Kyōichi, Konoha’s Life Mentor

"This Kanda Kyōichi is truly unscrupulous!" Yūhi Shinku couldn't help but sigh.

This guy's tactics come one after another!

It must be said.

They work!

The Third narrowed his eyes.

Anyone facing this kind of situation would hesitate and struggle, and their final choice would reveal their true character.

Everyone starts as a weak person.

However.

No one wants to associate with ninjas who are too self-serving, especially if that person is an Uchiha.

Shisui, what will you choose?

If Shisui doesn't give up his spot, he would regretfully have to exclude Shisui and add him to the list of those to be suppressed.

Kyōichi hadn't discussed the exam process with him, yet it perfectly matched the Third's requirements.

He was becoming more and more satisfied with Kyōichi.

At this moment.

Shisui was indeed struggling.

Previously, Kyōichi had promised him a "guaranteed pass," and now he presented a choice question. The problem was—realistically speaking, this seemed like an impossible exam to complete.

However.

If he abandoned Asuma and Yūhi Kurenai, were they still a team?

Shisui took a deep breath and said: "Sensei, I choose to take the exam again!"

"Shisui..."

Asuma and Kurenai were somewhat incredulous.

They were four years older than Shisui and barely had any interaction with him before, so they didn't understand him very well.

Therefore.

They never imagined Shisui would give up his spot...

The Third Hokage and Yūhi Makoto were equally shocked.

They had figured out the purpose of Kyōichi's question.

It could be said.

The entire exam's setup was all for this question, testing not just Asuma and Kurenai, but also Shisui. It was all about testing human nature and psychology.

A question more terrifying than the bell test!

However.

Shisui answered well.

Whether he saw through the question's intent or truly felt that way, it was enough to prove Shisui's worth.

"Are you sure?" Kyōichi's expression was serious.

"Yes, I'm the temporary team leader, and the mission wasn't completed. There were major issues with my tactical arrangements and considerations. I believe in Asuma and Kurenai. If we try again, we'll definitely succeed!"

After making his stance clear, Shisui felt instantly relieved.

What's the big deal about taking the exam again?

What's wrong with going back to school?

It's not a big deal!

"Then, what are your opinions?" Kyōichi smiled as he looked at Asuma and Yūhi Kurenai.

"Sensei, there was nothing wrong with Shisui's tactics. It was my incompetence that prevented proper execution. I volunteer to return to school."

"Me too."

Asuma and Yūhi Kurenai didn't hesitate much.

Though they might not be as talented as Shisui, they were still from prominent families and had their pride.

This time, Shisui performed the best.

In terms of tactical arrangement, thinking, and execution, Shisui was the best in all aspects. They couldn't let him take responsibility.

Moreover.

Fighting again would clearly be futile against Kyōichi.

He's a Jonin after all!

"So, you've lost confidence?"

"No, I believe with another year of practice, I can definitely do it, but right now... there's indeed a huge gap in ability."

Asuma was a bit dejected.

Before, he thought he might not be the best, but he didn't think he'd fall behind or fail to keep up with his teammates. After the exam, he realized he truly couldn't keep up.

Being a burden, failing in direct confrontation.

He couldn't face letting Shisui give up his spot.

"Very good. Knowing your own inadequacies is a good thing. At least you can see yourself clearly. However, your overall tactics weren't wrong— Kurenai providing support, Asuma engaging head-on, Shisui cutting in to create diversions."

"The problem was that I was too strong, so... I declare that you all pass!"

Kyōichi clapped his hands and sheathed his sword.

The three were stunned.

They passed?

This...

Shisui pondered for a moment, quickly recalled some of Kyōichi's previous teachings, and thoughtfully said: "Sensei, the key to this test was actually the question just now, right?"

"Correct. In a team, there will always be strong and weak members, some who shine and some who sacrifice, but when three people combine, they should create an effect where one plus one equals three, like the Ino-Shika-Chō combination."

Kyōichi explained.

Teaching couldn't be neglected.

There were rewards at stake!

"Thank you, Sensei. We understand."

The three bowed in unison.

Looking at them now, they were showing the makings of a team.

"Come on, to celebrate the formation of Team One, I'll treat you all to ramen."

...

This Sword Technique?

The Third narrowed his eyes at the familiar technique.

However.

Though this technique was created by Orochimaru, the theory actually came from Tobirama Senju. After thinking for a moment, he didn't question it further and returned his thoughts to the exam itself.

"How was it?"

The Third looked at Yūhi Shinku.

He was also a veteran Jonin, especially responsible for guiding Chunin and Genin, so his educational insights were higher than other Jonins.

Yūhi Shinku thought for a moment and said: "Brilliant! This Kanda Kyōichi's methods link together perfectly, even more extreme than our old bell test. It's easy to fall into his trap if you're not careful."

"If we implement this kind of process widely, I'm afraid few children would pass."

The Third sighed.

It's good, but the standard is too high.

With these standards, 80% of children wouldn't be able to graduate and become Genin, so it's not feasible for widespread implementation.

However.

This system thoroughly tested the children's abilities.

After careful consideration, he said: "We can implement it among the elite teams... let's try it with Minato's team."

"I'll discuss it with Minato."

Yūhi Makoto agreed.

Since it's an elite team, the requirements should naturally be higher. Namikaze Minato's class not only had Rin and Obito but also Kakashi, who had been a Chunin for many years.

Using Kyōichi's requirements wouldn't be excessive.

Soon after.

Namikaze Minato's shadow clone arrived.

His real body was meeting with Obito, Rin, and Kakashi.

"Lord Hokage..."

"Minato, Team Kyōichi just finished their test. We observed the whole process and found some good experiences worth learning from."

The Third coughed lightly before speaking.

In a sense, their actions were like peeking and learning secretly.

However.

It should be fine, right?

Worst case, they could compensate later.

The Third explained the experiences he found valuable.

Namikaze Minato was confused at first, but as he listened, his eyes gradually brightened.

Brilliant!

As expected of Kyōichi, the methods linked together perfectly.

This way, they wouldn't have to wait until morning; they could start testing in the afternoon.

The only problem was—

"Lord Hokage, these experiences are great, but I have a troublesome child in my team. What if... I mean, what if Kakashi doesn't understand and insists on working alone?"

After his initial excitement, Minato gradually calmed down.

"..."

Kakashi was troublesome.

The Third and Yūhi Shinku both fell into deep thought. After pondering for a while, the Third said: "Kakashi shouldn't be like that. If it really doesn't work, strip him of his Chunin rank, and if that's not enough, send all three back to school."

So harsh?

Namikaze Minato took a breath, then slowly nodded and said: "Understood!"

Minato didn't understand Kakashi very well yet, only knowing that the child had a bad reputation among the Chunin group, and no one wanted to do missions with him.

Therefore.

If the assessment fails and a Chunin is sent back to the ninja academy...

That would cause quite a stir.

However.

Looking at the Third's meaning, he clearly wasn't planning to compromise. If Kakashi truly didn't understand what teamwork meant, then there would be no need to show mercy.

With these words, Minato had his foundation, but he wanted to invite someone else to supervise and observe the battle.