Five days later, the significant day finally arrived. It was the team assignments day.
From this day forward, all 68 trainees of Kaiji's batch, including him, would officially become Genin of Sunagakure. All the students stood on the training field of the Academy.
In front of them stood Satei, the Third Kazekage. On his left and right stood all the staff and instructors of the Academy. Behind him stood the Kazekage's 'Dune Aegis'.
The Kazekage did not waste much time with lengthy speeches. He simply congratulated all of them for becoming official Genin. He encouraged them to always take pride in being a Sunagakure shinobi.
Everyone started clapping after Satei finished his short address.
'He really didn't bother much, huh,' Kaiji thought inwardly. While Kaiji himself didn't desire an hour-long speech, the Kazekage's address was remarkably brief.
After the clapping subsided, Kazeo Sensei came forward, holding a list in his hands.
"Those whose names I will mention will go to your classes," he instructed. "While the remaining stay standing here."
With that, he began announcing names. First, he named Renji, then Kohaku, then Maki, then Taichi, and so on.
Kaiji immediately understood. These were the students who would be getting a 3-men squad with a Jonin sensei.
Kaiji's heart started beating fast. He desperately wanted to be a member of any team.
If he was assigned to the Genin Corps, then once the Third Shinobi World War started, likely in around six months, Sunagakure would take action.
And he, as a member of the Genin Corps with other members, would be sent to the front lines of battles to serve as canon fodder.
Kazeo Sensei slowly continued announcing names. One by one, those whose names were called walked towards the Academy classrooms.
Ren's name was also mentioned. He smiled towards Kaiji and Hiroshi. "Hope we all be together," he said.
Kaiji and Hiroshi smiled back, but Kaiji couldn't shake off the worry that his name might not be called.
His fear came true. Kazeo Sensei mentioned 24 students' names, and his name was not among them.
Kaiji's expression briefly turned ugly, but he quickly changed it back to normal and shrugged outwardly.
He sighed inwardly. 'It is what it is,' he thought. He no longer wanted to bother dwelling on the things that had already happened and couldn't be changed.
Then Kazeo Sensei made another announcement. "Those who are standing here," he said, addressing the remaining students, "you all will be joining the Genin Corps department."
He added. "Sorry, but only 8 team squads can be made, so you will not get one."
Some students showed sad expressions, while others appeared indifferent or not caring.
Kazeo Sensei offered encouragement. "Don't worry," he said. "You can also do C-rank missions with assigned 5-men squads from the Genin Corps and become good shinobi for Sunagakure."
Then, Yuna Sensei came forward. She took out a storage scroll. From it, she unrolled a bundle containing the Headbands of Sunagakure.
These were the official proof that they were now registered shinobi of the village.
Yuna Sensei distributed headbands to each of the remaining students.
After getting their headbands, many became visibly happy about finally becoming ninja.
A Chunin then came forward. He was not one of the Academy instructors but the individual who oversaw the Genin Corps department.
He spoke in a loud voice to ensure everyone snapped out of their thoughts and listened properly. "My name is Ryota," he announced, "a Chunin and Vice head of the Genin Corps department."
"And you all are going to be under me and the department head, Isamu-san," he continued. "If you ever have any problem or queries regarding anything, like your missions, you can directly come to me."
With that, he signaled the remaining 44 newly minted Genin to follow him.
Everyone started following him after saying goodbye to the Academy instructors and bowing respectfully towards the Kazekage.
With that, they all followed Ryota. The Genin Corps department was located in the South-west direction of the village.
To the south were the Sealing Department and the Ninja Library Archive, while on the west side were the Kazekage's Building and the Mission counter.
While walking towards the department, Hiroshi lightly nudged Kaiji. "Why this sad look?" he asked. "We are ninjas now!"
Kaiji just gave a dry chuckle. "Yes," he said. "We are ninjas now."
He thought inwardly, 'If these people knew what the Genin Corps department is really about, and what is going to come after around six months from now, many might just quit being ninjas.'
For orphan kids, becoming official Genin meant their monthly allowance would no longer be given to them.
Plus, the building where their small houses were located was also no longer available for them. The Genin Corps department would be providing rooms for orphan kids there.
Hiroshi commented on their friend. "Well, looks like Ren got a team," he said. "Good for him."
Kaiji also nodded. "Yeah," he agreed, "but I also wanted to be a part of any team."
Hiroshi put his hand on Kaiji's shoulder in reassurance. "Don't worry," he said. "At least we are together, and it's not like we wouldn't be able to meet Ren."
Kaiji nodded again. They continued following Ryota towards the Genin Corps department.
Upon arriving, Ryota gave them instructions. He told those who were orphans that they could take their items from where they were living and start living there at the department facilities.
All 44 of them would have to come there every morning, and the Department would assign them missions, while any tasks and odd jobs can be taken by them themselves.
After instructing them about basic things, he let them go for the day. Their official ninja work would start from tomorrow onwards.
Kaiji and Hiroshi went to their homes to pack their things. They didn't have much to pack, aside from a few sets of clothes.
They would start living at the Genin Corps department from tomorrow, so for tonight, they would stay at their current houses.
Kaiji then took out a paper and ink. He began writing, the quill making a soft scratch sound against the paper, outlining the things he would be focusing on from now on.