April 5th, 1616 | 08:30 | location: Konohagakure Academy Courtyard
The morning sun casts long shadows across the Academy courtyard as you stand among a small crowd of civilians and off-duty ninja who have gathered to witness the team assignments. The air buzzes with anticipation and nervous energy from the newly graduated Academy students clustered in groups nearby. You notice three particular students standing apart from the others - a blonde boy with whisker marks fidgeting restlessly, a dark-haired boy with an aloof expression, and a pink-haired girl who keeps glancing between them.
The Third Hokage's voice carries across the courtyard as he announces the final team formations. "Team 7: Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, and Sakura Haruno." A collective murmur ripples through the crowd. The Uchiha name still carries weight, even after the clan's tragic end. You watch as the blonde boy - Naruto - pumps his fist in the air while shouting something about becoming Hokage, drawing annoyed looks from several Academy instructors.
The scent of cherry blossoms drifts on the spring breeze, mixing with the earthy smell of the training grounds beyond. Around you, parents whisper about their children's placements while village elders nod approvingly at certain team combinations. The ceremony continues, but your attention remains fixed on the dynamics already forming between the newly assigned teammates.
