The next day arrived.
Enso woke up at 5 a.m. After a quick stretch, he moved to the kitchen and prepared a solid English breakfast—eggs, bacon, toast, and beans. The familiar scent filled the room, bringing a quiet satisfaction.
After eating, he took a hot shower, letting the heat wash away the last drowsiness. Feeling fresh, he stepped out into the cool morning air and started his daily routines.
After training, Enso return home for a quick shower before heading out to the Third Training Ground. On the way, he spotted Itachi heading in the opposite direction. They exchanged a brief fist bump before parting in opposite directions.
At the Third Training Ground, Tokuma was already waiting by the entrance.
Enso waved casually, and Tokuma gave a small nod. A moment later, Inari jogged up, slightly out of breath. Once they had gathered, Tokuma proposed that they spar in a battle royal format, as it would save them plenty of time to plan strategies against their sensei.
There was still an hour left, making it the perfect opportunity to learn more about each other's strengths and weaknesses. Though it appeared to be just a normal sparring session, Tokuma saw it as a chance to find out who was the strongest among the three of them.
As the spar began, Inari rushed forward, throwing a sharp roundhouse kick at Enso.
Enso sidestepped easily, his movements effortless. At the same time, Tokuma closed in, activating his Byakugan. However, Enso's sudden disappearance caused Tokuma's attack to accidentally crash into Inari, knocking him back. Tokuma didn't stop there—he ignored Inari and focused entirely on Enso, launching a series of Gentle Fist strikes.
Enso continued dodging smoothly and parried the incoming blows with precise timing. Once he'd seen enough, he moved in decisively. Faking a quick 1-2 jab combination, he baited Tokuma into reacting—then shot low, executing a perfect double-leg takedown.
Before Tokuma knew what had happened, Enso locked in a triangle choke and ended the match in an instant. Wrestling moves like these were uncommon in the Shinobi world. Despite seeing Enso's movements clearly with his Byakugan, Tokuma didn't know how to counter such unorthodox techniques. Seeing everything didn't mean being able to deal with every attack thrown at him.
Inari stared in disbelief. They had both attacked Enso together, yet the stronger one, Tokuma, was taken down like it was nothing. He glanced at Enso, knowing deep down that his Genjutsu wouldn't stand a chance against someone moving at that level.
Without a word, Enso knelt and healed them both with Mystic Palm. The soft green glow of his chakra mended their minor injuries and restored their stamina to peak conditions, leaving Tokuma and Inari staring at him in awe. Was there anything this guy couldn't do?
But Enso noticed more than just their injuries. Inari didn't seem to know how to work with a team, and Tokuma, though strong, clearly wasn't used to leading the attack. Inari's physical attributes are far too weak, and his skill in Genjutsu is average at best.
Thinking quickly, Enso proposed a plan. "Inari, use a Transformation Jutsu to look like Tokuma. Get close and trap our sensei in a Genjutsu. Tokuma, while Inari creates the opening, you engage in Taijutsu. I'll back you both up with Shuriken to stop Hayama Sensei from escaping."
The two thought for a moment before nodding in agreement.
Inari pulled a mask from under his clothes and put it on. Instantly, his form shifted into Tokuma's appearance. Enso's sharp eyes caught the subtle difference—this wasn't a normal transformation. It was more refined, more stable. He nodded silently, a bit more confident in Inari's capabilities.
Tokuma quickly performed a standard Transformation Jutsu, shifting into Inari's form.
Moments later, Hayama arrived. He greeted them casually and explained the rules for the bell test. Each student needed to capture one of the two bells from him. The one left without a bell would be sent back to the Academy no matter what.
Inari visibly tensed. He knew he was the weakest among them, and fear crept across his face.
Enso noticed. Calmly, he stepped beside Inari, placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder, and whispered, "Let's get the bells first. Worst case scenario, I'll hand mine over to you."
Inari's throat tightened. He wanted to say something, but Enso had already stepped forward, positioning himself behind them, ready to cover both teammates.
Unbeknownst to them, Hayama had already been watching from the shadows. He had arrived earlier, hidden among the trees, observing everything.
From what he had seen, the outcome of the test was already clear. They had passed the moment they started strategising under Enso's quiet leadership. Still, tradition had to be honoured, and this test would help him measure their strengths for future training.
Hayama's gaze lingered on Enso a moment longer.
He had been warned by the Fourth Hokage himself: 'Be careful with that one'.
The earlier spar had only reinforced that caution. Enso had seamlessly used Tokuma's attack to knock out Inari, then subdued a Hyuga prodigy in the blink of an eye.
A small smile tugged at the corner of Hayama's lips. Hayama waved his hand, signalling that they could begin.
Without hesitation, Inari and Tokuma charged forward, sticking closely to the plan they had discussed. Enso, calm and composed, reacted just as quickly. He pulled out his Nail Shuriken, launching them precisely, one by one, at Hayama.
