"ANBU examination?"
Drake stared at the notice in complete confusion.
He genuinely didn't understand why the Third Hokage wanted the entire Ninth Team to undergo the ANBU assessment.
Logically speaking, wasn't joining ANBU supposed to be something you applied for voluntarily?
"This is probably because of you."
A calm voice sounded from the top of the wall. Kakashi stood there, also holding an identical notice.
"Today you climb my wall, tomorrow you'll be spying on girls bathing, and one day you might even sneak into the Hokage Tower!"
Drake instantly slapped a ridiculous accusation onto him.
Kakashi: "???"
"Your mouth really is unbeatable, Drake."
At that moment, Minato appeared, clearly amused.
He truly admired this student's talent for verbal combat. Ever since Team Nine was formed, Drake had been roasting everyone without mercy — and no one could fight back.
"Alright, now let's get serious," Minato said, clearing his throat.
"The Third Hokage has approved that all of Team Nine can participate in the ANBU examination."
"It will take place three days from now."
As he spoke, he handed several booklets to everyone.
"These contain the theoretical knowledge for the ANBU test. Use the next two days wisely and memorize as much as you can."
"Good luck."
With that, Minato disappeared in a flash, clearly wanting nothing more to do with this chaos.
Drake's Courtyard
Drake stood there dumbfounded, staring at the booklet in his hand.
He felt as though he had gone back to the Ninja Academy.
ANBU test…
And it includes written theory?
"This is definitely because of you. We're just collateral damage."
Kakashi muttered as he walked into the house. A moment later, he returned carrying a table and placed it under the jujube tree.
"The teacher said we're studying together so certain people don't slack off."
"What do you mean 'certain people'?" Drake squinted.
"Someone whose graduation theory score was nine."
"I was just too lazy to write the correct answers, okay?"
"I don't believe you."
Great. This conversation was dead.
Group Study Session
The entire team sat beneath the jujube tree and opened the first page.
The girls were instantly stumped.
"Drake, this question has so many options…" Anko leaned closer, clearly seeking guidance.
"Huh? Let me see."
Drake glanced at the first question:
You are a Chunin executing a classified mission when you encounter three enemy Jonin. Your choice is:
A. Fight to the death
B. Escape
C. Beg for mercy
D. Take poison
"Anko, if it were you, what would you choose?"
"B. Run away." She answered confidently.
"It should be A! Fight to the death!" Obito argued passionately.
"I think A too." Rin agreed.
"Yugao?" Drake asked.
"D. Take poison." She replied seriously.
Based on logic, Drake guessed the official answer was probably D.
But he decided to dig deeper.
"Why?"
"If you can't win, escaping gives you a chance to live." Anko reasoned.
"We're ninja! We die fighting!" Obito shouted.
"This is a secret mission. The intel must not leak. Poison is best." Yugao concluded gravely.
"What about me?" Kakashi asked.
"Oh. I forgot you existed," Drake replied lightly.
"I choose B." Kakashi said.
Drake chuckled without comment.
Then he calmly picked up his pen, added another option:
Wipe them all out.
And ticked it.
Everyone froze.
Second question:
The village is under attack. You must choose one:
A. Save the civilians and die.
B. Fight the enemy, civilians die.
Drake immediately crossed it out and added:
Enemy dies, civilians perish in the aftermath.
Third question:
A ninja betrays the village. Your response:
A. Condemn verbally
B. Arrest
C. Defect with them
Drake casually added:
Ignore it completely
Half an hour later, everyone had finished the first page.
Then came the real disaster — paper exchange.
Kakashi ended up grading Drake's booklet.
His expression shifted from calm → shocked → confused → deeply contemplative.
Meanwhile — The Outside World ReactsLand of Hot Water – Cloud Ninja HQ
B and A stood before the Third Raikage.
"What did you find?"
"Mist Village has fallen into internal chaos," A reported.
"Too coincidental…" the Raikage frowned.
"And Madara?"
"Unable to confirm. We were chased out."
"Chased?"
"Yes. By the kid who destroyed our supply station."
"Drake of Konoha?"
"He has monstrous taijutsu… and Wood Release."
The Raikage's brows locked together.
"Another Wood Release user in Konoha…?"
Suspicion crept into his heart.
Sand Frontline Base
Chiyo and Kazekage Rasa listened as Maki spoke.
"He also possesses Wood Release."
"What?!"
"The same brat who captured you before?"
"Yes. And he forced back us, the sons of the Raikage and Tsuchikage, all alone."
Silence followed.
"That boy… is terrifying." Chiyo muttered.
Stone Village
The same report echoed there.
One name now circulated across all nations:
Drake.
Wood Release Drake.
Back home, Drake leaned back in his chair smugly.
"See? Theory is easy."
Kakashi stared at his paper, utterly lost.
"…Your logic is dangerous."
Drake grinned.
"Genius is always misunderstood."
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