Chapter 12: Prelims Part 2
The room was filled with tension as the remaining genin and their senseis watched the preliminary matches from the balcony above the arena floor. Below, Hayate Gekkō stood at the center, his calm demeanor masking the excitement that crackled in the air.
"The next match is set," Hayate announced, glancing at the electronic board as the names flickered before stopping.
Shino Aburame vs. Zaku Abumi
Shino adjusted his sunglasses and walked down to the arena with a measured, deliberate pace. Across from him, Zaku Abumi of the Hidden Sound Village strode forward, his face twisted with frustration. One of his arms hung uselessly at his side, still broken from Sasuke's earlier assault.
"You've already lost one match," Shino said, his calm voice echoing slightly in the arena. "Are you sure you want to do this with only one arm?"
Zaku scowled, his remaining hand flexing. "I'll crush you, bug boy."
Hayate raised his hand. "Begin!"
Zaku wasted no time, thrusting his functional arm forward and releasing a powerful blast of compressed air. Shino moved fluidly, avoiding the attack with ease. The air cannon shattered part of the arena floor, sending debris flying.
"Still fast, huh?" Zaku muttered, glaring at Shino. "Let's see how long you can dodge."
Another blast followed, then another, but Shino weaved between them with minimal effort. His movements were precise, as if he were analyzing Zaku's every move.
"You rely too much on brute force," Shino said, his tone calm. "And like I've told you, you've already lost this fight."
"What are you talking about?!" Zaku snarled.
Shino lifted his hand, revealing a swarm of kikaichū insects crawling across his palm. "While you were busy trying to hit me, my insects were closing in."
Zaku's eyes widened as he noticed the black swarm spreading across the arena floor, climbing the walls, and surrounding him. They moved like a living wave, cutting off any possible escape.
"Damn it!" Zaku shouted, aiming his air cannon at the incoming swarm. He fired a desperate blast, scattering some of the insects but failing to stop the tide.
The kikaichū swarmed over Zaku, crawling across his body and latching onto his remaining functional arm. Zaku screamed as they began to drain his chakra.
"Yield," Shino said, his voice emotionless. "Or this will only get worse."
Gritting his teeth, Zaku fell to one knee, unable to fight back against the relentless insects. "I... I give up!"
Hayate raised his hand. "Winner: Shino Aburame."
Shino silently recalled his insects, walking back to the balcony without sparing Zaku another glance. The defeated Sound ninja was carried away, his expression a mix of rage and humiliation.
The board lit up once more, displaying the names of the next match:
Kankurō vs. Misumi Tsurugi
Kankurō smirked as he descended the stairs to the arena, his puppet strapped to his back. Misumi, a genin from the Hidden Leaf, followed, his expression calm but focused.
"This should be fun," Kankurō said, his voice laced with arrogance. "Try not to embarrass yourself too much."
Misumi adjusted his gloves, his tone cold. "I'll finish this quickly."
Hayate glanced between them before signaling the start of the match. "Begin!"
Misumi darted forward with surprising speed, closing the distance between them in an instant. "You rely too much on that puppet," he said, aiming a punch at Kankurō's chest.
Kankurō dodged, but Misumi's body twisted unnaturally, his arms elongating like ropes as he wrapped around Kankurō. The Sand ninja grunted as the coils tightened around him, immobilizing his movements.
"I told you I'd end this quickly," Misumi said, his voice smug. "I can crush every bone in your body."
Kankurō grinned, despite the pressure. "You really think you've got me?"
Misumi's brow furrowed. "What—?"
In a blur of motion, Kankurō's body fell apart, revealing a wooden frame beneath the cloth. The real Kankurō stood a few feet away, his fingers moving in intricate patterns as he controlled the puppet.
"You were fighting Karasu the whole time," Kankurō said, his grin widening. "And now... it's my turn."
The puppet sprang to life, its limbs spinning and extending with blinding speed. Misumi barely had time to react before Karasu's segmented arms shot forward, wrapping around him in a crushing grip.
"Let's see how you like being squeezed," Kankurō said, his voice cold.
Misumi struggled, but the puppet's grip was unrelenting. With a flick of his fingers, Kankurō tightened the hold until Misumi cried out in pain.
"I... I give up!" Misumi shouted, his voice strained.
Hayate stepped in, raising his hand. "Winner: Kankurō."
Kankurō released Misumi, who crumpled to the ground, clutching his sides. With a smug grin, Kankurō hoisted Karasu onto his back and returned to the balcony.
The remaining genin watched from above, the tension growing with each match. Naruto leaned against the railing, his fists clenched in anticipation. "These guys are tough," he muttered, glancing at his teammates. "But we've seen tougher."
