Final Comprehensive Skill Assessment

"Is it someone sent by the Hokage? It seems my talent has already caught the attention of the higher-ups."

For Ling Xuan, this was neither good nor bad.

As long as it did not interfere with his plans, he did not mind being watched.

A true chess player is often happy to have more spectators on the board.

The news of the comprehensive skill assessment was like a stone thrown into a pond, sending ripples through the first-year students at the Ninja Academy.

The previously relaxed atmosphere suddenly turned tense. On the training grounds, students could be seen practicing diligently everywhere.

Naruto Uzumaki was still jumping around, trying to perfect his Clone Technique. Although the results were often less than satisfactory, his indomitable spirit infected many others.

Sasuke Uchiha occupied a corner by himself, the sound of shuriken piercing the air constant; every strike carried the unique precision and cold pride of the Uchiha clan.

Sakura Haruno held a theory book, occasionally arguing with Ino Yamanaka about the chakra control points of a certain ninjutsu, clearly wanting to win back some ground in theoretical or technical subjects.

Shikamaru Nara leaned against a tree, a blade of grass in his mouth, complaining that it was "such a drag."

But in his occasionally opened eyes, a light of wisdom far beyond his peers flickered, clearly calculating something in silence.

Choji Akimichi ate potato chips while performing the most basic physical training; to him, as long as there were enough calories, everything was possible.

Hinata Hyuga was in a corner, practicing the basic stances of the Gentle Fist over and over again.

Her movements were still somewhat shy, but there was a newfound firmness in her eyes that hadn't been there before.

Occasionally, her gaze would drift involuntarily toward the quiet figure on the other side of the playground.

Ling Xuan looked no different from any other day.

Sometimes he would flip through basic ninjutsu scrolls, and other times he would simply close his eyes to rest, as if he were completely indifferent to the upcoming assessment.

However, his Eye of Truth never rested, taking in the states of his classmates, the subtle movements of the instructors.

He even calculated the flow of the wind on the training ground, silently constructing a response model for the day of the assessment.

On the evening before the assessment, at Training Ground 7.

The chunin Toma gave Ling Xuan one last bit of guidance.

"Ling Xuan, tomorrow's assessment is not just a test of what you have learned."

Toma's expression was more serious than usual.

"It is also a window for the village's higher-ups to observe outstanding juniors. Many people will be watching, including some... big shots you cannot imagine."

He paused, looked at Ling Xuan's calm eyes, and continued.

"I have reported your talent truthfully. This assessment is your chance to show yourself, but you must also know how to hide your edge. A true powerhouse never easily reveals all their trump cards. Do you understand?"

Ling Xuan nodded slightly: "I understand, Teacher Toma. I will do my best and not let your teachings down."

He naturally understood the subtext of Toma's words. The so-called "big shots" were nothing more than the Hokage or the Anbu.

And "hiding one's edge" was a reminder not to be too shocking.

"Very good." Toma patted him on the shoulder, "Go, get some good rest, and show your true level tomorrow."

Ling Xuan returned to the orphanage, not engaging in last-minute cramming like the other children.

He simply performed a deep meditation, adjusting his state to the best possible level.

Goal: First place in the comprehensive assessment. Demonstrate outstanding talent within a controllable range.

This would pave the way for obtaining more resources, such as entering the restricted area of the library, accessing higher-level ninjutsu, and even securing an exclusive mentor.

At the same time, he needed to test the bottom line and reactions of the observers.

Ling Xuan's plan was clear and precise.

The next day, the atmosphere at the Ninja Academy was solemn and tense.

Iruka stood on the high platform; besides the familiar subject teachers, there were three unfamiliar Konoha chunin present.

They looked serious, clearly the special examiners for this assessment.

In a shadow behind the high platform, a figure almost merged with the darkness was watching everything below with an indifferent gaze.

"The first-year comprehensive skill assessment of the Ninja Academy begins now!" Iruka announced loudly, "The first item: application of the Three Body Technique!"

Students were called by name one by one to come forward and demonstrate.

When it was Naruto Uzumaki's turn, he gathered all his strength and shouted, "Clone Technique!"

The result was still a weak, pathetic clone that looked like it was about to pass away the next second, drawing suppressed chuckles and barely perceptible frowns from the examiners.

Sasuke Uchiha performed excellently; whether it was the vividness of his Transformation Technique, the solidity of his clones, or the swift silence of his Substitution Technique, it was all perfect.

It drew low gasps from many female students, and the examiners nodded frequently.

"Next, Ling Xuan!"

Ling Xuan walked to the center of the field calmly. He had no unnecessary movements; his hand seals were standard and fluid, and his chakra manipulation was precise.

"Transformation Technique!"

In an instant, he transformed into the appearance of the Third Hokage, mimicking not only the physical form but even the steady demeanor with seventy or eighty percent accuracy.

"Clone Technique!"

Poof! A clone, identical to him in every way with lively eyes, appeared and stood firmly.

"Substitution Technique!"

The moment the examiner finished speaking, Ling Xuan swapped places with a pre-positioned wooden log, moving so fast it was almost impossible to track.

"Perfect!" a guest examiner couldn't help but whisper in admiration. "Every detail is impeccable, and the efficiency of his chakra usage is extremely high!"

A gratified and proud smile appeared on Iruka's face.

Next came the shuriken and kunai throwing test. Stationary targets, moving targets, long-distance targets...

The difficulty gradually increased.

Sasuke once again displayed the Uchiha clan's talent for throwing arts, achieving remarkable results.

It was Ling Xuan's turn. He picked up a shuriken and flicked his arm with what seemed like casual ease.

Swish! Swish! Swish!

Whether it was a stationary target or a high-speed moving one, every single shuriken struck the dead center of the bullseye, not a fraction off!

On a few occasions, the trailing shuriken even split the one already embedded in the bullseye!

His movements were clean and crisp, devoid of any wasted effort, yet they contained a unique rhythm and extreme efficiency.

A guest examiner seemed intrigued and pointed to the farthest target, which was swaying in the most irregular pattern.

"Student Ling Xuan, try attacking that target."

Ling Xuan nodded, picked up a kunai, and flicked his wrist.

The kunai traced a nearly straight path through the air, but just before impact, it looked set to miss due to the target's erratic swaying.

At the very instant everyone thought he would fail, a tiny, almost invisible burst of chakra erupted from the tail of the kunai, causing it to pause slightly in mid-air and shift at an infinitesimal angle!

Thud!

The kunai struck the dead center of the bullseye!

"Chakra adhesion and micro-control!" A sharp light flashed in the examiner's eyes. "Incredible! Many genin cannot achieve this level of control!"

The entire room erupted in an uproar.