Test Passed, Bell Clone Technique

After a moment's thought, Kakashi waved a hand. "You got the bell through your own strength. Why wouldn't it count?"

"Remember, a ninja should put the mission first."

"Just like your current mission is to take the bells. Once you've got them, the mission is complete. The process and method don't matter."

That was Kakashi's lesson.

Though that view was a little skewed.

But for these weak little ninjas, remembering those words could keep them from ending up quite so badly off on future missions.

"If we get both bells, does that mean the mission's complete and we pass the test?"

Shinki asked from the side.

Kakashi answered offhandedly, "Of course, but..."

As soon as he said it, he realized something was wrong and quickly looked up.

Shinki opened his hand, revealing two bells lying in his palm.

Shinki said, "Then I got both bells, so the mission's complete, right?"

"Does that mean all three of us can advance?"

Kakashi was startled.

After feeling around his waist, he discovered that both bells really were gone!

When did he do it?!

Kakashi distinctly remembered hanging the bells in two different places on his waist.

Shinki had actually swiped both of them in an instant?!

Nice move!

It's a real shame this kid didn't become a thief!

"Teacher, you just said that if both bells were taken, the mission would be complete, and if we completed the mission, we could advance."

Shinki continued.

Kakashi was momentarily taken aback.

He'd actually been outmaneuvered by this little guy!

After a brief moment of thought, he spread his hands in feigned helplessness. "But I also said that one of the three of you has to be left behind today. Each bell represents only one spot for passing the test."

"And right now, both bells are in your hands, so it's time for you to choose. Of the three of you, you have to choose two to stay."

As Kakashi spoke, he looked at Shinki teasingly.

Kid, you think you can take me on?

You even tried to pull a fast one and bring both your teammates through with you?

Still...

Kakashi really did want to know how the boy would choose.

He's close to Naruto, so he'll definitely pick him.

At best, he'll take the noble route and give both chances to advance to Naruto and Sasuke...

Faced with this difficult choice, Shinki thought for a moment, then asked, "One bell only represents one spot for passing the test?"

Kakashi nodded. "Right."

"Then all three of us can pass."

Shinki said with certainty.

Kakashi thought the boy was a little silly and said patiently, "You only have two bells in your hand."

"Who says I only have two bells?"

Shinki said with a grin, spreading his hand.

He had a whole handful of bells! At least twenty or thirty!

In fact, only two of these bells were the originals. The rest were Shadow Clones Shinki had made.

The method was based on the Shuriken Clone Technique and was easy to use.

Kakashi: (๑ʘ̅ д ʘ̅๑)!!

Where did this kid get so many bells?!

Did he find out what the test was beforehand and prepare them?!

Did someone leak the test to him?

Naruto and Sasuke, watching from the side, were stunned too!

What kind of move was that?!

"I didn't see Shinki take any bells when he left home this morning."

Naruto scratched his head, his mind full of questions.

Shinki asked, "Teacher, you said one bell represents one spot for passing the test. So all three of us have passed now, right?"

Kakashi knew he couldn't go back on his word this time: (눈‸눈)

What a little fox!

He made a point of stressing what I just said!

He's obviously using my reputation to hold me to it!

"Yes, I said that."

Kakashi forced a smile.

He knew that by nodding, he was effectively acknowledging that Shinki and the other two had passed the test!

Actually, Kakashi's original reason for testing them by having them take the bells was to see how well the three worked together.

And whether the three would think of their teammates after failing.

Now, though things hadn't quite gone the way he'd imagined,

Shinki had done it for his teammates, so it fit the theme, right?

Besides, Kakashi could tell that as long as Shinki was on this team, this little group wouldn't abandon their teammates.

After Kakashi nodded,

Naruto and Sasuke looked at each other, each seeing the shock in the other's eyes.

They'd passed the test just like that?

The two of them hadn't even done anything yet!

Sure enough, having a godlike teammate was great. They'd coasted straight through the test!

"Yes! Shinki, you're amazing! You got us through the test!"

Naruto jumped up and pumped his fist.

Sasuke was much more restrained, though his face was a little red with excitement.

Of course, there were other emotions besides excitement, such as a little jealousy and a sense of competition.

After seeing Shinki handle their teacher's test so easily, Sasuke silently vowed to work twice as hard from now on and surpass him!

I can't always let someone else steal the spotlight!

Kakashi announced helplessly, "All right, all members of Team 7 have passed. You can start taking missions in the village tomorrow."

Half a month later.

The three members of little Team 7 lay hidden in the woods like hunters waiting for their prey to fall into a trap.

"Shinki has successfully reached point A and can carry out the capture mission."

"Sasuke has successfully reached point C and can carry out the capture mission."

"Naruto hasn't reached point B yet. Wait for me a little longer..."

Shinki said, "Naruto, you're way too unreliable. You're always a step behind."

Sasuke said, "Yeah, Naruto. If you don't get here soon, the prey's going to escape."

"Don't rush me, don't rush me. I'm almost there!" Naruto was sweating heavily.

"Looks like we can't wait for Naruto. If we delay any longer, the prey will escape!"

Kakashi said gravely, "What did I tell you before? A ninja must make sure the mission goes smoothly and can't let personal matters get in the way!"

"All right, Sasuke and I can do it on our own. As long as we coordinate properly, catching it won't be difficult."

Shinki answered with an equally serious expression.

"I can do it."

Sasuke nodded.

Kakashi glanced at the prey in the woods, then shouted, "All right! Move out!!"

The next moment,

"Swish, swish!"

Shinki and Sasuke shot out of the bushes and pounced on an animal in the woods!

The little creature was highly alert. As soon as Shinki and Sasuke leaped out, it darted to the side.

Shinki wasn't about to let it escape. He pulled a Shuriken from his ninja tool pouch.

"Swish!"

The Shuriken flew out, splitting into dozens of Shadow Clones!

"Clatter!"

The Shuriken landed, completely blocking the little creature's path!

Sasuke seized the chance and jumped out from the side, grabbing the creature by the back and pinning it to the ground!

Once pinned, the little creature let out a plaintive cry. "Meow~"

That was right. The prey little Team 7 had gone to such lengths to surround and trap was a harmless little kitty!

"First, confirm its identity."

Kakashi walked over and reminded them.

"That's right, there's a bow clipped to its ear. It's the cat we're looking for!"

Shinki said after checking.

"Good, well done! That's the second mission we've done today. It went smoothly!"

Kakashi nodded.

"Let's turn in the mission."

With that, Shinki picked up the kitten from the ground.

Today was Shinki's second day as an official Genin, and his first day carrying out missions.

Since he had only just become a Genin, he could only take simple missions.

Things like helping the neighbors look after their children, or finding cats and dogs...