Sakura nodded, her eyes flicking to Sasuke, who stood silently, his face unreadable. The Curse Mark on his neck was a constant reminder of the challenges ahead.
The preliminary matches continued, each fight bringing the participants closer to the final stage—and to the truths they would uncover about themselves and their limits.
The tension in the arena shifted as the electronic board flickered, displaying the next match:
Sakura Haruno vs. Ino Yamanaka
The room seemed to freeze for a moment as both girls stared at the board. Sakura's fists clenched tightly, her heart pounding. Across the balcony, Ino smirked, flipping her blonde hair over her shoulder.
"Well, well," Ino said, her tone teasing but sharp. "Looks like it's finally time to settle things, Billboard Brow."
Sakura turned to face her, her green eyes blazing with determination. "Don't think I'm the same girl from the Academy, Ino. I've changed."
Ino's smirk widened. "We'll see."
As the two descended the stairs to the arena, the tension in the room grew palpable. Naruto leaned over the railing, cupping his hands around his mouth. "Go get her, Sakura-chan!"
Sasuke remained silent, his gaze fixed on the arena below.
Sakura and Ino stood across from each other in the center of the arena. The years of rivalry between them seemed to manifest as an invisible wall of tension.
Hayate glanced between them, coughing slightly before raising his hand. "Begin!"
The fight started with a flurry of kunai and shuriken as the two girls tested each other's reflexes. Their movements were precise, almost mirror-like, as they dodged and countered. The crowd watched in silence, captivated by the balance of skill.
Sakura darted in close, aiming a punch at Ino's side. Ino deflected the blow and countered with a kick, forcing Sakura to retreat. They exchanged strikes, neither gaining a clear advantage.
"You've improved," Ino admitted, a hint of respect in her voice.
"So have you," Sakura replied, her breath steady but strained.
The fight dragged on, both girls showing impressive stamina and tactical skill. Ino's confidence began to waver as she realized just how evenly matched they were.
"I didn't think you'd last this long," Ino said, forming a series of hand seals. "But let's see how you handle this!"
She raised her hands, her chakra focusing into a single point. "Mind Transfer Jutsu!"
A faint light enveloped her body as her consciousness shot toward Sakura. The crowd held their breath as the technique connected.
Sakura froze, her body stiffening as Ino's jutsu took hold. Ino's voice echoed through Sakura's lips, a triumphant smirk appearing on her face. "Looks like I win, Billboard Brow."
But as Ino prepared to raise Sakura's hand in surrender, a sudden jolt of energy surged through Sakura's body. Her green eyes flared with defiance, and with a scream of sheer willpower, she forced Ino out of her mind.
Ino stumbled back, her chakra depleted from the failed jutsu. She stared at Sakura in shock. "How...?"
Sakura steadied herself, her breathing ragged. "I told you... I'm not the same girl from before. My will is stronger than you think."
The two girls stood facing each other, their bodies trembling from exhaustion. Neither had the energy left for fancy techniques. It would come down to one final attack.
They charged at each other simultaneously, fists raised. Time seemed to slow as they closed the distance, their punches colliding with equal force. The impact sent both of them sprawling to the ground, unmoving.
The arena fell silent as everyone waited for one of them to rise, but neither did. Hayate stepped forward, checking their conditions before raising his hand.
"This match is a draw," he announced. "Neither Sakura Haruno nor Ino Yamanaka will advance to the next round."
Naruto slammed his hands on the railing. "What?! No way! Sakura-chan should've won!"
"Calm down, idiot," Sasuke muttered, though his gaze lingered on Sakura's unconscious form.
Medics arrived to carry both girls off the field. As they were taken to the infirmary, the tension in the room shifted once more. The matches continued, but the rivalry between Sakura and Ino left an impression on everyone present.
In the end, their battle wasn't just about strength or skill—it was about their unwavering determination to prove themselves, both to each other and to themselves.
The electronic board flickered once more, and the next matchup appeared:
Tenten vs. Temari
From the balcony, Tenten stepped forward, her expression calm and determined. She adjusted the straps on her scrolls, her confidence evident as she descended the stairs.
On the opposite side, Temari smirked, the large fan strapped to her back glinting under the light. She descended the stairs lazily, her posture casual but her eyes sharp.
Naruto leaned over the railing, whispering loudly to Sasuke and Sakura. "Tenten's from Bushy Brow's team, right? She must be tough if she's training with him."
Sasuke gave a slight nod, his attention on the arena. "She's skilled with weapons, but Temari's not going to be easy."
Hayate stepped to the center of the arena, coughing lightly before raising his hand. "Begin!"
