Chapter 3: New Beginnings

The academy was buzzing with excitement. Students chattered animatedly about their upcoming futures as genin. As they settled into their seats, the room grew quiet when Naruto walked in, sporting his newly acquired Konoha headband.

Several students exchanged bewildered glances, and one loudly speculated, "Did he steal it?"

Naruto, clearly annoyed, waved his hands frantically. "I didn't steal it! I passed a make-up exam, believe it!"

The class murmured skeptically, but before anyone could press further, Sora approached Naruto with a calm expression. "Congratulations on passing, Naruto," he said, his voice carrying sincerity.

Naruto grinned widely, slapping his hand on Sora's shoulder. "Thanks, buddy!"

Sora glanced back and noticed Hinata standing nearby, her hands clasped together, her face glowing with happiness. Seeing her shy, yet heartfelt reaction, he smirked mischievously, wrapped his arm around Naruto, and began dragging him toward her.

"Come on, Naruto," Sora said. "There's someone who looks like they want to congratulate you too."

Naruto looked confused as Sora stopped in front of Hinata. "Hi, Hinata," Sora greeted her warmly before stepping aside and leaving Naruto with her.

"Uh, hey, Hinata!" Naruto said with his usual enthusiasm.

Hinata turned red, her eyes darting between Naruto and the floor. "N-Naru… Naru…" she stammered, fidgeting nervously before abruptly fainting.

Naruto yelped, panicking. "Hinata! What happened? Is she okay?!" He knelt beside her, gently shaking her shoulders. "Hinata, wake up!"

From a distance, Sora chuckled at Hinata's overwhelming shyness and Naruto's complete obliviousness.

--

Team Placements

After the commotion settled, Iruka began assigning the teams.

Team 7: Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, and Sakura Haruno.

Naruto cheered loudly, thrilled to be paired with Sakura, though his enthusiasm was dampened by the presence of Sasuke.

Sora, meanwhile, was assigned to Team 11 alongside Sai and a kunoichi named Kaori. Their sensei would be Aoba Yamashiro.

Sora's gaze landed on Sai, his lips curling into a subtle frown. Ever since Sai joined the academy two years ago, Sora had been wary of him. While Sai's fake smile fooled most of the others, Sora had seen through it early on. The boy was skilled, more skilled than he let on, and Sora suspected there was more to him than met the eye.

Though, Sora did find Sai's habit of giving people strange nicknames amusing. "Sakura is trash, Naruto's dickless, and Sasuke is duckbutt…" The names often earned Sai plenty of annoyance, but they never failed to make Sora chuckle.

As Team 11 prepared to leave with their sensei, Sora approached them with a smug grin. "You guys are gonna be stuck here for a while. Your sensei is famous for being late!"

Aoba, who had just entered the room, chuckled. "Kakashi, huh? Yeah, he's always late."

"Late?" Sakura growled, clenching her fists. "When he gets here, I'm going to kill him!"

Aoba smirked at her frustration before calling for his team. "Team 11, let's head out!"

--

Team 11's Introductions

Aoba led his team to a quiet training field just outside the village. Once there, he turned to face them with his usual cheerful demeanor. "Alright, let's get started. I'm Aoba Yamashiro, your jonin sensei. I like working with others, and I'm good at gathering intel. My goal is to make you three into an excellent team."

Kaori, a kunoichi with shoulder-length auburn hair and green eyes, stepped forward next. "My name is Kaori Tanaka. I'm good at medical ninjutsu, and I hope to become a great healer for my team!"

Sora introduced himself next. "My name is just Sora. I want to become a great ninja, one who doesn't live with regrets."

Finally, Sai stepped forward, his fake smile plastered across his face. "My name is Sai. I'm good at drawing, and I hope we all… get along."

Aoba's sharp eyes lingered on Sai for a moment before he smiled. "Well, that's an interesting introduction. Nice to meet you all."

After a brief discussion, Aoba dismissed them, instructing them to come back to this Training Ground, the next morning. With a flicker, he vanished, leaving the team behind.

As Kaori said her goodbyes and left, Sora turned to Sai, his expression serious. "So, is your mission over now that you weren't paired with Sasuke?"

Sai's smile wavered slightly. "What are you talking about?"

Sora folded his arms. "I've noticed you've been monitoring Sasuke. You've been careful, but not careful enough. I'm also guessing you're part of Root."

Sai's smile disappeared entirely, his expression turning cold.

"What does Danzo want with Sasuke?" Sora pressed.

"That's none of your business," Sai replied curtly.

"It'll be the Hokage's business once I report this," Sora countered.

Sai sighed. "Even if I wanted to tell you, I can't.

"I am guessing because of the seal that's on your tongue" Sora said

Sora narrowed his eyes but eventually relented. "Fine. I won't say anything for now. But if anything happens to Sasuke, I'll come for Danzo myself."

--

Konoha Cemetery

Kakashi stood before his father's grave, his hands in his pockets. "Hey, Dad," he murmured. "It's been a while."

His quiet moment was interrupted by a voice from behind him. "Sakumo Hatake. The White Fang of Konoha."

Kakashi turned sharply to see Sora standing a few feet away, his face calm.

"Sakumo was a hero," Sora continued. "An inspiration to many. It's a shame how he was discredited."

Kakashi stared at him in shock. "How do you know about my father's legacy?"

Sora met his gaze, his expression filled with regret. "Because I've studied history. And as great a man as Sakumo was, what he did was irresponsible. He left his son to fend for himself."

Kakashi's eyes narrowed, anger flickering in his gaze, but he stopped when he saw the deep regret in Sora's eyes.

"I'm sorry for saying that," Sora said, bowing his head slightly before turning to leave.

Sora muttered under his breath" I am sorry Kakashi"

Kakashi watched him walk away, his mind racing. There was something about the boy, something that reminded him of his father.

Tbc