'Since when are you and Hinata close? You two barely hang out. She's so shy—how'd she end up with someone like you?'
'Watch your mouth. What's "someone like me"? I'm excellent, thank you. Hinata and I aren't exactly tight; I just think she's got a sweet temperament. Still, there's no way we'll be on the same squad.'
'Oh? What'd you figure out? Spill.'
'Pure guesswork, but maybe the teams aren't random. They could match us by personality.'
'Like similar chakra natures, or people who vibe well together.'
'Hmm, who do you think you'd sync with?'
'You? Probably teamed with Choji and Ino.'
'What's your reasoning?'
'Our clans—Nara, Yamanaka, Akimichi—have worked together for generations. Bet they'll stick you three in one cell.'
'Then why aren't you the one shoved in with them?'
'Because you're more "excellent" than I am.'
'Don't tell me you've been scheming for this exact moment since we were kids.'
'Come on, not that dramatic.'
'So who do you think you'll end up with?'
'Likely those two boys.'
'Hey, we've gone to school together forever and you still don't know their names?'
'Exactly why I'll probably be grouped with them. Middle-of-the-road grades pair with low-profile classmates.'
Shikamaru was speechless; he had no clue what went on in his little sister's head.
Kano was already planning how to teach her future teammates the Eight Gates—so when they died she could inherit their power.
A Konoha Genin opening the Eight Gates once turned the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist into the "Lucky Trio."
'Next, Team Seven: Uzumaki Naruto, Nara Kano.'
'All right!'
While Naruto whooped, Kano blinked in shock. I bumped Sakura off? Why?
'Also: Uchiha Sasuke.'
The instant Sasuke's name rang out, every girl in class groaned.
'Why not me?'
'How come it's like this? Lucky you, Kano-chan, paired with Sasuke-kun!'
Under Ino's envious stare Kano could only offer a helpless smile. She hadn't meddled with the plot—so why this lineup?
'Ugh, what's so great about that guy? Women...'
'Yeah, I don't get the Sasuke craze either.'
'Probably because I'm not a girl.'
'I detect hidden barbs, stinky big brother.'
Kano heartily agreed with Shikamaru's grumbling.
Shikamaru figured that, odd brain-wiring aside, his sister was easier company than most girls.
'Team Ten: Yamanaka Ino, Nara Shikamaru, and Akimichi Choji.'
'Called it.'
'Naturally! And don't bully Ino—she's my best friend.'
Seeing Ino's gloom, Kano whispered reassurance:
'Don't worry. My slacker big bro may sport dead-fish eyes, a donkey-long face, and look permanently drained, but he's actually smart and reliable.'
'Oi, I heard every word.'
'Stop poking me—I'm praising you.'
'That's some praise.'
'It's called "praise after suppression," idiot.'
'More like suppression-suppression-suppression-suppression-praise.'
Ignoring Shikamaru, Kano kept comforting Ino.
'Besides, I don't like Sasuke, so the competition's thinner. And being on his team lets me put in a good word for you—advantage Ino, right?'
Ino perked up instantly, clasping Kano's hands.
'Then my future happiness is in your hands, Kano-chan!'
'Leave it to me.'
Originally Sakura won, but now that Kano had nudged her aside, Ino might actually stand a chance.
'This afternoon your Jonin instructors will be introduced; until then, dismissed.'
Students scattered to meet their new teammates and get acquainted.
Ino and Shikamaru waved to Kano and left; bonding with their cells took priority.
'Kano-chan, we're finally classmates—let's grab lunch!'
Naruto bounded over, sunny grin impossible to refuse.
'Sure, ramen it is. Should we ask Sasuke along?'
'Er... better not. That stuck-up guy definitely won't come.'
Kano figured the aloof Sasuke would be tough anyway; she'd melt the ice later.
'Then just us two.'
'To celebrate us teaming up, it's my treat!'
'idiot, save your cash and stop drinking expired milk. My treat—in exchange, you follow my lead on missions from now on.'
...Afternoon arrived; Kakashi was, as ever, late. He predictably triggered Naruto's trap—Kano had helped set it—while Sasuke looked incredulous.
An expression that screamed, "This guy's really a Jonin?"
Kakashi led the three to the rooftop and casually perched on the railing.
'First, introductions: likes, dislikes, dreams, hobbies.'
'Um, sensei should go first!'
'Me? I'm Hatake Kakashi. I won't tell you my likes or dislikes. Future dreams? Pass. Hobbies... plenty.'
Kano's grin turned wicked; she knew every little secret he was hiding.
'Your turn next.'
'I'm Uzumaki Naruto! I love ramen—especially the Ichiraku kind Iruka-sensei buys—and hate waiting three minutes for cup noodles. Hobby: noodle-eating contests. My dream: surpass the Hokage!'
'Right, next.'
'Nara Kano, eleven. I live in the Nara district, northeast Konoha. Unmarried. I train at our clan grounds every day until eight p.m. No smoking, no drinking. Bed at eleven for a full eight hours. Warm milk and twenty minutes of stretches before lights-out; I sleep like the dead. Doctors say I'm perfectly normal.'
Way too formal for a Genin intro.
'I merely seek a tranquil life. Win-lose bores me... but if I must fight, I won't lose to anyone.'
'So cool, Kano-chan!'
'Is this girl really twelve? She sounds like a forty-year-old salaryman.'