Chapter 55: Naruto, Peak Human, Ch 28.1
"Did we win?"
Inuzuka Hana and Shiranui Gensui were left speechless, completely taken aback.
From the moment Li Zhenwu and Guy Sensei started fighting, they were astonished. By the time the battle concluded, if the shock could be measured, they had absorbed more than a pound of it.
What they found hard to comprehend was that although Li Zhenwu had taken five steps back and Guy Sensei had retreated three steps, Guy Sensei still declared Li Zhenwu the winner!
Before they could question this for long, Guy Sensei had already explained himself.
"I had no choice but to use power beyond that of a typical Chunin, which is why it looked like I retreated less than Zhenwu."
"I see!" Inuzuka Hana and Shiranui Gensui suddenly understood but then realized something else.
"So does that mean we passed this assessment?" The two were momentarily stunned, unsure of what to do, and Shiranui Gensui blurted out the question.
"Of course you passed," Guy Sensei nodded. "The initial rule was that either you defeated me or forced me to use power exceeding that of a Chunin to pass. Now that you've succeeded, I will lead your team moving forward."
Inuzuka Hana and Shiranui Gensui exchanged glances, both feeling like they were in a dream.
Initially, they had prepared for a tough battle, ready to give their all to pass the assessment.
But what was happening now? Just Li Zhenwu alone had defeated the Chunin-level Guy Sensei, relegating them to mere bystanders.
"Don't feel any unfairness," Guy Sensei suddenly interjected.
"You three will be a team from now on, so the stronger Li Zhenwu becomes, the stronger your team will be.
Plus, each of you has a different focus: Gensui can handle ranged attacks and defense, while Hana can scout, heal, and even track.
Together, you three form a vibrant and energetic powerhouse!"
As Guy Sensei spoke, he became animated with youthful enthusiasm, something Li Zhenwu had grown accustomed to, while Inuzuka Hana and Shiranui Gensui were still getting used to it.
"Guy Sensei is like this; he's a real youth at heart. You'll get used to it," Li Zhenwu reassured Hana and Gensui as he approached them.
"Zhenwu, I didn't expect you to be this strong," the two nodded, with Inuzuka Hana expressed surprise.
"Heh, I can get even stronger. You guys better get used to it," Li Zhenwu chuckled.
In the Hokage's office, the Third Hokage withdrew his gaze and put away the crystal ball, murmuring to himself, "The youth are truly formidable..."