Chapter 12 – Team lunch

Me and Sakura head outside the classroom together and when she finds Hinata hiding in a corner she grabs her hand and drags her with us.

"Since we are on the same team we should go eat together"

"Great idea, join us Hinata"

"-yes" Hinata tries to hide her embarrassment but she's clearly happy with the situation.

I bring us to the best ramen spot in town, Ichiraku ramen of course.

We sit and shortly afterwards the cloth partition flaps open and Naruto shows up

"Sakura-chan, can we eat together."

Sakura gets up from her chair and replies, visibly annoyed.

"NO Naruto, we are eating as a team together.Go hang out with your own team"

"But Sakura-chan. Shino went to hide in some corner and Sasuke is just annoying.I want to be with you. I'll show you how I can beat Sasuke and Yami!"

"You're the one being annoying Naruto, leave us alone!You've been haunting me for years in the Academy but now I have no reason to see your face every day or have to deal with your endless childishness and neediness.

I don't want to see you ever again! LEAVE ME ALONE"

That was harsh. Hinata trembles at the energy in the room as I put my arm around her back and comfort her spiking hormones.

Naruto seems to finally get the message and leaves.Running away, dejected, red-faced, and with tears streaming down his face.I hope his talk-no-jutsu doesn't take a hit from this. I still need the guy to put in work for the plot.

But speaking of future PLOT.

Just as Sakura sits back down someone else shows up, Ino.

"Hey, should I also leave or mind if I join" - She says without much confidence, probably having witnessed what happened.

"Of course you can join us Ino. She'll always be welcome, right Sakura?"

"Huhh, yes Yami. It's like we got the taijutsu practice gang back together"

"For the last time..." Ino says softly.

Ino sits down and we order our meals. Ino complains about her team and their laziness before the topic changes.

"Do you know which jounin we're getting or are we just going to have to wait to find out?" Ino asks

"I don't know any jounin." Sakura answers.

I chip in with what I know, seeing no harm in sharing a bit too much.

"I've heard of a couple of names of Jonins we might get.Sarutobi Asuma is one I think will probably be on our or Ino's team"

"Sarutobi?" Sakura asks

"Yes, the third Hokage's son himself. As the son of the so-called 'Professor Hokage' he's bound to have access to a countless number of jutsu to teach us"

"Woah! He should be very strong." Sakura replies

"Sounds too competent for my team and luck…" Ino deflates

"… I've met her" Our heads collectively turn to Hinata whose been quiet.

"huh, who Hinata?" I ask

"Our sensei, she visited my clan yesterday. I didn't get her name"

That did happen in the story I recall. It wasn't clear in the story if it was before or after the teams got announced but Kurenai did visit the Hyuuga clan.

Wow, I got an all-female team. I'm in heaven.

"Huh, didn’t even give her name. Well that probably means good news for you Ino"

"I don't know where you are so sure he'll be my sensei Yami"

"Shikamaru is on your team, and the Nara and Hiruzen clans are very close. Shikaku Nara, the current head is an advisor to the Hokage. The two clans go way back, so does their history with yours Ino"

"What? My family never told me anything about that"

"But they do, the Nara clan albeit lazy are often geniuses and should prove competent teammates"

"And the Inuzuka? Are they also amazing"

"A bunch of dog-loving maniacs. Often crazy but great fighters and scouts"

"Hahhh..." - She sighs - "At least they'll be useful

"I'm more worried about keeping up with them without your help Yami"

"You'll do fine Ino. Even without my help your clan's Jutsu are very powerful and unique. You're an asset to any team"

"Hmm, but my figure was just starting to show. I wanted to look better. Can I look for you from time to time for some help"

"Sure Ino, no need to be shy, you'll always be welcome"

"Hey, leave some for me and Hinata" - Sakura replies

"What are you talking about?" - Hinata asks confused.

"Huh" Sakura and Ino stammer as they remember that my 'potential release' was still a secret kept from Hinata.

"It's a secret I'll tell you once we're in private Hinata, don't worry."

There is no way I'm not helping Hinata now, with or without her clan's permission.

We finish our lunch, head back to the classroom and say goodbye to Ino as she heads back to her team with a pained expression on her face.

"I hate my life… I'll have to deal with dog smell every single day Uwaaan..."