Leading Jonin

The sharp-eyed Aburame Haru immediately noticed the inscrutable meaning in Kakashi's appraising gaze as he looked at the two of them.

Based on Aburame Haru's original assessment, the highest probability among this year's graduates was that she, Uchiha Kaze, and Inuzuka Kawa would be placed on the same team.

There were several reasons for this.

First, the three of them complemented one another well. She excelled at reconnaissance and long-range attacks. Inuzuka Kawa came from a ninja beast clan; his offensive power was formidable, but he lacked in other areas. Considering the potential of a ninja like him, whose abilities developed quickly, the village would try to give him more room to grow early on, so the teammates assigned to him would not be weak.

In the class, she and Uchiha Kaze had been his best options. The most crucial reason, however, was Uchiha Kaze's personality. If his teammates were too weak, he would look down on them. Only she and Inuzuka Kawa, who also came from ninja clans and were no weaker than him, could better ensure the team functioned properly.

But after calculating every possibility, she had never expected Uchiha Kaze's place to be taken by the suddenly appearing Hatake Kakashi.

Still, for her and Inuzuka Kawa, this unexpected development was entirely acceptable. Hatake Kakashi was visibly stronger than Uchiha Kaze and stronger than the two of them by a whole level. She truly had no idea how such a monster had done it—he was so young, yet so strong. She had never heard of the Hatake Clan possessing any Kekkei Genkai.

"I'm Aburame Haru. Please take care of me from now on." Her somewhat cool voice came from behind her raised collar.

"Please take care of me as well." Kakashi was not the sort to be arrogant because of his talent, and he politely greeted his future teammate.

"My name is Inuzuka Kawa. I have a companion named Kairi, but he went to receive special training from the clan today. I'll introduce you when you meet next time." Inuzuka Kawa had the typical cheerful disposition of the Inuzuka Clan. He could tell that although Kakashi did not speak much, he was not like Uchiha Kaze, who always acted as if he were above everyone else. Inuzuka Kawa breathed a sigh of relief and exchanged a look with Aburame Haru.

For now, the two of them were quite satisfied with Kakashi.

The three then sat at the back of the classroom and began talking with one another.

After the first Jonin opened the classroom doors and led away the first group of students, several more Jonin and Elite Chunin arrived in succession, taking the graduates from the classroom group by group.

Then, under the expectant gazes of Kakashi, Aburame Haru, and Inuzuka Kawa, a young Jonin wearing Konoha's standard vest appeared at the door. He had striking blond hair and a faint smile on his face that made those around him feel at ease, as though they were bathed in warm sunlight.

Honestly, Kakashi was delighted the moment he saw Minato.

He had previously thought that Kakashi must have joined another team after graduation before later being transferred to Minato's Team. After all, Kakashi and Obito had not graduated in the same year. He had graduated several years before them.

He did not know whether this was because of the butterfly effect, or whether Minato had been Kakashi's Jonin instructor from the very beginning.

But those guesses no longer mattered. What mattered was that Kakashi's current Jonin instructor was Minato. This was a very good thing for Kakashi, offering enormous benefits both for his safety and for the growth of his strength.

"Aburame Haru, Inuzuka Kawa, Hatake Kakashi. Please come with me, you three." Minato's gentle voice came from the doorway.

At his words, the three quickly headed for the door. After joining Minato, they left the Ninja Academy.

They made their way at an unhurried pace to a training ground near the outskirts of the village.

This training ground had been around for a long time and was somewhat abandoned. The training equipment inside also looked rather worn out. As a result, not many people usually came here to train.

"Well, it's a pleasure to meet you two. I'll be your instructor from now on. Next, let's introduce ourselves. I'll demonstrate first." Before Minato could finish speaking, the somewhat impatient Inuzuka Kawa interrupted him.

"But, Sensei, aren't there three of us? Why did you say two students?" Inuzuka Kawa scratched his head with one hand, his face full of confusion.

"Well, that's because Kakashi and I already knew each other. Of course, even though we knew each other before, we still can't skip today's introduction process, Kakashi-kun!" Minato gave a simple explanation.

As fellow disciples of the Sannin, it had been easy for the two to become acquainted. However, they had not interacted much and were merely nodding acquaintances in the past. After today, their identities would be tied together by a new bond.

"I see. All right, all right. Then please continue, Sensei."

"Very well. I'm Konoha Jonin Minato. I specialize in the Body Flicker Technique, and I also have some knowledge of sealing techniques."

"As for my dream, or rather, my goal, it is to gain the recognition of everyone in the village and then become Hokage! Because I love my family here in Konoha! What I hate is attending the funerals of comrades. The Will of Fire and Ninja Chronicle of Steadfast Resolve are things I enjoy reading in my spare time. Besides reading, I occasionally study cooking as well."

"That concludes my introduction. You three can give simple introductions like mine. What you specialize in, what you like, what you dislike, and what your dreams are—things like that."

"As for who goes first, the three of you can decide among yourselves."

After saying that, Minato waited to see what they would do.

Jiraiya-sensei, I never expected time to pass so quickly. Today, I've become an instructor too. I'll certainly give everything I have to fulfill my duty as an instructor, and pass on the ninja ideals you taught me to the next generation! Minato silently encouraged himself as he watched the three students before him with smiling eyes.

"Then I'll go first. Hello, Minato-sensei. My name is Inuzuka Kawa. I specialize in Beast Mimicry Style ninjutsu. As for my dream, it's to become the strongest person in the history of the Inuzuka Clan. Hahaha." At that point, Inuzuka Kawa laughed happily.

"And what I like is training with Kairi and becoming stronger. Kairi is my lifelong ninja beast companion. What I hate is bad smells! I just can't stand them. Mm, that's all I can think of for now. Please take care of me from now on, Minato-sensei!"

Though his personality was somewhat rash, he still possessed the upbringing of a clan ninja. After speaking, Inuzuka Kawa respectfully bowed to Minato. Although an instructor was not the same as a personal master, within Konoha's ninja system, it was still a deeply significant bond. In the years to come, Inuzuka Kawa would grow under Minato's protection, so Minato was fully deserving of this bow.

After waiting a short while and seeing that Aburame Haru had no intention of speaking, Kakashi stepped forward slightly.

"Then I'll go next."