As the Hokage left, the room settled into a quiet buzz of anticipation. Students shuffled into their seats, some chatting in hushed tones while others sat nervously, glancing around. Naruto, true to his plan, sprawled in his chair, looking as though he didn't have a care in the world.
The door slid open again, and a man with a friendly but firm demeanor walked in. His dark hair was tied back, and a scar ran across the bridge of his nose. He carried himself with an air of authority, though his warm smile put many of the students at ease.
"Good morning, class," the man said, his voice carrying over the murmur of students. "My name is Iruka Umino, and I'll be your instructor this year."
"Good morning, Iruka-sensei!" the class responded, some with enthusiasm and others more timidly.
Iruka scanned the room, his gaze lingering briefly on a few familiar faces—the children of Konoha's most prominent clans. He cleared his throat and continued, "Before we get started with lessons, I want to get to know each of you a little better. We'll go around the room, and everyone will introduce themselves. Tell us your name and one thing you like or want to achieve as a ninja."
The students exchanged nervous glances, and Iruka pointed to the first student in the front row.
"I'm Ino Yamanaka!" a blonde girl said confidently, flipping her hair over her shoulder. "And I'm going to be the most beautiful and strongest kunoichi in Konoha!" She shot a glance at Sasuke, who ignored her completely.
Next was a quiet boy with his head down. "I-I'm Shino Aburame," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I like insects."
Naruto tilted his head, trying to figure out why the boy sounded so mysterious.
"I'm Kiba Inuzuka!" the next boy announced, his voice loud and brash. He patted the small white puppy on his head. "This is Akamaru, and we're gonna be the best ninja-dog duo ever!"
One by one, the students introduced themselves. Sakura Haruno declared she was going to be the smartest ninja and—Naruto noticed—kept sneaking glances at Sasuke. Shikamaru Nara introduced himself lazily, muttering about how everything was "so troublesome," while Choji Akimichi mentioned his love for food, drawing a few snickers from the class.
When it was Sasuke's turn, the room fell silent. He stood up, his expression stoic.
"My name is Sasuke Uchiha," he said, his voice calm but intense. "And my goal is to become strong like my brother."
The class murmured at his serious tone, though no one dared to question him. Naruto narrowed his eyes slightly, wondering what Sasuke's deal was.
Finally, it was Naruto's turn. He jumped to his feet, striking a dramatic pose. "I'm Naruto Uzumaki, the future Hokage of Konoha! Believe it!"
Several kids laughed, and some rolled their eyes. "As if!" someone muttered from the back.
Naruto ignored the reaction, grinning widely as he sat down. Inside, he was satisfied. Perfect. They think I'm just a loudmouth. Exactly what I want them to believe.
As introductions continued, Naruto couldn't help but glance around the room, taking mental notes of the clan heirs and other promising students. He recognized the Hyuga girl—Hinata—from their earlier encounter. She looked nervous, her voice barely audible as she introduced herself.
"I-I'm Hinata Hyuga," she said, bowing her head. "And I want to be strong… like my father."
Naruto smiled faintly, remembering the bullies he had chased off. She's got potential, he thought.
When the introductions ended, Iruka clapped his hands together. "Great! It's nice to meet all of you. I'm looking forward to teaching each of you and helping you grow into strong, capable ninja. Now, let's get started with today's lesson!"
As Iruka began talking about the basics of chakra and the shinobi code, Naruto leaned back in his chair, doodling in his notebook with a playful smirk. Outwardly, he looked like he wasn't paying attention, but inside, he absorbed every word.
First impressions matter. And mine is exactly what I wanted.
------------------------------
Author's notes.
Give power stones for extra chapters.