit about Kakashi, he was a student of the Fourth Hokage- fought in the third great ninja war on two fronts. It would make sense he would be our sensei considering his teammate was a Uchiha, and he is an orphan like us."
Tsuki nodded but filed it away for later. As much as she didn't care for the blonde, Uzumaki was right.
All she hoped for was that she wouldn't be disappointed.
Soon Jounin sensei would begin arriving in the classroom to collect their teams. Soon the two shinobi and one kunoichi hopefully found themselves waiting alone in the classroom still.
Shikamaru of course, wasted no time on going to sleep.
Trying to make conversation, Tsuki pondered aloud, "I wonder how our sensei will be."
"Competent," Naruto replied, not turning to look at her, however, feeling bad for her he advised, "Kakashi Hatake is a good shinobi. Although I don't know much about him, I do know he was a student of the Fourth."
Curiosity peaked within the black-haired kunoichi as she asked, "The fourth had students?"
Naruto pondered for a second, however, he quickly decided to fill in his female teammate on the lengthy details, "He had a full genin team from what I know, the old hag Kohura told me a bit about each team that the Hokage took on themselves. Team Hashirama included, as you know, Kohura Utatane, Homura Mitokado, and Hiruzen Sarutobi. When he died, his team went on the second Hokage, who also apprenticed Kagami Uchiha. The old man Hokage taught the three legendary ninja… however, the Fourth Hokage had a team mired in tragedy. Obito Uchiha was killed in an Ambush by Iwa ninja during the war, Rin Nohara met her fate in battle during a raid by the hidden mist. Kakashi was the son of Sakumo Hatake but grew up as a war orphan. And of course, Lord Fourth sacrificed himself to stop the Kyuubi."
The top kunoichi nodded in understanding as she said, "He's like us, no wonder they made him our Jounin Sensei."
Her new teammate shook his head, "I wonder how he could still be such a strong and loyal shinobi. I asked the old man Hokage about him once- after the old hag Koharu told me about him. I don't know what I would do if I lost my friends. I'm already an orphan…"
The Uchiha understood what he meant, she lost her whole family to betrayal. If she had been born an orphan, but lost everything she cared for as well after being given hope for everything.
"That's why you keep people away don't you?" Naruto asked, but it wasn't pity in his voice.
She turned her head away and nose upwards, putting on the same haughty attitude she gave everyone, "I do not need for people- Uzumaki!"
"Could you guys keep it quiet?" Shikamaru spoke up, but did not move from his resting place, "I'm trying to sleep."
Naruto chuckled, and despite herself, Tsuki couldn't help but smile a little. She couldn't care less for any Uzumaki, but he was a good rival, and Nara despite his laziness was competent, and Uzumaki's best friend.
Hours began to tick by, and by the second hour, all three genin were annoyed.
"Where is he?" Tsuki growled.
Yawning, the Uzumaki stood up and said, "We should go train, Kakashi is going to be late. We're only wasting our time here, the time we could spend in much more productive ways. If our dear Jounin sensei wants to meet us, he can go look for us."
Tsuki weighed her options… no not really, the Uchiha agreed with the Uzumaki, if their supposed sensei couldn't bother showing up.
Naruto stood up from his desk, walked down to the aisle where the Nara heir was sleeping, and bonked him in the head.
"WHAT THE HELL NARUTO!" Shikamaru exclaimed as he rubbed his sore.
"Get your lazy ass off the seat, we are training," Naruto ordered and walked out.
Glaring at the blonde the Nara boy grumbled, "Who died and made you kage?"
"Let's go," Tsuki ordered as she made her way to the door.
Shikamaru looked at the two as they walked ahead of him and said, "Oh course she does."
As Naruto observed his new teammates, he quickly concluded that they would most likely become a heavy assault squad much like other iterations of team formation 7.
He knew his history- the history of the Uzumaki and the Senju. He didn't care much for Uchiha Tsuki. Or Uchiha's for that matter, Uzumakis and Senjus had fought the Uchiha in the past.
While he did not quarrel with Tsuki herself. If anything he was sympathetic to her- she was very closed off and unapproachable, unless your name was Naruto Uzumaki.