The Jonin didn't even bother trying to block them. He weaved effortlessly between the incoming projectiles, his body fluid and relaxed, closing the distance toward Tokuma and Inari. However, a small, knowing smile played on Enso's lips. In a flash, he threw another handful of Nail Shuriken — and this time, he applied the Shuriken Shadow Clone Technique.
The air seemed to shimmer for a moment. Inspired by Minato's strategy the night before, Enso try to apply it in action. The storm of Nail Shuriken filled the sky, casting dozens of dark shadows across the ground.
Hayama immediately sensed the difference. He had no choice but to halt his advance. His keen eyes quickly recognised the technique originally developed by the Third Hokage, an A-Rank Ninjutsu. Nonetheless, he remained unfazed. With a smooth motion, Hayama unsheathed his sword.
Channelling chakra into the blade, he swung it sharply in front of him. A thickened blade of vacuum pressure erupted forward, slicing through the oncoming rain of Shuriken, cutting their number in half. He parries the remaining projectiles away with quick, precise movements.
Even so, the short delay was all Inari and Tokuma needed.
The two Genin closed the distance swiftly, reaching striking range just as Hayama parried the last few Shuriken. His attention split, Hayama prepared to engage Tokuma directly, expecting Inari to be little more than a distraction.
He lashed out with a swift kick toward Inari, aiming to knock him down effortlessly.
To his surprise, Inari(Tokuma) blocked the attack.
The solid defence caused Hayama's eyes to narrow. He realised he had fallen into their trap, despite knowing beforehand that they would likely try to deceive him. His wariness of Enso had distracted him, allowing the other two to get this close.
Tokuma(Inari) took advantage of the opening, preparing the Demonic Illusion: Tree Binding Death technique, hoping to trap their Sensei in Genjutsu while he was distracted.
But Hayama was no ordinary Jonin. He closed his eyes, severing the visual trigger before Tokuma could complete the illusion. Yet even as Hayama countered Tokuma's(Inari) move, Enso had already set his next attack in motion.
Infusing chakra into another batch of Nail Shuriken, Enso launched them toward Hayama at blistering speed. The sound of the Nail Shuriken cutting through the air was sharp, almost whistling.
Sensing danger, Hayama raised his sword to deflect them. The first impact made his hand tingle uncomfortably, a numbing sensation spreading up his wrist. His brows furrowed slightly — the force behind Enso's strike was not to be underestimated.
Then he felt it — more projectiles speeding his way.
Enso signalled Tokuma and Inari to move out of the way, and the two complied, retreating from Hayama.
Forced to act quickly, Hayama infused his sword with wind chakra and began parrying the incoming storm. But just as he got into rhythm, several Shuriken exploded mid-air, scattering debris and iron fragments toward him like shrapnel.
Hayama created a swirling vacuum blade to shield himself, the technique dispersing the deadly debris. However, the relentless pressure Enso applied left little room for counterattack.
Changing his position, Enso threw another of his chakra-infused Nail Shuriken rapidly. One of them detonated on impact, the blast knocking Hayama's sword from his hand and sending it clattering several meters away. Tokuma (Inari) took this chance and applied Transformation Jutsu on Hayama's sword as it flew out from the Jonin's grip.
Meanwhile, Inari and Tokuma — having long since dispelled their transformations — charged in again. Their earlier trick wouldn't fool Hayama a second time, but with his sword still out of reach, the opportunity was too good to pass up. With Hayama's attention divided by Enso, even the sudden dispelling of their transformation might be enough to catch him off guard once more.
Both Genin closed in and landed clean strikes on Hayama — or so it seemed.
In an instant, Hayama's figure vanished in a puff of smoke, replaced by a thick log.
Substitution Jutsu.
Before they could react, Hayama reappeared next to his fallen sword, scooping it up with a smooth, practised motion. His breathing was steady, but his gaze had sharpened — he was taking them seriously now.
Running low on Shuriken, Enso shifted tactics. With a swift hand sign, he summoned his Wakizashi. After yesterday's sparring match with Minato, he had already prepared for this, sealing the blade into a small tattoo on his wrist using the Summoning: Lightning Flash Blade Creation technique.
Without hesitation, Enso activated Void Step, disappearing in an instant.
A faint blur streaked across the field as he reappeared directly in front of Hayama, the Wakizashi slashing downward in a clean, simple arc.
Hayama barely had time to raise his sword in defence.
Hayama raised his sword to block the incoming attack, but the moment the blades met, something felt off. His eyes widened slightly—his sword was slicing through as if it were made of butter. Before he could react, Enso's Wakizashi was already at his neck, the cold steel brushing lightly against his skin.
The fight was over.
At the same time, Inari and Tokuma shook the small bells they had taken from him, the soft jingling sound pulling Hayama fully back to his senses.
For a moment, the clearing fell into a stunned silence. Then Hayama let out a bitter laugh, scratching the back of his head in disbelief. He looked down and realised the explosions from Enso's Shuriken earlier had indeed dislodged the bells from his waist without him even noticing. A trick within a trick—something he hadn't expected from a fresh Genin.
