Naruto: Path of Uchiha

Chapter 13: Team Formation

Naruto and his friends have graduated at the age of just seven. They are the first to graduate from their generation. Now what's left is for them to find out their teammates along with their sensei.

Naruto's POV

After graduation, Sasuke and I headed straight towards our home to break the good news to the family.

Papa was really proud, and Mama showered us with compliments. Kakashi Nii-san and Itachi Nii-san were out of the village, so we couldn't share the news with them yet. Obito Nii-san looked proud as well as excited, though he had a mischievous look to him, like he knew something we didn't.

As of now, Sasuke and I were heading towards the academy to be assigned to our respective teams. Shikamaru and Hinata told us that they'd join us there.

'You know which teams we're going to get assigned to?' Sasuke asks as we walk towards our destination.

'I'm sorry, but I am not a fortune teller by any means', I say with a straight face.

'It seems like I am rubbing off on you'
'Nah, I've always been this sarcastic'

Sasuke and Kurama both scoff in unison.

                                     ***

We enter the academy. I look over and see many graduates, all considerably older than us.

I spot Hinata and Shikamaru in the distance coming towards us.

'I am really nervous', Hinata says as she fidgets with her fingers.

'Don't be. Whichever team we will be put on, I'm sure we'll be just fine', I assure her, and she smiles in return.

An announcement is made, and all the graduates start forming a queue across, ready to be assigned to their teams.

My eyes meet Iruka sensei, who's also here, and we both exchange a smile.

'Alright! Be quiet, everyone! Let's start the announcements now', a man with long black hair, who I don't recognize, says, gaining the attention of everyone.

One by one, each team is announced. Some look happy with their teams, while others have dreadful looks on their faces.

After a while, only a handful of graduates are left.

'Team 7! Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, and Hinata Hyuga', the man announces.

That's surprising; I didn't think we would be placed on the same team. I look over to my left, and Sasuke and Hinata look  just as surprised. Shikamaru just shrugs.

'I get why you all are surprised. Normally, teams are formed based on the skills of the individuals, but since you all have graduated early, we figured it would be best to group you all together considering you all belong to the same age group', Iruka sensei explains, noticing the shocked look on our faces.

That makes sense; problems would arise if our teammates were older than us; they would obviously feel superior.

But there is still Shikamaru left. He's bound for Ino-Shika-Cho. What did Ji-chan plan for him?

'What about Shikamaru?' Sasuke asks, mirroring my thoughts.

'Well, after deep consideration, the Hokage has decided that Shikamaru will be a part of Team 7 temporarily, until Ino and Choji graduate. It will be the first four-cell team in the history of Konoha'.

'Already making history at such young ages?'
'As it seems'

'Wow, that's awesome! A four-cell team? This will be spectacular!' Sasuke says, clearly excited.

Hinata and Shikamaru look just as happy as him.

I am really excited as well, being on the same team as three of my best friends? It's a dream come true.

'Alright. Now that's settled, let me tell you who your Jonin sensei is', the man besides Iruka sensei says as he goes through the list.

We all wait in anticipation.

'Team Seven's Jonin sensei will be Obito Uchiha. You all can go ahead to your classroom to meet him', he adds.

This leaves all four of our jaws hanging.

                                       ***

It's been an hour since the four newly graduates have gathered in their classroom, waiting for their sensei, who's yet to come.

'We should've gone home first; we knew he would be late', Sasuke says, clearly dissatisfied.

'Tardiness is embedded in his personality; we can't do anything about it', Naruto, who's lying atop one of the desks, remarks.

'Why did he choose to be a sensei when he was the jonin commander?', Hinata asks.

'Only he knows. Uhh, this is so troublesome', Shikamaru, who's just as tired as the other three, says.

Just then, a figure appears. He has short, trimmed hair and is wearing the standard uniform.

'Finally, you're here', surprisingly, Hinata is the first to complain.

It looks like even her patience has a limit.

'Yeah sorry! I had to save a dog on my way. Anyways, let's start with introductions, shall we?'

'You should go first; tell us why you became a sensei while you're at it', Sasuke says with a frown,  still angry with his tardiness.

'Okay. You bunch must be wondering why I am your sensei out of all the people. Well, you know I want to be Hokage; the current Hokage advised me to take up this position to improve my leadership skills', he explains.

'As for why I was given this team, I requested it. Why? You don't have to know', he adds.

'Makes sense', Naruto mumbles.

'Alright. Now let's begin with introductions! I am Obito Uchiha, age 17, and my dream is to become Hokage. My likes are sweet food, and my dislikes are scum who abandon their teammates'.

After finishing with his introduction, Obito's eyes go over to the Hyuga, 'You can go next'.

'My name is Hinata Hyuga; my age is 7. My dream is to be strong, like my father, and kind, like my mother. My likes are people who don't give up easily, and my dislike is unfair treatment',

'My name is Sasuke Uchiha; my age is 7, and my dream is to make my clan proud. My likes are tomatoes, and I dislike anyone who treats my family badly',

'Shikamaru Nara. Age is 7 years old. My dream is to spend the rest of my life playing shogi. I like watching the clouds, and I dislike fighting if not necessary'.

'Naruto Uzumaki. Age is 7. My dream is to become Hokage. I like ramen, and as for my dislikes... I don't know'.

'That's good everyone! I have to go now. Meet me tomorrow morning at training ground 3 for your actual test', Obito says as he sunshins away.

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Naruto's POV

Yesterday was a ride. I graduated, and now I am on team 7 with my three best friends.