A Second Battle with Namikaze Minato, No-Rules Duel

Afternoon.

The fourth-years, having already completed shuriken throwing and survival exercises, returned to the training ground and stood in their class's designated area.

Looking closely, one could see that the fourth-years were no longer standing in a circle as in the first phase, but had split into two rows with a large open space in the middle.

Under the teacher's roll call, students stepped out from the crowd one by one, then returned to their ranks with joy or dejection.

Those with serious injuries went ahead to receive treatment from the medical ninja.

"Group Thirteen: Uzumaki Kushina vs. Eriko."

As each group's battle ended.

In Class 4-1's area, Teacher Yuya called out the next pair's names.

Hearing the name of her opponent, Eriko's face instantly turned pale.

The classmates around her looked at her with pity in their eyes.

In just three short months, the impression Class 4-1 had of Uzumaki Kushina had undergone a complete upheaval.

With Gojo Yoru's protection, Uzumaki Kushina not only avoided the bullying from the original work, but had instead turned the tables and bullied those who had once mocked her.

Her terrifying monstrous strength was such that even the early-blooming Gojo Yoru, after taking a punch from her, nearly threw up everything he'd eaten the day before.

As for the others, there was no need to mention them.

Every practical assessment, anyone matched against Uzumaki Kushina ended up on their knees, vomiting.

In more severe cases, they passed out on the spot.

So aside from Gojo Yoru, the students of Class 1 had gained another opponent they never wanted to face.

"T-Teacher... can I forfeit?" Eriko raised her hand, her voice trembling slightly.

"No."

Yuya scolded sternly: "Practical assessments are not only simulations of life-and-death battles, but also meant to let you experience the joy and achievement of victory, as well as the frustration and unwillingness of defeat. These experiences will all enhance your Physical Energy and Mental Energy. So I don't want to hear the word 'forfeit' from your mouths again, understand?"

With his final words, Yuya's gaze sharpened as he glared fiercely at the entire class.

"Yes!"

The students swept by Yuya's gaze quickly straightened their backs and responded loudly.

So Eriko could only walk out with a dejected face.

Toward this person who had once mocked her, Uzumaki Kushina showed no mercy either, directly using Body Flicker to close in and one-shot her with a punch.

The delicate Eriko, hit by that punch, rolled her eyes back and passed out on the spot.

Seeing this, the corner of Yuya's mouth twitched involuntarily.

Good grief, just how deep was this hatred?

It had been months already, and she didn't even give them the chance to form the Seal of Reconciliation—she clearly had no intention of forgiving them!

Due to Uzumaki Kushina's special status, Yuya didn't dare to scold or lecture her, and could only give a look to the medical ninja beside him, signaling them to take Eriko over for treatment.

"Battle over. The winner is Uzumaki Kushina."

After announcing the result, Yuya continued reading the next group's names.

"Group Fourteen: Namikaze Minato vs. Gojo Yoru!"

Hearing these two names, all the students' eyes lit up.

"They're matched up again at last. This is going to be a good show."

"We get to see Minato-kun and Yoru-kun fight again. If I remember right, their last match was back in the first semester of third year."

"When we get matched against them, we just get one-shotted. I wonder how much stronger they've gotten after a year?"

"Minato, do your best! You have to win this time!"

"Minato, please get revenge for us." (Whispered)

"..."

Seeing the group of classmates all cheering for Namikaze Minato, Uzumaki Kushina looked thoroughly displeased.

After returning to formation, she immediately patted Gojo Yoru on the shoulder and shouted loudly: "Yoru, go teach that sissy a good lesson!"

Hearing this, Namikaze Minato, who was already feeling awkward, could only force a bitter smile. Just how heavy a blow he'd taken to his heart, probably only Gojo Yoru knew.

Gojo Yoru said nothing, but walked to the open space and stood to the left of Teacher Yuya.

Namikaze Minato came to the right side, standing face to face with Gojo Yoru.

Looking at these two most outstanding students, Yuya's eyes were also filled with anticipation as he called out loudly: "Both sides, form the Seal of Confrontation!"

Gojo Yoru and Namikaze Minato each raised a sword finger and said in unison: "Pleasure to meet you!"

"Battle begin!"

Yuya raised his arm high, then swung it down forcefully, simultaneously stepping back to yield the field to these two—the top student and the runner-up of the fourth year.

Unlike the other students, who charged toward each other the moment the signal sounded, Gojo Yoru and Namikaze Minato did not attack first. Instead, they stared at one another, their gazes locking as if sparks were flying between them.

Suddenly, Gojo Yoru spoke first: "How about a No-Rules Duel?"

Namikaze Minato was momentarily taken aback.

Looking at the fighting spirit burning in Gojo Yoru's eyes, he couldn't help but recall the slightly regretful expression on Gojo Yoru's face after their last bout.

It was an expression he had never seen on anyone else—not even when fighting Uzumaki Kushina.

Did Gojo Yoru... value him that much?

Then, thinking that this same person had won the favor of the girl he himself held deep affection for, the usually gentle-tempered Namikaze Minato suddenly felt a rare urge to prove himself. His emotions flared, and a fighting gleam lit his eyes as he replied, "Fine. I have no objections."

Gojo Yoru's lips curled slightly. He turned to Yuya and said, "Yuya-sensei, I'd like to apply for a No-Rules Duel."

Namikaze Minato also nodded at Yuya in agreement.

"This..."

Yuya was at a loss, his face full of hesitation.

"Let them have it. Let everyone see what real genius looks like." The Medical Ninja beside him smiled. "Besides, with the two of us here, nothing will go wrong."

A genius without a Kekkei Genkai—no matter how talented—would be impressive enough if they could pull off a single C-rank Five Element Ninjutsu.

Some veteran Genin were about that strong.

But for a Chunin, that level of power was nothing.

As long as they took precautions, this Medical Ninja didn't think anything unexpected would happen.

Yuya found the reasoning sound.

So he nodded at Gojo Yoru and Namikaze Minato, his expression turning serious. "Application approved. You may use any means necessary from here on—hold nothing back. If danger arises, we will step in and stop the match."

After saying this, Yuya addressed the two rows of students: "Everyone, back up another five meters."

"Gulp!"

The students were so overwhelmed by the atmosphere that they couldn't speak.

Swallowing instinctively, they all stepped back in unison, watching the two on the field with tense expressions.

At that moment, everyone could feel it—an invisible barrier seemed to separate them from the two standing in the arena.

It wasn't just a gap in rank. It was a chasm... one they were destined never to cross.