Then the Top Kunoichi had little choice but to hear him out. He knew her weaknesses well, after all.
Speaking up, the Uzumaki turned towards the Uchiha, "Tsuki- I know you're rather competent in taijutsu and shurikenjutsu. Of course, you also have the Uchiha fire style don't you?"
Tsuki said nothing but nodded.
Then Naruto turned to Shikamaru, "Your Taijutsu is average at best. Subpar at worst, however, your shadow jutsu is good, and that high intelligence of yours is something Shikamaru. If we can get you the right motivation, we could make an excellent heavy squad."
Shikamaru frowned, "Troublesome, but I see your point."
However, the Uchiha had questions, "Heavy squad?"
Naruto grimaced as he explained, "There's only ever been one iteration of team formation Seven that acted as a light attack squad."
Tsuki narrowed her eyes, "How come you seem to know so much about the history of team formation 7? You seem so sure that we will be a heavy assault squad."
This time it was Shikamaru who spoke, "He is the ward of Advisor Utatane, who was Lord Hokage's teammate. As a descendant of the Uzumaki, and the next closest relative to the Senju aside from Lady Tsunade herself. He knows a lot of things about the village, not in the history books."
But then the Nara turned towards his teammate, "You said that there was only one iteration of Team Formation Seven that served as a light attack team. Which iteration was it? Why are you so convinced that we will be a heavy assault squadron?"
Naruto grimaced as he answered, "Team Minato."
Then turning to the Uchiha he answered the second part of her question, "As for how I know we will be a heavy assault. Tsuki- you have a lot of chakras, you have the Uchiha legacy, and you are a natural-born Kunoichi, much like me. Shikamaru, while you are a lazy bum, you have the potential to surpass your father if you apply yourself."
Accepting his answer, Tsuki decided to compliment his contribution to the team, "And you have access to what remains of the Senju, and overdeveloped chakra reserves you damned human bijuu!"
Cracking a smirk, the blond replied, "Love you too, Tomato-chan!"
"Only in your dreams Uzumaki," Tsuki replied, however, this was the barest hint of a smile betraying her. She might not care for Uzumaki's. But this one was different.
"In my dreams eh?" Naruto replied with a grin, as he walked closer to Tsuki, who in turn only made eye contact with him, he inched ever closer and whispered, "Are you sure you don't mean yours?"
Shikamaru raised an eyebrow "Great, you done flirting now? We should get to practicing."
Naruto burst out laughing while Tsuki simply grunted and turned away.
Kakashi Hatake observed his cute little genin from the rooftop of the Academy. They had abandoned the classroom they had been told to wait in, disobeying orders from their superior. But they were training together, as a team. That showed initiative, and it had been something none of the teams he had failed before had done.
On that alone, he could pass them, but he would test them regardless. See if they could see beneath the underneath, and if they had any teamwork.
His eyes rested on his sensei's son, he was sparring with Shikamaru. While a Shadow Clone sparred with Tsuki.
The boy was just like his father. He did not doubt that if allowed the boy would have graduated at the same age as his father. Advisor Utatane had taught him well.
His eyes shifted to Shikamaru, that was a huge responsibility he didn't want to get saddled with. Being the son of the Jounin Commander and second in command of the Shinobi forces. However, Nara was putting in actual effort into the spar.
The boy despite being dead last was promising. It was obvious he didn't put any effort into the academy but knew what he was doing. For a genin at least, so he would give him credit where credit was due.
And at last, his eyes landed on Tsuki Uchiha. His most worrisome potential student. Academy files pointed out she didn't work well with just about anyone. But here she was having a friendly spar with a shadow clone courtesy of her teammate.
He looked at the young Uchiha, the little sister of his former teammate Itachi. So young yet so wise. What could have driven someone compassionate by nature to do what he did? He felt a pang of guilt, he should have looked out for his former teammate. Maybe he could have done something, but he would settle with protecting the only survivor of his atrocities.
Did Itachi care about his sister? Likely not, but the world was already dark and miserable as it was. Kakashi held out a small sliver of hope.
