Yue, I'm Counting on You

The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Not to mention the Jonin from Grass Village, Ryuga and Yoshitaka, who were standing nearby, were stunned.

Figures like the Hokage were too distant for them, mere brats.

Even Yue put down the book in his hands.

Hiruzen Sarutobi looked quite 'young' at this moment, at least not with a full head of white hair or age spots on his face.

The fact that the other party appeared could only mean that this old man had noticed him because of Minato Namikaze.

However, it should only be a slight interest, nothing more.

As a mere Genin, he wasn't important enough for a Kage to pay attention to.

Thinking this, Yue's gaze swept across the entire venue. All the Konoha Genin were present... along with many Konoha ninjas who had specifically come for this competition. Among them were the Jonin leaders of some of the Konoha brats, meaning Minato Namikaze wasn't the only one.

After all, it was in Konoha, and even such a small event was being held so formally.

This also demonstrated Konoha Village's emphasis on nurturing fresh talent.

Yue also saw Guy's father, Might Duy.

Hiashi Hyuga, who looked very young, was Hinata's future father.

The reason Yue could recognize his identity, besides his Byakugan and age, was his position.

Another member of the Hyuga Clan beside him was supporting him from behind, indicating a clear hierarchy.

With such presence and gaze, Yue couldn't think of anyone else besides the designated heir of the clan.

There were no ninjas from the Uchiha Clan, however.

But... Yue's gaze focused on Obito, who was glaring at him.

Or rather, he looked at a small boy next to Obito.

This little boy was very childish, with a bit of baby fat.

He was unusually young.

As the little boy's gaze fell upon him, he stepped back, tugging at Obito's sleeve.

He wasn't scared; his eyes were clear and calm.

There was only curiosity towards Yue.

"Shisui?" Yue guessed the little boy's identity.

It seemed that the reason this sparring match had garnered so much attention, even drawing spectators from the Hyuga Clan, was not only because of Minato Namikaze but, more importantly, Hiruzen Sarutobi. If it got out that the Third Hokage was observing a group of children fighting, it would surely attract the attention of some people in the village.

What Yue didn't know was that ever since he had 'mocked' all his classmates in the classroom that day, the matter had been fermenting in the village through those brats. Many people, upon returning home, would surely say that some arrogant fellow from Grass Village had come and was spouting nonsense.

Coupled with Minato's attitude and the appearance of the Third Hokage, this situation had been created.

The Jonin from Grass Village quickly stepped forward to greet Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Hiruzen Sarutobi held his pipe in one hand and rested the other behind his waist, appearing benevolent.

Yue and the other two followed suit, bowing to the Third Hokage.

"Heh heh... I finally get to meet you, little fellow."

Hiruzen Sarutobi stared at Yue, saying with a smile.

Yue looked at the old man before him... and remained silent.

"Hokage-sama, Yue is still young... just a child, he doesn't know any better, please don't take it to heart," the Jonin exclaimed in surprise, quickly explaining.

"It's nothing... don't be nervous, I'm happy."

Hiruzen Sarutobi waved his hand, dispelling the Jonin's concerns. "At such a young age, setting aside strength for a moment, just in terms of mindset, he possesses a determination and pride that rivals anyone. This is very important for someone who wants to become an outstanding ninja."

"Whether others believe it or not, you must believe in yourself first."

Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke.

His words were not just an explanation but were also meant for all the juniors present.

"Alright, let's not waste any more time. Today... they are the focus, and I'm just here to join the fun."

With that, Hiruzen Sarutobi walked away.

Yue and his group also moved to other vacant spots.

The appearance of the Hokage clearly made Ryuga and Yoshitaka even more nervous.

Yoshitaka, who had weaker mental fortitude, couldn't even stop his hands from trembling.

The scene was too grand... the atmosphere alone was overwhelming for him.

Moreover, looking around, the brats who sometimes joked around in the Ninja Academy were now all serious and ready for battle.

