A One-Month Wager

"Eh, why?" Obito was the first to object.

In response to Obito's shout, the Fourth Hokage merely smiled. "A Chunin who just got promoted at eleven is one of Konoha's treasures. He can't be that bad. Besides, I already saw Kakashi's skills in that sparring match, so there's no need to repeat it."

"Favoritism. I knew it—everyone favors geniuses." Obito's gaze on Kakashi was tinged with jealousy.

Listening to their conversation, Yang Xing realized that Kakashi really had been promoted to Chunin. It looked like he was the worst one here after all.

"Next..." The Fourth Hokage turned to the last person, who was also the only girl.

"I specialize in Medical Ninjutsu." Rin Nohara spread her hands, and a faint white light flickered over her delicate, pale palms.

"Oh." Minato Namikaze approved of Rin's ninjutsu. "That's just what we need to round out the team. You're impressive too, Rin."

Being praised by the Fourth Hokage made the young girl so happy that her cheeks flushed.

After everyone had demonstrated their skills, Minato Namikaze didn't linger. He glanced at the sun, which was nearing noon, then said, "We'll discuss future arrangements tomorrow. By the way, when you come back tomorrow, you must get here before sunrise. Remember, this is very important."

His stern expression as he raised one finger left no room for refusal.

It was nearly noon, and as the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze didn't have time to spend the whole day training a few students.

Konoha was in a difficult period, too. When noon came, a shinobi from the Anbu summoned Minato Namikaze away.

The four of them were left alone, and the atmosphere grew tense. They barely knew one another, and none of them spoke.

Obito's expression was clearly sour, and he didn't seem inclined to stick around. "I'm heading back." He put his hands behind his head and prepared to leave.

Kakashi also planned to leave.

Before either of them could take a step, someone called out to them.

"Hey, wait."

Yang Xing was the one who had called them. The serious look on his face made the others stop.

"What is it, last place?" Obito seemed to have a serious problem with this "new teammate," whose skills weren't much to speak of.

Yang Xing didn't take offense at the name. "Of course I have something to say. It's important."

"Huh?"

"From now on, we're a team, right?" Yang Xing glanced at the three of them and smiled. "Every team needs a leader."

"Isn't that already decided? Whoever's strongest is..." Obito glanced at Kakashi, clearly unhappy. Kakashi was bound to be the team captain.

Kakashi, meanwhile, watched Yang Xing with a serious expression. He already knew that the Fourth Hokage would be training them. And since he was already a Chunin, becoming the squad captain should have been a foregone conclusion. Yang Xing's words clearly suggested he had a problem with that. Too bad his skills were...

Thinking of Yang Xing's abilities, then seeing his serious expression, Kakashi found himself genuinely curious about him.

"That's a separate matter. The squad captain is appointed; I'm talking about who's at the top among the four of us." Yang Xing folded his arms. His words left the simple-minded Obito even more confused.

Scratching his head, Obito still didn't understand. "What's the difference?"

"Of course there's a difference. 'Captain' is just a title on the surface, but the person at the top is the heart of the team. And if someone becomes the top dog, the others will have to call him 'Boss.'" Yang Xing spoke one word at a time, his smile taking on a knowing edge.

"That sounds pretty interesting." Being called Boss appealed to Obito.

Even Kakashi's gaze shifted slightly.

Seeing their reactions, Yang Xing couldn't help smirking. After a brief pause, he glanced at the two of them and continued, "Why don't we set a rule—or make a wager? The Fourth Hokage can't know about it. Only the four of us can. It'll be our own little rule."

"Interesting! Really interesting. I'm in. But we have to settle it with our skills." Obito clenched his fist and agreed without hesitation.

Yang Xing looked past Obito to the person beside him, who was still pondering.

"What about you, Kakashi?"

Kakashi looked up and said seriously, "Tell me what the wager is first. Then I'll decide."

"Sure. What about you, little Rin?"

Though she wasn't fond of being called little, Rin Nohara nodded. "All right, as long as it doesn't involve fighting."

"Then it's settled." Yang Xing clapped his hands and quickly laid out the terms. "The wager is simple. Over the next month, the four of us will judge one another based on our skills and the things we experience. Whoever does the best and earns the most respect will become the leader of the team."

"So we have to make the others think our skills are the best?" Obito nodded repeatedly, growing more interested by the minute. "That's a good wager. I'm in."

"That's an interesting contest. I'm in too." Kakashi nodded thoughtfully.

The idea was tempting. Even if Kakashi was appointed captain, he knew the others might not accept him. But with this wager, he could earn their respect from the heart. It was a good idea. He was genuinely a little impressed by Yang Xing for coming up with it, though he didn't think Yang Xing could win.

"Then it's settled." Yang Xing raised one hand and stepped into the middle of the group, holding it out.

The others didn't hesitate to place their hands on top of his.

"One month. We can't tell anyone else, no matter who they are. The one whose skills earn the most respect becomes Boss."

"Right."

"Sounds good."

"Mm!"