"Is this… really the power of a Sand Ninja?"
"Amazing… but still, our Konoha Uchiha isn't lacking either. I'm looking forward to Uchiha Sako's counterattack."
"This doesn't seem right…
We're all struggling to keep our eyes open from this wind. Even Uchiha's Sharingan would be affected; she might be in trouble!"
"In trouble? I don't think so! Uchiha's genius won't be stopped by mere wind and sand."
"That's true… this battle is far more exciting than any of the previous ones.
It's turning into a real spectacle!"
"Agreed!"
The audience chattered amongst themselves, captivated by the intensity of the fight. Even the royals from various countries shared their opinions, stirring up more excitement in the stands.
"Lord Kazekage, it seems your young Sand Ninjas are quite impressive…"
Sarutobi Hiruzen, seated at the main platform, took the opportunity to greet Orochimaru, who was disguised as the Kazekage.
"Oh… I am actually more interested in seeing Uchiha's counterattack. After all, they're the Legendary Clan with the Sharingan!" Orochimaru replied smoothly, pretending to anticipate the outcome.
However, Orochimaru's initial enthusiasm for Sako had waned significantly. His real interest now was in Naruto's future Mangekyō and Rinnegan abilities.
After observing for the past month, Orochimaru had redirected his goals toward unlocking and studying these incredible bloodline powers as part of his plans for reshaping the ninja world.
"Haha… I never thought Kazekage-sama would be so interested in the Uchiha. Well then, let's wait and see!" Sarutobi Hiruzen responded politely, though behind his calm demeanor, he sensed the lurking darkness in Orochimaru's intentions.
With the recent murder of Moonlight Hayate, Hiruzen felt as if a storm was approaching.
On the Battlefield
"She's a Wind Style ninja…
My Fire Style is at a disadvantage, so this might be tricky…" Sako muttered, quickly taking cover behind a large tree at the edge of the arena. Through a gap, she watched Temari wield her fan wildly, a look of slight displeasure on her face.
But then, Sako's mouth curled into a knowing smile.
Though Temari was powerful, she still had a long way to go before she could match Sako.
Her true rivals were only Naruto and that Sand Ninja, Gaara.
"A genius of the Uchiha hiding from me? How long do you plan to stay there?"
Temari sneered as she saw Sako take cover. The third star of her giant fan appeared, and she unleashed an even fiercer hurricane filled with wind blades.
The massive trees, unable to withstand the onslaught, lasted only seconds before being shredded into debris, scattering around the arena.
"What? She's… not behind the tree?"
Temari's smug grin disappeared almost instantly, replaced by shock as she realized Sako was no longer there.
"No… she's not on the ground… or in the air…"
Temari, a rational and observant ninja, immediately sensed something was wrong. She stayed on guard, watching her surroundings cautiously.
Suddenly, a lightning wolf surged from the ground beneath Temari's feet, biting her shoulder in an instant.
The paralysis effect of the lightning chakra coursed through her, immobilizing her completely.
"Damn… I… can't move! This… is genjutsu?! When did this happen?!"
Temari looked up at Sako, who appeared out of nowhere. Her pupils widened in disbelief.
"The battle is over, Sand Ninja," Sako said, her long sword hovering near Temari's neck. She glanced over to Genma, who had been observing from the sidelines, and coldly instructed, "Referee, you can announce the result."
"Impressive speed… as expected of an Uchiha. Her Sharingan illusion was flawless, leaving no traces at all."
Genma muttered thoughtfully, then raised his voice to announce, "The winner of the second exam is Sako Uchiha!"
At the same time that Genma's words echoed, Sako withdrew his long sword, completing the C-level Lightning Style ninjutsu he learned from Kakashi: Thunder Tiger Kills All.
"What? When did you set up the illusion?!"
After Temari regained her freedom, she stared at Sako's back, unwilling to accept defeat, and shouted.
Although they each had their own plans, they had to prioritize preserving their strength. But just like that, she had inexplicably lost!
She was still not reconciled…
The audience, having regained their sight, looked at the anticlimactic conclusion with confusion.
Clearly, the opening had been so cool!
It was a moment when everyone's enthusiasm was high, and this was how it ended??
What a letdown!
"When?
...…
I have to admire your courage to meet Uchiha's gaze!
Don't you understand now?"
Sako paused as he walked away, glanced sideways at Temari, and snorted coldly. The scarlet in his pupils reflected a strange beauty.
Seeing Sako walk away again, Temari suddenly came to her senses.
That's right; it must have been the illusion Sako left behind when they competed in physical skills.
At that time, she had seen Sako's beautiful Sharingan more than once.
This is the power of the Uchiha!!
"Ahem…
Please, Rock Lee and Gaara, come down…"
Shiranui Genma coughed dryly, vaguely reminding Temari to leave the stage.
Temari blushed, feeling a bit embarrassed, and quickly put away her fan as she walked away.
Now, whenever she thought of the bravado she displayed when she first appeared on stage, she felt utterly ashamed.
"Yo ho…
.......
I'm finally here!
My youthful spirit can't wait!
Sako, just you wait. I'll win soon too…"
Rock lee stood in the lounge, roaring with passion and letting out a few energetic shouts. He stomped the ground and leaped down like an arrow released from a bow.
Seeing this, Gaara's eyes twitched slightly beneath his lighter eye circles.
His opponent wasn't just any psychopath!
Thanks to reconciling with Shuhe, Gaara's dark circles from lack of sleep had faded a little after a month of happiness.
Gaara formed a hand sign, and his entire body transformed into wind and sand, making a cool entrance onto the battlefield.
This display made the audience, who were dissatisfied with the first two matches, feel hopeful.
This time, it shouldn't be so boring!
"Well, the identity confirmation is correct.
So, the game begins…"
After Shiranui Genma announced the start, he quickly left the field.
At this moment, he finally understood the frustration of Haifeng at that time!
This kind of match really made it difficult for them as referees.
"Oh hoo…
I'm coming, Leaf Hurricane!"
As soon as Rock lee was off the field, he charged forward, launching an attack with his unique battle cries.
However, his attacks were completely blocked by the sand from Gaara's gourd!
Undeterred, Rock lee increased his speed, throwing punches and kicks around Gaara and launching a rapid offensive.
Yet, his speed still couldn't match Gaara's sand defense.
"Is that all?
Then you can admit defeat!"
Gaara looked at Rock lee with indifference and said, bored.
Thanks to Naruto, Gaara's attitude towards Konoha Shinobi had shifted.
Despite Naruto's urging to continue with their original plans, Gaara still decided to minimize the killing of Konoha Shinobi.
"...
You need to step it up!
Your current speed can't keep up with his!
Forget about that and unleash your youth to the fullest!
Today is your day to shine!"
Might Guy shouted loudly from the audience, encouraging Xiao Li.
"Teacher Guy…"
Rock lee's eyes filled with tears of excitement. He shouted happily, kicked off the ground, and jumped onto a large tree that Temari had just cut in half.
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