It was as if they had truly become enemies.

Next, a Konoha ninja stepped forward to act as the referee and read out the rules.

Although it was a 'peer exchange' between Konoha and Grass Village, and challenges could be called out, since Grass Village only had three people and Konoha had a crowd... for fairness, and also for the Hokage to assess the results of the village's education.

As a courtesy to the Grass Village, since it was Konoha that extended the invitation.

So, the Konoha juniors would first draw lots for an internal competition, and the winner would then challenge the three Grass Village representatives.

This was already showing them considerable respect, ensuring the Grass Village wouldn't lose too embarrassingly.

Then, the matches began.

The Konoha juniors started their one-on-one duels.

The previously quiet stadium was immediately filled with the sounds of intense fist and foot collisions, as well as various Ninjutsu and secret techniques.

As time passed, the Grass Village Jonin watched with growing alarm. The combat prowess displayed by these Konoha brats was quite astonishing.

Ryuga's eyelids twitched violently, his lips pressed into a tight line.

What he had witnessed in the Ninja Academy or during missions before was nowhere near these people's full strength.

Only Yue paid no mind, as such exchanges were meaningless. Ultimately, the winners would still be the ones he had in mind.

Moreover, he was well aware that he was the focus of the entire venue right now.

On Konoha's side... many people's gazes weren't fixed on the battles unfolding below, but were secretly observing him.

Including Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Therefore, Yue leaned against the wall, his eyes still fixed on the book in his hands, reading quietly.

Everything that had happened so far was just a prelude; there was no need to pay attention.

"Hyuga Ryuga wins, Obito Uchiha loses."

"Kakashi Hatake wins..."

"Shikamaru Nara wins..."

These Konoha juniors were all well-known quantities, and the power gaps between them weren't too large. Furthermore, low-level ninja battles rarely dragged on for too long.

So, as the referee announced the results one by one, the situation for the Konoha contestants quickly became clear.

"Ahhh! Damn it! Fuma Yue... I'll let you off the hook this time."

Interestingly, after losing his match, Obito Uchiha actually pointed his finger at Yue and shouted indignantly.

Yue completely ignored him, not even glancing his way.

"Hey... is it secret techniques or Kekkei Genkai? How are we supposed to fight this?"

"And that monster..."

Yoshitaka looked back at Yue, who remained the only one calm, and said fearfully.

The monster he was referring to was Might Guy.

Yoshitaka was starting to feel overwhelmed.

Secret techniques, unlike regular Ninjutsu, had information and data that were known externally, thus making it possible to devise counters.

The terrifying aspect of secret techniques was that some Ninjutsu were created or researched by specific bloodlines, introducing elements of 'the unknown' and 'the bizarre,' making them impossible to guard against.

Yue didn't respond to him.

Soon, after Konoha's numbers were reduced, it was finally time for the Grass Village representatives to join and draw lots for their matches.

Ryuga was up against someone from the Inuzuka Clan.

Yoshitaka was less fortunate. Right after calling Might Guy a monster, he encountered him.

As for Yue's opponent, he merely glanced at the slip of paper before tossing it away...

And continued reading his book.

This indifferent attitude immediately caused the Konoha contestants to wear complex expressions.

They thought he was being a bit too arrogant.

"Hehehe... he's got quite the personality," Hiruzen Sarutobi said, taking a puff from his pipe and narrowing his eyes.

"Hahaha... Yue might be overdoing the act a bit, but if he didn't, our village's younger generation wouldn't take it seriously," Minato Namikaze said, scratching the back of his head with a laugh.

"Yes, he's certainly acting appropriately," the Third Hokage nodded.

Then, he changed the subject, "However... I feel like he's not just acting~ At least, that last scene wasn't an act."

"Hahahaha..."

Minato's mouth twitched, and he let out an awkward laugh.

