After getting 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 "Lightning" and "Wind" again.
Fortunately, their persistence paid off. As dusk approached, another group met them and immediately tried to snatch their items.
They even arrogantly stated that their own group had already collected all five cards, and they were robbing others just to prevent them from passing the test.
Might Dai was furious. The previous ambush by Hii's group was one thing, as they hadn't completed their collection yet. But this current group, who already had all their cards and were still robbing others, simply had malicious intentions.
As fellow Konoha Ninja, he had to make these crooked individuals understand what youth and passion truly meant.
With that, he activated the Eight Gates and charged forward, grabbing the lead Ninja and giving him a good beating.
Naraku and Kakashi exchanged glances, then simultaneously drew their swords and lunged forward, generously demonstrating their synergy to the opponents.
Using the same sword style, they moved one after another, their speeds perfectly synchronized, trading blows.
They didn't need to observe each other's positions or movements; intuition alone was enough to know each other's next move and execute the best cooperation.
If an enemy blocked the first strike, the other's second strike would come from an extremely difficult-to-defend angle.
Their attacks were continuous, sword-light raining down.
In a short while, the three opponents fell into a sweet slumber.
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 Dai 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 there early.
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 good luck for their re-examination next year... After the second test, there would be 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 some consumable throwing weapons were insufficient, so they had 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 Household was not far from the Uchiha Clan Compound. If they walked quickly, they would arrive in a moment.
After Naraku became Sakumo's disciple, Sakumo visited the Uchiha Clan Compound. Clan Head Fugaku immediately called a meeting that day and issued an order, forbidding anyone within the clan from disturbing Naraku, or they would face clan rules.
This ensured that Naraku, despite living not far, 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, and 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 curve 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 still 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. As the hot tea was just served, Fugaku came 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 very strong, living up to his nickname, "Fierce Eyes."
"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, and 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.
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