His eyes remained steady, watching as the spars seemed to come to an end. The shadow clone dispersed in a cloud of smoke, and the blonde-haired genin took the lead in talking.
Kakashi sent chakra towards his ears, listening in to the conversation happening down below.
"You have improved since we last sparred, but you're still a bit too stiff Shika. You're flexible. Use that to your advantage."
"Troublesome blonde!"
"Tsuki- your form is impeccable as always."
"Hn, don't you forget it."
"Wouldn't dream of it, Tomato-chan~!"
"Will you two quit flirting?"
"As if I'd give Uzumaki the time of day!"
"You wound me! Oh, magnificent princess of emo- what will I ever do!"
"NA-RU-TO!"
Kakashi blinked, it seemed as if his academic opinion of Tsuki was misplaced. She seems to be comfortable around Naruto enough to put up with his antics.
At the very least she seemed to get along with the Nara as well. That was good, there was potential after all.
Focusing once more on the genin- he tipped his head towards Naruto in respect as he watched his sensei's son come mere inches off the lips of the last Uchiha. Flustering the Kunoichi in the process they maintained eye contact.
Of course, Naruto would go for the dangerous one. He was Minato's son after all. He sniffled a little with pride and decided he had seen enough.
"Yo"
Tsuki Uchiha blinked and turned- glaring at the person who dared disturb the moment! How dare he make a Uchiha lose a staring contest!
As she took in the figure she saw a silver-haired jounin, with the standard Konoha headband tilted over his left eye acting like a patch.
"And who are you supposed to be?" Naruto questioned with a raised eyebrow.
The jounin struck a thinking pose, left arm over his chest while tapping his chin with his right index, "Jounin sensei of Team 7. I seem to have lost my cute little genin somewhere, they were supposed to be in the classroom."
"About damn time," Shikamaru grumbled from behind the two, "You're incredibly late. One more minute and I'm sure Madara and Hashirama over here would have started swapping spit."
"Really Shika?" Naruto replied with a blank expression.
"As if I'd kiss an Uzumaki!" Tsuki replied haughtily, crossing her arms and looking away.
Kakashi smiled underneath his mask, this was shaping up to be quite the team. They all had characters and personalities that seemed to clash with each other. But he could see that there was more to the three.
From every report, the Uchiha closed herself off to anyone and everyone. Yet here she was socializing with her teammates, in a way that hinted they knew each other well.
Naruto seemed to be the de facto leader, taking the lead naturally. And Shikamaru was either the mediator or the one who antagonized the two.
"Well, since we are already here, why don't you three take a seat and we introduce ourselves," Kakashi instructed, however, he was met with raised eyebrows from all three of his cute little genin. 'Defiant bunch, huh?'
"Why don't you go first?" Naruto suggested, "We- and by that I mean Tsuki, Shika, and myself have known each other for years, you are the odd one out, scarecrow!"
Kakashi sweatdropped, right, cause of course Kushina would come to haunt him beyond the grave in the form of her son.
With an eye smile and a hint of annoyance Kakashi acquiesced, "My name is Kakashi Hatake, hmmm… I have hobbies, I don't have many likes and dislikes. And my dreams? That's none of your business."
"If it's none of our business why should we have to share anything with you? Troublesome," Shikamaru complained, letting out a yawn, "I'm tired and hungry. Hey Naruto, are you down to swing by Chouji's place and get some of Choza's cooking? I heard he's having a get-together and we are invited."
Naruto nodded, his stomach grumbling as he said, "Sure, Tsuki you in? Chouji's dad has the best food!"
"Hn!" The Uchiha princess grunted.
And somehow Naruto took that as confirmation as he said, "Great! It's a date then!"
This time, the Uchiha looked away, a rosy tint appearing on her cheeks as she gave him another grunt.
Kakashi stared at the three stunned, were they ignoring him? Yes, Yes they were. It seemed he needed to reign in his cute little genin. He was their Jounin-sensei after all.