Tenten wasted no time. With a flick of her wrist, she unfurled a scroll, releasing a barrage of kunai and shuriken that shot toward Temari like a hailstorm. The projectiles glinted in the air, moving with deadly precision.
Temari smirked, gripping the handle of her fan. With a single, fluid motion, she swung it open, unleashing a gust of wind that scattered the weapons harmlessly to the ground. The force of the wind tore through the arena, ruffling Tenten's hair and clothes.
"That's all you've got?" Temari taunted, her voice dripping with confidence. "This is going to be boring."
Tenten gritted her teeth, summoning another scroll. She leapt into the air, spinning as she released a flurry of larger weapons—sickles, chains, and blades—that rained down on Temari from above.
Temari's smirk widened. "Pathetic."
She swung her fan again, this time revealing the second star painted on its surface. The gust of wind was even more powerful, sending the weapons flying back toward Tenten. She barely managed to twist in midair to avoid being hit by her own attack, landing with a roll.
"You're wasting your time," Temari said, closing her fan slightly. "Your little toys can't touch me."
Tenten's eyes narrowed. She reached for her final scroll, unrolling it on the ground. "Let's see if you can handle this!"
With a burst of chakra, Tenten summoned a massive barrage of weapons, each one glowing faintly with her chakra. She launched them toward Temari with a shout, the sheer number of projectiles overwhelming.
Temari's expression didn't falter. She swung her fan fully open, revealing the third and final star. "This is the end."
The gust of wind that followed was immense, creating a vortex that not only deflected Tenten's weapons but sent them scattering across the arena. The force of the wind knocked Tenten off her feet, slamming her into the ground.
The crowd winced as the dust settled, revealing Temari standing unscathed while Tenten struggled to get up.
"You're done," Temari said, closing her fan with a flourish. "You never stood a chance."
Tenten collapsed, unable to continue. Hayate stepped forward, raising his hand. "Winner: Temari."
From the balcony, Rock Lee clenched his fists, his green eyes blazing with anger. "How dare she treat Tenten like that!"
Before anyone could stop him, Lee leapt from the balcony, landing in front of Temari with a determined expression. "You've gone too far! I won't allow you to disrespect my teammate!"
Temari raised an eyebrow, amused. "Oh? And what are you going to do about it, bushy brows?"
Lee dropped into his combat stance, ready to attack. But before he could move, a hand landed on his shoulder.
"Lee," Might Guy said, his voice calm but firm. "This isn't your fight."
"But Guy-sensei!" Lee protested, his eyes wide with frustration.
Guy shook his head, his usual cheerful demeanor replaced by a rare seriousness. "Your time will come, Lee. For now, let it go."
Lee hesitated, his fists trembling, but he finally relented, stepping back. Temari smirked, turning to walk back to the balcony without another word.
As Tenten was carried off to the infirmary, the tension in the arena remained thick. The matches continued, but the dominance Temari displayed left a lasting impression on everyone watching.
The board flickered again, displaying the next match:
Shikamaru Nara vs. Kin Tsuchi
Shikamaru let out a long sigh, scratching the back of his head. "Great. Just what I needed... more work."
Ino smacked him lightly on the shoulder. "Stop whining and go show them what you've got!"
Chōji, munching on a bag of chips, added, "Yeah, good luck, Shikamaru."
Shikamaru reluctantly made his way to the arena floor, his hands stuffed into his pockets. Across from him, Kin Tsuchi from the Hidden Sound Village stood confidently, her senbon glinting in the light.
Kin smirked, her tone mocking. "You're the lazy one, right? This should be easy."
Shikamaru shrugged, his expression bored. "Maybe. Or maybe not."
Hayate raised his hand, coughing lightly before announcing, "Begin!"
Shikamaru immediately formed the seal for his Shadow Imitation Technique, sending his shadow snaking across the arena floor toward Kin. She jumped back, easily avoiding the advancing shadow.
"Too slow," she taunted, throwing a pair of senbon at Shikamaru. He ducked, dodging them with minimal effort.
Kin continued her attack, throwing more senbon, some with tiny bells attached. The soft ringing filled the arena, the sound coming from different directions as she manipulated the bells with thin, nearly invisible strings.
The dissonance of the bells seemed to throw Shikamaru off, forcing him to glance around, searching for the source of the noise. Kin grinned as she flung another senbon, this time from behind him.
The needle grazed his shoulder, and Shikamaru winced. "Tch... that's annoying."
Kin laughed. "You're predictable. I saw your little shadow trick during the Forest of Death. You can't catch me with it."
Shikamaru didn't respond, his face calm as he studied her movements. His shadow edged closer to her, but she dodged again, her movements fluid and precise. The bells continued to chime, the strings creating additional shadows that disrupted Shikamaru's ability to pinpoint her location.
