Naruto: All depends on the Nine-tails Fox

Inside the Hokage's office.

The high-ranking ninjas gathered around, surrounding the crystal ball on the Third Hokage's desk. They were observing the newly graduated genin from the ninja academy.

Today was the day for the new students to be assigned to their teams.

Under the system established by the Hidden Leaf Village, each team would consist of three genin, led by one of the village's jōnin, to undertake various missions and training tasks. This was the foundation for the village's training and development of ninjas ever since the academy was established.

"...Hinata Hyuga and Neji Hyuga both received high praise," Asuma remarked, even though he hadn't yet been assigned to a team. He glanced toward the Hyuga clan leader, who was standing next to his father, and added with a grin, "Lord Hiashi, your Hyuga family really produces remarkable talent."

"It's their own hard work," Hiashi Hyuga responded with a gentle nod, the usual sternness in his expression replaced by a softer demeanor. Clearly, he was pleased with the two siblings' accomplishments.

"Then there's Sasuke Uchiha." Another jōnin added, "He may not have been the top of the class this year, but his strength is undeniable. Few from previous graduating classes can match his abilities."

"They're all exceptional children," Asuma continued. "Honestly, I wasn't nearly as talented as they are when I graduated."

"You were the bottom of the class, weren't you? You were outperformed by even the year below you. I remember you even got beaten up by the juniors once!"

Asuma shot a teasing glance at the other jōnin.

"That's not true! My grades were great too! Kai, you and I are from the same class, you should back me up!" Asuma said, half-defensive, half-joking.

"Huh? Who's calling me?" Guy, completely earnest, turned to look at Asuma, trying to place his face before asking seriously.

Amidst the banter of the other high-ranking ninjas, only Kakashi remained silent, unaffected by the playful antics of his companion, Guy.

"Kakashi, what's your opinion?" The Third Hokage, clearly interested in Kakashi's thoughts, turned to him.

"Rather than Sasuke Uchiha, the lone survivor of the Uchiha clan, or the Hyuga family, I'm more interested in the top-ranked student of this year," Kakashi said, lifting his gaze, knowing he had to answer the Hokage's question.

At the mention of this year's top student, everyone's attention shifted from discussing the Hyuga and Uchiha clans to the Third Hokage.

This year's top student.

Without a doubt, it was Naruto Uzumaki!

Due to his unique status, the jōnin had avoided discussing him earlier, but now, directly mentioned by Kakashi, their attention naturally turned to the Hokage, who smiled knowingly. He shifted the crystal ball's focus to the young, blonde-haired boy.

At that moment, Naruto was surrounded by his classmates in the academy, the attention and admiration focused entirely on him, like stars orbiting the moon.

His six years in the academy without a single defeat had made him a legend, and his popularity soared.

Hinata, however, wasn't in the crowd. She sat quietly by herself, lost in thought, yet her eyes were subtly fixated on Naruto, occasionally catching glimpses of him as he moved through the crowd.

I hope I get assigned to a team with Naruto-kun. That would be perfect.

Meanwhile, Neji Hyuga, standing behind her, observed her closely.

The young lady is completely focused on that Naruto kid. Sigh, it seems the head of the Hyuga family's concerns weren't unwarranted. At this rate... tsk, Naruto might really end up marrying into the Hyuga clan.

As Neji looked at Hinata, Lee Rock, filled with fiery determination, stared intently at Neji.

Neji-kun! Your new move yesterday was amazing! So full of spirit! I can't let you get ahead of me! Youth doesn't allow for laziness! Tonight, I'll run five hundred laps upside down through Konoha!

From the back of the room, the cute girl with the buns, Tenten, tilted her head, confused. Sitting in the back row, she had a clear view of everything unfolding.

Hinata is watching Naruto, but that's obvious. Everyone in the class knows that. Neji is watching Hinata...

But Lee, what is up with him? That fiery gaze... could it be that they are... that kind of relationship?

Tenten froze, her eyes wide with realization. She suddenly felt as though she had unlocked a new world of possibilities and wasn't sure how to deal with it in the future.

Sasuke Uchiha, sitting by the window in the second row, rested his chin in his hand, bored, watching the antics of his classmates. He snorted, muttering to himself, "What a bunch of boring people."

As the noise died down, Iruka finally arrived, a little late.

"First of all, congratulations to all of you. From today onward, you are officially Konoha ninjas."

Iruka looked at the students he had known for years, his eyes a bit misty, but he quickly regained his composure, continuing, "But don't get too comfortable. You're still just freshly graduated genin, the lowest rank. The truly difficult path of being a ninja is only just beginning."

"Next, the village will assign you to small teams of three, based on your individual results. You will work with jōnin instructors to carry out various missions."

At these words, everyone had different reactions.

Hinata clasped her hands in front of her chest, silently praying.

Please let me be assigned to a team with Naruto-kun.

Neji glanced at her, his brow furrowing.

I hope the young lady doesn't rely too much on Naruto...

Lee Rock, still determined, thought to himself.

Will five hundred laps be enough? Maybe I should do a thousand laps!

Tenten, still lost in her new realization, thought.

What's going on with those two... I've heard things, but I don't get it! Surely they won't end up in the same team, right?

Only Sasuke, seemingly indifferent to everything, gazed out the window, his attention drifting to Naruto, who had his hands behind his head, looking forward to whatever might come next.

"Now, I will announce the members of the first team..."

Iruka continued, ticking off names while watching everyone's reactions.

"... Team 3: Neji Hyuga, Lee Rock, and... Tenten!"

Tenten cried out in protest, clutching her hair buns and burying her face in her desk.

"?" Neji and Lee looked at her in confusion. Had they somehow offended her?

"... Team 7: Sasuke Uchiha, Hinata Hyuga, and..."

"Naruto Uzumaki!"

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Note: If you are interested, you can read up to chapter 159+ at patreon.com/Esei01.