Naruto: Can't Use Ninjutsu? I'll Create the Strongest Fighting Style

"So that last question was part of the test too?"

Tenten and Kasumi, now freed, looked at Kakashi with curiosity lingering in their eyes.

"That's right," Kakashi confirmed, slipping out his little orange book as he eased back into his usual relaxed demeanor. "Though I think Garou already figured it out, didn't you?"

"I had a hunch," Garou nodded. "The point was to test our understanding of teamwork, wasn't it? Our coordination was solid enough, so you kept looping through the same routine."

"Cough, cough!"

Kakashi choked mid-read, clearly not thrilled with that observation. "This wasn't some basic trick. Very few people pass, you know."

"That's true," Garou agreed calmly. "But I believe any exam worth giving should be passable. If you never intended to let us pass, you could've said so upfront."

Kakashi paused, his expression unreadable behind the mask.

'Reverse deduction…? This kid solved the test backwards from the outcome. No wonder he is hard to fool.'

"So we passed, right?" Kasumi asked eagerly.

"Yes!"

Tenten fist-pumped with joy. Their status as official genin was now secure.

But Kakashi wasn't going down without one last jab.

"You called my test old-fashioned. Got a better idea, genius?"

"If it were up to me," Garou replied smoothly, "I'd say there were only two spots available. After the exam, I'd have everyone vote anonymously on who they thought performed best in battle. The two with the most votes would be selected."

Tenten and Kasumi froze.

That sounded… terrifying.

"That kind of system would tear most teams apart," Kasumi muttered. "Even the legendary Ino-Shika-Cho trio wouldn't survive that kind of competition."

Kakashi rubbed his temple. "He's not wrong, though. If all three just voted for each other, you'd still get a result."

"But would anyone actually do that?" Tenten asked, hesitating. "I mean, we're just kids…"

"Exactly," Garou said. "Most genin teams aren't strong enough to succeed based on teamwork alone. A test like the bell exam doesn't do much unless you crank up the stakes."

"You're the same age as us," Tenten snapped. "Why are you talking like some washed-up veteran?"

"..."

"Anyway," Kakashi cut in, "you haven't eaten all day, right? As a token of apology, I'm treating you all. Order anything you like. My treat."

"Seriously?" Kasumi narrowed her eyes with suspicion. "You're not messing with us again?"

Kakashi's trust rating among the trio was somewhere deep in the negative.

"I don't buy it," Tenten added, eyeing Kakashi from head to toe. "Bet you'll stick us with the check."

Kakashi chuckled. "Come on, have a little faith in your teacher once in a while. Guy! You guys coming?"

A loud rustling followed, and Might Guy stepped into the clearing, his entrance as dramatic as ever. The wind whipped his green jumpsuit slightly as he struck a confident pose, his teeth gleaming.

Rock Lee and Nami raced up to Garou, eyes wide with admiration, while Neji hung back, arms crossed and face unreadable. He had clearly assumed Garou was just another bookworm.