"Alright class, it's time to settle down," Iruka's voice trailed out, warm but commanding as he stepped into the classroom. The sound of sandals tapping against the wooden floor filled the space, and his eyes scanned the students, taking in their faces with quiet pride.
Sasuke sat at his usual desk, arms folded, already wearing his characteristic expression of aloof indifference. Sakura, bright-eyed and eager, was fidgeting with a pencil in her hands. There was no surprise in his gaze as it moved over the others—Shikamaru lounging lazily, Choji snacking quietly, and Ino gazing out the window with that intense focus of hers. He gave them all a small nod. They were growing, each in their own way.
But then his eyes landed on Naruto. Iruka couldn't help but feel a swell of affection for the boy. Despite his loud, brash personality, there were moments like this—moments when Naruto's facade of confidence slipped, just a little. Today, his eyes weren't sparkling with mischief. They were quiet, contemplative, the edge of his usual energy missing. Iruka's heart gave a tug.
"Well, look at you all," Iruka began, his voice carrying a warm, proud note. "I still remember the first day I stood before this class, how nervous we all were, and now—" He paused, looking over each student in turn. "Even now, I can't believe how far you've all come. I can't express how proud I am of each and every one of you. All of you have come so far, not just as ninjas but as people."
He smiled at them, his eyes lingering on Naruto for just a moment longer before moving to Hinata, who was sitting quietly with her hands folded neatly on the desk. She was one of the quieter ones, her presence calm but strong. Iruka had seen her grow in ways that surprised even him—her quiet strength, her ability to stand taller each day despite her doubts. It was amazing how much potential she had, even if she never fully believed in it herself.
"Remember," Iruka continued, his tone becoming slightly more serious but still full of encouragement, "being a ninja isn't just about the jutsu you learn. It's about your growth as people, about how you handle everything life throws at you. And from what I've seen... you're all ready for what comes next. You've earned it."
He let the words hang in the air for a moment before switching gears, picking up a scroll from his desk.
"Alright, let's get started," Iruka said, his usual energy returning as he moved into the lesson.
Iruka unrolled the scroll in front of him, his voice firm yet warm as he called out the names. "Team Seven: Hinata Hyuga, Uchiha Sasuke, Uzumaki Naruto, will be placed under the leadership of Kakashi Hatake." He paused briefly before continuing, "Team Eight: Kiba Inuzuka, Shino Aburame, and Sakura Haruno will be placed under the leadership of Yuhi Kurenai."
Hinata's breath caught in her throat. So, I am on Naruto's team... she thought, her heart pounding in her chest. She hadn't truly expected this, but a part of her had feared it. The weight of her choices—the fact that her very existence had the potential to change the timeline—pressed heavily on her shoulders. The moment I chose to do something right, I forfeited any chance of following the original plot, she mused, a sense of bittersweet satisfaction filling her. I guess there's no going back now.
She couldn't help but worry, though, about what it meant for the future. What consequences would this choice have? Would Naruto's path be altered too much? The knowledge of what was supposed to happen, what she thought would happen, seemed so far removed from the reality of her presence. Still, a strange peace settled in her heart. Maybe... maybe this is what I'm supposed to do. Maybe changing the timeline isn't such a bad thing after all.
Across the room, Sakura's face fell as Iruka finished calling the teams. I can't believe I'm on a team with dog breath and stink bug, she thought, feeling a rush of bitter frustration flood her chest. The sting of not being placed on Sasuke's team hit her harder than she expected, and the thought of spending her time with Kiba and Shino only deepened that frustration. I was supposed to be with Sasuke. This is just so unfair.
Her gaze involuntarily flicked over to Kiba, who was sitting beside her. He was loud, boisterous, and a little too obsessed with his dog for her taste. And Shino... well, Shino was Shino. She couldn't help the slight sneer that tugged at her lips. This is what I get for being good enough to be in the top ranks... and yet I don't even get to be with the one person I wanted to be with.
