If Yuya's estimation was correct, when he opened the second gate, his chakra reserves should step into the Chunin level. At that time, he could further develop the power of his Shocking Release Bloodline Limit, and maybe even begin training in the Rasengan, or develop a ninjutsu best suited for himself.
With his goal clear, Yuya threw himself back into training.
In the blink of an eye, a few days passed.
Yuya's body not only completely adapted to the power in his heart, but his control over the shockwave force had also improved further.
Boom!
With a single punch, Yuya shattered a thick wooden stake into splinters. He exhaled, wiped the sweat off his forehead, and nodded in satisfaction.
Ordinary Genin were definitely not his match anymore.
Finishing up his training for the day, Yuya said goodbye to Might Duy and headed home.
To his surprise, waiting for him at his doorstep was a figure who seemed to have been waiting for a long time.
It was Uzumaki Kushina.
Even though she had angrily said she wouldn't care about Yuya anymore, as time passed, the worry in her heart grew heavier. Finally, after hearing some news, she couldn't help but come looking for Yuya.
And after not finding him at home, Kushina's worry only deepened. She clenched her teeth and stubbornly waited for him at his doorstep for nearly an entire day!
Finally, when she saw Yuya's figure coming back, Kushina's tense and worried expression instantly softened.
At the same time, she glared at him fiercely, her temper flaring up.
"Yuya... this time, you absolutely have to listen to me!"
Walking up to her, Yuya shrugged helplessly and asked, "What's the matter now?"
Kushina took a deep breath and, with a very serious expression, said, "Go and participate in the upcoming Ninja Academy Combat Ranking Assessment!"
This immediately left Yuya a little surprised and puzzled.
Combat Ranking Assessment?
What even is that?
Before Yuya could think it through, Kushina grabbed his arm, saying, "I know you're proud, and you don't want to live relying on others' power... But this time, it's your chance to prove yourself!"
"The Combat Ranking Assessment is a full-grade combat evaluation. It's not just one-on-one duels; it's a series of random draws and battles, eventually forming a complete ranking list."
"The Third Hokage himself 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!"
Saying this, Kushina looked at Yuya, wanting to use a demanding tone to force him to go.
But for some reason, when she saw Yuya's indifferent expression, she couldn't bring herself to do it.
She was afraid Yuya would still stubbornly go his own way.
The firmness in her eyes began to fade, replaced by hesitation and anxiety.
"Yuya... please, just listen to me... You don't even need to beat the most talented Namikaze Minato. Even just getting into the top three would be enough to get the Hokage's attention…"
Kushina's tone unexpectedly carried a hint of pleading.
This left Yuya stunned.
Was this really her? That hot-tempered girl?
This was real—her genuine fear of him dying, of him leaving, that revealed this rare vulnerability.
Yuya felt a soft tremor in his heart and said, "I promise you."
Kushina froze for a moment, looking like she was about to cry from joy as a bright smile spread across her face.
But the next second, she was back to her old self.
Her cheeks flushed slightly red as she balled her fists and began shaking them at Yuya with frustration.
"You idiot, you really make people worry! I'll beat you, beat you, beat you!"
"Alright, alright."
Yuya couldn't help but grab both her small hands.
Kushina's face turned a little red. She struggled a bit, but when she couldn't break free, she stopped trying.
Yuya reached out, gently pinching her cheek with a slight smile.
"Don't be mad anymore. Since I'm participating, I'll take first place just to show you!"
"Hmph."
Kushina snorted softly and turned her head away.
She knew Yuya was just saying that to make her happy. Although she believed that with effort, he could achieve a good ranking, she didn't think he could actually take first place.
Because standing before that first place was an insurmountable mountain.
Namikaze Minato!
She knew that just recently, Namikaze Minato had actually beaten a full-fledged Genin in direct combat!
If it was just being the best at the Academy, that would be one thing, but defeating a Genin head-on? That was already enough to qualify for early graduation!
Minato's strength was just on a completely different level from the rest of the students.
…
The next day.
Since he had promised Kushina, and after thinking it over, Yuya realized that if participating in this Combat Ranking Assessment could draw the attention of the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, then it was indeed worth it.
After all, if he lost to Uchiha Han, he'd die for sure. But even if he won, it would be like slapping the face of the entire Uchiha Clan.
If he didn't find a strong backer, the Uchiha Clan would find ways to crush him in secret.
And if you were talking about the strongest backer in Konoha, without question, it was the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen!
Yuya arrived at the Ninja Academy.
The school was bustling with excitement since there were no classes today.
Ever since Yuya had defeated Uchiha Izumi, no one at the Academy dared to provoke him. The disdainful and scornful looks had been replaced with admiration and respect.
But today, those glances seemed to change again.
"Did you hear? Yuya is going to have a deathmatch with Uchiha Han," one student whispered to another when he saw Yuya, his face turning pale.
"Uchiha Han is a Chunin! Is Yuya crazy?" the other kid gasped, eyes wide with disbelief.
"Shh... stop talking about that. The duel is still far off. Today, the important thing is the Combat Ranking Assessment. Who do you think will win?"
"Of course, it's Namikaze Minato!"
"Minato's definitely taking first place."
A group of boys and girls nodded with expressions of complete certainty.
"Besides Minato, Hyuga Setsuna from the Hyuga Clan is also really strong."
"Yeah, he even beat Uchiha Izumi before. I wonder who's stronger, Setsuna or Yuya."
"It's probably Setsuna. After all, Yuya only knows taijutsu, and the Hyuga Clan is basically a taijutsu counter."
The group whispered among themselves.
The entire Ninja Academy was like this today—students were huddled up, gossiping and speculating.
When Yuya arrived, it even made his Chunin teacher, Katono, raise his eyebrows in surprise.
He didn't expect Yuya to come for the Combat Ranking Assessment.
In his eyes, Yuya only had a few months left to live—he should be out enjoying himself, not fighting.
Without much thought, Katono casually added Yuya's name to the list.
Yuya signed up without any obstacles and completed his registration.