Chapter 25 [Bonus!]

As Naruto confidently said, "You lost," Kaze received a message from the system.

[Host's Trust Dependency Value: 35]

[Corruption Value +200]

[Current Corruption Value: 5000]

"Naruto turned into a shuriken and obtained the bell!"

From a distance, Sasuke and Sakura, who witnessed the entire process, were left speechless.

They had initially thought they couldn't grab the bell and just wanted to vent their frustration.

Unexpectedly, the situation took a dramatic turn, and Naruto deceived everyone and obtained the bell!

However, this doesn't seem like Naruto's usual style, right?

It wasn't just Sakura and Sasuke who thought so; even Kakashi, with a gloomy face, shared the same sentiment.

He walked toward Naruto, clapping his hands.

"You used the novel's content to attract my attention, prevented me from thinking clearly, then used persuasion to provoke me into seeking revenge, and finally, you transformed into a clone to sneakily steal the bell amidst the attack."

"These interconnected steps make up a meticulous and brilliant plan."

"As expected of the author of such a masterpiece. Kazekyo, is truly a formidable existence."

While Kakashi looked at Naruto's face, his words had nothing to do with Naruto.

"Kazekyo!"

"So, this plan was devised by Naruto's alter ego!"

"That makes sense now!"

Sakura suddenly realized, while Sasuke breathed a sigh of relief.

As long as it wasn't Naruto's idea, they were fine with it.

As for Naruto's alter ego, Kaze, he was a twisted individual capable of killing an elite jonin.

The gap in strength was insurmountable, and comparing themselves to him would only increase the pressure.

"Oh, so you found out, Sensei!"

Naruto's smiling face turned guilty as Kakashi exposed him.

"But Kaze is still part of me. Sensei, you won't act unfairly and refuse to accept defeat, right?"

Kakashi withdrew his gaze and disdainfully replied, "A loss is a loss. I'm not going to hold a grudge against a few Genin like you."

"But..."

Kakashi's tone suddenly changed, and he wore a malicious smile.

"You guys only have two bells. Have you decided who will be eliminated and tied to the post to watch me eat lunch?"

"Huh?"

Sakura was puzzled by Kakashi's words.

"Isn't this a test to determine our teamwork?"

"We've all successfully obtained the bells and completed the mission. Why should we be eliminated after that?"

Sakura's words made Kakashi understand why the three of them chose to cooperate from the beginning.

"It seems you all saw through the purpose of this test from the start. 'He' must have told you, right?"

Kakashi suddenly felt a bit exhausted. He was here to teach, but Kaze was undermining his efforts, making him less adorable.

He couldn't understand why Naruto, who shared the same body, was so foolish and weak.

No, it's possible that Naruto's foolishness and weakness gave birth to this powerful personality as a means of self-protection!

Kakashi felt that his guess was reasonable, but he maintained a calm demeanor on the surface.

"Who said I was threatening you?"

"The rules were made clear from the beginning. There are only two bells, so one person must be eliminated!"

Seeing the happiness fade from the three of them, Kakashi looked down, silent.

He didn't intentionally create further difficulties and directly pointed at Sakura, saying, "Since you all can't decide, I'll make the choice."

"Sakura Haruno, based on your performance, unfortunately, you're the weakest. You're eliminated."

After saying that, Kakashi waved his hand, motioning Naruto and Sasuke, who stood aside, to come forward.

"You two, go tie Sakura to the pillar and then start eating lunch," Kakashi ordered.

Upon hearing the outcome, Sakura slumped to the ground in complete defeat. Naruto and Sasuke, however, remained motionless.

Naruto, in his mind, frantically called out to his alter ego, who knew the original storyline and understood Kakashi's intention. Kaze spoke directly to Naruto, "Naruto, refuse him."

"What should I do after refusing?" Naruto asked.

"Nothing in particular. You have to understand that the three of you are a team. Without any one of you, the test will fail," Kaze replied.

Naruto seemed to grasp something and raised his head with determination in his eyes. "Kakashi-sensei, I refuse to follow your command because I believe it is unreasonable!"

"Oh?" Kakashi became interested, turning his head to look at Naruto. "Are you suggesting that you want to take Sakura's place in being eliminated?"

"If you insist on eliminating someone, then eliminate me instead," Naruto declared.

"We were able to obtain the bells precisely because we had all three of us. It won't work with either Sasuke or Sakura missing," he continued. "We are an indispensable unit. We are partners who can accomplish missions together. We are Team 7!"

Naruto's words resonated with conviction, leaving Sakura, who was in despair, deeply moved.

"Sakura," Sasuke also raised his head, speaking earnestly. "We completed the mission as a team, yet one of us must be eliminated. I don't agree with this unfair assessment."

"So, I agree with Naruto. If sensei insists on eliminating someone, then I choose to withdraw from Team 7. This environment is not suitable for my growth."

The words of both Naruto and Sasuke narrowed Kakashi's eyes, his expression turning hostile as he looked at Sakura.

"They have chosen to eliminate themselves. What about you? Do you want to be the only one deemed qualified?" Kakashi asked, his tone filled with malice.

Sakura hesitated, glancing at Naruto and Sasuke, who had resolute expressions. Finally, she gritted her teeth and spoke, "I also give up. Naruto and Sasuke are right. We completed the mission together as a team. We are partners, an entity!"

"Very well! Since all of you think that way, then..." Kakashi's serious expression slowly softened, and his voice changed from stern to gentle. "Congratulations, all of you pass."

Hearing Kakashi's words, the three of them were stunned, followed by an outburst of disbelief.

"Ah-ah-ah?! Kakashi-sensei, did you make a mistake?"

"Weren't we supposed to be eliminated? How did we suddenly pass?"

Smiling faintly at their joyous reactions, Kakashi looked into the distance.

"Missions are crucial for ninjas and must be completed. Those who cannot complete them are considered worthless. But those who value the mission over their comrades are nothing more than scum, even worse than worthless."

"That's why I had to weed out such individuals, leading to this assessment."

Kakashi's words brought tears to Naruto's eyes. "Is this what being a ninja is? It's so cool!"

Sasuke also had a smile on his face, while Sakura excitedly bounced up and down in place.

"The mission is successfully completed today. Disperse for now!"

"Starting tomorrow, Team 7 will begin executing real missions!"

"All right!"

Kakashi's words filled the three of them with joy once again.

They bid farewell and went home, except for Kakashi, who followed behind Naruto, engrossed in his book and reading it.

*******

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