After obtaining the "Water" card from Hii, Naraku and his team only needed one more "Earth" card to complete their collection.
The three of them had practically turned every place they passed upside down, yet they still hadn't found the "Earth" card. Instead, they found duplicates of "Lightning" and "Wind."
Fortunately, their persistence paid off. As dusk approached, they encountered another group that immediately tried to snatch their items.
They even arrogantly stated that their group had already collected all five cards and was robbing others solely to prevent them from passing the test.
Might Duy was furious. The previous ambush by Hii's group was one thing, as they hadn't completed their collection yet. But this group, who already possessed all the required cards and continued to rob others, simply harbored malicious intentions.
As a fellow Konoha ninja, he had to make these crooked individuals understand the true meaning of youth and passion.
With that, he activated the Eight Gates and charged forward, grabbing the lead ninja and giving him a sound thrashing.
Naraku and Kakashi exchanged glances, then simultaneously drew their swords and lunged forward, demonstrating their flawless synergy to their opponents.
Using the same swordsmanship style, they moved in succession, their speeds perfectly synchronized as they traded blows.
They didn't need to observe each other's positions or movements; intuition alone was sufficient to predict the other's next move and execute the best cooperation.
If an enemy blocked the first strike, the follow-up strike from the other would come from an extremely difficult-to-defend angle.
Their attacks were relentless, a rain of sword light descending upon the enemy.
In a short while, the three opponents were knocked unconscious.
Naraku rummaged through their bags, found the "Earth" card, happily tucked it into his pocket, and casually discarded the superfluous ones.
Just as Kakashi had said, there was no need to snatch others' chances of passing.
Before nightfall, Naraku, Kakashi, and Might Duy hurried along, pressing on, and soon arrived at the tall tower built in the center of the forest.
After showing their mission cards to the Examiner and passing verification, the three entered the tower, discovering that two other teams had already completed the mission and were resting.
It wasn't until noon the next day that the second test finally concluded, with a total of eight groups passing.
Regrettably, their temporary teammates from the first test, "Small, Medium, Large," did not arrive in time and were eliminated.
Naraku could only silently wish them luck for their re-examination next year... After the second test, there was a three-day interval before the final combat test, giving the examinees ample time to prepare.
Naraku and Kakashi returned home to check their ninja tools. Finding that their stock of consumable throwing weapons was running low, they decided to go buy more.
"Let's go to the Uchiha Clan Compound," Naraku said seriously to Kakashi after putting away his wallet.
"Okay." Kakashi looked at him and nodded.
The Hatake residence was not far from the Uchiha Clan Compound. If they walked quickly, they would arrive in moments.
After Naraku became Sakumo's disciple, Sakumo had visited the Uchiha Clan Compound. That very day, Clan Head Fugaku called a meeting and issued an order forbidding anyone within the clan from disturbing Naraku, under penalty of clan law.
This ensured that Naraku, despite living nearby, had always lived peacefully.
However, if he actively returned to the Uchiha Clan Compound, it was hard to say what would happen.
Upon entering the Uchiha Clan Compound, Kakashi walked closer than usual, almost shoulder-to-shoulder with him, occasionally brushing his hand against Naraku's as he swung his arms.
Naraku turned to look, but Kakashi's expression was normal.
Yet, at such a short distance, Naraku clearly observed Kakashi's gaze subtly avert, deliberately looking elsewhere.
He couldn't help but curl his lips, silently accepting this awkward kindness.
The two walked around for a bit and found a ninja tool shop at a street corner. The shop owner was a kind auntie, with the Uchiha fan embroidered on the collar and back of her clothes.
"What can I get for you, little ninja?"
"Hello, please help us find these."
Naraku took out a slip of paper from his pocket listing the names and quantities of several throwing weapons.
The shop owner filled the order according to the list and even gave them a small discount seeing their young age.
Just as they exited the ninja tool shop, two young Uchiha approached them, asking in a stern tone, "Are you Uchiha Naraku?"
"Yes."
Just as Naraku and Kakashi thought the newcomers meant trouble, the other party turned sideways, gesturing for them to follow.
"The Clan Head has requested your presence. Please come with us."
"Lord Fugaku?"
"Precisely."
"All right."
Naraku and Kakashi exchanged glances, wondering what the Clan Head was up to.
But since he had sent people to invite them, and the attitude was quite friendly, they had to accept the invitation.
Moreover, half of the Ninjutsu Naraku had learned were passed to him by Fugaku through Sakumo; he remembered this favor.
The two were led all the way to the Clan Head's residence, winding through corridors to a reception room. Just as the hot tea was served, Fugaku emerged from the inner hall.
This was Naraku's first time seeing Uchiha Fugaku. He looked much like he did in the anime, possessing a certain dignified presence. When his expression was serious, the pressure he exuded was intense, living up to his nickname, "Wicked Eye."
"Lord Clan Head."
Naraku bowed his head in greeting. Kakashi, out of respect for an elder, also slightly lowered his head.
"No need to be nervous, Naraku, Kakashi. Treat this as your own home."
Fugaku waved his hand, showing a somewhat amiable smile, his eyes subtly sizing up the two children opposite him.
It seemed Sakumo had taught them well; their Chakra was abundant, their physiques healthy, and they were neither humble nor arrogant, but composed and polite when meeting elders.