Chapter 22: Stealing the Bell Again? Are You Out of Luck?

Chapter 22: Snatching the Bells Again? Do You Want to Lose Your Spot?

“How is it?”

“Hm, after our first meeting, the team seems decent. Although no one specializes in elemental ninjutsu or genjutsu, their overall skills are quite well-rounded.”

Kakashi paused thoughtfully before speaking slowly.

Might Guy chuckled, “I was asking if you wanted to have a duel, see whose disciple is stronger.”

“...”

He actually thought I’d take that seriously.

My mistake.

Kakashi sighed silently, then quietly picked up his book, *Intimate Paradise*. “No interest.”

“Then… how about letting my team watch?” Might Guy’s eyes darted about.

Kakashi was momentarily taken aback.

He turned his head to Guy and laughed softly. “Guy, that’s your real goal, isn’t it?”

“Ahem, exactly. As for my team, don’t worry about Lee—I know his strength and situation very well. Maimi may have average talent, but her taijutsu and kunai throwing are decent; she’s a good support.”

For once, Guy sounded serious.

Kakashi pondered a moment before asking, “Neji?”

“Yeah, that kid somehow sees Chiba as a hypothetical enemy, so I figured it’d be good for him to witness Chiba’s abilities firsthand.”

Guy explained his thoughts.

Kakashi took a few steps, then said, “Aren’t you worried those kids might get discouraged?”

“No way—I trust my subordinates!” Guy answered firmly, unwavering.

“You say that, so I should agree, but…” Kakashi cast a sideways glance at him.

Without hesitation, Guy said, “I admit defeat!”

“No, after the exam, it’s on me. Let’s have a barbecue feast together. Please!” Might Guy clasped his hands earnestly.

Kakashi sighed softly, waved his hand, and continued forward.

After several steps, Guy called out, “Meet at Death Forest No. 25 at noon.”

“Thanks so much! As always, my eternal rival moves time just for me to noon!” Guy was deeply moved.

Kakashi twitched at the corner of his mouth but said nothing, continuing ahead with his book.

...

Death Forest No. 25 Training Ground.

Chiba and Tenten sat together, while Tsukikage Hasa crouched silently in the shadows of a tree, staring intently into the distance.

“Come down. He probably won’t arrive for a while,” Chiba said calmly.

“Damn it, this always-late teacher—I’m definitely beating him with a staff later!” Tenten seethed, then looked up. “Hasa, come down. None of us had breakfast; we need to conserve energy for the upcoming exam.”

“Alright.” Tsukikage Hasa jumped down and leaned against the tree like the others.

Until noon.

A figure arrived leisurely.

Kakashi waved with a smile in his eyes. “Sorry, I overslept and just got here. Hmm, you all look ready. Did you have breakfast?”

“No! And it’s already noon! You said the time was in the morning!” Tenten shouted.

“Oh dear, I could’ve come earlier but got lost. Anyway, no more chatter—I’ll briefly explain the exam rules.”

Kakashi’s mask hid his expression, but Chiba was certain he was smiling. Too cruel!

Still, Chiba admitted he also enjoyed watching kids blow their top in frustration—just this time, it was him and his teammates.

“These two bells, see them?” Kakashi shook the bells, their clear chimes ringing out.

“Only two?”

“Yes, only those who get the bells become my subordinates. Those who don’t must return to school for another year to keep trying.”

Kakashi narrowed his eyes.

“How can that be!” Tenten’s eyes widened.

This was… too harsh!

She had thought the test was just a way for teachers to check strength, but these rules meant that despite their hard work to graduate, failing meant going back.

Chiba lifted his gaze.

Snatching bells was a long-standing tradition in the Hidden Leaf.

No way to get out of this now.

He cursed inwardly.

“Of course, your team is special. If Chiba is willing to sacrifice himself, I’ll allow the other two to pass, and only Chiba returns to school.”

Kakashi fixed his gaze on Chiba, shaking the bells in his hand.

Though silent, the meaning was clear—

Don’t say a word!

Chiba remained silent, looking at Tenten and Tsukikage Hasa.

Both clenched their fists.

After a few seconds, Tenten said angrily, “Don’t underestimate me. I may not be strong, but even if I go back to school, I won’t sacrifice Chiba!”

“Exactly.” Tsukikage Hasa nodded repeatedly, eyes blazing with anger.

Kakashi rubbed his forehead. “Unfortunately, you just rejected your only chance to pass. You may have spirit, but I won’t hold back. By the way, so far, none of my teams have passed; all went back for retraining.”

“Bring it on! Bells or no bells, we’ll snatch them first and talk later!” Tenten declared.

Kakashi pulled out *Intimate Paradise* and said coolly, “I’ll give you some time to prepare. When I flip the hourglass, the test officially begins. Friendly reminder: it’s best you come with the intent to kill me, or you’ll regret it.”

“Disperse!” Chiba raised his hand.

In the next moment, the three vanished from their spot and regrouped deeper in the forest.

“What now?” Tenten looked at the others.

“Just like Hasa said—after we grab the bells, then we’ll decide who stays or goes. Our opponent is Copy Ninja Kakashi. Even if he holds back, the gap is huge, so we have to coordinate.”

Chiba spoke simply.

“With coordination, there has to be a leader—I’ll follow Chiba’s lead.”

Tsukikage Hasa looked to Chiba.

“Me too.” Tenten tightened her grip on her kunai.

Their opponent was a Jonin; they were naturally nervous. They didn’t know Chiba’s exact strength, but since he defeated a third-generation body double using only taijutsu, he was definitely stronger than them.

“Alright, I’ll be the main attacker; Tenten supports.”

Chiba looked at Hasa. “I know the least about you, but I’ve heard the Tsukikage family specializes in assassination, so take your chance to infiltrate.”

“Yes!” Hasa nodded gently.

“But be careful not to stray too far; we don’t want you isolated and taken down first,” Tenten added.

“Good. Now, should we set traps?”

“Our skills are too low; regular traps won’t help much. Focus on teamwork. We can set some thorn traps on trees for cover during retreat.”

Chiba listed their plan one by one. Tenten and Hasa nodded, feeling reassured by his reasoning.

They arranged everything methodically.

Soon after,

“When Kakashi-sensei comes, I’ll launch the first attack.”

“Yes!”

They each concealed themselves.

Meanwhile, Kakashi flipped the hourglass and walked toward the forest, holding his book.

Though distracted, a Jonin’s experience made little difference in handling Genin.

Still…

Thinking of Chiba’s skill made him more cautious.

That kid is no easy opponent!

Thanks to “Raindrop in a Red World” and “Wu Renyi” for their support.

(End of chapter)