A week passed in the blink of an eye.
The Ninja Academy's first school-wide practical combat test officially began.
The atmosphere throughout the entire school was completely different from before.
The air was filled with both tension and excitement.
Several temporary competition arenas had been set up on the training grounds.
To prevent any accidents.
The surrounding area was staffed not only by the school's teachers, but also several medical ninja, as well as... a few powerful jonin.
Kurenai Yuhi was among them.
Uchiha Yao had appointed her as the chief supervisor of this school-wide practical combat test.
Her gaze swept through the crowd and quickly found Naruto and Hinata.
Hinata stood quietly there, while Naruto looked like he was itching for a fight.
"Hmph, dead last, don't come crying and begging for mercy later."
Kiba Inuzuka came over with a provocative look on his face.
"What did you say?! You loser!"
Naruto immediately fired back without backing down.
"Alright, quiet down!"
Iruka stood on the platform and announced loudly.
"The Ninja Academy's first practical combat test begins now!"
"The test will start with the upper grades!"
At Iruka's command, the upper-grade students were the first to step onto the arenas.
The battles were far more intense than anyone had imagined.
Students were soon injured and carried away by the medical ninja.
Watching this, the lower-grade students all turned pale.
Only then did they truly realize that the Fifth Hokage's reforms were no joke.
This was real combat!
People could really get hurt.
At last, it was the first-years' turn.
"First match: Naruto Uzumaki versus Choji Akimichi!"
Everyone's attention immediately focused on Naruto.
Naruto Uzumaki.
The Fifth Hokage's personal disciple.
What kind of answer would this former dead last deliver today?
"Naruto, good luck."
Hinata softly cheered him on, her