Ino Stomps Her Foot in Anger

The moment the examiner announced their victory, Hinata Hyuga felt her mind go completely blank.

In her ears, the noisy chatter of her classmates—some exclaiming in surprise, others debating the match—mingled with the sound of her own heartbeat.

She had won... together with Ling Xuan, they had defeated the formidable duo of Ino and Choji!

"We... we did it." Hinata turned her head to look at Ling Xuan beside her.

Her pure, white eyes were filled with excitement and an indescribable sense of admiration.

Ling Xuan nodded slightly at her, his expression remaining as calm and breezy as ever.

"Yes, your Byakugan provided effective intelligence at the critical moment, and your Gentle Fist strikes were perfectly timed. This was a good piece of practical experience, Hinata."

To Hinata, this simple acknowledgment was more precious than any flowery praise.

Her cheeks flushed involuntarily, and she nodded vigorously: "Yes! I... I will continue to work hard, Ling Xuan!"

As the two walked off the field side by side, they were met with vastly different gazes.

The looks cast toward Hinata were mostly of surprise and a newfound respect, while those directed at Ling Xuan were filled with curiosity.

This boy, with wisdom far beyond his years and a monstrous level of control, had left an indelible impression on everyone.

Naruto Uzumaki was the first to rush over, shouting excitedly: "Ling Xuan! Hinata! You guys were amazing! That move just now... uh, Hinata, that 'whack' you did, Choji couldn't even stand steady, it was so cool! Ling Xuan, how did you know to do that?"

Sasuke Uchiha stood silently not far away, his eyes fixed on Ling Xuan's back with a complex expression.

He had to admit that the combat style Ling Xuan displayed—one of total situational awareness and strategic command—was something he was currently far from achieving.

This brought him unprecedented pressure, but it also ignited a stronger desire to compete.

Ino Yamanaka, supported by Choji Akimichi, looked somewhat dazed.

Her family's secret techniques, which she took such pride in, had been so easily seen through and neutralized by the opponent; the blow to her was not insignificant.

She glared at Ling Xuan with lingering resentment, yet deep within her eyes, there was a strange flicker she herself had not yet realized.

The subsequent mock combat matches proceeded one after another. While there were other highlights, the bar had been set too high; the shock brought about by the textbook-perfect guided battle between Ling Xuan and Hinata lingered long after.

When all the matches concluded and the sunset glow once again bathed the training ground, Iruka and several guest examiners stepped onto the high platform, holding the final summary of results.

"Students, quiet down!" Iruka's voice carried an irrepressible excitement. "The final comprehensive skill assessment for the first year of the Ninja Academy has been successfully completed! Now, I will announce the final overall rankings!"

Everyone held their breath.

"Combining the scores from the Three Body Technique application, shuriken and kunai throwing, the weighted obstacle course, and the mock combat matches..."

"The first-place student in this year's first-year comprehensive assessment, the top student, is—"

Iruka deliberately drew out the sound. Although most people already knew the result, he still swept his gaze across the entire field.

He built up a bit of suspense before finally settling on the figure who remained calm throughout.

"Ling Xuan!"

Whoosh—

This time, the entire field erupted in thunderous applause.

Regardless of what they had thought of Ling Xuan before, at this moment, his strength had earned everyone's recognition.

"Second place, Sasuke Uchiha!" Iruka continued to announce.

Sasuke lifted his chin slightly, accepting the result.

"Tied for third place, Shikamaru Nara and Kiba Inuzuka!"

Shikamaru still wore his "what a drag" expression, while Kiba excitedly high-fived Akamaru.

"Additionally, for outstanding performance and significant improvement in this assessment, we give special commendation to Hinata Hyuga for her excellent performance in combat and her superb use of the Byakugan!"

Hearing her name, Hinata covered her mouth in pleasant surprise. She instinctively looked toward Ling Xuan, only to see the boy calmly accepting the congratulations of others, as if everything were exactly as it should be.

As the top student of this assessment, Ling Xuan not only gained the attention of the entire school's faculty and students but also received a special reward.

It was a special permit signed personally by the Third Hokage, allowing him, under the escort of a ninja of Chunin rank or higher, to access restricted areas of the Konoha library containing ninjutsu, history, and theoretical texts not open to ordinary students.

In addition, there was a set of kunai and shuriken provided exclusively by the village, forged from a special alloy with sharpness and durability far exceeding standard-issue equipment.

That evening, in the Hokage's office.

Hiruzen Sarutobi carefully read the detailed report submitted by the Anbu regarding Ling Xuan's entire assessment process, as well as the final comments from the examiner panel.

"Insight: S+. Tactical Planning: S+. Chakra Control: S. Learning and Analytical Ability: EX (exceeds measurable range)."

"Capable of guiding and maximizing teammates' abilities, psychological resilience beyond that of an ordinary person..."

Hiruzen muttered the keywords from the report, his eyes growing brighter.

"This child... is definitely not one to stay in a shallow pond." He set down the report and took a deep puff from his pipe.

"Pass down the order: elevate the observation level for Ling Xuan to 'A-plus.' There is no need to directly interfere with his growth, but ensure his safety and record all his unusual behaviors and contacts."

"The library access permit can be appropriately relaxed; having Iruka or Toma accompany him will suffice."

"Furthermore," Hiruzen said with a smile, "it is time for some of the old guard to know that our Konoha has produced another remarkable little seedling. Perhaps it is time to start scouting for his future jonin instructor."

The next day at the Ninja Academy, the atmosphere had clearly changed. Wherever Ling Xuan went, he inevitably attracted countless gazes.

When Hinata Hyuga saw him, she no longer dodged away as she had before; instead, she would muster her courage and offer a soft greeting, "Good morning, Ling Xuan-kun."

Then, amidst his calm response, she would blush and hurry away, though her mood would remain exceptionally bright for the rest of the day.

Ino Yamanaka, on the other hand, seemed to have locked horns with Ling Xuan, constantly appearing near him either intentionally or accidentally, or debating him on some issue during class.

Although it was usually a one-sided initiation on her part, Ling Xuan could pierce to the core of the matter in just a few words, leaving her speechless.

Or, during training, she would deliberately exert herself in front of him, attempting to capture his attention.

"Hey! You... Ling Xuan!" During the break that day, Ino stood with her hands on her hips, blocking Ling Xuan's path.

"Don't think you're all that just because you took the top spot! Next time... next time I will definitely beat you!"

She lifted her chin, looking utterly unconvinced.

Ling Xuan looked at her calmly. "I look forward to it."

He then walked past her, heading straight toward the library.

Ino watched his retreating back and stomped her foot in frustration, yet the corners of her mouth curled upward of their own accord.