Her gaze involuntarily flicked over to Kiba, who was sitting beside her. He was loud, boisterous, and a little too obsessed with his dog for her taste. And Shino... well, Shino was Shino. She couldn't help the slight sneer that tugged at her lips. This is what I get for being good enough to be in the top ranks... and yet I don't even get to be with the one person I wanted to be with.
Meanwhile, Kiba was seething inwardly. Of course, Hinata's on Naruto's team, he thought, glancing at her and noticing the way her gaze was drawn toward Naruto. It always had been that way. Why does she have to be on his team? Kiba clenched his fists, trying to push the frustration away. I don't get it. She's always looking at him, always focused on him. I've been by her side for years, trying to be there for her...
He shifted uncomfortably in his seat, eyes narrowing as he reflected on their shared moments. There were the times when they trained together, laughed together, when he could almost feel like he was the one she trusted the most. But those moments seemed so much less important whenever Naruto showed up. It's always Naruto, Kiba thought, sighing to himself. I don't know why, but it feels like whenever he's around, I just fade into the background.
Kiba's gaze lingered on her, and despite the small sting of jealousy, he couldn't ignore the flicker of warmth in his chest. She's not doing this on purpose. She's not trying to push me away. Maybe it's just... the way she is. Maybe it's me who's reading things wrong. But the thoughts lingered, not quite as sharp, but still there. I've always been here for her. Why does it feel like I'm not the one she needs when it counts?
With a quiet exhale, Kiba turned his attention back to the front of the room. I'll just have to prove it to her, he thought, trying to rally himself. I'll be the one who stands by her. I can't let Naruto or anyone else make me doubt that.
Naruto's eyes shifted to Sakura, his expression falling as he glanced at her, feeling a knot tighten in his chest. He couldn't help but look at her like a drowned puppy—unhappy, deflated. She's not in my team... The thought stung more than he expected. It wasn't like he hadn't known it was a possibility, but still, having her on the same team as him, like the others, would have felt like a small victory.
But then his thoughts turned to Hinata. At least Hinata's in my team, he thought, the corners of his mouth twitching slightly. She's always been nice and gentle. I guess I can live with that. She won't be as... bad as the others. The thought brought a little relief, but it didn't erase the lingering disappointment. He would miss having Sakura by his side, that much was certain.
His gaze shifted reluctantly to Sasuke, and the sourness in his stomach returned. But of course, I'm stuck in a team with him. His brows furrowed in frustration. That jerkwad... I don't know why, but something about him just gets on my nerves. He's always so cold and distant. It's like I can't do anything right around him.
Naruto let out a quiet, frustrated breath. Whatever. I'll prove myself. I'll show them I'm just as good, even if I don't have the people I wanted by my side. Especially that Sasuke guy... I'll make him respect me, even if he acts like he's too good for me.
He clenched his fist under the desk, determined. Yeah. I can handle this. Team Seven doesn't have to be perfect, but I'll make it work. I'll make sure of it.
As the bell rang through the classroom, Iruka's voice cut through their thoughts, drawing everyone's attention back to him.
"Alright, class," he announced, a hint of cheer in his tone. "Now that I've finished calling the teams, you are all allowed a two-hour lunch break. But be warned—you're expected to be back here by 2:15 for a briefing with your new Jonin sensei's."
Naruto's musings were cut short, his hand already halfway to his head as he stared at Iruka. A two-hour lunch? It wasn't exactly what he'd been hoping for, but a break sounded nice. He glanced at Sakura, then quickly looked away when he saw her disapproving frown. Still, he couldn't shake the disappointment of not being on her team.
As the bell rang through the classroom, Iruka's voice cut through their thoughts, drawing everyone's attention back to him.
"Alright, class," he announced, a hint of cheer in his tone. "Now that I've finished calling the teams, you are all allowed a two-hour lunch break. But be warned—you're expected to be back here by 2:15 for a briefing with your new Jonin senseis."
Naruto's musings were cut short, his hand already halfway to his head as he stared at Iruka. A two-hour lunch? It wasn't exactly what he'd been hoping for, but a break sounded nice. He glanced at Sakura, then quickly looked away when he saw her disapproving frown. Still, he couldn't shake the disappointment of not being on her team.
