Genin Teams

The next day arrived with a buzz of excitement that filled the air of the village. Today was the day that the team formations of newly graduated Genin would be revealed. At the Yuki household, Ryomaru was having breakfast with his mother Miori, Samui and Mabui.

Just as Ryomaru was about to dig into his scrambled eggs, a knock echoed from the door.

"I'll get it," Ryomaru said, pushing back his chair and walking over to the door. As he opened it, he was met with the beaming face of Hanabi and the tired eyes of Hinata.

"Let's go, Ryo, we need to go!" Hanabi exclaimed, practically bouncing in place with enthusiasm.

"Hold on," Ryomaru said, pulling both girls inside. "Mum, look who's here!"

Miori looked up and her eyes sparkled, especially when she saw Hanabi. "Oh, Hanabi! And Hinata too! It's so good to see you both."

Hanabi's cheeks turned a soft shade of pink as she met Miori's gaze. She knew that Miori had a knack for asking probing questions, always hinting at a future between her and Ryomaru.

"Would you girls like some breakfast?" Miori asked, setting aside her plate.

"Actually, we were hoping to take Ryomaru to the academy for the big announcement," Hinata said softly, finally finding her voice.

Miori smiled, but there was a look of momentary sadness in her eyes. "Ah, yes, the team formations. A very special day."

Ryomaru forced them to sit, "There is still an hour. Rushing there early will not change anything." He chuckled. Miori quickly grabbed two sets of cutlery and plates, setting them down in front of Hanabi and Hinata before dishing up scrambled eggs and toast for the girls.

"So," Miori began, her eyes twinkling mischievously as she focused on Hanabi. "Have you been practicing your ninja techniques for the upcoming missions?"

Hanabi looked a bit flustered, but managed to say, "Yes, ma'am. Training has been intense, but I've learned a lot."

"That's wonderful! It's so important for young people to be well-prepared for what's ahead. Don't you agree, Ryomaru?"

Ryomaru, in the middle of chewing his toast, looked up and nodded. "Definitely, Mum. Preparation makes a big difference."

Hanabi couldn't help but feel a warmth spread through her at the sound of Ryomaru agreeing with his mother. She glanced at Hinata, who seemed to be lost in her own thoughts.

"I remember how Ryomaru used to train in Cloud. He'd come home sweaty but so fulfilled. It's amazing how time flies, isn't it?" Miori continued, her eyes shimmering with a mix of nostalgia and subtle sadness. "And now, he's here in Konoha, making new friendships, forming new teams. Maybe even new... partnerships?"

Hanabi's cheeks turned a deeper shade of pink, sensing where Miori was going with this. Ryomaru caught the look and chuckled softly, saving Hanabi from having to respond.

Miori's eyes met Hinata's. "Hinata, how have you been? Have you been keeping an eye on these two?"

Hinata shook her head as if snapping out of a daydream. "Uh, yes. Everyone is really focused on their training. Today's announcement is important to all of us."

"Ah, yes, the team formations," Miori sighed, her eyes locking onto Ryomaru's for just a moment—a quiet exchange that conveyed both pride and a mother's natural apprehension. "My little boy is all grown up."

"Mum, I'm not that grown-up yet," Ryomaru said, brushing off the sentiment but not dismissing the love behind it.

"Even so, big things await you, and your friends too," Miori added, nodding toward Hanabi and Hinata.

Hanabi finally spoke, breaking her silence. "Thank you, Miori-san. We're all excited and a little nervous about what the future holds for us."

"As you should be. Life has a way of throwing curveballs, especially in the ninja world," Miori said, her voice tinged with seriousness. "But remember, you're never alone. You have your teams, your friends, and people who care about you."

The room fell silent for a moment, each person reflecting on Miori's words, the weight of the day settling on their young shoulders.

Finally, Ryomaru stood up, "Alright, it's time. Let's head to the academy."

Hinata and Hanabi nodded, pushing their chairs back. Miori got up and enveloped Ryomaru in a hug. "Be safe, make wise choices, and know that no matter what team you're on, you're always a part of this one," she gestured around the room, including everyone in her loving gaze.

"Will do, Mum," Ryomaru said, his eyes meeting his mother's for a lingering moment before he ushered his friends toward the door.

As they left, Miori stood in the doorway, watching them go. She felt a mixture of pride and that inevitable sadness that comes with letting go, but she also felt hopeful for whatever future lay ahead for her son and his new comrades.

As they reached the academy, Ryomaru greeted Temari, who had already arrived. She was chatting with some friends but broke away when she saw him.

"Hey, Ryomaru," Temari said, giving him a nod and a small smile.

"Hey, how's it going?" Ryomaru responded, taking a seat next to her.

Temari and Ryomaru had known each other since the student exchange program had started. Though Temari was already a Genin, she had joined the academy primarily to be closer to him. The idea that they would soon be in a team formation together excited both of them.

Sitting next to Temari, Ryomaru looked around the room. Hanabi had taken a seat next to him, and next to her sat Hinata. Around them were other familiar faces: Ino, Sakura, Shino, Choji, Kiba, and other newly graduated Genin, all of whom were chatting in low voices or staring intently at the door, waiting for the announcement to begin.

Soon, the door slid open, and Iruka stepped in. The room fell silent instantly, every eye fixed on him. "Good morning, everyone," Iruka began, his voice echoing slightly in the quiet room. "Today is an important day. We will be announcing the team formations."

He started to list the teams and finally reached Team 7, "Sakura Haruno, Kiba Inuzuka, Shino Aburame, under Jounin Sensei, Kurenai Yuhi."

Sakura sighed but put on a brave face. "Well, could be worse, right?"

"Team 8," Iruka continued, "Hinata Hyuga, Hanabi Hyuga, and Naruto Uzumaki. Under Jounin Sensei, Kakashi Hatake. Since neither Hatake-san nor Naruto are in the village, your team is in special condition. For details, you have to wait."

Hinata and Hanabi exchanged relieved glances. "At least we're together," Hinata whispered. Hanabi nodded but found her gaze drifting toward Ryomaru. She sighed, knowing that being on the same team as him was a long shot.

"Team 10, Ino Yamanaka, Choji Akimichi, and Shikamaru Nara. Under Jounin Sensei Asuma Sarutobi. Since Shikamaru is not in the village, for now, you will act as a three-people team," Iruka announced.

Ino smirked. "So, we get Asuma-sensei. Not bad, not bad at all."

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