Naruto: Can't Use Ninjutsu? I'll Create the Strongest Fighting Style

"By the way, are you getting assigned to a team like the rest of us?" Tenten asked as they walked along the training field path, her sandals crunching on the gravel.

Garou tilted his head, a little puzzled. "Am I supposed to be treated differently?"

"You seriously don't see it?" Tenten stared at him like he'd just claimed the sky was green.

After all, what kind of normal ninja keeps inventing new jutsu before even graduating?

Lately, if Garou went more than a couple of weeks without some new technique, she'd get uneasy, like something was missing in her life.

Garou shrugged. "I mean, maybe just a little. But unless something weird happens, I should be assigned like everyone else. No idea who the sensei is, though."

He wasn't being completely honest.

He had a hunch.

If memory served him right, this was around the time Kakashi stepped down from the Anbu. He had a reputation for occasionally taking on genin teams, but his standards were brutal.

As in, zero percent success rate brutal. Judging by how often Kakashi had been popping up around him lately, his future jonin leader was none other than Kakashi.

Tenten might get assigned to Might Guy or, who knows, maybe end up on the same team as him.

Aside from Tenten and Neji, this year's grads didn't exactly stand out. The Hokage's office would probably mix and match just to fill the rosters.

Garou mused silently.

Noticing his distant look, Tenten stayed quiet.

She figured he was cooking up another one of his ideas and didn't want to interrupt.

Eventually, Garou glanced over and raised a brow.

"What's with that face?"

"Uh, I just didn't want to disturb your genius train of thought." Tenten tucked a lock of hair behind her ear, looking sheepish.

"There's no genius here," Garou chuckled. "But you should ramp up your training. Try to get that chakra thread technique to combat-ready levels. Word is, there's one more test even after team assignments."

Tenten's face was drained of color.

"Another test?! That is outrageous! They are already forming teams. What more do they want?"

But…seeing how serious Garou looked, she believed him instantly. She gave a solemn nod.

Garou turned to leave.

He wasn't especially close with most of the class. Aside from Tenten and maybe Lee, he didn't really have people to chat with. His visit had been more about observation than conversation.

But just as he was walking off, something caught his eye.

In the throwing range of the training ground, a bright blonde hair stood out against the crowd.

Naruto.

'Right… If Kakashi really is taking my team, does that mean Naruto's team lineup changes next year?'

He let out a breath of laughter.

Naruto, Sasuke, their futures didn't really intersect with his. Not anymore.

"What's funny?" Tenten asked, confused.

"Nothing. Just remembered something. Oh, there's a batch of strengthening herbal soaks being released at the hospital in a few days. You should pick some up."