Why was Naruto able to so precisely locate every deeply hidden Kakashi clone? Although these clones were not corporeal, the unique life energy signature they simulated, exclusive to humans, was fundamentally different from the flora and fauna of the surrounding natural world.
This subtle yet distinct "sense of life," when perceived by Naruto through the life energy sensing ability he gained from Gold Experience, was as clear as a lamp in the darkness.
This sensing ability, to some extent, also made Naruto a "Sensor Ninja."
Kakashi understood that, at this rate, it was only a matter of time before all of his clones were rooted out one by one. Before the last clone was about to be destroyed, he decided to test this team of disciples with one final test.
"Found it! This time it must be the main body! Be prepared, Kakashi-sensei!"
Naruto's Shadow Clones declared victory and surrounded him from all directions, preparing for the final snatch.
Kakashi knew this was truly the last clone. Watching Naruto charge in fiercely again, he no longer deliberately suppressed his strength this time.
"Lightning Release: Roaring Thunder!"
With a low shout, Kakashi quickly formed hand signs! Dazzling lightning gathered in his hands, and the next moment, violent lightning suddenly dispersed, striking all of Naruto's Shadow Clones indiscriminately at an astonishing speed!
Facing Kakashi's sudden full-power attack, as he "stopped holding back," Naruto's Shadow Clones reacted extremely quickly, immediately scattering and dodging, attempting to escape the range of the Lightning Release.
Kakashi, who had originally thought this move would be enough to eliminate all Shadow Clones, his expression changed slightly.
What? Only a few were hit? This guy's battle awareness is higher than I imagined…
Just as Naruto's Shadow Clones were fully focused on dodging the Lightning Release, Satsuki, who had been closely observing the battle from behind, seized the opportunity!
The next moment, a shuriken tied with transparent Chakra threads shot out from her hand again, aiming directly at the opening Kakashi exposed while releasing his Ninjutsu!
However, Kakashi instantly dispelled the not-yet-fully-dissipated Lightning Release without hesitation, and formed hand signs again!
This sign is… Transformation Technique?
A hint of doubt flashed in Satsuki's mind. Why? Transformation Technique is not a defensive Ninjutsu at all.
But the answer was revealed in the next second—Kakashi's figure rapidly twisted and changed in a puff of white smoke, eventually appearing as Uzumaki Naruto!
Both the golden hair and the blue eyes were identical to the real Naruto!
Seeing the shuriken she controlled heading towards "Naruto's" face, Satsuki's brain rationally understood that it was just Kakashi using the Transformation Technique…
However, her body instinctively resisted! Her fingertips, controlling the shuriken, trembled violently, and the trajectory of the Chakra thread shifted ever so slightly, yet fatally!
"Whoosh—!"
The shuriken flew past "Naruto's" ear, embedding itself deeply into the tree trunk behind, missing its target.
Just in that moment of hesitation and missed opportunity—
"Ding-a-ling-ling—!"
The pre-set bell rang clearly throughout the training ground.
It was twelve o'clock noon, and the exercise… was over.
——————
In the center of the training ground, the atmosphere was heavy. Sakura was firmly tied to the central wooden stake, looking dejected.
Satsuki sat quietly on the grass not far away, hugging her knees and burying her face deeply, clearly still blaming herself and distressed over her momentary hesitation that led to a missed opportunity and ultimate failure.
Naruto sat on the other side, thoughtfully weighing the two bells in his hand.
Kakashi stood before them, his heart filled with complex emotions. He hadn't expected to be so thoroughly outmaneuvered by this kid in the end…
Recalling the golden chains that burst forth from Naruto's body in that instant, dancing flexibly as if alive, precisely wrapping around him… The scene was strikingly similar to the power his teacher's wife had once displayed.
He hadn't expected Naruto to be able to control the Adamantine Sealing Chains to such an extent…
Kakashi mused to himself, actually quite satisfied with the results of this test. Although Sakura's performance was indeed a bit weak, Naruto's unwavering persistence in never giving up on any teammate, and Satsuki's explosive focus and execution, though only directed at Naruto, both exceeded his expectations.
However, he decided to conduct one final, and most crucial, test.
"Hmm,"
Kakashi spoke with a feigned solemnity, "It seems I've lost. Naruto managed to snatch two bells from my 'main body' at the last moment. Congratulations to you."
He looked at Naruto, even lightly clapping a few times, his tone sounding quite sincere.
The tied-up Sakura couldn't help but look up, glaring at Kakashi with dissatisfaction and grievance. "Kakashi-sensei only lies! What 'I'm not the main body'… How could he just say such a lie so easily!"
"Eh? Is that so?"
Kakashi scratched his head, looking as if he didn't care about being exposed, "Alright, I admit, I did lie. But on the battlefield, you absolutely cannot easily believe anything an enemy says. After all, Ninja will use all sorts of deception and psychological tactics to achieve victory, no matter what."
His light words made Sakura lower her head even more bitterly. Naruto got two bells… Sure enough, I'm the one who's eliminated, right…
A huge sense of loss and unwillingness surged in her heart. Having just become a Ninja, is my Ninja career going to end like this…
And just then, Kakashi changed the subject, delivering a judgment that surprised everyone.
"So, I now announce that Uzumaki Naruto has successfully passed the assessment and officially become a Genin! As for the other two…" He deliberately paused, his gaze sweeping over Satsuki and Sakura, "Both of you must return to the Ninja Academy for re-education!"
"What?!"
These words made Satsuki, who was still immersed in self-blame, suddenly look up, her eyes instantly replaced by disbelief and panic!
Why?! Naruto clearly got two bells! Although it's a bit unfair to Sakura… but why separate me from Naruto?! This result terrified her far more than the mission failure itself.
Naruto also showed a surprised and confused expression.
Seeing Satsuki's panic-stricken and Naruto's stunned expressions, Kakashi then slowly and smilingly explained.
"Oh, right, I forgot to mention the most important point. These two bells are 'qualification bells.' The rule is—only the person who personally takes it from me is qualified to use it."
His gaze fell on Naruto, "In other words, Naruto, only the bells you personally snatched are valid for you. If you, out of good intentions, gave one to Satsuki…" He then looked at Satsuki, whose face instantly turned pale.
"Then, the bell given to her would immediately become invalid, and Satsuki would still be disqualified."
Finally, he looked at the completely despairing Sakura. "And Sakura, because she didn't obtain any bells, will undoubtedly be eliminated."
"These are the final rules."