善狐・ZENKO

２章・Chapter 2

"Yes, that's pretty much it." Kakashi nodded lazily, appraising his students' reactions as you gracefully rose from your bow.

"Hold on!" The pink-haired girl formed a fist in her left, bringing it up to her chest as she raised her right palm in the air as if signalling her turn to speak in class. Your lips quirked up at her mannerismsーyou could already tell she had been the teacher's pet back at the academy.

"I've never heard of this shadowing program before," she continued, eyes darting between you and Kakashi, "Has this been mandated by the proper authorities?"

"As a matter of fact, Hokage-sama himself has personally appointed me to this team. So, yes." You smiled widely.

She still appeared to be at a loss for words, so you elaborated, "This is a new program that the council is trialling. In the past, the village did not have the luxury to execute such plans but we are currently observing an era of peace, so honourable Lord Third has graciously proceeded with this initiative to ensure the capabilities of future squad-leading chūnin."

Although still appearing hesitant, the pink-haired girl conceded, "Ah, yeah that makes sense..."

"Wait," the brooding raven-haired boy interjected this time, "This is... You're kidding, right? A new addition to the team is going to throw everything off. Four-man squads exist for a reason."

Not to mention this being another unwelcome surprise that'll drag me down. Of course, he didn't vocalise that thought.

"Yeah!" The pink-haired girl suddenly regained her vigour, nodding furiously, "Too many people on a squad can be dangerous!"

"Yeah, yeah!" Chimed the blonde haired boy, nodding as he crossed his arms, "And like... this is all too sudden yanno? We just graduated the other day so I was kinda just expecting it to be the four of us..."

"Oh my, I apologise that my presence has caused so much distress." You hid your surprised expression behind a delicate hand, "I assure you that my being here will not interfere with any of you in the slightest. That is what a shadowing entails, does it not? I will merely stand to the side and observe how your sensei leads you. I am not permitted to lay a hand concerning your tasks, even in aid."

The black-haired boy narrowed his eyes at you, contemplating your answer before turning away with a huff. Although begrudging, he seemed at least satisfied enough with your response to drop the subject.

"Hey, so," the blonde boy waved to get your attention to which you happily gave, "Do the other teams have someone like you watching them too?"

"From your cohort? Perhaps. I do not know for sure, but there are certainly others assigned to watch over other genin teams." The lie flowed naturally. Not that they would ever know, anyways.

"Ohh... Okay, cool, cool..." the blonde nodded in a way that belied his apparent understanding, "So, uh, what's your name anyway?"

"Ah! How rude of me to not properly introduce myself earlier." You offered another deep bow along with your full name.

"Huh?" the pink-haired girl seemed to be piecing something together in her mind as she stared at your facial markings with added purpose, "Your surname—you said it was Inarinomiya?"

"Yes, correct." You continued to smile without a care, "You're familiar? Apologies, that's a silly question—I'm sure you've studied our clan back at the academy."

"Oh, yes we did..." She nodded, body language turning meek as she turned her gaze to the left, away from your piercing stare.

You followed her gaze to see it led to the black-haired boy, who seemed to have understood what the pink-haired girl was alluding to as they both shared a knowing glance. The blonde seemed out of the loop, however, if his cocked head was any indication.