Genin I

After leaving the waterfall and putting on his clothes, Sasuke began walking toward his house. The sun shone brightly in the sky of Konoha, but the heat didn't bother him. He felt the weight of the training weights still strapped to his forearms and legs, similar to the ones Rock Lee used. The training at the waterfall had been intense, but he showed no signs of exhaustion. His eyes remained cold, focused, with a subtle red gleam that quickly faded as he relaxed his Sharingan.

Upon arriving home, Sasuke went straight to the bathroom, taking a quick shower, letting the water wash away the sweat and dirt from his training. His muscles were tense, but he appreciated the results of all the physical effort he had accumulated over the years. His body now had an impressive definition for a 12-year-old, the result of a meticulous training regime he applied with the same discipline as a soldier.

After the shower, he dressed in a long-sleeved black shirt, which, though it tried, could barely hide his physique. The black pants he wore completed the simple but functional outfit. He grabbed his Konoha headband and placed it on his forehead. There was something special about that act—the feeling of finally being recognized as a shinobi. The headband, a symbol of his new journey, reflected the moment he had long awaited.

As he left the house, Konoha's residents who crossed paths with him quickly congratulated him on his graduation. They knew him well—or at least they thought they knew him as the last Uchiha, a prodigy of his generation. Sasuke simply nodded, keeping calm and reserved. His gaze fixed on the path, showing little emotion, but cautiously absorbing each interaction. He knew he was now under the village's watchful eyes.

While walking toward the academy, Sasuke spotted Ino and Sakura ahead. The two seemed to be engaged in a friendly argument, something he had grown accustomed to seeing over the years. It was amusing to him to remember how their dynamics had changed since they were younger. Fifty years ago, he barely understood the true potential of each of them, but now everything had changed. The determination that Ino and Sakura showed in becoming stronger clearly reflected Sasuke's influence on them.

He recalled a conversation they had five years ago. Ino was always more proactive about training, seeking ways to improve her skills. As the heir of the Yamanaka clan, she naturally had an advantage, but she trained hard to maintain that lead, resulting in Sakura losing her position as the top kunoichi student. Sakura, on the other hand, secretly sought advice from Sasuke but couldn't keep up with Ino's pace.

However, not everything was in vain for Sakura. She discovered that she had great talent in chakra control, something Sasuke quickly recognized. He advised her to seek an internship at Konoha Hospital, where she could hone this talent. It was there that Sasuke taught her an illusion technique, Maboroshi no Jutsu, which required refined chakra control. Although not a complex technique, it was a valuable addition to any ninja's arsenal.

Returning to the present, Sasuke approached the two, and as usual, Ino was the first to notice him. In a quick motion, she grabbed Sasuke's arm, almost reflexively.

"Sasuke, do you think we'll be on the same team?" Ino asked, looking at him with a glimmer of hope in her eyes.

Sasuke, who had learned to live with Ino's energy, gave a slight smile but quickly responded with his usual pragmatic coldness:

"You know very well that's impossible, Ino. You, Shikamaru, and Choji will be on a team, just like your parents. Not to mention the political value and friendship between the three clans, you are the heirs of your respective lineages."

Ino pouted, dissatisfied with Sasuke's logical response, but as persistent as ever, she tried to argue:

"No, I'm going to be on Sasuke-kun's team!"

Before Ino could continue, Sakura quickly stepped in, pulling Ino away from Sasuke.

"Ino-pig, let go of Sasuke!" Sakura exclaimed, her face showing the usual irritation when it came to their rivalry.

"Forehead! Know your place! I'm the top student now!" Ino retorted, her voice carrying a tone of superiority, while an angry hashtag-shaped mark appeared on her forehead.

The conflict between the two seemed inevitable, and soon they began exchanging barbs, ready to engage in another one of their fights. However, Sasuke, with no patience for such interactions, intervened, his voice cutting through the tension.

"Enough, both of you. If you keep arguing, we'll be late for the selection."

Those words were enough to silence the two, who reluctantly stopped bickering. The trio then continued their way to the academy in silence.

Upon arriving at the academy, the room was filled with murmurs and excitement. This was the day the teams would be formed—a decisive moment for many. As they entered, Sasuke noticed something out of place. He sensed the presence of someone unexpected, though, for him, it wasn't a surprise.

Naruto was sitting at one of the tables, a big grin on his face, proudly displaying his Konoha headband. Sakura was the first to notice and immediately stepped forward.

"Naruto, what are you doing here?" she asked incredulously. "Weren't you supposed to have failed the exam?"

Naruto, ever confident and energetic, put his hands behind his head, showing even more pride.

"Hehe, I graduated too, Sakura! We're going to be on the same team!" he said, pointing to the headband on his forehead with a victorious smile.

Sasuke stepped forward, with a discreet smile, observing the scene.

"What a surprise to see you here, dobe," he remarked, with a hint of sarcasm in his voice, though there was a slight respect hidden behind his words.

However, before he could continue teasing Naruto, he was interrupted by a familiar voice.