The arena, a circular expanse of worn stone, echoed with the nervous shuffling of feet and the rustle of clothing. Naruto Uzumaki, his eyes bright with a determined fire, stretched his limbs, feeling an unusual surge of energy.
'It's weird',he thought, a slight frown creasing his brow, 'I feel like I haven't even moved since that snake bastard knocked me out. Like all the energy I should have wasted, just… stayed.'
He shrugged, dismissing the strange feeling. 'Whatever. I'll take it.' He focused on Kankuro, who stood opposite him, Karasu, his puppet, looming menacingly behind him.
Hayate Gekko, his slender form clad in dark Jonin attire, stepped forward. "First match," he announced, his voice clear and precise, though punctuated by a faint cough. "Naruto Uzumaki against Kankuro."
Kankuro grinned, a cruel, almost predatory expression. "This will be quick," he sneered, his voice laced with arrogance. "Karasu will tear you apart."
The match began with a flurry of motion. Karasu, propelled by Kankuro's chakra strings, lunged at Naruto, its segmented body twisting and turning with unsettling agility.
Naruto, initially overwhelmed by the puppet's unpredictable attacks, scrambled to evade, his feet kicking up dust as he dodged the razor-sharp blades that extended from Karasu's limbs.
"Shadow Clone Jutsu!" Naruto yelled, creating a dozen clones that swarmed Karasu, attempting to create an opening. Kankuro, however, was unfazed. He manipulated Karasu with practiced ease, the puppet's movements becoming a blur of steel and chakra threads.
Hidden weapons, poisoned senbon and explosive tags, erupted from Karasu's joints, forcing Naruto's clones to dissipate.
Naruto, his breath coming in ragged gasps, realized he needed a new strategy. He focused, his eyes scanning Karasu's movements, searching for a weakness.
He noticed a slight delay in Kankuro's control when Karasu changed attack patterns. "There!" he thought, a spark of inspiration igniting.
He sent a wave of clones towards Karasu, using them as diversions, while he himself moved in a wide arc, attempting to flank Kankuro.
Kankuro, his attention divided between the clones, didn't notice Naruto until it was too late. Naruto, with a powerful kick, sent a chakra-enhanced strike into Karasu's back, disabling the puppet's main joint.
Kankuro, his face contorted in surprise and frustration, was forced to concede.
"I win!" Naruto yelled, his fist raised in victory. He then felt his chakra, and noticed it was very stable.
'My chakra feels… calmer', he thought, recalling the chaotic surge during the Orochimaru encounter.
'Maybe that snake bastard did something?' He pushed the thought aside, focusing on the win.
Hayate Gekko, his expression impassive, announced, "Naruto Uzumaki wins. "
_ _ _ _ _ _
"Next match: Sasuke Uchiha against Murasaame."
Sasuke stepped forward, his Sharingan already activated, his gaze fixed on Murasaame, a Rain Genin known for his swift and precise attacks.
Murasaame, his face emotionless, moved with an almost mechanical efficiency, his movements devoid of any wasted energy.
(Name : Sasuke Uchiha)
(Age : 13)
(Chakra Reserves : 4600/4600 [Low-Chunin])
(Chakra Control : 36%)
(Ninjutsu : Intermediate)
(Genjutsu : Intermediate)
(Taijutsu : Intermediate)
(Shurikenjutsu : Adept)
(Sharingan : 29/50 [Level 2])
Sasuke noted the significant increase in his chakra reserves, Sharingan's prowess, Genjutsu and the slight improvement in control. 'This power… it's overwhelming', he thought, his focus sharpening. I need to be careful.
The match began with Murasaame launching a series of swift, coordinated attacks. He moved like a blur, his hands flashing through hand seals, unleashing a barrage of water-based ninjutsu.
Sasuke, however, was ready. His Sharingan, with 2-Tomoe, now more attuned to his enhanced reflexes, allowed him to anticipate Murasaame's movements with uncanny accuracy.
He evaded the water attacks with fluid grace, his own movements a whirlwind of speed and precision.
He countered with a series of taijutsu strikes, his fists and feet landing with bone-jarring force.
Murasaame, unable to keep up with Sasuke's enhanced speed and power, was forced to retreat, his defenses crumbling under the onslaught.
Sasuke, attempting a simple disabling strike, accidentally channeled too much force. His fist connected with Murasaame's chest, sending the Rain Genin flying across the arena.
Murasaame slammed into the stone wall with a sickening crunch, a cry of agonizing pain escaping his lips. His body twisted at an unnatural angle, his limbs broken and useless. He was completely unable to move.
Sasuke stared at his hand, a flicker of shock crossing his face. "I… I didn't mean to… " he thought, his brow furrowed. The sheer power of his enhanced abilities was unsettling.
Hayate Gekko, his expression grim, quickly intervened. "Sasuke Uchiha wins," he announced, his voice laced with concern. He signaled to the medical ninjas, who rushed into the arena to attend to Murasaame.
Throughout both matches, Kabuto Yakushi, despite his feigned withdrawal, remained in a designated observation area, claiming he was "studying the genin's techniques."
His eyes, however, were fixed on Sasuke, analyzing his movements, his enhanced abilities, and the brutal outcome of his match. He made subtle movements, as if relaying information or activating hidden techniques.
Hiruzen Sarutobi, his gaze sharp and unwavering, observed Kabuto from the raised platform, flanked by his ANBU guards. His concern deepened, his mind racing with questions. 'He's not fooling anyone',he thought.
'What is he playing at?'He signaled to the ANBU, instructing them to maintain their vigilance.
Kabuto's eyes, his expression unreadable, as he continued to observe the arena, his presence a silent, unsettling reminder of the hidden dangers lurking beneath the surface of the Chunin Exams.