CHAPTER 18
The academy hall buzzed with excitement as the newly graduated Genin gathered to hear the results of their team placements. Aiko sat quietly among her classmates, her grey eyes flicking toward Minato and Mikoto. The three had worked together briefly during training exercises, and she wondered if fate might place them in the same team.
"All right, listen up!" the instructor called out, her voice cutting through the chatter. "I'll be announcing the teams now. Once your name is called, report to the training grounds to meet your Jonin leader."
The list of names was read one by one, each announcement met with cheers, groans, or nervous murmurs. Finally, the instructor reached the last name on her list:
"Team 7: Minato Namikaze, Mikoto Uchiha, and Aiko Nakamura. Your Jonin leader is Jiraiya of the Sannin."
A wave of murmurs spread through the room at the mention of Jiraiya's name. The legendary ninja, known for his eccentricities and unmatched skills, was both revered and feared.
Minato smiled warmly at Aiko and Mikoto. "Looks like we'll be working together. Let's make this the best team in the village!"
Mikoto nodded, her composed demeanor masking her own curiosity about their team dynamics. Aiko managed a faint smile, her mind already racing with possibilities for their future missions.
At the training grounds, the three Genin waited quietly, exchanging occasional glances as the tension grew.
"I wonder what kind of teacher Jiraiya will be," Minato said, his tone calm but thoughtful.
"He's one of the Sannin," Mikoto replied. "I'm sure he's exceptional, but his reputation for being… unpredictable makes me curious."
Aiko said nothing, her analytical mind focused on the possible challenges ahead.
Before any of them could speak, a burst of smoke erupted nearby, revealing Jiraiya in his usual flamboyant fashion. His broad grin and exaggerated pose immediately caught their attention.
"Team 7!" Jiraiya declared, his voice booming. "From this day forward, you're under the guidance of the great Jiraiya—sage of Mount Myoboku and future author of the world's greatest novel!"
Minato and Mikoto exchanged puzzled glances, while Aiko stifled a laugh.
Jiraiya waved a dismissive hand. "Don't let my brilliance distract you, kids. I may be a creative genius, but I didn't agree to train you three for nothing. By the time I'm done with you, you'll be ready for greatness."
The team's first test was a familiar one—the bell test. Jiraiya led them to a quiet clearing outside the village, where three bells hung from his waist.
"This is simple," Jiraiya explained, his tone suddenly serious. "Your goal is to take these bells from me. Fail, and it's back to the academy for you. Succeed, and you prove you're ready to be shinobi. Got it?"
The three nodded, their expressions determined.
The exercise began, and Jiraiya's skill was immediately apparent. Minato's speed and Mikoto's precision were impressive, but Jiraiya's experience easily countered their efforts.
Aiko observed closely, her system analyzing his movements. "Minato, aim for his left side," she called out. "Mikoto, use the tree line to flank him. I'll cover the distraction."
Their coordination improved as the exercise progressed, their movements becoming more synchronized under Aiko's guidance. By the end, they managed to snag one of the bells—a small victory, but enough to earn Jiraiya's approval.
"You've got potential," Jiraiya said, his grin returning. "But don't get cocky. The real work starts now."
As they walked back to the village, Minato turned to Aiko with a warm smile. "Your strategies made all the difference. We're lucky to have you on the team."
Mikoto nodded, her gaze thoughtful. "You have a sharp mind. It'll be interesting to see how far we can go together."
Aiko felt a flicker of pride, her resolve solidifying. Their journey as a team was just beginning, and she was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
Her system flickered softly, offering a new notification:
Team Synergy Progress: 10%. Leadership Path Enhanced.
This was just the beginning.