Good Things Should Be Promoted!

"Kyoichi Kanda is truly a scoundrel!"

Kurenai Yuhi couldn't help but exclaim.

This guy's methods were one after another!

But she had to admit.

They worked!

The Third Hokage narrowed his eyes.

Anyone facing this situation would hesitate and struggle, and their final choice would reveal their character.

Everyone had come from a position of weakness.

However.

Ninjas who were too self-centered were not someone anyone wanted to associate with, especially if they were from the Uchiha clan.

Shisui, what would you choose?

If Shisui gave up his spot, then he would have to regretfully exclude Shisui and add him to the list of those to be suppressed.

Kyoichi hadn't discussed the exam process with him, yet he perfectly met the Third Hokage's requirements.

He was becoming more and more satisfied with Kyoichi.

At this moment.

Shisui was indeed struggling.

Earlier, Kyoichi had promised him a "guaranteed pass," and now he presented him with a choice. The problem was—realistically, this looked like an impossible exam.

However.

If he abandoned Asuma and Kurenai, would they still be a team?

Shisui took a deep breath and said, "Teacher, I choose to take the exam again!"

"Shisui..."

Asuma and Kurenai were somewhat incredulous.

They were four years younger than Shisui and had had very little interaction with him before, so they didn't know him well enough.

Therefore.

They hadn't expected at all that Shisui would give up his spot...

Hiruzen Sarutobi and Kurenai Yuhi were equally shocked.

They had guessed the intention behind Kyoichi's question.

It could be said.

All the preparations for this exam were leading up to this single question, testing not only Asuma and Kurenai but also Shisui. It was a test of humanity and psychology.

A more terrifying question than the bells!

However.

Shisui's answer was excellent.

Whether he had seen through the question's intent or truly felt that way, it was enough to prove that Shisui had great potential.

"Have you thought it through?"

Kyoichi's expression was serious.

"Yes, I am the temporary captain. The mission wasn't completed. My tactical arrangements and considerations were extensive. I believe in Asuma and Kurenai. If we try again, we will definitely succeed!"

After Shisui stated his decision, he felt a sense of relief.

What was the big deal about taking the exam again?

What was the big deal about going back to the Ninja Academy?

It was no big deal at all!

"Then, what are your opinions?"

Kyoichi asked Asuma and Kurenai Yuhi with a smile.

"Teacher, Shisui's tactics were not the problem. It was my own incompetence that prevented us from executing them. I volunteer to return to the Ninja Academy."

"Me too."

Asuma and Kurenai Yuhi didn't hesitate much.

Perhaps their talents weren't as outstanding as Shisui's, but they were still from clan families and had their pride.

Shisui had performed the best this time.

His tactical arrangements, thinking, and execution were all optimal. They couldn't let Shisui take the blame.

Moreover.

It was clear that they wouldn't be able to defeat Kyoichi even if they took the exam again.

"That's a Jonin!"

"So, you've lost confidence?"

"No, I believe if I trained for another year, I definitely could. But right now... the gap in my abilities is truly vast."

Asuma was a little dejected.

Before, he thought he might not be the best, but he wouldn't be left so far behind, unable to keep up with his teammates. However, after the exam, he realized he truly couldn't keep up.

He was a liability, unable to contend head-on.

He felt too ashamed to even consider asking Shisui to give up his spot again.

"Very good. Knowing you're weak is a good thing; at least you can recognize yourself. However, your overall strategy wasn't wrong: Kurenai provides support, Asuma holds the front line, and Shisui cuts in to disrupt.

"The problem is, I'm too strong, so... I declare you all have passed!"

Kyoichi clapped his hands and sheathed his sword.

The three of them froze for a moment.

They passed?

This...

Shisui pondered for a moment, quickly recalling some of Kyoichi's previous teachings. He said thoughtfully, "Teacher, the key to this test was actually the problem just now, wasn't it?"

"Precisely. A team will inevitably have strengths and weaknesses, some shine while others sacrifice. But when three people combine, there should be an effect of one plus one equaling three. The most typical example is the Ino-Shika-Cho formation," Kyoichi said.

Teaching cannot be slacked.

There are rewards!

"Thank you, Teacher. I understand."

The three bowed in unison.

Looking at them, they indeed showed the beginnings of teamwork.

"Let's go. To celebrate the formation of the first squad, I'll take you all out for ramen."

Phantom Sword Style?

The Third Hokage's eyes narrowed. The technique was very similar.

However.

Although this style was created by Kosuke himself, its theory was actually based on Tobirama Senju's theories. After a moment of thought, he didn't suspect anything further and turned his attention back to the exam itself.

"How was it?"

The Third Hokage looked at Kurenai's Father.

He was also a seasoned Jonin of many years, especially responsible for the guidance of Chunin and Genin. His experience in education was higher than that of other Jonin.

Kurenai's Father pondered for a moment and said, "Impressive! This kid's strategy was a chain of tricks, more devious than your bell-stealing exercise. One wrong step and you'd fall for it.

"If this process were to be widely implemented, I'm afraid very few children would pass."

The Third Hokage sighed.

It was good, but the standard was too high.

By this standard, 80% of the children wouldn't be able to graduate as Genin, making it completely unpromotable.

However.

This set of tests did comprehensively assess the children's abilities.

After much deliberation, he said, "We can implement this within elite squads... Let's try it with Minato's team."

"We can have Minato come over for a chat."

Kurenai's Father agreed.

Since it was an elite squad, the requirements naturally had to be raised. Minato Namikaze's team not only had Rin and Obito, but also Kakashi, who had been a Chunin for many years.

Using Kyoichi's requirements wasn't excessive.

A moment later.

Minato Namikaze's Shadow Clone arrived.

His main body had to meet with Obito, Rin, and Kakashi.

"Lord Hokage..."

"Minato, Kyoichi's class has already finished their test. We observed the entire process and felt there were some valuable experiences to learn from," the Third Hokage said after a slight cough.

In a sense, their actions were akin to peeking and secretly learning.

However.

It shouldn't be a big problem, right?

At worst, there will be compensation afterward.

The Third Hokage shared the experience he found valuable.

Minato Namikaze was initially confused, but as he listened, his eyes gradually brightened.

Brilliant!

As expected of Kyoichi, one tactic leads to another.

This way, they wouldn't even have to wait until tomorrow morning; the test could start directly this afternoon.

The only issue is—

"Sir, this experience is excellent, but I have a troublesome child on my team. What if... I mean, what if Kakashi really doesn't grasp it and tries to go solo?"

Minato's excitement subsided, and he slowly calmed down.

"..."

Kakashi is troublesome.

The Third Hokage and Kurenai's Father fell into deep thought. After pondering for a while, the Third Hokage said, "Kakashi shouldn't do that. If it really comes to it, we'll strip him of his Chunin title. If that's not enough, we'll send all three back to the Ninja Academy."

That harsh?

Minato Namikaze took a breath and then slowly nodded, saying, "Understood!"

Minato didn't know Kakashi very well yet. He only knew that the kid had a terrible reputation among the Chunin, and no one wanted to take on missions with him.

So.

If the assessment failed, demoting a Chunin back to the Ninja Academy...

That would be a huge mess.

However.

Judging by the Third Hokage's words, he clearly had no intention of backing down. If Kakashi truly didn't understand what teamwork meant, then there would be no need to show leniency.

With that assurance, Minato felt more confident, though he wanted to invite someone else to supervise and observe.