***
With things returning to normal, the graduation exam eventually arrives.
Naruto showed his skills as a Shinobi, impressing the judges. Naruto is especially a master at transformation jutsu, showing the bountiful peaks, the smooth skin like jade, legs like that of a swan.
"Oni-chan~".
Iruka-sensei and the other sensei almost fainted from losing too much blood from his nose.
"NARUTOOO!!!! WHAT ARE YOU DOING!!!???".
After a quick scolding from Iruka, Naruto shows his substitution jutsu.
Then the shadow clone jutsu that's higher than cloning jutsu.
Finally, showcase of his taijutsu against a chunin instructor.
Naruto had the upper hand even when he hadn't used his shadow clones, pushing the instructor into a defensive.
Just like that, Naruto graduates along with others.
Iruka-sensei already knew of Naruto's excellence and growth over the years, he watched him after all.
He feels proud, really.
But he's also worried. His status as Jinchuriki already made him a weapon for the village. And his excellence means he would be thrown into a dangerous situation sooner.
However, it's the path Naruto chooses. And he can only support him.
"Congratulations, Naruto. From now on, you are a true Shinobi…". Iruka looks at Naruto with a smile, handing the Shinobi headband to him.
"I did it! Uwa!", Naruto jumped up and down, quickly put on his headband, looking around for a mirror.
Most of those attending the exam passed. The standard is lowered slightly, as long as they show promise in due time they would be good enough it's fine for them to graduate already.
Sending them to real missions earlier would accelerate their growth and learning anyways.
Sasuke looks at his headband, feeling good inside too because he's closer to his real goal. To kill him. Though he act nonchalant.
Iruka sensei then make an announcement after everyone received their headband.
"Tomorrow, you will be assigned to your team and also see your Jonin instructor. 9 am sharp, at class 1-A. Don't be late!".
Sasuke clenched his fist, hearing this. He hopes he gets an excellent instructor. He thought back to the time he spared with Jiraiya. He's really strong, and Sasuke wonders if Jiraiya-sama would become one of the instructors since he's back in Konoha.
A part of him wishes to be under the tutelage of such a strong man.
But unfortunately, even if Sasuke asked Jiraiya directly, Jiraiya would refuse him. Simply because his style and Sasuke's style are completely different.
Though… Jiraiya already had Sasuke in his mind at this moment.
***
Konoha Council
Jiraiya had a foul expression, looking at Koharu, then at Homura. He threw the papers containing the information on Naruto's supposed squad and his Jonin instructor.
"What's the meaning of this?". He asked in a questioning tone.
Jiraiya had investigated. These people are very likely Danzo's subordinates. And he know enough how coldblooded, scheming, or fake people under Danzo are. As if he would just look and do nothing.
"... This is the best arrangement. We need to train him. You shouldn't let your emotion cloud your judgment, Jiraiya… I know he's your late disciple's son, but for Konoha-".
"I don't agree!". Jiraiya is adamant.
"It's already decided…".
Suddenly, a cold voice broke through the tension.
From the dark, Danzo appears. His expression is already ugly. He didn't expect Jiraiya would care about this small matter to the extent of trying to disturb his plans.
"Is that so? I don't agree with it. As a Hokage candidate, my opinion matters". Jiraiya never liked to use that, and never planned to be one, but he had to this time.
Koharu looks at Homura. Homura looks at Danzo. Danzo went silent.
Jiraiya is right. He had the status and the rights to interfere. Not to mention the other candidate is Tsunade, that most likely would support Jiraiya's opinion too.
"Then what do you have in mind for him", Danzo said with a hint of murderous intent.
"Well…".
Jiraiya already had this thought. Naruto and Sasuke together is a must. They were buddies after all.
As for their sensei… his mind turned to Kakashi. Kakashi is his disciple's disciple. A holder of sharingan, who could mentor Sasuke in using it. And with his connection to Minato, he will treat and train Naruto at its best, he believes.
As for the third one… he looked up the stacks of paper containing a list of students, glancing at them one by one.
A civilian, perfect in theoretical exam, the best in chakra control, average in others…
Jiraiya felt… It's similar to his team once. This girl that's perfect in theory, with extraordinary chakra control is exactly like Tsunade. Her face is cute too…
He felt this is a good candidate to balance the team, and having a girl would make the squad lively. By fate, the first random one he selects is Sakura.
