Class Assignment

Never underestimate Konoha's intelligence network.

A ninja's battles were battles of intelligence as well. (Note: in the early to mid stages.)

As the number one violent organization in the ninja world, Konoha's intelligence was naturally beyond doubt.

Even if Sakura did not want to admit it, she had to say that Shimura Danzō did a pretty good job with his underground intelligence network.

After all, he was known as The Dark Side of Shinobi.

Even if he could not discover Orochimaru, noticing a few subtle signs of trouble was no challenge. Otherwise, he would have been far too useless.

"I know."

Sakura's tone was slightly grave.

Seeing that Sakura had taken it seriously, Kakashi did not say anything else.

Things had come to this. Even though neither he nor Sakura was particularly satisfied with the arrangement, the die had been cast. There was no point in saying anything more.

"The team assignments are over below. Want to go take a look together?"

"I'm sure Naruto would be happy to see you."

Sensing the commotion below, Kakashi could not help raising an eyebrow.

"..."

Sakura had just been worrying over the matter with Naruto, and Kakashi had to bring up exactly what she did not want to talk about.

"Forget it. Go by yourself. Just don't keep me waiting too long."

Sakura waved a hand, sounding somewhat melancholy.

Before leaving, Kakashi gave Sakura a careful look and sighed inwardly.

He naturally understood Hiruzen Sarutobi's other intention.

But it probably would not work out.

No matter how he looked at it, Sakura did not seem to like Naruto. He could tell that much.

Her usual care for Naruto was simply the way an older sister cared for a younger brother.

Not long after Kakashi disappeared, Sakura heard a voice from the classroom below say, "Team 7, come with me."

Because of Sakura, Kakashi had not had the time to visit Konoha Cemetery to mourn his dead youth.

So while Team 6 and Team 8 had yet to be taken away by Yūhi Kurenai and Asuma respectively, he was the first to arrive.

A series of footsteps sounded on the stairway leading to the rooftop.

"Sensei, who's our last teammate?"

"Iruka-sensei was being all mysterious about it."

"He made it sound so weird."

"Don't tell me they're some kind of violent maniac?"

Before she even saw them, Sakura heard Naruto's chattering voice.

Even though it was his first time meeting Kakashi, he was not reserved in the slightest—a total social butterfly.

"Naruto, I'm not some violent maniac."

Sakura stood up and waved at Naruto.

The moment Naruto saw Sakura, his expression went from confused, to blank, and then to wild joy.

"Sakura!"

Naruto practically sprinted toward Sakura, intending to rush over and give her a huge hug.

But...

A slender pale finger pressed against the forehead protector on his brow.

It stopped him from taking another step forward.

Even so, it could not dampen Naruto's enthusiasm.

He circled around Sakura and shouted excitedly:

"I never thought Sakura would be my teammate!"

"Yes!"

"Ino is going to be so jealous of me!"

"Ahahahaha!"

Watching Naruto excitedly circle around her, Sakura could not help rubbing her forehead helplessly.

Then she looked at Sasuke, who stood beside Kakashi and watched her with a face full of fighting spirit. She extended her hand and spoke softly:

"Long time no see, Sasuke."

Sasuke took Sakura's hand in his, his eyes burning as he looked at her and said:

"It really has been a long time."

"Are you interested in sparring later?"

Sakura looked at Sasuke with a smile at the corner of her lips.

"Sorry, I don't have time."

Sasuke's expression stiffened slightly when his request was rejected outright.

"Alright, alright, that's enough chatting between old classmates."

Seeing this, Kakashi interrupted Sakura and Sasuke's conversation, giving Sasuke a way out.

"Tch..."

Sasuke said nothing about Sakura's rejection and simply sat down alone on the steps in silence.

Sakura sat down as well.

"Alright, this is also my first time meeting all of you, so let's introduce ourselves."

Kakashi looked at the three before him, his eyes curving into crescents.

"Introduce ourselves?"

Naruto looked at Kakashi in confusion.

"Yeah. Your names, hobbies, favorite foods, dreams, anything like that."

Kakashi raised one finger as he spoke with a smile. Glancing discreetly at Sakura, who was propping up her cheek and watching his performance, Kakashi couldn't help but break out in a cold sweat.

This is a little stressful...

"I'll give you an example first."

"Hatake Kakashi, twenty-seven years old. I have lots of hobbies, like lots of foods, and have a few dreams too~~"

"That's it."

Naruto looked at Kakashi blankly.

"So in the end, all we learned was Teacher Kakashi's name?"

"Don't worry too much about that sort of question."

Kakashi waved Naruto off, then turned his gaze toward Sakura.

Cut me some slack, Young Martial Aunt!

"Ahem."

As if she understood Kakashi's thoughts, Sakura cleared her throat and said, "Haruno Sakura, twelve years old."

"My hobby is tasting delicious food, my favorite food is dumplings, and as for my dream, I think I've already achieved it."

Hearing Sakura's words, Kakashi's thoughts stirred slightly.

Already achieved it?

Was she brushing it off like he had, or did she mean something else?

"Eh? Sakura likes tasting delicious food?"

"Then I'll definitely work hard at learning to cook!"

Naruto was immediately filled with enthusiasm.

Sakura: ...

I really don't think that's necessary.

With Naruto's brain, Sakura could figure out his ulterior motive with her pinky.

"Alright, alright, my turn, my turn!"

Naruto immediately stood up and spoke excitedly.

"I'm Uzumaki Naruto!"

"I'm twelve this year!"

"My hobby is eating Ichiraku Ramen, but now I've got another one—cooking!"

Sakura remained expressionless.

"My dream is to become Hokage!"

"I'll become the greatest Hokage, surpassing every Hokage who came before me!"

Kakashi smiled at Naruto.

"That's quite a good dream. Becoming Hokage is very difficult, you know."

"But I hope you can achieve your dream!"

But your greatest rival was sitting right beside you.

Kakashi smiled and had Naruto sit down, then turned his gaze to the last one, Uchiha Sasuke.

Sasuke spoke up with an indifferent expression.

"Uchiha Sasuke."

"No hobbies. No favorite foods."

"My only dream..."

"Is to kill that man."

Kakashi looked at the Uchiha youth before him, his expression turning slightly grave.

Compared to Sakura and Naruto, this one was the real problem child.

But having gone through something similar himself, Kakashi could understand how he felt.

"Alright, that concludes the introductions."

Kakashi rose to his feet and looked at Naruto and Sasuke.

"Tomorrow, I'll arrange a special test for you two. If you fail, get back to the Ninja Academy."

Kakashi's expression changed so abruptly that Naruto and Sasuke were caught off guard.

"Then... what about Sakura?"

Naruto asked instinctively.

"Sakura has already spent four years proving that she is a qualified ninja, so only you two will be taking the test."

"Be prepared. And remember, don't eat."

Honestly, there wasn't much to write about in this part of the plot, but I had to write it anyway. Annoying.

And while I'm at it, please keep reading.