Kaguya?

The next day.

Whether to follow Kakashi's strange advice or ignore it entirely. She wasn't the type to let vague threats or warnings dictate her actions, but something about Kakashi's demeanor the day before had stuck with her. His tone had been casual, but there had been an edge to it, as though he was trying to prepare them for something unpleasant.

Kaguya took another glance at the bowl of cereal. The milk had lost its luster, now mingling with the cereal in an almost soupy mess. She didn't feel hungry, but her stomach still growled faintly, as if reminding her of her body's basic needs.

'Maybe I should trust him,' she mused, biting her lower lip. What if he's right? A part of her wanted to test the waters, to prove that she didn't have to follow instructions that felt arbitrary. Yet, another part of her, the part that had always been cautious, whispered that Kakashi's advice might be part of something bigger.

Her fingers hovered above the spoon, the weight of her indecision weighing down on her like an anchor.

Before finally taking a bite, 'if I throw up I throw up' she thought, before finishing her breakfast, before packing her ninja tools and getting ready to depart for the training grounds.

She strapped her kunai pouch securely, adjusting the weight of her gear as she glanced at the clock. It was almost time to meet the others. 6 AM, exactly as Kakashi said. She knew he valued punctuality, and being late would only make things worse.

Kaguya's footsteps echoed softly on the cobblestones as she continued her walk through the streets of Konoha. The familiar surroundings felt almost foreign today, as if they were both the same and entirely different at once. There was something shifting in the way the villagers moved around her—some still eyed her with suspicion, but others simply went about their morning routines, their gazes flicking past her as if she were just another person.

For a moment, Kaguya's gaze drifted toward a group of children playing nearby, their laughter echoing in the quiet streets. She was used to being an outcast, to seeing the wary stares of those who knew her as the child of the "Fox" or the demon itself. But today, it was different. Some faces were warm, or at least neutral. She wasn't the focal point of their fears anymore.

Her mind wandered back to her training, to Kakashi's words about the final test. The knot of tension in her stomach returned. What would this test reveal about her? About them? Would it be another obstacle to overcome, or would it be the moment that defined her path as a ninja?

She reached the training grounds sooner than expected, the path between the trees feeling shorter with each step. Kaguya stood before the clearing, watching as the first of the others began to arrive.

Sasuke was already there, his sharp eyes scanning the area, his posture as unreadable as ever. He gave a brief, indifferent glance in her direction, before returning his focus to the surroundings. As always, there was a quiet intensity about him that Kaguya couldn't ignore, but she didn't allow herself to dwell on it. 'He was always a brash jerk anyways'

Sakura, a little out of breath, appeared next, looking almost frazzled. She had been the last to arrive the day before, and today, the nerves seemed to be catching up with her again. But Kaguya didn't say anything. They were all in the same boat now, each preparing for something they had no real understanding of yet.

After what felt like hours of waiting Kaguya could feel Sasuke's rising tension as well as sakura, "growl" Sakura's stomach audibly growled followed by Sasukes

Kaguya couldn't help but glance at Sakura, whose face flushed with embarrassment as the sound of her stomach echoed loudly across the clearing. Sasuke's stomach growled a moment later, the tension in the air suddenly shifting. Kaguya could feel the discomfort creeping up, the shared anxiety becoming palpable. It was a strange moment—one that momentarily cut through the usual stoic facades they all wore. It made her wonder, just for a second, if they were all more alike than they seemed.

Sakura awkwardly crossed her arms over her stomach, trying to hide the embarrassment, but Kaguya couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at the situation. Sasuke, as usual, didn't acknowledge it at all, his gaze distant and focused on something unseen in the distance. It was as if the noises didn't matter, or perhaps, he just didn't care.

"Oh? You're all here?" Kakashi's voice came startling them

Kaguya couldn't help but feel a small flicker of annoyance at Kakashi's casual demeanor, but she quickly suppressed it. This was his way, after all. Nothing serious, nothing too urgent—it was as though he enjoyed keeping them on edge with his unpredictable nature. She could almost hear the silent chuckle in his voice as he spoke.

Sakura's frustration bubbled over, her voice laced with irritation. "What took you so long? We've been waiting for hours!" she exclaimed, her arms still crossed over her stomach as she glared at Kakashi, who appeared completely unbothered.

Kakashi gave a lazy shrug, his one visible eye crinkling slightly as he offered a nonchalant explanation. "Hmm, did I say 6am? I meant 9am—whoops," he said, his tone as breezy as ever, as though it was all part of some grand joke. He didn't seem to care at all about the frustration or the wasted time.

Sakura's eyes widened in disbelief. "You—!" she started, but Kakashi simply waved her off, a gesture that made her fume even more.

"Well, now that we're all here," Kakashi said, his voice cutting through the tension with a calm finality, "Let's get started."

"Today I present to you the bell test," Kakashi announced, holding up two bells for them to see. "There are two bells. By the end of the timer—noon—whoever has a bell will pass. Whoever doesn't… fails."

