Bab 129: Lion Meets Cat
An overly enthusiastic girl from the Waterfall Village, Fū had always longed for companionship, desperate to escape the suffocating isolation that came from being a Jinchūriki.
With dreams of forging friendships, she decided to enter the joint Chūnin Exams by the Hidden Leaf and the Hidden Sand—an opportunity that occurred in the original a couple years from now.
Shibuki, the village leader, was initially vehemently opposed to her participation. He feared that the revelation of her Jinchūriki status could attract unwanted attention and danger. However, after much deliberation, he relented, recognizing the Chūnin Exams as a chance to restore their village's former glory.
With permission granted, Fū's heart soared, but Shibuki took precautions, assigning two characters named Kegon and Yōrō to accompany her, posing as her Genin teammates.
Entering the exams, the first challenge set the stage for Fū's resourcefulness. Although separated from her team in different rooms, she relied on a special technique, the "Wave Transmission" technique, to communicate sneakily.
Her personality alone was enough to navigate the unique challenges, impressively passing the initial round. However, it was during the subsequent race to the Sound Village that her playful spirit truly emerged.
Despite her bodyguards locking her away to prevent her reckless behaviour, her determination to engage with fellow competitors led her into a brawl where she managed to resolve the conflict with her enthusiasm.
Moments later, she was taking on a giant scorpion to save captured Genin from Team 10, who was Team Asuma. That helped display her innate courage.
As the exams progressed, her heart remained set on making friends, even amidst fierce competitions in the harsh desert. A plot twist brought her face-to-face with Gaara, another Jinchūriki, which allowed them to share burdens.
That was how Margaret initially found it easy to befriend Fū. She, unlike all the other players, could not only relate to Fū, but she knew her story better than them, and their personalities meshed well.
While the Sand Village's Chūnin Exams spiraled into disarray, Fū's selflessness rushed to aid Gaara during a harrowing incident involving the extraction of their Tailed Beasts. In an act of bravery, she created a protective cocoon to shield them from harm, proving that she was also resourceful.
All these were things that were stated to have happened later on. Who knows what might transpire if the players have their way? Arthur was never going to allow that.
Regarding her opponent, Hana Inuzuka, she's a distinguished Chūnin from the Inuzuka clan, known not only for her combat but also for her expertise as a veterinary medic.
Hana is often seen alongside her loyal canine companions, the "Three Haimaru Brothers."
No animals were allowed in the arena. Not even special-aid animals. But when the Inuzuka clan members threatened the staff to let their mutts in, Arthur was forced to oblige.
He felt confident being around canines who had impeccable senses. There was no harm in letting them through, especially considering how strong of a bond the Inuzuka clan members were committed to their pets.
Hana was no exception.
With her long brown hair pulled back into a ponytail, framed by two locks around her face, she possesses black eyes and wears the traditional fang-like tattoos of her clan on her cheeks, alongside a unique flower tattoo on her upper arm—a nod to her name, which signifies "flower."
Her attitude falls more on the laid-back side. And she's academically gifted, being proficient mainly in medical ninjutsu while focusing on veterinary techniques. Though she excels in that category, she's not a stranger to other fighting tactics.
Apart from her canines, she was protective of her younger brother, Kiba Inuzuka. Growing up, she frequently took care of him while their mother was away on missions, fostering a close sibling relationship. Yet, she wasn't afraid to reprimand the boy, especially for his inability to help their pet Akamaru during a crisis involving a biological weapon.
In the wake of Kiba's tragic death, Hana was reported to be utterly furious, vowing that if she ever encountered his killer, Arthur Bennett, the repercussions would be severe.
"Mark my words," she declared at the time, "all Inuzuka clan members will rip out his…" There was no need to say more due to her palpable anger and unfiltered threats.
The sun was quite high, casting a light upon the spectators, who buzzed with excitement.
Arthur watched as both Fū and Hana walked toward the center. This was a rare chance to witness what a Jinchūriki could achieve when bound by the rules of taijutsu. And also what a skilled Inuzuka clan member with heightened senses could muster.
Fū stood confidently at her spot, and with a friendly smile, she raised her hand in a gesture of camaraderie, offering it to Hana. The unexpected display of openness caught Hana off guard; she raised an eyebrow, momentarily stunned by Fū's upfront nature.
After a moment of hesitation, she slowly reached out and accepted the handshake. Arthur could tell by the look on her face what she was thinking: 'What's with this girl?'
With Fū's usual enthusiasm, her face lit up as she burst forth with her next question: "So, do you want to be friends after I win?"
Hana's expression shifted almost instantly, irritation flaring within her. "I didn't come all this way to make friends. I came to win," she retorted sharply with a more aggressive tone than she intended.
Fū's smile faltered just slightly, and she quickly tried to defend herself by saying, "I was just—"
"Save it!" Hana cut her off. "I'm not here to play games. I'll be going all out!" The intensity in her voice suggested she meant every word, riling the crowd.
But rather than feeling cowed or disheartened, Fū's smile returned, wider than ever as she declared, "Good! That's just how I like it! Let's give them a show then!"
The crowd roared in approval. So the announcer, standing between the two combatants, raised his microphone high to electrify the scene.
