Chapter 37 : Test

"No, Sasuke, you've got it all wrong," Haruto said with a sigh, feeling the beginnings of a headache. "I really don't have any special training method of my own."

But Sasuke wasn't buying it. He was convinced Haruto was hiding something from him, and his frustration was beginning to show. For the first time, Sasuke seemed like he wasn't even interested in being a ninja anymore.

Iruka, who had been listening to the back-and-forth between the two, decided to step in. "Why don't you both return to the classroom for now? I'll ask Mr. Mizuki to inform Lord Hokage of the situation, and he can decide what to do," he suggested gently.

"That's fine," Sasuke replied, relieved. To him, Hokage represented the ultimate authority in Konoha. If Lord Hokage ordered Haruto to become a ninja, surely he wouldn't refuse. And so, with Iruka's guidance, they headed back to the classroom.

Soon after, the other students started to arrive. Haruto settled into his seat next to Hinata, leaning back with his hands behind his head as he looked up at the ceiling, savoring a rare moment of calm.

Iruka entered and began assigning teams. When he was done reading the names, Hinata looked over at Haruto, her expression a little crestfallen. "I'm not on the same team as you, Haruto..."

Haruto gave her a reassuring smile, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry, Hinata. Even if we're not in the same team, we can still see each other."

Hinata's shyness was still apparent, though she'd grown more accustomed to Haruto's friendly gestures over time. She no longer had the extreme reactions she used to, but her cheeks still flushed lightly.

Just then, Haruno Sakura's hand shot up, and she called out, "Iruka-sensei, why don't I have a team!?"

Ino, sitting nearby, tried to stifle her laughter. Although she wasn't on the same team as Haruto either, she couldn't help but feel smug that Sakura hadn't been assigned one at all.

Iruka glanced up at Sakura, rubbing his forehead thoughtfully. "Sakura, you did have two teammates assigned, but due to some special circumstances, we need to wait for Lord Hokage's decision."

Sakura's eyes widened in awe. "The Hokage himself will decide my team?"

Haruto could understand why Sakura was so thrilled; it was a bit like graduating from a technical school and getting assigned a job directly by a top official rather than the usual channels.

Minutes ticked by as other teams were led away by their Jōnin instructors. In the now nearly empty classroom, Sakura looked around in surprise, then realized that her unassigned teammates were actually Haruto and Sasuke!

The two were easily the most popular students at the academy. And Haruto, with his confident demeanor and striking looks, bore an unmistakable resemblance to the Fourth Hokage. To Sakura, it was like being chosen to work with a rising star.

Without missing a beat, she slid into the seat beside Haruto, preparing to strike up a conversation. But before she could get too far, the classroom door opened, and in walked Sarutobi Hiruzen, with Mizuki and Iruka close behind.

Sasuke and Sakura immediately stood up, excitement evident on their faces. It was rare to see the Hokage in person, as he only made public appearances during important events, like the academy admissions ceremonies. To have him here now felt momentous.

Sarutobi Hiruzen, known as the "Professor of Ninja" and often called the strongest Hokage in history, was the respected leader of Konoha and head of one of the five great shinobi villages. Even though his previous students had left Konoha, his reputation as a formidable teacher remained. If there was a chance of becoming his disciple, Sasuke's heart leaped at the idea.

But the Hokage's attention was focused on Haruto. He greeted the group warmly before turning to Haruto. "Haruto, my boy, why don't you want to be a ninja?"

Haruto had anticipated this question and was prepared with an answer. "I just don't like feeling tied down."

Hiruzen studied Haruto closely, quickly understanding that Haruto was naturally independent, preferring a life without orders and structure. To a ninja, discipline was essential. But Haruto seemed more inclined toward freedom and solitude.

"Haruto, your parents were both remarkable ninjas," the Hokage said, trying to appeal to him. "They both gave their lives for Konoha. They'd want you to carry on their legacy..."

It was a gentle yet powerful reminder of his heritage, and both Sasuke and Sakura looked on with interest. Though Haruto was known to be something of a loner, this was the first time either of them had heard mention of his parents.

"Does that mean Haruto had parents?" Sasuke muttered quietly to himself, half in disbelief. He had always assumed Haruto was an orphan.

Haruto looked over at him, lightly tapping him on the head. "Where do you think I came from, a test tube?" he joked, though there was a hint of sadness in his tone.

Sasuke blinked, embarrassed. "Sorry," he mumbled, chastened.

Sakura, meanwhile, was grateful Sasuke had asked first, sparing her from similar embarrassment. But Haruto's answer to the Hokage wasn't what Sasuke or Sakura expected. He dismissed the idea of following in his parents' footsteps with a shrug. "Honestly, I'd rather not end up like them. Maybe I'm selfish, but that's just how I feel."

Sakura gazed at him, admiration in her eyes. "That's so brave of you, Haruto! You're so open about your thoughts!"

Haruto turned away, feeling a little awkward. "Uh, yeah, thanks… I guess."

The Hokage had expected some resistance from Haruto but didn't expect him to be so adamant. Haruto's reluctance was clearly a result of his personality and perhaps also the loss he felt.

Sasuke, who had been observing all this, quickly formulated an idea. From what he could tell, Haruto didn't want to be a ninja due to the obligations and the impact on his own training. The Hokage wanted him to join because of his potential. And maybe, just maybe, there was a solution that would work for everyone.

With this in mind, Sasuke spoke up. "Hokage-sama, why don't we let Haruto be our team's Instructor?"

Hiruzen blinked, surprised by the suggestion. "Sasuke, Haruto may be talented, but he lacks experience. That role may be beyond him at this stage."

But Sasuke's face lit up at the praise, as he pressed on. "Hokage-sama, experience comes with time. I have complete confidence in Haruto's strength and his ability to guide us."

Sakura, not one to be left out, quickly chimed in, "Yes, Lord Hokage! Haruto-kun is very capable!"

The Hokage paused, looking at their determined expressions. Were all young people this persistent these days?

Still, the idea had some merit. Perhaps giving Haruto limited responsibility would help him ease into being a ninja. He could accept missions as he wished, avoiding those that didn't suit him. It would give him a degree of independence while allowing him to honor his parents' legacy.

After a moment's contemplation, the Hokage sighed, feigning reluctance. "Very well. Since you two feel so strongly, I'll give Haruto a chance."

He turned to Haruto, meeting his eyes seriously. "If Haruto can pass a test of my choosing, he'll be your Instructor for Team 7."

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