"This is such a drag," he muttered, crouching slightly.
Kin, emboldened by his apparent frustration, lunged forward with another barrage of senbon. Shikamaru narrowly avoided the attack, his shadow creeping forward again. This time, it connected with the strings Kin was holding, traveling along them and catching her shadow.
Kin froze, her eyes widening in shock. "What?!"
Shikamaru stood, his hands forming the shadow imitation seal as he smirked. "You shouldn't have kept hold of those strings. Thanks for the shortcut."
Kin's movements mirrored Shikamaru's as the jutsu took effect. She glared at him, her frustration mounting. "So what? We're just stuck like this now."
Shikamaru reached for a shuriken, and Kin, forced to mimic his actions, did the same. They both hurled the weapons simultaneously. Kin's shuriken missed entirely, while Shikamaru's grazed her shoulder.
"That was pointless," Kin sneered.
"Was it?" Shikamaru replied, tilting his head toward the wall behind her.
Kin frowned, confused, as Shikamaru crouched slightly. When she instinctively followed suit, her head banged into the wall behind her with a loud thud. The impact knocked her out instantly, and her body slumped to the ground as Shikamaru released the jutsu.
The arena was silent for a moment before Hayate stepped forward, raising his hand. "Winner: Shikamaru Nara."
Shikamaru let out another sigh, scratching the back of his head as he walked back to the balcony. "How troublesome."
Naruto leaned over the railing, his jaw dropping. "That was awesome, Shikamaru! How'd you come up with that?"
Shikamaru shrugged. "She did most of the work. All I had to do was wait for the right moment."
Ino crossed her arms, grinning. "That's my teammate! Way to show everyone how smart you are!"
Shikamaru waved her off, muttering something about it being too troublesome to celebrate. But as he leaned against the wall, his sharp eyes flicked to the arena, already thinking about the challenges still to come.
The atmosphere in the room shifted as the board displayed the next match:
Naruto Uzumaki vs. Kiba Inuzuka
Naruto's face lit up with excitement. "Finally! My turn!" He leapt to his feet, grinning confidently as he made his way down to the arena floor.
Kiba smirked, his canine partner Akamaru perched on his shoulder. "This won't take long," Kiba said, cracking his knuckles as he walked down the stairs. "I've been waiting to show everyone what I'm made of."
From the balcony, Hinata's soft voice broke through the chatter. "Don't underestimate him, Shino."
Shino glanced at her, his expression unreadable. "Naruto's unpredictable, but Kiba is stronger."
Hinata frowned, her hands clutched nervously in front of her. "Naruto-kun has improved a lot. You'll see."
Meanwhile, Sakura gripped the railing tightly, her green eyes fixed on Naruto. "You've got this one, Naruto. Don't mess this up," she muttered under her breath.
As the two opponents faced off in the arena, Hayate raised his hand. "Begin!"
Kiba wasted no time, charging forward with Akamaru at his side. His speed was impressive, closing the gap between him and Naruto in an instant. Kiba struck with a feral intensity, his fists and feet moving like a whirlwind.
Naruto barely managed to dodge the initial attack, and found himself ducking and weaving to avoid Kiba's follow up strikes. Kiba was relentless, landing a solid hit to Naruto's side and sending him skidding across the arena floor.
Kiba smirked, standing tall. "Is this all you've got, Naruto? I thought you'd at least put up a fight."
Naruto groaned as he pushed himself to his feet, his grin unfazed. "That's what you think. Let's see how you handle this!"
Forming the cross-seal, Naruto shouted, "Shadow Clone Jutsu!"
In an instant, a dozen clones sprang to life, surrounding Kiba and Akamaru.
The spectators were stunned. Kurenai turned an accusatory gaze to Kakashi. "You taught him Shadow Clones?"
Guy interjected, his voice filled with enthusiasm. "No, no! I saw Naruto training with a shadow clone before Kakashi even met him. I was observing my youthful student Lee's progress when Lee gave Naruto a few pointers! For that reason, I believe Naruto will win!" His teeth sparkled, his thumbs-up pose radiant.
Kakashi sighed, his tone nonchalant. "Naruto taught himself the Shadow Clone Jutsu. He also taught his teammates the technique."
At that, Sasuke and Sakura exchanged uncomfortable glances, not used to being under scrutiny.
Kakashi continued, "Of course, no ordinary person could make so many. Even I can only create five clones before noticing the toll on my chakra."
The genin spectators were silent, their previous doubts about Naruto fading. For the first time, they began to see him in a different light.
In the arena, Kiba narrowed his eyes. "Clone Jutsu, huh? They're just illusions. Let's see how tough you really are!"
