If his estimate was right, when Uya opened his second gate, his chakra reserves should also reach Chunin level. Then he could further develop the power of his Quake Release Kekkei Genkai, begin practicing the Rasengan, and even develop ninjutsu best suited to himself.
With his goal clear, Uya devoted the following days to training again.
Several days passed in the blink of an eye.
Not only had Uya's body fully adapted to the power of his heart, but his control over the Power of Tremors had also advanced another step.
Boom!
After shattering a thick wooden stump with one punch, Uya exhaled, wiped the sweat from his forehead, and nodded in satisfaction.
Ordinary Genin were definitely no match for him anymore.
Having finished his training for the day, Uya said goodbye to Might Duy and headed home.
What Uya had not expected was to see someone at his front door who seemed to have been waiting for him for a long time.
It was Kushina Uzumaki.
Although she had said in a fit of anger that she would never bother with Uya again, her worries had only grown as time passed. After hearing a piece of news, she finally could not help coming to see him again.
And after finding that Uya was not home, Kushina grew more and more worried. She even gritted her teeth and waited outside his door for nearly an entire day!
When she finally saw Uya returning, Kushina's expression, taut with worry, immediately relaxed.
At the same time, she glared fiercely at him without hesitation.
"Uya... you have to listen to me this time!"
Walking over to Kushina, Uya spread his hands helplessly. "What is it?"
Kushina took a deep breath and said with a serious expression, "You're going to take part in the Ninja Academy's upcoming combat ranking assessment!"
Her words immediately left Uya a little surprised and confused.
Combat ranking assessment?
What was that?
Before Uya could think it over, Kushina grabbed his arm. "I know you're competitive and proud, and you don't want to rely on anyone else's strength to survive... but this is your chance to prove yourself!"
"The combat ranking assessment is a combat test for the entire year. It isn't just a simple one-on-one match. You draw lots for successive matches, and a complete ranking is compiled at the end."
"The Third Hokage will be watching this assessment! As long as you perform well and catch his eye, the Uchiha Clan won't dare do anything to you!"
At this point, Kushina looked at Uya, wanting very much to force him to go with her tone.
But for some reason, looking at Uya's seemingly unconcerned expression, she inexplicably softened.
She was afraid Uya would still insist on having his own way.
The determination on her little face gradually faded, replaced by uncertainty and unease.
"Uya... please listen to me... you don't need to beat the greatest genius, Minato Namikaze. Even if you just place in the top three, you're sure to catch Lord Hokage's attention..."
A trace of pleading had actually entered Kushina's voice.
It left even Uya stunned.
Was this really her? That hot-tempered girl?
She truly did not want him to die, did not want him to leave-that was why she revealed such a vulnerable side.
Gently touched, Uya said, "I promise."
Kushina froze at first, looking almost ready to cry with joy as a happy expression spread over her face.
But the next moment, her true nature showed again.
Her cheeks faintly flushed and her expression indignant, Kushina clenched her little fists and flailed at Uya.
"You're such a worry! I'll beat you to death, beat you to death, beat you to death!"
"All right."
Uya could not help catching both her little hands.
Kushina's little face reddened slightly. She struggled once, but when she failed to pull free, she stopped trying so hard.
Uya reached out with his fingers and pinched her little cheek, giving a soft chuckle.
"Don't be angry. Since I'm entering, I'll take first place for you!"
"Hmph."
Kushina gave a light snort and turned her head away.
She knew Uya was saying that deliberately to cheer her up. Although she believed he could get a good result if he tried hard, she did not think he could take first place.
Because an almost insurmountable mountain stood before the top spot.
Minato Namikaze!
She knew that Minato Namikaze had recently defeated a Genin head-on!
Being the best in the Ninja Academy was one thing, but beating a Genin head-on meant he was already fully qualified to graduate early!
Minato Namikaze's strength was on an entirely different level from the other students'.
The next day.
Uya had promised Kushina, and after thinking it over, he decided that if taking part in this combat ranking assessment could catch the attention of the Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi, it was indeed worth entering.
After all, he would certainly die if he could not defeat Uchiha Kan, but even if he won, it would be a slap in the face of the Uchiha Clan.
Without finding a powerful backer, he could still easily be killed through the Uchiha Clan's underhanded schemes.
When it came to the greatest backer in Konoha, it was undoubtedly the Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi!
He arrived at the Ninja Academy.
The academy was especially lively that day, since there were no classes.
After Uya defeated Uchiha Izumiya, no one at school dared provoke him lightly anymore. Those looks of contempt and disdain had become looks of admiration and awe.
Today, however, those gazes had changed considerably again.
"Have you heard? Uya's going to fight Uchiha Kan to the death." A student's expression changed the moment he saw Uya, and he whispered to someone beside him.
"Uchiha Kan is a Chunin! Has Uya gone mad?" The child beside him immediately widened his eyes in disbelief.
"Shh... stop talking about it. That duel is still a long way off. The important thing today is the combat ranking assessment. Who do you think will win?"
"Minato Namikaze, of course."
"Minato will definitely come first."
The boys and girls all looked as though it went without saying.
"Besides Minato, Setsuna Hyuga from the prestigious Hyuga Clan is really strong too."
"Yeah, he beat Uchiha Izumiya before too. I wonder who's stronger, Setsuna or Uya."
"Probably Setsuna. After all, Uya only knows taijutsu, and the Hyuga Clan is the bane of taijutsu."
The group discussed it in hushed voices.
It was the same throughout the Ninja Academy that day, with students gathering in clusters.
When Uya arrived, his Chunin teacher, Kato Ya, was also somewhat surprised.
He had not expected Uya to enter the combat ranking assessment.
In his view, Uya had only a few months left to live and ought to spend them enjoying himself.
Without giving it much thought, Kato Ya casually added Uya's name to the list.
Uya completed his registration without encountering any obstacles.