Natsumi: Beyond the Shadow of Giants.

Chapter 3 - The Origin of the Famous Bell Test

The training field, once serene, now seemed charged with tension. The three genin were completely focused, each trying to calculate the best way to deal with the situation Minato had set before them. The task was clear, but what was at stake seemed far more complex than anyone had anticipated.

Minato, with his enigmatic smile, took a step back, keeping the bells shimmering between his fingers as if expecting the three of them to know exactly what to do. What was at stake wasn't just their individual abilities, but also their trust, strategy, and how they would handle failure.

"Well then, let's see what you're capable of," Minato said, the lightness in his voice contrasting with the gravity of the situation. "The first one to grab a bell will have the chance to show they're stronger, smarter, or even faster than the others. This will reveal much about you, more than any technique you could master."

Natsumi, Obito, and Kakashi exchanged quick glances. It wasn't a matter of being physically the strongest, but how they would solve the dilemma. The fight for one of the bells meant that someone would have to lose, and losing in a newly-formed team was a hard prospect to face.

"Well then, let's see who will be the one to succeed."

Before any of them could react, he disappeared. There was no sound, no sign. Just an empty space where he had been moments before, leaving the three genin alone with their determination... and the feeling that they had been dragged into something much bigger than they expected.

Kakashi was the first to act. Without hesitation, he rushed toward the forest. His movements were precise, and each jump between the branches was meticulously calculated. He could track Minato much more easily now, after all these years together. Finding the sensei and grabbing one of the bells was the goal, but for Kakashi, it meant much more. Taking the bell wasn't just about winning the test. For him, it was about proving he was far superior to the other two genin on the team. Kakashi knew Minato well. They had trained together countless times, and every time he thought he could surpass him, Minato frustrated him with his almost superhuman skill. He was fast, unpredictable, always one step ahead. But that only increased Kakashi's determination. Eyes fixed on the goal, Kakashi moved like a blade cutting through the wind—straight and precise. The leaves and branches rustled in his wake, but he barely noticed, fully immersed in his objective.

"Kakashi, wait!" Natsumi's voice echoed through the clearing when she saw her teammate running into the forest, but he had disappeared in the blink of an eye, ignoring the other members of the team completely.

Obito stood still for a moment, his body tense and his fists clenched. The scene in front of him only fueled the frustration growing inside him. He knew what everyone thought: that he was the weakest. The thought burned in his chest like a challenge.

"I won't be left behind. Not this time."

"I'm not going to lose to Kakashi!" Obito shouted, his voice boiling with determination. He dashed into the forest, his steps quick and reckless, guided more by will than strategy.

"Obito, come back here!" Natsumi tried to call him, but he too had already vanished between the trees.

She sighed deeply, rubbing her hands over her face as frustration overtook her. For a moment, she felt nothing but exasperation. Then, something in her posture changed.

"Two idiots running without thinking," Natsumi reflected, her lips curving into an enigmatic smile. "But even idiots can have their use."

Natsumi began to formulate a strategy in her mind. She knew that alone, she had no chance against Minato. The difference in experience, skill, and speed was overwhelming. But if there was one thing Natsumi Senju knew how to do well, it was to use chaos to her advantage.