"Yes," Kakashi replied, straightening his posture as he approached Shisui. "This is rather inconvenient. While the training ground is spacious, it becomes somewhat cramped when conducting tests for two teams simultaneously."
Shisui gave a noncommittal shrug. "It's too late to change locations now."
"In that case," Kakashi suggested, his lone visible eye showing a hint of mischief, "why not conduct a joint test for both teams?"
"I doubt they stand much of a chance either way," he added nonchalantly. Though framed as a simple evaluation, this exercise was, in many respects, genuine combat training. When shinobi undertake real missions, unexpected circumstances arise constantly—adaptability was as crucial as any jutsu.
Shisui smiled at the suggestion. The purpose of these trials wasn't primarily to test the raw strength of newly graduated genin. If that were the case, given the current skill level of Naruto and the others, they might as well return to the Academy immediately.
Half an hour later, at the appointed meeting time, the six genin from both teams converged at the entrance to Training Ground Seven. Confusion spread across their faces as they encountered one another.
After confirming they had each arrived at the correct location specified by their instructors, Sasuke, Naruto, and the others proceeded into the training area.
"Kakashi-sensei, what's going on?" Sakura called out, stepping forward.
"Shisui-sensei, why are both teams here?" Naruto asked almost simultaneously.
The two jōnin exchanged glances before Shisui offered an explanation with his characteristic gentle smile.
"Due to an overlap in venue reservations, Kakashi and I decided on the spot that both teams will participate in a joint assessment today."
As he finished speaking, the six genin—positioned in a loose formation—exchanged wary looks. When Naruto and Sasuke's eyes met, a moment of silent understanding passed between them.
"If you two are working together," Shin observed calmly, "our chances of passing become virtually nonexistent."
Either Kakashi or Shisui alone ranked among Konoha's elite jōnin. Against both of them, even if all six genin combined forces, success seemed impossible.
"Indeed," Shisui acknowledged with a nod.
"Which is why," Kakashi added, "we're modifying the test parameters."
Normally, the graduation assessment for genin involved a bell test designed to evaluate team cohesion and cooperation. But this situation called for something different.
In a flash, Shisui vanished from where he stood, reappearing an instant later before the startled genin.
"Before sunset today," he explained, "if the six of you can force either Kakashi or myself to step outside this circle, you will pass the test."
As Shisui outlined the new rules, Naruto, Sasuke, and the others glanced down in surprise. Without any of them noticing, a circle approximately two meters in diameter had been drawn on the ground around them, Kakashi, and Shisui.
The circle provided enough space for two people to stand comfortably in the center, but left little room for maneuvering.
"So fast!" Both Sasuke and Naruto thought simultaneously, impressed despite themselves. Shisui had drawn the circle in literally the blink of an eye. Although the challenge seemed straightforward, against someone with such speed, they might struggle to even touch the hem of his clothing.
Nevertheless, determination hardened on each of their faces. Retreat wasn't an option.
"Everyone understands the rules?" Kakashi asked, his tone casual.
The six genin nodded in unison.
"Then the test officially begins," Kakashi announced, neither he nor Shisui altering their relaxed stances in the slightest.
If two skilled jōnin coordinated their efforts, the difficulty would exceed the sum of their individual capabilities, as they could cover each other's blind spots. However, Kakashi and Shisui made no move to adopt a cooperative defensive stance.
This testing method reminded Kakashi of Minato's approach when Team Minato first formed, though with modifications.
After the announcement, none of the genin launched an immediate attack. Instead, Sasuke, Chiharu, Sai, Sakura, and Shin all jumped backward, distancing themselves from the circle.
"If we want to force either of them out," Sasuke stated, unconcerned that the jōnin could hear his strategy, "we first need to restrict their movements. Even though they aren't actively coordinating yet, if we don't address this fundamental issue, any offensive plan becomes meaningless."
Sasuke understood that anything he could deduce, these two jōnin had likely anticipated long ago. The true purpose of this trial wasn't to test individual strength, but something deeper.
"Agreed," Shin and Chiharu responded, acknowledging the wisdom in Sasuke's assessment.
The critical challenge now lay in formulating a battle plan that would completely separate the two jōnin.
"Separating them is easy!"
While the others deliberated, Naruto—the only genin who hadn't retreated—grinned confidently. Without warning, his hands formed a familiar sequence of seals.
"Shadow Clone Technique!"
With a series of popping sounds, dozens of identical Narutos materialized throughout the training ground.
"Shadow clones? So many?" Even Kakashi and Shisui's eyes widened slightly at the sheer number of duplicates.
Except for Chiharu, who had seen her brother's technique before, Sakura and the others stared in shock at the display.
"Charge!" Naruto commanded, and the army of clones surged forward, converging on Kakashi and Shisui from all directions.
"A mindless frontal assault?" the two jōnin thought simultaneously, somewhat bemused. Despite the impressive number of shadow clones, such a straightforward tactic seemed unlikely to trouble shinobi of their caliber.
Dozens of identical figures surrounded Kakashi and Shisui, temporarily blocking their escape routes. The jōnin responded with swift, precise movements, dispelling clone after clone with efficient strikes. Each defeated duplicate vanished in a puff of smoke, adding to the growing cloud of confusion enveloping the circle.
"In this situation, there's no opening for us to contribute," Sai observed from their position at a safe distance.
"No," Sasuke immediately shook his head.
Turning to the others, he lowered his voice to ensure only his teammates could hear. "Though he appears reckless, Naruto is thinking at least two steps ahead."
"If his shadow clones can crowd the circle, they'll restrict those two's movement space and potentially create openings for us to exploit."
"And if that fails," Sasuke continued, "we can use this distraction to prepare other tactics. At minimum, during this commotion, neither Kakashi nor Shisui can closely monitor our preparations."
"Exactly," Shin agreed with an appreciative smile. "Even Kakashi and Shisui might not have immediately discerned Naruto's underlying strategy, yet you've grasped it in moments."
The relationship between Sasuke and Naruto clearly transcended ordinary rivalry.
"We shouldn't waste the opportunity Naruto-kun has created," Shin decided, reaching behind his back to retrieve a scroll. Unfurling it with practiced efficiency, he produced a brush from his equipment pouch.
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