"Now that I've ordered tea and dango for snacks, how about you all introduce yourselves properly to the team? Mention your likes, dislikes, and hobbies—it'll be your first step toward getting familiar with each other as teammates. However..."
Kurenai suggested this with a warm expression, her eyes resting gently on them.
Hinata, Kiba, and Ryuku silently waited, letting their teacher finish her words.
"...I suppose I should be the one to start first," she added, speaking in a soothing, calm voice, and began introducing herself.
"I'm Yūhi Kurenai... I'm a Jōnin specializing in Genjutsu. I value teamwork, level-headedness, and understanding your own strengths—as well as your teammates'—because that's how real shinobi survive."
She smiled faintly before continuing, "I enjoy quiet evenings and a good cup of herbal tea. I suppose I dislike unnecessary violence… and loud people," she added, casting a teasing glance at Kiba.
"As for my dream, hm… I'd like to raise capable, kind-hearted shinobi who understand what it truly means to protect."
She's a true Jonin-level Ninja... Genjutsu aside, her overall strength should be no joke... Ryuku thought, but his composure outward remained neutral.
Once Kurenai finished, her gaze landed gently on Hinata.
"Let's start from the left, shall we?"
Upon being called, Hinata gave a subtle nod and softly began,
"I-I'm Hinata… from the Hyūga Clan. What I like is… flowers."
Her last words were barely audible, and her fingers fidgeted nervously as she continued,
"I don't really have any dislikes… M-my dream is… to gain my father's acknowledgement…"
Father's acknowledgement, huh… She's too kind for this world...
Ryuku could only wonder, showing a sympathetic look.
Hearing her words, both Kurenai and Kiba wore complicated expressions. But Kurenai quickly softened her gaze and replied gently,
"You'll just have to train harder than anyone else, and one day, I'm sure your father will have no choice but to acknowledge your strength. Okay, Hinata?"
Hinata's eyes shimmered slightly as she nodded deeply. "H-Hai."
Kurenai then turned to Kiba, silently prompting him—it was his turn next.
Grinning, Kiba began, "I'm Kiba from the Inuzuka Clan! I like meat dishes and training with Akamaru. What I dislike are bitter foods and cats! As for my dream, it's to become the strongest Inuzuka clan member! Akamaru and I will be legends!"
"Woof!"
Not aiming for Hokage yet, huh… Maybe he picks that up from Naruto later, Ryuku thought, nodding to himself.
Like with Hinata, Kurenai responded kindly, "You'll need to develop a deep bond with Akamaru first, and don't forget, there's always training to focus on, got it, Kiba?"
"Yes!"
"Woof!"
Both Kiba and Akamaru answered enthusiastically.
Now, it was Ryuku's turn.
Kurenai turned to the gray-haired, tall boy and gave him the signal to begin.
Ryuku stayed composed and calmly introduced his likes, dislikes, and so-called grand dream.
"I'm Ryuku... Just Ryuku, no family name. The things I like are cooking and gardening… What I truly dislike is, war... As for my dream, I want to become the strongest Medical-nin ever. But before that, I want to be strong enough to protect the village from any potential threats."
The moment he finished, everyone's gaze instinctively shifted to him.
Wait… did they all just overlook the village entirely in their introductions?
Hinata and Kiba aside, whose words didn't carry much impact, Kurenai felt a hollow sensation echo in her mind.
Did my student just teach me that the village should come before a ninja's personal dream…?
Ahem… it's nothing. Don't overthink it… don't dwell on it, Kurenai muttered internally.
Despite the slight embarrassment, she masked it with professional calm and responded gently,
"That's a very noble goal, Ryuku. Refining medical skills takes time, but since you're already considered a genius in that area, and you've even learned the Mystical Palm Technique, you'll definitely achieve your dream one day."
Ryuku gave a nod with a delighted smile. "Yes, Kurenai-sensei."
Oh... Being called a sensei for the first time feels strange. What is this feeling...
As Kurenai had only recently been promoted to the rank of Jonin, the prospect of receiving a Genin team was something she had never expected. It was just as surprising as the promotion itself. Regardless, she had already braced herself to give her all in educating her students, no matter what it took.
A few moments later, their order arrived.
Four sets of dango and hot tea were served, courtesy of Kurenai. Although it wasn't necessary to treat her students on the first day, she still chose to do so, unlike a certain someone who always wore a mask.
Half an hour passed, during which Kurenai and Team Five chatted casually from time to time.
Kurenai, being the adult and their teacher, naturally led the conversation and gradually helped the team open up and feel more comfortable in her presence.
Only then did she finally state the real business. "Listen, Group Five."
All three members immediately focused their attention on Kurenai.
She continued, "Tomorrow, your Genin Test will be conducted by me at 7 in the morning, so sleep early and don't be late, okay?"
All three nodded in unison.
The Genin Test was the final hurdle for newly graduated groups. It was always conducted by their assigned Jonin teacher. Unless they wanted to remain Genin for a long time, they needed to pass this test as a team.
After some time, the group was dismissed.
Kiba left shortly after to do some training, while Hinata decided to return early to the Hyuga Mansion, her intentions unclear.
----
Since the hospital was always open and he had officially become a medical-nin after clearing the octopus surgery, Ryuku decided to make his presence there. He didn't want to seem like someone who was all talk and no action, especially in front of Hosho.
At the same time, he had secretly sent a Shadow Clone back home to continue studying Fūinjutsu. If it weren't for his low chakra reserves and the inherent limitations of using the Shadow Clone Jutsu, he was confident he would have created his own version of the Hundred Seal Technique by now.
Setting that aside, Ryuku suddenly stopped, let out a sigh, and tilted his head back slightly. His eyes landed on a timid girl walking a short distance behind him.
The Hyuga residence is just two streets away from the hospital... So our paths align, huh...
"Hinata, why don't you walk next to me? There's plenty of space on the street," he said casually.
Hinata's insecure and timid nature was something he had decided to deal with the moment he realized she would be on his team. It would become a nuisance to his goals and would obviously affect their overall performance as a team. That left no room for hesitation in his mind.
Hearing his voice, Hinata blinked in surprise and quickly nodded. "O-okay," she said softly and walked over to his side within moments.
Watching her uncomfortable and tense expression, Ryuku had the sudden urge to faceplant into the nearest wall.
Alright, then, how do you fix a girl with an inferiority complex and daddy issues?
----
Guys...
Help me out here, will you?
Only $8, just so you know.
P@ treon.con/lordazathoth