"Just make sure you don't eat too much," the Jounin stated Ominously, "You have survival training tomorrow, oh! And I suggest you skip breakfast. You're just gonna end up poking it out anyway, meet me at the training grounds. Six a.m. sharp! Have fun you three!"
And like that, he disappeared in a cloud of smoke, leaving only empty space where he had been before.
Naruto narrowed his eyes, "Survival training and skipping breakfast? Those two things shouldn't ever be in the same sentence."
"He's trying to get into our heads," Shikamaru pointed out, "Survival basics are water source, shelter, and food source."
"It's a test," Tsuki spoke up next to Naruto, "he remained distant and aloof the whole time. Almost too passive, while also trying to get into our heads."
"He is a shinobi," Naruto agreed, "We shouldn't take everything he says at face value. We should probably come up with some kind of a plan for tomorrow when we have a chance."
"Troublesome, but I agree. Welp, see you guys tonight!"
Naruto nodded his goodbye with Tsuki doing the same.
Standing there with Tsuki, he smiled and asked, "I'll see you at Chouji's?"
"Idiot," Tsuki replied, "Come see me in two hours."
Naruto grinned, "As you command my emo princess."
"Hn!"
Naruto waved goodbye as she began to walk away, and he took off in his direction, towards the Hokage building.
Arriving at the tall structure he walked up the flight of stairs towards his target. He closed his eyes and felt for a specific chakra signature. With a grin, he walked up to the door and knocked.
"Come in!" An elderly voice called out from the other side.
As he opened the door he threw a wave, "Granny Koharu, I was assigned to Team 7!"
The elderly woman ceased her paperwork and gave the boy an appraising look. A small smile spread into the Elder's lips as she said, "Good, that's good! Hatake is a good shinobi when he isn't being late."
"I think we made an impression on him," Naruto laughed as he recalled the way Shikamaru had shut their sensei down, "He gave us a half-baked introduction, Shikamaru called him out and we ignored him in favor of agreeing to go to Chouji's tonight. We also figured out that there would be some sort of test tomorrow, so we plan to use the get-together to strategize."
Koharu chuckled at the antics of her ward. It seemed Kakashi had finally met his match, settling down she continued, "I'm certain that your team will pass. Ah, to be young again, instead I'm sitting here with all this paperwork. I wonder how Minato finished so quickly!"
Naruto shifted his head right, "Why not use Shadow Clones?"
Koharu waved him away, "We can't, complex forgery laws and bureaucracy. If we could, I wouldn't be here. I'd be home sipping tea and napping. Or playing with little Moegi."
Naruto nodded, not surprised he wasn't the only one who thought about it. That's probably exactly why they couldn't use shadow clones!
"Who's your other teammate?" Koharu asked as Naruto took a seat in front of her.
"Tsuki," Naruto replied.
"Hm," the Hokage's advisor thought, "I'm sure you are pleased with being on a team with your friends Naruto. But remember the dangers of the shinobi profession- you must be able to remain objective, you can't let emotions cloud your judgment."
The Uzumaki boy flustered, "I'm not."
The Advisor sighs, "Naruto, I'm not trying to admonish you or anything. You know how random and chaotic our lifestyle is, this is why we don't generally try to keep friends together as teams. While it's impossible to completely randomize team selection. On top Team 7 is always predetermined. We do it if something goes wrong. You don't lose everyone you care about in one go."
Seeing the Jinchuuriki remain silent she continued, "We encourage our shinobi to grow strong bids together because it gives us the strength to keep fighting against impossible odds. But those bonds could also be turned against us."
"That's why I have to keep training and become stronger, so I can protect my friends. So I can protect Tsuki and Shikamaru and the village." Naruto stated, his eyes grim with determination, "It's my job to do so. I didn't ask for the burden but as long as I live, I'll protect everyone I can!"
Once more the Advisor looked at him appraisingly, before smiling once more, "You remind me much of Hashirama-sensei. I hope I live to see the day you become Hokage."
Naruto finally cracked a grin, "You better be there granny!"
Then he stood up, "I gotta go, train a little bit, and then pick up Tsuki for the get-together tonight."
The elder nodded and dismissed him.
Naruto was happy, what could go wrong?
