At almost the same moment, as the enormous black crater burst open when Kakashi was engulfed by flames, Sakura, who had been observing from the forest, jumped out.
"You actually killed Kakashi-sensei? This is just a training exercise! Sasuke! Naruto!"
Sakura's face displayed shock and fear as she shouted towards Sasuke and Naruto. However, before Naruto could warn her, she hesitated for a moment. Suddenly, someone tapped her shoulder, and instinctively, she turned her head. Kakashi's smiling face met her eyes, and before Sakura could react, he swiftly formed hand signs.
"Genjutsu - Narakumi no Jutsu."
In an instant, Sakura's previously clear pupils became unfocused. The next moment, a piercing scream echoed through the area.
"Ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah!"
Accompanied by the scream that seemed to pierce through everything, Naruto sighed and shook his head helplessly. Sakura's body went limp and fell to the ground.
One down, easily dealt with.
Honestly, Naruto couldn't help but wonder. Sakura consistently ranked at the top in theoretical knowledge during their time at the Ninja Academy. From that perspective, her intelligence should be quite reliable. However, during the few days they had spent together, it seemed that Sakura's actions consistently underestimated Naruto's expectations.
Kakashi watched the scene unfold and couldn't help but chuckle. "She really is something, isn't she? It seems that taking care of her was a piece of cake."
Naruto knew that Kakashi was incredibly skilled, even when he was "holding back." He also understood that Kakashi was much stronger than he and Sasuke combined, even in his current state of "holding back." Going up against Kakashi was impossible.
In this situation, their original plan, Plan A, had already failed, and Plan B had fallen through as well. Now they had no choice but to try Plan C.
Naruto took a deep breath, and his eyes began to emit a faint golden glow. He spoke to Sasuke with a serious tone.
"Listen, Sasuke. I'll launch a feint attack, and you should look for an opportunity. Remember, our goal is only to snatch the bells. You should be aware of the huge gap in strength between us and Kakashi-sensei. Be prepared to retreat if necessary."
Naruto stood up straight, and his muscles tensed. He maintained a serious expression as he addressed Sasuke. Meanwhile, Sasuke's cool demeanor persisted, and he nodded in response, his facial expression becoming even more icy.
This was a crucial test that could determine whether they graduated or not.
For the Uchiha clan's pride, for his own ambitions!
"How about it? Have you discussed your tactics? Just a reminder, without the resolve to kill me, you won't be able to get those bells," Kakashi casually teased as he lightly jingled the bells on his waist.
"Heh, Kakashi-sensei, you should also be prepared," Naruto replied with a smile. In that moment, as Kakashi's attention shifted between them, Naruto activated his technique.
"Shadow Clone Jutsu!"
The next moment, Naruto swiftly formed hand signs, and hundreds of real, tangible clones materialized in an instant, creating a thick, billowing white mist that spread out in all directions. Even Kakashi, known for his composure, couldn't help but narrow his eyes and show a hint of surprise.
(End of this chapter)