Hatake Kakashi came to a somewhat troubling realization as he entered the restaurant Asuma and Kurenai had invited him to. He had been played. They had invited him to meet at two in the afternoon. In order to keep his reputation, he had arrived at the 'get-together' nearly an hour and a half late. There were none of the highly amusing looks of 'Really?' from his associates. If Kakashi had to wager, he might have let some 'Really?' tells slip himself.

Asuma and Kurenai greeted him with smiles.

They had taken his chronic tardiness-in-everything-but-war-and-urgent-missions into account. Kakashi has basically been played. The smiles weren't smug, but understanding and 'expectant'.

Which meant they wanted to be friends...and/or were planning something involving Genin Teams.

'Oh goody,' Kakashi thought dryly.

"Glad you could make it, Kakashi," Asuma verbally greeted his fellow Jonin.

"Glad to be here," Konoha's most infamous Jonin responded drolly. He took stock of the situation and realized that bolting without a beautifully-timed arrival of a mission hawk would make him look like a legendary jackass.

The silence was not uncomfortable, not really, but it was if the Jonin were sizing each other up. Kakashi had the distinctive feeling Kurenai was maneuvering to flank him.

It was Asuma who launched the veritable attack. "The Genin Teams have been finalized."

"They have," Kakashi acknowledged noncommittally.

"Rather unique setups this year," Konoha's resident Genjutsu Expert joined the conversation and played her role beautifully. Kakashi was well and truly hemmed in now.

"Hokage-sama seems to want more generalist Genin teams. He may want to specialize teams once they hit Chuunin."

The not-officially-a-couple couple exchanged a pleased glance out of the corner of their eyes.

"We think so too," Asuma responded smoothly, naturally, minimally rehearsed. "The crop this year is good. I look forward to all of us working together."

"If our teams pass. These Cell set-ups are so unusual, I'm not sure all will work. The Hokage is gambling a bit, subtlety, but it is a gamble." Kakashi crossed his arms with purpose. He was consciously defending his standard practices and own independent streak.

"Just...consider what we talked about," Kurenai asked hopefully. She was almost pleading with Kakashi. The Copy-Nin responded with a shrug. Asuma jumped in to suggest a quick bite to eat. Kakashi found the perfect 'out' of his current situation.

"Well, I'll leave you two to your date," Kakashi said while punctuating the statement with a casual wave. Kurenai and Asuma were suitably flustered and that provided Kakashi with the perfect escape route.

'I wasn't kidding when I said Hokage-sama is taking a risk with these Cell setups. If this is going to work, it'll need a dynamic leader to step up...Here's looking at you, Naruto.'

Kakashi just hoped that the fallout from Naruto's 'graduation' wasn't taking too much a toll on the firecracker. The Jonin was thrilled with the idea of teaching the brat. He'd have to pass first, and he needed to shed any baggage from the Mizuki incident.

Naoko cracked a smile, a genuine smile, for the first time in days. Naruto was begging Hinata for help with taijutsu. She was hopeful that this would finally be the push needed to get her incredibly dense brother to hook up with Naoko's best friend. That hope helped build on her newfound hope in her future. Hinata hadn't rejected either of the Uzumaki Twins when the Hokage had revealed the full story about the Kyūbi. In fact, if Naoko wasn't completely crazy after living with Naruto for years, it was almost like Hinata had dropped hints.

Hints that implied she already had some idea of the Kyūbi. The Hokage's law had just made it suicidal for Hinata to tell her friends about her suspicions.

Still, she was happy that Hinata had not rejected them. The Hyūga heiress was in many ways, the Uzumaki anchor. Naruto smiled at Hinata in a way that gave Naoko hope. Then, he turned to her in a way that made her very nervous. The sudden cloud of smoke and the appearance of two dozen Narutos and Hinatas was the most perplexing moment of the day. It wasn't perplexing that Naruto could pull it off. Her brother was amazing and was finally getting to show off the talent Naoko had always known he possessed.

She was so proud of him.

It was just curious as to why Naruto would try to distract Naoko about something.

"What the heck are you up to, Naruto?"

"Wouldn't you love to know?" One of the Naruto Kage Bunshin teased.

Once again, the Uzumaki kunoichi wasn't sure if love or annoyance was the stronger emotion directed at her brother...

The Uzumaki shinobi smiled as he led a confused, and slightly flustered, Hinata away from an equally confused, but in no way flustered, Naoko. So far, Naruto thought, the plan was going exceptionally smoothly. The gaggle of kage bunshin was distracting Naruto's twin admirably. He wasn't sure how his sister would react to what Naruto was planning. Naoko was protective of Hinata almost on the level Naruto was protective of Naoko.

There shouldn't be a problem with Naruto's plans, but it was really hard to tell with girls.

"N-Naruto-kun?"

'Might as well,' Naruto thought and came to a skidding halt. The odds of Naoko getting through all the clones before Naruto could complete his objective were low.

