Aoi Ren knew the one missing person had to be Kakashi Hatake, who had already graduated.
In fact, according to the Hokage's records, Kakashi was now officially a Jonin.
Though he was promoted during wartime, and while his strength wasn't bad, his experience and methods still didn't quite measure up to the veteran Jonin.
But compared to the fresh graduates of the Academy, he was absurdly gifted.
"Kakashi Hatake... no need to worry. Sooner or later, we'll meet on the battlefield."
As Ren was lost in thought about what lay ahead, Iruka finally finished his long speech on stage. The classroom erupted, the kids now shouting and bouncing around like roosters pumped full of energy.
"I'll be Hokage and protect the village!"
"Hmph! I'm the one who should be Hokage. Only a genius like me is worthy!"
"The Hokage's seat belongs to the Uchiha clan!"
"Alright, alright, quiet down!"
Iruka pressed his hands down to calm the excited students and said,
"Since you're all fresh Genin, from now on you'll work in teams of three."
"Each team will have a Jonin instructor who will guide you on missions until you're able to take on assignments independently or pass the Chunin Exams."
"Also, team members have been assigned based on a balance of each student's overall scores."
That was the official line anyway, but as Iruka picked up the list, his brow twitched slightly.
This so-called balanced distribution was just a cover story.
The team rosters had long been decided by the major clans and the higher-ups.
Who was paired with whom had been set in stone.
"Team 1: Uchiha Jo, Uchiha Kaede, Uchiha Rei."
The two boys and one girl from the Uchiha clan held their heads high, full of pride.
Though the two boys still had clear slap marks on their faces, making the sight rather comical.
"Team 2: Asuma Sarutobi, Raido Namiashi, Ibiki Morino."
Asuma rubbed his still-aching chest and shot a hateful look at Ren. He muttered to his two sidekicks, "We've got to teach that Ren a lesson one of these days."
Ibiki Morino, who would one day be a fearsome Special Jonin and master of interrogation, was just a scrappy kid for now.
"Team 3: Might Guy, Ebisu, Aoba Yamashiro."
"Whooo!"
Might Guy let out a strange yell. There was still a shoeprint on his face as he shouted, "Ren! I can't believe how strong you are. I feel like I've found my path to youth again!"
He turned to Ren and gave him a thumbs up. His teeth gleamed with a bright flash.
Ding — so dazzling!
"Team 4: Aoi Ren, Kurenai Yuhi, Yugao Uzuki."
This assignment was a bit of a surprise to Ren.
Kurenai, her face red, whispered, "Um, Ren, I... I asked my dad to secretly change it a little..."
"So that's it. Judging by my grades, I should've been stuck with two nobodies..."
"But Yugao Uzuki, huh..."
Ren glanced at the purple-haired girl not far away and felt a stir of interest.
After all, the second part of the Campus Overlord mission required three girlfriends. It seemed a new target had appeared.
"Team 5: Nara..."
"Team 6: Aburame..."
"Team 7: Obito Uchiha, Rin Nohara, Kakashi Hatake."
As soon as Iruka announced Team 7, the room buzzed with chatter.
"Obito Uchiha? The clan's disgrace, the bottom of the barrel!"
"Kakashi? Didn't he already make Chunin? Why is he still with us?"
"Two bottom-ranked guys... no, wait! How did Ren become so strong all of a sudden?"
The students' murmuring didn't faze Iruka.
"Team 8: Shimura..."
"Team 9..."
"Team 10..."
"Team 11..."
"Team 12..."
Soon, all 36 students had been assigned to teams.
A total of twelve Jonin or Special Jonin would guide them on their missions.
"Alright, everyone head home early and get some rest. Be on time to meet your Jonin instructors tomorrow. Do not be late."
...
Several hours earlier, inside the Hokage's office.
Sarutobi Hiruzen had been listening to Orochimaru's report when he suddenly froze, his expression one of surprise.
"You're saying you want to take on this year's students?"
"That's right. I came across a very interesting little brat on my return. I'm intrigued."
Orochimaru leaned against the giant window, looking out with interest.
"An interesting brat? Who is it?"
Hiruzen asked cautiously. Lately, the ANBU had sent reports about his prized student that left him deeply worried.
"A kid named Aoi Ren. His parents died during the Second Great War."
"Aoi Ren?"
Hiruzen thought for a moment but didn't recall the name clearly.
He did seem to remember the boy was close with the Yuhi girl.
The ANBU had reported a few days ago that Kurenai had gotten someone at the Academy to adjust her team assignment. So that was why...
Still, for Orochimaru to take notice like this, he'd need to look into the boy privately as well.
"Understood. This time, you'll be their Jonin instructor."
"Hehehe, thank you, sensei."
[ 250 - 1 Extra Chapter ]