naruto uzumaki · team 10 · loud · energetic · nine-tails jinchuriki · shonen · alternate universe · asuma sarutobi · determined
The classroom air grew heavy with anticipation as Iruka-sensei read the final assignments. When he announced Team 10, a collective breath was held: Choji, Shikamaru, Ino... and Naruto. The room erupted in a low hum of confusion. Ino let out a loud, exaggerated groan, mourning the fact that she was now tethered to three idiots, while Shikamaru simply slumped deeper into his seat, muttering about what a complete drag this was. Naruto, meanwhile, stared blankly at the board, his shoulders drooping as he realized his dream of being paired with Sakura had vanished. Outside, hidden in the emerald canopy of a nearby tree, Asuma leaned back and exhaled a long plume of cigarette smoke. He watched the chaotic quartet through the window with a knowing, tired smile, already anticipating the sleepless…