Training Ground Three was quiet in the morning light.
Kakashi eyed the three genin who arrived almost exactly on time. Their posture was relaxed. Their breathing steady. Well-fed.
So they ignored that warning.
He glanced at Sasuke. Sasuke gave a small shake of his head. Not him.
Fine.
Kakashi slipped into a lazy smile and produced two bells, letting them sway. "Your task is simple. Take these from me before noon."
"Only those who get a bell pass. Those who don't—"
"Nonsense, Kakashi-sensei!" Naruto burst out, arms crossed, wearing a look of triumph. "From what we found out, you care about comrades. So this test is really about teamwork, right?"
Sakura's fist cracked down on Naruto's head.
"Idiot! Why would you say that out loud?" she snapped. "And when did you even help with the research?"
Naruto clutched his head. "Sorry…"
Kakashi sighed inwardly and looked from Naruto to Sakura, who wore the calm expression of someone watching a theory confirm itself.
"You did your homework," he said evenly. "Yes, I value comrades. But a shinobi's foremost rule is to complete the mission. Before that, everything else—"
"That doesn't add up," Sakura cut in, opening her notebook. Her voice stayed level. "If you truly value comrades, why design a test that forces us to abandon one of them to succeed?"
Kakashi paused.
Sakura closed the notebook, lifting a finger as if organizing her thoughts. "You've faced that choice before. Mission… or a teammate's life."
She didn't finish the sentence. She didn't need to.
For a moment, the wind moved through the trees.
Kakashi's gaze darkened, then softened. "Sharp," he said at last. "Very sharp."
He clapped once. "Well done, Sakura. In one day, you gathered information, filtered it, and reached the heart of the test. Your intelligence work is solid."
Sakura allowed herself a small, satisfied breath. "Thank you, sensei. I still have a lot to learn. Most of this… I picked up from watching Sasuke."
Sasuke blinked.
From me?
Kakashi waved a hand. "That's enough analysis. Philosophy comes after survival."
He straightened. "Whether you protect comrades or press the mission, you need strength. Without it, you fail both. You become a burden. Worse, you get people killed."
His voice cooled. "If you can't meet the standard, go back to the Academy. I won't lead shinobi who can do neither."
The air tightened.
Then Kakashi reached to his belt again and produced a third bell.
"This time, the rules change. Three bells. No one has to be left behind."
Naruto's eyes widened. Sakura's shoulders eased.
"Take them from me," Kakashi said lightly. "Use whatever you have. Come at me with the intent to kill."
Sasuke studied him for a moment. "You're certain, sensei?"
Kakashi raised a brow. "Of course."
Sasuke turned away. That's optimistic.
"Begin."
They vanished into the forest in three different directions, leaving the clearing empty but for the rustle of leaves and the quiet chime of bells.