Back in the Academy hallway, Iruka led both Ren and Naruto to the correct rooms.
"Sorry for the confusion," Iruka said, glancing between them. "We've sorted it now. Just head into the rooms listed on the board."
Naruto grinned. "So where am I going?"
Iruka pointed. "Room 3. That's Team 7."
Ren raised an eyebrow. "And me?"
"Room 1."
Naruto blinked. "Wait—we're not on the same team?"
Iruka gave them both a small smile. "You're both strong, but this isn't the kind of test where you stay side-by-side. Time to grow on your own."
Naruto pouted but nodded. "Alright... I guess."
They exchanged a fist bump.
"Don't slack off," Ren said.
"You either!"
Inside Room 3, Team 7 sat assembled.
Naruto walked in, grinning and loud as ever.
"Yo! Your favorite future Hokage has arrived!"
Sasuke slouched in his chair, groaning internally.
"Great. The loud one."
He glanced briefly at the door, half-expecting Ren to follow behind.
"His brother would've made a better teammate."
Sakura, meanwhile, looked from Naruto to the empty door.
"So... no Ren?"
Disappointment flickered across her face.
"Imagine if it had been Ren and Sasuke... we'd be unstoppable."
Inside Room 1, Ren sat silently, arms crossed. A few unfamiliar students entered and took seats beside him.
He didn't speak.
He simply glanced toward the hallway — toward the path his brother had taken.
"Different rooms. Different teams."
"Same mission — get stronger."
The instructor entered, clipboard in hand.
"Welcome to Team 1. Let's begin."