"Competitors, are you ready?!" he asked, scanning the two young kunoichi. Both were poised for the battle ahead. With a nod from each, he grinned and called out, "Begin!"
The crowd stirred, fidgeting in their seats, eyes glued to the two competitors. But despite the announcer's declaration of "Begin!" neither woman made a move.
It was an odd moment, an overlap that kept the audience on their toes. So much so that it caused them to lean forward, waiting for the first sign of action.
The announcer darted his gaze back and forth between the two fighters, feeling a nagging sense of déjà vu—another silent standoff. It became such a long and awkward wait that even his heart began to race.
Just as doubt began to creep into his mind, Fū shifted slightly, taking a single step forward. In that split-second reaction, Hana dropped to all fours to activate her clan's signature technique: "Ninja art of beast mimicry: all-fours jutsu!"
Her fingers elongated into claw-like digits, her pupils narrowed into slits, and her teeth sharpened. Her behaviour had now became that of a wild animal.
"Wait, is she allowed to do that?!" murmured a spectator, glancing at the announcer.
Caught off guard by the sudden shift, the announcer looked at the sensors outside the edge of the arena. They nodded at him, confirming it was fine.
"Yes! While the technique does utilize chakra, she isn't exerting any of it!" the announcer relayed.
There were gasps of wonder and admiration through the crowd as they continued to watch.
Fū's eyes widened in excitement. She had never seen this technique up close before, and the sight was nothing short of awestruck. But before she could voice her respect, Hana sprang towards her, claws bared and intentions clear.
"Here I come!" Hana shouted ferociously, her strike aimed directly at Fū's face.
With a twist of agility, Fū dodged, but Hana was relentless, darting after her like a predator. The two began to weave around the arena, Hana's speed catching Fū off guard. Each of Hana's swipes narrowly missed, causing Fū to break into a sweat.
"You're incredible!" Fū said, voicing her thoughts. "I didn't realize you could move this fast!"
The excitement was being shown on her face. Freshly exhilarated by the challenge, she pushed herself to maintain her footing. But as she sidestepped one of Hana's attacks, she miscalculated her balance and stumbled, her foot catching on the edge of the arena floor.
In an instant, Hana capitalized on the opening. With razor-sharp focus, she launched herself forward to assault Fū, claws extending toward her face.
When Fū raised her arms instinctively to shield herself, the deep, searing sensation of claws raked across her forearms and jolted through her. "Oww!" she exclaimed, feeling both surprised and irritated as she pulled back.
The scratches were deep, with red lines marring her skin.
Hana stood there for a moment, ready to inflict more damage. But rather than losing steam, Fū's expression shifted into one of determination.
"Not bad, Hana! Now it's my turn!" she suddenly declared.
A peculiar sensation could be felt by Hana, causing her hair to stand on end. And for a moment, she could sense something primal and powerful emanating from Fū. She couldn't tell what it was as she eyed her opponent carefully; her instincts felt heightened, as if she were a cat sensing a lion nearby!
Before Hana could gather her thoughts, Fū lunged forward, propelling herself with a surprising burst of speed. Hana found herself in a desperate dance of dodging and ducking. Every whipped punch and kick was aimed at her head.
She was on high alert, her senses hypervigilant, but the shift of energy around Fū was hinting at something greater than mere speed. It kept Hana on edge.
Those who understood Fū and Hana would have also understood what was making Hana so uneasy. Fū was the Jinchūriki of the Seven-Tails, Chōmei, a colossal rhinoceros beetle. While Hana couldn't see Chōmei or any Tailed Beast chakra being emitted, her animalistic senses allowed her to feel it.
Seizing a brief moment of breathing space, Hana summoned her own strength and initiated her next move—Tunneling Fang. Utilizing the momentum of her four-legged stance, she spun into action as she surged toward Fū. And with remarkable speed, she charged in a straight line, aiming to slam into her opponent and drill through her defenses with the force of her attack.
Fū spotted the incoming technique and, without hesitation, leaped into the air—her movements so graceful that spectators marveled at her flight-like quality. The audience gasped, jaws dropping at the breathtaking show of agility.
As Hana skidded to a halt, searching wildly for Fū in mid-air, the audience held their breath. There was a moment of stillness before she began her descent.
"Hidden waterfall hurricane!"
With a thunderous crash, she descended upon Hana, fists blazing with power as she unleashed a forceful punch! The impact rattled the arena as Hana was struck down, the force knocking her to the ground.
The cries of the Three Haimaru Brothers echoed in the stands as the crowd cheered at the unexpected display. The announcer, equally electrified, rushed forward.
"And that's it! That's it! The match goes to Fū!" he bellowed, raising Fū's hand in victory.
"Yay!" Margaret and Jada clapped. The two were clearly excited, having wished for these results.
As Hana lay there, Arthur observed from the sidelines with an unreadable expression. Though the outcome was what he had initially expected, he was more content with the data and insight he had gained from the match.
The strategies, the techniques—he would analyze every moment. Fū hadn't at all impressed him, and Hana fell in that category, too.
With the cheers of the crowd still ringing in her ears, Fū approached her opponent. Hana finally rose slightly, clasping her head. When she looked, Fū had offered her a hand, the same hand before the fight began.
Hana couldn't help but smirk at her relentless attitude. As such, she gave in and finally shook her hand.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone