Raj froze, surprised he'd been asked.
After a few seconds, it recovered and replied, "This cat is called Raj. I love peace and hate war..."
'Loves peace?'
Kakashi couldn't help but glance sideways, muttering inwardly, 'No matter how I look at it, you don't seem like someone who loves peace. You're quite skilled at causing trouble and fighting.'
Of course, he wouldn't voice these thoughts aloud; it would ruin his cool and aloof image.
"Alright, now that we've all introduced ourselves, our team is a bit special. Tomorrow, we'll conduct a test to assess each of your strengths. Meet me at Training Ground 13 in the Forest of Death early tomorrow morning."
"Yes, sir!"
Obito was deeply wounded. Being on the same team as Rin was certainly a joy, but he had initially believed that with his abilities, he would never be the weakest member of the squad.
After graduating and escaping the theoretical exams, he might even be considered a genius.
He never imagined that the third member of their team would be Kakashi.
Graduating at age five, becoming a Chunin at six, and now possessing at least Elite Chunin-level strength.
Even at his most arrogant, Obito wouldn't dare call himself a genius in Kakashi's presence.
As for Rin...
Firstly, she was a Medical Ninja, so combat prowess wasn't her primary focus.
Secondly, she had a Ninja Cat.
Though the cat looked weak, it was actually a formidable fighter.
In the end, Obito realized he was the weakest link.
He just hoped he wouldn't perform too poorly during tomorrow's strength test.
If the Jonin leading the team was dissatisfied, he might get kicked back to the Ninja Academy, which would be disastrous.
The next day, the group woke up early and headed to Training Ground Thirteen.
Along the way, Raj couldn't help but wonder: as Kakashi's teacher, would Minato be late?
It was a question worth pondering.
However, thanks to Rin's relentless dragging, they arrived at the training ground well ahead of time.
When they got there, only Kakashi was already present. No one knew how long he'd been waiting, and Raj didn't bother asking, simply resting on Rin's shoulder.
A moment later, a figure arrived like a gust of wind. His speed was astonishing; one moment he was a distant speck, and the next he was right in front of them.
"Such incredible speed," Rin and Kakashi exclaimed in unison.
Kakashi, in particular, was stunned. He prided himself on his speed, but Minato's Body Flicker Technique left him in the dust.
'This is nothing. He hasn't even used the Flying Thunder God Technique yet...'
Raj thought with a silent scoff.
Whether Minato's test today involved stealing bells or something else entirely, Raj had already resolved to
Be a lazy bum.
Though Minato hadn't yet earned his legendary reputation as the "Yellow Flash" who could make enemies abandon missions at the mere sight of his golden flash, his strength was already undeniably at the level of the Five Kage.
Trying to snatch bells from him? That was just asking for trouble.
"Has Obito arrived yet?"
Minato glanced around, noticing only one person missing.
"I'm sorry, Teacher," Rin said, bowing apologetically. "Obito is such a kind person. Whenever he sees an elderly woman, he insists on helping her home, so..."
"I can take his place."
Raj leaped down from Rin's shoulder, meowing, then transformed into Obito's likeness.
"Hahahaha!"
Minato ruffled "Obito's" hair, reverting it to its original form, then sat down on the ground to chat warmly with Rin, Kakashi, and Raj.
Of course, Kakashi remained mostly silent, his aloofness palpable even through his mask.
As the conversation flowed, Raj once again felt the "Yellow Flash's" infuriatingly good temper.
No matter how much mischief you caused, he would only smile in response, making it impossible to earn any Points.
'Dealing with a Jonin team leader like this is too hard...'
The Little Black Cat lay sprawled on the ground, its mood somewhat deflated.
After a long wait, a shout echoed from the distance:
"I'm here! I've arrived!"
Obito, clad in a green bodysuit, burst through the trees and leaped toward the trio.
His takeoff was perfect, but as he landed, Raj kicked a large branch at him, sending him sprawling to the ground in an undignified heap.
"You again?!"
Obito scrambled to his feet, fury blazing in his eyes.
However, when he saw his teacher and teammates had arrived, he immediately bowed apologetically.
"I'm sorry, Teacher. I'm late."
"I didn't specify a time, so you're not late," Minato replied, reaching into his waist pouch and pulling out two bells. "Now, I'll explain the test..."
"Meow~"
Seizing the opportunity, Raj lunged at the bells with lightning speed.
Positioned close to Minato, and with a cat's reflexes and clawing speed, he had a genuine chance to snatch them.
That is, if his opponent were anyone else.
Minato lifted the bells just high enough to evade the Little Black Cat's claws, then smiled warmly.
"Exactly as the little one demonstrated, your mission today is to take these bells from me. If you fail... you'll be going back to school for more studying."
"Is this a mission?"
Kakashi stared coldly at the bells.
Minato paused for a moment before replying noncommittally, "You can think of it as a mission."
"I'll definitely get them," Kakashi declared confidently.
"I... I'll get them too!" Obito immediately echoed, eager to follow suit.
Rin watched the scene unfold, a happy smile spreading across her face.
As for the bells... she didn't feel a strong desire to compete for them.
She believed her mission was to protect herself, Kakashi, Obito, and Raj.
"Begin!"
In an instant, the three students and the cat scattered in different directions.
But...
They soon realized that Minato wasn't pursuing them.
Instead, he sat down and pulled out a book, showing no signs of starting the test.
After a moment's hesitation, Obito asked, "Teacher, what are you doing?"
"When I'm focused on reading, my awareness of my surroundings diminishes greatly," Minato explained. "This gives you time to strategize. If you don't need it, I'll begin the pursuit in ten seconds."
Hearing this, Obito immediately moved to Rin's side.
Kakashi glanced over and then took the initiative to come join them.
Rin hid behind a large tree, a black cat perched on a branch above her.
Once the others had gathered, Kakashi quickly outlined their plan.
"Obito will lead the attack, Rin will provide shuriken support, I'll use Earth Release for a surprise attack, and Raj can improvise as needed."
"Why should I listen to you?!" Obito protested vehemently.
He had come to protect Rin, not to take orders from Kakashi.
"I'm a Chunin. You'll obey my commands. Disperse!"