A week had passed in Konoha, and the village was bustling with excitement. Today was a special day at the Ninja School because there were no regular classes; instead, it was the day of the ninja competition.
Ye Chen, after his victory over Uchiha Yue, the prodigy of the Uchiha clan, had risen to prominence in Konoha. He was no longer an obscure ninja from a foreign village; he had gained fame as a genius on par with Namikaze Minato and Hyuga.
As he arrived at the school early that morning, he noticed that many students greeted him with awe and admiration. Ye Chen's dark hair, sharp knife-like features, and strong physique had made an impression on some of the girls, leaving them with a lasting image of the young ninja.
However, Ye Chen paid little attention to these admirations, considering his fellow students just children and the attention of little significance.
The essence of the ninja competition was to select opponents through a method similar to drawing lots and then engage in ninjutsu duels. The winners advanced to the next round until a champion was declared. This competition was different from the practical combat training in regular classes, but most of the ninja school's students participated.
Konoha's Shinobi School had a unique structure. To optimize the use of teaching and ninja resources, lower and middle grades were often combined into one class. Therefore, students participating in this competition included both second-year and third-year students.
In general, first-year students rarely participated in this competition unless they were exceptionally confident in their talents.
Ye Chen, who had joined the ninja school just half a year ago, was participating in this competition between second and third-year students. It showcased the tremendous progress he had made in a short time.
Despite the age difference, dozens of students from different years still participated in the competition. The school's playground was divided into five areas for the duels, with winners and losers determined in each round. The winners faced each other, as did the losers, until a final ranking was established.
At the beginning, the competition was divided into four sub-courts. After several rounds, the winners moved on to the fifth main venue. The main venue was where Hokage and some Jōnin watched the competition.
The opening ceremony for the competition was hosted by Sarutobi Hiruzen himself. With utmost respect, the students and audience watched as he stepped onto the stage in his Hokage robes.
As Sarutobi Hiruzen addressed the crowd, a wave of cheers erupted from the students. Looking at the eager and excited children, he couldn't help but smile warmly.
He raised his hand, and the audience fell silent instantly.
Konoha's spirit, the Will of Fire, was a legacy that would be passed down to the next generation. Hokage believed that these young leaves would carry on that legacy and lead the village to prosperity.
Sarutobi Hiruzen's words stirred the crowd, filling them with determination and enthusiasm for the prosperity of the village and the inheritance of the Will of Fire.
In the audience, students like Namikaze Minato were inspired, ready to give their all for the village. They cheered and shouted with unwavering resolve.
Ye Chen, too, stood among the crowd, his eyes locked on Sarutobi Hiruzen. Hokage—the title was the aspiration of every child in this world, including Namikaze Minato. While Hokage may seem unattainable, Ye Chen knew there were even greater powers in the world, including Uchiha Madara, the Sage of Six Paths, the Ōtsutsuki clan, and the enigmatic beings on the moon.
He clenched his fists, eyes burning with determination. Conqueror's Haki had endowed him with the potential to become a king, and he was determined to achieve his ambition. Since he had arrived in this world, why not aspire to be the true king?
The event proceeded smoothly, with Sarutobi Hiruzen's speech serving as the highlight. Afterward, the students participating in the competition were assigned to four different venues to begin their duels.
Ye Chen's first opponent was not a member of a prominent Konoha clan but rather an ordinary ninja with average strength. In a matter of moments, he swiftly defeated his opponent with a single punch.
After all, he had already killed one of Konoha's Elite Chunin; what kind of challenge could a student who hadn't graduated present?
Battle after battle, Ye Chen emerged victorious, defeating each opponent with ease. Some students chose to forfeit when faced with the overwhelming power he displayed.
In the eyes of the observing students, there were feelings of envy, admiration, and even hostility. They envied Ye Chen's incredible strength and the astonishing physical abilities he possessed. Under Ye Chen's powerful fists, these students had no chance to resist.
Ye Chen had already established himself as an invincible figure.
Kushina, among the spectators, watched with excitement and happiness as Ye Chen defeated his opponents one by one. She cheered enthusiastically, her fists raised in the air, her heart filled with pride and joy.
As the examiner announced the results, Ye Chen had cleared the first venue as the undisputed champion.
All that remained was for the remaining four venues to complete their battles, determine the four strongest competitors, and hold the final showdown in the sixth venue, where Hokage and some Jōnin would be watching.
On the audience stage, at the center of attention, Sarutobi Hiruzen stood alongside three ninja: Tsunade, Orochimaru, and Jiraiya.
Tsunade leaned casually on the armrest, her eyes scanning the field. Jiraiya, on the other hand, leaned over the railing, eagerly searching for the participants.
Orochimaru, with his pale complexion, wore a sinister smile.
Tsunade couldn't help but notice Ye Chen among the participants. Her lips curled slightly as she muttered to herself, "That kid Ye Chen, he's quite something."
Jiraiya, hearing this, hurriedly joined her to get a glimpse of Ye Chen. His excitement was so overwhelming that he nearly toppled over the railing in the process.
Orochimaru's sinister smile persisted as he watched the unfolding events.