The Academy classroom was packed. Rows of young ninja-to-be, all in identical dark blue uniforms, sat on benches. The air buzzed with nervous energy and whispered bets.

At the front, Iruka Umino, the instructor, stood behind a lectern. His scarred face was serious as he unrolled a long scroll.

Uchiha, Sasuke. Team Seven. A ripple of murmurs went through the room. The dark-haired boy at the window didn’t even look up.

Iruka’s eyes scanned the scroll, then the class. They landed on a specific, empty seat near the back.