"I, uh, needed to talk to you in private. You're Naoko's best friend...and...uh...mine too," Naruto started. He was a bit annoyed that he was stumbling over his words a tiny bit. Last night, he had fought off an insane asshole of a Chunin! Talking to Hinata shouldn't be scarier than that!

This situation was highly unusual. Hinata couldn't picture Naruto stumbling over his words, especially after demonstrating his amazing confidence by bringing down Mizuki. There was a possibility, but the Hyūga heiress was too nervous to allow her hopes to spiral out of control. So, she simply nodded in agreement.

"I...well..." Naruto paused and his shoulders drooped for a fraction of a second. "Oh to hell with it! Hinata, I like you...a lot...and I don't care if Naoko gets all overprotective and threatens no to cook when it's her turn! Do you want to go on a date...or nine...because I really want to go on a date with you!"

Hinata's hopes were no longer going to spin out of control. Her entire being was about to spin out of control. Naruto didn't just want to go on a date. He wanted to go on at least nine dates! Hinata was pretty sure she had said yes and was nodding rapidly.

Naruto's shout of glee and the nigh bone-crushing hug confirmed everything.

Sarutobi Asuma was standing in front of the head of one of Konoha's most powerful clans. It was a very rare day when Hyūga Hiashi was visibly caught off guard. The entire Hyūga clan was still in a whirlwind trying to uncover more details of Hinata's contributions to defeating a rogue Chuunin. Asuma had heard rumblings that a bit of bad blood was boiling among some of the Clan Elders. They didn't like that Hinata's accomplishment had cemented her as the heiress.

More importantly, the combination of Hinata's victory and young Hanabi's status as a true prodigy had proven Hiashi's positions were correct. There was no way to keep the heiress away from the Uzumakis or force Hiashi to accept an arranged marriage for his daughters now.

Hiashi was truly a brilliant political operator. That made the single moment where he was gobsmacked by Asuma's announcement even more priceless.

The Hyūga Head recovered admirably. "I had been lead to believe that Yūhi Kurenai would be instructing Hinata."

"Hokage-sama has recently proposed an...alternative Genin Cell arrangement. The goal is to have certain Cells work closely together in training and on major missions. It is the opinion of both Hokage-sama and the Daimyo that we project strength to deter Kumo's militarism."

Asuma had played a powerful card. He had struck fast and hard at the Hyūga's hatred of Kumo. It was a risk, but he had to try to allay Hiashi's fears.

"My daughter is fond of Kurenai-san. I assume this...joint training and missions will allow one of the positive influences in my daughter's life to remain."

The Third Hokage's Son nodded. "Kurenai was adamant that she stay involved as well."

Hiashi had relented but was resolved to keep a close eye on the developments of the Hokage's very experimental plan for the Genin Cells. Asuma had clearly played on the Hyūga's hatred of Kumo. It was a calculated gamble. The Hyūga clan head had to admit it the gamble worked.

"I have just one more question, Asuma-san," Hiashi verbally strode forth.

"Of course, Hiashi-sama," the Third's son replied.

"Will the Uzumaki Twins be a part of this Genin formation?"

Asuma nodded cautiously. There was something in Hiashi's tone that made it more difficult than usual to read a Hyūga. "The Hokage felt that Uzumaki Naruto's presence would be beneficial to several of his fellow Genin."

"Good..."

The Hyūga Clan Head's smile wasn't just about the confirmation of the Uzumaki continuing to be a part of Hinata's life. It was also a small measure of pay-back for Asuma's amusement at catching Hiashi off guard.

'Never let it be said that I don't like having a little bit of fun now and again,' Hiashi thought proudly.

Nara Shikaku grinned as he was joined by his all-but-brothers Akimichi Chōza and Yamanaka Inoichi at a bar near the Hokage's Tower. The Jonin Commander's friends returned the smile, but they weren't their usual jovial selves. Shikaku knew why. Honestly, he really couldn't blame them.

This week had already been rough.

And now one of the most honored traditions in Konoha was going to be ended.

"Your drinks, sirs,' the bartender said politely. The civilian handed Chōza and Inochi their drinks before departing.

"To the fallen," the three old teammates toasted.

Inochi cut straight to the chase. "Is the Hokage really going to do it?"

"For at least this graduating class," Shikaku confirmed. "After Saeko, Akiko and Touma were killed by what's left of the Prajña Group, Hokage-sama feels we need to balance things officially."

"Officially?" Inoichi cut in.

Chōza thanked his server for the sushi before turning to his teammates. "I've heard some rumblings that Hokage-sama is experimenting with a 'platoon system'. Is that how the change is going to be...officially made?"

"Pretty much," Shikaku admitted.

The Yamanaka clan head downed his liquor. "This sounds like something Danzō has been advocating."

"Even a broken clock is right twice a day," Chōza quipped. "I'm not completely against this. Chouji could benefit from spreading his wings. He's only really close to Shikamaru and Ino. Earning new comrades would be great for his confidence."

