Not Answering Is the Best Answer!

The Third Hokage kept all four of their answers in mind, yet offered no comment, as though he had merely asked the question in passing.

"But if, while carrying out a mission, one of your teammates falls into danger and the mission must still be completed, what would you do?"

Another question was thrown at them. This time, even Jiraiya did not dare answer carelessly. A question like this would have different answers depending on one's perspective.

Such a question made it difficult to choose. If they abandoned a teammate to complete the mission, others would call them cold-blooded, but the mission would be completed and the village would not suffer excessive losses.

But who would be willing to carry out missions with someone who could abandon even their teammates for the sake of completing a mission?

Conversely, if they abandoned the mission to save their teammate and ultimately caused the mission to fail, then they would be sinners!! Sinners in their teammates' eyes, and sinners in the village's eyes!!!

In the future, the famous Hatake White Fang would encounter such a situation. In the end, unable to bear the countless accusations from the villagers and his comrades, he committed suicide.

Konoha's White Fang, a Kage-level powerhouse whom even the Sannin had to respect, had been driven to death just like that!!!

That showed just how difficult the choice was.

This time, even Hiko did not dare answer rashly. Answering a question and actually experiencing it were two entirely different things. Hiko did not know what he would choose if he were ever placed in such a situation.

The only person who could make a quick choice was Orochimaru. He would abandon his teammate and complete the mission!!!

Hiko, Tsunade, and Jiraiya all found it difficult to choose.

Hiko was slightly better off. It would depend on who he was carrying out the mission with. If it were someone else, Hiko would choose to complete the mission without hesitation. But if that person were Tsunade, then it became difficult.

Tsunade's absolute trust and support were what made it hardest for Hiko to choose. Hiko was not a cold-blooded animal. Everyone had feelings. Orochimaru could abandon everything, but Hiko could not.

If even a person's blood had gone cold, were they still human? How were they any different from a killing machine?

The question was deeply troubling and difficult to answer. Moreover, it was not something that could be answered lightly. Even Orochimaru, who had made his choice in an instant, did not speak.

Whether they chose the former or the latter, they would offend someone. It might even affect the Third Hokage's direct impression of them. It simply was not worth the loss. Not answering was the best answer. Even Jiraiya had obediently kept his mouth shut.

He was carefree by nature and prone to doing outrageous things. He was also an absolute pervert. Though he was often called an idiot, Jiraiya was not stupid. He knew a question like this could not be answered casually, or it would easily offend people.

The Third Hokage took in the looks in all four of their eyes. No one spoke, yet the smile on his face did not fade.

"All right, children. I have already received your answers. Now, let us begin the test!!!"

Although no one had answered the question, the Third Hokage was very pleased. What he feared most was Hiko, Tsunade, Orochimaru, and Jiraiya directly making a choice. At that point, whether they chose the former or the latter, others would be able to seize upon it and judge them.

Not answering was the best answer.

Hiko, Orochimaru, Tsunade, and Jiraiya immediately grew serious, all waiting for the Third Hokage to announce the contents of the test. Even Hiko could not guess what kind of test the Third Hokage had prepared to torment them with.

In Hiko's eyes, such a test was merely something a teacher set up to mess with students. If the Will of Fire could truly be passed down so easily, that would be nice.

But as the propagator of the Will of Fire, no one could guarantee what the Third Hokage would do.

Especially since there were four people in the team now!! Not three!!!

"Children, the test is very simple!!"

The Third Hokage suddenly revealed a somewhat lecherous smile. This was the kind of smile often seen on Jiraiya's face whenever he was planning to prank someone.

Unlike Tsunade, Orochimaru, and Jiraiya, Hiko immediately became wary.

"Ta-da~~"

Under the four's solemn gazes, two bells appeared in the Third Hokage's hand. A mischievous grin flashed across his face as he pointed at the wooden posts not far away and said:

"Your test will be easy to pass. The four of you will act together and obtain these two bells within the allotted time. As for those who fail to get one, unfortunately, they will be tied to those wooden posts over there and won't even get lunch!!"

After saying that, the Third Hokage thoughtfully reminded them that those who did not get a bell would not even be allowed lunch.

There was no difference from the original story. There were still only two bells...

Just as Hiko was considering this, the smile on the Third Hokage's face gradually became strange. "Remember, four people and two bells. Those who do not obtain a bell in the end will fail the test!!"

Forget it, they would snatch them first. Hiko felt that something was off, but he could not put his finger on it. In any case, this kind of test was merely a formality. As long as he, Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru did not do anything too excessive against one another and did not step into certain traps, they should be able to pass.

Was this not simply a disguised way of teaching the four of them to understand teamwork and trust their teammates?

In an instant, Hiko, Tsunade, Orochimaru, and Jiraiya all prepared to make their move, staring at the bells in the Third Hokage's hand.

"Wait!!"