In Konoha, at the start, Hinata was given the Tenseigan.

"I will do everything I can to help you." Although Shadow's voice was cold, it contained a hint of warm trust.

As the training progressed, Xia Mu discovered that Youying seemed to have a hidden background.

One day, he couldn't help but ask, "Why did you choose to join us? I've noticed you're always alone."

Youying paused for a moment, a complex emotion flashing in her eyes.

"I was once a lonely ninja, striving for power, but often feeling lost," he said slowly, his voice low and sincere. "Until I met you all, I discovered the meaning of teamwork."

“The power of teamwork is indeed important.” Xiaoxue nodded in agreement, her eyes shining with warmth.

The training days passed in the blink of an eye, and the day of the exam finally arrived.

In the village square, a large number of young ninjas gathered, and the atmosphere was tense and exciting.

Xia Mu, Yun Cheng, and Xiao Xue stood together at the registration desk, their hearts filled with anticipation and unease.

"No matter what, we must cheer each other on!" Xia Mu encouraged, her gaze resolute.

After registration closed, all participants were taken to a large testing area with various obstacles and challenges set up around it.

"This exam is divided into three stages, and each stage will test different abilities of yours," an examiner explained from the front.

"First, it's a test of combat ability; then, teamwork; and finally, psychological resilience." The examiner's voice was loud and powerful.

Xia Mu secretly made up his mind that he would go all out in this exam and show his strength.

"I will do my best and never let anyone down," he silently vowed to himself, his eyes resolute.

The first round of assessments began, and the participants were divided into multiple groups to compete against each other.

Xia Mu and Xiao Xue were assigned to one group, while Yun Cheng was on the other side.

“We need to maintain our tacit understanding and cooperate with each other,” Xia Mu said, his eyes fixed on his opponent ahead.

Xiaoxue nodded, her eyes shining with determination.

The opponents are a pair of ninjas from the Fire Village, skilled in Fire Release and Taijutsu.

"This will be a fierce battle!" Xia Mu took a deep breath, preparing to meet the challenge.

The battle began, and Natsuki and Koyuki quickly launched their offensive.

"Water attack!" Xia Mu quickly used a water-style ninjutsu to try to restrict his opponent's movements.

Xiaoxue used the power of the wind, combined with the whirlpools formed by the water flow, to quickly approach the enemy.

Despite their formidable opponents, the two gradually found themselves on the defensive thanks to their excellent teamwork.

"We must seize the opportunity!" Xiaoxue analyzed calmly, her eyes gleaming with wisdom.

Just then, the opponent unleashed a powerful fire attack in an attempt to retaliate.

"Watch out, get out of the way!" Xia Mu shouted, a surge of tension rising in his heart.

At the critical moment, Xiaoxue timely used her Water Escape technique to create a water curtain that blocked the flames.

"What a wonderful teamwork!" Xia Mu felt a surge of excitement, his heart filled with trust in Xiao Xue.

"This is just the beginning; what comes next is even more important!" Xiaoxue replied with a smile, her gaze firm.

After a fierce battle, Xia Mu and Xiao Xue finally emerged victorious.

They hugged each other in the exam room to celebrate their victory.

"We did it!" Xia Mu cheered.

The first round of assessments has successfully concluded, but the following assessments will be even more challenging.

Xia Mu realized that the strength of the team was his strongest support.

224: Since we're already here, let's train together!

"No matter what, we will work together to meet the next challenge!" he said, his heart filled with conviction.

As dawn broke, a fresh scent filled the air of the training ground.

Xia Mu sat on a bench in the training field, playing with a small pebble in his hand.

He didn't start training; instead, his gaze wandered and his thoughts drifted.

"Let's skip training today and do something fun." Xia Mu's lips curled into a mischievous smile.

Just then, Xiaoxue and Yuncheng walked over.

"Xiao Mu, what mischief are you thinking of now?" Xiao Xue saw through Xia Mu's thoughts at a glance, half helpless and half curious.

