Chapter 14: Introductions & Bell Test

My name is Sato. I excel in illusions and Water Style techniques. I enjoy camping and having barbecues with my friends. I have a strong aversion to sashimi. My dream is to become the ultimate illusion ninja in the shinobi world.

Sato was unsure of what Kurenai expected from him. Upon noticing Kurenai's gaze, he promptly introduced himself. However, his introduction consisted of a mix of truths and falsehoods, with more falsehoods than truths. While Sato truly excelled in illusions, he was not skilled in Water Style but in Fire Style instead.

His preferences and dislikes in food were genuine. However, his dream was not to become the best illusion ninja in the world. Illusion techniques were only suitable for those below Kage-level, and the most powerful illusions were associated with the Sharingan, such as Tsukuyomi, Distinguished Heavenly Gods(Kotoamatsukami), and Infinite Tsukuyomi.

Sato's true dream was to obtain and master the three Sharingan, surpassing even the Ōtsutsuki Kaguya and the entire Ōtsutsuki clan. He desired this power to become the ultimate illusion ninja in the world, specifically targeting Kurenai's mastery of illusions.

Nevertheless, Sato needed Kurenai's illusionary transition before he could reveal his Sharingan. Exposing the Sharingan would require him to eliminate anyone who witnessed it, so he had to acquire the strength to confront individuals like Shimura Danzō and Uchiha Obito before revealing his true abilities.

Unaware of Sato's true intentions, Kurenai became intrigued upon hearing his dream. Her eyes gleamed with excitement, and she resolved to assess Sato's illusionary talents during the survival exercise. If his talent proved remarkable, she intended to teach him all of her illusion techniques.

"My name is Shino. I specialize in secret family techniques. I enjoy vegetable salad and winter melon, while I dislike overpowering flavors. My dream is to discover new species of insects."

Hinata followed suit and introduced herself, stating, "My name is Hinata. I am skilled in Gentle Fist and Perception techniques. I like cinnamon rolls, and cold cuts, while I detest shrimp and crab. My dream... is to gain my father's approval."

When Hinata spoke about her dream, there was a slight pause at the end, as if she hesitated to share her true aspirations. However, Sato and Kurenai failed to notice the change in her tone, assuming it was due to her shyness.

This indicates that Hinata and Sato's relationship had not yet progressed beyond the stage of friendship. In order to achieve all their desired accomplishments, they needed to maintain a balance in the early stages. Therefore, Hinata, Sato, and Ino's relationship extended beyond mere friendship but fell short of romantic involvement. Ino, being proactive, played a significant role in their dynamic.

Kurenai clapped her hands and smiled, declaring, "Alright, now that we're getting acquainted, let's test your strength and ability to cooperate through a game. It's a survival exercise, which I'm sure you're familiar with."

Kurenai produced three bells from her ninja pouch and shook them before Sato and the others, explaining, "Your mission is to seize these three bells from my possession."

"Let the game begin!"

As Kurenai's words trailed off, Sato and the others vanished in a blur of movement. Observing their disappearance, Kurenai retrieved a pocket watch and announced a time limit: "Five minutes!"

The scene shifted to a towering tree with thick foliage. Sato, Shino, and Hinata crouched on a tree branch, peering through the gaps at Kurenai standing beneath them, initiating communication.

Shino took the initiative and spoke assertively, "Ms. Kurenai is a Jōnin. It's impossible for us to snatch the bells from her without her using water-based techniques."

"Indeed," Sato agreed, "Just as Teacher Kurenai mentioned, this survival exercise primarily assesses our strength and cooperation. Cooperation, in particular, is the key focus of this test."

Sato analyzed further, "The five-minute duration is likely meant for Teacher Kurenai to devise strategies for us."

Curious, Kurenai tilted her head and looked at Sato through her sunglasses, implying that she relinquished her position as team captain to him. After all, the chief student held certain privileges, and unless internal conflict arose, the second-in-command or lower-ranked individuals had no authority to command the chief student.

Shino, not being competitive, placed herself in the subordinate role willingly.

Hinata, who rarely took the initiative, gazed steadfastly at Sato's profile, displaying a determined expression, indicating that she would follow Sato's lead.

The stark contrast in Hinata's demeanor was noticeable. Although typically reserved to the extreme, she swiftly adjusted her mindset and displayed newfound strength when engaged in tasks. As long as the matter did not involve fighting against someone close to her, she exhibited no indecision.

Of course, there would always be kind-hearted individuals who showed leniency.

Sato appreciated this aspect of Hinata's character.

Consequently, Sato quickly organized his thoughts and began arranging tactics.

Swish, swish...

Before the five-minute mark had elapsed, a series of piercing sounds reached Kurenai's ears. She observed three kunai hurtling towards her at incredible speed. The kunai was aimed at her head, side waist, and lower limbs, respectively.

Clang, clang, clang...

Rather than evading the incoming kunai instantly, Kurenai Yuhi calmly retrieved three shurikens from her ninja pouch and casually threw them forward, effortlessly intercepting the kunai.

Simultaneously, a black phantom materialized behind Kurenai.

"Mist Servant Technique?" Kurenai exclaimed, surprise evident on her face. "When did he use an illusion on me? Or is he capable of long-distance illusions?"

Kurenai did not anticipate such a surprise from Sato at the start of the survival exercise. As an illusion Jōnin herself, being ensnared by Sato's illusion without any notice indicated his considerable skill in illusion techniques.

If the illusion was cast from a long distance, it suggested that Sato possessed remarkable Yin Release Chakra control.

Whichever the case, it demonstrated Sato's prowess as an illusion prodigy, leaving Kurenai eagerly anticipating his next performance.

Kurenai, who had seemingly vanished, had actually fallen under Sato's illusion without delay.

"This is incredible... so impressive!" Hinata whispered softly as she witnessed Sato effortlessly dispel Kurenai's illusion, further deepening her admiration for him.

Meanwhile, Shino, who stood beside Hinata, formed hand seals, disrupting the flow of Chakra within his body. Subsequently, his body disintegrated into numerous insects, disappearing from sight.

Observing Shino's actions, Hinata swiftly regained her composure and kept her gaze fixed on the ongoing battle between Kurenai and Sato, seemingly awaiting a specific opportunity.