In the blink of an eye, Yoshitaka had just stepped onto the stage. After politely cupping his fists and bowing to the seemingly courteous Guy, As soon as the referee signaled the start of the match, less than half a minute later, with a loud bang, Yoshitaka was sent flying by a kick, crashing into the wall and immediately falling unconscious.

Even Guy himself looked clearly surprised.

He apparently hadn't expected Yoshitaka to be so weak.

He hadn't even used his full strength yet; it was just a probing attack.

However, Guy was still Guy. Although he had won, he still politely bowed to Yoshitaka's unconscious body.

Then, he bared his big white teeth and gave Kakashi a thumbs-up.

The Grass Village Jonin's face was flushed with embarrassment. The Konoha ninja took Yoshitaka away for treatment.

"Yue... I'm going first."

Seeing this, Ryuga looked back at Yue and said with a sense of impending doom.

"Mhm."

Yue responded indifferently.

Yue acknowledged Ryuga's strength and the value of his Kekkei Genkai.

But it would still be difficult to defeat someone from the Inuzuka Clan.

If his Kekkei Genkai were combat-oriented, he might have won.

The opponent from the Inuzuka Clan had already stepped onto the arena, looking at Ryuga with a provocative gaze.

The battle began. The intensity of the exchange this time was clearly higher than Guy's match, and it was also more pleasing to the eye; at least, the fight was back and forth. This was mainly because the gap in offensive methods and strength between Guy and Yoshitaka was too large.

Yue also moved his eyes, seeing familiar ninjutsu, such as the Four Legs Technique, Beast Clone, and Piercing Fang. However, Ryuga was clearly struggling to deal with the opponent's moves.

He dodged the opponent's attacks, and there were several times when he narrowly avoided them.

The ninjutsu Ryuga could use were all relatively ordinary techniques, and his Kekkei Genkai was of no use in a head-on confrontation.

Finally, after a struggle of about five minutes, Ryuga's kunai was kicked away by the Inuzuka Clan member who closed in with an attack in their beast form. Then, finding an opening, sharp claws slashed Ryuga's chest several times. Although not fatal, it had already rendered Ryuga unable to fight.

The Konoha referee ninja promptly called a halt. With their skill level, they could tell that the outcome of the match was decided and there was no need to continue.

Ryuga was taken away for treatment by the Konoha ninja, his face full of unwillingness.

"Yue, it's up to you!"

Before leaving, the boy suddenly shouted with tears streaming down his face.

Although he knew he would lose, Ryuga still couldn't accept it when it actually happened.

No one is born wanting to be a loser.

Moreover, even if they didn't have strong faith in their village, they were still from the Grass Village, and letting the village down... would still make them feel incredibly bad.

Ryuga hadn't even left the stadium, and the battle arena hadn't even been simply repaired. Yue, leaning against the wall by the stairs, had already disappeared.

He instantly appeared in the arena, still holding the book he had been reading.

Although he didn't say anything, his attitude was very clear.

"What speed!"

Seeing this, the surrounding ninja, who had been feeling a bit bored due to the Grass Village's two consecutive losses, were all stirred.

This kid... seemed to be the main event of the day!

They had heard from Minato Namikaze beforehand that this Fuma Yue was a genuine genius, the rare kind of 'little prodigy.'

With the competition about to start, Yue was still putting one hand in his pocket and holding a book with the other. It had to be said, he really didn't take his opponent seriously at all.

"That..."

The Konoha referee kindly reminded him.

"No need, let's start directly."

Yue said calmly.

"..."

So arrogant!

On the other side, a figure also jumped down from the stairs above and stopped in the arena.

"I remember everything you said back then."

The opponent stared at Yue and said coldly.

"Your Grass Village... will not get a single victory."

"..."

Yue heard him but didn't even look at him. He even took his hand out of his pocket and turned a page of the book.

"..."

Ignored, completely ignored!

His opponent's face turned a little red at this.