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When Tsunade appeared, Ronglin's first reaction wasn't shock, nor was it joy.
A normal person, knowing their squad leader was Tsunade, one of the Sannin, would undoubtedly be ecstatic. But Ronglin felt no such elation.
Tsunade was indeed formidable, but only if one could get along with her normally. Otherwise, with her personality, she would surely make your life a living hell.
This was no exaggeration. His eyes involuntarily drifted towards certain parts of Tsunade, and Ronglin couldn't help but feel a sudden surge of inappropriate thoughts. Thankfully, the notion quickly dissipated.
While Tsunade's chronological age was roughly the same as his own in his previous life, considering her current physical appearance, she could easily pass for his mother.
"Hmm."
Tsunade's expression was detached as she softly acknowledged them, her beautiful eyes impassively sweeping over the three genin.
To be honest, Tsunade wasn't conventionally beautiful, but her impeccable background, stunning figure, and immense strength were undeniable. A subtle, almost imperceptible aura emanated from her, slowly enveloping the three genin.
Ronglin, possessing the keenest senses, was the first to notice, a bitter smile playing on his lips. It seemed today's "show of force" was unavoidable.
Otogakure and Yoru Matsuda, who had been excitedly chattering, felt it and their faces instantly paled. It was as if a massive mountain had descended upon them, leaving them breathless.
While Ronglin faced the oppressive force with equanimity, Otogakure and Yoru Matsuda were utterly incapable of resisting.
Secretly observing the three's reactions, Tsunade sighed inwardly, affirming the Old Man Third's assessment.
"From today onwards, you will be members of Tsunade's Squad, and I will be your team leader."
Tsunade looked at the three genin with a serious expression. The oppressive aura instantly vanished from them. This pressure had little effect on Ronglin, but for Otogakure and Yoru Matsuda, it had been quite overwhelming.
Their faces were pale, a fine sheen of cold sweat on their foreheads, and their earlier excitement and enthusiasm had completely vanished.
"I won't say much," Tsunade stated matter-of-factly, directly getting to the point, "because there's no need, unless you can pass this assessment and earn my approval."
What kind of test will it be? The traditional bell test, or something else? Ronglin mused inwardly.
The bell test was a Konoha tradition, though some team leaders did introduce other types of assessments.
"The test is very simple." Unfastening two small bells from her belt, Tsunade's lips curved into a slight smile:
"Take them from my hand within one hour."
Something's off about this script, Ronglin thought, narrowing his eyes. He desperately wanted to know what Tsunade was thinking, but alas, he had no mind-reading abilities!
His intuition screamed that something was definitely amiss!
There were no bento boxes involved, a one-hour time limit, and no mention of what would happen if they failed to obtain the bells. Moreover, Tsunade only held two bells, yet there were three genin in the squad.
Two bells for three people were clearly not enough to go around. Having seen Naruto, Ronglin knew that passing didn't necessarily require obtaining the bells. This assessment was more about testing the squad's teamwork and trust.
"Huh?! How can we possibly lay hands on you, Lady Tsunade?"
Yoru Matsuda, who had always idolized Tsunade, stood with her mouth slightly agape, a look of utter surprise on her face. Otogakure, though he didn't outwardly show it, was almost certainly thinking the same. This made Ronglin sigh in exasperation inwardly:
What kind of teammates are these?
Ronglin could almost guarantee that the three of them would be thoroughly thrashed by Tsunade in a moment – a brutal demonstration of her power.
Yet, Otogakure and Yoru Matsuda actually harbored the idea that they couldn't attack their idol! This left Ronglin utterly speechless.
"Oh? Is that so? Well then, don't attack. The assessment never said I couldn't attack."
Tsunade wore a peculiar smile as she looked at the two, a flicker of cunning and amusement dancing in her eyes.
"..."
It was only then that Otogakure and Yoru Matsuda realized: this was an assessment, not a fan meeting with an idol!
But the words were already out. What now? The two exchanged glances, then looked back at Ronglin, their eyes filled with apology.
Facing such an odd pair, even if one felt exasperated, there was no outlet for it. Hopefully, their future path will be smoother, with fewer setbacks, he thought.
"Then let's begin. The Old Man Third spoke highly of you. Let's see if it's true."
Shaking the bells in her hand, Tsunade casually glanced at Ronglin:
"Now you have ten minutes to discuss a strategy to take the bells from my hand."
Tsunade put on a very approachable expression, as if to say, I'm giving you ten minutes to strategize. See how considerate I am.
"What should we do?"
Looking at Tsunade, who was staring idly at the sky to one side, Yoru Matsuda's face was a picture of distress and conflict. After the initial shock and excitement, her fighting spirit had cooled. Snatching bells from Tsunade, one of the Sannin, was by no means an easy feat.
Otogakure remained silent, instead looking at Ronglin. He understood that, within the squad, Tsunade held Ronglin in the highest regard.
Coupled with his own reserved personality that disliked the limelight, Otogakure's first instinct was to see what strategy Ronglin had devised. As for Yoru Matsuda, Otogakure didn't hold out much hope.
"Yeah, what are we going to do?" Knowing her own limitations, Yoru Matsuda also looked at Ronglin.
Unable to resist rolling his eyes, Ronglin chuckled wryly, "There is a way, but unfortunately, it's useless against Tsunade."
"Why?" Yoru Matsuda pressed. "If there's a plan, why say it's useless?"
"Because in the face of absolute strength, all schemes and tricks are nothing but a thin sheet of paper, easily torn with a single poke."
Anyone who had watched Naruto knew Tsunade's fighting style. It was brutally violent; one punch could make your very organs tremble.
"Then we have no hope?" Yoru Matsuda and Otogakure exclaimed in unison.
"Do you think the Sannin's title is just for show?" He rolled his eyes at the two. Seeing their despondent faces, Ronglin didn't elaborate much.
Honestly, he really didn't have any good ideas. If the power gap between opponents wasn't significant, one could attempt a strategy. But if the difference was so vast it could break your spirit, then any plan was effectively useless.
The ten minutes passed quickly. During that time, the three genin did nothing but stare blankly at each other. Ronglin had a feeling Tsunade was serious and wouldn't let them pass the assessment easily.
Otogakure and Yoru Matsuda, utterly lacking initiative, were completely at a loss.
The ten minutes were quickly wasted. Not far away, Tsunade, who appeared lost in thought while gazing at the sky, had overheard every word of the trio's conversation.
She felt a degree of disappointment when Otogakure and Yoru Matsuda showed no initiative and completely deferred to Ronglin. However, Ronglin's analysis made her regard him a little more highly.
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