Shino clapped his hands in satisfaction, then, under everyone's astonished gazes, pressed the button in front of him. It instantly turned from blue to red.
"Shino-sensei, what are you doing?" Sarada asked in confusion.
Shino smiled faintly. "When you can work together to defeat my Parasitic Destruction Bug Clone, it means you've already passed my assessment. There's no point in continuing to fight."
He paused, his tone softening. "You've already shown the basic qualities of a ninja—and most importantly—teamwork."
His voice grew serious. "But I also want you to understand that battle isn't just about power. It's a contest of wisdom and strategy."
"You're all good students. This is the last lesson I'll teach you…"
Shino's eyes softened as he looked into the distance, memories flashing of training sessions filled with sweat, laughter, and growth.
"Shino-sensei…" The students stared at him, emotion welling in their hearts.
"Alright, kids, go face your next challenge."
Shino smiled, waved goodbye, and disappeared into the forest, leaving behind a group of students who couldn't hide their reluctance.
On another part of the training field, Konohamaru stood ready as a group of "Pain" approached.
"It's Konohamaru-sensei! Feel the Pain!" the students whispered in unison.
"You're united, I'll give you that," Konohamaru said dryly. "But why the obsession with transforming into Pain?"
"If you want to see the Sixth Hokage, you have to pass our test!"
Konohamaru cracked his knuckles and smiled. "Alright, then show me what you've got."
Sarada charged in first, exchanging rapid Taijutsu strikes with Konohamaru. Their movements were so fast they blurred through the trees.
"It seems your Taijutsu has improved, Sarada," Konohamaru said as he deflected a blow.
Sarada grinned. "You'd better be careful, Konohamaru-sensei. I've got plenty more tricks left."
The rest of the students closed in, preparing to attack together. Konohamaru moved like a shadow, dodging every strike with ease.
Suddenly, Mitsuki attacked—golden lightning bursting from his hand, cutting toward Konohamaru.
Konohamaru twisted his body, narrowly dodging it. But Sarada's Fire Release and Sumire Kakei's Water Release followed immediately after.
"Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!"
A blazing fireball roared toward him.
Konohamaru countered swiftly. "Water Release: Water Wall!"
A wall of water rose, dousing the flames. But before he could relax, the ground cracked beneath him—Shikadai's shadow shot forward, linking to his own.
"Oh no—Shikadai's Shadow Imitation Technique!" Konohamaru tried to break free, but Sarada had already appeared before him, her crimson Sharingan spinning.
"Three-Tomoe Sharingan?!" Konohamaru was stunned. "When did she—"
Before he could react, he was caught in Sarada's Genjutsu. Though he dispelled it quickly, it was already too late—his button had turned red.
"You kids are amazing," Konohamaru said with a resigned smile. "Alright… the Sixth Hokage is waiting for you."
Deep in the forest clearing, Kakashi sat leisurely under a tree, reading Make-Out Paradise.
A rustle of footsteps surrounded him. When he looked up, a group of students—all in the form of Heavenly Path Pain—stood around him.
"I never thought I'd be facing a whole group of Pains," Kakashi muttered with a smirk. "So… which one of you is Boruto?"
Boruto stepped out from the shadows. "Kakashi-uncle."
"With so many people around, can't you just call me Sixth Hokage?" Kakashi joked.
Boruto shrugged. "Fine, fine—Sixth Hokage-uncle."
Kakashi chuckled and held up a small bell. "There's only one bell here. That means only one of you can become a ninja."
Iwabe crossed his arms. "We're not after the bell, Sixth Hokage-sama."
"Oh? Then what are you after?" Kakashi asked curiously.
Another student grinned. "We just want to make the Sixth Hokage feel a little Pain, for all the tricks you've played on us."
"Oh? You think a group fight will work against me? Don't underestimate a ninja."
But as he spoke, black sealing runes began to glow beneath his feet, converging into a circle.
"Sealing Barrier?" Kakashi's eyes narrowed.
"Multiple String Light Formation!" Denki shouted.
Kakashi's expression shifted. "I see… You combined your chakra to use the String Light Formation. Impressive."
"How's that? Strong enough for you?" Inojin teased.
"Quick! Boruto! Now's your chance—make him taste what it means to carry a bag of rice up the stairs!" Shikadai yelled.
Boruto smirked, transformed into young Naruto, and formed a Tiger Seal.
Kakashi froze, horror dawning. "No way… He's not actually gonna—"
Lightning erupted from Kakashi's body, his Purple Lightning crackling as he tried to break the barrier.
But the students stood firm, maintaining their hand signs despite the pressure.
"Never let your guard down, even from behind! Don't you agree, Kakashi-uncle?!" Boruto shouted.
Then he roared—
"Konoha Secret Taijutsu Ultimate Technique—One Thousand Years of Death!"
...
Author's Note:
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