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Naruto rubbed his temples in frustration. "No, Sasuke, you've got it all wrong. I really don't have some secret training method."
But Sasuke wasn't buying it. At this point, he wasn't even focused on becoming a ninja anymore, he just wanted answers.
Seeing the two at an impasse, Iruka tentatively intervened. "Why don't you both return to the classroom for now? We'll let Mizuki inform the Hokage and allow Lord Third to make the final decision."
"That works for me," Sasuke agreed quickly.
In Konoha, the Hokage's word was law. If the Hokage ordered Naruto to become a ninja, Sasuke doubted even he would refuse.
With that settled, the three returned to the classroom.
One by one, the other students trickled in. Naruto slumped into his seat beside Hinata, propping his chin on his hand as he stared absently at the ceiling, savoring the rare quiet moment.
Iruka soon began announcing team assignments.
Hinata's shoulders drooped slightly. "I'm… not in the same team as Naruto."
Naruto gave her a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "Don't worry, Hinata. Even if we're not in the same team, we can still hang out whenever you want."
After spending so much time together, Hinata had grown somewhat accustomed to his casual affection. Though her cheeks still flushed pink, she no longer fainted on the spot, progress in Naruto's book.
Suddenly, Sakura's voice cut through the murmurs. "Wait, Iruka-sensei! Why don't I have a team?"
Beside her, Ino stifled a giggle behind her hand. While she wasn't paired with Naruto either, at least she had a squad unlike poor Sakura, left teamless.
Iruka adjusted his forehead protector with a sigh. "Sakura, your original teammates are… in a unique situation. We're waiting for the Hokage's final decision."
'The Hokage himself?'
Sakura's disappointment instantly morphed into pride. This was like being told her future would be decided by the village leader an honor, no doubt!
Naruto understood her reaction perfectly. It was the equivalent of a trade school graduate being personally assigned a job by the nation's president instead of ending up on a factory line.
As time passed, one team after another was called away by their respective jōnin instructors. Soon, only Sakura, Sasuke, and Naruto remained in the empty classroom.
Sakura's excitement bubbled over. She never imagined her potential teammates would be Naruto and Sasuke, the two most sought-after students in the academy.
Naruto in particular, was so handsome it was almost unfair. If she had to describe him in one word?
'The spitting image of the Fourth Hokage.'
That alone spoke volumes.
Seizing the opportunity, Sakura plopped herself next to Naruto, ready to strike up a conversation, Just then the door swung open.
Sarutobi Hiruzen the Third Hokage, stepped inside, flanked by Mizuki and Iruka.
Sasuke and Sakura shot to their feet, eyes wide with awe. The Hokage only made appearances during enrollment season, seeing him now was unprecedented.
Known as the God of Shinobi and the Professor, Hiruzen was a legend. Even his three legendary disciples (though they'd since left the village) were testaments to his prowess.
'If I could train under him… ' Sasuke's gaze burned with ambition.
But Hiruzen barely glanced his way. Instead, he addressed Naruto warmly. "Naruto my boy, why this reluctance to become a ninja?"
Naruto had prepared his answer. "I don't like being tied down."
Hiruzen immediately pinpointed the issue. Ninjas followed orders; they were bound by duty. Naruto however, thrived in solitude, a free spirit.
Time for the emotional appeal.
"Your parents were both exceptional shinobi, Naruto. They gave their lives for Konoha. Don't you want to carry on their legacy?"
Sasuke and Sakura blinked in surprise. 'Naruto had parents?'
Sasuke muttered under his breath, "Wait, Naruto has parents?"
Naruto flicked him on the forehead. "What kind of question is that? You think I just spawned out of nowhere?"
"Ah.....sorry," Sasuke mumbled, chastised.
Sakura bit her tongue. 'Thank goodness Sasuke spoke first. That could've been me.'
Naruto shook his head. "With all due respect, Lord Hokage, I don't want to end up like them. Maybe that makes me selfish."
Sakura clasped her hands together, sighing dreamily. "So brave, admitting his flaws so openly…"
Naruto resisted the urge to facepalm. 'This girl…'
Sasuke, however, was reassessing Naruto. Defying the Hokage took guts, more than he'd realized.
An idea struck him.
"Hokage-sama," Sasuke interjected, "what if Naruto became our squad's instructor?"
Hiruzen frowned. "Naruto is skilled, yes, but experience matters. Teaching is another matter entirely."
Sasuke pressed on. "Experience comes with time. If anyone can guide us, it's him."
Sakura nodded eagerly. "Naruto's the strongest in our class!"
Hiruzen exhaled through his pipe. These kids were relentless.
But the proposal had merit. Letting Naruto lead on his own terms, accepting missions at his discretion might satisfy both sides.
Still, he couldn't yield too easily.
"Very well," Hiruzen said at last. "If Naruto passes my test, he'll be Team 7's instructor."