Chapter 13: Squad Assignments

The next morning, the academy was buzzing with excitement and nervous anticipation. The newly graduated genin filled the classroom, each student awaiting their squad assignment. Kai walked in with his usual calm demeanor, taking a seat in the back corner to quietly observe. He noticed Naruto fidgeting anxiously, Sakura stealing glances at Sasuke, and other students chattering as they awaited their names to be called.

Iruka-sensei stepped to the front of the classroom, holding a clipboard. "All right, everyone," he called out, silencing the room. "Today, you're being assigned to your three-man squads. Each team will have a Jonin sensei to lead and train you as you begin your missions as genin of the Hidden Leaf Village."

Iruka began reading through the list, calling out names and squads.

"Team 10," he announced. "Shikamaru Nara, Ino Yamanaka, and Choji Akimichi. Your Jonin sensei will be Asuma Sarutobi."

Shikamaru sighed, muttering something about how troublesome it all sounded, but Ino seemed thrilled as she glanced over at her teammates. Choji gave a small, satisfied nod.

Iruka moved on. "Team 8: Hinata Hyuga, Kiba Inuzuka, and Shino Aburame. Your Jonin sensei will be Kurenai Yuhi."

Hinata gave a shy smile, while Kiba patted Akamaru, looking excited about his new teammates. Shino, as always, remained quiet, but there was a slight hint of satisfaction in his gaze.

Then, Iruka paused, giving a small smile before calling out the next team.

"Team 7: Naruto Uzumaki, Sakura Haruno, and Sasuke Uchiha. Your Jonin sensei will be Kakashi Hatake."

Naruto let out a loud cheer, punching the air. "Yes! I'm in the same team as Sakura!" He grinned, glancing eagerly at her, completely ignoring Sasuke.

Sakura sighed but smiled softly, glancing at Sasuke, thrilled to be on the same team as him. "At least I'm with Sasuke-kun..." she muttered to herself, ignoring Naruto's enthusiasm.

Sasuke, meanwhile, remained stoic, only glancing briefly at his new teammates. (This could be interesting,) he thought, sizing up Naruto as a potential rival, with Sakura's presence barely registering in his mind.

Iruka continued down the list until nearly every name had been called. Finally, he addressed the class, looking over to Kai.

"Kai," Iruka said, drawing the class's attention. "Due to your unique abilities, the Hokage has decided to assign you to a solo squad. For now, you'll train under rotating Jonin senseis until a permanent placement is determined."

Kai nodded quietly, his face giving away little. He'd expected this. A solo team suited him well, giving him the chance to operate more freely and focus on his personal goals.

"All right," Iruka announced. "Your Jonin senseis will be here shortly to meet each of you."

One by one, the Jonin senseis entered the classroom. Asuma walked in first, a lit cigarette in hand, and gestured to Shikamaru, Ino, and Choji to follow him out. Kurenai soon followed, leading Team 8 with a calm smile.

When Kakashi entered, the room seemed to grow quiet. With his laid-back, unreadable expression, he looked over Team 7, his visible eye half-closed as if he were only mildly interested.

Naruto stared at him with a mixture of awe and curiosity. "Is that really our sensei?" he whispered loudly to Sakura.

Kakashi raised a hand in a casual greeting. "Hmm… you're Team 7, right? Let's meet on the rooftop."

And just like that, he disappeared in a puff of smoke, leaving Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke to scramble out the door after him.

Kai watched each team leave, his own mind already working on how he would approach his training. With a solo setup, he knew he'd have the flexibility to improve his skills on his own terms, but he was also curious about the Jonin who would be guiding him. Each had a different style, and each perspective could help refine his abilities in a unique way.

As the classroom emptied, Iruka approached him, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Kai, I know this setup may seem unconventional, but the Hokage feels it's the best way for you to adapt."

Kai nodded. "I understand, Iruka-sensei. I'll make the most of it."

Iruka gave him a warm smile. "Good. I have no doubt you will. Your first training session is set for tomorrow. A Jonin will come by your apartment in the morning to guide you to the training grounds."

With a final nod, Kai left the academy, stepping out into the village under the afternoon sun. Today marked the start of his journey, and though he was not part of a traditional team, he was ready to prove his strength and make his own mark. The graduation test had been only the beginning. From here, every step would bring him closer to his ultimate goal.