Ino Was So Mad, She Stamped Her Feet

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

All she could hear was the noisy chatter of her classmates, some exclaiming in surprise, others discussing the match, and the sound of her own heartbeat.

She'd won... Together with Ling Xuan, she'd beaten the formidable team of Ino and Choji!

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

Her clear white eyes were filled with excitement and an indescribable admiration.

Ling Xuan gave her a slight nod, his expression as calm and unruffled as ever.

"Your Byakugan gave us useful information at a critical moment, and your Gentle Fist attacks were perfectly timed. This was good practical experience, Hinata."

Those simple words of approval meant more to Hinata than any flowery praise.

Her cheeks flushed again despite herself, and she nodded hard. "Yes! I... I'll keep working hard, Ling Xuan!"

The two walked off the field side by side, greeted by a starkly different range of expressions.

Hinata drew mostly surprise and a hint of newfound respect. Ling Xuan, on the other hand, drew curious stares.

With his wisdom far beyond his years and almost uncanny command of the match, the boy had left an unforgettable impression on everyone.

Naruto Uzumaki was the first to rush over, shouting excitedly. "Ling Xuan! Hinata! You were amazing! That move just now... Uh, Hinata, when you hit him with that smack, Choji couldn't even stay on his feet! So cool! Ling Xuan, how did you know?"

Sasuke Uchiha stood silently some distance away, staring at Ling Xuan's back with a complicated look.

He had to admit that Ling Xuan's ability to read the whole situation and plan his battle strategy was far beyond anything he could manage right now.

It filled him with unprecedented pressure and stirred an even stronger competitive spirit.

With Choji Akimichi supporting her, Ino Yamanaka looked somewhat dazed.

Her proud clan secret technique had been seen through and countered with such ease. It was a serious blow.

She glared at Ling Xuan resentfully, but deep in her eyes was a strange feeling she hadn't even noticed herself.

The remaining mock combat matches soon wrapped up as well. Though some had their exciting moments, the astonishing display in Ling Xuan and Hinata's textbook-perfect guiding match remained fresh in everyone's minds.

When all the matches were over and the setting sun once again bathed the training ground in its glow, Iruka-sensei and several guest examiners stepped onto the platform, holding the final score report.

"Everyone, quiet down!" Iruka's voice carried unmistakable excitement. "All events in the Ninja Academy's first-year end-of-term comprehensive skills assessment have been completed! I'll now announce the final overall rankings!"

Everyone held their breath.

"Based on the four events—the Three Body Technique, shuriken and kunai throwing, the weighted obstacle run, and the mock combat matches..."

"The top-ranked student in this year's first-year comprehensive assessment is—"

Iruka deliberately drew out the announcement. Most people already knew the result, but he still let his gaze sweep across the crowd,

building a little suspense before it finally settled on the figure who had remained calm throughout.

"Ling Xuan!"

The crowd erupted—

This time, the applause was thunderous.

No matter what they had thought of Ling Xuan before, everyone now recognized his strength.

"Second place, Sasuke Uchiha!" Iruka continued.

Sasuke raised his chin slightly, accepting the result.

"Joint third place, Shikamaru Nara and Kiba Inuzuka!"

Shikamaru still looked like everything was a drag, while Kiba excitedly slapped paws with Akamaru.

"Also, for outstanding performance and significant improvement in this assessment, Hinata Hyuga will receive a special commendation for her excellent showing in the mock combat match and her skillful use of the Byakugan!"

Hearing her name, Hinata covered her mouth in delighted surprise. She instinctively looked at Ling Xuan, but the boy was calmly accepting everyone's congratulations, as if this were only to be expected.

As the top-ranked student in the assessment, Ling Xuan had earned not only the attention of the entire school, but also a special reward.

A permit personally issued by the Third Hokage, allowing him to consult select ninjutsu, history, and theory texts in sections of the Konoha Library normally off-limits to ordinary students, accompanied by a Chunin or higher-ranked ninja.

He also received a set of kunai and shuriken specially supplied by the village and made of a special alloy, far sharper and more durable than standard-issue equipment.

That evening, in the Hokage's office,

Hiruzen Sarutobi carefully read the detailed report Anbu had submitted on Ling Xuan's performance throughout the assessment, along with the examiners' final evaluation.

"Perception: S+. Tactical planning: S+. Chakra control: S. Learning and analytical ability: EX (beyond the scope of evaluation)."

"Can guide and maximize the abilities of his teammates; psychological resilience far beyond the norm..."

Hiruzen murmured the key points from the report, his eyes growing brighter by the moment.

"This boy... is destined for great things." He set the report aside and took a deep draw from his pipe.

"Pass on the order: raise Ling Xuan's observation level to A-plus. There's no need to interfere directly with his growth, but ensure his safety and record all unusual behavior and everyone he comes into contact with."

"The scope of his special access to the library can be broadened a little. Iruka or Toma can accompany him."

"Also..." A smile appeared on Hiruzen's face. "It's time some of the old-timers learned that Konoha has another remarkable young talent. Perhaps we should start looking for candidates to become his future jonin mentor as well."

The next day, the atmosphere at the Ninja Academy had clearly changed. Wherever Ling Xuan went, he drew countless stares.

When Hinata saw him, she no longer dodged away as she used to. Instead, she would gather her courage and quietly say, "Good morning, Ling Xuan."

Then, when he calmly replied, she would hurry off with flushed cheeks, but her mood would stay brighter for the rest of the day.

Ino, meanwhile, seemed to have taken Ling Xuan as her personal rival. She would find excuses to appear near him or challenge him over some point in class.

Though she usually started the arguments herself, Ling Xuan could silence her with just a few words by getting straight to the heart of the matter.

Or she would make a show of how hard she was training in front of him, trying to catch his attention.

"Hey! You there... Ling Xuan!" During a break that day, Ino planted her hands on her hips and blocked his path.

"Don't think you're so great just because you got first place! Next time... next time, I'll beat you!"

She lifted her chin, looking determined not to give up.

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

Then he walked around her and headed straight for the library.

Watching him walk away, Ino stamped her foot in frustration, but the corners of her mouth lifted despite herself.