If his estimation was correct, once Yuuya opened the second gate, his chakra reserves would advance to the chūnin level along with it. At that point, he would be able to further develop the power of his Vibration Release Kekkei Genkai, and even begin training the Rasengan, or perhaps create ninjutsu best suited to himself.
With his goals clearly defined, Yuuya devoted the following days entirely to training.
In the blink of an eye, several days passed.
Not only had Yuuya's body completely adapted to the power of his heart, but his control over vibration force had also improved significantly.
Boom!
With a single punch, he shattered a thick wooden post into fragments. Letting out a breath, Yuuya wiped the sweat from his forehead and nodded in satisfaction.
Ordinary genin were absolutely no match for him now.
After finishing his training for the day, Yuuya said goodbye to Might Dai and headed home.
What he didn't expect, however, was that upon reaching his doorstep, he saw a figure who looked like she had been waiting for him for a long time.
It was Uzumaki Kushina.
Even though she had angrily declared that she wouldn't care about Yuuya anymore, as time passed, the worry in her heart only grew stronger. After hearing some troubling news, she ultimately couldn't stop herself from coming to find him again.
And when she discovered that Yuuya wasn't home, her anxiety intensified even further. Gritting her teeth, she actually waited in front of his house for nearly an entire day!
At last, when she saw Yuuya returning, the tense and worried expression on Kushina's face finally relaxed.
But immediately afterward, she glared at him fiercely.
"Yuuya… this time, you have to listen to me!"
Walking over to her, Yuuya helplessly spread his hands.
"What is it?"
Kushina took a deep breath and said solemnly,
"Go and participate in the upcoming Ninja Academy Combat Ranking Assessment!"
That instantly made Yuuya feel a bit surprised and confused.
Combat ranking assessment?
What was that?
Before Yuuya could think it through, Kushina grabbed his arm.
"I know you're strong-willed and proud, and that you don't want to rely on others to survive… but this time, it's your chance to prove yourself!"
"The combat ranking assessment is a full-grade practical exam. It's not just one-on-one fights, but repeated matchups decided by lots, until a complete ranking is formed."
"The Third Hokage-sama will be paying attention to this assessment! As long as you perform well and catch his eye, the Uchiha clan definitely won't dare touch you!"
At this point, Kushina looked at Yuuya, clearly wanting to force him to agree.
But for some reason, seeing Yuuya's calm, unconcerned expression caused her resolve to soften.
She was afraid that Yuuya would still stubbornly go his own way.
The determination on her small face gradually faded, replaced by hesitation and unease.
"Yuuya… please listen to me, okay… You don't need to beat the most talented one, Namikaze Minato. Even if you just make it into the top three, the Hokage will definitely notice you…"
There was even a trace of pleading in Kushina's voice.
That alone left Yuuya stunned.
Was this really her?
That fiery-tempered girl?
This was someone who genuinely didn't want him to die, who didn't want him to leave—and only then would she show such a vulnerable side.
Yuuya felt something stir softly in his heart.
"I agree."
Kushina froze for a moment, then looked as though she might cry from happiness, a bright smile appearing on her face.
But in the very next moment, her true nature resurfaced.
With a faint blush on her cheeks and an indignant expression, Kushina clenched her small fists and bared her teeth at Yuuya.
"You're really way too troublesome! I'll beat you to death, beat you to death, beat you to death!"
"Alright, alright."
Yuuya couldn't help but grab both of her hands.
Kushina's face turned slightly red. She struggled for a moment, but when she couldn't break free, she stopped trying.
Yuuya raised a finger, pinched her cheek lightly, and smiled.
"Don't be angry. Since I'm participating, I'll take first place and show you."
"Hmph."
Kushina snorted softly and turned her head away.
She knew Yuuya was saying this just to cheer her up. While she believed that his hard work could earn him a good result, she didn't think he could actually take first place.
Because standing in front of that position was an insurmountable mountain—
Namikaze Minato!
She knew that not long ago, Minato had defeated a genin head-on.
If it were just being first in the Ninja Academy, that would be one thing—but directly defeating a genin already meant he qualified for early graduation!
Minato's strength was on a completely different level from the other students.
The next day.
Since he had promised Kushina, and after giving it some thought, Yuuya realized that participating in the combat ranking assessment and catching the attention of the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, was indeed worth it.
After all, if he lost to Uchiha Kan (Uchiha Han), he would die—but even if he won, it would still mean slapping the Uchiha clan in the face.
Without a powerful backer, he would still be easily dealt with by the Uchiha.
And in Konoha, there was no mountain greater than the Third Hokage.
Arriving at the Ninja Academy, Yuuya found it unusually lively.
There were no classes today.
After Yuuya had defeated Uchiha Izumiya, no one in the academy dared to provoke him anymore. The looks of disdain and contempt had all turned into admiration and awe.
But today, those looks had changed again.
"Did you hear? Yuuya is going to have a life-and-death duel with Uchiha Kan," one student whispered nervously upon seeing him.
"Uchiha Kan is a chūnin! Has Yuuya gone crazy?" another child exclaimed in disbelief.
"Shh… don't talk about that yet. That duel is still far off. What matters today is the combat ranking assessment. Who do you think will win?"
"Obviously Namikaze Minato."
"Minato will definitely take first place."
Several boys and girls nodded, as if it were only natural.
"Besides Minato, Hyūga Setsuna from the prestigious Hyūga clan is also very strong."
"Yeah, he beat Uchiha Izumiya before too. I wonder who's stronger, Setsuna or Yuuya."
"It should be Setsuna. After all, Yuuya only uses taijutsu, and the Hyūga clan is the natural nemesis of taijutsu."
The group continued whispering among themselves.
All across the Ninja Academy, students gathered in clusters like this.
When Yuuya arrived, even his chūnin instructor, Katō Noya, looked a bit surprised.
He hadn't expected Yuuya to participate in the combat ranking assessment.
In his view, Yuuya only had a few months left to live and should be enjoying himself instead.
Without thinking too much about it, Katō Noya casually added Yuuya's name to the list.
With no obstacles whatsoever, Yuuya completed his registration.
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