Kaguya's eyes narrowed as Kakashi held up two bells, a clear challenge in his gesture. Her mind immediately began working through the possibilities, analyzing the situation. This wasn't just about getting the bells—it was about teamwork. Kakashi was testing more than just their physical ability. 

Sasuke's gaze sharpened as he took in the details, his body tensing in anticipation. He didn't speak, but the way he shifted his weight told Kaguya that he was already formulating his plan.

Sakura, however, seemed more confused, her eyes flickering between Kakashi and the bells as if trying to make sense of the rules. "Wait... so, if we don't have a bell by the end of noon, we fail?" she asked, her voice rising in uncertainty.

"Exactly," Kakashi replied, his voice completely unaffected. "But here's the catch: if you take a bell, one of your teammates will be left behind. That means you'll have to figure out how to work together while also competing against each other."

Kaguya's gaze flickered between Sasuke and Sakura. She had been expecting something like this. The lesson wasn't in how fast or strong they were—it was about their ability to make difficult decisions. Could they sacrifice one of their own for the sake of the mission? Or would they try to secure the bells together, knowing that only two could win?

Sasuke's voice broke the silence, sharp and cold. "I don't care about the bells." His eyes burned with focus. "I'll get mine. If the others fail, it's their problem."

Kaguya couldn't help but feel a hint of frustration at his words. He was always so single-minded, so focused on his own goal. But she understood. His determination was his strength, but also his weakness.

Sakura, clearly distressed, muttered to herself, "I... I don't want to fail, but I don't want to leave anyone behind either."

Kakashi looked at each of them for a moment before continuing. "You have one hour. At noon, if you don't have a bell, you fail. If all of you fail, you fail together." His eyes twinkled with amusement beneath his mask. "Oh, and I wouldn't recommend trying to take the bells by force. I'm not afraid to use my own... 'methods' to stop you."

With that, Kakashi turned, walking a few paces away and sitting down cross-legged under a tree, looking as though he were prepared to watch the entire thing unfold without lifting a finger.

Kaguya didn't waste any time. She surveyed the area quickly, her mind already processing the environment. The forest around them was dense, the ground uneven. There were plenty of places to hide and plenty of places to ambush.

The countdown had begun.

Kaguya's body sprang into motion, her chakra surging as she leapt back with incredible speed, disappearing into the thick forest. Her eyes shimmered with the activation of her Byakugan, and instantly, the world around her became clear and vivid. Every tree, every rock, every hidden movement in the foliage was now visible to her.

She could see Sasuke standing motionless for a moment before he, too, vanished into the forest, his eyes scanning the area as if calculating the best route. Sakura, on the other hand, seemed unsure, her gaze flicking nervously between the bells and the others. She wasn't used to such high-stakes situations, and Kaguya could sense her hesitance.

Kaguya's focus sharpened. She swept her Byakugan across the entire area, locating Kakashi sitting under the tree, seemingly indifferent but aware of everything. His chakra was calm, almost nonexistent, as if he were purposely masking his presence.

Kaguya knew she had to act quickly. She couldn't rely on Sasuke or Sakura; this was her test to pass, and she was determined to succeed.

Sasuke was about 30 meters to the left, crouched in a tree, his focus fixed on the ground below. He was planning to ambush. His body language suggested he wasn't willing to waste time with distractions.

Sakura was still standing near the starting point, her uncertainty palpable. She seemed to be hesitating, almost paralyzed by indecision.

With a thought, Kaguya activated a small burst of chakra in her legs, propelling herself forward to a better vantage point. From this position, she could get a clear line of sight on the two bells hanging from Kakashi's waist. But the real challenge lay in getting them.

She moved silently, her Byakugan scanning for any movement from Sasuke or Sakura. She didn't want to engage in a head-to-head confrontation, especially with Sasuke.

Her plan was simple: observe first, strike when the opportunity arose.

…

Sasuke's eyes never left Kakashi as he crouched in the trees, studying every detail of the man's position. Kakashi was still sitting lazily under the tree, as if he hadn't noticed Sasuke's movement. Sasuke's muscles tensed, his hands expertly gripping the shuriken. He could feel the anticipation building in his chest—the adrenaline of the mission, the weight of the challenge.

He moved in an instant, his body flowing from his crouch to a full pounce. With precise accuracy, Sasuke threw the shuriken, his aim true, the metal discs spinning through the air with deadly intent. He watched as they flew toward Kakashi's figure, their trajectory perfect.

But as the shuriken approached, Kakashi's hand moved almost too fast to see. With a single flick of his wrist, the man deflected them effortlessly, his calm expression never changing. Sasuke's eyes narrowed.

He wasn't surprised. Kakashi was no ordinary ninja. But that didn't matter.

Sasuke landed lightly on the ground and immediately sprang into action. The hand signs flowed from his fingers in a practiced motion, the chakra in his chest swirling as he summoned the familiar heat rising within him.

Fire Release: Great Fireball Jutsu.

