Natsumi: Beyond the Shadow of Giants.

Chapter 2 - Goodbye, Ninja Academy

The classroom at the Ninja Academy buzzed with a nervous energy, a contained chaos that seemed to mirror the anxiety of every student. Young genins, freshly graduated, took their seats, but few were truly present. The conversations, the expressions, and even the way they moved indicated that their minds were consumed by assumptions and expectations about what was to come. The future felt closer and more real than ever before.

Natsumi entered the familiar space for the last time. Her eyes scanned the room in search of Kurenai and Rin, who waved to her from a corner near the window. It was their favorite spot, not only because of the refreshing breeze that came through but because it offered a wide view of the room. Natsumi knew this wasn't just the last day at the Academy; it was the beginning of something bigger, something irrevocable. She sat down next to her friends, trying to absorb the moment.

Around her, voices rose and fell in a crescendo that reflected the collective anxiety. "Am I going to be with them?" she thought, the idea hammering away in her mind like an inevitable worry. No matter how hard she tried not to dwell on it, she couldn't help it. More than anything, she wanted to stay by Kurenai and Rin's side, her allies inside and outside the classroom. However, she knew the possibilities were slim.

"My dad probably tried to talk to the Hokage about this," she thought with a wry smile. "I bet he suggested forming an all-girls team, away from any boys for at least a decade." The thought pulled a low, involuntary chuckle from her, which was quickly silenced by the rising excitement in the room.

Daikoku-sensei, a man whose presence was always accompanied by an almost automatic silence, entered the room with firm steps. The conversation ceased immediately, as if all the students had silently agreed that this was the moment to stop and pay attention.

"Good morning, young ninjas!" he began, his deep, precise voice filling the room. His posture was impeccable, a silent reminder that there was no room for uncertainty or hesitation here. "Today marks the start of a new journey. The formation of the genin teams is the moment you stop being mere students and begin walking the path as true ninjas of Konoha."

The weight of his words seemed to double the air in the room. Natsumi noticed the growing tension around her: stiff shoulders, eyes fixed on the teacher, and in some cases, trembling hands. She herself felt her chest tighten, as if the environment were conspiring to make the moment even more intense.

"From this moment on," Daikoku continued, adjusting the papers in his hands, "you will be assigned to teams. You will work together, train together, and face real challenges together. Your Jounins will be responsible for guiding you through this process. Listen carefully."

Natsumi straightened her posture, fighting the unease that seemed to grow in every muscle of her body. She knew there was no point in worrying. Even so, she couldn't stop her mind from wandering. "Will the sensei be strict? Will I be able to adapt? What if I end up in a team where no one likes me?"

When Daikoku began announcing the names, the silence grew even more oppressive. With each team called, Natsumi felt the tension intensify. Kurenai and Rin were equally focused, and for a moment, the three of them exchanged brief glances, filled with a silent understanding: whatever happened from that moment on, everything would change.

Daikoku-sensei made a brief gesture with his hand, signaling that the moment had finally come. His eyes scanned the list in his hands, the same list that would determine not only the teams but perhaps even the fates of everyone present. His expression showed the calm of someone who had witnessed this ritual countless times, but for the students, it was anything but routine.

"Team 10: Asuma Sarutobi, Kurenai Yuhi, and Aoba Yamashiro. The Jounin in charge will be Shikaku Nara."

The news hit Natsumi like a stone thrown into calm waters. Her eyes immediately turned to Kurenai, who seemed to have conflicting emotions. Her friend's shy smile couldn't hide the nervousness on her face. For a moment, Natsumi tried to convince herself that this was a good thing. Kurenai would be with Asuma, the Hokage's son, someone trustworthy with remarkable skills. Still, a pang of disappointment surged within her, impossible to ignore.