However, Kuro had no twisted interest in Ino. The education and values from his previous life allowed him to maintain control in such aspects.
If you're not interested, don't mock.
Any other attitude would be that of a despicable person, something Kuro would never allow. That's why he always showed indifference to Ino's intentions.
"Don't you see? Just look at your uncle… you'll definitely be with Shikamaru and Chōji."
"Eh? Really?" Ino frowned, reflecting for a moment.
She glanced at Chōji, who was enthusiastically eating chips at the front, and then at Shikamaru, sitting on the other side with a bored expression, chin resting on his hand, and eyes blank.
Finally, she let out an almost tearful sigh.
"No… I-I want to be teammates with Kuro-kun."
Kuro ignored Ino's comment and directed his attention to the front. Naruto was arguing with Kiba, but something about him seemed different.
There was something in his smile today. It was no longer that silly, empty expression from before; it now seemed more genuine, more confident.
It seemed his canon event with the Scroll of Seals had occurred.
Naruto had discovered the truth about the Nine-Tails sealed within him, as well as why people despised him. Additionally, he had received Iruka's approval.
That revelation seemed to have strengthened him, making him more determined about the path he wanted to follow.
Kuro smiled as he observed Naruto.
This is the Naruto everyone wants to see.
As he thought about this, Iruka entered the classroom.
The noise instantly ceased, and the students quickly returned to their seats. Although they had already graduated from the Academy, Iruka's authority still intimidated them a bit.
Iruka cleared his throat lightly and spoke. "First, congratulations on graduating and becoming ninjas. But remember, you are now only Genin. The real hard work begins today."
"From now on, you will be organized into teams of three. Each team will be under the supervision of a Jōnin, who will guide you on missions."
"Three?"
Many were surprised, as they weren't familiar with the squad composition. Their murmurs filled the classroom, but the excitement was evident, especially in Naruto and Ino.
Naruto hoped to be on the same team as Sakura, while Ino continued clinging to the idea of being teammates with Kuro, even though she knew she'd likely end up with Shikamaru and Chōji.
As for Sakura…
Since Sasuke had graduated early, she had no special thoughts about it.
Iruka lifted a paper with the assignment list and began reading. "Class 1…"
The classroom fell into complete silence as the students anxiously waited to hear their names.
"Class 7: Naruto Uzumaki, Sakura Haruno, Kuro."
"Yes!!!"
Naruto raised his fists in the air, full of excitement.
Ino, on the other hand, sighed in disappointment, covering her forehead. Sakura let out another sigh, but this time in resignation.
In a corner where no one could see her, Hinata lowered her head and blushed slightly. "I'm not in the same group as Naruto…"
As for Kuro, he simply nodded calmly, not caring much.
"Class 8: Kiba Inuzuka, Shino Aburame, Hinata Hyūga."
"Ninth class…"
"Class 10: Shikamaru Nara, Ino Yamanaka, Chōji Akimichi."
The end of the division.
When he finished reading, Iruka looked up at the students. "This afternoon, you'll meet the Jōnin who will lead your teams. For now, you're free."
With that, he closed the folder and left the classroom. He still had to report to the Hokage's office.
"Kuro, let's have lunch together," Sakura approached to invite him, with a friendly smile.
Although she had no interest in Kuro, she thought it was important to get to know him better since they were now teammates.
However, by chance, Ino passed by at that moment.
Narrowing her eyes and smiling charmingly, she said, "Sakura, I'll leave MY Kuro in your care from now on."
With those words, she calmly walked away, leaving Sakura slightly puzzled.
"Sigh…" Sakura shrugged.
As her friend, she fully understood what Ino's words meant.
"But… it's clear I only like Sasuke."
Sakura let out a sigh internally but quickly recovered her smile and looked at Kuro again.
Before she could say anything else, a goofy face suddenly appeared between them.
"Ahhh!"
Sakura was startled and took a step back, bumping into a nearby desk.
"Are you okay, Sakura?" Naruto leaned toward her with concern.
Sakura slapped his hand away and glared at him angrily.
"Don't sneak up on people! You're scary."
"Sorry, Sakura…" Naruto lowered his head. "I just wanted to invite you to have lunch together…"
"Hmph. I don't care," Sakura calmed her breathing and turned back to Kuro. "Kuro, we'll all be teammates from now on. Let's have lunch together!"
"Yes, let's all go together!" Naruto joined in.
Kuro, calmly leaning on the desk, looked between the two. Finally, his gaze rested on Naruto's expectant eyes.
"Alright," he said with a sigh.
"Let's go to the rooftop; it's empty there!" Naruto jumped with excitement and ran off.
Kuro watched him leave and sighed again.
He was a bit worried.
Sasuke's early graduation had disrupted the expected events. This affected, among other things, Sakura's relationship with Naruto.
In the original story, Sasuke's presence had generated many negative interactions between Sakura and Naruto. Now that Sasuke wasn't there, Naruto had avoided some of those embarrassing situations, and Sakura didn't find him as annoying as before.
Although Sakura still didn't have a good impression of Naruto, that initial indifference was an improvement.
This could increase the chances between them.
But, while Naruto was free to like whoever he wanted, Kuro felt Hinata was much more suitable for him.
It wasn't that he had anything against Sakura, but he simply believed Naruto and Sakura didn't match.
Naruto was passionate, idealistic, and optimistic, while Sakura was more… realistic and grounded.
Naruto was a source of energy and joy, always brightening the atmosphere. Sakura, on the other hand, preferred calm, attractive, and powerful people like Sasuke.
Their concepts and personalities were opposites.
Even so, Kuro wasn't the type to have opinions on other people's choices.
Everyone has their own path.
With that thought, he stopped worrying and followed them out to have lunch.
________
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