"I'm planning to surprise Youying," Xia Mu said softly, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

“But he’s a very calm person. What if we scare him?” Yun Cheng shook his head, seemingly disagreeing.

"It's precisely because he's calm that it's so interesting!" Xia Mu said enthusiastically, already starting to formulate his plan.

After some discussion, Xia Mu decided to set up a small trap in a secluded spot in the training ground, so that when Youying arrived, he would experience a "surprise."

Xia Mu started to get busy, finding branches, grass, and even some small stones.

"That's perfect!" he muttered to himself, filled with smug satisfaction.

Soon after, Youying arrived as promised. As soon as she entered the training ground, she was drawn to the traps that Xia Mu had hidden.

"What is this?" Shadow frowned and looked around.

"It's nothing, just a little gadget." Xia Mu pretended to be relaxed, trying to hide his nervousness.

Shadow hesitated for a moment, then continued walking forward.

Just as he passed the trap, Xia Mu felt a surge of joy and finally pressed the hidden mechanism.

"Snap!" A sound rang out, and the small stone hidden in the grass sprang up instantly, flying towards the shadow like a cannonball.

The shadowy figure turned around, saw the flying stone, and a hint of surprise flashed in its eyes.

"Get out of the way!" He reacted quickly, dodging the incoming stone by sidestepping.

Xia Mu laughed so hard she almost fell over. "That was hilarious! I didn't expect you to react so quickly!"

Youying turned around, her face filled with helplessness and confusion. "What are you doing?"

"I just wanted to help you relax." Xia Mu grinned, feeling that his plan had been a great success.

"This is not a way to relax," Shadow said with a hint of helplessness.

"..." But seeing how tense you are, you really need to relax!" Xia Mu remained enthusiastic, seemingly completely unconcerned about You Ying's reaction.

Just then, Xiaoxue and Yuncheng arrived.

"Xiao Mu, you're causing trouble again!" Xiao Xue covered her forehead, looking helpless.

"I just wanted to add some fun," Xia Mu said matter-of-factly.

“But this will affect everyone’s training.” Yun Cheng frowned, clearly disapproving of Xia Mu’s approach.

“It’s alright. Youying reacted so quickly, (Mano’s) proves that he’s also very capable.” Xia Mu said with a smile, not feeling that he had done anything wrong.

Youying shook her head helplessly, seemingly infected by Xia Mu's enthusiasm.

"Since you're all here, let's train together." He finally decided to join their training.

As training progressed, Xia Mu's mischievous antics did not stop.

He would occasionally throw small stones at the shadowy figure, or deliberately create minor troubles during training to liven up the atmosphere.

225: Superb physical skills! Gain even more power!!

“You’re such a nuisance,” Shadow finally couldn’t help but say, but with a hint of a smile in his voice.

"This is my greatest pleasure!" Xia Mu said with a smug look on his face, secretly pleased with himself.

After training, Xia Mu sat on a bench, feeling both exhausted and satisfied.

"You really caused trouble today," Xiaoxue said with a smile and a shake of her head.

"But everyone was happy." Xia Mu smiled slightly, feeling that the day's mischief was worthwhile.

At this moment, Youying walked over, still wearing that helpless smile on her face.

"Although you're quite mischievous, you've also made everyone feel much more relaxed." His tone revealed a hint of approval.

"That's enough!" Xia Mu said confidently, as if he could already see the infinite possibilities of the future.

　507 In the days that followed, Xia Mu continued his mischievous antics.

He not only made training easier, but also made his teammates feel the warmth of friendship.

"Perhaps, being mischievous is also a kind of charm for a ninja," Xia Mu thought to himself, a smile spreading across his face.

He believes that these little incidents brought their team closer together.

"I'll come up with a better idea next time," Xia Mu said confidently, secretly looking forward to the next surprise.

This day, though just an ordinary one, left unforgettable memories amidst its mischievous antics.

(bfee) Natsuki knew that as a ninja, in addition to strength, optimism and passion in one's heart were equally important.