Completely Different Exercise

"Let me tell you something that once happened. Even the top students of the past were eliminated and sent back to the Ninja Academy for retraining. So, if you take it lightly, not even Lord Hokage can stop me from sending you back to the Ninja Academy for reformation!"

"You might think I'm trying to scare you, but the results will prove everything."

Kakashi laughed twice as he issued the most terrifying threat to Sakura and the others in the world.

He had one more thing he didn't say: that the top student from the past was personally sent back to the Ninja Academy by him...

At that time, even Jiraiya, who was the Hokage, only advised him twice and, seeing his determination, said no more.

So, in a sense, Kakashi wasn't just trying to scare them; he was merely stating a fact.

After hearing Kakashi's words, Naruto and Sasuke immediately dropped their careless expressions and looked severe.

They didn't have time to waste another year at the academy!

If the academy hadn't changed its rules to no longer allow applications for graduation, Naruto might have left long ago.

"That's how it is. Now let me tell you about the exercise planned."

"The time limit is two hours. You must snatch this golden bell from me in the next two hours. If any one of you manages to get it, it means the entire group passes, but on the contrary, if you fail, the whole group will be sent back to the Ninja Academy for reeducation."

"Here's a friendly reminder: any means of attack can be used because, without the resolve to kill me, you absolutely cannot snatch this bell."

The bell again?!

Although this golden bell might bring back some terrible memories for some people.

But just like the 'scholarship' still preserved till this day, it's only prefixed with "Konoha," and the achievements of its founder would not be erased just because of any issues.

Otherwise, the first to be destroyed would have been a particular face on the Hokage Rock.

Moreover, using the bell as a trial wasn't 'that person's' original creation, so there's no need for any concerns.

However, upon seeing the golden bell, Naruto's expression changed instantly.

Not just his expression but even his aura became highly formidable!

Sasuke and Sakura looked at Naruto, but only Sasuke vaguely knew why Naruto showed such a change.

Kakashi slightly squinted his eyes, "Then, let's start."

Just as Kakashi finished speaking and tied the golden bell around his waist, Sasuke and Sakura hadn't made any moves yet when they saw Naruto vanish from the spot instantly...

So fast?!

Sakura was shocked!

Although she and Naruto had always been in the same class, she knew that Naruto and Sasuke were both strong—they seemed to have known each other for a long time and were always rivals at the academy.

But about three years ago, Naruto suddenly changed. Besides Sasuke, he no longer interacted with anyone else in the class.

Naturally, this included her.

So, she didn't realize the strength Naruto showed was not his true strength!

Two Hokage was carefully teaching me. What a treatment that was!

Plus, with Naruto's talent and effort, even Sasuke didn't know how much Naruto had grown up to this day!

While Sakura and Sasuke were slightly dazed, Naruto arrived before Kakashi and started with the special taijutsu taught by 'that person.'

"Windmill!"

Boom!

Kakashi squinted his eyes, stretched out his right arm, and blocked Naruto's powerful spinning kick.

"This speed... this level of power...interesting!"

Boom, boom, boom...! 

Gaining the upper hand and with Kakashi deliberately going easy to observe Naruto's physical prowess and how much he had learned from that guy, the scene surprisingly turned into Naruto unleashing a storm-like offensive, pressing down on Kakashi, a Jonin!

This is too incredible, right?!

Sakura was incredulously shocked.

Only after returning to her senses did she remember she should help, drawing out a shuriken and hastily assisting Naruto.

However, she was stopped by Sasuke's hand...

"Aren't we going to help?"

"Let's not, let Naruto vent for a bit."

Somewhat confused, Sakura nodded naively and then stood happily by Sasuke's side.

Could this be considered... a date?

At the thought, Sakura's heart fluttered wildly, instantly blushing.

"Dangle Persimmon!"

"Taki Carp!"

Naruto's taijutsu was extremely sharp, and his moves were flexible and delicate. Seizing the right moment to counterattack, Kakashi saw his efforts neutralized by Naruto's prompt responses, which wildly shook him.

He had no idea what kind of hellish training Naruto had endured from that man!

In such physical confrontations, given time, Naruto was accustomed to being thrashed at least once a day, sometimes even three or four times.

Compared to 'that person,' Kakashi's taijutsu, to be honest, was just so-so.

Whether it was strength, speed, or technique, they could all be described as 'nothing special'!

At least in Naruto's view, there was no pressure at all!

If Kakashi were to be replaced with 'that person' at this moment, Naruto was confident that he would be sent flying within three moves!

Having experienced such high-pressure countless times, the current situation seemed like child's play to him.

This belief further bolstered Naruto's morale, his eyes ablaze as if a fire was dancing within.

Kakashi had to admit he had underestimated Naruto, but compared to 'that person,' Naruto's taijutsu had only the form, lacking the soul.

This was Kakashi's most intense feeling at the moment.

If this was the case, then it was time to counterattack!

In a flash!

Kakashi no longer used pure taijutsu to test Naruto but instantly used a body flicker technique to appear behind Naruto and kicked him away mercilessly.

At the same age as Naruto, 'that person' had killed who knows how many Jonin.

The path of pure taijutsu was not suited for Naruto.

But when Naruto, as if nothing had happened, dusted himself off and stood up again, Kakashi was somewhat surprised.

To think that his kick, even though not at full strength, was not something an ordinary Genin could easily stand up from.

In this exercise, he wished to see the tacit cooperation among the three of Naruto, not Naruto fighting solo, which is why he struck harder.

Yet, Naruto surprised him once again!

At this moment, Naruto twisted his neck several times and walked back again.

What a joke!

I am Uzumaki Naruto, who has been sent flying countless times by 'that person'!