Because Sarutobi Yakumaru's team never showed up, the ANBU had no choice but to start the combat assessment after waiting for a while.
He really couldn't wait any longer — under this blazing sun, he was on the verge of heatstroke.
"Team Nine happens to have six people. Next, you'll draw lots to match your opponents for the sparring rounds."
Sweeping his gaze over Drake and the others, the ANBU announced the rules for the practical test.
Of course, among them were a few pre-approved candidates designated by the Third Hokage: Drake, Yamato, and Kakashi.
"Drawing lots?"
"We're fighting our own teammates?"
"Does this even count as an assessment?"
Team Nine looked collectively baffled.
Then, the drawing began.
Kakashi drew number 2.
Yamato got number 3.
The three girls received 4, 5, and 6.
Drake didn't bother moving at all — and was conveniently labelled as number 1 by default.
"Heh, kid's got quite the attitude," the ANBU sneered coldly, contempt obvious beneath the mask.
He despised shinobi with bloodline limits the most — every one of them acting more high-and-mighty than the Hokage.
"Next matchups:
1 vs 4,
2 vs 5,
3 vs 6."
Arms folded, the ANBU prepared to enjoy the show.
In the arena, Drake glanced at him, mildly surprised.
What a coincidental arrangement.
Three guys versus three girls.
If this wasn't manipulation, he'd eat his own shoes.
"I'm fighting Drake…?" Rin stared at her number 4 tag, on the verge of tears.
There was absolutely no way she could beat him.
Last night alone, they'd already "sparred" for hours — and even now her legs were still weak.
Step. Step.
Both walked onto the field, forming the reconciliation seal.
The match began.
Rin guarded seriously, entering her stance.
But her legs felt soft, almost unsteady — as if at any second she might tumble straight into Drake's arms.
Drake, meanwhile, simply strolled toward her with both hands in his pockets.
Their eyes met.
An unmistakable tension filled the air.
"I forfeit."
He said it casually, turned around, and walked off with his hands still in his pockets.
Team Nine: "???"
ANBU: "???"
Rin: "＾v＾"
The masked examiner froze completely.
A voluntary forfeit?
Technically… nothing in the rules forbade it.
"I see…"
Kakashi suddenly understood and stepped onto the field.
Red Bean (Anko) also entered, her heart pounding.
Then — Kakashi forfeited too.
"Huh?"
Anko blinked, stunned… then overjoyed.
This made little Yamato tremble instantly.
He realized both Drake and Kakashi were staring at him.
It was like their eyes were talking.
Drake: Kid, just forfeit.
Kakashi: Unless you enjoy getting beaten.
Under such overwhelming pressure, Yamato finally surrendered as well.
Hokage's Office
Hiruzen Sarutobi studied the ANBU report, his brows knitting together.
"What about Sarutobi Yakumaru's team?"
"We just received news. They're all at the hospital," the ANBU replied.
"The hospital?"
"Yes. Two of them have one broken arm each, and Shimoku has both arms broken."
"What? Who did this?" Hiruzen demanded.
"Shimoku claimed they were ambushed by Drake before the assessment even began, resulting in all of them breaking their left arms."
Hiruzen paused.
"Wait — if all their left arms were broken, why does Shimoku have both arms broken?"
"Er… Yakumaru broke the other one," the ANBU replied awkwardly.
"Apparently Shimoku told the truth, which angered Yakumaru."
Hiruzen's face went blank.
Utterly shameful.
"Then what about Team Nine's evaluation?" the ANBU asked carefully.
"All passed."
Hiruzen waved dismissively. "I've lost the mood to deal with this any further."
When Team Nine received the news that everyone had passed, they were honestly dumbfounded.
"This seriously counts as passing?" Anko puffed her cheeks, suspicious.
"I smell a conspiracy…" Yugao muttered solemnly.
"You smell nothing — keep sniffing and you'll end up at the barbecue place," Drake retorted mercilessly.
Evening – Barbecue Gathering
Team Nine gathered at the grill house to celebrate.
Halfway through, Danzo appeared.
"Tch, he's definitely here for you again," Kakashi nudged Drake quietly.
"Look — he went into that private room. He'll call Drake in a minute," Rin whispered.
"You better be careful," Yugao warned.
"I think Lord Danzo is actually very good…"
Suddenly, an awkward voice spoke up — serious and confused.
Everyone turned to look at little Yamato.
Under the heavy stares, he shrank again.
"But… he really does treat me well…" he murmured.
"Yamato."
Danzo's voice echoed from the hallway as he waved for him.
"Huh? Me?"
Yamato hurried into the private room.
Thirty minutes later, he returned with his head lowered.
"Hey, kid, what did Danzo want?" Kakashi asked softly, a hint of menace in his tone.
Everyone looked over at him.
"I… I don't know how to say it…"
Drake suddenly smiled.
"How about this: we each reveal one secret, and everyone agrees to keep it confidential."
Yamato's eyes lit up.
This way, he could build trust with his seniors and avoid angering Lord Danzo.
Drake really was brilliant.
"Yamato, you first. What did Danzo call you for?" Drake asked, beaming.
"Um… Lord Danzo told me to monitor you," Yamato confessed quietly.
"B-but you said we'd keep it secret…"
Team Nine's expressions darkened immediately.
Monitor Drake?
What exactly was Danzo planning?
Far Away – Under the Silent Night
Obito sat alone outside the cave, gazing at the vast sky above.
Then he stood up and clenched his fists.
"Just wait for me!
When I become strong… really, really strong… I'll make Team Nine look at me in disbelief!"
And with that, he resumed his training in silence.
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