Akamaru leapt from Kiba's shoulder, transforming into a perfect clone of his master with a puff of smoke. The two Kibas tore through Naruto's clones with vicious efficiency, their speed and coordination overwhelming.
But Naruto wasn't done. "You think you've got me figured out? Guess again!"
As the last of his clones fell, Naruto surged forward, using the opening created by the chaos to get close. Kiba swung at him, but Naruto ducked under the attack, landing a solid punch to Kiba's stomach.
"Don't underestimate me!" Naruto shouted, leaping back to create distance.
Kiba growled, clutching his stomach. "You're tougher than I thought. But this is over now! Fang Over Fang!"
Kiba and Akamaru spun toward Naruto like twin cyclones, tearing through his new wave of clones with raw power. But Naruto grinned, watching them closely. As they slowed, he launched his counterattack. With his signature cross-seal Naruto created twelve Shadow Clones. Without verbal direction, his clones split into four groups of three. Kiba and Akamaru—still in his Beast Clone form—recovered deftly from their rotation and used their angular momentum to twist into viscous kicks aimed at two separate Naruto clones. Each dispelled with a resounding pop and plume of smoke. The others used the obfuscation provided by the smoke to conceal their movements.
"Now it's my turn! Naruo Uzumaki Barrage!"
A fresh set of clones surrounded Kiba, the original ten of the other set surrounding the clone of Kiba that was Akamaru. The two units moved with uncanny symmetry, each one attacking in perfect coordination. Kiba and Akamaru fought back, but the sheer numbers were overwhelming. They fought not like the group of street thugs Naruto had been when he beat Mizuki, but as a coordinated unit, a single front. One clone spun into a low kick that swept Kiba's feet, another took the opportunity to nail the Inuzuka with a roundhouse kick Lee had taught him. Kiba lurched forward, his equilibrium spinning in circles in his head. A third clone connected with a vicious uppercut that sent Kiba flying skyward m. Finally, the real Naruto delivered the finishing blow—a powerful axe kick that sent Kiba ricocheting off the arena floor.
As Kiba hit the ground, Akamaru returned to his original form, landing beside his partner. He licked his owner repeatedly, as if trying to heal his injuries with salivary enzymes. Both were too exhausted to continue. Hayate stepped forward, raising his hand. "Winner: Naruto Uzumaki."
The arena erupted in murmurs. Naruto stood tall, his grin as wide as ever, and looked up at the balcony. "See? I told you I could do it!"
Hinata smiled softly, her heart swelling with pride. "I knew he could."
Kiba groaned as he sat up, glaring at Naruto. "You got lucky..."
Naruto extended a hand to help him up. "Nah, I just worked harder."
Kiba hesitated, then took the hand with a grudging smile. "Fine. But next time, I'm taking you down."
As Naruto returned to the balcony, the spectators looked at him with newfound respect. The underdog had proven himself, and the preliminaries were far from over.
The tension in the room reached a fever pitch as the board displayed the next match:
Hinata Hyūga vs. Neji Hyūga
From the balcony, Hinata's hands trembled slightly as she stepped forward. Her soft lavender eyes darted toward her opponent, Neji, who stood calm and impassive. She hesitated for a moment, her nerves threatening to overwhelm her, but the sound of Naruto's voice brought her back.
"You've got this, Hinata!" Naruto shouted, his voice filled with encouragement. "Show him what you're made of!"
Kiba, still being carried off on a stretcher after his fight, looked over and called out weakly, "Hinata, just forfeit. You don't have to do this."
Hinata's hands balled into fists as she descended the stairs. She glanced back at Naruto, who gave her a wide, reassuring grin. Summoning her courage, she whispered to herself, "I can do this."
In the center of the arena, Neji watched her approach with an air of disinterest. His arms were crossed, and his gaze was piercing. "Hinata, you should listen to Kiba and forfeit. You can't win."
Hinata stood a few feet away from him, her hands clasped in front of her. "I... I won't give up," she said softly, though her voice wavered.
Neji raised an eyebrow, his tone cold. "You're too kind, too weak to ever be a true shinobi. It's not just your lack of strength, but your nature. You don't have the resolve to fight, let alone win."
Hinata flinched at his words, her insecurities threatening to swallow her whole. The crowd above murmured, their eyes darting between the two Hyūga. Naruto clenched the railing, his face set in frustration.
Hayate stepped forward, raising his hand. "Begin!"
The battle started with both combatants activating their Byakugan, the veins around their eyes bulging as they focused their vision and chakra. They moved into the signature Gentle Fist stances of the Hyūga Clan.