"This…". Danzo looks at the 3 names Jiraiya picked as the squad member, the Jonin instructor.
Damn it…! To think he has to tie the Uchiha to the Jinchuriki…!.
Danzo felt even more hateful. He already had plans to obtain Sasuke's sharingan, or his loyalty, with schemes in draft. After all, Sasuke had revenge in mind and it's easy to deal with him. And Itachi himself wouldn't expose the truth because that's what he wanted for Sasuke.
He almost regrets calling Jiraiya back to Konoha. Jiraiya had always been uncaring about these matters regarding the council's decisions in his entire life.
For him to barge in at this time…! Just because of Minato's son! In fact, Jiraiya barged in more because he knew Danzo was in control with the Hokage position vacant. He knew what kind of person Danzo is, of course he would see if he's up to something.
"His character that prefers to be alone and cold is not suitable to be a squad leader. The young genins need someone who would build their teamwork, lead and encourage these young people as a Shinobi of Konoha. His nature is far from inspirational, and his closed nature might lead to only neglect". Danzo tried to reason. And he believes this genuinely, actually. Kakashi is a depressed, closed up person who already pushes everyone away. How could such a person lead these young genins?
Even in the original it's arguable he did nothing much for Naruto and Sakura other than helping them work on their basics and teamwork, and is far from the best.
Compared to the Jonin instructor he specifically assigned to cater to the skills and emotions to develop a mindset of a soldier, feelings of compadre, and the will of fire (even if it's full of fake feelings and emotional manipulation) to protect the village - his choice is 10x superior!
"Don't you forget? Kakashi had experience as a squad leader, a Jonin, since 13. Also he's an ANBU captain when he's still in it. Even if he's cold in there. Besides… I believe being a teacher would fix his cold attitude. There's no reason for you to deny this suggestion", Jiraiya crossed his arms.
"...". The trio of Konoha Council remained silent.
"Fine…", Danzo had to give in. Even if he didn't, Jiraiya would always pester him, or he would pay even more close attention to Naruto since he's that wary. His plan will be disturbed regardless.
Thinking that Tsuyu is still under his control, and that she is superior to Naruto multiple times, his restlessness turned to calm, though the bitterness is still there.
***
"I am with Sasuke-kun! I can't believe this…", Sakura felt so happy. Naruto too feels happy.
"Yatta! We are in the same team! Hehe, Sakura-chan~, I will have your back! Count on me!".
"Who wants to count on you! You are hopeless! Sasuke-kun is the only one that's reliable here…", she looks towards Sasuke that's looking aloof, mature, and cool as usual.
However, contrary to Sakura expectation, he look at Sakura with a cold look.
"Just don't hold us back and stay out of the way…". In Sasuke's view, Sakura is the most useless in the team. It's not just that. She's a normal girl, and doesn't have the motivation unlike himself and Naruto.
Sakura was shocked, her heart felt like it's crushed hearing such a word.
"Sasuke! How could you say such a thing!", Naruto pulled on Sasuke's collar, glaring at him.
"Hmph. Naruto, you really think she can keep up with us?".
"You- She will!".
Sakura gasped slightly. She felt surprised that Naruto would support her.
"She's smart! She had the best chakra control among everyone! And you know what, she's… um. Yeah she can do it!".
"Idiot…". Sasuke pushed Naruto's hand away.
"... You better do…", he said coldly at Sakura as if she's a burden before shortly before turning away.
"Tch… what a jerk…", Naruto almost forgot Sasuke had always looked down on almost everyone. It's only Naruto and a few others that was acknowledged by Sasuke to have abilities. Even the foolish Kiba or the timid Hinata would have been better than Sakura in his view.
Sakura stood quietly, one hand holding the other arm, feeling insignificant.
"Sakura-chan, don't mind him! You can do it! Believe it! I will watch your back okay! Hee~", Naruto shows his bright smile, at least, giving Sakura a little comfort.
"Yes… Yes, I will Naruto", Sakura felt her spirit rise again.
Sasuke-kun, I won't disappoint you…!
She clenched her first. She will prove to Sasuke, she won't hold him back!