The words left his lips with ease, and a massive ball of fire erupted from Sasuke's mouth, barreling toward Kakashi. It was a jutsu he had perfected, the signature attack of his clan, and it was powerful. Sasuke's gaze locked onto the ball of fire, the heat pulsing around him as it surged toward Kakashi. It was fast, and it was fierce. Kakashi wouldn't be able to avoid it.

But once again, Kakashi's reaction was swift and precise.

With a single motion, Kakashi vanished in a blur of speed. Sasuke's fireball crashed into the tree where Kakashi had been sitting, incinerating the leaves and bark in an explosion of flames. The heat was intense, but Sasuke didn't falter. He spun, preparing to follow up with a taijutsu attack, but something felt off.

Before he could even fully adjust, a hand shot out of nowhere, grabbing him by the ankle with terrifying precision. Sasuke's eyes widened as he was yanked off the ground with brutal force. His body was jerked downward, and in the blink of an eye, he was slammed into the earth, his head sinking into the ground while the rest of his body remained suspended.

He struggled, but the more he moved, the tighter the pressure became. Kakashi was standing over him now, his face calm, almost amused, as he stared down at Sasuke. Sasuke's feet were trapped, his arms pinned at his sides, and only his head remained exposed.

"...Too slow," Kakashi said, his voice steady and unaffected.

Sasuke growled, the weight of his situation settling in. His usual fire, the need to prove himself, burned fiercely in his chest. But no matter how much he struggled, Kakashi's hold was unrelenting.

With a frustrated grunt, Sasuke stopped fighting, his body sinking further into the dirt. He wasn't defeated—not yet. But for now, he was trapped.

Kakashi crouched down, peering into Sasuke's face with that same unreadable expression.

"Not bad, but you're going to have to try harder than that," he said, and then turned away, leaving Sasuke in the dirt, contemplating his next move.

…

Sakura walked cautiously through the dense trees, her heart pounding in her chest. She wasn't sure where Sasuke had gone after the start of the test, but the silence around her was unsettling. His presence, usually so strong and confident, had completely disappeared, leaving only the weight of uncertainty in the air.

"Sasuke?" she called again, her voice trembling slightly. "Are you there?"

Her footsteps quickened as a nagging feeling tugged at her gut. She couldn't shake the fear that something had gone terribly wrong. The minutes felt like hours, each one amplifying the dread that tightened in her chest. Finally, after what felt like an eternity of searching, she spotted something ahead, partially buried in the dirt.

It was a figure, and a chill ran down her spine as she saw what appeared to be Sasuke's head, poking out from the ground. Her breath caught in her throat, and before she could even process it fully, the sight registered in her mind. His body was completely obscured, but his head... it was detached. Blood splattered the earth around him.

"No... no, no!" she screamed, her voice breaking as the panic surged through her. She took a stumbling step back, her knees giving way as her legs buckled beneath her. Her vision blurred as terror overtook her, and before she could even think, her body collapsed, fainting onto the ground.

Kakashi, standing hidden in the trees nearby, observed the scene unfold with a disappointed look in his eye. He'd been watching Sakura's frantic search from the shadows, knowing what would happen when she found Sasuke, but still, the reaction was far from what he'd hoped for.

He sighed, pushing himself off the tree trunk and stepping forward. With deliberate slowness, he approached the fainted Sakura, his face still unreadable.

"You should have stayed calm," he muttered to himself, bending down and placing a hand on Sakura's shoulder. "You've already failed the test. This... was only a small part of it."

He turned his attention toward Sasuke, still trapped in the ground, barely reacting to the scene unfolding before him. He was far from being out of the game. But Sakura's failure was already clear. Kakashi shook his head, disappointed, but in a way, this was all part of the lesson.

Sasuke's eyes widened in disbelief as he watched Sakura collapse onto the ground, her scream echoing through the trees. His mind raced with confusion and frustration. Did... did she just faint? The thought was almost too ridiculous to process.

He twisted and turned in his makeshift prison, trying to pull himself free from the earth that Kakashi had used to trap him. His feet were stuck firmly in the ground, but the rest of his body had a bit more freedom of movement. He flexed his muscles, attempting to break free, but it was no use. The more he struggled, the deeper the ground seemed to cling to him. His only view of the outside world was his head poking through the dirt, the rest of him buried up to his neck.

"Damn it…" Sasuke muttered under his breath, clenching his teeth in frustration. He could feel his pulse quicken, not from physical exhaustion, but from the frustration of being outplayed so easily. He had underestimated Kakashi.

The sound of Sakura's cries for help and the way she'd fainted made his blood boil even more. He wasn't sure whether he was more annoyed by her weakness or by the fact that he couldn't help her in the moment.

"Idiot," he muttered harshly to himself, slamming his fist against the dirt. He had no idea what the next move was, but at the moment, all he could think of was how badly he wanted out of this hole.

As his eyes darted around, he saw Kakashi walking toward Sakura's fainted form. Sasuke's gaze narrowed with growing irritation. Why was he helping her?

For a brief moment, he felt a surge of defiance. I'll get out of here. I'll prove I don't need anyone's help... But as he wiggled again, the reality of the situation hit him like a slap to the face.

He was stuck.