Hinata made the first move, dashing forward and striking at Neji with precision. Neji parried effortlessly, countering with a flurry of strikes that forced Hinata to retreat. Their blows were fast and deliberate, each aimed at disrupting the other's chakra network.
Hinata darted forward again, seemingly undettered, her movements swift and precise. Her palms struck out in a rapid flurry, aiming for the chakra points along Neji's arms. He deflected each strike effortlessly, his hands moving faster than most could follow. Her form was greatly improved, her footwork cleaner, her strikes sharper—but Neji was still Neji.
"They're both using the Gentle Fist," Kakashi observed from the balcony. "A Taijutsu style that targets the opponent's chakra points directly. The Byakugan makes it possible."
Kurenai watched with concern. "But Hinata isn't strong enough to match Neji. His techniques are too advanced."
Neji smirked as he blocked another of Hinata's attacks. "You're wasting your time. You can't beat me. Fate has already decided the outcome."
Hinata hesitated, Neji's words cutting deep. She remembered the countless times she'd been told she was weak, unfit to lead the Hyūga Clan. Her hands trembled as doubt crept in.
"Don't listen to him!" Naruto's voice boomed from above. "You can do it, Hinata! Don't let him get to you!"
Hinata's eyes widened, and she looked up at Naruto. His unwavering belief in her ignited something deep within. She straightened her posture, her trembling subsiding. "I... I won't give up," she said, her voice stronger now. "Not this time."
Neji's smirk faltered slightly as Hinata charged again, her strikes faster and more determined. She managed to graze his shoulder, forcing him to acknowledge her resolve.
"You've improved," Neji admitted, his tone begrudging. "But it's still not enough. You leave openings," Neji said, lowering his hand. "Small, but fatal."
He moved faster now, his strikes precise and devastating. Within moments, he disrupted the chakra flow in Hinata's arms, rendering her unable to perform the Gentle Fist. She gasped, clutching her arms, but refused to back down.
"You're finished," Neji said coldly, advancing on her.
"No..." Hinata whispered, stepping forward. Her body trembled with exhaustion, but her resolve burned brighter than ever. "I won't stop. I'll prove... that I can be strong too."
Neji stepped forward, his stance shifting as his chakra surged. "Let me show you the true power of the Hyūga." His voice rang out clear and commanding. "Eight Trigrams: Sixty-Four Palms!"
Hinata's eyes widened as Neji closed the distance in an instant. His first two strikes landed on her shoulders with pinpoint accuracy. "Two palms!" he called, his voice cold and unyielding.
"Four palms!" His strikes hit her chest and abdomen, forcing her back step by step.
"Eight palms!" Hinata's movements faltered as Neji's blows struck her arms and torso, cutting off her chakra flow.
"Twelve palms! Sixteen palms!" Each strike came faster than the last, the precision of Neji's Gentle Fist leaving no room for her to counter. The crowd watched in stunned silence as Neji's relentless assault continued.
"Thirty-two palms!" Hinata's body was rocked by the force of Neji's strikes, her chakra pathways nearly severed.
"Sixty-four palms!" Neji's final blow struck her directly in the chest, sending her flying backward. She hit the ground hard, her body limp as she struggled to breathe.
Neji's expression hardened as he prepared a final strike, aiming for her heart. The crowd above watched in horror, many shouting for Hayate to intervene.
Hayate appeared between them in an instant, blocking Neji's attack with his arm. "That's enough!" he said firmly, his voice carrying authority. Gai, Kakashi, and Kurenai had all also appeared in various points of restraint around the boy.
Hinata collapsed to her knees, breathing heavily. Blood trickled from her lips, but she still managed to lift her head and meet Neji's gaze. "I'm not afraid... of you," she said softly.
As medics carried Hinata away, Naruto clenched his fists, his eyes burning with anger. "Neji!" he shouted. "You think you're so tough, picking on Hinata like that? I'll show you! I'm gonna beat you in the next round!"
Neji glanced at Naruto, his expression unreadable. "You're welcome to try."
Naruto's declaration resonated through the room, inspiring those watching. Hinata's bravery had left its mark, and Naruto was determined to honor her courage.
From the balcony, Kurenai wiped a tear from her eye. "She's grown so much."
Kakashi nodded, his gaze lingering on Naruto. "And so has he."
The tension in the room was suffocating as the board displayed the next match:
Rock Lee vs. Gaara
The contrast between the two fighters couldn't have been more striking. Lee, with his bright green jumpsuit and determined grin, radiated energy as he hopped down to the arena floor. Gaara, in his crimson attire, descended silently, his gourd slung over his back and an aura of calm malice surrounding him.
Naruto leaned forward over the balcony. "This is gonna be awesome! Go get him, Bushy Brows!"
