The Stage of Competition

"But isn't this a bit unfair, Kakashi-sensei?" Sakura gathered the courage to speak up, though she was somewhat intimidated by Kakashi's expression. "We all graduated from the academy's final exam, and now..."

Even though she was a bit intimidated by Kakashi's demeanor, Sakura mustered the courage to ask a question that was vital for her ninja career. The thought of going back for another year of training was disheartening enough, but having only two available spots for graduation meant that at least one of them was destined to fail. While Sakura excelled in theoretical knowledge during her time at the academy, today's test was clearly focused on real combat skills. In terms of personal combat abilities, Sakura knew she fell short, especially when compared to Naruto and Sasuke. The realization sent a shiver down her spine.

"Fair?" Kakashi responded, his tone calm but firm. "Sakura, what do you think being a ninja is all about? Child's play? If your understanding of being a ninja is this shallow, perhaps you shouldn't become one. In the world of ninjas, the concept of fairness is laughable. The academy's exams are just meant to test your potential to become a qualified ninja. Real ninjas are far more complex. You have no choice but to participate in this test, whether you like it or not. If you choose to give up, you forfeit your right to become a ninja. Don't think about becoming a Genin without graduating. You'll have to return to the academy and start over. The bells are right here. If you want to graduate, come and take them. And remember, this is a special survival exercise. If you don't have the resolve to kill me, you'll never take the bells."

Kakashi's words were met with a faint chill, a subtle hint of killing intent in his demeanor that sent a shiver down the spines of Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura. Especially Naruto, who had recently experienced a life-and-death battle, was particularly sensitive to this kind of killing intent.

However, this was only a glimpse of Kakashi's true power. Nonetheless, it was enough to make the three novice Genin feel a sharp sense of foreboding. This was their first direct encounter with the aura of a high-level ninja.

"It's a completely different league," Naruto muttered under his breath, frustrated by Kakashi's apparent nonchalance.

Naruto understood that the power gap between them was significant, but seeing Kakashi maintain such a relaxed attitude irked him.

Kakashi continued, "Well, time waits for no one. It's already 11:10 AM, so you have 50 minutes left. Exceed the time limit or fail to complete the task, and you'll fail."

The three Genin exchanged glances and then swiftly disappeared into the nearby woods, concealing their presence and searching for an opportunity for a surprise attack. This was a fundamental lesson they had learned at the academy: in the world of ninjas, striking from the shadows was often the most effective approach.

Naruto's primary objective was not to defeat Kakashi but to steal the bells. To do that, they needed to work together and exploit every advantage, including Kakashi's likely cooperation. This exam was, after all, a test and not a real battle.

As they hid in the shadows, Naruto considered the plan. He needed to make Sasuke realize the necessity of teamwork and create an opportunity for an initial attack, but Naruto had to be the one to strike first. This would force Kakashi to move, and Naruto believed he could make Kakashi cooperate if he acted decisively.

In this moment of preparation, Naruto's mind raced. He observed Kakashi closely, keeping an eye on his every move. Naruto knew that the key to success lay in coordinating their actions while ensuring that Kakashi didn't use his full strength.

With a sudden surge of determination, Naruto summoned a kunai into his hand and glanced at his teammates. "Alright, let's begin the game."

With a slight crouch and tense muscles, Naruto, the first to strike, prepared himself for action. His focus remained on Kakashi, who continued to stand nonchalantly, seemingly engrossed in a book. In a span of mere seconds, Naruto developed a rough strategy for initiating the attack.

Time was of the essence. The next moment...

"Huh?" Kakashi raised an eyebrow, still absorbed in his book, seemingly unperturbed by Naruto's actions.

Swish, swish, swish. In an instant, a series of swift kunai flew through the air, narrowly missing their intended target as they zeroed in on Kakashi. The grass around Kakashi was struck as the kunai plunged into the ground, missing him entirely.

But Naruto wasn't finished. He had created an opening, and the next phase of the plan was already in motion.

"Boom!" A burst of energy surged as a golden figure shot forward, closing the gap between Naruto and Kakashi almost instantly.

(End of Chapter)

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