"I guess," Inoichi conceded.

Shikaku laughed. "Besides, do you really think our kids are going to stop being friends?"

"Hell no," Inoichi adamantly declared. "My girl won't let her brothers slack."

"Shikamaru won't abandon Chouji," Shikaku added.

Chōza nodded. "This won't be too bad...especially if we really are trying out this platoon thing."

"We might need it." Inoichi grimaced.

"Oh?" The Nara and Akimichi asked in unison.

"Kumo's building up their military back up after our last war. The Land of Water's teetering on being a failed state. Iwa's on a mercenary spending spree and the minor villages are getting big headed since Suna's Daimyo's been handing contracts out to everyone, not from Suna."

"Never thought I'd see the day…" Shikaku whistled. "You paid attention to a briefing that wasn't directly related to the here and now."

"Oh shut up," Inoichi snapped.

Chōza smirked. "Wonders never cease!"

Uchiha Sasuke had many secrets. The secrets were necessary. The secrets were his. He guarded them with fervor and an ocean's worth of caution. The future of the Uchiha clan could not be gambled. Sasuke knew there were many threats to the future of his clan. Clearly, That Man was the greatest threat to and a blight on the Uchiha Clan. There are other threats. Foreign powers, rival factions in the village, and a dozen other enemies and sycophants out there.

Sasuke felt the weight of expectations lift from his shoulders as he entered the compound. There was a familiar haze of genjutsu that kept prying eyes away from this sanctuary. Sasuke could not live in the Uchiha district yet. First, he had not earned the right to reclaim his ancestral holdings. Second, he was constantly under observation by at least three different factions. The constant spying was grating, but Uchiha Sasuke was not one to let an opportunity for strength and advancement pass him by. He constantly was trying to detect, locate, and encounter his observers. He had only encountered three stalkers over the years. The first had been a young Takigakure kunoichi who had been smitten with the Uchiha. Sasuke had been more annoyed than proud. However, the second shinobi was a far greater accomplishment. Sasuke had detected, tracked and had actually been prepared to engage a Chunin from Getsugakure. ANBU had stepped in before Sasuke could test his progress. The third had been an older genin from the Sarutobi clan. Sasuke didn't have definitive proof, but the Third was probably keeping an eye on him through unofficial channels.

Still, Sasuke had used these experiences to grow and improve. The constant knowledge that he was being spied on and viewed as a zoo curiosity still grated on his mind. That is why he treasured these excursions.

Here, there was no spying. Here, Sasuke could indulge in the illusion of actual privacy. Here, Sasuke had allies.

'I know they are watching me, but it is in their best interest to let me delude myself about my privacy...and I like how I can have this delusion…' Sasuke thought as he passed by yet another bowing flunkie.

He smiled, actually smiled, when he reached a small garden at the edge of the clan's ground. A young woman sat at an easel near the koi pond. She was wearing a red mesh armored vest underneath a loose fitting kimono. The rhythmic tapping mixed with the cascade of the koi pond fountain.

The young woman suddenly looked up and light flooded the teen-aged woman's eyes. "Sasuke!"

"Yakumo…" Sasuke said gently; reveling in the illusion of peace.

"And that concludes Team Assignments," Iruka announced. "If those who had their names called will head to Auditorium Three. Your Jonin Instructors will be waiting. Dismissed. May you have long, successful, and fulfilling careers. I will always be proud of you."

Most of the students left the room with a cheer. There were several that took one last look at those left in the room. The fact that Uchiha Sasuke, Aburame Shino, Hyuga Hinata and the next generation of Ino-Shika-Cho were not assigned a team was shocking. Still, the newly minted Genin were elated at becoming fully fledged shinobi. They were also confident that something was planned.

There was nothing to worry about it.

The new shinobi would trust their superiors. They would trust in Konoha's vision.

While the other graduates were willing to view the situation with patience, the occupants of the room weren't as calm.

"What the heck, Iruka-sensei?!" Naruto shouted. "We've all passed the exams!"

Sasuke didn't shout but found it was hard not to be swept up in agreement with Naruto. "Everyone in this room deserves to be shinobi."

A chorus of agreements followed. The loudest was Naoko. "After all we went through! How can we not be on teams?"

The pain in the Uzumaki twin's voice was evident to all. Iruka even flinched at the desperation in Naoko's question. He, to his credit, managed to recover quickly. "Because none of you are going to be on teams…"

Iruka wanted to grin at the anticipation that filled the room like humidity on a summer night. However, that might be taken the wrong way by his (former) students.

"You are the Konoha's first Genin Platoon!"

Author's Note: Back at it! I am sorry for the delay. I've been trying to keep my head above water career-wise and personally. That being said! I have recently been accepted to a Mississippi State's History PhD program! So, stoked about that. I am also on spring break from teaching. Will try to get more updates out. Then when summer hits in about 2 months, I'll try to update a lot of stuff as well! Enjoy this very short chapter! Back to work on other stuff! Thanks in advance for reviews!