Looks Like I Got Lost on the Road of Life for Too Long

Ino had been hanging her head, suddenly looked up, revealing a sly smile, "Gotcha, senpai~"

"Oh no!"

By the time Asuma realized something was wrong, it was too late. He was instantly struck by Ino's Mind Body Switch Technique, and his whole body froze slightly.

Just as I broke free and was about to leave.

The shadows beneath their feet had already been connected by Shikamaru.

Although Asuma could break free in just a second with his strength, Choji behind him didn't let the opportunity slip by.

The two giant hands quickly closed together, grasping Asuma in their palms.

After Choji canceled the Multi-Size Technique, the bell that Asuma wore around his waist disappeared.

Seeing this, Shikamaru finally relaxed and began to breathe heavily.

Choji and Ino both smiled broadly; they had succeeded!

Asuma stood there, stunned for a long time, before bursting into hearty laughter. "Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant!"

Ino smiled upon hearing this; this was the first time they had ever defeated a Jonin!

Even if all he did was snatch the bell, his smile vanished in the next instant.

Asuma raised his right hand, shook the only bell on his wrist, and said, "Although it's only one bell that's been taken, I declare you have passed the test."

Ino looked bewildered, since according to their tactics, they should have already obtained two bells by now.

"What's going on, Shikamaru?" Ino turned to Shikamaru and asked.

Shikamaru staggered to his feet, the Shadow Realm he had just been in had been too mentally taxing, and a tired smile played on his lips.

"At the very moment Choji launched his final attack, Asuma- senpai had already used the Substitution Technique to dodge it."

"However, I had been secretly preparing my Shadow Binding Technique, but I was discovered as soon as I managed to capture just one person."

Choji nodded in agreement, having sensed something was wrong the instant he launched his attack.

Seeing the look Shikamaru gave him, he immediately used the last of his Gluttony Form's Chakra to interfere with Asuma's perception.

Asuma shook his head with a wry smile. As a Jonin, he was completely outmaneuvered by three students who weren't even Genin.

He couldn't help but exclaim, "You're all very good, and you certainly won the bell!"

"So, you passed, and you got a perfect score."

As he spoke, he lit another cigarette. He could imagine what would happen after seeing this assessment.

How the old man and Hagoromo would laugh at him.

"This is so troublesome..." Shikamaru rubbed his temples. "Now I understand why Hagoromo- sensei always said we were far behind."

It wasn't just their strength, but also their ability to maintain the Asuma hand even within his own meticulously planned traps.

This kind of experience is something they cannot obtain through training.

"Don't worry, you passed anyway. Just keep up the good work." Ino didn't seem to care.

She never thought she could defeat Jonin through training, but now that she has achieved this, she has reason to be proud.

Hearing this, Shikamaru chuckled softly, "Yes."

Their future is long; there's no need to doubt themselves because of a temporary setback.

--

"Shikamaru is quite good, Shikaku." Inside the meeting room, Choza said to Shikaku with great appreciation.

"It's because Hagoromo trained her well, I wouldn't dare to claim that so casually."

Shikaku simply waved his hand; he had seen the entire battle between Shikamaru and the other two.

Although he is still a bit inexperienced, his skills are definitely not lacking; he just lacks a little bit of experience.

Hiruzen Sarutobi a beaming smile, believing that Konoha's future was bright.

He was happier than anyone else present, and turned to look at Hagoromo beside him.

Hiruzen Sarutobi said with a smile, "Next up is Naruto and the others' test, right?"

"Hmm, but it seems Kakashi hasn't gone there yet."

Hagoromo nodded and looked at the monitor. At this moment, Naruto, Sasuke, and Hinata were all bored and began their routine physical training.

Hiruzen Sarutobi couldn't help but shake his head and smile wryly; he was well aware of Kakashi's style.

However, none of this matters.

In any case, Kakashi has never let him down when it comes to matters of principle.

A few minor flaws are nothing.

--

"Call--"

After finishing a full set of training, Naruto let out a breath and looked back at the entrance to the training ground.

"Naruto-kun, the Jonin Exams haven't arrived yet."

Hinata also stopped what she was doing and spoke.

She naturally understood the things Naruto cared about better, so she had been observing him closely.

"Oh, I see. This person is taking the assessment very slowly!"

Naruto said with great dissatisfaction, "They've been here for almost an hour already."

But the Jonin was supposed to be taking the test still hadn't appeared.

"You cocky Sasuke, do you think we got the time wrong?" Naruto turned to Sasuke and asked.

"You might be mistaken. It's not like Hinata too, is it?"

Sasuke glanced at Naruto speechlessly; this guy had asked at least three times since the beginning.

"Naruto-kun, the time and place for our assessment were both correct."

Hinata standing nearby, handed over a towel while explaining to Naruto.

"Thank you Hinata." Naruto reached out and took the gift, wiping the sweat from his forehead.

He certainly knew he remembered correctly; it was just that the waiting time had been too long, and he was simply asking out of boredom.

Snap--

Snap--

Footsteps approached slowly, and Naruto, Sasuke, and the others all looked towards the entrance to the training ground.

"Oh, it seems I've been lost on the path of life for far too long."

Kakashi stretched out his hand and waved it at the group, then spoke.

Naruto:...

Sasuke:...

Even Hinata's expression showed a hint of speechlessness, after all, this reason was so lame.

"White-haired uncle! If you're going to make up an excuse, at least come up with a better one!" Naruto said angrily.

Sasuke composed himself, surprised that the Jonin they were taking the exam for would be this person.

Kakashi scratched the back of his head lazily, completely ignoring Naruto's question.

"It seems you've all warmed up."

As he spoke, Kakashi held two bells in his hands and shook them at Naruto and the other two in front of him. The clear sound of the bells was particularly attractive.

"The rules for the test are simple: use every means at your disposal to get the bell, and you'll pass."

"Uncle White Hair, no matter how much you try to fool us, you only have two bells in your hand."

Naruto pouted in dissatisfaction and said unhappily.

Kakashi's eyes curved into crescent moons. "That's right, this also means that only the two of you who get the bells can be considered to have passed."

"The other one will return to the Ninja Academy and wait for the next assessment."