Konoha cat breeder

Chapter 72: Guidance Teacher

The Next Morning

Led by the experienced "veteran" Minato, Tonari and Kushina completed their ninja registration, filling out the necessary forms and receiving their unique Konoha forehead protectors.

Kushina tied hers securely to her forehead, matching Minato's style. After a moment of contemplation, Tonari followed suit, opting to wear his forehead protector on his head as well.

"Better not stand out too much. It's easier to avoid unnecessary attention this way," he reasoned.

Next up was the team assignments.

The team allocation included both the recent graduates and those who had previously graduated early but hadn't yet been placed in a fixed team. The purpose of this arrangement was to ensure balance—no team would consist solely of elite students.

Of course, sometimes even the "weaker" members could achieve great things if paired with a mentor whose abilities complemented their strengths.

---

"Here's the team assignment list. Someone will come to pick you up later," said Chitanaka Inoue, their homeroom teacher.

He didn't bother offering any congratulatory words. Having witnessed countless students step into the dangerous world of ninja life, he understood better than anyone the grim reality awaiting them. Many of those young lives had been tragically cut short.

He pinned the team assignment list to the blackboard. Before leaving, he swept his gaze over the room, memorizing the faces of his students one last time.

As he stepped out of the classroom, he muttered under his breath, "Stay alive, all of you..."

For Chitanaka, becoming a ninja wasn't something to celebrate. It was a profession that danced on the edge of death—a relentless gamble with one's life.

---

Inside the classroom, chaos ensued as students rushed toward the blackboard to check their team assignments.

Some students hoped to be placed with their crushes, while others prayed to be on the same team as strong individuals. After yesterday's graduation exam, everyone knew who the standouts were.

Apart from the early graduates, Tonari and Kushina were undoubtedly the class's strongest.

Word had also spread that Tonari was a disciple of the legendary Sannin, Orochimaru. This revelation changed the way many viewed him. While his terrifying physical prowess still struck fear into their hearts, many now hoped to be on the same team as him—except for one person: Uchiha Yoshinari.

---

After most of the students had finished checking the list, Tonari casually grabbed it from the board to take a closer look.

While he was still scanning for his name, a timid yet delighted voice called out, "Tonari-kun..."

Tonari turned toward the familiar voice.

The speaker was a petite, bashful girl with black hair, dark eyes, and a shy smile tinged with a faint blush.

"Yoshino?" he asked, recognizing her immediately.

The girl was none other than Nara Yoshino, a classmate and the future wife of Nara Shikaku—the same Yoshino who would one day earn the title "troublesome woman" from Shikaku and their son, Shikamaru.

Though Tonari and Yoshino hadn't interacted much at school, their bond was unique. After all, Tonari had been living with the Nara clan and frequently crossed paths with her.

Before they could exchange further pleasantries, Tonari felt a piercing gaze boring into his back.

He turned and locked eyes with none other than Uchiha Yoshinari, who was glaring at him with barely concealed hostility.

"Let me guess," Tonari began, his voice tinged with resignation.

Yoshino nodded sheepishly. "Yes. Yoshinari-kun is also in our team."

Hearing this, Tonari let out a long sigh before striding over to Yoshinari. He plopped himself onto the Uchiha's desk, startling the boy.

Clamping a hand on Yoshinari's shoulder, Tonari leaned in with a mischievous grin. "Yoshinari-kun, let's get along, okay?"

"Hmph!" Yoshinari snorted, turning his head away defiantly.

"Hmm?" Tonari's narrowed eyes exuded a subtle menace that sent chills down Yoshinari's spine.

After a moment of hesitation, Yoshinari stiffly turned back. "I will surpass you one day!" he declared, his Uchiha pride refusing to let him back down completely.

Tonari shrugged nonchalantly. "Sure, sure. Let's focus on teamwork for now."

---

Satisfied with his team, Tonari decided to check on Minato and Kushina's groupings.

Kushina's teammates were two girls: an Uchiha named Mikoto and the Inuzuka clan's Inuzuka Tsume. After Kushina had avenged Tsume during yesterday's exam, the two had become fast friends.

Minato's team included an Akimichi boy wearing a shirt emblazoned with the kanji for "Food" and another quiet classmate whose name Tonari couldn't recall.

Overall, the team assignments seemed well thought out, likely reflecting Hiruzen Sarutobi's deliberate planning.

---

As mentors arrived to collect their assigned teams, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement. Most mentors were seasoned chunin, with a handful of special jonin and very few full-fledged jonin.

Minato was eventually picked up by a ninja Tonari didn't recognize—not Jiraiya, as he'd hoped. However, given Hiruzen's high regard for Minato, his assigned mentor was undoubtedly competent.

Tonari speculated that Jiraiya would take Minato under his wing once he returned to the village.

As for himself, Tonari was certain his mentor wouldn't be Orochimaru. Though Orochimaru had accepted him as a disciple, the Sannin clearly had no interest in leading a team, especially so soon after the tragic loss of Nawaki.

---

A few minutes later, Kushina's team was picked up by a familiar face: Nara Shikashin. The Nara elder even gave Tonari a cheeky wink, hinting at a surprise.

"Well, as long as it's not Shikashin, I'll be fine," Tonari muttered to himself.

---

BAM!

The classroom door slammed open.

Standing in the doorway was a towering figure with an overwhelming presence. The first thing Tonari noticed was... two massive chest muscles.

"Tonari, Yoshinari, Yoshino. You're with me," the familiar voice announced.

"Lady Tsunade!" Yoshinari and Yoshino gasped, their faces lighting up with excitement.

"Tsunade-neechan?" Tonari muttered, less enthused.

---

Tsunade led the trio to a secluded training ground on the outskirts of the village. Perched casually on a wooden stump, she addressed them with a commanding gaze.

"Let's start with some simple introductions to get to know each other," she said, her sharp eyes lingering on Tonari longer than necessary.

---

To Be Continued...