The new Genin gathered in the Academy classroom, the air buzzing with excitement. Ronin leaned back in his chair, idly twirling a kunai between his fingers as he listened to the instructor explain the team assignment process.
"Teams will be announced based on your strengths, weaknesses, and compatibility," the instructor said. "You'll each be assigned to a Jonin-sensei, who will oversee your training and missions."
The room fell silent as the instructor began calling out names.
"Team 3: Arashi Kamizuki, Yukari Shimura, and Ren Tetsuya."
The students in question exchanged glances, eager looks on their faces.
"Team 10: Ronin Hatake, Aiko Tachibana, and Daiki Yamanaka."
Ronin perked up, glancing at the two students whose names had been called alongside his. Aiko was a sharp-eyed girl with dark hair tied in a high ponytail, her kunai pouch already strapped securely to her thigh. Daiki was a broader, easygoing boy with an almost sleepy expression but a confident air about him.
"And your Jonin-sensei," the instructor continued, "is Dosawa Uchiha."
The name sent a ripple of whispers through the room. An Uchiha? Ronin frowned, trying to recall if he'd ever heard of Dosawa. She must've been a newly appointed Jonin, which meant she was probably eager to prove herself. That wasn't necessarily a bad thing, but it wasn't comforting, either.
Ronin leaned over to Aiko. "You ever heard of her?"
Aiko shook her head. "No. But she's a Uchiha, so… she's probably strong."
Ronin leaned back in his chair, spinning the kunai lazily between his fingers.
The classroom was loud with the sound of new Genin chatting excitedly about their teams, but Ronin's mind was elsewhere. Dosawa Uchiha, huh? He had heard plenty of stories about the older Uchiha some inspiring, others less flattering. He even remembered sparring a few in the academy. But a fresh Jonin? That was an unknown, and unknowns made him uneasy.
The instructor cleared his throat, silencing the chatter. "You'll all be meeting your Jonin-sensei shortly. Each team will have their meeting spot assigned. Pay attention, because if you're late…" His eyes swept across the room with a warning look. "Well, let's just say that's not the kind of first impression you want to make."
Ronin smirked faintly, imagining his father's voice echoing in his head: Being late builds character.
"Team 10," the instructor called, his tone clipped. "You'll meet your Jonin-sensei at Training Ground Four in thirty minutes. Dismissed."
Ronin perked up at the mention of Training Ground Four. He knew it well it was one of Kakashi's favorite places to train him, with a mix of open fields, trees, and a small stream that offered plenty of opportunities for tactical sparring. It wasn't the kind of place you picked if you just wanted to talk.
So she's jumping straight into something serious, Ronin thought. Interesting.
He glanced at his teammates as they stood. Aiko Tachibana was already on her feet, adjusting her kunai pouch and pulling her ponytail tighter.
On the other hand, Daiki Yamanaka took his sweet time standing up, stretching his arms over his head like he'd just woken up from a nap. He gave Ronin a lazy grin. "Training Ground Four, huh? You think she's gonna put us through the wringer right away?"
Ronin shrugged, slipping his kunai back into his pouch. "Wouldn't surprise me. Uchiha isn't exactly known for taking it easy."
Aiko shot them both a look as she slung her bag over her shoulder. "She's probably testing us to see if we're worth her time. So don't embarrass yourselves, okay?"
Ronin raised an eyebrow. "Relax, boss. We'll be fine."
The path to Training Ground Four wound through the forest on the outskirts of the village, a peaceful canopy of trees overhead. Ronin found his thoughts drifting to his father as they walked. Kakashi had spent countless hours training him here, always pushing him to think strategically and stay one step ahead. The familiar crunch of gravel underfoot brought a faint smirk to his lips. It felt fitting, to start his journey here.
"Think she'll make us do the bell test?" Ronin asked aloud, half to himself.
Aiko glanced back at him. "Bell test?"
Ronin waved a hand dismissively. "Never mind. Just something my dad used to talk about."
Daiki chuckled. "Let me guess: something unnecessarily difficult?"
Ronin snorted. "Oh, definitely."
They arrived at Training Ground Four with five minutes to spare. The clearing stretched out before them, dotted with trees and surrounded by dense forest. A small stream cut through the middle, its water glinting in the sunlight. The air was cool and still, save for the distant chirping of birds.
Aiko adjusted her kunai pouch and surveyed the area with a critical eye. "This place is... functional. Plenty of cover, open enough for sparring."
Daiki plopped down onto a nearby tree stump, leaning back with a satisfied sigh. "And it's got good vibes. I like it."
Ronin crossed his arms, his eyes scanning the treetops. He wasn't expecting Dosawa Uchiha to just appear out of nowhere, but he couldn't help feeling like they were being watched.
"Don't get too comfortable," Ronin said, glancing at Daiki. "Something tells me she's gonna make an entrance."
As if on cue, a kunai whizzed through the air, embedding itself in the stump inches from Daiki's head. He froze mid-stretch, his eyes wide.
"Told you," Ronin muttered.
A voice rang out from the treetops, sharp and authoritative. "You're early. Good. Maybe you won't be a complete disappointment."
The three of them turned to see a figure perched on a high branch, her black cloak blowing slightly in the breeze. It was none other than Dosawa Uchiha landing a few feet in front of them. She was younger than Ronin had expected, with sharp features and a cold intensity in her eyes.
"Team 10," she said, her voice measured but firm. "Let's see if you're worth my time."