The courtyard of Konoha Academy was unusually quiet that morning. The air was thick with anticipation, a stark contrast to the chaos of the practical exams days earlier.
Students gathered in groups, shuffling nervously on the stone paths, casting glances toward the central stage where the results would soon be announced. Lanterns swayed gently from the posts, and a light breeze carried the faint scent of incense and freshly polished wood.
Akihiro walked beside Hinata, keeping one hand loosely at her side, aware of the faint tremor in hers. Her small fingers occasionally brushed against his arm, a subtle anchor in the tension of the moment.
She had been unusually quiet all morning, lips pressed together and eyes wide, as if afraid to blink too long and miss the announcement.
"Hey," he said softly, trying to sound calm though his own stomach fluttered. "It's going to be fine. We trained hard. You did fine, and… so did I."
Hinata swallowed and nodded, though her hands clenched the straps of her bag. "I… I just… I hope… I hope we end up on the same team."
Her voice was barely above a whisper, a fragile thread of hope.
Akihiro offered her a small smile, one he tried to make reassuring, even if he felt the same nervous uncertainty. "We'll see. That's all we can do right now."
As the students settled, Professor Iruka stepped onto the raised platform. His usual calm demeanor carried a gravity today, amplified by the knowledge that each name he read would decide the immediate future of dozens of young ninja.
He cleared his throat, glancing over the crowd with the weight of experience and authority.
"Good morning, students," Iruka began, his voice steady but commanding attention.
"Today marks the conclusion of the practical portion of your Genin exams and the final assignment for team placement. You have all demonstrated your abilities, your control over chakra, and your aptitude in combat situations. Some of you have exceeded expectations, others have met the basic requirements, and a few have displayed… areas that will need improvement.
"Nonetheless, all of you have survived the academy with honor and skill. You will now learn the results of your practical assessments and, subsequently, the teams to which you will be assigned."
A ripple of nervous murmurs spread through the gathered students.
Some whispered excitedly, speculating which of their peers had excelled, which had barely passed, and who might be in danger of repeating the exam.
Naruto's usual energy was dampened by the anticipation; he bounced lightly on the balls of his feet, hands balled into fists.
Shikamaru leaned against a post, expression flat but eyes betraying his curiosity, while Kiba and Shino exchanged brief glances that hinted at quiet competitive pride.
Iruka paused, letting the tension stretch across the courtyard. "I will call the team numbers first, followed by the names of students who will be assigned. Listen carefully, and when your number is called, step forward promptly. Do not rush, and do not push. This is your moment of recognition."
Hinata's grip on Akihiro's arm tightened slightly, almost imperceptibly. "I… I hope…" she murmured. Akihiro nodded again, gently, trying to meet her gaze. He could see the slight flush of her cheeks, the way her eyes shone with both nerves and hope.
"Team 1," Iruka announced, reading names with precision and authority. Students began stepping forward one by one, some smiling, some anxious, some fighting back tears of joy or disappointment. The process was methodical, yet every step forward seemed monumental, a rite of passage.
Akihiro's eyes scanned each student as they approached the platform.
He noted subtle body language, the confidence or hesitancy, the way chakra seemed to ripple in certain individuals—he could almost feel the innate potential of his classmates through the faint resonance of their aura.
Hinata leaned closer to him, whispering, "I hope… I hope it's someone I… can rely on…" Her words were delicate, but her proximity betrayed the depth of her anxiety. Akihiro could feel her warmth as the slight shift in her weight brushed against him. He offered a reassuring squeeze of her hand, a silent promise.
Teams 2, 3, 4… names continued to be called. The students for each team advanced, smiled, and retreated with varying expressions. Some were greeted with applause from their peers, while others merely bowed and returned to their spots, stoic and reserved.
Iruka's tone became slightly more serious as he approached the mid-teams.
"Remember, the practical test was designed to evaluate not only your individual ability but your compatibility with teammates. A team is only as strong as its weakest link, and as a Genin, your bonds with each other will be critical."
Akihiro's pulse quickened. Compatibility… he had been thinking about that a lot in recent weeks.
Not just about tactics or battle efficiency, but about trust, cohesion, and instincts honed through shared experiences. He glanced at Hinata, who was watching every student with a mix of fascination and anxiety.
The final call before his team number arrived. Iruka's voice cut through the murmur of the courtyard. "And now… Team 69."