Akihiro was in his room, lost in thought, when he heard a knock at the door. His mother's familiar voice pulled him out of his concentration.

  —Son, someone is looking for you, —his mother said.

  Confused, Akihiro frowned and quickly replied, —I’m coming.

  He got up, stretching his stiff muscles, and went down the stairs, wondering who could be looking for him. When he opened the door, he found Aiko, who gave him an emotionless look.

  —Aiko? What are you doing here? —he asked, surprised by the unexpected visit.

  Aiko gave a slight smile. —Hi, how are you? —they asked, as if there was no special reason for their visit.

  —Fine, I guess —Akihiro replied, trying to hide his curiosity. —But what brings you here?

  Aiko took a deep breath. —I want to form an exclusive team with you, —Aiko revealed.

  Akihiro raised an eyebrow, feeling a bit stunned. —A team? —he echoed, confused.

  —Yes —Aiko answered simply.

  —Is that possible? I thought teams were assigned by the Vilge, —Akihiro questioned.

  Aiko nodded, their expression growing more serious. —Normally, they are, but a Chunin friend of mine told me you can request to form an exclusive team as long as there’s a Chunin or Jounin willing to lead the group. If you’re interested, I already have a Chunin who’s willing to guide us.

  Upon hearing this, Akihiro thought deeply before responding. The Vilge typically distributed teams into groups composed of Genins, led by a Jounin or, at worst, a Chunin. He had originally only hoped to be on a decent team led by a Jounin. But now, if one could form an exclusive group, things were changing—being on a team with Aiko wasn't a bad option.

  —And who is the Chunin who would guide us? —Akihiro asked, now decided.

  Aiko couldn't help but smile when he heard the question. —Her name is Miyuki Aoyama. She’s a quite experienced Chunin; although she doesn’t have experience leading Genin teams, her talent and combat skills are very impressive, —Aiko replied, voice full of confidence.

  Akihiro nodded slowly. Miyuki wasn’t an unknown name in the vilge, so knowing she would be his teacher made him feel more secure.

  —That sounds good, —he finally said. —But why do you want to form a team just with us? There are other Genins with notable skills, even in our css.

  Aiko responded immediately, —I prefer to form a team with someone I know rather than join a group of strangers. I don’t have many friends, actually.

  Hearing this, Akihiro couldn't disagree. Although they weren't bad at socializing, both had few friends. At best, they only had acquaintances in css with whom they maintained a friendly retionship.

  —Alright, what now? —Akihiro asked.

  —We need to go to the Academy to inform them along with the Chunin. I have another teammate to complete our group, —Aiko informed.

  Akihiro nodded, and they both headed to the Academy. Upon arrival, they encountered a woman with silver hair.

  —Are you Miyuki? —Akihiro asked, recognizing the examiner.

  —Hello, Akihiro. I’m Miyuki Aoyama, nice to meet you, —she replied simply.

  Akihiro returned the greeting. —Akihiro Takeshi, nice to meet you.

  He then turned to Aiko. —You could have told me the examiner was Miyuki.

  Aiko rolled their eyes. —You didn’t ask.

  Akihiro sighed. Although the name was known, her appearance wasn't so familiar. Most people didn't know her face, as she was usually on missions outside the vilge.

  —And the other member? —Akihiro asked.

  —I don’t know; they should have arrived by now, —Aiko replied, looking at the sky.

  Just as Aiko finished speaking, a figure appeared in the distance, running toward them. It was a boy with short, messy hair, who approached with an enthusiastic smile.

  —Sorry I’m te! —he excimed, stopping in front of the group. —I’m Hiroshi Tanaka.

  He seems like a budget version of Naruto, Akihiro thought.

  —Akihiro Takeshi, —Akihiro said, extending his hand.

  Hiroshi shook it firmly. —Nice to meet you! And sorry for being te, Aiko, —he commented, rubbing the back of his head.

  —No problem, let’s go, —Aiko said as they started walking.

  The group, led by Aiko, arrived at the director’s office. The process to form the team was quick and smooth. It took less than an hour for them to officially become a team.

  Once finished, they moved to one of the many training fields. There, the older Miyuki was speaking.

  —Now that I’m officially the leader of Team 12, I want each of you to introduce yourselves and tell us a bit about your skills and goals, —Miyuki said, her firm voice resonating across the training field.

  —I’ll go first, —said Hiroshi, stepping forward. —I’m Hiroshi, and my current goal is to become an expert in lightning techniques and master all lightning Jutsu. I want to become a great ninja and, in the future, be the Kusakage.

  —How cliché, —Akihiro thought. —I just want to be stronger, —he replied simply.

  —I want enough money so I don’t have to worry for the rest of my life, —Aiko responded.

  Akihiro nodded at this. If it weren't for the fact that he knew the future, he might have followed a simir path. After all, with money, there are no worries. If you have enough money and a powerful ninja following you, you can hire an even stronger ninja to protect you or just eliminate your enemies directly. It’s a comfortable life.

  Miyuki nodded at all their responses. Although Aiko’s and Akihiro’s answers were a bit unusual, they weren't out of the ordinary.

  —Alright, I see that each of you has clear goals. I want you to meet me tomorrow morning at training field 7. See you ter, —Miyuki said as she left.

  Akihiro frowned and thought, —Is that it?

  He said goodbye to the group and returned home.