"Lord Hokage, it seems you don't need to worry about Kanda Kyōichi, but rather about my daughter and Asuma..." Yūhi Shinku had a complex expression.
Kyōichi was indeed impressive!
Before the "test" even began, various psychological tests had already been arranged, even more intense than the Third's bell test.
Pass?
Hell no!
If Shisui and Kurenai chose not to take the test, all three would have to return to the academy.
"Haha, Shinku, don't worry. Have faith in your child. Look at me... even with Asuma like this, I'm still calm, aren't I?"
The Third happily smoked his pipe while looking at the crystal ball showing Kyōichi with the three students.
It was indeed underhanded.
This kind of psychological test examined their understanding and recognition of their companions. If they couldn't pass this stage, there was no point in considering them as ninjas.
Of course.
Different people had different thoughts, but this should be Kyōichi's intention with the test.
"Yes, I'm overthinking due to my concern."
Yūhi Shinku nodded.
He should trust his daughter to understand how to choose, but as for that Uchiha...
He wasn't very optimistic.
The Uchiha had grown too distant from the rest of Konoha.
However.
The next moment, he realized his concerns were unnecessary.
"I'll take it!"
"Of course I'll take it."
"Th-thank you!"
Asuma bowed deeply. Though he didn't fully understand what was happening, he knew one thing - according to sensei's words, Shisui and Kurenai were taking the test because of him.
"So everyone's taking it?"
Kyōichi deliberately turned serious, his eyes carrying a hint of killing intent, pressuring the three.
Their expressions changed.
But.
None of them backed down.
"Very good. The hourglass is your time limit. If you can't wound me, everyone except Shisui goes back to the academy."
Kyōichi smiled as he took out an hourglass.
Then.
He flipped it over!
Whoosh~
Instantly, the three used Body Flicker Technique to leave.
Good.
At least none of them were fools.
Kyōichi stretched lazily and walked slowly into the forest. If the three had chosen to confront him directly, he would have seriously considered sending all three back to the academy for remedial training.
Time is tight, we.. will take Shisui as team leader for now, how should we handle passwords, tactics?
Kurenai knew she wasn't cut out for this.
However.
Asuma wasn't either right now.
They could only let Shisui handle it.
"Me?"
Shisui was also confused. He was only five years old, and suddenly becoming a team leader... The pressure was intense!
However.
He took a deep breath and quickly gathered his thoughts.
Follow the Military Police Force's methods!
"We'll communicate with hand signals for our code. I'll teach you a few simple gestures. As for tactics, you two distract him from the front while I move around for assassination attempts. Don't be afraid of hurting sensei..."
"Afraid? I'm afraid we won't be able to hurt him at all."
Asuma smiled bitterly.
He just hoped he wouldn't drag them down, otherwise, being sent back to the academy would be truly humiliating.
"Then it's decided. Let's set up traps first, then try to create opportunities with genjutsu, and see when to strike. Once we engage, we can't consider retreating."
Both Shisui and Kurenai were genjutsu experts.
They couldn't abandon that advantage.
As for retreating and drawing things out, they didn't believe they were stronger than Kyōichi.
Trying to beat him in that aspect would be a pipe dream.
After establishing their strategy, they quickly changed positions.
...
"Not bad, quite organized."
Kyōichi chuckled softly.
Among the three, Kurenai was responsible for sensing and reconnaissance, while the other two discussed tactics.
He hadn't found their whereabouts during this walk.
Of course.
This was because Kyōichi didn't want to use his full abilities.
If he really wanted to find them, one chakra sensing would reveal their positions.
This was a test, not a real fight.
The cat should play with the mice slowly.
He walked casually through the forest, but in reality, he was heading toward where Shisui and the others had retreated.
Asuma gripped his kunai tightly, his palms already sweating.
Although Kyōichi hadn't attacked or even come close, the pressure of him slowly compressing their survival space was overwhelming!
"Attack?"
Kurenai made a gesture.
But.
Shisui quickly stopped her.
It wasn't the right time.
Attacking now would definitely lead to failure!
They had to wait for a better opportunity.
Shisui pondered hard.
However...
Soon after, Kyōichi approached step by step, and Kurenai's position would be the first to be exposed. If they didn't act now, once Kyōichi got closer, he might discover and ambush them.
"Now."
"Demonic Illusion: Tree Binding Death!"
Kurenai immediately formed hand seals.
The genjutsu activated!
Kyōichi froze in place, seemingly caught in the jutsu.
Shisui quickly moved to Asuma's side. They formed hand seals simultaneously, and the next moment, a massive fireball erupted, completely engulfing Kyōichi's position.
Wind Release: Great Breakthrough combined with the Great Fireball Technique, multiplying its power!
However.
"Above!"
Kurenai reported immediately.
The genjutsu had been broken!
She instantly sensed his position, but Kyōichi's location made her heart jump.
Substitution Jutsu?
So fast!
Asuma stared in disbelief. With such speed, was it really possible to wound him?
However.
There was no time to think.
"Scatter!"
Shisui quickly retreated.
At that moment, a blur flashed by.
Although Asuma managed to block, Kyōichi's tremendous force still sent him flying.
Mid-air, he barely managed to use the Substitution Technique.
Too fast!
Shisui had to turn back to cover them. He threw smoke bombs, and the next moment, "Asuma" and the others retreated in one direction through the smoke.
"Water Style: Water Formation Wall!"
Instead of pursuing, Kyōichi formed hand seals.
The next moment, a massive water wall rose from all sides, directly cutting off Kurenai who hadn't managed to escape.
Watching from the shadows, Yūhi Shinku was speechless.
"This Water Style... it's too ridiculous!"
Water Formation Wall?
The range could encircle the entire Hokage Tower. With slower speed, escape would be impossible.
Ridiculous!
Kurenai panicked.
She had retreated at full speed but still got cut off.
"As a support ninja, you must always be aware of your position and safety during battle, because you might be my first target!"
Whoosh~
A kick.
Kurenai avoided it with Substitution Jutsu.
However.
The next moment, she found a kunai at her throat.
"You're out."
Kyōichi handed her the kunai.
Kurenai looked frustrated.
She knew her speed was too slow, leaving an opening.
The water wall fell.
Asuma and Shisui had turned back, but seeing this, they immediately retreated.
However.
"Leaf-Style Willow!"
One moment he was still in place, the next, as his sword drew, he appeared before Asuma.
There was no time to dodge!
Before Shisui could help, Asuma was struck by the back of the blade across his shoulder.
"Only you left. Now then, genjutsu chapter..."
What?
Sword flash?
Shisui startled, quickly averting his gaze, but his vision began to spin.
Caught in it?
How?!
He quickly tried to break the genjutsu, but when he regained consciousness, a sword was already at his throat.
The gap was too wide!
"Well, I'm still unharmed, which means you clearly failed your mission. Kurenai, Asuma, you'll have to return to the academy, or... Shisui, if you give up your position, I might consider giving all three of you another chance to test."
Kyōichi smiled as he looked at them.
The atmosphere turned dead silent.
The difference in power was just too great!
So this was the strength of a Jonin?