Concession

Minato Namikaze released the hand resting on Obito's shoulder and took a few steps back.

He took two bells from his Ninja Tool Pouch and tied them around his waist.

Their crisp clinking reached the ears of the three students.

Obito stared at the bells, confusion appearing on his face.

"Sensei Minato, what does this mean?"

Minato Namikaze raised a hand and pointed at his waist.

"Next comes the survival test."

"Before noon, you must find a way to take these bells from me."

"Only those who successfully claim a bell can officially become my students."

"Anyone who fails to get one will return to the Ninja Academy for remedial training."

The anticipation on Obito's face vanished instantly.

He touched the forehead protector on his brow, then looked down at his Ninja Tool Pouch.

"Return to the Ninja Academy?"

"We clearly already passed the graduation test!"

"Why do we have to take another test?"

Rin was somewhat surprised as well.

Unlike Obito, she did not question him outright. She merely studied the bells at Minato Namikaze's waist.

One.

Two.

Yet Team 7 had three students.

Kakashi was the first to notice the issue.

His gaze shifted between the bells and his two teammates, and he quickly understood the test's true purpose.

"The graduation test only proves that we meet the minimum standard for Genin."

"This test determines whether our team leader recognizes us."

Kakashi pressed a hand to his sword hilt.

"And there are only two bells."

"If we fight separately, one person will inevitably fail."

Obito turned to look at him.

"So what?"

"Whoever lacks the strength can go back to school for remedial training."

Kakashi gave him a cold glance.

"You really still don't understand."

"If Sensei Minato only wanted to test our individual strength, there would be