Chapter 15: The Bell Test
With long, flowing hair, clear, intelligent eyes, smooth, fair skin, and a slender, graceful figure, the woman approaching them seemed to radiate an effortless, captivating charm.
The four members of Team 8 watched as Yūhi Kurenai, a Jōnin who exuded the beauty and confidence of a mature woman, walked toward them. Her dark, curly hair swayed in the breeze, cascading over her shoulders. Her striking red pupils, vivid like precious gems, added a layer of alluring depth to her appearance.
"Well, kids, I didn't expect you all to be here so early," Kurenai said, a gentle smile gracing her lovely face. Her eyes, in particular, seemed to hold a warm, inviting charm.
"Hey! So you're our sensei!" Inuzuka Kiba blurted out, his excitement palpable. He was eager to get started with whatever test awaited them. His active nature had made the wait feel interminable.
"A woman... but as long as she is strong, it makes no difference," Aburame Shino remarked flatly from behind his high collar and sunglasses, his expression as unreadable as ever.
Hyūga Hinata's gaze, however, was fixed on Kurenai with a sense of admiration. The older kunoichi's mature beauty and confident demeanor resonated with the young girl's heart, making her blush slightly with a mixture of shyness and aspiration.
"K-Kurenai-sensei," Hinata managed to stammer out a shy greeting before retreating into her usual quiet observation.
Aizen's reaction was different from the others. He was the most outwardly enthusiastic. A gentle, sincere smile never left his face as he stepped forward and bowed respectfully. From start to finish, his attitude was one of perfect humility and earnest friendliness.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Jōnin-sensei. I am Aizen Sōsuke. I look forward to learning from you in the future." His earnest introduction and genuine demeanor made a positive impression on Kurenai.
An impulsive boy, a calm and mysterious one, a shy girl, and an earnest, passionate youth, Kurenai mentally cataloged as her eyes swept over Kiba, Shino, Hinata, and Aizen. What a strange combination. Four people with completely different personalities grouped into one team.
"But that's not necessarily a bad thing," she continued aloud. "From now on, the four of you will be a team. You must learn to adapt to each other's personalities and work together. That is how you will become an excellent unit. That is my expectation for you." A subtle pressure, the kind only a seasoned Jōnin could emit, briefly filled the air around her.
"Now, let me introduce myself. My name is Yūhi Kurenai. I am a newly promoted Jōnin of Konoha, and I will be your instructor. From this day forward, I will lead Team 8 on our missions."
The serious expression on her face melted away, replaced once more by the warm, sun-like smile that put them at ease. While she could be stern when the situation demanded it, her default attitude toward her students was friendly and encouraging.
"Kurenai-sensei! I'm Inuzuka Kiba, from the Inuzuka clan!"
"I am Aburame Shino, of the Aburame clan."
"My... my name is Hyūga Hinata... I am the eldest daughter of the Hyuga clan."
Kiba, Shino, and Hinata introduced themselves in turn, each showing their respect for their new sensei. They already felt a positive connection to this beautiful and composed kunoichi.
"Very good. Now, let's get down to business," Kurenai said, her tone shifting back to seriousness. "I understand this year's graduation exam was the Clone Technique. I'd like to see you demonstrate it for me now."
"Heh, is this your test, Kurenai-sensei? Too easy!" Kiba laughed confidently. Even before she finished speaking, his hands were already flying through the seals. Poof! A cloud of white smoke erupted, and a perfect clone of Kiba stood beside him.
Such an impulsive boy, Kurenai thought, a slight frown touching her brow before she smiled in approval. "Your Clone Technique is flawless. You pass."
"Allow me to demonstrate next," Shino said calmly, stepping forward. He performed the technique with simple, efficient precision, earning a nod of praise from Kurenai.
"K-Kurenai-sensei... I'll try too," Hinata said in her soft, gentle voice, her head slightly bowed. She performed the Clone Technique and, like the others, passed without issue.
"Aizen, you're the last one. I'm sure you'll do just as well," Kurenai said, smiling encouragingly at him and gesturing for him to step forward.
Aizen's face showed a hint of hesitation. He paused for a moment before walking to the center. His hand seals were noticeably less fluid and practiced than the others, his movements slightly clumsy and unpracticed. Although a clone finally materialized, it appeared somewhat faint and unstable, clearly showing his recent and still-unpolished mastery of the technique.
"Student Aizen, you can only perform the Clone Technique at a basic level. You'll need to work harder," Kurenai said, not with criticism, but with encouragement. She knew that for a beginner to master the technique in just three days was an accomplishment in itself.
"I understand, Kurenai-sensei," Aizen replied, scratching his head with an appropriately awkward gesture. "I will continue to do my best to catch up to my teammates as soon as possible."
"That's the right attitude. However," Kurenai's expression turned sly, "don't think passing the Clone test means you've passed my assessment. That was just the warm-up. The main event is next."
She pulled three small bells from a pouch on her hip, letting them jingle together in her hand.
"See these? I have three bells. Your task is simple: take these bells from me. However," she paused, her voice dropping to a more serious tone, "I should remind you... there are four of you."
"This means that the one who fails to get a bell will lose their qualification to become a Genin!"