The Bell Test Part 1

Sasuke and Sakura immediately tensed up at Kakashi's grim warning to "prepare to die." The weight of the statement was not lost on them, particularly for Sasuke, who had already encountered the harsh realities of life and death.

Naruto, however, remained unfazed, observing Kakashi's retreating figure with a smirk. If I didn't know Hokage, I might actually buy this act, he thought. The bell test was an ancient rite of passage, and Naruto was well aware of the tradition. Kakashi's dire warnings were just part of the show.

The only real challenge was whether Kakashi would go through with failing them. Naruto grinned at the thought, knowing full well that if they were indeed failed, they would all just laugh it off, awaiting Madara's plan to unfold. As for the "preparing to die" part, Naruto knew Kakashi would need to wake up from his own fantasy first. One solid punch from him, and the sensei would be on the floor.

"Let's go home!" Naruto said casually. He summoned a space portal and prepared to leave. Sasuke and Sakura could only watch as he disappeared into the glowing doorway, which shut behind him. They both looked at each other, uncertainty etched on their faces.

"Naruto... aren't you worried about tomorrow's mission?" Sakura's voice wavered as she spoke.

Naruto's nonchalant demeanor did little to ease her nerves. "It doesn't matter," he replied with a dismissive wave. "Just lie down and let Sasuke and me carry you through it."

His confident words made Sakura's temper flare, while Sasuke felt reassured. Naruto's certainty had always been an anchor, and Sasuke had never known him to boast without cause.

"Go back on your own. I'm not training today. See you tomorrow." With that, Naruto stepped into the space portal and vanished. Sasuke, hands in pockets, nodded briefly at Sakura before striding away without another word.

"Uh... Sasuke, are we really okay for tomorrow?" Sakura called after him, desperate for some assurance.

"Don't worry," Sasuke said over his shoulder. "Naruto and I are strong." His voice was confident, betraying no hint of doubt. He didn't look back, already focused on his own training plans for the day.

As Sasuke walked off, Sakura felt a pang of insecurity. Were her teammates really that much stronger than her?

The next morning, the three genin arrived at the training ground bright and early. Sasuke and Sakura were there before five o'clock, while Naruto arrived just on time via another space portal. As they waited, Kakashi's absence stretched on. By six o'clock, it was clear he was pulling one of his classic late arrivals.

Naruto, ever practical, began to set up a stone house using his Space-Time techniques, even conjuring beds for himself and Sasuke. Sakura could only stare, completely bewildered by the sudden appearance of the stone structure and the casual way her teammates settled in to sleep.

"This... how did this happen?" she muttered to herself, utterly flabbergasted.

Meanwhile, Kakashi, hidden in the bushes, was equally stunned. He had planned to test their patience and teamwork by making them wait. Instead, Naruto had outmaneuvered him, turning the test into a comfortable nap session. Kakashi couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed, but he resolved to continue with the test.

"Let's get started," Kakashi muttered to himself, vanishing from his hiding spot.

"Morning," Kakashi greeted, startling Sakura who had nearly dozed off.

"Ah??" Sakura yelped, jumping to her feet. She bowed repeatedly, her face flushed with embarrassment. "Sorry, Kakashi-sensei! I didn't mean to fall asleep!"

Kakashi waved her off, noting her genuine concern. At least one of them had normal reactions. He sighed deeply, knowing that dealing with Naruto and Sasuke was going to be an uphill battle.

"Go wake them up," he instructed. Sakura hurried into the stone house, finding her teammates sleeping soundly. She grumbled under her breath, feeling slighted by their lack of concern.

"Sasuke, Naruto! Kakashi-sensei is here!" she called, shaking them awake.

Naruto sat up, groggy but alert. He glanced at the time and frowned. Kakashi was actually here before noon? This was unexpected. As they filed out of the stone house, Kakashi stood waiting, holding two bells.

"Your mission today is simple," Kakashi began, dangling the bells in front of them. "Get these bells from me. Even if you just touch them, it counts as passing. Fail to do so, and you'll be sent back to the Academy."

Sasuke and Sakura exchanged glances. The task seemed straightforward, but the stakes were high.

Naruto grinned, feeling the thrill of the challenge. He cut off Sakura's attempt at strategizing, "Kakashi-sensei, let's get started! I haven't sparred with you in a long time!"

Kakashi's eyes widened in surprise at Naruto's brashness. This kid... always so direct. He saw Sasuke nodding in agreement, ready to fight.

"Very well," Kakashi sighed, taking a deep breath. He switched to a more serious stance, fully aware of the strength Naruto and Sasuke possessed. I can't take this lightly, not with these two.

The tension in the air thickened as they prepared to clash. Kakashi knew he had his work cut out for him, but he was determined to push these kids to their limits, even if it meant taking a few bruises himself.