Sasuke remained silent, his eyes narrowing as he analyzed Gaara. "This won't be easy. That guy isn't normal."
In the arena, Lee turned to his sensei, Might Guy, who gave him a proud thumbs-up. "Remember, Lee, the power of youth burns brightest when you give it your all!"
"Yes, Guy-sensei!" Lee shouted, his enthusiasm blazing. He turned to Gaara, bowing respectfully. "I will do my best to defeat you!"
Gaara's cold teal eyes barely acknowledged him. "Do as you wish," he said flatly, his tone devoid of emotion.
Hayate raised his hand. "Begin!"
Lee darted forward with incredible speed, launching a flurry of taijutsu strikes at Gaara. However, every punch and kick was intercepted by Gaara's Autonomous Sand Shield, which moved to protect him.
The crowd watched in awe as Lee's relentless attacks were stopped effortlessly. "That sand moves on its own," Sakura murmured, her eyes wide.
"Lee can't get through it," Tenten whispered, gripping the railing tightly.
Despite the apparent futility, Lee didn't falter. He increased the speed and intensity of his strikes, but the sand kept pace, forming an impenetrable barrier.
"You're wasting your time," Gaara said, his voice calm. "You'll never touch me."
Lee stopped, panting slightly as he stepped back. He clenched his fists, determination flaring in his eyes. "Guy-sensei," he called, "is it okay if I take them off?"
Guy's expression turned serious, but he nodded. "Go ahead, Lee."
Lee reached down and unclipped the weights strapped to his legs. He dropped them to the ground with a loud thud, and the resulting crater stunned the audience. When the smoke cleared, Lee stood triumphant and stretched himself out.
"Those were just weights?" Naruto shouted, his jaw dropping.
In an instant, Lee vanished. The next moment, he reappeared behind Gaara, landing a powerful kick to his side. The sand barrier wasn't fast enough to block the attack.
Gaara staggered, his eyes widening in surprise. "He hit me..."
The crowd erupted into murmurs of disbelief. For the first time in his life, Gaara had been struck.
Lee pressed his advantage, moving with such speed that Gaara's sand couldn't keep up. His taijutsu strikes landed one after another, forcing Gaara onto the defensive. However, as Lee's attacks grew more ferocious, Gaara's Armour of Sand became apparent, protecting his body even when the shield failed.
"He's got another layer of defense," Kakashi observed from the balcony. "This won't be easy for Lee."
Realizing his normal attacks wouldn't work, Lee leapt back and reached for the bandages on his arms. Wrapping them tightly around Gaara mid-dash, he launched into the air, spinning rapidly as he executed the Front Lotus.
Gaara crashed to the ground with tremendous force, but as the dust settled, it was revealed that Lee had only struck a sand clone. The real Gaara appeared behind him, his expression calm once again.
Lee landed, his body shaking slightly from the strain of the Front Lotus. "He's stronger than I thought," Lee muttered, sweat dripping from his brow.
Guy shouted down, "Lee, you have my permission! Open the gates!"
Lee's eyes widened before his expression hardened with resolve. "Yes, Guy-sensei!"
The crowd watched in stunned silence as Lee's chakra spiked dramatically. His body glowed with a green aura as he opened the first five of the Eight Inner Gates. The sheer force of his chakra cracked the ground beneath him.
"What is this?" Gaara murmured, for the first time showing a hint of unease.
Lee vanished again, his speed now incomprehensible. He struck Gaara with a barrage of devastating blows, his movements a blur. Gaara's sand could barely react, and the Armour of Sand began to crack under the pressure.
"Take this!" Lee shouted, launching Gaara into the air with a powerful kick. He followed up with the Reverse Lotus, a spinning, high-speed assault that sent Gaara crashing to the ground with earth-shattering force.
The audience erupted in cheers, but as the dust cleared, it became apparent that Gaara wasn't finished. His sand gourd had cushioned his fall, softening the impact.
Lee collapsed to one knee, panting heavily. The strain of opening the gates had taken its toll, his body trembling with exhaustion.
"You're finished," Gaara said coldly, raising his hand. The sand around him surged forward, wrapping around Lee's left arm and leg.
"No!" Guy shouted, leaping from the balcony as Gaara activated his Sand Binding Coffin.
Before the sand could crush Lee completely, Guy appeared between them, deflecting the attack with a burst of chakra. He stood protectively over Lee, his expression grim.
The medics rushed in, checking Lee's injuries. One shook their head, their tone somber. "His arm and leg are crushed... and the strain of the gates has caused severe internal damage. He may never fight again."
Guy's fists clenched as he knelt beside his student. "Lee... I'm so sorry."
