(A few days later)
Ⅰ
Today was the day—the orientation. With the morning sun streaming through my window, I sprang from my bed and made my way to the dining hall for breakfast. After a brisk shower, I returned to my room to dress in my usual attire: a beige shirt layered over a black undershirt, paired with brown trousers. I finished the look with a soft gray scarf wrapped around my neck.
Securing the Konoha headband around my forehead, I hurried out of my room. As I briskly walked down the corridor of our family home, the familiar sight of Konohamaru emerged from around the corner.
"Morning, Konohamaru!" I greeted with a smile.
"Hey, big bro. Off to the academy?" he asked, closing the distance between us.
"Yep," I replied, adjusting the headband, "Orientation awaits. I'll swing by Naruto's place first, then we'll head to the academy together."
"Okay," Konohamaru nodded.
"What about you? Any plans for today?" I asked, genuinely curious about Konohamaru's schedule today.
"Well, I am going to practice the Sexy no Jutsu that Naruto Niichan taught me the other day. I'm hoping to knock the old man out when he sees it!" Konohamaru declared eagerly, mischief twinkling in his eyes. His words sent a chill down my spine, evoking memories of Ebisu-sensei's humiliating defeat.
It happened on the day I took my individual photo for the Ninja Registration form, which tracked our Shinobi performance, rank, and career trajectory. After handing over my form to Grandpa, I was heading home when I spotted Naruto and Konohamaru loitering by the entrance of the girls' public bath. Intrigued, I hid around the corner to see what they were up to. To my surprise, they transformed into girls and hurried inside.
When they rushed out moments later, wincing in pain, I approached them cautiously. I straight away asked why they did such a thing and how Konohamaru ended up with Naruto.
Konohamaru explained that he had met Naruto during an attempt to ambush Grandpa. Naruto happened to be in the same room, which led Konohamaru to think he had interfered. But my friend clarified that Konohamaru had simply tripped upon entering. Despite this, Konohamaru blamed Naruto for ruining his plan and promptly received a smack on the head in response.
Afterward, Konohamaru began following Naruto behind and asked him to teach the Sexy no Jutsu to defeat the Third Hokage so he could claim the mantle of the Fifth Hokage.
Hearing this from Konohamaru, I asked him further why he harbored such a strong desire to best our grandpa. He quickly replied that he resented being treated like an honorable grandson because of Grandpa's status as Hokage. His words triggered a recollection of how he had always been pampered and revered at home, which deepened his desire to be seen for who he really was, not just someone privileged by lineage.
Understanding his desire, I could relate. He had been the only grandchild of the Third Hokage until I arrived, and it was clear he wanted to be treated like an ordinary person. His feelings mirrored Naruto's, especially after the Mizuki incident. I noticed the similarities in their shared longing for acceptance and belonging.
As I pondered these thoughts, I was jolted back when Naruto asked if I could observe their training and offer advice. I asked him why, and he replied that I had a good control of my chakra and it was better to have a third person to oversee the training properly. I was about to say no but when they gave me those puppy-dog eyes, I couldn't say resist.
To summarize what happened next, I watched their training session until Ebisu-sensei arrived. Just as he was about to take Konohamaru away, Konohamaru executed the Sexy no Jutsu perfectly. I had to admit he was a quick learner. Despite Ebisu Sensei's initial resistance, he couldn't withstand Naruto's new jutsu, one that haunted me in my dreams and still sends shivers down my spine if I ever dared to be his enemyーThe Harem no Jutsu. The force of Ebisu-sensei's nosebleed sent him flying, marking a historic defeat for the elite tutor of the Sarutobi clan.
"Oh, uh... good luck with that," I murmured, giving Konohamaru a comforting pat before swiftly departing the compound and making my way to Naruto's house.
Ⅱ
As I arrived at Naruto's place, I knocked on the door in a familiar rhythm, the early morning sun casting long shadows across the quiet street.
"Who is it?" Naruto's voice came from inside.
"It's me, Darren," I replied.
"Hold on, Darren. I'll be right out," Naruto called. A second later, the door swung open, his grin as wide as ever.
"Hi, Darren!"
"Hi, Naruto." I greeted back, "Ready for the academy?"
"I sure am!" Naruto nodded eagerly, his excitement palpable. "Can't wait for the orientation!"
"Great, let's—" I began, only to be interrupted by Naruto's sudden interruption.
