After committing all four of their answers to memory, the Third Hokage offered no commentary, as though he had merely asked the question casually.
"But what if, while carrying out a mission, one of your teammates was in danger, yet the mission absolutely had to be completed? What would you do?"
Another question was thrown out. This time, even Jiraiya did not dare answer carelessly. The same question could have different answers depending on one's perspective.
It was a difficult choice. If they abandoned a teammate to complete the mission, people would call them cold-blooded, but the mission would be accomplished and the village would not suffer excessive losses.
But if someone could abandon even their teammates for the sake of a mission, who would still be willing to carry out missions with them?
On the other hand, if they gave up the mission to save a 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, Konoha's White Fang would encounter precisely such a situation. In the end, unable to bear the accusations of villagers and companions alike, he would commit suicide.
Konoha's White Fang, a dignified Kage-level expert whom even the Sannin had to respect, had been driven to death just like that!!!
That alone showed how difficult the choice was.
Now even Hikaru did not dare speak rashly. Answering a question and personally facing such a situation were two entirely different things. Hikaru did not know what he would choose if he were ever placed in that position.
The only one who could make a swift decision was Orochimaru. He would abandon his teammate and complete the mission!!!
Hikaru, Tsunade, and Jiraiya all found it difficult to choose.
Hikaru was slightly better off. It depended on who was carrying out the mission with him. If it were anyone else, Hikaru would choose to complete the mission without a second word. But if that person were Tsunade, it became difficult.
Tsunade's absolute trust and support were what made it hardest for Hikaru to choose. Hikaru was not a cold-blooded creature. People had feelings. Orochimaru could abandon everything, but Hikaru could not.
If a person's blood had gone cold, were they still human? How were they any different from a killing machine?
The question was too troublesome, and it was not easy to make a choice. Besides, such a question could not 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 opinion of them. It simply was not worth it. 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 a complete pervert. Though he was often called an idiot, Jiraiya was not stupid. He knew this kind of question could not be answered casually, since it was easy to 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.
"Alright, children. I have already received your answers. Now, we shall begin the test!!!"
Although no one had answered the question, the Third Hokage was very pleased. What he feared most was Hikaru, Tsunade, Orochimaru, and Jiraiya immediately making a choice. At that point, whether they chose the former or the latter, someone would seize upon it to judge them.
Not answering was the best answer.
Hikaru, Orochimaru, Tsunade, and Jiraiya instantly became serious, all waiting for the Third Hokage to announce the contents of the test. Even Hikaru could not guess what kind of test the Third Hokage had prepared to torment them with.
In Hikaru's view, this sort of test was merely something a teacher set up to torment students. If the so-called Will of Fire could be passed down so easily, that would have been nice.
But as the one who spread the Will of Fire, no one could guarantee what the Third Hokage might 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. Jiraiya often wore that same smile whenever he was about to prank someone.
Unlike Tsunade, Orochimaru, and Jiraiya, Hikaru became wary at once.
"Ta-da~~"
Under the four's serious gazes, two bells appeared in the Third Hokage's hand. A mischievous grin flashed across his face as he pointed at the wooden posts in the distance and said:
"Your test is easy to pass. The four of you will act together and obtain these two bells within the time limit. 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 anyone who failed to get a bell would not even be allowed lunch.
It was exactly the same as the original story, still two bells...
As Hikaru considered this, the smile on the Third Hokage's face gradually turned strange. "Remember, four people, two bells. Whoever does not get a bell in the end will fail the test!!"
Forget it, he would snatch them first. Hikaru 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 excessive to one another and avoided certain traps, they would basically pass.
Wasn't this simply a roundabout way of making the four understand teamwork and trust their teammates?
In an instant, Hikaru, Tsunade, Orochimaru, and Jiraiya all prepared to make their move. The four of them stared at the bells in the Third Hokage's hand.
"Wait!!"
Before you continue