The Correct Answer

Sakura suddenly spoke up.

Menma was also surprised. He had not expected Sakura to be capable of such decisiveness. Whether she could see the situation clearly was one matter; whether she could make a firm decision was another.

At the very least, on this point,

Menma viewed Sakura in a slightly better light.

A strange glint swiftly flashed through Kakashi's pupils as well.

"How could that work?! You can have the bell, Sakura. At worst, I'll go beg Grandpa Third. I'll definitely get another chance to graduate!"

After hearing Menma and Sakura speak in turn,

Naruto hurriedly waved his hands. As he spoke, he quickly tossed the bell in his hand toward Menma, Sasuke, and Sakura.

Then he forcefully patted his chest,

as though he were proving the credibility of his words that way.

"Hmph. I don't need this bell either. If I have to graduate next year, then so be it."

After taking a deep breath, Sasuke tossed the bell back into Naruto's hand. He desperately wanted a chance at a second test, and he was even less willing to return to the Ninja Academy and waste another year, but his pride would not allow him to accept the bell like this.

"What are you doing, Sasuke?! I gave it to you out of kindness! I already said I'd definitely beg Grandpa Third for a chance to graduate!"

Seeing the bell Sasuke had thrown back,

Naruto immediately grew anxious again.

"Hmph. I don't need that kind of kindness!"

Sasuke said coldly, folding his arms across his chest.

What did he mean, giving it out of kindness?

The pride of the Uchiha Clan did not need such kindness!

"Hey, you bastard!"

Naruto raised his brows and was about to say more when—

"Clap, clap, clap."

"Excellent! All four of you have passed!!!"

Kakashi suddenly clapped his hands from where he stood opposite them. He said it outright, without any preamble whatsoever.

Of everyone present, aside from Menma, the other three froze in an instant.

"Huh?"

"?"

"Eh?!"

They could only stare blankly at Kakashi.

"What does that mean, Brother Kakashi? How did this suddenly...?"

The emotional whiplash

had left Naruto completely unable to react as he stared dumbly at Kakashi.

"Hehe, that question just now was actually a test. Your answers satisfied me, so you've passed the assessment. Menma, you probably noticed from the beginning, didn't you? The true purpose behind the test I set up."

Kakashi smiled faintly, then shifted his gaze to Menma beside him and spoke softly.

"Eh? Really, Menma?!"

Naruto asked Menma in surprise.

Sakura and Sasuke also turned to look at Menma.

"I wouldn't say I noticed from the beginning. I only had a rough guess. Teacher Kakashi, you set up this test to see whether we have an awareness of teamwork, right?"

Menma nodded lightly and responded calmly.

"Teamwork?"

"Hmm?"

As Naruto muttered to himself, Sasuke's expression seemed to darken slightly.

Sakura, on the other hand, was much more straightforward. She looked completely relaxed. Wasn't passing the graduation assessment the happiest and most fortunate thing possible? She had already prepared herself to be mocked by her companions and family and return to the Ninja Academy to study all over again.

But now,

there was light at the end of the tunnel.

Sakura had every reason to be happy!!

"That's right. Menma is correct—it was teamwork. In the ninja world, task assignments and carrying out orders are certainly very important, but to accomplish those things, seamless cooperation within a team is equally crucial. One person's strength is ultimately limited. That's why ninjas accept and carry out missions in squads. You have already graduated from the Ninja Academy. What I need you to understand is the importance of teams and companions. No one can separate themselves from the group."

Kakashi said with a serious expression as he looked at Menma, Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura.

"So that's what it was? I was really worried I wouldn't graduate before this. Hahaha, you should've said so earlier, Brother Kakashi! You don't need to worry about something like teamwork. Our team definitely won't lack it. Right, Menma, Sasuke, Sakura?!"

Naruto beamed as he patted his chest and spoke excitedly.

Seeing Naruto like this, Kakashi shook his head with an amused smile.

"And who was it that just said he was going to find the Third Lord?"

Kakashi pointed at Naruto.

"Ahahaha, I was just saying it. Just saying it."

Naruto scratched the back of his head a little awkwardly and grinned.

"So that means we've graduated successfully, right, Brother Kakashi?"

Naruto moved into close proximity, looked up at Kakashi with sparkling eyes, and asked.

"Mm. All of you have passed."

Kakashi said with a smile.

Just as had been said before, among this year's graduates, even if everyone else failed and had to return to the Ninja Academy, there was a 99.9 percent chance that Team Seven, where Menma was assigned, would graduate successfully.

Unless Kakashi truly determined that Menma still could not properly take part in a ninja's life.

But that was almost impossible.

Over the past twelve years, Menma had long since received the Third Hokage's personal recognition. He was the village's new generation of Nine-Tails Jinchuriki—steady by nature, eager for recognition, and worthy of cultivation and trust.

Though he was slightly aloof in personality, that was understandable. Such things could be gradually nurtured and improved.

Therefore, Menma's graduation was already set in stone.

Not to mention that Naruto and Sasuke, two individuals with equally special identities, were also on the team.

And even setting those matters aside, Menma and the others' performance just now had indeed met Kakashi's expectations.

The four of them were approved to graduate and officially carry out missions as ninjas.

"Alright! Then Team Seven is officially formed! As a celebration, Brother Kakashi, shouldn't you do something for us?"

After cheering, Naruto moved closer and looked at Kakashi with a shameless grin.

"Mm, we should celebrate. Today is also the first day Team Seven has officially been formed. Your teacher will treat you to a good meal, then you can get a proper day's rest. We'll accept our first official mission tomorrow!"

Kakashi nodded with a light chuckle.

"Yeahhh! Brother Kakashi, you're the best!"

Naruto raised both hands high and cheered loudly.

"Menma, Sasuke, you won't refuse this time, right??"

Then he immediately turned to look at Menma and Sasuke beside him.