"But there's something I've been itching to do," Naruto said, his eyes glinting mischievously.
"Oh? What's on your mind?" I asked, already sensing the mischievous glint in his eye.
"I was thinking... a race. Across the rooftops!" Naruto suggested, his grin growing wider as if daring me to say no.
"A race, huh?" I mused, my grin matching his. Naruto loved challenges, and I knew this one would be no different. "You think you could beat me at parkour?"
Naruto nodded eagerly, his eyes shining with anticipation.
"Any particular reason for this sudden urge?" I inquired, curious about his motivation.
"Well, it's been a while, you know. I'm curious to see how much we've improved. And…" Naruto's voice grew more animated, his excitement bubbling over. "After taking down Mizuki and earning my Konoha headband, I feel I can do anythingーeven beat you in a parkour race!" he declared proudly.
"Oh, such confidence," I chuckled, shaking my head, amused by his enthusiasm. "Indeed, it has been a while. But are you sure about this? I might leave you in the dust," I teased, leaning closer.
Naruto smirked confidently. "We'll see about that. How about we make things interesting with a little wager?"
"A wager?"
"Yep."
"Hmm, what are we betting?" I asked, curious about the terms.
"A meal at Ichiraku. Loser buys."
"Ah, that does sound interesting," I nodded, excitement tingling in my veins. "I'm in."
"All right then," Naruto exclaimed, adjusting his Konoha headband with determination. I followed suit, feeling the anticipation building in my chest as we both turned toward the direction of the academy, ready to embark on our thrilling rooftop race.
"On the count of three, we begin. Ready?" Naruto prompted.
"Ready," I affirmed with a confident nod.
"Okay, here we go."
"Three…"
"Two…"
"One…"
"GO!"
Ⅲ
With a burst of energy, we dashed forward, leaping effortlessly from rooftop to rooftop. The cityscape blurred past us as we pushed our limits, each determined to outmaneuver the other. The wind whipped against my face, heightening the thrill of the chase. Naruto's laughter echoed beside me, spurring me on even further. As we neared the finish line, my heart pounded with adrenaline, knowing victory was within reach.
"I'm gonna win!" Naruto declared.
"Oh no, you won't! It's me who's going to win! You'll see!" I shot back as we landed in front of the main gate, charging through it toward our class.
We remained neck and neck, the excitement of impending victory fueling our adrenaline and urging us to go faster. Our breaths grew heavier with each step as we approached our limits, yet we pressed on, our determination unwavering.
With just a few meters to go before reaching the classroom, I tried to pick up the pace, but Naruto was right behind me, matching my every move.
Then, in perfect synchronization, we entered the classroom precisely at the same moment.
"GOAL!" we both shouted, our synchronized shout piercing the room and momentarily capturing the attention of the other Genin, who turned to look at us. However, as soon as they recognized us, they swiftly returned to their conversations, unfazed by our interruption.
"Ha…ha…ha…" I chuckled, trying to catch my breath after the exhilarating race.
Naruto joined in, his laughter echoing mine. "Looks like I made it here first…" he quipped.
"Oh, did you now?" I countered, a playful grin spreading across my face. "I was clearly ahead of you."
"Nope, it was definitely me," Naruto insisted.
"Uh-uh, my foot was just a few centimeters ahead of yours," I retorted playfully. We bantered back and forth, each claiming victory in our own way.
Amidst our banter, a familiar voice cut through. "I wondered who'd be racing in the morning, but of course it's you two."
Startled, we turned to see Shikamaru and Chouji strolling toward us.
"Hey, Shikamaru, Chouji," I greeted, noting their early arrival. "You're here early."
"Yeah…" Shikamaru shrugged. "My mom's all about making a good impression for orientation. But…" He yawned, pausing mid-sentence. "I could've used some more sleep. Waking up this early is such a drag."
"Sounds like she knows how long it takes you to get ready," I teased with a grin.
"Ha ha, very funny," Shikamaru replied dryly, scratching the back of his head.
"And speaking of orientation," Chouji added, glancing at Naruto, "I didn't know you graduated too, Naruto."
Shikamaru perked up. "He's right. It's surprising to see you wearing the Konoha headband. Did you have a follow-up exam or something?"
"Oh, actually, I got into a bit of a fight with Mizuki when he tried to—"
"AHHH!" I quickly cut him off, clamping a hand over his mouth. Shikamaru and Chouji blinked at me, puzzled.
