Uzumaki Kushina

After everyone had introduced themselves, Asuma eagerly asked:

"Can we start the mission now?"

Kushina looked at Asuma's impatient expression and couldn't help laughing.

"No rush. I only know the basics about you so far; I don't know how strong you are yet. In a little while, meet me at the edge of the Konoha Forest for a practical exercise."

When Amada heard that, he understood. This was probably the traditional trial held after a ninja team was formed.

He recalled that Naruto and the others in the original story had gone through a similar test.

He couldn't help picturing the scene where they tried to snatch the bells, and wondered to himself:

I wonder if this will be the same bell-snatching test.

Amada was eager to give it a try. At the Academy, there was no one who could serve as a proper training partner for him.

He lacked a strong opponent who could test his abilities.

Kurenai's brow furrowed slightly, and a hint of worry flashed in her eyes.

She wondered to herself:

What kind of exercise will it be? Could it be dangerous?

Though she came from a family of genjutsu users, she was always a little anxious about unfamiliar challenges.

She worried that she would perform poorly in the practical exercise.

Asuma, on the other hand, looked completely confident.

He even glanced at Amada, a hint of provocation in his eyes, as if to say:

This time, I'll show you what I can do.

In his mind, two years of intense training had made him much stronger.

He couldn't wait to prove himself in the practical exercise.

A little while later, at the edge of the Konoha Forest, trees grew thick and lush.

Sunlight filtered through the dense branches, casting patches of dappled light and shadow across the ground.

The area was remote and quiet, a popular spot where many ninjas came to train.

Amada, Asuma, and Kurenai arrived and looked around, waiting for Kushina.

Hidden among the dense branches of a sturdy tree, Kushina quietly watched the three of them below.

"Asuma, you're not calm enough."

Kushina frowned slightly, thinking to herself,

"You've only been waiting a little while, and you're already getting impatient. That kind of impulsiveness can easily cause trouble on a real mission."

She watched Asuma pace back and forth, glancing up every so often, his impatience plain on his face.

"Kurenai, you do have patience,"

Kushina's gaze shifted to Kurenai, worry flickering in her eyes,

"but you're a little timid and unsure of yourself. I can tell from your expression and little gestures that you're constantly worried about something. That mindset won't help you bring out your full potential in battle."

Kurenai stood quietly to one side, unconsciously tugging at the hem of her clothes. A hint of unease showed in her eyes.

Finally, Kushina's gaze settled on Amada, and a trace of approval appeared in her eyes.

"Amada, you're calm and reserved. Ever since you arrived, you've been quietly getting yourself into the right frame of mind, as if you already knew you'd be fighting me soon."

Amada stood still, his breathing steady and his gaze focused.

He kept adjusting his state of mind, making sure he was ready for battle.

It's time to go down and see how strong they are.

Kushina thought to herself. She lightly pushed off a branch and vanished in an instant.

In the blink of an eye, Kushina appeared in front of Amada and the others.

"Teacher Kushina, you're finally here! I was getting impatient. Let's get started. What's the test?"

As soon as Asuma saw Kushina, he asked eagerly.

Kushina's expression turned serious. She looked at Asuma, Kurenai, and Amada in turn, then said solemnly:

"Today's test is for the three of you to fight me. You may use any means you like; there are no restrictions. This will give me a comprehensive assessment of your abilities. If I decide you aren't strong enough to become ninjas, you'll have to return to the Ninja Academy."

Asuma erupted the moment he heard that.

"Then what was the point of working so hard to pass the graduation exam? Was all that effort for nothing?"

Seeing how worked up Asuma was, Kushina patiently explained:

"The exam was only meant to select those qualified to be tested by us personally. The graduation exam was just an initial screening. This battle is what will truly determine whether you have what it takes to become a proper ninja."

Kurenai grew tense. She glanced at Asuma and Amada, wondering to herself:

What if I hold them back? Am I really strong enough?

Her eyes were full of self-doubt and unease.

Amada, however, didn't mind.

It would be great if he passed the test, but if he didn't, he could always go back to school.

Though he was far from happy about it, Asuma had no choice but to accept the rules.

When all three of them accepted the test, Kushina nodded slightly and said:

"I'll give you half an hour to prepare. The test starts in half an hour."

As soon as she finished speaking, she vanished from sight.

Excitement flashed in Asuma's eyes. He rubbed his hands together, eager to get started.

He had no intention of preparing. As far as he was concerned, his own strength was all the preparation he needed.

Kurenai remained lost in deep worry, her mind in turmoil.

She had no idea how to face the battle that was about to begin.

Just then, Amada spoke up, breaking the tense silence:

"I think we should work together and come up with a plan."

Asuma immediately looked disdainful. He curled his lip and snorted.

"I don't need to work with anyone. I can handle this by myself!"

His face was full of arrogance and conceit. He believed he had no need to rely on anyone else.

In truth, he simply didn't want to work with Amada. He might have considered it if Kurenai had been the one to ask.

Seeing Asuma's attitude, Amada sighed helplessly and patiently explained:

"Teacher Kushina is a Jonin with extensive combat experience and formidable strength. The three of us are Genin; we have no chance of beating her. So the point isn't to win. She wants to see whether we demonstrate the qualities of capable ninjas in battle, like teamwork, adaptability, and tactical sense."

When Asuma remained unmoved, Amada had no choice but to turn to Kurenai and ask quietly:

"What do you think, Kurenai?"

Kurenai tensed at Amada's question.

After hesitating for a moment, she finally mustered the courage to speak.

"I think Amada is right. I agree with him."

She had never been confident in her own abilities. She thought that teamwork might make up for her shortcomings.

When Asuma heard that Kurenai was siding with Amada, he was displeased. His face showed how reluctant he was.

But when he saw Kurenai's determined expression, he eventually nodded, though begrudgingly, agreeing to work together.

Seeing Asuma give in, Amada smiled faintly. Now he knew how to get Asuma to come around.

The three of them gathered together and began discussing their plan in earnest.

Half an hour passed in the blink of an eye, and Kushina appeared at the agreed-upon spot right on time.

She looked around and saw that the three of them were nowhere to be found. Slightly surprised, she smiled with interest.

"Have you hidden yourselves? How interesting. Let's see what you can do."