Author Note:
Here's the BONUS CHAPTER as promised—thanks for the support, and let's keep this energy going!
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To celebrate Kurenai Yuhi's promotion to Genin, her father, Yuhi Shinku, actually took the day off—an event rare enough to make headlines in their small circle.
He tied up his long hair, rolled up his sleeves, and took charge of the kitchen.
Kurenai's mother had passed away shortly after she was born.
Since then, Shinku had raised her alone, doing his best to be both sword and shield—and when necessary, the cook.
Over the years, his culinary skills had become something of a legend in their neighborhood, mostly out of necessity.
Last night, Guts had helped Tsunade pay off yet another round of gambling debts.
Of course, the woman hadn't changed—by dawn, she was already back at the betting stalls.
With nowhere else to go, Guts ended up joining the Yuhi household for breakfast, plopping down beside Kurenai under Shinku's watchful—and thoroughly disapproving—gaze.
Ignoring the sharp looks being hurled across the table, Kurenai calmly picked up the dish of braised pork and plopped a generous helping into Guts bowl.
"Eat. You didn't even have dinner last night."
Guts grinned. "Yes, ma'am."
Shinku's eyes narrowed dangerously. If looks could kill, Guts would've been vaporized on the spot.
Shinku didn't have many requirements for his daughter's future partner. If she loved him, that was enough. But... that was for the future.
Right now? Seeing some punk sitting beside his precious daughter like he belonged there? It was enough to boil his blood.
Every father has a soft spot for his daughter—and a sharp sword for anyone who tries to get too close.
The next morning
Guts strolled through the village streets with Kurenai, headed toward the Ninja Academy.
Today was the day Genin teams would be assigned—a rite of passage for every new ninja.
Along the way, they bumped into Kakashi, who was also headed in the same direction.
"Oh? You're here for the placement too?"
Guts asked, casually.
Kakashi frowned.
"Yeah."
He didn't elaborate. Apparently, both the Hokage and his father, Sakumo Hatake—the legendary White Fang—had suggested this move.
Despite already being Chūnin, Kakashi's attitude made it hard for him to integrate with the older squads.
Cold, aloof, and endlessly critical, he'd burned more bridges than he'd crossed.
Instead of forcing him into a team that wouldn't suit him, they decided to send him back to school, pairing him with peers his own age.
Guts could already guess how well that was going to go.
"I already feel bad for whoever ends up on your team,"
Guts said, half-smirking.
"Hmph."
That was all Kakashi offered before walking ahead into the classroom.
Kurenai sighed beside Guts.
"Do you two always have to butt heads like that?"
Guts shrugged. "It's a tradition at this point."
They entered the classroom, the same one where Guts had sat two years ago.
As he and Kakashi walked in, conversations hushed. Whispers broke out, and eyes lit up.
After all, it wasn't every day two Chūnin returned to the classroom to form a team.
Most of the new Genin were secretly hoping to be teamed with them.
Having a Chūnin as a teammate meant easier missions, more strength, and probably more attention from the higher-ups.
As Guts passed by Obito, he caught a muttered prayer:
"Please not Kakashi. Let it be Rin and me... just Rin and me..."
Guts chuckled and patted Obito on the shoulder.
"Hang in there, man."
Obito flinched and scowled.
"You don't understand anything."
Guts glanced at Rin, who was happily chatting with another classmate, completely unaware of the heart being broken two seats away.
He grinned. "Ah... young love."
Obito's scowl deepened.
"If only she'd follow me around like your girl does."
That made Guts blink.
Your girl?
He turned toward Kurenai, who had just sat down beside him, oblivious to the comment. She leaned in and whispered,
"Hey, Guts. What if… our relationship ended up like Rin and Obito's?"
He raised an eyebrow.
"You mean... tragic and one-sided?"
She chuckled, then shrugged, a little shy.
"Just wondering. What would you do?"
"Me?"
Guts smirked.
"I'd get on the ship first, and worry about the ticket later."
In front of them, Obito, who was listening in, gagged dramatically.
"What the hell does that even mean!?"
Guts laughed.
"What? Not romantic enough for you?"
"I'm not as gross as you!"
Kurenai blinked in confusion.
"Get on the ship first? Ticket?"
"You'll understand when you're older,"
Guts said, pinching her cheek.
Right then, the classroom door slid open, and their homeroom teacher stepped in.
"Alright, everyone. Settle down. I'll announce the team placements now."
Silence fell instantly. Glances darted across the room. Hopes soared and hearts thumped.
The teacher began reading names.
"Might Guy... Shiranui Genma... Ebisu."
"Sarutobi Asuma... Kamizuki Izumo... Kotetsu Hagane."
Each trio drew murmurs, either of surprise or sympathy.
Then came:
"Uchiha Obito... Nohara Rin... Hatake Kakashi."
Obito's heart soared—until that last name hit him like a kunai to the chest.
"WHAT!? Why do I have to be with him!?"
Kakashi didn't even look up. "Same."
Rin, ever the peacekeeper, laughed nervously.
(PS: Fun fact: Rin actually wanted a harem with Kakashi and Obito—turns out she was the real player all along.)
"Let's just all get along, okay?"
The teacher didn't budge.
"This grouping balances the strength levels. Kakashi is a Chūnin, Obito... you're still the class dunce."
The class burst into laughter. Obito sank into his seat, red-faced.
Finally, the teacher looked at his clipboard one last time.
"The final team: Guts, Kurenai Yuhi, and... Kato Shizune."
Guts leaned back in his chair, arms behind his head.
"Looks like we got a solid team."
Kurenai nodded, smiling.
"Looks like it."
And somewhere behind them, Obito muttered,
"Unfair... even the team assignments are playing favorites..."
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