Chapter 16: Survival of the Fittest
"Listen up, kids. I only have three bells. That means one of you will definitely be eliminated and lose the chance to become a Genin."
Kurenai raised the bells, letting them chime softly in her grasp. A meaningful, almost challenging smile played on her beautiful lips.
"What?! Only three bells? Sensei, you're doing this on purpose!" Kiba protested loudly, unable to comprehend her reasoning. It was difficult enough to graduate from the Academy; to face such a cruel test immediately seemed unnecessarily harsh.
"There is no 'on purpose' about it," Kurenai replied, her expression turning serious. "The life of a shinobi is survival of the fittest. If you can't even accept this basic reality, what right do you have to call yourselves qualified ninja?"
Though a woman, Kurenai was known for her meticulous and formidable nature, a respected Jōnin of Konoha.
"Enough, Kiba." Aizen stepped in, playing the peacemaker. He looked sincerely at his three teammates. "If you all feel this is unfair, I will voluntarily withdraw from this assessment. After all, I am just a transfer student. I can barely manage the Clone Technique. The three of you are stronger than me; you deserve the qualification more."
Under the scorching sun, Aizen's face held a humble, earnest smile. The sincerity in his eyes gave even the impulsive Kiba pause.
They hadn't expected Aizen to make such an offer. Becoming a ninja was the dream of every Academy student.
"No," Aburame Shino shook his head, his voice calm but firm. "Kurenai-sensei is correct: survival of the fittest. The assessment hasn't even begun. How can you know you won't get a bell? I disagree with your suggestion."
"I... I don't agree either," Hinata whispered, her voice soft but resolute.
"I'm against it too," Kiba added, grinning at Aizen. "I want to earn my bell with my own strength!" His eyes held a new respect for Aizen's selfless offer.
"Very good," Kurenai said, a note of genuine approval in her voice. "You're learning about camaraderie. That's a good start. I'm beginning to like you all a little more." Her expression then sharpened. "However, don't think for a second I'll go easy on you. I will count down from ten. This forest will be our battlefield. If you want to take these bells from me, you'll have to rely on your own abilities."
"Ten."
"Nine."
"Eight."
Her unhurried countdown tightened the nerves of all four genin. They frowned, the pressure mounting with each passing second.
"Seven... six... five..."
As the numbers dwindled, the tension became almost unbearable.
Suddenly, Kiba's figure blurred into motion. With a sly grin, he kicked off the ground, using the Body Flicker Technique to launch himself directly at Kurenai.
"The bell is mine!"
He could almost feel the cool metal in his hand as the bells grew larger in his vision.
But reality had other plans.
Swish!
Kurenai's form vanished. In the blink of an eye, she reappeared behind the airborne Kiba.
"I haven't said 'start' yet. Get back!"
Her hand shot out, firmly grasping the collar of his jacket. With a powerful heave, she sent him flying backward. He landed hard on the ground with a heavy thud.
"Is this... the power of a Jōnin? So fast!"
Both Shino and Hinata stared, their pupils contracting in shock. They hadn't even been able to track Kurenai's movement. This beautiful sensei had subdued Kiba with insulting ease. The sheer gap in their abilities sent a storm of awe and fear through their hearts.
Aizen's face also wore a mask of perfect surprise, as if he had witnessed the impossible. Internally, however, he was utterly calm. Her speed is decent, he assessed coldly, but nothing remarkable.
"Oww, Sensei! You didn't have to throw me so hard!" Kiba groaned, struggling to push himself up from the dirt.
"That was your lesson for acting before the signal," Kurenai stated sternly. "I'll give you one more chance. If any of you can take a single bell from me before nightfall, you will pass this test."
Thoroughly chastened, the four genin nodded vigorously, not daring to act rashly again. Kurenai's display of power had been a potent warning.
"Three... two... one... BEGIN!"
At her command, the five figures scattered instantly, disappearing into the depths of the forest.
The real assessment had begun.