The early morning sun cast a soft glow over Training Ground 51 as Team 15 assembled, anticipating another day of training. However, Riku's demeanour hinted at something different.
With a subtle nod, Riku signalled for everyone to gather around. The genins promptly did so, their eyes reflecting a mix of curiosity and excitement. Riku cleared his throat before addressing the team.
"Good morning, Team 15. Today, we won't have our usual training session." Riku began, "I wanted to let you all know that every Jounin leading a genin team has been informed about the upcoming Chunin Exams."
'It's that time, right? Good. I've been waiting.'
Renjiro's gaze sharpened. The news of the upcoming Chunin Exams filled the air with excitement, and the genins of Team 15 couldn't hide their eagerness. The prospect of a Chunin promotion was a dream they had all been working towards.
Riku continued, "This is a significant step in your journey as shinobi. The Chunin Exams are a chance for you to showcase your skills, face new challenges, and prove your readiness for the next rank. It's an opportunity to measure your growth and learn from the experiences that lie ahead."
Riku observed their reactions with a faint smile before raising a hand to temper their enthusiasm. "Hold on. While I'm glad to see your excitement, please let's not get ahead of ourselves," he cautioned.
Aiko's expression shifted from excitement to curiosity, her brows furrowing slightly. "What do you mean, Riku-sensei?"
Riku nodded, acknowledging their efforts. "You've all shown growth, and I commend you for that. However, becoming a Chunin requires more than just completing missions and showcasing individual skills.
It's about working seamlessly as a team, strategic thinking, and demonstrating a level of maturity in handling complex situations. You all know how it takes only one change for a mission to go wrong. Possibly endangering your lives."
Aiko exchanged a glance with Renjiro, and Hiro tilted his head in confusion. Riku continued, "The Chunin Exams aren't just a test of individual strength. They evaluate your ability to collaborate with your team, make sound decisions under pressure, and adapt to unforeseen challenges. It's not just about reaching a certain skill level; it's about proving you're ready to take on more responsibilities as leaders."
Aiko, ever assertive, voiced their shared sentiment. "But we can handle that, Riku-sensei. We've been through a lot together, and we trust each other."
Riku's gaze softened, appreciating their determination. "Trust and teamwork are indeed crucial, but I need to be sure that you can navigate the complexities of the exams successfully. Promoting a team prematurely can lead to challenges down the line."
'Why is he speaking like that? Did he regret ever approving some genins for the exams before?' Renjiro wondered.
Renjiro, though disappointed, understood the rationale behind Riku's words. "So, what do we need to work on, then?"
Riku nodded approvingly. "My Approval. You will need it to apply for the exams. I need you guys to prove to me that you are qualified to become chunins or at least partake in the exams. It is as simple as that."
'I don't like this at all.' Renjiro did not know why, but after Riku finished his statement, he got an ominous feeling. Especially, after seeing the glint in Riku's eyes.
Riku crossed his arms and addressed his genins, "I can see the scepticism on your faces. I know it's hard, but participating in the Chunin Exams is no small feat. If you want my approval, you'll have to work for it."
"How do we do that?" Renjiro asked.
"Just defeating me in Combat. A three verses one. You all against me."
'This again! Is he sadistic or does he just love beating us?'
Renjiro was not the only one think this, both Aiko and Hiro had similar thoughts. It was to the extent that they couldn't hide it by their facial expressions.
"It's not about defeating me in the traditional sense. It's about showing me that you can apply what you've learned, work together as a team, and face adversity. If you can do that, then you'll have my approval for the Chunin Exams."
'Wow! Simple as that. When our training session fights are 30-12. He has close to thrice our number of wins.' Renjiro sarcastically thought.
Riku, noticing the trepidation in his genin team, decided to alleviate their concerns. He raised a reassuring hand and said, "Don't worry. I won't go all out. I'll limit myself to the power level expected of a normal Chunin. This is about evaluating your skills, not overwhelming you."
Aiko sighed, realizing the gravity of the task at hand. "Alright, Riku-sensei. We'll do our best."
Riku smiled, "That's the spirit. We'll start in a few minutes. Use the time to strategize and prepare. Remember, it's not about winning or losing; it's about showing me your growth as a team."
Riku then reached into his pouch, retrieving a small storage scroll. He unfurled it, retrieving three smooth stones from the storage scroll.
'They're similar to the ones he used in the first test he gave us.' Renjiro remarked upon seeing the similar stones. He could still sense their similarities.
"These stones will be our markers," Riku explained.
Riku, observing the recognition in their eyes, smiled knowingly. "Yes, you've used these stones before, but this time, the objective is different. Instead of protecting them, you'll have to get all three from me. It's a game of offence and strategy. Use your skills wisely."
Renjiro nodded, his mind already processing the tactical implications. "Got it, Riku-sensei."
As the genins absorbed the challenge set by Riku, the realization that time was a factor crept in. Riku, with a stern yet encouraging tone, informed them, "You have until the next sunrise to complete this objective. It's not just about getting the stones; it's about doing so within a timeframe. The Chunin Exams demand not just skill but efficiency. Use the time wisely."
Immediately after that, Riku gave them time to strategise. After some time, Riku came back holding a coin aloft, ready to signal the commencement of their test.
As the coin descended, Riku's voice cut through the silence, "The moment the coin hits the ground, we begin."
'I need to be ready to find him. I am sure he will try to flicker away.' Renjiro thought as he activated his Sharingan.
The coin dropped, and Renjiro reacted swiftly, his eyes trained on Riku. However, instead of flickering away, Riku executed a substitution jutsu, leaving behind a mere log in his place.
'Shit! Now it's going to be harder to find him!'
Hiro remarked, "He's fast. Keep your guard up."
Aiko, suggested, "Let's spread out, but stay within sight of each other. We need to coordinate to find him quickly."
'Why do they always feel the need to separate? Anyway, I need to get the stones.' of course, Renjiro was not pleased with the suggestion. But that didn't mean that he didn't mind it.
'We have to get the stones from him. So the logical thing would be to find him and attack as a team. But Riku would already have expected this. So he would probably-'
Just when Renjiro was going to conclude his thought process, Riku appeared.
"You guys actually separated? You never learn. So let me teach you shinobi skills part one: Genjutsu!"
'Aah shit!'
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