Orochimaru: "As expected!"
Yugito: "Indeed."
Shikaku: "Judging by Black-Framed Naruto's performance, he already possesses elite Jonin strength."
Choza: "Maybe because he's too steady?"
Hiashi: "Steadiness is good; never fights an unprepared battle."
Inoichi: "Great achievers should be like this."
Tobirama: "Exactly, only a Black-Framed Naruto like that can be universally accepted as an absolute powerhouse."
Madara: "Hmph!"
Madara: "You really need the ants' approval?"
["That was close. If I hadn't used Lightning Release – Lightning Clone, I'd be down too."]
["No wonder you're the child of Minato‑sensei and Sister Kushina."]
["Compared to my younger self, you're far stronger."]
[Kakashi took a deep breath.]
[Seeing Naruto clutching two bells, he suddenly felt he hadn't given his all, and couldn't truly gauge Naruto's depth.]
["No problem, it's just the beginning; the future is long."]
["You've won."]
[He sensed movement behind him.]
[Kakashi turned and smiled.]
["Yay~!"]
[Sakura wasn't surprised, but was still happy to win.]
[Sasuke's expression was complex as he limped forward.]
[But hearing that they won, he silently breathed a sigh of relief.]
[Kakashi's strength made Sasuke realize his own power was weak before a Jonin, let alone that man.]
[Just as the two thought the test was passed…]
[Kakashi squinted, chuckling, "Don't get too happy yet."]
["There are only two bells."]
["I said only those who grab a bell pass the test."]
["Those who don't grab a bell…"]
["Will be sent back to the Ninja Academy for retaking!" Kakashi's face suddenly turned cold.]
["Now, only Naruto has passed."]
["And he holds two bells."]
["This test only has two bells. You can scramble for them, but no bells… back to the Academy!"]
[His words hung in the air.]
[Sakura and Sasuke were stunned.]
[Naruto toyed with the bells in his hand.]
[He shook his head and smiled.]
[How to put it…]
[This kind of test is really disgusting.]
["Of course, you still have a day left, no need to rush."]
[Kakashi laughed brightly, looking at Sasuke as if expecting his reaction.]
["Hmph!"]
[Sasuke's gaze hardened.]
[That white‑haired sleazy uncle is really annoying.]
["No, we won't fall for it!" Sakura said solemnly to Sasuke.]
[She feared Sasuke might act foolishly and attack Naruto.]
[If they attacked Naruto, all three would fail, and Sakura wouldn't mind beating a dead dog.]
[Click—]
[At that moment…]
[Naruto's bell in his hand was crushed.]
[The three looked toward the sound.]
[Kakashi kept a calm exterior, but his heart was elated.]
[Just as he thought.]
[The purpose of this test had long been seen through.]
[Of course, we still have to act it out…]
[Otherwise, as a Jonin Instructor I'd seem… dispensable.]
["Both bells are gone."]
["Since we're in the same class."]
["Then advancing or retreating together is normal."]
["Either all three pass, or all three are eliminated."]
["Of course, I think if Team 7 fails, the others will most likely fail too."]
[Sakura's eyes sparkled.]
[She was thrilled.]
[Sasuke lowered his head, expression complicated.]
[He'd just been running through a series of thoughts.]
[If they're sent back for a year of retake, the eliminated one will most likely be Sakura.]
[But because Naruto exists, his own chance of being sent back becomes the highest.]
["We are one!"]
[Sakura moved beside Naruto, speaking firmly.]
[Kakashi nodded silently.]
[Then glanced at Sasuke.]
["Hmph!"]
["Together forward and back!"]
[At this point, what's the real purpose of the test? If Sasuke still doesn't see it, he might as well crash into tofu and die.]
[Kakashi squinted, fully releasing his killing intent.]
[Buzz—]
[Instantly, Sasuke's body stiffened, and Sakura's frame shivered.]
[The pressure doubled, mind in turmoil.]
[After a few breaths, cold sweat poured down Sakura's and Sasuke's foreheads.]
[Naruto slightly frowned.]
["Killing intent?"]
["It's indeed strong, not insignificant."]
["But compared to Great Fox's killing intent and the evil thoughts in Chakra, Kakashi's is like a minor witch versus a grand sorcerer."]
[Hearing that,]
[Great Fox glared at him unhappily.]
["Stupid brat, you compare him to the This Fox?"]
["Look down on foxes?!"]
[Naruto's mouth twitched, "Yes, yes, Great Fox is the strongest fox in the entire Ninja World~"]
[Great Fox: "..."]
[Disgusting!]
[Vulgar!]
[Why does the truth taste different when it comes out of your mouth?!]
[Hmph~]
[If This Fox isn't strong, who is?]
[This scene.]
[Silenced the Nine-Tailed inside Sealing Space.]
[It had a bad feeling.]
[My self in the Black‑Framed World seemed to have changed a lot.]
[Would I ever say such words?]
[Impossible!]
[Absolutely impossible!]
[I'd never even think such a thing!]
[Still broken like a wall.]
["Very good."]
["Then the three of you together…"]
[Kakashi's words trailed off.]
[A moment of waiting.]
[The fierce expression on his face vanished.]
["Congratulations, you all passed~!"]
[Phew—]
[Sakura exhaled in relief.]
[Sasuke took a deep breath, his heart lightened.]
[Naruto wasn't surprised at all.]
["Not bad."]
["Your choices were correct."]
["A Ninja must stay composed and calm; missions bring unexpected situations, and without a cool mind it's hard to handle them."]
["In the Ninja World, those who defy rules and iron laws are called waste."]
["But those who ignore or don't cherish comrades are the most useless waste."]
[Chiyo: "Hmph, truly the son of White Fang, Konoha's copy Ninja, Kakashi Hatake."]
[Chiyo: "Not only can he copy Ninjutsu, he can even copy others' words."]
[Might Guy patted his head, looking at Kakashi, "Kakashi, how did she know?"]
[Kakashi: "..."]
["Wasn't this info something you voluntarily leaked?"]