The Test of Saigoji Youmu

It can be seen that Saigoji Youmu should not be considered a genius of Konoha. However, look at the appearance of Uzumaki Kushina. The little girl from the Uchiha clan did not dare to jump to conclusions—even though she was one class older than Kushina—because the name "Blood Red Pepper" – a testament to her fiery temperament was still whispered about. She couldn't fathom that a common ninja could make Kushina so excited.

With doubts lingering, the little girl from the Uchiha clan left the classroom together with Saigoji Youmu and Uzumaki Kushina. Later, on the roof of a building in Konoha, the trio gathered.

"As usual, let us introduce ourself first," Saigoji Youmu declared, seating himself on the guardrail. "We'll cover our names, hobbies, likes, dislikes, and so on."

The session began with Uzumaki Kushina stepping forward excitedly. "My name is Uzumaki Kushina, and my hobby is…" She spoke in detail, knowing that this session was meant to help her learn how to care for another person.

Next came the introduction from the little girl of the Uchiha clan. "My name is Uchiha Mikoto, and my hobbies are…" Her introduction was brief in comparison to Kushina's.

Finally, Saigoji Youmu added his own introduction. "My name is Saigoji Youmu, and my hobbies are…" In just a minute or two, the self-introduction session came to an end, and the three began chatting.

"Mikoto, you're not like the typical Uchiha," Kushina remarked in amazement. While most members of the Uchiha were known for their cold, arrogant demeanor, Mikoto's cool exterior was softened by a hint of tenderness—a quality that made her more approachable than her peers.

"Hehe," Mikoto smiled awkwardly, understanding Kushina's meaning all too well.

As the sun climbed higher and noon approached, Saigoji Youmu clapped his hands to recapture their attention. "Okay, let's pause here. Now, it's time to get down to business."

"Business?" Kushina began, but then corrected herself, "Senior Saigoji—ah, Teacher Saigoji."

"Are we going to do the mission?" Kushina asked quickly.

"Mission? No," Saigoji Youmu shook his head. "It's a test. This test will determine how I will teach you. As for the mission itself, that's something to consider after a few days."

"What test, Saigoji-sensei?" Uchiha Mikoto inquired.

"Come with me," he replied.

Later, at a training ground in Konoha, Saigoji Youmu explained, "The test is simple." With a jingling sound, he produced a small bell he'd prepared in advance. "If you can snatch this bell from me, you will pass the test."

"How could it be possible to grab it?" Kushina asked.

"Saigoji-sensei, are you trying to embarrass us on purpose?" she teased, though she smiled wryly.

"Relax, Kushina. I'm not going to use all my strength," he assured them as he drew a small circle around himself with his feet. "If you can force me out of this circle—even if you don't get the bell—I will count you as having passed the test. Not only that, but I'll give you additional rewards."

"Really, Saigoji-sensei?" Kushina's eyes sparkled as she glanced at the tiny circle at his feet. Though it was small enough that even a slight misstep on his part might allow them to push him out, Kushina knew that with the combined strength of herself and Mikoto, outright grabbing the bell was unlikely. Yet, if they managed to force him outside his circle, hope remained.

"Hehe, come on," Saigoji Youmu said with a mischievous curl of his mouth. "Mikoto, Kushina—use any means you can think of."

Exchanging determined glances, Uzumaki Kushina and Uchiha Mikoto nodded in unison, ready to take on the test.