It was class break today. Before the teacher arrived, Haruto sat in the corner, whispering to Hinata. Her face flushed red every few seconds, drawing envious glances from the other girls nearby. Sakura and Ino, seated close by, glared daggers at the two, especially at Hinata, whose bashful smile made them burn with jealousy. Haruto, of course, continued acting affectionately in his own subtle way.
Just then, the back door swung open and Naruto burst into the classroom. He glanced around before marching straight over to Sasuke and, without hesitation, jumped up onto his desk with a loud thud.
Sasuke glanced at him coolly."Today's the day they assign the teams. What are you doing here, ungraduated dead last?"
He didn't mean it cruelly—he was just unsure if Naruto had really passed, like Haruto claimed.
"I'm a ninja now too, Sasuke! You didn't expect that, huh?" Naruto beamed proudly, pointing to the new forehead protector on his head. He laughed and shouted like he was announcing a national holiday.
Meanwhile, Haruto, who had been enjoying the peaceful atmosphere with Hinata, found Naruto's loud voice very disruptive. With a subtle flick of his right hand under the table—
"Waugh—!""Ugh—!"
Both Naruto and Sasuke suddenly doubled over, retching at the same time.
Haruto looked on casually. Some things really do repeat, just like the original story.
Naruto and Sasuke had no idea their misery was caused by their so-called best friend. Haruto decided to stir the pot a little more.
"I didn't expect you two to be that close. Don't get too near me from now on."
"Who's close with him?!" x2
Before they could argue further, Iruka entered the classroom. The chatter immediately died down as everyone turned to look at him, waiting for the team announcements.
"Class Six: Miyamoto Yuriko, Izumo Akuni, Haruno Sakura."
Haruto blinked in surprise. That's not right. Sakura should be grouped with Naruto and Sasuke...
But before he could fully react, Iruka continued reading:
"Class Seven: Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, Haruto Itsuki."
"Yeah! Boss, we're on the same team! Oh... and that annoying Sasuke too."
Haruto pushed Naruto's face away, trying to make sense of the team change. Then it clicked.
Originally, Sasuke's team was carefully arranged—Sasuke, the last Uchiha, was a political and strategic asset. The only one the Third Hokage trusted to watch him was Kakashi. Naruto and Sakura were added for balance and connection: Naruto's obsession with Sakura, and Sakura's crush on Sasuke, made her the emotional link between the two. But now, Sakura had feelings for Haruto, breaking that chain. Meanwhile, Haruto had deeper bonds with both Naruto and Sasuke—and with Kakashi, too.
So they adjusted the team. Makes sense, Haruto thought, looking out the window with a quiet smirk. Knowing the plot really is an advantage—though I guess that advantage is slipping.
After lunch, Haruto slumped over his desk, waiting for their new teacher to show up. No surprise left when you know what's coming, he thought lazily.
Then a voice interrupted his thoughts.
"Haruto, Ino."
Haruto's ears perked up. That voice—was unmistakable.
"Mom? What are you doing here?"
Asaka stepped into the room in her medical-nin uniform. "The hospital's short-staffed this term, and there are extra medical training classes. I've been assigned to oversee them."
She scanned the room and called out a few more names. "Miyamoto Yuriko, Izumo Akuni, Haruno Sakura—follow me."
Haruto watched as Sakura followed his mother out of the room.
So Sakura still chose the medical path, he noted.
Before leaving, Asaka turned back and gave Haruto a small smile.
"Work hard, all of you."
And with that, she was gone.
Sakura thought to herself: Being in Haruto's mom's team isn't bad at all. If I perform well, maybe I'll catch his attention…
Soon, only Haruto, Naruto, and Sasuke were left in the classroom.
"Why isn't the teacher here yet?" Naruto muttered impatiently.
A moment later, a man with silver hair and a mask calmly walked in.
So it's Kakashi, just like I expected, Haruto thought. Knowing what's coming takes away all the suspense.
Kakashi looked at the three students in front of him. "Let's start by getting to know each other. Tell me about your dreams."
Naruto immediately jumped in. "You go first!"
But Kakashi casually deflected, giving a long-winded introduction instead.
"I'm going to be Hokage!" Naruto declared loudly.
"I want to restore the Uchiha clan," Sasuke said coolly. "And kill a certain someone."
Then it was Haruto's turn.
He stood up with a calm demeanor, clearly ready for this moment.
"Becoming Hokage… is just one of my dreams," Haruto said.
The others looked at him in surprise.
"I have a bigger goal," Haruto continued. "I want to change this chaotic world with my own hands, no matter the cost."
He slightly opened his hands, as if offering his dream to the world.
"One day, this world will be reborn—a world without war. A world where 'ninja' doesn't mean fighting and killing, but healing in hospitals, farming in the fields, and building roads and homes. A world where no child has to grow up alone like Naruto, Sasuke, or me. A world where every child can grow up happy, and every family stays together."
His voice grew firmer.
"If I can't accomplish that myself, then I'll pass this will on to someone who can."
Haruto thought quietly to himself: I already know it will be Naruto. Even if my words sound a bit exaggerated, I truly want peace. I don't have big ambitions; I just want a calm, happy life with Hinata.
He remembered the scars left by war—people missing limbs, loved ones lost too soon.
People talk about war like it's just numbers or strategy. But when war actually comes, only the madmen cheer. Everyone else hides, cries, and dies. That's the truth.
Kakashi, Naruto, Sasuke, and even the Third Hokage, who was watching from a distance, were all taken aback by his words.
Naruto was the first to speak again. "Boss… I'll help you. But being Hokage is still my dream!"
Sasuke smirked. "That's quite an ambitious dream. Maybe I'll care enough to join you."
Kakashi's expression was unreadable. He had seen too much war and loss not to understand the weight behind Haruto's words.
"…That's quite a dream, Haruto," Kakashi said finally. "I hope to see the day it becomes a reality."
With introductions finished, Kakashi continued, "We'll start survival training tomorrow. This isn't just a formality—some of you will be eliminated and sent back to the Academy. Everything you need to know is written here. Meet at the training ground at five in the morning. Don't be late."
"Huh? Can't you explain that better?"
"You idiot, just read the instructions."
"You want to fight, Sasuke?!"
"Alright, alright! Stop arguing. I'll treat you guys to ramen."
Kakashi turned to leave, hands in his pockets, his tone calm.
"These kids… they're definitely unique. Looks like the days ahead won't be boring."