Naruto: All depends on the Nine-tails Fox

"Hooray!"

Naruto jumped up from his seat, cheering loudly. His eyes squinted into a joyful crescent shape as he waved enthusiastically to Hinata and Sasuke. "Let's work well together from now on!"

"Yes!"

"Hmph..."

With the class distribution list announced, there were no complaints from the students. The village had clearly given thoughtful consideration to the groupings. Each newly graduated Genin team consisted of compatible members.

"Alright, that's the class assignment. For the rest of the morning, you're free to go. By afternoon, gather at the designated meeting point to meet your assigned Jonin instructor," Iruka-sensei announced. "Congratulations on stepping onto the path of a ninja!"

As Iruka finished speaking, some students, led by Rock Lee, burst into tears of joy, hugging each other before heading out. The rest of the class soon followed, eager to meet their teammates and take on their first missions.

"Hey." Neji, who was getting up from his seat, called out to Sasuke with a smirk.

"What is it?"

"You and Naruto are in the same team, and I'm not. Do you know what that means?"

"Spit it out," Sasuke frowned, sensing something different in Neji's tone.

"Naruto ranked first among the freshmen, and for the sake of team balance, they wouldn't pair the first and second together," Neji said with a mocking smile. "It means the village ranks me as second, and you... just third."

"Heh." Sasuke let out a cold laugh, his eyes glinting with a chilling light. "If this is your way of challenging me, I accept. We'll see who's really second best."

"Alright, tomorrow night at the training field. Don't be late," Neji agreed without hesitation, grinning as he walked away. Tenten, still confused, followed him, looking wary.

"That guy... did it on purpose," Sasuke thought, noticing the excitement in Neji's eyes. It seemed Neji had something new he wanted to test.

Sasuke glanced over at Naruto, who was chatting with Hinata. His small goal with Neji was already set in his mind.

"Hey, why don't we have a meal together now? We don't have to leave the classroom, and we have the whole afternoon free!" Naruto suddenly appeared behind Sasuke, placing a hand on his shoulder, his bright smile looking a bit goofy to Sasuke.

"It's ramen again, isn't it?" Sasuke remarked knowingly, glancing at Hinata. "You two go ahead. I'll see you later this afternoon."

With a puff of smoke, Sasuke's clone vanished. It was now a routine trick ever since he discovered Naruto sometimes attended class using Shadow Clones.

"As unsociable as ever," Naruto shrugged with a carefree smile. He happily grabbed Hinata's hand, leading her to invite Iruka-sensei for some ramen.

Meanwhile, in the Hokage's office...

The Jonin assigned to the new teams were busy preparing. Kakashi was no exception. As he stepped out of the Hokage building, a green-clad arm wrapped around his shoulders.

"Ah, my eternal rival, Kakashi! How is your team—"

"Don't cling to me in this heat," Kakashi muttered, brushing off Guy's arm with a sigh. "Aren't you supposed to be preparing?"

"I already know my students inside and out! They're a bunch of fiery youths ready to explode with energy. They've already passed my internal test, hahaha!" Guy laughed heartily, slapping Kakashi's back, completely ignoring the exasperated look on his face.

"By the way, Kakashi, why did you decide to return as a Jonin instructor this year? I thought you'd still be busy with missions involving Kirigakure. When I saw you in the office, I was so surprised! If not for bad timing, I would've challenged you to a duel right there..."

"It was the Third Hokage's orders. Probably because of Uchiha Sasuke," Kakashi explained, cutting Guy off.

"Uchiha... That makes sense. You're the only one in the village who can teach him how to use the Sharingan," Guy acknowledged. "But what's your plan?"

"What do you mean?"

"Naruto Uzumaki."

Kakashi paused, his expression growing serious. Guy's gaze was equally intense.

"We both know why no one mentioned Naruto initially when the teams were announced," Guy continued. "He's far too strong, beyond the level of a typical Genin. While Sasuke and Hinata are also above average, they still have clear areas for improvement."

"But Naruto is different. His abilities are so well-rounded that there's little left for even a Jonin to teach him," Guy said, concern evident in his voice. "This could become a problem. His strength may lead to overconfidence, which could cost him dearly in the future."

"Kakashi, as his Jonin instructor, you need to make him aware of this."

Guy's sincerity was clear. He was trying to convey his worries without reopening old wounds for Kakashi. Years ago, when Kakashi had been consumed by grief and earned the nickname "Cold-Blooded Kakashi" during his time in the ANBU, Guy was one of the few who constantly challenged him, refusing to let him sink deeper into despair.

"Guy, you don't need to worry about my team," Kakashi finally spoke, lifting his head with a rare, genuine smile. "And you don't need to worry about me."

For a moment, even Guy was taken aback by Kakashi's straightforwardness. He realized Kakashi had understood his true meaning. Instead of merely worrying about Naruto, Guy was actually reminded of a younger Kakashi himself—a prodigy who bore the burden of great expectations, just like Naruto.

Guy's concern was rooted in his own experience. He didn't want Naruto to go through the same painful journey Kakashi had endured. Seeing Kakashi now, he felt reassured.

"If you're this clear-headed, then that's good enough for me!" Guy's eyes lit up with enthusiasm, clenching his fist as if flames were dancing in his gaze. "As fellow Jonin instructors from the same graduating year, the spirit of youth is burning brightly! Let's see who can train their Genin to become Chunin first... Hey, Kakashi, don't walk away!"

Kakashi, already walking off with a smirk, disappeared in a flash of the Body Flicker Technique, leaving behind a teasing remark:

"Next time, let's settle it with rock-paper-scissors. You'll definitely lose this contest."