The attack closed in. The scorching fireball surged with fierce energy and instantly engulfed Minato's position.
"Did we hit him?"
A flicker of doubt crossed both Kakashi and Obito's minds.
As the smoke and dust cleared, a charred log appeared before them.
Just then, Kakashi suddenly frowned and flung a kunai behind him.
A sharp clang rang out. Kakashi spun around and discovered Minato crouching on a wooden post, holding up the bells at his waist and watching him leisurely with a broad smile.
"Obito!"
Kakashi called out sharply.
Obito understood at once.
His hands rapidly formed hand seals, and he spat out another great fireball.
Meanwhile, Kakashi had quietly finished his own seals. He slammed both palms against the ground, and three stone walls carved with dog heads immediately rose around Minato, surrounding him.
"And me!"
A girl's shout came from overhead. Rin, who had been lying in ambush since the test began, appeared in midair and cast a huge net down over Minato's head.
Earth Release: Earth-Style Wall blocked Minato's escape routes, while Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique handled the attack. Rin's appearance completely sealed his only remaining way out.
As a team, the three had clearly coordinated very well.
But...
"Rasengan!"
Minato's voice rang out, and a huge hole blasted open in the Earth Flow Wall.
Still sailing through the air, Rin watched Minato-sensei walk out of their blockade, but had no time to do anything to make up for it.
With a sharp rush of wind, the unprepared Obito suddenly felt a chill at his back, and a light knife-hand strike landed on the back of his neck.
Obito: ...
His head spun, and all strength seemed to drain from his limbs.
His vision blurred, and a sky full of stars appeared before his eyes.