Kakashi's single visible eye followed the fading shimmer of Naruto's teleportation. The instant his attention wavered, Sasuke's voice cut through the air.
"Now!"
He vaulted into the sky, hands weaving seals midair.
"Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu!"
The flames erupted from his lungs like a roaring dragon, crashing down on Kakashi in a storm of heat and smoke.
When the fire cleared, the air warped with rising embers. Sasuke landed lightly, eyes sharp. "Got him…"
A voice answered from behind."Impressive for your level. But you still telegraph your attacks too much."
Before Sasuke could turn, Kakashi's foot slammed into his side, sending him sprawling.
"Tch…" Sasuke twisted midair and landed hard, sliding back several meters, his hand braced against the dirt.
Kakashi sighed, straightening his hitai-ate. "Ninjutsu isn't about power. It's about timing, awareness… and deception."
Only then did Sasuke notice the smoldering log behind him—the remains of Kakashi's Substitution Jutsu. His jaw tightened.
Kakashi flickered forward again, a blur of movement, ready to press his advantage—
—but a flash of gold cut through his field of vision.
Naruto appeared out of thin air, fist already cocked.
The punch slammed into the ground where Kakashi had stood a heartbeat earlier, detonating the earth into a crater. Dust and debris flew everywhere.
Kakashi reappeared a few meters away, shaking his head. "That punch… would've dislocated my arm."
Naruto grinned, golden sparks still dancing along his knuckles. "Guess you dodged by instinct, huh, sensei?"
Without waiting for a reply, he grabbed Sasuke by the collar. A surge of light swallowed them both.
And they were gone.
Kakashi stared at the fading glow, rubbing his temple. "The Flying Thunder God… he actually managed to replicate it. Troublesome kid."
They reappeared in a forest clearing far from the training grounds, golden light fading around them. Sakura jumped at the sudden flash.
"Wah—Naruto! Sasuke-kun!"
Naruto dropped onto the grass, breathing heavily. "Man… taking passengers through space is killer on my chakra flow."
Sakura blinked. "You mean you can teleport people now?"
Sasuke crossed his arms. "Focus. What's your plan? You didn't bring us here just to rest."
Naruto leaned back, wiping sweat from his forehead, then smiled. "Kakashi-sensei's test—it isn't just about grabbing the bells."
Sakura frowned. "Then what's the point? He said only two could pass!"
Sasuke's eyes narrowed. "It's a trick. Konoha wouldn't pit teammates against each other for real. The real test is something else."
"Exactly," Naruto said. "If we play by his rules, we lose. The only way to pass… is to break them—together."
Sakura tilted her head. "So, what do we do?"
Naruto's grin widened. "Simple. We cooperate. I'll take him head-on. Sasuke, you flank him and force him to split his attention. Sakura—support from range, use distractions, traps, anything to mess with his rhythm."
Sasuke smirked. "Not bad… for once, you're thinking like a shinobi."
Naruto chuckled. "Guess miracles happen."
Sakura puffed her cheeks but nodded. "Alright then. Let's make Kakashi-sensei eat his own words."
The three of them stood together, wind tugging at their hair. For a moment, their eyes burned with the same determination—different flames merging into one.
And somewhere beyond the trees, Kakashi smiled behind his mask.