"Umm, Darren, why did you—"
"Oh, it's nothing!" I quickly responded, trying to brush it off.
"Nothing? But I heard Naruto saying—"
"Ah, you know how Naruto is!" I added hastily. "He tends to turn every story into an epic tale, so…" I explained hurriedly, not wanting to delve into the details of our altercation with Mizuki—especially the part about the Nine-Tailed Fox.
When Naruto got the headband from my grandpa, we were instructed to keep quiet about the incident. Mizuki was still under investigation, and my grandpa didn't want any details getting out. I didn't want my best friend to spill the whole story and risk getting into big trouble. I wouldn't be able to defend him if that happened.
As I kept my hand over Naruto's mouth, I hoped Shikamaru and Chouji would drop the subject and move on. But I could tell they were still curious, and I knew I needed to come up with something convincing to divert their attention.
Just then, a noise from the corridor grew louder, grabbing our attention. We turned toward the door, curious about the commotion. Within moments, two girls burst into the room with the same energy we had shown earlier, their dramatic entrance serving as the perfect distraction.
"GOAL!" they shouted in unison, filling the room with excitement. They were breathless, clearly having raced each other to the classroom just as we had.
"L-looks like I won this time, Sakura!" Ino declared, casting a smug glance at the pink-haired girl beside her.
"H-Huh?! What are you talking about, Ino?! I got here first!" Sakura shot back, disbelief evident in her tone.
Ino's eyebrows twitched in annoyance at Sakura's challenge. She wasn't one to back down, and her irritation was clear as she snapped, "Oh yeah?! Wanna go again, forehead?!"
The word "forehead" hit a nerve, and Sakura's response was immediate and sharp. "Bring it on, Ino-pig!"
The tension between the two girls quickly escalated as they locked eyes, their standoff charged with anticipation. The air seemed to crackle as they squared off, each ready for the next round of their rivalry.
However, their argument halted when Ino noticed us watching.
"Oh, hey there," she greeted us, her tone shifting to something more casual.
"Hey, Ino," Shikamaru replied, his voice calm as usual.
"Why were you guys just standing around, watching us?" Ino asked, her curiosity piqued.
"Well, we were talking to Darren and Naruto before you showed up," Chouji explained.
The mention of Naruto's name caught Ino's attention, and she turned to look at him, her eyes widening slightly in surprise when she noticed the blonde, spiky-haired boy with my hand still covering his mouth.
Naruto managed a wave with his free hand, his expression a mix of amusement and annoyance.
"Umm, Darren. Why are you covering his mouth?" Ino asked.
"Oh, you know. Just trying to calm him down about how he got the Konoha headband, that's all," I replied, keeping my hand tight.
She wasn't entirely convinced by my explanation, and I could tell she was about to press the issue further. She glanced over at Shikamaru and Chouji, silently asking if they thought I was telling the truth.
For a moment, I thought the two might press the issue too. But then, as if reaching a silent agreement, Shikamaru and Chouji shrugged, seeming to accept my explanation.
"Well, Darren does seem to be telling the truth," Chouji said between bites of his chips.
"Yeah," Shikamaru added, "Naruto always has a flair for exaggeration. Remember when he claimed he took down an enemy shinobi who was spying on the Hokage?"
"Oh, yeah!" Chouji chuckled. "He always has some epic story up his sleeve."
Seeing the two not pressing the issue further, I exhaled quietly, relieved that the matter seemed to be fading away.
However, Naruto's patience finally snapped. With a frustrated grunt, he wrenched my hand away from his mouth.
"It's true this time!" he shouted, determination in his voice. "I really did it! I really fought Mizuki when he tried to hurt Darren!"
The room fell silent for a moment as Naruto's words hung in the air. I froze, panic rising inside me.
Great job, Naruto, I thought. Now, how am I going to cover this up?! I hung my head low, feeling doomed.
Instead of reacting with shock, Shikamaru gave Naruto a curious look. "Mizuki? You mean... Mizuki-sensei ? You fought him to protect Darren?" His tone was oddly casual, making me nervous.
"Oh yeah!" Naruto continued, puffing out his chest with pride. "I used the Shadow Clone Jutsu to save him! Gramps was so impressed that he gave me the headband and let me graduate!"
I braced for the worst, expecting Shikamaru, Chouji, and Ino to ask me for clarification on whether this was true.