Hinata sighed softly, her heart weighed down by the uncertainty of what would come next. She knew how much things had changed, not just for her, but for everyone. The fate of the teams—and the role she would play in it—felt both distant and inevitable. Gathering her resolve, she stood up and made her way over to where Sasuke, Naruto, and Sakura sat.
"Sasuke-kun, Naruto-kun," she said, her voice gentle but firm. "Would you like to go out for lunch? Maybe... talk about our new teams? It could help us get to know each other better."
Sasuke glanced up briefly, his expression unreadable as his dark eyes met hers. There was something about her quiet nature, something soft in her demeanor that caught his attention. It wasn't a weakness, per se, but rather an almost unshakable calm. He didn't particularly care about lunch, nor was he interested in getting to know his new teammates, but there was something different about Hinata—something that made him hesitate for a moment before answering.
"I'm not hungry," Sasuke muttered, turning his gaze back to the desk in front of him. "I'll pass."
Hinata didn't let his rejection faze her. "I understand," she said softly, her smile still gentle. "But if you change your mind, we'll be nearby."
Naruto, sensing the tension, broke the silence with a grin. "Ichiraku Ramen!" he said enthusiastically. "How about that, Hinata? You, me, and whoever else wants to come. Forget Sasuke and his 'no fun allowed' attitude." He shot Sasuke a teasing grin but immediately turned back to Hinata, eager to get her on board. "Come on, it'll be fun!"
Hinata's smile wavered for just a moment, and she placed a hand on Naruto's arm. "Naruto-kun," she said, her voice gentle yet firm. "Please, let's try to be a little more respectful. We should get along, even if Sasuke-kun isn't in the mood."
Naruto rolled his eyes and waved her off. "Yeah, yeah, you're acting all serious again. It's just a joke." He huffed and muttered to himself, "You're acting like a grown-up, Hinata."
Hinata's smile was faint, but she held her ground. "I'm just trying to keep things peaceful," she said softly.
Naruto's playful demeanor softened slightly, his mouth forming a tight line as his gaze flicked toward Sakura sitting at her desk. He caught her eye for just a moment, and something in him shifted. Maybe it was the quiet way she sat there, lost in thought, or the fact that she hadn't been as eager to interact with him after the team placements.
He rubbed the back of his head, his frustration surfacing again. "You know what?" he said, gruffly. "Forget Ichiraku for now. I think I'll go see what Sakura's up to. Might as well check on her since... well, we're not in the same team. I don't want her sitting all alone, looking like she's about to explode or something."
With that, he waved off Hinata's offer and walked toward Sakura, a little less energetic but still with a sense of determination that only Naruto could manage. Hinata watched Naruto walk toward Sakura, his shoulders hunched with a mixture of frustration and determination. She understood his need to check on her—Naruto could never stand to see someone, especially Sakura, isolated or upset. But a part of her couldn't help but feel a pang of concern. Things were different now, and she couldn't help but wonder if the road ahead would be harder than she had anticipated. It wasn't just the teams or the fractured dynamics—it was the weight of knowing how much had changed, how much they all had changed, and whether she could still find a way to make things right.
Sighing softly, she let her gaze follow Naruto's retreating figure, then returned to the desk, her fingers tracing the edge absentmindedly. The future, her future, was uncertain now. Her presence here, the reincarnation of a different Hinata, might have already altered things in ways she couldn't begin to comprehend.
But she couldn't let that stop her. Hinata's resolve had always been her quiet strength, and no matter how hard things got, she was determined to carve her own path—and maybe, just maybe, help those around her find their way as well.
She glanced at Sasuke again, wondering what went through his mind, but his silence spoke volumes. The soft but steady weight of his indifference was something she had to learn to work with.
"Maybe lunch can wait," she muttered to herself, "for now, I'll focus on what I can do here. The rest will come when it's meant to."
And so, with a quiet sigh, she turned back toward the front of the classroom, preparing herself for whatever came next.