Ayato sprinted through the early streets of Konoha, his hair still damp from the lakeside mist. His chest felt light, and each step carried a mix of excitement and nervous energy. Shops were just opening, wooden shutters creaking as vendors set up morning displays. A baker yawned, carrying a tray of sweet buns to the front window, while an elderly man swept his porch, nodding as Ayato flew past.
When he reached home, he slipped inside as quietly as possible. He washed his face and changed quickly, trying to look as if he'd simply risen early. As he smoothed his hair back and adjusted his collar, he heard soft footsteps behind him.
Sayo stood in the doorway, a knowing smile on her face. "Out early again?"
Ayato glanced away. "Just… needed some air."
She laughed, stepping forward to smooth a wrinkle on his sleeve. "You've always been like that. Just don't forget to eat." She pushed a rice ball into his hand before turning away.
Daigo watched from the main room, nodding once. His approval didn't need words. Ren and Miyo came barreling in next, half-dressed and loud.
"Are you gonna get a super cool team?" Ren shouted, nearly tripping over Miyo.
Miyo tugged at Ayato's sleeve. "Will you have to fight bandits?!"
Ayato laughed, ruffling both their hair. "I don't even know who my team is yet. And no bandits."
They groaned in unison, pretending to collapse in disappointment.
As he grabbed his pack, he heard Ren and Miyo behind him again, still arguing about what kind of teammates he might get. Ayato just laughed and headed out the door.
The academy yard was already noisy when he arrived. Students huddled in little groups, some arguing, others trying to calm each other down. Ayato stood off to the side, scanning faces.
Naruto was in the center of it all, as always — loud, grinning, waving his arms wildly. Ayato shook his head slightly. He's so noisy… he thought, watching Naruto jump back up after someone pushed him.
Sasuke stood nearby, arms crossed, a serious look on his face. Their eyes met briefly. Sasuke glanced away just as quickly, and Ayato felt a small flicker of curiosity.
Sakura sat on the steps, flipping through her notes again and again, muttering to herself. She looked pale and nervous, as if she might faint at any second.
Iruka finally stepped out and called them to attention. The class snapped into line, some shakier than others. Iruka explained the practical clone jutsu test in detail, repeating instructions more than once for Naruto's benefit.
When Ayato's turn came, he stepped forward calmly. His chakra moved cleanly; the clone appeared beside him without a hitch. Iruka gave a small smile and nodded, marking his paper.
After stepping back, Ayato watched as Naruto struggled, his hands flying in awkward seals. When the smoky mess of a deformed clone appeared, Ayato winced a little. Naruto looked around, laughing awkwardly despite Iruka's sigh.
"Netsu Ayato… weird how quiet he is. You'd think he'd act more confident after passing so easily."
Ayato pretended not to hear, his attention still on Naruto. He felt a small pang of sympathy but didn't move to interfere. This was Naruto's moment to handle.
When all the tests finished, the sun was already sliding higher in the sky. Ayato stepped outside alone for a moment, flexing his fingers unconsciously. I want to figure out more about that fire… but I'll need to be careful, he thought.
Back at home, the family gathered for dinner. The small table overflowed with dishes — grilled fish, fresh greens, bowls of rice — and laughter bounced around the room. Ren and Miyo kept trying to guess who Ayato's teammates might be, coming up with wilder and wilder ideas.
Sayo watched them fondly, shaking her head. Daigo served another helping onto Ayato's plate without asking. The warmth pressed close around him, steady and comforting.
Haruma leaned back, catching Ayato's eye. "Tomorrow's when the real work starts," he said. Simple. Honest.
Ayato grinned, mouth full of rice. "Yeah… I know."
Later that night, as he lay under his blanket, Ayato turned his hands over in the moonlight. Images of the lake, the mist, and the gentle flame moved behind his eyelids. The nerves about his team assignment sat low in his stomach, but beneath that, something else burned — not a harsh flame, but a steady, waiting warmth.
Tomorrow would come, and he would be ready.