But to my surprise, they started to laugh instead of interrogating me about Naruto's story.
"Oh, Naruto!" Shikamaru smirked. "You're something else."
"Yeah," Chouji added, laughing. "You've got quite the imagination, as usual!"
Ino rolled her eyes but couldn't help smirking. "Seriously, Naruto? You're still trying to make yourself look like a hero? Poor Darren, having to deal with your wild stories."
Naruto's face fell, disbelief evident. "B-but it's true! It really happened!"
Sakura, who had been watching and listening to our conversation, stepped forward with a skeptical look. "You need to grow up, Naruto," she said firmly. "No one believes your ridiculous stories anymore."
Naruto's shoulders slumped, looking around at everyone, frustration palpable. "I swear it happened! Why doesn't anyone believe me?!"
Their laughter slowly died down, leaving Naruto looking dejected. Meanwhile, I let out a quiet sigh of relief, grateful that no one took his story seriously. With that issue settled, I focused on the task at hand—today's orientation.
As the laughter faded, the school bell rang, signaling the start of the day.
Ⅳ
"From this day forward, you are all Ninjas of Konoha Village. To get here, you faced difficult trials and hardships to earn the Konoha Headband. However, this achievement signifies not an end but a beginning—a turning point. Now, you're Genin, first-level Ninjas; all Genin will be grouped into squads, each led by a Jounin, an elite Shinobi."
The mention of squad assignments immediately captured everyone's attention, sparking anticipation in the room. I had heard that each squad typically consisted of two boys and one girl, following the traditional norm in Konoha's Shinobi.
While there were exceptions, such as all-boy or all-girl squads, the traditional arrangement had always been the norm. However, Iruka-sensei's next announcement sent a ripple of surprise through the class, revealing a slight deviation from the norm for this year's team designation.
"Before I move forward with the squad assignments, I must bring one additional matter to your attention. This year, one squad will comprise four Genins."
Upon hearing this, murmurs spread as we exchanged puzzled glances about this unexpected change.
"Four Genins?" Ino perked up. She turned to me, knowing my grandpa was involved in team selections. "Darren, did you know about this?"
"Nope." I shook my head. "First time hearing it, honestly."
"Hmm…" Ino furrowed her brow. "My dad didn't mention anything about this. I wonder who it could be…"
"Who knows?" Shikamaru chimed in. "I have a feeling it's going to be troublesome. But I'm sure it won't be me. I already know which team I'm on."
"How can you be so sure?" I asked curiously.
Shikamaru smirked slightly. "Considering me, Ino, and Chouji's lineage, it's practically set in stone. Our fathers and their fathers were part of the Ino-Shika-Cho formation. It's been a tradition for fifteen generations. Why change it now?"
"Oh, come on, Shikamaru." Ino's tone was sharp, hinting at defiance. "Just because our parents were part of it doesn't mean we will follow the same path. Things can change, you know."
Shikamaru raised an eyebrow, considering her words. "That's true," he admitted. "But sometimes it's easier to accept things as they are rather than hoping for change. Makes life less troublesome."
"You're so practical." Ino's teasing tone softened the tension. "There's nothing wrong with having a little hope," she added, her eyes flicking toward Sasuke sitting at the front.
Her gaze lingered on him, and I could practically see her daydreaming about being on the same team.
As Ino's attention remained fixed on Sasuke, Iruka-sensei began announcing the teams. "Alright, let's get started."
Ⅴ
As more Genin names scrolled across the board, Iruka-sensei finally revealed Team 7: Naruto Uzumaki, Haruno Sakura, and Sasuke Uchiha.
Initially, Naruto was thrilled to be on the same team as his longtime crush, Sakura. However, his excitement quickly faded when he realized Sasuke was also assigned to their team. I could only hope Naruto would get along with Sasuke despite his apparent dislike for the Uchiha.
Ino's reaction was telling; she embodied pure disappointment, burying her cheeks in her hands, unable to accept that Sasuke was on Sakura's team.
Shikamaru smirked, confident in his prediction about the Ino-Shika-Cho trio. His intuition was correct when Iruka-sensei announced Team 10: Ino Yamanaka, Shikamaru Nara, and Chouji Akimichi.
Just when we thought the team selection was finalized, Iruka-sensei surprised us with one more member for Team 10: me, Darren Sarutobi.