The Current Number One Ranker is Ling Xuan!

Hinata was already physically exhausted, and with the weights she was wearing, she slipped and was about to tumble down the slope.

"Ah!" Hinata let out a short cry of alarm, closing her eyes in despair.

Just then, a figure swept past her side—it was Ling Xuan, who had just overtaken her.

In the instant he passed, his right foot tapped the slope with what looked like a casual, light touch.

A dry stone, roughly the size of a fist, was precisely kicked into the path half an inch in front of Hinata's left foot, right where she was about to slide.

Hinata's toe subconsciously landed on the suddenly appearing stone; although she still stumbled, the small protrusion provided a vital point of support.

It miraculously allowed her to steady herself, sparing her from the fate of a fall.

When she opened her eyes, still shaken, she saw only the back of Ling Xuan, who was already disappearing around the bend ahead with unhurried grace.

Is it... like this again?

Hinata stood frozen in place, a complex and indescribable emotion welling up in her heart.

Gratitude, confusion, and a flutter of feeling she hadn't even realized herself.

She shook her head vigorously to cast off these chaotic thoughts, took a deep breath, and started moving again, her gaze firmer than before.

Sasuke Uchiha was running at full tilt, and he could feel the steady, persistent sound of footsteps trailing closely behind him.

He didn't need to look back to know it was Ling Xuan.

No matter how he accelerated or utilized his techniques, he couldn't shake the other boy off; instead, his own impatience caused him to burn through his stamina even faster.

"Damn it!" Sasuke gritted his teeth, his pride unable to tolerate being overtaken by an obscure orphan like this.

He forcibly pushed his chakra, and his speed increased by another notch.

The finish line was finally in sight. Relying on a final burst of chakra, Sasuke crossed the line first by a narrow margin.

He braced his hands on his knees, gasping for air, his clothes soaked through with sweat.

Right on his heels, almost step-for-step, Ling Xuan crossed the finish line with ease.

His breathing was only slightly rapid, and a thin layer of sweat beaded on his forehead.

In stark contrast to Sasuke's disheveled state, he even had the energy to offer a slight nod of acknowledgment to the teacher in charge of recording.

This scene caused everyone watching to gasp in shock.

To remain this composed after such a grueling course? Just what level is this kid's stamina?!

Soon after, the other students arrived at the finish line one after another, most of them collapsing to the ground, panting heavily.

"The weighted obstacle run assessment is concluded!" Iruka announced loudly. He glanced at the comprehensive ranking sheet in his hand, casting a complex look at Ling Xuan.

"Based on the results of the first two assessments, the current number one is still Ling Xuan!"

The entire field fell into silence once more, followed by an even louder wave of discussion.

This usually reticent orphan was now, in everyone's eyes, like a rising star, so dazzling that he could not be ignored.

Iruka signaled for silence, then made a solemn announcement.

"Students, we will now proceed to the final item of this comprehensive assessment, the one that best reflects a ninja's practical combat ability."

"You will be paired up for simulated combat! The specific matchups will be decided by the examiners via a draw and announced shortly!"

As soon as these words were spoken, the students' excitement was instantly ignited.

Countless gazes converged simultaneously on Ling Xuan, who stood calmly in the crowd as if none of this had anything to do with him.

They were all wondering the same thing: Who would be his teammate? And who would be the "unfortunate" ones to face him and his partner?

As Iruka's voice faded, the atmosphere in the training ground seemed to freeze for a moment, only to be replaced by the students' irrepressible chatter and nervous breathing.

Simulated combat was undoubtedly the most anticipated part of the assessment, and the best indicator of individual strength and teamwork.

"Quiet!" Iruka raised his voice, and the stern gazes of the examiners swept over the crowd.

"I will now announce the random groupings and the order of combat for this simulated exercise."

A guest examiner stepped forward, holding a drawing cylinder.

He pulled out two scrolls and announced loudly: "First group, Sasuke Uchiha and Sakura Haruno! Your opponents are..."

He paused, then pulled out two more, "Kiba Inuzuka and Shino Aburame!"

"Oh?" A cold smirk tugged at the corner of Sasuke's mouth as he glanced at Kiba Inuzuka beside him, his eyes filled with confidence.

Kiba bared his teeth in return, and Akamaru on his head let out two cooperative "woofs."

Sakura looked a bit nervous, but being grouped with Sasuke made her quite excited.

Shino stood silently, his thoughts hidden behind his dark glasses.

"Second group, Naruto Uzumaki and Shikamaru Nara! Your opponents are..." The examiner drew again, "Enshi Higurashi and Hotaru Morino!"

"What? I'm grouped with this dead-last?" Shikamaru immediately let out his signature complaint, wearing an expression that screamed "what a drag."

Naruto, however, waved his fists excitedly: "Great! Shikamaru, let's go blow them away!"

The examiner ignored their commotion and continued the announcements.

"Team Three, Ling Xuan, your partner is..."

Everyone's heart leaped into their throats, especially those students who were weaker and hoping to latch onto a powerhouse.

As well as those with decent strength who hoped to spar with or team up with a strong partner.

"...Hinata Hyuga!"

Whoosh—

As soon as this result was announced, a wave of low gasps and whispers erupted from the crowd.

Hinata Hyuga? That shy, timid young lady of the Byakugan who never dared to speak above a whisper?

She was actually grouped with Ling Xuan, the student who had shown the most stunning performance so far? This was like comparing heaven and earth!

Many felt she would surely drag Ling Xuan down.

Others were secretly jealous, thinking that teaming up with a "super rookie" like Ling Xuan was simply incredible luck.

Ino Yamanaka let out an exaggerated "Ah," winking at Sakura: "Look at that, Sakura, that shy girl is so lucky! But with her skills, she's bound to ruin Ling Xuan!"

Hinata herself was completely stunned; she covered her mouth with her small hands, her fair cheeks turning bright red in an instant.

She looked at Ling Xuan in disbelief, then hurriedly lowered her head, her heart pounding like a trapped deer.

She felt a secret joy at being grouped with Ling Xuan, but also immense pressure, fearing that her poor performance would hold him back.

Ling Xuan remained calm. He glanced at the flustered Hinata not far away, his eyes as still as an ancient well.

[Partner: Hinata Hyuga. Bloodline: Byakugan (undeveloped). Specialty: Gentle Fist (basic).]

[Strengths: Huge potential for sensory perception, Gentle Fist counters certain taijutsu. Weaknesses: Lacks combat experience, extremely low self-confidence, average chakra control.]

[Overall Evaluation: Highly malleable support/scout-type teammate, requires proper guidance and psychological reinforcement.]