The classroom buzzed with noise.
Newly promoted Genin, their forehead protectors still fresh and shining, excitedly discussed their upcoming team assignments. For most of them, this wasn't just simple grouping—it would decide who they would fight alongside, survive with, and possibly die with.
In a time of war, having strong teammates or a powerful Jonin sensei could mean the difference between life and death.
Kurogane Ren sat quietly in the corner by the window, twirling a pen between his fingers. His gaze rested on the rain outside, but his ears filtered every conversation in the room.
"I heard many team leaders this time are elite Chunin returning from the front lines."
"If only it were Lord Hatake or Lord Orochimaru…"
"Stop dreaming. They're still fighting in the Land of Rain."
Ren's eyes flickered slightly.
According to his previous life's memories, Minato Namikaze would eventually become the disciple of Jiraiya. But right now, the war was at its peak. Would someone like Jiraiya really leave the battlefield just to guide fresh graduates?
Unlikely.
"Silence!"
The classroom instantly quieted as Instructor Ooguro entered, holding the team assignment sheet. His expression was serious—far more serious than usual.
"Due to the critical situation on the front lines, there will be no adjustment period after assignments," he said firmly. "You will be immediately deployed to logistics or reconnaissance units and sent toward the border."
The room froze.
The excitement from moments ago vanished instantly.
Some students paled.
Some clenched their fists.
No training missions. No preparation.
Straight to war.
Ooguro began reading names.
"Team One…"
"Team Two…"
Cheers and sighs followed each announcement.
Then—
"Team Five."
Ooguro paused.
His gaze swept across the room before landing on two people—Minato Namikaze in the front… and Kurogane Ren in the corner.
"Namikaze Minato… Kurogane Ren."
The classroom exploded.
"What?! Those two together?"
"One's a genius, the other's dead last!"
"How is that even fair?"
The contrast was too extreme.
One stood at the peak.
The other… barely passed.
Minato turned around and smiled brightly at Ren, as if genuinely happy about the assignment.
Ren returned a small nod.
(Being grouped with a future legend… is not necessarily a good thing.)
"And your supervising Jonin is…"
Ooguro hesitated.
"…Lord Jiraiya."
Silence—
Then chaos.
"Jiraiya-sama?!"
"The Hokage's disciple?!"
"They're so lucky!"
Jealousy filled the room.
But Ooguro raised his hand again.
"However, Lord Jiraiya is currently stationed on the front lines and cannot return."
The excitement instantly cooled.
"A temporary captain will escort you to the battlefield."
The classroom door suddenly slid open.
Cold air rushed in.
Along with it—
The faint smell of blood.
A young shinobi stood at the entrance.
Around fifteen or sixteen.
Dark blue clothing, worn from battle. A green flak vest marked with signs of repair. Rainwater dripped from his hair.
And his eyes—
Red.
Three tomoe slowly rotated within them.
Uchiha Fugaku.
The room fell silent.
The pressure alone was enough to suffocate the newly graduated Genin.
Fugaku's gaze swept across the class without interest before locking directly onto Minato… and Ren.
"Team Five. Move."
His voice was cold and impatient.
Rooftop – Ninja Academy
Rain struck the railings with a steady rhythm.
Fugaku leaned against the edge, arms crossed, his expression sharp.
"Skip introductions. Waste of time."
"I am Uchiha Fugaku, Special Jonin. I will lead this team until we reach the front lines."
His gaze shifted to Minato.
"Namikaze Minato. Civilian genius."
A slight pause.
"Don't rely on speed to run away when things get serious."
Minato scratched his head with a sheepish smile. "I'll do my best not to hold the team back, senpai."
"Hmph."
Then Fugaku looked at Ren.
His expression changed.
Disdain.
"Kurogane Ren. Low chakra. Average taijutsu. Barely useful."
"Other than your theory scores and that flashy trick earlier, you bring nothing to this team."
"Frankly… you'll lower our survival rate."
The words were harsh.
Crushing.
The kind that would break most students.
But Ren remained calm.
"Senior Fugaku," he said evenly.
"Not everyone is suited for direct combat."
"I specialize in analysis, trap setting… and basic medical support."
Fugaku narrowed his eyes.
"Medical?"
"A Genin?"
"I know first aid," Ren replied simply.
At this time, dedicated medical ninjas were rare. Even basic medical knowledge could save lives.
Fugaku studied him carefully.
Looking for fear.
For hesitation.
He found none.
"…It had better be useful."
Fugaku tossed a small orange toad toward Minato.
"Contact summon from Jiraiya."
"Objective: move immediately, cross the Land of Fire border, and rendezvous with the main force in the Land of Rain."
His presence suddenly sharpened.
Killing intent leaked out—cold, real, experienced.
"Iwa and Suna squads are active near the border," he continued.
"Once we enter combat…"
His gaze turned icy.
"…don't expect protection."
"If you can't keep up—"
"I will abandon you."
"Uchiha do not carry dead weight."
Minato's expression turned serious as he nodded.
Ren lowered his gaze slightly.
(When that moment comes… we'll see who abandons whom.)
"Move out."
Fugaku vanished instantly into the rain.
Minato followed like a flash of light.
Ren took a slow breath.
Then stepped forward.
Chakra flowed into his legs.
Not fast.
Not powerful.
But controlled.
As he moved through the rain, his mind was already working.
Calculating.
Designing.
Preparing.
War has begun.
And this… is just the first step.