Hayate raised his hand, his voice heavy. "Winner: Gaara."
The room was silent as Gaara returned to the balcony, his expression as cold and unreadable as ever. Naruto stared at him, anger simmering in his eyes. "I won't let him get away with this."
Sakura gripped Naruto's arm with both hands, her voice soft. "Naruto..."
Guy carried Lee out of the arena, his face filled with regret. Despite the loss, Lee's bravery left an indelible mark on everyone watching. His determination, his strength, and his unyielding will to fight inspired them all. But the price of his courage was devastating.
The electronic board flickered one final time, revealing the last matchup of the preliminaries:
Chōji Akimichi vs. Dosu Kinuta
Chōji stood frozen, a half-eaten bag of chips in his hands. His face paled as he stared at the board, then turned toward Asuma. "Sensei... do I have to?"
Asuma crouched next to him, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Chōji, you're stronger than you think. Just give it your best shot."
Chōji's lips quivered. "But... that guy's creepy! Look at him! I'll pass."
Asuma sighed, then leaned in with a knowing grin. "How about this? If you win, I'll take you to Yakiniku Q for an all-you-can-eat feast."
Chōji's eyes widened, his fear replaced by the sparkle of motivation. "Really? You promise?"
"Promise," Asuma said with a chuckle.
With newfound determination, Chōji descended to the arena floor, though he still looked a little hesitant. Across from him, Dosu Kinuta, with his bandaged face and ominous demeanor, stood silently, adjusting the gauntlet on his arm.
"You're wasting my time," Dosu said, his voice low and sharp. "Let's get this over with."
Hayate raised his hand. "Begin!"
Chōji wasted no time, forming the hand seals for his signature technique. "Expansion Jutsu!"
His body expanded rapidly, transforming him into a massive sphere. With a shout, he launched himself forward, spinning at high speed. "Human Bullet Tank!"
The ground trembled as Chōji barreled toward Dosu, the sheer size and momentum of the attack forcing the Sound ninja to dodge. Dosu moved quickly, his bandaged face impassive as he analyzed Chōji's movements.
"So that's your strategy," Dosu muttered, sidestepping another charge. He raised his gauntlet and aimed it toward Chōji. "Let's see how you handle this."
As Chōji turned for another pass, Dosu activated his sound-based attack. A sharp, dissonant wave of noise erupted from the gauntlet, aimed directly at Chōji. The sound reverberated through the arena, causing many of the spectators to wince.
But Chōji had anticipated this. While spinning, he used his hands to plug his ears, muting the effect of the sound waves. He continued his charge, his massive form hurtling toward Dosu once more.
Naruto cheered from the balcony. "Yeah, Chōji! You've got this!"
Sakura tilted her head. "It's a clever strategy, but..."
Kakashi's single eye narrowed. "This opponent won't be beaten so easily."
Dosu smirked as Chōji came barreling toward him again. "You think plugging your ears is enough? Foolish."
As Chōji closed in, Dosu aimed his gauntlet at the ground, releasing another wave of sound. This time, the vibrations traveled through the ground, resonating with the water in Chōji's body. The attack disrupted his balance, causing him to falter mid-spin.
Chōji yelped as his momentum carried him into the wall, the impact sending tremors through the arena. He groaned, shrinking back to his normal size as he struggled to stand.
"What... what was that?" Chōji muttered, clutching his head.
Dosu approached slowly, his tone calm and condescending. "My sound doesn't just travel through the air. It resonates with the fluids in your body, targeting your inner ear and disrupting your balance. You never stood a chance."
Chōji tried to summon his strength, but the effects of the sound waves left him disoriented. Before he could recover, Dosu struck with a precise, sound-amplified punch, sending Chōji sprawling to the ground.
Hayate stepped forward, his tone decisive. "Winner: Dosu Kinuta."
From the balcony, Asuma sighed, his arms crossed. "He tried. That's what matters."
Naruto pounded the railing. "Come on! Chōji almost had him!"
Shikamaru shook his head, a small smirk on his lips. "He'll be fine. He got promised food, so he'll get over it."
As medics carried Chōji out of the arena, Dosu returned to the balcony without a word. The preliminaries were over, but the tension in the room lingered. Each participant reflected on what they had witnessed, knowing the true challenges were yet to come.
The Third Hokage stepped forward, his voice carrying over the assembled genin and their senseis. "You have all demonstrated exceptional skill and determination. For those who advanced, prepare yourselves for the final stage of the Chūnin Exams. The road ahead will not be easy."
As the room began to clear, Naruto clenched his fists, his eyes blazing with determination. "Next time, I'm going to show everyone what I'm really made of. Dattebayo!"