Shaking his head with a wry smile, Hayama glanced down at the weapon he had been relying on the whole match. His trusty sword had been transformed into a brittle, lifeless branch. Sighing, he tossed it aside and raised his hand in surrender.
It seemed like Inari managed to cast a Transformation technique on his sword after he closed his eyes to avoid Demonic Illusion: Tree Binding Death.
"You all pass," Hayama announced, pride clear in his voice. "Congratulations."
Inari and Tokuma broke into cheers, hugging each other tightly as relief and excitement washed over them. Nearby, Enso calmly sealed his Wakizashi back into the tattoo on his wrist with a practised hand sign, his expression composed but satisfied.
Inari helped pick up Enso's Shuriken and brought back the real Hayama's sword, returning them to their respective owners. Hayama approached them and placed a hand firmly on Enso's shoulder. "Well done, keep up the good work," he said, his voice filled with genuine admiration.
Enso bowed his head slightly, replying with humility, "I still have a long way to go. Please continue to guide me, Sensei."
With a warm smile, Hayama reached into his pouch and pulled out three necklaces, each adorned with the Will of Fire pendant—the symbol of Konoha's enduring spirit.
"This," Hayama said, presenting the necklaces to them, "is proof that you are now official members of Team 1."
One by one, Inari, Tokuma, and Enso accepted the necklaces, pride shining in their eyes. They all gathered together for a quick group photo, laughing and nudging each other as the moment was captured. Afterward, Hayama decided to treat them to lunch at Ichiraku Ramen to celebrate their victory.
The ramen shop was lively as usual, the rich scent of broth and grilled pork filling the air.
After the celebration, Hayama dismissed the team and went to report their results to the Hokage.
Sitting behind his desk, Minato Namikaze listened carefully, his hands folded beneath his chin. When Hayama finished recounting the match, including how Enso had planned and executed the strategy, Minato's eyebrows lifted in mild astonishment.
"Enso... managed to completely outsmart you, Senior?" Minato asked, a genuine smile tugging at his lips.
Hayama laughed lightly, rubbing the back of his neck. "Completely. I didn't even realise when the bells were taken."
Minato leaned back in his chair, visibly pleased. "It seems like he'll make a name for himself in the Shinobi world before long. Please continue looking after him, Hayama-san."
"I'll guide them well," Hayama replied.
Meanwhile, Enso made his way home, the day's exhaustion finally catching up with him. After a long, refreshing shower, he changed into a clean set of clothes before heading to Kushina's home.
Enso knocked lightly before stepping inside. Kushina greeted him warmly, and little Naruto crawled eagerly toward his mother, raising his tiny arms, wanting to be picked up.
As Enso recounted the day's events—how he had taken the bell from Hayama and passed the test—Kushina beamed with pride. She ruffled his hair fondly and pulled him into a light hug.
"I'm really proud of you, Enso," she said warmly.
Enso laughed as Naruto, clearly jealous of the attention, tried to squeeze between them. Grinning, Enso gently pinched Naruto's tiny nose. "Mama's boy," he teased playfully, earning a gurgling giggle from the infant.
Standing up, Enso informed Kushina, "I won't be joining you for dinner tonight. I have something else to do."
Kushina smiled knowingly and waved him off. "Just be careful, okay?"
With that, Enso made his way to the Uchiha compound. The guards at the entrance stopped him briefly, but after confirming his identity, they allowed him to wait just outside the main gate. Before long, Itachi and Shisui appeared, looking pleased to see him.
"Enso!" Itachi called out. "Come on, let's go to the training grounds."
As they walked, Itachi introduced Shisui properly. Shisui, with his friendly personality, quickly struck up a conversation with Enso, making him feel at ease. The three boys chatted casually as they made their way to the Uchiha training ground.
Once there, Shisui showed off a few of his Shuriken techniques—trick shots that could change multiple Shuriken's direction mid-flight using a subtle application of chakra.
Enso clapped enthusiastically, impressed. "That's amazing! No wonder they say the Uchiha are masters of Shurikenjutsu."
Shisui grinned. "Well, we do have a reputation to uphold!"
Enso brought up the topic of the Three Great Dōjutsu, and Shisui activated his Sharingan, the crimson eyes spinning lazily as he demonstrated a more advanced technique with a flick of his wrist. The Shuriken whistled through the air, weaving unpredictably.
They spent the rest of the evening training together, exchanging tips, and trying out different techniques. Eventually, as the sun dipped lower and the sky darkened into hues of purple and blue, they decided to go for a barbecue dinner, stomachs rumbling after the long day.
The three headed out to the local barbecue joint, Yakiniku Q, laughing and planning what they would order.
As the night wore on, they finally parted ways, each filled with satisfaction. Shisui had warned them not to expect anything glamorous from their first mission, but both Enso and Itachi were determined to give it everything they had.
Back home, Enso immersed himself in sword practice. He could feel it—his body had now adapted to the Dynamic Blade Style, thanks to Tyrant Dragon Superior Adaptation. Enso entered a trance and repeated the movements with great focus, each round becoming smoother than the last. After three hours, Enso called it a day and went to sleep.