Prelude to the Competition

Konoha, the central hub and most prosperous transportation artery of the Land of Fire, serves as the vital link between north and south. With its vast, fertile plains, it boasts the densest commercial flow, the most flourishing economy, the most formidable military, and the most exalted reputation.

The sky cleared after the rain, and Konoha was even more bustling today. It was the day for the strongest genin of this generation to face off in duels—a day to showcase the military foundation of Konoha. Ministers from the Land of Fire, the Third Hokage, and the core figures of Konoha would all be in attendance.

Most importantly, Konoha Stadium was open to the public; anyone who could purchase a ticket could watch the ninja duels firsthand!

The area in front of Konoha Stadium was a sea of people, a spectacle unprecedented in scale. It wasn't just local Konoha merchants and dignitaries from across the Land of Fire; there were also people in strange attire: the rough-skinned folk from the Land of Earth, the dark-skinned people from the Land of Lightning, and those from the Land of Wind, wrapped tightly in their garments...

"As expected of the most prosperous village in the Land of Fire, this building is truly magnificent."

"Isn't that obvious? Our Land of Fire is the most prosperous of the Five Great Nations, so naturally, Konoha is the most prosperous village..."

"Sigh, the matches don't start until after nine o'clock. I really can't wait. I wonder just how strong the new generation of genin in our village is. It's truly exciting!"

This test of the elite genin from Konoha attracted many spectators from other nations. The residents of the Land of Fire and the natives of Konoha felt an extraordinary sense of superiority and collective pride regarding this.

Yuhi Kurenai stood in the crowded throng, looking around anxiously for a long time before saying, "Oh dear, Sato Hideaka went outside the village to train two weeks ago and hasn't sent word since. The matches are about to start, and he still hasn't returned. It's so nerve-wracking!"

"Yeah, I hope Sato Hideaka didn't train too hard and forget about today's match," Hyuga Ningxiang said, standing to the side with her index finger against her lips, looking worried.

"He shouldn't have forgotten. In my impression, Sato Hideaka has always been someone who can handle things on his own. He will definitely remember!"

Nohara Rin looked at the two worried girls and comforted them softly. As for Mitarashi Anko, she was happily holding two skewers of dango, her cheeks puffed out as she ate, showing no sign of worry at all...

When Sarutobi Asuma heard the name Sato Hideaka, he nearly tilted his head to the sky, looking utterly unconvinced. Shiranui Genma, chewing on a senbon, muttered to himself, "The youngest among us, Sato Hideaka, actually managed to earn an 'Excellent' rating amidst such fierce competition. It's truly unexpected!"

Most of the students from Yano Koji's class were present in this area. After all, in the Forest of Death test, aside from the children of major clans and a few students who had already graduated, only Sato Hideaka had achieved an 'Excellent' rating. This was a point of pride for their class.

Just then, a handsome youth emerged from the crowd of the Uchiha Clan. He glanced at Sato Hideaka's class, curled his lip, and said, "Hmph, I, Uchiha Kenichi, really misjudged him. I had intended to treat this Lava Release brat as a rival, but I never expected him to lack the courage to even face a scene like this... What a coward."

"Hmph, you want to treat Sato Hideaka as a rival? Beat my brother Hyuga Ningbo first!" Hyuga Ningxiang glared at Uchiha Kenichi with her white eyes and shouted loudly.

The commotion drew the attention of the surrounding crowd. People turned to look, which only made Uchiha Kenichi more embarrassed and furious. "Hyuga Ningbo of the Hyuga Clan, huh? In this test, my Uchiha Clan will surely drag his reputation through the mud!"

"Oh? In the Forest of Death, my brother Hyuga Ningbo beat you so badly you couldn't even fight back. I think you're the one who will be disgraced first, you annoying brat!" Hyuga Ningxiang placed her hand at the corner of her right eye, stuck out her bright red tongue, and made a cute, mocking face.

"Damn it, you foul-mouthed brat of the Hyuga family! Today, I'll teach you a lesson on behalf of your parents!"

Uchiha Kenichi had been brooding over his loss to Hyuga Ningbo, and now that Hyuga Ningxiang had reopened the wound, he was incensed. With a roar, he prepared to strike.

But at that very moment, Sarutobi Asuma, Shiranui Genma, Nohara Rin, Yuhi Kurenai, and the rest of the class stepped forward in unison, blocking Uchiha Kenichi's path and forcing him to stop!

In the crowd, Uchiha Obito stepped forward to mediate, saying to Uchiha Kenichi, "Brother Kenichi, my classmate didn't mean to offend you. Let's just leave it at that."

"Hmph, a dead-last. You think you have the right to mediate? I don't understand how such a weak descendant exists among the branch family of Kagami Uchiha. You truly bring shame to the Uchiha Clan!" Uchiha Kenichi said disdainfully. Like his grandfather, he despised anyone associated with the line of Kagami Uchiha.

However, Uchiha Kenichi wasn't a fool. Causing trouble at a match of such importance would surely draw the hostility of Konoha's entire hierarchy. After all, the primary goal today was to demonstrate the strength of their genin to the other great nations...

It was not to put on a show of infighting at their own doorstep for the spies of other countries to see!

Hearing Uchiha Kenichi's words, a flash of sadness crossed Uchiha Obito's eyes. The Uchiha were a clan of love, but also a clan of battle. The common trait of a warrior race was to worship the strong and despise the weak. As a dead-last, his status within his own clan was incredibly awkward.

"Uchiha Kenichi, the matches are about to start. Is your energy really that boundless? Tch, how boring. Can't you save some strength for the upcoming matches?"

A cold voice drifted from the Uchiha gathering. Surrounded by many Uchiha youths, Uchiha Kaoru walked slowly from the crowd. Her eyes, clear as a deep pool, swept coldly over the crowd, and the noisy chatter around them instantly fell silent.

Hearing Uchiha Kaoru's words, Uchiha Kenichi shuddered. He snorted at Hyuga Ningxiang's group, turned around, and obediently returned to the Uchiha crowd, leaving the area with them as the throng parted...

"Who is that girl? She has such an imposing presence; even I, an adult, felt intimidated by her."

"She must be the granddaughter of the Uchiha Clan's Great Elder. I see the new generation of the Uchiha Clan around her all seem to follow her lead. Only the most talented genius of the Uchiha's new generation could have such influence."

"Truly worthy of being Konoha's premier noble clan. The Uchiha are born warriors. Aside from the slowly fading Senju Clan, I fear no other clan in the village can rival them. They are just too powerful..."

After the Uchiha Clan left, the onlookers began to whisper to their friends and family. The Uchiha Clan held the position of Konoha's Military Police, which in itself was a symbol of power. Even on the battlefield, the Uchiha never backed down, so it was no wonder they were held in such high regard.

Time traces back to an hour ago, in a forest about a hundred kilometers from Konoha. Beyond the birdsong and pleasant air, the most striking feature of this place was a massive waterfall...

The immense volume of water roared down with a deafening sound. Standing beneath the cascading waterfall were two boys, not yet ten years old. They braced their bodies against the torrent, refusing to retreat a single step in the face of the crushing weight of the water, meeting the challenge head-on and striking at the spray with their fists.

As time passed, the stamina of the two boys beneath the waterfall began to wane. But at that very moment, an astonishing aura erupted from their bodies. It was as if their strength had been restored, and they continued their training!

Half an hour later, a boy of six or seven years old walked slowly out of the river. He used a towel to wipe the moisture from his well-defined muscles, his gaze fixed in the direction of Konoha...

In his cyan eyes, a flame seemed to burn, carrying absolute confidence!