"Jingyi Is Really Ruthless!"
Yuhi Kurenai flushed red, letting out a heavy sigh.
This guy always pulls something outrageous.
But she had to admit
It was effective.
From a distance, Hiruzen Sarutobi narrowed his eyes.
Anyone in that situation would hesitate. Their final decision reveals who they truly are.
Everyone starts from weakness. But a ninja who's too self-centered… no one wants them on a team. Especially not if that ninja is from the Uchiha.
Shisui… What will you choose?
If Shisui refuses to relinquish his advancement, he'll have to be cut. Even he would face suppression.
Jingyi hadn't discussed the specifics of the test with the Third Hokage, but the outcome was exactly what Hiruzen had hoped for.
His satisfaction with Jingyi deepened.
At that moment, Shisui was indeed struggling.
Earlier, Jingyi had promised to "cover" for him. Now, he was being handed an impossible choice.
Give up the spot... or give up your team.
He took a deep breath.
"Sensei, I choose to retake the test!"
"Asma… Kurenai…" he said quietly.
The two were stunned.
They barely knew Shisui he was years their junior. Yet here he was, sacrificing his advancement for them?
Sarutobi Hiruzen and Yuhi Mahong were equally surprised.
They had guessed the purpose of Jingyi's test.
It wasn't just for Asuma and Kurenai.
It was a psychological test for Shisui too far more intense than Kakashi's old bell test.
And Shisui had passed.
Whether he understood the deeper purpose or acted on instinct, it didn't matter.
This answer showed his potential.
---
"You're certain?" Jingyi's expression was stern.
"Yes. I was the temporary captain. The mission failed. The strategy wasn't sound. But if we try again, I'm sure we can do it together."
The burden lifted from Shisui's shoulders.
Another test? Back to the academy?
No big deal.
Jingyi turned to Asuma and Kurenai. "And you two?"
Asuma stepped forward. "The strategy was fine. I just couldn't execute it. I'll voluntarily return to school."
"Me too," Kurenai agreed. "I failed to support them effectively."
They couldn't let Shisui take the blame.
They had pride. And they weren't about to let him bear the consequences alone.
Shisui had clearly outperformed them in leadership and tactics.
And besides…
They weren't going to beat Jingyi in another round anyway.
---
"So, have you given up?" Jingyi asked.
"No," Asuma replied. "I know I can improve in a year. But right now... the gap is too wide."
He looked down, frustrated.
Before the exam, he knew he wasn't the best but he didn't expect to lag so far behind.
Letting Shisui sacrifice his spot again?
He couldn't stomach that.
"Good," Jingyi said. "Recognizing your weaknesses is the first step. But your tactics weren't wrong. Kurenai supported, Asuma took the front, Shisui flanked."
He sheathed his sword.
"You pass."
All three stared in disbelief.
Pass?
Shisui quickly caught on. "Sensei… the real test was the final choice, wasn't it?"
"Exactly," Jingyi nodded. "Teams have strengths and weaknesses. Some take the spotlight. Others sacrifice. But together, they're stronger than the sum of their parts."
"Like the Ino-Shika-Cho formation," he added.
The trio bowed deeply.
A team had been born.
"Come on," Jingyi said, smiling. "To celebrate the formation of Team One, ramen's on me."
---
Meanwhile…
"That sword technique..." Hiruzen muttered, eyes narrowing. "Similar to Gekkō Hayate's style. But the theory is Tobirama's."
He dismissed the thought and turned back to the test.
"What did you think?" he asked Yuhi Mahong.
Mahong rubbed his chin. "Impressive. The layers in this test... more advanced than the old bell test."
"Too advanced, perhaps," Hiruzen said. "If this were the norm, most wouldn't graduate."
Still, the structure was excellent for elite training.
"Let's try it in Minato's team," he decided. "You agree?"
Mahong nodded. "It's only fitting. That team's full of potential. They can handle it."
Soon, Minato's shadow clone arrived.
Hiruzen explained the concept.
Minato's curiosity quickly turned to excitement.
"Brilliant," he said. "But… Kakashi might be a problem."
The mood shifted.
Kakashi Hatake, the lone wolf.
"What if he fails to grasp the purpose? What if he can't work as a team?"
Hiruzen was silent, then resolute.
"If he fails… strip him of his Chūnin rank. All three go back to the Academy."
Minato flinched.
That was harsh.
But fair.
If Kakashi couldn't learn teamwork, he wasn't ready.
Minato nodded. "Understood."
But he'd bring in someone to supervise… just in case.