What? I took Shino's place?
Hm, maybe because of the Genjutsu mastery I showed recently...?
Must be Hiruzen's doing...
The moment Ryuku's name was mentioned, Ino softly dropped her head onto the bench and fell silent.
Why was I expecting so much, huh... She let out a disappointed sigh and closed her eyes.
Ryuku noticed her behavior and was quietly amused, but he didn't say a word. Why should he console her for her childishness?
She'll get over it… she's Ino, after all.
On the other side, Hinata stole a few glances at Ryuku, and when their eyes met for a moment, she gave a small nod. Her insecure expression was as usual as ever.
Ryuku returned the nod with a light smile. "Let's give our all for the team, Hinata."
Hearing his words, Hinata showed a barely noticeable smile. "Y-Yes." Her voice was quiet, almost a whisper.
Ino groaned in protest. "Why am I not included? Just why..."
Wanting to comfort her but lacking the courage and self-confidence, Hinata remained neutral with her lips sealed.
However, Ryuku already knew the reason.
It's because of your clan's history, girl...
The Ino-Shika-Cho team has always been the same in every generation.
"Group Six: Aburame Shino, Hayate Kaito, and Shiranui Ayaka," Iruka announced the next team.
As Ryuku took note of the members in Group Six, he arrived at a single conclusion.
Shiranui and Hayate, huh... Small ninja families, but extremely loyal to Konoha.
So Shino was placed with them because of me…
He glanced at the brown-haired girl and the spiky black-haired boy for a moment, then closed his eyes.
Then came the next announcement.
"Now then, next is Group Seven..." Iruka smiled slightly. "Uzumaki Naruto, Haruno Sakura, and Uchiha Sasuke."
A few grumbles came from the other side—obviously from Naruto and Sasuke.
Ino let out another groan, her head still buried in her arms. "Ughh…"
This is unfair... Who the hell picked these teams!?
Why does that bitch get to be with the guy she likes? Damnit...
As for Ryuku, he didn't show any surprise.
Naruto and Sasuke on different teams? That was never going to happen under Hiruzen's rule.
One was desperate for power, the other for acknowledgment. Hiruzen knew them too well. He would rather pit them against each other to ensure constant growth than let such a golden opportunity go to waste.
A perfect setup. Double the benefit. The top scorer and the dead last. Strangely enough, they complemented each other.
At last, Iruka announced the final team. "Group Ten: Yamanaka Ino, Nara Shikamaru, and Akimichi Choji."
Why Group Ten, not Eight? Ryuku wondered.
Hearing her name at last, Ino lifted her head in quiet frustration and asked, "Iruka-sensei, why is it Group Ten? Shouldn't it be Eight?"
Ryuku turned his head, surprised by the sudden question. Did she just read my mind?
He dismissed the thought after noticing the uninterested look on her face.
Coincidence, I guess...
Iruka gave a nod and explained, "It is because of Konoha's legacy of the three clans: Yamanaka, Nara, and Akimichi. These three families have fought side by side for generations, forming what's known as the Ino-Shika-Cho formation. That's why Group Ten is always made up of their descendants—just like it was during your father's time."
Ino puffed her cheeks slightly and sat down.
Ryuku gave her a side glance, finding her childish antics amusing.
She noticed him looking and smirked. "Are you looking at me, Ryuku-kun?"
"Stop imagining things," he responded with a counter smile.
Rolling her eyes, she chuckled. "Oh, now I'm imagining things..."
This girl... she's the complete opposite of Hinata, Ryuku mused.
While they were lost in their teasing, Iruka finally ended his speech.
"That's all for the group division. In the afternoon, I'll introduce you to your Jonin teachers.
Until then, you're dismissed."
Hearing that they were dismissed until the afternoon, students began to leave the classroom—some in their respective groups, others alone.
Ryuku was also getting ready to leave when a loud voice reached his ears.
"Hey, you're Ryuku, right?"
A boy with spiky brown hair and red fang-like markings on his cheeks strode over, wearing an excited grin and a gray hooded jacket. He was none other than Inuzuka Kiba, the third teammate of Ryuku and Hinata.
"I'm Kiba! And this little guy's Akamaru, my partner."
"Woof!" A puppy's head popped out of his jacket.
Ryuku nodded with a friendly smile. "Nice to meet you, both."
Seeing the little pup, Ino mewled, her expression softening. "So cute…" She reached out to touch him, but froze when Akamaru bared his sharp canines.
Hmph. I take that back... not cute at all…
"He's still uncomfortable with strangers," Kiba explained, then his eyes lit up as he barked with confidence, "With me and Akamaru, Hinata's special techniques, and your healing Jutsu—we won't lose to anyone! Hahaha!"
Hinata blinked in surprise.
Special… techniques? But I only know a little bit of Gentle Fist…
She couldn't understand what Kiba was talking about.
He's loud… Ino thought.
Meanwhile, Ryuku kept a friendly front, though he couldn't help but wonder:
He sure is hyped up… Are all Inuzuka clan members like him?
Then a distressed voice sounded from the next bench.
"Am I being left out or what?"
A boy with naturally narrowed eyes and spiky ponytail strolled lazily toward the group.
"I see you've already started bonding with your real teammates, Ino," he said with all but sharpness.
"Huh?" Ino furrowed her brows in annoyance. "Why are you using me to butt into the conversation, Shikamaru?"
With a sigh, the culprit shoved his hands into his pockets.
"Tch, so it didn't work." Glancing at his friend Choji, who stood waiting near the entrance, he added, "Well then, join us when you're done. I'm leaving..."
Though brief, his words were clear: they, Ino-Shika-Cho, were a team now. It was his subtle way of telling Ino she should stick with the group—for her sake and the team's.
He's sharp as ever… though that laziness is another story…
Noticing the nearly empty classroom, Ryuku decided to join the lazy genius.
"Wait, Shikamaru," he called out.
Shikamaru stopped. "What is it?"
Ryuku smiled, pulling out a storage scroll from his ninja pouch. "Since we're leaving anyway, how about we head out together? I made some meatballs this morning… care to join in?"
"Meatballs?!! I love meatballs!!" Choji shouted, eyes sparkling.
Homemade meatballs? Ryuku's?
Ino's eyes lit up. She nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, yes! Let's do that!"
Kiba gave a thumbs up. "I'm in."
As for Hinata, she simply offered a soft, "O-okay."
Shikamaru shrugged. "Do what you want."
But the grumble from his stomach betrayed him.
"…"
"Ooh~ someone's hungry…" Ino smirked.
Dammit, kaa-san… It's your fault for serving fermented soybeans for breakfast…
Without replying, he walked off with slightly red ears.
The others could only giggle and laugh together.